Patent Grant
10165846
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of backpacks with hip belts and compression straps to stabilize the load of the backpack on a user's body and the cargo within the backpack, and more specifically to backpacks with hip belts and compression straps that are cooperatively adjusted.
Backpacks generally are configured to be worn on a user's back via a pair of shoulder straps and to carry a load. Backpacks may be configured to be utilized while engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, running, road cycling, and mountain biking, in which the user's motion may agitate and/or jostle the contents of the backpack. Thus, backpacks configured to be utilized during such activities may include one or more compression straps configured to compress a volume of the backpack to stabilize the load enclosed therein, thereby restricting the contents of the backpack from shifting with respect to each other and with respect to the backpack. Additionally, backpacks configured to be utilized while engaging in outdoor activities may include a pair of hip belts configured to be selectively secured around a user's waist to snugly secure the backpack and its load relative to the user's body to further stabilize the load on the user's back. Such hip belts also may serve to transfer a portion of a weight of the load from the user's shoulders to the user's hips.
Backpacks that include compression straps as well as hip belts generally permit adjustment of a degree of compression produced by the compression straps as well as a fit of the hip belt around the user's waist. Each compression strap and hip belt may include an accompanying adjustment strap, each of which may need to be adjusted independently to achieve the desired fit and degree of compression. For example, a backpack may require a user to adjust each of a pair of compression straps to symmetrically compress a load within the backpack, and to separately adjust each of a pair of hip belts to symmetrically adjust the fit of the backpack around the user's waist, thus requiring independent adjustment of each of a total of four adjustment straps. Additionally, under- or over-compression of the load may render it difficult to properly adjust the hip belt size without needing to revisit the compression adjustment. Hence, adjusting each of the hip belt size and the degree of compression may require an iterative process to optimize both the fit and compression of the backpack, which may be frustrating and/or time-consuming. Furthermore, in some cases, the compression adjustment straps may not be readily accessible to the user when the user wears the backpack, further complicating the fit and compression optimization process. Additionally, in some cases, the presence of several adjustment straps may be cumbersome and/or may introduce a risk of the user inadvertently tightening or releasing the adjustment straps while wearing the backpack and engaging in recreational activities. In some further cases, a backpack may be configured such that the hip belts and compression straps are adjusted simultaneously and by an equal amount, which may result in over and/or under tightening of the hip belt and/or compression of the load and thus preclude both from being independently adjusted to a desired degree. Thus, there exists a need for backpacks with cooperatively adjusted hip belts and compression straps that are simple, easy, and intuitive to adjust.
Backpacks with cooperatively adjusted hip belt segments and compression strap segments are disclosed herein. A backpack includes a pack body that includes at least one storage compartment, at least one shoulder strap operatively coupled to the pack body and configured to at least partially support the backpack upon a user's shoulders when the user wears the backpack, and a belt assembly configured to extend around the user's waist when the user wears the backpack.
The pack body includes a back panel configured to lie adjacent to the user's back when the user wears the backpack and an exterior panel that faces away from the back panel. The exterior panel is at least partially separated from the back panel by a storage compartment of the at least one storage compartment.
The belt assembly includes at least one compression strap segment configured to selectively adjust a pack volume of the pack body; at least one hip belt segment configured to at least partially support the backpack upon the user's hips when the user wears the backpack; at least one adjustment strap interconnecting a corresponding compression strap segment and a corresponding hip belt segment; and a releasable fastener configured to selectively secure the belt assembly around the user's waist when the user wears the backpack. Each compression strap segment includes a compression strap segment pack end that is coupled to the pack body and a compression strap segment adjustment end that is coupled to a corresponding adjustment strap. Each hip belt segment includes a hip belt segment pack end that is coupled to the pack body at a location proximal the back panel relative to a corresponding compression strap segment pack end and a hip belt segment adjustment end that is coupled to a corresponding adjustment strap.
