Backpack frame and bag system

[0001] Backpacks have been used for many years to carry a given load of content on the user's back. Modern backpacks designed and configured to carry moderate to heavy loads usually fall into one of two categories: backpacks with backpacks and backpacks with backpacks. Backpacks with an outer frame normally include a rigid frame with shoulder straps and a backpack bag connected directly to this frame.

[0002] Often, backpack users need to carry heavy, oversized, or bulky items. Typically, users will attach or attach these items to the most accessible position that is generally outside the backpack's bag. When such oversized items are attached to the outside of the backpack, the result is a load that is not well balanced and does not carry comfortably. For example, if a heavy object is attached to the back of the backpack bag, it will adversely affect the user's balance and stability, since the load is usually located relatively far away from the user's back and center of gravity. This is especially true of items usually carried by military personnel and members of tactical or special forces teams. These items may include mortar barrels, mortar retaining plates (which can weigh 13.6 kg / 30 pounds or more), radio sets, firearms, other weapons, and the like. In addition, when long objects such as mortar barrels and firearms are attached to the bag, they often sway, thus further disturbing the user in maintaining balance. In addition, long objects, especially when placed horizontally across the back of the user or hanging freely, increase the overall width of the user, which may have adverse effects in crowded environments and cramped environments. In addition to carrying oversized items, users also often want to carry a backpack bag to carry smaller contents.

[0003] International Patent Application Publication No. WO00 / 57746 discloses an instrument transfer device that is in accordance with the shape of the transfer device, including a semi-rigid plate along one of its sides to which adjustable shoulder and lap belts are attached. The side opposite the shoulder and lap belts contains an easily removable container or bag that can be used independently of the device transfer device. An alternative backpack is presented, in which there is a semi-rigid bag plate or backrest, to which a removable backpack bag is attached. The plate or backrest, when separated from the bag, comprises a plurality of spaced belt elements running between the two parts so that a removable device or the like can be attached between the two tools and carried on the back.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a backpack system that allows the user to stably carry heavy, oversized or bulky objects relatively close to the user's back and center of gravity. There is also a need for a backpack system that allows the user to transport the backpack in addition to the bag

EP 2 525 682 B1 heavy, oversized and bulky objects. There is a further need for a backpack system that allows the user to carry long items in a way that does not increase the overall width of the user.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention relates to a backpack as defined in the appended claims.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a backpack system that includes an outer frame with shoulder straps, a backpack bag and a carrier extending between the back side of the frame and the front side of the backpack bag. The sling acts as a shelf and creates a space between the frame and the bag of the backpack for placing the load between them when the sling is in the extended position. The carrier can be unrolled or folded to selectively adjust the distance between the backpack bag and the rack. In one embodiment, the sling is permanently attached to the front, lower edge of the backpack bag and is detachably connected to the rack by straps having adjustable buckles and mounted on it. The carrier may define a cutout area selected and shaped for passing a relatively long object, such as a mortar barrel or firearm. In addition, the backpack system can be equipped with a pocket or bag attached to it to support the lower end of a long object.

[0007] Parts of the backpack frame and bag may consist of, or incorporate, inserts of material designed to limit or eliminate unintentional slipping or shifting of any load carried between the backpack frame and backpack bag. The backpack bag may contain stiffening elements to maintain its overall shape when not mounted directly on the frame. In one embodiment, the backpack bag has stiffening elements located in the area of ​​its front lobe. In one configuration, the backpack bag is mounted directly and relatively tightly on the frame and may include a collar for hanging the backpack bag on the top of the frame.

[0008] Certain embodiments of the invention have been outlined above so that its detailed description can be better understood and to better understand the current contribution to the state of the art. In this regard, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components presented in the description below or illustrated in the drawings. In addition, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein, as well as the abbreviation, serve the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting.

[0009] As such, those skilled in the art will realize that the concept on which this disclosure is based can easily be used as the basis for designing other constructions, methods and systems to accomplish a number of purposes of the present invention. It is therefore important that the claims be treated as including such equivalent constructions to the extent that they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Although some features of the invention may be claimed as dependent, each feature has its advantage when used independently.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] Further features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, after reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the outer backpack assembly assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the backpack bag and backpack carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a backpack mounted on the outer frame assembly with space between them for transferring cargo in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a backpack bag mounted on the outer frame assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a firearm supported by a pocket and angled with respect to the backpack arrangement between the outer rack assembly and the backpack bag according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mortar barrel supported by a pocket and sandwiched between the outer rack assembly and the backpack bag according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a backpack bag connected to the outer frame assembly through a carrier and showing the backpack bag open and set aside from the outer frame assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0011] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the description. For the sake of clarity of illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, the proportions in the drawings are not necessarily maintained. In the description of the invention, concepts such as vertical, horizontal, top and bottom will be used. These terms are used to describe the components of the backpack 10 when it is in its typical upright position.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is directed generally to a backpack system 10 comprising a rack system 12 and a backpack bag 14. As will be described in more detail below, the bag 14 can be mounted to the rack system 12 in a way that provides space 176 between the backpack bag 14 and the rack system 12 to receive cargo between them, including heavy, oversized or bulky items. When configured in this way, the backpack system 10 includes a carrier 156 extending between the frame system 12 and the backpack bag 14. Additionally, the backpack bag 14 may include stiffeners 112, 114 and 116 to provide structural bag rigidity to the backpack bag 14 when the backpack bag 14 is positioned at a distance from the rack system 12. In addition, the backpack system 10 may include a pocket 180 or

