Abstract:
A wearable luggage appliance for carrying goods of the wearer distributes the weight of the carried goods across the front and back of the wearer for mitigating a gravitational load conventionally borne by shoulder straps on the shoulders of a wearer. The luggage appliance includes integrated front and back portions connected by continuous side panels that distribute downward forces exerted on cargo or items disposed in compartments on the back portions onto the front portion. Heavy loads on a conventional back-disposed carrying appliance (i.e. backpack) typically concentrate loads on shoulder straps that tend to apply downward and backward forces on the shoulders and upper body of the wearer. The wearable luggage appliance redistributes these rear loads across the front (chest and torso) of the wearer by an integrated vest construction having continuous seams across the shoulders and sides for evenly distributing the downward and backward forces, reducing wearer fatigue.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure concerns the technical field of garments and worn apparel. More particularly, the present configuration is in the technical field of garment/fabric/synthetic material that can be worn and serve as a carrying backpack. 
         [0002]    A backpack (also called rucksack, knapsack, packsack, or pack) is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on one&#39;s back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders, but there can be exceptions. Lightweight types of backpacks are sometimes worn on only one shoulder strap. The present invention is an exception that can be worn like a vest with or without sleeves. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    A wearable luggage appliance for carrying goods of the wearer distributes the weight of the carried goods across the front and back of the wearer for mitigating a gravitational load conventionally borne by shoulder straps on the shoulders of a wearer. The luggage appliance includes integrated front and back portions connected by continuous side panels that distribute downward forces exerted on cargo or items disposed in compartments on the back portions onto the front portion. Heavy loads on a conventional back-disposed carrying appliance (i.e. backpack) typically concentrated loads on shoulder straps that tend to apply downward and backward forces on the shoulders and upper body of the wearer. The wearable luggage appliance redistributes these rear loads across the front (chest and torso) of the wearer by an integrated vest construction having continuous seams across the shoulders and sides (around armholes) for evenly distributing the downward and backward forces, reducing wearer fatigue and pressure concentrated on the shoulders. 
         [0004]    Configuration herein are based, in part, on the observation that conventional wearable luggage appliances employ shoulder straps for supporting the weight of a carried load. The shoulder straps distribute the load substantially on the shoulder of the wearer. Accordingly, conventional approaches suffer from the shortcoming that the wearer&#39;s back and relevant skeletal and muscular structures bear much or all of the weight from conventional worn luggage appliances (e.g. backpacks). Conventional approaches may employ a strap or tether on a lower portion, but such a tether serves merely to keep the load in place, and is not structural or load bearing. For example, backpack straps keep the load close to the wearers back, but do not distribute the load to a front panel that bears the weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer. Even if drawn tightly, such straps merely increase tension on the lower abdomen, and do not assist in load bearing capacity because they do not distribute the load tension across a larger portion of the torso. Similarly, so-called “fanny” packs focus tension on a lower portion of the abdomen, and do not direct the load toward the upper front torso. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, configurations herein substantially overcome the above described shortcomings of conventional wearable luggage appliances by distributing tension forces resulting from a load on the rear upper torso (back) across the front torso of the wearer, thus relieving the downward force on the shoulders and back caused with conventional backpacks. A weight dispersion panel, that may be selectively zippered or otherwise closeable, integrates tension from a load carried on the rear torso and/or shoulders to the front torso of the wearer such that carried loads are more evenly distributed, therefore reducing musculoskeletal strain and associated discomfort. 
         [0006]    The present appliance may be defined as a device that serves both as a backpack and a vest for users to use for carrying load with ease and using the front pockets on the vest for other carrying purposes. Backpacks are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads or carrying any sort of equipment, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time in the hands. Large backpacks, used to carry loads over 10 kg (22 lbs), usually offload the largest part (up to about 90%) of their weight onto padded hip belts, leaving the shoulder straps mainly for stabilizing the load. This improves the potential to carry heavy loads, as the hips are stronger than the shoulders, and also increases agility and balance, since the load rides nearer the wearer&#39;s own center of mass. However, such a construction tends to focus substantial tension on the lower abdomen or beltline where the hip belts engage. 
         [0007]    In further detail, in a particular configuration as discussed further below, the disclosed approach teaches a wearable containment appliance including a front portion and a back portion, in which the front and back portions are integrated for encircling a torso of the wearer, and at least one containment receptacle on the back portion for containing weighted items. The containment receptacle (containment) is typically at least one textile pouch or pocket for containing articles. The containment attaches by textile straps or panels to at least one weight dispersion panel on the front portion for spreading forces exerted by the back portion across the front portion, in which the front portion engages the front torso of the wearer. In this manner, the weight dispersion panel combines and integrates tension resulting from the weight of the containment and disperses or spreads the weight (force) across a larger area on the front torso. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a commonly used vest (front and back) and a backpack. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exterior view of the three sections of a vest, the middle section of the vest includes the drawing of a backpack as a genesis of the invention. This is a combination of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the exterior of the back view of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a back view of the present invention with a hood version; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a back view of an unfurled garment according to a further configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is an inside front view of the garment of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a side profile view of the garment of  FIGS. 5 and 6  around a wearer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    A weight dispersing wearable containment appliance, in a particular configuration, takes the form of a supportive vest integrated with a back worn storage appliance having the appearance of a backpack which may be employed with or without sleeves and may be worn like any typical, ordinary or specialized device of any style for the optional purpose of a carrying load and maybe worn as a fashion in any setting. Such an appliance, or device, takes the appearance of a backpack, for purposes such as hiking and camping, and may also be employed for everyday use such as by students for carrying books and the like. In contrast to conventional hiking equipment, a rigid, bulky frame is not required, further facilitating usage as an everyday carrying appliance such as a briefcase, purse or duffel bag. The various configurations may also be provided with a plurality of different color variations. 
         [0017]    Conventional backpacks are typically either large or exceedingly difficult to maneuver from the back. It is difficult to move these devices into a house or office because they are large and heavy. Moving such devices typically requires several strong persons, or a sturdy wheeled vehicle such as a reinforced wagon or hand cart. The difficulties of bringing such a device into a house or office are multiplied when stairs must be climbed. Further, it is not an uncommon experience to realize that the device cannot pass through the doorway without widening. Further, the devices cannot readily be moved from spot to spot once inside a room, 
         [0018]    A vest is a garment covering the upper body. The term has different global meanings, for example a waistcoat has a full vertical opening in the front which fastens with buttons or snaps. Both single-breasted and double-breasted waistcoats exist, regardless of the formality of dress, but single-breasted ones are more common. In a three piece suit, the cloth used matches the jacket and trousers. 
         [0019]    Such a vest may commonly be defined as a sleeveless under-jacket. This is called a waistcoat in the UK and many Commonwealth countries, or a vest in the U.S. and Canada. It is often worn as part of formal attire, or as the third piece of a lounge suit. Other sleeveless jackets also exist in different forms. The term “vest” may refer to other outer garments, such as a sports tank top, or a padded sleeveless jacket popular for hunting, commonly known as a hunting vest. Another common variant is the fishing vest which carries a profusion of external pockets for carrying fishing tackle. The term jerkin is also used to refer to this sort of sleeveless outdoor coat. A sweater vest is an American and Canadian English term. Such a garment may also be called a slipover, sleeveless sweater, or tank top (which may also refer to a type of sleeveless shirt). Banyan is an Indian garment and it is commonly called a vest in Indian English. All these variations can be made with the same style of combination of vest and backpack. 
         [0020]    The advantages of the present approach include, without limitation, that the wearable appliance is easy to distribute a load on the back, hip and shoulder without excessive or disproportionate pressure exertion on one region of the upper body. It is easy to remove and consolidated when passing through security check points. Configurations disclosed herein generally will hang on a hook or clothes hanger when stored in a closet or locker through most doorways without any widening. Further, the various configurations may easily be unzipped unbuttoned at any time. In a broad embodiment, the present configuration includes a vest-like backpack apparatus which may be sleeved or sleeveless. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , in a particular configuration, the disclosed wearable containment appliance includes a front portion and a back portion, such that the front and back portions are integrated for encircling a torso of the wearer and at least one containment receptacle on the back portion for containing weighted items. The apparatus further includes at least one weight dispersion panel on the front portion for spreading forces exerted by the back portion across the front portion. In further detail, the front portion may define a vest attached to the back portion along a continuous side panel, and the back portion defines a backpack having a plurality of pockets or similar storage receptacles. The weight dispersing portion is adapted to carry downward force exerted on the wearer from the containment receptacle, therefore avoiding a concentrated and rearward force exerted on the wearer from the back portion by the tension carried to the weight dispersing panel. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a commonly used prior art vest (front and back) and a conventional backpack. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a vest  1000  closes along a front seam  1001  to form a continuous garment. A backpack  1010  employs shoulder straps  1011  for bearing the load of a payload contained within. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exterior view of the three sections of the wearable containment appliance disclosed herein. Referring to  FIG. 2 , a back portion  100  is a textile or other suitable flexible material for engaging the rear torso of a wearer. A containment  102 , which may include multiple pockets or compartments  104  is attached to the back portion and may be continuous such that the back portion  100  is one of several sides of each of the pockets  104 . The containment compartments  104  on the back portion are adapted for containing weighted items. A plurality of side portions  110 ,  112  attach to the back portion at side seams  114 ,  116 , and are adapted to completely encircle the torso of the wearer at front seams  120 , thereby forming a front portion. Upon closure of the front portion, the front and back portions  100  become integrated for encircling a torso of the wearer. The side seams  114 ,  116  are configured to transfer tension from the back portion  100  to the side portions  110 ,  112  and, in turn, to the front seam  120 . Selective closures engage to secure the front seam, discussed further below. Similarly, shoulder straps  130  interconnect the front and back portion  100  for bearing a downward force (continuity shown by dotted lines  132 ). Closure of the front seam  120  defines a weight dispersion panel on the front portion for spreading forces exerted by the back portion across the front portion. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the exterior of the back view of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the back  100  includes pockets  104  in various configurations. The back portion  100  of the containment  102  may defines a backpack having a plurality of pockets  104 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a back view of the present invention with a hood version being worn by a wearer  140 . Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the back portion  100  and side portions  110 ,  112  encircle the wearer  140  at the torso and chest. Particular configurations may also include a hood  136 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a back view of an unfurled garment according to a further configuration. Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 , the back portion  100  integrates with a left side portion  110  and a right side portion  112  via seams  150 , which may be stitched, molded, fused, glued or attached by other suitable means. The side panels  110 ,  112  are engageable by attachments  152 - 1 ,  152 - 2  ( 152  generally), which define a suitable fastening mechanism extending from the side portions  110 ,  112 , as a wrap around panel  110 - 1 ,  112 - 1  to define the weight dispersion panel  154 , defined by integrated portions  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2 . The attachments  152  extend from the side panels via straps  156  for securement at the front torso. 
         [0027]    The backpack includes at least one pocket  104 , defined by a main zipper compartment, and a small miscellaneous pocket  104 ′, as well as others, may be included. Hand pockets  148  and front slip pockets  149  complement a plurality of pockets  104 . A zipper compartment expander  105 , as is common with soft-sided luggage appliances, may also be employed. Armholes  158  are reinforced to further “snug” the tension of the weight dispersion panel  154 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is an inside front view of the garment of  FIG. 5 . Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a zipper  170 - 1 ,  170 - 2  ( 170  generally), affixes both front panels  110 ,  112  in addition to the attachments  152 , for providing a continuous seam along the integrated portions  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  defining the weight dispersion panel  154 . Closure of the integrated portions facilitates tension distribution along the full torso from abdomen to chest of the wearer  140 . 
         [0029]    A plurality of back supports  160 , such as resilient cushioning (foam, polyester, or other) enhances comfort and support for maintaining tension along the weight dispersion panel  154 . Interior zipper pockets  162  may also be provided. 
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a side profile view of the garment of  FIGS. 5 and 6  around a wearer the wearer  140 . The zipper  170  is operable by a handle  170 ′, and may extend to the neckline of the wearer  140  for maximizing the area of the weight dispersion panel  154 . By joining the side panels  110 ,  112  to integrate the integrated portions  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  along the front seams  120  from the attachments  152  and extending to an upper travel range of the zipper  170 , the range  154 ′ of the weight dispersion panel  154  is effectively maximized to the torso length of the wearer  140 . Other inclusions are an extension zipper  180  and miscellaneous pouch  182  to the main zipper pocket  104  and other pockets. 
         [0031]    Therefore, the weight dispersion panel  154  occupies a front portion defining a vest attached to the back portion along a continuous side panel  110 ,  112 . The weight dispersion panel  154  is adapted to carry downward force exerted on the wearer  140  from the containment receptacle  104 . The integration of the front and back  100  portions therefore avoids a concentrated and rearward force exerted on the wearer  140  from the back portion  100  by the tension carried to the weight dispersion panel  154 . The weight dispersion panel  154  therefore includes a plurality of selectively engageable panels,  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  although additional or unitary panels could be employed, such that the selectively engageable panels  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  maintain tension with the back portion  100  when engaged via the attachment  152  and the zipper (or other) closure  170 . The weight dispersion panel  154  is adapted to effectively distribute weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer  140 , and the weight dispersion panel  154  avoids concentration of the transferred force at the lower torso and beltline of the wearer  140 . 
         [0032]    While the straps  156  facilitate integration of the front and back portion  100  by maintaining tension between the front and back portions  100 , the weight is distributed across the torso by the weight distribution panel  154  in the front and the wrap around panels  110 - 1 ,  112 - 1 . In contrast to conventional approaches, such as fanny packs and beltline straps, the weight dispersion panel  154  distributes tension across the full area of the front torso engaged by the range  154 ′ of the weight dispersing panel, while the conventional approaches simply increase compression on the abdomen of the wearer without providing any “lift.” Conventional backpack straps keep the load close to the wearers back, but do not distribute the load to a front panel that bears the weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer. 
         [0033]    The wrap around panels  110 - 1 ,  112 - 1  may comprise a continuous flexible panel between the front and back portions  100  for integrating the front and back portion  100 , such that the straps maintain tension between the front and back portions along a continuous seam  150 . The seam  150  maintains tension along the side panel  110 ,  112 , rather than just at the location of the straps  156 . The engagement of the weight distribution panel (front) employs a combination of the attachments  152  and the zipper  170 , effectively providing a selective closure for engagement and disengagement of a plurality of panels  154  defining the front portion, such that the engaged panels  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  define the weight dispersion panel  154  for accommodating the tension resulting from the spread forces. Alternate arrangements for the selective closure may include a unitary or combination of zipper, snaps, hook and loop, buttons, and latch. 
         [0034]    The disclosed appliance distributes weight from the containment in such a manner that user fatigue and stress is mitigated. Accordingly, the appliance performs a method for dispersing weight across an upright torso of a carrier, or wearer  140 , by disposing a load in a containment  102  on the torso, in which the containment  102  has an upper attachment such as shoulder straps  130  for supporting the containment  102  on the torso. The appliance transfers forces from the containment  104  to an opposed side of the torso (front of the wearer  140 ) by engaging the containment with a lower support defined by the weight dispersion panel  154 , such that the lower support encircles the torso of the wearer  140 . The lower support is adapted for tensioning to effectively transfer the load from the containment  104  to the opposed side, and is also adapted for tensioning the upper attachment (straps  30 ) by interconnecting the upper attachment to the lower support on the opposed side, as the zipper  170  is closed to define the weight dispersion panel  154  as covering the front of the wearer  140 . 
         [0035]    Interconnection of the straps  130  and weight distribution panels  154  is for linking tensioned loads exerted on the containment  102 , such that the linking transfers the load to the opposed side, i.e. the front of the wearer  140 . The disclosed arrangement disposes the containment  102  on a rear torso of a wearer  140 , such that the opposed side is defined by a front torso of the wearer  140 . 
         [0036]    As indicated above, lower support further comprises a plurality of panels (weight distribution panel portions  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2 ), each adapted to engage the front torso, such that the panels  154 -N are adapted for selective engagement via the zipper  170  for establishing the tension. Upon closure, the panels  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  tension the wrap around panels  110 - 1 ,  112 - 1 , forming a complete tensioned enclosure encircling the torso of the wearer  140 . 
         [0037]    Tensioning the lower support defined by the panels  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  may further include selectively engaging closures such as the attachments  152  between the panels  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  defining the lower support. As indicated above, such a selective closure may include a latch mechanism as shown, and at least one of zipper, snaps, hook and loop, or buttons. It should be noted that although both the attachments  152  of the straps, and the closure of the engageable panels  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  contribute to a system of weight distribution, and that either could be employed alone for transferring and distributing loads as disclosed above. The engaged panels  154 - 1 ,  154 - 2  therefore define a weight dispersion panel adapted to distribute weight across the front torso (chest and abdomen) of the wearer  140 , such that the weight dispersion panels  154  avoid concentration of the transferred force at the lower torso and beltline of the wearer  140 . 
         [0038]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. The disclosed apparatus has been particularly shown and described with references to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.