Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ADVANCED BACKPACK SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is generally directed to an improved
advanced backpack system and in particular to a backpack
system which includes an integral bladder system which acts
as the frame for the backpack, a pod based weight adjustment
and ventilation system, a retractable pocket system for easy
access and stowage and a removable harness system for
releasably securing the integral bladder frame and weight
adjustment and ventilation system to the backpack.
As skiing and snowboarding have increased in
popularity, the equipment which is utilized has been under
continuing pressure to increase in quality and functionality
to meet the enhanced demands and requirements of both elite
and recreational outdoor enthusiasts. As skiers and
snowboarders increase their back country, off trail and
technical skiing and snowboarding there is a need for
improved backpacks which can be worn while skiing or
snowboarding which provide for storage of clothing, gloves,
goggles, sunglasses, food and hydration systems. Also, there
is a need for some of the things in the backpack to be
readily accessible without removing the pack from the
wearer's shoulders and back. Thus, there is a need for
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pockets, compartments and a hydration system which can be
made accessible while on the wearer's back and preferably
without disturbing the weight balance of the backpack on the
wearer. For a backpack to support the weight of the pack and
its contents most efficiently, the bulk of the weight is
preferably supported around the wearer's hips and waist,
rather than on the shoulders. Also, where the backpack rests
up against the wearer's back this cuts down on the profile of
the backpack and wearer, but tends to make the wearer's back
warm and sweaty. Particularly when the wearer has adjusted
his or her clothing to the prevailing weather, the addition
of the backpack against the back will cause a severe buildup
of heat and undesirable sweating. Also, in many
circumstances there is a desire for a very lightweight pack,
where only a few items are required and neither the frame or
the hydration system are necessary. For example, if the
skier or snowboarder is skiing extreme terrain and wants to
keep the weight of the pack to a minimum, it would be
desirable to remove the frame and hydration system to
minimize the weight and bulkiness of the system. It is also
important that the user can then also add these back onto the
backpack without inconvenience.
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Accordingly, there is a need for an improved
backpack which includes a variety of features which increase
the overall utility of the backpack, including: an
integrated hydration system which operates as a frame for the
backpack; a pod based weight bearing system which adjusts the
weight of the backpack and its contents so that the weight is
borne by the user at the hips and waist, rather than the
shoulders and provides an air clearance between the backpack
and the user's back to provide better homeostatic control of
the temperature in a uniform fashion unaffected by the
backpack; one or more retractable pockets or compartments
which can be accessed easily while the backpack is on the
user's back and then returned to a storage position without
disrupting the attachment of the backpack or the weight
distribution of the backpack; and a releasable harness for
securing the integrated hydration system frame and weight
distribution and ventilation system to the backpack so that
the backpack can be worn either with the hydration system
frame and weight distribution and ventilation system or not
as indicated by the user's needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is generally directed to an
integrated backpack system, including a backpack with an
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inner compartment and an exterior surface in which the
exterior surface includes at least a first surface for facing
the user's back in an operative position. A strap mechanism
is secured to the backpack for supporting the backpack on the
user's shoulders. An integrated hydrating frame member
stores liquid and provides a substantially rigid support to
the first surface of the backpack. A harness coupled to the
backpack proximate to or on the first surface of the backpack
secures the integrating hydrating frame member to the first
surface of the backpack. A hydrating system, coupled to the
integrated hydrating frame member enables the user to
withdraw the liquid stored in the integrated hydrating frame
member. The integrated hydrating frame member is further
adapted to rest between the first surface of the backpack and
the user's back when the backpack is supported on the user's
shoulders by the strap mechanism. As a result, an integrated
backpack system with a frame provided by an integrated
hydrating system is provided.
The invention is also directed to an integrated
backpack system including a backpack with an inner
compartment and an exterior surface including at least a
first surface for facing the user's back in an operative
position. A strap mechanism, secured to the backpack,
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supports the backpack on the user's shoulders and proximate
the user's back. A weight distribution system, secured to or
proximate the first surface of the backpack near to the
user's waist or hips contacts the user's back and distributes
and shifts much of the weight of the backpack and its
included articles from the shoulder region to the hip and
waist area through the weight distribution system.
The invention is also generally directed to an
integrated backpack system including a backpack having an
inner compartment and an exterior surface including at least
a first surface for facing the user's back in an operative
position. A strap mechanism, secured to the backpack,
supports the backpack on the user's shoulders. A retractable
compartment is movably coupled to the backpack and has a
first storage position and a second, accessible position. A
biasing mechanism couples the compartment to the backpack and
allows the compartment to move relative to the backpack from
the storage position to the accessible position and back to
the storage position without disengaging the backpack from
the user's back.
