U.S. patent application number 10/063984 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-12 for backpack.
Invention is credited to Clark, Maxine, Kass, Stacy, Schofield, Beverly, Stout, Shari Ann.
Application Number | 20020185508 10/063984 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26744022 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020185508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clark, Maxine ; et
al. |
December 12, 2002 |
Backpack
Abstract
A backpack has a main body portion having front and rear walls,
at least one shoulder strap connected to the rear wall of the main
body portion to facilitate carrying of the backpack on the user's
body, and a pouch mounted to the front wall of the main body
portion, the pouch having a top, bottom and opposed side edges and
being connected to the main body portion along the bottom and two
side edges, wherein the top edge is not connected to the main body
portion and the pouch is adapted along the bottom edge to be open
to permit passage therethrough of a lower portion of a toy to be
carried in the pouch.
Inventors: |
Clark, Maxine; (St. Louis,
MO) ; Schofield, Beverly; (Alton, IL) ; Kass,
Stacy; (St. Louis, MO) ; Stout, Shari Ann;
(St. Louis, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLACKWELL SANDERS PEPER MARTIN LLP
720 OLIVE STREET
SUITE 2400
ST. LOUIS
MO
63101
US
|
Family ID: |
26744022 |
Appl. No.: |
10/063984 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60296684 |
Jun 6, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/652 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/06 20130101; A45F
3/04 20130101; A45F 2003/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/652 |
International
Class: |
A45F 003/04 |
Claims
1. A backpack comprising: a main body portion having front and rear
walls; at least one shoulder strap connected to the rear wall of
the main body portion to facilitate carrying of the backpack on a
user's body; and a pouch mounted to the front wall of the main body
portion, the pouch having a top, bottom and opposed side edges and
being connected to the main body portion along the bottom and the
opposed side edges, wherein the top edge is not connected to the
main body portion and the pouch is adapted along the bottom edge to
be open to permit passage therethrough of a portion of a toy to be
carried in the pouch.
2. The backpack of claim 1, and further comprising a closure to
optionally cover the top of the pouch.
3. The backpack of claim 1, and further comprising a miniature
backpack which is connectable to the backpack, the miniature
backpack being openable and being adapted for mounting to a teddy
bear or other toy for wearing thereby.
4. A backpack comprising: a main body portion having front and rear
walls; at least one shoulder strap connected to the rear wall of
the main body portion to facilitate carrying of the backpack on an
user's body; and a pouch mounted to the front wall of the main body
portion, the pouch having a top, bottom and opposed side edges and
being connected to the main body portion along the bottom and the
opposed side edges, wherein the top edge is not connected to the
main body portion and the pouch is adapted along the bottom edge to
be selectively openable to permit passage therethrough of a portion
of a toy to be carried in the pouch.
5. The backpack of claim 4 wherein the bottom edge is selectively
openable by means of a zipper.
6. The backpack of claim 4, and further comprising a closure to
optionally cover the top of the pouch.
7. The backpack of claim 4, and further comprising a miniature
backpack which is connectable to the backpack, the miniature
backpack being openable and being adapted for mounting to a teddy
bear or other toy for wearing thereby.
8. A backpack comprising: a main body portion having front and rear
walls; at least one shoulder strap connected to the rear wall of
the main body portion to facilitate carrying of the backpack on a
user's body; and a pouch mounted to the front wall of the main body
portion, the pouch having a top, bottom and opposed side edges and
being connected to the main body portion along the bottom and the
opposed side edges, wherein the top edge is not connected to the
main body portion and the pouch includes a zipper along the bottom
edge to allow the bottom edge to be selectively opened to permit
passage therethrough of a portion of a toy to be carried in the
pouch.
9. The backpack of claim 8, and further comprising a closure to
optionally cover the top of the pouch.
10. The backpack of claim 8, and further comprising a miniature
backpack which is connectable to the backpack, the miniature
backpack being openable and being adapted for mounting to a teddy
bear or other toy for wearing thereby.
Description
[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/296,684 filed Jun. 6, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of backpacks,
and, more specifically, to a backpack having a pouch specifically
adapted for carrying a toy such as a teddy bear.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] Previously backpacks of a wide variety of constructions have
been known. There are fewer backpacks designed particularly with
children in mind, with a view to their smaller body structure and
the interest children have for carrying with them specific types of
items, especially favorite toys. Many children are fond of, or in
the habit of, carrying with them for comfort a specific item. In
many cases this item is a stuffed animal, such as a "teddy" bear.
