Backpack frame
Claim Score by NHIP
Abstract
A backpack and frame are disclosed. The backpack frame is designed to be at least partially internal and is of unitary construction, most advantageously of a resin-impregnated material, such as resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets with selective reinforcement by interstitial layers. The frame has a mid-back portion that includes openings for independently positionable shoulder straps and a lower back portion that provides for a rotatable connection to a belt assembly. A pair of curved stay portions is contiguous with the mid-back portion of the frame and curves outwardly as the stay portions extend downwardly. The frame is preferably curved to match the curvature of the human back. The backpack frame is lightweight and by use of composite materials can provide strength as well as selective flexibility to suspend the load of the backpack and decouple it from the movements of the wearer.

Term
4.8 yearsleft in the term
Expires 15 July 2031.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
26 claims: 5 independent, 21 dependent
- 1A backpack frame, comprising:a unitary, contiguous, contoured frame body, including a mid-back portion having first and second elongate openings, the first and second elongate openings being constructed and arranged to receive shoulder strap assemblies such that each of the shoulder strap assemblies is independently positionable within one of the first and second openings;a lower portion contiguous with the mid-back portion, the lower portion including a U-shaped tongue structure constructed and adapted to receive a belt assembly;and a pair of elongate stay portions that are contiguous with the mid-back portion, the pair if of elongate stay portions being generally parallel to one another where the pair of elongate stay portions are connected to the mid-back portion, the pair of elongate stay portions extending away from the mid-back portion by curving laterally outward relative to the mid-back portion.
- 9A backpack and frame combination, comprising:a backpack including one or more panels enclosing a storage volume, the backpack having frame-receiving structure, a pair of shoulder strap assemblies, and a belt assembly;and a unitary, contiguous backpack frame including a mid-back portion having first and second elongate openings, the first and second elongate openings being constructed and arranged to receive shoulder strap assemblies such that each of the shoulder strap assemblies is independently positionable within one of the first and second openings, a lower portion contiguous with the mid-back portion, the lower portion including a U-shaped tongue structure constructed and adapted to receive the belt assembly, and a pair of elongate stay portions that are contiguous with the mid-back portion, the pair of elongate stay portions being generally parallel to one another where the pair of elongate stay portions are connected to the mid-back portion, the pair of elongate stay portions extending away from the mid-back portion by curving laterally outward relative to the mid-back portion;wherein the backpack frame is arranged in the backpack such that it is received in the frame-receiving structure.
- 17A pack frame, comprising:a unitary, contiguous frame body including: a mid-back portion comprising a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being configured to connect to shoulder straps, the mid-back portion having a mid-back maximum width;a lower portion extending downward from the mid-back portion, the lower portion having a central opening, the lower portion hinging relative to the mid-back portion at the central opening, the lower portion having a maximum lateral width, the maximum lateral width being less than the mid-back maximum width of the mid-back portion, the lower portion including a u-shaped structure;a pair of elongate stay portions, each elongate stay portion including a top end extending upward from the mid-back portion and positioned laterally outward from the mid-back portion;a belt coupled to the u-shaped structure, the belt having straps, the straps overlapping vertical side edges of the u-shaped structure.
- 20A pack frame, comprising:a unitary, contiguous frame body including: a mid-back portion comprising a plurality of openings configured to connect to shoulder straps, the mid-back portion having first and second generally vertical sides and a first width extending from the first generally vertical side to the second generally vertical side;a lower portion extending downward from the mid-back portion and attachable to a belt at a belt-wearing level on a wearer, the lower portion forming a u-shaped tongue, the u-shaped tongue having first and second generally vertical sides separated by a second width, the second width being less than the first width;and a pair of elongate stay portions, each elongate stay portion including a top end extending upward from the mid-back portion and positioned laterally outward from the mid-back portion.
- 23Broadest claimClaim Score 63, broad(NHIP)A backpack frame, comprising:a unitary, contiguous frame body comprising: a mid-back portion having a plurality of elongate openings, the elongate openings being arranged to receive a shoulder strap assembly, the shoulder strap assembly being independently positionable at a plurality of positions along the plurality of elongate openings, a lower portion extending downward from the mid-back portion, the lower portion defining a u-shaped structure configured to be coupled to a belt;and a pair of elongate stay portions, each elongate stay portion including a top end extending upward from the mid-back portion and positioned laterally outward from the mid-back portion.
