U.S. patent application number 11/184321 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for backpack with expandable area.
This patent application is currently assigned to TUMI, INC.. Invention is credited to Timm John Fenton, Paul Victor Scicluna.
Application Number | 20070017947 11/184321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37136784 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070017947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fenton; Timm John ; et
al. |
January 25, 2007 |
Backpack with expandable area
Abstract
A backpack includes a backpack body comprising first and second
panels cooperating to substantially form a first compartment
therebetween; an expandable compartment configured for housing an
object, the expandable compartment including first and second areas
cooperating with each other; the first area being connected to the
backpack body, the first area having two end portions, each end
portion comprising a protrusion, and the first area having a fold
line approximately along its center, the second area comprising
three regions configured to cooperate with each other; and a cord
capable of cooperating with the second area for facilitating the
cooperation of the three regions. The shape of the protrusions of
the end portions prevent the visibility of the first area to a user
when the compartment is in an unexpanded configuration. When the
compartment is in the unexpanded configuration, approximately half
of the first area abuts the second area and approximately half of
the material of the first area abuts the first panel.
Inventors: |
Fenton; Timm John; (Lebanon,
NJ) ; Scicluna; Paul Victor; (Penndel, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & BOTTS L.L.P.
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
44TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10112-4498
US
|
Assignee: |
TUMI, INC.
South Plainfield
NJ
|
Family ID: |
37136784 |
Appl. No.: |
11/184321 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/650 ;
224/652; 224/656 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0068 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C 5/06 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101; A45C
13/1046 20130101; A45C 7/0063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/650 ;
224/652; 224/656 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A backpack comprising: a backpack body, an expandable
compartment configurable for housing an object, the expandable
compartment including first and second areas cooperating with each
other, the first area being coupled to the backpack body, the first
area having two end portions, each end portion comprising a
protrusion, the second area comprising three regions capable of
cooperating with each other, and a cord capable of cooperating with
the second area on the backpack body and facilitating the
cooperation of the three regions, wherein, the shape of the
protrusions of the end portions substantially reduce the visibility
of the first area to a user when the compartment is in an
unexpanded configuration.
2. The backpack of claim 1 wherein the backpack body comprises
first and second panels cooperating to substantially form a first
compartment therebetween.
3. The backpack of claim 1 wherein one of the protrusions is in the
shape of a "V."
4. The backpack of claim 1 wherein one of the protrusions is in the
shape of a "C."
5. The backpack of claim 1 further comprising a zipper surrounding
a portion of the expandable compartment along the first area
wherein operation of the zipper permits expansion of the second
area from the first panel of the backpack body.
6. The backpack of claim 5 further comprising a member for
fastening the backpack body to the first region.
7. The backpack of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
harnessing features on each of the three regions, each of the
plurality of harnessing features being configured to allow the cord
to pass therethrough.
8. The backpack of claim 1 further comprising an engaging member
thereon capable of communicating with the cord to prevent the
object placed in the expandable compartment from becoming
dislodged.
9. The backpack of claim 8 wherein the engaging member comprises a
hook.
10. The backpack of claim 8 wherein the engaging member comprises a
buckle.
11. The backpack of claim 1 wherein the object includes a
motorcycle helmet.
12. The backpack of claim 1 wherein the object includes a ball.
13. The backpack of claim 2 wherein the expandable compartment when
in an expanded configuration is larger than the first
compartment.
14. A backpack comprising: a backpack body, an expandable
compartment configurable for housing an object, the expandable
compartment including first and second areas cooperating with each
other, the first area being coupled to the backpack body, the first
area having a fold line approximately along its center, the second
area comprising three regions configured to cooperate with each
other, and a cord capable of cooperating with the second area and
an engaging member coupled to the backpack body and facilitating
the cooperation of the three regions, wherein, when the expandable
compartment is in an unexpanded configuration, approximately half
of the first area abuts the second area and approximately half of
the material of the first area abuts the first panel.
15. The backpack of claim 14 wherein the backpack body comprises
first and second panels cooperating to substantially form a first
compartment therebetween.
16. The backpack of claim 14 further comprising a zipper along a
substantial portion of the first area wherein operation of the
zipper controls expansion of the second area from the first panel
of the backpack body.
17. The backpack of claim 16 further comprising a member for
fastening the backpack body to the first region.
18. The backpack of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of
harnessing features on each of the three regions, the plurality of
harnessing features each having an opening configured to allow the
cord to pass therethrough.
19. The backpack of claim 14 further comprising an engaging member
configured to communicate with the cord to prevent the object
placed in the expandable compartment from becoming dislodged.
20. The backpack of claim 19 wherein the engaging member comprises
a hook.
21. The backpack of claim 19 wherein the engaging member comprises
a buckle.
22. The backpack of claim 14 wherein the object includes a
motorcycle helmet.
23. The backpack of claim 14 wherein the object includes a
ball.
24. The backpack of claim 15 wherein the expandable compartment
when in an expanded configuration is larger than the first
compartment.
