WO2024209099A1 - Carrying item such as a backpack or hydration vest - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a carrying item (1), configured to equip a user, the item being configured to carry at least one container, the item forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the item comprising: - a rear panel (30), intended to be applied against the back of the user; - a left front section (10g) opposite a right front section (10d), the opposite sections being connected to the rear panel, and forming shoulder straps for holding the rear panel against the back of the user; - each front section being connected to the rear panel by an upper link (20d, 20g), configured to rest on the shoulders of the user; - the left front section comprising a left pocket (11g) and the right front section comprising a right pocket (11d). The pockets may be angled with respect to the vertical.

Description

Description

Title: Carrying item such as backpack or hydration vest

TECHNICAL AREA

The technical field of the invention concerns sporting goods.

PRIOR ART

Hydration vests are frequently used by athletes during their practice, particularly in endurance or hiking events. Such vests allow you to carry equipment (food, survival blanket, spare clothes), but also reserves of water or liquid intended for hydration during exercise. Water, or, more generally, hydration liquid, is contained in a flexible or rigid bottle. A flexible bottle is usually referred to as a "flask".

However, as a user moves, the bag can be uncomfortable when it bounces. A poorly fitted hydration vest can cause it to separate from the runner and bounce out of step with the stride.

A first solution is to adjust the hydration vest as close as possible to the bust. Recently, hydration vests have been developed so as to adapt as much as possible to the user's morphology. Such vests have a left front panel and a right front panel. They have pockets, configured to receive a container, for example a flexible flask, arranged vertically, so as to extend along the bust, towards the shoulder. The left and right front panels are connected to each other by a closing means, for example a zip.

During use, the pockets are subjected to significant stress, the mass of each full flask being 0.5 kg or more. It is observed that such a design does not completely eliminate the discomfort resulting from the sloshing.

Vests for recreational use such as hunting or fishing have been described in US5014359 or in US2007/0226871. These vests have small slanted pockets, arranged at the shoulders. These pockets are not configured to accommodate a hydration container because they are arranged at the neckline of the vests.

The inventors propose a carrying article that allows a user to be hydrated, reduces the feeling of bouncing around and is more robustly designed than existing articles. Another aspect of the article is to facilitate the insertion of a container, intended for the hydration of the user, inside pockets.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is a carrying article, configured to equip a user, the article being configured to carry at least one container, the article forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the article comprising:

- a back panel, intended to be applied against the user's back;

- a left front panel opposite a right front panel, the opposite panels being connected to the back panel, and forming straps to hold the back panel against the user's back;

- each front panel being connected to the rear panel by an upper link, configured to rest on the user's shoulders;

- the left front panel having a left pocket and the right front panel having a right pocket, each pocket being configured to receive the container, each pocket extending along the panel to which it is attached, between a lower end and an upper end;

- on each panel, the pocket is delimited laterally by an internal border and an external border, each border extending between the lower end and the upper end, the internal border of each pocket being adjacent to the opposite panel.

The article may be such that when worn by the user, in an upright position, the upper connection of each section rests on the user's shoulders,

- the lower end of each pocket is arranged below the upper end of said pocket;

- the internal edges of each pocket are inclined at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to the vertical;

- so that when the pocket receives a container, the container rests both on a part of the lower end and on the internal edge.

Each panel is bounded by a side edge, such that when the article is worn, the side edges of each panel face each other. The inner edge of each pocket may extend away from or towards the side edge of the panel to which it is attached, between the lower end and the upper end.

The angle of inclination may be greater than 10° and less than 45°, and preferably between 10° and 30°, preferably between 10° and 20°. According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket approaches the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket moves away from the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket is parallel to the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

The article may have the following characteristics, taken individually or in technically feasible combinations.

On at least one pocket:

- the internal border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an internal height;

- along at least half of the internal height, starting from the lower end, the internal edge forms a closure of the pocket. This may be a reversible or, preferably, permanent closure. The internal edge may form a closure of the pocket along at least 75% of the internal height.

