Patent Publication Number: US-2010127024-A1

Title: Convertible activity backpack

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of backpacks and carry-bags, and, more particularly, to a convertible activity backpack. 
     Parents with young children often find themselves carrying a lot of items. These items allow children to engage in entertaining activities when they choose to do so, regardless of the environment and can include a number of school related necessities, such as pens, books, and folders, as well as exclusively activity geared items that can include coloring books, card games and board games. For younger children or toddlers, necessary items to be packed can include typical diaper bag items, change of clothes, formula, etc. Further, electronic gadgets such as MP3 players, portable DVD players, and portable electronic gaming systems/devices, are also often taken along when traveling. A caveat to the ease of transportation of these items is that these electronic devices introduce a need for proper storage to ensure that the device&#39;s screens do not incur damage during transportation. 
     Most conventional backpacks have few compartments that are rigid or even strategically accessible. This can lead to an individual losing oversight of the items being carried and leads to a lot of “rummaging around” when looking for something specific. As such, carrying a large variety of items and keeping them organized often proves to be a challenging task; especially challenging for parents attempting to juggle the transport and care of multiple children and their respective activities. 
     Another problem arises when an individual wishes to utilize any of the items carried along for entertainment in a less than optimal environment. These environments are typically the backseat of a car, a seat on a train or an airplane and any other area that does not allow easy access to a flat surface to be used as an activity platform. Items are commonly lost and/or damaged due somewhat to ad hoc or haphazard item organization. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure includes a convertible activity backpack having a shoulder harness, at least one storage compartment for storing items, and an activity platform. The convertible activity backpack can be configured in an on-back state and in an activity state. When in the on-back state, the convertible activity backpack can be designed to be worn over at least one shoulder with the at least one storage compartment positioned on a back of a wearer and the activity platform is hidden. When configured in the activity state, the convertible activity backpack is designed to be supported and the activity platform exposed so that the activity platform is usable as a supporting surface that is approximately horizontal. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure includes a backpack having a shoulder harness, a central storage compartment, and an activity platform compartment. The shoulder harness can be configured to secure the backpack over shoulders of a wearer. The central storage compartment can store items. The activity platform compartment can store an activity platform having an open and closed position. The activity platform can be contained in the activity platform compartment when in the closed position. The activity platform can be approximately horizontal when in the open position. When in the open position the activity platform is able to function as a horizontal support surface for objects. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosure is a method for adjusting a configurable activity backpack. In the method, backpack having a hidden activity platform can be identified. The backpack can be coupled to a seatback of a vehicle. The previously hidden activity platform can be exposed. After the coupling and when the activity platform is exposed, an approximately horizontal surface for a seated human can be formed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a convertible activity backpack in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2  shows a flow chart of a method for adjusting the convertible backpack from one state to another in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of an embodiment of a convertible activity backpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of an embodiment of a convertible activity backpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 5  shows another side view of an embodiment of a convertible backpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 6  shows a rear view of an embodiment of a convertible activity backpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of one embodiment of the convertible activity backpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 8  shows a supported view of the convertible activity backpack being attached to a seat back in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. 
         FIG. 9  shows a set of possible embodiments for an activity-to-fixture coupler element in accordance with the inventive arrangement disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosure describes a backpack which can be configured as an activity station with minimal conversion time. For example, a backpack, which a child or adult can carry, can be attached to support structure, such as a back of a seat. When so positioned, an activity platform can fold down from the backpack, which can be used as a desktop for one or more engaging activities. Other compartments of the backpack can be accessed, which provide activity spaces for storing items to be used with the activity platform. For instance, activity spaces can include art supplies, which a user can utilize for art projects positioned on the platform. Portability, ease of use, ease of organization, and a minimization of transported artifacts are just a few of the advantages achieved by the configurable activity station/backpack. 
     One contemplated use case is for parents of young children to utilize the activity backpack to minimize hassles involved in child transport and care. This can be especially useful for caregivers of multiple children, each having different entertainment and other needs. Child-specific items can be placed in a backpack, which a child can carry, and can quickly be configured for a child&#39;s use as an activity station during transport. 
