ON-THE-FLY COMPRESSION AND CARRY SYSTEM

Description

BACKGROUND

Backpacks are commonly used to carry loads while hiking, camping, or myriad other daily uses. However, various challenges are presented in designing backpacks. For example, the size, shape and center of gravity of the backpack can vary based on the type and position of objects stowed, affecting the user's comfort in carrying the backpack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To facilitate this description, like reference numerals designate like structural elements. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a side-rear view of a backpack 100 having a cinch line 100cl at a first side face 100sf of a body 100b of the backpack, where a first end 100cl1 of the cinch line is coupled to a first adjustable lock 100lk1 held at a first anchor 100an1 of a hip belt 100hb, and a second end 100cl2 of the cinch line is coupled to a second adjustable lock 100lk2 held at a second anchor 100an2 of the body adjacent to the first side face and the back face 100bf, to provide front-to-back compression of the body, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts an example back-side view of a backpack 400, including a back face 400bf and a shoulder strap 400ss, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5A depicts an example slide buckle lock 500 for a cinch line in the form of a strap, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5B depicts an example spring-loaded lock 550 for a cinch line in the form of a cord, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts an example cutaway view of a hip belt 600, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10A depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 1000A in which a cinch line 1000cl extends in a back-and-forth pattern along a side face 1000sf, and a first end 1000cl1-1 of the cinch line is coupled to a first lock 1000lk1 held by a first anchor 1000an1 adjacent to a front face 1000ff and the side face of the body, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10D depicts an example image of a front view of the backpack 1000C of FIG. 10C, showing the cinch lines 1000cl1 and 1000cl2 routed across the front face 1000ff of the body of the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10E depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 1000E similar to FIG. 10B but where the cinch line 1000cl is routed externally across the side face 1000sf of the body of the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete actions or operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the described subject matter. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations may not be performed in the order of presentation. Operations described may be performed in a different order than the described embodiment. Various additional operations may be performed and/or described operations may be omitted in additional embodiments.

The terms “substantially,” “close,” “approximately,” “near,” and “about,” generally refer to being within +/−10% of a target value. Unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases “A and/or B” and “A or B” mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

The description may use the phrases “in an embodiment,” or “in embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous.

Where the disclosure recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure includes one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Further, ordinal indicators (e.g., first, second, or third) for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, nor do they indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated.

As previously noted, backpacks may typically need to be taken off to access items, stow items, compress the backpack, or expand the backpack. There may be some exceptions to this common use case (e.g., side water bottle pockets or the like), but generally accessing or stowing items, or changing a level of compression of the backpack, may require the following actions. The first action may be taking the backpack off so that it is accessible to the user. Then, the user may tighten/loosen one or more of the various straps or cords of the backpack. Then, the user may have to put the backpack back on. If the backpack is particularly large, or if the terrain is particularly difficult, this process may be difficult, time consuming, or even dangerous.

As mentioned at the outset, various challenges are presented in designing backpacks, including a desire to compensate for changes in the size, shape and center of gravity of the backpack based on the type and position of objects stowed.

The solutions herein address the above and other challenges. In one aspect, the solutions relate to a system of cinch lines and locks (referred to as an “on-the-fly compression system”) that allow compression and/or expansion functions, gear stowage, and/or gear access without having to take the backpack off. This system may provide benefits for individuals that are wearing a backpack for an activity where speed or efficiency are at a premium (hikers, climbers, trail-runners, etc.). Additionally, the system may provide benefits in terms of comfort and ease of use for individuals that are wearing the backpack for less strenuous activities (e.g., commuting, walking, non-technical hiking, etc.).

The cinch lines can include cords, straps, flat webbing, and/or some other type of elongated element that is able to apply a compressive force.

The solutions provide an on-the-fly compression system for a backpack that allows a user to easily and quickly adjust the size, shape and/or center of gravity of the backpack. In one aspect, an adjustment can be made by the user to compress the backpack without taking the backpack off, as the user is engaged in an outdoor activity such as walking or hiking. The adjustment can improve the user's comfort by ensuring that the backpack and/or associated gear stowed on or in the backpack stay closer to the user's center of gravity during use. By keeping the load at or near the center of gravity, comfort and efficiency may be increased, which may result in an increase in speed/distance, or ease-of-use or reduction in fatigue.