On at least one pocket, the lower end is inclined, relative to the horizontal, preferably at the angle of inclination. By "relative to the horizontal" is meant when the article is worn by a person who is stationary and standing.

For at least one pocket,

- the upper end extends from the inner edge to the outer edge;

- part of the upper end forms a pocket closure.

Which the upper end is inclined, relative to the horizontal, in particular according to the angle of inclination.

The upper end has an upper opening, over more than 50% of its width, the opening allowing access to the container when the pocket contains the container. Less than 50% of the width of the upper end forms a pocket closure, and preferably a permanent pocket closure.

For at least one pocket:

- the external border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an external height;

- along at least half of the external height, the external edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket.

The external border is open, continuously, at least 80% or at least 90% of the external height.

The pockets are symmetrical to each other, with respect to an axis of symmetry (A) extending between the panels, at an equal distance from each panel.

A second object of the invention is a carrying article, configured to equip a user, the article being configured to carry at least one container, the article forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the article comprising:

- a back panel, intended to be applied against the user's back;

- a left front panel opposite a right front panel, the opposite panels being connected to the back panel, and forming straps to hold the back panel against the user's back;

- each front panel being connected to the rear panel by an upper link, configured to rest on the user's shoulders;

- the left front panel having a left pocket and the right front panel having a right pocket, each pocket being configured to receive the container, each pocket extending along the panel to which it is attached, between a lower end and an upper end; the article being such that

- on each panel, the pocket is delimited laterally by an internal border and an external border, each border extending between the lower end and the upper end, the internal border of each pocket being adjacent to the opposite panel;

- the internal border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an internal height; - the external border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an external height;

- along at least half of the internal height, from the lower end, the internal edge forms a closure of the pocket;

- along at least half of the external height, the external edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket; or

- along at least half of the internal height, the internal edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket;

- along at least half of the external height, from the lower end, the internal edge forms a closure of the pocket.

The article according to the second subject of the invention may include the characteristics described in connection with the first subject of the invention.

The invention will be better understood by reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented in the remainder of the description, in conjunction with the figures listed below.

FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an article according to the invention. This is the preferred embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an article according to the invention.

PRESENTATION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a first example of an article 1 according to the invention. The article may be a hydration vest. It may also be a backpack. The article 1 is configured to carry at least one water container, and preferably other types of objects, as described in connection with the prior art.

The article 1 extends between a back panel 30, configured to be held against a user's back, and two front panels opposite each other: a left front panel 10g and a right front panel 10d. Each front panel is connected to the back panel 30 by an upper connection. The left front panel is connected to the back panel by a left upper connection 20g. The right front panel is connected to the back panel by a right upper connection 20d. The term "upper connection" refers to a portion of the article 1 intended to rest on a shoulder of the user. when the article is worn, on either side of a neckline 22. The upper binding may be a different piece from a front panel. It may also be an upper part of the front panel, extending the latter to the back panel.

The left front panel is connected to the back panel 30 by a left lower link 21g, extending under a left armhole 23g. The right front panel is connected to the back panel 30 by a right lower link 21d, extending under a right armhole 23d.

Each upper link and/or each lower link may be adjustable in length, so that the article 1 is pressed against the user's body, both at the back panel 30 and at each front panel. The front panels may be connected to each other by a reversible closure means, which may be a zip, a velcro or one or more snap buttons, or an elastic strap provided with a fastening means (for example zip, snap button, velcro).

The left front panel extends to a left side edge 19g, extending opposite a right side edge 19d of the right front panel. The side edges of the opposite panels face each other.

The front and back panels are usually made of synthetic textile. They may include elastic portions, so as to adapt to the morphology of each user.

The back panel 30 can be configured to hold objects, such as food, a lamp, or emergency equipment. In the example shown, the front panels form straps, making it possible to hold the back panel against the user's back.

As described in connection with the prior art, the left front panel includes a left pocket 11g. The right front panel includes a right pocket lld. Each pocket is configured to receive a container. The volume of a container is typically 0.5 L.

