Abstract:
A backpack that includes reflective fabric that is incorporated into the outer shell of the backpack. When viewed during daylight, the reflective fabric does not appear to be reflective, but instead has the look and feel of conventional backpack fabric. However, when a light is pointed at the backpack when it is dark, the reflective fabric reflects the light. In this manner, use of reflective fabric in a backpack permits the backpack to have reflective safety features, yet the backpack is attractive during the day. The backpack may also include lightning-weave fabric and meteor-weave fabric.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to luggage, and more particularly to a backpack.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Backpacks have become quite popular, especially for use by students, or by professionals wanting a more casual bag in which to carry personal items to work instead of the traditional briefcase. Most contemporary backpacks include two shoulder straps so that a backpack may be carried entirely on the back and/or shoulders of a user, allowing the user to have both hands free for carrying other items or for steering a bicycle, for example.  
           [0003]    Recently, backpacks have been provided with reflectors so that a person wearing such a backpack may be more easily viewable at night. The reflectors work well for their intended purpose, in that they reflect light to make a wearer more visible. However, during the day, the reflectors are bold and gaudy, and significantly detract from the appearance of the backpack. Moreover, conventional plastic reflectors are stiff and may scratch or break when the backpack is stored or is bumped into objects. For these reasons, a consumer may not desire to purchase or wear a backpack having reflectors, even though such backpacks have enhanced safety features.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention provides a backpack that includes reflective fabric that is incorporated into the outer shell of the backpack. When viewed during daylight, the reflective fabric does not appear to be reflective, but instead has the look and feel of conventional backpack fabric. However, when a light is pointed at the backpack when it is dark, the reflective fabric reflects the light. In this manner, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, use of reflective fabric in a backpack permits the backpack to have reflective safety features, yet the backpack is attractive during the day.  
           [0005]    The reflective fabric may be provided in any location on the outer shell of the backpack, but preferably is arranged in a conspicuous location or locations so that the reflective fabric may enhance visibility at night. The reflective fabric is lightweight and may be used in place of other materials, and thus does not substantially add weight or bulk to the backpack.  
           [0006]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the reflective fabric includes a reflective yarn and a nylon yarn. To contrast the reflective features of the reflective yarn, the nylon is preferably black or another dark color. In addition, the nylon is preferably woven into the fabric so that that there are lengths of the nylon exposed, which enhances the ability of the nylon to absorb light, adding further contrast.  
           [0007]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the backpack may incorporate a lightning-weave fabric. That is, a fabric having different color warp and weft yarns, in which a staggered diagonal pattern of either the weft or warp is provided such that, for a first number of yarns (e.g., three), a first length of the yarns (e.g., sufficient to extend over two background, or warp, yarns) extends out of a portion of the pattern, and then for a second, adjacent number of yarns (e.g., three), a second, smaller length of the yarns (e.g., sufficient to extend over one background, or warp, yarn) extends out of an adjacent portion of the pattern. This pattern is repeated over the fabric, so that sections form viewable diagonal sections having alternating lengths. The pattern creates an optical illusion in which the longer lengths of yarns appear to be coming out of the fabric.  
           [0008]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the backpack may incorporate a meteor-weave fabric. The meteor-weave fabric is a flexible material that includes an embossed finish so that portions of the fabric have indentations.  
           [0009]    Other advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a backpack incorporating reflective material in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 1, showing the backpack mounted on an individual and the reflective material reflecting light emitted from an automobile;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a detail view of the reflective material for the backpack of FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a detail view of a lightning-weave material for use on the backpack of FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a detail view of a meteor-weave material for use on the backpack of FIG. 1; and  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along the section lines  6 - 6  in FIG. 5.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0016]    In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.  
         [0017]    Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a backpack  20  incorporating the present invention. Briefly described, the backpack  20  includes a reflective fabric  22  on a portion of its outer shell  24 . As can be seen in FIG. 2, the reflective fabric  22  shines when a light is shined on it, e.g., by the headlights of an automobile A.  
         [0018]    As can be seen in FIG. 1, the backpack  20  includes a front panel  30  that is attached to a bottom panel (not shown, but the bottom panel extends along a bottom surface of the backpack). Left and right side panels  32 ,  34  extend along the front panel  30 , from the sides of the bottom panel, upward to a top panel  36  of the backpack  20 . The side panels  32 ,  34 , and the top panel  36  form a rounded outer contour of the shell  24  of the backpack  20 . The side panels  32 ,  34 , the bottom panel, and the top panel  36  are attached to a back panel  38 .  