25. A backpack comprising: a backpack body comprising first and
second panels cooperating to substantially form a first compartment
therebetween, an expandable compartment configured for housing an
object, the expandable compartment including first and second areas
cooperating with each other, the first area being connected to the
backpack body, the first area having two end portions, each end
portion comprising a protrusion, and the first area having a fold
line approximately along its center, the second area comprising
three regions configured to cooperate with each other, and a cord
capable of cooperating with the second area for facilitating the
cooperation of the three regions, wherein, the shape of the
protrusions of the end portions prevent the visibility of the first
area to a user when the compartment is in an unexpanded
configuration, wherein, when the compartment is in the unexpanded
configuration, approximately half of the first area abuts the
second area and approximately half of the material of the first
area abuts the first panel.
26. The backpack of claim 25 wherein one of the protrusions is in
the shape of a "V."
27. The backpack of claim 25 wherein one of the protrusions is in
the shape of a "C."
28. The backpack of claim 25 further comprising a zipper
surrounding a portion of the expandable compartment along the first
area wherein the zipper permits expansion of the second area from
the first panel of the backpack body.
29. The backpack of claim 28 further comprising a member for
fastening the backpack body to the first region.
30. The backpack of claim 25 further comprising a plurality of
harnessing features on each of the three regions, the plurality of
harnessing features each having an opening configured to permit the
cord to pass therethrough.
31. The backpack of claim 25 further comprising an engaging member
thereon capable of communicating with the cord to prevent an object
placed in the expandable compartment from becoming dislodged.
32. The backpack of claim 31 wherein the engaging member comprises
a hook.
33. The backpack of claim 31 wherein the engaging member comprises
a buckle.
34. The backpack of claim 25 wherein the object includes a
motorcycle helmet.
35. The backpack of claim 25 wherein the object includes a
ball.
36. The backpack of claim 25 wherein the expandable compartment
when in an expanded configuration is larger than the first
compartment.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to backpacks and
more particularly to backpacks with expandable compartments.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Backpacks are designed in various sizes and shapes. Some
have multiple pockets and are designed to accommodate various
articles of various sizes. The helmet design and manufacturing
industry strives to provide protective and attractive helmets for
cyclists. Since helmets can be awkward to carry when not being
worn, some backpacks are designed to accommodate cyclists'
helmets.
[0003] One concern in designing backpacks is efficient use of
space. Backpacks should be designed such that they are no larger
than required yet can store many objects in that space. Expandable
compartments are typically used to serve this purpose. When they
are not in use, the expandable compartments are typically zipped
shut and do not take up that much extra space.
[0004] Conventional expandable compartments suffer from some
problems. First, typically the material around the perimeter of the
pocket which allows the expansion is such that it does not permit
an easy compression of the pocket when the pocket will be zipped
close. This sometimes occurs because the material does not fold
easily onto itself when the pocket is in the closed position.
Second, typical expandable compartments consist of one outer panel
attached to a perimeter panel. The one outer panel is typically
flat and may not efficiently and aesthetically accommodate items of
various sizes and shapes. Moreover, this outer panel typically is
attached to the backpack on all of its (the outer panel's) sides,
and this contributes to the lack of such various size
accommodation.
[0005] Since backpacks can be worn be persons of different sizes,
adjustability in the straps attaching the backpack to a user is
also a desirable feature.
[0006] There exists a need to provide a backpack which allows
transport of objects of varying sizes in an expandable
compartment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One of the objects of the present invention is to overcome
the aforementioned problems and deficiencies.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the
backpack includes an expandable compartment. The outer portion of
the expandable compartment is divided into three regions. The two
outer regions are held to the inner region by use of an expandable
cord. They are attached to a perimeter member which is attached to
the backpack body. The perimeter member surrounds the compartment
approximately three-fourths of the way around. The division of the
outer panel into three regions permits expansion and contraction of
the pocket without bundling. Thus, this division into three regions
permits the expandable compartment to effectively and aesthetically
accommodate objects of various sizes and shapes. It is particularly
suitable for cyclist helmets.
[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the
cord is attached to a hook feature on the backpack body. This
attachment allows the harnessing of the object in the expandable
compartment from becoming dislodged through the top open portion of
the compartment.
[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the
perimeter panel includes a cut out region at each end portion
thereof. This cutout allows the perimeter panel to remain out of
sight when the expandable compartment is in the contracted
position. Without the cutout region, the perimeter panel would be
visible over the right and left regions of the outer portion of the
expandable compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the cut out
regions are in the shape of a "V."
[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the
perimeter panel folds in the shape of a "V" when viewed in
cross-section. This permits optimal contraction of the expandable
pocket and conserves space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
a backpack according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the backpack of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the backpack of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the backpack of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
a backpack with a compartment in an expanded position according to
the present invention
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the backpack of FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
a backpack according to the present invention.
[0019] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and
characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like
features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated
embodiments. Moreover, while the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in
connection with the illustrative embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a backpack 10 according to one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The backpack 10 includes a
backpack body 12 and an expandable compartment 14. The backpack
body 12 includes a first panel 16 and a second panel 18 used in
forming a first compartment 11. The panels 16, 18 may be connected
to each other by stitching. The panels 16, 18 may be fabricated
from a material such as nylon and polyester and including but not
limited to other woven materials. The material may be soft and
stretchable or compliant, a hard material, foamed or padded
material, or a combination or composite of these various materials.
The expandable compartment 14 is shown in the contracted position
in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a backpack according to one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 depicts the backpack
with a compartment 14 in an expanded position. The expandable
compartment 14 includes a first area 20 and a second area 22. The
areas 20, 22 may be fabricated from a similar material as the
panels 16, 18. The first area 20 may be connected to the first
panel 16 via stitching. The first area 20 may form an approximately
semi-circular intersection with the first panel 16, and thus may
form a partial perimeter of the expandable compartment 14. The
second area 22 may include a first 30, second 32, and third 34
region.
[0022] A zipper 24 may permit expansion of the compartment 14. The
zipper 24 may fasten the second area of the compartment 14 to the
first panel 16 of the backpack body 12. The zipper 24 may surround
the expandable compartment 14 around the entire first area 20. Thus
when the zipper 24 is closed, the second area 22 is pulled close to
the first panel 16.
[0023] As depicted in FIG. 6, the first area 20 may fold
approximately along a centerline 40, forming a "V" when viewed in
cross-section, in the direction of the arrow 50. This permits
optimal contraction of the compartment 14 for example when it is
not being used to store a large item. This type of fold may take on
all sides of the first area 20. The first area 20 may also include
a cut-out region 42 (on both ends), which may also be in the shape
of a "V" when viewed in the side view as shown in FIG. 6. This
cutout 42 prevents that section of the first area 20 (where the
material would be had there been no cutout) from protruding out
beyond the first 30 and third 34 regions in the direction of the
second region 32 when the compartment 14 is in the contracted
position (see FIG. 2). Stated differently, the cut-out region 42 in
essence may result in a pair of triangular protrusions 60, 62 being
formed on one side of line 64. The protrusions 60, 62 may be a
portion of the first area 20. Referring back to FIG. 5, when the
zipper 24 is opened, the second area 22 is permitted to expand from
the first panel 16, and the first area 20 in conjunction with the
second area 22 and the first panel 16 form the expandable
compartment 14. The first area 20 may act as the bottom and sides
of the compartment 14. The terms "bottom" and "sides" are relative
terms here and are descriptive of the backpack when the backpack is
in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0024] The second area 22 may further include a cord 26 attached
thereto. The cord 26 may permit the first 30 and second 32 regions
to cooperate with each other, and may permit the second 32 and
third 34 regions to cooperate with each other. As larger or smaller
objects are placed in the compartment 14, a user can adjust the
tension on the cord 26. This also adjusts the proximity of the
three regions 30, 32, 34 to each other. The cord 26 may also
function to assist an object 56 (shown only in FIG. 5) placed in
the compartment 14 from falling out, by being attached to a hook 38
on the first panel 16 of the backpack body 10. In other words,
while the first area 20 may act as the bottom and sides of the
compartment 14, the cord 26 may assist to prevent items from
becoming dislodged from the compartment toward the top. The term
"top" is a relative term and is descriptive of the backpack when
the backpack is in an upright position, as shown in FIG. 5. The
amount of tension on the cord 26 may be adjustable by an adjusting
member 36, which can be positioned in various places on the cord
26. Examples of objects that can be stored in the expandable
compartment of the present invention include but are not limited to
motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, baseball helmets, catcher's
masks, basketballs, and soccer balls as well as other relatively
large and unwieldy items in need of transport. The expandable
compartment 14 may be capable of holding objects larger than the
first compartment 11 can hold.
[0025] FIG. 7 depicts a magnified view of area "A" of FIG. 5, with
buckle member 70 instead of the hook 38. The buckle member 70 may
be connected to the first panel 16 by a strap 72, which may be may
be stitched to the first panel 16 of the backpack body 10. A
further buckle 74 may be coupled to the cord 26a. The further
buckle 74 thus may cooperate with the buckle member 70 to function
to assist the object 56 (shown only in FIG. 5) placed in the
expandable compartment 14 from falling out.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, a strap 15 including a snapping
member 17 (both only shown in FIG. 1) as part of a fastening
arrangement may be attached to the backpack body 12 and may be
configured to engage a corresponding snapping member (not shown) on
the first region 30. The corresponding snapping member preferably
should not go all the way through the lining of the first region 30
in order to prevent it from damaging an object placed in the
expandable compartment 14. The strap 15 may be attached in the seam
where the first and second panels 16, 18 mate. The strap 15 may be
used to prevent the zipper 24 from accidentally opening thus
keeping the expandable compartment 14 in a closed position.
[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the backpack of FIG. 1 in top and
bottom views respectively.
[0028] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the
invention. Various modifications and alterations to the described
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of
the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those
skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems and
methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein,
embody the principles of the invention and are thus within the
spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the second area 22
may include two or four regions instead of three.
* * * * *