Abstract:
An ergonomic backpack with an enhanced fit is provided. The backpack comprises a storage portion, primary left and right shoulder straps, and secondary left and right shoulder straps. The primary shoulder straps connect to the secondary shoulder straps to allow a user to wear the backpack over her shoulders. The dimensions and arrangement of the storage portion and primary and secondary shoulder straps are selected to optimize fit and comfort.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/890,303, filed Sep. 24, 2010 and titled “Ergonomic Backpack With Enhanced Fit,” attorney docket number NIKE.156494, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to backpacks. More particularly, the present invention relates to an ergonomic backpack that provides an enhanced fit. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Backpacks (also known as bags, packs, or rucksacks) are often worn to assist users in carrying loads. For example, in some instances, a user requires use of her hands and prefers to carry whatever items she needs on her back rather than in her hands. In other instances, the user must walk, run, cycle, or otherwise travel a long distance and can more easily carry items in a backpack than in her hands. Comfort while wearing a backpack is often of concern. 
         [0005]    Various comfort-enhancing techniques have been embraced over the years, including padded shoulder straps, curved shoulder straps, lightweight materials, waist straps, and sternum straps. While these techniques have made backpacks more comfortable, especially for extremely heavy loads, conventional backpacks still do not provide the user with optimum comfort. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0007]    The present invention relates to an ergonomic backpack with an enhanced fit. The backpack may comprise a storage portion having one or more compartments, the storage portion having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side such that when the backpack is worn by a user, the top side is nearer to the user&#39;s head than the bottom side, the bottom side is nearer to the user&#39;s legs than the top side, the left side is nearer to the user&#39;s left shoulder than the right side, and the right side is nearer to the user&#39;s right shoulder than the left side. A secondary left shoulder strap is attached at a first end to the bottom and left side of the storage portion. A secondary right shoulder strap is connected at a first end to the bottom and right side of the storage portion, the secondary left shoulder strap and the secondary right shoulder strap each attaching to the storage portion such that when the strap is extended toward the top side, the strap forms an angle of approximately between zero and 45 degrees, measured to the left from vertical. 
         [0008]    A primary left shoulder strap is connected at a first end to the top and left side of the storage portion along a first connection area and is connected at a second end to the secondary left shoulder strap. A primary right shoulder strap is connected at a first end to the top and right side of the storage portion along a second connection area and is connected at a second end to the secondary right shoulder strap. 
         [0009]    The first and second connection areas are each spaced approximately the same distance from a substantially vertical bisecting line extending through the backpack from top to bottom. The first and second connection areas are substantially collinear with a substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack. The primary left and right shoulder straps are connected to the first and second connection areas at substantially equal angles relative to the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack. 
         [0010]    When the primary left and right straps are not connected to the secondary left and right straps and are raised such that the primary left and right straps extend upward and away from the body of the user and are substantially parallel with a vertical plane extending through the user&#39;s body, the primary left strap, primary right strap, and the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack are all tangential to a first circle having a radius of approximately between 5 and 12 centimeters, the first circle substantially parallel to the vertical plane extending through the user&#39;s body. When the primary straps are raised vertically in this way, the primary left strap and primary right strap curve away from the substantially vertical bisecting line at between approximately one-third to two-thirds of the length of each strap, the curve being substantially equal to the curve of an arc of a second circle having a radius of approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters, the arc measuring approximately between 25 and 55 degrees. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit being worn by a user; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit being worn by a user with the primary left and right shoulder straps not connected to the secondary left and right shoulder straps and raised substantially vertical; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit shown in  FIG. 3  with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user&#39;s back; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a partial plan view of the secondary right shoulder strap attachment area to the storage portion of the ergonomic backpack shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user&#39;s back, the backpack having a “yoke” connection between the primary shoulder straps; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of a women&#39;s ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user&#39;s back; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a women&#39;s ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user&#39;s back, the backpack having a “yoke” connection between the primary shoulder straps. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    In conventional backpacks, comfort is not optimized even when comfort-enhancing features are incorporated into the backpack. The novel arrangement, positioning, and dimensions of features in the ergonomic backpacks with enhanced fit described in this application provide a user with optimal fit and comfort.  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate examples of the present invention designed as unisex backpacks.  FIGS. 7-8  illustrate examples of the present invention designed specifically for women. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit  100 . Backpack  100  includes a storage portion  102  that includes one or more compartments capable of storing cargo. Storage portion  102  has a top side  104 , a bottom side  106 , a left side  108 , and a right side  110 . When backpack  100  is worn by a user (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 ), top side  104  is nearer to the user&#39;s head than bottom side  106 , bottom side  106  is nearer to the user&#39;s legs than top side  104 , left side  108  is nearer to the user&#39;s left shoulder than right side  110 , and right side  110  is nearer to the user&#39;s right shoulder than left side  108 . 
         [0022]    Storage portion  102  is connected to a first end  112  of a primary left shoulder strap  114  along a first connection area  116 . First connection area  116  is on the top and left side of storage portion  102 . Storage portion  102  is also connected to a first end (not shown) of a primary right shoulder strap  118  along a second connection area (not shown). The second connection area is on the top and right side of storage portion  102 . Secondary left shoulder strap  120  is attached at a first end  122  to the bottom and left side of storage portion  102 . Secondary left shoulder strap  120  is also connected to a second end  124  of primary left shoulder strap  114 . Similarly, secondary right shoulder strap  126  is attached at a first end  128  to the bottom and right side of storage portion  102 . Secondary right shoulder strap  126  is also connected to a second end  130  of primary right shoulder strap  118 .  FIG. 1  illustrates buckles  132  and  134  connecting primary left shoulder strap  114  and primary right shoulder strap  118  to their respective secondary shoulder straps. Any number of connecting devices or techniques may be used to facilitate these connections. In some examples, the connections are detachable and/or adjustable. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit  100  while being worn by a user  200 . Primary left shoulder strap  114  is worn over the user&#39;s left shoulder  202 , and primary right shoulder strap  118  is worn over the user&#39;s right shoulder  204 . 
         [0024]    To better illustrate some of the novel features of the invention,  FIGS. 3-8  show examples of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary and secondary shoulder straps not connected and the primary straps raised such that they extend upward and away from the body of a user wearing the backpack. As stated above, in some examples the primary and secondary shoulder straps may be detachable.  FIGS. 3-8  are also intended to illustrate examples in which the primary and secondary shoulder straps are not detachable, even though the primary and secondary straps are shown not connected for illustration purposes. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates a user  300  wearing ergonomic backpack  100 . A dashed line represents a vertical plane  302  extending through the body of user  300 . Primary right shoulder strap  118  and primary left shoulder strap  114  (not shown) are raised such that primary right shoulder strap  118  and primary left shoulder strap  114  extend upward from the body of user  300  and are substantially parallel with vertical plane  302 . Primary right shoulder strap  118  and primary left shoulder strap  114  also extend away from the center of backpack  100  when the primary straps are in this position, as is clearly illustrated in  FIGS. 4-8 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is intended for illustration purposes. It should be appreciated that gravitational force would cause backpack  100  to fall off of user  300  if user  300  attempted to wear backpack  100  with the primary straps in a raised, substantially vertical position as shown.  FIG. 3  establishes a frame of reference for a more complete discussion of the novel features of backpack  100  in subsequent figures. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of backpack  100  looking at the surface of backpack  100  that rests against a user&#39;s back. Primary shoulder straps  114  and  118  are raised to a substantially vertical position as shown in  FIG. 3 . Secondary shoulder straps  120  and  126  are also shown, and storage portion  102  is shown as a dotted line so as to not distract from the explanation of novel features of backpack  100 . 
