Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
HIP WING OF A HIP BELT
BACKGROUND OF THE DESCRIPTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a hip wing of a hip belt
for a backpack
and a backpack.
[0002] Known hip belts comprise a belt having two opposite end
portions and an
attaching portion arranged in-between of the end portions. Such a belt
encircles a hip of a
user for load-distributing a load e.g. carried in a backpack.
[0003] The end portions are adapted such that the circumference of the
belt can
be adjusted to different hips for different users. Usually, the end portions
comprise a
buckle or other means for securing the end portions to each other. The
attaching portion
is adapted for detachably mounting the hip belt to a backpack.
[0004] Further, another commonly known hip belt comprises an attaching
portion
and two opposite hip wings for enclosing a hip of a user. Each hip wing
comprises two
ends, wherein a first end is affixed to the attaching portion and a second end
comprises an
end portion which, is adapted such that the belt's circumference can be
adjusted to the hip
of different users as already mentioned. The end portions comprise a strap
buckle
assembly or other means for securing the end portions to each other so that
the length of
the hip wing enclosing a user's hip is adjustable to the personal conditions
of the user.
[0005] Thus, on one end portion normally a free end of a strap is
positioned,
wherein on the other end portion a buckle having a maze is positioned. The
free end is
guided through the maze forming a pathway which guides the strap. The pathway
and the
maze, respectively, is normally formed by two bars of the buckle displaced to
each other
such that between strap and bars a high friction force is produced.
[0006] For adjusting the length of the strap, the distance of the two
end portions
of the two ends of the hip wing relative to each other is increased or
decreased. This is
done by adapting the length between the two end portions of the belt.
[0007] Further, each hip wing comprises a greater width in comparison to
the
strap so that a high surface area of the hip wing contacts the hip and the hip
bone of a
user, respectively. The broadened hip wings get in contact on the left and on
the right of a
user's hip so that the above mentioned surface area forms a part and a
prolongation of the
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hip and the hip bone, respectively. Thus, a part of the surface area sits on
the user's hip
bone. By this, a load e.g. carried in a backpack can be load-distributed to a
hip of a user.
[00081 Due to the fact that the length of the hip wings are
predetermined and due
to the fact that each user of a hip belt has a different anatomy, especially
with regard to
the hip bone, commonly known hip belts cannot be fitted exactly to each user's
needs.
This is because, for instance, women comprises another hip anatomy in
comparison to
men, wherein men need usually a greater length of the hip wing and the hip
belt,
respectively, to fit and load-distribute optimally to the respective hip.
Thus, different hip
belts for different anatomies have to be produced increasing production costs.
[0009] Further, as a hip belt and its hip wing, respectively, e.g.
encircles optimally
the hip of a first person, the same belt can only encircle a part of hip of a
second person.
This is because e.g. in the first situation the hip belt and its hip wing fit
to the hip bone of
the first person, wherein in the second situation the belt and the wing,
respectively, does
not fit to the hip bone of the second person.
[00101 Even further, during use of a commonly known hip belt with hip wings
some users receive pain from the load carried in a backpack when the load is
supported by
a hip wing to a user's hip. Thus, the user gets an inconvenient feeling of
carrying such a
backpack with such a hip wing, wherein such a hip wing causes pain and limits
the time
for wearing, in particular, limits the time for carrying a backpack.
SUMMARY
[0011] The present subject matter relates to a hip wing of a hip belt
for a backpack
and a backpack.
[00.1.2] According to a first aspect of the subject matter, a hip wing of a
hip belt for
a backpack comprises a size adjusting part and a reinforcing part adjustable
to each other.
Thus, the relative position of both can be freely adjusted. Further, the
reinforcing part
comprises preferably at least one contact means, wherein the size adjusting
part
comprises at least two receiving means. It is also possible that the size
adjusting part
comprises at least one receiving means. Advantageously, an adjusting of both
the at least
one contact means and the at least one or two receiving means is realizable.
[0013] Preferably, the at least one contact means is arranged for
modifiably
adjusting the position of the reinforcing part in relation to the size
adjusting part by
selectively engaging the at least one contact means with one of the at least
two receiving
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means. Advantageously, a selectively engaging of the at least one contact
means can also
be possible with the at least one receiving means. Thus, it is also preferred
that the at least
one contact means is arranged for modifiably adjusting the position of the
reinforcing
part in relation to the size adjusting part by engaging the at least one
contact means with
the at least one receiving means.
[0014] This adjusting allows the relative positioning of the size
adjusting part and
the reinforcing part to each other in relative positions. These relative
positions are
realized by engaging of the at least one contact means with the at least one
or two
receiving means. Preferably, in case of only at least one receiving means the
receiving
means as well as the at least one contact means are adapted to engage each
other in any
freely chosen relative position to each other. This means that preferably the
at least one
receiving means comprises e.g. a rail in which the at least one contact means
can engage.
This can be realized by using a dovetail groove, for instance. Using such a
rail and a
groove, respectively, the relative position of the reinforcing part and the
size adjusting
part to each other can be arbitrarily adjusted.
[0015] In another case, in which for example at least two receiving
means are
used, the sized adjusting part preferably comprises predetermined positions.
In these
positions an engaging of the at least one contact means of the receiving part
can engage.
Thus, relative positions for the reinforcing part in relation to the size
adjusting part can be
predetermined.
[0016] In other words, if using at least one receiving means of a size
adjusting part
the at least one contact means of the reinforcing part is arranged for
modifiably adjusting
the position of the reinforcing part in relation to the size adjusting part in
any desired
position to each other. Further, in case of using at least two receiving means
the relative
position of the at least one contact means of the reinforcing part is arranged
for
modifiably adjusting the position of the reinforcing part in relation to the
size adjusting
part in predetermined position to each other.
