U.S. patent application number 13/587106 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-21 for backpacks and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher M. Connell. Invention is credited to Christopher M. Connell.
Application Number | 20130043293 13/587106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47711924 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130043293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Connell; Christopher M. |
February 21, 2013 |
BACKPACKS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Backpacks for carrying one or more items therein and related
methods are provided. The backpack can include an outer shell
forming a bottom and a top and front, back and side walls with the
outer shell defining an interior space. The backpack also can
include a divider extendable between the front wall and the back
wall of the outer shell to form a shelf between the top and bottom
of the outer shell. When the divider is extended between the front
wall and the back wall, a first storage compartment is formed
between the bottom of the outer shell and the shelf and a second
compartment is formed between the shelf and the top of the outer
shell. The divider can be detachably secured between the front wall
and the back wall so that one or more books are supportable by the
shelf formed by the divider.
Inventors: |
Connell; Christopher M.;
(Hamilton, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Connell; Christopher M. |
Hamilton |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47711924 |
Appl. No.: |
13/587106 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61524114 |
Aug 16, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/652 ;
224/653; 29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A45F 5/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/652 ;
224/653; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A backpack configured for carrying items therein on the back of
a user, the backpack comprising: an outer shell forming a front
wall, a back wall, opposing side walls, a bottom and a top, the
outer shell defining an interior space; and a divider extendable
between the front wall and the back wall of the outer shell to form
a shelf between the top and bottom of the outer shell and a first
storage compartment between the bottom of the outer shell and the
shelf and a second storage compartment between the shelf and the
top of the outer shell, the divider being detachably securable
between the front wall and the back wall so that one or more items
are supportable by the shelf formed by the divider.
2. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the divider is
fixedly attached to the front wall and the divider is detachably
securable to the back wall.
3. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising one or
more fasteners, each fastener having a first fastener portion
attached to the divider and a second fastener portion attached to
at least one of the front wall, the back wall or the opposing side
walls, the first fastener portion engagable with the second
fastener portion to secure the divider between the front wall and
the back wall.
4. The backpack according to claim 3, wherein the one or more
fasteners comprises a hook and loop fastener with a first portion
of the hook and loop fastener attached to the divider extending
along at least a portion of a width of the divider and a second
portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the back wall
extending along at least a portion of a width of the back wall.
5. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprises straps
attached to the outer shell that extend over an exterior of the
back wall, each strap capable of forming an opening through which a
user can place an arm so that the backpack can be carried on the
back of a user.
6. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising one or
more fasteners, each fastener having a first fastener portion
attached to the divider and a second fastener portion attached to
at least one of the opposing side walls, the first fastener portion
engagable with the second fastener portion to secure the divider in
an extended position between the front wall and the back wall.
7. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising a closable
opening that extends along the top of the outer shell and provides
access to the interior space when the opening is in an open
position.
8. The backpack according to claim 7, wherein the closable opening
extends along an upper portion of the opposing side walls and the
top of the outer shell to provide access to the interior space and
to the second storage compartment between the shelf formed by the
divider and the top of the outer shell when the divider is secured
between the front and back walls.
9. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising a flap
formed in at least one of opposing side walls between the top and
the bottom of the outer shell, the flap being openable to provide
access to the interior space of the outer shell and closable to
limit access to the interior space of the outer shell.
10. The backpack according to claim 9, wherein the flap is formed
in a lower portion of one of the opposing side walls adjacent the
bottom of the outer shell to provide access to the interior space
and to the first storage compartment between the bottom of the
outer shell and the shelf formed by the divider when the divider is
secured between the front and back walls.
11. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the divider is
detachably securable to the front wall and the back wall.
12. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising one or
more pockets secured to at least one of the front, back or side
walls.
