Abstract:
A novel backpack features a back wall, a side wall and a front wall forming at least one compartment; a first divider; and first and second zippers. The first divider is connected to the side wall, and has a backside exposed toward the back wall and a front side exposed toward the front wall. The first zipper extends along the side wall intermediate the first divider and the back wall. The second zipper extends along the side wall intermediate the first divider and the front wall. At least one of the first divider front side and an inside surface of the front wall has a plurality of handle receiving pockets, and at least one of the back wall, the first divider, and the front wall is formed of a substantially penetration resistant material.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a backpack, and more particularly, to a backpack for storing and transporting a variety of cooking utensils including bladed utensils such as knives, wherein a protective layer is disposed between the bladed utensils and the wearer. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Conventional backpacks are well known as articles for carrying personal effects. For example, students have long preferred backpacks for carrying textbooks, school supplies, homework, and the like. 
         [0005]    Culinary students also would prefer to use backpacks, but conventional, soft-walled backpacks are not well suited for carrying many types of cutlery. More specifically, knives and other bladed utensils randomly placed in a conventional backpack can readily poke through sides of the backpack, potentially causing harm to the backpack, the wearer of the backpack, and anyone else that may come into contact with the backpack. Moreover, conventional backpacks generally are designed such that the user must blindly reach in to remove contents on the bottom of the backpack, causing further possibility of injury, for example, by grabbing an exposed knife blade. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a backpack that orderly and safely contains cooking tools, including bladed utensils. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention addresses the foregoing needs by providing a backpack that orderly stores and enables safe transportation of a variety of cooking utensils, including bladed utensils. 
         [0008]    In a first aspect of the invention, a novel backpack features a back wall, a side wall and a front wall forming at least one compartment, a first divider, and first and second zippers. The first divider is connected to the side wall, and has a backside exposed toward the back wall and a front side exposed toward the front wall. The first zipper extends along the side wall intermediate the first divider and the back wall. The second zipper extends along the side wall intermediate the first divider and the front wall. At least one of the first divider front side and an inside surface of the front wall has a plurality of handle receiving pockets, and at least one of the back wall, the first divider, and the front wall is formed of a substantially penetration resistant material. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the invention, a novel backpack features a back wall, a side wall, and a front wall defining at least one compartment, at least one zipper, a first divider, a plurality of knife-receiving pockets, and a substantially penetration-resistant panel. The at least one zipper extends along a top and opposite sides of the sidewall to provide selective access to the compartment. The first divider is connected to the sidewall and has a back side exposed toward the back wall and a front side exposed toward the front wall. The plurality of knife-receiving pockets is disposed on at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the first divider front side, and the first divider back side. The substantially penetration-resistant panel is disposed proximate to the at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the first divider front side, and the first divider back side on which the plurality of handle receiving pockets are disposed. 
         [0010]    An understanding of these and other aspects and features of the invention may be had with reference to the attached Figures and following description, in which the present invention is illustrated and described. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a backpack according to a first embodiment of our invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the backpack of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the backpack of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the backpack of  FIG. 1 , taken along sectional line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a front view illustrating the backpack of  FIG. 1  in a first open position. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are front views illustrating the backpack of  FIG. 1  in a second open position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a front view of a removable pack according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are front views illustrating open positions of the removable pack of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the Figures. 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a closable backpack  1  includes a back wall  2 , a front wall  4 , and a side wall  6  disposed between the back wall  2  and the front wall  4  and adjoining the back wall  2  with the front wall  4 . The side wall  6  preferably includes a substantially horizontal top  6   a  and bottom  6   b , and substantially vertical sides  6   c  adjoining the top  6   a  and bottom  6   b . The back wall  2 , front wall  4 , and side wall  6  generally form an enclosed compartment  28  for receiving articles, as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0021]    On the exterior of the backpack  1 , shoulder straps  12  are disposed on, or adjacent to, the back wall  2 , to facilitate wearing the backpack  1 . Preferably, the straps  12  are adjustable. For example, each of the straps  12  may include two portions  12   a ,  12   b  joined by a clasp  14 , as is conventionally known. 
