Backpack frame and bag system

ES 2 587 520 T3

DESCRIPTION

Backpack and bag frame system

Previous technique

Backpacks have been used for many years to carry a given load of content on a user's back. Modern backpacks designed and configured to carry moderate to heavy loads usually fall into one of two categories: external frame backpacks and internal frame backpacks. External frame backpacks typically include a rigid frame with shoulder straps and a pack bag attached directly to the frame.

Backpack users often have the need to carry heavy, oversized or bulky objects. Typically, users will strap or strap these items to the easiest to reach location, which is generally on the outside of the parcel bag. When these oversized items are attached to the outside of the parcel bag, the result is a load that is not well balanced and does not transport well. For example, if a heavy object is attached to the rear side of the parcel bag, the balance and stability of the user will be adversely affected, as the load is usually placed relatively far from the user's back and center of gravity. This is especially true with respect to items typically carried by military personnel and members of special or tactical forces teams. These items can include mortar tubes, mortar base plates (which can weigh 30 pounds (13.6 kg) or more), radio equipment, firearms, other types of weapons, and the like. Furthermore, when long objects, such as mortar tubes or firearms, are strapped to the bag, they often swing, which further impedes the balance of the user. Additionally, long objects, especially when positioned horizontally across the wearer's back or when allowed to swing, increase the overall width of the wearer, who may encounter unfavorable collisions in crowded places and tight environments. On the other hand, in addition to carrying large objects, users often wish to carry a parcel bag to carry smaller contents as well.

Accordingly, there is a need for a backpack system that allows the user to carry heavy, oversized and bulky objects relatively close to the user's back and center of gravity in a stable manner. There is also a need for a backpack system that allows a user to carry heavy, oversized and bulky items in addition to a packet bag. Furthermore, there is a need for a backpack system that facilitates a user to carry long objects in a manner that does not increase the overall width of the user.

Backpack systems are known from US 2006/0208024 A1.

Description of the invention

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a backpack system that includes an outer frame with shoulder straps, a pack bag, and a sling that extends between a rear side of the frame and a front side of the pack bag. . The sling acts as a shelf and allows space between the frame and the parcel bag to accommodate load between them when the sling is in an extended position. The sling can be extended or retracted in order to selectively adjust the distance between the parcel bag and the frame. In one embodiment the sling is permanently attached to a front lower edge of the parcel bag and releasably attached to the frame with straps having adjustable buckles mounted thereon. The sling may define a cutout zone sized and shaped to receive through it a relatively long object, such as a mortar tube or firearm. Additionally, the backpack system can be equipped with a pouch or sock attached to it to support the lower end of a long object.

Portions of the frame and the parcel bag may be comprised of or include patches of a material designed to reduce or eliminate the inadvertent sliding or shifting of any cargo carried between the frame and the parcel bag. The parcel bag, in order to maintain its general shape when not mounted directly to the frame, may include stiffening members. In one embodiment the parcel bag has stiffening members located around its front panel. In one configuration the parcel bag is directly attached to and relatively tight against the frame, and may include a neck for hanging the parcel bag on an upper portion of the frame.

Certain embodiments of the invention have been outlined above in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. In this regard, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and which are being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting.

ES 2 587 520 T3

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of an external frame of the backpack system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a pack bag and sling of the backpack system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a sectional view illustrating the parcel bag mounted on the outer shell assembly with a space between them for carrying a load in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view illustrating the parcel bag mounted directly to the outer shell assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a sectional view illustrating a firearm supported by a pouch and angled through the backpack system between the outer shell assembly and the packet bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. ;

Figure 6 is a sectional view illustrating a pouch supported mortar tube positioned between the outer shell assembly and the parcel bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the parcel bag attached to the outer frame assembly by means of a sling and showing the parcel bag opened from the outer frame assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. .

Best way to carry out the invention

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts therein. For the sake of clarity in illustrating the features of the present invention, the proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the figures of the drawing. The description of the invention will use terms such as vertical, horizontal, top and bottom. These terms are used to describe the components of the backpack system 10 when it is in the normal upright orientation.

An embodiment of the present invention is generally directed to a backpack system 10 that is comprised of a frame system 12 and a packet bag 14. As will be described in more detail below, the parcel bag 14 is mounted to the frame system 12 in a manner that provides a space 176 between the parcel bag 14 and the frame system 12 to accommodate the load, including between the same heavy, oversized or bulky objects. When configured in this manner, backpack system 10 includes a lanyard 156 that extends between frame system 12 and packet bag 14. Additionally, the parcel bag 14 may include stiffeners 112, 114 and 116 to provide the parcel bag 14 with structural rigidity when the parcel bag 14 is located at a distance from the frame system 12. In addition, the backpack system 10 may include a pouch or sock 180 and 182 to support long objects. The parcel bag 14 may also be mounted directly to the frame system 12.

