Patent Publication Number: US-9420871-B2

Title: Modular backpack

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part from and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/472,470 filed 12 Nov. 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to modular backpacks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reconfigurable backpack with two main compartments usable together or independently upon an individual via one or both cross straps. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the history of wearable carrying devices, there have been many different types of backpacks. Some such backpacks are modular in nature such that they can be altered by the user in the manner they are worn upon the user&#39;s body. Others are reconfigurable to provide one or more compartments that can be added or removed by the user. 
     One such known modular backpack is shown by Berry in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,534 issued on 27 Dec. 1998. The device of Berry is a basic configuration that includes two sash-like side bags worn in a crisscrossing manner upon a user. Front mounted and rear mounted bags can be clipped to the crossed side bags depending upon the carrying requirements of the user. While functional, this relatively cumbersome configuration can be bulky and requires multiple components for front and/or rear bags to even be usable. 
     Another such modular backpack is shown by Gregory in U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,955 issued on 8 Nov. 1994. The device of Gregory represents a contemporary style of hiking backpack for carrying heavy loads over substantial periods of time includes a back panel with a polyfoam layer, a stretch fabric cover, and a fabric layer between the polyfoam layer and the back panel, all thermally molded to the back panel to define a number of smaller polyfoam pads. A carry bag is attached to the back panel with a separate waist support having separate molded left and right waistband pads fastened thereto. A molded bun pad of multilayered polyfoam is positioned between the waistband pads and stitched to the lower part of the back panel and to a bottom panel of the carry bag, leaving a space between itself and the back panel to insert and remove the waist support and waistband pads. A pair of generally triangular stress panels are stitched to the lower part of the back panel on each side so as to overlay the outside of the waistband pads and padded shoulder straps are attached to the stress panels and to the upper part of the back panel. Although this device offers some modularity in terms of removable waistband and adjustability with regard to a variety of straps and buckles, there is little if any variation available in the manner in which the user wears this type of backpack. 
     Yet another such modular backpack is shown by Chouinard in U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,005 issued on 17 Jun. 1997. The device of Chouinard is a utility vest system that includes a front portion of a utility vest designed to accommodate the needs of a particular sporting activity. The front portion of the utility vest further includes a pair of buckles at the top of the utility vest near the shoulders of a wearer and a buckle on either side of the vest near the waist of a wearer. A backpack designed for use with the utility vest front portion includes complementary buckles on the tops of the shoulder straps for attaching the top buckles on the utility vest front portion. The backpack further includes complementary buckles on the lower sides of the backpack for attaching the side buckles on the utility vest front portion. If a user wishes to use the utility vest without the backpack, there is a webbing harness that comprises two pieces of webbing sewed in an “X” configuration. The webbing harness is worn on the back of the user and includes two complementary top buckles for attaching to the top buckles on the utility vest front portion. The webbing harness also includes two complementary bottom buckles for attaching to the two side buckles on the utility vest front portion. Although useful when used together, the front vest and rear backpack sections form a relatively awkward saddlebag-like structure. 
     Yet still another such modular backpack is shown by Von Neumann in U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,750 issued on 20 Feb. 2001. The device of Von Neumann shows a modular backpack that has four bags or units usable connected together by zippers or snaps or the like. The bags may also be used separately or in various subcombinations. The bags comprise a main bag with shoulder straps useable as a backpack, a middle bag connectable to the bottom of the main bag, and a lower bag connectable to the bottom of the middle bag or directly to the bottom of the main bag. The middle bag may be used alone or together with a lower bag as a waist bag. A purse is removably attached to the main bag. While this device is able to be arranged into a variety of configurations, this design suffers from a lack of ergonomic strap arrangements. 
     It is, therefore, desirable to provide a modular backpack that can be quickly and easily reconfigured among a variety of useful and ergonomic arrangements. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous modular backpacks. 
     In a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular backpack including: a first compartment having a first primary clasp and a second primary clasp located at a top left position of the first compartment, a third primary clasp and a fourth primary clasp located at a top right position of the first compartment, a first secondary clasp and a second secondary clasp located at a bottom left position of the first compartment, a third secondary clasp and fourth secondary clasp located at a bottom right position of the first compartment; a second compartment having a fifth primary clasp located at a top left position of the second compartment, a sixth primary clasp located at a top right position of the second compartment, a fifth secondary clasp located at a bottom left position of the second compartment, a sixth secondary clasp located at a bottom right position of the second compartment; and at least one load bearing strap connectable between certain ones of the primary clasps and the secondary clasps on either the first compartment or the second compartment. 
     In a further embodiment, one or more of the load bearing straps are connected between selectively changeable primary clasps and secondary clasps in a variety of overall configurations. 
     In further aspect, the present invention provides the first compartment connected to the second compartment by way of the primary and secondary clasps. 
     Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration showing the range of various configurations of the modular backpack in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a forward facing view of a single-strap configuration of the large compartment of the present invention without insertion of a waist band. 
         FIG. 3  is a side facing view of the single-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a forward facing view of a single-strap configuration of the small compartment of the present invention without insertion of a waist band. 
         FIG. 5  is a side facing view of the single-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a forward facing view of a double-strap configuration of the large compartment of the present invention with insertion of a waist band. 
         FIG. 7  is a rearward facing view of the double-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a forward facing view of a double-strap configuration of the large compartment of the present invention with insertion of a waist band. 
         FIG. 9  is a rearward facing view of the double-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a rearward facing view of a small and large compartment combined double-strap configuration of the present invention with the waistband included. 
         FIG. 11  is a side facing view of a small and large compartment combined double-strap configuration of the present invention without the waistband. 
         FIG. 12  shows a set of straps and waistband removed from any compartments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows, as a rear facing view, one possible embodiment of visual ornamentation on the large compartment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows, as a side view, one possible embodiment of visual ornamentation on the large compartment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows, as a rear facing view, one possible embodiment of visual ornamentation on the small compartment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally, the present invention provides an apparatus that forms a modular backpack. The apparatus includes two compartments with one larger than the other. The two compartments are designed in such a manner that they may be utilized together or independently. Moreover, three straps are provided which may be utilized together with one or both of the two compartments. Still further, two of the straps are designed to be utilized as shoulder straps by the user. Yet still further, the two straps may be used in various configurations by the user with one or both straps being used at a time, likewise with one or both compartments. These features of the present invention are now discussed in further detail herein below. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the present invention is illustrated in terms of a range of configurations. A user is shown in silhouette in a frontal, side, and rear position within each particular configuration. The most complete configuration  500  shows a user with a full configuration of the present invention strapped to the user. By full configuration, what is meant is that both the large and small compartments and all three straps are utilized together. This full configuration differs from the sash configurations  100  and  300 . By sash configuration, what is meant is that only one strap is utilized in a sash-like manner across the chest of the user with either only the large compartment or only the small compartment as shown, respectively, in  100  and  300 . Likewise, the full configuration shown as  500  can be reconfigured using only the large compartment or only the small compartment as shown, respectively, in  400  and  200 . The compartments and straps will now be described in more detail with regard to the remaining figures. 
     The sash configuration utilizing a large compartment is illustrated in detail with regard to  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIG. 2  is a forward facing view of the single-strap  120 , sash configuration with a large compartment  2000 . Here, no waist band strap is utilized so as to allow a user to sling the large compartment  2000  over one shoulder. This typically results in slightly off-center positioning upon the user&#39;s torso whereby a waist band strap would not be beneficial.  FIG. 3  is simply a side facing view of the single-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 2 . Together, these figures correspond to a single strap sash configuration such as that shown at  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
     As mentioned, the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  include the large compartment  2000  and one strap  120 . The strap  120  is connectable in a quick and easily removable manner from the compartment  2000  by way of connectors  121  and  124 . The connectors shown are two specific type of quick release mechanisms well known in the art of fasteners. In particular, connector  121  is a non-rotatable male clasp insertable into the corresponding female clasp  23  which itself is adhered (see stitching  24 ) to a shoulder tab  25  formed on the top of the compartment  2000 . As well, connector  124  is a slightly different rotatable type of male clasp insertable into the corresponding female clasp  30 . 
