| JP09084666 | ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE FOR SHOULDER BELT |
| WO/2010/149950 | GARMENT CARRYING DEVICE |
| WO/2005/016065 | FIXING DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING AN ELONGATED OBJECT |
| CLAIMS: 1. A support apparatus for use with a backpack having shoulder straps, configured to transfer in use at least a portion of the rearward-acting load from the shoulder straps to the wearer's chest. 2. A support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support apparatus is configured to support the shoulder straps in a position forward of the wearer's shoulders. 3. A support apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support apparatus comprises a body member having lateral portions arranged for engaging with respective shoulder straps of the backpack, the body member mounted in fixed relationship to a central portion arranged to bear against the wearer's chest. 4. A support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the body member comprises an elongate member, arranged to be orientated in use substantially horizontally. 5. A support apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the lateral portions of the apparatus are arranged to project in use in a direction forward of the wearer's shoulders or chest. 6. A support apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the elongate member comprises at least one of a bar, rod, or flat strip. 7. A support apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the elongate member includes in longitudinal section a generally U-form which connects to said lateral portions. 8. A support apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein each lateral portion includes a part at or near its end configured to assist in engaging a respective shoulder strap. 9. A support apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein each lateral portion has a rounded edge or curved profile, to assist in effective engagement between the backpack straps and the support apparatus. 10. A support apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the central portion of the body member includes or attaches to a bearing member to bear against the wearer's chest. 11. A support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the bearing member is shaped so to conform substantially to the wearer's chest. 12. A support apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the bearing member comprises a material selected having sufficient resilience so to conform to the contours of the wearer's chest. 13. A support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support apparatus includes one or more release means to allow rapid removal of the backpack from the wearer when required. 14. A support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support apparatus comprises two or more separable portions that may be coupled for use and separated as required. 15. A support apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support apparatus is arranged for selective size adjustment, in order to accommodate different wearers and/or different types or styles of backpacks. 16. A support apparatus for use with a backpack having two shoulder straps interconnected by a chest strap, the supporting apparatus comprising: a shaped bearing member arranged to fit between the chest strap and the wearer's cliest, so to hold the shoulder straps forward of the wearer's shoulders and to transfer at least a portion of the load to the wearer's chest. 17. A backpack including the support apparatus substantially as defined in any one of the preceding claims. |
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a support apparatus, and in particular a support apparatus for use with a backpack or similar.
Background
In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date part of common general knowledge, or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.
Existing backpacks have a problem for the wearer when laden with heavy contents, as the shoulder straps tend to cause great pressure against the front Of the upper shoulders in the area between each upper arm and that side of the chest. After a while, this can result in strain, discomfort and pain from the pulling back of the shoulders.
In attempts to reduce this backward force, several methods are used on existing backpacks. One is that, instead of the straps being arranged roughly vertically over the shoulders and down to the bottom of the pack or to a belt around the waist, they are wider and arranged to be curved inwardly to lie partly against the ribcage. This allows the sides of the ribcage to take some of the backward pressure, and helps provide a degree of stabilisation to the straps.
Another approach sometimes used in conjunction with curved or straight shoulder straps is to provide an additional strap across the front of the upper chest with a clip in the middle, joining the two shoulder straps, in an attempt to stabilise the strap loading or spread some of the backward pressure at the sides across the central chest area, and to hold the shoulder straps closer to the medial chest area.
Further, some packs also now have belts at the waist with or without one or more bars, with the objective of transferring weight on the shoulders down to the waist or hips. However, none of these methods alleviates the problems satisfactorily, particularly when the pack is heavily loaded.
Summary of the invention
According to one form of the present invention there is provided a support apparatus for use with a backpack having shoulder straps, configured to transfer in use at least a portion of the rearward-acting load from the shoulder straps to the wearer's chest.
Preferably, the support apparatus is configured to support the shoulder straps in a position forward of the wearer's shoulders.
The invention therefore provides an advantageous reduction of stress on the wearer's shoulders, by transferring load to the wearer's chest region. Preferably, the load is transferred to the central, sternum area of the wearer's chest region, which is ideally able to support such load.
In a preferred first aspect, the support apparatus comprises a body member having lateral portions arranged for engaging with the shoulder straps of a backpack, mounted in fixed relationship to a central portion arranged to bear against the wearer's chest. The body member preferably comprises an elongate member, arranged to be orientated in use substantially horizontally.