The backpack additionally includes a belt assembly waist loop with a belt assembly waist perimeter, such that the belt assembly waist loop is partially defined by each hip belt segment and a portion of each adjustment strap that extends between the corresponding hip belt segment and the releasable fastener. Each adjustment strap is configured to selectively adjust each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter. The belt assembly is configured such that, responsive to the user applying a tension force to the adjustment strap, each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter decreases by a respective degree that depends upon a ratio of the force required to decrease the pack volume to the force required to decrease the belt assembly waist perimeter.
In general, elements that are likely to be included in a given (i.e., a particular) embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given embodiment are illustrated in dash-dot lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines are not essential to all embodiments, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a given embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As schematically illustrated in
Belt assembly 200 includes at least one compression strap segment 210 configured to selectively compress pack body 110 by selectively adjusting a pack volume of the pack body. Belt assembly 200 additionally includes at least one hip belt segment 220 configured to at least partially support backpack 100 upon the user's hips when the user wears backpack 100. Belt assembly 200 further includes a releasable fastener 240 configured to be selectively coupled and uncoupled to selectively secure the belt assembly around the user's waist when the user wears the backpack. Compression strap segment 210 may include and/or be any appropriate component of belt assembly 200, such as a portion of a more extensive compression strap assembly that is at least partially integrated into pack body 110. In such an embodiment, each compression strap segment 210 also may be referred to as a compression strap portion 210. Alternatively, compression strap segment 210 may refer to a stand-alone component that extends from pack body 110. In such an embodiment, each compression strap segment 210 also may be referred to as a compression strap 210. Similarly, each hip belt segment 220 may include and/or be any appropriate component of belt assembly 200, such as a portion of a more extensive hip belt assembly that is at least partially integrated into pack body 110. In such an embodiment, each hip belt segment 220 also may be referred to as a hip belt portion 220. Alternatively, each hip belt segment 220 may refer to a stand-alone component that extends from pack body 110. In such an embodiment, each hip belt segment 220 also may be referred to as a hip belt 220.
While each compression strap segment 210 primarily is configured to compress pack body 110, it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that each compression strap segment also may at least partially support backpack 100 upon the user's hips, such as by compressing a corresponding hip belt segment 220 around the user's waist when the user wears the backpack. Similarly, while each hip belt segment 220 primarily is configured to at least partially support backpack 100 upon the user's hips, it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that each hip belt segment also may at least partially compress pack body 110, such as by providing a compressive force between a portion of the pack body and the user's back.
As additionally schematically illustrated in
Each storage compartment 120 may be configured to carry objects therein, such as may be utilized in such sports or activities as hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, running, etc. As examples, each storage compartment 120 may be configured to carry food, water, clothing, camping equipment, and/or sport equipment. As a more specific example, and as schematically illustrated in
Each storage compartment 120 may be configured to be selectively opened and closed via a mechanical closure, such as a zipper. As discussed, pack body 110 may include and/or define at least one storage compartment 120. Additionally or alternatively, and as schematically illustrated in
With continued reference to
In some embodiments, and as schematically illustrated in
Belt assembly 200 further includes at least one adjustment strap 230 interconnecting a corresponding compression strap segment 210 and a corresponding hip belt segment 220. More specifically, each adjustment strap 230 is slidingly coupled to releasable fastener 240 such that the releasable fastener is selectively positioned along the adjustment strap between a corresponding compression strap segment 210 and a corresponding hip belt segment 220 and such that the releasable fastener may translate along at least a portion of a length of the adjustment strap. Releasable fastener 240 may be configured to slide freely along each adjustment strap 230. Each adjustment strap 230 is configured to selectively adjust each of the pack volume and a belt assembly waist perimeter of a belt assembly waist loop 202 partially defined by each hip belt segment 220 and a portion of each adjustment strap that extends between a corresponding hip belt segment and the releasable fastener. Stated differently, each adjustment strap 230 is configured to selectively adjust both the fit (e.g., tightness) of belt assembly 200 around the user's waist and the degree of compression imparted on pack body 110 by compression strap segments 210. More specifically, and as discussed herein, belt assembly 200 is configured such that each adjustment strap 230 adjusts the fit of the belt assembly around the user's waist and the degree of compression imparted on pack body 110 concurrently and to variable relative degrees depending upon the relative forces required to produce the respective adjustments.
