U.S. patent application number 11/960275 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for backpack with detachable wheels.
Invention is credited to Verline T. Smith.
Application Number | 20090159622 11/960275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40787395 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090159622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Verline T. |
June 25, 2009 |
Backpack with detachable wheels
Abstract
The present invention relates to backpacks, particularly for use
by children and young adults. The backpacks are normally used to
transport books and other educational materials to and from
educational facilities, such as schools. A plurality of wheels are
secured to the bottom or lower portion of the backpack. In a
preferred embodiment, the wheels are attached to a frame which is
attachable to and removable from the backpack. The wheels and frame
are stored on the backpack when not in use, such as when the child
is in school. The wheels permit the backpack to be rolled behind a
user rather than be carried by the user on their back. Rolling of
the backpack avoids physical injuries resulting from carrying the
backpacks on the user's back.
Inventors: |
Smith; Verline T.; (Jupiter,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCHALE & SLAVIN, P.A.
2855 PGA BLVD
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33410
US
|
Family ID: |
40787395 |
Appl. No.: |
11/960275 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/153 ;
190/18A; 224/580 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45F
3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/153 ;
224/580; 190/18.A |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04; A45F 4/02 20060101 A45F004/02 |
Claims
1. A portable backpack comprising: at least one resealable
compartment; a pair of shoulder straps; wheels, said wheels being
readily attachable to and detachable from a bottom portion of said
backpack; a storage device on said backpack constructed and
arranged to store said frame subsequent to removal of said frame
from said bottom portion of said backpack.
2. The portable backpack of claim 1 wherein said storage device
includes a compartment secured to an outside portion of said
backpack, said compartment being sized to accommodate said wheels,
said wheels being insertable into said compartment subsequent to
removal from said bottom portion of said backpack.
3. The portable backpack of claim 1 wherein said storage device
includes a compartment on an inside portion of said backpack, said
compartment being sized to accommodate said wheels, said wheels
being insertable into said compartment subsequent to removal from
said bottom portion of said backpack.
4. The backpack of claim 1 wherein said wheels are removably
secured to said bottom portion of said backpack with hook and loop
fasteners.
5. The backpack of claim 1 wherein said wheels are removably
secured to said bottom portion of said backpack with snap type
fasteners.
6. The backpack of claim 1 wherein said wheels are mounted on a
frame, said frame being removably secured to the bottom portion of
said backpack.
7. The backpack of claim 6 wherein said frame is removably secured
to said bottom portion of said backpack with hook and loop
fasteners.
8. The backpack of claim 6 wherein said frame is removably secured
to said bottom portion of said backpack with snap type
fasteners.
9. The backpack of claim 6 where said frame is removably secured to
said bottom portion of said backpack utilizing a zipper
assembly.
10. The backpack of claim 9 wherein said zipper assembly extends
around the perimeter of said frame.
11. The portable backpack of claim 6 wherein said storage device
includes a compartment secured to an outside portion of said
backpack, said compartment being sized to accommodate said frame,
said frame being insertable into said compartment subsequent to
removal from said bottom portion of said backpack.
12. The backpack of claim 6 including a flap which extends from one
side of a rear portion of said backpack to the other side of said
rear portion, said flap is releasably attached to said backpack at
said other side of said rear portion, said frame being secured to
said backpack by said flap subsequent to removal of said frame from
said lower portion of said backpack.
13. The backpack of claim 6 wherein said frame is substantially the
same size as said bottom portion of said backpack.
14. The backpack of claim 6 wherein said frame is substantially
smaller that said bottom of said backpack.
15. The backpack of claim 1 including a flap which extends from one
side of a rear portion of said backpack to the other side of said
rear portion, said flap is releasably attached to said backpack at
said other side of said rear portion, said wheels are secured to
said backpack by said flap subsequent to removal of said wheels
from said lower portion of said backpack.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a backpack provided with wheels
for ease of transportation. Backpacks normally containing multiple
school books and other school supplies are relatively heavy and
difficult for young people to safely carry on their back. The
wheels are preferably secured to an assembly which is readily
detachably secured to the backpack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to bags and more particularly
backpacks having one or more storage areas. The backpacks
preferably include straps which can be placed over a person's
shoulders and allow the backpack to be carried on the person's
back. The development of luggage for the frequent traveler has
resulted in the provision of wheels on the luggage to permit the
traveler to wheel the luggage which is too heavy to carry.
[0003] Recently there has been an increase of injuries to school
age individuals as a result of carrying heavy backpacks on their
backs to and from school. Many young people do not know how to
properly carry heavy loads and as a result sustain injuries from
carrying heavy backpacks. Therefore there exists a need for another
type of backpack to transport heavy loads such as books without
injury to an individual.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,447 (McDermott) discloses a portable,
expandable locker including detachable shoulder straps, wheels, a
handle, a detachable compartment and an expandable compartment. The
intended purpose of the device is the storage of books and school
supplies. A base member 15 is secured to the lower portion of the
expandable locker by expandable sleeve and zipper. When additional
space is required within the portable locker, the base member is
unzipped from the lower portion of the locker and sleeve expands to
provide the additional space, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Straps are
employed to permit an individual to carry the locker as a backpack.
