U.S. patent application number 14/562372 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for bag with multiple access points.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy J. Ford.
Application Number | 20160157588 14/562372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54849991 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160157588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ford; Timothy J. |
June 9, 2016 |
BAG WITH MULTIPLE ACCESS POINTS
Abstract
A backpack includes a main storage compartment and possibly a
plurality of accessory storage compartments that are accessible by
opening any one or more side walls. The side walls are connected by
zippers that converge at a centralized access point, such that
zones or spaces of the backpack are accessible in a focused
manner.
Inventors: |
Ford; Timothy J.; (Portland,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54849991 |
Appl. No.: |
14/562372 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/657 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0095 20130101;
A45C 13/103 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C 13/1092
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A backpack comprising: a main compartment including a top end
and a bottom end and defined by a set of walls comprising a top
side wall at least partially defining the top end, a bottom side
wall at least partially defining the bottom end, a left side wall,
a right side wall, and a back wall that connects to each of the
top, the bottom, the left, and the right side walls, wherein one or
more shoulder straps extend along the back wall, and wherein each
wall of the set of walls includes a respective portion that
converges at a centralized wall junction positioned between the top
end and the bottom end when the set of walls are in a closed
configuration; a first zipper that connects the top side wall to
the left side wall; a second zipper that connects the top side wall
to the right side wall; a third zipper that connects the bottom
side wall to the left side wall; a fourth zipper that connects the
bottom side wall to the right side wall; wherein each of the first,
the second, the third, and the fourth zipper includes a respective
first end that terminates near the back wall and a respective
second end that terminates near the centralized wall junction.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein at least one wall of the set of
walls includes one or more storage compartments positioned on a
surface that faces an interior of the main compartment when all of
the first, the second, the third, and the fourth zipper are
closed.
3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first
zipper and at least a portion of the third zipper are substantially
aligned when closed and wherein at least a portion of the second
zipper and at least a portion of the fourth zipper are
substantially aligned when closed.
4. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the respective portion of at
least one wall includes a trapezoidal-shaped portion that meets
near the centralized wall junction.
5. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the respective portion of at
least one wall includes a substantially triangular-shaped portion
with a vertex that meets near the centralized wall junction.
6. The backpack of claim 5, wherein, when all of the first zipper,
the second zipper, the third zipper, and the fourth zipper are
closed, said first, said second, said third, and said fourth zipper
together substantially form an `X` pattern.
7. The backpack of claim 6, wherein opening any two adjacent
zippers selected from the first zipper, the second zipper, the
third zipper, and the fourth zipper releases one of the top side
wall, the bottom side wall, the left side wall, or the right side
wall.
8. The backpack of claim 7, wherein when any wall of the set of
walls is released, the any wall is positionable in a substantially
same geometric plane as the back wall.
9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the one or more shoulder straps
includes a first strap end disposed at the top end of the bag and a
second strap end disposed along a respective side of the
backpack.
10. The backpack of claim 9, wherein the second strap end is
adjustable to modify a size of the shoulder strap.
11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the respective portion of the
top side wall that converges at the centralized wall junction
includes an edge of the top side wall, wherein the respective
portion of the bottom side wall that converges at the centralized
wall junction includes an edge of the bottom side wall, wherein the
respective portion of the left side wall that converges at the
centralized wall junction includes a vertex of a trapezoidal-shaped
portion of the left side wall, and wherein the respective portion
of the right side wall that converges at the centralized wall
junction includes a vertex of a trapezoidal-shaped portion of the
right side wall.
12. A backpack that includes a back wall configured to be worn
adjacent to a user's back and a front wall generally opposing the
back wall, the backpack comprising: a centralized wall junction
positioned in a central region of the front wall; a top wall
coupled to a top portion of the back wall, the top wall including a
first wall portion that meets at the centralized wall junction and
that forms part of the front wall; a first side wall releasably
coupled to a first edge of the top wall by a first zipper and
coupled to a first side portion of the back wall, wherein the first
side wall includes a second wall portion that meets at the
centralized wall junction and that forms part of the front wall,
and wherein the first zipper includes a first end that terminates
at the centralized wall junction; a second side wall releasably
coupled to a second edge of the top wall by a second zipper and
coupled to a second side portion of the back wall, wherein the
second side wall includes a third wall portion that meets at the
centralized wall junction and that forms part of the front wall,
and wherein the second zipper includes a second end that terminates
at the centralized wall junction; a bottom wall with a third edge
releasably coupled to the first side wall by a third zipper and
with a fourth edge releasably coupled to the second side wall by a
fourth zipper, the bottom wall including a fourth wall portion that
meets at the centralized wall junction and that forms part of the
front wall, the bottom wall at least partially enclosing a storage
zone of the backpack that is accessible by opening the third
zipper, the fourth zipper, or both the third zipper and the fourth
zipper.
13. The backpack of claim 12 further comprising a retention
mechanism affixed to the first wall portion of the top wall and to
the fourth wall portion of the bottom wall, the retention mechanism
releasably connecting the top wall and the bottom wall.
14. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the retention mechanism
releasable connects the top wall to the bottom wall near the
centralized wall junction.
15. The backpack of claim 12, wherein one or more of the top wall,
the first side wall, and the second side wall includes at least one
storage pocket.
16. The backpack of claim 12 wherein at least one of the one or
more storage compartments comprises a releasable fastener for
selectively closing the at least one of the one or more storage
compartments.
17. A backpack that includes a top end, a bottom end, a back wall
configured to be worn adjacent to a user's back, a storage
compartment at least partially defined by the back wall, and at
least one shoulder strap with a first end connected near the top
end and a second end connected near the bottom end, the backpack
comprising: a top wall; a first side wall; a second side wall; a
bottom wall; a first zipper connecting the top wall to the first
side wall; a second zipper connecting the first side wall to the
bottom wall; a third zipper connecting the bottom wall to the
second side wall; a fourth zipper connecting the second side wall
to the top wall; wherein the storage compartment is configured in a
closed state when the first zipper, the second zipper, the third
zipper, and the fourth zipper are closed; wherein the storage
compartment includes a first pocket and a second pocket; wherein
the first pocket is accessible when the first zipper and the second
zipper are open; wherein the second pocket is accessible when the
third zipper and the fourth zipper are open; and wherein the first,
the second, the third, and the fourth zipper terminate near a
central region generally opposing the back wall and positioned
between the top end and the bottom end.
18. The backpack of claim 17 wherein each of the top wall, first
side wall, second side wall, and bottom wall include a
substantially triangular-shaped portion.
19. The backpack of claim 18 wherein, when all of the first zipper,
the second zipper, the third zipper, and the fourth zipper are
closed, said first, said second, said third, and said fourth zipper
together substantially form an `X` pattern.
20. The backpack of claim 19 further comprising a retention
mechanism affixed to the top wall and to the bottom wall, the
retention mechanism releasably connecting the top wall and the
bottom wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application is related to a bag, such as a
backpack.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes,
among other things, a backpack that is accessible by opening one or
more side walls, which are releasably interconnected by a set of
fasteners (such as zippers). The fasteners meet at a junction near
a central region of the outward-facing portion of the backpack.
[0004] Another aspect of the present invention includes a backpack
with a main compartment including a top end and a bottom end. The
main compartment is defined by a set of walls, including a top side
wall that at least partially defines the top end, a bottom side
wall that at least partially defines the bottom end, a left side
wall, and a right side wall. The main compartment also includes a
back wall that connects to each of the top, the bottom, the left,
and the right side walls. The backpack also includes one or more
shoulder straps that extend along the back wall. Each wall of the
set of walls that define the main compartment includes a portion,
respectively, that converges at a centralized wall junction. The
centralized wall junction is positioned between the top end and the
bottom end of the backpack when the set of walls are in a closed
configuration. The backpack includes at least four zippers: a first
zipper that connects the top side wall to the left side wall; a
second zipper that connects the top side wall to the right side
wall; a third zipper that connects the bottom side wall to the left
side wall; and a fourth zipper that connects the bottom side wall
to the right side wall. Each of the four zippers includes a
respective first end that terminates near the back wall and a
respective second end that terminates near the centralized wall
junction.