     It should be understood that while various types of connectors may be used for the elements  23 ,  121 ,  124 , and  30  without straying from the intended scope of the present invention, the basic function of the top-most elements  23 ,  121  is to form a strong (i.e., in terms of high weight bearing capacity), yet quickly releasable and non-rotatable connection of the strap and compartment whereas the basic function of the bottom-most elements  30 ,  124  is to form a less strong, yet quickly releasable and rotatable connection of the strap and compartment. In this manner, the top-most connection bears most weight carrying capacity in a generally linear direction. However, the bottom-most connection is rotatable to allow for swaying of the backpack (in any configuration) while in use. As well, the bottom-most connection does not require as robust a connector element as the vast majority of load is upon the top-most connection rather than the bottom-most connection. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , there are a variety of additional items shown. These include a pocket  36  which may be provided for storage of any number of things by the user including, but not limited to, stowage of strap(s) not in current use (i.e., removed). A handle  21  may be provided as shown which is useful when the compartment  2000  is removed from the worn position upon the user. In such instance, both straps may be stowed, for example, in pocket  36 . It should be readily apparent that pockets of any shape or size may be provided within or upon the compartment  2000 . Indeed, a variety of pockets are shown in the side view of  FIG. 3  including pockets  37 ,  38 ,  39 , and  40  shown with corresponding zippers  37   a ,  38   a ,  39   a , and  40   a.    
     Similar to shoulder tab  25 , there are also shown hip tabs  26  and  33 . It should be understood that in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , there are actually two shoulder tabs, yet only one is visible in this configuration as the hidden one would be folded out of view. Later figures described herein below reveal all such shoulder and hip tabs. The function of each tab is of course to distribute load forces adequately and ergonomically so as to avoid both excessive wear in the back pack as a whole and reducing fatiguing of the user. 
     Hip retention straps  27  and  31  are shown and are sewn or otherwise permanently affixed to their corresponding hip tabs  26  and  33 . As shown, hip retention strap  31  serves of course to connect the strap  120  to the hip tab  33 , but also provide adjustability in terms of lengthening or shortening by pulling the loose end of hip retention strap  31  through connector  30 . Thus, the user may customize their wearing experience in accordance with their torso size and preference for swaying movement of the worn backpack. 
     Not shown in the configuration of  FIGS. 2 and 3  is the waistband. However, the location of insertion of the waistband in accordance with the present invention can be seen by way of pocket openings  34  and  35 . These openings provide access to a contiguous internal cavity through which the waistband may be inserted in a removable manner. This aspect is described here below in more detail. 
     As shown, hip retention straps  27  and  31  each also include corresponding connector elements  28  and  32 . These connector elements  28  and  32  are not used in the single strap sash configuration of the inventive backpack. Rather, connector elements  28  and  32  are used in the full configuration which is described here below in more detail. 
     Similar to the large compartment, single strap sash configuration, the present invention provides for a similar small compartment configuration. In particular,  FIGS. 4 and 5  show a single-strap configuration of the small compartment of the present invention shown without insertion of a waist band. It should be noted that both the large compartment configuration of  FIGS. 2 and 3  may coexist with the small compartment configuration of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . This is enabled by the strap  130  being a mirror image of strap  120 . A comparison of the configuration of  FIG. 2  contrasted with the configuration of  FIG. 4  clearly shows that strap  120  includes oppositely angled construction relative to strap  130 . This construction enables dual functionality of the straps  120  and  130  whereby they can be removed from and reassembled upon either or both of the large and small compartments  2000 ,  3000 . In this way, the present invention becomes a modularized apparatus providing the innovative reconfigurability illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The small compartment sash configuration can be described nearly identically to the large compartment sash configuration.  FIG. 4  is a forward facing view of the single-strap  130 , sash configuration with a small compartment  3000 . Here, no waist band strap is utilized so as to allow a user to sling the small compartment  3000  over one shoulder. This typically results in slightly off-center positioning upon the user&#39;s torso whereby a waist band strap would not be beneficial.  FIG. 5  is a side facing view of the single-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . Together, these figures correspond to a single strap sash configuration such as that shown at  200  in  FIG. 1 . 