         [0028]    As discussed with regard to  FIG. 1 , first end  112  of primary left shoulder strap  114  is connected to storage portion  102  along first connection area  116 . First end  402  of primary right shoulder strap  118  is connected to storage portion  102  along second connection area  404 . First connection area  116  and second connection area  404  are each spaced approximately the same distance from a substantially vertical bisecting line  406  extending through backpack  100  from top side  104  to bottom side  106 . First connection area  116  and second connection area  404  are substantially collinear with a substantially horizontal line  408  extending across top side  104  of backpack  100 . Primary left shoulder strap  114  connects to first connection area  116  and primary right shoulder strap  118  connects to second connection area  404  at substantially equal angles relative to substantially horizontal line  408 . 
         [0029]    In some examples, the material comprising primary shoulder straps  114  and  118  extends beyond connection areas  116  and  404  and along the surface of storage portion  102  and may meet at approximately substantially vertical bisecting line  406 , as indicated by dotted lines in  FIG. 4 . In other examples, primary straps  114  and  118  end at connection areas  116  and  404  or extend a different length and/or geometry along storage portion  102 . 
         [0030]    Primary left shoulder strap  114 , primary right shoulder strap  118 , and substantially horizontal line  408  are all tangential to a first circle  410  having a radius  412  of approximately between 8 and 12 centimeters. First circle  410  is substantially parallel to vertical plane  302  shown in  FIG. 3 . In one example, radius  412  measures approximately 10 centimeters. 
         [0031]    Primary left shoulder strap  114  and primary right shoulder strap  118  curve away from substantially vertical bisecting line  406  at between approximately one-third to two-thirds of the length of each strap, the curve being substantially equal to the curve of an arc  414  of a second circle  416  having a radius  418  of approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters. Arc  414  measures approximately between 25 and 45 degrees. In one example, radius  418  measures approximately 9.5 cm. In another example, arc  414  measures approximately 36 degrees. As used herein, an arc measurement of a certain number of degrees is defined by the angle whose sides are extended until the circumference of the circle is intersected. For example, when a 36-degree angle&#39;s sides are extended to the circumference of a circle from the center, the portion of the circumference between the extended sides is a 36-degree arc.  FIG. 4  shows primary shoulder straps  114  and  118  as having the same amount of curve. In other examples, the curve could vary slightly to account for an individual&#39;s physique. 
         [0032]    Primary shoulder straps  114  and  118  may be of varying width. A range of desirable widths is shown in  FIG. 4 , with the white areas representing the minimum desired width of each strap and the gray areas representing the maximum desired extent for optimal comfort. As illustrated, the width of each strap may vary within the range of approximately 2 centimeters and approximately 12 centimeters. As noted in some examples below, however, variation to greater and/or lesser widths do not depart from the scope of the present invention. In one example, at the area where the straps attach to storage portion  102 , the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 3 centimeters, and the maximum desired width is approximately 8 centimeters. In another example, at the second ends of the primary shoulder straps where the primary straps connect to the secondary straps, the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 1 centimeter, and the maximum desired width is approximately 5 centimeters. In a further example, at the area where the straps attach to storage portion  102 , the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 4.125 (4 and ⅛) centimeters, and the maximum desired width is approximately 4.75 (4 and ¾) centimeters. In still a further example, at the second ends of the primary shoulder straps where the primary straps connect to the secondary straps, the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 1.375 (1 and ⅜) centimeters, and the maximum desired width is approximately 3.5 (3 and ½) centimeters. 
         [0033]    The specific strap width selected can vary depending upon the activity for which backpack  100  is designed, anticipated size of the user, mobility concerns, anticipated clothing that will be worn under the backpack, and other considerations. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the minimum desired strap width tapers from widest at connection areas  116  and  404  to narrowest where primary shoulder straps  114  and  118  connect to secondary shoulder straps  120  and  126 . 
         [0034]    Although not shown in the figures, a sternum strap and/or waist strap may be included in backpack  100 . In examples including a sternum strap, the sternum strap may attach to primary shoulder straps  114  and  118  from approximately where primary shoulder straps  114  and  118  begin to curve to second ends  124  and  130  of primary shoulder straps  114  and  118 . 