However, there are not known any previous attempts to provide a
backpack for children which is especially constructed to receive
and securely retain in a part thereof a teddy bear, especially in a
manner by which the toy bear can be easily viewed and accessed
tactilely for play or comfort. In addition to a favorite comfort
toy, a child may also need or wish to have on hand many other
items, such a clothing, snacks, books and additional toys. Thus, a
child's backpack must be able to accommodate a significant volume.
Even though a teddy bear may be light weight, it can be rather
bulky, and if it must be placed inside the main compartment of a
child's backpack the toy will consume most, if not the entire space
in the main compartment, leaving little or no room to accommodate
others of the objects desired to be carried by the child.
[0005] The present invention provides just such a backpack, with a
special extra pouch designed especially to securely receive a teddy
bear or other stuffed toy or a doll, wherein the toy appears to be
riding in the backpack but can be readily accessed. The toy pouch
is independent of the main compartment of the backpack. In an
alternative embodiment the invention includes an additional,
smaller, toy backpack, of such a size that it can be used to hold
very small items, such as toys, or change, and may be used during
play as a backpack suitable for placing on a toy or doll.
[0006] Thus, among the several goals of the present invention is to
provide a backpack construction which is especially suitable for
children and which includes a selectively openable and closeable
pouch for holding a toy such as a teddy bear, or other stuffed toy
or doll, in a position which provides visibility of the toy and
easy accessibility, as though the teddy bear is "riding" in the
pack. In addition, the backpack holds any items which may be
carried in other compartments of the backpack. The construction of
the present invention also causes the toy or doll to be securely
retained in the pouch in a carrying position, even when the
backpack is being worn by a very active child.
[0007] Accordingly, in furtherance of the above goals, the present
invention is, briefly, a backpack having a main body portion with
front and rear walls. The backpack has at least one shoulder strap
connected to the rear wall of the main body portion to facilitate
carrying of the backpack on the user's body, and a pouch mounted to
the front wall of the main body portion. The pouch has a top,
bottom and opposed side edges and is connected to the main body
portion along the bottom and two side edges. The top edge is not
connected to the main body portion. The pouch is adapted along the
bottom edge to be opened to permit passage therethrough of a lower
portion of a toy to be carried in the pouch.
[0008] These and other advantages of the invention will be in part
apparent and in part described hereinbelow.
BRIEF OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an upper front perspective view of a backpack in
accordance with the present invention, shown in the closed
position.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the backpack shown in
FIG. 1, partially cut away to illustrate internal features of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an upper front perspective view of the new
backpack with the front pouch shown in open position.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the backpack of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the backpack of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the backpack of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view thereof.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the new backpack as shown in
FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an upper front perspective view of another
embodiment of the new backpack, illustrating an optional
mini-backpack attachment.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a right side elevational view of the backpack of
FIG. 10, the opposite side being a mirror image thereof.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the backpack of FIG.
11.
[0021] Throughout the drawings, like parts are indicated by like
element numbers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] With reference to the drawings, element number 10 generally
designates a backpack constructed in accordance with and embodying
the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate that backpack 10 has a main body
portion 12 with two pockets 14, 16 on opposite sides of main body
12 and a front pouch 18. Shoulder straps 20 are shown in FIG. 5
connected to the back of main body portion 12 to facilitate
carrying of backpack 10 on a user's back. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate an
alternative version of backpack 10 with an optional miniature pack
22 connected thereto, as will be described in further detail
hereafter. It is to be understood that the overall form of backpack
12, as shown, is preferred, but that it could vary substantially
without compromising other aspects of the invention, which include
front pouch 18, as will be described later herein.
[0024] Backpack 10 is preferably sized appropriately for wearing by
a small child, but could be sized for larger children or adults as
well. Main body portion 12 is preferably composed of a front wall
24 and a back wall 26 with an intervening side wall 28 connected by
sewing or other conventional methods between the front and back
walls of the main body portion so that the walls define therein a
main compartment indicated at 30 in FIG. 2. As shown the front and
back walls 24, 26 are illustrated as being substantially flat and
the intervening side wall 28 curves somewhat at the top of the
backpack and is substantially flat on the bottom thereof. However,
the main body portion 12 could take alternative shapes, such as a
less structured, bag form, for example.
