BACKPACK WITH MULTIPLE ACCESS POINTS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application is related to a backpack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure describes a backpack that is accessible by opening one or more side walls, which are releasably interconnected by a set of fasteners (such as zippers). The fasteners meet at a junction near a central region of the outward-facing portion of the backpack.

[0003] DE 20 2007 007390 U1 discloses a backpack comprising an upper part with four side walls and four corresponding zippers.

[0004] The present invention relates to a backpack as defined in claim 1. Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. The present invention includes a backpack with a main compartment including a top end and a bottom end. The main compartment is defined by a set of walls, including a top side wall that at least partially defines the top end, a bottom side wall that at least partially defines the bottom end, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The main compartment also includes a back wall that connects to each of the top, the bottom, the left, and the right side walls. The backpack also includes one or more shoulder straps that extend along the back wall. Each wall of the set of walls that define the main compartment includes a portion, respectively, that converges at a centralized wall junction. The centralized wall junction is positioned between the top end and the bottom end of the backpack when the set of walls are in a closed configuration. The backpack includes at least four zippers: a first zipper that connects the top side wall to the left side wall; a second zipper that connects the top side wall to the right side wall; a third zipper that connects the bottom side wall to the left side wall; and a fourth zipper that connects the bottom side wall to the right side wall. Each of the four zippers includes a respective first end that terminates near the back wall and a respective second end that terminates near the centralized wall junction.

[0005] Aspects of the invention are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary merely provides a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed-description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0006] The present invention is described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a backpack in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 2A-2B depict the backpack of FIG. 1 with shoulder straps in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIGS. 3-4, 5A, and 5B depict the backpack of FIG. 1 with some walls releasably connected by fasteners and some walls opened in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 6 depicts the backpack of FIG. 1 with a main compartment in an open arrangement in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 7 depicts items stowed within the main compartment in accordance with an aspect hereof; and

FIG. 8 depicts the stowed items of FIG. 7 with a releasably connected wall in an open arrangement in accordance with an aspect hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The subject matter of aspects of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied or carried out in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0008] Aspects hereof provide a backpack that includes a main storage compartment that is accessible by opening any one or more side walls. Each side wall is releasably fastened to each adjacent side walls by way of a zipper or any other releasable fastener (e.g., hook-and-loop strips, snaps, buttons, hooks, and the like). The backpack might also include one or more accessory storage compartments constructed into the one or more side walls or into a back wall.

[0009] The main storage compartment generally includes a storage space that is larger than the accessory storage compartments and that might include one or more additional storage pockets accessible from inside the storage space or outside the storage space. The accessory storage compartments are generally separated from the storage space of the main storage compartment and might be used to stow various items, such as athletic balls, footwear, towels, uniforms, sports drinks, sports supplements, and the like. The terms "storage" and "stowage" might be used interchangeably in this description, as well as the terms "storage area," "compartment," and "storage space." In addition, accessory storage compartments may also be referred to herein as "accessory compartments," "accessory pockets," "storage pockets," or just "pockets" (e.g., items 48A-G in FIGS. 3-6).

[0010] The backpack includes one or more straps that can be worn on one or both shoulders. In one aspect, the backpack is designed such that items stored in the main storage compartment are accessible by opening the releasable fasteners securing any one or more of the side walls. Access may be allowed from the top, bottom, left, or right side of the backpack or any combination thereof, as opposed to limiting access from the top end of the backpack. Items stored within the accessory storage compartments are also accessible by opening any one or more of the fasteners or side walls.

[0011] Releasable fasteners and side walls meet near a centralized region when the bag is in a closed arrangement. As such, selectively opening one or more of the fasteners or side walls provides focused access to particular zones within the various storage compartments (e.g., bottom, side, central, etc.) without splaying open the entire backpack. In addition, opening the releasable fasteners that secure any one of the side wall may allow the released side wall to be positioned within a substantially same geometric plane as the back wall, and opening all of the removable fasteners securing the side walls may allow the backpack to lie flat in a substantially same geometric plane (i.e., the bag is configurable into a lay-flat arrangement).

[0012] Referring now primarily to FIG. 1, some features of a backpack 10 will be generally described. FIG. 1 depicts a non-worn state of the backpack 10, such as when the backpack might be set on a ground surface. Generally the backpack 10 includes a top end 12 and a bottom end 14. FIG. 1 also depicts a front wall 16 that is comprised of side walls 18 (top), 20 (bottom), 22 (right), and 24 (left). The side walls 18, 20, 22, and 24 are each coupled to a back wall (hidden from view in FIG. 1, but shown as item 26 in FIGS. 2A-2B). The front wall 16 generally opposes back wall 26, and the front wall 16 and back wall 26 at least partially enclose a main storage compartment (item 28 in FIG. 3).

[0013] The backpack 10 includes one or more zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 that provide access to the storage space by way of the front wall 16. For exemplary purposes, zipper attachments are described herein and are depicted in the figures; however, not in the scope of the present invention, any suitable releasable fastener might also be used to connect portions of the backpack, such as snaps, hook-and-loop fastening strips, clips, and the like. FIG. 1 also depicts an optional retention mechanism 38 that connects top wall 18 to bottom wall 20. For exemplary purposes, the retention mechanism depicted and described herein is a clip 38 with a male and female portion; however, any suitable retention mechanism might also be used such as snaps, hook-and-loop fastening strips, other clip styles, and the like. Another retention mechanism (not shown) might also (or alternatively) be included that connects the side walls 22, 24 to one another.

[0014] FIG. 1 also depicts a centralized wall junction 40 located near the central region of front wall 16 where a portion of each side wall 18, 20, 22, and 24 converges. The portion of each side wall 18, 20, 22, and 24 that meets at the centralized wall junction 40 may be substantially trapezoidal or triangular in shape. As such, the portion that meets at the centralized wall junction 40 might be an edge or a vertex of the wall that meets near the centralized wall junction. For exemplary purposes, side walls 18, 20, 22, and 24 that are generally overall triangular in shape or trapezoidal in shape are described herein and are depicted in the figures; however, the shape of the side walls 18, 20, 22, and 24 may also include any other suitable shapes, such as curves, rectangles, polygons, etc. Further, the overall shape of backpack 10 may generally be trapezoidal, as depicted, or may generally be any other appropriate shape such as rectangular, ovate, circular, polygonal, etc. Also, the portion of each wall that meets at the centralized wall junction might have one type of configuration, such as triangular or trapezoidal, and other portions of the wall (e.g., near the back wall) might have a different configuration.

[0015] As indicated, the centralized wall junction 40 is positioned in a central region of the front wall 16. That is, the centralized wall junction 40 is positioned between the top end 12 and the bottom end 14 and between the left side and right side. Generally, the centralized wall junction 40 is positioned a first distance apart from the top end 12 and a second distance apart from the bottom end 14, and the relative size of the first distance and the second distance might vary. In one aspect, the centralized wall junction might be positioned more towards the top end 12 of the backpack. For example, the first distance might be about one-third of the second distance. In other aspects, the centralized wall junction might be positioned more towards a mid-point between the first end 12 and the second end. For example, the first distance might be about 50 percent or more of the second distance. And in another example, the first distance is between about 75 percent and 100 percent of the second distance. When the first distance is 100 percent of the second distance, then the centralized wall junction is positioned at a mid-point between the top end 12 and the bottom end 14.

[0016] The backpack in FIG. 1 is depicted in a closed configuration. Zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 each have a respective end 30A, 32A, 34A, and 36A that terminates at or near the centralized wall junction 40. Zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 each also have a respective end 30B, 32B, 34B, and 36B that terminates at or near the back wall 26. Each zipper includes a respective zipper pull that traverses respective zipper teeth from one end to the other in order to selectively open and close the zipper.

[0017] In one aspect, the alignment of the releasable fasteners creates an 'X' pattern when the backpack is in a closed configuration. FIG. 1 depicts such an 'X' pattern with respective portions of zipper 30 and zipper 36 substantially aligned and respective portions of zipper 32 and 34 substantially aligned. The term 'X' pattern connotes a general impression created by the zippers and the wall portions that meet at the centralized wall junction. That is, 'X' pattern does not necessarily define the zippers to physically meet or touch at a single point.

[0018] In other aspects, zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 may also not be substantially aligned or be substantially aligned to form other configurations at the wall junction that are not depicted, such as an 'H' shape, "t" shape, a cross shape, plus-sign shape, and the like. In another aspect, the zippers and wall portions that meet at the centralized panel junction 40 form a Greek pi symbol (i.e., 'II'), in which the top wall includes a substantially straight edge that meets at the junction, the side walls include trapezoidal shaped portions with respective vertices that meet at the junction, and the bottom wall includes a trapezoidal shaped portion with an edge that meets at the junction. In other aspects, more than four zippers might be provided in combination with more than four walls or panels to create other patterns or designs that meet at a centralized position, such as a starfish pattern or starburst pattern.

[0019] The textile of backpack 10 might include various types of fabric or materials including nonwoven, woven, and multi-layer woven fabric created using dual-loom technology (e.g., Jacquard weave). The walls described in FIG. 1, include side walls 18, 20, 22, and 24 and back wall 26 may be integrally woven together as a single-piece construction or may be separate pieces that are affixed to one another using various attachment techniques such as sewing, stitching, adhering, sonic welding and the like, in order to construct the backpack 10.

[0020] A rear view of the backpack 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIGS. 2A and 2B depict back wall 26, which may be comprised of zones of varying material, patterns, and/or thicknesses, such as 26A and 26B. In one aspect, zones 26A may include additional padding to cushion the wearer's back while zones 26B may have less or no padding to reduce bulk or weight and increase flexibility. Another nonlimiting possibility includes having zones of mesh material interspersed with zones of non-mesh material to provide for increased ventilation for main compartment 28 and for the wearer's back. Zones 26A might be stitched, adhered, sonic welded, or integrally woven with zones 26B.

[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B also depict shoulder straps 42 that extend along back wall 26 and are connected at or near the top end 12 and along respective sides of backpack 10. For exemplary purposes, two straps are depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B; however, any number of straps may be provided for lifting, carrying, or securing backpack 10. The shoulder straps 42 may be integrally formed, as depicted in the figures, or may be separately connected at or near the top end 12 and along respective sides. Straps 42 are depicted as being coupled to top end 12 and along respective sides of the backpack by way of the strap-adjustment mechanism 44. In other aspects, shoulder straps 42 may also be coupled to near the bottom end 14 of backpack 10 or may be releasably connected to top end 12 of backpack 10.

[0022] For exemplary purposes, the strap-adjustment mechanism 44 depicted and described herein is a strap buckle 44 that is fixedly coupled to the strap and that slidably receives a free end of another strap connected to the side of the backpack. However, any suitable retention mechanism might also be used such as clips, snaps, hook-and-loop fastening strips, other clip styles, and the like, and the straps might be anchored to other portions of the backpack (e.g., bottom end). Also, the straps might be attached to the sides or bottom of the backpack in a non-adjustable manner. Shoulder straps 42 may be comprised of multiple layers of fabrics or other materials, which may include mesh, polyester, cotton, foam, silicon, air pockets, or any other fabric, padding material, or the like. Backpack 10 may also include one or more additional carrying or support handles 46. In addition, the backpack 10 might include one or more other belts (e.g., hip, chest, etc.) that wrap around the user for additional support and load management.

[0023] FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B depict the backpack 10 in a closed configuration, in which walls and zippers are closed and meet near a central junction 40. An aspect of the backpack 10 allows zones or storage spaces of the backpack to be accessed in a focused manner without having to open the entire backpack. For example, in FIG. 1 a lower zone of the backpack 10 might be generally oriented behind the bottom wall 20, and zipper 34 or zipper 36 provides access to the lower zone without having to access the entire backpack. That is, the lower zone can be accessed to store or retrieve items without having to reach through a single opening near the top end 12 of the backpack 10. The focused access allows the lower zone to be targeted without having to blindly reach through other zones, such as an upper zone behind top wall 18. Features of the backpack allow for the lower zone, as well as other portions and zones of the backpack, to be accessed for storage and retrieval in a focused and efficient manner.

[0024] Turning to FIGS. 3-6 the features of the backpack 10 that allow for zippers and walls to be selectively opened and closed will now be described in more detail. This decoupling of some of the zippers and walls provides access to the main storage compartment 28 and accessory storage compartments. For example, in FIG. 3 the backpack 10 of FIG. 1 is shown with top side wall 18 and right side wall 22 in an open configuration. FIG. 3 depicts zippers 30, 32, and 34 and retention mechanism 38 in an open configuration with male portion 38A detached from female portion 38B, which allows the top side wall 18 and right side wall 22 to be positioned in substantially the same geometric plane as back wall 26.

[0025] The open configuration depicted in FIG. 3 allows access to main compartment 28 as well as to accessory compartments 48A-C. More specifically, centrally located spaces within the main compartment 28 are accessible since the zipper 30 ends near the centralized junction 40. In addition, lower spaces of the main compartment 28 (behind bottom wall 20) are also accessible via zipper 34. Absent the zipper and wall configurations described in this application, these central and lower spaces are not as easily accessible in some top-load backpacks.

[0026] In further aspects, these portions of the backpack are accessible by releasing only some of the zippers or walls. For example, the main storage compartment 28 and accessory compartment 48C is accessible by only releasing the zipper 30, and lower spaces of the main compartment 28 might be accessed by only releasing zipper 34. In addition, only the top side 18 might be opened by releasing zippers 30 and 32 in order to access a top zone and central zone of the storage compartment. Such access is possible regardless of whether the backpack is in a worn or unworn state.

[0027] Generally, accessory compartment openings might be releasably fastened by way of zippers (e.g., 50A-D) or any other appropriate fastener such as snaps, hook-and-loop fastening strips, clips, and the like. For exemplary purposes, various forms of accessory pockets 48 are depicted in FIGS. 3-6; however, many other accessory compartment configurations are also possible, including compartments designed to secure specific items, such as water bottles, keys, pens, pencils, cellular phones, towels, athletic gear, uniforms, footwear, and the like. Accessory compartments may be comprised of any appropriate fabric or material, such as polyester, mesh, cotton, rubber, or the like.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrated one manner of accessing certain compartments of the backpack 10. Another manner of accessing at least part of the backpack 10 is depicted by FIG. 4, which illustrates backpack 10 in an open configuration with zippers 32 and 36 open. In this configuration, left side wall 24 may be positioned into substantially the same geometric plane as back wall 26. The open configuration depicted in FIG. 4 allows focused access to zones of the main compartment 28 as well as to accessory compartments 48D-F. In addition, by releasing the zipper 36 access is provided to a lower zone of the storage compartment (e.g., at least partially behind bottom side 20).

[0029] Referring to FIG. 5A, another aspect is illustrated depicting backpack 10 in a partially open configuration with zippers 34 and 36 open and retention mechanism portion 38A detached from portion 38B. In this configuration, bottom side wall 20 may be positioned into the substantially same geometric plane as back wall 26. The open configuration depicted in FIG. 5A allows focused access to a lower zone of main compartment 28 that is near the bottom of the backpack 10. Items might be positioned in the lower zone for various reasons. For example, some items stored in the backpack 10 might tend to settle near the bottom of the backpack, whereas other items (e.g., less breakable items) might be intentionally stored in the lower zone. Zipper 34, zipper 36, or both zippers 34 and 36 provide focused access to the items positioned in the lower zone of storage compartment 28 without having to open other portions of the backpack 10 and without having to reach through other zones or spaces of the backpack 10 (top zone).

[0030] In a further aspect depicted in FIG. 5B, the bottom side wall 20 includes one or more accessory compartments 48G constructed into an inward facing surface 25, which faces towards the storage space of the storage compartment and towards the back wall 26 when the bottom wall 20 is closed. In this respect, the accessory compartment 48G might be more secure than an external pocket positioned on an outward facing surface of the bottom side wall 20. When at least one of zippers 34 and 36 is opened, focused access is provided to the accessory storage compartment 48G without having to access the entire backpack.

[0031] In addition, FIG. 5A depicts another accessory storage compartment 48E constructed into the inward facing surface 27 of the back panel 26 that faces towards the storage space of the storage compartment and towards front of the backpack 10. The accessory compartment 48E might be more secure than an external pocket positioned on an external surface of the backpack 10. When at least one of zippers 34 and 36 is opened, access is provided to the accessory storage compartment 48E without having to access the entire backpack. In addition, opening one or both side walls 22 and 24 might also provide focused access to the accessory storage compartment 48E without having to access the entire backpack 10.

[0032] Although the figures depict variations of accessory pockets or compartments, other stowage mechanisms might also be included in the main compartment. For example, a footwear-stowage mechanism might be constructed within the main storage compartment, such as against the inside surface of the back wall. The footwear-stowage mechanism might be constructed in a manner to allow for footwear to be quickly and securely stored and easily retrieved, and in one aspect, the footwear-stowage mechanism includes one or more retention straps.

[0033] FIGS. 3-5 depict backpack 10 as being only partially opened, in order to access zones within the storage compartment 28 and accessory compartments in a focused manner. In another aspect, FIG. 6 depicts backpack 10 in a lay-flat configuration. In FIG. 6, each of zippers 30, 32, 34, and 36 is unzipped and retention mechanism portion 38A is detached from portion 38B. In this configuration, top side wall 18, bottom side wall 20, right side wall 22, and left side wall 24 are capable of being positioned into substantially the same geometric plane as back wall 26. A lay-flat arrangement allows unfettered access to the main compartment 28 and to all accessory compartments 48A-G at the same time. When in the lay-flat configuration depicted in FIG. 6, each of the accessory compartments 48A-G and the main compartment 28 is viewable and accessible to assist with viewing and organizing items for storage in the backpack. That is, the lay-flat configuration provides a comprehensive view of the backpack and its various storage compartments to assist a user with stowing or accessing items in an organized fashion.

[0034] Accordingly, the lay-flat configuration is usable to store items in an organized manner. And as explained in other portion of this description (e.g., FIGS. 3-5), the zipper and side-wall configurations of the backpack 10 provide for more focused access points, such that the various main and accessory compartments are accessible without opening the entire bag. Such access is possible regardless of whether the backpack is in a worn or unworn state.

[0035] To further illustrate features of the backpack 10, FIGS. 7 and 8 include exemplary items 52, 53, and 54 (ghost view in FIG. 7) that might be stored in the backpack 10. For example, the backpack 10 might have been arranged in a lay-flat configuration in order to organize items 52, 53, and 54. Alternatively, only portions of the backpack might have been opened in order to stow the items 52, 53, and 54.

[0036] In an exemplary scenario opening zippers 32 and 36 enables side wall 24 to open, as depicted in FIG. 8, allowing access to the towel 53 and/or ball 54 in the main compartment 28, or access to food bar 52 in the accessory pocket 48F. In addition, the ball 54 and the bar 52 might be accessed by simply unzipping the zipper 32 between the top panel 18 and the side panel 24. Moreover, the lower zone of the storage compartment 28 might be accessed by simply releasing zipper 36 in order to retrieve the towel 53.

[0037] As such, the backpack 10 includes structural features that enable a user to flexibly stow and retrieve items in either a comprehensive or focused manner. Items can be stored or accessed in a comprehensive fashion by utilizing the lay-flat configuration depicted in FIG. 6. In addition, elements of the backpack 10 enable more focused storage or access of zones or portions of the backpack 10, such as by selectively opening the backpack in the manner depicted in FIGS. 3-5 and 8.

[0038] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

[0039] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope of the claims thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A backpack (10) comprising:

a main compartment (28) including a top end (12) and a bottom end (14) and defined by a set of walls comprising a top side wall (18) at least partially defining the top end (12), a bottom side wall (20) at least partially defining the bottom end (14), a left side wall (24), a right side wall (22), and a back wall (26) that connects to each of the top (18), the bottom (20), the left (24), and the right (22) side walls, wherein the backpack further includes one or more shoulder straps (42) that extend along the back wall (26), and wherein each wall of the set of walls includes a respective portion that converges at a centralized wall junction (40) positioned between the top end (12) and the bottom end (14) when the set of walls are in a closed configuration;

a first zipper (32) that connects the top side wall (18) to the left side wall (24);

a second zipper (30) that connects the top side wall (18) to the right side wall (22);

a third zipper (36) that connects the bottom side wall (20) to the left side wall (24);

a fourth zipper (34) that connects the bottom side wall (20) to the right side wall (22);

wherein each of the first (32), the second (30), the third (36), and the fourth (34) zipper includes a respective first end (30B, 32B, 34B, 36B) that terminates near the back wall (26) and a respective second end (30A, 32A, 34A, 36A) that terminates near the centralized wall junction (40).

2. The backpack (10) of claim 1, wherein at least one wall of the set of walls includes one or more storage compartments (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) positioned on a surface that faces an interior of the main compartment (28) when all of the first (32), the second (30), the third (36), and the fourth (34) zipper are closed.

3. The backpack (10) of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first zipper (32) and at least a portion of the third zipper (36) are substantially aligned when closed and wherein at least a portion of the second zipper (30) and at least a portion of the fourth zipper (34) are substantially aligned when closed.

4. The backpack (10) of claim 1, wherein the respective portion of at least one wall includes a trapezoidal-shaped portion that meets near the centralized wall junction (40).

5. The backpack (10) of claim 1, wherein the respective portion of at least one wall includes a substantially triangular-shaped portion with a vertex that meets near the centralized wall junction (40).

6. The backpack (10) of claim 5, wherein, when all of the first zipper (32), the second zipper (30), the third zipper (36), and the fourth zipper (34) are closed, said first (32), said second (30), said third (36), and said fourth (34) zipper together substantially form an 'X' pattern.

7. The backpack (10) of claim 6, wherein opening any two adjacent zippers selected from the first zipper (32), the second zipper (30), the third zipper (36), and the fourth zipper (34) releases one of the top side wall (18), the bottom side wall (20), the left side wall (24), or the right side wall (22), and preferably wherein when any wall of the set of walls is released, the any wall is positionable in a substantially same geometric plane as the back wall (26).

8. The backpack (10) of claim 1, wherein the one or more shoulder straps (42) includes a first strap end disposed at the top end (12) of the bag (10) and a second strap end disposed along a respective side of the backpack (10), and preferably wherein the second strap end is adjustable to modify a size of the shoulder strap (42).

9. The backpack (10) of claim 1, wherein the respective portion of the top side wall (18) that converges at the centralized wall junction (40) includes an edge of the top side wall (18), wherein the respective portion of the bottom side wall (20) that converges at the centralized wall junction (40) includes an edge of the bottom side wall (20), wherein the respective portion of the left side wall (24) that converges at the centralized wall junction (40) includes a vertex of a trapezoidal-shaped portion of the left side wall (24), and wherein the respective portion of the right side wall (22) that converges at the centralized wall junction (40) includes a vertex of a trapezoidal-shaped portion of the right side wall (22).

10. The backpack (10) of claim 1, wherein:

the back wall (26) is configured to be worn adjacent to a user's back and a front wall (16) generally opposing the back wall (26);

the centralized wall junction (40) is positioned in a central region of the front wall (16);

the top side wall (18) is coupled to a top portion of the back wall (26), the top side wall (18) including a first wall portion that meets at the centralized wall junction (40) and that forms part of the front wall (16);

the left side wall (24) is releasably coupled to a first edge of the top side wall (18) by the first zipper (32) and coupled to a first side portion of the back wall (26), wherein the left side wall (24) includes a second wall portion that meets at the centralized wall junction (40) and that forms part of the front wall (16);

the right side wall (22) is releasably coupled to a second edge of the top side wall (18) by the second zipper (30) and coupled to a second side portion of the back wall (26), wherein the right side wall (22) includes a third wall portion that meets at the centralized wall junction (40) and that forms part of the front wall (16); and

the bottom side wall (20) has a third edge releasably coupled to the left side wall (24) by the third zipper (36) and has a fourth edge releasably coupled to the right side wall (22) by the fourth zipper (34), the bottom side wall (20) including a fourth wall portion that meets at the centralized wall junction (40) and that forms part of the front wall (16), the main compartment (28) accessible by opening the third zipper (36), the fourth zipper (34), or both the third zipper (36) and the fourth zipper (34).

11. The backpack (10) of claim 10 further comprising a retention mechanism (38) affixed to the first wall portion of the top side wall (18) and to the fourth wall portion of the bottom side wall (20), the retention mechanism (38) releasably connecting the top side wall (18) and the bottom side wall (20), and preferably wherein the retention mechanism (38) releasably connects the top side wall (18) to the bottom side wall (20) near the centralized wall junction (40).

12. The backpack (10) of claim 10, wherein one or more of the top side wall (18), the left side wall (24), and the right side wall (22) includes at least one storage compartment (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G), or wherein at least one of the one or more storage compartments (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) comprises a releasable fastener (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) for selectively closing the at least one of the one or more storage compartments (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G).

13. The backpack (10) of claim 1, configured to be worn adjacent to a user's back, wherein:

the one or more shoulder straps (42) have a first end connected near the top end (12) and a second end connected near the bottom end (14);

wherein the main compartment (28) is configured in a closed state when the first zipper (32), the second zipper (30), the third zipper (36), and the fourth zipper (34) are closed;

wherein the main compartment (28) includes a first pocket and a second pocket;

wherein the first pocket is accessible when the first zipper (32) and the second zipper (30) are open;

wherein the second pocket is accessible when the third zipper (36) and the fourth zipper (34) are open; and

wherein the first (32), the second (30), the third (36), and the fourth zipper (34) terminate near a central region generally opposing the back wall (26).

14. The backpack (10) of claim 13 wherein each of the top side wall (18), left side wall (24), right side wall (22), and bottom side wall (20) include a substantially triangular-shaped portion.

15. The backpack (10) of claim 14 wherein, when all of the first zipper (32), the second zipper (30), the third zipper (36), and the fourth zipper (34) are closed, said first (32), said second (30), said third (36), and said fourth zipper (34) together substantially form an 'X' pattern, and preferably further comprising a retention mechanism (38) affixed to the top side wall (18) and to the bottom side wall (20), the retention mechanism (38) releasably connecting the top side wall (18) and the bottom side wall (20).

Ansprüche

1. Rucksack (10), umfassend:

ein Hauptfach (28), das ein oberes Ende (12) und ein unteres Ende (14) einschließt und durch einen Satz von Wänden definiert ist, die eine obere Seitenwand (18), die zumindest teilweise das obere Ende (12) definiert, eine untere Seitenwand (20), die zumindest teilweise das untere Ende (14) definiert, eine linke Seitenwand (24), eine rechte Seitenwand (22)und eine Rückwand (26) umfassen, die sich mit jeder der oberen (18), der unteren (20), der linken (24) und der rechten (22) seitlichen Wände verbindet, wobei der Rucksack ferner einen oder mehrere Schultergurte (42) einschließt, die sich entlang der Rückwand (26) erstrecken, und wobei jede Wand des Satzes von Wänden einen jeweiligen Abschnitt einschließt der an einer zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) konvergiert, die zwischen dem oberen Ende (12) und dem unteren Ende (14) positioniert ist, wenn sich der Satz von Wänden in einer geschlossenen Konfiguration befindet;

einen ersten Reißverschluss (32), der die obere Setienwand (18) mit der linken Seitenwand (24) verbindet;

einen zweiten Reißverschluss (30), der die obere Seitenwand (18) mit der rechten Seitenwand (22) verbindet;

einen dritten Reißverschluss (36), der die untere Seitenwand (20) mit der linken Seitenwand (24) verbindet;

einen vierten Reißverschluss (34), der die untere Seitenwand (20) mit der rechten Seitenwand (22) verbindet;

wobei jeder der erste (32), der zweite (30), der dritte (36) und der vierte (34) Reißverschluss ein jeweiliges erstes Ende (30B, 32B, 34B, 36B), das nahe der Rückwand (26) endet und ein jeweiliges zweites Ende (30A, 32A, 34A, 36A) einschließt, das nahe der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) endet.

2. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei zumindest eine Wand des Satzes von Wänden ein oder mehrere Aufbewahrungsfächer (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) einschließt, die auf einer Oberfläche positioniert sind, die einem Innenraum des Hauptfaches (28) wenn alle der erste (32), der zweite (30), der dritte (36) und der vierte (34) Reißverschluss geschlossen sind.

3. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei zumindest ein Abschnitt des ersten Reißverschlusses (32) und zumindest ein Abschnitt des dritten Reißverschlusses (36), wenn geschlossen, im Wesentlichen ausgerichtet sind und wobei zumindest ein Abschnitt des zweiten Reißverschlusses (30) und zumindest ein Abschnitt des vierten Reißverschlusses (34), wenn geschlossen, im Wesentlichen ausgerichtet sind.

4. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der jeweilige Abschnitt von zumindest einer Wand einen trapezförmigen Abschnitt einschließt, der nahe der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) zusammentrifft.

5. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der jeweilige Abschnitt von zumindest einer Wand einen im Wesentlichen dreieckigen Abschnitt mit einem Scheitelpunkt einschließt, der nahe der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) zusammentrifft.

6. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 5, wobei, wenn alle der erste Reißverschluss (32), der zweite Reißverschluss (30), der dritte Reißverschluss (36) und der vierte Reißverschluss (34) geschlossen sind, der erste (32), der zweite (30), der dritte (36) und der vierte (34) Reißverschluss zusammen im Wesentlichen ein "X" Muster bilden.

7. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Öffnen beliebig zweier angrenzender Reißverschlüsse, die aus dem ersten Reißverschluss (32), dem zweiten Reißverschluss (30), dem dritten Reißverschluss (36) und dem vierten Reißverschluss (34) selektiert sind, eine der oberen Seitenwand (18), der unteren Seitenwand (20), der linke Seitenwand (24) oder der rechten Seitenwand (22) freigibt, und vorzugsweise, wobei, wenn eine beliebige Wand des Satzes von Wänden freigegeben ist, die beliebige Wand in einer im Wesentlichen gleichen geometrischen Ebene wie die Rückwand (26) positionierbar ist.

8. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der eine oder die mehreren Schultergurte (42) ein erstes Gurtende, das am oberen Ende (12) des Rucksacks (10) angeordnet ist und ein zweites Gurtende einschließt, das entlang einer jeweiligen Seite des Rucksacks (10) angeordnet ist, und vorzugsweise, wobei das zweite Gurtende einstellbar ist, um eine Größe des Schultergurts (42) zu modifizieren.

9. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der jeweilige Abschnitt der oberen Seitenwand (18), der an der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) konvergiert, eine Kante der oberen Seitenwand (18) einschließt, wobei, der jeweilige Abschnitt der unteren Seitenwand (20), der an der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) konvergiert, eine Kante der unteren Seitenwand (20) einschließt, wobei der jeweilige Abschnitt der linken Seitenwand (24), der an der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) konvergiert, einen Scheitelpunkt eines trapezförmigen Abschnitts der linken Seitenwand (24) einschließt, und wobei der jeweilige Abschnitt der rechten Seitenwand (22), der an der zentralisierten Verbindung (40) konvergiert, einen Scheitelpunkt eines trapezförmigen Abschnitts der rechten Seitenwand (22) einschließt.

10. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei:

die Rückwand (26) ausgelegt ist, angrenzend an den Rücken eines Benutzers getragen zu werden und eine Vorderwand (16) generell der Rückwand (26) gegenüberliegt;

die zentralisierte Wandverbindung (40) in einem zentralen Bereich der vorderen Wand (16) positioniert ist;

die obere Seitenwand (18) an einen oberen Abschnitt der Rückwand (26) gekoppelt ist, die obere Seitenwand (18) einen ersten Wandabschnitt einschließt, der an der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) zusammentrifft, die einen Teil der Vorderwand (16) bildet;

die linke Seitenwand (24) lösbar an eine erste Kante der oberen Seitenwand (18) durch den ersten Reißverschluss (32) gekoppelt ist und an einen ersten Seitenabschnitt der Rückwand (26) gekoppelt ist, wobei die linke Seitenwand (24) einen zweiten Wandabschnitt einschließt, der an der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) zusammentrifft und der einen Teil der Vorderwand (16) bildet;

die rechte Seitenwand (22) lösbar an eine zweite Kante der oberen Seitenwand (18) durch den zweiten Reißverschluss (30) gekoppelt ist und an einen zweiten Seitenabschnitt der Rückwand (26) gekoppelt ist, wobei die rechte Seitenwand (22) einen dritten Wandabschnitt einschließt, der an der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) zusammentrifft und der einen Teil der Vorderwand (16) bildet; und

die untere Seitenwand (20) eine dritte Kante aufweist, die lösbar an die linke Seitenwand (24) durch den dritten Reißverschluss (36) gekoppelt ist und eine vierte Kante aufweist, die lösbar an die rechte Seitenwand (22) durch den vierten Reißverschluss (34) gekoppelt ist, wobei die untere Seitenwand (20) einen vierten Wandabschnitt einschließt, der an der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) zusammentrifft und, der Teil der Vorderwand (16) bildet, wobei das Hauptfach (28) durch Öffnen des dritten Reißverschlusses (36), des vierten Reißverschlusses (34) oder sowohl des dritten Reißverschlusses (36) als auch des vierten Reißverschlusses (34) zugänglich ist.

11. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 10, der ferner einen Rückhaltemechanismus (38) umfasst, der an den ersten Wandabschnitt der oberen Seitenwand (18) und an den vierten Wandabschnitt der unteren Setienwand (20) angebracht ist, wobei der Rückhaltemechanismus (38) die obere Seitenwand (18) und die untere Seitenwand (20) lösbar verbindet, und vorzugsweise, wobei der Rückhaltemechanismus (38) die obere Seitenwand (18) mit der unteren Seitenwand (20) nahe der zentralisierten Wandverbindung (40) verbindet.

12. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 10, wobei eine oder mehrere der oberen Seitenwand (18), der linken Seitenwand (24) und der rechten Seitenwand (22) zumindest ein Aufbewahrungsfach (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) einschließt oder wobei zumindest eins des einen oder der mehreren Aufbewahrungsfächer (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) ein lösbares Befestigungselement (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) zum selektiven Schließen zumindest eines der einen oder mehreren Aufbewahrungsfächer (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) umfasst.

13. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 1, der ausgelegt ist, angrenzend an den Rücken eines Benutzers getragen zu werden, wobei:

der eine oder die mehreren Schultergurte (42) ein erstes Ende, das nahe dem oberen Ende (12) verbunden ist und ein zweites Ende aufweisen, das nahe dem unteren Ende (14) verbunden ist;

wobei das Hauptfach (28) in einem geschlossenen Zustand ausgelegt ist, wenn der erste Reißverschluss (32), der zweite Reißverschluss (30), der dritte Reißverschluss (36) und der vierte Reißverschluss (34) geschlossen sind;

wobei das Hauptfach (28) eine erste Tasche und eine zweite Tasche einschließt;

wobei die erste Tasche zugänglich ist, wenn der erste Reißverschluss (32) und der zweite Reißverschluss (30) offen sind;

wobei die zweite Tasche zugänglich ist, wenn der dritte Reißverschluss (36) und der vierte Reißverschluss (34) offen sind; und

wobei der erste (32), der zweite (30), der dritte (36) und der vierte Reißverschluss (34) nahe eines zentralen Bereichs enden, der generell der Rückwand (26) gegenüberliegt.

14. Rucksack (10) nach Anspruch 13, wobei jede der oberen Seitenwand (18), linken Setienwand (24), rechten Seitenwand (22) und unteren Seitenwand (20) einen im Wesentlichen dreieckigen Abschnitt einschließen.

15. Rucksack (10) nach 14, wobei, wenn alle der erste Reißverschluss (32), der zweite Reißverschluss (30), der dritte Reißverschluss (36) und der vierte Reißverschluss (34) geschlossen sind, der erste (32), der zweite (30), der dritte (36) und der vierte Reißverschluss (34) zusammen im Wesentlichen ein "X" Muster bilden, und vorzugsweise ferner einen Rückhaltemechanismus (38) umfassen, der an der oberen Seitenwand (18) und der unteren Seitenwand (20) angebracht ist, wobei der Rückhaltemechanismus (38) die obere Seitenwand (18) und die untere Seitenwand (20) lösbar verbindet.

Revendications

1. Un sac à dos (10) comprenant :

un compartiment principal (28) comportant une extrémité supérieure (12) et une extrémité inférieure (14) et défini par un ensemble de parois comprenant une paroi latérale supérieure (18) définissant au moins partiellement l'extrémité supérieure (12), une paroi latérale inférieure (20) définissant au moins partiellement l'extrémité inférieure (14), une paroi latérale gauche (24), une paroi latérale droite (22) et une paroi arrière (26) qui est reliée à chacune des parois latérales supérieure (18), inférieure (20), gauche (24) et droite (22), le sac à dos comportant en sus une ou plusieurs sangles d'épaule (42) qui s'étendent le long de la paroi arrière (26), et chaque paroi de l'ensemble des parois comportant une partie respective qui converge à une jonction centrale des parois (40) positionnée entre l'extrémité supérieure (12) et l'extrémité inférieure (14) quand l'ensemble des parois sont en configuration fermée ;

une première fermeture à glissière (32) qui relie la paroi latérale supérieure (18) à la paroi latérale gauche (24) ;

une deuxième fermeture à glissière (30) qui relie la paroi latérale supérieure (18) à la paroi latérale droite (22) ;

une troisième fermeture à glissière (36) qui relie la paroi latérale inférieure (20) à la paroi latérale gauche (24) ;

une quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) qui relie la paroi latérale inférieure (20) à la paroi latérale droite (22) ;

chacune de la première (32), la deuxième (30), la troisième (36) et la quatrième (34) fermetures à glissière comportant une première extrémité respective (30B, 32B, 34B, 36B) qui se termine près de la paroi arrière (26) et une deuxième extrémité respective (30A, 32A, 34A, 36A) qui se termine près de la jonction centrale des parois (40).

2. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins une paroi de l'ensemble des parois comporte un ou plusieurs compartiments de rangement (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) positionnés sur une surface qui fait face à un intérieur du compartiment principal (28) quand toutes de la première (32), la deuxième (30), la troisième (36) et la quatrième (34) fermetures à glissière sont fermées.

3. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins une partie de la première fermeture à glissière (32) et au moins une partie de la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) sont sensiblement alignées quand elles sont fermées et dans lequel au moins une partie de la deuxième fermeture à glissière (30) et au moins une partie de la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) sont sensiblement alignées quand elles sont fermées.

4. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie respective d'au moins une paroi comporte une partie de forme trapézoïdale qui converge près de la jonction centrale des parois (40).

5. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie respective d'au moins une paroi comporte une partie de forme sensiblement triangulaire avec un sommet qui converge près de la jonction centrale des parois (40).

6. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 5, dans lequel, quand toutes de la première fermeture à glissière (32), la deuxième fermeture à glissière (30), la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) et la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) sont fermées, lesdites première (32), deuxième (30), troisième (36) et quatrième (34) fermetures à glissière forment ensemble sensiblement un motif en forme de 'X'.

7. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 6, dans lequel l'ouverture de deux quelconques fermeture à glissières adjacentes sélectionnées parmi la première fermeture à glissière (32), la deuxième fermeture à glissière (30), la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) et la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) libère une de la paroi latérale supérieure (18), la paroi latérale inférieure (20), la paroi latérale gauche (24) ou la paroi latérale droite (22), et de préférence dans lequel, quand une quelconque paroi de l'ensemble des parois est libérée, la quelconque paroi peut être positionnée dans un plan géométrique sensiblement le même que la paroi arrière (26).

8. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, dans lequel la ou les sangles d'épaule (42) comportent une première extrémité de sangle d'épaule placée à l'extrémité supérieure (12) du sac (10) et une deuxième extrémité de sangle d'épaule placée le long d'un côté respectif du sac à dos (10), et de préférence dans lequel la deuxième extrémité de sangle d'épaule est réglable pour modifier la taille de la sangle d'épaule (42).

9. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie respective de la paroi latérale supérieure (18) qui converge à la jonction centrale des parois (40) comporte un bord de la paroi latérale supérieure (18), dans lequel la partie respective de la paroi latérale inférieure (20) qui converge à la jonction centrale des parois (40) comporte un bord de la paroi latérale inférieure (20), dans lequel la partie respective de la paroi latérale gauche (24) qui converge à la jonction centrale des parois (40) comporte un sommet d'une partie de forme trapézoïdale de la paroi latérale gauche (24), et dans lequel la partie respective de la paroi latérale droite (22) qui converge à la jonction centrale des parois (40) comporte un sommet de la partie de forme trapézoïdale de la paroi latérale droite (22).

10. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, dans lequel :

la paroi arrière (26) est configurée pour être portée adjacente au dos d'un utilisateur et une paroi avant (16) est généralement à l'opposé de la paroi arrière (26) ;

la jonction centrale des parois (40) est positionnée dans une zone centrale de la paroi avant (16) ;

la paroi latérale supérieure (18) est couplée à une partie supérieure de la paroi arrière (26), la paroi latérale supérieure (18) comportant une première partie de paroi qui rejoint la jonction centrale des parois (40) et qui forme une partie de la paroi avant (16) ;

la paroi latérale gauche (24) est couplée de manière libérable à un premier bord de la paroi latérale supérieure (18) par la première fermeture à glissière (32) et couplée à une première partie latérale de la paroi arrière (26), la paroi latérale gauche (24) comportant une deuxième partie de paroi qui rejoint la jonction centrale des parois (40) et qui forme une partie de la paroi avant (16) ;

la paroi latérale droite (22) est couplée de manière libérable à un deuxième bord de la paroi latérale supérieure (18) par la deuxième fermeture à glissière (30) et couplée à une deuxième partie latérale de la paroi arrière (26), la paroi latérale droite (22) comportant une troisième partie de paroi qui rejoint la jonction centrale des parois (40) et qui forme une partie de la paroi avant (16) ; et

la paroi latérale inférieure (20) a un troisième bord couplé de manière libérable à la paroi latérale gauche (24) par la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) et a un quatrième bord couplé de manière libérable à la paroi latérale droite (22) par la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34), la paroi latérale inférieure (20) comportant une quatrième partie de paroi qui rejoint la jonction centrale des parois (40) et qui forme une partie de la paroi avant (16), le compartiment central (28) étant accessible par l'ouverture de la troisième fermeture à glissière (36), la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) ou les deux de la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) et la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34).

11. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 10, comprenant en sus un mécanisme de retenue (38) fixé à la première partie de paroi de la paroi latérale supérieure (18) et à la quatrième partie de paroi de la paroi latérale inférieure (20), le mécanisme de retenue (38) reliant de manière libérable la paroi latérale supérieure (18) et la paroi latérale inférieure (20), et de préférence dans lequel le mécanisme de retenue (38) relie de manière libérable la paroi latérale supérieure (18) à la paroi latérale inférieure (20) près de la jonction centrale des parois (40).

12. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 10, dans lequel une ou plusieurs de la paroi latérale supérieure (18), la paroi latérale gauche (24) et la paroi latérale droite (22) comportent au moins un compartiment de rangement (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G), ou dans lequel au moins un du ou des compartiments de rangement (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G) comprend une attache libérable (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) pour fermer de manière sélective l'au moins un du ou des compartiments de rangement (48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, 48G).

13. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 1, configuré pour être porté adjacent au dos d'un utilisateur, dans lequel :

la ou les sangles d'épaule (42) ont une première extrémité reliée près de l'extrémité supérieure (12) et une deuxième extrémité reliée près de l'extrémité inférieure (14) ;

dans lequel le compartiment principal (28) est configuré dans un état fermé quand la première fermeture à glissière (32), la deuxième fermeture à glissière (30), la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) et la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) sont fermées ;

dans lequel le compartiment principal (28) comporte une première poche et une deuxième poche ;

dans lequel la première poche est accessible quand la première fermeture à glissière (32) et la deuxième fermeture à glissière (30) sont ouvertes ;

dans lequel la deuxième poche est accessible quand la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) et la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) sont ouvertes ; et

dans lequel la première (32), la deuxième (30), la troisième (36) et la quatrième fermetures à glissière (34) se terminent près d'une zone centrale généralement à l'opposé de la paroi arrière (26).

14. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 13, dans lequel chacune de la paroi latérale supérieure (18), la paroi latérale gauche (24), la paroi latérale droite (22) et la paroi latérale inférieure (20) comporte une partie de forme sensiblement triangulaire.

15. Le sac à dos (10) de la revendication 14 dans lequel, quand toutes de la première fermeture à glissière (32), la deuxième fermeture à glissière (30), la troisième fermeture à glissière (36) et la quatrième fermeture à glissière (34) sont fermées, lesdites première (32), deuxième (30), troisième (36) et quatrième fermetures à glissière (34) forment ensemble sensiblement un motif en 'X', et de préférence comprenant en sus un mécanisme de retenue (38) fixé à la paroi latérale supérieure (18) et à la paroi latérale inférieure (20), le mécanisme de retenue (38) reliant de manière libérable la paroi latérale supérieure (18) et la paroi latérale inférieure (20).

Drawing