Independent claims5
43 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
0001This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/183,767, filed Jul. 15, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,028, issued on Jun. 3, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/365,097, filed Jul. 16, 2010. The contents of both of those applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
00021. Field of the Invention
0003The invention relates to frames for backpacks and knapsacks.
00042. Description of Related Art
0005Many backpacks and knapsacks have rigid or semirigid frames that act to suspend the backpack load and distribute it more evenly to the wearer's body. Some frames also allow a user to secure or cinch gear to his or her back more easily than with a backpack alone. Backpack frames may be either internal to the backpack or external to it.
0006Traditionally, external backpack frames have been made of metal tubes, such as aluminum or steel tubes. These types of frames are simple to construct, as the tubes are simply welded together, but they are typically very heavy, and thus reduce the effective load that a user can carry.
0007Internal backpack frames are generally made to be lighter, but problems typically arise in making an internal frame that has a useful combination of strength and flexibility. Some degree of flexibility in a backpack frame can help to cushion the user against shifts in the load as he or she walks or runs and to “decouple” the backpack load from the user and his or her movements. However, the problem is multifaceted, because there are some places in a backpack frame where strength and stiffness are warranted in order to properly support the backpack load.
0008One solution to the stiffness/flexibility problem is to use different materials for different parts of the backpack frame, and some manufacturers have attempted to do so. However, conventional attempts to use many different materials in the same frame often become so complex that they are difficult to manufacture and maintain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0009One aspect of the invention relates to a backpack with a semi-internal frame. The backpack frame is of unitary construction and includes a mid-back portion with openings that allow independently positionable shoulder strap assemblies to be attached. A U-shaped lower back portion provides a connection point for a belt assembly. A pair of stay portions are adapted to rest within a backpack, support a backpack load, and dynamically store and release energy resiliently so as to decouple the load from the wearer. The stay portions begin parallel to one another at a point just above the mid-back portion and curve outward laterally as they extend downward. The backpack frame may have a general curvature to match that of the human back, and may be comprised of resin-impregnated materials, including selectively reinforced carbon fiber.
0010Another aspect of the invention relates to a backpack frame, having the features described above.
0011A further aspect of the invention relates to methods of forming a backpack frame. In general, these methods comprise layering sheets of material cut to define the shape of the backpack frame, placing interstitial layers of reinforcing material selectively between the sheets of material so as to selectively reinforce parts of the structure, and impregnating the composite structure with a resin material.
0012These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
The invention will be described with respect to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like views throughout the drawings, and in which:
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a backpack and frame according to one embodiment of the invention;
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the backpack frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with straps and without the backpack;
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front perspective view of the backpack frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref> in isolation;
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a rear perspective view of the backpack frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a side elevational view of the backpack frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front elevational view of the backpack frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with a hip strap attachment installed;
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a rear elevational view of the backpack frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shaded to indicate the position and extent of reinforcing layers within the frame; and
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a rear elevational view of a backpack frame according to another embodiment of the invention, shaded to indicate the position and extent of reinforcing layers within the frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a rear perspective view of a backpack, generally indicated at <b>10</b>, according to one embodiment of the invention. The backpack has a closeable storage volume <b>12</b> and a semi-internal frame, generally indicated at <b>14</b>. As used in this description, the term “semi-internal” refers to the fact that in the illustrated embodiment, the frame <b>14</b> is at least partially exposed. However, the frame <b>14</b> need not necessarily be partially exposed in all embodiments, and may be completely internal.
0023The backpack <b>10</b> also includes three main load transfer points or nodes, at which the load of the backpack <b>10</b> is transferred to the wearer of the backpack <b>10</b>: two independently adjustable and positionable shoulder strap assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> and a belt assembly <b>20</b>. The shoulder strap assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b>and belt assembly <b>20</b> attach to the frame <b>14</b> using fasteners <b>22</b>, <b>24</b>. As will be described below in more detail, the shoulder strap assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> attach to the frame <b>14</b> along respective sliding tracks, so that their vertical and horizontal positions can be independently adjusted. TheA fastener <b>24</b> (not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and related structure that secure the belt assembly <b>20</b> to the frame <b>14</b> are such that the belt assembly <b>20</b> can rotate in plane about the axis defined by the fastener <b>24</b>.