[0025] Main compartment 30 is suitable for carrying relatively
large bulky items and the two side pockets 14, 16 can then be used
to retain smaller items. All compartments 12, 14 and 16 are
illustrated with the preferred zippered closures, such as at 32 in
FIG. 8, although they can also be closed by other suitable
closures, such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, flaps, buttons
and the like. If desired, advertising, logos or other graphic
depictions can be provided, for example as indicated at 34 in
phantom on pockets 14,16, or elsewhere on backpack 10. An optional
carrying or hanging strap 36 is illustrated in phantom, as seen in
FIGS. 1-3.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an internal strap 38 which is secured within
the main compartment 30, for example, by sewing or other secure
connection of the strap ends to an internal seam of the main body
12. Preferably strap 38 is sewn into a seam 40 connecting the top
wall and back walls of main body 12. Strap 38 can have many uses,
but is ideally suited for receiving the hook portion of hangars
provided with toy clothes as accessories to teddy bears or other
stuffed animal toys. Bearing in mind that the construction of
backpack 10, and particularly of main body portion 12, can vary
substantially and still be within the scope of the invention, it is
anticipated that strap 38 can be omitted altogether. Strap 38 can
also be connected by a different method or be substituted with a
different material or structure, such as a wire loop, for example,
and still be within the scope of the invention.
[0027] The cut-away view of FIG. 2 also illustrates a preferably
transparent panel 42 glued or otherwise attached to the inside of
back wall 26 of main body 12 to provide a place for an
identification tag or other optional information to be visibly
stored.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, front pouch 18 is formed of a
pocket portion having a wall 44, which pocket is connected by
sewing, gluing or other suitable methods to the front of main body
portion on two opposed side edges 46, 48 and a bottom edge 50 and
has an open, unattached upper edge 52. The open upper end of pouch
18 provides upper access to an internal area 56 of the pouch within
which a teddy bear (shown in phantom at 70 in FIG. 3) or other toy
can "sit". Upper edge 52 may be provided with some elasticity by
known means, in order to be biased loosely inwardly.
[0029] When it is desired that pouch 18 be covered, a flap 58 can
be allowed to fall downwardly over opening 56 and may be connected
by a hook and loop fastening mechanism 60 or other suitable
closures. The bottom of pouch 18 is made selectively openable
preferably by a zipper 62 or other suitable alternative openable
closures. Thus the front pouch 18 can be used in closed position to
carry small or loose items, or it can be used as primarily intended
to receive a teddy bear and provides room for the bear's legs to
extend through the opening, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0030] A further key feature of new backpack 10 is also found in
pouch 18, wherein a strap 64 or other suitable elongated member is
connected at one end within pouch 18 to the front wall of the main
body portion, and at the opposite end to the wall 44 of pouch 18,
substantially centrally and longitudinally within pouch 18. The
strap is preferably connected as shown, to the seam connecting flap
58 to the front of main body portion 12 and to an outermost edge 66
of the opening formed when zipper 62 is open. Strap 64 provides an
added degree of security if the teddy bear, or other doll or toy,
is placed in pouch 18 with a foot on each side of the strap and the
strap therefor passing beneath, supporting the bear in the pouch
and preventing it from dropping through the bottom opening to the
ground. The elasticity which can be added to edge 66 can also help
to retain the bear in pouch 18 if a child carrying backpack 10 with
the bear in pouch 18 becomes very active. The present backpack 10
construction including pouch 18 is not previously known in the
art.
[0031] FIGS. 10-1 2 illustrate an alternative, or optional feature
of the present invention, a miniature, preferably simplified
backpack 22 which includes a main body portion 112, with shoulder
straps 120 and a front pouch 118 having a top closing flap 348
constructed similarly to backpack 10, except that front pouch is
not adapted to open at the bottom for insertion of a teddy bear.
Rather, it is sized so that it may be placed over the arms and on
the back of a doll or small stuffed animal, if desired. Mini pack
22 is connected to backpack 10 by a snap and loop attachment,
illustrated at 68, or by other suitable, conventional connection
mechanisms.
[0032] In all versions illustrated, when zippers are used, the
zipper pull tabs may be formed, if desired to a particular logo
shape, as shown, or may be conventionally formed.
[0033] In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantages are
attained. Although the foregoing includes a description of the best
mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, various
modifications are conceivable.
[0034] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from
the scope of the invention it is intended that all matter contained
in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings
shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
* * * * *