         [0019]    A flap  40  is attached to a bottom, front edge of the front panel  30 . The flap  40  is rounded at a top end, matching the rounded outer contour of the shell  24 . A continuous elastic band  42  is laced across the front of the flap  40 . The elastic band  42  is threaded through loops  44  that are attached at the juncture of the side panels  32 ,  34  and the front panel  30 , and also through loops  46  that are centered on the flap  40 .  
         [0020]    The elastic band  42  holds the flap  40  in place so as to form a pouch into which large items may be placed, such a laptop computer or a notebook. The elastic band  42  includes a slide ring  48  so that it may be tightened to hold an item more securely.  
         [0021]    The front panel  30  includes a zipper closure  50  or other closure mechanism so that the front panel may be detached, at least partially, from the side panels  32 ,  34  and the top panel  36 . Two zipper pulls  52 ,  54  are provided on the zipper closure  50  so that a user may grip one or both of the zipper pulls to unzip the zipper closure. In this manner, a portion of the front panel  30  may be hinged down and away from the rest of the backpack  20 . This feature allows convenient access to an inner compartment or inner compartments of the backpack  20 .  
         [0022]    The side panels  32 ,  34  each include pouches  56  (only one shown in FIG. 1) having zipper closures  58  at upper ends. The zipper closures  58  include a zipper pull  60  that may be gripped to unzip the zipper closure so as to gain access to the internal components of the respective pouch  56 . Mesh pockets  62  are provided on the outside of the side pouches  56 , and provide storage for quickly-accessible items. Additional pouches, straps, or containers may be provided at different locations on the backpack  20  so that a user may attach or store other items (e.g., additional baggage, a laptop computer, or a cup) either on the inside or on the outside of the backpack  20 .  
         [0023]    The front panel  20  includes a handle  64  that permits a user to easily pick up or carry the backpack  20 . The handle may include cushioning material to relieve strain on a user&#39;s hand.  
         [0024]    The back panel  38  includes a shoulder harness  70  (only a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1, but the construction and configuration of which is known). The shoulder harness  70  includes two shoulder straps, which permits the backpack  20  to be carried on the shoulders of a user, so that the user&#39;s hands are free to ride a bicycle or carry other items, for example.  
         [0025]    The front panel  30 , the bottom panel, the side panels  32 ,  34 , the top panel  36 , and the back panel  38  are preferably formed of soft, flexible materials, such as fabrics (e.g., canvas, leather, nylon, or the like). In addition, the pouches, flaps, and pockets of the backpack  20  are preferably formed of flexible material. Forming the backpack out of flexible material aids in comfort for a user, provides flexibility in packing, and permits the backpack to be stored in a tight storage space. However, the present invention may be incorporated in any type of bag that is used by people to carry items on their body, and may have all or some of its components made of rigid or semirigid materials, or any other suitable structure.  
         [0026]    When the backpack  20  is placed on the shoulders of a user, such as is shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell  24 , with the exception of portions of the back panel  38 , is visible to other people. The outer shell  24  of the backpack  20  may be decorated as desired, such as in a pleasing manner so that it is attractive and unobtrusive to the eye, or in loud or bright manner so that it may appeal to other purchasers.  
         [0027]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of the outer shell  24  is covered with the reflective fabric  22 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the reflective material is located on a front edge of the top panel  36 . However, the reflective fabric may be provided in any number of different visible locations on the backpack, including but not limited to the front panel  30 , the bottom panel, the side panels  32 ,  34 , the top panel  36 , and the back panel  38 , or on one the pockets, pouches, flaps, the shoulder harness  70  or on other visible features of the backpack  20 . Likewise, if a different design of a backpack is utilized, the reflective fabric may be incorporated into a visible portion of the different design.  
         [0028]    Preferably, the reflective fabric  24  includes at least some reflective yarn, such as 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Yarn produced by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing of Saint Paul, Minn. Scotchlite™ reflective material has what is called “excellent angularity,” which means it can be seen from direct to wide-angle approaches. The reflective yarn is durable, retaining its brightness through many wearings and washings. 3M corporation claims that its reflective material reflects fifteen hundred (1,500) times brighter than white at night. Although 3M and corporations that use 3m products incorporate the Scotchlite™ Reflective Material in clothing, helmets, and the like, the present inventor is not aware of its use with backpacks. Moreover, and importantly, other companies that incorporate the Scotchlite™ Reflective Material add it as large reflective strips. Such strips may look gaudy on a backpack, and do not have the combined aesthetics and functionality of the reflective fabric of the present invention. Finally, although the present invention is described as using Scotchlite™ Reflective Yarn, other yarns having reflective properties may be used.  