0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the frame <b>14</b> with the shoulder strap assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> and belt assembly <b>20</b> installed, but without the backpack <b>10</b>. Straps <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, <b>29</b> attached to the shoulder strap and belt assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> are looped through slots <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> in the frame <b>14</b> to connect the assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> to the frame <b>14</b>, as will be described below in more detail. Each of the assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> includes a padded portion <b>38</b>, <b>40</b> that is adapted to rest against the body. Straps <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, typically made of webbing, such as nylon webbing, are attached to the padded portion. Length adjustment buckles and quick-release connectors are provided to fit the assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> to the body.
0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front perspective view of the frame <b>14</b> in isolation. The frame <b>14</b> is most advantageously a unitary (i.e., single piece) structure that is engineered for flexibility in some places and stiffness in others. The frame <b>14</b> includes a pair of left and right stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, a mid-back portion <b>46</b>, and a lower portion <b>48</b>, which attaches to the belt assembly <b>20</b>. (In this context, the terms “left” and “right” refer only to the coordinate system of the figures.)
0026The left and right stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are mirror images of one another, and are the primary means by which the frame <b>14</b> connects to and suspends the load of the backpack <b>10</b>. The respective top and bottom ends of the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> fit into correspondingly positioned and sized pockets in the backpack <b>10</b> (not shown in the figures). The stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> provide the combination of flexibility and selective strength that suspends the load in the backpack <b>10</b> while mechanically decoupling and cushioning it from the wearer.
0027In general, the contours of the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are designed to bring the load from the load transfer points, follow generally the curvature of the human back, and provide clearance where necessary so that, for example, an elbow projected rearwardly during stride will not hit the frame <b>14</b>. Additionally, the static contours of the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> help to pretension the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> so that in dynamic use, with the backpack <b>10</b> loaded, they can store and release energy, increasing their ability to cushion and decouple the load from the wearer. Essentially, the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> act as resilient members or springs to suspend the load.
0028As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, as well as in the rear perspective view of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> curve in at least two planes. Along the long axis of the frame <b>14</b>, the two stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> begin generally parallel to one another toward the top of the frame, extending a few inches above the mid-back portion <b>46</b>. As they sweep downwardly along the long axis of the frame <b>14</b>, the two stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> diverge arcuately outwardly until, at their lower terminus, they are separated from the lower portion <b>48</b> by a distance and are angled away from the mid-back and lower portions <b>46</b>, <b>48</b> of the frame.
0029As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> and in the side elevational view of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, as the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> extend downwardly and diverge to the left and right of the frame <b>14</b>, they also curve slightly rearwardly, out of the plane of the frame <b>14</b> itself. Because the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> will generally be pulled forwardly during use, the slight rearward curvature of the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> when unloaded causes them to be pretensioned while in dynamic use. Similarly, since the lower ends of the stay members <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> will typically be drawn laterally inward toward the frame <b>14</b>, particularly if they are attached to or near the belt assembly <b>20</b>, the left and right divergent curvature of the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> causes them to be pre-tensioned in that plane as they are drawn inward. The top ends of the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> also serve to lift the load slightly off the shoulders and to tension the frame <b>14</b>. As was described above, the respective ends of the stay portions <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> are provided with horizontal and/or vertical slots <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>, or any other suitable kind of opening or structure, to facilitate connection and engagement with the backpack <b>10</b>. The mid-back portion <b>46</b> may also be provided with attachment slots <b>50</b> along its upper edge.
0030The mid-back portion <b>46</b> of the frame <b>14</b> carries a pair of generally linear openings <b>52</b>, <b>54</b> that serve as tracks in which the fasteners <b>22</b> can slide, so as to allow the shoulder strap assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> to be independently positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings that serve as tracks <b>52</b>, <b>54</b> are angled slightly inwardly as they extend from top to bottom, although this need not be the case in all embodiments. Instead, the openings <b>52</b>, <b>54</b> may be given any appropriate shape, including curved or arcuate, so as to provide for a range of shoulder strap assembly <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> positions. Alternatively, instead of a set of continuous track-openings <b>52</b>, <b>54</b>, some embodiments of the frame <b>14</b> may be provided with sets or series of unconnected, discrete openings that provide discrete positions into which the shoulder strap assemblies <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> may be secured.