[0005] An additional aspect of the present invention includes a
backpack with a back wall configured to be worn adjacent to a
user's back and a front wall generally opposing the back wall. The
backpack includes a centralized wall junction positioned in a
central region of the front wall, which is constructed of a set of
walls that meet at the centralized wall junction. A top wall is
coupled to a top portion of the back wall and includes a first wall
portion that meets at the centralized wall junction. In addition, a
first side wall is releasably coupled to a first edge of the top
wall by a first zipper and is coupled to a first side portion of
the back wall. A second side wall is releasably coupled to a second
edge of the top wall by a second zipper and is coupled to a second
side portion of the back wall. Each of the first side wall and
second side wall includes a second and third wall portion,
respectively, that meets at the centralized wall junction. The
backpack includes a bottom wall with a third edge that is
releasably coupled to the first side wall by a third zipper and
with a fourth edge releasably coupled to the second side wall by a
fourth zipper. The bottom wall includes a fourth wall portion that
meets at the centralized wall junction. Each of the first, second,
third, and fourth wall portions forms part of the front wall. Each
of the zippers includes a respective end that terminates at the
centralized wall junction. Additionally, the bottom wall at least
partially encloses a storage zone of the backpack that is
accessible by opening the third zipper, the fourth zipper, or both
the third zipper and the fourth zipper.
[0006] A further aspect of the present invention includes a
backpack that includes a top end, a bottom end, a back wall
configured to be worn adjacent to a user's back, a storage
compartment at least partially defined by the back wall, and at
least one shoulder strap with a first end connected near the top
end and a second end connected near the bottom end. The backpack
also includes a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall,
and a bottom wall. In addition to other elements, the backpack
includes four zippers: a first zipper connecting the top wall to
the first side wall; a second zipper connecting the first side wall
to the bottom wall; a third zipper connecting the bottom wall to
the second side wall; and a fourth zipper connecting the second
side wall to the top wall. When the zippers are closed, the storage
compartment is configured in a closed state. Additionally, the
storage compartment includes a first pocket and a second pocket.
The first pocket is accessible when the first zipper and the second
zipper are open. The second pocket is accessible when the third
zipper and the fourth zipper are open. Each of the zippers
terminates near a central region that generally opposes the back
wall and is positioned between the top end and the bottom end.
[0007] Aspects of the invention are defined by the claims below,
not this summary. This summary merely provides a high-level
overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces a
selection of concepts that are further described below in the
detailed-description section. This summary is not intended to
identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine
the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention is described in detail herein with
reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated
herein by reference, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a backpack in accordance with an aspect
hereof;
[0010] FIG. 2A-2B depict the backpack of FIG. 1 with shoulder
straps in accordance with an aspect hereof;
[0011] FIGS. 3-4, 5A, and 5B depict the backpack of FIG. 1 with
some walls releasably connected by fasteners and some walls opened
in accordance with an aspect hereof;
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts the backpack of FIG. 1 with a main
compartment in an open arrangement in accordance with an aspect
hereof;
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts items stowed within the main compartment in
accordance with an aspect hereof; and
[0014] FIG. 8 depicts the stowed items of FIG. 7 with a releasably
connected wall in an open arrangement in accordance with an aspect
hereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The subject matter of aspects of the present invention is
described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements.
But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the
scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be
embodied or carried out in other ways to include different elements
or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this
document, in conjunction with other present or future
technologies.
[0016] Aspects hereof provide a bag that includes a main storage
compartment that is accessible by opening any one or more side
walls. Each side wall is releasably fastened to each adjacent side
walls by way of a zipper or any other releasable fastener (e.g.,
hook-and-loop strips, snaps, buttons, hooks, and the like). The
backpack might also include one or more accessory storage
compartments constructed into the one or more side walls or into a
back wall.
[0017] The main storage compartment generally includes a storage
space that is larger than the accessory storage compartments and
that might include one or more additional storage pockets
accessible from inside the storage space or outside the storage
space. The accessory storage compartments are generally separated
from the storage space of the main storage compartment and might be
used to stow various items, such as athletic balls, footwear,
towels, uniforms, sports drinks, sports supplements, and the like.
The terms "storage" and "stowage" might be used interchangeably in
this description, as well as the terms "storage area,"
"compartment," and "storage space." In addition, accessory storage
compartments may also be referred to herein as "accessory
compartments," "accessory pockets," "storage pockets," or just
"pockets" (e.g., items 48A-G in FIGS. 3-6).
[0018] In a further aspect the bag is wearable as a backpack. For
instance, the bag might include one or more straps that can be worn
on one or both shoulders. In one aspect, the backpack is designed
such that items stored in the main storage compartment are
accessible by opening the releasable fasteners securing any one or
more of the side walls. Access may be allowed from the top, bottom,
left, or right side of the backpack or any combination thereof, as
opposed to limiting access from the top end of the backpack. Items
stored within the accessory storage compartments are also
accessible by opening any one or more of the fasteners or side
walls.
[0019] In an additional aspect, releasable fasteners and side walls
meet near a centralized region when the bag is in a closed
arrangement. As such, selectively opening one or more of the
fasteners or side walls provides focused access to particular zones
within the various storage compartments (e.g., bottom, side,
central, etc.) without splaying open the entire backpack. In
addition, opening the releasable fasteners that secure any one of
the side wall may allow the released side wall to be positioned
within a substantially same geometric plane as the back wall, and
opening all of the removable fasteners securing the side walls may
allow the backpack to lie flat in a substantially same geometric
plane (i.e., the bag is configurable into a lay-flat
arrangement).
[0020] Referring now primarily to FIG. 1, some features of a
backpack 10 will be generally described. FIG. 1 depicts a non-worn
state of the backpack 10, such as when the backpack might be set on
a ground surface. Generally the backpack 10 includes a top end 12
and a bottom end 14. FIG. 1 also depicts a front wall 16 that is
comprised of side walls 18 (top), 20 (bottom), 22 (right), and 24
(left). The side walls 18, 20, 22, and 24 are each coupled to a
back wall (hidden from view in FIG. 1, but shown as item 26 in
FIGS. 2A-2B). The front wall 16 generally opposes back wall 26, and
the front wall 16 and back wall 26 at least partially enclose a
main storage compartment (item 28 in FIG. 3).
[0021] In addition, the backpack 10 includes one or more zippers
30, 32, 34, and 36 that provide access to the storage space by way
of the front wall 16. For exemplary purposes, zipper attachments
are described herein and are depicted in the figures; however, any
suitable releasable fastener might also be used to connect portions
of the backpack, such as snaps, hook-and-loop fastening strips,
clips, and the like. FIG. 1 also depicts an optional retention
mechanism 38 that connects top wall 18 to bottom wall 20. For
exemplary purposes, the retention mechanism depicted and described
herein is a clip 38 with a male and female portion; however, any
suitable retention mechanism might also be used such as snaps,
hook-and-loop fastening strips, other clip styles, and the like.
Another retention mechanism (not shown) might also (or
alternatively) be included that connects the side walls 22, 24 to
one another.
[0022] FIG. 1 also depicts a centralized wall junction 40 located
near the central region of front wall 16 where a portion of each
side wall 18, 20, 22, and 24 converges. The portion of each side
wall 18, 20, 22, and 24 that meets at the centralized wall junction
40 may be substantially trapezoidal or triangular in shape. As
such, the portion that meets at the centralized wall junction 40
might be an edge or a vertex of the wall that meets near the
centralized wall junction. For exemplary purposes, side walls 18,
20, 22, and 24 that are generally overall triangular in shape or
trapezoidal in shape are described herein and are depicted in the
figures; however, the shape of the side walls 18, 20, 22, and 24
may also include any other suitable shapes, such as curves,
rectangles, polygons, etc. Further, the overall shape of backpack
10 may generally be trapezoidal, as depicted, or may generally be
any other appropriate shape such as rectangular, ovate, circular,
polygonal, etc. Also, the portion of each wall that meets at the
centralized wall junction might have one type of configuration,
such as triangular or trapezoidal, and other portions of the wall
(e.g., near the back wall) might have a different
configuration.
[0023] As indicated, the centralized wall junction 40 is positioned
in a central region of the front wall 16. That is, the centralized
wall junction 40 is positioned between the top end 12 and the
bottom end 14 and between the left side and right side. Generally,
the centralized wall junction 40 is positioned a first distance
apart from the top end 12 and a second distance apart from the
bottom end 14, and the relative size of the first distance and the
second distance might vary. In one aspect, the centralized wall
junction might be positioned more towards the top end 12 of the
backpack. For example, the first distance might be about one-third
of the second distance. In other aspects, the centralized wall
junction might be positioned more towards a mid-point between the
first end 12 and the second end. For example, the first distance
might be about 50 percent or more of the second distance. And in
another example, the first distance is between about 75 percent and
100 percent of the second distance. When the first distance is 100
percent of the second distance, then the centralized wall junction
is positioned at a mid-point between the top end 12 and the bottom
end 14.
[0024] The backpack in FIG. 1 is depicted in a closed
configuration. Zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 each have a respective
end 30A, 32A, 34A, and 36A that terminates at or near the
centralized wall junction 40. Zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 each also
have a respective end 30B, 32B, 34B, and 36B that terminates at or
near the back wall 26. Each zipper includes a respective zipper
pull that traverses respective zipper teeth from one end to the
other in order to selectively open and close the zipper.
[0025] In one aspect, the alignment of the releasable fasteners
creates an `X` pattern when the backpack is in a closed
configuration. FIG. 1 depicts such an `X` pattern with respective
portions of zipper 30 and zipper 36 substantially aligned and
respective portions of zipper 32 and 34 substantially aligned. The
term `X` pattern connotes a general impression created by the
zippers and the wall portions that meet at the centralized wall
junction. That is, `X` pattern does not necessarily define the
zippers to physically meet or touch at a single point.
[0026] In other aspects, zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 may also not be
substantially aligned or be substantially aligned to form other
configurations at the wall junction that are not depicted, such as
an `H` shape, "t" shape, a cross shape, plus-sign shape, and the
like. In another aspect, the zippers and wall portions that meet at
the centralized panel junction 40 form a Greek pi symbol (i.e.,
`II`), in which the top wall includes a substantially straight edge
that meets at the junction, the side walls include trapezoidal
shaped portions with respective vertices that meet at the junction,
and the bottom wall includes a trapezoidal shaped portion with an
edge that meets at the junction. In other aspects, more than four
zippers might be provided in combination with more than four walls
or panels to create other patterns or designs that meet at a
centralized position, such as a starfish pattern or starburst
pattern.
[0027] The textile of backpack 10 might include various types of
fabric or materials including nonwoven, woven, and multi-layer
woven fabric created using dual-loom technology (e.g., Jacquard
weave). The walls described in FIG. 1, include side walls 18, 20,
22, and 24 and back wall 26 may be integrally woven together as a
single-piece construction or may be separate pieces that are
affixed to one another using various attachment techniques such as
sewing, stitching, adhering, sonic welding and the like, in order
to construct the backpack 10.
[0028] A rear view of the backpack 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B. FIGS. 2A and 2B depict back wall 26, which may be
comprised of zones of varying material, patterns, and/or
thicknesses, such as 26A and 26B. In one aspect, zones 26A may
include additional padding to cushion the wearer's back while zones
26B may have less or no padding to reduce bulk or weight and
increase flexibility. Another nonlimiting possibility includes
having zones of mesh material interspersed with zones of non-mesh
material to provide for increased ventilation for main compartment
28 and for the wearer's back. Zones 26A might be stitched, adhered,
sonic welded, or integrally woven with zones 26B.
[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B also depict shoulder straps 42 that extend
along back wall 26 and are connected at or near the top end 12 and
along respective sides of backpack 10. For exemplary purposes, two
straps are depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B; however, any number of
straps may be provided for lifting, carrying, or securing backpack
10. The shoulder straps 42 may be integrally formed, as depicted in
the figures, or may be separately connected at or near the top end
12 and along respective sides. Straps 42 are depicted as being
coupled to top end 12 and along respective sides of the backpack by
way of the strap-adjustment mechanism 44. In other aspects,
shoulder straps 42 may also be coupled to near the bottom end 14 of
backpack 10 or may be releasably connected to top end 12 of
backpack 10.
[0030] For exemplary purposes, the strap-adjustment mechanism 44
depicted and described herein is a strap buckle 44 that is fixedly
coupled to the strap and that slidably receives a free end of
another strap connected to the side of the backpack. However, any
suitable retention mechanism might also be used such as clips,
snaps, hook-and-loop fastening strips, other clip styles, and the
like, and the straps might be anchored to other portions of the
backpack (e.g., bottom end). Also, the straps might be attached to
the sides or bottom of the backpack in a non-adjustable manner.
Shoulder straps 42 may be comprised of multiple layers of fabrics
or other materials, which may include mesh, polyester, cotton,
foam, silicon, air pockets, or any other fabric, padding material,
or the like. Backpack 10 may also include one or more additional
carrying or support handles 46. In addition, the backpack 10 might
include one or more other belts (e.g., hip, chest, etc.) that wrap
around the user for additional support and load management.
[0031] FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B depict the backpack 10 in a closed
configuration, in which walls and zippers are closed and meet near
a central junction 40. An aspect of the backpack 10 allows zones or
storage spaces of the backpack to be accessed in a focused manner
without having to open the entire backpack. For example, in FIG. 1
a lower zone of the backpack 10 might be generally oriented behind
the bottom wall 20, and zipper 34 or zipper 36 provides access to
the lower zone without having to access the entire backpack. That
is, the lower zone can be accessed to store or retrieve items
without having to reach through a single opening near the top end
12 of the backpack 10. The focused access allows the lower zone to
be targeted without having to blindly reach through other zones,
such as an upper zone behind top wall 18. Features of the backpack
allow for the lower zone, as well as other portions and zones of
the backpack, to be accessed for storage and retrieval in a focused
and efficient manner.
[0032] Turning to FIGS. 3-6 the features of the backpack 10 that
allow for zippers and walls to be selectively opened and closed
will now be described in more detail. This decoupling of some of
the zippers and walls provides access to the main storage
compartment 28 and accessory storage compartments. For example, in
FIG. 3 the backpack 10 of FIG. 1 is shown with top side wall 18 and
right side wall 22 in an open configuration. FIG. 3 depicts zippers
30, 32, and 34 and retention mechanism 38 in an open configuration
with male portion 38A detached from female portion 38B, which
allows the top side wall 18 and right side wall 22 to be positioned
in substantially the same geometric plane as back wall 26.
[0033] The open configuration depicted in FIG. 3 allows access to
main compartment 28 as well as to accessory compartments 48A-C.
More specifically, centrally located spaces within the main
compartment 28 are accessible since the zipper 30 ends near the
centralized junction 40. In addition, lower spaces of the main
compartment 28 (behind bottom wall 20) are also accessible via
zipper 34. Absent the zipper and wall configurations described in
this application, these central and lower spaces are not as easily
accessible in some top-load backpacks.
[0034] In further aspects, these portions of the backpack are
accessible by releasing only some of the zippers or walls. For
example, the main storage compartment 28 and accessory compartment
48C is accessible by only releasing the zipper 30, and lower spaces
of the main compartment 28 might be accessed by only releasing
zipper 34. In addition, only the top side 18 might be opened by
releasing zippers 30 and 32 in order to access a top zone and
central zone of the storage compartment. Such access is possible
regardless of whether the backpack is in a worn or unworn
state.
[0035] Generally, accessory compartment openings might be
releasably fastened by way of zippers (e.g., 50A-D) or any other
appropriate fastener such as snaps, hook-and-loop fastening strips,
clips, and the like. For exemplary purposes, various forms of
accessory pockets 48 are depicted in FIGS. 3-6; however, many other
accessory compartment configurations are also possible, including
compartments designed to secure specific items, such as water
bottles, keys, pens, pencils, cellular phones, towels, athletic
gear, uniforms, footwear, and the like. Accessory compartments may
be comprised of any appropriate fabric or material, such as
polyester, mesh, cotton, rubber, or the like.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrated one manner of accessing certain
compartments of the backpack 10. Another manner of accessing at
least part of the backpack 10 is depicted by FIG. 4, which
illustrates backpack 10 in an open configuration with zippers 32
and 36 open. In this configuration, left side wall 24 may be
positioned into substantially the same geometric plane as back wall
26. The open configuration depicted in FIG. 4 allows focused access
to zones of the main compartment 28 as well as to accessory
compartments 48D-F. In addition, by releasing the zipper 36 access
is provided to a lower zone of the storage compartment (e.g., at
least partially behind bottom side 20).
[0037] Referring to FIG. 5A, another aspect is illustrated
depicting backpack 10 in a partially open configuration with
zippers 34 and 36 open and retention mechanism portion 38A detached
from portion 38B. In this configuration, bottom side wall 20 may be
positioned into the substantially same geometric plane as back wall
26. The open configuration depicted in FIG. 5A allows focused
access to a lower zone of main compartment 28 that is near the
bottom of the backpack 10. Items might be positioned in the lower
zone for various reasons. For example, some items stored in the
backpack 10 might tend to settle near the bottom of the backpack,
whereas other items (e.g., less breakable items) might be
intentionally stored in the lower zone. Zipper 34, zipper 36, or
both zippers 34 and 36 provide focused access to the items
positioned in the lower zone of storage compartment 28 without
having to open other portions of the backpack 10 and without having
to reach through other zones or spaces of the backpack 10 (top
zone).
[0038] In a further aspect depicted in FIG. 5B, the bottom side
wall 20 includes one or more accessory compartments 48G constructed
into an inward facing surface 25, which faces towards the storage
space of the storage compartment and towards the back wall 26 when
the bottom wall 20 is closed. In this respect, the accessory
compartment 48G might be more secure than an external pocket
positioned on an outward facing surface of the bottom side wall 20.
When at least one of zippers 34 and 36 is opened, focused access is
provided to the accessory storage compartment 48G without having to
access the entire backpack.
[0039] In addition, FIG. 5A depicts another accessory storage
compartment 48E constructed into the inward facing surface 27 of
the back panel 26 that faces towards the storage space of the
storage compartment and towards front of the backpack 10. The
accessory compartment 48E might be more secure than an external
pocket positioned on an external surface of the backpack 10. When
at least one of zippers 34 and 36 is opened, access is provided to
the accessory storage compartment 48E without having to access the
entire backpack. In addition, opening one or both side walls 22 and
24 might also provide focused access to the accessory storage
compartment 48E without having to access the entire backpack
10.
[0040] Although the figures depict variations of accessory pockets
or compartments, other stowage mechanisms might also be included in
the main compartment. For example, a footwear-stowage mechanism
might be constructed within the main storage compartment, such as
against the inside surface of the back wall. The footwear-stowage
mechanism might be constructed in a manner to allow for footwear to
be quickly and securely stored and easily retrieved, and in one
aspect, the footwear-stowage mechanism includes one or more
retention straps.
[0041] FIGS. 3-5 depict backpack 10 as being only partially opened,
in order to access zones within the storage compartment 28 and
accessory compartments in a focused manner. In another aspect, FIG.
6 depicts backpack 10 in a lay-flat configuration. In FIG. 6, each
of zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 is unzipped and retention mechanism
portion 38A is detached from portion 38B. In this configuration,
top side wall 18, bottom side wall 20, right side wall 22, and left
side wall 24 are capable of being positioned into substantially the
same geometric plane as back wall 26. A lay-flat arrangement allows
unfettered access to the main compartment 28 and to all accessory
compartments 48A-G at the same time. When in the lay-flat
configuration depicted in FIG. 6, each of the accessory
compartments 48A-G and the main compartment 28 is viewable and
accessible to assist with viewing and organizing items for storage
in the backpack. That is, the lay-flat configuration provides a
comprehensive view of the backpack and its various storage
compartments to assist a user with stowing or accessing items in an
organized fashion.
[0042] Accordingly, the lay-flat configuration is usable to store
items in an organized manner. And as explained in other portion of
this description (e.g., FIGS. 3-5), the zipper and side-wall
configurations of the backpack 10 provide for more focused access
points, such that the various main and accessory compartments are
accessible without opening the entire bag. Such access is possible
regardless of whether the backpack is in a worn or unworn
state.
[0043] To further illustrate features of the backpack 10, FIGS. 7
and 8 include exemplary items 52, 53, and 54 (ghost view in FIG. 7)
that might be stored in the backpack 10. For example, the backpack
10 might have been arranged in a lay-flat configuration in order to
organize items 52, 53, and 54. Alternatively, only portions of the
backpack might have been opened in order to stow the items 52, 53,
and 54.
[0044] In an exemplary scenario opening zippers 32 and 36 enables
side wall 24 to open, as depicted in FIG. 8, allowing access to the
towel 53 and/or ball 54 in the main compartment 28, or access to
food bar 52 in the accessory pocket 48F. In addition, the ball 54
and the bar 52 might be accessed by simply unzipping the zipper 32
between the top panel 18 and the side panel 24. Moreover, the lower
zone of the storage compartment 28 might be accessed by simply
releasing zipper 36 in order to retrieve the towel 53.
[0045] As such, the backpack 10 includes structural features that
enable a user to flexibly stow and retrieve items in either a
comprehensive or focused manner. Items can be stored or accessed in
a comprehensive fashion by utilizing the lay-flat configuration
depicted in FIG. 6. In addition, elements of the backpack 10 enable
more focused storage or access of zones or portions of the backpack
10, such as by selectively opening the backpack in the manner
depicted in FIGS. 3-5 and 8.
[0046] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which
are inherent to the structure.
[0047] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
[0048] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
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