Patent Publication Number: US-2022225592-A1

Title: Convertible Pet Carrying and Backpacking Backpack

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to backpacks. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to backpacks that are convertible from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack. 
     Many people enjoy keeping pets for the companionship, help, and/or friendship that they provide. Pets, of course, require substantial time and care from their owners to ensure that they are well cared for. Sometimes, pet owners would like to travel, hike, or participate in other activities which their pets are not capable of due to the pet&#39;s size, age, or various health issues. Many pet owners also prefer not to leave their pets in the care of friends or commercial pet care facilities while participating in such activities. Accordingly, such pet owners are in need of a solution that allows them to participate in activities they find enjoyable while being able to bring along their pet companions that may not otherwise be capable of joining with them. 
     Solutions for bringing pets along on such activities have been developed such as those set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 10,617,096 which issued on Apr. 14, 2020, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/008,479, the contents each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. It is advantageous, such as for cost savings, for a user who purchases a pet carrying backpack to be able to use the backpack for other purposes to avoid the need for purchasing multiple backpacks for different applications and activities. 
     SUMMARY 
     It has been thus recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a pet carrying backpack that is convertible to a backpacking backpack to allow for uses in other application and activities. This allows a user to avoid the need for purchasing multiple different backpacks for specific applications. 
     The disclosure sets forth a backpack that is convertible from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack and a method for converting the backpack. A pet-carrying backpack as described herein in a backpack configured to carry an animal such as a dog or cat that people generally keep as pets. A backpacking backpack refers to a backpack that is configured to carry gear or other items other than an animal. The term backpacking backpack does not necessarily mean the backpack is only useful for backpacking, but is used to denote a backpack for use in carrying gear or other items other than a pet. 
     In one example, a convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack comprises a backpack body defining one or more internal compartments and an open top operable to allow a head of a pet to extend therethrough. The backpack body further comprises shoulder straps extending from a front of the backpack body, and paw holes disposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps. The paw holes are operable to allow paws of the pet to extend therethrough. 
     The backpack can further comprise an accessory bag operable in a first position where the clip-on bag extends from a back of the backpack body so that the backpack is in a pet carrying configuration, and a second position where the accessory bag covers the open top of the backpack body so that the backpack is in a backpacking configuration. 
     In one example, the accessory bag comprises a clip-on bag that comprises upper attachment straps and lower attachment straps operable to selectively attach the clip-on bag and detach the clip-on bag from the backpack body. The backpack can comprise conversion guide loops disposed on the backpack body. The upper attachment straps of the clip-on bag can extend through the conversion guide loops so that the clip-on bag is oriented in the second position. The conversion guide loops can be disposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps and below the paw holes. In the second position, the clip-on bag covers the paw holes preventing water from entering the one or more internal compartments through the open top and the paw holes. 
     The backpack can further comprise waist straps operable to transfer weight of the backpack to the waist or hips of a user. The backpack can also comprise a waste bag dispenser that has a bag container sized and configured to receive and store one or more waste bags, a recloseable opening in communication with the bag container to facilitate loading and unloading of the one or more waste bags into and out of the bag container, and an outlet in communication with the bag container for facilitating the dispensing of the one or more waste bags from the bag container. The outlet can comprise a grommet, and the grommet can have one or more resilient flaps that function to impart a clamping force to a waste bag being dispensed through the grommet. 
     In another example, a pet carrying backpack can comprise a backpack body defining one or more internal compartments and an open top operable to allow a head of a pet to extend therethrough. The backpack can further comprise shoulder straps extending from a front of the backpack body, and paw holes disposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps. The paw holes are operable to allow paws of the pet to extend therethrough. The backpack can further comprise a waste bag dispenser having an outlet operable to facilitate a waste bag disposed in the waste bag dispenser being removed from the waste bag dispenser through the outlet. 
     The backpack can comprise waist straps extending from the backpack body. The waist straps are operable to transfer weight of the backpack to the waist or hips of a user. The waste bag dispenser can be disposed on the waist straps. 
