Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a rucking article.

Rucking is an exercise regimen that is used in military training protocols to build strength and endurance. A person carries a weighted sack or bag while completing various activities, like running, push-ups, etc. Specially designed rucking articles can be worn like a backpack and also include compartments for holding weighted plates, or rucking plates. Stability during use is important because of a wide range of upper and lower body movements involved in traditional rucking training protocols. The rucking article should carry weight but not necessarily inhibit the users balance and agility across a wide range of body movements during use.

<CIT> discloses a backpack with back pads and a lumbar support.

There is a need for rucking articles with improved stability. An embodiment includes a rucking article. The rucking article includes a base and a top spaced from the base, and lateral sides that extend from the base toward the top. The rucking article also includes a front panel coupled to the base. The rucking article also includes a back panel coupled to the base, the top, and the lateral sides. The back panel has an exterior side, an interior side opposite the exterior side, a height that extends from the base to the top, and a width that is perpendicular to the height. The rucking article also includes a plurality of pad members on the exterior side that extend across the width, the plurality of pad members each defining a planar contact surface that lies along a first common plane. A lumbar support member is located between the plurality of pad members and the base, where the lumbar support member has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of any one of the plurality of pad members. The rucking article also includes a closure that removably couples the front panel to the top and at least a portion of each of the lateral sides, such that the closure is configured to permit access to an interior of the rucking article. The rucking article also includes a pocket assembly coupled to the interior side of the back panel. The pocket assembly has at least a first pocket with a pocket width and a pocket length that is perpendicular to the pocket width, and a closure flap, where the pocket width and the pocket length is sized and selected to be able to firmly hold a rucking plate inside the first pocket. The rucking article also includes an internal frame assembly inside a compartment defined between the interior side and exterior side of the back panel. The internal frame assembly extends from the base to the top within the compartment, such that, the internal frame assembly provides rigid support to the back panel along an entirety of the height of the back panel and the width. The rucking article also includes shoulder configured to secure the rucking article to a wearer. The rucking article also includes a sternum strap removably coupled to the shoulder straps and configured to be selectively clasped. The combination of the lumbar support member, the internal frame assembly, and the sternum strap are configured to maintain stability of the rucking article during active movement by the wearer when the rucking article is worn, and the sternum strap is clasped.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present application, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:.

Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a rucking article. A rucking article may be referred to as a rucking sack, rucker, or ruck sack, and is specifically configured to hold weighted plates, e.g. ruck plates. The rucking article is designed to be carried, lifted, etc., by the user, during physical activity as a training regimen. The rucking article <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a combination of features that improves stability when worn and when the user engages in an exercise regimen that involves a wide range of upper and lower body movements. More specifically, the inclusion of lumbar support members <NUM> (<FIG>), a rigid internal frame assembly <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>), and a sternum strap <NUM> (<FIG>) combine to establish both rucking article stability and rigid support that helps better distribute loads across the user's upper and lower back during use. Stability and rigid support are advantageous results of the construction of the rucking article described herein, especially when the user is carrying weighted plates inside the article while also engaging in strenuous exercise.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rucking article <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a top <NUM> spaced from the base <NUM>, lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM>, a front panel <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>, and a back panel <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>, the top <NUM>, and lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM>. A pair of shoulder straps <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to secure the rucking article <NUM> to a user and the sternum strap <NUM> is removably coupled to the shoulder straps <NUM>, <NUM> to contribute to article stability during use, as described above. A closure system <NUM> may be used to selectively open and close the rucking article <NUM> to permit access to an interior of the article <NUM>, as will be further described below.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the base <NUM> and top <NUM> are spaced apart along a height direction A, the front panel and back panel are spaced part along a depth direction B, and the lateral sides <NUM>,<NUM> extend between the front panel <NUM> and the back panel <NUM> along a depth direction B. The lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart with respect to each other along a lateral (or width) direction C. Thus, the height direction A is substantially perpendicular to the depth direction B and lateral direction C. The orthogonal directions A, B, and C are used in the present disclosure only for illustrative purposes to aid in clarifying the relative positions of components of the rucking article <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> of the rucking article <NUM> includes opposed inner and outer edges and opposed sides (not numbered) that extend between the opposed inner and outer edges (not numbered). The base <NUM> is comprised of durable woven fabrics that may encase a cushion member, e.g. a foam, felt, batting, or other compressible material.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM> and the top <NUM> may be defined by a sidewall assembly <NUM> that is fixed to the back panel <NUM> and base <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall assembly <NUM> defines a rearward edge <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM> and the back panel <NUM> and an outward edge <NUM> that includes the first closure element <NUM> of the closure system <NUM>. The closure system <NUM> thus removably secures a portion of the front panel <NUM> to the sidewall assembly <NUM>. In alternative embodiment, however, the top <NUM> and lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM> could also be separate components that are coupled together. The sidewall assembly <NUM> may be comprised of durable woven fabrics that may optionally encase a cushion member.

Referring to <FIG>, the front panel <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM> and removably coupled to the top <NUM> and lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM> via the closure system <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the front panel <NUM> has an exterior side <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, an interior side <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, and an outer perimeter <NUM>. The exterior side <NUM> includes an external zippered pocket <NUM> and webbing loops <NUM> located toward a bottom end (not numbered) of the front panel <NUM>. Webbing loops <NUM> may be used to removably couple various items to the rucking article <NUM>. The interior side <NUM> includes several pockets (not numbered) for holding items as needed, as best shown in <FIG>. The front panel <NUM> includes a closure element <NUM> of the closure system <NUM>. As illustrated the closure element <NUM> extends along a majority of the outer perimeter <NUM>, for example, along the both lateral sides and top of the outer perimeter <NUM>. The front panel is comprised of durable woven fabrics and may include high tenacity yarns to form the woven fabrics.

<FIG> illustrate the back panel <NUM>. The back panel <NUM> is shown coupled to the base <NUM>, the top <NUM>, and the lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM> and removably coupled to front panel <NUM>. In terms of construction, the back panel <NUM> has a bottom edge <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>, a top edge <NUM> opposite the bottom edge <NUM> coupled to the top <NUM>, a first lateral edge <NUM>, and a second lateral edge <NUM> opposite the first lateral edge <NUM>. The back panel <NUM> has an exterior side <NUM> that faces a user's back when the rucking article <NUM> is worn by the user, and an interior side <NUM> opposite the exterior side <NUM>. The back panel <NUM> defines a panel height H that extends from the bottom edge <NUM> to the top edge <NUM> and a width W that is perpendicular to the height H. Referring to <FIG>, which is a schematic cross-section of the back panel <NUM>, the back panel <NUM> has one or more panel layers that hold and secure various components of the back panel <NUM> as further explained below.

Referring to <FIG>, the back panel <NUM> includes a plurality of pad members <NUM>, a lumbar support member <NUM>, and an internal frame assembly <NUM> encased within the back panel <NUM>. An exterior panel layer <NUM> defines the exterior side <NUM> of the panel <NUM>. The exterior panel layer <NUM> and interior panel layer <NUM> encase one or more cushion elements, which form and define the plurality of pad members <NUM> and lumbar support member <NUM>. The cushion elements may comprise an open cell foam, closed cell foam or any other compressible and resilient material suitable to provide support. In one useful example, the lumbar support member <NUM> comprises a cross-linked polyolefin foam and the plurality of pad members comprise cross-linked polyolefin foam. Adjacent to the interior panel layer <NUM> is the internal frame assembly <NUM> and adjacent to that is another panel layer <NUM>, to which the pocket assembly <NUM> is attached. Panel layer <NUM> may define a portion of the interior side <NUM> of the back panel <NUM>. A plurality of stitch lines <NUM> along the exterior panel layer <NUM> define the size and shape of the plurality of pad members <NUM> and the lumbar support member <NUM>. The plurality of pad members <NUM> are shown located on the exterior side <NUM>, extend across the width with back panel <NUM>, and biased toward the top <NUM> of the article <NUM>. The lumbar support member <NUM> itself is located between the plurality of pad members <NUM> and the base <NUM> and is positioned to support a user's lower back when the rucking article <NUM> is worn.