Preferably, the lateral portions of the apparatus are arranged to project in use in a direction forward of the wearer's shoulders or chest. This facilitates movement of the wearer's upper shoulders and arms.
The elongate member may take the general form of a bar or rod, or alternatively may comprise a substantially flat strip.
The elongate member may include in longitudinal section a generally U-form which connects to said lateral portions. The base of the U-form thus comprises or attaches to said central portion.
Each lateral portion may include a part at or near its end configured to assist in engaging a respective shoulder strap. This may be, for example, a return to engage around and retain a shoulder strap, and/or a projection for constraining the movement of a shoulder strap about the body member. It will be appreciated that such arrangements are intended to prevent the shoulder strap from
inadvertently slipping off the end of the device.
Each lateral portion may have a rounded edge or curved profile, to assist in effective engagement between the backpack straps and the support apparatus, to reduce localised stresses on the backpack straps. In one embodiment, the elongate member may comprise a bar with a curved profile on one side so to be substantially semi-circular where the straps run over it.
The elongate member may comprise rounded edges at the lateral portions (regions where the straps of the backpack engage) for minimising friction and reducing wear of respective shoulders straps of the backpack.
Preferably, the central portion of the body member includes or attaches to a bearing member such as a resilient pad arranged to bear against the wearer's chest. This provides for cushioning and hence comfort in use.
The resilient pad may have a substantially rectangular block shaping. Further, the resilient pad may be specially shaped to conform substantially to the contours of the wearer's central upper chest area.
The central portion may comprise a rigid member fixedly attached between the elongate member and the bearing member. The rigid member may be formed from a material substantially more stronger and stiffer than that of the bearing member. Furthermore, the rigid member may be cast as part of the body member and of the same material, or separately of the same material or of a material such as a metal, plastic, or composite of sufficient strength and rigidity.
The resilient pad may take a different form in accordance with intended use, for example use by male or by female wearers. For example, the resilient pad may feature a generally convex shaping, designed to be substantially complementary to the chest surface form.
The resilient pad may comprise a laminate of individual layers or resilient material having varying resilience characteristics. The pad may be customised to provide a required comfort level for a specific application, such as recreational hiking or military training.
The body member of the support apparatus is formed from an appropriate material and with suitable dimensions to sustain typical loads that may be met in use. Preferably, the material selected is relatively rigid, with (if required) appropriate resilience. It may be formed from a suitable metal, such as aluminium or mild steel. Alternatively, it may be formed from a suitable plastics material, which may be a composite material such as carbon fibre, fibreglass, plastic, polycarbide, or Kevlar®, thereby exploiting the favourable strength-weight characteristics such materials provide.
The lateral portions may each include at or near their ends a retaining means, such as a clip, for releasably engaging with a respective shoulder strap.
The support apparatus may include one or more release means to allow speedy removal of the backpack from the wearer when required. The release means may, for example, be provided by the lateral portion retaining means.
The release means may comprise a quick release mechanism so that the backpack may be readily removed when required. Any suitable mechanism may be employed for this purpose, such as the type of quick release mechanism used on diver weight belts or on vehicle safety belts.
Further, the support apparatus may comprise two or more separable portions that may be coupled for use and separated as required. The separable portions may be connected for use by any suitable fastening means.
The support apparatus may include a retaining means, such as a tether (eg. a cord) or other means for fastening the apparatus or a part of the apparatus to the backpack or piece of the wearer's clothing.
The support apparatus may be arranged for selective size adjustment, in order to accommodate different wearers and/or different types or styles of backpacks. Preferably, it is arranged for adjustment of its effective span. In one embodiment, the body member of the support apparatus may comprise at least two parts arranged for longitudinal sliding therebetween.
In a further embodiment, the central portion comprises a rigid member which is provided in the form of a 'cross' whereby both crossed elements are configured substantially orthogonal to one another in respective horizontal and vertical orientations. The central portion further comprises a bearing member such as a resilient pad which is fixedly attached to the rigid member and arranged to bear against the wearer's central chest region. The shape of the resilient pad is arranged so to be commensurate with the shape of the rigid member. This form of rigid member helps distribute the load over the wearer's chest.
The vertical and horizontal cross elements may be shaped on one side so as to closely follow the shape of the wearer's chest/sternum area. The side of the horizontal and vertical cross elements to which the bearing member attaches are preferably of a curvilinear shaping so as to better follow the contours of the wearer's chest. The shape of the cross sections of the respective cross elements may also be curvilinear so as to assist positioning against the wearer's chest region. It will be appreciated such shapings of the cross elements may be varied across commercial models so to better suit a broad range of persons of varying shapes and sizes.
The skilled person will appreciate that the rigid member of the central portion may comprise many different geometrical shapes. For example, in another embodiment, the rigid member and bearing member may be circular.
In a preferred second aspect of the present invention, the support apparatus is for use with a backpack having two shoulder straps interconnected by a chest strap, the support apparatus comprising a shaped bearing member arranged to fit between the chest strap and the wearer's chest, so to hold the shoulder straps forward of the wearer's shoulders and to transfer at least a portion of the load to the wearer's chest.
The shaped bearing member may include a resilient pad arranged to bear against the wearer's chest.
In use, the shaped bearing member is positioned against the wearer's chest, and the chest strap of the back pack is fastened about an anterior part of the bearing member. The load which would otherwise be applied by the chest strap across the wearer's chest is thus applied to the bearing member and directed
substantially toward the central region of the wearer's chest.
According to a further form of the present invention, there is provided a backpack including the support apparatus substantially as hereinbefore defined.
The support apparatus may thus be formed as a component integral with or attached to the shoulder straps of a backpack. The support apparatus may also comprise of at least two separable portions that may be coupled for use and separated as required. Each portion may be arranged integral with or attached to one of the backpack shoulder straps.
Brief description of the drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of the present invention when positioned in-situ against a wearer's upper central chest region;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3A shows a top view of a further embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3B shows an end view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3A;
Figure 3C shows a front view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3A and 3B;
Figure 4 shows a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows a top view of a further embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6A shows a front view of a portion of one embodiment of the elongate member in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6B shows a part view of the embodiment of the elongate member shown in Figure 6A;
Figure 7A shows a top view of another embodiment of the present invention featuring a quick-release arrangement;
Figure 7B shows a cross section view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7A; Figure 7C shows a cross section view of a variation of the quick release
arrangement shown in Figures 7A and 7B;
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the lateral portions of the body member;
Figure 9A shows a top view of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9B shows a front view of the embodiment shown in figure 9A; jFigure 9C shows an end view of the embodiment shown in figures 9A and 9B; and,
Figure 10 shows a top view of a further embodiment of in accordance with the present invention.
Description of embodiments of the invention
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a support apparatus 4 for use with a backpack (not shown) having shoulder straps 8a, 8b. The support apparatus 4 is configured to transfer, in use, at least a portion of the rearward acting forces imparted by the shoulder straps 8a, 8b of the backpack to the wearer's central chest region 12. Therefore, in one respect, the support apparatus 4 is arranged to redistribute or divert the rearward acting forces from the backpack shoulder straps 8a, 8b from acting against the shoulders, and/or against the sides of the upper chest to a sternal region above the base of the ribcage and below the top of the wearer's shoulders. The resulting position at which the support apparatus 4 sits against the wearer will be where the apparatus 4 most naturally supports the particular backpack, and is most comfortable to the wearer.
The support apparatus 4 comprises a body member 16 having lateral portions 20a and 20b arranged to project in use in a direction forward of the wearer's shoulders or central chest region 12, and configured for engaging with the shoulder straps 8a, 8b of the backpack. The lateral portions 20a, 20b are mounted in a fixed relationship to a central portion 22 which comprises a bearing member 28 having a bearing face 38 which is arranged to bear against the wearer's central chest region 12. In use, the central portion 22 operates to project the shoulder straps 8a, 8b forward of the wearer's shoulders or central chest region 12. The lateral portions 20a, 20b therefore accept the rearward acting forces of shoulder straps 8a, 8b and transfer these loads toward the centre of the body member 16, and hence to the central chest region 12 (in most cases, the upper chest region) of the wearer by way of bearing member 28.
Without being bound by theory, the rearward acting forces from straps 8a, 8b imparted to each of the lateral portions 20a, 20b of the body member 22 are generally considered equal in magnitude. Opposing forces acting at lateral portions 20a, 20b, and which operate in the direction of elongate member 24, will have the effect of cancelling one another out. The supporting apparatus 4 then remains in force equilibrium by providing a resultant force to the wearer's central upper central chest region 12 via the central portion 22. As a result, the
problematic forces acting at respective lateral portions 20a, 20b of the supporting apparatus 4 are transferred so to act directly on the central area or sternum of the upper central chest region 12 of the wearer. The upper central chest region 12, being relatively rigid and strong, is readily capable of bearing this rearward directed force comfortably.
