US20150335081A1

US20150335081A1 - Jacket/backpack system

Info

Publication number: US20150335081A1
Application number: US14/286,250
Authority: US
Inventors: Stefano Giuseppe MANGINI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-23
Filing date: 2014-05-23
Publication date: 2015-11-26
Also published as: WO2015177696A4; WO2015177696A1; EP3145351A4; EP3145351A1

Abstract

A waterproof jacket and backpack system is described. The backpack has a first cavity and a further cavity closed by closure means. The jacket has a back panel and two sleeves. A waterproof jacket is attached to the further cavity and stored in that cavity. While the backpack is maintained on the back of the user, the user is able to open the further cavity and extract the jacket from the backpack and wear the jacket.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to backpacks and in particular backpacks which include an attached jacket 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 jacket or umbrella means that the jacket or umbrella is often overlooked and left at home, the office or at school.
Even when 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.

SUMMARY 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 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 waterproof 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 second 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 waterproof 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 engageable 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 waterproof 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. 2 a shows a perspective view of the front compartment of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b shows an underplan perspective view together with additional flaps of the compartment of FIG. 2 a;

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

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

FIG. 3 c shows the frame in three-dimensional cross-section;

FIG. 3 d 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. 5 a shows an embodiment of the backpack depicted in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 b shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 a in a first partially opened configuration;

FIG. 5 c depicts the embodiment of FIG. 5 a in a second partially opened configuration;

FIG. 5 d is still a further opened configuration;

FIG. 5 e shows a top view of a user of a user extracting the jacket from the backpack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 f is a side view of the fully opened jacket;

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

FIG. 6 b shows an enlarged sectional view of the drainage arrangement of the backpack depicted in FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6 c shows a partial view of the backpack of FIG. 6 a containing an insert;

FIG. 6 d shows a insert adapted for inclusion in the backpack in top view;

FIG. 6 e shows the insert of FIG. 6 d in bottom view;

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 8 d depicts the jacket in still a further opened configuration;

FIG. 8 e depicts the final jacket relative to the backpack;

FIG. 8 f depicts the jacket and additional hood in use and where the jacket extends substantially about the backpack and its contents.

FIG. 9 is a further representation of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 a to 8 f showing the components of the jacket and pack when assembled;

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

FIG. 10 b is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 a showing the additional hood.

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. 2 a and 2 b, 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 vinal 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. 2 b, the flaps may include a frame 34 b in which the magnets are received and which provides form to the material portion of the flaps 34 a.
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. 3 a, the insert contains a magnet 37 which is received in a corresponding recesses of the insert 32 b and over which the fabric 32 c covering the insert may be bonded or attached through stitching or the like.
Referring now to FIG. 3 b, there is shown an exemplary depiction of the frame 34 b for the flaps 34. The frame 34 b 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. 3 c, there is shown a three-dimensional representation of the magnets in location in the enclosure frame 34 b depicted in FIG. 3 b. The magnets 37 can be seen in the internal channel of the frame.
Referring to FIG. 3 d, it can be seen that the internal frame of the flap 34 includes a magnet 37 in an opening 35 b as well as fabric 34 c 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 34 b 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 FIGS. 5 a-5 f.
As depicted in FIG. 5 a, 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. 5 b, 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. 5 c, the user is then able to further elevate their arms to fully extract the jacket from the second cavity.
As shown in FIGS. 5 c and 5 d, 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. 5 e, 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. 5 f depicts a jacket when fully opened and worn by the user. It can be seen from FIG. 5 f 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. 5 f, 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. 5 f, 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 FIG. 6 a, 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. 6 b, 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. 6 c, 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. 6 d-6 e, in which the opening 136 and the lower portion 138 of the panel are visible.
Referring to FIG. 7 a, the backpack of FIGS. 6 a and 6 c is depicted, with a representative jacket 160 depicted therein.
As is depicted in FIG. 7 b, 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. 8 a to 8 f. As shown in FIG. 8 a, 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. 8 a, 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. 8 b, 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. 8 c, 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 8 d, 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. 8 e, 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. 8 f, 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. 8 a to 8 f, 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. 8 f 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 finally to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, 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.
It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sizing and cut of the jacket 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 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 jacket from a pack whilst mounted on these vehicles.
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 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. 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 cordura, 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 two 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

What is claimed is:

1. 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 waterproof 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.

2. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 1, wherein the closure means comprises first and second flaps.

3. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 2, further 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.

4. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 3, wherein flaps are defined by a flexible semi rigid material.

5. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 3, wherein the flaps are maintained in magnetic engagement with the back panel until user actuation.

6. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 2, wherein the flaps are deformable by the body of the user upon extraction of the jacket from the backpack.

7. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 1, 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.

8. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 7, wherein the actuation means are strings which are received in channels defined in the sleeves of the jacket.

9. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 1, wherein waterproof channels are embossed in walls of the further cavity to drain liquid therefrom.

10. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 1, wherein a further cavity is configured so as to be fluidically isolated from the first cavity.

11. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 1, wherein the back panel of the jacket is sized so as to extend substantially about the backpack when extracted therefrom.

12. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 1, wherein the jacket further includes a hood.

13. The waterproof personal carrying system of claim 1, wherein side panels of the jacket are sized so as to extend about the side of the user and the backpack when extracted therefrom.

14. 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

15. 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 engageable 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.

16. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 15, wherein the pocket is defined by closure means which comprise first and second flaps.

17. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 16, 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.

18. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 16, wherein the flaps are defined by a flexible semi rigid material.

19. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 16, wherein the flaps are maintained in magnetic engagement with the back panel until user actuation.

20. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 16, 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.

21. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 20, wherein the actuation means are strings which are received in channels defined in the sleeves of the jacket.

22. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 15, further including waterproof channels embossed in walls of the further cavity to drain liquid therefrom.

23. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 15, configured so as to be fluidically isolated from the first cavity.

24. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 15, wherein the back panel of the jacket is sized so as to extend substantially about the backpack when extracted therefrom.

25. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 15, further including a hood.

26. The waterproof jacket and pocket of claim 15, 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.