US20160374458A1

US20160374458A1 - Backpack And Garment Assembly

Info

Publication number: US20160374458A1
Application number: US15/131,731
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Jansen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-23
Filing date: 2016-04-18
Publication date: 2016-12-29

Abstract

A backpack and garment assembly according to the present invention includes a wearable garment having a left front portion, a right front portion, a back portion opposite from the left and right front portions, respectively, and a pair of sleeve portions extending away from the left and the right front portions, respectively. A storage pack is formed to an outer surface of the back portion of the torso wearable garment and configured to contain objects therein. The storage pack includes an upper end and opposed lower end and defines a first compartment extending within an interior area of the storage pack substantially between the upper and lower ends. The assembly includes a GPS device for security tracking and an electrical receptacle enabling external devices access to an internal battery. The wearable garment may be a coat, jacket, or vest.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/746,939 filed Jun. 23, 2015 titled Backpack and Garment Assembly and which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to garments and, more particularly, to a backpack and garment assembly in which a storage pack is integrated into a back portion of a torso-worn garment such as a jacket, coat, or vest.
Backpacks are most often associated with students and are useful for transporting books, notebooks, personal electronics, laptop computers, and the like to and from class or home. Often, a backpack includes shoulder straps configured such that it can be swung onto a person's shoulder and held there for transport. Another item typically associated with students is a jacket, coat, or vest during appropriate times of year when cold temperatures or precipitation is experienced. While both items are very important in the life of a student, keeping track of both items becomes inconvenient, resulting in one or the other becoming misplaced at inopportune times or are just annoying to first throw on the jacket and then sling the backpack onto one's shoulder. Further, a heavy backpack of books might be difficult to keep situated on one's shoulder without first managing to insert both arms into a pair of shoulder straps so as to wear the backpack on one's back.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a backpack and garment assembly that forms or couples a storage pack to a back portion of a garment such as a jacket, coat, or vest. Further, it would be desirable to have a backpack and garment assembly in which the storage pack includes a hood the may be stored in a pouch or extended for use in covering a user's head from weather conditions. In addition, it would be desirable to have a backpack and garment assembly having compartments specifically configured for including various types of electronic devices, including global positioning tracking equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A backpack and garment assembly according to the present invention includes a wearable garment having a left front portion, a right front portion, a back portion opposite from the left and right front portions, respectively, and a pair of sleeve portions extending away from the left and the right front portions, respectively. A storage pack is formed to an outer surface of the back portion of the wearable garment and configured to contain objects therein. The storage pack includes an upper end and opposed lower end and defines a first compartment extending within an interior area of the storage pack substantially between the upper and lower ends. The storage pack also includes first compartment fastener having an open configuration allowing access to the first compartment and a closed configuration preventing access to the first compartment. The wearable garment may be a coat, jacket, or vest.
Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a backpack and garment assembly in which a backpack is formed on the back of a garment such as a jacket, coat, or vest.
Another object of this invention is to provide a backpack and garment assembly, as aforesaid, in which a storage pack is situated on the back of the garment so as to be balanced and secure without a user having to insert his arms through any straps.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a backpack and garment assembly, as aforesaid, which includes a global positioning tracking device situated in an interior portion of the storage pack and configured to enable emergency personnel or even a parent to track the location of the backpack and garment assembly.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a backpack and garment assembly, as aforesaid, which may, in some embodiments, be fixedly coupled to a back of the garment or be selectively removable therefrom.
A further object of this invention is to provide a backpack and garment assembly, as aforesaid, that includes multiple compartments for receiving personal electronic devices and includes means for recharging a master battery that is situated therein and configured to power stored electronic devices.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a backpack and garment assembly, as aforesaid, that is easy to use and economical to manufacture.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a backpack and garment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a rear perspective view from another angle of the backpack and garment assembly;

FIG. 2b is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 is front perspective view of the backpack and garment assembly as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is a top view of the backpack and garment assembly as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4b is a sectional view taken along line 4 b-4 b of FIG. 4a ; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electronic components according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A backpack and garment assembly for wear on a person's torso according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail along with FIGS. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings. The backpack and garment assembly 10 includes a garment 20 and a storage pack 40 integrally formed into or coupled to a back portion 26 of the garment 20.
Preferably, the garment 20 is in the form of a coat, jacket, vest, or the like. In an embodiment, the garment 20 includes a left front portion 22 and a right front portion 24, each having a generally vertically edge and a fastener therealong such that the left and right front portions 22, 24 may be selectively coupled together in a closed configuration or left separated in an open configuration. The garment 20 may include a back portion 26 opposite the left 22 and right 24 front portions. Together, the front portions 22, 24 and back portion 26 define a neck opening 28 and a waist opening 30 so that the garment 20 may be worn on a person's upper torso in a conventional manner. In an embodiment, a pair of arm portions 25 may extend away from respective front portions.
Preferably, the garment 20 is constructed of a flexible yet durable material capable of holding up against even harsh weather conditions. In an embodiment, the front portions 22, 24 and back portion 26 are constructed using an enhanced strength material such as para-aramid synthetic fiber, commonly marketed under the brand name Kevlar® owned by Dupont, Inc. Kevlar® is known to have a high tensile strength-to-weight ratio that may be arranged to be five times as strong as steel. Kevlar® has many applications, including as body armor and sports like fencing. In use, the portions of the garment 20 indicated above provide protection and shielding of the wearer from abrasions, heat, and even from attack with a sharp instrument.
One of either the left front portion 22 or right front portion 24 includes a pocket 32 integrally formed into or otherwise coupled to an outer surface. The pocket 32 defines an inner space and an upper opening giving access to the inner space. Preferably, the pocket 32 is dimensioned and configured to receive a smart phone or similar mobile device. The pocket 32 may be positioned at about a breast area of a person wearing the garment 20. Of course, more than one pocket 32 having an upper opening may be situated on a respective front portion for holding electronic devices or other articles. Traditional hand pockets 34 may also be included.
The storage pack 40 may be connected to the back portion 26 of the garment 20 and preferably extends substantially between the neck opening 28 and waist opening 30 of the garment 20. An inner surface (opposite an outer surface) of the storage pack 40 may be fixedly attached to an outer surface of the back portion 26 of the garment 20, such as by sewing or point of original manufacture. In another embodiment, the storage pack 40 may be removably coupled to the back portion 26, such as with straps, clasps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or the like.
The storage pack 40 includes a lower end 42 and an opposed upper end 44. The upper end 44 defines a pouch 46 and a pouch opening 48 that provides access into the pouch 46. The pouch 46 extends a predetermined distance into an interior portion of the storage pack 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the garment 20 may include a hood 36 constructed of a durable yet flexible material. The hood 36 includes a lower edge coupled to the upper end 44 of the storage pack 40, is constructed of a flexible material (such as fabric, vinyl, plastic, or the like) and is movable between a stowed configuration within the pouch 46 and an extended configuration extending away from the upper end 44 of the storage pack 40.
More particularly, the hood 36 includes a body portion 38 having a configuration that is complementary to the head of person wearing the garment 20. The hood 36 may have an open front and at least a hemispherical or bowl-shaped head-protection body portion configured to protect a wearer's head from wind and rain when the hood is at the extended configuration. In addition, the hood 36 may include a bridge portion 39 connecting the upper end of the storage pack 40 to the body portion 38 of the hood 36. The elongate bridge portion 39 is needed in that the hood 36 must extend from the pouch opening 48 to the body portion 38 in order to reach a user's head.
The storage pack 40 includes a first compartment 50 situated in the inner portion thereof and extending substantially between the upper end 44 and lower end 42. The first compartment 50 is separated from the pouch 46 with a first partition 52. The storage pack 40 includes a first fastener 54, such as a zipper, having an open configuration allowing access to the first compartment 50 and a closed configuration not allowing access to the first compartment 50. The first compartment 50 may define a generally rectangular space configured to receive a laptop computer, tablet, or the like although objects such as books or notebooks may also be received therein when the first fastener 54 is in its open configuration.
Similarly, the storage pack 40 includes a second compartment 56 intermediate the first compartment 50 and an outer wall of the storage pack 40. The second compartment 56 extends substantially between the upper end 44 and lower end 42 of the storage pack 40. Further, the storage pack 40 includes a second fastener 60, such as a zipper, having an open configuration allowing access to the second compartment 56 and a closed configuration not allowing access to the first compartment 50. The second compartment 56 is separated from the first compartment 50 by a second partition 58. The first compartment 50 may have a larger volume of interior space than the volume of the first compartment 50 and may allow a greater volume and variation of objects to be stored therein. For instance, the second compartment 56 would be appropriate for containing items such as books, clothing, computer cables, or the like.
In another aspect, a handle 62 may be mounted to the upper end 44 of the storage pack 40. The handle 62 is configured to be grasped by a user such that the storage pack 40 and garment 20 may be carried by hand when the garment 20 is not being worn. In an embodiment where the storage pack 40 is removable from the garment 20, the handle 62 may be used to carry the storage pack 40 independently.
Further, the backpack and garment assembly 10 may include a Global Positioning Satellite (“GPS”) tracking device 66 that enables emergency services personnel or parents to locate the storage pack 40, such as if a child in possession of the assembly 10 becomes missing, is late in arriving at school or home, or if the child needs to be located immediately. For instance, a product marketed as SafeLink™ provides a product and system that can locate the wearer of a GPS enabled device within minutes or seconds. The GPS tracking device 66 may be situated in the interior portions of the storage pack 40.
In addition, a battery 64 may be situated within the interior portions of the storage pack 40 and may be electrically connected to the GPS enabled device 66 (FIG. 11). Further, the backpack and garment assembly 10 may include a charging cable 68 (also referred to generally as a charging assembly) electrically connected to the battery 64 and electrically configured to electrically connect an electronic device situated outside of the storage pack 40 to the battery 64. More particularly, the charging cable 68 enables a child to connect his cell phone to the onboard battery 64 and arrange to charge the cell phone. This is an element of safety so that a child walking or riding home from school is not left with an uncharged phone and unable to call for help if needed. The charging cable 68 may be situated in an electrical box protected by a pivotal cover 69. In another embodiment, the storage pack 40 may include a USB port 74 (FIGS. 2b and 5) that is configured to receive and electrically connect a USB port of an electronic device outside the storage pack 40 to a corresponding USB port of an electronic device being carried in either the first compartment 50 or second compartment 56 of the storage pack 40.
Further, the backpack and garment assembly 10 may include an electrical receptacle 70 that is electrically connected to the battery 64 and configured to electrically connect the onboard battery 64 to an external power source. For instance, the battery 64 may be rechargeable and a power cable may be connected at respective ends to the electrical receptacle 70 and an external electrical socket (not shown). In use, external electronic devices, such as a mobile phone charger, may be plugged in to the receptacle 70 for access to current from the onboard battery 64. Still further, an electrical generator 72 may be positioned in the interior portions of the storage pack 40 and electrically connected to the battery 64 or the electrical receptacle 70. More particularly, the electrical generator 72 may be configured to receive electrical current from the electrical receptacle 70 or provide current to the battery 64. It is understood that the generator 72 may include additional mechanical components (not shown) that would enable a user, i.e. a child wearing the backpack to cause the generator 72 to generate electrical current, e.g. by twisting a hand crank (not shown) or the like.
In use, the backpack and garment assembly 10 may be worn in the manner of a traditional coat or jacket. Objects such as electronic devices may be carried in the storage pack 40 as described above so as to be immediately available when desired as discussed above. In some embodiments, the storage pack 40 may also include an embedded battery 64 for charging a mobile phone or other electronic device. The GPS tracking device 66 enables the backpack and garment assembly 10 to be located in an emergency situation. The integration of a jacket and a backpack provides the convenience of keeping these important elements of “gear” securely together, such as for young people traveling to or from school or the library.
It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A backpack and garment assembly for wear on a person's torso, comprising:

a garment that is torso wearable having a left front portion, a right front portion, a back portion opposite from said left and right front portions, respectively, and a pair of sleeve portions extending away from said left and said right front portions, respectively; and

a storage pack formed to an outer surface of said back portion of said garment and configured to contain objects therein;

wherein said storage pack includes:

an upper end and opposed lower end and defines a first compartment extending within an interior area of said storage pack substantially between said upper and lower ends;

a first compartment fastener having an open configuration allowing access to said first compartment and a closed configuration preventing access to said first compartment;

an upper end defining a pouch and a pouch opening providing access to said pouch;

a hood having a lower edge fixedly connected to said upper end of said storage pack and having a hood body movable between a stowed configuration within said pouch and an extended configuration extending outside said pouch;

a battery situated in an interior portion of said storage pack;

a global positioning satellite (“GPS”) tracking device electrically connected to said battery and situated in an interior portion of said storage pack, said GPS tracking device configured to enable emergency services to locate said GPS tracking device;

an electrical receptacle electrically connected to said battery and configured to electrically connect said battery to an external electrical power source; and

a charging cable electrically connected to said battery and configured to electrically connect an electronic device outside of said storage pack to said battery,

a USB port situated in said storage pack and electrically connected to said battery, said USB port being configured to receive and electrically connect a USB cable from an electronic device outside of said storage pack to a USB port of an electronic device situated in said interior area of said first compartment;

an electrical generator situated in said interior area of said storage pack and electrically connected to said battery or said electrical receptacle so as to selectively supply current to said battery or receive current from said electrical receptacle.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, wherein said storage pack is connected to said back portion of said garment by sewing.

5. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, wherein at least one of said left or right front portions includes an outer surface having a pocket dimensioned and configured to selectively receive a mobile phone.

6. (canceled)

7. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, wherein said hood includes:

a body portion having a configuration complementary to a person's head so as to selectively cover the person's head when said hood is at said extended configuration;

a bridge portion connecting said upper end of said storage pack to said body portion.

8. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, wherein:

said first fastener is a zipper; and

said first compartment is dimensioned and configured to contain a portable electronic device taken from the group comprising a laptop computer and a tablet computing device, said portable electronic device being inserted into or removed from said first compartment when said zipper is moved to an open configuration.

9. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, wherein said first compartment is separated from said pouch by a first partition.

10. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, wherein said storage pack:

defines a second compartment extending within the interior area of said storage pack substantially between said upper and lower ends, said second compartment situated rearwardly of said first compartment; and

includes a second compartment fastener having an open configuration allowing access to said second compartment and a closed configuration preventing access to said second compartment.

11. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 10, wherein said second compartment is separated from said first compartment by a second partition.

12. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 10, further comprising a handle situated on said upper end of said storage pack and configured that said storage pack and wearable garment is selectively carried by a person's hand.

13. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, further comprising a handle situated on said upper end of said storage pack and configured that said storage pack and said garment is selectively carried by a person's hand.

14. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 12, wherein said storage pack:

15. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 1, wherein said garment is taken from the group comprising a coat, jacket, vest, and sweatshirt.

16. The backpack and garment assembly as in claim 15, wherein said garment includes a para-aramid synthetic fiber having a high tensile strength-to-weight ratio configured to increase the strength and shielding provided by said garment.