     The backpack can comprise a removable hood operable to attach to and detach from the backpack body to protect the head of the pet extending therethrough. The shoulder straps can be vertically adjustable along the front of the backpack body. The backpack can comprise a vertical zipper extending along a back of the backpack body to facilitate ingress and egress of the pet to and from the backpack. A contouring strap can extend across the vertical zipper. 
     The disclosure further sets forth a method of converting a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack. The method can comprise positioning a clip-on bag from a first position disposed at a rear of a backpack body and placing the clip-on bag in a second position disposed over an open top of the backpack body. The clip-on bag in the second position can cover the open top and paw holes disposed on a front of the backpack body above shoulder straps extending from the front of the backpack body. The clip-on bag can prevent water from entering the open top and the paw holes while in the second position. The method further comprises securing the clip-on bag in the second position. 
     The clip-on bag can be removed from the first position by unclipping attachment straps of the clip-on bag from corresponding receiving clips disposed on the backpack body. The clip-on bag can be placed in the second position by feeding the attachment straps of the clip-on bag through conversion guide loops disposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps and below the paw holes. The clip-on bag is secured in the second position by attaching the attachment straps to the corresponding receiving clips while the attachment straps are disposed through the conversion guide loops. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear, right isometric view of a convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention: 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a right-side view of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a left-side view of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear, right isometric view of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1  showing an accessory clip-on bag attached thereto, 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a top portion of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the top portion of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1  with the clip-on bag being positioned to convert the backpack from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1  showing the clip-on bag in position to convert the backpack from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack; and 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of  FIG. 1  showing the clip-on bag in position to convert the backpack from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , a convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack, indicated generally as backpack  100 , in an example implementation is provided. The backpack  100  shown in the figures is merely one example of a backpack that can be converted from a pet-carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack in accordance with the technology discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting in any way as other designs and configurations of backpacks can be utilized. The backpack  100  comprises a backpack body  102  that defines one or more interior compartments. The backpack body  102  can comprise a front panel  104 , a rear panel  106 , side panels  108  disposed between the front and rear panels, and a bottom panel  110  connecting to each of the front, rear, and side panels  104 ,  106 ,  108 , respectively. These panels  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can be formed separately and can be attached or assembled together (such as by sewing, fabric welding, adhesives, etc.). One or more of the panels  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can also be formed integrally (e.g. out of a single piece of material manufactured to form the panels). The fabric used to form the panels  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can comprise any suitable material providing sufficient durability and comfort to a user and to a pet. 
     In one example, the backpack body  102  can comprise an internal frame (not shown). The internal frame can provide rigidity and support to the backpack  100  to provide comfort to the user and to a pet riding in the backpack  100 . The internal frame can provide a structure to the backpack such that one or more the panels  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  does not collapse in on itself. In one aspect, the internal frame can provide structure within at least the front panel  104  of the backpack  100 . The internal frame can be configured in any number of ways to provide support to any combination of the front, rear, and side panels  104 ,  106 ,  108 , respectively. In another example, the backpack body  102  can be devoid of an internal frame, such as in those cases where the backpack  100  is smaller in size (e.g., those used to accommodate smaller pets) than its larger counterparts (e.g., those designed to accommodate comparatively larger pets). In still another example, the backpack  100 , and particularly one or more components (e.g., front, rear, and side panels  104 ,  106 ,  108 , respectively) of the backpack body  102 , can comprise one or more external stays or other rigid or flexible support members configured to provide support to the backpack body  102 . These external stays can be fixed or releasably coupled to the backpack body  102 , and routed along various paths to provide the necessary or desired support to the backpack body  102 . 