As used herein, positional terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like are considered from the perspective of a user wearing backpack 100. While the following discussion generally is directed to such embodiments, this is not required to all backpacks 100 according to the present disclosure, and it is additionally within the scope of the present disclosure that backpack 100 and/or belt assembly 200 may include any appropriate numbers of shoulder straps 130, compression strap segments 210, hip belt segments 220, and adjustment straps 230, such as one, two, three, or more than three of each component.
As schematically illustrated in
Each compression strap segment adjustment end 214 may be operatively coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end 224 only via the corresponding adjustment strap 230. For example, each compression strap segment adjustment end 214 may not be directly and/or fixedly coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end 224. Such a configuration may facilitate adjusting belt assembly 200 through a wider range of possible arrangements (such as degrees of tightness around the user's waist and/or degrees of compression imparted on pack body 110) relative to a configuration in which each compression strap segment adjustment end 214 is fixedly coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end 224. For example, in such a configuration, each adjustment strap 230 may at least partially define and/or adjustably vary a separation between each corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end 214 and hip belt segment adjustment end 224. Such a configuration thus may facilitate independent adjustment of the fit of belt assembly 200 around the user's waist and the degree of compression imparted on pack body 110 by compression strap segments 210.
As used herein, the term “fixedly coupled,” as used to describe an arrangement and/or configuration of two or more components, refers to an arrangement and/or configuration in which the components are coupled, attached, and/or otherwise joined together such that the components are fixed in relation to one another during operative use of backpacks 100. As examples, two components may be described as being fixedly coupled to one another when the components are joined via sewing, via a buckle (such as a non-adjustable buckle), via a ring, etc. Thus, for example, two components may be described as being fixedly coupled to one another even when the components are spaced-apart from one another, such as via a non-adjustable buckle. As used herein, two or more components that are described as being fixedly coupled to one another additionally or alternatively may be described as being non-adjustably coupled to one another.
Belt assembly 200 may be coupled to pack body 110 in any appropriate manner. For example, each compression strap segment pack end 212 and/or each hip belt segment pack end 222 may be fixedly coupled to pack body 110. In general, each hip belt segment pack end 222 is coupled to pack body 110 at a location proximal back panel 112 relative to the corresponding compression strap segment pack end 212. For example, and as schematically illustrated in
Compression strap segment attachment region 216 may be configured to distribute a compression force exerted by compression strap segment 210 across an extent of the exterior panel sufficient to produce a substantially uniform compression of pack body 110. As more specific examples, and as schematically illustrated in
Each adjustment strap 230 may be coupled to the corresponding compression strap segment 210 and the corresponding hip belt segment 220 in any appropriate manner such that the adjustment strap serves to selectively adjust each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter. For example, and as illustrated in
Adjustable buckle 236 may include and/or be any appropriate buckle configured to permit adjustment strap 230 to selectively translate therethrough while restricting unintentional translation of the adjustment strap relative to the adjustment buckle. For example, adjustable buckle 236 may include and/or be a ladder-lock buckle. Each adjustment strap 230 may be fixedly coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment 220, and each adjustment strap 230 may be adjustably coupled to the corresponding compression strap segment 210 via adjustable buckle 236. Alternatively, each adjustment strap 230 may be fixedly coupled to the corresponding compression strap segment 210, and each adjustment strap 230 may be adjustably coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment 220 via adjustable buckle 236. As yet another example, and as schematically illustrated in
As schematically illustrated in
As schematically illustrated in
Each free end 234 is configured to be pulled by the user to selectively decrease the belt assembly internal loop perimeter of the corresponding belt assembly internal loop 204, thereby decreasing the pack volume and/or the belt assembly waist perimeter. More specifically, when the user pulls free end 234 of each adjustment strap 230 away from the corresponding adjustable buckle 236, the free end increases in length and loop portion 232 correspondingly decreases in length. In this manner, pulling on free end 234 of each adjustment strap 230 decreases the belt assembly waist perimeter and/or the belt assembly internal loop perimeter such that belt assembly 200 is tightened around the user's waist and/or such that the pack volume is decreased. Similarly, to increase the pack volume and/or the belt assembly waist perimeter, the user may release a tension of adjustment strap 230 (such as by manipulating the corresponding adjustable buckle 236) to decrease the length of free end 234 and increase the length of loop portion 232, thereby increasing the belt assembly waist perimeter and/or the belt assembly internal loop perimeter. In general, each adjustment strap 230 is configured such that a sum of the length of each corresponding loop portion 232 and the length of the corresponding free end(s) 234 remains constant as the free end is pulled and/or released.
Operatively coupling each hip belt segment 220 to a corresponding compression strap segment 210 via a corresponding adjustment strap 230 additionally may produce a mechanical advantage for tightening the hip belt segment around the user's waist and/or for compressing pack body 110 with the compression strap segment. For example, in an embodiment in which adjustment strap 230 operatively couples a corresponding hip belt segment 220 to a corresponding compression strap segment 210 via releasable fastener 240 and in which free end 234 extends from adjustable buckle 236, the releasable fastener and/or the adjustable buckle may operate as a pulley. That is, in such an embodiment, when the user exerts a tension force on the free end 234 of an adjustment strap 230, the corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end 214 and/or the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end 224 may be urged toward releasable fastener 240 with a force that is greater than the tension force exerted on the free end by the user.
Belt assembly 200 generally is configured such that, when the user pulls free end 234 of each adjustment strap 230 away from the corresponding adjustable buckle 236, the belt assembly waist perimeter and the belt assembly internal loop perimeter may decrease concurrently and by variable respective degrees. For example, when the user pulls free end 234 of each adjustment strap 230 away from the corresponding adjustable buckle 236, the belt assembly waist perimeter may be decreased by a greater extent than the belt assembly internal loop perimeter is decreased if pulling the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end 224 toward releasable fastener 240 requires less force than pulling the corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end 214 toward the releasable fastener. Similarly, when the user pulls free end 234 of each adjustment strap 230 away from the corresponding adjustable buckle 236, the belt assembly internal loop perimeter may be decreased by a greater extent than the belt assembly waist perimeter is decreased if pulling the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end 224 toward releasable fastener 240 requires more force than pulling the corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end 214 toward the releasable fastener. More specifically, a ratio of an extent to which the belt assembly waist perimeter is decreased to an extent to which the belt assembly internal loop perimeter is decreased may be proportional to a ratio of a force required to pull the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end 224 toward releasable fastener 240 to a force required to pull the corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end 214 toward the releasable fastener.
Alternatively, if compression strap segment adjustment end 214 may be drawn toward releasable fastener 240 with less resistance than would be necessary to draw the hip belt segment adjustment end 224 of the corresponding hip belt segment 220 toward the releasable fastener, the primary effect of pulling free end 234 of the corresponding adjustment strap 230 away from the corresponding adjustable buckle 236 may be to decrease the pack volume, thereby compressing pack body 110. This may be the case, for example, if belt assembly 200 is sufficiently tight around the user's waist that a force required to compress pack body 110 is smaller than the force required to further tighten the belt assembly around the user's waist (which may be less compressible than the pack body). Such a scenario is schematically illustrated in
Belt assembly 200 additionally or alternatively may be configured such that pulling free end 234 of adjustment strap 230 away from the corresponding adjustable buckle 236 results in the belt assembly waist perimeter decreasing and the pack volume decreasing substantially simultaneously. For example, belt assembly 200 may be configured such that pulling free end 234 of adjustment strap 230 away from the corresponding adjustable buckle 236 brings the belt assembly from the configuration schematically illustrated in
While the adjustment of the belt assembly waist perimeter and the pack volume may occur simultaneously and/or concurrently, the relative degrees and/or rates at which the belt assembly waist perimeter and the pack volume are decreased may be different. Stated differently, in an example in which pulling each free end 234 of each adjustment strap 230 results in the belt assembly waist perimeter and the pack volume decreasing concurrently, a rate at which the belt assembly waist perimeter decreases may be different than a rate at which each belt assembly internal loop perimeter decreases while each free end is pulled. As discussed, this may be described as resulting from the relative resistance offered to respectively decrease the belt assembly waist perimeter and the pack volume. Additionally or alternatively, this may be described as resulting from the relative forces required to urge compression strap segment adjustment end 214 toward releasable fastener 240 and to urge hip belt segment adjustment end 224 toward the releasable fastener. In some uses, the belt assembly waist perimeter may be decreased more (e.g., by a greater percentage and/or at a greater rate) than the pack volume for a given tension force applied to free end 234 of adjustment strap 230 and/or for a given lengthening of the free end. In other uses, the opposite may be true, namely, the belt waist perimeter may be decreased less (e.g., by a lesser percentage and/or a lesser rate) than the pack volume for a given tension force applied to free end 234 of adjustment strap 230 and/or for a given lengthening of the free end.
Comparing
As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.
As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.
As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
As used herein, “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of a backpack according to the present disclosure, means that the specified action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the backpack.
As used herein, “operative” and “operatively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of a backpack according to the present disclosure, means that the specified action, movement, configuration, or other activity is performed and/or achieved as a result of standard operation and/or functional utilization of the backpack, such as in a manner described herein.
As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.
Examples of backpacks according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs.
A1. A backpack, comprising:
wherein the pack body includes:
wherein the belt assembly includes:
wherein each compression strap segment includes a compression strap segment pack end that is coupled to the pack body and a compression strap segment adjustment end that is coupled to a corresponding adjustment strap;
wherein each hip belt segment includes a hip belt segment pack end that is coupled to the pack body at a location proximal the back panel relative to a corresponding compression strap segment pack end and a hip belt segment adjustment end that is coupled to a corresponding adjustment strap;
wherein the backpack includes a belt assembly waist loop with a belt assembly waist perimeter, wherein the belt assembly waist loop is partially defined by each hip belt segment and a portion of each adjustment strap that extends between the corresponding hip belt segment and the releasable fastener; and
wherein each adjustment strap is configured to selectively adjust each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter, and
wherein the belt assembly is configured such that, responsive to the user applying a tension force to the adjustment strap, each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter decreases by a respective degree that depends upon a ratio of the force required to decrease the pack volume to the force required to decrease the belt assembly waist perimeter.
A2. The backpack of paragraph A1, wherein the at least one shoulder strap includes a pair of shoulder straps; wherein the at least one compression strap segment includes a pair of compression strap segments; wherein the at least one hip belt segment includes a pair of hip belt segments; wherein the at least one adjustment strap includes a pair of adjustment straps; and wherein the belt assembly waist loop is defined by each hip belt segment of the pair of hip belt segments, the releasable fastener, a portion of each adjustment strap that extends between the corresponding hip belt segment and the releasable fastener, and a portion of the pack body that extends between the respective hip belt segment pack ends of the pair of hip belt segments.
A3. The backpack of paragraph A2, wherein each adjustment strap includes:
wherein the backpack includes a pair of belt assembly internal loops, each belt assembly internal loop having a corresponding belt assembly internal loop perimeter, wherein each belt assembly internal loop is at least partially defined by:
A4. The backpack of paragraph A3, wherein the free end of a corresponding adjustment strap of the pair of adjustment straps is configured to be pulled by the user to increase a length of the free end of the corresponding adjustment strap and to decrease a length of the loop portion of the corresponding adjustment strap when the user wears the backpack.
