Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02552491 2006-07-19
BACKPACK AND STRAP SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a backpack and a strap
system for
use with articles such as backpacks or other type of carrying devices having
straps that
extend over the shoulders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many people have poor posture. Poor posture can be attributed to a wide
variety of different reasons including spending long periods of time in one
position, driving
long distances, carrying heavy loads, sitting at an ergonomically sub-optimal
desk or
computer station, or can simply be attributable to complacency and lack of
awareness of the
detrimental effects of poor posture. Whatever the reason for development of
poor posture, it
is usually within the ability of an individual to correct this habit and reap
benefits in both
appearance and physical well-being. Left uncorrected, poor posture can lead to
a lifetime of
physical problems.
[0003] A motivated individual can successfully achieve correct posture through
intrinsic determination simply by constantly reminding herself to sit straight
with her
shoulders back. However, when self-determination wanes, an individual may look
to
extrinsic motivation or assistance. In order to improve posture, an individual
may undertake
a physical therapy or massage therapy regime, or may purchase devices intended
for
posture improvement. Most devices intended to encourage posture improvement
may not be
practical for a user during her everyday activities. If a device is only used
sporadically, the
user cannot develop or train muscle memory through regular frequent use.
[0004] The apparatus described in International patent publication number
WO/2004/037155 (filed on September 29, 2003) is a garment that employs
vibratory
stimulation to the wearer in order to encourage appropriate muscle positioning
for correct
posture. While it is possible that a user may wear this device throughout a
given day, it is
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likely that compliance would become sporadic, and eventually the user may find
the device to
be too onerous to employ on a daily basis. Additionally, such a device does
not address what
may be a core problem in poor posture: a heavy backpack.
[0005] Another device for use in posture correction is described in
International
patent publication number WO/2004/085002 (filed March 19, 2004). The device
described
requires the user to physically engage with a stationary exercise device.
While posture
correction may be achieved, compliance with such a regime would be dependent
on the
amount of spare time a user may have in a given day to spend at the location
of the device.
[0006] Backpacks and other over-the-shoulder carrying devices are worn on a
daily
basis by a variety of individuals, such as students and public transit
commuters. While a
backpack may or may not be causative of poor posture, the backpack itself does
not
encourage a user toward improved posture, especially if the backpack is laden
with heavy
items, such as books. Students of all ages may be required to carry to and
from school a
large number of weighty texts, as well as other supplies required for the day
such as a laptop
computer, food, and liquids. The heavier the contents of such a pack, the more
the user is
encouraged to round her shoulders in a forward direction to counter the weight
being carried.
This dissuades the user from maintaining correct posture.
[0007] There is a need for a device that can encourage a user toward improved
posture, and specifically toward drawing the shoulders back. There is a need
for a device
that can incorporate such posture correction into daily activities, that may
encourage muscle
memory, and which is readily portable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at
least one
disadvantage of previously known backpacks, strap systems, or posture
correction devices.
[0009] The invention described herein relates to a backpack, and a strap
system
which may be used for backpacks, for other types of carrying devices, or as a
posture
correction device on its own.
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[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
backpack
comprising a bag having a proximal outer surface, two shoulder straps
extending from the
bag, a chest strap extending between the shoulder straps, two posture straps
releasably
connected to each shoulder strap, each posture strap extending across the
proximal outer
surface of the bag, and a releasable one-way pull-through clasp disposed on
the proximal
outer surface of the bag, through which posture straps extend for pull-through
tightening in
one direction.
[0011] Further, an embodiment of the invention provides a strap system for
connection to a carrying device, the carrying device having a container with a
proximal outer
surface, and two shoulder straps extending from the container. The strap
system comprises
a chest strap for placement between the shoulder straps, two posture straps
for releasable
connection to each shoulder strap, each posture strap being of adequate length
to extend
across and beyond the proximal outer surface of the container, and a
releasable one-way
pull-through clasp for positioning on the proximal outer surface of the
container of the
carrying device, through which posture straps extend for pull-through
tightening in one
direction.
