WO2012066252A1

WO2012066252A1 - Balancing frame for a rucksack

Info

Publication number: WO2012066252A1
Application number: PCT/FR2011/052687
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hervé Denis RUFFINATI
Original assignee: Ruffinati Herve Denis
Priority date: 2010-11-19
Filing date: 2011-11-17
Publication date: 2012-05-24
Also published as: FR2967558A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a carrying device (1) of the rucksack type, having a loading receptacle (4) and a stabilized balancing system (5) comprising: a carrying base (6) provided with at least one upright (7) making first contact (M1) with the wearer's back, and having a body portion (9) forming a rigid lateral stay making second contact (M2) with the wearer's side at a separate height (h_M2) from that (h_M1) of the first contact, at least one lever (12) supported in a rocking manner (13) by said carrying base (6) so as to allow a compensation force for the weight of the load (2) carried to be distributed to either side of the wearer's coronal plane (P_c), guide means (14) guiding the movement of the loading receptacle (4) with respect to the base (6) during the rocking of the lever (12). Rucksacks.

Description

BALANCING ARMATURE FOR BACKPACK

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general field of load carrying devices for carrying loads, on the backs of humans, or animals. The present invention more particularly relates to a load carrying device, the backpack type, provided with a loading receptacle adapted to receive the load carried.

The present invention also relates to an adaptation kit, and in particular a carrying base, for converting a loading receptacle or an existing backpack into a carrying device according to the invention.

PRIOR ART

It has long been known to transport a variety of loads, such as foodstuffs, materials of all kinds, materials, etc., using a means of portage allowing the harnessing of said loads on the back of a man or animal back domesticated.

In particular, it is known to use for this purpose backpacks that have one or more pockets serving as a loading receptacle, and a pair of shoulder straps that surround the shoulders of the wearer to support the bag.

Known backpacks have been the subject of many improvements, especially in the last decades, because of the popularity of the general public for outdoor leisure activities, such as hiking, running, skiing, climbing, cycling. , camping, etc.

In particular, it has been imagined various solutions to improve the wearing comfort, for example by padding the straps, reinforcing the frame dorsal of the bag, or the implementation of a lumbar belt at the base of said bag.

However, if the known backpacks are generally satisfactory, their use is sometimes likely to cause significant fatigue or low back pain, especially during the transport of heavy loads, or during long journeys.

In addition, it is possible that known backpacks do not allow a satisfactory stowage of the load carried, so that the latter can sometimes ballotter by causing jolts or shocks likely to bruise the wearer or to unbalance the latter. In this respect, if it has been envisaged to provide certain backpacks with a rigid reinforcement, the known reinforcements generally have a particularly complex, heavy and bulky metal structure, which is moreover likely to form hard bearing points. , causing significant sweating or bruising in the wearer.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim at overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks and at proposing a new load carrying device, of the backpack type, which improves the comfort and the stability of the carrying, in particular during transport of heavy loads.

The objects assigned to the invention are also intended to propose a new load carrying device having a compact structure, compact, light, which does not cause fatigue or bruising in the wearer, and which does not interfere with the movements of this latest.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new load carrying device which is particularly versatile and can be easily configured and adapted to the wearer's morphology or to the carrying conditions. Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new carrying device that is particularly robust and durable.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new load carrying device that is practical, intuitive to handle and adjust. Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new load carrying device which has a good vacuum strength and whose storage and vacuum transport are facilitated.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new load carrying device which is particularly well suited to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, running, cycling, navigation, etc., and especially to activities carried out. in the mountains, such as climbing, skiing, paragliding, rafting, etc.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a load carrying device of the backpack type, provided with a loading receptacle adapted to receive the load carried, said carrying device being characterized in that that it has a stabilized balancing system that includes:

a carrying base provided with at least one upright which has a first support portion designed to take a first bearing on the wearer's body, as well as a body portion which connects said first support portion to a second portion; carrier, said second support portion forming a rigid lateral strut extending from said body portion to a second bearing which is located at the wearer's sidewall at an altitude distinct from that of the first support,

at least one lever, separate from the upright, supported by said carrier base and having a first arm connected to the loading receptacle and a second opposite operating arm, so as to allow the return on either side of the plane coronal of the wearer of an effort of compensation of the weight of the load,

- Separate guide means of the lever, ensuring between the base and the loading receptacle a kinematic connection which allows and guides the relative movement of said loading receptacle relative to the base when said loading receptacle is driven by the tilting of the lever.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, in a three-dimensional front view, an alternative embodiment of load carrying device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a three-quarter perspective back view, the carrying device represented in FIG. 1.

- Figure 3 illustrates, in a front perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the carrier base according to that implemented within the carrying devices of Figures 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate, in partial side and front views, an example of length adjustment means that can be fitted to the body portions and / or the second support portions of the carrying base shown in FIG. 3.

- Figure 5 illustrates, in a detail view from the side, a first embodiment of guide means according to the invention.

- Figure 6 illustrates, in a front perspective view, a second embodiment of guide means according to the invention.

- Figure 7 illustrates, in a detailed exploded perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the lever according to the invention.

- Figure 8 illustrates, in a side view, another embodiment of a carrying device according to the invention. - Figure 9 illustrates, in a schematic side view, the implementation of a carrying device according to the invention on a human carrier upright.

BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a load carrying device 1 2 for lifting and transporting loads 2 various, such as foodstuffs, materials of any kind, materials, clothing, etc.. on the back of a man or on the back of an animal, that is to say by using the muscular force of a human or animal carrier 3 to lift and move said charges 2.

Said carrying device 1 is provided for this purpose with a loading receptacle 4 which is able to receive the load carried 2.

By "loading receptacle" 4 means any means for receiving and supporting a load 2, said load is placed in or on said receptacle or suspended therefrom.