     As mentioned, the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  include the small compartment  3000  and one strap  130 . The strap  130  is connectable in a quick and easily removable manner from the compartment  3000  by way of connectors  131  and  134 . The connectors shown are two specific types of quick release mechanisms well known in the art of fasteners. In particular, connector  131  is a non-rotatable male clasp insertable into the corresponding female clasp  70  which itself is adhered (see stitching  54 ) to a shoulder tab  55  formed on the top of the compartment  3000 . As well, connector  134  is a slightly different rotatable type of male clasp insertable into the corresponding female clasp  59 . 
     It should be understood that while various types of connector elements may without straying from the intended scope of the present invention, the basic function of the top-most elements  70 ,  131  is to form a strong, yet quickly releasable and non-rotatable connection of the strap and compartment whereas the basic function of the bottom-most elements  59 ,  134  is to form a less strong, yet quickly releasable and rotatable connection of the strap and compartment. In this manner, the top-most connection bears most weight carrying capacity in a generally linear direction. However, the bottom-most connection is rotatable to allow for swaying of the backpack (in any configuration) while in use. As well, the bottom-most connection does not require as robust a connector element as the vast majority of load is upon the top-most connection rather than the bottom-most connection. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there are a variety of additional items shown. Similar to shoulder tab  55 , there is also shown hip tabs  53  and  56 . It should be understood that in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there are actually two shoulder tabs, yet only one is visible in this configuration as the hidden one would be folded out of view. Later figures described herein below reveal all such shoulder and hip tabs. The function of each tab is of course to distribute load forces adequately and ergonomically so as to avoid both excessive wear in the back pack as a whole and reducing fatiguing of the user. 
     Hip retention straps  51  and  57  are shown and are sewn or otherwise permanently affixed to their corresponding hip tabs  53  and  56 . As shown, hip retention strap  57  serves of course to connect the strap  130  to the hip tab  56 , but also provides adjustability in terms of lengthening or shortening by pulling the loose end of hip retention strap  57  through connector  59 . Thus, the user may customize their wearing experience in accordance with their torso size and preference for swaying movement of the worn backpack. 
     Not shown in the configuration of  FIGS. 4 and 5  is the waistband. However, the location of insertion of the waistband in accordance with the present invention can be seen by way of pocket openings  64  and  65 . These openings provide access to a contiguous internal cavity through which the waistband may be inserted in a removable manner. This aspect is described here below in more detail. 
     It should be readily apparent that pockets of any shape or size may be provided within or upon the small compartment  3000 . Indeed, a variety of pockets are shown in the side view of  FIG. 5  including pockets  3001  and  3002  shown with corresponding zippers  3001   a  and  3002   a . The small compartment  3000  itself includes a corresponding zipper  3000   a . It should also be noted that the small compartment  3000  is provided with outer couplings  3005 ,  3006  which may be used to strap down additional user gear (e.g., rolled clothing) to the outer surface of the smaller compartment  3000 . The couplings may be provided as clasps with retaining straps affixed to the outer surface. This aspect is particularly useful in the full configuration  500  of  FIG. 1  whereby the small compartment is affixed atop the large compartment. 
     With regard to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown the large compartment in full configuration of the present invention which utilizes all modularized strap parts of the backpack. This corresponds to configuration  400  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 6  is a forward facing view of a double-strap configuration of the large compartment  2000  of the present invention with insertion of a waist band  140 .  FIG. 7  is a rearward facing view of the double-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 6 . All numbered elements having been described herein above with regard to  FIGS. 2 and 3  will not be discussed again. However,  FIGS. 6 and 7  differ from  FIGS. 2 and 3  in that both straps  120  and  130  are used together and waistband  140  in inserted into the contiguous internal cavity. It should be further noted that strap  120  (shown in transverse connection in  FIG. 2 ) is now provided in a leftmost connection. Likewise, strap  130  (shown in a transverse connection in  FIG. 4 ) is now shown in a rightmost connection. It should be therefore apparent that the particular innovative mechanical details of the straps  120  and  130  enables them to be used in these different positions (i.e., transverse connections vs. leftmost/rightmost connections). 
