U.S. patent application number 11/340413 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for personal storage device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fiskars Brands, Inc.. Invention is credited to William M. Dieter.
Application Number | 20060213944 11/340413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37034194 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060213944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dieter; William M. |
September 28, 2006 |
Personal storage device
Abstract
A storage system for a user includes a base configured to couple
to the user. A first elongated member including a first end and a
second end is coupled to the base. A storage unit having at least
one glide member slideably coupled to the first elongated member so
that a position of the storage unit may be adjusted along the base
by the user.
Inventors: |
Dieter; William M.;
(Portland, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5306
US
|
Assignee: |
Fiskars Brands, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37034194 |
Appl. No.: |
11/340413 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60647653 |
Jan 27, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/648 ;
224/195; 224/637; 224/649 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F
2003/166 20130101; A45F 3/047 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F
2003/001 20130101; A45F 2003/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/648 ;
224/195; 224/637; 224/649 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A personal storage system for a user comprising: a base portion
configured to be worn by the user; a first elongated member, the
first elongated member including a first end and a second end;
wherein the first elongated member is attached to the base at a
point proximate to the first end and at a point proximate to the
second end; a storage unit; and at least one glide member on the
storage unit; wherein the at least one glide member on the storage
unit is slideably coupled to the first elongated member such that a
position of the storage unit may be adjusted along the elongated
member by the user.
2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the base is a waist
belt.
3. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a
portion of a backpack.
4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the first elongated
member is at least one of a rail or a strap.
5. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a second
elongated member that runs substantially parallel with the first
elongated member.
6. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes
a backing and the at least one glide member comprises a pair of
slots in the backing.
7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is
maintained in a position relative to the base by friction between
the first elongated member and the at least one glide.
8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a
pocket.
9. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a
open top pouch, a water bottle, or a sheath.
10. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is
removeably coupled to the first elongated member.
11. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the first elongated
member is removeably coupled to the base.
12. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the first elongated
member is coupled to the base at the first end, the second end, and
an intermediate point between the first end and the second end.
13. The storage system of claim 11, wherein the at least one glide
member is coupled to the first elongated member at a position
between the first end and the intermediate point, and another glide
is coupled to the first elongated member at a point between the
intermediate point and the second end.
14. A personal storage system comprising: a waist belt; a primary
storage unit supported by the waist belt; a pair of shoulder straps
coupled to the primary storage unit; a reservoir for retaining
fluids, the reservoir disposed within the primary storage unit; a
first elongated member attached to one of the waist belt, one of
the pair of shoulder straps, or the primary storage unit; a
secondary storage unit, the secondary storage unit including a
glide member slideably coupled to the first elongated member.
15. The personal storage system of claim 13, further comprising a
second glide member coupled to the secondary storage unit, wherein
the second glide member cooperates with and engages the first
elongated member.
16. The personal storage system of claim 14, wherein the means for
slideably coupling the storage unit to the base further includes a
second coupling member that runs substantially parallel with the
first coupling member.
17. The personal storage system of claim 14, wherein the first
coupling member is a rail.
18. The personal storage system of claim 13, wherein the secondary
storage unit is coupled to the waist belt.
19. A backpack comprising: a waist belt; a first elongated member
coupled to the waist belt; a second elongated member coupled to the
waist belt; wherein the second elongated member is substantially
parallel to the first elongated member; and a storage unit having
at least one glide member slideably coupled to the first elongated
member and at least one glide member slideably coupled to the
second elongated member; such that the storage unit is moveable to
a plurality of positions along the waist belt.
20. The backpack of claim 19, wherein the first elongated member is
coupled to the waist belt at a first end, a second end, and at an
intermediate point between the first end and the second end, and
one of the at least one glide member coupled to the first elongated
member is coupled to the first elongated member at a position
between the first end and the intermediate point, and another glide
member is coupled to the first elongated member is coupled to the
first elongated member between the intermediate point and the
second end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a application claiming the benefit under
35 USC 119(e) U.S. Application 60/647,653, filed Jan. 27, 2005,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a personal storage device.
In particular, the present invention relates to an adjustable
personal storage device with a slideable storage unit.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Backpacks, fanny packs, hydration packs and other personal
storage devices typically have compartments for storing various
items that a person might need. These personal storage devices may
also include a waist belt to more comfortably and safely distribute
the weight of the pack when it is carried. Personal storage devices
are used by outdoorsmen, such as hunters and backpackers. Often,
this group of users uses personal storage devices to carry a
multitude of small items that are needed throughout the day. These
items can include binoculars, knives, ammunition, scents, tools and
the like. Other groups of users also typically carry personal
storage devices. Students, in particular carry personal storage
devices such as backpacks.