[0017] Thus, by choosing a system of engagement of the size adjusting
part with
the reinforcing part the variability of a hip wing of a hip belt for a
backpack can be
increased by the adaption of the relative position of the reinforcing part to
size adjusting
part in either predetermined positions or in any desired position.
[0018] Hence, the size and the length, respectively, of a hip wing of
a hip belt is
modifiably adjustable. Further, the hip wing of the hip belt can be positioned
such to a
user's hip and hip bone, respectively, that the hip wing is optimally fitted
on and to the
hip bones of a user. This allows an optimal load distribution to the user's
hip.
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[0019] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
at least one
contact means is formed by a section of the reinforcing part. Preferably, the
reinforcing
part has two sections, wherein in particular the second section comprises at
least one
contact means, and wherein typically the first section comprises means for
mounting.
Thus, using the means for mounting and mounting means, respectively, the
reinforcing
part of the hip wing can be mounted to another element, member or part of the
hip belt or
a backpack.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
at least one
receiving means or the at least two receiving means comprises a socket. Such a
socket
provides an easy, cost effective and low maintenance realization of a member
adapted for
connecting to another element of the hip wing.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
at least one
contact means of the reinforcing part comprises a first end and a second end
which are
adjacent to each other. Advantageously, the first end and the second end
comprise each at
least one surface facing to each other. Preferably, the first and the second
end of the
reinforcing part are springingly, flexible or elastic mounted such that a
force pushes the
two ends together. In particular, the at least one surface of the first end
and the at least
one surface of the second end are subjected to a force pushing the at least
one surface of .
the first end into the direction of the at least one surface of the second
end.
[0022] In this context, it is preferred that the reinforcing part is formed
in a loop-
shape, in particular in a sigma shape. Moreover, preferably the reinforcing
part comprises
a flexible wire, in particular made of metal, spring steel and/or a
cylindrical piece of steel.
Under the preferred precondition that the reinforcing part is formed in a loop-
shape
having a recess, wherein the recess preferably forms the first and second end,
it is possible
that the section having the recess and the two ends, respectively, is the
second section of
the reinforcing part and the section opposite to the recess and the first and
second end,
respectively, typically is the first section of the reinforcing part.
[0023] By forming a loop-shape an easy and cost effective way of
building a spring
force is realizable. Thus, the first and second end of a loop-shaped
reinforcing part can be
easily pushed together such that the spring force tries to close the recess in
the loop-
shaped reinforcing part.
[0024] A loop can comprise a shape and a loop-shape, respectively,
similar to a
rectangle, wherein the rectangle comprises a recess for realizing a first and
a second end
being adjacent to each other.
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[00251 Preferably, the reinforcing part comprises a sigma shape, in
particular a
shape similar to a sigma. This shape is similar to a loop, wherein the special
form of the
sigma forms a first section and a second section. It is preferred that the
second section has
a first and a second end which are adjacent to each other. Further, it is
preferred that the
first section in which the sigma comprises its special sigma form a mounting
of the
reinforcing part and of the first section, respectively, can be easily
realized. Thus, a
mounting of the reinforcing part is possible to a further member. The
advantage of the
sigma-shape in particular of its closed area opposite to the open ends is that
a vertical
translational movement of such a sigma-shaped reinforcing part can be
restricted.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
reinforcing
part comprises two sections positioned adjacent to each other. Preferably, in
the first
section the reinforcing part is pivotably arrangeable. Thus, by engaging the
at least one
contact means of the reinforcing part with the at least one/two receiving
means of the size
adjusting part for example the reinforcing part is able to pivot about the
size adjusting
part and vice versa.
[0027] Advantageously, in the second section the at least one contact
means of the
reinforcing part is engageable with the adjusting part. Thus, it is possible
to engage and
disengage the reinforcing part with the adjusting part. By this an easy and
reliable way for
connecting and disconnecting the reinforcing part and the adjusting part is
realized.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the at
least two
receiving means of the size adjusting part are arranged in sequence.
Preferably, the at
least two receiving means are positioned such that the length of the hip wing
is variable.
Due to this arrangement the relative position of the reinforcing part and the
size adjusting
part is modifiably adjustable. Thus, the sequence of the receiving means is
adapted to
determine the length of the hip wing. Depending on the distance of the at
least two
receiving means to each other, predetermined positions and a predetermined
length,
respectively, of the hip wing is determined for the respective position of the
at least two
receiving means .
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
size
adjusting part and/or the reinforcing part comprises a locking means,
preferably securing
the reinforcing part to the size adjusting part. Advantageously, the locking
means is a
retaining clamp. Such locking means prevents detaching of the size adjusting
part from
the reinforcing part and vice versa. Thus, the security using a hip wing
having such a
locking means can be enhanced. An easy and cost efficient solution for a
locking means is
a retaining clamp. This clamp typically clamps the reinforcing part and
preferably one of
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its ends (first end, second end) and at least one contact means, respectively,
in a position
in which a disengaging of the end with the size adjusting part can be
prevented. Clamping
can be improved by a groove provided on the at least one contact means, in
particular at
the ends of the reinforcing part.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
reinforcing
part and the size adjusting part comprise a curved-shape, preferably adapted
to human
hip. Thus, a hip belt and its hip wing, respectively, encircle optimally a hip
of a user such
that a load carried in a backpack can be load-distributed to the hip bone of
the user in an
optimal manner. Hence, a convenient comfort in carrying and wearing,
respectively, of a
hip wing can be realized.