     The backpack body  102  can comprise a top portion  112  operable to allow a head of the pet to protrude therethrough. The top portion  112  can be defined by a top portion of each of the front panel  104 , the rear panel  106  and side panels  108 , or the top portion  112  can be defined by separate panels formed as part of the front panel  104 , the rear panel  106 , and side panels  108 . The top portion  112  can comprise a collar  114 . The collar  114  is operable to fit around and surround the neck of the pet within the backpack  100  upon the pet extending its head through the top portion  112 , and can be made to be adjustable so as to provide a desired fit that is the most appropriate and comfortable for the pet. The collar  114  defines an open top  116  through which the pet&#39;s head extends. The open top  116  facilitates a comfortable viewing position for the pet during use of the backpack  100  as a pet carrier. 
     In some examples, the backpack  100  can comprise a hood  118  that can be attached to the top portion  112  of the backpack  100 . The hood  118  is operable to protect a pet from precipitation such as rain or snow, to provide warmth to the pet, and/or to shade the pet from the sun. In some examples, the hood  118  can comprise an elastic adjustment cord and stop  120  to help form the hood  118  around the pet&#39;s head. The hood  118  can also comprise a chin strap  122 . The chin strap  122  is operable to help secure the hood  118  over a pet&#39;s head and to facilitate adjustment of the hood  118  around the pet&#39;s head. 
     The hood  118  may be selectively attachable and detachable from the backpack body  102 . In one example, the hood  118  can comprise one or more snaps (e.g., see snap  124 ) to facilitate attachment of the hood  118  to the backpack body  102 . Other attachment mechanisms could also be used including a zipper, clips, buttons, etc. The hood  118  can be formed of any suitable material and can be configured to be water resistant. 
     The backpack body  102  is configured to facilitate efficient ingress of a pet into the backpack  100 , as well as efficient easy egress of the pet out of the backpack  100 . To facilitate this, the backpack body  102  can comprise a vertical zipper  126  or other fasteners (e.g., snaps) or fastening mechanisms (e.g., plastic zip-type fastening mechanism). The vertical zipper  126  can extend vertically at least partially along the rear panel  106  of the backpack body  102 . The vertical zipper  126  allows the rear panel  102  to at least partially separate and open to provide a larger opening through which a pet can be passed to facilitate more efficient insertion of the pet into and removal of the pet from the backpack  100  as compared with the rear panel  106  not having a zipper  126 . The vertical zipper  126  can extend along a majority of the length of the rear panel  104 . Where there are multiple internal compartments defined in the backpack body  102 , the vertical zipper  126  can extend along an entire length or substantially the entire length of a pet compartment  140  (i.e. a compartment operable to carry the pet) defined in the backpack body  102 . 
     To provide added support and comfort for a pet within the backpack  100 , the backpack body  102  can comprise an upper contouring strap  128   a  and a lower contouring strap  128   b . The upper and lower contouring straps  128   a ,  128   b  are operable to shape the backpack body  102  to conform to a pet or other items contained therein. The upper and lower contouring straps  128   a ,  128   b  each comprise ends that can be secured to respective side panels, such that the upper and lower contouring straps  128   a ,  128   b  span or are disposed across the rear panel  106  in this example. So positioned, the upper and lower contouring straps  128   a ,  128   b  can additionally provide support to a lumbar region of the pet that is being carried within the backpack  100 . Advantageously, the upper and lower contouring straps  128   a ,  128   b  are sized and configured to cross over the vertical zipper  126 . In this example, the upper and lower contouring straps  128   a ,  128   b  are oriented substantially horizontally (as viewed in the drawings), or stated differently, substantially perpendicular to the vertical zipper  126 . The upper and lower contouring straps  128   a ,  128   b  thus oriented, and upon being suitably adjusted, are operable to bear at least some of the loads imparted to the backpack  100  upon being loaded (e.g., with a pet and/or other items), which can function to relieve, to some degree, the loading and pressure placed on the rear panel  106  and the vertical zipper  126 . This increases the safety and durability of the backpack  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the backpack  100  can comprise a patch receiving area  130  disposed on the backpack body  102  configured to receive, support, and outwardly display a patch or other indicia-bearing object. In this example, the patch receiving area  130  is disposed on the rear panel  104  of the backpack body  102 . The patch receiving area  130  can comprise one side of a hook and loop fastener to receive and secure a patch that comprises the other side of the hook and loop fastener. Other attachment mechanisms for receiving patches such as snaps, buttons, reusable adhesives, or the like can also be used. 
     The backpack body  102  can comprise additional contouring straps to help shape the backpack body  102  to support and conform to items to be carried within the backpack  100 . In one example, the backpack body  102  comprises side contouring straps  132  disposed on and/or extending over side panels  108  of the backpack body  100 . The side contouring straps  132  can be oriented at an oblique angle (i.e. at an orientation that is neither vertical nor horizontal) relative to the front panel  104  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . This placement position and orientation allows the backpack body  102  to be contoured in a different direction than provided by the upper and lower contouring straps  128   a .  128   b , and provides further support and comfort to a pet or other items being carried in the backpack  100 . 
     The backpack  100  can further comprise one or more side pockets (e.g., see side pockets  134 ) disposed over the side panels  108 , respectively. The side pockets  134  can be comprised of a mesh or any other type of material and can provide accessible storage for a user, such as to store bottles or other items within easy reach. 
     The side panels  108  can comprise one or more ventilation ports. In the example shown, the side panels  108  can comprise a single ventilation port  136  controlled by a zipper or other fastening mechanism. When opened, the side ventilation port  136  allows air flow into the pet compartment  140 . Advantageously, when the side pockets  134  are formed from a mesh material, the side pockets  134  do not significantly inhibit or restrict air flow able to flow into the pet compartment  140  allowing for enhanced ventilation. In some examples, the side ventilation ports  136  can be configured to port air directly into the pet compartment  140 . In some examples, the side ventilation ports  136  can further comprise a mesh layer that is formed as a part of the side panels  108 , and that is exposed upon actuating the zipper controlling the ventilation port. 
     In some examples, the backpack body  102  can define multiple compartments. For example, the backpack body  102  can comprise a lower compartment accessible by an access zipper  142 . The lower compartment is disposed below the pet carrying compartment  140 . The pet carrying compartment  140  and the lower compartment  138  can be separated by a pet carrying platform on which the pet sits within the pet carrying compartment  140 . In some examples the size of the lower compartment  138  and the pet carrying compartment  140  can be based on the size of pet to be carried in the pet carrying compartment  140 . When a small pet is to be carried in the pet carrying compartment  140 , the pet carrying compartment  140  can be relatively smaller and the lower compartment  138  can be relatively larger. For a backpack  100  configured for smaller pet that has a smaller pet carrying compartment  140 , the pet carrying platform can be disposed higher within the backpack body  102  as compared to a backpack  100  configured for a larger pet that has a larger pet carrying compartment  140 . Similarly, for a larger pet to be carried within the pet carrying compartment, the pet carrying platform can be disposed lower within the backpack body  102  resulting in a relatively smaller lower compartment  138 . For very large pets, the lower compartment  138  can be omitted and the backpack body  102  can comprise just the pet-carrying compartment  140  where the bottom panel  110  comprises the pet carrying platform. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bottom panel  110  of the backpack body  100  can be angled so as to create an acute angle with respect to the front panel  104  of the backpack body  102 . The pet carrying platform defining the separation between the pet carrying compartment  140  and the lower compartment  138  can be configured to be parallel to the bottom panel  110 . The acute angle of the bottom panel  110  and the pet carrying platform can provide added comfort to the pet by keeping the weight of the pet close to a user. Further, in the event that a user wears the backpack  100  too loosely, causing the backpack  100  to sag, the angled pet carrying platform can remain at least level so that the weight of the pet does not tend to fall away from the user. The angle created by the bottom panel  110  and a line perpendicular to the front panel  104  can be between 10 and 40 degrees. 
     The backpack body  102  further comprises shoulder straps  144  extending from the front panel  104  of the backpack body. The shoulder straps  144  are operable to be worn by the user to carry the backpack  100 . The shoulder straps can be adjustable via upper adjustment straps  146  and tightening straps  152 . The upper adjustment straps  146  and tightening straps  152  allow the user to fit the shoulder straps comfortably and securely. The shoulder straps  144  can include padding to provide a comfortable fit to the user. 
     In some examples, the shoulder straps  144  are adjustable vertically along the front panel  104  of the backpack body  102 . For example, the shoulder straps  144  can comprise a floating strap attachment  148  that allows the top of the shoulder straps  144  to be attached at different heights to the front panel  104  of the backpack body  102 . This further aids the user in finding a comfortable and secure fit of the shoulder straps  144 . The backpack  100  can further comprise a sternum strap  150  that are operable to keep the shoulder straps  144  from separating during use, providing further comfort and security to the user. The sternum strap  150  is connectable via a sternum clip attachment  151 . 
     The front panel  104  can further comprise paw holes  160  disposed in the top portion  112  of the backpack body  102 . The paw holes  160  allow the paws or legs of the pet to extend therethrough. The paw holes  160  are disposed on the front panel above the shoulder straps  144 . The paw holes  160  orient the pet within the backpack  100  to be front facing. That is, facing the same direction as the user wearing the backpack, or facing in the same direction in which the shoulder straps  144  extend from the front panel  104 . This allows the pet to have a good vantage point to participate in a walk, bicycle ride, or other activity with the user. The paw holes  160  can be lined with a resilient liner  162  such as neoprene or polypropylene. The resilient liner  162  reduces any potential irritation the paw holes  160  might have on the paws or legs of the pet in the backpack  100 . The paw holes  160  can be formed as slits in the front panel  104  of the backpack body  102  or can be formed in an almond shape as shown. Other shapes such as an oval shape or circular shape can also be used. 
     The backpack  100  can further comprise waist straps  154  extending from the backpack body. The waist straps  154  are operable to surround the waist of the user at or near the hips to transfer weight of the backpack  100  to the waist or hips of the user. This increases the ergonomics of the backpack  100  and allows the user to comfortably carry heavier loads with the backpack  100  as compared to a backpack without waist straps. The waist straps  154  are selectively joined together via a waist clip attachment  155 . 
     The waist straps  154  comprise a right-side padded portion  156  and a left-side padded portion  158 . The right and left-side padded portions  156 ,  158  provide comfort and support about a user&#39;s hips. 
     The backpack  100  can further comprise a waste bag dispenser  164  operable to house and dispense waste bags, such as the plastic bags a pet owner can carry to collect pet waste while out with her or his pet. In one example, the waste bag dispenser  164  can be supported about any one of (or both of) the right and left-side padded portions  156 ,  158  of the waist straps  154 . However, this is not intended to be limiting in any way as the waste bag dispenser  164  can be located and supported on any part of the backpack  100 . In the example shown, the waste bag dispenser  164  can be supported on the right-side padded portion  156 , or stated differently, the right-side padded portion  156  can comprise the waste bag dispenser  164 . 
     No matter its location, the waste bag dispenser  164  can comprise a bag container sized and configured to receive and store one or more waste bags therein. The waste bag dispenser  164  can further comprise a recloseable opening  166  in communication with the bag container. The recloseable opening  166  can be openable and closeable via a zipper (or other recloseable mechanism). When open, the recloseable opening provides access to the bag container of the waste bag dispenser  164  for the purpose of loading new waste bags into the bag container or removing the waste bags from the bag container. Once the waste bags are properly loaded into the bag container, the recloseable opening can be closed to secure the waste bags inside the bag container. 
     The waste bag dispenser  164  can further comprise an outlet operable to dispense one or more waste bags from the bag container. In one example, as shown, the outlet can comprise a grommet  168  defining an opening in communication with the bag container and through which the waste bags can be dispensed. The grommet  168  is operable to dispense a waste bag from the bag container of the waste bag dispenser  164  without opening the recloseable opening  166  via the zipper. Indeed, once loaded into the bag container, a first waste bag can be fed through the grommet a sufficient distance so as to be graspable by a user when needed. In one example, the grommet can comprise one or more resilient flaps  170  that function to impart a clamping force or resistance to the waste bag as it is removed through the grommet  168 . For example the waste bags can be joined together at perforations. Thus, when the first waste bag is removed from the waste bag dispenser  164 , the resilient flaps  170  can impart a suitable clamping force to the first waste bag so as to provide a resistance to help the user tear the first waste bag currently being dispensed from a next or second or trailing waste bag at the perforation. Again, the waste bag dispenser  164  is shown in this example as being on the right-side padded portion  156  of the waist straps  154 , however, the waste bag dispenser  164  can be disposed or supported on other portions of the backpack  100 , such as on a shoulder strap  144 , a side panel  108 , or any other desired portion of the backpack  100 . 
