EP3145351A1

EP3145351A1 - Backpack garment system

Info

Publication number: EP3145351A1
Application number: EP15796245.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefano Giuseppe MANGINI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-23
Filing date: 2015-05-15
Publication date: 2017-03-29
Also published as: US20150335081A1; WO2015177696A1; WO2015177696A4; EP3145351A4

Abstract

A backpack comprising a body defining a first cavity for storing items and a second cavity which is separate from the first cavity. A pair of shoulder straps is attached to and extends from the body for mounting the backpack to a user of the backpack. A first garment is attached to the second cavity and received therein. The first garment has one or more actuation means. The second cavity has an opening through which the or each actuation means extends so that the actuation means can be grasped by a user and pulled to urge the first garment out from the second cavity via the opening.

Description

BACKPACK GARMENT SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to backpacks and in particular backpacks which include an attached garment therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Even with advances in modern technology and the advent of smart phones and the like, unexpected adverse weather conditions (such as rain, wind or snow) still catch many people unprepared when they venture outside. In today's world, packing of standard daily items in a backpack or briefcase as well as remembering to include yet another additional item such as a garment or umbrella means that the garment or umbrella is often overlooked and left at home, the office or at school.

Even when a garment such as a jacket is included by a user in their backpack before going outside, if it is necessary to wear the jacket due to rain/wind etc, it can be a cumbersome and relatively inconvenient process to put the jacket on. Typically, it is necessary to place the backpack down, remove the jacket from the backpack, open the jacket, put the jacket on, and retrieve the backpack and place it on the shoulders of the user, before moving on. This process can be difficult where it is crowded, potentially unsafe, and extremely difficult if the user is on a bicycle or motorcycle.

There have been attempts to address the above problem, where a jacket is attached to and stored within in a backpack for later use. However, the jacket/ backpack arrangement of these systems tend not to be waterproof, or are difficult to actually wear in practice, or may be problematic to manufacture. Additionally, such prior art systems have closures for the jacket storage portion which may rust or be otherwise difficult to operate.

SUM MARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the above backpack/ jacket systems which addresses or at least alleviates some of the above deficiencies.

Broadly speaking, the present invention describes several broad forms. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a backpack comprising: a body defining a first cavity for storing items and a second cavity which is separate from the first cavity, a pair of shoulder straps attached to and extending from the body for mounting the backpack to a user of the backpack, a first garment attached to the second cavity and received therein, the first garment comprising one or more actuation means, wherein the second cavity comprises an opening through which the or each actuation means extends so that the actuation means can be grasped by a user and pulled to urge the first garment out from the second cavity via the opening.

The backpack may further comprise a second garment attached to the second cavity and received therein, the second garment comprising one or more actuation means, wherein the second cavity comprises a second opening through which the or each actuation means of the second garment extends so that the actuation means can be grasped by a user and pulled to urge the second garment out from the second cavity via the corresponding opening.

The backpack may further comprise a third cavity and a second garment attached to the third cavity and received therein, the second garment comprising one or more actuation means, wherein the third cavity comprises an opening through which the or each actuation means of the second garment extends so that the actuation means can be grasped by a user and pulled to urge the second garment out from the third cavity via the corresponding opening. The third cavity may be releasably attached to the rest of the body. One or more actuation means may be releasably attached to a corresponding shoulder strap.

The shoulder straps may each comprise guide means arranged to guide the actuation means along the shoulder straps.

The guide means may be arranged to capture the actuation means and permit the actuation means to move relative to the shoulder straps. One or more actuation means may be arranged in relation to the shoulder straps such that, when the backpack is worn by a user, one or more pulling means are located at or around the front of the user.

One or more actuation means may comprise straps or cords. The first cavity and/or the second cavity may comprise at least one flap to cover the corresponding openings.

The first garment may comprise a jacket and/or trousers. The second garment may comprise a jacket and/or trousers. The jacket may comprise a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom to enable the jacket to be worn by a user of the backpack. The jacket may be sized and shaped to cover the rest of the backpack and the upper torso and arms of a user when the backpack is mounted to the user and the jacket is deployed from the second cavity and worn by the user.

The trousers may comprise two legs, and each of the legs may comprise a fastening means which extends down the side of each leg to enable at least a majority of the side of each leg to be split in two.

The second cavity may define a channel which extends through the body from one part of the body to another part of the body to enable drainage of fluid from the second cavity.

One or more cavities may comprise a vent or drainage hole.