         [0022]    A handle  16  may also be disposed on an outer surface of the backpack  1 , to assist in picking up the backpack  1 . While the handle  16  is shown in the figures as being disposed on the top  6   a  of the sidewall  6 , the handle may be disposed anywhere on the backpack  1 . More than one handle may also be provided, at different locations on the backpack  1 . 
         [0023]    Pack straps  62  also may be disposed proximate the bottom  6   b  of the side wall  6 . The pack straps  62  preferably retain a pack  44  on an exterior of the backpack. A preferred pack  44  will be discussed in more detail below. When not needed, the pack straps  62  may be received in a zippered pocket formed on the bottom  6   b  of the backpack. 
         [0024]    Additional compartments may also be provided to increase the carrying capacity of the backpack  1 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an outside pocket  18  is disposed on the outside surface of the front wall  4 , and a secondary outside pocket  20  overlays a portion of the outside pocket  18 . As a further example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a detachable auxiliary compartment  22  is provided on one of the shoulder straps  12 . The auxiliary compartment  22  is attached to a shoulder strap via a clip mechanism  24 , although any known method may be used for detachably attaching the auxiliary compartment. As should be understood, the present invention also contemplates the use of additional, or alternative outside pockets, either fixed or detachable. 
         [0025]    According to the preferred embodiment of our invention, the compartment  28  defined by the back, front, and side walls  2 ,  4 ,  6  of the backpack  1  is divided into two compartments  28   a ,  28   b . In particular, a divider  26  is connected to the side wall  6  to divide the compartment  28  into a front compartment  28   a  and a rear compartment  28   b . The front compartment  28   a  is defined by the front wall  4 , a front side  26   a  of the divider  26 , and the side wall  6 . The rear compartment  28   b  is defined by the back wall  2 , a back side  26   b  of the divider  26 , and the side wall  6 . 
         [0026]    Selective access to the front and back compartments  28   a ,  28   b  is provided by front and back zippers  8   a ,  8   b , respectively. As illustrated, the zippers  8   a ,  8   b  extend substantially along the length of both sides  6   c  and the top  6   a  of the sidewall  6 . In this manner, when one of the zippers  8   a ,  8   b  is completely unzipped, i.e., one of the compartments is opened, the bottom  6   b  of the sidewall  6  acts as a hinge adjoining (i) the front portion of the backpack  1 , i.e., the portion of the backpack in front of the unzipped zipper, proximate the front wall  4 , and (ii) the back portion of the backpack  1 , i.e., the portion of the backpack behind the unzipped zipper, proximate the back wall  2 . As should be appreciated, unzipping the front zipper  8   a  provides access to the front compartment  28   a , while unzipping the back zipper  8   b  provides access to the back compartment  28   b.    
         [0027]    In conventional backpacks, zippers generally extend along the top and down only a portion of the sides of the backpack. However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the zippers  8   a ,  8   b  preferably extend along the top and down the entirety of the sides  6   b  of the sidewall  6  of the backpack  1 . In this manner, when each of the zippers is completely unzipped, the two exposed surfaces may be made to lie flat. More specifically, when the front zipper  8   a  is unzipped to allow access to the front compartment  28   a , the zipper is completely unzipped such that the front portion of the backpack is attached to the back portion only about the bottom  6   b  of the backpack  1 , and hinges about the bottom of the backpack, i.e., the front and back portions are not connected along the sides of the backpack. Preferably, the front and back portions hinge relative to each other up to an angle of about 270-degrees and more preferably up to an angle of about 180-degrees. Thus, when the front compartment is opened, the inner surface of the front of the backpack and the front surface of the divider may both be laid substantially flat on a horizontal surface. This arrangement allows the entirety of the compartment to be visually available and readily accessible. For example, when a plurality of knives is disposed within the front compartment, as will be described in more detail below, all of the knives are orderly displayed before the user. The back compartment preferably opens in a similar fashion. 