Each pocket (lld, 11g) extends, along the panel, between a lower end 12, adjacent to a lower connection 21, and an upper end 13, adjacent to an upper connection 20. When the article is worn by a user, and the latter occupies a standing, immobile posture, each panel extends vertically. Thus, the upper end 13 is located above the lower end 12.

Each pocket is laterally delimited by an internal border 15 and an external border

16. The inner border 15 extends between the upper end 13 and the lower end 12. It faces the inner edge of the pocket formed on the opposite side. The outer edge extends between the upper end 13 and the lower end 12. The inner and outer edges are preferably straight, so as to adapt to the shape of a cylindrical container.

An important aspect of the invention is that when the panel extends vertically, the internal edge 15 is inclined, towards the opposite panel, at an angle of inclination 0. The angle of inclination 0 is preferably greater than 10°. It is preferably less than 45°. Advantageously, the angle of inclination is between 10° and 30°, or even between 10° and 20°. In the example shown, the angle of inclination is 15°. An angle of inclination between 10° and 30°, or better between 10° and 20° makes it possible to obtain the advantages detailed later, while being compatible with the space constraints on a panel.

Thus, between the lower end and the upper end, the internal edge of each pocket comes closer to the side edge of the panel to which the pocket is attached.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, along a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket approaches the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

The left and right front pockets are preferably symmetrical to each other with respect to an axis of symmetry A passing at an equal distance from each panel. The symmetry makes it possible to obtain a balance of the masses carried by a user. When the user is standing, the axis of symmetry is vertical or close to vertical.

For each pocket, the internal edge 15 extends along an internal height His. The internal edge is closed from the lower end 12 along at least half of the internal height His. By closed, it is understood that the internal edge prevents a container intended to extend into the pocket from passing from the lower end to the upper end. Preferably, the internal edge is closed from the lower end 12 along 80% or 90% of the height HI ₅ , or even up to the upper end 13, i.e. along the entire internal height HI ₅ . The closure is preferably permanent, in the sense that it is not reversible.

The lower end 12 is closed, in the sense that it prevents the passage of a container intended to occupy the entire width of the pocket. Preferably, at the lower end 12, the closure is permanent, i.e. non-reversible. Unlike the prior art, the inclination of the pocket according to the angle of inclination allows a better distribution of the support surface of the container in the pocket. In the articles of the prior art, each pocket is vertical. Thus, the support surface is limited to the lower end of the pocket. According to the invention, the inclination of the internal edge according to the angle of inclination 0 allows the weight of the container to be distributed along the lower end 12, but also along the internal edge 15. This promotes holding the container against the user's chest or stomach, and reduces the sloshing effect of the pocket + container assembly. This results in improved comfort of use, in particular during sports. Indeed, the sloshing results, in part, from a movement of the container inside the pocket. The longer the support surface extends, the less the sloshing: the container tends to press against the support surface. This improves comfort of use.

The better weight distribution of the container limits the wear on each pocket, particularly at the lower end 12. The article is thus more robust.

Preferably, parallel to the front panel, each pocket extends in a rectangular or substantially rectangular section, particularly in the absence of a container in the pocket. Given the inclination of the internal edge 15, the lower end 12 is also inclined, relative to the horizontal, by the angle of inclination 0, inclining towards the opposite panel.

Each pocket may include or be made of a textile having a certain elasticity, so as to expand when a container is inserted into the pocket. The elasticity allows the container to be held in place.

Another important aspect of the invention concerns the lateral opening of the pocket, allowing an introduction or a removal of a container. The lateral opening is provided in the external edge 16. The external edge extends, continuously, along an external height His. Preferably, the lateral opening extends along at least 50% of the external height His, or even at least 80% or 90% of the external height His.