[0031] Preferably, the size adjusting part forms an
extension of the curved-shape
of the reinforcing part. Thus, the curved-shaped of the reinforcing part can
be optimally
prolonged such that an adaption to human hip of different and several users,
respectively,
=
is realized.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
contours of
the reinforcing part and the size adjusting part are adapted to each other. By
this, an
extension of e.g. the curved-shaped of the reinforcing part is possible in a
telescopic
manner. This allows a perfectly fitted hip wing to human hips of different
users.
[0033] According to a further embodiment of the present
subject matter, the
reinforcing part and/or the size adjusting part comprise a hook-and¨loop
fastener for
attaching a pad. A pad typically comprises a surface having a convenient
wearing comfort
for a user. Due to the hook and loop fastener an easy way for cleaning the pad
is realized.
Further, depending on the relative position of the size adjusting part to the
reinforcing
part a pad adapted to the size and the distance of the aforementioned part,
respectively, is
positionable to the reinforcing part and/or the size adjusting part.
[0034] According to a second aspect of the present subject
matter, a hip belt has a
central bridging section, at least one hinge, and at least one hip wing,
wherein the at least
one hinge pivotably connects the at least one hip wing to the central bridging
section.
[0035] Such an embodiment with the at least one hinge
guarantees that the at
least one hip wing is pivotable to the central bridging section and vice
versa. Thus, an
adaption to a human hip of such a hip belt is realizable. Further, the
pivoting allows an
adaption to different hips such that a hip wing and a hip belt, respectively,
of the present
invention is usable for e.g. a woman and a man.
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[0036] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
hip wing
employed in the second aspect can be structured as discussed for the first
aspect and
corresponding embodiments.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
at least one
hinge comprises at least one pivoting area. The pivoting area preferably
comprises a
contact area such that a bending above the pivoting area is restricted.
Advantageously, the
at least one hinge is arranged at the central bridging section. Thus, in case
of a mounting
of the central bridging section to a backpack the at least one hip wing is
pivotable about
the hinge, the at least one hinge and the central bridging section,
respectively.
[0038] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the at
least one
hinge comprises two pivoting areas spaced from each other. This further
enhances the
prevention of bending moments and movements, respectively, so that the
mechanical
stability of such an arrangement is enhanced. Preferably, the two pivoting
areas comprise
a common pivoting axis. This guarantees an easy and smooth running movement of
the at
least one hip wing about the central bridging section.
[0039] According to a further embodiment of the present subject
matter, the
reinforcing part is guided by the at least one hinge. Thus, the pivoting
movement of the
reinforcing part of the at least one hip wing is guided in its rotation by the
at least one
hinge. Hence, the at least one hinge specifies the movement of the reinforcing
part about
the hinge and the central bridging section, respectively.
[0040] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
reinforcing
part comprises a U-shaped segment restricting the relative movement in the
direction
substantially parallel to a pivoting axis of the hinge. This means that the
reinforcing part
comprises at least one segment which is not aligned in line with a common
pivoting axis
of the two pivoting areas and one pivoting area, respectively, so that a
movement of the
reinforcing part along the pivoting axis is restricted.
[0041] Preferably, the U-shaped form is positioned between two
pivoting areas of
the at least one hinge. As already explained above, the U-shaped form realizes
that a part
of the reinforcing part is not coaxially aligned to a pivoting axis of the
hinge. This part is
arranged outside of a pivoting area of the at least one hinge such that the U-
shaped form
is positioned adjacent to a pivoting area. Thus, the U abuts on the at least
one hinge. This
abutment restricts a translational movement of the reinforcing part in the
direction
substantially parallel to the pivoting axis of the at least one hinge.
[0042] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
at least one
hinge comprises a bushing. Such a bushing enhances a rotation movement. Thus,
the
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rotation of the reinforcing part about the central bridging section and the at
least one
hinge, respectively, is enhanced due to a reduction of friction.
[0043] According to a third aspect of the present subject
matter, a backpack has a
hip belt extending substantially in a horizontal direction, and a supporting
element
stiffening the backpack and extending in a substantially vertical direction,
wherein the
supporting element and the hip belt are relatively moveable to each other.
Thus, a relative
movement of the hip belt concerning the supporting element of the backpack is
realizable.
Such a movement allows a perfect adaption to the movement of a user of a
backpack while
carrying such a backpack with a load. Hence, a convenient wearing comfort is
provided
together with a mechanical stability of a hip belt with a backpack having a
supporting
element.
[0044] According to an embodiment of the present subject
matter, the backpack
employed in the third aspect can be structured as discussed for the first
aspect plus
corresponding embodiments and/or for the second aspect plus corresponding
embodiments.
[0045] According to an embodiment of the present subject
matter, the hip belt is
detachably mounted to the supporting element. This allows an easy and
comfortable
adjustment of the hip belt to a user's hip such that a load carried in a
backpack can be
perfectly distributed on the user's hip and hip bone, respectively. Thus, an
adaption of the
hip belt to the anatomy of the user can be done before wearing a backpack
having a hip
belt.
[0046] According to an embodiment of the present subject
matter, the supporting
element having two ends comprises a seat element connecting the supporting
element to
the hip belt. Advantageously, the seat element is adapted to transfer forces
from the
supporting element and the load carried in the backpack, respectively, to the
hip belt.
Preferably, the seat element is arranged at an end of the supporting element.
Thus, the
seat element builds the lowest point of the supporting element at which the
hip belt can
be connected. Hence, all the forces acting on a backpack having a supporting
element are
transferred to the seat element which transfers the forces received to the
connected hip
belt and the user's hip and hip bone, respectively.
