Patent Publication Number: US-11653744-B1

Title: Bulletproof backpack

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/348,222, filed on Jun. 2, 2022 to Whitfield, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates to a backpack, and more specifically, to a bulletproof backpack. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Protecting children from violence, especially gun violence, is a top priority for parents. There are few options where children can have handy, readymade solutions for protecting themselves. While bulletproof devices exist, it is not common for children to always be carrying bulletproof devices that can protect themselves. 
     There are some backpacks that offer bulletproof features. These include U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US20090014490A1, entitled “Bulletproof Backpack,” to Bradley. Another is U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,132, entitled, “Backpack with Deployable Armor,” to Reed et al. Yet another is U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,245, entitled “Backpack Carrier and Shield,” to Arakaki. Yet another is U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,452, entitled “Backpack with Ballistic Insert,” to Duthoit. All references to U.S. patent applications, publications, and patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
     However, there remains a continuing need for improved devices that have bulletproof features. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a backpack that has bulletproof materials built into the backpack and an optional hood that also has bulletproof features. 
     In one aspect, the present invention provides a bulletproof backpack. The bulletproof backpack includes a body having a front section, a rear section, a base, and a cover section. The front section, the rear section, the base, and the cover section form an interior of the body. The bulletproof backpack includes a first panel connecting the rear section. The bulletproof backpack includes a hood extending from the cover section. The bulletproof backpack includes a second panel connecting the hood. The bulletproof backpack includes shoulder straps connecting the rear section allowing a user to carry the bulletproof backpack. The bulletproof backpack includes strap connectors (i.e. a plurality of strap connectors) extending from the hood. Each of the first panel and the second panel is capable of blocking bullets and explosion fragments for protecting the user&#39;s back and head, respectively. The strap connectors connect the shoulder straps to balance the weight of the hood and prevent the hood from falling back. 
     Further, the shoulder straps include strap panels. The strap panels are capable of blocking bullets and explosion fragments for protecting the user&#39;s torso area. The shoulder straps include a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism helps to distribute the weight of the bulletproof backpack evenly over the shoulders of the user. 
     In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the bulletproof backpack protects the lives of children/adults in a situation involving gun violence. The bulletproof backpack includes a waterproof backpack with the ability to hold books, laptops, pens, pencils, water bottles, clothing, etc., and a bulletproof panel that will fit inside the backpack in order to protect the back of the child/adult wearing the backpack. The bulletproof backpack further includes a waterproof hood that is attachable thereto via a zipper or any other mechanism located near the neck area. 
     In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the shoulder straps on the front of the bulletproof backpack are provided with bulletproof panels to protect the vital organs at the front of the child/adult wearing the backpack. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of providing a bulletproof backpack, said method including the steps of: providing a body including a front section, a rear section, a base, and a cover section, said front section, said rear section, said base, and said cover section forming an interior of said body; providing a hood extending from said cover section; providing a first panel connecting said rear section, and a second panel connecting said hood, said first panel and said second panel capable of blocking bullets and explosion fragments and protecting a user&#39;s back and head, respectively; providing shoulder straps connecting said rear section for allowing the user to carry said bulletproof backpack; providing strap connectors extending from said hood; and connecting said strap connectors to said shoulder straps for balancing weight of said hood and preventing said hood from falling back. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  illustrate an environment in which a bulletproof backpack implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate a side view and a front view, respectively of the bulletproof backpack, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  3  and  4    illustrate a hood having strap connectors, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  5 A, and  5 B  illustrate a front view and a side view, respectively of a second panel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a third panel placed in a hood, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a back panel and a top panel connected by a connecting panel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates panels having cushion members, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    and  FIG.  10    illustrate a neck panel, and the bulletproof backpack incorporating the neck panel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  11   ,  FIG.  12   ,  FIG.  13   ,  FIG.  14   , and  FIG.  15  through  15    illustrate the feature of folding of the hood over the body, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section. 