Said loading receptacle 4 may for example comprise one or more hook (s) of suspension, one or more bag (s) or pocket (s), one or more tray (s), a pallet, a grid of pose, a seat for transportation of a child or an adult, etc.

For convenience of description, it will be considered in the following that the carrying device 1 constitutes a backpack, the loading receptacle 4 comprises at least one pocket disposed vis-à-vis the back of the wearer, that is, that is to say near the dorsal surface of the latter, located substantially opposite the ventral face with respect to the coronal plane Pc. Of course, the invention will not be limited to such an embodiment variant, the receptacle of loading 4 can be adapted to form a ventral pocket or a side pocket intended to be placed vis-à-vis the flank of the carrier 3, the arrangement of the device then deduced mutatis mutandis. By convention, it will be considered that the carrier 3 is standing on a horizontal plane, and "crown plane" P _c , or "frontal plane", will be referred to as the vertical plane passing through the shoulders of the carrier 3 and separating the latter into a half ventral and one dorsal half, that is to say in one front face and one back side, by "sagittal plane" P _s the vertical plane perpendicular to the coronal plane and separating the body of the wearer 3 into a left half and a half right, and finally "transverse plane" P _T the plane perpendicular to the previous planes and passing through the hips of the carrier 3, said transverse plane Ρτ being substantially parallel to the horizontal in Figures 1, 8 and 9.

Note also (Ζ-Ζ ') the axis, here vertical, which corresponds to the intersection of the coronal plane P _c and the sagittal plane Ps, said axis forming substantially the average generator axis of the carrier 3.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the carrying device 1 has a stabilized balancing system 5 which comprises:

- A carrying base 6 which is provided with at least one upright 7, said upright 7 having a first support portion 8 which is designed to take a first support M1 on the body of the carrier 3, and a portion of body 9 which connects said first support portion 8 to a second support portion 10, said second support portion 10 forming a rigid lateral stay extending from said body portion 9 to a second support M2 which is located at level of the flank 11 of the carrier 3, at an altitude h _M 2 distinct from the altitude h _M i of the first support 1,

- At least one lever 12, separate from the upright 7, supported in flip-flop 13 by said carrying base 6 and having a first arm 12A connected to the loading receptacle 4 and a second arm 12B opposite maneuver, so as to allow the return of on either side of the coronal plane Pc of the wearer 3 of a force F of compensation of the weight P ₂ of the load 2,

- Guiding means 14, separate from the lever 12, said guide means 14 providing between the base 6 and the loading receptacle 4 a kinematic link which allows and guides the relative movement of said loading receptacle relative to the base when said loading receptacle is driven by the tilting of the lever 12. Advantageously, the stabilized balancing system 5 according to the invention provides excellent wearing comfort since it tends to distribute the weight P2 of the load relative to the body of the wearer 3, and more particularly on both sides of the body. coronal plane Pc, by means of a base 6 which substantially matches the morphology of the wearer, and which is held stably and relatively firmly on the body of said carrier 3 while the loading receptacle 4 is itself guided relative to said base 6, in a specific trajectory and well controlled, preferably located in the back of the carrier, by guide means 14 which, between said base 6 and said loading receptacle 4, separately and in addition to the lever 12, a second additional kinematic link, distinct from the first link provided by said lever 12 itself.

Thus, the load is balanced and stabilized relative to the body of the carrier, whether in pitch, the system 5 limiting or preventing here substantially the undesirable movements of tilting back and forth in roll, said system 5 limiting or s' substantially opposing the medi-lateral swing of the receptacle on either side of the sagittal plane Ps, or in yaw.

Such an arrangement avoids in particular that the load 2 does not ballot, shock the wearer, including the lumbar region, or threatens to unbalance the carrier by shaking or other inertial movements during the activity concerned. Advantageously, the staging of the supports M1, M2 makes it possible in particular to very effectively stabilize the base in pitch.

Preferably, the first support M1 and the second support M2 respectively form a high point of support and a low point of support, which can be substantially punctual, linear, or, in practice, surface, the first support portion 8 being able to to take said first support 1 on the shoulder of the carrier 3, and the second support portion 10 may, independently or in combination, come to take the second support M2 on the wearer's hip, particularly preferably on the top of the ridge iliac. Preferably, the second support M2 is thus located, in azimuth about the vertical axis (Ζ-Ζ '), in a quadrant immediately adjacent to that containing the loading receptacle, and offset by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the center line of said loading receptacle. Advantageously, said second support can in particular provide a good base for the base, and in particular a lateral stabilization in roll.

As illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 8, the first support portion 8 may, for example, be in the form of a padded loop for hooking the shoulder from above, The body portion 9 is preferably suspended at said first support portion 8, in an intermediate vertical position, while it is perched on the second support portion 10, which can then advantageously form an oblique stay downward from the root 0A which connects to the portion of body 9 up to a foot 10B forming the second support 2, said foot being situated at an altitude lower than that of said root 10 A. Of course, it is not excluded that the second support portion 10 is suspended, addressing the second support M2 from below in the manner of a pulling and working in tension.However, it will preferably address said second support from above, being biased in compression and / or flexion.

Advantageously, the carrier base 6 according to the invention can therefore be substantially secured to the body of the wearer in a particularly firm but ergonomic manner, coming to bear on particularly strong organic tissues and advantageously located substantially in line with the anatomical structures natural bearing, such as spine, pelvis, and legs. As such, the first support M1 and / or the second support M2, and / or the flip-flop 13 may be located, either independently of the others, or in pairs, or all together, in the vicinity of the coronal plane P _c , preferably even be contained in said coronal plane. In a particularly preferred manner, said first support, second support, and tilting point are substantially aligned vertically, parallel to the vertical axis (Ζ-Ζ ').

The base secured to the carrier 3 will therefore be well tolerated by the latter, and will generate virtually no nuisance, and in particular will not cause bruising, low back pain or excessive fatigue.

As a preferred example, the first support M1 and / or the second support M2 and / or the tipping point 13 may be located at a distance from the coronal plane less than or equal to 10 cm, and preferably substantially between -10 cm on the dorsal side and + 0 cm on the ventral side, between -7 cm and +7 cm, or between -5 cm and +5 cm, or be located in a lateral angular sector 15 substantially centered on the coronal plane and of which angular opening αι _5; measured in the transverse plane and with respect to the vertical axis (Ζ-Ζ ') is substantially between 45 degrees and 90 degrees.

Advantageously, the carrier base 6 gives the device 1 a certain structural rigidity which is in particular sufficient to allow the first support portion 8 and the second support portion 10 to substantially distribute the carrying force on the first and the second. second support, and more particularly to transfer and bear on them the ascending vertical component which substantially opposes the weight P ₂ of the load 2, and more generally to the weight of the loading receptacle 4 containing said load.

As such, and in particular in the case where the body portion 9 is located at an intermediate level so as to be suspended from the first support portion 8 and to rest on an oblique stay down from the root 10A until at the foot 10B, the first and second support portions 8, 10 as well as the body portion 9 may be substantially inextensible, incompressible, and inflexible, so as to withstand in particular the compression which results from the weight of the load P ₂ , without buckling. Advantageously, the carrier base 6 may be substantially self-supporting, so as to form a kind of substantially indeformable foot capable of supporting the backpack by preventing its vertical collapse when said bag is placed on the ground.

Preferably, the body portion 9 of the upright 7 will be in the form of an elongated element, for example a rod, extending substantially vertically, and which may be substantially straight, as shown in the figures 1 and 3, or on the contrary slightly curved so as to form an outwardly curved which substantially matches the contour of the back, as shown in Figure 8.

The second support portion 10 may in turn form an oblique stay, and in particular a rod, substantially rectilinear, or curved substantially S so that its two ends are bent and each folded in a substantially opposite direction.

Of course, the deflection angle η formed between each end of the second support portion 10 and the main direction of the central section of said second support portion may then be chosen according to the size or the corpulence of the wearer, and in particular form an obtuse angle substantially between 90 degrees and 160 degrees.

Of course, the second support portion 10, as well as, preferably, the body portion 9, or, overall, the whole of the upright 7, will be formed in a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a metal alloy , in particular an aluminum alloy, a polymer, optionally reinforced, or a composite material, for example formed based on carbon fibers.

In addition, the geometry of the part forming all or part of the upright 7 is in no way limited, said upright, and its various portions, which may be in the form of a tube or round section round and constant as illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4A, 4B and 5, or a profile or a solid blade of polygonal and flattened section, and in particular of substantially rectangular section, as illustrated on the figure 6. In a particularly preferred manner, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second support portion 10 tends to fold the upright 7 towards the coronal plane Pc, or even passes right through said coronal plane Pc, preferably descending from the rear to the front, so that its foot 10B is at a less distance from said coronal plane P _c than its root 10A.

Advantageously, such an arrangement makes it possible to come to bear on the pelvis of the wearer at the level of an anatomical structure of resistant carrying, and this even though the loading receptacle 4, as well as the body portion 9 of the upright 7 can being substantially remote from said coronal plane Pc. The carrier 3 can thus support the carrying base 6 according to a relatively natural carrying force, and in particular without having to oppose a large lumbar effort, which considerably limits the risk of fatigue or the appearance of pain.

Preferably, the second support portion 10 extends in the extension of the body portion 9, at the base of the latter, so that the amount 7 considered forms an unbranched stem having a single second support M2, such a structure being particularly simple, light, compact and inexpensive to manufacture.

Furthermore, the carrying device 1 preferably comprises a waist belt 20 connected to the loading receptacle 4, said belt 20 comprising one or more flexible panels (s) intended (s) to be folded (s) and closed (s) on the hips of the wearer 3.

Advantageously, said belt 20 can contribute to stabilizing the loading receptacle 4, by limiting or substantially eliminating its lateral pendulum dorsal deflection, so that said loading receptacle can not move significantly away from its substantially median position of equilibrium . Advantageously, the second support portion 10 can then take the second support M2 on the corresponding side panel of the belt 20, its foot 10B can for example be engaged in a reinforced pocket 21, or be secured to an insole integrated in said lateral pan by an appropriate connection. Thus, the oblique stay can advantageously extract laterally from the back of the wearer, bypass the size of the latter, to then approach the side panel of the belt 20 by its upper edge, which is advantageously hardened or reinforced to withstand the effort of support and distribute it in the thickness of the belt. Preferably, the belt 20 may also include iliac impressions 22, preferably hollowed radially in the thickness of the padding of each side panel, and intended to cap the iliac crests of the wearer.

Advantageously, such an arrangement makes it possible to provide in the waistband shoulders whose upper rim may come to bear on the hips, preferably substantially flat, and transmit at least one component of substantially vertical force to offer the backpack, and more particularly to the second support portion 10, a stable support and well distributed.

Moreover, the belt 20 is preferably connected to the loading receptacle 4 with a vertical clearance J which enables said loading receptacle 4 to move relative to said belt, in particular when it is functionally driven by the tilting of the lever 12, substantially without changing the position of said belt relative to the wearer. As an indication, said clearance J may be substantially between 5 cm and 20 cm.

For this purpose, the belt 20 may advantageously have a dorsal panel 20D, connecting the two side panels and engaged through a holding sleeve 23 fixed to the loading receptacle 4, preferably at the base of the latter, said sleeve having a height of passage greater than the height of the dorsal panel.

