Abstract:
A portable, stylish, comprehensively stocked emergency escape and survival package gives the user ability to successfully confront diverse emergency and disaster conditions most likely encountered in the urban or suburban environment. The package is a system of a backpack carrying case and numerous components stored within the case. Each component is a tool, supply or other article selected for use in a particular aspect of an emergency or survival situation. Additionally, the package includes separate stowage capacity for routine business tools, such as files, computer, calculator and the like. Components of the system include, among others, a radiation sensor, a ballistic resistant panel, solar charging station for an included rechargeable battery, and cables and adapters for supplying power to diverse portable electronic devices.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a kit for a person to use to rapidly escape from a natural disaster or terroristic assault situation and to aid in survival for about three days thereafter. More specifically, it relates to an inconspicuous carrying case that includes, multiple output solar electrical charging unit, protective hood, radiation sensor, ballistic defense shield, radio communication device, clothing, food and medical supplies among other things useful in emergency survival situations. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Since the end of the cold war era in the early 1990s the threat of a terrorist attack or dirty bomb effecting one or more small areas of our urban population has become increasingly likely. Various incidents of terrorist events in urban locations of well-developed as well as developing nations have materialized. Emergencies and disasters of diverse nature can relate to local weather events, personal assaults, power outages, food and water contamination, deliberate acts of terrorism, and building fire or collapse, and the like. 
         [0003]    Much of the population in modern society lives in a crowded, urban environment. When disaster occurs, a large number of people are affected in a very short period of time. Because of the extreme population density, trained professional or volunteer first responders can quickly become overwhelmed by the demand for assistance. The ability to render assistance to masses of disaster victims can be curtailed to varying degrees. Individuals caught in such a disastrous situation may be experience personal injury conditions ranging from severe to none. Swift or effective assistance from civil defense and disaster relief agencies in the face of a local disaster or emergency being of questionable reliability, there is a pressing need for a self-preparedness approach to escape and survival. 
         [0004]    Upon the occurrence of a major and forceful disaster situation, such as explosion, fire, toxic release, terror threat, and the like, there is a need to immediately and rapidly extricate oneself from the hazardous site. Typically, after the immediate cause of alarm has been contained or neutralized, local services for the support of human life can be severely compromised due to destruction of facilities and/or depletion of supplies. Therefore, closely coupled with the urgent need to escape from a disastrous event, there is an extended and lingering need to care for injuries sustained and to continue life in an infrastructure-damaged environment. 
         [0005]    Various emergency kits are available for use in disastrous circumstances. Emergency gear for professional, well-trained first response technicians can have specialized equipment. For example, emergency medical technicians usually travel in ambulance or special service vehicles and carry with them analytical tools and devices to treat emergency medical conditions, as well as bandages, disinfectants, etc. Use of much of that equipment is beyond the ability of the ordinary person to manipulate to aid themselves or others. Commercially available kits for self help typically include minimal gear, such as flash lights, simple bandages, signal devices, over-the-counter medicines and similar items. These kits are able to treat the most basic injuries and only for the shortest time. There exists a need for a comprehensively equipped emergency and survival system to assist with escape from an area of immediate threat to life and health and also to provide assistance with the continuation of life for at least a short extended duration after the immediate threat dissipates. Preferably, it is desirable to have a survival system that can help maintain human life for up to about three days. 
         [0006]    A basic problem with existing emergency kits is that the more fully stocked ones are big, bulky and heavy. Thus they are difficult to carry around. People with foresight to have such kits normally maintain them at fixed locations, primarily at home and stowed away out of sight. While accidents and injuries occur at home, threats of disaster and terrorist activity is thought to be more likely to occur when a person is away from home, for example, while traveling. Existing kits are normally not likely to be near a person needing them while away from home or other fixed storage location. There is a great desire for an unobstrusive, emergency and survival system that is self-contained, portable, comprehensively equipped to address various hazards and which an individual will be encouraged to keep close to their person during a full range of normal daily activities such that the system will be available when the need arises. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable, stylish, comprehensively stocked emergency escape and survival system that gives the owner ability to successfully confront diverse emergency and disaster conditions most likely encountered in the urban or suburban environment. The system includes a backpack carrying case and numerous components stored within the case. Each component is a tool, supply or other article selected useful to overcome diverse conditions hazardous to comfort, health, or life that arise from extremely abnormal events. Additionally, the system includes separate stowage capacity for routine business tools, such as files, computer, calculator, business cards and other, non-emergency-related supplies. Thus the system can be carried about by the user for every day business, school or personal purposes as would be served by a commonplace backpack. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the rear of the backpack of a preferred embodiment of the novel system. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the backpack of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of the left side of a backpack of preferred embodiment of this invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a schematic elevation view of the forward facing side  51  of bulkhead A of the backpack shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a schematic elevation view of the rearward facing side  61  of bulkhead B of the backpack shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a schematic wiring diagram of the battery charging circuits of the embodiment of the backpack shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a schematic elevation view of the forward facing side  81  of bulkhead B of the backpack shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a schematic elevation view of the rearward facing side  101  of bulkhead C of the backpack shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a schematic elevation view of the forward facing, exterior side  121  of bulkhead D of the backpack shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The novel emergency escape and survival system permits the user to conveniently carry on or about the person a comprehensive selection of tools, supplies and other articles useful in a wide variety of emergency situations. Typically hazardous situations can occur as a consequence of natural disasters, such as earthquake, flood, forest fire and severe weather, and of accidental or intentional artificial hazards, such as building fire, industrial accident and terroristic or criminal activity. This system provides the basic and advanced resources suitable for achieving two overall objectives of a person subjected to a sudden, unexpected and injury-threatening event. The primary and largely universal objective is to rapidly escape from the dangerous area. The secondary survival objective becomes significant when the hazardous event is wide-spread or disruptive of normal social activity. Then surviving in an environment deficient in life sustaining products and services until support services can respond effectively is needed. The latter can occur when the disaster condition is geographically large or when the calamity is so severe that routinely available responders are overwhelmed by the demand for service. 