     It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     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,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. All patents, patent applications and non-patent literature cited through this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     Turning to the Figures,  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  show an environment  10  in which a bulletproof backpack  12  implements, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Bulletproof backpack  12  is carried by a user  14  using shoulder straps  15 . User  14  carries bulletproof backpack  12  over his shoulder  16  and protects his torso, chest, back and head  17  in the event of a gunfire and other ballistic impacts fired at user  14 . 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  show a side view and a front view, respectively of bulletproof backpack  12 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Bulletproof backpack  12  includes a body  18 . Body  18  is made of a durable fabric such as cloth, nylon, canvas, etc. Body  18  is waterproof. Body  18  encompasses a front section  20 , a rear section  22 , a base  24  and a cover section  26 . Rear section  22  has a substantially flat configuration and rests comfortably against user&#39;s  14  back, as shown in  FIG.  1 A , for example. Base  24  indicates a bottom section of body  18 . Front section  20 , rear section  22 , base  24  and cover section  26  form an interior  28 . Interior  28  holds books, laptops, pens, pencils, water bottles, clothing, etc. Cover section  26  indicates a top section that acts as an access point for accessing interior  28  of body  18  from the top. In one example, cover section  26  includes a zipper for providing access to interior  28  of body  18 . In another example, cover section  26  includes buttons, threads, hook and loops or any other known mechanism for providing access to interior  28  of body  18 . 
     Further, bulletproof backpack  12  includes a hood  30 . Hood  30  extends from cover section  24  or at distal end of rear section  22 . Hood  30  is made of a durable fabric such as cloth, nylon, canvas, etc. Hood  30  is waterproof and is attachable to rear section  22  or cover section  24  via a zipper (not shown). In one embodiment, hood  30  is sewn in and can be located in a pocket, such as a zippered pocket at rear section  22  or cover section  24 . Hood  30  includes a first strap connector  32  and a second strap connector  34 . Each of first strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  indicates a fabric that extends from distal ends of hood  30 . Here, each of first strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  appears like an ear (fluffy ear) extending from the ends of hood  30 . First strap connector  32  and strap connector  34  encompasses hook and loops (not shown) at their distal ends for connecting to shoulder straps  15 , as shown in  FIG.  1 B , for example. First strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  connect to shoulder straps  15  to balance the weight of hood  30  and to prevent hood  30  from falling back. Further, hood  30  includes connecting members  38  (say female members), as shown in  FIG.  3   . Connecting member  38  receives a connecting member (not shown, say a male member) provided at each of first strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  and helps to connect first strap connector  32  and strap connector  34  to hood  30  when not in use, as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     Shoulder straps  15  extend from the top of rear section  22  and connect to base  24  and/or bottom of rear section  22 . Shoulder straps  15  encompasses a connecting mechanism  36  such as a buckle mechanism (with a male member extending from one shoulder strap  15  and a female member extending from another shoulder strap  15 ). Connecting mechanism  36  helps to distribute the weight of bulletproof backpack  12  evenly over shoulders  16  of user  14 . 
     Bulletproof backpack  12  encompasses one or more panels, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The one or more panels indicate protective plates configured to block bullets, explosion fragments, or the like. In one example, the one or more panels are made of a bullet-stopping material, such as Kevlar® and Spectra®. Optionally, the one or more panels are made of bulletproof fabric having layers of anti-ballistic materials (e.g., Kevlar® and Spectra®). The one or more panels can be selected from any material suitable for impeding the path of a projectile. Some suitable materials include ceramic, metal, Kevlar®, Lexan®, carbon fiber and other composite materials, honeycomb materials, polyethylene, and many others. In one example, when the one or more panels come in a metal plate configuration, then the one or more panels are placed in bulletproof backpack  12  in a pocket or compartment (not shown). Alternatively, when the one or more panels come in a fabric configuration, then the one or more panels is sewed to bulletproof backpack  12 . 
     While many types of bulletproof materials may be used, one such material is a bulletproof vest plate called “Mujing PE Bulletproof Board NIJ3A Three-Level Composite” available here, https://www.amazon.com/MUJING-Bulletproof-Three-Level-Composite-Version/dp/B089YF2CFJ. Other materials known to have bulletproof properties and may be incorporated into the present invention and include: ceramic, graphene, fiberglass, Kevlar®, and polycarbonates. 