0031The mid-back and lower portions <b>46</b>, <b>48</b> of the frame <b>14</b> carry two large openings <b>56</b>, <b>58</b>. These openings <b>56</b>, <b>58</b> provide ventilation and air flow, and also serve to lighten the frame <b>14</b>.
0032The lower portion <b>48</b> of the frame <b>14</b> has the general U-shape of a tongue. A projection <b>60</b>, in the form of a truncated cone, projects forwardly, out of the plane of the frame <b>14</b>, is provided for attachment of the belt assembly <b>20</b>, and includes its own opening <b>62</b> to facilitate the passage of fasteners and the securement of the belt assembly <b>20</b>. The space <b>64</b> between the lower end of the track-openings <b>52</b>, <b>54</b> and the lower of the two large openings <b>58</b> acts as a de facto hinge portion, allowing the lower portion <b>48</b> to flex somewhat relative to the mid-back portion. As can be seen in the side elevational view of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the mid-back and lower portions <b>46</b>, <b>48</b> are generally contoured to follow the curvature of the human back.
0033The frame <b>14</b> may be made of a number of materials, including plastics, but is most advantageously made of composite-type, resin-impregnated materials. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame <b>14</b> is made primarily of layers of resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheeting, with selective reinforcement by including interstitial materials between adjacent layers of carbon fiber so as to selectively create sandwich-type composites in areas of the frame requiring more strength or flexibility. The layers of carbon fiber may be comprised of, for example, sheets of <b>284</b> twill carbon fiber sheeting, and high wear areas, such as the area around the opening <b>62</b> in the projection <b>60</b> may include additional layers of carbon fiber sheeting. An advantage of such composite materials is that they have the capacity to dynamically store and controllably release more energy as they flex than pure plastics or metals would, which may allow them to cushion and decouple the load from the wearer more effectively than other materials.
0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a rear elevational view of the frame <b>14</b> that is shaded to illustrate the location of reinforcements. More specifically, the stippled shading in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates the location and extent of reinforcing material. Typically, in the illustrated embodiment, a reinforced area is reinforced with at least one layer of reinforcing material, such as FIBERGLAS®, between inner and outer layers of primary material.
0035The stays <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> have reinforcements <b>66</b>, <b>68</b> along substantially the entirety of their length, terminating just before the ends of the stays <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>. In some embodiments, the reinforcement may comprise sheets of woven or non-woven glass fiber (such as FIBERGLAS®). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcements <b>66</b>, <b>68</b> in the stays <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> comprise oriented strands of glass yarn or fiber, laid along the long axis of the stays <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, as indicated by arrows A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. In other embodiments, the reinforcements <b>66</b>, <b>68</b> in the stays <b>42</b>, <b>44</b> may comprise foam, as will be described below in more detail.
0036In addition to the glass fiber reinforcements <b>66</b>, <b>68</b> in the stays <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, a broad section of the frame <b>14</b> that extends from the mid-back portion <b>46</b> into the lower-back portion <b>48</b> is reinforced by the inclusion of a foam insert <b>70</b> between two layers of carbon fiber sheeting, creating a sandwich-type composite material. The foam insert <b>70</b> covers the area around the large opening <b>56</b> and the two track-openings <b>52</b>, <b>54</b> in the mid-back portion <b>46</b> and extends downwardly in a horseshoe-shape into the lower portion <b>48</b>. The foam may be, for example, a PVC closed cell foam.
0037The frame <b>14</b> may be made by any known method of resin-impregnation. One particularly advantageous manufacturing method is resin extrusion, in which sheets of material are cut to desired shapes, laid in a mold, and resin is pumped into and drawn out of the mold. The resin used in the manufacture of the frame <b>14</b> may be any resin known in the art. For example, polyester and epoxy resins may be used in embodiments of the invention, although polyester resins may be more UV-stable over time, and may thus be preferred in some embodiments.
0038A completed frame <b>14</b> may be, for example, on the order of 0.375 inches thick to about 0.625 inches thick, depending on the desired stiffness and the loads that are to be carried. The frame <b>14</b> may vary somewhat in thickness across its area, with reinforced areas being thicker. The frame <b>14</b> as a whole may be thicker if greater strength and/or stiffness are required.
0039The size and proportions of the frame <b>14</b> will generally be dictated by anthropometric data and ergonomic considerations. Backpacks <b>10</b> and their frames <b>14</b> may be made in a variety of sizes, based on the same or different proportions.