Advantageously, such an arrangement not only makes it possible to accommodate the relative displacement of the bag with respect to the belt when said displacement is caused by the lever, but also to confer a certain flexibility in rolling the belt relative to the loading receptacle. , and relative to the base 6, which avoids hindering the movements of the wearer, including lateral flexion movements of the pelvis and torso, while still retaining the freedom of relative movement of the device 1 relative to the body of the wearer 3 in a beach predetermined that avoids the sloshing, particularly lateral, of the loading receptacle 4.

On the other hand, according to a feature which may constitute an invention in its own right, as such or in combination with any one of the above-mentioned features, the second support portion 10 is preferably loosely articulated around the portion of body 9, so as to be able to orient independently and freely in azimuth relative to the rest of the base 6, and in particular with respect to the block formed by the body portion 9 and the first support portion 8 of the upright 7 corresponding. Advantageously, such an arrangement makes it possible, on the one hand, to adapt the opening of the upright 7 as well as of the lateral pan of the belt 20 associated with it, which facilitates the donning of the backpack or, conversely, its storage, and secondly to ensure a relatively flexible carriage, although captive, which does not hinder the movements of the wearer. Of course, the junction, preferably permanent, between the body portion 9 and the second support portion 10 may be designed so as to allow at least, if not exclusively, a degree of freedom in yaw, preferably substantially rotated around. an axis parallel to the vertical axis (Ζ-Ζ '), said link being otherwise resistant to buckling and bending. As such, it is possible to envisage different practical types of connections, and in particular a pivot connection formed by interlocking a free lower end and shouldered portion of the body portion 9 in a smooth barrel dug in the root 10A of the second support portion. 10, the latter forming itself an entity distinct from said body portion 9. Moreover, according to a preferred feature which may also constitute a full-fledged invention, the body portion 9 and / or the second support portion 10 may be adjustable in length, so as to allow the adjustment of the height of the base 6 and / or, respectively, the offset of the second support M2. Advantageously, such an arrangement will make it possible to adapt the device, and more particularly the base, depending on the size and the corpulence, and in particular on the waist, of the wearer, and in particular will make it possible to adjust the distance separating the first support 1 of the second support M2, or the distance, or "span" separating the second supports of each upright 7 between them when the base comprises several amounts.

For this purpose, the body portion 9 and / or respectively the second support portion 10 may have length adjustment means 24 comprising, for example, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 4A and 4B, an associated telescopic junction 25. to an indexing mechanism 26 comprising for example a retractable finger 26A, prestressed radially and intended to cooperate with a plurality of notches 26B staggered in length.

Although it is conceivable that the carrying base 6 comprises a single body portion 9, the latter preferably comprises at least two uprights 7, spaced from one another and secured to each other by at least one cross member 30.

Preferably, said uprights are arranged substantially parallel to each other and / or substantially symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane Ps of the carrier 3.

Preferably, said uprights 7 each comprise a first support portion 8 intended to bear each on one of the shoulders of the wearer 3, on either side of the wearer's head.

The first support portions 8 of said two uprights 7 may advantageously be combined, see formed in one piece, so as to form a shoulder collar whose two hooks come together to form a dorsal crossbar, located slightly below the nape of the wearer, as illustrated in particular in Figures 1 and 3.

Of course, the cross member 30 may be made according to different variants, and for example implement a bent tube which is integral with the portions of body 9 and following the dorsal notch of the first support portions 8, as shown in Figure 3, or be formed by the rigid core of a padded shell constituting a shoulder collar in which the portions of body 9 are nested or fixed. Moreover, the body portion 9 of each of the two uprights 7 will preferably extend at its base by a second support portion 10 bearing on the flank of the carrier which is closest thereto.

Thus, the base 6 according to the invention can form a frame having substantially the shape of an inverted U, whose base is formed by the cross member 30 at the shoulders and whose branches are arranged on the left and the left. other on the right of the sagittal plane and open by flaring at the hips of the wearer 3.

Advantageously, such a structure presents at the same time a great simplicity, a great lightness, a good mechanical resistance, but also an excellent ergonomics, since it marries the body of the wearer, whatever its size and its corpulence, without bruising the latter and without constituting any hindrance to its movements, especially since the regions of the space in the vicinity of the arms and neck are particularly well cleared, the elements of the frame being set back and occupying in particular a dorsal region which is in any case not easily accessible. Overall, it is remarkable that the carrying device 1 and more particularly the carrier base 6, preferably has a substantially symmetrical structure relative to the sagittal plane Ps of the carrier.

The lever 12 makes it possible for it to create a substantially triangular balancing structure which is capable of opposing the moment created by the weight P de of the load 2 on said lever 12, and more particularly on the first arm 12A, here later. , a resistant moment which results from the application of the compensation force F exerted on the second operating arm 12B, here earlier. As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, a handle 31, formed for example by a loop formed from a flexible strap 32, can be attached to the second operating arm 12B, and preferably hung substantially at the free end of the latter Advantageously, this handle 31 allows the wearer to suspend his arm to the lever 12, and to exert on the latter a compensating force F corresponding here to a more or less pronounced downward traction.

Advantageously, the use of a lever passing through the coronal plane Pc makes it possible to balance the stresses exerted by the weight P ₂ of the load 2 by positioning the point of application of the resultant R of the carrying forces, which is exerted and supported by the carrier via the base and more particularly the first support M1, substantially in the vicinity of the tilting point 13 and said first support M1, that is to say in the vicinity of the coronal plane Pc, or substantially in said coronal plane, and therefore substantially perpendicular to the center of gravity of the wearer 6 and its natural anatomical bearing structures.

The wearing comfort is thus greatly improved, and fatigue is minimized.

In addition, although it is conceivable to provide a lever 12 that can be actuated and maintained under stress only temporarily, when the carrier acts manually on the second operating arm 12B, the device 1 preferably comprises at least one lever locking means 33 adapted to hold the lever 12, against the tilting torque exerted by the loading receptacle 4, substantially in a freely chosen angular position and a degree of compensation force.

Advantageously, the device 1 thus makes it possible to maintain the lever 12 in a state of tilt under stress determined by the wearer, and this permanently, including when the wearer releases the handle 31 and the operating arm 12B, so that load balancing persists even while the wearer has his hands free for other activities. Particularly preferably, as shown in the figures, the locking means 33 preferably comprises a return member 34 which connects the second arm 12B of the lever 12 to a retaining point M3 remote from the tipping point 13 and providing a direct or indirect support on the body of the carrier 3. Preferably, said retaining point 3 may coincide substantially, or even exactly, with the second support 2.

Advantageously, said deflection member 34 preferably forms a pull-tensioned tie between the retaining point M3 and the second arm 12B of the lever, and is sufficiently inextensible to provide, in a substantially durable manner and without undergoing any significant elastic or plastic deformation. length, the transmission to said lever 12 a compensating force F sufficient to effectively oppose the weight P ₂ of the load 2.

Preferably, the return member 34 is formed at least in part by a flexible element, such as a strap, preferably coinciding with that used to form the handle 31, which can be substantially tensioned almost rectilinearly, or on the contrary slightly curved, between the second arm 12B of the lever and the retention point M3, preferably forming a direct connection, that is to say without bend or significant reference between them.

Thus, the return member 34 can form substantially the hypotenuse of the aforementioned triangular holding structure.

In this respect, it is remarkable that the deflection member 34 may advantageously be tangential, longitudinal, or even partially confused with the anterior portion, and in particular the lower anterior portion, of a shoulder strap 35 which connects the first support portion 8 to the lower part of the carrying base 6, and preferably the second support M2 at the side panel of the belt 20.

For this purpose, the strap 32 may advantageously approach substantially tangentially the shoulder strap 35, and in particular the anterior face thereof, which preferably follows a substantially convex curved contour down the length of the shoulder. anterior face of the carrier, said strap 32 being attachable to said shoulder strap 35 by a fixing means 36 which enables the deflection member 34 to be reconstituted, the latter then having, above said fastening member 36, a first upper section corresponding to said strap 32, and, below said fastener 36, a lower section corresponding to the lower part of the strap 35 which extends at the level of the belly and flanks of the carrier.

As shown schematically in FIG. 9, the lever 12, and more particularly its operating arm 12B, can be arranged in ventral projection relative to the shoulder strap 35, and more particularly with respect to the fastening means 36 and / or to the point at which the strap 32 comes into contact with said strap, for example by superposition, the strap can then be oriented, and tensioned, in a general direction descending substantially from front to rear.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, it is also conceivable for the end of the operating arm 12B to which the strap 32 is attached to be placed plumb or even recessed from the front part of the shoulder strap 35 (FIG. that is to say, closer to the coronal plane than the latter), so that the strap follows, to reach the ramp from the lever, a substantially vertical downward direction, directly above the lever, or substantially oriented of the back to front

Such an arrangement may in particular allow the return member 34 to marry substantially the path of the shoulder strap 35, as close as possible to the majority, if not most of its length, bypassing the anterior face of the torso or resting on the latter, and secondly to use a relatively short lever 12, which gives the device 1 a particularly compact structure, light and compact. Of course, the fastener 36 here provides a tensile-resistant connection and can in particular be formed, as shown in Figure 1, by a self-locking buckle type belt buckle.

As such, it is remarkable that the return member 34 preferably has an adjustable length, and more particularly adjustable by the wearer who can choose the length of the strap strand 32 which is stretched between on the one hand the operating arm 12B of the lever, which protrudes from the anterior side of the coronal plane overhanging above the front part of said strap, and on the other hand the fixing member 36 attached to said shoulder strap 35, preferably substantially in the upper section between half and three quarters of the height of the latter.

Advantageously, such an arrangement allows the wearer to adjust the overall length of the deflection member 34, and consequently the degree of tilting and the intensity of the traction exerted on the lever 12, which makes it possible to modulate and select at its to balance the load. Furthermore, the arrangement of the base 6 as well as that of the lever 12, are preferably chosen so that the opening angle has _R between the coronal plane Pc and the line L1 which joins the retention point M3 at the second arm of the lever is less than or equal to 60 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 50 degrees, at 45 degrees, at 35 degrees, at 30 degrees, or even less than or equal to 20 degrees. Advantageously, by choosing a low opening angle OR, it is possible to limit the anteroposterior component of the resultant R which is exerted by reaction on the wearer's shoulder, so as to, in a way, "fold" said resultant against the coronal plane Pc, as shown in Figure 9.

Thus, the direction of said resultant R is relatively close to a direction parallel to that of the coronal plane, and therefore its main component is substantially vertical, in addition to being applied in the vicinity of the axis of the column vertebral, which avoids the wearer 3 to have to provide a significant effort by leaning forward to compensate said resultant. Of course, this contributes to improving the wearing comfort and limiting fatigue. In addition, the choice of an opening angle _{R is} both large enough to provide a lever arm allowing the balancing force F to exert a significant balancing moment, but less than the aforementioned values. , makes it possible to use a lever 12 having only a reduced length, in particular at its front operating arm 12B. Preferably, the lever forms a relatively short protrusion relative to the coronal plane, which allows to balance the load without significantly increasing the overall size of the device and makes it compatible with all the movements usually performed during outdoor activities, including sports activities. Thus, the device will not risk hitting an obstacle, such as branch, rock wall, camping equipment or climbing installed, etc. when the wearer walks, bends over, turns around, bends down, turns on himself, or climbs a wall.