The invention is also generally directed to an
integrated backpack system in which the backpack includes an
inner compartment and an exterior surface including at least
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a first surface for facing the user's back in an operative
position. A strap mechanism is secured to the backpack for
supporting the backpack on the user's shoulders and
maintaining the first surface of the backpack facing the
user's back. An integrated hydrating frame member stores
liquid and provides a substantially rigid support to the
first surface of the backpack. A weight distribution system,
coupled to the integrated hydrating frame member, adjusts
most of the weight in the backpack to the wearer's hips or
waist from the shoulders. A harness mechanism, coupled to
the backpack proximate to or on the first surface of the
backpack releasably secures the integrated hydrating frame
member and weight distribution system to the first surface of
the backpack. The backpack can be worn either with the
integrated hydrating frame member secured by the harness
mechanism or with the integrated hydrating frame member
removed to reduce the weight and bulkiness of the backpack.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to
provide an improved integrated backpack system.
Another object of the invention is to provide an
improved integrated backpack system which provides for an
integrated hydrating frame releasably secured to the surface
of the backpack which faces the wearer's back, a weight
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balancing system utilizing a pod extending outwardly from the
lower portion of the back surface of the backpack to shift
the weight of the backpack onto the hips or waist of the
wearer and a retractable compartment movably coupled to the
backpack, movable between a storage position and an
accessible position without removing the backpack from the
wearer's back.
Still another object of the invention is to provide
an improved integrated backpack system in which a hydrating
system is integrated into a hollow frame for the backpack and
the user can obtain a drink from the hydrating system while
the backpack is in place on the wearer's back.
Still a further object of the invention is to
provide an improved integrated backpack in which two
compartments are movably coupled to the backpack such that
they are generally in a storage position which does not
interfere with the user's range of motion and are selectively
movable to an accessible position either independently or
together and may also be fixed in the accessible position
which allows easy access to the compartments and items
contained therein while the backpack remains on the user's
back.
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Yet still a further object of the invention is to
provide an improved integrated backpack in which the backpack
includes movable compartments which are biased to remain in a
storage position but which may be moved along a designated
pathway to an accessible position or positions and may be
fixed in the accessible position or positions alone or in
pairs.
Yet still an other object of the invention is to
provide an improved integrated backpack system which provides
a weight shifting mechanism including an integrated pod
system which spaces the lower portion of the backpack away
from the wearer's back and wherein the pod rests on the
wearer's back proximate the wearer's waist or hips and a
strap extending around the wearer's torso proximate the waist
which shifts the balancing of the weight on the wearer's body
primarily to the hips and waist area, rather than the
shoulder and upper back.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide
an improved integrated backpack system in which an integrated
hydrating frame is secured to either the exterior or interior
of the backpack and interacts with a weight distribution
system to provide separation between the backpack and the
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user's back so that airflow and heat exchange may be improved for the
backpack.
Still yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved
integrated backpack
system including an integrated hydrating frame member wherein the integrated
hydrating
frame member includes an integrated handle portion at the top to act as a
handle for the
backpack when it is not on the wearer's back.
Yet still another object of the invention is to provide an improved integrated
backpack
system in which one or more compartments are integrated into the lower portion
of the
backpack which are movable from a recessed position which provides an
integrated profile
to a slidable position proximate the front of the wearer.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will, in part, be obvious
and will,
in part, be apparent from the specification.
In a broad aspect, the present invention relates to an integrated backpack
system,
comprising: a backpack, including an inner compartment and an exterior
surface, the exterior
surface, the exterior surface including at least a first surface for facing
the user's back in an
operative position; first strap means secured to the backpack for supporting
the backpack on
the user's shoulders and proximate the user's back; second strap means secured
to the
backpack for supporting the backpack around the user's torso and movable pouch
means,
coupled to the second strap means for moving along the second strap means
between a storage
position and an access position, and pouch connection means comprising a
biasing means
coupled to the backpack and to the pouch for returning the pouch from the
access position to
the storage position; whereby an improved integrated backpack system with a
movable pouch
which slides from a storage position to an access position without the
backpack having to be
removed from the user's shoulders is provided.
