GB2231254A - Backpack with integral garment - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined backpack and garment (2) provides integral heavy object carrying ability and environmental protection in several modes of use. An invertible pouch (3) strap (12) and reinforcing webbing (20) are attached to a common panel segment (5) of the backpack and garment to provide significant weight carrying ability in several modes of use. When worn in the attached backpack/jacket mode, the reinforcing webbing (20) is attached across the user's back, and is also attached to the load bearing straps (12). The backpack/integral jacket pouch is inverted i.e. turned inside out to function in the backpack mode. The remaining jacket portions 6 are turned within the pouch to fully enclose and protect them in this mode see Fig. 5. The pouch straps support the weight of the object being carried on the user's back by placing the straps over both of the user's shoulders when worn in either mode. <IMAGE>

Description

BACKPACK WITH INTERGRATED GARMENT This invention relates to pouches for carrying objects and articles of clothing. More specifically the invention relates to clothing backpacks and jackets.

The primary objectives of a backpack are to: allow carrying of heavy or bulky items by a user; contain and protect these items from the environment; and allow the user freedom of hand and arm movement. The backpack should also be light weight so that it will not impede article carrying or interfere with other physical activities. It should also be rugged in construction, easy to store, pleasing in appearance and low in cost. When the backpack is used, it should be easy to insert items, easy to strap on and install on the user's back, easy to unstrap and remove from the user's back and easy to retrieve items from.

The primary objectives of a clothing article or garment, such as a jacket, are to: provide protection from the environment for the user; and allow the user several degrees of freedom of the movement. The jacket should also provide pockets for carrying miscelleaneous small items and be light weight so that it will not interfere with object carrying or other physical activities. It should also be rugged in construction, easy to store, pleasing in appearance and low in cost. When the jacket pockets are used for carrying objects, a minimum of effort to insert and retrieve the miscellaneous small items from the pockets is also desirable.

Most of the current jackets and backpacks may do one of these objectives well, but other objectives poorly or not at all. Jacket pockets tend to be adapted for placement of hands, rather than inserting, protecting and carrying various items. Backpacks straps and attachments tend to be complex and cumbersome, limiting transport, access and use.

A frequent problem with jackets and backpacks is the occasionally conflicting interralationship and separation of these items. Separation can lead to the possible loss of either article when conflict occurs.

Little attention has been given to the interrelationship between jackets and carrying heavy objects. For example, when carrying nothing or a light load, the warm jacket may be necessary for user protection from the cold. However, when carrying a heavy load, the effort required may generate body heat, conflicting with or eliminating the need for a warm jacket. Loss or separation of the unneeded jacket is possible at this point. A jacket with pockets will not adapt to this conflicting interrelationship. A new multi-mode approach to garments and an ability to carry heavy articles is needed.

One limited prior approach to achieving a multi-mode construction has been accomplished in the form of zippered pouches on jackets. These can be used to store hoods or other items. In a modification of this approach, the garment can also be inverted into the pouch. No major articles are inserted into these inverted pouches because the inverting fabric construction can only withstand limited stress and the pouch is hand carried. The inverted-pouch contains and protects the remainder of the garment, but has little or no object carrying capability.

The limitations of these prior multi-mode approaches are primarily related to the limited structural strength of a garment type of construction and the need for hand carrying when not worn as a garment. These factors limit the weight and size of an article which could be carried when worn, or ability to carry any significant weight or size objects when not worn in these prior multi-mode garment/pouches. They also particularly detract from the freedom of hand and arm movement by the user when hand carried.

None of the prior multi-mode combined garment and pouch approaches known to the applicant allow carrying heavy articles on the user's back. These pouched articles could not be hand carried for extended times and could not be supported by normal garment pouch fabric construction.

What is needed is a new multi-mode construction which will allow carrying larger and heavier articles in several operational modes. The construction should also allow the user freedom of hand and arm motion.