         [0035]    The maximum desired extent  420  of bottom side  106  of storage portion  102  is approximately 55 centimeters in the vertical direction from substantially horizontal line  408 . In one example, maximum desired extent  420  is approximately 50 centimeters. The first ends  122  and  128  of secondary shoulder straps  120  and  126  attach to storage portion  102  at a minimum desired vertical distance  422  of approximately 35 centimeters from substantially horizontal line  408 . In one example, minimum desired vertical distance  422  is approximately 39 centimeters. In another example, minimum desired vertical distance  422  is approximately 38.8 centimeters. It is appreciated that approximately 38.8 centimeters can be considered to be approximately 39 centimeters. 
         [0036]    The vertical distance  424  between substantially horizontal line  408  and both the midpoint of second end  124  of primary left shoulder strap  114  and the midpoint of second end  130  of primary right shoulder strap  118  is approximately between 20 and 35 centimeters. In one example, vertical distance  424  measures 28 centimeters. 
         [0037]    The horizontal distance  426  between the midpoint of second end  124  of primary left shoulder strap  114  and the midpoint of second end  130  of primary right shoulder strap  118  is approximately between 65 and 85 centimeters. In one example, horizontal distance  426  is approximately 75 centimeters. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates in detail the attachment of first end  128  of secondary right shoulder strap  126  to storage portion  102 . Strap  126  attaches to storage portion  102  such that when strap  126  is extended toward top side  104 , strap  126  forms an angle having a desired range of approximately between 0 and 45 degrees, measured down (and to the left) from vertical. In some examples, the desired maximum of this angle is between 15 and 30 degrees. In other examples, the desired minimum of this angle is between 0 and 10 degrees. Combinations of desired minimum angles between 0 and 10 and desired maximum angles between 15 and 30 are also contemplated. In one specific example, the desired minimum angle is approximately 5 degrees, and the desired maximum angle is approximately 20 degrees. In another specific example, the desired minimum angle is approximately 10 degrees, and the desired maximum angle is approximately 15 degrees. 
         [0039]    When first end  128  is substantially perpendicular to sides  502  and  504  of secondary right shoulder strap  126  such that strap  126  appears rectangular, the attachment angle  506  of first end  128  to storage portion  102  corresponds to the angle of strap  126  from vertical. That is, attachment angle  506  is between 0 and 45 degrees measured up (and left) from horizontal line  508  and the angle of strap  126  measured down (and left) from vertical is also between 0 and 45 degrees. 
         [0040]    Dashed lines  510  and  512  indicate the desired angle range of sides  502  and  504  of strap  126  when sides  502  and  504  are substantially parallel, first end  128  is connected to storage portion  102 , and strap  126  is extended toward the top side  104  from first end  128 . Dashed line  510  indicates the maximum desired angle of sides  502  and  504 , which, when first end  128  is perpendicular to sides  502  and  504 , occurs when angle  506  is at the maximum desired. That is, when connection angle  506  is at the maximum desired, sides  502  and  504  are substantially parallel to dashed line  510 . Similarly, dashed line  512  indicates the minimum desired angle of sides  502  and  504 , which, when first end  128  is perpendicular to sides  502  and  504 , occurs when angle  506  is at the minimum desired angle of 0, resulting in sides  502  and  504  being substantially vertical. 
         [0041]    In some examples, dashed line  510  is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees measured down (and to the left) from vertical. In other examples, dashed line  510  is at an angle of between approximately 10 and 30 degrees measured down from vertical. In still a further example, dashed line  510  is at angle of approximately 20 degrees measured down from vertical. Dashed line  512  is substantially vertical. In other examples, dashed line  512  is at an angle of between approximately 0 and 10 degrees measured down (and to the left) from vertical. In other examples, first end  128  is not perpendicular to sides  502  and  504 , and first end  128  is attached at an angle selected to cause sides  502  and  504  to have an angle between dashed lines  510  and dashed lines  512 , as described above. 
         [0042]    It should be appreciated that  FIG. 5  illustrates strap  126  attached such that sides  502  and  504  of strap  126  have an angle measured down and to the left of vertical between the angles represented by dashed lines  510  and  512 . Solid lines  514  and  516 , along with dashed lines  510  and  512  represent an approximate area of storage portion  102  on which it is desirable to attach first end  128 . As discussed above, minimum desired vertical distance  422  in  FIG. 4  indicates the minimum desired vertical distance between substantially horizontal line  408  of  FIG. 4  and the midpoint of first end  128  when attached to storage portion  102 . In some examples, the attachment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is mirrored for secondary left shoulder strap  120 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  illustrates ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit  600  that has a “yoke” strap configuration. Backpack  600  is substantially similar to backpack  100  of  FIGS. 1-5  except for the connection of the primary shoulder straps to the storage portion. Primary left shoulder strap  614  attaches to storage portion  602  along first connection area  620 , and primary right shoulder strap  618  connects to storage portion  602  along first connection area  622 . In  FIG. 4 , the primary straps were shown as being tangential, along with a substantially horizontal line, to a circle. 
         [0044]    In the example shown in  FIG. 6 , the area between the points along primary shoulder straps  614  and  618  that first touch circle  624  is filled in with material to form a yoke connection. Primary left shoulder strap  614  and primary right shoulder strap  618  are connected to each other and to storage portion  602  adjacent to first and second connection areas  620  and  622  with one or more pieces of material such that the one or more pieces of material form a curve between primary left shoulder strap  614  and primary right shoulder strap  618  substantially the same as the curve of circle  624 . 
         [0045]    Many backpacks, such as the backpacks illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , are designed to be “unisex” and fit both men and women. Women often still prefer backpacks designed especially for the female physique.  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate ergonomic backpacks with enhanced fit similar to the backpacks shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6  but that are specifically designed for women. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  illustrates an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit  700 . As with backpack  100  of  FIGS. 1-6 , backpack  700  includes primary left shoulder strap  702 , primary right shoulder strap  704 , storage portion  706 , and secondary shoulder straps  708  and  710 . In contrast to circle  410  of  FIG. 4 , the circle  712  tangential to primary left shoulder strap  702 , primary right shoulder strap  704 , and substantially horizontal line  714  has a smaller radius  716  of between approximately 5 and 10 centimeters. In one example, radius  716  measures approximately 7.5 centimeters. 
         [0047]    The vertical distance  718  between substantially horizontal line  714  and both the midpoint of second end  720  of primary left shoulder strap  702  and the midpoint of second end  722  of primary right shoulder strap  704  is approximately between 20 and 35 centimeters. In one example, vertical distance  718  measures approximately  28  centimeters. In another example, vertical distance  718  measures approximately 27.3 centimeters. 
         [0048]    The horizontal distance  724  between the midpoint of second end  720  of primary left shoulder strap  702  and the midpoint of second end  722  of primary right shoulder strap  704  is approximately between 65 and 85 centimeters. In one example, horizontal distance  724  is approximately 75 centimeters. In another example, horizontal distance  724  is approximately 75.1 centimeters. 
         [0049]    Backpack  700  also differs from backpack  100  in the amount of curvature of primary shoulder straps  702  and  704  as represented by circle  726 . Arc  728  of circle  726  is between approximately 35 and 55 degrees. In one example, arc  728  measures approximately 45 degrees. Radius  730  is approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters. In one example, radius  7 30 measures approximately 9.5 centimeters. Other dimensions, such as the maximum extent of storage portion  706  relative to substantially horizontal line  714 , may be the same as for backpack  100  or may be smaller to account for the smaller size of the average woman relative to the average man. 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  illustrates an ergonomic backpack  800  with enhanced fit having a yoke connection between primary left shoulder strap  802 , primary right shoulder strap  804 , and storage portion  806 , similar to that discussed with regard to claim  6 . 
         [0051]    The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative examples will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. 
         [0052]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.