         [0028]    The front compartment  28   a  and back compartment  28   b  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 . Specifically,  FIG. 5  illustrates the backpack  1  when the front zipper  8   a  is completely unzipped, thus exposing the front compartment  28   a , and  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the backpack  1  when the back zipper  8   b  is completely unzipped, thus exposing the rear compartment  28   b.    
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the front compartment  28   a  includes a plurality of knife-receiving pockets  30  formed on the front side  26   a  of the divider  26  and on the inside surface of the front wall  4 . Each of the pockets  30  opens toward the top  6   a  of the backpack  1 , and is sized and constructed to receive a utensil, such as a knife. Preferably, each sleeve  30  receives the handled portion of the knife, leaving the bladed end of the knife exposed above the sleeve, i.e., directed toward the top of the backpack  1 . 
         [0030]    One or more utensil retaining straps  32  are provided above the pockets  30  to retain the bladed end of the knife against one of the front surface  26   a  of the divider  26  and the inner surface of the front wall  4 . (That is, the retaining straps  32  retain the bladed end of the knife against the surface on which the pocket is formed.) An end of each of the retaining straps  32  is fixed proximate a side of the backpack, leaving the other, distal end free. A clasp  34  preferably is disposed on each of the retaining straps, proximate a side of the backpack opposite the side on which the strap is fixed, to receive the distal end of the strap. The clasp  34  is preferably movable along the length of the strap in a preferred arrangement, the distal end of the strap is folded back on the strap, such that the clasp is disposed about two sections of the strap, at least one section being proximate the distal end of the strap. 
         [0031]    A side of each of the straps  32  disposed facing the surface to which the knives are to be restrained preferably includes one of a plurality of hooks and a plurality of loops to mate with the other of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of loops disposed on the surface to which the knives are to be restrained. Thus, each of the straps is detachably attachable to the surface on which the strap is to retain a knife using a conventional hook and loop fastening system. The half of the hook and loop fastening system disposed on the backpack may comprise anywhere from a strip having approximately the same size and shape as the retaining strap to the whole surface on which the straps are to be detachably attached. 
         [0032]    Thus, according to this preferred embodiment, when the handled end of a knife is placed in a knife-retaining pocket  30  formed on the front surface  26   a  of the divider  26 , the blade of the knife overlays a portion of the divider comprising half of a hook-and-loop fastening system. The strap  32 , having on a side facing the front surface of the divider  26  the other half of the hook-and-loop fastening system, is placed over the blade of the knife. Portions of the strap not overlaying the blade of the knife are detachably attached to the front surface  26   a  of the divider  26  via the hook-and-loop fastening system. Accordingly, the strap retains the knife blade against the front surface  26   a  of the divider  26 , and, because the strap is fixed to the divider on sides of the blade, lateral movement of the knife, i.e., along the length of the strap  32 , is also restrained. 
         [0033]    Other methods for retaining the knives also are contemplated. For example, the hook-and-loop system may not be included, and retention of the knives may be achieved only by tightening the strap against the surface on which the knife is to be retained. In such an arrangement, the clasp may be disposed separate from the strap, fixedly attached proximate the side of the backpack opposite the side on which the strap is fixed. A clasp according to this embodiment facilitates loosening and tightening the straps. In a further embodiment, both ends of each of one or more elastic bands may be fixed to opposite sides of the backpack. Such bands would preferably stretch away from the surface on which the knife is to be retained, to accommodate insertion of a knife between the band and the surface, with the elasticity of the band, when the band is let go, providing a biasing force to retain the knife. A single elastic strap, or loop, may also be disposed above each pocket, to separately contain the bladed end of each knife. 
         [0034]    In the preferred embodiment, two straps are provided above each row of pockets. However, two straps are disclosed merely because this arrangement allows for retention of both shorter knives (i.e., by using the strap closer to the pocket) and longer knives (i.e., by using both straps). Of course, one could readily contemplate situations in which only one strap is necessary, and when more than two straps would be useful. Moreover, the spacing of the straps relative to the pockets and with respect to each other also may be varied, as dictated by design requirements. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the rear compartment  28   b  of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Specifically, those figures illustrate the backpack when the rear zipper  8   b  is completely unzipped, and the front portion of the backpack, i.e., the portion in front of the rear zipper  8   b , proximate the front wall, is displaced approximately 180-degrees about the bottom of the backpack, relative to the back portion of the backpack, i.e., the portion behind the rear zipper  8   b , proximate the back wall. As illustrated, a plurality of pouches  36  is disposed on the inner surface of the back wall  2  of the backpack  1 . The pouches  36  preferably have a variety of sizes and shapes, with each having an opening for gaining access to an interior thereof. Zippers, or similar structure, are preferably provided to selectively open and close the pouches. At least a panel of the pouches also may be formed of a mesh, plastic, or other material that allows viewing of contents of the pouch without opening the pouch. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the pouches are removably fixed to the inner surface of the back wall, using a hook-and-loop fastening system. More specifically, the back of each of the pouches includes either the hooks or loops comprising one half of the hook and loop fastening system, and the inner surface of the back wall includes the other of the hooks and loops. The entire back of each of the pouches and the entire inner surface of the back wall, or only a portion of these surfaces, may include the hooks or loops. Alternatively, the pouches may be snapped, buttoned, zippered, or otherwise removably engaged to the inner surface of the back wall. 
         [0037]    In other embodiments, the pouches may be formed as a part of the inner surface of the back wall. More specifically, the inner surface of the back wall of the backpack may comprise an inner surface of each of the pouches. Moreover, the pouches may be irremovably fixed to the inner surface of the back wall. For example, the pouches may be sewn, adhered, or otherwise irremovably disposed on a surface of the backpack. 
         [0038]    The rear compartment  28   b  of the preferred backpack also preferably features a sleeve  40  formed on the rear surface  26   b  of the divider  26 . A zipper  42  provides selective access to the interior of the sleeve  40 . Of course other known fastening means, such as, for example, snaps, buttons, tie-able laces, or the like may be used in lieu of the zipper to provide selective access to the sleeve  40 . 
         [0039]    Any number of items may be contained in the sleeve  40 . For example, a cutting board (not shown) may be placed therein. However, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a removable pack  44  is preferably contained within the sleeve  40 . The removable pack  44  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 . 
         [0040]    The removable pack  44  includes a plurality of leaves disposed to fold relative to each other. For example, the preferred pack disclosed in the figures shows four leaves  46  disposed to hinge about three folds  48 . Thus, the leaves  46  are foldable upon each other, to form a closed pack, and are unfolded relative to each other to open the pack. Of course, the removable pack  44  may include more or less leaves and folds. Moreover, the removable pack  44  may comprise a roll that rolls up to form a closed pack, and unrolls to open the pack. 
         [0041]    On an external surface of at least two of the leaves, adjustable straps  50  are provided. The straps are closable using conventional clips  52 . The adjustable straps  50  and clips  52  maintain the pack in a closed position. The removable pack  44  also may include a carrying strap  54  to facilitate carrying the pack  44  separately from the backpack  1 . The carrying strap  54  preferably includes an adjuster  55  for adjusting the length of the carrying strap and/or clasps  56  at ends of the carrying strap  54  to facilitate attachment of the carrying strap  54  to the pack  44 . Eyelets  58  may be formed on an outer surface of the pack  44  to receive the clasps  56 . Of course, other attachment means for attaching the carrying strap to the pack  44  also are contemplated. The carrying strap also may be fixedly attached to the pack. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate the pack  44  in an open position. As shown in those figures, the inside of the pack preferably includes a number of sleeves and/or pockets for receiving utensils or the like. More specifically, one or more flaps  60  may be fixed, e.g., by sewing or the like, on one end to a side of the inner surface of the pack. In this manner, the flap hinges about the fixed end. Attachment means may be provided to attach the distal end of the flaps  60  to the inner surface of the pack  44 . Each of the flaps  60  includes a sleeve  62  formed therein for receiving items. 
         [0043]    Opening the flaps  60  relative to the backpack  44 , i.e., hinging the flaps  60  about the fixed end as shown in  FIG. 10 , provides access to a number of knife-retaining pockets  64 . The pockets  64  may be disposed proximate only one side the pack  44 , or may be disposed on two, opposite sides. Both of these configurations are illustrated in  FIG. 10 . As also shown, the pockets  64  are constructed in substantially the same manner as the knife receiving pockets  30  disposed on the inner surfaces of the front compartment  28   a  of the backpack  1 . Utensil retaining straps  66  also may be provided that are substantially the same as the utensil retraining straps  32  described above with respect to the front compartment  28   a  of the backpack  1 . In as much as the knife receiving pocket  64  and the retaining straps  66  are substantially the same as those described above with respect to the front compartment of the backpack  1 , further discussion of these features will not be included herein. 
         [0044]    In the preferred backpack according to the invention, the knife pockets  30  and associated retaining straps  32  disposed in the front compartment  28   a  of the backpack provide stability for knives and other bladed utensils when contained within the backpack. More specifically, a pocket holds the knife&#39;s handle, and the blade of the knife is retained to reduce relative movement of the knife with respect to the backpack. Accordingly, a number of knives and other utensils may be contained in the backpack in an orderly fashion, and in such a manner that it is unlikely that the knives will become dislodged. Moreover, the compartments are designed to open completely, such that opposite surfaces of the compartment are completely exposed. In this manner, knives and other effects contained within the respective compartments are completely displayed for a user, to allow for easy selection amongst the effects. Accordingly, the risk of injury from unintentional human contact with the blades in the backpack is greatly reduced. 
         [0045]    Thus, while the invention described to this point provides an improved backpack with enhanced safety features, the preferred embodiment of the invention also provides an added level of protection for a user. Specifically, one or more of the divider, the back wall, and the front wall of the backpack comprises a substantially puncture-resistant panel. For example, polyethylene or a similar material may be used to construct the one or more of the divider, the back wall, and the front wall of the backpack, or at least a portion of these surfaces. Alternatively, the substantially puncture-resistant panel may be formed as an insert for placement between front and back surfaces of the divider, back wall or front wall. Such an insertable panel formed of the puncture-resistant material may be fixedly disposed between the surfaces, for example, by placing the insert between the surfaces and fixing the surfaces to each other by sewing, riveting, or some other known means. Alternatively, the panel may be removably disposed between the front surface  26   a  and the rear surface  26   b  of the divider  26 , for example, by using snaps, a zipper, or similar fastening means to selectively separate and engage the two surfaces  26   a ,  26   b . In particular, it is envisioned that the insert may double as a cutting board when removed. Thus, the panel provides a safety feature when inserted into the backpack, and functions as a cutting board when removed. 
         [0046]    The puncture-resistant material preferably is provided as, or in conjunction with, any surface that blades may contact, and at least is placed between sharp utensils contained in the backpack and the user wearing the backpack. For example, if only the front compartment of the backpack contains knives, the divider and the front wall preferably include the puncture-resistant material. However, if the backpack also will contain bladed utensils in the rear compartment, the puncture-proof material should form the back wall of the backpack, to be disposed between the back compartment and the wearer of the backpack. 
         [0047]    Of course, any or all other portions of the backpack also may be constructed of the substantially puncture-resistant material. For example, the knife-receiving pockets may be made of, or lined with, the puncture-resistant material, to provide added safety. Preferably, the backpack is constructed of polyester and the puncture-resistant material is polyethylene. Of course, other known materials may be used for the backpack and for the puncture-resistant material. 
         [0048]    The term “knife” is used throughout this application only as an example of a handled utensil. As is readily apparent from the preceding discussion of a novel backpack, any handled utensil or other similar device may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0049]    The embodiments discussed above are representative of embodiments of the present invention and are provided only for illustration. The embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications are apparent from a reading of the preceding description and are included within the scope of the invention. The invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the accompanying claims.