     Another contemplated use is for students or business people, who can utilize the activity station as a portable desk space attachable at will to a support structure. For example, the activity station can form a keyboard platform for touch typing on a screen visible when the backpack is in an activity state. In one embodiment, a portable support structure, such as legs extending from the bottom of the backpack can permit the backpack to be self-supporting when in an activity state. Thus, so long as a chair is available, a user can utilize the backpack as a portable workspace/activity center. The above configurations are just two of many contemplated ones for the convertible activity backpack and a scope of the disclosure is not to be construed as limited in this regard. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a device, a device add-on, or a set of distinct, yet attachable components that together perform the functions described for a convertible activity backpack. Thus, a bifurcation of the activity backpack into two linkable components, one providing basic backpack functions the other providing activity station functions which are separately marketed and sold, are to each individually and collectively to be considered within scope of the present disclosure. Further, enhancements to a base unit, such as a self-supporting stand for a convertible activity backpack or a roll attachment for a convertible activity backpack are to be considered within scope of the disclosure although each is individually distinct from the base unit. 
     The disclosure is described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and the like according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams are for illustrative purposes only. Functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Further, additional steps and/or components can be added to those shown or one or more components or steps expressed herein may be omitted, yet still be considered within scope of the disclosed and claimed convertible activity backpack described herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a convertible activity backpack  110  in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. The backpack  110  (also referred to as a rucksack, knapsack, packsack, pack, or Bergen) can be a portable container designed to be carried by a single, mobile individual. The backpack  110  can be created using any of a variety of materials, including fabric weaves, leather, synthetic cloth, molded plastic, etc. The backpack  110  design can be frameless, can include an internal frame (e.g., support backboard  115 ), or can be designed for an external frame. 
     In one configuration, the backpack  110  can be worn on one&#39;s back, which is shown by on-back state  180 . Different configurations are contemplated for state  180 . For example, the backpack  110  can be carried on one&#39;s back and secured with two straps (e.g., shoulder harness  120 ) that go over the shoulders or can be designed to be worn using one shoulder strap. Optionally, backpack  110  can be carried in a hand using a hand-carrying strap. The backpack  110  in state  180  can be used advantageously to carry relatively heavy loads (compared to handbags) for long periods of time without encumbering a user&#39;s hands. 
     In one configuration, the backpack  110  can include optional padded hip belts, which can be advantageous for heavy loads, as the hips are stronger than shoulders. An optional use of hip belts can increase agility and balance, since a load rides nearer a users own center of mass. When hip belts are included, shoulder straps can be used mainly for stabilizing a load, as opposed to supporting a substantial portion of the load. 
     In another configuration, the backpack  110  can be placed in an activity state  190 . In the activity state  190 , an activity platform  145  can be exposed, which a user can utilize as a support. In the activity state  190 , the backpack  110  can be coupled to a support structure, such as a chair back. In one embodiment, the backpack  110  can include a self-support structure, designed to support the weight of the backpack  110  at a configurable height (i.e., a sitting height, for example, for a seated user). In such an embodiment, extensible and lockable legs can be included in the body of the backpack  110 . In another embodiment, the backpack  110  can be designed to be stable when placed on a horizontal surface, such as a table, when in state  190 . Zero or more compartments can unfold in a user facing and accessible fashion, when the backpack  110  is in activity state  190 . For example, side compartments  160  can optionally reverse zip, so that they can expose activity spaces  155 , which a user can easily access from state  190 . 
     Other optional configuration states can exist for the backpack  110 , such as roll state  185 , which shows an extensible handle and wheels being included within/attached to backpack  110 , which enable the backpack  110  to be pulled (as opposed to being worn over a shoulder—shown as state  180 ) should a user so desire. 