13. A backpack configured for carrying books therein on the back of
a user, the backpack comprising: an outer shell forming a front
wall, a back wall, opposing side walls, a bottom and a top, the
front wall, back wall, opposing side walls, bottom and top defining
an interior space; straps attached to the outer shell and extending
over an exterior of the back wall of the outer shell; a divider
extendable between the front wall and the back wall of the outer
shell to form a shelf between the top and bottom of the outer shell
and a lower storage compartment between the bottom of the outer
shell and the shelf and an upper storage compartment between the
shelf and the top of the outer shell, the divider being detachably
securable between the front wall and the back wall so that one or
more books are supportable by the shelf formed by the divider; a
closable opening that extends along the top of outer shell and
along an upper portion of the opposing side walls to provide access
to the interior space and to the upper storage compartment between
the shelf formed by the divider and the top of the outer shell when
the divider is secured between the front and back walls; and a flap
formed in a lower portion of one of the opposing side walls
adjacent the bottom of the outer shell to provide access to the
interior space and to the lower storage compartment between the
bottom of the outer shell and the shelf formed by the divider when
the divider is secured between the front and back walls.
14. The backpack according to claim 13, wherein the divider is
fixedly attached to the front wall and the divider is detachably
securable to the back wall.
15. The backpack according to claim 14, further comprising one or
more fasteners, each fastener having a first fastener portion
attached to the divider and a second fastener portion attached to
the back wall, the first fastener portion engagable with the second
fastener portion to secure the divider to the back, wall.
16. The backpack according to claim 15, wherein the one or more
fasteners comprises a hook and loop fastener with a first portion
of the hook and loop fastener attached to the divider extending
along at least a portion of a width of the divider and a second
portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the back wall
extending along at least a portion of a width of the back wall.
17. The backpack according to claim 13, wherein the divider is
detachably securable to the front wall and the back wall.
18. A method of configuring a backpack for carrying items therein
on the back of a user, the method comprising: providing a backpack
comprising: an outer shell forming a front wall, a back wall,
opposing side walls, a bottom and a top, the outer shell defining
an interior space; and a divider extendable between the front wall
and the back wall of the outer shell; and detachably securing the
divider between the front wall and the back wall to form a shelf
between the top and bottom of the outer shell and a first storage
compartment between the bottom of the outer shell and the shelf and
a second storage compartment between the shelf and the top of the
outer shell.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising forming a
closable opening that extends along the top of outer shell and
along an upper portion of the opposing side walls to provide access
to the interior space and to the upper storage compartment between
the shelf formed by the divider and the top of the outer shell when
the divider is secured between the front and back walls.
20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising forming a
flap in a lower portion of one of the opposing side walls adjacent
the bottom of the outer shell to provide access to the interior
space and to the lower storage compartment between the bottom of
the outer shell and the shelf formed by the divider when the
divider is secured between the front and back walls.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/524,114, filed Aug.
16, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to backpacks for
carrying items on the back of a user and related methods of using
the same. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein
relates to backpacks that are used for carrying books closer to the
body of the user than conventional book bags and related methods
for using the same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] For students of today, a book bag is an essential piece of
equipment for transporting books and papers back and forth between
class and home. The amount of homework and the need for access to
the textbooks used to teach the students requires that a plurality
of books are carried in a student's book bag at any given time
These book bags have not changed much over at least the last 25
years. The dimensions of most book bags currently available are
wider at the bottom, or bottom portion, and decrease in width as
the top, or top portion, of the book bag as the top is approached.
Similarly, most book bags currently available have a greater
thickness at the bottom than the thickness at the top of the book
bag as the top is approached. For example, a typical book bag may
have a bottom width of about 13 inches at the base of a book bag
where the books are placed and a width of about 6 inches at the top
of the book bag which normally does not house books therein. Such a
book bag may have a thickness of roughly about 8 inches at the
bottom where the books are placed and, about 6 inches at the top.
Such a book bag can have a height of about 18 inches which allows
the books to generally occupy the bottom, or lower portion, of the
book bag while leaving the top, or upper portion, of the book bag
unoccupied.