[0047] According to an embodiment of the present subject
matter, a central
bridging section of the hip belt comprises a latching element mounting the hip
belt to the
supporting element. By this, an unintentional detaching of the hip belt from
the
supporting element and the seat element, respectively, can be restricted. The
latching
= 35 element is preferably constructed such that only an active
intervention of a user allows
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solving and detaching, respectively, of the hip belt from the supporting
element of the
backpack.
[0048] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
hip belt is
tiltable about the seat element of the supporting element. This means that a
movement of
a user's hip and hip bone, respectively, is mainly independent from the
movement of the
supporting element. Thus, by decoupling the rotational movement of the hip
bone of a
user with the rotational movement of a backpack a user wearing such a backpack
saves
energy. This is because the backpack mainly remains in its orientation
relative to the user
while the user moves his/her hip bone during carrying the backpack.
[0049] According to a further embodiment of the present subject matter, the
hip
belt is mountable to the supporting element by engaging the latching element
with the
seat element of the supporting element. Thus, an easy way for connecting the
hip belt with
the supporting element is realizable. Moreover, it is preferred that the hip
belt is
detachable by disengaging the latching element from the seat element. This
means that by
activating and using, respectively, the latching element can be disengaged
from the seat
element. Such a disconnecting and disengaging, respectively, allows a perfect
adaption of
a hip belt to a user's hip bone. Again, the adaption optimally transfers loads
from the
backpack to the hip belt and the hip of a user, respectively due to a load
distribution to the
hip.
[0050] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the hip
belt is
pivotably arranged such that the hip belt is rotatable at least in a direction
substantially
perpendicular to the extending direction of the supporting element.
[0051] Such a rotation movement allows an independent movement of the
backpack and the hip belt, respectively. Thus, while carrying a backpack the
hip of a user
normally makes a pivoting movement which can be compensated by the pivotable
arrangement of the hip belt to the supporting element. This enhances the
wearing comfort
as carrying such a backpack is more convenient to a user.
[0052] Preferably, the hip belt is arranged at the supporting element
in a
gyroscopic way. Such allows a three dimensional movement of the hip belt,
wherein this
movement is decoupled from the movement of the backpack and the supporting
element,
respectively. Thus, an enhanced decoupling of the movements of the hip belt
and the
backpack is realized. Such a mounting enhances the wearing comfort for a user.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the
seat
element and the latching element form a snap-in-mounting. This is an easy and
reliable
way to connect the hip belt with the supporting element. Such a mounting is
also cost
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efficient and has a low maintenance. Preferably, the latching element snaps
into the seat
element. Advantageously, the latching element is formed like a slot having a
hook and an
end of the seat element is formed like a recess which is engageable with the
hook.
[0054] Moreover, it is preferred that the seat element comprises a
through hole.
By this a rotation about the hole of the hip belt can be easily realized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure ta shows a plan view of a size adjusting part and a reinforcing
part of a hip
wing in a first relative position to each other;
Figure tb shows a plan view of a size adjusting part and a reinforcing
part of the hip
wing disengaged from each other;
Figure ic shows a plan view of a size adjusting part and a reinforcing
part of the hip
wing in a second relative position to each other;
Figure 2a shows a hip belt with two hip wings in a first position;
Figure 2b shows a hip belt with two hip wings;
Figure 2C shows a hip belt with two hip wings in a second position;
Figure 2d shows the hip belt of figure 2c having a cover on each hip
wing;
Figure 2e shows the hip belt of Figure 2d in a back view together with
three pads;
Figure 2f shows a plan view of the hip belt of Figure 2e with one assembled
pad;
Figure 3a shows a plan view of backpack with a supporting element a hip
belt in a
first position;
Figure 3b shows a plan view of backpack with a supporting clement a hip
belt in a
second position;
Figure 4a shows an enlarged plan view of Figure 3b;
Figure 4b shows a cross-section along line A-A shown in Figure 4a; and
Figure 5a shows a hip belt in a three-dimensional view;
Figure 5b shows a backpack with the hip belt of Figures 2g and the
supporting
element of Figure 3b in an attached positioned and in different rotating
angles.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0055] In the following an embodiment of the present subject matter is
explained
based on the drawings. It is noticed that the drawings show a specific
embodiment as
explained below and further alternative modifications as specified in the
description are
at least in part not illustrated. Further, same reference signs used in the
figures denote
same components.
EMBODIMENT
[0056] An embodiment of a hip wing 1 of a hip belt 20 of the present
subject
matter is shown in a plan view in Figure 1.The hip wing i comprises a size
adjusting part 2
and a reinforcing part 3 which are positioned in a first relative position to
each other. The
size adjusting part 2 comprises six receiving means 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f for
engaging with
the reinforcing part 3. The receiving means are ¨ as shown ¨ arranged in
sequence. The
sequence consists of a matrix having three columns and two rows. Each
receiving means
is constructed as a socket in which a further component can be introduced for
engaging.
[0057] The sockets of a row are oriented in the same direction.
However, the
sockets of the two columns and each column, respectively, comprise two sockets
oriented
in different positions. This means that e.g. the sockets 5e, 5f engaged by the
receiving
means 3 forms a "V", wherein the "V" has its open side directed to the left
and its acute
side to the right. By this, the rotation angle of the reinforcing part 3 about
the sockets 5a,
5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f of the size adjusting part 2 can be limited. Thus, the
orientation of the
sockets 5a-5f relative to each other influences the rotation of the
reinforcing part 3 about
the size adjusting part 2. Hence, the orientation of the sockets functions as
a stiff joint so
that the reinforcing part 3 and the size adjusting part 2 act as one part.
