U.S. patent application number 10/913771 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for rigid backpack.
Invention is credited to Kuhn, Daniel W..
Application Number | 20050098598 10/913771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46302501 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuhn, Daniel W. |
May 12, 2005 |
Rigid backpack
Abstract
A rigid backpack that includes at least one compartment and can
include an upper compartment (103) that is attached to a lower
compartment (101) is described. A top surface (105) of the lower
compartment (101) is complementary to a bottom surface (107) of the
upper compartment (103) such that the upper compartment (103)
stacks on and attaches to the lower compartment (101). A waist
strap (123) is attached to the lower compartment (101). Similarly,
a right should strap (127) and a left shoulder strap (129) are
attached to upper compartment (103).
Inventors: |
Kuhn, Daniel W.;
(Libertyville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fullin Legal Services LLC
711 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Libertyville
IL
60048
US
|
Family ID: |
46302501 |
Appl. No.: |
10/913771 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10913771 |
Aug 7, 2004 |
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10799812 |
Mar 13, 2004 |
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60320010 |
Mar 14, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/629 ;
224/583 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C
11/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/629 ;
224/583 |
International
Class: |
A45F 003/04; A45F
003/08; A45F 003/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A backpack comprising: a lower compartment that is formed from
rigid material having a top wall; a waist strap that is attached to
the lower compartment; an upper compartment that is formed from
rigid material having a bottom wall wherein the top wall of the
lower compartment and the bottom wall of the upper compartment have
complementary surfaces such that the upper compartment stacks on
top of and is removably attached to the bottom compartment and when
the compartments are attached, adjacent surfaces of the lower
compartment and the upper compartment form generally continuous
surfaces of the rigid backpack; and at least one shoulder strap
attached to the upper compartment.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein a first surface of the upper
compartment and a first surface lower compartment are adjacent and
form an ergonomic shaped continuous surface for supporting the
backpack against a person's back.
3. The backpack of claim 2, further comprising a pad that is
attached to the ergonomic shaped continuous surface.
4. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising an upper door
mounted to the upper compartment wherein an inner volume of the
upper compartment is accessible through the upper door.
5. The backpack of claim 4, further comprising a container that is
attached to the upper door.
6. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a lower door mounted
to the lower compartment wherein an inner volume of the lower
compartment is accessible through the lower door.
7. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the upper compartment and at
least one attached shoulder strap can be separated from the upper
compartment and used as a rigid daypack.
8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the lower compartment and the
attached waist strap can be separated from the upper compartment
and used as a rigid fanny pack.
9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the lower compartment is made
of metal and the waist strap is removed, and further comprising a
flat surface of the top wall that is generally horizontal when the
lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment and in an
upright position such that the lower compartment can be used for
cooking when a heat source is placed inside the lower
compartment.
10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the lower compartment is
formed from at least one layer of material.
11. The backpack of claim 10, wherein at least one layer of
material has an insulating property.
12. The backpack of claim 10, wherein at least one layer of
material is impermeable to fluid and the layer is formed so as to
make the lower compartment resistant to the escape of fluid.
13. The backpack of claim 10, wherein the at least one layer is
metal.
14. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the at least one layer is
aluminum.
15. The backpack of claim 10, wherein the at least one layer is
plastic.
16. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising at least one
support element attached to a bottom of the lower compartment
17. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the upper compartment is
formed from at least one layer of material.
18. The backpack of claim 17, wherein at least one layer of
material has an insulating property.
19. The backpack of claim 17, wherein at least one layer of
material is impermeable to fluid and the layer is formed so as to
make the upper compartment resistant to the escape of fluid.
20. The backpack of claim 17, wherein the at least one layer is
metal.
21. The backpack of claim 20, wherein the at least one layer is
aluminum.
22. The backpack of claim 17, wherein the at least one layer is
plastic.
23. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising at least one
cylindrical container holder formed in a top of the upper
compartment.
24. A backpack comprising: a lower compartment that is formed from
rigid material having a wall that forms a top of the lower
compartment; a waist strap attached to the lower compartment; an
upper compartment that is formed from rigid material and is
attached to the bottom compartment such that the wall that forms
the top of the lower compartment forms a bottom of the upper
compartment, and the adjacent surfaces of the lower compartment and
the upper compartment form generally continuous surfaces of the
rigid backpack; and at least one shoulder strap attached to the
upper compartment.
25. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the wall forms a horizontal
shelf when the backpack is in an upright position.