[0012] Additionally, an embodiment of the invention provides a strap system
for
posture improvement comprising a back-facing portion; two shoulder straps
extending from
the back-facing portion; a chest strap extending between the shoulder straps;
two posture
straps for releasable connection to each shoulder strap, each posture strap
extending from
an outer edge of each shoulder strap, and each posture strap being of adequate
length to
extend across and beyond the back-facing portion; and a releasable one-way
pull-through
clasp disposed on the back-facing portion through which posture straps extend
for pull-
through tightening in one direction.
[0013] Advantageously, because a user is responsible for tightening the
posture
straps, the backpack or system of the invention can accommodate a variety of
users, or can
be adjusted differently for a single user, depending on the clothing a user is
wearing. For
example, the same user may wish to use a backpack according to the invention
in winter
conditions, when a large coat may be required, as well as in summer conditions
when less
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clothing is required, thus changing the distance the posture straps must
traverse around the
upper arm and back.
[0014] When the posture straps are tightened, the user employs a pulling
motion,
which in itself encourages the user toward improved posture by activating mid-
trapezius and
rhomboid muscles in the outward pulling action. Once the tightening is
achieved, the end
result is that the portion of the posture straps traversing the upper arm of
the user pulls
backwardly on the upper arm and shoulders, providing a constant reminder to
the user about
pulling and keeping her shoulders back.
[0015] A further advantage of this backpack and system is that a user is
encouraged
towards a healthier stance while bearing heavy loads. However, even if a heavy
load is not
being carried, the user will nevertheless derive benefit from having her
shoulders pulled
backwardly, as well as the benefits of pulling in her shoulder blades tighter
toward the spine.
[0016] Although the backpack and strap system described herein cannot singly
correct defective posture, regular daily use of the pack or system will
encourage muscle
memory for an individual to learn what improved posture feels like. Benefits
of the invention
can thus be realized even when the invention is not in use through sustainable
improvements
in posture. Regular use of a backpack on a daily basis is, generally speaking,
part of a
student life-style, and thus would not represent any additional time
requirement to be set
aside, in contrast to other exercise-related devices that students, or others,
may be too busy
to use.
[0017] Advantageously, through regular frequent use of the backpack or strap
system
described herein, an individual's muscle memory can be trained to realize a
beneficial effect
that extends beyond the period of use. A user becomes more cognizant of the
feeling of
improved posture. The muscles of the user's arms, shoulders, neck and back
become
trained toward correct posture as a default or resting position. For example,
when a user
employs the backpack or strap system in conjunction with a recurrent
environmental theme,
such as waiting for pick-up after school, or a daily 6 am seniors' walking
group, muscle
memory is instigated so that even when not in use, the incitement to hold the
shoulders back
on one's own holds 'strong', in a way that is more than physical.
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[0018] Many individuals already use a backpack on a daily basis. Thus, the
invention
as described herein is portable and is likely to be used regularly, instead of
being left in the
basement at home with other workout machines or other posture-improving
devices.
[0019] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become
apparent to
those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description
of specific
embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the attached Figures.
[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates a typical backpack according to the prior art.
[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates a backpack according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] Fig. 3 illustrates a strap system according to an embodiment of the
invention,
for placement on a backpack or other carrying device.
[0024] Fig. 4 illustrates a backpack according to an embodiment of the
invention
having a single releasable one-way pull-through clasp disposed centrally on
the proximal
outer surface of the bag.
[0025] Fig. 5 illustrates a backpack according to an embodiment of the
invention,
employing a cover as a guide over top of the posture straps as they extend
across the
proximal outer surface of the bag.
[0026] Fig. 6 illustrates a backpack according to an embodiment of the
invention
having a sleeve through which the posture straps extend across the proximal
outer surface of
the bag, and having a releasable one-way pull-through clasp at the upper
junction of the
posture straps and proximal outer surface of the bag.
[0027] Fig. 7 illustrates a backpack according to an embodiment of the
invention in
which the posture straps do not overlap with each other as they extend across
the proximal
outer surface of the bag.
[0028] Fig. 8 illustrates components of a strap system according to an
embodiment of
the invention which may optionally be attachable to a backpack or carrying
device.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The backpack and strap system according to the invention enrolls the
traditional backpack frame work toward a greater goal of posture improvement
through the
addition of posture straps.