Although the base member can be removably secured to a lower
portion of the locker, there is no disclosure that it can be
completely detached therefrom and stored in a separate compartment
of the locker.
[0005] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004/0238303 (Hafif)
discloses a combination backpack and wheeled frame. Fasteners
attach the respectively top and bottom portions of the backpack to
the frame. A flap is permanently secured to the backpack at one end
thereof and removable secured to the backpack with snaps, etc. at
the opposite end. Flap 16 helps to secure the backpack to the
frame. The wheels and frame are removable attached to the backpack
and can be carried in one of the compartments.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,395 (Lim et al.) discloses a backpack
which allows a user to carry the backpack on his/her shoulders or,
if desired, to transport the backpack in a wheeled fashion. The
backpack includes a base member 12 which has a sliding front
portion. A backpack is mounted on the base member. The backpack is
compressible and expandable. In a compressed state, the base member
and backpack are almost half their expanded size so that the
structure may be conveniently stored in compact locations. Actuator
mechanisms are conveniently located on the base member to allow a
user to quickly and easily release the sliding portion and backpack
for expansion. The base member is permanently attached to the
backpack. There is no mechanism to readily detach and reattach the
base member to the backpack.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,684 (Oh) discloses luggage which can be
readily converted from a wheeled suitcase to a backpack. The
suitcase includes a base having wheels 100 mounted thereon. A frame
is secured to a compartment affixed to a rear portion of the
suitcase. An extendable handle is secured to the frame. The handle
is used whenever the suitcase is wheeled around. A pair of shoulder
straps are secured to the outside of the compartment. The shoulder
straps are utilized wherever the suitcase is to be carried as a
backpack. A cover is removably secured to the outside of the
compartment. The cover secures the shoulder straps when they are
not being used. The base and wheels are not readily detachable and
attachable from the backpack.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,503 (Wulf et al.) discloses luggage
similar to U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,684. A suitcase is provided with
wheels on a lower portion thereof. An extendable and retractable
handle is secured to a compartment 16 which is secured to the
suitcase. The handle 68 is utilized whenever the suitcase is
wheeled around. The compartment 16 also includes a pair of shoulder
straps. These straps are employed whenever the suitcase is carried
as a backpack. The straps are stored in compartment 16 when they
are not in use. The base and wheels are not readily detachable and
attachable to the suitcase.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,286 (Song) discloses a backpack which is
provided with wheels so that the backpack can be readily pulled
along whenever it is too heavy to carry on a person. A handle is
provided to assist in pulling the wheeled backpack. A base member
is attached to a lower portion of the backpack. The base member
includes means to mount wheels thereon. However, the base member
and wheels are not readily detachable and attachable to the
backpack.
[0010] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004/0195791
(Brooks-Inglis) discloses a wheeled backpack particularly for use
by small children at school and other educational facilities. The
backpack includes a front side, an opposing rear side, a bottom
surface, two opposing sides, and an inner compartment within which
items may be carried. Shoulder straps are attached to the bag's
rear side. A handle is secured to the rear side of the backpack and
used when the backpack is pulled along on the wheels. The wheel
assembly includes a pair of detachable wheels mounted on an axel.
The axel is secured to the backpack at a lower portion thereof.
While the wheels are detachable from the backpack the axel and base
on which the axel is mounted is not removable from the
backpack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates to backpacks, particularly for
use by children and young adults. The backpacks are normally used
to transport books and other educational materials to and from
educational facilities, such as schools. A plurality of wheels are
secured to the bottom or lower portion of the backpack. In a
preferred embodiment, the wheels are attached to a frame which is
attachable to and removable from the backpack. The wheels and frame
are stored on the backpack when not in use, such as when the child
is in school. The wheels permit the backpack to be rolled behind a
user rather than be carried by the user on their back. Rolling of
the backpack avoids physical injuries resulting from carrying the
backpacks on the user's back.
[0012] Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to
provide a backpack that can be readily transported by rolling along
a surface or the ground rather than being carried on a user's
back.
[0013] It is a further objective of the instant invention to
provide a backpack including a plurality of wheels to facilitate
transportation of the backpack.
[0014] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide a backpack which includes a plurality of readily removable
and attachable wheels. The wheels can be readily removed and
attached by young children.
[0015] It is yet a further objective of the invention to provide a
backpack including a plurality of readily removable wheels and a
storage device for the wheels on the backpack.
[0016] It is a still further objective of the invention to provide
a backpack with a handle to facilitate rolling of the backpack
along a surface.
[0017] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of the backpack of the present
invention including a frame with wheels mounted on the bottom of
the backpack;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of the backpack of the present
invention with the frame and wheels stored in a compartment of the
backpack;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the frame and wheels;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the backpack of the present
invention wherein the wheels are secured to the backpack in an
alternate manner; and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the backpack of the present
invention including a flap to secure the frame and wheels to the
backpack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred, albeit non limiting, embodiment
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
illustrated.
[0024] A backpack 10 includes a main compartment 12 and can be
provided with additional compartments such as front compartments 14
and 15. Additional compartments (not shown) can be provided on the
sides and rear of the backpack. Access to compartments 12 and 14 is
gained through openings 16, 18 formed on the exterior of the
compartment and along a portion of a periphery thereof. The
openings 16, 18 are preferable closed by a zipper 20. Other types
of closure mechanisms can also be employed such as snaps, hook and
loop fasteners, clips, buttons, draw strings, flaps and the like.
The backpack can be made from nylon, leather or some other durable
fabric or material. The compartments are designed to hold various
objects such as, but not limited to, books, writing instruments,
calculators, electronic devices, cell phones, clothing and
food.
[0025] The backpack 10 further includes a handle 22 by which the
backpack can be lifted or carried. A plurality of shoulder straps
24, 26 are secured to a rear portion of the backpack. The shoulder
straps 24, 26 enable the backpack to be carried by a user on their
back. The shoulder straps are adjustable to enable the backpack to
be carried by individuals of different sizes, such as young
children or adults.
[0026] A plurality of wheels 28 are removably secured to a bottom
portion of the backpack. In a preferred embodiment four (4) wheels
are secured to a frame 30, illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, by any
known means. Preferably the wheels are secured in a manner which
permits them to pivot 360 degrees in a horizontal plane, thus
allowing the backpack to be moved in any direction. The number of
wheels secured to the backpack is variable and can be as few as
two. The only requirement is that they permit the backpack to be
rolled or moved along a surface. The wheels are preferably secured
to the frame in a manner which permits the backpack to stand
substantially upright and be rollably supported. The backpack can
be rolled or moved in any direction along a surface. Handle 22,
shoulder straps 24, 26 or a supplemental handle 34, secured to the
backpack (FIG. 4), is used to roll and guide the backpack along a
surface. The readily removable wheels allow the student or child to
easily remove the wheels when in school or other areas where
wheeled backpacks may not be permitted.
[0027] The frame 30 is secured to a bottom portion of the backpack
utilizing attachment means 32 which permit the frame to be readily
removed from and attached to the bottom portion of the backpack.
These securing means 32 can be, but are not limited to, hook and
loop fasteners, snap type fasteners, clips, releasable hinges,
pins, zippers and the like. Frame 30 is preferably approximately
the same size as the bottom of the backpack. However, the frame can
be any other size. After the frame and wheels are removed from the
bottom of the backpack they can be stored on the backpack. They can
be placed into the main compartment 12. They can also be placed
into a compartment 14 positioned on the front of the backpack (FIG.
2). In addition, they can be secured to the rear of the backpack
with a flap 36. As illustrated in FIG. 5 one end of flap 36 is
secured to one side of the rear of the backpack by stitching,
gluing or the like. The other end of flap 36 is removably secured
to an opposite side of the rear of the backpack by snap type
fasteners 38. In place of the snap type fasteners 38, hook and loop
fasteners, clips and the like can be employed. When the frame 30
and wheels are to be secured against the rear of the backpack one
end 40 of the flap 36 is removed from one side of the rear of the
backpack where it is being held by fasteners 38 described above.
The frame and wheels are placed against the rear of the backpack.
Then the flap is placed over the frame and the end 40 of the flap
is secured to the side of the rear of the backpack from which it
was removed utilizing the above noted fasteners. The flap is sized
such that it will hold the frame and wheels snugly against the
backpack. While four are shown, two or more wheels can be
employed.
[0028] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the
wheels is individually, releasably secured to the bottom of the
backpack. Attachment means 42 secure each wheel to the bottom
portion of the backpack. Attachment means 42 are similar to
attachment means 32 described above. The can be but are not limited
to, hook and loop fasteners, snap type fasteners, clips, releasable
hinges, pins, and the like. As set forth in the first embodiment,
the number of wheels secured to the backpack is variable and can be
as few as two.
[0029] After the wheels are removed from the bottom of the backpack
they can be stored in the main compartment 12, in a compartment 14
on the front of the backpack and on the back of the backpack
secured by flap 36 in a manner similar to storing the frame 30 and
wheels 28 described above.
[0030] Supplemental handle 34 is telescopically secured to the rear
of the backpack, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Handle 34 is shown in a
partially extended position. Handle 34 can be lowered such that it
is approximately flush with the outer surface of backpack 10. It
can also be raised to a position which would enable an individual
to pull or push the backpack along the ground or a surface without
bending over.
[0031] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0032] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
[0033] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *