| CLAIMS 1. Back protector (10) comprising a back plate (16) for protection of the back of a user, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the back protector (10) comprises fastening means which extend(s) over a from the back of the user viewed outside of the back protector (10) for fastening and/or upholding of clothing. 2. Back protector (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening means consist of straps (29) and/or strips (18) arranged on the outside of the back protector (10). 3. Back protector (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening means is a bag (19) which is arranged on the outside of the back protector (10), which bag (19) is intended to contain clothing. 4. Back protector (10) according to claim 3, wherein the bag (19) is expandable and is intended to uphold clothing in an expanded state. 5. Back protector (10) according to claim 1 , wherein, at the back protector (10), there is provided a fastening means in the form of a pocket (30) intended to contain a covering (31 ) or a bag (19). 6. Back protector (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the back protector (10) is provided with a fastening means in the form of a back protector pad (17), which back protector pad (17) is foldable so that it is possible to fold around the equipment one wants to carry and attach together with a fixating means (20) arranged on the back protector (10). 7. Back protector (10) according to claim 6, wherein the back protector (10) comprises a fixating means (20) comprising a first fixation rope's end (23) and a second fixation rope's end (24) for fastening of the foldable back protector pad (17). 8. Back protector (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the back protector (10) is integrated in a jacket (21 ). 9. Back protector (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening means comprises an extensible outer plate (41 ) together with expandable fabric (42) or concertina expandable plates or pads (43). |
Field of the invention
The present invention refers to a back protector. In particular, the in- vention refers to back protectors which usually are used during motorcycle riding, but also during e.g. skiing or other practicing when equipment having special protection for the back is demanded. Technical background
There exist several different types of back protectors intended to pro- tect the back during e.g. motorcycle riding, skiing or other practicing when a back protecting ability is demanded. Usually an external back protector is used under the jacket, which is tightened around the shoulders and waist. In another known design the back protector is placed in a pocket in the back portion of a jacket. The equipment, preferably consisting of clothing articles in the form of a jacket or trousers, which are used during e.g. motorcycle riding, skiing or other practicing when back protectors are demanded, are ungainly to carry when they are not worn as clothing. Accordingly, it would have been desirable with a back protector which effectively protects the back during an acci- dent by securing the placement over the back, and which additionally has the functionality of facilitating the handling of the equipment when it is not worn as clothing.
Summary of the invention
One object of the invention is to avoid the above mentioned disadvan- tages and problems and provide a back protector which facilitates the handling of equipment when it is not worn as clothing, possible by the fact that the jacket and trousers simply are folded and then are possible to carry by means of the back protector in an easy way. For this purpose, the back protector is provided with fastening means. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution which ensures both easy handling of the equipment when it is not worn, but which also ensures the placement of the back protector over the back in a correct way during use. According to a first and second embodiment of the invention, fastening means are used to fasten the equipment on the outside of the back protector, as such to ensure ease of carrying the equipment when it is not worn as clothing. Preferably, the fastening means is placed on that side of the back protector which does not bear against the back of the user, i.e. an outside of the back protector, and may comprise different types of straps or elastic strips, also such having net-looking configuration.
According to a third embodiment of the invention, the back protector is provided with an expandable bag. The equipment is placed inside of the bag and may as such be carried when the equipment is not worn as clothing.
According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the back protector is provided with a pocket containing a covering. The covering may be unwrapped and placed around the folded equipment which as such is fastened against the back protector. According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, a back protector pad is provided between the back protector and the back of the user, which is foldable so that it is possible to fold around the equipment one wants to carry and fastened together with a fixating means provided on the back protector. The back protector pad is arranged on that side of the back protector which bears against the back of the user, i.e. an inside of the back protector.
According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the back protector is integrated in the jacket. The jacket and other optional equipment may in this embodiment be folded together, and the foldable back protector pad may be folded around the equipment and fastened together with a fixating means arranged in the neck portion of the jacket.
According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the fastening means of the back protector comprises an extensible outer plate and expandable fabric or concertina expandable plates or pads. The outer plate is extensible or possible to pull out and a storage space intended to contain clothing or equipment is as such possible to achieve. Short description of the drawings
The invention will now be described in more detail by means of embodiment examples with reference to enclosed drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a back protector having fastening means comprising elastic strips according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 1 , showing the, at the back protector, arranged fastening means comprising elastic strips in a detached state before the clothing is fastened. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 1 , showing the equipment fastened by means of the elastic strips.
Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a back protector having fastening means comprising straps according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 4, showing the, at the back protector, arranged fastening means, in the form of straps, before the clothing is fastened.
Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 4, showing the equipment fastened by means of the straps. Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to a third embodiment of the invention, showing an expandable bag on the back protector wherein equipment may be placed to enable carrying the clothing when it is not worn.
Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 7, showing the bag in an expandable state.
Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 7, showing the equipment placed in the bag with the bag in an almost closed state. Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing the back protector provided with a pocket containing a covering.
Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 10, showing how the covering is unwrapped from the pocket.
Fig. 12 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 10, showing how the covering is placed around the equipment which as such is held in position and is possible to carry.
Fig. 13 is a schematic front view of a back protector according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, showing an, at the back protector, arranged back protector pad in an up-folded state.
Fig. 14 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig. 13, showing the, at the back protector, arranged back protector pad in a down-folded state. Fig. 15 is a schematic side view of the back protector according to fig.
13, showing the, at the back protector, arranged back protector pad folded around the equipment and fastened by means of fixating means.
Fig. 16 is a schematic side view of a jacket with integrated back protector according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, with the back protec- tor pad up-folded.
Fig. 17 is a schematic side view of the jacket according to fig. 16, showing the back protector pad down-folded.
Fig. 18 is a schematic side view of the jacket according to fig. 16, with the outside upwardly, to show how the sleeves and trousers are folded to- gether towards the middle of the jacket.
Fig. 19 is a schematic side view of the jacket according to fig. 16, showing the sides of the jacket folded towards each other with the trousers and sleeves inside. Fig. 20 is a schematic side view of the jacket according to fig. 16, showing how the back protector pad is folded around and fastened by a fixating means and as such forms the back portion of a rucksack.
Fig. 21 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to the present invention.
Fig. 22 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to fig. 21 , where an outer plate has been extended from its original position, creating a storage space intended to contain clothing or equipment. The storage space is built up by the outer plate and the back plate by in this case having expandable fabric or cloth between the two plates on both sides.
Fig. 23 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to fig. 21 and fig. 22, where the outer plate has been extended or pulled out entirely.
Fig. 24 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to the present invention. Fig. 25 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to fig.
24, where an outer plate has been extended from its original position, creating a storage space between the outer plate and an inner side of the back protector, now in the form of a rucksack, together with concertina expandable plates or pads on both sides, said inner side also comprising the back plate of the back protector.
Fig. 26 is a schematic side view of a back protector according to fig. 24 and fig. 25, where the outer plate has been extended entirely.
Detailed description of the invention
With reference to the below more detailed described figures, a back protector 10 is illustrated, both external and integrated in a jacket 21 , comprising a back plate 16, with protecting shields 28, which is placed on the outside of the back protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. To ensure the placement of the back protector 10 over the back, the back protector 10 comprises a first adjustable fixating means comprising a first shoulder strap 11 and a second shoulder strap 12, and a second adjustable fixating means comprising a first waist strap 13 and a second waist strap 14. The shoulder strap 11 and the shoulder strap 12 are arranged substantially parallel. Thus, the shoulder strap 11 and shoulder strap 12 are arranged so that they extend from a shoulder portion of the back protector 10 to the waist portion 13 and waist portion 14, respectively. The waist portion 13 and waist portion 14 are intended for mutual connecting and are arranged so that they extend from the opposite side portion of the back protector and are connected by means of a connecting device 15.
With reference to the first embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 1 , the back protector 10 according to the invention comprises a fastening means which extends over the outside of the back protector 10, in the form of elastic strips 18 to enable to fasten the equipment at the back protector 10, when it is not worn as clothing. The fastening means comprising the elastic strips 18 is arranged so that the elastic strips 18 are arranged substantially parallel and extend from a longitudinal side of the back protector 10 to the opposite longitudinal side of the back protector 10 where they are fastened by means of attaching means 32.
With reference to the first embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 2, the fastening means in fig. 1 , comprising the elastic strips 18, is illustrated in liberated state with the equipment placed against the back plate 16. With reference to the first embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, there is illustrated how the folded equipment is fastened at the back protector 10 by means of the fastening means comprising the elastic strips 18 shown in fig. 1. The elastic strips are fastened by means of attaching means 32.
With reference to the second embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 4, the back protector 10 according to the invention comprises a fastening means which extends over the outside of the back protector 10, in the form of straps 29 to enable to fasten the equipment when it is not worn as clothing. The straps 29 are intended for mutual connecting and are arranged so that they extend from the opposite side portions of the back protector and are connected by means of a connecting device 33. With reference to the second embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 5, the fastening means in fig. 4, comprising the straps 29, is illustrated in liberated state with the equipment placed against the back protector.
With reference to the second embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 6, there is illustrated how the folded equipment is fastened at the back protector 10 by means of the fastening means comprising the straps 29 shown in fig. 4.
With reference to the third embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 7, there is illustrated an expandable bag 19 arranged on the outside of the back protector 10, intended to contain the folded equipment when it is not worn as clothing.
With reference to the third embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 8, the bag 19 is illustrated in an expanded state. The equipment may be placed inside of the bag 19 when it is not worn as clothing. The bag also comprises a closing device 35.
With reference to the third embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9, there is illustrated the folded equipment placed inside of the bag 19. Furthermore, the closing device 35 is shown in an almost closed state.
With reference to the fourth embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 10, there is illustrated the back protector 10 comprising a pocket 30 in which a covering is arranged, intended to be drawn over the equipment and as such hold the equipment in place so that it is possible to carry when it is not used as clothing.
With reference to the fourth embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 11 , there is illustrated how the covering 31 is unwrapped from the pocket 30.
With reference to the fourth embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 12, there is illustrated how the covering 31 covers and holds the folded equipment which is placed against the back protector 10 in place.
With reference to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 13, there is illustrated an, at the back protector 10, arranged fixating means 20 comprising a first fixation rope's end 23 and a second fixation rope's end 24 and a foldable back protector pad 17 arranged between the back protector 10 and the back of the user. The foldable back protector pad 17 is up-folded in fig. 13, to a first position where it bears against the inside of the back protector 10. The back protector is normally used in this position during riding and during similar uses.
With reference to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in fig.
14, the back protector 10 is shown with the foldable pad 17 down-folded.
With reference to the fifth embodiment of the invention shown in fig.
15, there is illustrated how the foldable pad 17 has been folded around the folded equipment to a second position and has been fastened together with the fixating means 20 by means of the first fixation rope's end 23 and the second fixation rope's end 24.
With reference to fig. 16, there is illustrated the back protector 10 integrated in a jacket 21 according to a sixth embodiment of the present inven- tion. To secure the placement of the back protector 10 over the back, the jacket 21 comprises a first adjustable fixating means comprising a first shoulder strap 11 and a second shoulder strap 12, and a second adjustable fixating means comprising a first waist strap 13 and a second waist strap 14. The shoulder strap 11 and shoulder strap 12 are arranged substantially parallel on the inside of the jacket 21. Thus, the shoulder strap 11 and shoulder strap 12 are arranged so that they extend from the shoulder portion on the inside of the jacket 21 to the waist strap 13 and waist strap 14. The waist strap 13 and waist strap 14 are intended for mutual connection and are arranged so that they extend from respective side portions on the inside of the jacket 21 and are connected by means of a connecting device 15. Furthermore, according to this embodiment the jacket 21 comprises a down-foldable back protector pad 17, which during use is arranged between the back protector 10 in the jacket 21 and the back of the user. This back protector pad 17 is shown in fig. 16 in an up-folded state in its first position. In fig. 16 there is fur- ther illustrated an, from the shoulder portion on the inside of the jacket 21 , arranged fixating means comprising a first fixation rope's end 23 and a second fixation rope's end 24 which are placed parallel to the shoulder straps.
With reference to the sixth embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 17, the jacket 21 is illustrated from the inside, with the back protector pad 17 down-folded.
With reference to the sixth embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 18-20, there is illustrated how the jacket 21 is folded together in steps and forms a rucksack. In fig. 18, the jacket 21 is placed with the outside facing upwards and thereafter the sleeves and trousers are folded towards the mid- die. In fig. 19, the sides of the jacket 21 are folded towards each other and are held in position by means of the connecting means 25. The inside of the jacket 21 is now exposed. In fig. 20, the back protector pad 17 is finally folded around and is fastened together with the first fixation rope's end 23 and the second fixation rope's end 24 of the fixating means, to thereby form a rear portion of the rucksack.
Also the shown embodiments according to fig. 1 -12 preferably comprise some kind of back protector pad.
With reference to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, shown in fig. 21 -26, there is illustrated a back protector 10. In fig. 21 the back protector 10 is in closed state where an outer plate 41 hence is in its original position. In fig. 22, the outer plate 41 has been extended somewhat by a user of the back protector 10. As such, a storage space 45 is being revealed. The storage space 45 is built up by the outer plate 41 in an outer direction and an inner side 44 of the back protector 10 at the opposite side, said inner side 44 also comprising the back plate 16, e.g. as such or also comprising some fabric towards the storage space side. As may be seen in fig. 22 and 23, there is expandable fabric 42 provided between the outer plate 42 and the inner side 44, on both opposite sides to create a storage space 45, like a bag, which may contain equipment. The fabric or cloth 42 is provided around the configuration but of course with an opening at the top so that equipment may be put inside of the back protector 10. At the bottom there may be provided some kind of stronger bottom plate, e.g. of a plastic material or durable fab- ric, inside of the back protector so that this will form the bottom when the outer plate 41 is extended or pulled out. Moreover, the outer plate 41 may be connected to the inner side 44 of the back protector 10 at the bottom of this two plates, e.g. by means of a hinged configuration, such as by two or more joints. In such a configuration, the outer plate 41 is pulled out on the top, but is still forming a bottom together with the inner side 44 of the back protector 10 at the bottom. In fig. 23 there is illustrated an outer plate which has been extended or pulled out entirely. As may be seen, according to fig. 23 this embodiment does not comprise a hinged configuration, but this is as mentioned possible according to the present invention.
In fig. 24-26, there is illustrated an embodiment similar to that of fig. 21 -23, however in this case there are provided concertina expandable plates or pads 43 on both sides instead of fabric. Also in this case there may be provided some kind of strengthener in the bottom of the back protector 10. Moreover, the outer plate 41 may have a hinged configuration with the inner side 44 of the back protector 10 at the bottom thereof.
Moreover, there may also be provided some kind of closing means for the opened back protector, such as fabric having a bag sealing at the top or a lid which may be fastened at the top. This feature may be provided to create a possibility to close the back protector 10, now in an open rucksack-like configuration, without pulling the outer plate 41 back into its original position.
In relation to the outer plate 41 , it is important to realize that this plate in fact does not have to be made up by a plate in one piece. The outer plate 41 may instead be a plate having divided different plates, e.g. two or several such plates, in the horizontal or vertical direction. Between such divided plates, there may e.g. be fabric provided. The outer plate 41 , if in one piece or also being built up by divided plates, should, however, give a protecting functionality and is therefore of suitable materials therefore.
As understood from above, it is important to realize that the fastening means according to the present invention may comprise different components and may have different design. The fastening means according to the present invention is intended to keep or contain equipment when it is e.g. not worn as clothing by the user. According to different embodiments of the present invention, the fastening means may consist of elastic strips, such as according to a first embodiment shown in fig.1 , or straps such as according to a second embodiment disclosed in fig. 2. Moreover, the fastening means may also be a bag, which is described in a third embodiment below. Fur- thermore, the fastening means according to the present invention may also comprise a pocket or in fact comprise a back protector pad. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening means may be in the form of a unit comprising an extensible outer plate together with expandable fabric, cloth or pads, of which the latter may be concertina expandable, which are arranged between the outer plate and an inner side of the back protector, said inner side also comprising the back plate, along the periphery thereof. Mutual for these different embodiments according to the present invention, the fastening means according to the present invention is arranged to keep equipment in place, or in the case of a bag or a storage space, contain said equipment.