U.S. patent application number 14/364899 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-20 for backpack.
The applicant listed for this patent is MAGMATIC LIMITED. Invention is credited to Robert Law.
Application Number | 20140339277 14/364899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45572704 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140339277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Law; Robert |
November 20, 2014 |
BACKPACK
Abstract
A backpack particularly suited to children's use is disclosed.
The backpack 20 comprises a storage volume 24 and a closure 26
operable to seal the storage volume 24, wherein the closure 26
comprises a collar 34 of flexible material operable to be folded at
least twice upon itself and cooperating first and second fastening
elements 40, 42 mounted on opposing sides of the collar 34 for
releasable engagement with one another. The fastening elements 40,
42 are constructed to release one another under tension exceeding a
threshold value. Also disclosed is a backpack 60 comprising a
similar storage volume 64 and closure 66 but including an
additional fastening element 100 mounted at the base of the collar
74, with which both the first and second fastening elements 80, 82
engage.
Inventors: |
Law; Robert; (Bristol,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAGMATIC LIMITED |
Bristol |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
45572704 |
Appl. No.: |
14/364899 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 30, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2012/052962 |
371 Date: |
June 12, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/259 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/008 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F 3/042 20130101; A45C 13/10 20130101; A45C
11/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/259 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2011 |
GB |
1121896.3 |
Nov 30, 2012 |
WO |
PCTGB2012052962 |
Claims
1. A backpack for use by a child, the backpack comprising a storage
volume and a closure operable to seal the storage volume, wherein
the closure comprises a collar of flexible material operable to be
folded at least twice upon itself and cooperating fastening
elements mounted on opposing sides of the collar for releasable
engagement with one another, wherein the fastening elements are
constructed so as to release one another under tension exceeding a
predetermined threshold value of between 15 N and 30 N.
2. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening elements
further comprise a user operated release mechanism.
3. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening elements
are mounted adjacent a rim of the collar.
4. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first of the
fastening elements comprises a housing having an engagement opening
and a second of the fastening elements comprises a projection
having an engagement shoulder which is operable to engage the
engagement opening.
5. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first of the
fastening elements comprises a housing having an engagement opening
and a second of the fastening elements comprises a projection
having an engagement shoulder which is operable to engage the
engagement opening, and which comprises a chamfer.
6. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first of the
fastening elements comprises a housing having an engagement opening
and a second of the fastening elements comprises a projection
having an engagement shoulder which is operable to engage the
engagement opening, and wherein the engagement opening comprises a
chamfer.
7. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage volume is
defined by a bag, and the collar of flexible material comprises a
continuation of the bag.
8. A backpack as claimed in claim 7, wherein the storage volume is
defined by a bag, and the collar of flexible material comprises a
continuation of the bag, and wherein the bag is formed from
substantially waterproof material.
9. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the backpack comprises
at least one shoulder strap.
10. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the backpack
comprises at least one shoulder strap, a back pad, on which the at
least one shoulder strap is mounted.
11. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third
fastening element mounted adjacent a base of the collar, wherein
each of the first and second fastening elements cooperates with the
third fastening element for releasable engagement with the third
fastening element.
12. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third
fastening element mounted adjacent a base of the collar, wherein
each of the first and second fastening elements cooperates with the
third fastening element for releasable engagement with the third
fastening element, and wherein the third fastening element
comprises at least two engagement openings and the first and second
fastening elements each comprise projections having engagement
shoulders operable to engage a respective engagement opening on the
third fastening element.
13. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third
fastening element mounted adjacent a base of the collar, wherein
each of the first and second fastening elements cooperates with the
third fastening element for releasable engagement with the third
fastening element, and wherein the fastening elements further
comprise a user operated release mechanism.
14. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third
fastening element mounted adjacent a base of the collar, wherein
each of the first and second fastening elements cooperates with the
third fastening element for releasable engagement with the third
fastening element, and wherein the first, second and third
fastening elements are constructed to release one another under
tension exceeding a threshold value of between 15 N and 30 N.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a backpack, and
particularly but not exclusively to a children's backpack providing
a waterproof storage volume.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Backpacks are widely known and used for transporting
equipment or personal items. A typical backpack comprises at least
one main storage volume that can be closed by a releasable closure,
and at least one shoulder strap to allow the backpack to be
comfortably carried on the back of a user. Backpacks are commonly
used by children of school age for carrying school materials,
including academic materials and sports or games kit, to and from
school. The market for children's backpacks is well established and
includes many ranges featuring characters and decoration designed
to appeal to younger users.
[0003] A common problem with standard backpacks arises when they
are required to operate in wet environments. This may include for
example the carrying of wet items, such as swimming kit, or the use
of a backpack in a potentially very wet environment such as at a
beach or on a boat. For adult consumers, the market includes
products designed specifically for these circumstances, usually
known as dry bags. A typical dry bag is made from waterproof
material with specialist waterproof seams and a main opening that
is closed by a roll down waterproof seal. These seals include a
collar of waterproof material, opposed sides of which are brought
into contact with each other and then the double thickness of
material is rolled or folded upon itself a number of times. This
rolled seal is then curved upon itself and opposed ends are
connected using releasable clips. The clipped ends of the seal are
commonly used as a handle for transporting the dry bag. An example
dry bag 2 is illustrated at FIG. 1, in which the main storage
volume 4, rolled seal 6 and releasable clips 8 may all be seen. The
ends of the seal 6 and clips 8 may also be seen to constitute the
handle 10 by which the dry bag is carried.
[0004] While dry bags fulfil the adult need for waterproof
transport of items and equipment, there remains a need for
waterproof carrying solutions for younger users including children
of school age.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a
backpack for use by a child, the backpack comprising a storage
volume and a closure operable to seal the storage volume, wherein
the closure comprises a collar of flexible material operable to be
folded at least twice upon itself and cooperating fastening
elements mounted on opposing sides of the collar for releasable
engagement with one another, wherein the fastening elements are
constructed so as to release one another under tension exceeding a
predetermined threshold value of between 15 N and 30 N.
[0006] The threshold value may be selected according to toy and
nursery safety standards applicable in countries where the
invention would be marketed. Thus, for example, backpacks designed
and sized for very young users of the age 3 and up may be comprise
fastening elements constructed to release one another at a
threshold value that is considerably lower than that selected for
backpacks designed for older users. According to one embodiment,
the threshold value may be 20 N to be less than the current
regulations in Europe under EN71 for strangulation breakaway
strength. According to another embodiment the threshold value may
be 25 N.
[0007] The fastening elements may further comprise a user operated
release mechanism and may be mounted adjacent a rim of the
collar.
[0008] A first of the fastening elements may comprise a housing
having an engagement opening and a second of the fastening elements
may comprise a projection having an engagement shoulder which may
be operable to engage the engagement opening.
[0009] The engagement shoulder and/or the engagement opening may
comprise a chamfer.
[0010] The storage volume may be defined by a bag, and the collar
of flexible material may comprise a continuation of the bag.
[0011] The bag is formed from substantially waterproof material and
may for example comprise at least one waterproof seam.
[0012] The backpack may comprise at least one shoulder strap and
according to one embodiment may comprise a pair of shoulder
straps.
[0013] The backpack may further comprise a back pad, on which the
at least one shoulder strap may be mounted. The back pad may for
example be padded and may provide additional rigidity to the
backpack and/or additional comfort for a user.
[0014] In one example, the backpack further comprises a third
fastening element mounted adjacent a base of the collar, wherein
each of the first and second fastening elements cooperates with the
third fastening element for releasable engagement with the third
fastening element. By mounting the third fastening element on the
backpack, the loop diameter is cut in half and thereby reduces the
length so that a child could fasten around their neck.
[0015] The third fastening element may comprise at least two
engagement openings and the first and second fastening elements may
each comprise projections having engagement shoulders which may be
operable to engage a respective engagement opening on the third
fastening element.
[0016] The three fastening elements may further comprise a user
operated release mechanism.
[0017] The first, second and third fastening elements may be
constructed to release one another under tension exceeding the
threshold value of between 15 N and 30 N.
[0018] According to one embodiment, the engagement shoulders and/or
engagement openings may comprise chamfers.
[0019] The third fastening element may be mounted on the bag. The
third fastening element may be mounted on the back pad.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to
show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example, to the following drawings, in
which:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional dry bag;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of backpack in a
partially open configuration;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates the back pack of FIG. 2 in a closed
configuration;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a bag component of the backpack of FIG.
2
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a first embodiment of clip in an open
configuration;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates the clip of FIG. 5 in a closed
configuration;
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of clip in an open
configuration;
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates the clip of FIG. 7 in a closed
configuration;
[0029] FIG. 9 a second embodiment of backpack in a closed
configuration;
[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of clip in an open
configuration; and
[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates the clip of FIG. 10 in a closed
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Embodiments of a backpack according to the present invention
will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0033] Referring initially to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first embodiment of
backpack 20 according to the present invention comprises a bag 22
defining a storage volume 24, a closure 26, back pad 28 and
shoulder straps 30, 32. The bag 22 is mounted on the back pad 28,
the back pad 28 providing additional rigidity to the bag and also
providing comfort to the wearer, by cushioning the back of the
wearer against the contents of the bag 22.
[0034] The bag 22 is formed from a tough waterproof material such
as a synthetic nylon which may be treated or coated for enhanced
performance.
[0035] With reference also to FIG. 4, the closure 26 comprises a
collar 34 of flexible material which, according to the present
embodiment, is formed continuously with the bag 22. The bag 22 is
mounted on the back pad 28 such that the collar 34 projects above
the upper limit of the back pad 28 and shoulder straps 30, 32. The
collar 34 may be reinforced at its rim 36 for example by a strip of
reinforcing material 38 extending around the rim of the collar 34.
The reinforcing strip 38 may impart additional rigidity to the
material of the collar 34, assisting with the necessary folding or
rolling action as described in further detail below. The closure 26
further comprises first and second fastening elements 40, 42 which
are mounted at opposed sides of the collar 34, and may for example
be mounted substantially adjacent the rim 36 of the collar 34.
According to one embodiment, the fastening elements 40, 42 may be
mounted via the reinforcing strip 38 in order to provide additional
security of fixation for the fastening elements 40, 42. Detail of
the fastening elements is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5
to 8.
[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the shoulder straps 30, 32
are mounted via the pack pad 28, with upper mounting locations for
the shoulder straps being substantially adjacent the upper limit of
the back pad 28. The shoulder straps 30, 32 may be padded for
additional comfort and may comprise auxiliary pockets, straps 44,
hooks or other elements to allow for storage or carrying of small
items such as a watch, sunglasses, swimming goggles etc.
[0037] In use, the contents of the storage volume 24 are sealed
against ingress of water or other liquids by correct engagement of
the closure 26. This is effected by first bringing the sides of the
collar 324 into contact with one another, the fastening elements
40, 42 projecting sideways from the now double layer thickness of
collar 34. The double thickness collar 34 is then rolled or folded
upon itself, preferably a minimum of three times. The reinforced
strip 38 may assist with this folding or rolling motion, defining
the first fold line at the lower edge 39 of the strip 38. The
rolled collar 34 thus forms a linear seal having fastening elements
40, 42 projecting from each end. These ends are then curved around
to approach one another, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and the
fastening elements 40, 42 are engaged, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In
this manner, the collar is held securely and prevented from
unrolling; ensuring the seal provided by the folded collar 34
remains watertight.
[0038] The loop is defined by the diameter of the bag opening and
for child use this should be kept wide as to facilitate easy
packing through the opening. However loops create strangulation
hazards which present serious danger to children. The addition of a
break away tension allows the loop to be broken at a safe tension
should a child attach the loop around their neck, eradicating the
risk of suffocate. This risk is further enhanced should the bag get
caught on something while wearing around the neck. However in the
adult market it is desirable to have a no break away clip to keep
contents dry at all times, especially during extreme
activities.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second
fastening elements 40, 42 can be seen in greater detail. The first
fastening element 40 comprises a housing 46 having two engagement
openings 48, 50. The second fastening element 42 comprises three
prongs or projections extending substantially parallel and
including a central projection 52 and side projections 54. A single
side projection is described below but it will be appreciated that
corresponding features are found on the other side projection. The
side projection 54 comprises an engagement shoulder 56 formed on an
outer surface of the projection and shaped to engage a base of the
corresponding engagement opening 48 on the housing of the first
fastening element 40. The engagement shoulder may form part of an
engagement ridge 55 that provides a gently tapered approach
shoulder 58 facing towards the housing and the more heavily angled
engagement shoulder 56 facing away from the housing. The fastening
elements are engaged by inserting the projections of the second
fastening element 42 into the housing of the first fastening
element 40. The side projections 54 ride into the housing along the
gently tapering approach shoulders 58 before the side projections
snap into place as the engagement shoulders 56 snap into engagement
with the openings 48, 50. In order to release the fastening
elements, it is sufficient to apply inward pressure to the two
engagement ridges 55, disengaging the engagement shoulders 56 and
allowing the fastening elements to be pulled apart.
[0040] Referring again to a single side projection, the engagement
shoulder 56 does not form a right angle with the axis of the
projection 54 but rather comprises a chamfer. The shoulder thus
demonstrates a tapered profile, more heavily angled than the
approach shoulder 58 but falling short of the conventional right
angle employed in known fastening elements. This angled profile of
the engagement shoulder 56 provides a connection between the
engagement shoulder 56 and engagement opening 48 that is less
resistant to tension forces than would be the case with a right
angled shoulder. The profiled engagement shoulder thus provides an
emergency release mechanism, by which the fastening elements 40, 42
will release one another at tensions exceeding a predetermined
threshold value. This threshold value is dictated by the angle at
which the engagement shoulder extends relative to the portion of
the housing 46 that defines the engagement opening 48 with which it
is engaged. The desired threshold value, and hence required angle
of engagement shoulder, may be selected according to the average
strength of a likely user, ensuring that in the event of an
emergency, the user may pull the fastening elements apart, or
indeed the fastening elements will simply disengage should the
tension applied to them exceed the threshold value. This emergency
release mechanism is particularly important in the case of
children's backpacks, where the possibility exists of a
strangulation hazard arising from the loop formed by the seal and
fastening elements. According to the present invention, should such
a situation arise, the fastening elements will either release
automatically under the applied tension, or the child may pull the
fastening elements apart, without needing to locate the engagement
ridges 55 and apply the required inward pressure as well as
tension.
[0041] As discussed above, the threshold tension value at which the
fastening elements disengage may be selected according to the
average strength of the target user, and thus backpacks designed
and sized for very young users may be comprise fastening elements
constructed to release one another at a threshold value that is
considerably lower than that selected for backpacks designed for
older users. The threshold value may for example be between 15 N
and 30 N. According to one embodiment, the threshold value may be
20 N. According to another embodiment the threshold value may be 25
N.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment of
fastening elements 140, 142 is illustrated, in which the engagement
ridge 155, comprising engagement shoulder 156 and approach shoulder
158, is formed on the central projection 152 of the second
fastening element 142. A corresponding engagement opening 148 is
formed on the housing 146 of the first fastening element 140. This
embodiment of fastening element functions substantially as
described above, inward pressure on the engagement ridge 155
allowing disengagement of the fastening elements. Similarly, the
engagement shoulder 156 is chamfered to allow release of the
fastening elements at tensions exceeding a threshold value.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 11, a second embodiment of
backpack 60 according to the present invention also comprises a bag
62 defining a storage volume 64, a closure 66, back pad 68 and
shoulder straps 70, 72. The bag 62 is mounted on the back pad 68 as
in the first embodiment. The closure 66 operates substantially as
described above with reference to the first embodiment, a collar 74
of flexible material being folded upon itself to form a seal and
then the ends curved towards one another and fastened via fastening
elements. In contrast to the first embodiment, the first and second
fastening elements 80, 82 of the second embodiment of back pack 60
each comprise central and side projections, as described above with
respect to the second fastening element 42 of the first embodiment.
The side projections comprise engagement ridges 95 having
engagement shoulders 96. Each of the first and second fastening
elements 80, 82 is operable to be received in a dedicated double
housing formed on a third fastening element 100. The third
fastening element 100 is mounted via a loop 102 on the back pad 68
at an upper limit of the back pad, and hence immediately adjacent
the base of the collar 74, where the collar 74 extends from the
rest of the bag 62 above the back pad 68 and shoulder straps 70,
72. The third fastening element 100 is illustrated in detail in
FIGS. 9 and 10 and comprises a double housing 86, allowing entry
from two opposed sides of the housing and comprising double sized
engagement openings 88, 90. Each engagement opening 88, 90 is of
sufficient size to admit two engagement ridges 95, one from each of
the first and second fastening elements 80, 82.
[0044] The backpack 60 of the second embodiment is sealed by
folding the collar 74 as described above and fastening the ends of
the folded or rolled collar together via the first, second and
third fastening elements 80, 82, 100. In this manner, the creation
of a loop that might represent a strangulation hazard is avoided as
the third fastening element is both essential for joining the ends
of the seal, and so forming the loop, and also securely anchors the
otherwise free part of the loop to the back pad 68. The anchored
loop cannot therefore be closed around a child's neck. According to
one embodiment, the engagement shoulders 96 of the first and second
fastening elements 80, 82 may comprise chamfers as described with
reference to the first embodiment, thus providing the additional
safety feature of an emergency release mechanism. Although not
illustrated, the first and second fastening elements 80, 82 of the
second embodiment may also take the form illustrated in FIGS. 7 and
8, with the third fastening element comprising an appropriate
double engagement opening. It will also be appreciated that any
other of the features described in relation to the first embodiment
of backpack 20 may be incorporated into the second embodiment of
backpack 60, and vice versa.
* * * * *