[0030] The invention employs posture straps in order to focus the user on
shoulder
and arm positioning, encouraging a pulled back position as opposed to a
hunched forward
position which is detrimental to the user's posture.
[0031] An embodiment of the invention provides a backpack comprising a bag
having
a proximal outer surface, two shoulder straps extending from the bag, a chest
strap
extending between the shoulder straps, two posture straps releasably connected
to each
shoulder strap, each posture strap extending across the proximal outer surface
of the bag,
and a releasable one-way pull-through clasp disposed on the proximal outer
surface of the
bag, through which posture straps extend for pull-through tightening in one
direction.
[0032] A guide may be provided adjacent the proximal outer surface of the bag
through which posture straps slidably extend. The guide may comprise a sleeve,
casing, clip
or cover. Further, an optional stiffening means extending from the proximal
outer surface of
the bag.
[0033] Two releasable one-way pull-through clasps may be used, one disposed on
each of the left and right sides of the proximal outer surface of the bag.
[0034] Each posture strap may comprise a connector allowing releasable
connection
to a shoulder strap. An elasticized portion of the posture strap may
optionally be included in
a region of the posture strap adjacent the connector.
[0035] According to an additional embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a
strap system for connection to a carrying device. Such a carrying device could
have a
container with a proximal outer surface, and two shoulder straps extending
from the
container. The strap system according to this embodiment comprises a chest
strap for
placement between the shoulder straps, two posture straps for releasable
connection to each
shoulder strap, each posture strap being of adequate length to extend across
and beyond
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the proximal outer surface of the container, and a releasable one-way pull-
through clasp for
positioning on the proximal outer surface of the container of the carrying
device, through
which posture straps extend for pull-through tightening in one direction. This
strap system
may optionally include a guide for placement adjacent the proximal outer
surface of the
carrier, through which posture straps slidably extend. The guide may be, for
example, a
sleeve, casing, clip or cover. The system may include two releasable one-way
pull-through
clasps disposed on left and right sides of the proximal outer surface of the
bag. Other
optional features of the strap system may be included, for example each
posture strap may
comprise a connector allowing releasable connection to a shoulder strap. An
elasticized
portion may be integral to one or both of the posture straps, adjacent the
connector.
[0036] A further embodiment of the invention provides a strap system for
posture
improvement, which can be added to a backpack or other carrying device, or
which may be
used alone as a posture improving device. The strap system comprises a back-
facing
portion; two shoulder straps extending from the back-facing portion; a chest
strap extending
between the shoulder straps; two posture straps for releasable connection to
each shoulder
strap, each posture strap extending from an outer edge of each shoulder strap;
each posture
strap being of adequate length to extend across and beyond the back-facing
portion; and a
releasable one-way pull-through clasp disposed on the back-facing portion
through which
posture straps extend for pull-through tightening in one direction. A guide,
such as a sleeve,
casing, clip or cover, may be attached to the back-facing portion, through
which posture
straps slidably extend. Releasable one-way pull-through clasps may be disposed
on left and
right sides of the back-facing portion. Each posture strap may optionally
comprises a
connector allowing releasable connection to a shoulder strap, and each posture
strap may
comprise an elasticized portion adjacent the connector.
[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a typical conventional backpack. The conventional
backpack (10) comprises a bag (12) in which articles to be carried are placed.
Shoulder
straps (14) are employed, and can be tightened or loosened by the user by
pulling on the
distal end (16) of each strap. Releasable one-way pull-through clasps (18) are
positioned at
the lower edges of the proximal outer surface (20) of the bag (12). A chest
strap (22) is found
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between the shoulder straps (14), which is used to maintain the shoulder
straps at a
standard distance, centrally on the chest of the user. The chest strap (22)
depicted here
includes a releasable connector, and may optionally be tightened in order to
accommodate
the comfort of the user.
[0038] When in use, a backpack according to this prior art design does not
encourage the user to maintain her shoulders in a backward position. In fact,
when the load
contained within the backpack is particularly heavy, the user may intuitively
hunch her
shoulders forward in an effort to counter balance the weight within the pack.
[0039] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the invention
provides a
backpack comprising a bag for carrying any variety of items. The bag has a
proximal outer
surface, meaning a surface on the exterior of the bag that is "proximal" or
adjacent to the
user when the bag is in use, specifically: placed adjacent to the user's back.
Additionally, two
shoulder straps of any conventional type extend from the bag in such a way
that they will be
placed over the shoulders of the user when the backpack is in use.
[0040] A chest strap of any conventional type is employed between the shoulder
straps. Such a chest strap may be releasable through the use of a connector,
or may be
elasticized or tightenable. Optionally, the chest strap would not need to be
releasable, as the
backpack could be installed onto the user's shoulders by placement of the
backpack over the
user's head through the orifice formed by the chest strap, shoulder straps,
and bag.
[0041] Two "posture straps" are employed on such a backpack. The posture
straps
may be connected to the shoulder straps in any manner that will allow
releasability. The
posture straps may be connected onto the outer edge of each shoulder strap
(the edge
opposite to the chest strap), or may extend from another more central position
on the
shoulder strap. The terminology "posture strap" is used herein primarily to
distinguish this
type of strap from the shoulder straps or chest strap, but also to emphasize
that it is the
posture straps that have the primary effect on improving the posture of the
user.
[0042] The posture straps can be formed of any acceptable type of material,
and may
be formed of more than one type of material. Acceptable types of material
include fabrics
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formed of natural fibers or synthetic fibers, including natural or synthetic
polymers, and may
include flexible, inflexible, or elasticized portions.
[0043] The posture straps are of an acceptable length that would allow the
strap to
encircle the arm of a user, extend across the proximal outer surface of the
bag portion of a
backpack, and still provide adequate slack for a user to reach the distal end
of each posture
strap when the backpack is in use. The distal ends of the posture straps are
the furthest end
of the strap which, in use, is dangling at both sides of the user. The length
of the posture
straps may vary depending on whether the backpack is intended for use by a
child or adult,
and may also vary depending on whether the strap system is intended for items
such as a
backpack, versus a water-carrying device, such as a Camelback TM, or a golf
bag carrying
device.
[0044] The backpack comprises at least one releasable one-way pull-through
clasp
disposed on the proximal outer surface of the bag through which the posture
straps extend in
order that the posture straps may be pulled tight in one direction, but
allowing a user to
actuate release of the posture straps in the opposite direction. The
releasable one-way pull-
through clasp may be formed as one consolidated clasp through which both
posture straps
extend, or may be two separate clasps through which the posture straps
separately extend.
The pull-through clasp may be disposed anywhere on the proximal surface of the
bag, and
optimally will be placed in such a way that it is comfortable to the user, and
cannot be
accidentally released. For example, in an instance where two clasps are used,
they may be
disposed at the left and right edges of the proximal outer surface of the bag,
respectively, so
as to avoid contact with the central region of the user's back. In this way,
the user will not feel
any poking or jutting into her back from the clasps. In an instance where one
consolidated
clasp is used, for example in a central portion of the proximal outer surface,
such a clasp can
be formed so that the actuating means through which the posture straps are
released is
positioned toward the left or right side so that regular movement of the user
will not
accidentally actuate release of the clasp.
[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the backpack may
additionally
comprise a guide placed on the proximal outer surface of the bag through which
the posture
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straps slidably extend in order to keep the posture straps in an appropriate
position, or to
avoid entanglement of the straps when the pack is not in use. Such guides may
take the form
of a sleeve or casing extending across the proximal outer surface, or a clip
or series of clips
through which the straps readily extend, or which may cause some resistance,
but not so
much resistance as to prevent slidable movement of the posture straps in
either direction.
Further, a cover may be used as a guide, which may be either permanent or
removable,
which would extend fully across the posture straps as they extend from the
left to the right
side of the proximal outer surface of the bag.
[0046] As a further option, a backpack according to an embodiment of the
invention
may additionally comprise a stiffening means either within the back-facing
portion of the bag,
or which may extend downwardly from the proximal outer surface of the bag,
extending
adjacent to the tailbone of the user. Such a stiffening means could be used
either to further
enhance posture-improving capability of the invention, or simply to ensure any
desirable
shape or structural integrity of the backpack itself.
[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention, a strap system may be
provided
separately for use with a conventional carrying device such as a backpack, or
other device
having a container for carrying items on a user's back. Such a strap system
can be formed
as an add-on system (or conversion kit) to convert a conventional device to a
posture-
improving device. The strap system can optionally comprise a chest strap for
placement
between the shoulder straps. However, should the carrying device to be
converted already
be fitted with a chest strap, an extra chest strap need not be provided as
part of a conversion
kit. The strap system includes two posture straps for releasable connection to
each shoulder
strap. Each posture strap is of adequate length to extend across and beyond
the proximal
outer surface of the carrying device. As a further component, at least one
releasable one-
way pull-through clasp can be included for positioning on the proximal outer
surface of the
container portion of the carrying device. This clasp can be positioned in any
appropriate way
in order to ensure that posture straps extend across the proximal outer
surface and can be
pulled-through in the tightening direction only, although a user can purposely
actuate release
of the clasp.
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[0048] More detailed aspects of particular embodiments according to the
invention
will be discussed hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 8.
[0049] Fig. 2 depicts a backpack (210) according to an embodiment of the
invention.
The backpack includes a bag (212), shoulder straps (214), the shoulder straps
having distal
ends (216), clasps (218) for positioning the shoulder straps to the bag in a
conventional
manner, and a proximal outer surface (220) on the back-facing portion of the
bag. Chest
strap (222) is positioned between shoulder straps (214), and in this instance
includes a
releasable connector (224). Two posture straps are provided (226 and 228,
respectively).
The posture straps are releasably connected to the outer edges of the shoulder
straps via
connectors (230 and 232, respectively). These connectors include two portions
which mate
together and require a user to actuate release in order to release the posture
strap from the
shoulder strap. The connector may include a mating portion that is permanently
affixed to the
shoulder strap.
[0050] Posture straps (226, 228) cross diagonally over the proximal outer
surface
(220) of the bag, and extend downwardly with enough slack to allow a user to
grasp the
distal ends (234, 236). A releasable one-way pull-through clasp (238, 240) is
found at the
right and left edges of the proximal outer surface. The releasable one-way
pull-through
clasps allow the posture straps to be pulled outwardly from the distal ends,
but do not allow
the posture straps to retract in the opposite direction, thus "loosening" of
the posture straps is
prevented until the user makes an attempt to actuate a release mechanism. The
release
mechanism component of the releasable one-way pull-through clasp may be, for
instance, a
liftable tab, or a spring-biased clamp that requires the user to depress the
spring to allow
release. Any such clasp allowing one-way tightening with releasable loosening
would be
acceptable for use with the invention.
[0051] Fig. 2 additionally depicts a guide in the form of a clip (242), only
one of which
is depicted in Fig. 2, the corresponding clip on the other side being hidden
behind the
depicted shoulder strap. The clip (242) is provided to maintain placement of
the posture strap
against the proximal outer surface of the bag when the connector (230 or 232)
is released.
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The posture straps can thus be held in place so as to avoid entanglement when
the
backpack is not in use.
[0052] Notably, the posture straps illustrated in Fig. 2 can be completely
removed
from the backpack, if it is desirable to do so. An instance in which removal
would be
desirable is when travelling through airports and checking such a backpack.
Often loose
straps on bags and backpacks cause checked baggage to catch on baggage claim
roundabouts. Thus, it is a convenience to the user that the posture straps can
be removed.
[0053] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a strap system (310) according to
the
invention in which the posture straps (326, 328) are connected to the shoulder
straps (314)
via a releasable connector (330, 332). A chest strap (332) is provided on
which a releasable
connector (324) is found. A releasable one-way pull-through clasp (338) is
shown on the left
side posture strap (326), while the corresponding releasable one-way pull-
through clasp on
the right side is hidden behind the shoulder strap in the drawing, but is
disposed in the
corresponding position on the right side. In this embodiment, the straps do
not require any
type of guide for crossing the proximal outer surface of the backpack, or
other carrying
device to which the strap system would become attached. While the posture
straps (326,
328) traverse the proximal outer surface, the distal ends of each strap (334,
336) are allowed
to dangle freely at the sides of the user. Because the shoulder straps (314)
are connected to
the proximal outer surface via connectors (318), the posture straps would not
fall downward
vertically from the clasps, but would maintain the cross-over positioning.