[0004] However, known personal storage devices tend to have certain
disadvantages. For example: one challenge associated with backpacks
and fanny packs relates to the quick and silent retrieval of stored
items without requiring removal of the personal storage device.
This often requires the removal of the backpack or fanny pack to
retrieve the needed item which takes time and causes noise.
However, to hunt effectively, it is desirable to be silent and
minimize movement. Further, when backpacking, it may be difficult
or dangerous to remove the personal storage device in order to
access the contents.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a personal storage device
such as a backpack or fanny pack that makes it easy to bring items
from a stored (e.g. out of the way) position to an accessible
position with one movement without causing a great deal of
noise.
SUMMARY
[0006] The invention relates to a storage system for a user having
a base configured to be worn by the user. The base includes a first
elongated member having a first end and a second end coupled to the
base. The system also includes a storage unit with at least one
glide member. The glide is slideably coupled to the first elongated
member so that a position of the storage unit may be adjusted along
the base by the user.
[0007] The invention further relates to a storage system comprising
a waist belt, a primary storage unit supported by the waist belt, a
pair of shoulder straps coupled to the primary storage unit and a
reservoir for retaining fluids, the reservoir disposed within the
primary storage unit. A first elongated member is attached to one
of the waist belt, one of the pair of shoulder straps, or the
primary storage unit. The storage system includes a secondary
storage unit, the secondary storage unit including a glide member
slideably coupled to the first elongated member.
[0008] The invention further relates to a backpack having a support
member, a first elongated member coupled to the support member, and
a second elongated member coupled to the support member. The second
elongated member may be substantially parallel to the first
elongated member. The backpack also includes a storage compartment
having at least one first holder slideably coupled to the first
elongated member and at least one second holder slideably coupled
to the second elongated member so that the storage compartment is
moveable to a plurality of positions along the support member by
the user.
[0009] The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or being carried out in various ways. Alternative
exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of
features as may be generally recited in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a backpack including an
adjustable personal storage device in a first position.
[0012] FIG. 2 is perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 1 with
the adjustable personal storage device in a second position.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a graphic image of a storage unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary
embodiment an adjustable personal storage includes a backpack
system 10 having a main storage compartment 12, shoulder straps 14,
a chest strap 16, buckle 18, a base shown as waist belt 20, and
buckle 22. Shoulder straps 14, chest strap 16, and waist belt 20
aid in distributing and balancing the load of backpack 10 when worn
by a user. In an exemplary embodiment, backpack 10 may be a
hydration pack having a reservoir within main storage compartment
12. Tube 24 and valve 26 may be provided for a user to access the
contents of the reservoir without removing backpack 10. Backpack 10
further includes a storage unit (e.g. compartment etc.) shown as a
pocket 28, which is coupled to waist belt 20. Alternatively, pocket
28 could be coupled to another part of backpack 10 such as shoulder
strap 14. In some embodiments, multiple pockets 28 may be used, for
example, one or more pockets may be coupled to each side of waist
belt 20. In other embodiments, the storage unit may be a water
bottle, an open top pouch, a sheath for holding a tool such as a
knife, or other suitable storage device.
[0015] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means
the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another.
Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such
joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members
and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as
a single unitary body with one another or with the two members, or
the two members and any additional intermediate member being
attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or
alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
[0016] Pocket 28 is shown to include a cover 30 and a closure shown
as a zipper 32 for closing pocket 28. Alternatively, pocket 28 may
be closed using snaps, straps, slide closures, or any other
suitable fastener or securing device. In another embodiment, the
storage unit may have an open top or side that is not intended to
be closeable. Pocket 28 is preferably made of fabric intended to
allow the shape of pocket 28 to change by exerting a relatively
small force on the exterior of pocket 28. Alternatively, the
storage unit may be made of other materials such as a hard plastic,
formed leather, rubber, or other such material that may provide a
more fixed shape.
[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, waist belt 20 includes
coupling members (e.g. strap, track, rail, channel, bar, etc.)
shown as elongated members 34. Elongated members 34 are shown
generally longitudinally extending along waist belt 20 and are
coupled to waist belt 20. Alternatively, the coupling members may
be oriented in other directions and the coupling members may be
coupled to other parts of backpack 10. Each of the elongated
members 34 includes a first end located distal to buckle 22 and a
second end located proximate to buckle 22. Elongated members 34 are
shown coupled to waist belt 20 at the first end by fasteners 36,
the second end by fasteners 38, and at an intermediate point
located between the first end and the second end by fasteners 40.