0040Frames according to embodiments of the invention may also include additional features. For example, in some embodiments, a frame may include portions that extend perpendicularly outward from the mid-back or lower back portions and can be used to cinch gear to the frame.
0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a rear elevational view of a frame <b>100</b> according to another aspect of the invention, shaded similarly to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> to illustrate the locations of reinforcements. Frame <b>100</b> is substantially similar to frame <b>14</b>, and thus, the description above will suffice for most elements. Frame <b>100</b> differs from frame <b>14</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref> in the location and extent of its reinforcements and in the size and shape of certain openings.
0042Specifically, frame <b>100</b> has separate reinforcements <b>102</b>, <b>104</b> in the mid-back and lower portions <b>106</b>, <b>108</b>. The reinforcements <b>102</b>, <b>104</b> may be of the same material or different materials, and may be the same material as used in frame <b>14</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>. Additionally, there are a number of T-shaped openings <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> which may be used to secure straps or other fittings to the frame <b>100</b>. The tracks <b>116</b>, <b>118</b> are also slightly different in shape, as they have lower ends <b>120</b>, <b>122</b> that broaden into generally rectangular openings. Thus, as frame <b>100</b> illustrates, frames according to embodiments of the invention may have many different types, shapes, and sizes of openings.
0043While the invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, the description is intended to be illuminating, rather than limiting. Modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
Contents5
9 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Category | Cited during |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11058210B2 | Cited by | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US10994159B2 | Cited by | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US2023301420A1 | Cited by | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US12089725B2 | Cited by | United States of America | – | Search report |
| WO0074517A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | – | Applicant |
| US1448918A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US1448918A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US2005035170A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2005255311A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2006163305A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2006283907A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2008008868A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2009015022A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2010032464A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2010282252A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US2015189974A1 | Cites | United States of America | A | Search report |
| US2015189974A1 | Cites | United States of America | A | Search report |
| US2017208925A1 | Cites | United States of America | A | Search report |
| US2017208925A1 | Cites | United States of America | A | Search report |
| US3106323A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US3106323A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US3938718A | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US5449102A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US5553759A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US5553759A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US5564612A | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US5665295A | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US5762243A | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US5823414A | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US5890640A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US5904282A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US5954250A | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US5954253A | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US5984157A | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US6892915B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US7028873B1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US7028873B1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US7287677B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US7329457B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US7644847B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US8240531B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US8608040B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US8678258B1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US8678258B1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US8740028B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US9364072B2 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20050035170A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20050255311A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20060163305A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20060283907A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20080008868A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20090015022A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20100032464A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20100282252A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Applicant |
| US20150189974A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| US20170208925A1 | Cites | United States of America | – | Search report |
| WO0074517 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | – | Applicant |
| Mountain Hardware, Inc., “Radical Thinking: A Backpack that Moves With Your Body, Instead of Against It” Internet. Available at http://www.mountainhardwear.com/exodus.aspx. Last accessed Jun. 16, 2010 and believed to be prior art. | Non-patent | – | – | Applicant |
| Supplementary European Search Report for Application No. 11807597.7, issued Oct. 30, 2013. | Non-patent | – | – | Applicant |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2011/044256, issued Mar. 28, 2012. | Non-patent | – | – | Applicant |
| Mountain Hardware, Inc., “Radical Thinking: A Backpack that Moves With Your Body, Instead of Against It” Internet. Available at http://www.mountainhardwear.com/exodus.aspx. Last accessed Jun. 16, 2010 and believed to be prior art. | Non-patent | – | – | Applicant |
| Supplementary European Search Report for Application No. 11807597.7, issued Oct. 30, 2013. | Non-patent | – | – | Applicant |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2011/044256, issued Mar. 28, 2012. | Non-patent | – | – | Applicant |
20 members in 6 offices
Priority claims14
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36509710 | United States of America | P | |
| 36509710 | United States of America | P | |
| 201113183767 | United States of America | A | |
| 201113183767 | United States of America | A | |
| 201414282167 | United States of America | A | |
| 201414282167 | United States of America | A | |
| 201816003603 | United States of America | A | |
| 13183767 | – | – | – |
| 14282167 | – | – | – |
| 61365097 | – | – | – |
| US20100365097P | – | – | – |
| US201113183767 | – | – | – |
| US201414282167 | – | – | – |
| US201816003603 | – | – | – |
Members20
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2805670A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2012009680A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| US2012031936A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2012009680A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US2013001268A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2592962A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| US2013221051A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2592962A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| HK1183776A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| US8740028B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2592962B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| US2014332576A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| ES2523936T3 | Spain | T3 | |
| US9095203B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CA2805670C | Canada | C | |
| US2016106199A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US9364072B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US9636875B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2018125210A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| USRE48093EThis record | United States of America | E |
48 transactions on the USPTO file
Allowed after 1 non-final rejection and 1 final rejection.