According to a second broad form of the present invention, there is provided a waterproof personal carrying system. The system comprises a backpack having a first cavity and at least one further cavity, the at least one further cavity defined by closure means, a waterpoof jacket attached to the further cavity and received therein, the jacket comprising a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom, wherein while the backpack is maintained proximal to the back of the user, actuation means engageable by the user release the closure means of the further cavity for extraction of the jacket and insertion of the arms of the user into the sleeves thereof.

Preferably, the closure means may be formed from first and second flaps, wherein optionally the flaps may include a plurality of magnets extending about the periphery of the flaps, wherein the magnets are engageable with at least a portion of the backpack. The flaps may be further defined by a flexible semi rigid material and maintained in magnetic engagement with the back panel until user actuation. Optionally the flaps may be deformable by the body of the user upon extraction of the jacket from the backpack. Preferably, the actuation means for releasing the closure means extends along the arms of the jacket to the sleeve ends for engagement with the user. Alternatively, the actuation means may be strings which are received in channels defined in the sleeves of the jacket. Waterpoof channels may be embossed in walls of the further cavity to drain liquid therefrom. Preferably, the further cavity may be configured so as to be fluidically isolated from the first cavity.

Preferably, the back panel of the jacket may be sized so as to extend substantially about the backpack when extracted therefrom. Optionally, the jacket may further include a hood. Advantageously, the side panels of the jacket may be sized so as to extend about the side of the user and the backpack when extracted therefrom.

According to a third broad form of the present invention, there is provided an integrally formed backpack/garment. The backpack/garment comprises a backpack having a first cavity and at least one further cavity, the at least one further cavity selectively closeable by closure means, a waterpoof jacket attached to the further cavity and received therein, the jacket comprising a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom, wherein while the backpack is maintained proximal to the back of the user, actuation means engageable by the user release the closure means of the further cavity for extraction of the jacket and insertion of the arms of the user into the sleeves thereof.

Preferably, the waterproof jacket and pocket attached to said jacket for receiving the jacket therein, and the jacket may comprising a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom and the pocket may be engageble with a backpack, and upon engagement of the pocket to the backpack and without removing the backpack from the back of a user, actuation means may be engageable by the user release a closure means of the pocket for extraction of the jacket and insertion of the arms of the user into the sleeves thereof. Preferably, the pocket is defined by closure means which comprise first and second flaps. Advantageously the flaps may include a plurality of magnets extending about the periphery of the flaps, while the magnets may be engageable with at least a portion of the backpack. Optionally, the flaps are defined by a flexible semi rigid material and maybe maintained in magnetic engagement with the back panel until user actuation. Preferably, the actuation means for releasing the closure means extend along the arms of the jacket to the sleeve ends for engagement with the user. Alternatively, the actuation means are strings which are received in channels defined in the sleeves of the jacket. Preferably, the waterpoof channels may be embossed in walls of the further cavity to drain liquid therefrom. Advantageously, the waterproof jacket and pocket may be configured so as to be fluidically isolated from the first cavity. Optionally, the back panel of the jacket may be sized so as to extend substantially about the backpack when extracted therefrom, still further the waterproof jacket and pocket may further include a hood and the side panels of the jacket may be sized so as to extend about the side of the user and the backpack when extracted therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described by the following detailed description of preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the present invention by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration;

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of the front compartment of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2b shows an underplan perspective view together with additional flaps of the compartment of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3a shows a cross-sectional view of the magnet placement in the back panel;

Fig. 3b shows a schematic view of the frame with built-in magnet;

Fig. 3c shows the frame in three-dimensional cross-section; Fig. 3d shows the frame together with flaps in cross-section;

Fig. 4 depicts an opened view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 prior to extraction of the jacket;

Fig. 5a shows an embodiment of the backpack depicted in Fig. 1 in a closed configuration; Fig. 5b shows the embodiment of Fig. 5a in a first partially opened configuration; Fig. 5c depicts the embodiment of Fig. 5a in a second partially opened configuration; Fig. 5d is still a further opened configuration; shows a top view of a user of a user extracting the jacket from the backpack of Fig. 5f is a side view of the fully opened jacket;

Fig. 6a is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6b shows an enlarged sectional view of the drainage arrangement of the backpack depicted in Fig 6a; Fig. 6c shows a partial view of the backpack of Fig. 6a containing an insert; Fig. 6d shows a insert adapted for inclusion in the backpack in top view; Fig. 6e shows the insert of Fig. 6d in bottom view;

Fig. 7a depicts a perspective view of the backpack containing a jacket prior to extraction;