[0058] The reinforcing part 3 comprises two contact means 4a, 4b which
engage
with and are introduced into, respectively, the sockets 5e, 5f. Due to this
engagement a
first length Li of the hip wing 1 is realized, wherein the length Li is
measured from one
end of the reinforcing part 3 to the opposite end of the size adjusting part
2. Thus, the
maximum length of the hip wing i is characterized by the length Li in Figure
Ia.
[0059] Figure ib shows a plan view of the size adjusting part 2 and
the reinforcing
part 3 of the hip wing 1 disengaged from each other. By this, the whole size
adjusting part
2 and the whole reinforcing part 3 are shown separately, wherein the shape of
the
reinforcing part 3 is depicted.
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[0060] The reinforcing part 3 comprises a flexible wire having a round
cross-
section, wherein the wire is made of spring steel. Also other steel or metal
is possible.
Moreover, the reinforcing part 3 is formed in a sigma-shape. The sigma shape
comprises
three U-shaped segments Ut, U2, U3, wherein Ut connects U2 to U3. Further, U2
and U3
comprise the same shape, but, U3 is upside down with regard to U2. The open
end of the
U-shaped Ut is oriented to the left, wherein the open ends of U2 and U3 face
each other.
[0061] The reinforcing part 3 comprises two sections 6a, 6b positioned
adjacent to
each other. In the first section 6a the reinforcing part 3 can be pivotably
arranged, in
particular at the portions connecting the Ui segment with the U2 and U3
segments,
respectively. Further, in the portions connecting the segments U1 with U2 and
Ut with U3
a mounting of the reinforcing part 3 is realized so that it is possible to
mount the
reinforcing part 3 to a further member.
[0062] In the second section 6b the reinforcing part 3 comprises a
recess and a
gap, respectively. Due to this gap a first and second end 4a, 4b are built
forming the
contact means 4a, 4b of the reinforcing part 3. Due to the U-shape of U2 and
U3,
respectively, the ends 4a, 4b are formed like a hook (e.g. formed in an "L"-
shape) in the
second section 6b.
[0063] Further, the hook-formed contact means and the ends 4a, 4b,
respectively,
are engageable with the size adjusting part 2 as can be seen in Figures ta and
lc. For this,
the ends 4a, 4b are introduced into sockets 5a-5f. In order to hold the ends
4a, 4b reliably
in the sockets, the first and the second hook-formed end 4a, 4b of the
reinforcing part 3
are springingly mounted such that a force pushes the two ends 4a, 4b together
for closing
the sigma-shape. Such a spring force is generated by the sigma-shape in
combination with
e.g. spring steel for the reinforcing part 3.
[0064] By forming the sigma-shape an easy and cost effective way of
building a
spring and a spring force, respectively, is realized. Thus, the first 4a and
second end 4b of
the sigma-shaped reinforcing part 3 are pushed together such that the spring
force tries to
close the recess in the second section 6b of the sigma-shaped reinforcing part
3.
[0065] In case that a material is used having no spring
characteristics, it is also
possible that the size adjusting part and the reinforcing part 3 and its first
and second end
4a, 4b comprise locking means securing the reinforcing part 3 to the size
adjusting part 2.
In this context, it is preferred that the reinforcing part 3 comprises e.g. a
groove as a
locking means in which a retaining clamp being a locking means of the size
adjusting part
2 engages the first and the second end 4a, 4b, respectively. Thus, the ends of
the
reinforcing part 3 cannot be disengaged from and pulled out of the sockets 5a
to 5f,
12
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
respectively, of the size adjusting part 2. This is because each retaining
clamp abuts
against the size adjusting part and restricting thus the movement of the
reinforcing part 3.
[0066] In Figure ia the spring force generated by the sigma-shaped
reinforcing
part 3 holds the first and second end 4a, 4b and the contact means,
respectively, in the
sockets 5e and 5f. Same is shown in Figure ic, whereas the first and second
end 4a, 41) are
engaged in the sockets 5a and 5b. However, in Figure lb a force acts in
opposite directions
to the spring force of the reinforcing part 3. This means that the segments U2
und U3 and
the first and second end 4a, 4b of the reinforcing part 3, respectively, are
moved in
opposite directions (U3 upwards and U2 downwards). By this, the first and
second end
4, 41) are disengaged from the sockets 5e, 5f of Figure ia. Thus, two
disconnected parts
(the reinforcing part 3 and the size adjusting part 2) are obtained as shown
in Figure
[0067] Moreover, by comparing Figure ia with Figure lib, a force
acting on the
segments U2 und U3 in Figure ib against the spring force of the sigma-shape
increases
the distance D between the first and second end 4a, 4b. Thus, the distance D
in Figure ib
is greater than in comparison to Figure ia or also Figure
[0068] This increase in distance D also enables an engagement of the
contact
means 4a, 4b with the receiving means 5a-5f and the sockets, respectively, in
another
position as shown e.g. in Figure
[0069] Figure ic shows the hip wing 1 of the hip belt 20 of the
present subject
matter in a plan view, wherein the size adjusting part 2 and the reinforcing
part 3 are
positioned in a second relative position to each other.
[0070] In this second relative position the first and second end 4a,
4b of the
reinforcing part 3 are engaged in the sockets 5a, 5b. Due to this engagement a
second
length L2 of the hip wing i is realized, wherein the length L2 is measured
from one end of
the reinforcing part 3 to the opposite end of the size adjusting part 2. Thus,
the maximum
length of the hip wing i is characterized by the length L2 in Figure
[0071] By this, a greater length L2 in comparison to the length Li
shown in Figure
ni is realized. Thus, such a hip wing 1 can be worn and fitted, respectively,
to another hip
of a person in comparison to that one shown in Figure
[0072] Moreover, with regard to Figures ia to ic also a third relative
position of
the size adjusting part 2 and the reinforcing part 3 is realizable. Because
the contact
means 4a, 4b can also engage the sockets 5c and 5d of the size adjusting part
2. By this, a
third length L3 of the hip wing 1 can be adjusted, wherein the length L3 is
greater than Li,
but shorter than L2. Hence, L3 comprises a length between Li and L2.
13
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
[0073] Thus, the six receiving means 5a-5f and the sockets,
respectively, are
positioned such on the size adjusting part 2 that the length L of the hip wing
1 is variable.
This is realized by the arrangement in a sequence having a matrix of three
columns and
two rows. For further relative positions of the size adjusting part 2 to the
reinforcing part
3 it is possible that further sockets are arranged at the size adjusting part.
Moreover, also
the distance of the sockets to each other can be varied to change the length
of the hip wing
1.
[0074] Summarizing the above, the size adjusting part 2 and the
reinforcing part 3
are adjustable to each other. This is realized as the contact means 4a, 4b of
the reinforcing
part 3 are arranged for modifiably adjusting the position of the reinforcing
part 3 in
relation to the size adjusting part 2 by selectively engaging the contact
means 4a, 41) with
the receiving means 5a-5f.
[0075] Figure 2a shows a hip belt 20 with two hip wings 1 in a first
length L4. The
hip belt 20 comprises a central bridging section 21, two hinges 22a, 22b and
two hip
wings la, ib, wherein the hinges are arranged on opposite sides of the central
bridging
section 21. Each hip wing la, ib has a reinforcing part 3a, 3h and a size
adjusting part 2a,
2h, wherein contact means 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and first and second ends 4a, 4b, 4c,
4d,
respectively, engage sockets and receiving means 5e, 5f, 5k, 51, respectively.
[0076] Due to this engagement a first length 4 of the hip belt 20 is
realized,
wherein the length 4 is measured from an end of the left size adjusting part
2a to the
opposite end of the right size adjusting part 2b. Thus, the maximum length of
the hip belt
20 is characterized by the relative position of the reinforcing parts 3a, 3b
and the size
adjusting parts 2a, 2b.
[0077] For a more detailed description of the hip wings la, 1.1) it is
referred to
Figures la to lc as a hip wing 1 is there already described. This description
of the hip wing
1 of Figures la to lc applies by analogy, whereby the contact means 4e, 4d of
the left wing
la are engagable with the sockets and the receiving means 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k,
51,
respectively. Thus, the length of the left hip belt is also adjustable.
[00781 The hinges 22a, 22h and the hip wings la, lb, respectively, are
spaced from
each other in a horizontal direction H. Further, the hinges pivotably connect
the hip wings
la, lb to the central bridging section 21. Thus, the hip wings la, lb are
rotatable about the
central bridging section 21.
[0079] In the following for the sake of ease only the right hip wing
la of the hip
belt 20 is described, wherein the explanations made apply also for the left
hip wing ib by
analogy. Further, it is referred to the description of Figures la to lc
concerning
14
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
explanations of the hip wing. These explanations made to Figures ia to lc also
apply here
by analogy.
[0080] The right hinge 22a comprises two pivoting areas 23a, 23b which
are
spaced from each other in a vertical direction V, wherein the pivoting areas
23a, 23b have
a common pivoting axis A. The space between the areas 23a, 23b enhances the
prevention
of bending moments so that the mechanical stability of such an arrangement is
enhanced.
[0081] The hinge 22a and the pivoting areas 23a, 23b, respectively,
guide the
reinforcing part 3a, in particular in the first section 6a of the reinforcing
part 3a of the hip
wings la. Further, the hinge 22 comprises a bushing (not shown) which allows a
reliable
rotation of the reinforcing part 3a together with the size adjusting part 2a
about the
pivoting axis A.
100821 The hinge 22a and the pivoting areas 23a, 23b, respectively,
extend mainly
in a vertical direction V such that a rotational movement of the reinforcing
part 3a about
the axis A is guaranteed.
[0083] Between the two pivoting areas 23a, 23b of the hinge 22a the
reinforcing
part 3a comprises the U-shaped segment Ut which is already explained with
regard to
Figures la to lc. The U-shaped segment Ut restricts a movement of the
reinforcing part 3a
relative to the central bridging section 21 in a direction substantially
parallel to the
pivoting area axis A of the hinge 22a. Hence, due to the two-part hinge 22
having the two
pivoting areas 23a, 23b only a rotational movement of the reinforcing means 3a
relative to
the central bridging section 21 is possible, whereas a translational movement
is restricted.
[0084] The sigma-shaped reinforcing part 3a is an easy and cost
effective way of
forming a spring and a spring force, respectively. The spring force acts on
the first 4a and
second end 41) of the sigma-shaped reinforcing part 3a so that the ends 4a, 4b
are pushed
together such that the spring force tries to close the recess in the second
section 6b of the
sigma-shaped reinforcing part 3a.
[0085] As shown in Figure 2b, the first end 4a as well as the second
end 4b of the
reinforcing part 3a is bent without any translational movement of the
reinforcing part 3a
in comparison to Figure la. For bending a force acts in opposite directions to
the spring
force of the reinforcing part 3a. This means that the segments U2 und U3 and
the first
and second end 4a, 4b of the reinforcing part 3a, respectively, are moved in
opposite
directions (U3 upwards and U2 downwards). Thus, the first and second end 4a,
4b are
disengaged from the sockets 5e, 5f of Figure 2a. Hence, the reinforcing part
3a is
disconnected from the size adjusting part 2a as shown in Figure 2b. And thus,
the first
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
and second end 4a, 4b of the reinforcing part 3 with the sockets 5e, 5f of the
size adjusting
part 2a is disengaged.
[0086] In other words, a bending force acts on the segments U2 und U3
in Figure
2b against the spring force of the sigma-shaped reinforcing means 3. Thus, the
distance D
between the first and second end 4a, 4b is increased, wherein the distance D
in Figure 2b
is greater than in comparison to Figure 2a or also Figure 2c.
[0087] This increase in distance D also enables an engagement of the
contact
means 4a, 4b with the receiving means 5a-5f and the sockets, respectively, in
another
position as shown e.g. in Figure 2a comparing with Figure 2c. Due to the
bending of the
first and second end portions 4a, 4b of the reinforcing part 3a, the size
adjusting part 2a ¨
as shown in Figure 2b ¨ is detached from the hip belt 20.
[0088] Figure 2c shows a hip belt 20 with two hip wings 1 in a second
length L5. In
this Figure the size adjusting part 2a of the hip wing la of Figure 2b is
attached to the
reinforcing part 3a and the central bridging section 21, respectively.
Further, the first and
the second ends 4a, 4b are again attached to the size adjusting part 2a, but,
in other
sockets 5a, 5b as shown in comparison to Figure 2a. Same applies for the left
hip wing ib
by analogy.
[0089] As can be easily understood with regard to Figures 2a and 2b,
the length L5
of the hip belt 20 as shown in Figure 2C is greater than the length L4 of the
hip belt 20 as
shown in Figure 2a. Thus, the length of the hip belt 20 is variable and
adaptable to
different human being's hip anatomy.
[0090] Figure 2d shows the hip belt 20 of Figure 2c having a cover
3oa, 30b on the
hip wings la, ib. The covers comprise a cushion absorbing shocks from the hip
belt 20 to
e.g. the back of a user. Further, the reinforcing part 3a, 3b and/or the size
adjusting part
2a, 21) can comprise on a surface a hook-and-loop fastener for attaching the
covers 3oa,
30b to of the parts 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. This realizes an easy and reliable
connection between
two parts 2, 3 and the covers 3oa, 30b.
[0091] Figure 2e shows the hip belt 20 of Figure 2d in a back view
together with
three different pads 31a, 31b, 31c. The pads 31 differ with regard to their
width Wi, W2,
W3. This is because of the adjustability of the hip wing 1 and the size
adjusting part 2 in
connection with the reinforcing part 3, respectively. Because of the
adjustability of the size
adjusting part 2 relative to the reinforcing part 3 and the central bridging
section 21,
respectively, the length of the hip belt 20 is variable. Thus, the distance
between the
covers 3oa, 30b differs. Depending on that distance and the length of the hip
belt 20,
respectively, the corresponding pad 31a, 31b, 31c is used. This means the
greater the
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
length of the hip belt 20 the greater the pad 31a, 31b, 31c, wherein the pad
31a comprises
the largest width Wi and 31c the smallest width W3. Further, instead of using
three parts,
namely two covers and one pad, only a one-part pad can be used.
[0092] Further, also the pads 31a, 31b, 31c use ciishioning means to
absorb shocks
from the hip belt 20 and its central bridging section 21, respectively, to the
back of a user.
Moreover, the pads 31a, 31b, 31c as well as the central bridging section 21
comprise a
surface having a hook-and-loop fastener to detachably mount a pad to the
central
bridging section 21.
[0093] Figure 2f shows a plan view of the hip belt 20 of Figure 2e
with one
assembled pad. More precisely, in Figure 2f the pad 3m having a mating surface
is
attached to the hip belt 20 and its central bridging section 21, respectively,
also having a
mating surface. The mating surfaces comprise as already mentioned a hook-and-
loop
fastener. Due to the assembled pad 3m a continuous area is realized giving a
comfortable
feeling to a user wearing such a hip belt 20.
[0094] Figure 3a shows a plan view of backpack 40 with a supporting element
41
and a hip belt 20, wherein the hip belt 20 extends substantially in a
horizontal direction H
and the supporting element 41 stiffens the backpack 40 and extends in a
substantially
vertical direction V.
[0095] The supporting element 41 comprises a mainly rectangular solid
shape and
has two ends 4m, 41b and a seat element 42. The seat element 42 serves for
connecting
the supporting element 41 to the hip belt 20. Further, the seat element 42 is
arranged at
the lower end 41b of the supporting element 41. As can be further seen in
Figure 3a, the
seat element 42 comprises a through hole 42a which is adapted to engage with a
latching
element 43 of the central bridging section 21 of the hip belt 20.
[0096] The central bridging section 21 comprises the latching element 43
which
mounts and holds, respectively, the hip belt 20 to the supporting element 41,
wherein the
central bridging section 21 and the hip belt 20, respectively, is detachably
mounted to the
supporting element 41. The latching element 43 is adapted such that the
element engages
with the through hole 42a of the seat element 42. Due to this arrangement, the
supporting
element 41 and the hip belt 20 are relatively moveable to each other.
[0097] Whereas in Figure 3a the supporting element 31 and tile hip
belt 20 are
disengaged from each other, Figures 3b shows the second end 41b of the
supporting
element 41 engaged with the hip belt 20 and its central bridging section 21,
respectively.
Thus, the latching element 43 interacts with the through hole 42a so that a
relative
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
translational movement of the central bridging section 21 and the supporting
element 41
of the backpack 40 is restricted along the vertical direction V.