In one aspect, the adjustment is made by the user pulling on a cinch line that is readily accessible external to the backpack. The cinch line can be accessible at the lower and/or upper portion of the backpack. The cinch line can be held by one or more anchors that are on the body of the backpack, a hip belt and/or a shoulder strap, for example. A cinch line can be accessible on one side of the user, or separate cinch lines can be provided that are accessible on both left and right sides of the user. The cinch line can fall readily to the hand of the user.

Additionally, the user may be able to adjust the amount of compression by adjusting the tightness of the cinch line. For example, a user in a more technically difficult section of terrain is able to cinch the backpack tighter to provide more control. Conversely, a user may prefer to loosen the cinch line in easier terrain for a more comfortable relaxed fit. Similarly, on-the-fly gear access and/or stowage capability (e.g., the ability to access and/or stow gear without removing the backpack) may increase efficiency during use by removing the need for a user to stop and remove the pack to access or stow gear. The cinch lines can also tighten against the gear to ensure it is stowed securely.

The on-the-fly compression system also allows for a combination of the above-described benefits. For example, a user may be able to remove an item from the pack (e.g., trekking poles) and then tighten the backpack down, all without taking the backpack off or needing to stop their activity.

Generally, the solutions may include one or more of the following characteristics.

A first characteristic is a combination of both on-the-fly compression/expansion functions and carrying functions integrated into a single backpack. Specifically, the user may have the ability to compress or expand the backpack front-to-back and side-to-side independently. Additionally, the on-the-fly system may be used to stow or access items on the front, sides, or bottom of the backpack.

A second characteristic is that the on-the-fly system may be customizable. For example, using a plurality of cord hooks and/or loops, the cords of the backpack may be routed in a variety of different ways. For example, the various cords and/or hooks may be connected together, separately, with a variety of different end points. This customization may enable use of the backpack with a variety of gear and activities.

A third characteristic is that the backpack may use both static and stretch types of material for the cinch lines. In some embodiments, the static material may enable better compression, while the stretch material may enable increased carrying capacity and/or versatility.

The above and other advantages will be further apparent in view of the following.

Generally, the backpack 100 includes a front face 100ff, an opposing back face 100bf (or body face) at the user's back, a left side face 100sf and an opposing right side (not shown) face, a top side 100t and a bottom side. In some cases, the different faces are attached to one another by seams. A backpack may include one or more shoulder straps 100ss through which a user may place their arms to carry the backpack on their body. A hip belt 100hb can also be attached to the lower portion of the body to transfer the backpack's weight from the shoulders to the hips, which are better equipped to handle heavier loads. As seen in FIG. 1 and other figures herein, a backpack may further include one or more zippers, pouches, pockets, etc. Certain of these elements are not specifically labeled in FIG. 1 or other figures herein for simplicity.

In this example, the backpack includes a cinch line 100cl that extends in a back-and-forth or V-shaped pattern along the side face 100sf of the body. A second cinch line can be arranged similarly on the other side face that is not visible in this view. The first end 100cl1 of the cinch line is coupled to a first lock 100lk1 that is held by a first anchor 100an1 on the hip belt. The lock can be friction-type lock such as a spring-loaded lock, a slide buckle, or a snap-lock buckle, for instance. The lock can be some other type of locking mechanism that holds the cinch line in place within the lock unless otherwise activated by the user. The lock can be a mechanical hook-and-catch or a more complicated mechanism. The anchor can be, e.g., a loop, ring, hook, grommet or other structure that is fixed in a location on the backpack body, hip belt or shoulder strap, for instance. The anchor holds a lock so that when the cinch line is tightened, the lock is held in place by the anchor. The cinch line can therefore be pulled tight against the anchor and locked in place to apply a compressive force to the backpack. The lock can later be manipulated by the user to either tighten the cinch line further or loosen the cinch line.

Advantageously, the cinch line and lock may be accessible to the user such that the cinch line may be tightened or loosened by the user through manipulation of the lock and the cinch line without the user needing to remove the backpack or interrupt their current activity. In one approach, the cinch lines and locks are generally adjacent to the user's lower ribs, abdomen, or hips.

The first lock and first end of the cinch line can be easily grasped by the user at a lower side of the backpack to adjust the tightness of the cinch line to thereby adjust a front-to-back compression of the backpack. The cinch line becomes tighter when it is pulled through the first lock by the user. When the cinch line is tight, the first lock is held against the first anchor, the second lock is held against the second anchor, and the cinch line exerts a force on the guides, so that the front face moves closer to the back face. In particular, the cinch line exerts a force on the guide 100g3 in the direction of the front face 100ff, and forces on the guides 100g1 and 100g2 in the direction of the back face 100bf. To reduce or remove the compression, the user actuates the first or second lock to allow the cinch line to slip back through the lock in the opposite direction than which it was pulled to tighten it.

In one possible embodiment, the lock and anchor are coupled together.

Similarly, the second lock and second end of the cinch line can be easily grasped by the user at a higher side of the back to adjust the tightness of the cinch line to thereby adjust the front-to-back compression of the backpack. Thus, two convenient options are provided for adjusting the compression. Moreover, applying a compression at both sides can result in a more event overall front-to-back compression of the backpack.

In other embodiments, it is possible to adjust the compression with a cinch line on a single side face of the backpack.

In this example, the cinch line extends in the back-and-forth pattern through first, second and third guides 100g1, 100g2 and 100g3, respectively. The first and second guides are attached to the body adjacent to the side face 100sf and the front face 100ff, e.g., at a seam or reinforcement strip 115 of material that runs vertically along the body of the backpack. The third guide is attached to the body adjacent to the side face 100sf and the back face 100bf, e.g., at a seam 120. Additionally, a majority of the cinch line is hidden behind a pocket 125 at the side face 100sf in this example. In another approach, the cinch line is external to the side pocket so that it is available for stowing objects. Thus, the compression features remain available even when the cinch line is used for stowage and cinching of an object between the cinch line and the first side face. In fact, the compression features help secure the object securely.

The guides can be formed by fully or partially closed loops, for instance. A rigid material such as plastic or metal can provide a smoother guiding of the cinch line, although a fabric loop could be used as well. A round ring or D-ring could be used. The cinch line can be threaded through a ring or other closed loop guide or coupled to a carabiner-type guide by pressing the cinch line past a spring loaded lever of the guide. In this example, the guide 100g1 is formed by a closed ring that is attached by a fabric material 110 to the reinforcement strip 115 of the body.

Generally, the cinch line can be at least partially threaded through an interior portion or channel of the backpack, including the body, hip belt and/or shoulder strap.

The cinch line may be static (e.g., a line that does not stretch) or dynamic (e.g., a line that has at least some amount of stretch). The cinch line may be formed of a variety of materials include natural materials such as cotton, jute, hemp, sisal or leather, synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, Kevlar®, elastic/rubber or shock cord/bungee cord, blended materials such as cotton/polyester mix or nylon/spandex mix and metallic cords such as steel, copper or aluminum. A cinch line can comprise a combination of materials, e.g., in layers, or multiple segments of different materials.

The cinch line can be in the form of a cord or strap, for example.

The optimum type, thickness and degree of stretch of the cinch line may be based on a variety of factors such as the material used for other parts of the backpack, the type of use to which the backpack is expected to be put (e.g., relatively light use such as day hikes, or more demanding use such as technical climbing), aesthetics, and user preferences.

The example of FIG. 1 uses three guides on the side face of the backpack to guide the cinch line, but additional guides can be provided on the body (on the side face or other face), hip belt and/or shoulder strap. In one approach, the user can select a subset of the available guides to route the cinch line based on factors such as user preferences, the size and shape of the backpack, the use to which the backpack is expected to be put, and whether an object is to be stowed by the cinch line. For example, in some embodiments where the backpack is intended for more difficult terrain, there may be additional guides to facilitate greater compression of the backpack. Also, additional guides may be used when the body of the backpack is relatively long to facilitate more uniform compression of the backpack. The specific shape, location, or number of the guides may vary in other embodiments than the example shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 depicts a side-rear view of a backpack 200 similar to FIG. 1 but where the first adjustable lock 100lk1 is held at a first anchor 200an1 coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face 100sf and the front face 100ff, and the cinch line 100cl passes through an additional, fourth guide 100g4 on the hip belt 100hb, to provide front-to-back compression of the body, in accordance with various embodiments. Compared to FIG. 1, the first anchor 200an1 is moved from the hip belt to the body such as at the reinforcement strip 115, that is adjacent to both the first side face 100sf and the front face 100ff. The cinch line may extend through an opening in the reinforcement strip 115 or through a loop formed on or proximate to the reinforcement strip 115. The opening in the reinforcement strip may have a grommet for added strength. In another option, the reinforcement strip is not used and the first anchor is coupled directly to the side face or front face, or a seam which joins the side face and front face of the body of the backpack.

The fourth guide 100g4 is coupled to the hip belt to route the cinch line from the guide 100g1 to the first lock 100lk1. The hip belt provides a particularly secure location for a guide or anchor.

FIG. 3 depicts a side-rear view of a backpack 300 having first and second cinch lines 100cl1 and 100cl2, respectively, that extend across the front face 100ff of the body 100b of the back pack, to provide both front-to-back and side-to-side compression of the body, in accordance with various embodiments. The first and second cinch lines can cross over each other at the front face of the body in a double X pattern, for example. Each cinch line extends across a side face and the front face and then back to the side face.

In particular, the first cinch line 100cl1 includes a first end 100cl1-1 coupled to a first lock 100lk1 and held at a first anchor 100an1 on the hip belt, and a second end 100cl1-2 coupled to a second lock 100lk2 and held at a second anchor 100an2 on the body adjacent to the first side face 100sf1 and the back face. The first cinch line starts at the first lock, then extends through a first guide 300g1 that is adjacent to the first side face 100sf1 and the front face 100ff, and a second guide 300g2 that is adjacent to the second side face 100sf1 and the front face 100ff, and then returns to the second lock. Optionally, the first cinch line could extend through an additional guide 310g that is between the guide 300g2 and the lock 100lk2.

Similarly, the second cinch line 100cl2 includes a first end 100cl2-1 coupled to a third lock 100lk3 and held at a third anchor 100an3 on the hip belt, and a second end 100cl2-2 coupled to a fourth lock 100lk4 and held at a fourth anchor 100an4 on the body adjacent to the second side face 100sf2 and the back face. The second cinch line starts at the third lock, then extends through a third guide 300g3 that is adjacent to the second side face 100sf2 and the front face 100ff, and a fourth guide 300g4 that is adjacent to the first side face 100sf1 and the front face 100ff, and then returns to the fourth lock.

Portions of the second cinch line which are not visible from this view of the backpack are shown by a dashed line. The anchor 100an3 and lock 100lk3 are also depicted in a simplified way as they are not otherwise visible from this view.

FIG. 4 depicts an example back-side view of a backpack 400, including a back face 400bf and a shoulder strap 400ss, in accordance with various embodiments. The back face may include a cushioning material 450 and an aluminum frame 410 inside the back panel for added strength. A pivoting hip belt 400hb slides up over the rounded bottom of the frame.

The backpack further includes guides 400g1 and 400g2 on one side of the backpack and guides 400g3 and 400g4 on an opposing side. These are potential guides for one or more cinch lines.

The top 430 of the back pack is a large roll-top style closure. The buckles on opposing sides of the closure are used to secure it closed, similar to a standard dry bag.

Tension locks 440 and 445 may be provided at the top of the back panel to hold cinch lines in the form of a strap or webbing. The user can pull the cinch lines at the top of the shoulder straps to provide a compression of the backpack.

In another option, a tension lock is provided on the shoulder strap itself. For example, a lock 420 can be coupled to a cinch line that includes a portion 425 routed inside the shoulder strap and a portion 422 that emerges from the shoulder strap from an opening/grommet 423.

FIG. 5A depicts an example slide buckle lock 500 for a cinch line in the form of a strap, in accordance with various embodiments. The strap is fed through the lock, such as depicted with the lock 420 of FIG. 4, and held in place by friction.

FIG. 5B depicts an example spring-loaded lock 550 for a cinch line in the form of a cord, in accordance with various embodiments. The user presses the top and bottom of the lock together to create an opening that allows the cord 551 to move freely. When the cord is in the desired tightened or loosened position, the lock is released to lock the cord in place. The cord is shown emerging from a grommet 552 such as in the body. hip belt or shoulder strap of a backpack. The grommet is a reinforced aperture through which the cinch lines extends. When the cinch line is tightened, the lock is held against the grommet, in one approach.

As mentioned, FIGS. 5A and 5B provide just two examples of various types of locks which can be used.

FIG. 6 depicts an example cutaway view of a hip belt 600, in accordance with various embodiments. This hip belt includes potential loop-shaped guides for one or more cinch lines, including guides 600g1 and 600g2 on one side of the belt and guides 6003 and 600g4 on the other side. Various embodiments using a hip belt were discussed further in connection with FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 7A depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 700A that includes a first cinch line 700cl1 for side-to-side compression of the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments. The cinch line extends from an anchor point within the back pack, out from a grommet 710, and back and forth through guide loops on opposing sides of the front face 700ff. For example, the cinch line extends through a guide loop 715 adjacent to the front face 700ff and the first side face 700sf, a guide loop (not shown) adjacent to the front face 700ff and a second side face, a guide loop 720 adjacent to the front face 700ff and the first side face 700sf, a guide loop (not shown) adjacent to the front face 700ff and a second side face, a guide loop 722 adjacent to the front face 700ff and the first side face 700sf and the bottom of the backpack, and a lock 725, where an end 730 of the cinch line is accessible and can be pulled by the user. When the end of the cinch line is pulled, it compresses the backpack side-to-side by pulling the guides loops on the opposing sides of the front face toward one another.

FIG. 7B depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 700B similar to FIG. 7A but where a second cinch line 700c2 is installed for front-to-back compression of the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments. An end 750 of the second cinch line extends from an anchor 756 that is coupled to the body of the backpack at a point which is adjacent to the front face 700ff and the first side face 700sf, a guide 760 adjacent to the back face 700bf and the first side face 700sf, a guide 765 adjacent to the front face 700ff and the first side face 700sf, a folded portion 761 of the backpack (where a portion 700c2a of the cinch line is represented by a dash line since the portion is not visible, and to a lock 755, where the other end 757 of the second cinch line is accessible and can be pulled by the user. When the end 757 of the cinch line is pulled, it compresses the backpack front-to-back by pulling the guides 760 and 765 on the opposing sides of the side face toward one another.

The first cinch line 700cl1 remains accessible to the user to adjust the amount of side-to-side compression so that two directions of compression can be provided separately.

Note that the cinch line 700cl1 includes a portion 700cl1a arranged against the bottom portion of the backpack. A user may be able to place an object such as trekking poles, spare shoes, a water bottle, a bedroll, etc. between this portion of the cinch line and the bottom portion of the backpack. The user may then pull an end point of the cinch line as previously described to tighten the cinch line against the bottom portion, thereby holding the object in place. Conversely, a user may manipulate the lock to loosen the cinch line and retrieve the stowed object. Stowing and retrieving the object from the bottom of the backpack may be advantageously performed without removal of the backpack.

FIG. 7C depicts an example image of a side view of the backpack 700B of FIG. 7B where the cinch lines 700cl1 and 700cl2 are tightened to provide side-to-side and front-to-back compression, respectively, of the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments. With side-to-side compression, the opposing sides of the body of the backpack move closer together and with front-to-back compression, the front face moves closer to the back face.

FIG. 8A depicts an example image of a front view of a backpack 800A where first and second cinch lines 800cl1 and 800cl2, respectively, are not configured for compressing the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments. The cinch lines may not be used in this example, or an object can be stowed between the cinch lines and the front face 800ff of the backpack. Opposing side faces 800sf1 and 800sf2 are also shown. A number of guides extend along the opposing sides. For example, guides 810, 811 and 812 extend along the first side 800sf1 adjacent to the front face 800ff, to guide the first cinch line 800cl1, and guides 820, 821 and 822 extend along the second side 800sf2 adjacent to the front face 800ff, to guide the second cinch line 800cl2. First and second couplers 800c1 and 800c2 are attached to the second cinch line in this example to allow the cinch lines to be reconfigured such as depicted in FIG. 8B. The couplers are just stored for later use in this example.

In some embodiments, the couplers may have a generally “C” shape such that they may be used to couple two of the cinch lines together, and then be removed when they are not in use. Such removal may be beneficial to prevent damage to the couplers. In other embodiments, at least one end of a coupler may fully surround a cinch line such that the coupler is not removable from the cinch line. This arrangement may prevent a coupler from getting lost when not in use. The couplers may be made of a relatively lightweight and stiff material such as aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel.

The first cinch line has a first end 800cl1a coupled to a first lock 800lk1 at a first anchor 800an1, that is shown in a simplified way since the lock and anchor are not visible in this view, and a second end of the first cinch line is held at a second anchor 800an2, in this example. Similarly, the second cinch line has a first end 800cl2a coupled to a first lock 800lk2 at a third anchor 800an3, that is shown in a simplified way since the lock and anchor are not visible in this view, and a second end of the second cinch line is held at a fourth anchor 800an4. The first and third anchors are near the bottom of the backpack and the second and fourth anchors are near the top of the backpack.

FIG. 8B depicts an example image of a front view of the backpack 800A of FIG. 8A where the first and second cinch lines 800cl1 and 800cl2, respectively, and the couplers 800c1 and 800c2, are arranged for compressing the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments. The user may loosen the cinch lines and position the couplers so that the cinch lines are guided by the couplers in a back-and-forth pattern across the front face 800ff of the backpack as depicted. Each cinch line is in a double V pattern. The couplers act as guides and holders. The couplers may be located along a central area of the front face. This example uses two couplers, but one or more couplers can be used. The user can decide on the number of couplers to use based on factors such as the desired backpack compression and/or the type of object, if any, to be stowed by the cinch lines.

When the first and second cinch lines 800cl1 and 800cl2, respectively, are tightened via the first and second locks 800lk1 and 800lk2, respectively, the back pack is compressed side-to-side.

The guide 811 is an example of a first guide coupled to the body, between the first and second couplers in a path of the first cinch line, to guide the first cinch line in a back and forth pattern across the front face, and the guide 821 is an example of a second guide coupled to the body, between the first and second couplers in a path of the second cinch line, to guide the second cinch line in a back and forth pattern across the front face.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cinch lines generally run along the entire height of the backpack, although it will be recognized that in other embodiments the cinch lines may only run partway along the height of the backpack.

In some embodiments, each cinch line may be coupled with an individual end point. In other embodiments, both cinch lines may be coupled with a single end point.

FIG. 9A depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 900A where a cinch line 900cl is arranged in a first configuration for front-to-back compression, in accordance with various embodiments. The cinch line extends from an anchor 905, through a guide 910, a coupler 915, and guides 920 and 925 to an end point 900cl1 of the cinch line. An associated lock and anchor can be used to hold the end of the cinch line and make it accessible to the user to tighten the cinch line and thereby perform a front-to-back compression of the backpack. The coupler 915 is attached via a loop 930 that is attached to the backpack at a location on the body that is adjacent to the side face and the back face, for example. The cinch line has a single V shape.

FIG. 9B depicts an example image of a side view of the backpack 900A of FIG. 9A where the cinch line 900cl is arranged in a second configuration for front-to-back compression, in accordance with various embodiments. The cinch line is routed through an additional guide 950 and has a double V shape. A greater number of V shapes in the cinch line corresponds with a smaller amount of compression, for a given pull distance of the cinch line. A greater number of V shapes in the cinch line also corresponds with a more uniform compression along the height of the backpack.

FIG. 10A depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 1000A in which a cinch line 1000cl extends in a back-and-forth or V pattern along a side face 1000sf, and a first end 1000cl1-1 of the cinch line is coupled to a first lock 1000lk1 held by a first anchor 1000an1 adjacent to a front face 1000ff and the side face of the body, in accordance with various embodiments. The opposing second end 1000cl1-2 of the cinch line is coupled to a second lock 1000lk2 held by a second anchor 1000an2 at the location that is adjacent to a back face 1000bf and the side face 1000sf of the body. The cinch line is routed through a guide 1000g1 on a hip belt 1000hb, then through guides 1000g2, 1000g3 and 1000g4 that are covered by fabric but their locations are shown by dashed-line circles. The user can tighten the cinch line to provide a front-to-back compression of the backpack by pulling one or both ends of the cinch line, e.g., at the top of bottom of the backpack.

The first anchor 1000an1 may be a loop that is sewed into a reinforcement strip 1030 that runs vertically along the body of the backpack at a seam between the front and side faces.

FIG. 10B depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 1000B corresponding to FIG. 10A but where an anchor 1010an1 is used in place of the anchor 1000an1, in accordance with various embodiments. The user can elect to position the lock 1000lk1, which may be a carabiner-type or other clip-type lock, onto a different anchor. This allows for customization of the compression solution. For example, it may be more convenient for the user to have the anchor positioned midway along the side face 1000sf by using the anchor 1010an1 rather than having the anchor positioned adjacent to the side face and the front face by using the anchor 1000an1.

The anchors 1000an1 and 1010an1 may be loops that are coupled to the body of the back pack such as by being sewn in to the body. The reinforcement strip 1030 is partially obscured in this view.

As in FIG. 10A, the user can tighten the cinch line to provide a front-to-back compression of the backpack by pulling one or both ends of the cinch line.

FIG. 10C depicts an example image of a side view of a backpack 1000C corresponding to FIG. 10B but where first and second cinch lines are also routed across a front face 1000ff of the body of the backpack, in accordance with various embodiments. This configuration can provide side-to-side compression in addition to the front-to-back compression of FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this example, the first cinch line 1000cl is routed from the lock 1000lk2 through a guide 1020 (FIG. 10D) on an opposing sides of the front face 1000ff and then back across the front face through a guide 1021 and then, internally across the side face to the guide 1000g1 and externally to the lock 1000lk1. Additionally, a second cinch line is routed similarly starting from an opposing side of the backpack through a guide 1022 and then back across the front face through a guide 1023 and then, internally across the side face to a guide on the hip belt (similar to the guide 1000g1) and externally to a lock (similar to the lock 1000lk1).

The first cinch line includes portions 1000cl1a and 1000cl1b, and the second cinch line includes portions 1000cl2a and 1000cl2b.

The first and second cinch lines may crossover one another in a double X pattern. In another option, couplers are used such as depicted in FIG. 8B so that the cinch lines each extend in a double V pattern.

The user can tighten the cinch lines to provide side-to-side and front-to-back compression of the backpack by pulling one or both ends of the cinch lines.

As in FIG. 10B, the user can tighten the cinch line to provide a front-to-back compression of the backpack by pulling one or both ends of the cinch line.

FIGS. 10A-10E show how a single backpack can be configured in various ways by a user.

Embodiments herein are described and depicted with respect to a single backpack. However, other embodiments may not be limited to a single backpack. For example, various of the described elements such as the cinch lines, anchors, locks and couplers may be attachable and detachable from the backpack. For example, the anchors, locks and couplers may be removably attached from a backpack through a mechanism such as a carabineer, a snap, a zipper-based attachment, or some other type of attachment. In this way, all or part of the on-the-fly compression system described above may be removed from the backpack by a user. Further, it may be possible for all or part of the on-the-fly compression system to be coupled with a different backpack by a user.

The above-described removable attachment/detachment of the on-the-fly compression system may serve a variety of purposes. For example, a user may have a variety of backpacks that serve a variety of purposes (e.g., different backpacks for different activities, different seasons, etc.). With the above-described on-the-fly system, it may be possible for a user to switch all or part of the compression system from, for example, a hiking backpack to a skiing backpack, from a heavier winter backpack to a lighter summer backpack, and so forth. In this manner, the user may realize the advantages of the system without having to purchase redundant components.

Additionally, a user may only desire to have a portion of the on-the-fly compression system on their backpack. For example, the front-to-back but not side-to-side compression may be desired by the user in a particular use case. Or, side-to-side but not front-to-back compression may be desired. Through the use of the removable components, the user can install a portion of the compression system in a modular fashion such that only the desired components are included.

The particular locations at which elements such as the cinch line end points, anchors, locks and couplers are attached to the backpack are intended as examples of such locations. In other embodiments, different ones of the above-described elements may be located in different locations in or on the backpack. For example, in some embodiments, various of the above-described elements may be located at an interior region of the backpack (e.g., a region designed to hold a water bottle), in a pocket of the backpack, etc.

In an example implementation, a backpack to be worn by a user comprises: a back face that is adjacent to the user when the backpack is worn by the user, a front face opposite the back face, and a side face between the back face and the front face; a first guide coupled to the side face adjacent to the back face; a second guide coupled to the side face adjacent to the front face; and a cinch line couplable to both the first guide and the second guide, wherein the cinch line has an end point that is adjustable by the user when the user is wearing the backpack, and wherein adjustment of the end point when the cinch line is coupled with the first guide and the second guide provides compression to the side face.

In another example implementation, a backpack to be worn by a user comprises: a back face that is adjacent to the user when the backpack is worn by the user, a front face opposite the back face, a first side face between the back face and the front face, and a second side face between the back face and the front face; a first cinch line that runs from a top portion of the backpack to a bottom portion of the backpack adjacent to the first side face; a second cinch line that runs from the top portion of the backpack to the bottom portion of the backpack adjacent to the second side face; a guide to couple the first cinch line to the second cinch line; and an end point of the first cinch line, wherein the end point is adjustable by the user when the user is wearing the backpack, and wherein adjustment of the end point when the first cinch line is coupled with the second cinch line by the guide results in compression of the front face.

In the above example, the backpack may further comprise a guide coupled with the side face, wherein the cinch line is couplable to the guide via the guide, and wherein adjustment of the end point when the cinch line is coupled with the guide results in compression of the side face.

Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A backpack, comprising: a body including opposing front and back faces, and opposing first and second side faces;a plurality of guides coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face and the front and back faces;a cinch line extending through the plurality of guides in a back-and-forth pattern, wherein the cinch line has first and second ends;a first adjustable lock coupled to the first end of the cinch line, external to the body;a first anchor to hold the first adjustable lock; anda second anchor to hold the second end of the cinch line, wherein front-to-back compression of the body is provided when the cinch line is tightened via the first adjustable lock.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guides comprise first and second guides coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face and the front face, and a third guide coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face and the back face, between the first and second guides.
3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the first anchor is below the first guide, closer than the second anchor to a bottom of the body, and the second anchor is above the second guide, closer than the first anchor to a top of the body.
4. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a second adjustable lock coupled to the second end of the cinch line, external to the body, wherein the second anchor is to hold the second adjustable lock, and the front-to-back compression is provided when the cinch line is tightened via the second adjustable lock.
5. The backpack of claim 4, further comprising a shoulder strap coupled to the body, wherein the second adjustable lock and the second anchor are coupled to the shoulder strap.
6. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the cinch line extends external to the first side face to allow stowage and cinching of an object between the cinch line and the first side face.
7. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a hip belt coupled to the body, wherein the first adjustable lock and the first anchor are coupled to the hip belt.
8. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a hip belt coupled to the body, and a guide coupled to the hip belt, wherein the cinch line extends through the guide coupled to the hip belt and the first adjustable lock and the first anchor are coupled to the body, adjacent to the first side face and the front face.
9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the second adjustable lock and the second anchor are coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face and the back face.
10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the first and second anchors comprise at least one of a hook, a loop or a grommet.
11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the cinch line comprises at least one of a cord or a strap.
12. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the first adjustable lock comprises a friction lock.
13. A backpack, comprising: a body including opposing front and back faces, and opposing first and second side faces;a first cinch line having first and second ends;a second cinch line having first and second ends;first and second anchors to hold the first and second ends, respectively, of the first cinch line;third and fourth anchors to hold the first and second ends, respectively, of the second cinch line;a first coupler adjacent to the front face to guide the first and second cinch lines, wherein the first coupler is between the first and second anchors in a path of the first cinch line, and between the third and fourth second anchors in a path of the second cinch line; anda first adjustable lock coupled to the first end of the first cinch line, external to the body, wherein: the first adjustable lock is held by the first anchor; andside-to-side compression of the body is provided when the first cinch line is tightened via the first adjustable lock.
14. The backpack of claim 13, further comprising a second adjustable lock coupled to the first end of the second cinch line, external to the body, wherein the second adjustable lock is held by the third anchor, and the side-to-side compression is provided when the second cinch line is tightened via the second adjustable lock.
15. The backpack of claim 13, further comprising: a second coupler adjacent to the front face to guide the first and second cinch lines;a first guide coupled to the body, between the first and second couplers in a path of the first cinch line, to guide the first cinch line in a back and forth pattern across the front face; anda second guide coupled to the body, between the first and second couplers in a path of the second cinch line, to guide the second cinch line in a back and forth pattern across the front face.
16. The backpack of claim 13, further comprising a hip belt coupled to the body, wherein at least one of the first or third anchors is coupled to the hip belt.
17. The backpack of claim 13, further comprising a shoulder strap coupled to the body, wherein at least one of the second or fourth anchors is coupled to the shoulder strap.
18. A backpack, comprising: a body including opposing front and back faces, and opposing first and second side faces;a first guide adjacent to the first side face and the front face;a second guide adjacent to the second side face and the front face;a first cinch line extending through the first and second guides, wherein the first cinch line has first and second ends;a first adjustable lock coupled to the first end of the first cinch line, external to the body; anda first anchor to hold the first adjustable lock; wherein: the first anchor is coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face and the back face or to a hip belt coupled to the body; andfront-to-back compression and side-to-side compression of the body are provided when the first cinch line is tightened via the first adjustable lock.
19. The backpack of claim 18, further comprising: a third guide coupled to the body adjacent to the second side face and the front face;a fourth guide coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face and the front face;a second cinch line extending through the third and fourth guides, wherein the second cinch line has first and second ends;a second adjustable lock coupled to the first end of the second cinch line, external to the body; anda second anchor to hold the second adjustable lock;wherein the front-to-back compression and side-to-side compression are provided when the second cinch line is tightened via the second adjustable lock.
20. The backpack of claim 18, further comprising: a second adjustable lock coupled to the second end of the first cinch line, external to the body; anda second anchor to hold the second adjustable lock; wherein: the second anchor is coupled to the body adjacent to the first side face and the back face or to a shoulder strap coupled to the body; andthe front-to-back compression and side-to-side compression are provided when the second cinch line is tightened via the second adjustable lock.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/622,359, filed Jan. 18, 2024, entitled “On-The-Fly Compression And Carry System,” and incorporated herein by reference.

Provisional Applications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	63622359	Jan 2024	US

ON-THE-FLY COMPRESSION AND CARRY SYSTEM

Information

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Date Filed

Date Published

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

Provisional Applications (1)