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In another broad aspect, the present invention relates to an integrated
backpack system,
comprising : a backpack, including an including an inner compartment and an
exterior surface,
the exterior surface including at least a first surface for facing the user's
back in an operative
position and a second surface opposite to the first surface for defining the
depth of the
backpack between the first and second surfaces, and a cavity formed by the
second surface
being at a position where the depth of the backpack is reduced; strap means
secured to the
backpack for supporting the backpack on the user's shoulders and proximate the
user's back;
a pouch for containing articles; and a pouch connection means coupled to the
backpack and
to the pouch for allowing the pouch to move from a first, storage position in
the cavity to a
second, access position, said pouch connection means comprising a biasing
means coupled
to the backpack and to the pouch for returning the pouch from the access
position to the
secured position in the cavity.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates to an integrated
backpack system,
comprising: a backpack, including an inner compartment and an exterior
surface, the exterior
surface, the exterior surface including at least a first surface for facing
the user's back in an
operative position; first strap means secured to the backpack for supporting
the backpack on
the user's shoulders and proximate the user's back; second strap means,
secured to the
backpack for encircling the user's torso; and movable pouch means, coupled to
the second
strap means for moving along the second strap means between a storage position
and an access
position and pouch connection means comprising a biasing means coupled to the
backpack
and to the pouch for returning the pouch from the access position to the
storage position;
whereby an improved integrated backpack system with a movable pouch means
which slides
from a storage position to an access position without the backpack having to
be removed from
the user's shoulders is provided.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates to an integrated
backpack system,
comprising: a backpack, including an inner compartment and an exterior
surface, the exterior
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surface, the exterior surface including at least a first surface for facing
the user's back in an
operative position, the first surface being selectively separable into an
upper portion and a
lower portion; first strap means secured to the backpack or the upper portion
of the first
surface of the backpack for supporting the backpack on the user's shoulders
and proximate the
user's back; second strap means, secured to the second portion of the first
surface of the
backpack for encircling the user's torso; and movable pouch means, coupled to
the second
strap means for moving along the second strap means between a storage position
and an access
position and pouch connection means comprising a biasing means coupled to the
backpack
and to the pouch for returning the pouch from the access position to the
storage position;
whereby an improved integrated backpack system with a movable pouch means
which slides
from a storage position to an access position without the backpack having to
be removed from
the user's shoulders and in which the lower portion of the backpack, second
strap means and
movable pouch means may be modularly separated from the remainder of the
backpack is
provided.
The present invention also provides an integrated backpack system, comprising:
a
backpack, including an inner compartment and an exterior surface, the exterior
surface
including at least a first surface for facing the user's back in an operative
position; a first strap
means secured to the backpack for supporting the backpack on the user's
shoulders and
proximate the user's back; a pouch for containing articles, said pouch being
movable between
a first, storage position and a second access position; and a pouch return
means coupled to
the backpack and to the pouch for causing the pouch to return from the access
position to the
storage position, characterised in that the pouch is coupled to a further
strap means for moving
along the further strap means between the storage and access positions, and
the pouch return
means is an elasticated cord which exerts an increasing pull force on the
movable pouch when
it is moved along the further strap means from the storage position.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations
of
elements and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the
construction as
hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the
Claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention,
reference is had to the following descriptions taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the integrated
hydration frame and back support pod constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the integrated
backpack system constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated
hydrating frame member of Fig. 1, taken along line 3-3 of
Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the integrated
backpack in accordance with the invention on a user's body;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view similar to the
perspective view of Fig. 4 in which movable pouches are shown
being moved from their storage positions of Fig. 4 to
accessible positions;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the integrated
backpack system of Figs. 4 and 5 from the front of the user;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the waist strap and
cargo pouches for the backpack system of Figs. 4-6
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constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fanny pack
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an integrated
backpack in accordance with another preferred embodiment of
the invention in which two movable pouches are integrated in
to the bottom of the backpack; and
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the integrated
backpack of Fig. 9 in which the movable pouches are in the
extended positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference is made to Figures 1-7 wherein an
advanced Backpack system, generally indicated as 100,
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention, is depicted. The advanced backpack system 100
generally includes a backpack 101 which includes shoulder
straps 271 and 272 as seen in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. Backpack 101
includes a series of pockets 104, 105, in a conventional
fashion. The particular layout of the pockets may be varied
depending upon the particular application of the backpack
system 100. Generally, the backpack includes a main inner
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cavity 107 and a series of smaller pockets or compartments
104, 105, on the back and side of backpack 101. In addition,
there may be specialized compartments such as web pockets for
holding bottles or similar on the exterior of the backpack
101 and attachment devices on the inside such as key rings or
zippered compartments for holding valuables. These elements
of the backpack are conventional. In addition, backpack 101,
in accordance with the invention, includes a pad member 102
on the surface of the backpack intended to face the wearer's
back in use. This surface of the backpack, intended to face
the wearer's back will be called variously in this
application as either the first surface of the backpack or
the back surface of the backpack.
In addition to the backpack 101 there is an
integrated hydrating frame, generally indicated as 150,
constructed in accordance with the invention seen most
clearly by itself apart from backpack 101 in Fig. 1.