     The left-side padded portion  156  can comprise a waist pocket  172  for carrying small items that the user can access without removing the backpack  100 . The waist pocket  172  can comprise a waist pocket zipper  174  allowing access to the waist pocket  172 . 
     The backpack  100  can comprise accessories that attach to the bag. An example accessory is shown with reference to  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 5 , an accessory bag is shown in the form of a clip-on bag  176  that attaches to the backpack  100 . The clip-on bag  176  provides added storage to the backpack  100  and, as explained in more detail below, can facilitate conversion of the backpack  100  from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack. It is noted that while a clip-on bag is shown in this example, the accessory bag can be attached to the backpack in many other forms such as via snaps, zippers, button, or other fasteners. 
     The clip-on bag  176  comprises an access zipper  178  that opens into a clip-on storage compartment  179  defined by the clip-on bag  176 . The clip-on bag  176  can optionally comprise a patch receiving area  180  similar to the patch receiving area  130  of the backpack  100 . This allows a user to attach a patch to the patch receiving area  130  when the clip-on bag  176  covers the patch receiving area  130  of the backpack  100 . 
     The clip-on bag  176  comprises an upper attachment strap  182   a  and a lower attachment strap  182   b . The upper and lower attachment straps  182   a ,  182   b  are operable to selectively attach the clip-on bag  176  to the backpack  100 . To this end, the backpack  100  comprises an upper receiving clip  184   a  and a lower receiving clip  184   b  that attach to the upper and lower attachment straps  182   a .  182   b  respectively. The upper receiving clip  184   a  and the lower receiving clip  184   b  can each comprise a different one of a male and female clip to correspond with a female and male clip on a respective upper and lower attachment strap  182   a ,  182   b  to ensure a correct pairing. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , and as mentioned above, the clip-on bag  176  facilitates conversion of the backpack  100  from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack where the backpack  100  is not intended to be used to carry a pet. The clip-on bag  176  can connect to the backpack  100  via the upper and lower attachment straps  182   a ,  182   b  and the upper and lower receiving clips  184   a ,  184   b . With each of the upper and lower attachment straps  182   a ,  182   b  extending around the side panels  108  of the backpack body  102 , the clip-on bag  176  is oriented adjacent to the rear panel  106  on a middle to lower half of the backpack body  102 . With the clip-on bag  176  in this position (a pet-carrying position), the backpack  100  can be used as a pet-carrying backpack. This is because the clip-on bag  176  is attached to the backpack body  102  such that it does not interfere with the open top  116  or paw holes  160  of the backpack  100  so that they can be used by the pet being carried in the backpack  100  in the same manner as if the clip-on bag  176  were not present. 