     Additionally, backpack  110  can include numerous detachable compartments  170 , which can be used to situationally increase storage capacity. For example, a lunchbox attachment, a bottom compartment attachment  165 , and additional expansion compartments  170  can be included for backpack  110 . Use of detachable compartments can increase a versatility of the backpack  110 . For example, a mother can pack a lunchbox, place the lunchbox in a refrigerator, and optionally attach this lunchbox to the backpack  110  when needed. Similarly, another expansion compartment  170  can include diapers, formula, and/or a change of clothes for an infant or toddler. Thus, a caregiver of young children can keep one or more child-specific expansion packs ready and accessible for quick use. These expansion packs can be attached to an adults and/or an older child&#39;s backpack  110 , which can expedite voyages involving young children. Similarly, a student can use different detachable compartments  170  to hold paraphernalia specific to different classes, which can be attached/detached as needed. 
     Backpack  110  options and compartments can include support backboard  115 , shoulder harness  120 , extensible handle  125 , wheels  130 , activity-to-fixture coupler  135 , fixture leveler  140 , activity platform  145 , platform support  150 , activity spaces  155 , side compartments  160 , bottom storage compartments  165 , one or more expansion compartments  170 , and/or other such components. 
     Support backboard  115 &#39;s function can be to evenly distribute backpack  110 &#39;s weight across the users back when worn in the on-back state  180 . That is, the backboard  115  can be an internal frame. In one embodiment, support elements can double in function to add rigidity and support strength to the activity platform  145 , when in an activity state  190  as well as a protective compartment to protect sensitive equipment, such as electronic games, LCD screens, and the like, which can be exposed when in activity state  190 . Support backboard  115  can be implemented in a number of ways including but not limited to taking the form of a single sheet of rigid material spanning the entirety of the back surface of backpack  110 , or several beams of rigid material strategically placed to distribute backpack  110 &#39;s weight. In one embodiment, the aforementioned support beams can also retract and fold for easier and more compact storage of a backpack  110  if desired. In another embodiment, the support beams can be detachable from the backpack  110  and/or can be external to the backpack  110 . The rigid material of support backboard  115  can be covered with additional fabric or padding for maximized comfort of the user in the on-back state  180 . Cover fabric options can include but are not limited to, for instance, mesh fabrics, gel filled fabrics and foam filled fabrics that can conform to a user&#39;s back. 
     Shoulder harness  120  can be strategically attached to backpack  110  to allow the user to securely wear backpack  110  in on-shoulder state  180 . A shoulder harness  120  can be constructed of durable fabric and can incorporate, but is not limited to, shape-conforming padded materials to further distribute the weight of a backpack  110  across a user&#39;s shoulders in an on-back state  180 . In one embodiment a shoulder harness  120  can feature clasps that allow the harness to unhinge from its bottom fixture on a backpack  110  and be utilized as an activity-to-fixture coupler  135 . In such an embodiment, the shoulder harness  120 , can be referred to as including detachable shoulder straps, able to be positioned over a vehicle seat and under a headrest to permit the backpack  110  to be affixed to a back of a vehicle seat. 
     Extendable handle  125  and wheels  130  can be optional components used to achieve roll state  185 . In one embodiment, extendable handle  125  can retract into a specialized compartment behind support backboard  115  when not in use, and be securely locked into place with a mechanism that includes but is not limited to a mechanical spring locking. By the same process, extendable handle  125  can be adjusted to custom selected height levels. In another embodiment, extendable handle  125  can be detached from backpack  110  and stored in a separate location if desired. 
     The wheels  130  can be positioned at various locations of backpack  110  to facilitate use of the carry bag in roll state  185 . That is, wheels  130  can be attached to positions that include but are not limited to all 4 corner points of backpack  110 &#39;s bottom base as indicated in roll state  185  or solely two corners at same side of the backpack as extendable handle to allow for proper rolling of the bag. In one embodiment, wheels  130  can retract into designated special compartments on backpack  110 . In another embodiment, wheels  130  can be detached and stored in a separate location when not in use. 
     The activity-to-fixture coupler  135  can be a mechanism that permits the backpack  110  to couple to a support object when in activity state  190 . The support object can include a chair back, a table, a wall, and the like. Coupler  135  can utilize any of a variety of fastening mechanism including, but not limited to, button snaps, magnetic couplers, hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCRO) fasteners, zip fasteners, slide based coupling mechanism, gravity supported hooks, and the like. Further, as previously mentioned, in one embodiment, one or more straps (used as shoulder straps in the on-back state  180 ) can be used as a coupler  135  (when in an activity state  190 ). 
     Fixture leveler  140  can be a component that adjusts a position and/or angle of the backpack  110  relative to a user, when the backpack  110  is in the activity state  190 . The angle adjustments of leveler  140  can, for example, ensure that when backpack  110  is used in activity state  190 , backpack  110  remains approximately (e.g., ±15 degrees) perpendicular to the plane of gravity. In one embodiment, the leveler  140  can adjust a vertical position of the backpack  190  relative to a user. 
     One embodiment of fixture leveler  140  can be automatically or manually retracting and extending pegs that hold backpack  110  in a level position when the fixture that backpack  110  is coupled to is not perpendicular to the center of gravity. That is to say, when for example, backpack  110  is attached to a reclined car seat, fixture leveler  140  adjusts to negate for the fact that the fixture is at an angle so that backpack  110 &#39;s activity platform remains orthogonal to the user&#39;s body when in use. Mechanically, this can be performed by having screw-able extensions on a bottom most portion of the backpack, which can horizontally offset the backpack from a support. Thus, when attached to a seatback, leveler  140  can be extended when that seat is reclined and retracted when the seat supporting the backpack  110  (in state  190 ) is upright. 
     Activity platform  145  can be a rigid or semi-rigid component of backpack  110  that folds out when in state  190 . Additional support for platform  145  can be provided by support  150 , if desired for a specific implementation. Platform  145  can be approximately parallel to a user&#39;s back, when backpack  110  is in the on-back state  180 . A fastener (zipper, button, hook-and-loop fastener, etc) can be used to ensure the platform  145  is safely retracted or hidden when in state  180 . 
     Activity spaces  155  can be storage compartments located inside a backpack  110  or one of backpack  110 &#39;s compartments to facilitate storage and easy access of various items. Activity spaces  155  can be in the form of storage spaces including but not limited to stretch compartments, elastic loops for pens and the like, clear pockets for easy visibility of stored items such as identification cards, In-case-of-emergency cards and keys. Activity spaces can be optionally exposed when in state  190 . 
     Reverse zip side compartments  160  are large compartments that can run the entire side of a backpack  110  and can include zero or more activity spaces  155 . In one embodiment, a unique reverse zip nature of side compartments  160  allow them to be easily accessible and used even when a backpack  110  is in an activity state  190 . Snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like can be utilized in place of a zipper to similar effect. Additionally, in one embodiment, additional top and/or bottom compartments can expose activity-specific objects for use, when backpack  110  is in state  190 . 
     Bottom Storage compartment  165  can be a relatively large compartment of a backpack  110  that further facilitates easy organization of multiple items. Bottom Storage compartment  165  can, in one embodiment, be folded up and zipped away when not in use as an expandable compartment. In another embodiment, bottom storage compartment  165  can be a structured, very rigid compartment that is well suited for the storage of electrical devices such as MP3 players or portable electronic games. 
     Each expansion compartment  170  can be selectively attached to a backpack  110  via mechanisms including but not limited to clips, snaps, zippers and the like. In one embodiment, expansion compartment  170  can be insulated and water tight to allow a user to keep items cool such as various food items and medications by adding ice packs to the inside of an expansion compartment  170  or taking the expansion compartment  170  directly from the refrigerator. 
       FIG. 2  shows a flow chart of a method  200  for adjusting the convertible backpack from one state to another in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosure herein. Method  200  can be performed using backpack  110  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The method can begin in an on-back configuration, where the backpack is being adjusted to an activity station state. In step  205 , a user can couple the backpack to fixture in one embodiment. When coupled to the support (e.g., a seat back), the back support of a backpack can be approximately parallel to a surface of support, assuming the support possesses an approximately vertical surface (e.g., a wall, a seat back in an upright position, etc). In another embodiment (not shown in method  200 ), the user can place the backpack in a self-supporting configuration. 
     In step  210 , an angle of the backpack relative to the supporting fixture can be optionally adjusted to a desired position. This adjustment can utilize any type of fixture leveler (e.g., item  140  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, if a supporting fixture is a reclined seat having a thirty degree angle, the fixture lever can offset the backpack by approximately thirty degrees. A desired adjustment can depend upon activity station use, and sometimes a user may prefer that an activity platform be at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. In step  215 , a user can unfold an activity platform of the backpack. This unfolding can require the platform be unzipped, unsnapped, or otherwise released. In optional step  220 , additional adjustments can be made to the supported backpack. For example, in one implementation, the user can make vertical adjustments to adjust the activity platform to a desired height, such as a comfortable height for a seated human. 
     In step  225 , side compartments and/or activity spaces can be exposed for use. For example, sides of the backpack can include reverse zippered compartments being hinged against the supporting fixture so they open outwardly. When open, various activity spaces, pens, speakers, games, etc. can be within reach of a user. The activity center can be utilized in accordance with user desires, as shown by step  230 . 
     Once this usage is complete, compartments, activity spaces, the activity platform, and the like can be re-secured. In step  240 , the backpack can be decoupled from the fixture. In step  245 , the detached backpack can be used in a different manner, such as being used as in an on-back configuration or a roll configuration as a portable storage container. For example, a user can utilize a shoulder harness to use wear the backpack over his/her shoulder, as shown by step  250 . In another example, also shown by step  250 , an optional handle and wheels can be extracted from the convertible backpack, which can thereafter be rolled. 
     One specific embodiment of a convertible activity backpack is expressed in  FIGS. 3-8 . It should be appreciated that options shown can vary from implementation-to-implementation and that the scope of the contemplated backpack is not to be construed as limited to specifics of  FIGS. 3-8 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a front view of an embodiment of a convertible activity backpack. As shown, the backpack can include a large main compartment  305  and side compartments  310  and  315 . Each side compartment  310 ,  315 , can be relatively large, reverse zip compartments that take up the entirety of both the right and left side of the backpack. A rear compartment  330  can fold downward to expose an otherwise hidden activity platform. When the activity platform is shown, the side compartments  310 ,  315  can unzip so that contents stored in them are easily accessible by a user facing the folded activity platform. The backpack can include a set of shoulder straps  335 , which can be used when the backpack is positioned over a user&#39;s shoulders. In one embodiment, the straps  335  can also be used to secure the backpack to a supporting fixture (e.g., a seatback) when the backpack is used as an activity center. 
     The backpack can include zero or more expansion compartments  320 ,  340 , each detachable from the main backpack. In one embodiment, expansion compartment  320  can be specially designed to function as a lunchbox. Bottom compartment  325  and expansion compartment  340  can be compartments that span the entire bottom of the backpack. One contemplated use of an expansion compartment  340  is to contain one or more spare sets of clothes, diapers, etc. 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of an embodiment of a convertible activity backpack. A side compartment  410  can be unzipped on the backpack  400 , which reveals activity spaces  415 . Each activity space  415  can be a sub compartment for holding items. Bottom compartment  420  and shoulder strap  425  are also shown. It should be noted that the interior material  430  and exterior material  435  of the backpack need not be the same. For example, inside material  430  can be flexible to allow comfortable wear of the backpack in an on-back state whereas outside material  435  can be a more rigid structured material, or vice versa. 
       FIG. 5  shows another side view of an embodiment of a convertible backpack. Activity space  515  is pictured within side compartment  510 , as including elastic loops for pens, and the like. Bottom compartment  520 , fold down rear compartment  525  and shoulder strap  530  are pointed out as reference points. 
       FIG. 6  shows a rear view of an embodiment of a convertible activity backpack. In this view, an activity platform can be extended  610  for use. One or more platform supports  615  can help stabilize the platform  610 . Side compartments  625  are exposed. Multiple activity spaces  620  can be accessible for use while the platform  610  is extended. 
     It should be appreciated that different activity spaces  620  and configuration options can be implemented depending upon an intended use of the activity station. For example, in one embodiment, the main compartment can include a computer monitor and a keyboard can be placed on the activity platform  610 . A fold down portion of one of the side compartments  625  can expose a mouse platform (similar to platform  610 ), which can house a mouse, trackball, touch-pad, or other pointing device. The opposing portion of one of the fold down side compartments  626  can include a microphone, speaker, web camera, optical disks, and the like. 
     In another configuration, a music player can be contained in an activity space  620  of the main portion, the side compartments can expose speakers, and the platform  610  (without support  615 ) can fold all the way down to display music media compartments. In still another example, the platform  610  can be an art platform, where the activity spaces include art supplies. In yet another example, platform  610  can function as a video or board game platform. 
     Further, in one embodiment, different removable inserts can exist, which alter the activity spaces  620  for a particular use. The removable inserts can snap, hook-and-loop fasten, or otherwise attach to the backpack. Thus, an art enthusiast can configure an activity station to include multiple art-related spaces, such as having pen, pencil, crayon, marker specific spaces, paper dispensers, glue sticks, and the like. A student can configure the activity spaces to hold a cell-phone, extra batteries, an MP3 player, a calendar, a class schedule, homework, and the like. 
     Specifics of the activity spaces  620 , platform folding  610 , and the like can depend and/or can be adapted for distinct types of activities for which that activity backpack implementation is designed. 
       FIG. 7  shows a top view of one embodiment of the convertible activity backpack. The activity platform/fold down rear compartment  710  is extended showing platform support  715 . The main compartment  720  is situated between the fold down rear compartment  710 , the open side compartment  725  and the open expansion compartment  730 . Due to the fact that the backpack is in a transitional state from backpack to activity center, all compartments can be open simultaneously. 
       FIG. 8  shows a supported view of the convertible activity backpack being attached to a seat back. As shown, a shoulder harness  810  of the backpack can function as activity-to-fixture coupler  815 , which holds the backpack against the back of a seat in a car. The side compartments  820  are shown as extended, which exposes activity spaces  825  containing various items, such as pens, electronic devices, cards and game pieces, in an orderly fashion. This position allows, for example, a child to engage in entertaining activities while on a trip while at the same time providing a method that ensures that fewer items get lost during the trip and parents can be less distracted while driving. 
       FIG. 9  shows a set of embodiments for an activity-to-fixture coupler, which couples the activity backpack to a fixture, such as a seatback. 
     Scenario  910  shows an embodiment where the activity-to-fixture coupler is integrated with the shoulder harness, as shown for example in  FIG. 8 . The shoulder harness can include two straps, which are detachably connected to a bottom portion of the backpack using male/female brackets. One strap can have a female bracket, which connects to a male connector attached to the bottom of the backpack. The other strap can have a male connector, which connects to a female bracket attached to the bottom of the backpack. The two straps (one terminating in a female bracket and the other in a male connector) can be directly coupled to each other (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
     Scenario  920  shows a different implementation, where each backpack strap can have a same type of end connector. As shown, each strap can end in a male connector, which can attach to a female bracket affixed to a bottom of each side of the backpack. Alternatively, each strap can terminate with a female bracket, which can connect to a male connector affixed to a bottom of each side of the backpack. Either way, when the two opposing straps are connected to each other (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8 ), an intermediate coupler (e.g., male-to-male or female-to-female) is needed. 
     Scenario  930  shows a coupling mechanism comprising a set of snaps or grommets. These can be used to snap endpoints of two shoulder straps to a bottom of a backpack in a detachable manner. They can also be used to attach disconnected shoulder straps to each other (e.g., for a configuration shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
     Scenario  940  shows a gravity based coupler for attaching an activity backpack to a fixture. As shown, adjustable width hooks can be attached to the backpack top, which can be positioned over a chair back, as illustrated. 
     Other types of fasting techniques are contemplated for the activity to fixture coupler and the scenarios  910 - 940  are not be to construed as a limitation of the scope of the disclosure. For example, magnetic coupling, hook-and-loop coupling, zipper based attachments, and the like are contemplated. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof 
     The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.