Integrated hydrating frame 150 is a generally oval shaped
ring as best seen in Fig. 1. Integrated hydrating frame 150
is secured to backpack 101 and forms a rigid frame on the
exterior of backpack 101. Pad 102 on backpack 101 fits
inside the ring of frame 150, which helps to seat the frame
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and provide a generally smooth surface against the wearer's
back.
In a preferred embodiment the integrated hydrating
frame 150 is a hollow member as seen best in Fig. 3. Fig. 3
shows the cross-sectional area of frame 150. Preferably, it
is filled with liquid, generally water, which can then be
consumed by the user by sucking on straw 161 which enters
hydrating frame 150 through cap member 160 which provides and
opening into the interior hollow chamber 149 of integrated
hydrating frame 150. A bit valve is generally used at the
end of straw 161. There are numerous bit valves on the
market which allow a user to draw liquid through the straw
161 from reservoir 149. These bit valves are designed to be
inserted in a user's mouth and squeezed or bitten so that an
opening appears and a free passageway to straw 161 and
reservoir 149 is established. Any of the currently available
bit valves or others may be used in connection with the
system. The bit valves prevent the water or other liquid
from inadvertently escaping and leaking when the user is not
trying to drink. Cap 160 is removable and liquids may be
poured in through this opening. However, in a preferred
embodiment there is also a larger opening 147 with a cap 148,
preferably at the bottom portion of frame 150 in area 158 of
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frame 150. Again, as shown in Fig. 3, this opening is large
enough so that, in addition to liquid being placed in the
hydrating frame 150, ice cubes or some other cold or hot pack
may be introduced into chamber 149. In a current preferred
embodiment of the invention, the integrating frame member is
formed out of a rigid plastic which is blow molded so as to
provide a thin walled rigid member with the vast majority of
the volume of the frame forming the chamber 149 on the
interior. Various suitable plastics may be used. The
material must be suitable for contact with liquids for human
consumption as approved by the Food and Drug Administration
or other federal or state regulating agency. In a preferred
embodiment the frame 150 is formed from a flexible resin such
as Polyurethane. In addition, insulating layers may be added
either to the interior or exterior of the frame 150. Soft,
spongy insulation may be particularly appropriate on the
exterior as this will cushion the frame 150 against the
wearer's back. The frame 150 may also be designed for
placement inside backpack 101. In this case it would need to
be smaller and is preferably located in a special pouch or
section or held in place by straps. Alternatively, the
dimension and shape can be set so that it fits snugly in a
desired position of the backpack 101.
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The shape of frame 150 is set up in a fashion which
provides for narrowed regions suitable for receiving harness
straps 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205, which hold the integrated
hydrating frame 150 to backpack 101. Thus, there are reduced
circumference areas 153, 154, 155 and 156, generally spaced
around the perimeter of integrated hydrating frame 150 and a
reduced circumference section 159 in the handle area 157. In
addition to the reduced circumference areas there are side
sections 151 and 152, face section 158 and handle section
157, having handle opening 159. A weight distribution and
ventilation enabling system 180 is secured to integrated
hydrating frame 150 at lower section 158. The weight
distributing and ventilating system includes, in a current
preferred embodiment, a projecting pad member 181 which has
projecting arm 184 firmly secured to section 158 of
integrated hydrating frame 150. Pad 181 includes a contact
surface 183 which, in a preferred embodiment, is a rubbery or
otherwise padded section which rests up against the wearer's
back when the backpack 100 is worn on the user's shoulders.
Weight bearing and ventilating element 180 has a dual effect
of shifting the force of the weight of the backpack 100 and
its contents from the shoulders, due to shoulder straps 271,
272, to the wearer's hip or waist region.
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Contact surface 183 of pad 181 rests above the
wearer's buttocks in the center of the back and is generally
held in place by a waist harness assembly which includes hip
pads 231, 232 and straps 233 and 234, which meet in a clasp
235, closed around the front of the wearer's torso. Usually,
the hip pads 231, 232 are adapted to rest on the wearer's
hips. Through the contact of the pad 181 and pads 231, 232
and straps 233, 234, the backpack is secured firmly around
the user's waist and most of the weight of pack 100 and its
contents is supported on the wearer's waist, a more efficient
and better balanced location than the shoulders.
The strap assembly 230, which includes pads 231,
232, straps 233, 234 and clasp 235, is secured to pad 181 by
integral straps 237, which extend around pad 181. In one
preferred embodiment waist assembly 230 is also removably
attached to backpack 101.