- Non-final rejections
- 1
- Final rejections
- 1
- RCEs
- 0
- Appeals
- 0
Over time
Point at a mark for the transactionTransactions
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Yr, Small EntityM2552 | M2552 | |
| Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/ | PGM/ | |
| Email NotificationEML_NTR | EML_NTR | |
| Issue Notification MailedAllowedWPIR | WPIR | |
| Dispatch to FDCD1935 | D1935 | |
| Application Is Considered Ready for IssuePILS | PILS | |
| Response to Reasons for AllowanceREAS | REAS | |
| Issue Fee Payment VerifiedN084 | N084 | |
| Issue Fee Payment ReceivedIFEE | IFEE | |
| Electronic ReviewELC_RVW | ELC_RVW | |
| Email NotificationEML_NTF | EML_NTF | |
| Mail Notice of AllowanceAllowedMN/=. | MN/=. | |
| Notice of Allowance Data Verification CompletedAllowedN/=. | N/=. | |
| Reasons for AllowanceEX.R | EX.R | |
| Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX | FWDX | |
| Incoming Letter Pertaining to the DrawingsLTDR | LTDR | |
| Response after Final ActionA.NE | A.NE | |
| Paralegal or electronic terminal disclaimer approvedP574 | P574 | |
| Terminal Disclaimer FiledDIST | DIST | |
| Electronic ReviewELC_RVW | ELC_RVW | |
| Email NotificationEML_NTF | EML_NTF | |
| Mail Final Rejection (PTOL - 326)Final rejectionMCTFR | MCTFR | |
| Final RejectionFinal rejectionCTFR | CTFR | |
| Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX | FWDX | |
| Incoming Letter Pertaining to the DrawingsLTDR | LTDR | |
| Response after Non-Final ActionA... | A... | |
| Electronic ReviewELC_RVW | ELC_RVW | |
| Email NotificationEML_NTF | EML_NTF | |
| Mail Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionMCTNF | MCTNF | |
| Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionCTNF | CTNF | |
| Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC | IDSC | |
| Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS | WIDS | |
| Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844 | M844 | |
| Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK | DOCK | |
| Notice of Reissue Published in Official GazetteNRE. | NRE. | |
| Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK | DOCK | |
| Email NotificationEML_NTR | EML_NTR | |
| Application ready for PDX access by participating foreign officesCCRDY | CCRDY | |
| Application Is Now CompleteCOMP | COMP | |
| Filing ReceiptFLRCPT.O | FLRCPT.O | |
| Application Dispatched from OIPEOIPE | OIPE | |
| FITF set to NO - revise initial settingFTFI | FTFI | |
| Applicant Has Filed a Verified Statement of Small Entity Status in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.27SMAL | SMAL | |
| PTO/SB/69-Authorize EPO Access to Search ResultsSREXR141 | SREXR141 | |
| Applicants have given acceptable permission for participating foreignAPPERMS | APPERMS | |
| Cleared by OIPE CSRL194 | L194 | |
| Entity Status Set To Undiscounted (Initial Default Setting or Status Change)BIG. | BIG. | |
| Initial Exam Team nnIEXX | IEXX |
7 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| Maintenance fee paymentMAFP | MAFP | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| Fee payment procedureENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: SMAL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITYFEPP | FEPP | |
| Fee payment procedureENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITYFEPP | FEPP |
Numbers
- Publication
- RE048093
- Publication, DOCDB
- RE48093
- Publication, EPODOC
- USRE48093E
- Application
- 16003603
- Application, DOCDB
- 201816003603
- Application, EPODOC
- US201816003603
Titles
- English
- Backpack frame
Classification
- CPC, 6
- A45F3/08
- A45F3/04
- A45F3/10
- A45F3/047
- Y10T29/49838
- A45F2003/045
- IPC, 3
- A45F3 08
- A45F3 04
- A45F3 10