     In the present embodiment, the one or more panels includes a first panel  40  and a second panel  42 . First panel  40  comes in a substantially flat and rectangular configuration and connects at rear section  22  of body  18  as shown in  FIG.  2 A . A person skilled in the art understands that first panel  40  protects the back of user  14  when bulletproof backpack  12  is carried by user  14 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , for example. Optionally, first panel  40  connects at front section  20  of body  18 . Second panel  42  comes in a shape of hood  30  or back of head  17  of user  14 .  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  show a front view and a side view, respectively of second panel  42 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Second panel  42  connects at the inner side of hood  30 . Second panel  42  is contoured for comfort around head  17  and the neck area of user  14  when user  14  puts on hood  30  over the head  17  as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , for example. Optionally, hood  30  encompasses a plurality of third panels  44  (bulletproof panels), as shown in  FIG.  6   . Plurality of third panels  44  positions within small pockets (not shown) provided in hood  30 . Plurality of third panels  44  allows more fluid/flow like motion of hood  30  for comfort of user  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the one or more panels includes a back panel  46  and a top panel  48  connected by a connecting panel  50 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . Back panel  46  configures to protect the back of user  14 , top panel  48  configures to protect head  17  of user  14  and connecting panel  50  acts as a joining member/intermediary member connecting back panel  46  and top panel  48  and protects the neck area. In this embodiment, back panel  46 , top panel  48  and connecting panel  50  are connected within bulletproof backpack  12  as a single integrated unit. 
     Optionally, each of first panel  40  and second panel  42  is provided with a first cushion member  51  and a second cushion member  52 , respectively as shown in  FIG.  8   . First cushion member  51  and second cushion member  52  provide extra padding for added comfort for user  14  when user  14  carries bulletproof backpack  12 . Further, first cushion member  51  and second cushion member  52  prevent first panel  40  and second panel  42  from bumping, rubbing or poking against user&#39;s  14  back and head  17  during use. 
     Optionally, the one or more panels includes a neck panel  54  as shown in  FIG.  9   . Neck panel  54  is curved in order to surround the head and neck area of user  14 . Neck panel  54  acts as a high collar and provides peripheral vision of user  14 . Neck panel  54  configures for use in the absence of hood  30 . In other words, neck panel  54  is used when hood  30  is not available or not needed. Neck panel  54  protects the sides of head  17 .  FIG.  10    shows an embodiment of bulletproof backpack  12  incorporating neck panel  54 , in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one example, neck panel  54  includes cushion plate  56  for providing extra padding for added comfort for user  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 B and  2 B , shoulder straps  15  include strap panels  58 . A person skilled in the art understands that strap panels  58  position inside of shoulder straps  15  and are hidden from viewing for others. Strap panels  58  include panels or fabric that are capable of blocking bullets, explosion fragments, or the like. Strap panels  58  extend partially or the entire length of shoulder straps  15 , as shown in  FIG.  1 B . Strap panels  58  come in a variety shapes and sizes and help to protect vital organs in case of an attack or firing from the front of user  14 . 
     When needed, user  14  carries bulletproof backpack  12  over his shoulder  16  and places hood  30  over his head  17  as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . Here, first panel  40  and second panel  42  provide protection against gunfire and other ballistic impacts fired at user  14  with his/her back turned toward the shooter. Further, strap panels  58  provide protection against gunfire and other ballistic impacts fired at user  14  with user&#39;s  14  face  17  facing the shooter. If needed, user  14  may also wear bulletproof backpack  12  in another configuration, whereby body  18  is placed on the chest of user  14  and hood  30  covering face  17  of user  14 . 
     When not in use, user  14  folds hood  30  over body  18 . Referring to  FIGS.  11  through  15   , folding of hood  30  over body  18  is explained.  FIG.  11    shows a side view of bulletproof backpack  12  in which first strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  are disconnected from shoulder straps  15 . Subsequently, user  14  pulls back hood  30  and first strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  towards front section  20  of body  18  as shown in  FIG.  12   . Further, user  14  folds hood  30  and wraps first strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  around hood  30  as shown in  FIG.  13   . In one example, strap connector  32  and second strap connector  34  wrap around with the help of buttons or hook and loops. Further, user  14  closes hood  30  towards cover section  26 , as shown in  FIG.  14   . Further, hood  30  positions over cover section  26 , as shown in  FIG.  15    and secures hood  30  in a zipper pocket (not shown) at cover section  16 . 
     The presently disclosed bulletproof backpack provides several advantages over the prior art. For instance, the bulletproof backpack protects the life of the user/carrier in dangerous situations such as an open-fire or active shooter situation. The bulletproof backpack protects the back, head and the torso area of the user without requiring separate equipment. The bulletproof backpack allows the user to act freely without inconvenience in dangerous situations. The bulletproof backpack includes strap connectors that extend from the hood. The strap connectors connect to the shoulder straps to balance the weight of the hood and prevent the hood from falling back. When not in use, the strap connectors wrap around the hood and fall back over the body of the bulletproof backpack allowing the user to walk without the hood over his/her head. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope.