Package and article carriers – Carried by animate bearer – Article held by receiver
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-12
2001-01-30
Luebke, Renee (Department: 2832)
Package and article carriers
Carried by animate bearer
Article held by receiver
C224S262000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179188
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to backpack frames and harnesses for carrying loads, and more particularly, to harness systems for external frame backpacks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
External frame backpacks are particularly well suited for carrying heavy, bulky loads by backpackers. The load is carried a small distance away from the back of the user and is secured to a rigid frame that can transmit the load primarily to the hipbelt. However, with conventional frames and hipbelts, the load is not effectively transferred to the sides of the hips, the location most comfortable over a long haul. Instead the load is mainly carried by the small of the back as the hipbelt sags and pulls from behind.
Some attempts at overcoming this loading have been made by the use of straps and other equipment. For example, one attempted solution employs T-shaped arms rigidly secured to the frame rails and extending forwardly to an attachment with the sides of the hipbelt. This arrangement will transfer the load to the sides of the user's hips, but may also cause the pack to shift or swing side to side with every natural hip movement of the user. The connection is kept somewhat rigid for effective transfer of the load to the user's hips.
Other problems with external frame pack harnesses involve the back and lower panels that are used to suspend the pack frame away from direct contact with the user's back. These panels are strapped to the side rails of the pack and held in tension horizontally. They may, therefore, develop horizontal wrinkles or folds that are uncomfortable on the back of the user. Furthermore, the load may not be effectively and evenly distributed across these panels for a comfortable carry.
Owing to the limitation of the current external frame packs, the advantages of these packs being effective big-load haulers is overshadowed. A need therefore exists for a rigid external frame pack with a flexible harness system that effectively carries a load comfortably on the back with the bulk of the downward force being transferred to the sides of the hips of the user without pack instabilities being created when hiking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a backpack including a rigid frame and flexible harness system for carrying a load on the back of a user such as a hiker. The backpack includes an external frame, a hipbelt, and a first flexible elongate stay. The frame is substantially rigid and includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member. The hipbelt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The first flexible elongate stay is attached to the upper frame member at an upper end of the stay. It is attached to the hipbelt at a lower end of the stay. The stay is flexible to allow movement of the hipbelt as the stay bends while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stay.
Preferably, the upper end of the stay is anchored directly to the upper frame member. The lower end is attached to the sides of the hipbelt. Thus loads are directly transmitted from the frame to the sides of the hipbelt. In one aspect of the invention, the frame includes a middle member around which the stay bends between its attachment to the upper member and the hipbelt.
A preferred aspect of the invention includes a second flexible elongate stay attached to the upper member and the hipbelt on the opposite side of the frame and hipbelt from the first stay.
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, an adjustment mechanism is provided between the hipbelt and the first stay and between the hipbelt and the second stay. The adjustment mechanism allows the user to move the lower ends of the stays forwardly and rearwardly relative to the frame and hipbelt. The stays are held at least partially within flexible socks extending from the lower ends of the stays and attached to the hipbelt adjustment mechanism. The stays are removably secured within the socks such that alternative stays may be attached to the frame and hipbelt.
Another preferred aspect of the invention includes a back panel secured to the front side of the frame. Both horizontal and vertical straps are employed to secure the back panel. The vertical strap is secured to the upper member and the lower member to vertically tension the back panel. The vertical strap extends from the back panel over the upper frame member and below the lower frame member. Tensioning mechanisms are used to tension both the vertical and horizontal straps of the back panel. The back panel also includes a flexible, horizontal bar extending across the panel between the side rails. The back panel includes a vertical row of horizontal slots therein for securing shoulder straps thereto in a plurality of positions relative to the frame.
A lower panel is also secured to the frame generally between the side rails and beneath the back panel. The lower panel includes a support sheet secured thereto for maintaining the shape of the lower panel as it is tensioned to the frame. The support sheet is constructed of a relatively rigid material and extends substantially to the top and bottom of said lower panel for providing vertical support to said lower panel.
REFERENCES:
patent: 204066 (1878-05-01), Merriam
patent: 3899109 (1975-08-01), Noice
patent: 4369903 (1983-01-01), Wilkes
patent: 4480775 (1984-11-01), Stanford
patent: 5503314 (1996-04-01), Fiscus
patent: 2 652 727 (1991-04-01), None
patent: WO 93/14669 (1993-08-01), None
Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
Dana Design Ltd.
Luebke Renee
LandOfFree
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