Fig. 7b shows a schematic representation of the attachment between the backpack and the jacket;

Fig. 8a is a side view of the second embodiment of the present invention prior to opening;

Fig. 8b is a partially open state of the embodiment depicted in Fig. 8a;

Fig. 8c depicts the jacket in a further partially opened configuration;

Fig. 8d depicts the jacket in still a further opened configuration; Fig. 8e depicts the final jacket relative to the backpack;

Fig. 9 is a further representation of the embodiment depicted in Figs. 8a to 8e showing the components of the jacket and pack when assembled;

Fig. 10a shows a backpack of the embodiment of Fig 1 including an additional hood;

Fig. 10b is a side view of the embodiment of Fig 10a showing the additional hood; Fig. 11 is a side cross section view of an alternative backpack according to the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a side view of a user wearing the backpack shown in Fig. 11 and preparing to deploy trousers contained therein;

Fig. 13 is a side view of the user shown in Fig. 12 after the trousers have been deployed; and Fig. 14 is a side view of the user shown in Fig. 12 wearing the trousers shown in Fig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. The preferred embodiments include a backpack with an attached jacket for protecting the user and the contents of the backpack from rain wind and the external environment. It would be readily understood by a person skilled in the art that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be suitably configured for use in other applications.

A first broad form of the waterproof personal carrying system of the present invention is depicted in Figs. 1 to 5 and described below.

As shown in the Figures, the backpack 10 includes straps 12 by which the user carries the pack on their back. The backpack 10 includes a first cavity 20 in which the user is able to store the goods to be carried. Optionally this first cavity 20 may be closed through mating zips or other closure systems common in the art. A second cavity 30 located forward of the first cavity 20 and distal to the user's back and includes an insert 32 which is contained therein. The second cavity 20 is defined by flaps 34 which are held in the closed position depicted in Fig. 1 through a closure system 36. In the embodiment depicted the second cavity is defined by waterproof material and an insert, which means that it is fluidically separated from the first cavity. An extraction system 50 assists the user in extraction of the jacket 60 (not shown) from the second cavity 30.

As depicted the extraction system exits the lower portion of the cavity and is attached to the shoulder straps 12 of the backpack. Advantageously (although not visible in Fig 1), this extraction system may be attached with the straps 12 as is detailed below. Preferably there may also be included a drainage system 28 to drain the second cavity to facilitate the drainage of water from a wet jacket which has been packed away into that second cavity.

Referring now to Figs. 2a and 2b, there is depicted the insert 32 which is included within the second cavity 30 of the backpack. In a preferred embodiment, the insert 32 may be formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, or the like so as to define waterproof separation of the front cavity from the rest of the backpack. The insert includes two flaps 34 which are attached at a side seam of the insert by gluing, stitching, a combination of both or through other arrangements known to persons skilled in the art.

The insert includes a channel 38 about a raised centre panel 39 for receiving the jacket 60 (not shown). The raised centre panel and the top portion of the insert also include magnets 37 which are engageable with the peripheral region of the flaps 34.

As shown more particularly in Fig. 2b, the flaps may include a frame 34b in which the magnets are received and which provides form to the material portion of the flaps 34a.

Magnets 37 are located in the insert at positions which correspond to the top and lower sections of the flaps and the central portion of the insert. Corresponding magnets are also located in the periphery of the flaps, at locations corresponding to the magnets in the insert to retain the flap in a closed position through the magnetic interaction. As shown, the magnetic attraction holds the flaps closed so as to form a cavity into which the jacket 60 can be stored. Referring now to Fig. 3a, the insert contains a magnet 37 which is received in a corresponding recesses of the insert 32b and over which the fabric 32c covering the insert may be bonded or attached through stitching or the like.

Referring now to Fig. 3b, there is shown a exemplary depiction of the frame 34b for the flaps 34. The frame 34b as shown depicts the location of the magnets 37 at various points on the periphery of the frame. It would be appreciated that corresponding magnets are located at the top portions of the insert 32 and the central panel for engagement with the magnets shown. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art the actual location of the magnets is not critical, provided that a magnetic closure means is formed by the magnets of both the insert and the flaps at corresponding opposed locations. Referring to Fig. 3c, there is shown a three-dimensional representation of the magnets in location in the enclosure frame 34b depicted in Fig. 3b. The magnets 37 can be seen in the internal channel of the frame.