[0098] Figure
4a shows an enlarged plan view of Figure 3b, wherein the
supporting element 41 is engaged with the bridging section 21. As shown, the
latching
element 43 comprises a round shape so that the hip belt 20 is tiltable about
the seat
element 42 of the supporting element 41. In other words, due to the round
shape of the
latching element 43 and the through hole 42a in which the latching element
engages a
rotational movement of the central bridging section 21 relative to the
supporting element
41 is possible, wherein the rotation axis is oriented substantially
perpendicular to the
plane of projection of Figure 4a.
[0099] Further,
the seat element 42 and the latching element 43 form a snap-in-
mounting 44, wherein the latching element 43 snaps into the seat element 42
and its
through hole 42a, respectively.
[00100] Figure
4b is a cross-section along line A-A of Figure 4a. Figure 4b shows
the central bridging section 21 and the latching element 43 in cross section,
wherein the
latching element is formed like a slot 45 for receiving the supporting element
41 and its
seat element 42, respectively, inside.
[00101] At a
lower closed end opposite to an open end at which the supporting
element 41 is received, the central bridging section 21 of the hip belt 20
comprises
mentioned latching element 43 for mounting the hip belt 20 to the supporting
element 41.
[00102] The
latching element 43 comprises a hook for engaging with the seat
element 42 and the through hole 42a, respectively, of the supporting element
41. The
hook is elastically deformable. Thus, the hook of the latching element 43 is
movable for
engaging and disengaging the supporting element 41 with and from,
respectively, the
central bridging section 21. Further, for enhancing the mechanical stability
the supporting
element 41 comprises a protrusion 46. This protrusion serves as an additional
support
restricting bending moments while the supporting element 41 is introduced in
the slot 45
of the central bridging section 21 (see Figure 4b).
[00103] IAThen
the end 411 of the supporting element 41 and its seat element 42,
respectively, engages the slot 45 of the central bridging section 21 the
latching element 43
and the hook 43a, respectively, are pressed in a horizontal direction to the
outside of the
slot 45 and the central bridging section 21, respectively. After the seat
element 42 and the
end 41b, respectively, has passed by the latching element 43, the hook snaps
into the
trough hole 420 of the seat element 42. Thus, the supporting element 41 is
translationally
fixed to the central bridging section 21.
18
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
[00104] While the hip belt 20 is mountable to the supporting element 41
by
engaging of the latching element 43 with the seat element 42 of the supporting
element
41, the hip belt 20 is also detachable by disengaging the latching element 43
from the seat
element 42. This is done by pressing the latching element 43 and the hook 43a,
respectively, in the horizontal direction H such that the hook moves to the
outside of the
central bridging section 21. By this, the through hole of the supporting
element 41 and the
end 41b, respectively, is not engaged anymore by the latching element 43.
Thus, the
supporting element 41 can be moved in the vertical direction V relative to the
hip belt 20.
By this, a position similar shown in Figure 3a is obtained.
[00105] Figure 5a shows a hip belt 20 in a three-dimensional view. In
particular,
Figure 5a shows the hip belt 20 of Figure 2c in the second position in which
the hip belt
comprises its largest width. Moreover, the reinforcing part 3 and the size
adjusting part 2
have a curved shape. This shape is adapted to a human hip such that a load
carried in the
backpack 40 can be easily carried and load-distributed to a human hip and the
hip bone,
respectively. Further, the size adjusting part 2 forms an extension of the
curved shape of
the reinforcing part 3. Thus, the curved-shaped of the reinforcing part 3a, 3b
can be
optimally prolonged such that an adaption to human hip of different and
several users,
respectively, is realized.
[00106] Figure 5b shows a backpack 40 with the hip belt 20 of Figures 3
to 5. The
supporting element 41 is attached to the hip belt 20. In particular, it is
shown that the hip
belt 20 is pivotably arranged such that the hip belt 20 is rotatable in a
direction
substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the supporting
element 41.
Moreover, three rotational positions of the hip belt 20 relative to the
supporting element
42 are shown, wherein the hip belt 20 is rotatable about an axis substantially
perpendicular to the plane of projection.
*
19
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
REFERENCE SIGNS
1 Hip wing
ia Hip wing
11) Hip wing
2 Size adjusting part
2a Reinforcing part
2b Reinforcing part
3 Reinforcing part
3a Size adjusting part
3b Size adjusting part
4a Contact means
4b Contact means
4c Contact means
4d Contact means
5a Receiving means, sockets
5b Receiving means, sockets
5c Receiving means, sockets
5d Receiving means, sockets
5e Receiving means, sockets
5f Receiving means, sockets
5g Receiving means
5h Receiving means
5i Receiving means
Receiving means
5k Receiving means
51 Receiving means
6a Section
6b Section
20 Hip belt
21 Central bridging section
22a Hinge
221) Hinge
23a Pivoting area
23b Pivoting area
30a Cover
30b Cover
31 Pad
CA 02873559 2014-12-08
3ia Pad
31b Pad
31e Pad
40 Backpack
41 Supporting element
41a. Upper end of supporting element
41b Lower end of supporting element
42 Seat element
42a Through hole
43 Latching element
43a Hook
44 Snap-in mounting
45 Slot
46 Protrusion
A Pivoting axis
Distance
Horizontal direction
Li Length of hip wing
L2 Length of hip wing
L3 Length of hip wing
L4 Length of hip belt
L5 Length of hip belt
Ui Segment
U2 Segment
U3 Segment
V Vertical direction
Wi Width of a pad
W2 Width of a pad
W3 Width of a pad
21