This embodiment
illustrates that it is not a necessary requirement of the invention to include
any type of guide
for the posture straps.
[0054] An additional optional component which may be used according to the
invention is stiffening means (340). As depicted here, the stiffening means
extends
downwardly from the proximal outer surface of the backpack or other carrying
device, in
order to further encourage a straight back and correct posture.
[0055] It is emphasized that this strap system can be included as an add-on
kit, for
conversion of any conventional shoulder strap-based carrying device.
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[0056] Fig. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of a backpack (410) according
to the
invention in which a single releasable one-way pull-through clasp (438) is
employed, and is
disposed in a centralized region of the proximal outer surface (420) of the
bag (412). In this
instance, the posture straps (426, 428) criss-cross the proximal outer
surface, and at their
crossing point, a single consolidated clasp (438) is located. In this
embodiment, four clips
(442) are used as guides to maintain the posture straps in a position disposed
against the
proximal outer surface of the bag. While these clips are not necessary, they
advantageously
serve to keep the straps in an orderly and out-of-the-way position. In this
instance, the clips
(442) provide a small amount of friction for the posture straps (426, 428) as
they are pulled in
either direction. This may be achieved in a number of ways, for example, by
including a
flexible material within the inner passage of the clip through which the strap
extends,
exemplary materials being closed self foam, latex, rubber or any other tacky
polymer.
Regardless of how the friction is achieved, the clips are not intended to
prevent slidable
movement of the straps in either direction, but are simply employed as guides.
[0057] Fig. 5 illustrates a backpack (510) according to an embodiment of the
invention incorporating a guide in the form of a cover (544) which is disposed
on the proximal
outer surface (520) of the bag (512). The cover (544) is affixed to the
proximal outer surface
in any manner which may be appropriate while still allowing the posture straps
(526, 528) to
be slidably tightenable when a user pulls on the distal ends (534, 536) of the
posture straps.
In this instance, the posture straps cross over the proximal outer surface of
the bag beneath
the cover (544).
[0058] Releasable one-way pull-through clasps (538, 540) are also depicted in
broken lines, as they are disposed beneath the cover (544). Each of the clasps
has a release
mechanism by which the user may depress a certain region to allow loosening of
the straps.
In an instance where the clasps are disposed beneath a cover, the cover may
include an
outward indication for the user as to where the depressable region is located
so that the user
need not remove the cover in order to loosen the straps. The posture straps
(526, 528) are
shown in hatched lines beneath the cover (544) to indicate that the straps are
continuous
behind the cover.
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[0059] In this embodiment, elasticized regions (546, 548) are included in
posture
straps (526, 528) at the junction of the connector (530, 532). This optional
elasticized region
may promote extra comfort to the user by providing some flexibility in the
length of the
posture strap once tightened, while still allowing the posture straps to
tighten in a snug-fitting
manner around the user's upper arm.
[0060] In this embodiment, downstream of the clasps (538, 540), no additional
guide
is required to maintain the distal ends (534, 536) of the posture straps in an
appropriate
position to be grasped by the user. This is because the cover may be attached
in such a way
that openings are found primarily at the corners of the cover in order to
allow the posture
straps to pass through.
[0061] The cover may be affixed to the proximal outer surface through any
number of
means, such as velcro, permanent attachment through stitching, zippers, snaps,
buttons, or
any similar means of attachment. The points of attachment may also be selected
according
to the desired design of the backpack.
[0062] Fig. 6 illustrates a backpack (610) according to an embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the posture straps (626, 628) are shown as
thicker straps than
depicted in previous embodiments, for example, Fig. 2. The thickness of the
posture straps
may be selected according to the desired design, and may be selected as thick
or thin for
any variety of reasons. In the embodiments shown here, thicker posture straps
(626, 628)
allow the user extra comfort and support when the straps are tightened against
the upper
arm. Releasable one-way pull-through clasps (638, 640) are shown at the upper
junction of
the posture straps with the proximal outer surface (620) of the bag (612). An
"X"-shaped
sleeve (646) is affixed to the proximal outer surface of the bag, and the
posture straps extend
therethrough in a criss-cross manner. No additional guide is included in this
embodiment,
because the sleeve (646) serves as a guide for the distal ends (634, 636) of
the posture
straps. Portions of the posture straps and clasps drawn in broken lines
indicate that these
features are behind other illustrated features; in the instance of the posture
straps, these are
shown behind the sleeve (646), and in the instance of the right side clasp
(640), it is depicted
behind the shoulder strap (614).
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CA 02552491 2006-07-19
[0063] Fig. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of a backpack (710) according
to the
invention in which the posture straps (726, 728) extend across the proximal
outer surface
(720) of the bag (712) in such a way that the posture straps do not cross each
other. In this
embodiment, a cover (744) is used as a guide, to keep the posture straps in an
appropriate
position, but also to direct the right side posture strap through to the lower
right side of the
proximal outer surface, and the left side strap through to the lower left side
of the proximal
outer surface. Thus, a user will grasp the distal ends (734, 736) of the
posture straps, and
can achieve tightening without requiring the straps to cross each other.
Releasable one-way
pull-through clasps (738, 740) are located at the upper junction of the
posture straps with the
proximal outer surface, but could equally be located at the lower ends. In
this instance, an
additional guide in the form of a clip (742) is provided at the lower end of
the proximal outer
surface, just before the posture straps extend from beneath the cover (744).
An additional
optional feature in this embodiment is a barrier region (748, 750) disposed on
the proximal
outer surface, and beneath the cover (744), so as to guide the posture straps
(726, 728) in
an appropriate manner. In this instance, barrier regions (748, 750) are
achieved by stitching
the cover (744) directly onto the proximal outer surface, in which case, when
the posture
straps are threaded through the clasps (738, 740), past the interior region
defined by the
barrier regions (748, 750), and through clips (742), the straps take on a
defined curve,
allowing a user to pull downwardly and outwardly on the distal ends (734, 736)
of the posture
straps when tightening. This motion promotes the desired use of the mid-
trapezius and
rhomboid muscles, similar to the affect when the posture straps cross each
other across the
proximal outer surface of the backpack, similar to the manner shown in Fig. 2.
[0064] Releasable connectors (730, 732) are illustrated here as round instead
of
rectangular, simply to illustrate that any acceptable type of connector to
affix the posture
straps to the shoulder straps (714) in a releasable manner will be acceptable.
In this
embodiment, although not specifically depicted, a stiffening means can be
included within the
bag (712) that would extend from the right to the left side of the bag. This
would achieve an
additional posture-correcting objective, by providing a straight-backed bag
adjacent to the
user's back. Such a stiffening means may span the entire area of the proximal
outer surface
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CA 02552491 2006-07-19
of the bag, or may span only a portion of the proximal outer surface. The
stiffening means
may be an insert placed within a hidden pocket of the interior of the bag, so
as to be
removable as desired by the user.
[0065] The posture straps are connected to the shoulder straps via a readily
releasable connector. The posture straps are tightened and loosened at the
convenience of
the user, but can also be quickly released. In order to loosen the posture
straps through the
releasable one-way pull-through clasps, it may be desirable for the user to
remove the
backpack from her back. In instances where there is a need for quick release
of the posture
strap, connectors can be readily disengaged without removing the backpack from
the user's
back. For example, a user may need to lift her arm to hold on to an overhead
railing while
standing in a crowded subway car. Due to lack of space, it may be impractical
to remove the
backpack. In such an instance, quick release of the connector allows
detachment of the
posture strap from the shoulder strap, and permits a full range of arm
movement. Suitable
connectors may allow single-point pressure releasability (for example, at the
touch of one
finger), but dual-point pressure release, or other forms of release may
alternatively be used
for the connector. The connecter may optionally be of the type that can be
quickly released
through a particular motion while alternatively releasable through a different
motion of the
user. When the user disengages the connector when removing the backpack, she
may wish
to simultaneously loosen the posture straps through the releasable one-way
pull-though
clasps after each use, so that when the backpack or strap system is worn the
next time, it is
ready for the user to execute the tightening motion again, thereby taking
advantage of the
benefits of the tightening motion.
[0066] Fig. 8 illustrates separate components of a strap system according to
an
embodiment of the invention which may optionally be attachable to a backpack
or other
carrying device. Such components may be provided individually, or together as
a kit. Such a
kit may be provided in order to convert an existing backpack or carrying
device into one
capable of improving the user's posture. The components shown are the chest
strap (822),
including releasable connector (824). This component is optional, because many
backpacks
and carrying devices already include a chest strap. The posture straps (826,
828) are
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CA 02552491 2006-07-19
provided as a removable component, including connectors (830, 832). The
posture straps
extend across the cover (844), which can be added to an existing backpack or
carrying
device to any appropriate means of affixation. In this particular
illustration, a zipper (854,
856) is provided at both the upper and lower edges of the cover (844). Such
zippers would
be connectable to the appropriate region of the back-facing portion of the
backpack or
carrying device. For example, a manufacturer may wish to sew one side of each
zipper onto
the backpack or carrying device, so that the cover (844) could be removed, at
the
convenience of the user.
[0067] The releasable one-way pull-through clasp (838, 840) are depicted at
the
lower corners of the cover (840), in this instance and a guide in the form of
a clip (842) is
shown in each upper corner of the cover (844). In an instance where components
are
provided separately for conversion of an existing backpack or carrying device,
it may be
desirable to affix the clips (842) and one-way pull-through clasps (838, 840)
to the interior
surface of the cover (844), for the convenience of the manufacturer or user.
[0068] In use, the backpack, or other carrying device employing the strap
system of
the invention can be utilized by the user, or ignored and/or removed by the
user when it is
inconvenient to employ the strap system. Thus, a user dons the backpack or
carrying device
in a regular manner, putting shoulder straps over the shoulders, connecting
the chest strap,
and adjusting the distal ends of the shoulder straps to an appropriate length
for optimal
comfort. At this point, the user may choose to affix the posture straps around
the upper arm
of each arm, feeding one side of the connector adjacent the posture strap to
the mating side
of the connector on the shoulder strap. Once the connection of the posture
strap to the
shoulder strap is made, the user simply grasps the distal ends of the posture
straps which
should be dangling at the sides of the user. The user then pulls firmly in an
outward and
downward direction, thereby tightening the straps, pulling the shoulders back,
tightening the
shoulder blades in toward the spine, employing mid-trapezius and rhomboid
muscles. The
tightening action in itself is beneficial to the user, and the end result is
that the user's posture
is corrected for the duration of the time that the backpack or carrying device
is worn.
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CA 02552491 2006-07-19
[0069] For students or others carrying large backpacks for considerable
distances
over the better part of each day, the benefits of improved posture will be
realized quickly. If a
user is simply standing still, for example, waiting for a bus at a bus stop,
or standing in a bus
or subway, the corrected posture will assist the user in positive
reinforcement and muscle
memory of the appropriate posture position.
[0070] In an instance where a user has poor posture, but has no need to carry
a
backpack or other carrying device, it would be possible to provide the strap
system without
any type of bag or carrying device attached to it. In such an instance, it
would only be
necessary to provide straps, for example as shown in Fig. 8, that a user can
tighten in an
appropriate manner. For individuals who are required to sit at desk jobs for
lengthy periods of
time, or stand for lengthy periods of time, such as in retail work, the strap
system may be
incorporated into a garment which may be worn beneath regular clothing.
Alternatively, the
strap system may be incorporated into a unified vest-type item that could be
worn over-top of
clothing, and which could be designed as an attractive article to wear. In
such an instance,
the shoulder straps and chest strap may be provided as one unified component,
which could
be slipped over the head of the user, instead of requiring conventional style
backpack
connectors.
[0071] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended
to be
examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to
the particular
embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of
the invention,
which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
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