Bag 182 for supporting long objects. The backpack bag 14 can also be mounted directly on the rack system 12.

[0013] Referring to Fig. 1, the rack system 12 may include a base rack 15, shoulder straps 36 and a lap belt 38. The base rack 15 has a front and rear side 16 and 17. The shoulder straps 36 and the lap belt 38 run from the front side 16 of the base frame 15. In one embodiment, the base frame 15 comprises a left vertical member 18, a middle vertical member 20 and a right vertical member 22. As shown, the base frame 15 further includes an upper transverse member 24, an intermediate transverse member 26 and a lower transverse member 28 extending between the left and right vertical members 18 and 22. The transverse members 24, 26 and 28 can be attached directly at their opposite lateral ends to the left and right vertical members 18 and 22. As illustrated, the membrane 30, which can be formed of flexible material, is placed transversely on the vertical members 18, 20 and 22 and vertically on the transverse members 24, 26 and 28 and below the lowest transverse member 28. By immobilizing only the lateral ends of the transverse members 24 , 26 and 28 to the outermost members 18 and 22, gaps 32 are formed between transverse members 24, 26 and 28 and membrane 30. The slots 32 may also run between the transverse members 24, 26 and 28 and the central vertical member 20. The members 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 may be solid elements or may be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid spacer 29 housed in a sleeve 31. Generally, while the rack system 12 may be constructed the same or substantially similar to the rack system disclosed and shown in US Publication No. 2006/0208024 and US Publication No. 2010/0032464, it may also take the form of any suitable rack system currently known or developed. in the future. By way of example, the base frame 15 may be constructed of tubular members or rods (e.g. formed from aluminum or other metals or rigid materials) or it can be formed from molded plastic or create a composite structure.

[0014] Fig. 2 shows a load transfer device or backpack bag 14 that can be used in conjunction with one embodiment of the invention. The backpack bag 14 can be made in any shape and size and can be made of flexible sheet material (e.g., nylon, polyester or tarpaulin), molded plastic, leather, metal or any other material known in the art. The backpack bag 14 may be similar to backpack bags for traditional backpacks and normally includes a main compartment 89 with an opening (not shown) which can be secured with a zipper, Velcro fastener or other closing means. The main compartment 89 is defined by the front and rear sides 90 and 96, the right and rear sides 92 and 94 and the upper and lower ends 98 and 100. The backpack bag 14 may further include a number of auxiliary compartments, pockets, flaps, and compartments known in the art. The backpack bag 14 can be used to carry food, clothing, utensils, equipment, supplies and any other objects suitably shaped and of the right size to fit inside the backpack bag 14. Although the backpack bag 14 is described herein as a traditional type bag, it is understood that existing containers, such as other bags, boxes, containers or almost any container or bag of suitable dimensions, can be modified to become a backpack bag 14. In addition, it will be understood that the backpack bag 14 can be replaced with many other items that are suitable for connection to the rack system 12.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 3, the bag 14 can be mounted to the frame system 12 in a manner providing space 176 between the backpack bag 14 and the frame system 12 for receiving a load between them. Examples of cargo and equipment that can be carried in the space 176 between backpack bag 14 and rack system 12 include tactical radios, ammunition cans, faecal containers, fuel or water canisters, mortar barrels, mortar stop plates, firearms, tactical equipment or hunting, tents, sacks, sleeping bags, people, animals, made or quartered game and other objects of appropriate dimensions, including relatively heavy objects, oversized or bulky. The space 176 formed between the backpack bag 14 and the rack system 12 allows the user to place such items relatively close to the user's back and center of gravity. This facilitates a better load distribution and improves the user's balance as compared to cases when the items are strapped to the outside of the backpack bag 14 further away from the user's center of gravity. In addition, this allows the attachment of longer items, such as firearms and mortar barrels, in a stable manner and in such a way that the user can keep the width as small as possible.

[0016] In addition to the frame structure 12 and the backpack bag 14, the backpack system 10 includes a carrier 156. The carrier 156 acts as a shelf for supporting the load placed between the frame system 12 and the backpack bag 14. When the sling 156 is compressed (i.e. shortened), the distance D between the frame system 12 and the backpack bag 14 decreases, and when it is completely compressed, it holds the backpack bag 14 generally tightly against the frame system 12. When the carrier is released (i.e. elongated), this allows an increase in the distance D between the frame system 12 and the backpack bag 14. In one embodiment, the distance D is generally variable from about zero centimeters (zero inches) to about 30.5 centimeters (12 inches) or more. This makes it possible to carry very different items in the space 176 between the frame system 12 and the backpack bag 14, including the above-mentioned items.

[0017] The carrier 156 may be permanently attached to the bag 14 of the backpack and / or the frame system 12 or may be removably attached to the bag 14 of the backpack and / or the frame system 12. As shown in the figures, the carrier 156 is permanently attached to the front lower edge 104 of the backpack bag 14. Although the figures show the sling 156 attached to the front, lower edge 104, it should be understood that the sling 156 can be attached to the bag 14 of the backpack at locations other than the edge 104, including those above or below the edge 104.

[0018] In one embodiment, the shelf portion 157 of the sling 156 extends from the edge 104 and ends at the distal end 164. From the distal end 164 of the shelving portion 157 run belts 168 and 173 having adjustable buckles 170 and 174 respectively on them for regulating effective length of the straps 168 and 172, and detachably connecting the sling 156 with the frame system 15. As shown in the figures, the sling 156 is similar in nature to the elongated blade disclosed in the patent applications cited above.

[0019] As best shown in Fig. 3, the sling 156 comprises a rigid or semi-rigid internal carrier material 160, such as high-density foam, plastic, or other material suitable to increase the rigidity of the sling and limit the swinging of the backpack bag 14 sideways

Relative to the frame arrangement 12. The support material 160 may be surrounded by an outer facing 158, which may be constructed of materials similar to those used to make the backpack bag 14. In one embodiment, the sling 156 includes one or more transverse bending lines 162 enabling horizontal sling of the sling 156. The bending lines 162 may be formed by stitching the cladding 158 through the carrier material 160 or by interrupting the carrier material 160 along the bending lines 162. The bending lines 162 allow the carrier 156 to be gradually inserted into the gap 32 in front of one or more cross members 24, 26 and 28, enabling the user adjusting the distance D between the frame system 12 and the backpack bag 14. In other words, the fold lines 162 divide the sling 156 into parts 163 so that a selected number of sling parts 163 can be slid in front of one or more cross members 24, 26 and 28, and the remaining slings 163, if any, will be used to form the platform or shelves 157 for supporting the contents on the baby carrier 156.

[0020] The buckles 170 and 174 attached to the belts 168 and 172, which extend from the distal end of the shelf portion 164, can be combined with the buckles 76 and 80 attached to the cross member 26 to removably connect the sling 156 with the base frame 15. Buckles 170 and 174 can be moved toward or from the distal end 164 of the sling 156 along the straps 168 and 172 to adjust the effective length of the sling 156 and thus increase or decrease the distance D between the rear side 17 of the rack system and the front side of the backpack bag 90 . Although the figures show the buckles 76 and 80 attached to the cross member 26 via the straps 74 and 78, it should be understood that the buckles 76 and 80 can be attached to the base rack 15 at any desired location, including other transverse members.

[0021] The load placed between the frame structure 12 and the backpack bag 14 can be attached with straps to the basic frame 15, strapped to the backpack bag 12 or only rest between the basic frame 15 and the backpack bag 14. The backpack bag 14 may include a restraint device 146 having straps 148 and 152 with adjustable buckles 150 and 154 that can be fastened together to secure the load to the front side 90 of the backpack bag 14. One or more of the carrier 156, front side 90 of the backpack bag 14, membrane 30 and sleeves 31 may be made entirely of material having gripping characteristics, or may include inserts 118 and 120 of such material. For example, the material may be a fabric coated with Hypalon® material, a rubber material, a Velcro material, or any other material known to provide gripping or adhesive properties. This material is placed to limit or eliminate unintentional slipping or shifting of the load contained in space 176. In one embodiment, one or both of the inserts of material 118 and 120 have a foam or other liner to reliably press the load carried in space 176.

[0022] As best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the sling 156 can optionally include a notch 166 selected and shaped for cruising a long object, such as a mortar barrel or firearm. The cutout 166 can have any shape and can be positioned anywhere. In other embodiments, the sling 156 may include a plurality of notches 166 or a notch 166 that extends over the entire length of the sling 156.

[0023] In addition to the sling 156, the backpack bag 14 is connected to the frame system 12 by straps or other means of attachment. For example, as shown in the figure, the backpack bag 14 and base frame 15 are equipped with a set of straps 50, 54, 138 and 142 for carrying part of the load load in the backpack bag 14 and in space 176. The straps 50 and 138 are connected to buckles 52 and 140, and belts 54 and 142 are connected to buckles 48 and 144. In addition to carrying part of the vertical load of the load, the straps 50, 54, 138 and 142 also place the upper end 98 of the backpack bag 14 relative to the base frame 15. The backpack system 10 may also include various compression straps and buckles for attaching the backpack bag 14 to the frame system 12 and to stabilizing and squeezing the load contained in the bag 14 of the backpack and in space 176. In one embodiment, the upper compression belts 58 and 122 are connected by buckles 60 and 124, the upper compression belts 62 and 126 are connected by buckles 64 and 128, the lower compression belts 66 and 130 are connected by buckles 68 and 132, and the lower compression belts 70 and 134 are connected by buckles 72 and 136. Buckles 124, 128, 132 and 136 can be adjusted to different positions along the belts 122, 126, 130 and 134 to increase or decrease the distance D between the frame system 12 and the bag 14 of the backpack and to provide the desired degree of compression of the load in the space 176 and bag 14 backpack.

[0024] All belts described herein are normally constructed of a durable fabric material, such as nylon or polyester webbing, similar to the material often used in automotive seat belts, or any other type of material suitable for use in connection with the present invention. These straps can be attached to the bag 14 of the backpack and to the basic frame 15 by sewing or welding the straps to their respective components, or they can be removably attached, for example with a Velcro fastener. All the buckles described herein may be quick-release buckles consisting of corresponding male and female buckle fasteners, or any other type of buckle suitable for use in connection with the present invention.

[0025] When the backpack bag 14 is placed at a distance from the rack frame 12, it is often desirable for the backpack bag 14 to have some structural rigidity so that it does not hang over a distance from the base frame 15 and maintain its overall shape when synchronized. with the load contained in space 176. However, the bags used in conjunction with the backpack rack systems usually do not include any structural skeleton. As shown in fig. 2, two vertical stiffeners 112 and 114 and one transverse stiffener 116 are attached to the front side of the backpack bag 14. Stiffeners 112, 114 and 116, which can be provided in any number and configuration, can be made of plastic, metal, carbon fibers , reinforced fiberglass, wood or any other rigid, semi-rigid or elastically deformable material.

[0026] Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, in the space 176 between the rack frame 12 and the backpack bag 14, longer items, such as firearms 190 and mortar barrels 192 can fit. These items can be placed such that the lower ends protrude below the carrier 156. In one embodiment, one or more pockets or bags 180 and 182 are provided. Bags 180 and 182 may be attached directly to the carrier 156, rack system 12 or backpack bag 14, or may be connected to them by straps 178, which may have an adjustable length. Bags 180 and 182

EP 2 525 682 B1 can be interchangeable and specially adapted for the specific objects or loads that are being carried. For example, one bag 180 may be slender and configured to support a firearm butt and the other bag 182 may be round and configured to support the lower end of a mortar barrel. Bags 180 and 182 can also be attached to the carrier 156, rack frame 12 or backpack bag 14 in many places. As can be seen in fig. 5, the bag 180 is attached to the base frame 15 and the firearm 190 is angled on the user's back. As can be seen in Figure 6, the bag 182 is attached to the carrier 156, and the mortar barrel is received by the cutout area 166 and is carried in a generally vertical orientation. In one embodiment, a bag 180 and 182 may be used in conjunction with a backpack system that does not include a carrier 156. When not in use, the bag 180 and 182 and the straps 178 can be placed in the sleeves or pockets 184 on the backpack bag 14, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the backpack bag 14 can be mounted directly on the rack system 12. In this case, the backpack bag 14 may include an inverted pocket 110, positioned between the collar 106 and the front surface 102 of the backpack bag. As shown, the pocket 110 is selected and configured to receive the top of the base frame 15 on which the backpack bag 14 can be hung. In this configuration, buckles 170 and 174 can be moved toward the distal end 164 of the sling 156 along the straps 168 and 172 to shorten the effective length of the sling 156, and thus pull the backpack bag 14 onto the base rack

15. As shown in Figure 2, an opening 108 may be provided in the collar 106. Long objects, such as the firearm barrel 190, can be directed through the opening 108 to further secure and stabilize such an object in place. Additionally, the compression straps 122, 126, 130 and 134 can be shortened to pull the bag 14 of the backpack against the base frame 15.

[0028] From the above description, it can be concluded that the backpack rack and backpack bag system according to the present invention is particularly well suited to its proposed applications.

In addition, since some changes can be made to the above invention without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. It is also understood that the following claims are intended to include certain generic and specific features described herein.

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