[0004] If a student carries books in most book bags that are
currently available, all the books are placed in the bottom portion
of the respective book bag. For example, if a student carries six
books in a normal book bag, all six books would be placed along the
bottom, for instance, in an alignment where the books face each
other cover to cover. The six books extend the thickness of the bag
in its bottom portion and are carried down by the lower back of the
user wearing the book bag. These books, being placed all in a row,
extend outward from the lower back with the outer books creating a
greater moment of force, based on the distance at which these books
are located from the lower back of the user, and thus a greater
force on the back, shoulders and lower back of the user. Thereby,
the back of the user that wears such a conventional book bag is
placed under greater stress than just by the weight of the books
alone. Accordingly, there remains room for variation and
improvement within the art of book bags and backpacks that will
reduce the stress on a wearer's back.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with this disclosure, the present subject
matter provides backpacks for carrying items on the back of a user
and related methods of using the same. More particularly, it is an
aspect of at least one embodiment of the present subject matter to
provide backpacks that are used to carry books closer to the body
of the user than conventional book bags and related methods for
using the same.
[0006] Some of the objects of the subject matter disclosed herein
having been stated hereinabove, and which are achieved in whole or
in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other objects
will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings as best described
hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The features and advantages of the present subject matter
will be more readily understood from the following detailed
description which should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings that are given merely by way of explanatory
and non-limiting example, and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a front side perspective view of an
embodiment of a backpack for carrying items on the back of a user
according to the subject matter disclosed herein;
[0009] FIGS. 1B illustrates a back side perspective view of the
embodiment of the backpack shown in FIG. 1A;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a top side perspective view of the
embodiment of the backpack shown in FIG. 1A with a closable opening
along a top portion opened to show an interior space of the
backpack;
[0011] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate schematic side plan views of a
portion of an interior of the embodiment of the backpack shown in
FIG. 1A illustrating how an upper and lower storage compartment can
be formed in the backpack;
[0012] FIG. 4A illustrates a side plan view of the embodiment of
the backpack shown in FIG. 1A having a side wall flap that is in a
closed position;
[0013] FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up side plan view of a portion
of the embodiment of the backpack shown in FIGS. 1A and 4A with the
side wall flap in an open position and books stored in a lower
storage compartment of the backpack;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a top side perspective view of another
embodiment of a backpack for carrying items on the back of a user
according to the subject matter disclosed herein with a closable
opening along a top and side portions opened to show an interior
space of the backpack; and
[0015] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D illustrate schematic side views of
portions of embodiments of fasteners that can be used to hold
and/or stabilize a divider in position to form upper and lower
storage compartments in an embodiment of a backpack according to
the subject matter disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to possible aspects or
embodiments of the subject matter herein, one or more examples of
which are shown in the figures. Each example is provided to explain
the subject matter and not as a limitation. In fact, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in
another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is
intended that the subject matter disclosed and envisioned herein
covers such modifications and variations.
[0017] Although the terms first, second, top, bottom, upper, lower,
etc. may be used herein to describe various features, elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these features,
elements components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one feature, element, component, region, layer or section from
another feature, element, component, region, layer or section and,
in some instances, to provide a relative relationship between the
features, elements, components, regions, layers or sections. Thus,
a first feature, element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second feature, element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the disclosure herein. Similarly, a top or upper
feature, element, component, region, layer or section discussed
below could be termed a bottom or lower feature, element,
component, region, layer or section depending on their relative
orientation without departing from the teachings of the disclosure
herein.
[0018] Embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are
described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of
embodiments that may be idealized. As such, variations from the
shapes and/or positions of features, elements or components within
the illustrations as a result of, for example but not limited to,
user preferences, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are
expected. Shapes, sizes and/or positions of features, elements or
components illustrated in the figures may also be magnified,
minimized, exaggerated, shifted or simplified to facilitate
explanation of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the
features, elements or components illustrated in the figures are
schematic in nature and their shapes and/or positions are not
intended to illustrate the precise configuration of a system or
apparatus and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject
matter disclosed herein.
[0019] The present subject matter discloses backpacks for carrying
items and related methods for configuring such backpacks. A
backpack configured for carrying items therein on the back of a
user can comprise an outer shell forming a front wall, a back wall,
opposing side walls, a bottom and a top. The front wall, the back
wall, the opposing side walls, the bottom and the top of the outer
shell can define an interior space of the outer shell.