Referring to Fig. 3d, it can be seen that the internal frame of the flap 34 includes a magnet 37 in an opening 35b as well as fabric 34c so as to define the overall flap 34. Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown an opened schematic representation of the jacket 60 which is contained in the second cavity 30. The flaps 34 and the frame 34b of the flaps can be seen in an opened position. The extraction system 50 includes an end 52 which can be grasped by the hands of a user and a connecting means (such as cord or string) which is connected to a portion of the jacket, and is arranged so as to exit from the lower portion of the second cavity and may run along the shoulder straps 12 when the jacket is inside the pack. These connecting means may be attached to the shoulder straps with a clip or the like (not shown). The raised central panel 39 of the insert is also visible and shown for reference.

The operation of the jacket/backpack of the present invention can be understood more particularly by reference to Figures 5a -5f.

As depicted in Fig. 5a, the user 70 has grasped the engagement means 52 of the extraction system 50 in their hands. As shown, the user has decided it is now time to extract the jacket 60 from the second cavity from which the jacket is contained.

Typically, the engagement means which are grasped by the user and used to extract the jacket from the pack may be a simple ring or handle connected by strings or cords 54 to the jacket itself near to the armholes of the jacket. Optionally, (although not depicted for clarity in the figures) the cord or string 54 may be included in a channel formed in the sleeve to separate it from the arms of the user.

The extraction system, engagement means and cord or strings may be attached to the shoulder straps 12 of the pack, so that they are conveniently located for grasping by the user when the user seeks to extract the jacket from the pack. As shown in Fig. 5b, the flap 34 is pulled opened by the use grasping the extraction system 50 by the engagement means 52 of that system. Upon raising their arms, it can be seen that the flap 34 opens thereby extracting the jacket 60 from the cavity.

As shown in Fig. 5c, the user is then able to further elevate their arms to fully extract the jacket from the second cavity. As shown in Figs. 5c and 5d, further pulling of the extraction system allows the user to bring the armholes of the jacket 60 into a position in which the user can insert their arms. It is noted that the backpack straps are still located about the user's shoulders, and the user has not needed to remove the backpack from their back.

Referring to the top view of the system shown in Fig. 5e, the user 70 has grasped the end 52 of the extraction system 50 and has extracted the jacket 60 from the second cavity 30 of the pack. It can be seen that the sleeves 62 of the jacket 60 are engaged with the extraction system. The flap portion 34 and the insert 32 are shown in dotted relief as an indication of their location during operation. The raised central panel 39 and the surrounding channels 38 are shown for further reference. Fig. 5f depicts a jacket when fully opened and worn by the user. It can be seen from Fig. 5f that the sleeves 62 of the jacket 60 are external of the straps 12 which are shown in dotted line representation. The first compartment 20 is visible in dotted line representation as well as the second compartment 30 and flaps 34.

Importantly, as would be appreciated from the depiction of the waterproof personal carrying system of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5f, the person, the backpack, and the flaps and all aspects of the jacket are protected from the external environment. This has been accomplished without the user needing to remove the pack from their back.

In this embodiment shown in Fig 5f, an optional hood 64 is included on the jacket. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that such a hood is an optional feature.

Referring now to Figs. 6 to 10, there is depicted a second embodiment of the waterproof personal carrying system (backpack/ jacket) of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 6a, a backpack 110 has a first cavity 120 which is closed through a zip 122. The backpack 110 also has a second compartment 130 also closed by a zipper or closure means. The backpack 110 has straps 112 for securing the pack to the back of a user. The pack also has a third cavity 140 which is secured by a zip 140.

The second cavity 130, is closed by a panel of fabric which is secured to releasably cover the second cavity. This opening can be either part of the front panel, the top panel or may be included as a subsequently modified panel in the backpack. Referring to Fig. 6b, there is shown an embodiment 160 of the drainage system by which water can be drained from the second cavity.

As depicted, the drainage channel may be formed/ embossed in the insert as shown. The channel or depression may be surrounded by a waterproof material 172 to direct water from the cavity (and from storage of a wet jacket after use) through the drainage hole. Referring to Fig. 6c, a frame may be included inside the second cavity 130 which may be accessible through the ejection opening 132. The insert 134 can be formed from a rigid, or semi-rigid material such as plastic, Kevlar, or the like. In the embodiment shown, the insert is made from a waterproof material so that the inside of the second cavity containing the jacket is fluidically isolated from the first cavity of the backpack.

The insert 134 may be received in corresponding stitched compartment of the second cavity 130. As depicted in the Figure, the insert is sized and arranged in such a way so as to define a tapered opening in which the jacket of the present invention may be received.

Persons skilled in the art would appreciate that the shape of the insert depicted is representative only and variations of the shape could be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The panel 134 can also be seen in under plan view as shown in Figs. 6d-6e, in which the opening 136 and the lower portion 138 of the panel are visible.

Referring to Fig. 7a, the backpack of Figs. 6a and 6c is depicted, with a representative jacket 160 depicted therein.

As is depicted in Fig. 7b, the jacket 160 may be secured to the pack 110 through a number of different arrangements. As shown, the jacket is attached to the backpack through a strip 164 which attaches to the pack and the jacket. In particular, the end 166 of the strip 164 may include Velcro™ or the like which is attached to a corresponding region formed on the jacket 160. Alternatively, it would be appreciated that the jacket may be removably attached to the pack, for example by way of stitching the strip to the jacket. Other arrangements would also be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown in the operation and extraction of the jacket from the backpack according to the second embodiment of the present invention is depicted with reference to Figs. 8a to 8e. As shown in Fig. 8a, the user 170 engages the extraction means 150 in their hands. This extraction means include a cord or string 152 which is attached to the jacket. In the arrangement depicted in Fig. 8a, this cord or string runs into the jacket which is sought in the second cavity 130. Optionally, the cord or string may be included or restrained inside separate channels which are defined in the sleeves of the jacket.

Referring to Fig. 8b, after the user has grasped the extraction means 150, the user is able to raise their arms so as to extract the jacket from the second cavity 130. Referring to Fig. 8c, the backpack 110 is shown in dotted line outline for reference only. It would be appreciated that the back and side panels of the jacket are at this point out of the second cavity 120 with the armholes 164 of the sleeve visible. Referring to 8d, the user has inserted a left arm into the armhole 164 of the jacket 160 whilst grasped in the extraction mechanism 150. It can be seen that the user's arm will then enter the rest of the sleeve portion 166 of the jacket.

Referring to the top view of the system shown in Fig. 8e, the user 170 has grasped the end 152 of the extraction system 150 and has extracted the jacket 60 from the second cavity 130 of the pack via the opening 132.

It can be seen that the sleeves 162 of the jacket 160 are engaged with the extraction system. The opening 132 and the insert 134 are shown in dotted relief as an indication of their location during operation. After the jacket has been extracted, it can be seen that by referring to Fig. 8f, the backpack and its contents therein are protected from the external environment. In addition, the user is also protected from inclement whether affecting them, including rain or wind. In the embodiment depicted, the jacket 160 includes a hood portion 168 which protects their head from the elements. The hood portion 168 may also further include reflective patches to increase its visibility.

Referring to the extraction method detailed in Figs. 8a to 8f, it can be seen that the user is able to grasp the extraction means (rings or toggles etc) to extract the jacket from the second cavity 130. The user is able to extract the jacket 160 without having to place the backpack on the ground, turn around face the backpack, unzip the pack and place the jacket on. Accordingly, there is no need in the waterproof personal carrying system of the present invention for the user to take off the pack.

It would be appreciated that the arrangement depicted in Fig. 8f shows the user and the pack both extremely well protected from the elements with the fabric of the back and side portions of the jacket extending so as to substantially cover both the backpack and the user.

Referring now to Fig. 9, there is depicted a representation of the panels and cut used in the jacket and waterproof personal carrying system of the present invention.

It would be appreciated that the size and shape of the panels 67 of the pack and the size and shape of the panels of the jacket are configured such that the jacket extends substantially about both the user and the backpack, whilst the user is wearing the backpack. It would be appreciated that a typical jacket would be made up of a back panel and side panels which have an entirely different profile to the jacket of the present invention. In particular, it is necessary to have different shaped side and back panels so as to enclose both the user and the backpack when the jacket has been extracted from the backpack. Referring to Figs 10a and 10b, there is shown further views of the jacket 60,160 of either the first or second embodiment including an optional hood 168. The backpack is shown in dotted relief, protected from the elements and inclement weather through the jacket which extends about both the user and the backpack. In the embodiment depicted, the user has a motorcycle helmet on top of the hood, ready for operation of a motorcycle in wet conditions, safe in the knowledge that the user and the contents of the backpack will remain dry.

Preferably, the flaps may be made from a flexible polyurethane panel, which may be moulded to include light weight rare earth or ordinary magnets therein. Alternatively, depending on specific requirements, stronger material such as plastic, aluminium or the like may be included in the frame material of the flaps, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It would be appreciated that the jacket 60 may be attached to the second cavity 30 along a bottom scene thereof or in a permanent or removable arrangement. In exemplary embodiment this attachment may be through using glues, zips, or through the ease of press studs (e.g. snap locked devices) or other suitable attachment means.

It would also be appreciated that the arrangement and location of the magnets in the closure means of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and a variety of other arrangements which could similarly effect closure of the flaps. Preferably, the flaps are deformable so as to open the second cavity 30 upon user's actuation of the extraction system. The strings or cord of the extraction system may in certain embodiments, extend along the arms of the jacket to the sleeve for engagement with the user.

Optionally, waterproof channels may be formed in the walls of the second cavity 30, in order to drain the liquid from the backpack, particularly when a wet jacket has been folded up into the second cavity. Referring to Figs 11 to 14, in an alternative embodiment, the backpack 210 comprises a body defining a first cavity 220 within which items may be stored such as books, laptops, stationery and the like. Access to the first cavity is permitted via an opening which is closeable via a fastening means such as a zip. The body further defines a second cavity 230 which is separate from the first cavity 220 and arranged at the base of the backpack 210. The part of the body defining the second cavity 230 may be integrally formed with the rest of the body of the backpack 210 or it may be releasably attached to the rest of the body via, for example, Velcro. Access to the second cavity 230 is permitted via an opening formed in the base of the backpack 210. A flap 280 is arranged at the base of the backpack 210 and arranged to close or open the cavity 230. A pair of trousers 260 made from waterproof material is attached to and contained within the second cavity 230. The trousers 260 are attached to the inner lining of the flap 280 of the second cavity 230 by a strap 282. The trousers 260 comprise two leg covering portions which are each split along their respective outer seams. The two leg portions comprise a fastening means such as a zip which permits the split of each leg portion to be opened or closed depending upon whether or not the trousers 260 are desired to be in a worn or stored configuration.

An exemplary extraction mechanism 250 depicted comprises a pair of straps or cords 254 which extend from the waistband of the trousers 260. Each of the cords 254 comprises an engagement means 252 in the form of a toggle or ring to facilitate grasping of the cords 254 by a user. In the stored configuration whereby the trousers 260 are rolled up and stored within the second cavity 260, the two cords 254 extend out from the second cavity 260 via the opening to permit a user to grasp and pull the cords 254. The cords 254 are arranged to extend from the opening such that the ends 252 of the cords 254 are positioned close to the users body when the backpack is worn by the user as shown in Fig. 12.

In use, when the backpack 210 is worn by a user and it is desired to wear the trousers, as shown in Fig. 12, the user grasps the ends 252 of the two cords 254 and pulls the cords away and forward from the backpack 210. This action forces the flap 280 to open and pulls the trousers 260 out from the second cavity 230.

The trousers 260 are then in a deployed state as shown in Fig. 13 whereby they hang from the backpack via the connecting strap 282. Since the zips of the leg portions are in an open configuration, the user inserts his legs through the leg cuffs at the base of the trousers and wraps the trousers around himself. Clasps at the waistband of the trousers 260 allows the user to close the waistband loop around his waist. When the user's legs are through the respective leg cuffs and the waistband is closed around his waist, the user zips up the two seams of the leg portions to close the trousers around his legs as shown in Fig. 13. The deploying and wearing operation can all be completed without the need to remove the backpack 210.

When it is desired to remove the trousers 260, the user unzips the seams, detaches the waistband clasps to split the waistband and removes his legs from the trouser cuffs. The user then rolls the trousers up into a storage configuration, reinserts the trousers into the second cavity 230 and closes the flap 280. The two cords 254 are arranged to extend once more from the second cavity 230 so that the trousers can be easily redeployed if necessary.

It will be appreciated that the trouser embodiment could be combined with the jacket embodiments described above. The trousers and jacket could be arranged in a common cavity with both garment's respective actuation straps or cords extending from the common cavity ready for either or both garments to be easily deployed. Alternatively, the backpack could comprise a separate cavity for each garment. In this arrangement, the jacket could be attached to a cavity arranged toward the top of the backpack with actuation straps or cords extending therefrom and the trousers could be attached to a cavity arranged in the base of the backpack with actuation straps or cords extending therefrom. Advantageously, a user of such a backpack could optionally deploy trousers and/or a jacket depending upon the severity of the weather and the extent to which the user would like to be protected from the elements. It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sizing and cut of the jacket and/or trousers would need to be adapted for the extra length and girth of a user who is also wearing a backpack.

The present invention allows for a user to extract the jacket and/or trousers contained therein without needing to remove the backpack from their back. This is particularly important where the user is walking, standing or sitting on a stationery motorcycle or bicycle. In particular, in a latter situation, it can be difficult and possibly dangerous to attempt to extract a garment such as a jacket or trousers from a pack whilst mounted on these vehicle.

In addition, the present invention allows the users to protect both themselves and the contents of their backpack from the external environment from rain or in inclement weather. The exclusion of the water from the external environment from both the user and the contents of the backpack provide security and reliability for the carrying of the delicate electronic components such as mobile phones, laptop computer or the like. In the jacket/ carrying system depicted in embodiment one, the flaps are magnetically engageable with the frame of the pack. This allows the user to easily and quickly extract the jacket from the backpack by overcoming the magnetic engagement of the flaps with the frame. Certain embodiments of the invention have been tested where it is possible for the user to extract the jacket from backpack whilst operating a moving bicycle. It is appreciated that operation of the invention this way would depend upon the safety of the specific situation.

Advantageously, if the insert is made from a waterproof material, the jacket or trousers can be reinserted into the pack without drying. In particular, whether insert is a waterproof material, the pack may include a drainage channel for drainage the material from the jacket and/or trousers. Preferably, this drainage channel is shaped and configured such that it drains away the water from the user which may be flowing from the wet jacket.

Advantageously, the frame of the insert and corresponding flaps may be produced from multiple materials including corduroy, canvas and the like fitted across resilient and flexible plastic, PU or PET frame. This means that the insert and magnetic flaps of the present invention may be able to be retrofitted to other backpack with reduced cost.

Using a flexible yet resilient polyurethane or other plastic frame together with magnets allows for a bendable, yet defined closure mechanism. In contrast to securing the flaps with Velcro, or snap lock connectors, the magnetic closure system on the flexible frame allows easy extraction and at the same time maintains firm closure of the second cavity.

While the present invention has been explained by reference to the examples or preferred embodiments described above, it will be appreciated that those are examples to assist understanding of the present invention and are not meant to be restrictive. Variations or modifications which are obvious or trivial to persons skilled in the art, as well as improvements made thereon, should be considered as equivalents of this invention.

Furthermore, while the present invention has been explained by reference to three embodiments, and specific configurations of the extraction system depicted therein, it should be appreciated that the invention can apply, whether with or without modification, to other arrangements without loss of generality.

Claims

1. A backpack comprising:

a body defining a first cavity for storing items and a second cavity which is separate from the first cavity,

a pair of shoulder straps attached to and extending from the body for engagement of the backpack with a user of the backpack,

a first garment attached to the second cavity and received therein, the first garment comprising one or more actuation means,

wherein the second cavity has an opening through which the or each actuation means extends so that the actuation means can be grasped by a user and pulled to urge the first garment out from the second cavity via the opening.

wherein the second cavity has an opening through which the or each actuation means extends for urging of the first garment from the second cavity via the opening upon pulling of the actuation means by the user.

2. A backpack as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a second garment attached to the second cavity and received therein, the second garment comprising one or more actuation means, wherein the second cavity comprises a second opening through which the or each actuation means of the second garment extends so that the actuation means urges the second garment out from the second cavity via the corresponding opening upon pulling by the user.

3. A backpack as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a third cavity and a second garment attached to the third cavity and received therein, the second garment comprising one or more actuation means, wherein the third cavity comprises an opening through which the or each actuation means of the second garment extends so that the actuation means can be grasped by a user and pulled to urge the second garment out from the third cavity via the corresponding opening.

4. A backpack as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third cavity is releasably attached to the rest of the body.

5. A backpack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more actuation means are releasably attached to a corresponding shoulder strap.

6. A backpack as claimed in claim 5, wherein the shoulder straps each comprise guide means arranged to guide the actuation means along the shoulder straps.

7. A backpack as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guide means are arranged to entrain the actuation means and permit the actuation means to move relative to the shoulder straps.

8. A backpack as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein one or more actuation means are arranged in relation to the shoulder straps such that, when the backpack is worn by a user, one or more pulling means are located at or around the front of the user.

9. A backpack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more actuation means are straps or cords.

10. A backpack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first cavity and/or the second cavity have at least one flap to cover the corresponding openings.

1 1. A backpack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first garment comprises a jacket and/or trousers.

12. A backpack as claimed in claim 1 1 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second garment comprises a jacket and/or trousers.

13. A backpack as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the jacket comprises a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom to enable the jacket to be worn by a user of the backpack.

14. A backpack as claimed in claim 13, wherein the jacket is sized and shaped to cover the rest of the backpack and the upper torso and arms of a user when the backpack is mounted to the user and the jacket is deployed from the second cavity and worn by the user.

15. A backpack as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the trousers comprise two legs, and wherein each of the legs comprises a fastening means which extends down the side of each leg to enable at least a majority of the side of each leg to be split in two.

16. A backpack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second cavity defines a channel which extends through the body from one part of the body to another part of the body to enable drainage of fluid from the second cavity.

17. A backpack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more cavities comprises a vent or drainage hole.

18. A waterproof personal carrying system, the system comprising a backpack having a first cavity and at least one further cavity, the at least one further cavity defined by closure means, a waterpoof jacket attached to the further cavity and received therein, the jacket comprising a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom, wherein while the backpack is maintained proximal to the back of the user, actuation means engageable by the user release the closure means of the further cavity for extraction of the jacket and insertion of the arms of the user into the sleeves thereof.

19. A waterproof personal carrying system according to claim 18 wherein the closure means comprises first and second flaps.

20. A waterproof personal carrying system according to claim 19 including a plurality of magnets extending about the periphery of the flaps, wherein the magnets are engageable with at least a portion of the backpack.

21. A waterproof personal carrying system according to claim 20 wherein flaps are defined by a flexible semi rigid material.

22. A waterproof personal carrying system any one of the claims 20 wherein the flaps maintained in magnetic engagement with the back panel until user actuation.

23. A waterproof personal carrying system according to claim 19 wherein the flaps are deformable by the body of the user upon extraction of the jacket from the backpack.

24. A waterproof personal carrying system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuation means for releasing the closure means extend along the arms of the jacket to the sleeve ends for engagement with the user.

25. A waterproof personal carrying system according to claim 24 wherein the actuation means are strings which are received in channels defined in the sleeves of the jacket.

26. A waterproof personal carrying system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein waterpoof channels are embossed in walls of the further cavity to drain liquid therefrom.

27. A waterproof personal carrying system any one of the preceding claims wherein a further cavity is configured so as to be fluidically isolated from the first cavity.

28. A waterproof personal carrying system any one of the preceding claims wherein the back panel of the jacket is sized so as to extend substantially about the backpack when extracted therefrom.

29. A waterproof personal carrying system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the jacket further includes a hood.

30. A waterproof personal carrying system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein side panels of the jacket are sized so as to extend about the side of the user and the backpack when extracted therefrom.

31. An integrally formed backpack/garment comprising: a backpack having a first cavity and at least one further cavity, the at least one further cavity selectively closeable by closure means a waterpoof jacket attached to the further cavity and received therein, the jacket comprising a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom, wherein while the backpack is maintained proximal to the back of the user, actuation means engageable by the user release the closure means of the further cavity for extraction of the jacket and insertion of the arms of the user into the sleeves thereof.

32. A waterproof jacket and pocket attached to said jacket for receiving the jacket therein, the jacket comprising a back panel and two sleeves extending therefrom wherein the pocket is engageble with a backpack, and upon engagement of the pocket to the backpack and without removing the backpack from the back of a user, actuation means engageable by the user release a closure means of the pocket for extraction of the jacket and insertion of the arms of the user into the sleeves thereof.

33. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 32 wherein the pocket is defined by closure means which comprise first and second flaps.

34. The waterproof jacket and pocket according to claim 33 wherein the flaps include a plurality of magnets extending about the periphery of the flaps, wherein the magnets are engageable with at least a portion of the backpack.

35. The waterproof jacket and pocket according to claim 34 wherein the flaps are defined by a flexible semi rigid material.

36. The waterproof jacket and pocket according to claim 34 wherein the flaps are maintained in magnetic engagement with the back panel until user actuation.

37. The waterproof jacket and pocket according to claim 34 wherein the actuation means for releasing the closure means extend along the arms of the jacket to the sleeve ends for engagement with the user.

38. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 37 wherein the actuation means are strings which are received in channels defined in the sleeves of the jacket.

39. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 32 further including waterpoof channels embossed in walls of the further cavity to drain liquid therefrom.

40. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 32 configured so as to be fluidically isolated from the first cavity.

41. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 32 wherein the back panel of the jacket is sized so as to extend substantially about the backpack when extracted therefrom.

42. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 32 further including a hood.

43. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claims 32 wherein the side panels of the jacket are sized so as to extend about the side of the user and the backpack when extracted therefrom.