US20170295913A1

US20170295913A1 - Reconfigurable Backpack with Enhanced Safety Features

Info

Publication number: US20170295913A1
Application number: US15/491,949
Authority: US
Inventors: Noel Gaskin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-19
Filing date: 2017-04-19
Publication date: 2017-10-19

Abstract

A reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features uses a base panel, a folding line, a storage compartment, a shoulder strap, and a bag-securing mechanism. The base panel is a flexible piece of material that has a first edge and a second edge which are located on opposite ends of the base panel. The folding line is a line of demarcation that is integrated into the base panel and indicates where the base panel should be folded to be correctly reconfigured. The storage compartment is a sealable pouch that is connected to the base panel and used to carry personal items. The shoulder strap is connected in between the first edge and the second edge so that the user is able to support the base panel and the storage compartment on the shoulders. The bag-securing mechanism maintains the base panel in a folded configuration when engaged.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/324,466 filed on Apr. 19, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a multifunctional backpack. More specifically, the present invention is a four-in-one high-visibility backpack that may be transformed into and utilized as a briefcase or messenger bag. The present invention additionally serves as a high-visibility safety vest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, backpacks are designed to serve a single function. Traditional backpacks are designed to be used in specific ways. For example, a satchel is generally designed to be used as a satchel. Similarly, a briefcase is generally designed to be used as a briefcase. This leaves the user stuck with a single purpose piece of luggage. While this is often acceptable, there are occasions where the user would like to employ a single piece of luggage in multiple contexts. Sadly, traditional luggage does not allow this.
The present invention addresses this by providing the user with a multifunctional backpack that may be converted into alternative forms of containers based on the user's needs and preferences. The present invention additionally improves the user's safety by increasing the user's visibility. The present invention is a four-in-one high-visibility backpack that may be utilized as a briefcase or messenger bag. Furthermore, the present invention improves the visibility of the user and when worn as a backpack, functions in a similar manner to a safety vest that improves the user's visibility. The user's visibility is improved via light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or reflective strips that are positioned on the present invention. Multiple compartments are provided on the present invention in order to store the user's belongings. The compartments are positioned in a manner such that the compartments are easily accessible regardless of the configuration in which the present invention is in use. The present invention is foldable in order to convert the present invention from a backpack configuration to a briefcase configuration. When the present invention is in a briefcase configuration, a cross body strap may be attached in order to convert the present invention into a messenger bag configuration. A removable hood may be attached to the present invention as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention in the backpack configuration.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention in the backpack configuration.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention in the backpack configuration with the hood attached.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention in the satchel configuration with the carrying strap attached.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hood for the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features, is a backpack that can be configured to function as a satchel or a hooded vest. The present invention gives a user the freedom to use the present invention in a variety of contexts. To transition the present invention from a backpack to a satchel, the user simply folds the backpack in half and attaches a shoulder strap. The present invention can also be used as a suitcase by transitioning the backpack into a satchel and using a handle to carry the folded device. In another configuration, the user is able to attach a hood to the backpack and wear the backpack as a hooded vest. The preferred embodiment of the present invention uses reflectors and lights to add enhanced safety features. These components increase the visibility of the user at night.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, to accomplish the above described functionality, the present invention comprises a base panel 1, a folding line 6, at least one storage compartment 7, at least one shoulder strap 11, at least one bag-securing mechanism 16, and a grab handle 19. The base panel 1 which is a flexible sheet of material that forms the foundational structure onto which the remaining components are mounted. Additionally, the base panel 1 comprises a first edge 2 and a second edge 3. The at least one bag-securing mechanism 16 is a detachable fastener. Additionally, the at least one bag-securing mechanism 16 comprises a first fastening piece 17 and a second fastening piece 18. The first edge 2 is positioned opposite to the second edge 3 across the base panel 1 so that the first edge 2 and the second edge 3 can be mated together when the present invention is reconfigured to be used as a satchel. The folding line 6 is integrated into the base panel 1 in between the first edge 2 and the second edge 3. Consequently, the folding line 6 acts as the line of demarcation that indicates where the base panel 1 should be folded when the present invention is transitioning the backpack into a satchel. The at least one storage compartment 7 is a pouch or enclosure that is used to store any gear that the user intends to carry with the present invention. The at least one storage compartment 7 is connected onto the base panel 1. As a result, folding the base panel 1 repositions the at least one storage compartment 7 so that the user is able to make use of the storage space while employing the present invention as a satchel.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is designed with components that are utilized when employing the present invention as a backpack or satchel. To that end, the at least one shoulder strap 11 is a support strap that is connected in between the first edge 2 and the second edge 3. Thus positioned, the at least one shoulder strap 11 enables the user to carry the present invention as a backpack. While the at least one shoulder strap 11 facilitates using the present invention as a backpack, the first fastening piece 17 and the second fastening piece 18 facilitate using the present invention as a satchel. The first fastening piece 17 and the second fastening piece 18 are preferably interlocking connectors. The first fastening piece 17 is adjacently connected to the first edge 2, and the second fastening is adjacently connected to the second edge 3. Accordingly, the present invention makes use of the first fastening piece 17 and the second fastening piece 18 to prevent the base panel 1 from becoming unfolded when functioning as a satchel. The first fastening piece 17 and the second fastening piece 18 can be fastening mechanism including, but not limited to, quick-release buckles, latches, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and ties. The grab handle 19 is adjacently connected to the base panel 1 along the folding line 6. Additionally, the grab handle 19 is adjacently positioned to the at least one storage compartment 7. Consequently, the grab handle 19 is positioned to facilitate carrying the present invention while being used as a suitcase.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is designed to function in various configurations that can be modified by the user. To that end, the base panel 1, the at least one storage compartment 7, and the at least one shoulder strap 11 can be placed into a backpack configuration. In the backpack configuration, the present invention is intended to function similar to a traditional backpack. The base panel 1 further comprises a first panel section 4 and a second panel section 5. The first panel section 4 is located in between the first edge 2 and the folding line 6, and the second panel section 5 is located in between the second edge 3 and the folding line 6. As a result, the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 form the two halves of the base panel 1 which are reconfigured to transition the present invention between the backpack configuration and a satchel configuration. While in the backpack configuration, the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 are positioned coplanar to each other. Thus positioned, the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 form a flat panel that can be positioned against the user's back.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, in addition to the backpack configuration, the base panel 1, the at least one storage compartment 7, the at least one shoulder strap 11, and the grab handle 19 can be placed into a satchel configuration. In the satchel configuration, the present invention is intended to function similar to a traditional satchel. While in the satchel configuration, the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 are pressed against each other. Accordingly, this positioning of the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 causes the base panel 1 to become folded, and the present invention to assume the shape of a satchel. In the satchel configuration, the at least one shoulder strap 11 is positioned in between the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 so that the at least one shoulder strap 11 is stored away while not being used. Additionally, the first fastening piece 17 is detachably engaged to the second fastening piece 18. Consequently, the present invention is prevented from being transitioned out of the satchel configuration until the first fastening piece 17 is disengaged from the second fastening piece 18.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the satchel configuration enables to user to carry the present invention in multiple ways. The grab handle 19 is used to carry the present invention like a suitcase. However, the present invention further comprises a first mounting fastener 20, a second mounting fastener 21, and a carrying strap 22 that enable the user to sling the present invention over their shoulder. The first mounting fastener 20 is adjacently connected to the base panel 1. Additionally, the first mounting fastener 20 is terminally positioned on the folding line 6. The second mounting fastener 21 is adjacently connected to the base panel 1. Additionally, the second mounting fastener 21 is terminally positioned on the folding line 6, opposite to the first mounting fastener 20. Thus positioned, the first mounting fastener 20 and the second mounting fastener 21 form attachment points for the carrying strap 22 that are at opposite sides of the base panel 1. Additionally, the first mounting fastener 20 and the second mounting fastener 22 are located at positions that facilitate evenly distributing the weight of the present invention while being carried by the carrying strap 22. Finally, the carrying strap 22 is detachably connected in between the first mounting fastener 20 and the second mounting fastener 21. Accordingly, the user can choose to support the present invention by employing the carrying strap 22 or the grab handle 19.
As can be seen in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, in addition to being used as a backpack and a satchel, the present invention can be worn as a vest. To accomplish this, the present invention further comprises a first wing flap 23, a second wing flap 24, and a wing bind 25. The first wing flap 23 and the second wing flap 24 are pieces of fabric that are used to form a detachable brace around the user's torso. The wing bind 25 is the detachable mechanism that connects the first wing flap 23 to the second wing flap 24 and comprises a first interlocking piece 26 and a second interlocking piece 27. The first wing flap 23 and the second wing flap 24 are positioned in between the first edge 2 and the second edge 3 so that the first wing flap 23 and the second wing flap 24 are able to provide additional support to the base panel 1 when employed by the user. The first wing flap 23 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the base panel 1. The second wing flap 24 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the base panel 1, opposite to the first wing flap 23. Consequently, the first wing flap 23 and the second wing flap 24 are positioned on opposite sides of the user's torso while the user is wearing the present invention as a vest. The first interlocking piece 26 is connected onto the first wing flap 23. Similarly, the second interlocking piece 27 is connected onto the second wing flap 24 so that the second wing flap 24 is able to be attached to the first wing flap 23. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first wing flap 23 comprises a first flap pocket 28 that is integrated into the first wing flap 23. As a result, the user is able to store gear within the first flap pocket 28. Similarly, the second wing flap 24 comprises a second flap pocket 29 that is integrated into the second wing flap 24. Thus integrated, the user is able to store gear within the second flap pocket 29.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, to wear the present invention as a vest, the base panel 1, at least one shoulder strap 11, the first wing flap 23, and the second wing flap 24 must be placed into a vest configuration. In the vest configuration, the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 are positioned coplanar to each other. Thus positioned, the first panel section 4 and the second panel section 5 form a flat panel that can be positioned against the user's back. The first wing flap 23 and the second wing flap 24 are positioned around the at least one shoulder strap 11. Additionally, the first interlocking piece 26 is engaged by the second interlocking piece 27. Accordingly, the user is able to connect the first wing flap 23 and the second wing flap 24 around the torso while the present invention is in the vest configuration.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the at least one storage compartment 7 is positioned such that the user is able to carry gear with the present invention irrespective of the configuration. To accomplish this, the at least one storage compartment 7 comprises a first primary compartment 8 and a second primary compartment 9. The first primary compartment 8 and the second primary compartment 9 are preferably pouches that can be opened and closed using various fasteners including, but not limited to, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and buttons. The first primary compartment 8 is positioned in between the first edge 2 and the folding line 6. Additionally, the second primary compartment 9 is positioned in between the second edge 3 and the folding line 6. Consequently, the first primary compartment 8 and the second primary compartment 9 are positioned so that neither the first primary compartment 8 nor the second primary compartment 9 are folded while the present invention is in the satchel configuration. The grab handle 19 is positioned in between the first primary compartment 8 and the second primary compartment 9. As a result, the user is able to easily grasp the grab handle 19. Moreover, the present invention further comprises a secondary storage compartment 10 that increases the storage capacity of the present invention. The secondary storage compartment 10 is connected onto the second primary compartment 9, opposite to the base panel 1. Thus positioned, the secondary storage compartment 10 is oriented so that the user is able to easily access both the second primary compartment 9 and the secondary storage compartment 10, simultaneously.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is able to be used like a backpack. To that end, the at least one shoulder strap 11 comprises a first shoulder strap 12 and a second shoulder strap 13. The first shoulder strap 12 is terminally connected to the first edge 2. Additionally, the first shoulder strap 12 is terminally connected to the second edge 3. Accordingly, the first shoulder strap 12 is used to support the weight of the present invention while in the backpack configuration. Similarly, the second shoulder strap 13 is terminally connected to the first edge 2. Also similarly, the second shoulder strap 13 is terminally connected to the second edge 3. Consequently, the second shoulder strap 13 works in concert with the first shoulder strap 12 to support the weight of the present invention while in the backpack configuration. The first shoulder strap 12 and the second shoulder strap 13 are positioned offset from each other across the base panel 1. As a result, the user is able to comfortably wear the present invention while in the backpack configuration. The present invention further comprises a first length-adjustment mechanism 14 and a second length-adjustment mechanism 15. Both the first length-adjustment mechanism 14 and the second length-adjustment mechanism 15 are devices that are used to modify the overall length of a strap. To that end, the first length-adjustment mechanism 14 is integrated along the first shoulder strap 12. Thus integrated, the first length-adjustment mechanism 14 enables the user to modify the length of the first shoulder strap 12, as desired. The second length-adjustment mechanism 15 is integrated along the second shoulder strap 13. Accordingly, the second length-adjustment mechanism 15 enables the user to modify the length of the second shoulder strap 13.
As can be seen in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, in added functionality of the present invention is the ability to be used as a hooded vest. To that end, the present invention further comprises a hood 30 and a hood-attachment fastener 33. The hood 30 is intended to be a detachable head covering that the user employs as desired. The hood 30 comprises a neck opening 31 and a neck hem 32. The neck hem 32 is positioned about the neck opening 31 so that the section of the hood 30 surrounding the neck opening 31 is reinforced. Additionally, the neck hem 32 is detachably attached to the first edge 2 by the hood-attachment fastener 33. Consequently, the hood 30 can be detached from the base panel 1 by disengaging the hood-attachment fastener 33. The hood-attachment fastener 33 comprises at least one first attachable piece 34 and at least one second attachable piece 35. The at least one first attachable piece 34 and the at least one second attachable piece 35 are preferably interlocking fastening mechanisms that can be readily engaged or disengaged by the user. The at least one first attachable piece 34 is distributed along the neck hem 32, and the at least one second attachable piece 35 is distributed along the first edge 2 so that the neck hem 32 is able to be attached to the first edge 2. Finally, the at least one first attachable piece 34 is engaged to the at least one second attachable piece 35. Accordingly, the connection formed between the at least one first attachable piece 34 and the at least one second attachable piece 35 can be disengaged by the user at will.
As can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the present invention functions as a safety enhancing system by incorporating the use of visual alert devices. To accomplish this, the present invention further comprises at least one visibility-notifying device 36. The at least one visibility-notifying device 36 is preferably a reflective piece of material but could be other devices including, but not limited to, light emitting diodes, brightly colored fabric, and illuminated panels. The at least one visibility-notifying device 36 is distributed across the base panel 1, the at least one storage compartment 7, and the at least one shoulder strap 11. Consequently, the at least one visibility-notifying device 36 increases the user's visibility at night.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features comprises:

a base panel;

a folding line;

at least one storage compartment;

at least one shoulder strap;

at least one bag-securing mechanism;

a grab handle;

the base panel comprises a first edge and a second edge;

the at least one bag-securing mechanism comprises a first fastening piece and a second fastening piece;

the first edge being positioned opposite to the second edge across the base panel;

the folding line being integrated into the base panel in between the first edge and the second edge;

the at least one storage compartment being connected onto the base panel;

the at least one shoulder strap being connected in between the first edge and the second edge;

the first fastening piece being adjacently connected to the first edge;

the second fastening piece being adjacently connected to the second edge;

the grab handle being adjacently connected to the base panel along the folding line, and

the grab handle being adjacently positioned to the at least one storage compartment.

2. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the base panel, the at least one storage compartment, and the at least one shoulder strap are in a backpack configuration;

the base panel further comprises a first panel section and a second panel section;

the first panel section being located in between the first edge and the folding line;

the second panel section being located in between the second edge and the folding line, and

the first panel section and the second panel section being positioned coplanar to each other.

3. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

wherein the base panel, the at least one storage compartment, the at least one shoulder strap, and the grab handle are in a satchel configuration;

the second panel section being located in between the second edge and the folding line;

the first panel section and the second panel section being pressed against each other;

the at least one shoulder strap being positioned in between the first panel section and the second panel section, and

the first fastening piece being detachably engaged to the second fastening piece.

4. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

a first mounting fastener;

a second mounting fastener;

a carrying strap;

the first mounting fastener being adjacently connected to the base panel;

the first mounting fastener being terminally positioned on the folding line;

the second mounting fastener being adjacently connected to the base panel;

the second mounting fastener being terminally positioned on the folding line, opposite to the first mounting fastener, and

the carrying strap being detachably connected in between the first mounting fastener and the second mounting fastener.

5. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a first wing flap;

a second wing flap;

a wing bind;

the wing bind comprises a first interlocking piece and a second interlocking piece;

the first wing flap and the second wing flap being positioned in between the first edge and the second edge;

the first wing flap being hingedly and adjacently connected to the base panel;

the second wing flap being hingedly and adjacently connected to the base panel, opposite to the first wing flap;

the first interlocking piece being connected onto the first wing flap, and

the second interlocking piece being connected onto the second wing flap.

6. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

a first flap pocket, and

the first flap pocket being integrated into the first wing flap.

7. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

a second flap pocket, and

the first flap pocket being integrated into the second wing flap.

8. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

wherein the base panel, at least one shoulder strap, the first wing flap, and the second wing flap are in a vest configuration;

the first panel section and the second panel section being positioned coplanar to each other;

the first wing flap and the second wing flap being positioned around the at least one shoulder strap, and

the first interlocking piece being engaged by the second interlocking piece.

9. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the at least one storage compartment comprises a first primary compartment and a second primary compartment;

the first primary compartment being positioned in between the first edge and the folding line;

the second primary compartment being positioned in between the second edge and the folding line, and

the grab handle being positioned in between the first primary compartment and the second primary compartment.

10. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

a secondary storage compartment, and

the secondary storage compartment being connected onto the second primary compartment, opposite to the base panel.

11. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the at least one shoulder strap comprises a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap;

the first shoulder strap being terminally connected to the first edge;

the first shoulder strap being terminally connected to the second edge;

the second shoulder strap being terminally connected to the first edge;

the second shoulder strap being terminally connected to the second edge, and

the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap being positioned offset from each other across the base panel.

12. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

a first length-adjustment mechanism, and

the first length-adjustment mechanism being integrated along the first shoulder strap.

13. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

a second length-adjustment mechanism, and

the second length-adjustment mechanism being integrated along the second shoulder strap.

14. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a hood;

a hood-attachment fastener;

the hood comprises a neck opening and a neck hem;

the neck hem being positioned about the neck opening, and

the neck hem being detachably attached to the first edge by the hood-attachment fastener.

15. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the hood-attachment fastener comprises at least one first attachable piece and at least one second attachable piece;

the at least one first attachable piece being distributed along the neck hem;

the at least one second attachable piece being distributed along the first edge, and

the at least one first attachable piece being engaged to the at least one second attachable piece.

16. The reconfigurable backpack with enhanced safety features as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

at least one visibility-notifying device, and

the at least one visibility-notifying device being distributed across the base panel, the at least one storage compartment, and the at least one shoulder strap.