Returning to Figure 1, the frame system 12 comprises a base frame 15, shoulder straps 36, and a hip belt 38. Base frame 15 has front and rear sides 16 and 17. Shoulder straps 36 and hip belt 38 extend from front side 16 of base frame 15. In one embodiment the base frame 15 includes a left vertical member 18, a central vertical member 20, and a right vertical member 22. As shown, the base frame 15 further includes an upper cross member 24, an intermediate cross member 26, and a lower cross member 28 extending between the left and right vertical members 18 and 22. The cross members 24, 26 and 28 can be directly attached at opposite side ends thereof with left and right vertical members 18 and 22. As illustrated, a membrane 30, which may be formed of a flexible material, extends laterally through vertical members 18, 20, and 22 and vertically through members 24, 26, and 28 and below the most transverse member. bottom 28. By fixing only the lateral ends of the cross members 24, 26 and 28 with the outermost vertical members 18 and 22, gaps 32 are formed between the cross members 24, 26 and 28 and the membrane 30. The gaps 32 can also extend between the transverse members 24, 26 and 28 and the central vertical member 20. The members 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 can be solid elements or they can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid strut. 29 housed within a sleeve 31. In general, while the frame system 12 may be made the same or substantially similar to the frame system described and shown in US Patent Application No.^you 10 / 907.087 and 2 / 533.983, it may also take the form of any other suitable backpack frame now known or developed in the future. By way of example, the base frame 15 may be made of members

ES 2 587 520 T3 tubular or rods (for example, made of aluminum or other metallic or rigid materials) or can be formed from a molded or composite plastic structure.

Figure 2 illustrates a load carrying device or package bag 14 that may be used in connection with one embodiment of the invention. The parcel bag 14 can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a flexible sheet material (eg, nylon, polyester, or canvas), molded plastic, leather, metal, or any other materials known in the world. The technique. The parcel bag 14 may be similar to conventional parcel bag parcel bags and typically includes a main compartment 89 with an opening (not shown) that can be secured by a zipper, hook and loop fastener, or other. fixing means. The main compartment 89 is defined by the front and rear sides 90 and 96, the left and right sides 92 and 94, and the top and bottom ends 98 and 100. The parcel bag 14 may further include various sub-compartments, pockets, flaps, and partitions known in the art. The parcel bag 14 can be used to carry food, clothing, mechanisms, equipment, supplies, and all other items shaped and sized to fit in the parcel bag 14. While the parcel bag 14 is described herein as a conventional type bag, it is understood that existing containers such as other bags, boxes, jars or virtually any container or bag can be modified to become a parcel bag 14. Additionally, it will be understood that the parcel bag 14 may be substituted for any number of other objects that are appropriate for mating with the frame system 12.

As shown in Figure 3, the parcel bag 14 is mounted to the frame system 12 in a manner that provides a space 176 between the parcel bag 14 and the frame system 12 to arrange a load between them. Examples of cargo and equipment that may be transported in the space 176 between the parcel bag 14 and the frame system 12 include tactical radios, ammunition cans, jerry cans, fuel or water containers, mortar tubes, base plates of mortar tubes, firearms, hunting or tactical equipment, tents, bags, sleeping bags, people, animals, prepared or quartered game pieces and any other objects of an appropriate size, which include relatively heavy, oversized or bulky objects. The space 176 created between the parcel bag 14 and the frame system 12 allows the user to position such objects relatively close to the user's back and center of gravity. This facilitates a better distribution of the weight of the load and improves the balance of the user compared to cases where objects are strapped to the outside of the parcel bag 14 further from the user's center of gravity. Additionally, it allows longer objects, such as firearms and mortar tubes, to be secured in a stable manner and in a way that keeps the width of the user as small as possible.

In addition to the frame system 12 and the package bag 14, the backpack system 10 also includes a sling 156. The sling 156 acts as a shelf to support a load placed between the frame system 12 and the package bag 14. When sling 156 is tightened (i.e. shortened), the distance D between frame system 12 and parcel bag 14 is reduced, and when fully tightened it keeps parcel bag 14 generally snug against frame system 12 . When the sling is loosened (ie, lengthened), it allows the distance D between the frame system 12 and the parcel bag 14 to increase. In one embodiment the distance D is generally variable between about zero inches (0 cm) and about 12 inches (30.5 cm) or more. This allows a wide variety of objects to be transported within the space 176 between the frame system 12 and the parcel bag 14, including the aforementioned objects.

Sling 156 may be permanently attached to parcel bag 14 and / or frame system 12 or may be releasably attached to parcel bag 14 and / or frame system 12. As illustrated in the figures, sling 156 is permanently attached to a front lower edge 104 of parcel bag 14. While the figures show sling 156 attached to lower front edge 104, it will be understood that sling 156 may be attached to parcel bag 14 at locations other than edge 104, including sites above or below edge 104.

In one embodiment a portion 157 of the sling shelf 156 extends from edge 104 and terminates at a distal end 164. Extending from the distal end 164 of shelf portion 157 are straps 168 and 173 having buckles. adjusters 170 and 174 respectively positioned therein to adjust the effective length of straps 168 and 172 and releasably coupling sling 156 to frame 15 of the base. As illustrated in the figures, sling 156 is similar in nature to the elongated blade described in the above-referenced applications. However, it will be understood that sling 156 need not be made in such a way and may, in other embodiments, consist of another structure, including straps, webbing, materials formed from plastics or composites, or any other appropriate structure that extends between the lanyard. frame system 12 and package bag 14.

As best illustrated in Figure 3, lanyard 156 may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid internal support material 160 such as a high-density foam, plastic, composite, or other appropriate material to increase the rigidity of the lanyard and limit stress. rocking back and forth of parcel bag 14 relative to frame system 12. The support material 160 may be enclosed by a liner 158 of the casing,

ES 2 587 520 T3 which may be made of materials similar to those used in the construction of the parcel bag 14. In one embodiment sling 156 includes one or more flexing elements 162 that facilitate sling 156 to flex horizontally. Flex elements 162 may be formed by stitching liner 158 through support material 160 or by interrupting support material 160 along flex elements 162. Flexion elements 162 allow sling 156 to be incrementally inserted into recess 32 in front of one or more of cross members 24, 26, and 28, making it easier for a user to adjust the distance D between frame system 12 and frame. bag 14 for packages. Positioned differently, flex members 162 divide sling 156 into partitions 163 so that a selectable number of sling partitions 163 can be slid in front of one or more of cross members 24, 26, and 28 and the remainder of the sling partitions 163, if any, are used to form a platform or shelf 157 to support the contents of the sling 156.

Buckles 170 and 174 attached to straps 168 and 172 extending from the distal end 164 of the shelf portion may be engaged with buckles 76 and 78 attached to cross member 26 in order to detachably connect sling 156 to the frame 15 of the base. Buckles 170 and 174 may be slid to or from distal end 164 of sling 156 along straps 168 and 172 in order to adjust the effective length of sling 156 and thus increase or decrease the distance D between the rear side 17 of the frame system and the front side 90 of the parcel bag. While the figures show buckles 76 and 80 attached to cross member 26 via straps 74 and 78, it will be understood that buckles 76 and 80 can be attached to base frame 15 at any desired location, including other cross members. .

Cargo placed between frame system 12 and parcel bag 14 can be strapped to base frame 15, strapped to parcel bag 14, or simply rest between base frame 15 and bag 14 for packages. The parcel bag 14 may include a fastening device 146 having straps 148 and 152 with adjustable buckles 150 and 154 that can be coupled together to secure the load against the front side 90 of the parcel bag 14. One or more of the lanyard 156, the front side 90 of the parcel bag 14, the membrane 30, and the sleeves 31 may be composed entirely of, or may include, patches 118 and 120 of a material having gripping characteristics. . By way of example, this material can be a Hypalone® coated fabric, a rubber material, a hook or loop material, or any other material known to provide grip or traction properties. This material is in place to reduce or eliminate any inadvertent sliding and shifting of the cargo contained within the space 176. In one embodiment, one or both of the material patches 118 and 120 are rear-padded with foam or other foam material. padding to press firmly against the load being transported within the space 176.

As best shown in Figures 6 and 7, sling 156 may optionally include a cutout 166 shaped and sized to receive a long object such as a mortar or firearm tube through it. Cutout portion 166 can be of any shape and located at any appropriate location. In other embodiments lanyard 156 may include multiple cutouts 166, or a cutout 166 that extends the full length of lanyard 156.