More particularly, it is conceivable to use a lever 12 particularly short, light and compact, whose total length L12 may be less than or equal to 40 cm, see less than or equal to 30 cm or 25 cm, and may in particular be substantially between about 10 cm, for example for a small bag for a child, and about 20 cm or even 25 cm, for example for a large bag for an adult. Of course, it is by no means impossible to put in place a longer lever 12.

Moreover, the operating arm 12B will preferably be longer than the first arm 12A, and may for example have a length substantially between one-half and three-quarters of the total length L12, and preferably close to two-thirds of said total length L12, the operating arm 12B then being substantially twice as long as the first arm 12A, as shown for example in FIG. 8.

Advantageously, a subdivision in such proportions makes it possible to favor the multiplier effect obtained by the maneuvering arm 2B against the load.

Of course, the lever 12 is sufficiently rigid and solid to support and maneuver the loading receptacle 4 into a rocker.

For this purpose, it may be formed in any suitable material, such as polymer, metal alloy or composite. In addition, its shape and its section are not limited, said lever may for example be formed by a log or a circular or polygonal section tube.

However, according to a preferred embodiment corresponding to that of Figures 1, 7 and 8, the lever 12 may be formed by a blade 40 substantially flattened, preferably full and for example of substantially rectangular section and substantially constant thickness.

Said blade may optionally be curved so as to have generally a slight concave curvature opposite the shoulder of the wearer 6, so as to substantially match the shape of said shoulder without excessively increasing the size of the device 1.

Furthermore, the latch 13 may preferably be obtained by means of a link of pivot type with fixed axis 41, the bearing base 6 then having a bearing or a clevis through which said axis which immobilizes the lever 12 in translation , in particular transverse, or at the very least limits the movement of said lever to form a captive link. For this purpose, according to a preferred embodiment, the blade 40 may comprise a rounded boss 42 intended to come to rest in a cradle 43 of substantially conjugate shape, which is formed on the top of the first support portion 8, and edged with a yoke 44, a pin, a bolt or a rivet being threaded through said yoke to form the axis 41 which is superimposed on the boss 42 and thus holds the lever 12 in said cradle 43.

Advantageously, the cradle 43 may be hollowed out in a stiff and hard reinforcement element 45, for example made of plastic, metal or composite, which covers the first support portion 8 and substantially surrounds the shoulder.

Advantageously, such an arrangement makes it possible to obtain a tilting lever which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, particularly simple to assemble or replace, and guarantees the reliability and robustness of the pivot connection. Of course, other alternative embodiments are possible, the lever 12 may for example be freely disposed in a curved gutter which is hollowed in the first support portion 8 along a substantially antero-posterior generatrix.

Advantageously, the base 6, and more particularly the first support portion 8 is designed to provide a stable and independent support to the lever 12 and in particular to control or prevent its lateral movement and prevent it from rolling or sliding towards the outside the shoulder, that is to say, to hold it on the body of the wearer, preventing it from taking off shoes while allowing reversible functional tilt from top to bottom. Furthermore, it is possible to ensure the connection between the first arm 12A of the lever and the loading receptacle 4, preferably directly, by means of a flexible hose 46 preferably substantially inextensible.

Said hanger 46 may advantageously extend, and more particularly be stretched, substantially in a direction that moves away from the coronal plane, preferably inclined towards the rear and the bottom relative to the first arm 12A.

It is preferably extended by a reinforcement 47, for example formed by a piece of fabric sewn or glued to the bag, said reinforcement 47 may advantageously spread over the side wall of the loading receptacle 4, in particular towards the rear, or even circle the latter to ensure excellent grip of the hanger on said loading receptacle. By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the piece of fabric may have a substantially triangular shape, one of whose sides corresponds substantially to the straight line of the hanger 46.

The rear free end of the first arm 12A, to which is connected the hanger 46 can be as close, if not closer to the corona! Pc than the loading receptacle 4, the first arm 12A is thus particularly short and preferably completely housed in the space between the shoulders of the wearer and the back wall of the backpack. Advantageously, the implementation of such a hanger 46 limits the length of the rigid portion of the lever 12, while creating a flexible connection, possibly permanent, between said lever 12 and the loading receptacle 4, which facilitates the folding, storage or donning the backpack, while limiting the weight and bulk of the device.

Moreover, it is remarkable that the device 1 may comprise active suspension means which provide an elastic suspension of the loading receptacle 4 on the base 6, in particular to dampen shocks caused by the inertial jolts of the load 2. These suspension means may in particular comprise a spring (not shown) acting on the tilting of the lever against the load, or alternatively use the intrinsic flexibility elasticity of the lever 12, for example by a dimensioning of the blade 40 such that this last form a leaf-spring against the load which is suspended there. Said active suspension means may also, where appropriate, be integrated with the guide means 14, and for example comprise one or more helical springs, possibly threaded on the uprights, which the loading receptacle 4 tends to compress when it is in position. lower position, and which gradually relax when said receptacle is lifted under the action of the lever. Moreover, the guide means 14 according to the invention are preferably designed to ensure the free sliding, substantially vertical, of the loading receptacle 4 relative to the base 6.

More particularly, said guide means 14 will preferably be arranged to allow only linear displacement in translation, possibly curvilinear but preferably substantially rectilinear, the main component, if not unique, is vertical. They will thus preferably eliminate substantially at least one or even several degrees of freedom, especially in transverse displacement, between the base 6 and the loading receptacle 4. Preferably, they will allow a stroke, including a minimum vertical stroke, substantially between 5 cm and 20 cm.

Preferably, the one or more uprights 7 may form one or more guide rails, which may be of round or even polygonal and flattened section, or rails (s) along which or circulate trapped carriages 50 fixed to the loading receptacle 4, said carriages 50 may in particular be formed by simple textile loops, 51 rigid pads, sliding smooth sleeves 52, or sockets 52 ball.

Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the pads 51 or sleeves 52 are preferably designed to surround the upright 7, and more particularly the body portion 9, on the majority, if not substantially the all of its lateral perimeter, to ensure a reliable grip and guidance along said amount 7.

Of course, the slide-type kinematic connection obtained by the guiding means 14 can be made by any appropriate means, and in particular, as illustrated in FIG. 3, by means of a plurality of substantially cylindrical sleeves 52 threaded in sliding pivot on each of the uprights 7.

Particularly advantageously, the guiding means 14 on the one hand prevent the loading receptacle 4 from shuffling in the back of the wearer causing inconvenience or risk of unbalancing the latter, and on the other hand allow the vertical movement of said bag , under the effect of the tilting of the lever 12, advantageously in a captive trajectory defined by said guide means and different from that followed by the lever 12 itself, without this displacement of the loading receptacle 4 simultaneously causing a displacement of the base 6, and more particularly a modification of the supports M 1, 2.

Thanks to this relative mobility of the loading receptacle 4 relative to the uprights 7, obtained by a slide-type connection, preferably direct, interposed between the fixed support structure of the base 6 and the loading receptacle 4, it is possible to maneuver the levers 12 and move the receptacle vertically 4 all maintaining the base 6 in a stable position, substantially fixed and invariant, without moving the parts of the device which are in direct contact with the wearer, such as the support portions and waist belt, which avoids in particular to create friction between the loading receptacle 4 or any other part of the base 6 against the back of the wearer.

Furthermore, according to an alternative embodiment not shown, the guide means 14 may comprise an end stop which defines a lower limit at which the descent of the loading receptacle 4 along the base 6, under ( The effect of gravity is stopped when the operating arm 2B of the lever is released.

In other words, the guide means 14 may advantageously comprise a mechanical obstacle, rigid or damped by springs, which prevents the loading receptacle 4 from falling below a predetermined altitude relative to the base 6. Advantageously it is conceivable to block the descent of the loading receptacle 4 at the level of the guiding means 14, and more particularly at the level of the connection with the body portion 9, before the trolleys 50 disengage or engage with each other. the second support portion 10 which is not necessarily provided for this purpose, or before the first arm 12A of the lever is fully tilted back, that is to say, plated back against the base that form the reinforcement 45 of the cradle 43, which in particular prevents damage to the lever, or the pinching of the wearer's fingers.

If necessary, one or more coil springs active suspension can be threaded axially on each upright, and sandwiched between the limit stop on the one hand, and the carriage secured to the load receptacle on the other.

Of course, the invention also relates as such to an adaptation kit intended to form a balancing system 5 and comprising a carrying base 6 comprising at least one upright 7, a rocker 3 adapted to receive a lever 12, and guiding means 14 provided with receiving means on which it is possible to fix a loading receptacle 4.

Advantageously, it is conceivable to adapt such a kit to an existing backpack, by interposing the base 6 between the back of the wearer and the pocket of the bag, and then suspending the bag pocket to the first arm of each lever, and finally by attaching said pocket to the receiving means, themselves forming vertically-translatable movable carriages along the uprights 7, so that the original bag is modified to provide the advantages of the present invention.

The operation of a backpack according to the invention will now be briefly described with reference to the variant embodiment shown in FIG.

First, the carrier 3 adjusts the base 6, and more particularly the height and the lateral span of the latter, using the length adjustment means 24.

More particularly, it adjusts the height of the uprights 7 so that the difference in altitude between the first support M1 and the second support M2 substantially corresponds to the distance that separates his hips vertically from the top of his shoulders.

In addition, he adapts the offset, frontal and lateral, second support portions 10, so that the foot 10B of each of them comes naturally to land at the right of each of his hips. To slip the bag, it unbuckles the belt 20 and spreads the side flaps of said belt, which results in an external azimuthal clearance of the second support portions 10 around the vertical axis shown by their amount 7 respectively.

By moving the belt sections away from the sagittal plane, it opens wide access to the dorsal surface of the bag. He can then put on the shoulder straps 35 on his shoulders. In doing so, the first support portions 8 of the base are positioned on his shoulders.

It can then fold towards one another the lateral sides of the belt and then loop the latter, which ensures a solid grip of the second support portions 10, both left and right, on its iliac crests, by Via iliac impressions 22.

Once the carrier base 6 securely but comfortably secured on its back, the carrier 3 can grasp the handles 31 and / or the operating arm 12B of each of the levers 12, and exert on the latter a traction so as to lower them substantially simultaneously.

In doing so, it causes the detachment and gradual raising of the loading receptacle 4 along the uprights 7, this displacement being however placed under the control of the guiding means 14 which determine the captive trajectory.

Once reached the desired load balancing setting, the carrier 3 locks the levers 12 in position by blocking the respective return members 34 to the appropriate length.

For this purpose, it is remarkable that this locking function can be automatic when the fixing member 36 has a mono-directional self-locking character, that is to say that it allows, for example, the movement of the strap 32 in a forward direction, here facing downwards, so as to cause the shortening of the stretched strand of said strap 32, and automatically blocking, by snap-type non-return effect, said strap 32 to prevent it from s' lengthen spontaneously upwards.

Of course, the automatic locking will advantageously be reversible, the carrier 3 can actuate the fastener 36, and more particularly to tilt the loop at a particular release angle, so as to cause the extension of the strap 32 under the booster effect exerted by the loaded lever. As such, i! It is remarkable that the carrier 3 can proceed at any time to a balancing adjustment, in particular according to the weight variations of the load range.

Particularly advantageously, once the adjustment made and the device 1 taken off the ground, the carrying forces are particularly well distributed on the carrier, the weight of the device 1 raised and the load 2 that it embeds being fully compensated by the wearer without feeling excessive fatigue, pain or bruising of his or her body tissues.

In addition, the maintenance of adjustment is ensured even if the wearer can keep his hands free for other tasks.

Furthermore, the base 6 advantageously contributes to forming a spacer which moves the receptacle to the loading 4 of the back of the wearer, thus providing a ventilation gap limiting sweating.

Moreover, the wearer is not at all inconvenienced, either by the carrying base 6, or by the lever 12, insofar as these elements are inscribed substantially in a restricted volume located in the immediate vicinity of his body and do not not protruding against external obstacles, such as branches, rock walls, etc.

In addition, it is remarkable that the various joints allowed at the uprights 7 on the one hand, and more particularly between the body portions 9 and the second support portions 10, and the clearance allowed by the holding sleeve 23 screws. with respect to the belt 20 on the other hand, allow the wearer to enjoy a great freedom of movement, in particular tilting of the pelvis, extension or contraction of the torso, breathing, or extension and bending of the arms.

If necessary, the damping provided by the suspension of the loading receptacle 4 to the levers 12 allows the device to absorb vertical shocks caused by the inertial displacement of the load 2, which relieves all the wearer, including its joints (shoulders, pelvis, knees and ankles). Finally, the device 1 and in particular the base 6 are particularly compact and lightweight, and therefore easy to transport and store, including when the loading receptacle 4 is empty or disassembled.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the manufacture of balancing armor for loading receptacle, in particular for backpacks, and in the manufacture of backpacks.

Claims

Carrying device (1) for loads (2), of the rucksack type, provided with a loading receptacle (4) adapted to receive the load carried (2), said carrying device being characterized in that it possesses a stabilized balancing system (5) which comprises:

a carrying base (6) provided with at least one upright (7) which has a first support portion (8) designed to take a first support (M1) on the wearer's body (3), as well as a body portion (9) which connects said first support portion (8) to a second support portion (10), said second support portion (0) forming a rigid lateral stay extending from said body portion ( 9) to a second support (M2) which is located at the side (11) of the carrier (3), at an altitude (h _M2 ) distinct from that (h _M i) of the first support (1),

- At least one lever (12), separate from the upright (7), supported in flip-flop (13) by said carrying base (6) and having a first arm (12A) connected to the loading receptacle (4) and a second arm (12B) of opposite operation, so as to allow the return on either side of the coronal plane (Pc) of the carrier (3) a compensation force (F) of the weight (P ₂ ) of the load,

- guiding means (14), separate from the lever, providing between the base (6) and the loading receptacle (4) a kinematic link which allows and guides the relative movement of said loading receptacle relative to the base ( 6) when said loading receptacle (4) is driven by the tilting of the lever (12).

A carrying device according to claim 1 characterized in that the guiding means (14) are designed to ensure substantially vertical sliding of the loading receptacle (4) relative to the base (6).

Carrying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upright (7) forms a guide rail, preferably of round or even polygonal and flattened section, along which captive carriages (50) circulate. loading receptacle (4), such as textile loops, rigid shoes (51), plain sleeves (52) or ball sockets (52).

4 - carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first support (M1) and / or the second support (M2) and / or the tilting point (13) are located in the vicinity of the coronal plane (Pc ), even contained in said coronal plane.

5 - carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first support (M1), the second support (M2) and the tilting point (13) are substantially aligned vertically 6 - carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first support portion (8) comes to take the first support (M1) on the shoulder of the wearer.

7 - carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the second support portion (10) comes to take the second support (M2) on the hip of the wearer (3), preferably on the top of the iliac crest .

8 - carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a belt (20) of size connected to the loading receptacle (4), and in that the second support portion (10) takes the second support (M2) on the lateral pan of said belt. 9 - carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a belt (20) size which passes with a vertical clearance (J) through a holding sleeve (23) fixed to the base of the receptacle loading (4).

10 - carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first support (M1) forms a high support, while the second support (M2) forms a low support, located at a lower altitude, and in that the second support portion (10) forms an oblique stay downward from the root (10A) which links it to the body portion (9) to a foot (10B) forming the second support (M2), said foot being located at an altitude lower than that of the root (10A) and at a lesser distance from the coronal plane (Pc) than said root (10A). - Carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the second support portion (10) is hinged around the body portion (9), so as to be able to orient independently and freely in azimuth by relative to the rest of the base (6). - Carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the body portion (9) and / or the second support portion (10) is adjustable in length, so as to allow the adjustment of the height of the base (6), and / or, respectively, the offset of the second support (M2). - A carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the connection between the first arm (12A) of the lever and the loading receptacle (4) is provided by a hanger (46) flexible. - Carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the carrier base (6) comprises two amounts (7) spaced apart from each other and secured to one another by at least one crossbar (30), said uprights (7) being preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other and / or substantially symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane (Ps) of the wearer, said uprights each comprising a first support portion (8) intended to bear on one of the shoulders of the wearer, on both sides of the head of the latter, and a body portion (9) which extends at its base by a second support portion ( 10), which bears on the flank of the carrier (3) which is closest thereto. - Carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one locking means of the lever (33) adapted to maintain the lever (12) against the tilting torque exerted by the loading receptacle ( 4), substantially in an angular position and a degree of freely chosen compensation force. - A carrying device according to claim 15 characterized in that the locking means (33) comprises a return member (34) of adjustable length which connects the second arm of the lever (12B) to a holding point (M3), which preferably coincides with the second support (M2), so as to form a triangular holding structure.

- Carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the guide means (14) comprise an end stop defining a lower limit at which the descent of the loading receptacle (4) along the l The base (6) is stopped when the operating arm (12B) of the lever is released. - Bearing device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the lever (12) is formed by a blade (40) having a rounded boss (42) intended to bear in a cradle (43) substantially conjugate form arranged on the first support portion (8), substantially in line with the first support (1).

- A carrying device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the total length (L- | ₂ ) of the lever is substantially between 10 cm and 25 cm, and preferably substantially close to 20 cm.