         [0018]    The basic element of the novel escape and survival system is a case. The case may be any type of luggage such as a suitcase, attaché case, messenger bag, duffel bag, and the like. Preferably the case is a backpack and has shoulder straps and for it to be worn on the user&#39;s back. The backpack appearance has certain aesthetic and functional elements. It is stylishly designed to be aesthetically attractive in a typical social or business environments. This feature causes users to desire to keep the backpack nearby at most times because it is visually appealing. However, the visual appearance is very similar to an inconspicuous “ordinary backpack” so that the special safety capabilities do not draw unwelcome attention to the user. 
         [0019]    The case has dedicated compartments, such as pockets, pouches or chambers for individual and groups of components of the system. In addition to compartments containing emergency and survival components of the novel system, the case includes one or more initially empty compartments intended for stowing business or personal equipment provided by the user. For example, a user might adapt the system for a business use that calls for carrying articles such as folios, files, computers, cell phones, cameras and other similar and typical business office devices. Such business user thus can employ the complete system during on-the-job travel, commuting and off-site field work with the knowledge that safety equipment is always close at hand. The compartments of the case containing safety equipment, i.e., equipment other than user-supplied business or social purpose equipment, is lockable. The user can lock this compartment to further assure that needed components in an emergency have not been removed during non-emergency times. 
         [0020]    A backpack  1  of an embodiment of the novel emergency and survival system  10  is seen in a rear perspective view in  FIG. 1  and in left side perspective view in  FIG. 2  to be divided into segments  11 ,  12 , and  13  that respectively define internal compartments. The compartments are separated and individually accessible by opening independently operable zippered seams  2 . It has a carrying handle  9  and side pockets  5  and  7 . These features add to the inconspicuous appearance of the backpack that allows the user to carry it without drawing attention to its importantly distinctive functional features. Pocket  5  has a zippered closure  6  and pocket  7  is mesh construction with a draw string  8  closure. The backpack also has conventional type shoulder straps not shown in  FIG. 1  Distinctive features evident from the figure includes a pair of solar panels  3  that are integrated into the rear fabric panel  14  of the backpack. The solar energy receptors are exposed to sunlight through appropriately sized windows in fabric panel  14 . The windows can be covered with a clear film to protect the receptors of the solar panel from abrasion and to facilitate cleaning for optimum reception of light. A flexible grommet  4  is provided on segment  11  to allow for the passage of a wire connecting a powered accessory outside the backpack to the battery and power distribution subsystem inside (not shown). Thus a powered accessory can be powered by the internal battery without the need for the user to fish inside the backpack to locate a connecting cable. Optionally, a grommet is provided in the side wall between pocket  5  and section  12 . This grommet is hidden from view while pocket  5  is closed. It has the same function as grommet  4 . 
         [0021]    The periphery  15  of section  13  defines a tall and wide area covering the torso of the user when the backpack is worn. The novel system includes a substantially thin and flat ballistic resistant panel to protect the user&#39;s body from objects moving at high velocity. This ballistic resistant panel is able to block shards of glass and shrapnel of flying debris resulting from explosions as well as parts of destructive explosive devices and small arms projectiles. The ballistic panel is adapted to fit within a correspondingly shaped narrow pouch (not shown) adjacent to the forward wall that forms the front side of section  13 . Preferably, the ballistic resistant panel is a rigid structure and is user-removable from the pouch at the user&#39;s option when deemed to be not needed and to make the backpack lighter. Optionally, this forward wall (not shown) can be formed of a ballistic resistant fabric, such as Kevlar® fabric (DuPont, Wilmington, Del.), thereby increasing the ballistic defensive properties of the novel system. When sitting, the user can place the backpack on the lap with the rear panel  14  facing forward such that the front of the backpack is close to the user&#39;s chest. In this manner, the backpack can provide a ballistic shielding protection when the user is in a common carrier vehicle such as a bus or train. 
         [0022]    The system components may be classified in various functional categories, such as escape assistance tools, survival tools, communication tools, wound treatment and medical supplies, clothing. Some articles of protective clothing and body protection such as chemical resistant gloves, escape hood and blankets are included as components of the system. The user is encouraged to provide personal articles of clothing to supplement included supplies to maintain personal comfort up to about three days after any event requiring activation of the system. Thus, for example, the user can stow underwear, socks, hat and the like in a provided empty compartment within the case. 
         [0023]    The case includes a specialized power system for generating and transmitting power to various electronic devices. The power generating system is a solar array mounted on the case at the ready to maintain the charge of an internal battery. 
         [0024]    When the battery is connected to the solar panel array, it is constantly charging. The battery is stowed in a dedicated compartment centrally positioned within the backpack and cables are run in through the case for accessibility of power without having to unpack the battery. Many types of adapter are hard-wire connected to the battery such that many different types of conventional electronic devices can be operated and recharged from the onboard battery. The battery is an integrated high capacity rechargeable lithium battery with connections for most cell phones, smart phones, tablet, laptop and netbook computers, and other portable electronic devices. For every day use as well as in the event of an emergency. Multiple battery charging options ensure power is always available by 110 AC plug, car charger, USB, Solar, and Hand Crank. Power is always available for the ability to communicate for every day use as well as in the event of an emergency. 
         [0025]    The system includes a ballistic resistant panel covering an area coextensive with the “footprint” of the case. Thus for a backpack embodiment of the novel system, the ballistic resistant panel can be shaped geometrically coincident with the back panel of the backpack. In one embodiment, the back panel of the backpack can be composed of the ballistic resistant panel. Rigid ballistic resistant panels can have three-dimensional curvature to conform comfortably to the shape of the user&#39;s back. Advantageously, such a case can be carried upright on the lap of the user when sitting such that the ballistic resistant panel protects the user&#39;s chest area. 
         [0026]    The case includes a hazardous radiation sensor feature. This is implemented by a radiation sensor typically shaped like a credit card, and positioned in the case such that its sensing area is exposed to the ambient environment through a dedicated transparent window. The card is located in the middle section (section  12 , see  FIG. 1 ) in which most of the emergency and survival gear is stowed. This section is not intended for use for everyday, non-emergency purposes. However, the card location is easily accessible for removal without disturbing other safety components of the system. Thus the card can be taken away from the system for any required laboratory analysis for accumulated radiation dose and/or for replacement with a fresh sensing card from time to time. 
         [0027]    Many of the components of the novel emergency and survival system are for a single use. That is they are stored until needed. Used one time and discarded after use. Examples are medicinal components, wound treatment components, and air-activating body warmers. Advantageously, all of the single-use components and many of the multiple-use components, such as blankets, gloves, are initially packaged under vacuum in a permanently sealed, air tight, moisture resistant, clear plastic film containers. This feature helps to maintain the stability of the contained articles by resisting degradation from oxygen and moisture in the air, and provides some additional physical protection to the contents beyond native packaging. Still further the extra containment makes the contained articles less easily accessible during non-emergency conditions such that the user is unlikely to consume a sealed article as a convenience for a day-to-day purpose. Consequently, the sealed articles are more likely to be intact and present in the system when a true emergency situation arises. Because the internal, sealed film containers are under vacuum pressure, they cause the contained articles to contract to smallest possible physical envelop size. This allows packing a wide variety of safety supplies and tools in a very small space and contributes to making the novel system appear inconspicuous. 
         [0028]    The novel system includes a head-covering protective hood. The hood has an integral breathing air filter with cartridge able to filter out ambient dust, dirt and hazardous chemical particles. The cartridge also has absorbent and reactive material such that certain airborne toxic gases can be intercepted and treated or removed from the air inside the hood breathed by the user. The protective hood has a unique strap feature that allows the user to reliably and quickly don and adjust the hood under tense and distracting emergency conditions. 
         [0029]    The novel system is uniquely equipped with supplies that should enable a user to rapidly escape from the immediate area near a disastrous emergency event and to help sustain life of the user for an extended period of time following the emergency event. By “extended period of time” is meant up to about three days duration. This is a highly unusual feature because traditional escape kits merely provide for helping the user escape from an explosion, fire, vehicle crash, natural disaster and the like. Traditional kits usually do not include gear adapted to keeping the user alive in a resource-deprived urban or suburban environment for any time after the damage-causing event. The novel system includes components such as communication tools, power generating tools, water purification tools and blankets, for example, that are useable days after disaster strikes. 
         [0030]    Optionally, the backpack of the novel emergency and survival system can include a separate and particularly well hidden compartment. The hidden compartment is intended to hold especially valuable articles such as, for example, currency, identity and travel documents, confidential information, and heirloom items. The hidden compartment can be embedded into structural elements of the backpack, such as the frame, straps, padding, handle and the like. Preferably, the access port to the hidden compartment will be disguised to further avoid detection by others and to prevent loss of the important valuables if a stranger has an opportunity to rifle through the backpack. 
         [0031]    The various features and functions of the novel system can be understood in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 3-9 .  FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of the left side of a backpack according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. This disclosure adopts the convention that the terms “left” and “right” sides of the backpack correspond respectively to the users left and right sides when the pack is being worn on the user&#39;s back. In this figure elements of the backpack are illustrated symbolically to show juxtaposition and some elements are not shown for clarity of explanation. Elevation views of the interior and exterior platelike structures that make up the backpack are shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  7 - 9 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows that the backpack has four stiff laterally extending wall panels referred to herein as “bulkheads” A, B, C and D. The bulkheads span the entire interior width of the backpack from bottom to top and from left side to right side, thereby dividing the body  30  into three separate chambers (I, II, and III). The bulkheads are sufficiently nonpliant so as to provide shape of the out walls  36  and structural support for components of the system that are stored in the backpack (not shown). Many of the components have specific locations within the backpack and features of the bulkheads and interior side walls of the backpack have brackets and pockets designed to hold the components in predetermined positions so that they are readily accessible when needed and are optimally packed while stowed. The bulkhead surfaces are lined with fabric and light cushioning material to protect components during storage and transport and for aesthetic purposes. 
         [0033]    The exterior walls  36  are strung from opposite sides and over the top of the body to enclose the chambers. Exterior wall construction is a durable textile fabric of the type used in duffel bags, backpacks, and luggage. A representative suitable material is a woven nylon fabric available by the trademark Cordura® (Invista, Luxembourg). Entrance to the chambers is made through lateral slits  37   a,    37   b,    37   c  in the walls. The slit edges are fitted with zipper closures.  FIG. 3  indicates that the wall of the base  31  of the body is differently constructed. It is coated by or fully constructed of a barrier of liquid impervious material that prevents penetration of liquids into the body if the backpack is placed into a shallow pool of liquid, such as a puddle of fluid that might result from a spill. The barrier should be a composition effective to be impenetrable by water. Optionally, synthetic film or coatings that are effective barriers for oil, acid and organic chemical solvents are contemplated.  FIG. 3  shows that pocket  5  is positioned outside the lateral wall of chamber II, between bulkheads B and C. Handle  9  is seen to be on the exterior top wall of chamber III. Also, a fixture  32  that extends rearwardly from the exterior surface of bulkhead A serves as a stand-off structure that prevents foreign objects from getting too close to this surface. Preferably solar panels  3  are located facing rearward from the outside surface  50  bulkhead A and are thus exposed to contact with foreign matter. The stand-off protects the structural integrity of the solar panels. Preferably, the fixture  32  can include aesthetic or informational indicia and can be a name plate for the novel system. Optionally, the fixture can be mounted to bulkhead A with additional stand-off features such as rivets  33  that protrude farther rearward from the bulkhead. The rivets serve to attach the fixture  32  to the bulkhead as well as to augment physical protection of the solar panels. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  further shows that the forward-facing exterior surface of bulkhead D includes thick padding material  34 . The padding material can be in single or multiple sections and should cover large enough of the area of bulkhead D to effectively cushion the user for comfort when wearing the backpack. Shoulder straps (not shown) are affixed to the body and extend outwardly and form loops on the left side and right side from top and bottom of bulkhead D. An optional waist belt extending outwardly and forming a lateral loop attached at the lower right side corner and lower left side corner of bulkhead D can be included as an aid to carry the backpack on the back of the wearer. 
         [0035]    A substantially flat sheet of ballistic resistant panel  40  is positioned adjacent the interior side of bulkhead D to provide a ballistic protection shield. This sheet is slightly smaller than the area of bulkhead D so that it fits snugly and flat against the interior surface of the bulkhead. The ballistic protection shield is not attached to the body of the backpack. It can be easily extracted from chamber III so that the user can hold the panel for personal ballistic protection. A preferably fabric tab can be provided on a side of the shield facing chamber III. The tab allows the user to easily grab the shield and pull it out of the backpack. Optionally, the backpack can have a personal protection pocket  41  configured to maintain the ballistic resistant panel  40  close to bulkhead D.  FIG. 3  also shows that chamber III includes a padded laptop retention pocket  43  positioned against the forward facing side of bulkhead C. This pocket is adapted to accept a portable computer that is not part of the novel system but may be carried safety by the user in this location. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic elevation view of the interior side  51  of bulkhead A of the backpack of  FIG. 3 . The lower portion has two substantially rectangular storage pockets  52   a,    52   b,  constructed of coarse mesh fabric. The mesh fabric of each pocket is secured along its left side, bottom and right side edges, for example by adhesive or stitching to bulkhead A. The top edge of each pocket has a horizontally sliding zipper closure mechanism  53   a,    53   b,  in which the upper zipper track  54   a,    54   b  is affixed to the bulkhead and the mating lower zipper track  55   a , 55   b  is affixed to the top edge of the pocket mesh fabric, such that each pocket can be opened and closed at its top for insertion and removal of stored articles. Zipper mechanism  55   a  is shown in the fully closed position. Zipper mechanism  53   b  is shown in a partially open position illustrating that articles can be inserted through entrance  56 . These pockets are convenient for stowing wires, cables, electrical connectors and components that are useful for carrying out power and communication transmission functions. 
         [0037]    A flexible grommet  57  with a cross-shaped opening  58  is positioned in the upper area of side  51 . The opening enables first electric cable  59  that terminates with a first charging connector  60  to extend into chamber I. Solar panels  3  are positioned on rear fabric panel  14  of bulkhead A ( FIG. 1 ). The back side of each solar panel includes electrical terminals that are connected by wires in parallel circuitry and are hidden from view by lining fabric of side  51  of the bulkhead. The common connection of the solar panel terminals is connected to the opposite end of cable  59  at a position behind grommet  57 . Thus cable  59  and connector  60  may be used to supply direct current electric power output from the solar panels to a suitable power consuming unit. For example, connector  60  can be connected to onboard batteries as will be explained below, or to an external portable device such as a cell phone. Connector  60  is removably connectable so that it can be connected and disconnected from the power consuming unit at will by the user. Any suitable electrical connector can be used, such as a standard, mini, or micro universal serial bus (USB) connector. Preference is given to solar panels each of which is rated to provide 5.5V/127 mA (0.7 W) output with about 15% transfer efficiency. The circuit for charging the battery from the solar panels should have protection to prevent reverse current flow. This will avoid discharge of the battery backward to the solar panels when the cable is connected to the battery during periods of darkness. Such protection can be afforded by providing the first electric cable  59  with an in-line appropriate conventional diode element, and or by providing integrated reverse current circuit in the battery. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows a schematic elevation view of the rearwardly interior facing side  61  of bulkhead B of the backpack of  FIG. 3 . The figure shows that a zipper mechanism  62  is present for revertably joining peripheral edge  63   a  of the upper side wall of the body extending rearward from bulkhead B to peripheral edge  63   b  ( FIG. 4 ) of the upper side wall of the body extending forward from bulkhead A. Peripheral edges  63   a  and  63   b  are fitted with opposing mating tracks of a zipper closure system. 
         [0039]    Side  51  includes three, substantially identical pockets  64   a , 64   b,    64   c , adapted for stowing selected electrical components of the novel escape and survival system. The pockets are rectangular shape and are formed by coarse mesh fabric  65  that is similar or the same type as employed for pockets  52   a , 52   b.  This fabric is affixed, for example, by stitching or adhesive at each lateral side and bottom edge of the pockets. The top edge of the fabric  65  of each pocket is not affixed to side  51  but is hemmed with an elastic fabric band  66  that is anchored at opposite upper corners of the pocket thereby forming an elastic rim for access to each pocket. The elastic band is under tension to keep the pocket rim in contact with side  61 . This allows an article, such as a portable communications device, e.g., “smartphone”, or radio transmitter-receiver  20 , to be slid through the top opening and removably retained within the pocket securely in position against bulkhead B. A single, self-contained, battery operated, portable combination Family Service Radio/General Mobile Radio Service (FSR/GMR) transmitting/receiving radio, (i.e., two-way communicating radio) can be included as an integral component of the novel escape and survival system. A representative example of an FSR/GMR is the Uniden model GMR2240-2CK water resistant 2-way radio. 
         [0040]    The pockets  64   a,    64   b  and  64   c  are also intended to individually hold a slim battery that provides the primary source of power to drive and recharge electronic devices useful in an escape and survival situation. The novel system can include a single slim battery  70  or two batteries, preferably identical, one of which being a primary electrical storage unit and the other being a secondary, backup storage unit. Preferably the battery should have about a 5V output and at least about 2600 mAh capacity. Commercially available rechargeable low voltage, direct current batteries are available, for example the Power Bank Model i4800 (Shenzhen Fushigang Technology Co., LTD), also known by the product name Personal Power Generator having 4800 mAh capacity, 5V/1500 mAh output, oxidized aluminum alloy housing,  4  light emitting diode (“LED”) charging status indicators and LED flash light. A preferred battery is rectangular prismoid shape of about 1.5-3.5 inches wide, about 2-5 inches high and about 0.12-1.0 inch thick. One end of the battery has two female USB electrical connector receptacles. One is an input electrical receptacle  72  is adapted to removably mate with the first charging connector  60  of cable  59 . When first charging connector  60  is inserted into input electrical receptacle of the battery, the battery can receiving electrical current from the solar panels and be recharged. The input electrical receptacle of each battery can also, in the alternative, removably mate with a second charging connector at one end of a second electrical cable to be described in greater detail below. The second electrical cable transfers to the battery electrical power from a power source different from the onboard solar panels. The second female USB electrical connector receptacle on each battery  73  is a power output terminal. A male USB electrical connector cabled to a power-consuming portable electrical device can be removably inserted into the female receptacle to deliver power to that device. Representative portable electrical devices contemplated for use in the novel escape and survival system include a smartphone or cellphone, tablet computer, global positioning system device, two-way handheld radio, flashlight and the like. Some of these devices, such as two-way handheld radio, can be included as stock components of the novel system. Other devices, such as a tablet computer and smartphone or cellphone are additional and owner-optional. 
         [0041]    Preferably the input and output female electrical connector receptacles are physically different from each other to prevent improper connections such as insertion of an input service cable into an output battery terminal. In a preferred configuration, the input electrical receptacle is a mini USB type and the output receptacle is a standard USB type. Because the user may own and need in an emergency situation a portable electronic device made by any of various different manufacturers, the novel system of this invention includes as a system component, a multiple-to-one electrical connector. This commercially available device has a male standard USB type connector for a master electrical terminal. Connected in parallel to the master terminal are multiple cables each terminating in a different manufacturer&#39;s style of electrical connector. This multiple-to-one electrical connector can be conveniently stored in pocket  52   a  or  52   b , when not in use. A representative multiple-to-one electrical connector is the adapter cable of the 10 In 1 Universal USB Charger+Car Charger for Laptop PC and Mobile Phone Model No. sku3453 available from Pandawill (www.pandawill.com Merit Prospect, Ltd, Hong Kong). 
         [0042]    Side  61  of bulkhead B also includes a holder for storing writing tools, such as pens, pencils, markers, touch screed device stylus or other small diameter, elongated implements. The holder is constructed of an elastic fabric stitched horizontally to form several horizontal tubular channels. The elongated tools can be inserted into the channels causing the elastic fabric to stretch around them and thereby hold them in place. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  also shows that side  61  of bulkhead B has a grommet  68  for passage of a second electric cable  74  into chamber I. Cable  74  terminates in connector  75  adapted to removably insert into input electrical receptacle  72 . The purpose of cable  74  is to bring in electricity to recharge the batteries from a power source external to the backpack. Second electric cable  74  is approximately 1 m in length. I travels through grommet  68  and bulkhead B into chamber II, through another grommet  69  ( FIG. 6 ) in the common side wall of chamber II with the inside wall of pocket  5  ( FIGS. 3 ,  6 ) and ends in a male USB connector  71 . Second electric cable  74  can be coiled up in readiness for use in chamber IV of pocket  5 . 
         [0044]    Chamber IV is also convenient for storing a 2-in-1 charging adapter  76 . This is a portable device with a female USB electrical connector output terminal  77 . Also on the device are connectors for removably connecting to two types of power source. One connector type is a so-called “cigarette lighter” plug connector  78  adapted to accept 12 volt, direct current (DC) electricity. The second connector type is a male electric line plug connector  79  adapted to accept 110-240 volt alternating current (AC) electricity. The 2-in-1 charging adapter also includes necessary circuitry to convert electricity from either 12 volt DC or 110-240 volt AC sources to a form suitable for charging batteries  70 . Preferably, the power to be fed into batteries  70  is about 2-6 volts DC. A representative 2-in-1 charging adaptor suitable for use in this invention is available commercially as item UNI-USB-CHAR-03, order identification number 36800 (www.wirelessemporium.com Wireless Emporium, Inc., Orange, Calif.). 
         [0045]    Use of the cables to charge a battery can be understood with reference to schematic wiring diagram of  FIG. 6 . In the drawings like parts have like reference numbers. For charging the batteries under fully independent conditions, that is, without reliance on an external power supply, connector  60  of first electric cable  59  is inserted into battery input receptacle  72 . This permits the solar panels to provide power to charge the batteries. While this is done, second electric cable  74  connector  75  is disconnected from receptacle  72 . An optional cable clip can be provided on side  61  of bulkhead B to retain cable  74  in position in proximity to receptacle  72 . Alternatively, cable  74  can be left free and to settle into the base region of chamber I. Also, the 2-in-one power adapter and the opposite end of cable  74  are stowed in chamber IV within pocket  5 . When when sunlight suitable for generating solar power by the panels is unavailable, or at any time that an external power source such as a 12 volt DC automobile accessory power supply or an AC electricity socket, for example, is available, the batteries can be charged as follows. The first electric cable  59  is disconnected from battery receptacle  72 . Connector  75  of second electric cable  74  is inserted into battery receptacle  72 . Zipper closure  6  of pocket  5  is opened providing access to cable  74  in chamber IV. Cable  74  is uncoiled and the free end is inserted into the USB connector of the 2-in-1 power charging adapter that is retrieved from chamber IV. The 2-in-1 adapter can be connected to the external power source thereby supplying power to recharge batteries  70 . 
         [0046]    In a preferred embodiment, exterior wall of pocket  5  includes an additional grommet  4 . This grommet permits USB connector  71  to pass so that cable  74  extends outside chamber IV without the need to open zipper closure  6  of the pocket. This configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 6  by cable  74   a  and USB connector  71   a  indicated in dashed lines. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a schematic elevation view of the forward facing side  81  of bulkhead B. On this side are an upper pocket  82  and a lower pocket  83  of mesh fabric. The upper pocket fabric is affixed at its side edges to the periphery of bulkhead B and at its bottom to a strip of fabric  84  that is affixed across the width of the body to the bulkhead to form the pocket. The top of the mesh fabric  85  is not permanently affixed to bulkhead but is hemmed with an horizontal zipper closure track  86  with a mating track affixed to side  81 . This forms a recloseable opening in which articles  87  can be inserted for storage. Alternatively, the top of mesh fabric  85  can have a hem of elastic fabric under slight tension from its ends that are affixed to the bulkhead near the side walls. A similar zipper closured construction is used to form lower pocket  83  that can hold additional articles  87 . In the central area of side  81  is an horizontally oriented strip  88  of elastic fabric that is affixed to the bulkhead at end and intermediate attachment points  89 . The strip is unattached to the bulkhead at locations  90  between the attachment points  89 . Locations  90  thus can elastically expand to receive and hold selected additional articles  91 ,  92  and  93 . 
         [0048]    Upper pocket  82 , lower pocket  83  and strip  88  are intended to store in place selected articles having specific utilities in an escape and survival situation as will be explained. These articles are included as integrated component parts of the novel emergency escape and survival system. The positions of these storage locations and the items intended to be retained therein have been designed to optimize the capacity, ease of access and functionality of the entire system to help a user overcome escape and survival problems. It should be evident that the collection of pockets, chambers and storage strips are not randomly juxtaposed or that any component of the system might be placed in any available compartment. Some space within the backpack has been reserved for personal and business items of the user and any article of the user&#39;s choosing may be stowed in those personal and business spaces. An example of such space is chamber III between the ballistic protection shield  40  and the laptop storage pocket  43 . 
         [0049]    Upper pocket  82  is intended to contain a traumatic injury and wound treatment kit  94 . This kit contains the following elements: (a) four blood stop trauma pad, alginate dressing, 10 cm by 10 cm blister packing (b) 10-to-a-tube package of compressed cloths, (c) arm sling, (d) self stick bandage material, (e) body shape conforming bandage, (f) compressed non-woven sponge, (g) antiseptic cleansing wipe, (h) anti mosquito towelette, (i) triple antibiotic ointment, and (j) 3 oz bottle of alcohol based hand sanitizing gel. The kit  94  can be divided into multiple package units. 
         [0050]    The packaging of the trauma injury and wound treatment kit is illustrative of the type of packaging utilized for all of the incorporated component parts of the emergency and survival system that do not have their own, intrinsically strong and durable containers. This packaging system calls for inserting the one or more elements of a component part into a clear, hermetically sealed plastic pouch. Preferably the pouch has a label itemizing the contained objects. Clarity of the plastic pouch also enables the user to view the pouch contents which makes selection of the item in a state of emergency much more efficient. Additionally, the plastic pouches are sealed under vacuum. The plastic of the pouches is an effective oxygen and nitrogen barrier to prevent rapid intrusion of ambient air. Internal vacuum causes the pouch volume to compress around the contained objects further reducing volume of the system components and thereby allowing a larger number of diversified tools and supplies to be carried in a backpack. Absence of air within the pouches is thought to extend the life of the contained items. Moreover, when a pouch is opened, it becomes immediately apparent to the user that the contents should be evaluated such that spent components can be replaced with fresh ones. Thus vacuum packing performs a use-detection function. Overall, it should be appreciated that packaging components of the novel escape and survival system in tear-evident, clear package units helps to minimize scavenging some component items during non-emergency conditions so that the whole complement of system items are present all the time in case of a true emergency. 
         [0051]    Other items stored on side  81  within chamber II are: a single, alternately battery and dynamo powered, AM/FM/Weather band radio receiver  91 , a combination multifunctional hand tool  92  and an about 2.5 cm diameter by about 9 cm long, light-emitting diode battery powered flashlight  93 . Each of these items has its own hard shell case and therefore does not need clear plastic pouch vacuum packaging. They are held in position against side  81  of the bulkhead by strip  89 . Lower pocket contains in vacuum sealed packaging (a) a synthetic polymer (preferably, polyethylene), flexible, water-proof, about 50 cm×about 80 cm poncho/ground cloth  95   a , (b) particulate-only air-filtering face mask for breathing air protection in smoke, dust, debris, smog and possibly infectious disease bearing environments, and (c) two or more, about 15 mm diameter x about 150 mm long, self-illuminating chemically activated, glow-in-the-dark, light sticks. An example of the particulate air-filtering face mask is 3M Company&#39;s model N95 Health Care Particulate Respirator. The particle filtering mask used in this invention should meet both Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) requirements and Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) guidelines for tuberculosis exposure control. Typical particulate filtering specifications include rejection of airborne particles in a size range of greater than about 0.1 microns. The mask&#39;s fluid resistance function is to reduce potential contamination and exposure of the wearer to the spray, spatter, and aerosol of blood and body fluids. A typical performance specification for this aspect is to provide body fluid exposure resistance to less than about 0.99% against microorganisms. 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  is a schematic elevation view of the rearward facing side  101  of bulkhead C. This side has three mesh fabric pockets  102 ,  103  and  104 . Pocket  102  is substantially the same size and construction as lower pocket  83  of bulkhead B side  81 . That is, it extends across the full width of the backpack, is sealed to side  101  at its lateral side and bottom edges and has a reclosable zipper closure across its top edge. Pockets  103  and  104  are similarly constructed but are horizontally centrally positioned on the bulkhead and do not extend across the full width. The each have a reclosable zipper closure at the top. Pocket  103  has a largely small height dimension and pocket  104  has an approximately square shape. On opposite lateral sides of pockets  103  and  104 , side  101  has two sets of paired elastic strips  106   a,    106   b  and  107   a ,  107   b . Construction of these strips is similar to that of strip  88  except that each of the strips on side  101  provide a single opening location midway across the strip such that one article can be held by each strip. Strips  106   a  and  106   b  are offset vertically from each other such that one large, generally cylindrical object can be retained by both strips operating in common. Strips  107   a  and  107   b  are positioned and function similarly. 
         [0053]    Component parts of the novel escape and survival system that are stowed on side  101  are as follows. In pocket  102  are stored (i) two or more, air-activated about 85 mm×about 70 mm hand warmer pads in individual packets sealed by the manufacturer, (ii) two or more air-activated about 100 mm×about 130 mm body warmers in individual packets sealed by the manufacturer, (iii) an about 80-120 cm×about 40-80 cm, metalized polyester blanket, (iv) an emergency style sleeping bag, such as, for example, the Adventure Medical Kits S.O.L. Emergency Bivy item TA270574 (L.L. Bean, Inc., Freeport, Maine), (v) 13 gauge knitted white nylon shell coated with black nitrile rubber on palm, chemical resistant gloves, size XL, and (vi) a plastic, multi-compartmented medicine pill organizer, preferably clear, for apportioning doses of medication periodically. In addition to manufacturer-supplied packaging, each of the five groups of items (i)-(v) are also over-wrapped under vacuum in clear pouches, described above. Pocket  103  contains one or more travel size rolls (i.e., nominally 2 inch wide×60 inch long) pressure sensitive duct tape. Pocket  104  contains a 3 ounce bottle of alcohol based hand sanitizer gel and a plurality of compressed, sanitary towels. 
         [0054]    Pocket  104  also can contain a supply of over the counter medicinal materials useful for treating common health conditions likely for the user to encounter. These include individually wrapped (a) anti-diarrhreal medicine such as Imodium® AD, 2 or more caplets per pouch, (b) pain relief medicine such as Advil® Ibuprofen tablets, 2 or more 200 mg coated tablets per pouch, and (c) radiation exposure treatment medicine, preferably potassium iodide, 2 or more 32.5 mg tablets per pouch. Optionally, when the emergency escape and survival system is for a female owner this pocket is suitable for storing feminine hygiene sanitary napkins available commercially. 
         [0055]    The volume of the base of chamber II adjacent to bulkhead C is suited to storing selected bulky system components, namely, an air-purifying escape hood  110  and a food supply package  112 . These items rest on the bottom of chamber II. On the left lateral side of bulkhead C, is the escape hood  110 . It is an improved escape hood based upon the commercially available product Hood XHZLC60 (Zhejiang Jiangshan Zhean Fire-Fighting Equipment Co. Ltd., Jingahn, Zhejiang, China). The structure of escape hood  110  is fully described in U.S. patent application serial no. 1378668, assigned to Milspray LLC. The escape hood has a rigid, clear face shield and a solid, cylindrical filter cartridge capable of filtering particulates, carbon monoxide and certain volatile organic compounds from breathing. It has a flexible shell affixed to the shield and cartridge that surrounds, encloses and protects the user&#39;s head. The shell can be wrapped around the shield and cartridge so as to form a basically cylindrical unit. This unit is packaged in an gas-tight, clear plastic pouch under vacuum as described above. This packaging helps maintain the shelf life of the air-purifying agents in the cartridge and condenses the escape hood to a very small size. On the right lateral side of bulkhead C is a package  112  containing a three-day supply of individually-wrapped, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, edible nutritional meal bars having a shelf life specification of up to about 4-5 years. The individual meal bars are typically supplied in brick-shape such that they can be stacked with high storage efficiency without the need for a vacuum pouch over-wrap. For example, the meal bar supply  112  can be enclosed in a flat-sided cardboard container. Optionally, the meal bars can be over-wrapped under vacuum in a sealed clear pouch as described above. 
         [0056]    The escape hood  110  and meal bar supply  112  conveniently provide pedestals for supporting system additional components  114  and  116 . Component  114  is a drinking water purification set comprising (i) an about 750 mL (about 25 oz.) capacity single, wall stainless steel water bottle, (ii) cap, (iii) straw, (iv) particulate filter, and (v) at least about 12 germicidal drinking water purification tablets. Parts (iii)-(v) can be conveniently stowed inside the bottle. The purpose of this set is to allow the user to purify dirty and biologically-contaminated water for drinking. In simple terms, the user fills the empty bottle with raw water obtained from the environment, adds purification tablets according to manufacturer&#39;s instructions, drinks the purified water through the straw or the cap serving as a cup, and stores residual purified water in the capped bottle. A representative commercially available portable, emergency water purification set suitable for use in this novel escape and survival system is the Katadyn MyBottle Personal Water. Other portable, emergency water purfications systems of similar size and geometric configuration can be used. For example, a PurifierCamelBak® All Clear™ Microbiological UV Water Purifier, that operates with battery electric power to destroy germs with ultraviolet light radiation can be substituted for component  114 . The water purification set bottle is held in position against bulkhead C by securing the bottle within elastic straps  106   a  and  106   b.  System component  116  is an approximately 16 oz. fire extinguisher multiple use portable fire extinguisher. That is, the extinguisher is rated to fight at least Class A and Class B fire type fires. Any conventional fire protection agent can be used, provided that the container is largely cylindrical and measures about 2-4 inches in diameter and about 8-16 inches in height. The fire extinguisher  116  stands on food supply  112  and is restrained in its storage position against bulkhead C by elastic straps  107   a  and  107   b.    
         [0057]    Additional bulky system components are stored in the large volume of space of chamber II. One such item is an about 1.1 m×about 1.5 m microfiber viscose rayon or polyester thermal protection blanket. This blanket is packaged in a clear pouch under moderate vacuum such that the bulk is partially compressed to save space but the pouch remains slightly flexible. The flexible pouch can then be wrapped in a hemi-cylindrical shape for optimum space utilization by storage around the cylindrical form of the water purification set on the left side of bulkhead C. When stowed the blanket pouch is around the water purification set  114  with its rearward surface proximate to side  81  of bulkhead B adjacent to flashlight  93  ( FIG. 7 ). The space in chamber II between the fire extinguisher and side  81  adjacent to radio receiver  91  is occupied by a chemical/biological/radiation (“CBR”) full body protective suit. The CBR suit is for complete body protection against contamination that can assault by physical contact. Preferably it is a disposable object that can be discarded after external contamination by contact with the environment has occurred. An example of a suitable CBR suit is a suit including DuPont Tychem® F coveralls with taped seams, attached hood, chest front zipper closure, elastic back, storm flap, elastic wrist cuffs, attached boots. Size is selected for the body of the user. Default size preferably is extra large. 
         [0058]    Another salient feature of the present invention is that it provides a nuclear radiation exposure monitoring feature.  FIG. 2  shows in phantom lines that a clear plastic slip case  118  is attached to the interior wall in chamber II between bulkheads B and C and positioned toward the top of the backpack. The novel escape and survival system includes as a component a passive radiation sensing and exposure monitoring card that slides into a top opening of the slip case. Printed instructions for using the radiation sensor can also be stored in the slip case for convenient reference. The radiation card is maintained in position flush to the wall of backpack by the slip case. Nuclear radiation to which the backpack, and therefore, the user is exposed will be detected by the card and cumulative exposure will be recorded. The user thus can take preventive and/or corrective action such as moving out of the exposure area, decontaminating skin and clothing, donning protective radiation barrier clothing, and taking potassium iodide pills that are also included as components of the escape and survival system. 
         [0059]    Preference is given to stocking the novel system with a RADTriage™ radiation dosimeter card (Justacip, Inc d/b/a nukepills.com, Mooresville, N.C.). The card is about credit card size (3.375 inch×2.125 inch×about 0.5 mm thick and weighs about 2 g). The RADTriage dosimeter card has a sensor strip that develops color upon exposure to gamma/X-ray and high energy electron/beta particles. The card has color calibrated reference bars that are used to match a sensor strip color with a numerical value of radiation exposure in milliSievert (mSv) units. One mSv equals 0.1 rad. The card is able to detect exposures in the range of 20-10,000 mSv. The card has false positive, false negative, shelf life and tamper evident indicating sensor features also. The RADTriage radiation dosimeter card technology is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,227,158. 
         [0060]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic elevation view of the front side (exterior)  121  of bulkhead D. This is the side of the backpack that contacts the user&#39;s back when the pack is carried. The surface is covered by several sections  122  and  123  of thick padding covered by a finely woven fabric and an outer layer of mesh fabric. The style of the padding cover material is an aesthetic design feature. The underlying padding material is conventional soft foam adapted to cushion the impact and irritation of the rigid pack on the user&#39;s back. Other areas of side  121  are covered with decorative fabric but are not deeply padded. The pattern of padded areas and non-padded areas is not critical provided that there is sufficient padded area to effectively cushion the user&#39;s back. Section  123  is a special padded area in that it contains beneath a layer of padding a fabric lined “hidden” pocket. This pocket is very useful for storing extremely valuable and personal items. The hidden pocket has a zipper closure  124  along the top, or along another edge of the pocket, to gain access for insertion and extraction of valuable articles. The hidden pocket is secure from unauthorized access because it is disguised as padding. Also, when the backpack is worn, the hidden pocket is sandwiched between the body of the backpack and the user&#39;s back. Thus it is difficult for an unauthorized person to reach into the hidden pocket without alerting the user. In a preferred embodiment, the hidden pocket can be adapted to hold a protective device, such as a firearm. The user would be responsible for adherence to any applicable concealed weapon carrying regulations. 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  additionally indicates that shoulder straps  126  and  127  are affixed to the top and bottom of side  121 . Only the stubs of these shoulder straps are shown in the drawing. In reality, the stubs extend to conventional belt buckle type cinch mechanisms so that the length of the shoulder straps can be adjusted to suit the physique of the user. A small, typically elongated pouch (not shown) is attached to one of the shoulder straps either permanently or by a short lanyard. In another aspect, the pouch can be in the form of a pocket within the shoulder strap. The pouch is positioned on the shoulder straps such that while the backpack is being worn, the pouch is within easy reach of the user&#39;s hands. This novel escape and survival system also contemplates that a self-defense pepper spray dispenser is stored in the shoulder strap pouch at the read of the user. Preferably the pepper spray dispenser will be an aerosol or manual pump activated sprayer with a generally cylindrical body and about a 2 oz by weight capacity. Strength of the irritant should be about 10% oleoresin capsicum having a heat rating of at least about 2 million Scoville heat units (“SHU”) of eye irritant agent. A representative example of a suitable pepper spray dispenser is the Pepper Shot model defense fogger spray unit available from Safeguard Self Defense, Rocklin, Calif. 
         [0062]    Chamber III has been mentioned as be the location for storing the removable ballistic protection shield  40  that is a component of the novel escape and survival system, and for storing a user-optional electronic computing device in laptop pocket  43 . There is extra capacity between the laptop pocket and the shield available for storage. The use of this space is also user optional. The user can store work or personal material there. For example, if the backpack is to be used during travel, the space can hold clothing, toiletries or other personal items of the user&#39;s choice. If the back pack is intended for a business utility, the user can store business supplies such as writing paper, business literature, document scanners, cameras, reference literature and the like. For users having specialized purposes for the escape and survival system, the extra capacity in chamber III can be used to hold other safety and hazard counter-measure equipment. Such optional additional equipment can include, for example, a U.S. Coast Guard approved, self-inflating, personal floatation device. An example of a compact device is the Stearns SOSpenders Easy Repack Inflatable Life Jacket/PFD Model 1431 USCG Approved Type V/Type II with automatic inflator and manual backup inflation feature (produced by Stearns, Sauk Rapids, Minn., subsidiary of The Coleman Company). 
         [0063]    In another preferred embodiment, the inflatable personal flotation device is an integrated part of the backpack. That is, it is permanently attached onto the exterior or inside one or more chambers. Optionally, the integrated flotation device can have a bladder that the user can inflate manually, for example by blowing into a tube, and/or by an auto-inflate mechanism. For example, to quickly auto-inflate the bladder, a draw-string can be pulled to quickly open a valve that releases air from a compressed gas cylinder into the bladder. 
         [0064]    Additional safety equipment that can be included in the novel system is a controlled descent device useful for escaping from precarious or unsafe high structures. A representative device for this function is the Youan Model JSH-100/35-20 hand control descent rescue device (Guangzhou Youan Fire Protection Technology Co., Ltd., China). It includes a hook attached to a length of cable or rope wound on a reel. The rope passes through a strong rigid ring that is connected to fabric bosun&#39;s chair style personal harness. The user climbs into the harness, attaches the hook to a fixed object, throws the reel to a destination location below and rappels downward along the cable or rope. The system also should include a pair of rapelling gloves to protect the hands during descent. 
         [0065]    Still other optional components contemplated for inclusion in a comprehensively stocked escape and survival system according to this invention include a U.S. transportation and security administration approved Brass mini lock preferably coated with black plastic, a survival aid kit including strike anywhere matches in waterproof container, flint fire starter and signaling mirror. It should be understood that certain elements of the escape and survival system are important basic components to be included in every embodiment of the invention. These basic components include the backpack configuration of the body, the battery and battery charging system, the radiation dosimeter and treatment features, the ballistic protection shield feature, the chemical resistant clothing including the escape hood, the water purification set, trauma kit, meal bars, and the radio communication equipment. Other components identified in this disclosure should be included in a comprehensive system according to this invention but can be mixed and substituted in various combinations to provide a self-contained system best adapted to the needs of a specific user. For example, certain users may not contemplate high risk exposure and thus might not have use or ability to pay for components not likely to be utilized. These users can select a stripped down, more basically stocked system. Other users who contemplate greater risk potential or who desire the advanced protection features of a more robustly outfitted system can select a wider variety of system components. It is thus an advantageous feature of this novel system that the user can customize the extra accessories included in a personalized escape and survival system, provided that the components fit in or on the backpack case structure. 
         [0066]    Although specific forms of the invention have been selected in the preceding disclosure for illustration in specific terms for the purpose of describing these forms of the invention fully and amply for one of average skill in the pertinent art, it should be understood that various substitutions and modifications which bring about substantially equivalent or superior results and/or performance are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the following claims. The entire disclosure of all U.S. patents and patent applications identified in the present application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.