Continuing with <FIG>, it is the size, shape, and position of the lumbar support member <NUM> that contributes to overall article stability and lower back support. In the illustrated embodiment, the lumbar support member <NUM> has a base side <NUM>, a first lateral side 84a, a second lateral side 84b opposite the first lateral side 84a, an apex <NUM> spaced from base side <NUM>, a first top edge 88a that extends from the first lateral side 84a to the apex <NUM>, and a second top edge 88b that extends from the second lateral side 84b to the apex <NUM>. As shown, the first top edge 88a and the second top edge 88b are angularly offset with respect to the first lateral side 84a and the second lateral side 84b, respectively. The lumber support member <NUM> may have other shapes and configurations as needed. For instance, the first and second top edges 88a and 88b may be substantially perpendicular to the lateral sides 84a and 84b. There may be multiple separate lumbar support members, as needed.

The lumbar support member <NUM>, or multiple lumber support members as the case may be, has coverage across the back panel <NUM> that contributes to desired article stability during use. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lumbar support member <NUM> extends across an entirety of the width W of the back panel <NUM>. Furthermore, the lumber support member <NUM> extends between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the total height H of the back panel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lumbar support member <NUM> projects outwardly relative to the pad members <NUM> sufficient to allow the lumber support member <NUM> to contact the user's lower back while allowing the pad members <NUM> to contact the user's upper back. More specifically, the lumbar support member <NUM> has an overall thickness that is greater than a thickness of any one of the plurality of pad members <NUM>. Here, we define the thickness T as the difference between elevation of the lumber support member <NUM> and the pad members <NUM>. In this regard, the plurality of pad members defines a plurality of planar contact surfaces (not numbered) that lie along a first plane P1, and the lumbar support member <NUM> defines a contact surface (not numbered) that lies along a second plane P2. The thickness T is the distance between planes P1 and plane P2 (along a perpendicular line that intersects both planes P1, P2. In the embodiment shown, the thickness T is between <NUM> to <NUM> ( <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches ). In one example, the thickness T is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In another example, the thickness T is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In another example, the thickness is <NUM> (<NUM> inches), in another example, the thickness is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In another example, the thickness is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The thickness T may fall outside these ranges. However, a thickness T between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches ) is particularly useful when combined with other stability features, such as the internal frame assembly <NUM> and sternum strap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an internal frame assembly <NUM> encased within the back panel <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal frame assembly <NUM> comprises a planar rigid member <NUM> and a foam layer <NUM> sitting adjacent the planar rigid member <NUM>. The planar rigid member may be a plastic sheet or metallic sheet as needed. It may comprise a monolithic component or could be multiple components stitched together. It may include through holes or openings for weight reduction. The planar rigid member <NUM>, however, has a size and shape that generally extends across a substantial entirety of the width of the back panel <NUM> and a substantial entirety of the height H of the back panel <NUM>. The foam layer <NUM> sits adjacent the planar rigid member and is generally coextensive with the height and width of the planar rigid member. In other words, the foam layer <NUM> and planar rigid member <NUM> have a similar size and shape. The internal frame assembly <NUM> therefore supports the integrity of the article as it is weighed down, which allows a user to carry a heavier load more comfortably, and also contributes to article stability during use.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rucking article <NUM> is configured to hold weighted plates with a pocket assembly <NUM>. The pocket assembly <NUM> is coupled to the interior side <NUM> of the back panel <NUM> and has at least a first pocket <NUM> and a second pocket <NUM>. Each of the first and second pockets <NUM> and <NUM> are sized and selected to firmly hold a rucking or weighted plate therein. The first pocket <NUM> has a first pocket panel <NUM> attached to the interior side <NUM> of the back panel <NUM>, which defines a pocket length Y and the pocket width Z. A closure flap <NUM> is secured to the back panel <NUM> and is used to open or close access to the first pocket <NUM>. As illustrated, the first pocket panel <NUM> is spaced apart from the base <NUM> and lies approximate the top <NUM>, such that the first pocket panel <NUM> is biased toward the top of the back panel <NUM>. More specifically, a bottom end <NUM> of the pocket panel <NUM> is spaced from a bottom edge of back panel a distance X that is between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of a total height H of the back panel <NUM>.

The pocket assembly design works on conjunction with the other design elements of the rucking article <NUM>. In this regard, the first pocket does not overlie any portion of the lumbar support member <NUM> along the exterior side of the back panel. In other words, the first pocket is positioned inside the rucking article <NUM> so that it does interfere with position and use of the lumbar support member <NUM>. In use, this can be important as it the pocket position keeps the weight elevate on the user's back and permits the lumbar support member <NUM> to provide support where it is designed to- the lower back. This, in turns, helps create improved stability for wearer by aiding even distribution of loads by the internal frame assembly. The sternum strap <NUM>, in turn, also aids stability by helping position the weighted plate where it is intended to be-the users upper back off of the lumbar area.

The second pocket <NUM> has a second pocket panel <NUM> that overlies the first pocket panel <NUM>. he second pocket panel <NUM> defines a top edge <NUM> that sits below the closure flap <NUM> with the closure flap <NUM> in a closed position. The second pocket <NUM> may be gusseted or pleated to accommodate one or more plates. An elastic strap <NUM> extends across the top of the second pocket to help secure items therein.

The rucking article <NUM> includes shoulder straps <NUM>, <NUM> that extends between the top and lateral sides proximate the top and partially overly the back panel <NUM>. The shoulder straps configured to secure the rucking article <NUM> to a wearer. In certain embodiments, the shoulder straps <NUM>, <NUM> are extra padded to carry heavier loads more comfortably.

The sternum strap <NUM> is removably coupled to the shoulder straps and configured to be selectively clasped as needed to facilitate improved stability. The sternum strap includes a first strap portion (not shown) removeable coupled to shoulder strap <NUM>, a first clasp member <NUM> slidably positioned along the first strap portion and second strap portion, and a second clasp member slidably positioned along the second strap portion. The first and second clasp members can be connected together as needed. The sternum strap can be repositioned along different loops coupled to the shoulder strap to adjust the positioning of the strap <NUM> relative to the user. The combination of the lumbar support members <NUM> (<FIG>), a rigid internal frame assembly <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>), and a sternum strap <NUM> (<FIG>) are configured to maintain stability of the rucking article <NUM> during active movement by the wearer when the rucking article is worn and the sternum strap is clasped.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary weighted plate <NUM> for insertion in the first and second pockets <NUM> and <NUM>. Each weighted plate <NUM> has a length, width, and thickness (not numbered) that are selected so that the weighted plates slidingly fit within the pocket <NUM> or pocket <NUM> without substantially movement therein. In other words, the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> and plates <NUM> have similar dimensions. The weighted plates have a variety of weights. For example, the weighted plate may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> ( <NUM> lbs. , <NUM> lbs. , <NUM> lbs. , <NUM> lbs. , <NUM> lbs. , <NUM> lbs. , <NUM> lbs. or <NUM> lbs).

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the closure system <NUM> may be used to selectively open and close the rucking article <NUM> to permit access to an interior of the article <NUM>. The closure system <NUM> includes a first closure element <NUM> fixed to an entirety of the outward edge <NUM> of the sidewall assembly <NUM>. A second closure element <NUM> is fixed to the top and side edges of the front panel assembly <NUM>. The front panel <NUM> is coupled, or fixed, to the base <NUM>. The first and second closure elements <NUM> and <NUM> are thus configured to selectively engage with each other so that a portion of the front panel <NUM> is removably coupled to the top <NUM> and at least a portion of each of the lateral sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the rucking article <NUM>. In this configuration, the rucking article <NUM> can open flat so that it is easier to access the internal pockets and otherwise organize its contents. In alternative embodiments, the closure system <NUM>, e.g. the first and second closure elements <NUM>, <NUM>, may extend along only a portion of the lateral sides and/or top of the rucking article <NUM>. For example, the closure system <NUM> may extend along only the top of the rucking article <NUM>. In various embodiments of the rucking article <NUM>, the closure system <NUM>, e.g. a zipper, can be made with silent, glove friendly zipper pulls constructed from parachute cord, which, in one example is a <NUM> denier cord. Other types of closures, pulls, and cord sizes may be used.

Referring to <FIG>, the base <NUM> also includes a durable handle <NUM> that can be used to grab the article as described further below and the top <NUM> include a durable handle <NUM>. Though not shown, the lateral sides can further comprise side durable handles. The base <NUM> may include various reinforced drainage ports allowing fluid to pass through as needed. The rucking article <NUM> may also include a hip belt assembly coupled thereto proximate the base <NUM>. The top <NUM> also includes a port <NUM> (<FIG>) with a hook and loop closure overlying the port. The port is sized for a tube of a hydration bladder positionable inside the rucking article <NUM>. Hi visibility straps may be used as a reflective member and are paced along straps and on front panel for safety.

Each of the various components, such as the back panel, front panel, top, base, and sides are comprised of durable woven fabrics. The article is comprised of tear and wear resistant fabrics comprised of <NUM> denier CORDURA® yarns. Any number of weave constructions and deniers may be used, however. However, a less abrasive fabric may be used on the back panel and underside of the shoulder straps to reduce friction and the like. The back panel and shoulder straps, for example, may be comprised of woven fabrics comprising <NUM> denier, High Tenacity CORDURA® yarns.

The rucking article <NUM>, in general, has a size and shape to fit comfortably on the user's upper torso. More specifically, the rucking article <NUM> has overall width W that extends from one side to other side, an overall height H that extends from the base <NUM> to the top <NUM> and that is perpendicular to the overall width W, and an overall depth D that extends from an exterior side <NUM> of the back panel <NUM> to the an exterior side <NUM> of the front panel <NUM>. The overall depth D is substantially perpendicular to the overall height H and the overall width W. In one exemplary embodiment, the rucking article <NUM> has an overall width W between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches ). an overall height H between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches ), and an overall depth D is between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches ). Furthermore, the rucking article <NUM> is designed to have an overall weight that can vary between about <NUM> and about <NUM> (<NUM> lbs. and about <NUM>. In some cases, the overall article weight may vary outside of these specific ranges.

Claim 1:
A rucking article (<NUM>), comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
a top (<NUM>) spaced from the base;
lateral sides that extend from the base toward the top;
a front panel (<NUM>) coupled to the base;
a back panel (<NUM>) coupled to the base, the top, and the lateral sides, the back panel having an exterior side (<NUM>), an interior side (<NUM>) opposite the exterior side, a height that extends from the base to the top, and a width that is perpendicular to the height;
a plurality of pad members (<NUM>) on the exterior side that extend across the width, the plurality of pad members each defining a planar contact surface that lies along a first common plane (P1);
a lumbar support member (<NUM>) located between the plurality of pad members and the base, wherein the lumbar support member has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of any one of the plurality of pad members;
a closure (<NUM>) that removable couples the front panel to the top and at least a portion of each of the lateral sides, such that the closure is configured to permit access to an interior of the rucking article;
a pocket assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the interior side of the back panel, the pocket assembly having at least a first pocket (<NUM>) with a pocket width and a pocket length that is perpendicular to the pocket width, and a closure flap (<NUM>),
wherein the pocket width and the pocket length is sized and selected to be able to firmly hold a rucking plate inside the first pocket;
an internal frame assembly (<NUM>) inside a compartment defined between the interior side and exterior side of the back panel, the internal frame assembly extending from the base to the top within the compartment, such that, the internal frame assembly provides rigid support to the back panel along an entirety of the height of the back panel and the width;
shoulder straps (<NUM>) configured to secure the rucking article to a wearer; and
a sternum strap (<NUM>) removably coupled to the shoulder straps and configured to be selectively clasped,
wherein the combination of the lumbar support member, the internal frame assembly, and the sternum strap are configured to maintain stability of the rucking article during active movement by the wearer when the rucking article is worn, and the sternum strap is clasped.