U.S. patent application number 10/742582 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for backpack with insulated beverage pocket.
Invention is credited to Fidrych, Paul J..
Application Number | 20050133399 10/742582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34678492 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050133399 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fidrych, Paul J. |
June 23, 2005 |
Backpack with insulated beverage pocket
Abstract
A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack
body having an interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps
connected at each end thereof to the backpack body. An insulated
pocket extends into the interior compartment.
Inventors: |
Fidrych, Paul J.; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
28 STATE STREET
28th FLOOR
BOSTON
MA
02109-9601
US
|
Family ID: |
34678492 |
Appl. No.: |
10/742582 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/545 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2200/20 20130101;
A45C 5/06 20130101; A45C 11/20 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F
3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/545 |
International
Class: |
A45C 011/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in
combination: a backpack body having an interior compartment; a pair
of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack
body; and an insulated pocket extending into the interior
compartment.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the insulated pocket comprises
a first outer layer exposed to the interior compartment, a second
inner layer exposed to an interior of the pocket, and a third layer
sandwiched between the first and second layers.
3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the first layer is formed of
polyester.
4. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the second layer is formed of
PVC.
5. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of an
insulating material.
6. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of
EPE.
7. The backpack of claim 2, further comprising a retaining member
connecting the insulated pocket to the backpack body.
8. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises
an elongate length of webbing having a first end connected to the
insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the
backpack body.
9. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises
a pair of elongate lengths of webbing, each length of webbing
having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed
second end connected to the backpack body.
10. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the insulated pocket extends
downwardly at an acute angle from a lateral side of the backpack
body.
11. The backpack of claim 10, wherein the retaining member retains
the insulated pocket at the acute angle with respect to a side of
the backpack body.
12. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a cover releasably
about an opening of the insulated pocket.
13. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the cover is secured to the
pocket with a zipper.
14. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the cover is secured along a
bottom edge thereof to the backpack body.
15. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a hip strap
connected at opposite ends thereof to the backpack body.
16. A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in
combination: a backpack body having an interior compartment; a pair
of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack
body; a hip strap connected at opposite ends thereof to the
backpack body; an insulated pocket extending from a lateral side of
the backpack body and downwardly at an angle into the interior
compartment; and a cover releasably secured to the backpack body
about the insulated pocket.
17. The backpack of claim 16, further comprising a retaining member
connecting the insulated pocket to the backpack body.
18. The backpack of claim 17, wherein the retaining member
comprises a length of webbing having a first end connected to the
insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the
backpack body.
19. The backpack of claim 17, wherein the retaining member
comprises a pair of lengths of webbing, each length of webbing
having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed
second end connected to the backpack body.
20. A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in
combination: a backpack body having an interior compartment; a pair
of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack
body; a hip strap connected at opposite ends thereof to the
backpack body; an insulated pocket extending from a lateral side of
the backpack body and downwardly at an angle into the interior
compartment; a retaining member having a first end secured to the
insulated pocket and a second end secured to the lateral side; and
a cover for the insulated pocket having a lower edge secured to the
backpack body and secured about an opening of the pocket by
zipper.
21. The backpack of claim 20, wherein the retaining member
comprises a length of webbing having a first end connected to the
insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the
backpack body.
22. The backpack of claim 20, wherein the retaining member
comprises a pair of lengths of webbing, each length of webbing
having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed
second end connected to the backpack body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to backpacks, and, in
particular, to backpacks having an insulated beverage pocket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Backpacks for carrying items such as books, clothing, and
other personal items are well known. Backpacks typically comprise a
large central compartment into which the items are placed.
Additional compartments may also be provided to separate items
within the backpack, and external pockets may be provided to
provide additional storage. The backpack is typically outfitted
with a pair of shoulder straps, and may also have a hip strap, each
of which are attached to the backpack and are used by the wearer to
carry the backpack.
[0003] It is often desirable for user's of a backpack to carry
beverages within the backpack, especially when the user is engaged
in strenuous activities, such as hiking, climbing, skateboarding,
etc. Having water or another beverage available helps the user
avoid dehydration, and having the beverage in the backpack provides
a convenience for the user.
[0004] European Patent No. 0 541 032 to Kullmann discloses a
backpack having a receptacle compartment in a lower portion of the
backpack. The receptacle compartment is accessed from a side of the
backpack. The receptacle compartment is strengthened by a
stiffening unit, such as a plastic tube, or a braided metal or
plastic cylinder. The stiffening unit is intended to prevent other
objects that are located in the backpack from compressing the
receptacle compartment. Kullman is limiting in that whether or not
the receptacle compartment is housing a beverage, the compartment
still occupies the same amount of space in the backpack, which is
highly inefficient. Additionally, the receptacle compartment
provides no insulative properties for the beverage held in the
compartment.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,045 to Hodosh et al. discloses an
insulated container having a receptacle positioned in a top or side
of the container. A partially opened container may be housed in the
receptacle and kept warm or cold by being exposed to a thermal
energy storage medium, such as ice or a heated member housed within
the container.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
backpack that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties
inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages
of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that
is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of
technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention
and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.
SUMMARY
[0007] The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to
provide a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket.
[0008] In accordance with a first aspect, a backpack with an
insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack body having an
interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps connected at
each end thereof to the backpack body. An insulated pocket extends
into the interior compartment.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect, a backpack with an
insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack body having an
interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps connected at
each end thereof to the backpack body. A hip strap is connected at
opposite ends thereof to the backpack body. An insulated pocket
extends from a lateral side of the backpack body and downwardly at
an angle into the interior compartment. A cover is releasably
secured to the backpack body about the insulated pocket.
[0010] In accordance with a further aspect, a backpack with an
insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack body having an
interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps connected at
each end thereof to the backpack body. A hip strap is connected at
opposite ends thereof to the backpack body. An insulated pocket
extends from a lateral side of the backpack body and downwardly at
an angle into the interior compartment. A retaining member has a
first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured
to the lateral side. A cover for the insulated pocket has a lower
edge secured to the backpack body, and is secured about an opening
of the pocket by zipper.
[0011] Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a backpack
with an insulated beverage pocket. In particular, a backpack with
an insulated beverage pocket helps a user to maintain a beverage at
a desired temperature, while allowing other items to be carried in
the interior compartment. In certain embodiments, the insulated
pocket prevents condensation from affecting other items carried in
the backpack.
[0012] These and additional features and advantages of the
invention disclosed here will be further understood from the
following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a backpack with an insulated
beverage pocket in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a section view, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1,
showing a bottle positioned in the insulated beverage pocket.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of the backpack of FIG. 1, shown with
its top open and a bottle positioned in the insulated beverage
pocket.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a section view of the backpack of FIG. 1, shown
with the insulated beverage pocket empty and in a collapsed
condition.
[0017] FIG. 5 is section view of a portion of a sidewall of the
insulated beverage pocket of the backpack of FIG. 1.
[0018] The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to
scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the
invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features
of the backpack with an insulated beverage pocket depicted in the
drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to
facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference
numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical
components and features shown in various alternative embodiments.
Backpacks with an insulated beverage pocket as disclosed herein,
would have configurations and components determined, in part, by
the intended application and environment in which they are
used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A
preferred embodiment of a backpack 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3.
Backpack 10 is formed of a plurality of panels, including a top 12,
a bottom 14, two lateral sides 16, an outer side 18, and a body
side 20. When used herein, the term "outer side" refers to the side
of the backpack, or any other element, that faces away from the
back of the user wearing the backpack. Accordingly, the term "body
side" refers to the side of the backpack, or any other element,
that faces the back of a user.
[0020] Unless otherwise stated, or otherwise clear from the context
below, directional terms used herein, such as inwardly, outwardly,
downwardly, upwardly, etc., refer to directions relative to
backpack 10 itself. Backpack 10 is shown in FIG. 1 to be disposed
substantially upright, as it would be positioned on the back of a
wearer. However, it is to be appreciated that backpack 10 need not
be limited to such an orientation, since backpack 10 could at times
be in other positions, for example, lying down with body side 20 on
a surface such as the ground. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment
of FIG. 1, downwardly is toward bottom 14 and upwardly is toward
top 12. Inwardly is a direction from an exterior of backpack 10
toward interior compartment 22. Naturally, outwardly is a direction
from interior compartment 22 toward an exterior of backpack 10.
[0021] When connected, the six panels or sides define an interior
compartment in backpack 10 into which items such as books, food,
clothing, etc. may be placed. The interior compartment of backpack
10 may be subdivided into smaller compartments, and additional
external pockets may be added in order to keep various items
separate from one another, thereby providing easy access to
frequently used items, and allowing for the proper weight
distribution and comfort to the wearer.
[0022] Although six particular sides or panels are described,
backpack 10 can comprise fewer or more panels or sides, and be
within the scope of the invention. For instance, each of the body,
top, bottom, outer, and lateral sides can be comprised of one
continuous piece of fabric with no actual seams or junctures.
Alternatively, backpack 10 could even be formed with ten or more
panels or sides and corresponding seams or junctures
therebetween.
[0023] The panels making up backpack 10, as well as the straps and
other components of the invention, can variously comprise a number
of natural or synthetic materials. Natural fabric such as leather,
cotton (especially canvas or single-filled duck) and the like may
be useful for certain applications. Exemplary materials are
synthetic fabrics made from thermoplastic materials such as
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide (such as nylon),
polyethylene, polyester, etc. In certain preferred embodiments,
nylon is used, which can be textured for breathability,
wear-resistance, and waterproofed with materials such as silicone
elastomers and the like. Particularly useful is a type of nylon
known as Cordura (provided by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.,
Wilmington, Del.). Multiple or composite layer configurations as
are well-known in the art, in which a tougher, more durable weave
comprises an outer layer while a lighter, thinner, and more
flexible inner weave comprises an inner layer. Some of these
materials known in the industry, such as Gore-Tex (provided by W.L.
Gore & Associates, Newark, Del.), Tri-Shield (provided by
Tri-Seal International, Blauvelt, N.Y.), Spandura (provided by H.
Warsaw & Sons, New York, N.Y.), etc. can be used as
appropriate.
[0024] Each of a pair of shoulder straps 26 is secured at first and
second ends thereof to backpack 10. Shoulder straps 26 may have an
adjustable buckle (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, a hip
strap 28 is secured at opposite ends thereof to backpack 10. Hip
strap 28 typically comprises left and right side portions (only the
right side portion is visible here), connected to one another by an
adjustable buckle (not shown).
[0025] An insulated pocket 30 extends inwardly into interior
compartment 22. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket 30 is formed
in a lateral side 16 of backpack 10. It is to be appreciated that
pocket 30 may be positioned in other locations in backpack 10
including, for example, the other lateral side 16 or outer side 18.
Insulated pocket 30 includes a wall 32 and a bottom 34. In a
preferred embodiment, pocket 30 has a cylindrical profile, which
could be circular or oval, allowing a beverage container, such as a
bottle 36 to be easily received in pocket 30. In other preferred
embodiments, pocket 30 could have other shapes, such as
rectangular, and other such shapes are considered to be within the
scope of the present invention.
[0026] With respect to pocket 30, the term inwardly refers to a
direction from an exterior of pocket 30 toward the interior of
pocket 30. Outwardly is a direction from the interior of pocket 30
toward an exterior of pocket 30. Accordingly, inner, when used with
respect to pocket 30, refers to the interior, or interior side or
surface, of pocket 30, and outer refers to the exterior, or
exterior side or surface, of pocket 30.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, pocket 30 angles downwardly into
interior compartment 22, and is secured to interior compartment 22
by a retaining member, such as elongate lengths of webbing 38, 40.
Angling pocket 30 downwardly helps ensure that any fluid that might
spill from bottle 36, or condensation from the exterior of bottle
36, will be retained in pocket 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-3,
lengths of webbing 38, 40 extend upwardly and inwardly at an angle
from opposed edges of lateral side 16 to pocket 30. Consequently,
lengths of webbing 38, 40 act to keep pocket 30 from moving
upwardly, but allow pocket 30 to move downwardly, as seen in FIG.
4, where pocket 30 is seen in an empty and collapsed, or compressed
condition. Allowing pocket 30 to compress is advantageous since
more space is available in interior compartment 22 when pocket 30
is not holding a beverage and is in its collapsed or compressed
condition.
[0028] A cover 42 is secured about the opening of pocket 30. Cover
42 is preferably releasably closed about pocket 30 by a fastener,
such as zipper 44. It is to be appreciated that zipper 44 may be a
waterproof zipper. In preferred embodiments, cover 42 is secured to
backpack 10 along its lower edge by stitching such that it opens
from the top (as seen in FIG. 2) in hinged fashion, helping to
ensure that moisture from spills or condensation is retained in
pocket 30. Additionally, hinging cover 42 about its lower edge
facilitates inserting bottle 36 into and removing bottle 36 from
pocket 30.
[0029] Pocket 30 is insulated so as to keep bottle 36 cool or warm
for the user. Wall 32, bottom 34 and cover 42 are all preferably
insulated. A preferred embodiment of the construction of pocket 30
is illustrated in FIG. 5, in which the composition of wall 32 is
shown.
[0030] Pocket 30 is formed of a first outer layer 46 that forms the
exterior surface of pocket 30 and is exposed to interior
compartment 22. Outer layer 46 may be formed of the same material
as the remainder of the interior compartment 22. Suitable materials
for outer layer 46 include polyester, nylon, and canvas. Other
suitable materials for outer layer 46 will become readily apparent
to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0031] A second inner layer 48 forms the interior surface of pocket
30 and, therefore, is exposed to the interior of pocket 30. In a
preferred embodiment, inner layer 48 is formed of a waterproof
material so as to contain moisture within pocket 30. Thus, if
liquid were to spill from a beverage container held in pocket 36,
the liquid would be contained within pocket 30. Similarly, any
condensation from the exterior surface of a beverage container in
pocket 30 would also be contained within pocket 30. Inner layer 48
may be formed of, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyester,
or other thin-sheet plastics. Other suitable materials for outer
layer 46 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0032] A third insulating layer 50 is sandwiched between outer
layer 46 and inner layer 48. Insulating layer 50 provides the
insulative properties that help maintain the beverage at a desired
temperature. In preferred embodiments, insulating layer 50 is
formed of a foam, such as enhanced polyethylene (EPE). Insulating
layer 50 may also be formed of, for example, polyester, or other
foamed insulating materials. Other suitable materials for
insulating layer 50 will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0033] As described here, insulated pocket 30 is formed of three
layers. However, it is to be appreciated that pocket 30 may be
formed fewer or greater than three layers, and embodiments with
fewer or greater than three layers are considered to be within the
scope of the present invention.
[0034] In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and
description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this
area of technology will readily understand that various
modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from
the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and
adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.
* * * * *