The body member 16 comprises an elongate member 24 which is arranged to be positioned, in use, substantially horizontally. In the form shown, elongate member 24 comprises a substantially flat elongate strip of material of similar shaping to the general configuration of a pair of horns (when viewed from the top as shown in figure 1). Elongate member 24 is of uniform cross section and comprises a material having sufficient strength and stiffness to withstand the rearward acting forces imparted from shoulder straps 8a, 8b for transferral to the central portion 22.
In other arrangements, the elongate member 24 may comprise an elongate bar, rod or similar. The elongate member 24 need not be straight, but could be of any curvilinear shape in its longitudinal direction, and preferably symmetrical over its effective lateral span. Similar to the arrangement shown in figure 1, the shaping of the elongate member 24 may be substantially V or 'U' shaped (when viewed from the top). Furthermore, the cross section of the elongate member 24 may be of any Suitable closed (eg. circular or oval) or open section (eg. channel section) which may be uniform or variable across its length.
The lateral portions 20a, 20b of the body member 16 are arranged at opposite free ends of the elongate member 24 as shown in figure 1. The lateral portions 20a, 20b are each provided with 'U' shaped end portions so as to hook and capture respective shoulder straps 8a, 8b to prevent the straps from inadvertently disengaging therefrom during use. It will be appreciated that other shapings could be employed to ensure respective shoulder straps 8a, 8b are captured by respective lateral portions 20a, 20b.
Stops 2 la, 2 lb are provided at or near respective lateral portions 20a, 20b of the elongate member 24 to prevent the shoulder straps 8a, 8b from moving inwards towards the centre of the supporting apparatus 4. Stops, 21a, 21b may each comprise an abutment element such as a small bolt or shaped projection suitably attached or fastened to elongate member 24. Alternatively, stops 21a, 21b may be integrally formed with elongate member 24. It will be appreciated that stops 2 la, 21b may comprise any arrangement known to the skilled person which is able to prevent inward movement of the straps 8a, 8b along elongate member 24.
The bearing member 28 of the central portion 22 may be provided in the form of a resilient pad or similar material for transferring the load to the wearer's central chest region 12, while also providing a sufficient cushioning medium for affording comfort to the wearer. The bearing member 28 may therefore, in part, comprise a. resilient yet firm material which is capable of allowing the bearing surface 28 to conform to the shape of the wearer's central chest region 12 so to maximise the contact area therebetween and allowing the rearward directed forces to be more uniformly distributed over the contact area. Examples of such materials may include, but are not limited to, forms of silicon or gel, foam rubber, or other suitable compressible yet resilient materials. Furthermore, the bearing member 24 may be covered in any suitable fabric covering such as lycra or polyester. The bearing member 28 may have a composite construction so as to be relatively softer where it bears against the wearer's body and firmer where it attaches to elongate member 24.
The dimensioning of bearing element 28 and bearing surface 38 may be varied to suit persons of all shapes, sizes and ages, therefore catering for small children right through to senior adults. Male, female and child versions may differ from one another due to differently shaped upper chest regions. Furthermore, female versions may differ to account for female breast sizes and/or shape so to maximise comfort to the wearer. For example, sizing and shaping of the bearing element 28 may be chosen in accordance with that of bra sizing.
The support apparatus 4 may comprise a retaining means 29 for associating the support apparatus 4 with the wearer's backpack or clothing in order to prevent loss. In one embodiment, the retaining means 29 comprises a tether (such as cord 30) attachable at one end thereof by way of aperture 31 (shown in figure 2) and arranged to physically link the elongate member 24 to the backpack or a piece of the wearer's clothing. This prevents inadvertent dropping (and hence possible loss) of the apparatus or a part thereof when released or separated. It will be appreciated that the retaining means 29 could be arranged in many different ways. For example, the retaining means 29 could be arranged so to link the support apparatus 4 to the backpack by way of magnetic association.
A further embodiment of the supporting apparatus 4 is shown in figure 2. In this embodiment, the bearing member 28 is shaped having an apex 32 provided central on the bearing face 38. The bearing face 38 of the bearing member 28 is therefore substantially V shaped to help locate the body member 16 in the centre of the wearer's central chest region 12. Additionally, the bearing element 28 may be suitably tapered to further assist with location (and comfort) against the wearer's central chest region 12.
The attachment of the elongate member 24 and the central portion 22 may be arranged so to transfer the load from the lateral portions 20a, 20b to the central portion 22 as effectively as possible. With regard to figure 2, the elongate member 24 comprises a bearing portion 33 which attaches to an end face 35 of the central portion 22. Preferably, the bearing portion 33 is arranged so as to attach to substantially the whole of the end face 35 so that the transferred load is spread over as much surface area as possible. The bearing portion 33 may be formed from any suitably rigid material (for example, the same material as that from which the elongate member 24 is formed) to assist with the load transference. Generally, the bearing portion 33 is provided integral with the elongate member 24.
The dimensions of the bearing member 28 may vary to reduce the load transferred per unit contact area. For example, rather than focusing the force from the shoulder straps 8a, 8b specifically at the wearer's upper central chest region 12, the bearing member 28 may be arranged to operate across a greater surface area of the wearer's upper chest region. In this regard, the bearing member 28 may be sufficiently dimensioned so to span a greater width of the wearer's central chest region 12. In this embodiment, as with previous embodiments, it will be appreciated that bearing member 28 may be formed of any material which allows the member 28 to conform with the contours of the wearer's central chest region 12 to provide sufficient cushioning and comfort to the wearer. The effective span of the elongate member 24 will depend largely on the width of the wearer's chest at the approximate height of the wearer's armpits. For most embodiments, the effective span of the elongate member 24 will be slightly less than the maximum chest width of the wearer so that forward movement of the person's arms will not normally make contact with the lateral portions 20a, 20b.
Further embodiments of the supporting apparatus 4 are shown in figures 3A to 3C and 4. The elongate member 24 comprises a generally straight bar fixedly mounted to the central portion 22, whereby straps 8a, 8b of the backpack locate within respective load bearing lateral portions 20a, 20b so to project forward of the wearer's central chest region 12.
The central portion 22 is arranged having a rigid member 32 fixedly mounted to and between the elongate member 24 and bearing member 28. The rigid member 32 comprises a material substantially stronger and stiffer than that of the bearing member 28. As described above, the bearing member 28 comprises a material having sufficient physical characteristics such that the bearing surface 38 of the member 28 may conform to the contours of the wearer's central chest region 12. In another arrangement, the bearing member 28 and the rigid member 32 may be provided as a single component, and may be with selected characteristics.
It is noted that the elongate member 24 does not require positioning directly at the geometrical centre of the rigid member 32 but may be arranged thereon as appropriate to deal with any torsional forces which may act to unbalance or dislodge the body member 16 when in use. It will, however, be appreciated that lateral symmetry of the apparatus 4 is preferably maintained in order to ensure forces received from lateral portions 20a, 20b are transferred to the central chest region 12 appropriately.
With regard to the embodiment of the central portion 22 shown in figure 4, the general configuration of the central portion 22 shown in figures 3A, 3B and 3C, is retained. However, the bearing member 28 is shaped so that bearing surface 38 has a 'V or 'U' shaping, to better allow for a more pronounced chest shape, or female breasts (similar to the arrangement shown in figure 2). It will be readily appreciated that other shapings may be employed as appropriate. Another embodiment of the supporting apparatus 4 is shown in figure 5, in which the length of the elongate member 24 is substantially less than that shown in the previous embodiments. This arrangement seeks to convert a substantial portion of the rearward acting forces into reaction forces acting against one another within elongate member 24 thereby leaving a reduced resultant backward force to press into the central region of the upper chest by way of bearing member 28.
The supporting apparatus 4 may be provided in a variety of sizes, or may be arranged such that the effective span of the body member 16 (by way of the elongate member 24) is adjustable to any desired length. With reference to figures 6A and 6B, the elongate member 24 may be provided in two or more portions arranged so the effective lateral span of the elongate member 24 may be adjusted.
Having regard to figure 6A and 6B, the elongate member 24 is provided in the form of two portions (first 50a and second 50b portions) which releasably engage with a receiving element 46 fixedly attached to end face 35 of the central portion 22. The receiving element 46 comprises an element having an open cross section such as a standard channel section, arranged to receive portions 50a, 50b therein at respective ends thereof. The first 50a and second 50b portions are, during assembly, received at respective open ends of the receiving element 46, and slid towards one another so to meet at the centre of element 46 (thereby providing the smallest length span of elongate member 24). The effective span of the elongate member 24 may then be increased as required by sliding portions 50a, 50b within receiving element 46 away from its centre.
First 50a, and second 50b portions may be secured in position by a fastening arrangement 57 (shown in figure 6B) once the desired span length of elongate member 24 has been achieved. For the arrangement shown, each portion 50a, 50b is provided with respective slots 58a, 58b arranged to receive respective threaded studs 62a, 62b which are fixedly attached to the central portion 22. Slots 58a, 58b are suitably dimensioned so that respective portions 50a, 50b may be moved relative thereto. Once the desired span length of elongate member 24 has been set, portions 50a, 50b may be each secured in position using a suitable fastener (such as a wing nut or similar) applied to respective threaded studs 62a, 62b thereby allowing each portion 50a, 50b to be clamped in position against receiving section 46. The skilled person will readily appreciate that many known fastening arrangements may be employed to releasably secure portions 50a, 50b within receiving section 46.
In some circumstances, the backpack may need to be disengaged from the wearer as a matter of urgency (ie. for convenience reasons, in the event of emergency, eg. safety), or depending on specific application, for example when in use by military personnel. Figures 7A to 7C show an embodiment of the supporting apparatus 4 having a release means 66 allowing the supported backpack to be rapidly released from the wearer.
For the release means 66 shown, the elongate member 24 is arranged in two distinct portions: first portion 70 and second portion 74. The first portion 70 has a body 78 which is fixedly attached to the face 35 of the central portion 22. The body 78 is configured as shown to receive a tongue 72 of second portion 74 therein. The release means 66 further includes a lever 82 which is hingedly engaged with body 78 by way of a hinge 90. At one end of lever 82 a handle portion 86 is provided for allowing ready operation by the wearer. The lever 82 further includes a pin 94, normally received in complementary apertures in body 78 and tongue 72.
With reference to figure 7B, once assembled, when the second portion 74 is to be secured with the first portion 70 (shown in figure 7B), lever 82 is moved toward body 78 thereby inserting pin 94 through the apertures (as shown). When so inserted, the end of pin 94 extends into a complementary recess 77 provided in central portion 22.
A similar arrangement is shown in figure 7C in which the lever 82 is replaced by a pull tab 102. The operation of pull tab 102 is substantially similar to lever 82, whereby removal thereof is affected by tab 102 being manipulated by way of handle portion 100 so that free end 103 contacts the surface of body 78 providing a fulcrum point allowing easy removal of pin 94.
In another embodiment, pull tab 102 may simply comprise pin 94 attached to a ring or similar formation which may be readily gripped by the wearer and pulled out from body 78. The person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that a variety of forms of release means 66 could be provided with the adjustable arrangement shown in figures 6A and 6B.
A further embodiment of the support apparatus 4 is shown in figures 9A, 9B and 9C. In this arrangement, the central portion 22 comprises a rigid member 32 which is configured in the form of a cross (see figure 9B) whereby the crossed elements are arranged substantially orthogonal to one another in respective horizontal and vertical orientations. This form of rigid member 32 helps distribute the load over the wearer's central chest region 12. The rigid member 32 is fixedly attached between the elongate member 24 and bearing member 28. The skilled person will appreciate that the rigid member 32 of the central portion 22 may comprise many different geometrical shapes. For example, in another
embodiment, the rigid member 32 and the bearing member 28 may be circular in overall form.
The elongate member 24 is constructed in a similar manner to that shown in previously described embodiments, including lateral portions 20a, 20b.
Alternatively, the elongate member 24 may be integral with the rigid member 32.
The bearing member 28 is shaped in accordance with the form of rigid member 32, and is again of a material sufficient for providing a cushioning medium, and which conforms to the shape of the wearer's central chest region 12.
Both the vertical and horizontal cross elements may be shaped on one side so to closely follow the shape of the wearer's chest/sternum area. With regard to figure 9C, the side of both horizontal and vertical cross elements to which the bearing member 28 attaches is preferably of a convex curvilinear shaping as shown so as to follow the contours of the. wearer's central chest region 12, and to assist in positioning against the wearer's chest. It will be appreciated that the shaping of the cross elements may be varied in order to suit a broad range of persons of varying shapes and sizes. The ends of the respective cross elements may be shaped (such as curved) for aesthetic purposes.
A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 10. Support , apparatus 120 is arranged for use with a backpack having two shoulder straps 8a, 8b interconnected by a chest strap 130. The support apparatus 120 comprises a shaped bearing member 135 arranged to fit between the chest strap 130 and the wearer's central chest region 12 so to hold the shoulder straps 8a, 8b forward of the wearer's shoulders thereby serving to transfer at least a portion of the load to the wearer's central chest region. The shaped bearing member 135 includes or fixedly attaches to a resilient member 145 having a bearing face 150 arranged to bear against the wearer's central chest region 12. The shaped bearing member 135 is arranged and shaped so to carry the chest strap 130 about its anterior surface in an orientation substantially horizontal relative to the wearer.
In use, the shaped bearing member 135 is positioned against the wearer's chest, and the chest strap 130 of the backpack is fastened about an anterior part of the bearing member 135. The load which would otherwise be applied by the chest strap 130 across the wearer's chest is thus applied to the shaped bearing member 135 and directed substantially toward the central region of the wearer's chest. ·
As with the previously described embodiments, the resilient member 145 is preferably of a resilient material so to provide a cushioning medium for affording comfort to the wearer. The shaped bearing member 135 may be formed in a similar manner to the rigid member 32.
All embodiments of the supporting apparatus described herein may be used with any existing backpacks of any known configuration, eg. with or without a waist belt, with curved or straight shoulder straps, with or without a central
interconnecting strap arranged between shoulder straps.
It will be appreciated that the body member 135 may be configured so that its lateral span across the wearer's chest is variable, and/or disengagable from the chest strap 130 for speedy removal if required. Furthermore, the Shaped bearing member 135 may be provided in two or more portions which may be coupled together for use and separated as required.
For all embodiments, the elongate member 24 and/or rigid member 32 may comprise any suitable material selected to have sufficient strength and stiffness, such as plastic (for example polycarbide or other plastic material capable of use in injection moulding processes having sufficient strength properties), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass filled nylon, metal (such as aluminium, stainless or mild steel), or composite material (such as carbon fibre, Kevlar or other like material system), that can be easily manufactured, moulded or extruded according to current manufacturing technologies.
It will be appreciated that dimensions of any of the components of the supporting apparatus 4 may be varied to suit people of all shapes and sizes, to suit backpacks of all shapes and sizes, and to account for the weight (and distribution of such weight) carried in them. The supporting apparatus 4 may also be varied to accommodate a variety of specific applications (such as for rock-climbing or military purposes). In this regard, commercial embodiments of the supporting apparatus 4 may be arranged to be comfortable, reusable, simple, effective, of good value for money, and suitable for both male and female persons, including children and elderly persons.
All embodiments of the supporting apparatus can be easily held by hand in position while attaching each shoulder strap 8a, 8b to a respective lateral portion 20a, 20b. Any shoulder straps and/or any existing central strap (straps which reach across the wearer's chest thereby linking the shoulder straps together) can be readily adjusted to suit the wearer when using the supporting apparatus 4.
The lateral portions 20a, 20b are again each shaped (in this instance provided as a 'U' shape) for providing effective engagement so to prevent a respective shoulder strap inadvertently becoming detached from the elongate member 24. The cross section of each lateral portion 20a, 20b may have a curved profile so as to better follow the shape of a shoulder strap when pulled taught thereagainst (as shown in figure 8). Curved ends serve to improve the follow of the shape of the straps 8a, 8b pulling against respective lateral portions 20a, 20b and or assist in the reduction of wear and tear of the shoulder strap (ie. reducing contact friction therebetween). All edges of the elongate member 24 may be rounded or chamfered to reduce friction and wear of the shoulder straps 8a, 8b, particularly at or near the lateral portions 20a, 20b, so to reduce localised stresses on the backpack straps.
According to another form of the present invention, it will be appreciated that a backpack may include any of the embodiments the support apparatus 4, 120 described herein. I this regard, the support apparatus may be formed as a component arranged integral with or attached to the shoulder straps of a backpack. Alternatively, the support apparatus may comprise at least two separable portions that may be coupled for use and separated as required. Each portion may be arranged integral with or attached to one of the backpack's shoulder straps (and/or interconnecting chest strap).
The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description do not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions. Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.