Patent Publication Number: US-10758030-B2

Title: Backpack strap apparatus and method of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/583,268 Filed Nov. 8, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a backpack strap spool and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a backpack strap spool for rolling excess backpack straps. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Backpacks often have excess straps hanging from the shoulder straps. This is especially prominent for children. The excess straps can get caught on objects, doors, and could even potentially trip the user. What is needed is a simple way to store excess backpack straps. 
     Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a backpack strap apparatus with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally provides a backpack strap spool apparatus for rolling up excess backpack straps to get them out of the way and prevent accidents. A roller is placed against the end of the backpack strap and the strap is rolled up against the roller. A loop is connected to the roller by a pair of end tabs connected to the ends of the roller. The loop restrains the strap against the roller and prevents it from becoming unrolled. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a typical backpack environment showing an embodiment of the present invention in a first, un-installed orientation. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view thereof, showing an embodiment of the present invention in a second, installed orientation. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view taken about the circle of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
     As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
     II. Preferred Embodiment Backpack Strap Spool Apparatus  2   
     Referring to the figures,  FIG. 1  shows a backpack strap spool  2  which includes a roller  6  for engaging excess backpack straps  16  and a loop  4  for rolling up the excess backpack strap about the roller. The excess straps  16  come from tightening the arm loops  14  of a backpack  12 , especially for small children who need to tighten the straps further than an adult would, resulting in long excess straps  16 . The roller  6  would be placed flat against the excess backpack strap  16  and the spool  2  could be used to roll up and secure the strap using the loop  4 . This prevents the excess backpack strap material from hanging down, getting in the way, and potentially getting caught on objects or tripping the user. 
     The loop  4  includes a plurality of holes  10  for connecting to the tabs  8  on either end of the roller  6 . This allows the loop  4  to be tightened or loosened as need to accommodate the excess strap  16  when rolled. 
     The apparatus would likely be formed from plastic and/or metal elements. The loop  4  can easily be removed from one of the tabs  8  to unroll the strap as well for quick removal from the backpack. The holes  10  can also be used to attach accessories. The various holes  10  allow the spool to securely stretch and hold the backpack strap at the desired location. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , the roller  6  has a wide, flat base which allows for quickly and easily rolling the excess strap  16  without slipping, unlike a more rounded roller. A slit within the roller could be included, the slit receiving the backpack strap and retaining a portion of it within the roller, but such a slit is not required. 
     It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.