26. The backpack of claim 24, wherein a first surface of the upper
compartment and a first surface lower compartment are adjacent and
form an ergonomic shaped continuous surface for supporting the
backpack against a person's back.
27. The backpack of claim 24, further comprising a pad that is
attached to the ergonomic shaped continuous surface.
28. The backpack of claim 24, further comprising an upper door
mounted to the upper compartment wherein an inner volume of the
upper compartment is accessible through the upper door.
29. The backpack of claim 28, further comprising a container that
is attached to the upper door.
30. The backpack of claim 24, further comprising a lower door
mounted to the lower compartment wherein an inner volume of the
lower compartment is accessible through the lower door.
31. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the lower compartment is
formed from at least one layer of material.
32. The backpack of claim 31, wherein at least one layer of
material has an insulating property.
33. The backpack of claim 31, wherein at least one layer of
material is impermeable to fluid and the layer is formed so as to
make the lower compartment resistant to the escape of fluid.
34. The backpack of claim 31, wherein the at least one layer is
metal.
35. The backpack of claim 34, wherein the at least one layer is
aluminum.
36. The backpack of claim 31, wherein the at least one layer is
plastic.
37. The backpack of claim 24, further comprising at least one
support element attached to a bottom of the lower compartment
38. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the upper compartment is
formed from at least one layer of material.
39. The backpack of claim 38, wherein at least one layer of
material has an insulating property.
40. The backpack of claim 38, wherein at least one layer of
material is impermeable to fluid and the layer is formed so as to
make the upper compartment resistant to the escape of fluid.
41. The backpack of claim 38, wherein the at least one layer is
metal.
42. The backpack of claim 41, wherein the at least one layer is
aluminum.
43. The backpack of claim 38, wherein the at least one layer is
plastic.
44. The backpack of claim 24, further comprising at least one
cylindrical container holder formed in a top of the upper
compartment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention is the subject of U.S. non-provisional patent
application Ser. No. 10/799,812 filed Mar. 13, 2004 that claimed
priority from a provisional Application No. 60/320,010 filed on
Mar. 14, 2003. New matter presented in this continuation-in-part
application claims priority from a provisional Application No.
60/481,195 filed on Aug. 8, 2003.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] The present invention does not involve any form of federally
sponsored research or development.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to backpacks including, but
not limited to, backpacks that include upper and lower compartments
made from rigid materials. Devices, such as coolers, for carrying a
variety of item particularly food or beverages that are preferably
kept cool are known. Coolers are carried by hand and are difficult
to carry over long distances, in crowds, or where having hands free
would be an advantage. In addition, carrying devices that are
supported from a person's shoulder or waist, particularly
backpacks, fanny packs, and daypacks, are known. These types of
devices are typically formed from soft cloth-like materials
supported on a frame. The soft cloth-like material generally does
not insulate and do not provide adequate protection against damage
due to being bumped or crushed from the outside.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a device for the easy and
convenient carrying of items such as food and beverages that need
to be protected against damage do to bumping or crushing, or need
to be kept cool.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A rigid backpack for use in carrying item that should be
cool such as food, canned or bottled drinks, and so forth. The
backpack includes at least one compartment and can include an upper
compartment and a lower compartment that are formed from rigid
material such as plastic or aluminum.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates separable upper and lower compartments of
a rigid backpack in accordance with the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an upper compartment that is attached to
a lower compartment to form a rigid backpack in accordance with the
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an integral rigid
backpack having an upper compartment and a lower compartment that
share a common wall in accordance with the invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a container mounted in
an upper door in the upper compartment of a rigid backpack in
accordance with the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the lower compartment as
a cooker in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0011] A description of a rigid backpack for use in carrying and
storing items that require cooling or are easily damaged, such as
food, canned or bottle drinks and so forth, is provided. The rigid
backpack includes at least one compartment and can include upper
and lower compartments. The compartments are formed from rigid
materials such as metal or formable plastics.
[0012] Separable lower and upper compartments of a rigid backpack
are shown in FIG. 1. Generally, the compartments are polyhedrals
with flat or curved surfaces. Alternatively, the compartments can
have other shapes that are more spherical, have special design
surfaces that reflect logos, and so forth. The compartments are
rigid, and can be formed from either a single layer of material or
from multiple layers. Non-rigid layers can be used in combination
with other layers of material so long as the overall combination of
layers is rigid. For example, to insulate a compartment an outer
metal layer that is rigid can be combined with a less rigid
insulating layer. The rigid material can include metal, plastic,
carbon fiber based materials, and so forth. The rigid material can
be opaque or clear, for example clear plastic.
[0013] The lower compartment 101 has a top wall 105 and a lower
door 109. The lower door 109, which can have a recessed latching
mechanism, is used to access the space inside the lower compartment
101. The lower compartment 101 can be formed with an insulating
layer of material and have a leak-resistant design so as to
function as a cooler. Alternatively the lower compartment 101 can
be formed from metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and used
as a stove when separated from the upper compartment 103 and when a
heat source such as Sterno is placed inside.
[0014] The upper compartment 103 has a bottom wall 107, and an
upper door 111. The bottom wall 107 of the upper compartment 103
and the top wall 105 of the lower compartment 101 have
complementary surfaces that allow the upper compartment 103 to
stack on top of and be removably attached to the lower compartment
101. The upper door 111, which can have a recessed latching
mechanism, is used to access the space inside the upper compartment
103. The upper compartment 103 can have cylindrical container
holders 115, 117 mounted to or molded into a top 113. The upper
compartment 103 can be formed with an insulating layer of material
and have a leak-resistant design so as to function as a cooler.
[0015] A rigid backpack as formed by the attachment of an upper
compartment and a lower compartment is as shown in FIG. 2. Various
means of attachment, such as clips, detents, springs, dowels,
zippers, snaps, Velcro, and so forth, can be used to secure the two
compartments to each other. Generally, when the two compartments
are attached together, adjacent surfaces of the compartments form a
continuous surface. The surfaces that will be next to a person's
back are ergonomically formed. For example, a first surface 119 of
the lower compartment 101 is ergonomically formed as is a first
surface 121 of the upper compartment 103. When the compartments are
attached together the compartment surfaces 119, 121 form an
approximately continuous surface that is ergonomically formed.
[0016] A waist strap 123 and optional lower padding 125 are
attached to the first surface 119 of the lower compartment 101.
Similarly, a right shoulder strap 127, a left shoulder strap 129,
and optional upper padding 131 are attached to the first surface
121 of the upper compartment 103. Alternatively, the waist and
shoulder straps can be attached to other parts of the respective
compartments. Support members 133 are attached to a bottom of the
lower compartment 101, and are used to facilitate the standing of
the lower compartment and the rigid backpack in an upright position
when placed on a surface such as on the ground. When the
compartments are separated, the upper compartment 103 and shoulder
straps 127, 129 form a rigid day pack 210, and the lower
compartment 101 and waist strap 123 form a rigid fanny pack
220.
[0017] A single integrated rigid backpack having an upper
compartment and a lower compartment that share a common wall in
accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 3. In this
embodiment, the upper compartment 103 and the lower compartment 105
are formed as a single integral backpack 300. The upper and lower
compartments are attached to each other by a single common wall
(not shown). The common wall forms a top of the lower compartment
301 and a bottom of the upper compartment 303. A lower door 309
allows access to the space inside the lower compartment 301.
Similarly, an upper door 311 allows access to the space inside the
upper compartment 303.
[0018] An embodiment of a container mounted in an upper door in the
upper compartment of a rigid backpack is shown in FIG. 4. The
container (not shown) that is attached to the upper door 111
extends into the upper compartment 130. The container is formed for
the storage of small items such as cigarette pack, lighter,
sunglasses, or so forth that can be difficult to find or may be
damaged if placed inside either the upper compartment 103 or the
lower compartment (not shown). An access door 135 for the container
is mounted in the upper door 111.
[0019] An embodiment of the lower compartment as a cooker is shown
in FIG. 5. For this embodiment the waist strap and padding are
removed, and the lower compartment 501, which is preferably
constructed from metal, is positioned on a generally level surface.
The lower compartment 501 includes a lower door 503 and a cooking
surface 507. This surface is used for cooking, and in accordance
with the invention is complementary in design to the bottom of an
upper compartment (not shown). With the lower door 503 open, a heat
source 509, such as Sterno, are placed inside the lower compartment
501 for use in cooking eggs 511 on the cooking surface 507.
[0020] An advantage of the present invention is the elimination of
hand carrying a clumsy cooler. The invention is particularly useful
when faced with carrying a cooler over long distances, in crowds,
or where having hands free would be an advantage. A rigid backpack
protects item like food and beverages from being damage by being
bumped or crushed from outside the backpack, and a rigid lower
compartment made of metal can be used as a stove. In addition, a
rigid backpack eliminates the need of framing as needed when soft
materials are used to form the backpack.
[0021] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *