Abstract:
A side access back pack design is proposed which is fully mechanized. Through a user trigger, a vital portion of the storage compartment mechanically moves out, pivots and linearly traverses towards the front and side of the user. The storage compartment is designed to carry critical equipment that a user wishes to access quickly without a need to unshoulder the back pack and access it in non-wear mode which has several disadvantages, including inconvenience and loss of time. After use of the critically accessed equipment, again on user trigger, the storage compartment retracts and folds itself within the contours of a regular backpack.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to design of backpacks. Backpacks suffer from a limitation of use and convenience since access for stored items requires unshouldering it, yielding it to the front and with one hand holding it, the other had is used to access the objects. This invention overcomes this limitation by providing a side and front access to critical objects by mechanical design so that a portion of the storage compartment, attached to the backpack, mechanically moves out, pivots and linearly moves to the side and front for easy equipment access. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Backpacks are popular carriers of equipment, goods, food, water and travel gadgets. Their main advantage stems from the fact that the entire weight of the goods when in the backpack and worn, is offloaded onto the shoulders and likely the strongest portion of the human skeleton. It also makes both hands of the individual to be free to run, do necessary work or carry additional objects, hold hangs in a crowd etc. When travelling, the freeing of the hands makes it easy to get into a train, a bus. It is possible to ride a bicycle with weight carried on the shoulder. Some more professional forms of the backpacks are used by mountaineers, hikers to carry supplies, clothing, tools, water, oxygen and food. Armed forces use similar backpacks for the same purpose, to carry supplies and food while keepings hands free to use weapons, engage in combat or to perform daily chores and activities. 
         [0003]    While backpacks are very useful as described above, they suffer from a serious limitation. To access the backpack, since it is located on the back, the user has to un-deploy it, use the hands, one to hold it and another to open zips and locks to access the contents of the bag. Since use of hands and un-deploying is required, the user has to essentially stop the activity he or she was engaging in. User has to either use one hand to hold and other to access or look for an external support on which the bag can be placed. Often, for want of this support, the backpack is placed on the ground, which forces the user to bend and stress the back. Lift of the entire load is required to redeploy the bag. These disadvantages have been attempted to be overcome by several designs. 
         [0004]    Photographers who wish to have easy and quick access to the camera have considered a joint waist bag and backpack design. However when both are used simultaneously, one of them interferes with the other. Where a retractable storage container is made accessible over the head of the user, the container is essentially turned upside down, requiring contents to be tied to the container to prevent a fall. Manipulation of storage containers from the backpack requires repositioning of the shoulder straps. Users have attempted to replace the backpack with a waist bag, but the waist bag due to its placement is not ideal to carry heavy weight if at the back. If it is in the front, the bulk of the storage container interferes with the user as it is directly in front of him. Some solutions have used metal frames and through use of a latch, a portion of the container (swing-around portion) opens up and moves towards the front. Due to the interference of the straps and the metal frame, the arrangement becomes cumbersome and messy. Accordingly, a fully mechanized and/or motorized version of the deployment and un-deployment towards the side and front of the user will be an enhancement of the prior art and overcome the shortcomings described. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  shows an illustration of an embodiment of the newly invented backpack with traditional straps, regular holding compartment, a moving storage compartment capable of sliding, pivoting and moving forward and the mechanical apparatus embedded within the contours of the bag. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates the same embodiment with straps, holding compartment and the storage compartment deployed in a slid, pivoted and moved forward position. The user can, without taking off the bag, access the contents of the moved storage compartment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates the side isometric view of a user carrying an embodiment of the newly invented backpack with the moving storage compartment slid, pivoted and on the side. For a right hand user, the compartment is presently accessible without any un-deployment, bending or using any external support. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating the user in a back isometric view with an embodiment of the backpack deployed and engaged to be accessible from the front. The user is upright, moving and has both hands free as the storage compartment is available towards his right. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the invention with the backpack itself displayed with straps, holding compartment, storage compartment and various components of the mechanical and electrical assembly involved in the engagement and disengagement of the movable storage compartment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of the invention with zoomed in view of the electro-mechanical system involved in slide out, pivot and side to front movement. Using 1:1 ratio gears and gear belt, the motorized circular movement is converted into two linear movements and a pivot movement of the storage compartment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of the backpack with two compartments in the movable storage box and also shows the electro-mechanical apparatus involved in effectuating a switch based deployment and engagement and disengagement of the storage compartment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is an embodiment only of the electro-mechanical components that the vested within the contours of the backpack and effectuate the two sideways movement and the single pivot movement. The apparatus comprises of fixed ratio gears, gear belt and slide beams over which the motorized circular movement is used to create a three way move of the components, with a storage component attached to the apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is an embodiment of the invention where the backpack is in a fully un-deployed and disengaged position. The user would carry normally in this position. In one embodiment, the user wears the backpack using the straps. The user has already pre-packed the storage compartment with critical equipment that he/she wishes to access quickly and without taking off the straps. This could be camera equipment, cell phone, keys of automobile, safety weapon, food, tickets and even a wallet. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is an embodiment of the invention, where, based on the user trigger which initiates the motor, the storage component is seen to make two movements, the pivot and slide out movement to get the compartment beyond the contours of the backpack. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of the invention where two of the three movements have completed. In one embodiment, the storage compartment has pivoted and slid out from under the regular compartment of the backpack and begun to move forward, all simultaneously. In another embodiment, the motions may be fully serialized or be in part serial and in part parallel. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of the invention where all three conceived motions from the single circular motion of the motor are now complete. The storage compartment has pivoted, slid out and also moved parallel and side ways to come in from and side of the user. In this position, critical equipment is accessed by the user, the equipment is made to use, it is replaced in the storage component and trigger pressed to revert tall three motions that had occurred during deployment and engagement. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  to  FIG. 15  show various views of the “quick access compartment” mounted on the sliding chassis in a fully deployed position and in a fully retractable position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 16  provides another detailed view of the electro-mechanical system with major components marked. Whereas an electrical motor is placed, the motions can be effectuated through springs. In another embodiment, the motions can be effectuated manually through use of a handle to generate the motorized circular motion. 
           [0019]      FIG. 17  illustrates a waterproof mechanism for the “quick access container” when it is in retracted position, tucked within the backpack frame. The mechanism and apparatus alleviates concerns regarding water leakage when part of the backpack opens up and is accessed from the front. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    In the following description specific details are set forth describing certain embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. The specific embodiments presented are meant to be illustrative, but not limiting. One skilled in the art may realize other methods, apparatus or systems that, although not specifically described herein, are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1   100 , in one embodiment, illustrates the backpack design with quick front access features. The bag is a typical backpack with straps  101   102  and regular fixed container  103 . The quick access container  105  is un-deployed and disengaged. The apparatus includes the electro-mechanical system  104  which is triggered through the use of a user triggered switch  106 . When the apparatus for quick access is not deployed, the backpack has regular contours and appears to be a regular backpack. The user has already kept his critical equipment, tools or items in the quick access container, but has not yet deployed the mechanism for quick access. In one embodiment, the backpack is made out of cloth, fabric, waterproof fabric or thick plastic. In another embodiment, the backpack may be made out of suitcase material including metal, thick plastic, leather or other material used for luggage. The electro-mechanical apparatus and system is made mountable on any of these materials for front access. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2   200 , in one embodiment presents the backpack with its enhanced features in an isometric view from the back of the user. The backpack is still wearable through straps  201  and  202  and has regular fixed container  211 . The space  210  represents the three dimensional space where the “quick access container” retracts when un-deployed. The quick access container  205  has a big compartment  204  and small cylindrical spots  203  to keep the critical items. The quick access container  205  is mounted on the slide out chassis. In one embodiment, part of the electro-mechanical apparatus is shown with a gear pulley  206 , rotator shaft  207 , gear motor  208 . In another embodiment, the electric motor may be replaced by a manual mechanism driven by a handle. In yet another embodiment, the circular movement may be generated through springs. The slide out shaft  209  effectuates the outwards linear movement. The mechanism is deployed using the user triggered switch  212 . The quick access container  205  has already pivoted 180 degrees so that it has oriented itself outwards and created empty space  210  where it will retract after a reverse pivot and slide in. 
         [0023]      FIG. 3   300  illustrates the deployed backpack in the field with the user actually wearing the backpack. User  301  uses straps  303  to wear the bag with regular fixed container  302 . The quick access container  305  has slid out, pivoted and moved forward to be accessible by the user  301 . A critical holding area  306  is depicted on the quick access container  305 . Partial view of the electro-mechanical apparatus is shown from a side isometric view  304 . Due to the added feature of fast and front access, the user is still walking with critical equipment accessible through the use of the switch with his right hand (on the strap). The user  301  did not have to un-wear the backpack, bring it to the front with both hands and did not have to use external support as the backpack remains supportable from the shoulder. No waist bag straps are needed in the belt area and the user remains absolutely free to use the equipment. In this embodiment, the “quick access container” is accessed from the right side. In another embodiment, it could be on the left or on both sides as a natural projection. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4   400  illustrates the same deployed and engaged backpack from the back of the user  401 . The backpack is shoulder mounted with regular container  405 . The “quick access container”  403  with compartment  402  have been deployed for front access after a proper pivot of 180 degrees over axis  404 . The user  401  is walking, did not have to bend, or use the hands to access the container. The container comes to the front from the side, making it convenient for the user to perform a number of tasks with the frontal access still deployed. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5   500  is one embodiment of the new design of the backpack with detailed isometric view to show all important components when the backpack is not worn by the user. The backpack has two straps  501   502  with a trigger switch  515  on the right strap. The backpack has regular fixed container  503 . The “quick access container”  505  has two customized compartments  504   506 . Due to the 180 degree pivot, a cavity  514  is created under the main cabin of the backpack. The side shift shaft  513  is used to effectuate side wards movement using gears  512  and gear rack. The gear motor  511  creates three types of motions, all simultaneously. The gear pulley  509  using the gear belt  507  effectuates a forward movement of the “quick access container.” The movement occurs on yet another slide shaft  508 . The pivot occurs around the rotator shaft  510 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 6   600  shows the electro-mechanical apparatus in more detail and an isometric zoomed view. The backpack has a regular container  601 . It has straps  602  and a wire going from the switch located on the right strap to the electronic motor  610  which moves the gears  611   612   609 . The gear pulley  608  with the use of a gear belt moves the “quick access container”  605  with containers  603   604 . The linear shafts  613   609   606  provide the axis and framework for the side movement and the pivot. The gear rack  614  converts a circular gear movement to a linear one. 
         [0027]      FIG. 7   700  represents another isometric back view of the backpack with the electro-mechanical apparatus. Switch  7104  is installed on the right strap. The backpack has regular carrying carton  7101 . The “quick access container”  7102  is engaged and deployed and shows containers  706  and  705 . The container has pivoted 180 degrees and moved forward along the rotator shaft. A cavity  707  is created due to sideways and forward movement where the “quick access container” will retract. The gear motor  709  moves the linear slide mechanical assembly  7103 . The sliding shaft  708  provides the framework for the outwards sideways movement. Gear pulley  710  through the use of gear belt moves the “quick access container” forward. 
         [0028]      FIG. 8   800  in one embodiment illustrates the electro-mechanical apparatus involved in the user triggered deployment and engagement of the quick access mechanism for the backpack. The sliding mechanism assembly  8103  is attached to the “slide out chassis”  8105 . Similar to a “slide out chassis”  8105 , a quick access container chassis  8106  is also provided over which the “quick access container” is installed. A single electrical motor  8107  is provided with various mechanical systems to convert a single rotary motion of the motor to two sliding motions and one pivot motion for the “quick access container.” 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, through Miter gear set  1   8108  with one to one ratio, the drive shaft  8111  and the pinion gear  8109  are turned, which through the use of gear rack  8110 , is converted into a slide out movement. In one embodiment, through a second Miter gear set  2   8112  at one to one ratio, the traverse shaft is turned which has a Bevel gear set  8114  at one to two ratio which turns the rotator shaft The entire quick access container chassis  8106  turns 180 degrees on the rotator shaft. Initially, in the un-deployed position, the chassis  8106  is located perpendicular to the slide out chassis  8105 . Through the rotator shaft, it is first rotated ninety degree and then another ninety degree to make the container installed on it accessible. It is still perpendicular to the “slide out chassis,” but has now opened out away from the backpack main container for it to be accessible by the user. Through the use of a gear pulley  8115  and gear belt  8117 , the “quick access container chassis”  8106 , carrying container carriage frame  8119  moves towards the front on the “linear slide shaft”  8121 . The gear belt is mounted on gear belt mounting bracket  8118  and kept in place. 
         [0030]    The backpack quick side (left or right) access by the wearer is accomplished by three distinct and simultaneous motions. The first such motion in one embodiment comprises of the slide mechanism assembly  8103  a “quick access container”  7102  sliding out towards the side. The second such motion involves item  7102  pivot 180 degrees on rotator shaft  8115 . The third motion involves gear belt  8117  engaged around stationary pulley gear  8116  drive the container carriage frame  8119  forward. Since all these motions are triggered through a motor  8107 , the motions occur simultaneously. In one embodiment, the simultaneous motions also reduce the time to deploy and engage as well as un-deploy and disengage. Although in all embodiments, the “quick access container” is shown on the right side of the user, in another embodiment, it could be on the left side. In yet another embodiment, the same motor may be used to control two or a plurality of containers, particularly on the left and right side. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the slide mechanism assembly  8103  works through gear motor  8107  driving the Miter gear set  1   8108  through drive shaft  8111 . It also turns Pinion gear  8109  engaged with gear rack  8110  to move the assembly towards the side. Simultaneously, in one embodiment, the Miter gear set  2   8112  turns traverse shaft  8113 . Traverse shaft  8113  in turn through the use of bevel gear set  8114  turns the rotator shaft  8115 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 9   900  represents an embodiment of the backpack with straps  901  and switch  902  installed on the right strap. The “quick access container”  903  is retracted and the backpack is in a disengaged and un-deployed position. The backpack has regular fixed container  904 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 10   1000  shows the same backpack in a partially deployed position as the three simultaneous motions are now underway in response to operation of the user who deployed the front access mechanism. There is an outward movement, a pivot movement of the storage container and a forward movement of the “quick access container.  1004 ” The compartment  1003  is used to store critical equipment. The backpack has the regular fixed compartment  1005  and is wearable using strap  1001  and a user operable switch  1004 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 11   1100  shows the same backpack in a partially deployed position as the three simultaneous motions are now underway in response to operation of the user who deployed the front access mechanism. There is an outward movement, a pivot movement of the storage container and a forward movement of the “quick access container.  1103 ” These movements, which were partial in  FIG. 10  have now completed. The cavity  1104  is used to store the “quick access container” when it is un-deployed. The backpack has the regular fixed compartment  1105  and is wearable using strap  1101  and a user operable switch  1104 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 12   1200  shows the same backpack in a fully deployed position as the three simultaneous motions are now completed in response to operation of the user who deployed the front access mechanism. There is an outward movement, a pivot movement of the storage container and a forward movement of the “quick access container  1203 .” These movements, which were partial in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  have now completed. The electro-mechanical apparatus  1204  is used to move and deploy the “quick access container.” The backpack has the regular fixed compartment  1205  and is wearable using strap  1201  and a user operable switch  1202 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 13   1300  shows the “quick access container”  1301  mounted on the chassis as it is moved using the gear, gear belt and motorized mechanisms. The partial electro-mechanical system  1302  is shown when the container is retracted. 
         [0037]      FIG. 14   1400  shows the “quick access container”  1401  mounted on the chassis as it is moved using the gear, gear belt and motorized mechanisms. The partial electro-mechanical system  1402  is shown when the container is fully extended. 
         [0038]      FIG. 15   1500  is an alternate view of the storage container in a fully retracted position. The container is attached to the slide rail carrier block. Both the container  1501  and the electro-mechanical apparatus  1502  (partial) is shown. 
         [0039]      FIG. 16   1600  is an alternate view of the electro-mechanical apparatus where the slide out has occurred, the pivot has occurred by 45 degrees and the slide out to front has not yet completed. The slide frame  1609  is attached to the rotator shaft  1605 . As the rotator shaft turns, it rotates the slide frame  1609  with it. However, the stationary capstan gear  1602  is grounded to the slide out chassis  1601  and does not rotate with the shaft. This stationary capstan gear  1602  allows the combination gear  1603  to rotate from it using the capstan gear belt  1606 . It has to be observed that the capstan is stationary and does not move but the combination gear rotates from it. The storage container  1610  moves as a result of being mounted on the electro-mechanical apparatus. The slide carrier gear belt  1604  is grounded to the slide carrier  1607  by the gear belt mounting bracket  1608 . As the combination gear  1603  rotates, it then moves the slide carrier  1607  and the storage container  1610  to the fully extended position or vice versa. 
         [0040]      FIG. 17  is a detailed illustration of water proof design despite the fact that part of the backpack opens up and becomes front accessible. When the quick access container if retracted, by a manual mechanism, a rubber seal is tightened and force equally distributed by special method and apparatus. The backpack frame  1702  has a pivot bore  1701  to connect to a pivot shaft  1711 , rotating plate  1710 . The plate rotates through the use of pull cable  1703 . The rotating plate  1710  has push rods  1709  that get inserted using guide pins  1709  into cam lobes  1704  which form a party of container cover  1705 . The container cover presents a rubber seal  1706  that is pressurized equally in all directions through the container cover. The container cover  1705  with rubber seal  1706  is placed and tightened over the “quick access container”  1707 . The pull cable  1703  makes the rotating plate  1710  push the container cover  1705  against the storage container  1707 , and compressing the rubber seal  1706 . The force is equally distributed around the storage container lid and completes a waterproof seal. 
         [0041]    The illustrations of embodiments provided above are exemplary only and are not intended to be limiting. One skilled in the art may readily devise other systems consistent with the disclosed embodiments, which are intended to be within the scope of this disclosed. As such, the invention is only limited by the claims.