The principal and secondary objectives of the invention are: to provide a garment device for protecting a user from the environment; to provide an integral pouch for carrying objects without the use of a user's hands while the device is worn as a garment; to provide a pouch means for carrying heavy objects when the device is not worn as a garment; and to provide a pouch means for protecting the garment portion when not in use.

These and other objectives are achieved by a multi-mode backpack/integral jacket having a pouch on the user's back when worn in the jacket mode, a reinforcing webbing attached to the pouch across the user's back when worn, and attachable load bearing straps. The reinforcing webbing and straps allow heavier articles to be carried across the back so as to not to impede freedom of hand and arm movement when the jacket is worn. The backpack/integral jacket pouch can be inverted to function in a backpack mode. The remaining jacket portions are turned within the pouch to fully enclose and protect them. The pouch has straps to support the weight of the object being carried on the user's back by placing the straps over both of the user's shoulder and around the user's back when worn in either mode.The inverted backpack mode can also be hand carried or strapped only over one of the user's shoulders. The pouch can be double zippered for protection and access in either mode. Additional pockets can also provide ready storage for smaller articles in either mode.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a rear perspective view of an integral backpack and jacket garment in the jacket mode; Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the integrated backpack; Figure 3 shows a rear view of a portion of the integrated backpack; Figure 4 shows a rear view of a portion of an alternated configuration of an integrated backpack; Figure 5 shows a rear view of the integrated backpack in the backpack mode; Figure 6 shows a front view of the first step in converting the integrated backpack from the jacket mode to the backpack mode; Figure 7 shows a front view of the second step in the conversion process; Figure 8 shows a front view of the third step in the conversion process; Figure 9 shows a front view of the third step in the conversion process; ; Figure 10 shows a front view of the fourth step in the conversion process; Figure 11 shows a front view of the final inverted pouch in the conversion process; Figure 12 shows a side view of the integral backpack on the jacket mode; and Figure 13 shows a side view of the integral backpack in the backpack mode.

Figure 1 shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an integral backpack and jacket garment 2 in the jacket mode. A pouch or backpack 3 is composed of flexible garment type panels, including an outside panel 4. One panel 5 is common to both the pouch 3 and the jacket garment 6. The opening 7 at the top of the pouch 3 is large enough to accept books or other objects and articles to be carried on the back in the pouch. The pouch 3 has also an outside pocket 8 attached to the outside panel 4 for the storage of smaller objects. A first zipper 9 provides a reclosable opening at the top of the outside pocket 8. A plurality of snaps 10 on each side of the opening 7 provides a reclosable means for the pouch 3. Inside pockets 11 are attached to the common panel 5 to provide additional small article storage and access.

In order to support heavier weights of objects carried by the user (not shown for clarity) wearing the jacket, straps 12 are attached proximate to the opening 7 of the pouch and placed over the shoulder portions 13 and are tied to the bottom portion of the pouch 3 by means of a hook 14. A reinforcing webbing (see Figure 5) provides additional strength to support heavy objects in the pouch 3 and to distribute the loads carried by the straps 12. The jacket 6 is also provided with loops 15 to guide straps 12. The garment shown also has additional auxiliary pockets 16 on the sleeve and front portions for miscellaneous small article storage.

Alternate embodiments of the integral garment and pouch could provide straps supported at other locations. The straps 12 may include additional hooks and anti-slip surfaces to improve load carrying ability. Additional hooks may be placed at other locations on the pouch and garment or may be placed on other items, such as a separate belt.

Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the integrated backpack. Straps 12 support the pouch (see Figure 1) on the back over the shoulder portion 13. The embodiment shown also includes an optional adjustable attachment 17 of the straps 12 to a belt 18. The belt attachment and adjustment allow the user to adjust the location and weight distribution carried by the straps 12.

Figure 3 shows a rear cutaway view of a portion of the outside panel 4, not showing the remainder of the garment for clarity. The inside pockets 11 are reclosably sealed by snap or button down flaps 19. One portion of the inside pockets 11 may also share the use of common panel 5. A reinforcing strap or webbing 20 provides structural strength and strap load distribution. Although the webbing may reduce the flexibility of the panel, placement on the back minimizes the impact upon arm and hand freedom of movement. Straps 12 are attached to the webbing 20 which is attached to the common panel 5 proximate to the opening 7 of the pouch 3. Snap attachment 10 is placed on tabs to assist in reclosably sealing the pouch 3. Side panels 21 can be accordion pleated to lie flush when empty and expand to accept a large bulky and heavy object for carrying.A pair of first hooks 14 allow attachment of straps 12 when heavy articles are being carried in this combined jacket and backpack mode of use. A pair of comparably placed inside hooks 22 (only one shown for clarity) provide a similar function in other modes of use.

Figure 4 shows another rear cut away view of a portion of an alternative configuration of an integrated backpack. The outside pocket 8 and first zipper 9 is shown open, exposing a second zipper 23. The double zipper arrangement allows access to the outside pocket 8 when the integral device 2 is used in other modes.

Figure 5 shows a rear view of the alternative integrated backpack in the second or backpack mode. The pouch 3 is inverted inside out and the remainer of the garment 6 is placed inside the inverted pouch 3. The first zipper 9 is now on the inside of the inverted pouch 3 while the second zipper 23 (not shown in this view) provides access to the outside pocket 8. The inside pockets 11 and inside hooks 22 are now on the outside of the inverted pouch 3. Straps 12 can again be used to carry the pouch and objects carried within the pouch in a backpack style, i.e., straps are placed over the shoulder and attached to the inside hooks 22.

Figure 6 through 11 show a front view of the steps in converting the intergrated backpack 2 from the jacket mode to the backpack mode, and inverting the pouch 3. The shoulder portions 12 are folded into the rest of the garment body 6 as shown by the arrows in Figure 6. The arrows in Figure 7 show the sleeves of the garment 6 first folded across the torso portion. The sleeves are second folded up against the torso portion of the garment 6 as shown by the arrows in Figure 8.

The arrows of Figure 9 show the bottom portion of the torso portion of the garment 6 folded again. The outside panel 4 is then taken from the rear and folded around (i.e., inverting the pouch) the folded garment 6 as shown partially accomplished in Figure 10. Figure 11 shows the fully inverted pouch 3.

Figure 12 shows a side view of the integral backpack 2 in the first or jacket mode, with a partial cutaway of an open pouch 3. A first object to be carried space 24 is provided in the pouch 3 in this combined jacket and backpack mode of use.

The outside panel 4 of the pouch 3 can be reclosably attached to the common panel 5. The jacket garment portion 6 is worn by a user (not shown for clarity) in a normal manner, and straps 12 are attached when a heavy object is carried in the pouch 3.

Figure 13 shows a side view of the integral backpack 2 in the second or backpack mode, with a partial cutaway. The outside panel 4 of the pouch is inverted, but still forms a second object space 25. The second object space 25 is partially filled with the folded garment portions 6 attached to the common panel 5. Straps 12 again provide load carrying capablility when placed over the shoulder of the user or otherwise supported by hand or other articles, such as a belt.

The device is preferably composed primarily of flexible fabric panels sewn together. Fabric panels are water transmission repellent or impermeable to protect the object and user from the environment. Insulation and padding can also be provided to conveniently carry heavy objects and to keep the user (or object) warm. Various other reclosable means are also possible for the pockets, pouch and jacket.

Still other embodiments could provide pants as the garment portion and a pouch strapped to body portions other than the back of the user. When worn as a combined pants and pouch, straps could be attached to a belt. If excessive heat is encountered, the wearer may remove and invert the pouch, retaining the object carrying ability, but exposing the wearers shorts.

The preferred embodiment of the invention achieves the first objective to provide a protective garment by having various panel elements cover the upper torso portion of the user's body. The garment is little different than other jackets except for the ribbing and pouch sharing a common panel and located on the back when the garment portions are worn.

The invention achieves the second objective to carry objects without the use of the user's hands by having a common panel element become a portion of a pouch, reinforcing the panel with webbing and supporting the pouch with straps. The pouch element has a reclosable opening to contain and protect objects when carried. The straps are placed over the user's shoulder to support the weight of the object in the preferred embodiment. When compared to prior art pockets without straps, only limited weight and size objects could be supported by the fabric without sagging, tearing, or dislodging the jacket. The dislodged jacket could actually tend to choke the user if very heavy items are to be carried in a pocket on the back without straps.

The invention achieves the third objective to carry objects without the user's hands without being worn as a jacket by inverting the jacket portion into the pouch and having the pouch and straps worn as a backpack. The straps serve the same purpose whether or not the pouch is inverted.

The invention achieves the fourth objective of protecting the garment when not worn by inverting the garment into the pouch when not worn. The garment is folded and protected from the environment by the common panel and closable pouch.

The use of a common panel for the garment and pouch, and use of one set of straps for inverted and garment operational modes achieves many of the other general objectives for carrying objects and protective garments. The common panel and straps minimizes weight and complexity. They also do not allow separation and loss even when conflicting needs/environments are encounted.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, and some alternative embodiments also shown and described, changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims (18)

1. An integral backpack and garment device for a user to carry an object in two configurations comprising: a first pouch having an opening about its upper portions, said first pouch composed of a plurality of pouch panels joined along several edges; a garment for generally covering a portion of said user when worn by said user in a first configuration, said garment composed of a plurality of garment segments and said first pouch being attached to a portion of an outer face of one of said segments; and a strap attached to said first pouch proximate to said opening, said strap shaped and dimensioned to support the weight of said object.

2. The device claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said panels is common to both said first pouch and said garment.

3. The device claimed in Claim 2 which also comprises means for inverting said first pouch and folding said garment segments into said pouch to form a second configuration, wherein said inverted pouch is shaped and dimensioned to contain said garment segments, and wherein said straps are shaped and dimensioned to support said first pouch when said object is placed into said inverted pouch.

4. The device claimed in Claim 3 which also comprises: a reinforcing band attached to one of said pouch panels proximate to said pouch opening; and a means for reclosably covering said first pouch opening.

5. The device claimed in Claim 4 which also comprises; a second pouch attached to one of said pouch panels; and means for reclosably covering said second pouch accessible in both said configuations when said first pouch is sealed.

6. The device claimed in Claim 5 which also comprises; a third pouch attached to said first pouch; and means for reclosably covering said third pouch.

7. The device claimed in Claim 6 which also comprises a means for detachably connecting said strap to said first pouch when said first pouch is supported by said strap placed over the shoulder of said user and said device is in said second configuration.

8. The device claimed in Claim 7 wherein said strap can also be used to similarly support said first pouch when said device is worn in said first configuration.

9. The device claimed in Claim 8 wherein said panels are composed of an impermeable material.

10. The device claimed in Claim 9, wherein said means for detachably connecting comprises a hook attached proximate to the bottom of said first pouch.

11. The device as claimed in Claim 10 which also comprises a plurality of said straps and a fourth pouch attached to one of said garment segments.

12. The device as claimed in Claim 11 which also comprises a belt shaped and dimensioned to be worn by said user, wherein said strap is adjustably attachable to said belt.

13. The device as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said first pouch panels and garment segments are composed of flexible materials.

14. The device as claimed in Claim 13 wherein said means for reclosably sealing said second pouch comprises a double zipper.

15. A method for coverting a multi-configuration carrying device having a carrying pouch attached to a strap and a garment, said converting from a worn garment and attached pouch configuration to a strapped pouch configuration comprising; folding said garment portion into a shape containable by said pouch; inverting said pouch around said folded garment portion; and supporting said pouch from said strap.

16. The method as claimed in Claim 15 which also comprises: opening said pouch prior to said inverting; and reclosably covering said pouch.

17. An integral backpack and garment device, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A method for converting a multi-configuration carrying device and a carrying pouch attached to a strap and a garment, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.