At the lateral opening of the pocket, the external edge 16 is preferably elastic. Thus, the external edge extends between a closed equilibrium configuration and an open configuration, allowing the introduction of the container. The external edge can be delimited by a frame that is sufficiently rigid to allow the lateral opening to be closed, and sufficiently elastic to be able to be deformed when the container is introduced. The frame preferably extends along 50% of the external edge, or even more. The frame is more rigid than the textile forming the rest of the pocket. The frame can be formed by an elastic band, of width between 1 cm or 2 cm, having a higher stiffness than the textile.

The side opening, due to its great length, facilitates the introduction of the container into the pocket. When the article 1 is worn by the user, in a standing posture, the introduction of the container is facilitated by gravity, which tends to spontaneously direct the container against the internal edge 15 and against the lower end 12. After the container has been introduced into the pocket, gravity tends to maintain the container inside the pocket. Indeed, the container spontaneously leans towards the internal edge 15 and the lower end 12, the latter being closed to block the container inside the pocket.

The upper end 13 of each pocket may comprise an upper opening 18, in particular at the centre. Preferably, the upper opening extends along at least half the width L13 along which the upper end extends. The upper opening 18 may allow access to the container after the latter has been inserted into the pocket. Due to the inclination, the opening extends around a central axis 6 oriented towards the neckline 22. When the article is worn by a person, the central axis is oriented towards the user's head. The latter can easily access the container, for example by means of a flexible tube connected to the inside of the container, or a pacifier attached to the container.

The upper opening 18 can be delimited by reinforcements 17, which make it possible to limit lateral movement of the container through the opening.

The internal height and external height can be between 8 cm or 5 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 25 cm. A height between 20 cm and 22 cm is considered optimal to accommodate a container of 500 mL or more.

The width of the upper end can be between 4 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 7 cm. The same applies to the lower end.

The inventors modeled the reduction of the sloshing. They considered that an elastic textile pocket can be assimilated to a spring, whose stiffness, per unit of width, is k.

2 x

In the prior art, a vertical pocket has a stiffness k _verticca = kx — (1) where r is the radius of the pocket. „ , ,, , 2xrxcos(0)+Lxsin (0)

In the case of an inclined pocket, the stiffness is k _e = kx - =

Taking into account r = 3 cm and 6 = 15°,

^vertical = 0.06 xk (3) and /c ₁₅ = = 0.108 xk (4)

The stiffness k ₁₅ ° of the spring corresponding to the inclined pocket is therefore twice as high.

One effect of the improved stiffness is to limit the amplitude of the rocking of a container placed in the pocket. The inventors took into account a model, according to which the user is immobile, and has just touched the ground at a vertical speed V _o . As a result, the initial speed of the container, placed in the pocket, is vertical, directed downwards, of norm y ₀ .

Given the fundamental principle of dynamics, the container is subject to gravity and a restoring force due to the spring formed by the elastic pocket.

ÿ est l'accélération du point représentatif du récipient. -M xg - kxy _eq = M x ÿ (5) y _eq corresponds to an equilibrium position of a point representative of the assembly formed by the container and the bag. This can be the center of gravity. The position y _eq , on the vertical axis, depends on the position y of the center of gravity on the Y axis. The Y axis is assumed to be oriented vertically, in the direction opposite to gravity.

ÿ is the acceleration of the representative point of the container.

He comes:

/c

From where ÿ + —y = 0 (8) m

The solution is of the form: y(t) = Y x cos (a> ₀ X t + (p) (9)

Û) ₀ is a pulsation of the sloshing and Y is the amplitude of the sloshing. <p represents a phase term. We consider that at the original instant, t = 0, y = 0 and V = V _o . V is the speed of the representative point of the container along the vertical axis.

Expression (11) expresses the dependence of the amplitude of the sloshing on k.

^vertical ^and ^9 respectively denote the amplitude of the sloshing according to the vertical configuration and according to the invention.

Taking into account M = 0.5 Kg,

^vertical ~ 1 3 X Yg ₌ ^^ (14)

According to this model, it is estimated that the invention allows a 30% reduction in the amplitude of the sloshing compared to the sloshing of a vertical pocket.

Figures 2 and 3 show embodiments in which the pockets are inclined at an angle of inclination relative to the vertical, when the panels extend vertically. The technical effect imparted by the inclination is similar to that described in connection with Figure 1.

