US20060289590A1

US20060289590A1 - Theft protection backpack and money belt combination

Info

Publication number: US20060289590A1
Application number: US11/451,047
Authority: US
Inventors: Stefanie Held
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-14
Filing date: 2006-06-12
Publication date: 2006-12-28

Abstract

This is an improved backpack money belt combination that has security features that reduce the risks of the user being victimized by theft. The plurality of compartments have a closing mechanism at the entrance to the compartment and an additional safety flap that closes over the compartment. The safety flap has a closure that joins the flap to the backpack. The flap configuration eliminates the visibility of compartment openings, zippers and zipper pulls. A safety chain is attached to the backpack and can be attached to a stationary object or the user's body to reduce the risk of backpack theft. A dual purpose carrying handle can be opened and then closed around an object to form an attachment to another object. The money belt can be attached to the backpack. The money belt has a waistband encircling the wearer's body and a closure between the money belt and the wearer's body that is not visible to others.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/690,259, filed Jun. 14, 2005 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a backpack and money belt combination, specifically to an improved system of protection against theft of articles being transported.
2. Background of Invention
Backpacks and money belts typically provide easy access for thieves by placing storage compartments in easily accessible and unprotected areas. Compartments on the outer backside of the typical backpack are particularly vulnerable because the wearer can not see or feel an intrusion. Although there are backpacks that may have solved this particular vulnerability they have not combined prevention of access to all other compartments. Existing backpacks emphasize the entrances to compartments by easily accessible exposed zippers that are highlighted by elaborate zipper hardware.
An additional risk of theft is that backpacks are often hung over the back of a chair or put on the floor when the wearer is sitting down or otherwise occupied. This presents an opportunity for thieves to easily remove the backpack while the wearer is not paying attention. Existing backpacks do not provide any system for securing these possessions while the carrier is not being worn.
The heightened awareness of homeland and personal security has created the implementation of essential safety procedures. Unfortunately these essential safety procedures have created vulnerability to theft or loss of personal articles at security checkpoints. The repeated request for the display of identifying documents often separates people from their possessions while their possessions are being subjected to scrutiny. While traveling, tickets, passports and personal identification are typically carried inside a backpack or other carrier making them difficult to repeatedly show to security personnel and vulnerable to theft or loss.
The present invention embodies a backpack money belt assembly which overcomes all of the above mentioned disadvantages of previously known carriers.
This unique combination of security features incorporated into the function of a backpack not only provides an improvement in theft protection for items carried in a backpack but it substantially increases the protection by combining it with a detachable money belt that safely and easily transports travel documents and other small valuables. The incorporation of additional features allows this backpack to function efficiently in a unique manner.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:

- (a) that there are no exposed compartments on the outer backside of the backpack;
- (b) that all other compartments on the backpack are protected by a closure that is covered by an easy access security flap that has a secondary closure for the purpose of restricting access by intruders and hiding the zippers and zipper pulls;
- (c) a safety chain anchor that is attached to the backpack and stored in a concealed pocket is used for anchoring the backpack to a stationery object or wearer's body;
- (d) the safety chain can also be worn around wearer's waist to anchor the backpack to the body to prevent the backpack from being pulled off the wearer's back;
- (e) a money belt that can be attached to the backpack or worn separately around wearer's waist for carrying travel documents and other small valuables while providing easy access of these documents for the wearer and reducing the chance of theft or loss of these items;
- (f) to provide a personal communication device pocket under the secure flap configuration of the money belt for convenience of use when the money belt is not being worn with the backpack;
- (g) to prevent the easy removal of the backpack by another person by wearing the money belt around the waist and through the shoulder straps and a belt loop on the backpack, in lieu of the safety chain, to secure the backpack to the wearer's back;
- (h) to provide a money belt with a waist band closure that can only be opened between the wearers body and the money belt compartment to prevent the easy removal of the money belt by a thief,
- (i) to provide a money belt pouch that can be detached from the waist band so that the pouch can be carried separately;
- (j) to provide an attachment that secures the money belt to the backpack while it is traveling through a security conveyor belt;
- (k) to provide two protected entrances to the large interior compartments which are covered by a protective flap that can only be accessed from the area between the wearer's back and the backpack;
- (l) that the protective flaps covering the interior main compartments between the wearers back and the backpack are padded providing comfort as well as restricting access;
- (m)that there are interior secured pockets in both main compartments adding an additional secure area for storage;
- (n) to provide an insulated and waterproof compartment on the side of the backpack to keep liquids cold while protecting other contents from being damaged by leakage or sweat;
- (o) to provide a compartment with a port for small electronics which allows headphones to be worn while the device remains concealed;
- (p) to provide a convenient exterior soft fabric lined eyewear compartment that protects glasses from being scratched or marred;
- (q) to provide an easily accessible quick access compartment on the bottom exterior of the backpack that can hold small items without the inconvenience of going into the large main interior compartments which is also protected by the secure flap configuration;
- (r) a computer compartment designed for easy removal of the computer at security checkpoints;
- (s) to provide well padded shoulder straps that are designed for comfort and are adjustable to fit different size bodies;
- (t) to provide a carrying handle on the top of the backpack that can be fastened to other handles to prevent easy removal of the backpack while managing several pieces of luggage;
- (u) to provide an additional personal communication device pocket on the backpack for use when the money belt is not being used;

Further objects and advantages will become known by those skilled in the art from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

SUMMARY

It is the object of this combination of aforementioned security features that provides an effective theft deterrent system for carriers that hinders the theft of the entire carrier or the articles carried within. The security system referred to herein can alternatively be embodied in any carrier such as a tote bag, a fanny pack, a handbag, luggage or other receptacle of any shape that is used for transporting ones possessions. The carrier system may be made of any material consistent with the intended use.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

I have included 11 drawings on 4 drawing sheets that show the backpack embodying the above concepts.
FIG. 1—is a perspective front view of a person wearing the backpack and the money belt in the prescribed manner to maximize the security system.
FIG. 2—is a perspective back view showing a figure wearing the backpack.
FIG. 3—is a front view of the main body of the backpack showing the belt loop that attaches the money belt to the backpack when the backpack is being worn and shows the carrying handle in the open position.
FIG. 4—is a front view of the backpack with the security flap that covers the computer compartment open.
FIG. 5—is a detailed front and side view of the backpack illustrating the double security flap configuration that when closed is adjacent to the body showing one of the large interior compartments and the electronics and eyeglass compartment.
FIG. 6—is a detailed front and side view of the backpack illustrating the insulated compartment.
FIG. 7—is a drawing of the backpack illustrating where the money belt is attached to the backpack and the hook and loop closure that attaches the money belt to the backpack.
FIG. 8—illustrates the backside of the money belt pouch with a detailed drawing of where the waistband connects to the money belt pouch.
FIG. 9—is the front view of the money belt pouch with the security flap open and detached from the waist band showing the personal communication device compartment on the front.
FIG. 10—is a detailed front view of the backpack illustrating the safety chain and the pocket where the safety chain is stored.
FIG. 11—is an illustration of the interior of the quick access pocket on the bottom of the backpack with the security flap open.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

13—main body of the backpack
14—large interior compartment on the front side of backpack adjacent to the body
16—security flap over interior compartment adjacent to the body
18—closure for interior compartment adjacent to the body
20—pocket inside interior compartment adjacent to the body
22—outer backside of the main body of the backpack
24—rear large interior computer compartment
26—security flap over rear large interior computer compartment
34—insulated compartment
36—security flap over insulated compartment
38—compartment for hand held electronics
40—compartment for eyeglasses
42—security flap over hand held electronics and eyeglass compartment
44—port for headphones
46—quick access compartment on bottom of backpack
48—security flap over quick access compartment
50—opening of quick access compartment
51—personal communication device pocket on the backpack
52—shoulder strap
54—money belt
56—security flap over money belt pouch
58—adjustable waistband of money belt
60—money belt compartment for ticket, passport and identification
62—money belt compartment for small valuables
63—personal communication device pocket on money belt
64—safety chain anchor
66—storage pocket for safety chain
68—magnetic or other type of closure
70—hook and loop or other type of fastener
72—adjustable chain lock
74—snap hook
78—belt loop
80—adjustable strap hardware
82—carrying handle with hook and loop closure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERED EMBODYMENT—FIGS 1-11

A preferred embodiment of the backpack money belt combination invention being worn is illustrated in FIG. 1 (front view) and FIG. 2 (rear view). Although the size and shape of the carrier security system may vary this assembly is comprised of a carrier worn on the back with two shoulder straps 52. The two shoulder straps 52 are padded and sewn to the top and sides of the backpack. The lower portion of the shoulder straps 52 have adjustable strap hardware 80 shown in FIG. 1. The money belt 54 worn around the waist is attached to the backpack by a belt loop78 on the backpack shown in FIG. 7. The money belt openings 60 and 62 are covered by security flap 56 and are secured by closures 68. The outer backside of the backpack 22 shown on FIG. 2 has no exposed compartments or pockets. The carrying handle 82 as shown in FIG. 2 is in the closed position with a hook and loop or other type of closure 70. The attached carrying handle 82 is shown in the open position in FIG. 3. The quick access pocket 46 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11 is sewn to the bottom of the backpack and has a zipper or other type of closure 50 covered by a security flap 48 as shown in FIG. 11. A pocket for a movable personal communication device 51 is attached to the shoulder strap 52 shown on FIG. 1. There is a double security flap configuration 26 and 16 attached to the backpack covering the large main interior compartments 24 and 14 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Flap 26, attached to the top of the backpack, covers the zippered entrance to the large rear interior compartment 24 and is secured by magnetic or other type of closures 68 as shown on FIG. 5. Flap16, attached to the top front of the backpack, covers the zippered entrance to the large interior compartment 14 on the front of the backpack adjacent to the body and is secured by magnetic or other type of closure 68 as shown on FIG. 5. In the closed position as shown in FIG. 3 flap 26 closes over flap 16. The hook and loop or other type of closure 70 shown on FIG. 4 is used to attach the money belt 54 to the backpack when it is not being worn. Compartment 38 holds hand held electronics and compartment 40 holds eyewear shown on FIG. 5. Compartments 38 and 40 are attached together and attached to the side of the backpack. Compartment 38 has a port 44 for headphones. Security flap 42 covers the zippered opening to compartments 38 and 40 as shown on FIG. 5. There is an insulated compartment 34 attached to the opposite side of the backpack shown on FIG. 6. The zippered opening to compartment 34 is covered by security flap 36. The backside of the money belt 54 shown in FIG. 8 has belt loops 78 that hold the removable waist band 58. The closure for the waistband 58 closes between the money belt 54 and the body of the wearer shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows the front of the money belt 54 open and detached from the waist band 58. Flap 56 covers the zippered openings 60 and 62 to the money belt 54. An additional personal communication device pocket 63 is attached to the front of the money belt 54 as shown in FIG. 9. Flap 56 closes over the personal communication device pocket 63 and the zippered openings 60 and 62 and are secured by magnetic or other type of closures 68. There is a safety chain storage pocket 66, attached inside the front of the backpack with an opening to the exterior adjacent to the body that stores the safety chain anchor 64 as shown in FIG. 10. The safety chain anchor 64 is attached to the safety chain storage pocket 66. An adjustable chain lock 72 and a snap hook 74 are attached to the safety chain anchor 64 shown in FIG. 10.

OPERATION—PREFERED EMBODYMENT—FIGS 1 -11

is in between the backpack and the wearers back. The computer
The carrier security system includes entrances that are covered by the security flap configurations 16, 26, 36, 42, 48 and 56. All openings have a closure and are covered by security flaps that have hook and loop, magnetic or other closures that hold the flap over the opening and protect against intrusion by thieves. No zippers or zipper pulls are visible. The outer backside of the backpack 22 shown on FIG. 2 has no compartments or pockets which prevents intruders from entering the most vulnerable area of the backpack. When the backpack is being worn the only way to enter the large main interior compartments compartments access is protected by a closure to the opening and is covered by a flap 26 that extends over the top of the backpack and terminates at the wearer's lower back and is secured with magnetic, hook and loop or other type of closure 68 and 70 as shown on FIG. 4. The double security flap configuration 16 and 26 that covers both interior compartments may be padded to provide comfort in addition to security. The additional large interior carrying compartment 14 in the main body is adjacent to the wearer's back and is located on the opposite side of the backpack from the computer compartment 24 shown on FIG. 5. A padded flap 16 shown on FIGS. 4 and 5 cover the closure 18 shown on FIG. 5. The flap extends from the top of the backpack and terminates at the wearer's lower back to protect this compartment from intrusion. This compartment 14 also includes an interior pocket 20 with a closure for smaller items shown on FIG. 10.
There are two adjustable shoulder straps 52. The upper portion is padded for comfort and the lower portion has adjustable strap hardware 80 that allows the straps to be adjusted to fit various size bodies. A compartment for personal communication devices 51 is on the shoulder strap 52. This compartment may be moveable to any position on the backpack or can be completely removed and worn on anything desired.
There are left and right exterior compartments 34, 38 and 40 attached to the sides of the backpack shown on FIG. 2. Each compartment has a closure and is covered by flaps 36 and 42 and is secured with a hook and loop or other type closure 70 shown on FIGS. 5 and 6. The compartment 34 adjacent to one side of the backpack is insulated to keep liquids, medications or other items requiring insulation to maintain their temperature shown on FIG. 6. The insulated compartment 34 also serves to isolate these items so they do not leak or sweat on other items carried in the backpack. The compartment on the other side of the backpack has two padded pockets 38 and 40 shown on FIG. 5 each has a separate closure and is covered by a flap. The pocket at the top of compartment 38 is designed to accommodate hand held electronics. There is a port 44 on the front of the pocket 38 shown on FIG. 5 that allows headphones to extend from the device through the port to the wearer's ears. The port allows the headphones to be worn while the device remains in the pocket protected from theft. The lower pocket 40 is designed to hold eyewear. This pocket 40 is lined with a soft material to prevent glasses from being scratched or marred.
A third exterior compartment 46 attached to the bottom of the backpack shown on FIG. 3 for items requiring quick access. This compartment 46 can be used for pens, snacks or other items that wearer might not want to go into the main body of the backpack to retrieve. The opening of this compartment 50 is also protected by a closure and covered by a flap 48 with a hook and loop or other type fastener 70 as shown on FIG. 11.
A carrying handle 82 shown in the open position in FIG. 3 is at the top of the backpack. The carrying handle 82 has a dual purpose. It can be used as a traditional handle to carry the backpack and it also can be opened up shown in FIG. 3 and closed over an extension handle of rolling luggage or other handle by using the hook and loop or other type closure 70. The carrying handle provides additional security when managing several pieces of luggage or other objects.
The money belt 54 shown on FIG. 7 can be worn alone or attached to the backpack. The money belt provides two safe and easily accessible compartments 60 and 62 and a pocket on the front for a personal communication device shown on FIG. 9. The zippered compartments are for carrying travel documents and other small valuables in full view of the wearer and convenient for presentation of these documents to security personnel. One compartment 60 is sized to accommodate tickets, passport and personal identification. The second compartment 62 accommodates money and other small valuables. Each compartment has a closure and is covered by a flap 56 with magnetic or other type closures 68 as shown on FIG. 9. The money belt protects valuables from theft or loss while keeping them readily accessible for presentation at the numerous security checkpoints. When the money belt 54 is being worn with the backpack shown on FIG. 7 it is threaded through the belt loop 78 and the shoulder straps 52 and closed around wearer's waist as shown on FIG. 7. Wearing the money belt in this configuration prevents a predator from grabbing the backpack entirely off wearer's back. For added security the belt closure 74 is located behind the money belt pouch out of sight between the wearer's body and the money belt pouch so that it can not be opened with out notice by anyone other than the wearer shown on FIG. 8. When the backpack is not being worn, the money belt can be attached under the flap 26 by a hook and loop or other type closure 70 and serve to secure the money belt to the backpack keeping the two together while going through a security conveyer belt or other situation that the backpack and the money belt need to stay together. Jewelry, keys and other small items being carried by the wearer can also be placed in the money belt while going through security avoiding placing the items in a basket on the conveyer belt therefore reducing the risk of theft or loss. Additionally, the waistband 58 can be completely detached from the money belt pouch 54 as shown on FIG. 9 and if desired the pouch can be carried separately.
A safety chain anchor 64 attached to the backpack and stored in pocket 66 and may be used as an alternative to using the money belt to secure the backpack to the wearer's back shown on FIG. 10. The safety chain anchor 64 can be used around wearer's waist in the same manner as the money belt to interfere with thieves' ability to easily grab the backpack off of the wearer's back. This distinctive feature can also be used as a protective anchor when the backpack is not being worn. The chain has an adjustable chain lock 72 that can be attached to a stationery object or the wearer's body. The use of the safety chain anchor 64 in this manner serves as an alert to the backpack owner that a predator is attempting to remove the backpack when the owner's full attention is not on the backpack.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus the reader will see that the backpack and money belt combination provides protection to all openings that are typically vulnerable in existing backpacks. In addition, the unique safety chain anchor provides an obstacle to deter predators from removing the backpack entirely. This invention not only focuses on security elements but also offers the wearer unique features that make the backpack efficient and convenient to use. While my above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example:

- Different shapes, materials, sizes, interconnections and configurations can be used for all components.
- In lieu of the described closures zippers, fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons and magnets or other closures may be used.
- A removable computer case with hard or soft padding may be included.
- The protective lining in the interior may be made of other materials.
- The security features may be used in other carriers such as handbags, luggage bags, bicycle bags etc.
- Exterior design elements may vary to accommodate different appearances.
- Elements may vary to customize use for targeted populations.
- The money belt may or may not be sold separately.
- An insulated compartment may or may not be included.
- There may or may not be pockets inside the compartments.
- The safety chain anchor may be located in a different area.
- There may or may not be a personal communication device compartment included.
- The personal communication device pocket may be movable or stationary.
- Padding may or may not included

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An improved personal security backpack money belt assembly worn on the wearers back having a detachable money belt worn around wearer's waist and a dual purpose exterior carrying handle with means to attach to unrelated objects.

2. The backpack assembly of claim 1 having adjustable shoulder straps adapted to carry said backpack on the users back.

3. The shoulder straps of claim 1 wherein a compartment is attached to the strap to carry a personal communication device.

4. The detachable money belt of claim 1 wherein the compartment conceals documents while keeping the said documents accessible under the safety flap.

5. The said money belt of claim 1 comprises a waistband component that encircles the wearer's waist and can pass through the shoulders straps and through a loop on the said backpack to secure the money belt to the backpack and the wearer.

6. The closure of the said waistband of claim 5 terminates behind the money belt concealing the said closure from sight.

7. The money belt of claim 1 includes a compartment on the said money belt to transport a personal communication device.

8. The money belt of claim 1 can be worn independent of the said backpack.

9. The improved carrying handle of claim 1 wherein said carrying handle can be used as a traditional handle and can be opened and then closed around an unrelated object to secure the said backpack to the unrelated object.

10. A plurality of uniquely constructed compartments each having an opening to insert belongings with a closure at the opening of said compartments and covered by a safety flap with an additional closure providing a means for the flap to join said backpack.

11. The safety flaps of claim 10 cover all zippers, zipper pulls and closures of said compartments covering the traditionally exposed hardware.

12. An anti-theft safety chain anchor is attached to the said backpack wherein attaching the said chain to a stationary object or the wearer's body serves to alert the user that the backpack is being carried off.

13. The said safety chain of claim 12 is adjustable and can be worn around wearer's waist to provide an alternative to the money belt in claim 5 for securing the said backpack to the wearer's body.

14. A storage compartment on the said backpack wherein the safety chain anchor is attached stores the said safety chain when not in use.