     With regard to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there is shown the small compartment in full configuration of the present invention which utilizes all modularized strap parts of the backpack. This corresponds to configuration  200  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 8  is a forward facing view of a double-strap configuration of the small compartment  3000  of the present invention with insertion of a waist band  140 .  FIG. 9  is a rearward facing view of the double-strap configuration shown in  FIG. 8 . All numbered elements having been described herein above with regard to  FIGS. 4 and 5  will not be discussed again. However,  FIGS. 8 and 9  differ from  FIGS. 4 and 5  in that both straps  120  and  130  are used together and waistband  140  is inserted into the contiguous internal cavity. It should be further noted that strap  120  (shown in transverse connection in  FIG. 2 ) is now provided in a leftmost connection. Likewise, strap  130  (shown in a transverse connection in  FIG. 4 ) is now shown in a rightmost connection. It should be therefore apparent that the particular innovative mechanical details of the straps  120  and  130  enables them to be used in these different positions (i.e., transverse connections vs. leftmost/rightmost connections). 
     With further regard to  FIG. 8 , the waistband will now be described. In particular, the waistband  140  may include a pouch  145  for a user to handily access stored items such as a cell phone or camera. As well, the waistband is connectable and adjustable upon a user via clasps  141  and  142  and adjustable strap  144  in a manner well known in the art. In  FIG. 9 , the outer couplings  3005 ,  3006  discussed earlier herein above are more visible and better illustrate how retaining straps  3004 ,  3007  may be used to strap down additional user gear (e.g., rolled clothing) to the outer surface of the smaller compartment  3000 . The retaining straps  3004 ,  3007  may be fabricated of an elastic material. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show the present invention with all modular parts combined together into a single apparatus. In particular,  FIG. 10  is a rearward facing view of the small and large compartment combined in the full configuration (illustrated as  500  in  FIG. 1 ) of the present invention.  FIG. 11  is a side facing view of a small and large compartment combined double-strap configuration of the present invention shown however without the waistband for illustrative clarity. In terms of connecting the large compartment  2000  and small compartment  3000 , a user would on one lower side utilize clasp  32  from the large compartment  2000  to attach to clasp  59  of the small compartment  3000 . On the other lower side, the user would utilize clasp  32 ′ from the large compartment  2000  to attach to clasp  50  of the small compartment  3000 . Likewise, on each upper side of the backpack, clasps  22  and  22 ′ of the large compartment  2000  would respectively connect to clasps  23  and  23 ′ of the small compartment  3000 . In this manner, the small compartment  3000  effectively piggy-backs off of the large compartment  2000 . 
     With regard to  FIG. 12 , the set of straps  120 ,  130  and waistband  140  are shown removed from any compartments of the present invention. As previously discussed, the particular mechanical details of straps  120  and  130  provide useful innovations enabling the modular reconfiguration of the backpack components. Each strap  120  and  130  include a base pad upon which are secured (by stitching or any other suitable manner) primary reinforcement strips  122 ,  132  and secondary reinforcement strips  123 ,  133 . The reinforcing strips serve to distribute the carrying load when the backpack is in use. The mirror image J-shape configuration of the straps  120  and  130  enables use of the straps in either the transverse position or leftmost/rightmost positions described above. Reinforcement strips  143  and  144  are also provided in terms of the waistband  140  where the strip  144  also serves to adjust (i.e., tighten/loosen) the waistband  140  when in use upon the user. 
       FIGS. 13 through 15  illustrate a variety of possible embodiments of visual ornamentations on the compartments of the present invention with non-ornamental aspects shown in silhouette for the sake of illustrative clarity. Other variations are of course possible without straying from the intended scope of the present invention. 
     The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.