In Figure 2, the pockets are such that in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket moves away from the inner edge of the pocket on the opposite side.

In Figure 3, the pockets are such that the respective inner edges of each pocket extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. By substantially parallel is meant parallel to within +/- 10°.

The configuration of each pocket, having a side opening at an outer edge, can be provided independently of the inclination of the pocket. Figure 4 shows an article 1 in which the right and left front pockets are as in the prior art. These pockets are distinguished from the prior art by their opening. As previously described, each pocket has a side opening, provided at the outer edge. The outer edge 16 has the same characteristics as previously described, except for the angle of inclination.

Alternatively, the side opening may extend along the inner edge 15. In this case, the outer edge is closed, from the lower end, over at least 50% of its height, or even at least 80% or at least 90%. The inner edge is open along at least 50% of its height, or even at least 80% or at least 90%.

However, it is preferable that the side opening is provided at each external edge: this makes it easier to handle the container to be inserted or removed from the pocket.

Although described in connection with a hydration vest, the invention can be applied to a backpack, for example a hiking backpack. The front straps of the backpack form front panels, comprising pockets as previously described.

Claims

1. Carrying article (1), configured to equip a user, the article being configured to carry at least one container, the article forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the article comprising: - a rear panel (30), intended to be applied against the user's back; - a left front panel (10g) opposite a right front panel (10d), the opposite panels being connected to the rear panel, and forming straps to hold the rear panel against the user's back; - each front panel being connected to the rear panel by an upper link (20d, 20g), configured to rest on the user's shoulders; - the left front panel comprising a left pocket (11g) and the right front panel comprising a right pocket (lld), each pocket being configured to receive the container, each pocket extending along the panel on which it is fixed, between a lower end (12) and an upper end (13); - on each panel, the pocket is delimited laterally by an internal border (15) and an external border (16), each border extending between the lower end and the upper end, the internal border of each pocket being adjacent to the opposite panel; - the internal border (15) extends from the lower end to the upper end according to an internal height (His); - the external edge (16) extends from the lower end to the upper end according to an external height (His); the article being characterized in that: - along at least half of the internal height, from the lower end, the internal edge forms a closure of the pocket; - along at least half of the external height, the external edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket; or - along at least half of the internal height, the internal edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket; - along at least half of the external height, from the lower end, the external edge forms a pocket closure. 2. An article according to claim 1, wherein the inner border or the outer border forms a closure of the pocket along at least 75% of the inner height or the outer height respectively. 3. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer edge or the inner edge is open, continuously, along at least 80% or at least 90% of the outer height or the inner height respectively. 4. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, the article being such that when worn by the user, in a vertical position, the upper connection of each panel resting on the shoulders of the user, - the lower end (12) of each pocket is arranged below the upper end (13) of said pocket; - the internal edges (15) of each pocket are inclined at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to the vertical. 5. Article according to claim 4, in which the angle of inclination is greater than 10° and less than 45°, and preferably between 10° and 30°, preferably between 10° and 20°. 6. An article according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of one pocket approaches the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel. 7. An article according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of one pocket extends away from the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel. 8. An article according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of one pocket is parallel to the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel. 9. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, in which for at least one pocket, the lower end (12) is inclined, relative to the horizontal, according to the angle of inclination. 10. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, in which for at least one pocket, - the upper end extends from the inner edge to the outer edge; - a part of the upper end (13) forms a closure of the pocket. 11. Article according to claim 9, in which the upper end (13) is inclined, relative to the horizontal, according to the angle of inclination. 12. An article according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the upper end comprises an upper opening (18), over more than 50% of its width (L13), the opening allowing access to the container when the pocket comprises the container. 13. An article according to claim 12, wherein less than 50% of the width of the upper end forms a closure of the pocket. 14. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 13, in which the pockets are symmetrical to each other, with respect to an axis of symmetry (A) extending, between the panels, at an equal distance from each panel.