Coupling of elongated members 34 to waist belt 20 may be
accomplished by using rivets, snaps, screws, or any other suitable
fastener. Alternatively, adhesive, or other methods of attachment
such as RF welding may be used. In other embodiments, fabric from
waist belt 20 may overlap portions of elongated members 34 and be
secured with stitching or the like. Elongated members 34 may be
permanently, or removeably coupled to the base. According to
another exemplary embodiment, the first end of the elongated member
is coupled to the waist belt while the second end of the elongated
member is coupled to the backpack at a point near the compartments.
According to an alternative embodiment, the support member may be
in the form of a recessed channel, track, rail or other suitable
device.
[0018] In some embodiments, elongated members 34 may extend around
a waist. In some embodiments, the elongated members may extend
along the shoulder straps of a backpack, or any other suitable
portion of a personal storage device. In other embodiments, the
base may be a utility belt. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple
storage units may be positioned along the same elongated
members.
[0019] According to one embodiment, elongated members 34 may be
made of a semi-rigid polymeric material such as polyethylene.
Alternatively, elongated members 34 may be made of metal, fabric or
other suitable material. Elongated members 34 may be flexible or
rigid.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows the back side, i.e. the side facing waist belt
20, of pocket 28 according to an exemplary embodiment. Pocket 28
includes backing 42, glide members 44, and slots 46. Backing 42 may
be made of a semi-rigid polymeric material such as polyethylene.
Alternatively, backing 42 may be made of metal, fabric or other
suitable material. Backing 42 may be flexible or rigid. Backing 42
is provided with glide members 44 which are configured to slideably
engage elongated members 34 (shown in FIG. 4). Glide members 44 are
formed in backing 42 by providing slots 46 in backing 42.
Alternatively, U-shaped cuts may be made in backing 42 to provide
tabs. According to another embodiment, the glide members and
backing may be formed as a single unitary body by such processes as
injection molding. The glide members may be in the form of clips,
biased members, brackets, or other devices suitable for slideably
coupling the backing of the storage unit to one or more coupling
members. According to another alternative embodiment, the backing
may include glide members in the form of "tunnels" formed by an
additional layer of material used to make the backing where the
tunnels are configured to receive elongated members 34. In an
exemplary embodiment, both elongated members 34 and glide members
44 are made of a polymeric material such that pocket 28 may slide
along waist belt 20 while creating little noise.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, pocket 28 may comprise glide
members coupled to the pocket without the use of a separate
backing. The glide members may be made from a polymeric material,
metal, fabric or other suitable material. The glide members may be
loops, tabs or other structures suitable for slideably coupling the
pocket to a base.
[0022] Elongated members 34 engage (e.g. pass through) slots 46 and
under glide members 44. Elongated members 34 may be coupled to
waist belt 20 at their ends, and at intermediate points. Pocket 28
can then be "slid" along elongated members 34 in either direction
by the user. The range of motion of pocket 28 is established by the
coupling of elongated members 34 to the waist belt such that pocket
28 may be displaced by up to the shorter of the distance between
the first end and the fastener 40 or between the second end and the
fastener 40, minus the width of the glide member 44.
[0023] According to the illustrated embodiment, pocket 28 is
intended to be held in a position relative to backpack 10 (shown in
FIG. 1) by frictional interaction between elongated members 34 and
glide members 44. Alternatively, the coupling members may be
provided with positioning structures such as detents or apertures
for engaging biased members coupled to the backing 42 such that
when the biased members engage a detent or aperture, the pocket
tends to remain in the desired position. The pocket may also be
provided with releases for the user to actuate in order to permit
the pocket to slide.
[0024] According to alternative embodiments, multiple storage units
may be used on the same coupling members. Also, multiple groupings
of coupling members and accompanying storage units may be used on
the same backpack, fanny pack, or other system. Further, a greater
or lesser number of coupling members and/or glide members can be
used.
[0025] According to yet another embodiment, a storage unit may be
provided with a single glide member which is rotatably coupled to
the storage unit and slideably coupled to a coupling member
allowing the storage unit to slide relative to the coupling member
and rotate relative to the system.
[0026] According to yet another alternative embodiment, the
coupling members may be in the form of channels, recessed in the
base. Glide members, configured to extend into the recess and
engage the base could then be used. Alternatively, the elongated
members may be replaced with tracks, such as U-shaped tracks that
may be engaged by glide members having a complimentary
geometry.
[0027] While the detailed drawings and specific examples given
herein describe various exemplary embodiments, they serve the
purpose of illustration only. It is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the
preceding description or illustrated in the drawings.
[0028] The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be
varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the
claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited function and
not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be
made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the
preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from
the spirit of the invention as expressed in the appended
claims.
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