As can be best seen in Fig. 4, weight shifting and
ventilation system 180 creates an air space between the
wearer's back and the backpack assembly 100, generally
indicated as 270, which allows air to circulate and prevents
a heat build-up and excessive sweating by the user. In this
way, the backpack assembly 100 only contacts the wearer's
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body with the straps 271, 272, the top portion of the
backpack 101 and pad 181.
In a current preferred embodiment of the invention,
weight adjustment and ventilation system 180 is permanently
attached to integrated hydrating frame 150 and would be
removed along with integrated frame 150 as described above by
releasing harness straps 201-205. However, in another
preferred embodiment of the invention, the weight
transferring and ventilation system 180 may be separately
removed from the backpack assembly 100 so that the integrated
hydrating frame 150 would contact the wearer's back, along
with pad 102 (shown best in Fig. 2).
Alternatively, weight transferring and ventilation
system 180 may be configured as two pods which extend
outwardly, supporting on the wearer's back. The pods can
include a springy material which provides some shock
absorbing characteristics. 'The pods may be permanently
attached to frame 150 or backpack 101, attached with hook and
pad connectors or attached with an elasticized webbing bra
approach which wraps around frame 150 and weight transferring
and ventilation system 180 for a removable installation.
In addition to the traditional pockets and
compartments on a backpack, it is often desirable,
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particularly when skiing or snowboarding, to obtain access to
certain smaller items while the backpack remains in position
on the wearer's shoulders. In accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the backpack assembly 100
includes two types of pockets or compartments 240 and 280,
which move from a normal storage position which does not
interfere with the user's mobility and as second position
which is accessible to the user with the backpack still in
place. Figs. 4 and 5 show the compartments or pouches 240
and 280 in their storage positions and in their accessible
positions. Arrows A and B in Fig. 6 show the direction of
movement of movable compartments 240 and 280.
As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, pouch 280 rests on
top of backpack 101 and is secured to backpack 201 through
two bungee style extendable shock cords 281, 282 of
conventional manufacture. The shock cords are preferably
relatively long and attached to backpack 101 near the bottom
of the backpack. The reason for this is that this provides
for a lengthy section of shock cord which can then easily
stretch the required distance to extend over the user's
shoulder and to be held comfortably in front of the user as
shown in Fig. 5, where the pouch 280 can be opened, held in
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place and then closed prior to returning to its at rest,
storage position at the user's back.
This pouch 280 can be utilized for small items such
as candy bars or nutritional supplement bars, sunglasses, lip
balm, money, portable music device and headphones or suntan
lotion. In this way, either while resting at a trail side or
while sitting on a ski lift, a user can, with the backpack
still in place, easily gain access to various belongings.
While the drawing of Fig. 5 shows both portions of straps 281
and 282 on one side of the user's head, the pouch 280 can be
pulled directly over the head with both portions of bungee
straps 281, 282 on either side of the wearer's head.
Similarly, the pouch 280 can be pulled by either hand on
either side of the head as is most convenient to the user.
In practice, movable pouch 280 presents an
excellent way to provide access to items while the backpack
101 remains on the wearer's back. Compartment 280 is shown
as having a moderate size but the relative size of
compartment 280 may be adjusted so that it is either larger
or smaller as indicated by design requirements related to the
intended articles to be contained therein. Of course, in
conventional fashion, compartment 280 may be opened either
with a zipper or other closure mechanism in accordance with
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conventional technology. In addition, compartment 280 may
include various smaller sub-compartments within the overall
structure for retaining different items.
Generally, bungee cords 281, 282 extend through
openings 283 in compartment 280. Either two cords can be
used, or a single bungee cord 281 is used in which both free
ends are secured to backpack 101 and bungee cord 281 loops
into compartment 280 through one opening 283 and then exists
compartment 280 through another opening 283 prior to being
connected to backpack 101. In a preferred embodiment, the
free ends of single bungee cord 281 are connected on separate
sides of backpack 101 so that better lateral stability of
compartment 280 in its storage position atop backpack 101 is
achieved. Compartment 280 may also be set up so as to ride
in a different location on backpack 101. For example, in
another preferred embodiment, compartment 280 may ride even
with the top of backpack 101 but resting on the surface
opposite to that resting against the wearer's back so that
the height component of the backpack is not affected and only
the relative depth of the backpack from the wearer's back
outward is affected. Similarly, compartment 280 may be
found on one side or both sides of backpack 101 in the event
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that there is a need for access to different items, which are
preferably segregated in different compartments.
Particularly where advanced backpack 101 is
intended to be used for technical uses, such as
mountaineering, rock climbing or polar expeditions, there may
well be a need for multiple movable compartments accessible
while the pack remains in position on the wearer's back. In
those cases the wearer may well require that multiple movable
compartments be utilized so that different components,
equipment, garments or other materials can be easily accessed
separately with the more limited manual dexterity available
under those extreme conditions. Under those extreme
conditions, bungee cord 281 may be replaced by other, more
suitable elastic materials enclosed in a fashion such that
the cold or other conditions will not affect their
flexibility or integrity.
In addition to compartment 280, which is held in
place against the surface of backpack 101, an additional type
of movable compartment or pouch 240 constructed in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted.
With reference to Figs. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, one or two side
movable compartments 240 are shown. Compartments 240 are
intended to also have two positions. A first, storage
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position, which is generally located over the hip pads 231,
232 and an accessible position in front of the user's torso
as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In many cases, when the user is
actively engaged in sporting activities such as skiing,
snowboarding or mountain climbing it is important that the
user's mobility and flexibility be maximized and any
interferences with such flexibility and mobility be
eliminated or reduced to the extent possible. So, the
movable pockets 240 are generally biased so as to remain in a
storage position out of the user's usual range of motion.
However, when the user wishes to access these movable
compartments or pouches 240, they should be in a generally
accessible location, preferably at the front of the torso.
For example, when a skier returns to the ski lodge and needs
access to money and keys, they should be in front. When the
skier goes back outside for skiing, the pouches 240 should be
returned to their storage positions.
In current preferred embodiments the movable
pouches 240 are associated with and connected to the straps
233, 234 used to secure the hip pads and backpack 101 to the
wearer's torso. In practice, in addition to the torso
encircling belt utilized for support including hip pads 231,
232, straps 233, 234, and closure mechanism 235, there is a
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second belt 241 that is generally secured either to the inner
belt 231, 232, weight transferring section 180 or backpack
101. Pouches 240 include a channel 243 formed by a strap
sewn or otherwise affixed along its long edges to the back
surfaces of pouch 240 as shown best in Fig. 7. The effect of
this is that the pouches slide along belt 241, which, in a
preferred embodiment, is made of a thin nylon strap which has
a width of approximately a half inch to an inch and a half
and has its free ends attached along with straps 233 and 234
to buckle 235. This has the effect of assuring that guide
belt 241 stays in place about the wearer's torso, generally
around the wearer's waist and hips. Alternatively, belt 241
can be a string-like belt. Then, pouch 240 can slide along
strap 241 from a position toward the side or back of the
wearer's waist to a position proximate the front of the
wearer's waist along strap 241. In addition, a bungee cord
246 extends from a portion near the rear of strap 241 where
it is secured in a connector 248 through a series of guide
loops 247 on the back surface of pouch 240 in a generally U-
shaped configuration around strap 242. The other free end of
bungee cord 246 is also attached to connector 248 towards the
back of the strap or outer belt 241 so that pouch 240 tends
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to be biased towards a position closer to the back of the
wearer's waist.
In a current preferred embodiment there are two
pouches 240, one on each side of the wearer's body. In this
circumstance, each of pouches 240 includes a loop strap 244
which holds a closure mechanism 245 which mates with the
corresponding closure 245 on the other pouch. In this way,
as shown in Fig. 6, the user may couple the pouches 240
together in the front so that they stay in the accessible
position.
In this way, when the user requires access to the
items in the pouch or wishes to put items into pouches 240
they can be maintained in the position in front of the user.
Again, pouches 240 may be varied in size and shape and may
each have one or more compartments within the pouches or
specialized sections or closure mechanisms within the pouch
as indicated in accordance with conventional pouch and
compartment technology.
When the user has no further need for the pouches
240 in front, closure mechanism 245 can be disengaged and the
biasing force of bungee cords 246 will tend to move the
pouches 240 back to their storage position along strap 241
closer to the back and side of the wearer's waist. In
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another preferred embodiment, no biasing mechanism is
utilized and the user manually moves the pouches 240 to a
storage position. In fact, the pouches 240 may be locked in
a storage position by a similar strap and closure mechanism
as is used to lock them in the front. Other closure systems
can be used to hold pouches 240 in the storage and accessible
position. Multiple pouches 240 can also be placed on strap
241 if desired.
Reference is next made to Fig. 8 wherein a fanny
pack construction, generally indicated as 300 in accordance
with the preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted.
Fanny pack 300 is set up with a dual strap arrangement as in
the pouch arrangements of Figs. 1-7. However, in this case,
there is only a fanny pack and no separate backpack. Here,
the inner belt 320 holds the fanny pack arrangement firmly
around the user's waist. The second, outside strap 301 is
secured also to the closure 302 which acts to secure the
supporting belt 320 together. The pouch 340 includes a
bungee cord 341 and guide loops 342 which are secured to the
primary belt and a connector 343. In this case, the pouch
340 can be moved in either direction around the outer strap
301. Connectors 344 are designed to operate with connectors
345 attached to the strap proximate the couple 302 to hold
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the pouch towards the front of the user's waist. Depending
upon whether the user wishes to use the left or right hands
to pull pouch 340 to the front, either snap closure 345 may
be used.
As skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering have
increased in popularity and as more equipment and clothing
alternatives become available for use, a greater number of
participants find the need to carry equipment, clothing,
food, fluids, money, suntan lotion, lip balm, sun glasses and
various other sundry items. The backpack is suitable for
carrying large or bulky items such as coats, sweaters, shoes,
portable music devices and gaming devices. Because the
backpack is carefully adjusted to the wearer's body by
adjusting the shoulder straps, waist straps and perhaps other
straps conventionally used such as stabilizing straps worn
across the front of the wearer's torso, which connect the
shoulder straps to each other so that the backpack does not
shift laterally, it is generally undesirable to remove the
backpack to gain access to small items. Thus, the movable
pouches either move freely as in connection with pouch 280,
or slidably movable as with pouch 240, which is particularly
useful for providing ready and convenient access to items
contained therein while preventing the pouches from
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interfering with the sporting activity by returning to a
storage position.
Reference is next made to Figs. 9 and 10 in which
an integrated backpack assembly, generally indicated as 400
is shown. Backpack assembly 400 includes a backpack portion
401, which includes shoulder straps(not shown), as in the
previous embodiments and a main compartment with desired
zippers or other conventional closures. Backpack assembly
400 also includes two lower compartments 402 and 403 which
are at the bottom of backpack portion 401. These
compartments are connected to a dual strap arrangement 404
similar to that found in the embodiments of Figs 1-7 and 8.
In addition, as best seen in Fig. 10, two hook or mat pads
406 and 407 rest against the back surface of the lower end of
backpack 400, below compartment 401, to mate with matching
pads(not shown) on the back of compartments 402 and 403 so
that compartments 402 and 403 remain firmly in place at the
bottom of compartment 401, as shown in Fig. 9 when the
compartments are not needed. However, by pulling on either
of compartments 402 and 403 the compartments can be slid
along the strap not used for securing the straps around the
wearer's waist. It can also be retained in a position at the
front by attaching it with a connector to the other
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compartment as described above in the embodiment of Figs. 1-
7. In addition to this, a series of elastic shockcords can
be used to bias the compartments 402 and 403 to the back so
that they move back to their original positions without the
need to push them back. Generally, it is preferred if
compartments are made so that the walls are relatively rigid
to maintain their shape and provide a pleasing finished
arrangement when compartments 402 and 403 are in the
positions shown in Fig. 10. In addition to the configuration
shown in Figs. 9 and 10, additional arrangements in which the
movable compartments are smaller, with a non-movable section
in the middle or other arrangements in which one or more
compartments fit into the rest of the backpack in an
integrated fashion.
Reference is again made to Figs. 9 and 10, in which
an integrated backpack assembly, generally indicated as 400,
is shown. Backpack assembly 400 includes a backpack portion
401, which includes shoulder straps 410 and a main
compartment with desired zippers or other conventional
closures. Backpack assembly 400 also includes two lower
compartments 402 and 403 which are at the bottom of Backpack
portion 401. These compartments are connected to a single
strap arrangement 408 different from that found in the
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embodiments of Figs. 1-7 and 8 and the two strap arrangement
of Figs. 9 and 10. As shown, single strap 408 encircles the
user's waist or torso and is secured by a conventional
closure (not shown) generally in the front of user's torso.
Lower compartments or pouches 402 and 403 slide along strap
408 along loops secured to the pouches or other structures,
such as a slot in pouches 402 and 403. The single strap
functions to both support the backpack around the user's
torso and to provide a pathway along which pouches 402 and
403 move from the secured position as shown in Fig. 9 where
the pouches fit within the cavity formed by the back wall of
the backpack. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the
back wall of the backpack is formed of a relatively rigid
material so that a stiff cavity can be formed with the bottom
of the backpack portion 401 and the back wall. Pouches 402
and 403 can be biased to return to the cavity as shown in
Fig. 9 from the positions shown in Fig. 10 in a number of
different ways. One way is with stretchable bungee cords 409
shown in Fig. 10. The bungee cords may be connected in a
number of ways. While one bungee cord is shown, a number of
cords can be utilized. The cords can be connected either
singly or separately for each of the pouches to a central
portion in the cavity region. Alternatively, a retractable
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reel mechanism, such as a window shade or spring loaded tape
measure type mechanism can be used to allow pouches 402 and
403 to remain in the accessible position at the front of the
user's torso and then, with a tug on the pouch, snap back,
along strap 409 to the cavity position shown in Fig. 9.
In a preferred embodiment pouches 402 and 403
include polyethylene boards to provide rigidity of shape to
pouches 402 and 403.
In addition, in another preferred embodiment,
pouches 402 and 403 are attached to strap 409 in a fashion in
which they are hinged, preferably at one of the corners so
that the pouch may rotate relative to the user's strap 409
for easier access to the contents of pouches 402 and 403.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention
the back wall of the backpack is formed so that the
vertically extended portion below the backpack portion 401,
together with pouches 402 and 403 can separate from the
remaining portion of the backpack in a modular fashion. In
this way, the backpack can be worn separately without pouches
and without the belt around the hip, waist or torso, or with
the pouch and strap. Alternatively, the lower portion can be
worn as a fanny pack with just the bottom portion of the wall
and the pouches strapped around the user's waist or torso.
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In other preferred embodiments of the invention,
each of the embodiments of Figs. 1 - 10 may be reconfigured
to included only a single belt around the waist or torso of
the user which acts both to support the weight of the pack
and to allow the movement of the pouches from the back,
secured position to the front, access position.
One of the most debilitating needs of outdoor
activities is the need to replenish fluids. Often, there is
severe discomfort when a skier, snowboarder or mountaineer
does not actively hydrate themselves over a period of hours.
Carrying containers of fluids is often inconvenient and
dangerous as the containers can have sharp edges or hard
surfaces which might cause injury if carried by the user.
The integrating hydrating frame system disclosed provides
numerous benefits over previous approaches. The hydrating
frame member creates a sturdy frame to the backpack while
efficiently using the interior volume of the frame as a
reservoir for the water or other liquid. The dual use of the
frame and the water reservoir in a single structure, which is
selectively removable from the backpack, adds great value and
utility to the backpack system. This is further heightened
when the weight adjusting and ventilation system pod is added
to the bottom of the integrated hydrating frame. The weight
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adjusting pod shifts the bulk of the weight of the backpack
system to the hips and waist area and provides a ventilation
airway between the wearer's back and most of the backpack so
that overheating is avoided. On the other hand, if merely a
brief trip or limited number of items need to be carried by
the user, the integrated hydrating frame and weight shifting
and ventilation system can be removed from the remaining
portion of the backpack and the backpack used in a
conventional fashion without affecting its utility.
While the integrated hydrating frame has been shown
with an external frame, it is possible to make an internal
frame. Various approaches can be utilized when the frame is
used internally. Either a suitable receiving pocket can be
established, a series of straps to hold the frame in place,
or a product configuration so that the inner frame fits
snugly in a preferred location within the pack. However, the
current and preferred embodiment of the invention has the
integrated hydrating frame as an external frame which
provides easier access to the hydrating system and enables
the use of the integrated hydrating frame as a support for
the weight shifting and ventilation system.
While there have been fanny packs and other waist
supported pouch structures in the past, the slidable pouches
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utilizing a secondary strap or belt to provide a slidable
pouch which can move from a storage position which does not
interfere with the user's activities and an accessible
position where the contents of the pouch can be manipulated
provides substantial benefits. Additional benefits are
provided where a biasing mechanism tends to move the pouch
back to the storage position when not retained in the
accessible position. By using closure mechanisms to keep the
pouch in the desired position, increased reliability is
achieved.
The ability to access a movable pouch coupled to
the backpack through one or more elastic cords or other
members provides for selective and easy access to materials
which would otherwise require placement in a backpack and
which would require the backpack itself to be removed prior
to achieving access to these items. This movable pouch
system essentially returns the pouch to its storage position
without any substantial manipulation required.
Accordingly, an improved advanced backpack is
provided. The advanced backpack system includes an
integrated hydrating frame member and a weight shifting and
ventilation system, both of which can be selectively removed
from the backpack as required. In addition, two different
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types of movable pouch systems are provided, which allow free
access to materials and enable movement of the pouches from a
storage position where there is no interference with the
user's activities, to an access position where ready access
to the items in the pouches is achieved. Finally, the
pouches can then be returned easily to their storage
positions, either manually or with the use of biasing
mechanisms.
In addition, an improved waist or chest based
removable pouch system is provided in which a dual belt
system is utilized. One belt retains the straps and pouches
in place around the waist, chest, arms or legs of the user
and a second belt is used to slide the one or more pouches
from a storage position to an access position and vice-versa.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth
above, among those made apparent in the preceding
description, are efficiently obtained and, since certain
changes may be made in the above constructions without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is
intended that all matter contained in the above description
or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.
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