         [0029]    The reflective fabric  22  also preferably includes glossy (shiny) black, nylon yarn, to add contrast to the reflective yarn and to enhance the appearance of the fabric. Preferably, as is described further below, the glossy black, nylon yarn is exposed in fairly long segments on the visible portions of the reflective fabric (e.g., 0.30 cm lengths) so as to provide maximum contrast to the reflective yarn.  
         [0030]    A structure of one embodiment for the reflective fabric  22  is shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown, the base for the reflective fabric is a polyester yarn. The polyester yarn is preferably black so as to make the reflective yarn stand out in contrast. This base serves as the warp yarn for the weaving process, and is shown by the number  80  in FIG. 3. Three weft yarns are used for the reflective fabric  22  shown in FIG. 3: the black polyester yarn (designated by the numeral  82  in FIG. 3); glossy black, nylon yarn (designated by the numeral  84 ); and the reflective yarn (designated by the numeral  86 ).  
         [0031]    In the embodiment of the reflective fabric shown in FIG. 3, the weft and warp yarns are weaved so that alternating squares extending both up and down the fabric have similar patterns. That is, the reflective fabric has a checkerboard pattern. A first series of the squares of the checkerboard pattern (two are denoted by the numeral  90  in FIG. 3) include tightly woven black polyester yarn  80 ,  82  for both the weft and warp yarns, with a single strand of the reflective yarn  86  woven as the center weft yarn for the square  90 . The black polyester yarn  80 ,  82  serves as a base for the reflective yarn  86  and the nylon yarn  84 . The reflective yarn  86  stands in stark contrast to the black background of the black polyester yarn  80 ,  82 , however, if desired, other background colors may be used.  
         [0032]    The second series of the squares of the checkerboard pattern (one is denoted by the numeral  92  in FIG. 3) includes elongate lengths of the glossy black, nylon yarn  84  as weft yarn extending over the polyester warp yarn  80 . The elongate lengths extend over top and bottom portions of the front of the squares  92 , and stand in stark contrast to the squares  90  having the reflective yarn  86  therein.  
         [0033]    The reflective fabric  22  of the present invention not only provides reflective qualities, but also is an attractive outer fabric that may be utilized on the outer surface of backpacks. In this manner, the reflective fabric serves a dual function of safety and aesthetics, in a flexible, durable fabric.  
         [0034]    If desired, an inner lining (not shown) may be included behind the reflective fabric  22 . The inner lining may be formed of nylon, canvas, or another suitable material.  
         [0035]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the backpack  20  incorporates a novel, aesthetically pleasing, lightning-weave fabric  100 . In the embodiment of the backpack  20  shown in FIG. 1, the lightning-weave fabric  100  is included on the pockets  56  (designated by the numeral  1001 ), the front panel  30  (designated by the numeral  1002 ), and the rear edge of the top panel  36  (designated by the numeral  1003 ). However, if desired, the lightning-weave fabric may be incorporated into any parts of the outer shell or other visible parts of the backpack  20 .  
         [0036]    The details of the lightning-weave fabric  100  are shown in FIG. 4. In summary, the lightning-weave fabric  100  includes a weft yarn having a first color, e.g., blue, and a warp yarn having a second color, e.g., black. The weft yarn is woven into the warp yarn so that the warp yarns form staggered, diagonally-arranged patterns in the weft yarn. Specifically, for the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a first weft yarn  110 , extends outside two warp yarns, behind the next, outside the next two, behind the next, etc. The next weft yarn  110   2  extends in a similar fashion, but starts a row lower, so that it is staggered relative to the first weft yarn  110   1 . The next weft yarn  110   3  is again similar, and again starts a row lower.  
         [0037]    The fourth weft yarn  110   4  extends outside one warp yarn, behind the next two, outside the next one, behind the next two, etc. The outer portion of the fourth weft yarn  110   4  preferably aligns with the first three weft yarns, so that they are all on a diagonal. The next two weft yarns  110   5 ,  110   6  are similar, but staggered one down from the previous. In this manner, the outer portions of the weft yarns  110  form a diagonal repeated pattern of: outside 2 warp yarns, outside 2, outside 2, outside 1, outside 1, and outside 1. This repeating pattern provides an aesthetically-pleasing array of the weft yarn color, with portions where the weft yarn color (e.g., black) is more dominant, and other portions where the warp yarn color (e.g., blue) is more dominant. The arrangement, when repeated over a large surface, forms an optical illusion where the “outside 2” portions of the weft yarns  100  appear to be raised from the surface of the fabric. This effect is enhanced where the warp yarns are a bright color, such as a bright blue, and the weft yarns are a darker color, such as black. In addition, the effect is enhanced where the pattern is tightly woven and the yarns are not too thick, e.g., approximately 60 yarns per centimeter.  
         [0038]    Although the described embodiment of the lightning weave fabric is one way of weaving the pattern, lightning weave fabric may be generated by varying many of the factors of the production, such as the width of the yarns, the number of weft yarns that are extended over the warp yarns the greater amount (i.e., in the example given, the number of consecutive yarns that extend over two warp yarns instead of one), the number of weft yarns that extend over the warp yarns the lesser amount (i.e., in the example given, the number of consecutive yarns that extend over one warp yarn), the number of warp yarns over which the weft yarns extend (e.g., increase two to three for the greater amount), and in other methods.  
         [0039]    In summary, however, the lightning-weave fabric preferably includes a diagonal pattern of yarns that is staggered so that, for a first number of yarns, a first length of the yarns (e.g., sufficient to extend over two background, or warp, yarns) extends out of a portion of the pattern, and then for a second, adjacent number of yarns, a second, smaller length of the yarns (e.g., sufficient to extend over one background, or warp, yarn). This pattern is repeated over the fabric, so that there are alternating diagonal sections having the first length followed by the second length. The pattern creates an optical illusion in which the longer length of yarns appears to be coming out of the fabric. An example of a lightning-weave fabric may be purchased from Honmyue Enterprise Co., Ltd. in Taiwan, item number MTA006. The lightning-weave fabric produced by Honmyue Enterprise includes 200D Nylon as the weft yarn, and 300D polyester as the warp yarn, with a 0.2 mm polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backing. However, other materials may be used.  
         [0040]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the backpack  20  incorporates a novel, aesthetically pleasing, meteor-weave fabric  200 . In the embodiment of the backpack  20  shown in FIG. 1, the meteor-weave fabric  200  is included on the flap (designated by the numeral  200   1 ), the lower portion of the front panel  30  (designated by the numeral  200   2 ), and a bottom panel of the backpack (not shown). However, if desired, the meteor-weave fabric may be incorporated into any parts of the outer shell or other visible parts of the backpack  20 .  
         [0041]    As used herein, “meteor-weave fabric” is used to describe a flexible material that may be used as the outer shell of a backpack and which includes an embossed finish so that portions of the fabric have indentations. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the meteor-weave fabric  200  includes raised ridgelines  202  extending around lower, concave indentations  204 . The concave indentations  204  are diamond-shaped.  
         [0042]    The concave indentations  204  and the raised ridgelines  202  may be formed by embossing in a manner known in the art. As a nonlimiting example, the meteor-weave fabric may be formed of a PVC powder and polyurethane (PU) resin. The PVC powder is mixed with a plasticizer and a stabilizer, and color toner, if desired. The mixture is then coated, along with the PU resin on a release paper, and the combination is laminated. The release paper is removed, and the resulting product is embossed, for example by a silicon embossing roller. An example of a meteor-weave fabric formed using this method is manufactured by Nan Ya Plastics Corporation of Taiwan, item number SFW2083.  
         [0043]    Other techniques may be used to form the meteor weave fabric  200 , but the fabric preferably is formed of a durable material, such as PVC, and included the indentations and raised lines described above. The raised line/indentation pattern is aesthetically pleasing, in that the raised lines appear to be removed from the pattern. In addition, the meteor-weave fabric  200  provides a durable finish that provides wear protection.  
         [0044]    The features of the present invention may be utilized with backpacks having multiple different configurations. For example, a backpack may include additional panels to those described with reference to the backpack  20 , may not include some or all of panels described with reference to the backpack  20 , and/or may include different panels than the backpack  20  shown in the drawings. The presence of and configuration of the panels, and pouches and/or pockets on the backpack may also be completely different than the arrangement in the described embodiment. In general, however, as used herein, the features of the present invention are incorporated in a backpack, meaning any type of bag or pack having a strap for attaching the bag to a user&#39;s body, including but not limited to rucksacks, knapsacks, packs, fanny packs, waist bags, and shoulder strap bags.  
         [0045]    Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.