     It is advantageous for user to use a backpack (such as backpack  100 ) for more than just carrying a pet. This way, the user can reduce the number of backpacks she or he owns by being able to use a single backpack for multiple different applications. However, a pet carrying backpack (such as backpack  100 ) has openings to accommodate the pet (such as the open top  116  and paw holes  160  of the backpack  100 ). When the pet carrying backpack is used without a pet, these openings can expose other items placed into the backpack to harsh or undesirable ambient conditions, such as those caused by sun exposure, rain, snow, etc. Moreover, such openings can expose the contents of the backpack, such that they are visible to others and less secure, thus potentially increasing their chance for theft or tampering. Accordingly to convert a pet carrying backpack such as backpack  100  to a backpacking backpack for use without a pet, the openings accommodating the pet should advantageously be covered or substantially covered to protect contents placed into the backpack from exposure to ambient conditions, as well as to conceal them so that they are out of sight. In this example, the accessory bag shown as clip-on bag  176  is operable to be repositioned on the backpack  100  to cover the open top  116  and the paw holes  160  to allow the backpack  100  to be used as a backpacking backpack. To this end, the backpack body  102  can comprise conversion guide loops  186 . The conversion guide loops  186  are disposed on the front panel  104  of the backpack body between the side panels  108  and the paw holes  160 . The conversion guide loops  186  are disposed above the shoulder straps and adjacent to or below a lower end of the paw holes  160 . The guide loops  186  are configured to receive the upper attachment straps  182   a  of the clip-on bag  176  to orient and position the clip-on bag  176  to a position to cover the open top  116  and the paw holes  160  to allow the backpack  100  to function as a backpacking backpack. 
     A method for converting the backpack  100  from a pet carrying configuration to a backpacking configuration will now be explained with reference to  FIGS. 6-9 . With the hood  118  (see  FIGS. 1-5 ) removed, the top portion  112  of the backpack body  100  can be placed into position for converting the backpack from the pet-carrying configuration to the backpacking configuration. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the open top  116  can be narrowed or closed as far as possible by cinching the collar  114  using the collar adjustment strap  115 . The top portion  112  can then be folded over away from the front panel  104  to pull the paw holes  160  into the position shown in  FIG. 6 . With the top portion  112  prepared as shown in  FIG. 6 , the upper attachment straps  182   a  of the clip-on bag  176  can be fed through the conversion guide loops  186 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . This orients the upper attachment straps  182   a  to be fed from above the shoulder straps  144  and over the top portion  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , with the upper attachment straps  182  of the clip-on bag  176  fed over the top portion  112  and through the conversion guide loops  186 . The upper attachment straps  182   a  are then connected to the backpack body  102  via the upper receiving clips  184   a  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The upper attachment straps  182   a  can then be tightened to pull the clip-on bag  176  into the backpacking position where the clip-on bag  176  substantially covers the top portion  112  (including the open top  116  and the paw holes  160 ). The lower attachment straps  182   b  can then also be connected to the backpack body  102  via the lower receiving clips  184   b  to secure the clip-on bag  176  in place.  FIG. 9  shows a rear view of the clip-on bag  176  in the backpacking position disposed at or adjacent to the top of the backpack body  102 . With the clip-on bag  176  in the backpacking position, the clip-on bag  176  covers the open top  116  and the paw-holes  160 , and prevents water such as in the form or rain or snow as well as sunlight from entering the backpack  100  through the open top  116  and the paw holes  160  allowing the backpack  100  to be effectively used as a backpacking backpack. 
     To convert the backpack  100  from the backpacking configuration to the pet carrying configuration, the above steps are reversed, and the clip-on bag  176  is reattached to the backpack body  102  in the pet-carrying position. 
     The above described backpack allows a user to utilize the backpack in multiple applications with or without a pet. Indeed, in one aspect the user can carry a pet with the backpack providing the pet a comfortable vantage point during outings. In another aspect, the user can use the backpack without a pet in the backpacking configuration to transport other items while concealing the items, and protecting the items from the elements. 
     Other variations are can also be included to provide for conversion of the backpack from pet carrying configuration to a backpack configuration. For example, one or more flaps can be included on the backpack that are removable or storable on the backpack. The flaps can be removed or stored in the pet carrying configuration so that the user can carry a pet while the pet has access to the paw holes and the open top of the backpack. When the user wishes to convert the backpack to a backpacking configuration, the flaps can be attached or removed from a storage compartment and can extend over the paw holes and the open top to cover the paw holes and the open top. In this configuration the, backpack can be used in the backpacking configuration. 
     As another example, while the accessory bag described above is removable and attachable, the accessory bag can also be permanently attached to the backpack. For example, the accessory bag can be attached the backpack via adjustable straps that can be rerouted without being detached to allow the accessory backpack to move from the pet carrying configuration to the backpacking configuration. 
     While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.