A backpack is, in its simplest form, includes a storage container that is secured to two shoulder straps. The storage container can be filled with items that user wishes to carry and the straps can be placed over the user's shoulders which support the weight of the backpack. Backpacks can have frames or be frameless. Frame backpacks were designed with a fabric storage container coupled to a rigid frame. The frame can be covered by netting which prevents contact between the frame or storage pack and user's back. Framed backpacks are designed to give the user more support and protection and better weight distribution than a simple, frameless strapped bag. A problem with traditional frame backpacks is that the frame is a rigid structure and the netting is not easily adjustable. What is needed is an improved variable suspension system for backpacks.
The present invention is directed towards an improved variable suspension system for backpacks that includes a flexible frame, a trampoline and an adjustment mechanism. In an embodiment, the top and bottom portions of the flexible frame can be coupled to the trampoline and the adjustment mechanism. In a normal state, the flexible frame can be substantially flat and one side of the frame can rest against one side of the trampoline. This can be useful when the user wishes to have the backpack positioned close to the body. This can improve warmth if the user is in cold ambient conditions and may also provide a more aerodynamic profile if the user is bicycling and a more stable position on the rider's back. However, ventilation to the back of the user will be very limited because of the close proximity of the backpack to the body and this may be uncomfortable to the user if the backpack is worn in hot climates.
The inventive suspension system allows the backpack to be adjusted so that the flexible frame and storage pack can be moved away from the trampoline. The adjustment mechanism can be attached between a top of the frame and a top of the trampoline which can be made of a soft breathable mesh type material. By tensioning the adjustment mechanism, the frame can bow away from the trampoline which also moves the storage pack away from the trampoline. The amount of bowing can be controlled by the amount of tension applied to the frame by the adjustment mechanism. This bowing of the frame creates a space that allows air to circulate between the storage pack and the user's back. This also moves the weight off the user's back and onto the shoulders and possibly the legs and hips if the backpack includes a waist belt strap. In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is an adjustable strap. By increasing the tension in the strap, the tension in the trampoline is also increased and the flexible frame bows farther away from the trampoline. In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can be any other device that allows the user to adjust the tension in the frame.
The adjustable suspension apparatus can be made of a thin elongated light weight structural material such as aluminum or carbon fiber that provides strength to the backpack but is also elastic and flexible. Frame may also be coupled to padding that provides additional cushioning to the user's back when the backpack is in the flat configuration.
In an embodiment, the adjustable suspension apparatus can be releasably attached to the storage pack. In an embodiment, an upper portion of the suspension apparatus can be held within in a top pocket of the storage pack and a lower portion of the suspension apparatus can be held within a bottom pocket of the storage pack.
With reference to
The suspension system 150 includes a frame 201, an adjustment mechanism 203, shoulder straps 205 and a suspension trampoline 207. The inventive system allows the user to adjust the tension in the suspension trampoline 207 and the curvature of the flexible frame 201. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 203 includes a strap 202 and buckle 204. One portion of the adjustment mechanism 203 is coupled to the top of the frame 201 and an opposite side of the adjustment mechanism 203 is coupled to the top of the trampoline 207. Because the adjustment mechanism 203 is pulling the top center portion of the trampoline 207, a stiff panel 209 can be coupled to the top of the trampoline 207 to distribute the tension across the entire width of the trampoline 207. In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 203 can include multiple devices that can distribute the tension across the width of the trampoline 207 so that a stiff panel 209 may not be necessary. A soft cushion material can be attached to the stiff panel 209 as well as the back area 151 of the pack 130 facing the user's body so that the backpack 100 is comfortable to carry.
In an embodiment, the frame 201 can be made of thin aluminum tubing and the frame 201 can be generally rectangular in shape. The upper edge of the frame 201 can be placed within a pocket 303 at a top portion of the pack 130 and the bottom edge of the frame 201 can be placed within a pocket 305 at a bottom portion of the pack 130. The frame 201 may also be placed through loops 153 that can be coupled to the stiff panel 209. The loops 153 can hold the frame 201 in place and prevent it from moving sideways when this portion of the frame 201 is in compression. In an embodiment, the backpack 100 can be less than about 35 cm wide and less than 70 cm tall.
With reference to
For example, the user may wish to have a very low profile backpack 100. This flat configuration can be useful in many situations. The user may wishes to have a low profile backpack 100 for more aerodynamic bicycling. Having the weight of the items in the pack close to the body can also provide a more stable backpack 100 while hiking or climbing. The user might be skiing with the backpack 100 and may want to sit as far back on the chair lift as possible. The weather may be cold and the user may want to have the backpack 100 close to the body for additional insulation, wind and rain protection. The flat profile configuration also occupies less space when the pack is in storage.
With reference to
As illustrated in
Although, the application describes the tension adjustment mechanism 203 as a single strap 202 and buckle 204, in other embodiments any other tension mechanism can be used with the inventive suspension system. For example, a Velcro hook and loop coupling device can be used. Alternatively, a threaded screw system with a turnbuckle can be used. The application also describes the tension mechanism 203 as being located at the top center of the backpack 100. However, in other embodiments, the tension mechanism 203 can be mounted at various other locations. For example, the tension mechanism may include multiple buckles that can be at different portions of the upper edge of the trampoline 207. Alternatively, the tension mechanism 203 as being located at the bottom of the backpack 100 and the top of the trampoline 207 can be directly coupled to the frame 201.
In other embodiments, the frame can have a more complex shape.
The frame 401 can be designed based upon the specific mechanical properties of the members and the expected normal use of the backpack. For example, for backpacks that are intended for only carrying light loads the frame can be designed to be more flexible since it may be unlikely that the load will too much for the flexible suspension system to handle. However, if the pack is designed for heavy loads a stiffer and more durable frame 401 may be necessary to prevent mechanical failure of the suspension system. The different horizontal and vertical members of the frame 401 can be different materials and have different mechanical designs. By accounting for the expected loads and knowing the mechanical properties of the backpack components, the required flexibility and durability of the frame 401 can be designed into the backpack.
In an embodiment, the inventive suspension system can be removed from the pack. This feature can be useful if the suspension system has been damaged and needs to be replaced. Alternatively, it may be desirable to use the bag without the suspension system.
It will be understood that the inventive system has been described with reference to particular embodiments, however additions, deletions and changes could be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the inventive system. Although the order filling apparatus and method have been described include various components, it is well understood that these components and the described configuration can be modified and rearranged in various other configurations.
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/596,805, “Variable Suspension System” filed Feb. 9, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61596805 | Feb 2012 | US |