In addition to sling 156, package bag 14 is attached to frame system 12 with straps or other attachment means. For example, as shown in the figures, the parcel bag 14 and the base frame 15 are equipped with a set of straps 50, 54, 138 and 142 to carry a portion of the cargo within the parcel bag 14. and space 176. Straps 50 and 138 are coupled together by buckles 52 and 140 and straps 54 and 142 are coupled together by buckles 48 and 144. In addition to carrying a portion of the vertical load, straps 50, 54, 138 and 142 also they position the upper end 98 of the parcel bag 14 with respect to the frame 15 of the base. The system 10 may also include various compression straps and buckles to attach the parcel bag 14 to the frame system 12 and to stabilize and compress the load contained with the parcel bag 14 and space 176. In one embodiment the upper compression straps 58 and 122 are engaged by the buckles 60 and 124, the upper compression straps 62 and 126 are engaged by the buckles 64 and 128, the lower compression straps 66 and 130 are engaged by the buckles 68 and 132 and lower compression straps 70 and 134 are engaged by buckles 72 and 136. Buckles 124, 128, 132 and 136 can be adjusted in various positions along straps 122, 126, 130 and 134 in order to increase or decrease the distance D between the frame system 12 and the parcel bag 14 and in order to provide a desired amount of compression on the cargo within the parcel space 176 and bag 14.

All the belts described herein are normally made of a durable and woven-type material, such as nylon or polyester belts similar to the material frequently used in seat belts in automobiles or of any other type of material suitable for use in automobiles. connection with the present invention. The straps may be attached to the parcel bag 14 and base frame 15 by stitching or welding the straps to their respective components, or they may be releasably attached, for example, with hook and loop fasteners. loop. All buckles described herein may be quick release buckles comprising corresponding releasable male and female connectors or any other type of buckle suitable for use in connection with the present invention.

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When the parcel bag 14 is located at a distance from the frame system 12 it is often desirable that the parcel bag 14 have some structural rigidity so that it does not sag when separated from the base frame 15 and maintains its shape. generally when coupled against the load contained within space 176. However, bags used in connection with external frame backpack systems typically do not include any structural frames. As shown in Figure 2, two vertical stiffeners 112 and 114 and a transverse stiffener 116 are attached to the front side of the parcel bag 14. The stiffeners 112, 114 and 116, which can be arranged in any number and configuration, can be made of plastic, metal, carbon fibers, reinforced fiberglass, wood or any other suitable rigid, semi-rigid or elastically deformable material.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, longer objects such as firearms 190 and mortar tubes 192 may be contained in the space 176 between the frame system 12 and the parcel bag 14. These objects can be positioned so that their lower ends extend below sling 156. In one embodiment, one or more pouches or socks 180 and 182 are provided. Socks 180 and 182 may be attached directly to lanyard 156, frame system 12, or parcel bag 14, or may be attached to them with straps 178 that may be adjustable in length. Socks 180 and 182 can be interchangeable and specifically tailored to particular objects or loads being transported. For example, one sock 180 can be thin and configured to support the butt of a firearm, and another sock 182 can be round and configured to support the lower end of a mortar tube. Socks 180 and 182 may also be attached to sling 156, frame system 12, or package bag 14 at various locations. As seen in Figure 5, sock 180 is attached to base frame 15 and firearm 190 angles across the wearer's back. As seen in Figure 6, the sock 182 is attached to the sling 156 and the mortar tube is received through the cutout zone 166 and is carried in a generally vertical orientation. In one embodiment socks 180 and 182 can be used in connection with a backpack system that does not include lanyard 156. When not in use, socks 180 and 182 and straps 178 may be placed within sleeves or pockets 184 located in packet bag 14, as shown in Figure 7.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the parcel bag 14 may be mounted directly to the frame system 12. In such a case, the parcel bag 14 may include an inverted pocket 110 defined between a neck 106 and a front surface of the parcel bag 102. As shown, pocket 110 is sized and configured to receive an upper portion of base frame 15, after which package bag 14 can be hung. When in this configuration buckles 170 and 174 can be slid toward distal end 164 of sling 156 along straps 168 and 172 in order to shorten the effective length of sling 156 and therefore pull the package bag 14 towards the frame 15 of the base. As shown in Figure 2, the neck 106 may have an opening 108 defined therein. Long elements such as the barrel of a firearm 190 may be directed through the aperture 108 in order to further secure and stabilize the object in place. Additionally, compression straps 122, 126, 130, and 134 may be shortened in order to pull parcel bag 14 against frame 15 of the base.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the backpack and bag frame system of the present invention is particularly well suited for the intended uses thereof. Furthermore, since certain changes may be made to the foregoing invention without departing from its scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It should also be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein.