A few years ago, I traveled to Europe for business and then with my family. During the family
trip, we carried a backpack that had things for three members. After walking for half a day
carrying the backpack, the straps were digging into my shoulders and all I could think was how
nice it would be if someone else carried the bag. It was the starting point as I realized that
others too must be struggling like my family and me.
When you carry a backpack, to counterbalance the weight, you tend to lean forward. This
exerts pressure and strain on the neck and shoulders. As a result, you will experience
discomfort and your backpack will feel like it weighs a ton even if it is light.
Research by Mountain Tactical Institute reveals the following about carrying someone on your
back:
Have you ever used a wheelbarrow to haul things around your garden? If you have, you may
remember that besides lifting the handles of the wheelbarrow, you also have to exert pressure
to move it. Since a wheelbarrow’s center of gravity is not near the wheel axle, hauling it around
can be exhausting.
When it comes to HipStar, the weight is distributed on top of the axle, which connects the two
wheels. The frame is slightly bent for a reason – it ensures that, unlike a wheelbarrow that is
strenuous to push, the user does not have to strain themselves.
It is possible to adjust the angle between the frame and handle and that ensures HipStar can
comfortably be used by people of varying heights. It also keeps the bag’s center of gravity
slightly ahead of the axle and this contributes to the intuitive balance and stability that HipStar
boasts. There is no pushback force while walking or running and hence, the cart does not
overturn. Basically, this means that the bag’s weight is completely supported by the frame
while the user pulls it forward to move the cart.
With this unique design, the balance issue was solved. However, I faced another issue which
was the push-and-pull movements that caused the frame to bump into the legs and heels. That
was primarily due to the rigid attachment to the body. After experimenting with a couple of
prototypes, I designed a flexible harness and shock absorbers.
The flexible harness and shock absorbers tend to even out any movements generated while
walking and running. They reduce the uneven inertia, making the movement of the cart smooth
and comfortable. Furthermore, shock absorbers and harness reduce the amount of effort that
users have to apply.
The handle strut angle is adjustable based on the weight of the load, the height of the harness,
and the distance of the feet from the wheels. Hence, the upper design allows customization
based on the user’s height, thereby alleviating stress due to the load.
HipStar is designed to provide comfort while walking and running so that you do not feel the
weight of the bag regardless of the type, shape, and size. When you need to climb steps or
come across an obstacle in your path, you can transform HipStar into a backpack!
It may come as a surprise to learn that HipStar is not at all heavy. The frame is around 5lb while
the wheels are 2.5lb each.
When you use HipStar as a cart, you will notice that the weight of your bag is nearly zero
because of the unique center of gravity design. When used as a backpack, you will not notice
the 7 to 8% weight difference for short distances or when you traverse longer distances and
difficult terrains.
We intend to develop three distinct versions of this travel cart. They are Light, Medium, and
Heavy Duty. In the heavy-duty version, you can carry up to 80 lb of gear. It is meant for military
use, rescue operations, and hikers and tourists who carry a lot.
Typically, an average hiker’s backpack weighs between 22 to 26 lb (10 to 12 kg) while serious
hikers tend to carry 35 to 40 lb (15 to 18 kg). HipStar can be used in backpack mode by hikers
who want to carry their gear in comfort. The weight limit in backpack mode depends on the
capability of the user.
Medium and light models are designed for lighter payloads and hence, these models are also
lighter. They are suitable for city dwellers, light hikers, and city tourists.
While composite is lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel, it is expensive. If HipStar is
made from composites, it will increase the price. Hence, I have chosen materials that are
strong, durable, and affordable.
Many components, like joints, can be made from structural plastic. This is an inexpensive
material, easy to use, and makes the frame more ergonomic. During the product development
stage, the designers and engineers will consider all materials before finalizing them.
For the last few years, everyone involved with the development of HipStar has been working
hard and tirelessly. We believe that HipStar will transform the way people travel and that is why
we have patented the design and registered the trademark in the US, Taiwan, Australia, and
China.
The product development stage is now near conclusion and we are marching towards the
manufacturing stage. While family and friends have helped us out, the most significant support
will come from our backers and potential customers.
If you pre-order, you will be entitled to receive HipStar at a lower price as it will help us lower
our manufacturing costs.
If you have any queries or want to know more about HipStar, the new generation travel cart,
please get in touch with us.