A5. The backpack of any of paragraphs A3-A4, wherein each adjustment strap is configured to adjust the belt assembly internal loop perimeter of the corresponding belt assembly internal loop to selectively adjust at least one of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter when the user wears the backpack.
A6. The backpack of any of paragraphs A3-A5, wherein the belt assembly is configured such that, responsive to the user pulling the free end of a corresponding adjustment strap of the pair of adjustment straps when the user wears the backpack, at least one of:
(i) the belt assembly waist perimeter is decreased; and
(ii) the belt assembly internal loop perimeter is decreased.
A7. The backpack of paragraph A6, wherein, responsive to the user pulling the free end of the corresponding adjustment strap when the user wears the backpack:
(i) the belt assembly waist perimeter is decreased by a greater extent than the belt assembly internal loop perimeter is decreased if pulling the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end toward the releasable fastener requires less force than pulling the corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end toward the releasable fastener, and
(ii) the belt assembly internal loop perimeter is decreased by a greater extent than the belt assembly waist perimeter is decreased if pulling the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end toward the releasable fastener requires more force than pulling the corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end toward the releasable fastener.
A8. The backpack of any of paragraphs A6-A7, wherein, responsive to the user pulling the free end of the corresponding adjustment strap when the user wears the backpack, a ratio of an extent to which the belt assembly waist perimeter is decreased to an extent to which the belt assembly internal loop perimeter is decreased is proportional to a ratio of a/the force required to pull the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end toward the releasable fastener to a/the force required to pull the corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end toward the releasable fastener.
A9. The backpack of any of paragraphs A3-A8, wherein, responsive to the user exerting a tension force on the free end of a corresponding adjustment strap of the pair of adjustment straps, at least one of the compression strap segment adjustment end of the corresponding compression strap segment and the hip belt segment adjustment end of the corresponding hip belt segment is urged toward the releasable fastener with a force that is greater than the tension force exerted on the free end by the user.
A10. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A9, wherein each compression strap segment pack end is fixedly coupled to the pack body.
A11. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein each hip belt segment pack end is fixedly coupled to the pack body.
A12. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the releasable fastener is slidingly coupled to each adjustment strap such that the releasable fastener is selectively positioned along the adjustment strap between the compression strap segment adjustment end of a corresponding compression strap segment and the hip belt segment adjustment end of a corresponding hip belt segment and such that the releasable fastener may translate along a length of the adjustment strap.
A13. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the pack body has a pack body height, wherein each compression strap segment pack end is coupled to the pack body at a compression strap segment attachment region, wherein the compression strap segment attachment region has a compression strap segment attachment region height that is at least one of at least 10% of the pack body height, at least 20% of the pack body height, at least 30% of the pack body height, at least 40% of the pack body height, at least 50% of the pack body height, at most 95% of the pack body height, at most 75% of the pack body height, and at most 55% of the pack body height.
A14. The backpack of paragraph A13, wherein the exterior panel includes the compression strap segment attachment region.
A15. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A14, wherein the pack body further includes at least one side panel that extends between the back panel and the exterior panel.
A16. The backpack of paragraph A15, wherein the exterior panel includes a/the compression strap segment attachment region of each compression strap segment at a location that is spaced apart from each side panel.
A17. The backpack of any of paragraphs A15-A16, wherein a/the compression strap segment attachment region of each compression strap segment is not located on a side panel of the at least one side panel.
A18. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein each adjustment strap is non-adjustably coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment, and wherein each adjustment strap is adjustably coupled to the corresponding compression strap segment via an adjustable buckle, optionally wherein each adjustable buckle is non-adjustably coupled to the corresponding compression strap segment.
A19. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein each adjustment strap is non-adjustably coupled to the corresponding compression strap segment, and wherein each adjustment strap is adjustably coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment via an adjustable buckle, optionally wherein each adjustable buckle is non-adjustably coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment.
A20. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein each adjustment strap is adjustably coupled to each of the corresponding compression strap segment and the corresponding hip belt segment via a respective adjustable buckle.
A21. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A20, wherein each compression strap segment is configured to at least substantially overlap a corresponding hip belt segment of the at least one hip belt segment when the belt assembly extends around the user's waist.
A22. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein each storage compartment is configured to be selectively opened and closed via a mechanical closure.
A23. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A22, wherein the pack volume has a maximum total capacity that is at least one of at least 10 liters (L), at least 20 L, at least 30 L, at least 40 L, at least 50 L, at least 60 L, at most 75 L, at most 55 L, at most 45 L, at most 35 L, at most 25 L, and at most 15 L.
A24. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein the at least one storage compartment includes a hydration bladder compartment configured to hold a hydration bladder.
A25. The backpack of paragraph A24, wherein the backpack further includes at least one hydration tube passage configured to permit a drink tube that is fluidly coupled to the hydration bladder to extend out of the hydration bladder compartment.
A26. The backpack of any of paragraphs A24-A25 in combination with a hydration system that includes the hydration bladder fluidly coupled to a/the drink tube.
A27. The backpack of any of paragraphs A2-A26, wherein the backpack further includes a sternum strap extending between the pair of shoulder straps, wherein the sternum strap is configured to extend across the user's chest when the user wears the backpack, and wherein the sternum strap includes a sternum strap fastener configured to be selectively fastened and selectively adjusted to maintain the shoulder straps in position relative to the user's chest.
A28. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein the pack body further includes at least one inner side pocket defined by a compression strap segment of the at least one compression strap segment, a side pocket panel that extends between the compression strap segment and a portion of the pack body proximal the back panel relative to the compression strap segment pack end of the compression strap segment, and a portion of the pack body that extends between the compression strap segment and the side pocket panel.
A29. The backpack of paragraph A28, wherein the side pocket panel is at least one of an elastomeric side pocket panel and a mesh side pocket panel.
A30. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein the backpack further includes a belt assembly storage compartment positioned in at least one of a compression strap segment of the at least one compression strap segment; and a hip belt segment of the at least one hip belt segment.
A31. A backpack, comprising:
wherein the pack body has a pack volume;
wherein the belt assembly at least partially defines a belt assembly waist perimeter,
wherein the belt assembly includes an adjustment strap; and
wherein the backpack further includes means for selectively adjusting each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter by variable degrees responsive to the user pulling on the adjustment strap.
A32. The backpack of paragraph A31, wherein the means for selectively adjusting each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter is configured such that, responsive to the user applying a tension force to the adjustment strap, each of the pack volume and the belt assembly waist perimeter decreases by a respective degree that depends upon a ratio of the force required to decrease the pack volume to a force required to decrease the belt assembly waist perimeter.
A33. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A32, wherein each compression strap segment adjustment end is coupled to the corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end only via the corresponding adjustment strap.
A34. The backpack of any of paragraphs A1-A33, wherein each adjustment strap at least partially defines a separation between each corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end and each corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end.
A35. The backpack of paragraph A34, wherein each adjustment strap is configured to adjustably vary the separation between each corresponding compression strap segment adjustment end and each corresponding hip belt segment adjustment end.
The backpacks disclosed herein are applicable to the outdoor products industry.
In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/520,908, which is entitled “BACKPACKS WITH HIP BELTS AND COMPRESSION STRAPS” and was filed on Jun. 16, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Photos of Patagonia Endurance Pack, circa 2006. |
| Patagonia Endurance Pack, https://web.archive.org/web/20060314233845/http:/www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&sku=48680&ws=false, Mar. 14, 2006. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62520908 | Jun 2017 | US |
