GB1604548A

GB1604548A - Rucksack

Info

Publication number: GB1604548A
Application number: GB2439078A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Lafuma SA
Current assignee: Lafuma SA
Priority date: 1977-05-27
Filing date: 1978-05-30
Publication date: 1981-12-09
Also published as: FR2391671A1; DE7816064U1; FR2391671B1

Description

(54) RUCKSACK (71) We, LAFUMA S.A., a body corporate organised and existing under the laws of France, of Anneyron, Drome, France, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates to rucksacks, especially for long excursions or climbing.

Such rucksacks are well known. Numerous improvements have been made to satisfy the needs and desires of users. In particular, it has been sought to find a rucksack as comfortable as possible for carrying. Thus it has been proposed to modify the frame in contact with the back, to examine the nature of materials best suited for the rucksack and its function, especially to restrict imbalance to the rear caused by an overloaded rucksack. The user of such a rucksack is often lightly clothed and wears permeable clothing with a view to preventing sweating caused by sudden or prolonged effort.

Thus rucksacks are often tightly secured to the user which are more often of warm but permeable materials. Experience shows if known rucksacks permit increase in the load carried they present an inconvenience which the present invention avoids. This inconvenience is the lack of protection for the user for example in sudden and violent storms by warm weather or mountains. Indeed, the wearer must remove his rucksack, open it to obtain waterproof clothing, put on the clothing, closing the rucksack (which is not protected). It can be understood in these conditions the wearer expends useless effort (unloading and reloading his silk) and the duration is often too long to be of use; also accessories attached to the exterior of his sack cannot be protected.

The present invention aims to avoid this drawback by providing a rucksack which has at all times the characteristics of known rucksacks and an arrangement for protecting at the same time the wearer of the rucksack, loaded or not.

According to the present invention a rucksack for use in walking or climbing comprises a flexible body, shoulder straps, an upper flap adapted to cover the upper opening of the sack body, and a flexible hood connected to the interior of the body of the sack near an opening in a wall of the sack, this opening giving access to an interior pocket of the sack which provides a housing for the hood when in a folded condition to conceal same, the position of the opening allowing rapid and easy withdrawal of the hood through the opening and extension of the hood to form a protection for the wearer and sack simultaneously.

The hood is preferably of a lightweight, waterproof material, for example a synthetic material, such as nylon. It comprises a protective headgear cut to a pattern to form a shelter which is a continuation of the sack.

This nylon headgear is connected either directly to the sack or by an intermediate flexible band sewn or connected in some way inside the pocket.

Preferably the opening through which the hood can be extracted is above the upper attachment point of the straps. It is constituted by a horizontal slit over which is provided a quick-acting opening and closing means.

The hood may be provided with sleeves on the front part for protecting the wearer. It can be secured by a fastening passing under the chin, for example a drawcord sliding in a hem defined between two flaps sewn along the front edge of the hood. The shape of the surface of the rear portion of the hood is such as to cover the body of the sack and any accessories attached thereto.

The hood, integral with the sack, may be lodged, folded, inside the pocket either in the upper part of the frame or in a sort of double flap at the top of the sack.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I is a perspective view of a rucksack according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the rucksack showing a hood forming a part thereof in a partially opened position; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing an opening through which the hood is unfolded out of the rucksack; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the rucksack and the hood in an unfolded state; Fig. 5 is a side view showing the protection provided by the hood which surrounds the rucksack and a person carrying same; and Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view showing, to an enlarged scale, the means connecting the material of the hood to the material of the rucksack.

The drawings show a rucksack which is provided, in known manner, with a base 2, and straps 3 attached at one end to the upper part of a back panel 4 and at their other end at either side of the lower portion of the body 1 of the rucksack. The straps 3 are, for example, made of doubled webbing and are connected to an adjustment means 5. The back panel 4 is mainly composed of a piece of cotton material which is permeable to air but not to water. The base 2 can be reinforced. The rest of the body of the rucksack is made of a synthetic material such as nylon which ensures compactness and lightness.

The rucksack is closed by an upper flap 6.

A rucksack of this type is often provided with accessories such as a frame for reinforcing the back-panel, or pockets 7, or various means for hooking on objects which the wearer may require quickly without taking off the rucksack and without the risk of losing same (particularly the case for climbing rucksacks). The same type of accessories can be provided on the upper flap 6. Figure 1 shows non-limitative example of a rucksack of this type. The form and construction of the sack can be of any well known type.

The rucksack is provided in an upper part thereof with an opening 8 situated above the point of attachment of the straps 3. The opening 8 is covered exteriorly by a flap 9 which closes towards the front and bottom of the sack. This opening 8, for example, in the form of a horizontal slit, permits entry to a pocket 10 provided either in the upper part of the sack (above the frame) or in a double bottom of the upper flap 6 above the body of the sack (Figure 6). In the interior of the pocket 10, either stitched or otherwise fixed thereto, is the edge 11 of a band 12 of material of which the opposite edge 13 is integral with a flexible hood 14 designed to constitute a temporary covering for the sack (and the accessories or parts attached exteriorly thereto) and for the wearer 15 of same (Figure 5).The volume of the pocket 10 is such that the material of the hood 14 can be folded therein.

When the hood is removed from the pocket 10, one obtains a material surface such as is represented approximately as shown in plan view in Fig. 4. The portions of this surface can be defined as follows:- (a) a line of stitching 13 where the band 12 is attached; (b) a central portion 18 which is substantially planar and bordered by seams 13, 16 and 17; this central portion 18 is designed to cover the upper part of the rucksack; (c) a front portion 19 located between the seam 13, the front edges 20 and a central front edge 21 provided with a hem in which slides a drawcord 22.At either end of the cord 22 are sewn tabs 23 and 24 made of an adhesive material; (d) two side lower portions 25 and 26 are provided and form flaps at either side of the rucksack 1, the edges of which are outlined in Fig. 4; and (e) a central lower portion 27 defined by the seam 17 and side portions 25 and 26 and the edge of the piece 14.

It will be appreciated that the outline shown in Fig. 4 is only an approximation.

One could deploy the material defining the hood 14 in a plane as close as possible to the plane of the frame 4 as is shown in Fig. 6.

In use, the hood 14 envelope the rucksack I and covers the head, shoulders and at least the upper part of the chest of the wearer (Figure 5).

The hood is deployed in the following fashion: a a first mode, the material comprising the hood is folded and concealed in the pocket 10 within which it is connected to the band 12; the flap can then be closed and exterior appearance of the rucksack appears no different to a conventional sack (Figs. 1 to 3); -when the wearer is carrying the sack on his shoulders, the position of the opening 8 above the attachment of the straps permits the wearer to easily close the flap 9 simply by raising his hands above his shoulders. It will be understood that, in this case, the wearer can very simply extricate the hood hidden in the pocket 10 without removing the sack; --in case of a violent storm, the wearer and particularly those which are climbers, must lose the minimum of time to protect himself. The rucksack according to the invention permits him to don temporary cover almost immediately and above all to protect himself from rain or similar and additionally the rucksack and accessories attached to the exterior of the body of the sack.

The deployment of the hood is very rapid and can be accomplished in a few steps; (a) as soon as he wants to cover himself, the wearer opens the flap 9 (Figure 2) and begins to extricate the impermeable hood 14 by hand through the opening 8; (b) when the material has been completely extricated (Fig. 4) the lower side portions 25 and 26, the upper portion 18 and the central portion 27 are thrown around the rucksack which is thus completely envelopped; (c) following this, the wearer positions and retains the hood in this protective position by closing the upper edge 20 around his head. The closing is ensured by the adhesive material of the tabs 23 and 24 which are applied one against the other. The central drawcord 22 permits the closing of the hood under the chin to avoid the dripping and trickling of water onto the head and down the back of the wearer.

The principal advantages of the invention are as follows: -the protection of the rucksack and the head of the wearer is accomplished very quickly, without removal of the rucksack; -the hood does not hinder the movements of the wearer; -as the hood is sewn to the rucksack, there is no risk of it being lost, however, the mode of opening and position of the position of the pocket avoids "acrobatic" manoeuvres on the part of the wearer.

As will be appreciated, the method of deployment described above is not limitative.

For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, the rucksack can be modified as follows: -the position of the opening 8 can either be in the upper portion of the back panel or in the upper flap 6; -the position of the interior pocket 10 which is opened by the orifice 8 can be modified; -the material of which the hood is made can be varied but it is preferably waterproof and light; -the shape and surface of the hood which must protect the whole rucksack can be made even larger and can be provided with means to retain and position same in relation to the wearer.For example, the hood can be provided with openings through which the wearer can pass his legs, the said openings can equally form sleeves in such a fashion as not to restrict the movements of the wearer (especially climbers) which, during ascents must always have readily available the accessories hooked to their belts or to the sides of their rucksacks.

When the protection given by the hood is no longer required, the hood is easily folded back into the waterproof pocket 10. The hood thus comprises a fold-away protection means integral with the rucksack.

In a modification, the closing means of the flap of the opening 8 of the interior pocket 10 can be: --either zip fasteners; --or bands of material fastened together by pressure of the type known under the Registered Trade Mark "VELCRO"; ---or analogous means which permit rapid closure.

The above can also be applied to the means equipping the tabs 23 and 24 at the upper edge of the hood.

According to other variations, the hood can be housed in a pocket in the the base 2 of the rucksack, the pocket being shown in dashed lines in Figure 5.

In a general fashion, the hood protects at least the head, shoulders and the upper arms of the wearer. For example, in case of rain, this construction eliminates all trickling of water between the wearer's back and the back panel of the rucksack.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A rucksack, for use in walking or climbing, comprising a flexible body, shoulder straps, an upper flap adapted to cover the upper opening of the sack body, and a flexible hood connected to the interior of the body of the sack near an opening in a wall of the sack, this opening giving access to an interior pocket of the sack which provides a housing for the hood when in a folded condition to conceal same, the position of the opening allowing rapid and easy withdrawal of the hood through the opening and extension of the hood to form a protection for the wearer and sack simultaneously.

2. A rucksack according to claim 1, in which the hood is sewn to an edge of a flexible band the other edge of which is sewn to the interior of the pocket.

3. A rucksack according to claim I or 2, in which the hood is formed of a synthetic, lightweight, thin, waterproof material.

4. A rucksack according to any preceding claim, in which the surface of the contour of the hood defines a front portion for providing a protective cover around the neck and the shoulders at least of the wearer, and a rear portion which for covering and protecting the entire sack and any accessories attached to the sack exterior.

5. A rucksack according to any preceding claim in which the pocket opening is above the upper attachment of the straps, in the region of the shoulders of the wearer so that it can easily be reached without removing the sack.

6. A rucksack as claimed in any preceding claim in which the pocket opening is in front of the upper flap.

7. A rucksack as claimed in any preceding claim in which the pocket opening is a horizontal slit adapted to be closed by means of a flap sewn on the exterior of the body above and near the slit below which is provided a band provided with studs for securing the flap in closed position.

8. A rucksack according to any preceding claim, in which the pocket is separate, formed of a watertight material and provided under the upper flap.

9. A rucksack according to any one of claims I to 4, in which the hood is provided at the front with openings defining sleeves to

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. (c) following this, the wearer positions and retains the hood in this protective position by closing the upper edge 20 around his head. The closing is ensured by the adhesive material of the tabs 23 and 24 which are applied one against the other. The central drawcord 22 permits the closing of the hood under the chin to avoid the dripping and trickling of water onto the head and down the back of the wearer. The principal advantages of the invention are as follows: -the protection of the rucksack and the head of the wearer is accomplished very quickly, without removal of the rucksack; -the hood does not hinder the movements of the wearer; -as the hood is sewn to the rucksack, there is no risk of it being lost, however, the mode of opening and position of the position of the pocket avoids "acrobatic" manoeuvres on the part of the wearer. As will be appreciated, the method of deployment described above is not limitative. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, the rucksack can be modified as follows: -the position of the opening 8 can either be in the upper portion of the back panel or in the upper flap 6; -the position of the interior pocket 10 which is opened by the orifice 8 can be modified; -the material of which the hood is made can be varied but it is preferably waterproof and light; -the shape and surface of the hood which must protect the whole rucksack can be made even larger and can be provided with means to retain and position same in relation to the wearer.For example, the hood can be provided with openings through which the wearer can pass his legs, the said openings can equally form sleeves in such a fashion as not to restrict the movements of the wearer (especially climbers) which, during ascents must always have readily available the accessories hooked to their belts or to the sides of their rucksacks. When the protection given by the hood is no longer required, the hood is easily folded back into the waterproof pocket 10. The hood thus comprises a fold-away protection means integral with the rucksack. In a modification, the closing means of the flap of the opening 8 of the interior pocket 10 can be: --either zip fasteners; --or bands of material fastened together by pressure of the type known under the Registered Trade Mark "VELCRO"; ---or analogous means which permit rapid closure. The above can also be applied to the means equipping the tabs 23 and 24 at the upper edge of the hood. According to other variations, the hood can be housed in a pocket in the the base 2 of the rucksack, the pocket being shown in dashed lines in Figure 5. In a general fashion, the hood protects at least the head, shoulders and the upper arms of the wearer. For example, in case of rain, this construction eliminates all trickling of water between the wearer's back and the back panel of the rucksack. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A rucksack, for use in walking or climbing, comprising a flexible body, shoulder straps, an upper flap adapted to cover the upper opening of the sack body, and a flexible hood connected to the interior of the body of the sack near an opening in a wall of the sack, this opening giving access to an interior pocket of the sack which provides a housing for the hood when in a folded condition to conceal same, the position of the opening allowing rapid and easy withdrawal of the hood through the opening and extension of the hood to form a protection for the wearer and sack simultaneously.

protect the arms of the wearer, the openings corresponding to the armpits of the wearer.

10. A rucksack according to claim 4 in which the front portion of the hood protects 'the head of the wearer, the edge being provided with a hem accommodating a drawcord permitting securement around the chin of the wearer, the lateral edges of this front portion being connectible together by closure means.

11. A rucksack according to any preceding claim in which the hood is integral with the sack and the protective surface provided thereby is seamed to define several integral zones which provide -an upper portion covering the top of the sack, the upper flap and the head and shoulders of the wearer; -a central portion for protecting the rucksack; and --two side portions for covering the sides of the rucksack; there being closure means at the front of the upper portion ensuring closure of this portion without interfering with movements of the wearer.

12. A rucksack, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.