[0020] The backpack can comprise straps that can be attached to the
outer shell and extend over an exterior of the back wall. Each
strap can create an opening through which a user can place an arm
so that the backpack can be carried on the back of a user. Each
strap can comprise padding and an adjustment buckle to increase the
comfort level for the user of the backpack. One or both straps can
have a pocket thereon that can be closable. The pocket can be used
to carry small items, such as pens, pencils, erasers, candy bars,
nail clippers, or the like. The straps can be made thicker than
normal book bags to provide additional comfort on the shoulders of
the user. Additionally, the strap can be attached at the very
bottom of the backpack in order to force the backpack to ride
higher on the user and the weight within the backpack to be carried
more on the user's shoulders.
[0021] The backpack can also comprise a divider that can be
extended between the front wall and the back wall of the outer
shell to form a shelf between the top and bottom of the outer
shell. When the divider is extended between the front wall and the
back wall, a first storage compartment is formed between the bottom
of the outer shell and the shelf and a second storage compartment
is formed between the shelf and the top of the outer shell. The
divider can be detachably secured between the front wall and the
back wall so that one or more items are supportable by the shelf
formed by the divider.
[0022] One or more fasteners can be used to detachably secure the
divider between the front wall and the back wall. Each fastener can
have a first fastener portion attached to the divider and a second
fastener portion attached to at least one of the front wall, the
back wall or the opposing side walls. The first fastener portion
can engage the second fastener portion to secure the divider
between the front wall and the back wall. The fasteners can
comprise different types of fasteners. For example, the fasteners
can be one or more hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buckles and
straps, latches and hooks or loops, clips, buttons or the like.
[0023] In some embodiments, the divider can be detachably secured
to both the front wall and the back wall. In some embodiments, the
divider can fixedly attached to one of the front wall or the back
wall and can be detachably secured to the other of the front wall
or back wall. For example, the divider can be sewn to the front
wall to fixedly attach the divider thereto and can be detachably
secured to the back wall. In some such embodiments, a fastener for
detachably securing the divider to the back wall can comprise a
hook and loop fastener with a first portion of the hook and loop
fastener attached to the divider extending along at least a portion
of a width of the divider and a second portion of the hook and loop
fastener attached to the back wall extending along at least a
portion of a width of the back wall. In some embodiments, the
fasteners can have a first fastener portion attached to the divider
and a second fastener portion attached to at least one of the
opposing side walls. In such embodiments, the first fastener
portion can engage the second fastener portion to secure the
divider in an extended position between the front wail and the back
wall.
[0024] In some embodiments, the backpack can comprise a closable
opening that can extend along the top of the outer shell that
provides access to the interior space when the opening is in an
open position. In some such embodiments, the closable opening can
extend along an upper portion of the opposing side walls to provide
access to the interior space and to the second storage compartment
between the shelf formed by the divider and the top of the outer
shell when the divider is secured between the front and back
walls.
[0025] In some embodiments, the backpack can comprise a flap formed
in at least one of the opposing side walls between the top and the
bottom of the outer shell. The flap can opened to provide access to
the interior space of the outer shell and can be closed to limit
access to the interior space of the outer shell. In some such
embodiments, the flap can be formed in a lower portion of one of
the opposing side walls adjacent the bottom of the outer shell to
provide access to the interior space and to the first storage
compartment between the bottom of the outer shell and the shelf
formed by the divider when the divider is secured between the front
and back walls.
[0026] In some embodiments, the backpack can comprise one or more
pockets secured to at least one of the front, back or side walls.
For example, one or more pockets can be secured to an exterior of
the front wall. Such pockets can be securably closable, for
example, by a fastener, such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, or the
like. Similarly, pockets can be secured to one or both of the
opposing side walls. As stated above, in some embodiments, pockets
can also be attached to the outer portion of a padded strap. In
some embodiments, the backpack can comprise one or more pockets
formed on an interior of at least one of the front, back or side
walls.
[0027] In some embodiments, the backpack configured for carrying
books therein on the back of a user can comprise an outer shell
forming a front wall, a back wall, opposing side walls, a bottom
and a top such that the backpack can have a uniform width between
the front wall and back wall. The front wall, back wall, opposing
side walls, bottom and top can define an interior space of the
backpack. As above, the backpack can comprise straps that can be
attached the outer shell and extend over an exterior of the back
wall. Each strap can create an opening through which a user can
place an arm so that the backpack can be carried on the back of a
user. Each strap can comprise padding and an adjustment buckle to
increase the comfort level for the user of the backpack. The
backpack also can comprise a divider that can be extended between
the front wall and the back wall of the outer shell to form a shelf
between the top and bottom of the outer shell. When the divider is
in an extended position between the front and back walls, a lower
storage compartment can be formed between the bottom of the outer
shell and the shelf and an upper storage compartment can be formed
between the shelf and the top of the outer shell. The divider can
be detachably secured between the front wall and the back wall so
that one or more books are supportable by the shelf formed by the
divider. In such embodiments, a closable opening can be formed
along the top of outer shell and along an upper portion of the
opposing side walls to provide access to the interior space and to
the upper storage compartment between the shelf formed by the
divider and the top of the outer shell when the divider is secured
between the front and back walls. Also, a flap can be formed in a
lower portion of one of the opposing side walls adjacent the bottom
of the outer shell to provide access to the interior space and to
the lower storage compartment between the bottom of the outer shell
and the shelf formed by the divider when the divider is secured
between the front and back walls.
[0028] Accordingly, a method is provided of configuring a backpack
for carrying items therein on the back of a user. The method can
comprise providing a backpack that has an outer shell forming a
front wall, a back wall, opposing side walls, a bottom and a top,
and an interior space. The backpack can also have a divider that
can be extended between the front wall and the back wall of the
outer shell. The method can further comprise detachably securing
the divider between the front wall and the back wall to form a
shelf between the top and bottom of the outer shell and thereby
forming a first storage compartment between the bottom of the outer
shell and the shelf and a second storage compartment between the
shelf and the top of the outer shell. The method can also comprise
forming a closable opening that extends along the top of outer
shell and along an upper portion of the opposing side walls to
provide access to the interior space and to the second storage
compartment between the shelf formed by the divider and the top of
the outer shell when the divider is secured between the front and
back walls. Similarly, the method can comprise forming a flap in a
lower portion of one of the opposing side walls adjacent the bottom
of the outer shell to provide access to the interior space and to
the first storage compartment between the bottom of the outer shell
and the shelf formed by the divider when the divider is secured
between the front and back walls.
[0029] FIGS. 1A through 4B illustrate an embodiment of a backpack,
generally designated 10, for carrying items, such as books, therein
on the back of a user. In FIG. 1A, the front of backpack 10 is
shown which faces outward from the body of the user, or wearer,
when in use. The back of backpack 10 is shown in FIG. 1B that faces
the body of the wearer when backpack 10 is being used. Backpack 10
can generally comprise deformable material, such as sturdy fabric
and padding found in conventional backpacks. Backpack 10 can
comprise an outer shell, generally designated 12, that forms an
interior space 14 (see FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B) in which a user, such as
a student, can place items, such as books in backpack 10. Outer
shell 12 can comprise a front wall 16, a back wall 18, and a first
opposing side wall 20A and a second opposing side wall 20B. Outer
shell 12 can further comprise a bottom portion, or bottom, 22 and a
top portion, or top, 24. Front wall 16, back wall 18, opposing side
walls 20A, 20B, bottom 22 and top 22 of outer shell 12 can define
interior space 14 of outer shell 12.
[0030] In some embodiments, opposing side walls 20A, 20B and top 24
can comprise the same material, such as a unitary piece of sturdy
fabric with other pieces of fabric or padding or other features
added as needed or desired. Bottom 22 can comprise the same or
different material as needed or desired as well. Bottom 22 can
comprise a reinforced and/or padded fabric material since backpack
10 usually rests on bottom 22. Back wall 18 can also comprise
padding to help improve comfort for the user as the user wears
backpack 10, especially when weighted down by items carried within
backpack 10, such as Books B.sub.U, B.sub.L as shown in FIG.
3B.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, backpack 10 can
comprise straps 26 that can be attached outer shell 12. Straps 26
can extend over an exterior 18E of back wall 18 (see FIG. 1B). Each
strap 26 can hang loosely from outer shell 12 can be pulled away
from back wall 18 to create an opening through which a user can
place an arm so that backpack 10 can be carried on the back of a
user. Each strap 26 can comprise a padded section 26A and an
adjustment buckle 26B (see FIG. 1 B) to increase the comfort level
for the user of the backpack. Adjustment buckles 26B allow straps
26 to be adjusted based on the size of the user and the size of the
load carried in backpack 10. Backpack 10 can additionally comprise
a handle 28 positioned at or near top 24 to permit backpack 10 to
be carried by hand.
[0032] Backpack can also comprise a closable opening 30 as shown in
FIGS. 2-4B that can extend along top 24 of outer shell 12. Closable
opening 30 can provide access to interior space 14 when closable
opening 30 is, in an open position as shown in FIG. 2.
Additionally, closable opening 30 can limit or prevent access
therethrough to interior space 14 when closable opening 30 is in a
closed position as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Closable opening 30
can be closed and held tightly closed by a fastener, such as a
zipper 32 that can include a slide body, a pull tab and opposing
teeth. Other types of fasteners, such as buttons, snaps, or the
like, can be used to close closable opening 30. Closable opening 30
can be opened to permit items, such as books B.sub.U, B.sub.L, to
be inserted into interior space 14 of outer shell 12. Further,
closable opening 30 permit items, such as books B.sub.U, B.sub.L,
to be accessed and retrieved from interior space 14 of outer shell
12. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B, closable opening 30 can extend
along top 24 and an upper portion of opposing side walls 20A, 20B
to provide easier access to interior space 14 of outer shell
12.
[0033] To help balance the weight of the items carried in backpack
10 and to reduce the amount of force created by having a large
number of items, such as books, extending outward along bottom 22,
backpack 10 can also comprise a divider 40 that can be extended
between front wall 16 and back wall 18 of outer shell 12. Divider
40 can form a shelf 42 between top 24 and bottom 22 of outer shell
12 on which items such as books B.sub.U can be stacked. As shown in
FIG. 3B, when divider 40 is extended between front wall 16 and back
wall 18, a first storage compartment, or lower storage compartment,
14A is formed between bottom 22 of outer shell 12 and shelf 42
formed by divider 40. Further, a second storage compartment, or
upper storage compartment, 14B is formed between shelf 42 and top
24 of outer shell 12. Divider 40 can comprise a deformable
material. In some embodiments, divider 40 can comprise a more rigid
material. For example, a piece of rigid plastic, such as a flat
piece of high density polypropylene can be included in divider 40.
In some embodiments, divider 40 can comprise more deformable
material, such as a foam material covered by fabric.
[0034] Divider 40 can be detachably secured between front wall 16
and back wall 18 so that one or more items, such as books B.sub.U,
are supportable by shelf 42 formed by divider 40. One or more
fasteners such as fasteners 44, 46 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, can be
used to detachably secure divider 40 between front wall 16 and back
wall 18. Each fastener 44, 46 can have a first fastener portion
attached to divider 40 and a second fastener portion attached to at
least one of front wall 16, back wall 18, or opposing side walls
20A, 20B. The first fastener portion of each fastener can engage
the second fastener portion to secure divider 40 in an extended
position between front wall 16 and back wall 18.
[0035] For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, divider 40 can be
fixedly attached at end 48 to front wall 40 and can be detachably
secured to back wall 18 by one or more fasteners 44, 46. In
particular, fastener 44 comprises a hook and loop fastener, such as
hook and loop fasteners sold under the trademark VELCRO. A first
portion 44A of hook and loop fastener 44, such as the loop portion,
can be attached to divider 40 so that first portion 44A extends
along at least a portion of a width of divider 40 that generally
runs from first opposing side wall 20A to second opposing side wall
20B. A second portion 44B of hook and loop fastener 44, such as the
hook portion, can be attached to back wall 18, so that second
portion 44B extends along at least a portion of a width of back
wall 18 that generally runs from first opposing side wall 20A to
second opposing side wall 20B. Thus, as divider 40 is moved from a
position of detachment from back wall 18 as in FIG. 3A to a secured
extended position where divider 40 is secured to back wall 18 as
shown in FIG. 3B, first portion 44A of hook and loop fastener 44
securely engages second portion 44B of hook and loop fastener 44.
In some embodiments, to help hold divider 40 in the position where
it is detached from back wall 18, a third portion 44C, such as
another hook portion, of a hook and loop fastener can be placed, or
fixedly attached, along front wall 16 and can be engaged by first
portion 44A of hook and loop fastener 44 to hold divider 40 up (or
down) as shown in FIG. 3A to allow back pack 10 to carry items that
are larger than either first storage compartment 14A or second
storage compartment 14B.
[0036] Further to help ensure securerment of divider 40 to back
wall 18, a fastener 46 can be used on each side of divider 40 as
shown in FIG. 2. Each fastener 46 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, can
comprise a first portion, such as latch 46A, and a second portion,
such as a closed hook or loop 46B, that can engage each other to
further ensure that divider 40 is secure in its position extending
between front wall 16 and back wall 18 to form a sturdy shelf 42
that can hold heavy items, such as books B.sub.U, thereon. Thus,
backpack 10 with shelf 42 formed by divider 40 allows items, such
as books B.sub.U, to be stacked above other items, such as books
B.sub.L, so that more of the weight of books B.sub.U, B.sub.L, is
carried closer to the user's back so that less force is placed on
the user's lower back than in conventional book bags or backpacks
where such books would be stacked in a row and extend further
outward from the user's back.
[0037] The use of backpack 10 with divider 40 that creates shelf 42
within the interior of backpack 10 in combination with straps 26
and their placement on backpack 10 can facilitate the carrying of
books B.sub.U, B.sub.L closer to the user's back and higher to the
user's shoulders. Thereby, backpack 10 can better distribute the
weight of books B.sub.U, B.sub.L. This distribution can make the
load of books B.sub.U, B.sub.L feel lighter to the user and more
ergonomically correct for the user's back by avoiding overstraining
the lower back.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, closable opening 30 can extend along top
24 and the upper portion of opposing side walls 20A, 20B to provide
easier access to interior space 14 of outer shell 12. In
particular, when divider 40 is secured between front wall 16 and
back wall 18, closable opening 30 can provide easy access to second
storage compartment 14B between shelf 42 formed by divider 40 and
top 24 of outer shell 12. When divider 40 is detached from back
wall 18, closable opening 30 can provide easy access to bottom 22
of backpack 10.
[0039] Also, backpack 10 can comprise a closable flap 50 formed in
at least one of opposing side walls 20A, 20B between top 24 and
bottom 22 of outer shell 12. Flap 50 can opened to provide access
to interior space 14 of outer shell 12 and can be closed to limit
access to interior space 14 of outer shell 12. For example, flap 50
can have a fastener, or fastener system, 52 as mentioned above with
respect to closable opening 30, such as a zipper. As shown in FIGS.
4A and 4B, flap 50 can be formed in a lower portion of opposing
side wall 20A adjacent bottom 22 of outer shell 12 to provide
access to interior space 14 and, in particular, to first, or lower,
storage compartment 14A between bottom 22 of outer shell 12 and
shelf 42 formed by divider 40 when divider 40 is secured between
front wall 16 and back wall 18. In this manner, books B.sub.L, or
other items, in first, or lower, storage compartment 14A can be
accessed through the opening of flap 50 without the need to disturb
the books B.sub.U (see FIG. 3B) or other items, in second, or
upper, storage compartment 14B.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, first storage compartment 14A
can have a height as measured between bottom 22 of outer shell 12
and shelf 42 formed by divider 40 and second storage compartment
14B can have a height as measured between shelf 42 formed by
divider 40 and top 24 of outer shell 12 that permit the insertion
of most books, such as standard text books used in colleges and
high schools, into the storage compartments 14A, 14B without fear
of the pages, spines, or covers of lower books B.sub.L being
crushed or damaged by the weight of upper books B.sub.U. However,
if a book or an item is too tall or large for a single storage
compartment, divider 40 can be detached from back wall 18, as
described above, and the entire interior space 14 can be used to
carry the large item or book.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 3A and 3B, backpack 10 can comprise
one or more pockets 54, 56, 58, 59 secured to or in at least one of
the front, back or side walls. Different types of pockets can be
used on the exterior and interior of backpack 10. For example, one
or more pockets 54, 56 can be secured to an exterior 16E of front
wall 16. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, pocket 54 can comprise a
front wall 54A, bottom wall 54B, top wall 54C and side walls (not
identified). Similar, pocket 56 can comprise a front wall 56A,
bottom wall 56B, top wall 56C and side walls (not identified).
Pocket 54 can have a closable opening 54D and pocket 56 can have a
closable opening 56D, both of which can be closed using a fastener
such as zippers or hook and loop fasteners. The fasteners used on
closable openings 540, 560 can also be other types of fasteners
described herein, such as buttons snaps, or the like. As shown,
pocket 54 can be, for example, about 5 inches long and about 6
inches tall and can be used to carry items such as a calculator,
cell phone, keys, or the like. Pocket 56 can have closable opening
56D extend from top wall 56C along a side wall to bottom wall 56B
and can be used to store larger items. In some embodiments, a long
horizontal pocket for pens, pencils, erasers, or the like can be
included on front wall 16, straps 26 or side walls 20A, 20B, such
as pocket 59 on side wall 20B. Other shapes and sizes of pockets
can also be used.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, backpack 10 can also comprise
one or more pockets 58 formed on an interior of at least one of the
front, back or side walls. For example, pocket 58 is formed in back
wall 18 with a closable opening 58A. Pocket 58 can run along a
majority of back wall 18. For instance, pocket 58 can be about 10
inches wide and about 13 inches long and can be used to hold
folders, papers, brochures, pamphlets, class handouts, or the
like.
[0043] In FIG. 5, an embodiment of a backpack, generally designated
60, is provided in which like refer numerals represent like
features of previously described embodiments. Backpack 60 can
comprise an outer shell 62. Backpack 60 can also comprise a divider
70 that can be detachably secured to both a front wall 16 and back
wall 18. For example, four fasteners 66 can be used to secure
divider 70 to front wall 16 and back wall 18 in interior space 14
to form a shelf 72. In particular, each one of the fasteners 66 can
have a first fastener portion attached to divider 70 and a second
fastener portion attached to at least one of opposing side walls
64A, 64B. In such embodiments, the first fastener portion can
engage the second fastener portion to secure divider 70 in an
extended position between front wall 16 and back wall 18. Other
fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners can be used in addition
to four fasteners 66. In the embodiment shown, a closable opening
74 can extend along side walls 64A, 64B and through top 24 of outer
shell 62 and can provide access to an upper storage compartment and
a lower storage compartment.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D as examples, different types of
fasteners can be used in different capacities within the backpacks
described herein. In addition to the hook and loop fasteners and
zippers described above, a latch and hook fastener 80 can be used
that can comprise a latch 80A and closed hook, or single loop, 80B
as shown in FIG. 6A. Similarly, FIG. 6B illustrates a clip and loop
fastener 82 that can comprise a resiliently closable clip 82A and a
loop 82B to which clip 82A can be hooked. FIG. 6C illustrates a
snap fastener 84 that can comprise a male snap portion 84A (only
the back of male snap portion 84A is shown) and a female snap
portion 84B that can be snapped together. Further, FIG. 6D
illustrates a buckle fastener 86 that can comprise a buckle 86A and
a strap 86B that can be inserted within buckle 86A. These example
fasteners along with the other fasteners described herein
illustrate that a wide variety of fasteners can be used in various
ways within the different embodiments of the backpacks described
herein. Thus, the present subject matter should not be limited to
the types of the fasteners disclosed herein.
[0045] Thus, through the embodiments of the backpacks shown and
described herein, a user can more comfortably carry a heavier load,
such as a large amount of books with less stress on the user's
shoulders and back. By keeping more of the weight of the load
closer to the user's back, less force is placed on the user's back
than if the same amount of load was stacked in a single file row
outward from the user's back. In some embodiments as described, the
detachably securable divider can form a shelf that creates the
stacked storage compartments that permit the stacking of items,
such as books, being carried. In some embodiments, different flaps
and our closable openings in walls of the backpack allow for easy
access to the books, or other items, stored within the
backpacks.
[0046] The present subject matter can be embodied in other forms
without departure from the spirit and essential characteristics
thereof. The embodiments described therefore are to be considered
in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Although the
present subject matter has been described in terms of certain
embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the present
subject matter.
* * * * *