Abstract:
According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a pack comprises an outer fabric shell having a top flap foldably coupled thereto; and a frame assembly, said frame assembly comprising a back wall barrier, a first sidewall cage frame hingedly coupled to said back wall barrier, a second sidewall cage frame hingedly coupled to said back wall barrier, and a plurality of support bars connecting the first sidewall cage frame with the second sidewall cage frame, wherein the outer fabric shell is configured to cover said frame assembly.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/063,473, filed Oct. 14, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to packs that can be carried and can hold equipment and supplies. More specifically, the present invention further relates to heavy-duty packs that can be carried by military personnel and can hold ammunition, supplies, and lifeline equipment in a safe and effective way. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Current backpacks, assault packs, and carrying packs use inexpensive material of poor quality with poor stitching in order to keep costs down. These inexpensive packs are delicate, and their parts, such as their carrying handles, are prone to tear apart while being used in critical situations, such as in remote mountainous areas and war zones. 
         [0004]    Examples of existing military grade packs include, for example: U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,245, which describes a military backpack with a large rectangular frame; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0014490, which describes a bulletproof backpack; U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,194, which describes a backpack with side bolsters; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,381,956, which describes a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. 
         [0005]    Prior attempts to improve packs, such as the foregoing and systems that allow a user to hang equipment from a pack via looped and stitched cloth, are substandard. The present invention solves the problems associated with present packs by protecting every element of the pack while further protecting the equipment carried by the pack. The present invention can also improve pack durability by incorporating tough interior and exterior materials, which can also improve protection of equipment carried by the pack. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present disclosure is a pack that protects hanging equipment and includes a monopod holder slot. 
         [0007]    According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a pack comprises an outer fabric shell having a top flap with metal in-casing foldably coupled thereto; and a frame assembly, said frame assembly comprising a back wall barrier, a first sidewall cage frame weldedly or bendably coupled to said back wall barrier, a second sidewall cage frame hingedly coupled to said back wall barrier, and a plurality of support bars connecting the first sidewall cage frame with the second sidewall cage frame, wherein the outer fabric shell is configured to cover said frame assembly. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specifications and attached drawings wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1 a    is a front exterior perspective view of an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1 b    is a front view of a top flap plate as found as detached from an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2 a    is an interior view of a left sidewall cage frame as found in an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2 b    is a left side wall cage view of an exemplary embodiment as opened with the top half of the outside frame covered by canvas; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2 c    is a left side wall cage view of an exemplary embodiment as opened showing hanging equipment with the top half of the outside frame covered with canvas; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2 d    is a view of a left sidewall cage door in closed/secured position in an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an interior view of a right sidewall cage frame as found in an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a interior view of a back wall cage barrier frame found as detached in an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a view of a buckle system in an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6 a    is a rear exterior view of an exemplary embodiment with the buckle system attached; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6 b    is a rear exterior view of an exemplary embodiment securing a shoulder-fired weapon using a buckle system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a rear exterior view of an exemplary embodiment securing a rifle while also facilitating a monopod holder sleeve and carrying handle; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8 a    is a top view of a holes formed in the frame of the pack used to secure items to the pack. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8 b    is a perspective view of a hammer held in place by hanger loop a doops threaded through holes in the frame of the pack; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9 a    is a sectional view of a exemplary embodiment showing only showing the inside bottom structural star that acts as a load bearing and weight dispersing surface; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9 b    is a sectional view of the structural star of  FIG. 9 a    covered in canvas, with a monopod holder sleeve attached; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail because they may obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. The present invention relates to packs that can be carried and can hold equipment and supplies. 
         [0026]    As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention,” “embodiments,” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. 
         [0027]    The term “as worn” as used herein shall be understood to refer to the ordinary position of a school backpack while one wears it in relation to the wearer. 
         [0028]    The term “lipped” means having material that overlaps an edge for protection and better sealing of a pocket, pouch, or other area. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1 a    illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pack  100  that can be carried and can hold equipment and supplies. As illustrated, the pack  100  may comprise an outer fabric shell  102  that may further comprise a durable fabric attached to an inner frame via sewing or binding at different areas. The outer fabric shell  102  may surround the exterior of the pack  100 . The outer fabric shell  102  may be detachable and securely attached to a top flap  104 , which may comprise durable fabric. Example flexible, durable sheet-like materials suitable for fabricating the outer fabric shell  102 , flaps and/or other components, include, for example, leather, fabric (e.g., canvas), polymers (e.g., polyester, nylon, ballistic nylon, Cordura 1000 Super Durable Water Resistant Nylon by Invista, etc.), fabric, or combinations thereof. The materials may be woven, stamped, molded, or in various other forms known in the art. 
         [0030]    The top flap  104  may be attached to the outer fabric shell  102  on the right side of the pack  100  as worn via snap connector straps  106  which may have extensions. The top flap  104  may have a lipped edge  108  to seal gaps between the top flap  104  and the outer fabric shell  102 . Further, the top flap  104  may have a small groove (not shown) where an antenna would hang out of to facilitate a path of least resistance down to the side of the pack and could be secured by other straps, nylon webbing, or hanger loop a doops. The top flap  104  may further comprise an inner pocket with a hook-and-loop-fastener-lined button flap. The inner pocket may be fully contained within the top flap  104 . Suitable hook-and-loop fasteners are available. The top flap  104  may employ durable fabric strips that connect to inner/outer canvas, horizontally, vertically, connected or separate from the snap connector straps  106 . 
         [0031]    Connector straps  106  may be used to secure items to the side of the pack  100 , such as a radio antenna. Hanger loops  110 , preferably formed from nylon webbing or other suitable material, can be used to secure items to pack  100 . Hanger loops  100  can also aid in securing outer fabric shell  102  to the inner frame assembly of pack  100 . 
         [0032]    In certain aspects, quick-release buckles may be used to close off, or otherwise secure, a first component of the pack to a second component of the pack. A benefit of the quick-release buckle is that it enables a wearer to quickly and easily separate and reattach extensions of the embodiment and or items attached. However, other mechanisms are contemplated, such as, snaps, clips, magnets (e.g., a magnetic buckle or magnetic snaps), cam buckles, traditional buckles, adjustable hinged buckles, or any other latching/buckling mechanism known in the art of backpack/bag/purse design may serve the general function of buckle. 
         [0033]    A carrying handle  108  may be attached to the pack frame and may comprise a durable fabric with padding. The carrying handle  108  may also comprise a stitched, durable fabric strap attached to any point of the pack frame. 
         [0034]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 a   , pack  100  further comprises closure  112 , such as a button closure, which is used to secure monopod pocket  114 . Closure  112  may be located anywhere along the lower portion of outer fabric shell  102  and may be waterproof or just comprised of metal ring/s like the section of a hollow metal pipe attached to bottom of shelf  900  ( FIG. 9 a   ). Monopod pocket  114  may be configured to have a universal or specific fit for a monopod or section of a tripod/bipod. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1 b    depicts a view of top flap  104  without a covering. As shown, top flap  104  is generally rectangular in shape and comprises openings  116  which help to reduce the weight of pack  100  while also providing structural support. Top flap  104  is preferably formed from a single piece of metal, such as 6061,5052 aluminum or titanium, which is cut by a water jet machine. However, other manufacturing techniques, such as stamping may also be utilized. For example, the pack frame, such as top flap  104 , may be formed from aluminum barrier tubes that are welded together into the desired shape. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, top flap  104  is formed from a lightweight plastic of carbon fiber material if top flap  104  does not need to be weight bearing. The covering for top flap  104  may be the same or a different material than that of outer fabric shell  102 . For example, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to cover top flap  104  with a waterproof material to keep water out of the interior of pack  100 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2 a    is a view of a left sidewall cage frame  200  as found in an exemplary embodiment shown with outer fabric shell  102  removed. Similar to top flap  104 , left sidewall cage frame  200  also has a plurality of rectangular openings  200  which help to reduce the weight of pack  100  without comprising stability. Left sidewall cage frame  200  is preferably formed in a similar manner and from similar materials to that of top flap  104 . 
         [0038]    Left sidewall cage frame  200  also comprises door  204  which is secured to left sidewall cage frame  200  by hinge  205 . Door  204  allows access to the interior of pack  100  when top flap  104  is in an inconveniently closed position. Hinge  205  may comprises stoppers to restrict door  204  from exceeding a rotation greater than one hundred eighty degrees relative to its closed position. 
         [0039]    Door  204  is held in a closed position by grippers  206  on left sidewall cage frame  200  which engages with holders  208  on door  204  to create a temporary lock. Grippers  206  and holders  208  may be any elements of known size and shape which can be used to cause door  204  to remain in a closed position. The area beneath the door  204  may comprise extensions of  6061  flat bar aluminum or other material to act as legs on the outer edges of the interior pack frame to help hold up the pack or to add strength. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2 b    depicts door  204  in an open position and  FIG. 2 c    depicts door  204  having an inner covering with pouches  210  secured to the inner surface of door  204 . One of skill would understand in view of the present teaches that doors of various sizes may be employed to meet a particular need, such as gaining access to equipment faster or keeping equipment separated. For example, a single large door may be used, or a plurality of doors of virtually any size and shape and may be installed and configured from any direction or area on the pack. Door  204  may further be held closed by buckles  210  ( FIG. 5 ) to prevent door  204  from inadvertently opening when pack  100  is in transit. Example buckles  210  are depicted in  FIG. 5 . As shown, a buckle  210  on a first end may not have a middle circular ring and be held in place with just nylon webbing wrapped through a rounded edge rectangular piece of slim fat steel with a hooking hole or tough slim metal that passes through anchors  606  to connect with a strap on the other side. It should be apparent to one of skill in the art that any buckle  210  can be used with pack  100  as long as it is durable and can survive repeated/rough use. 
         [0041]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 a   , the left sidewall cage frame  200  may further comprise action weapon holder grooves  212 . The action weapon holder grooves  212  may help hold rifles and other weapons. Holder grooves  212  may be placed anywhere around/in the pack and vary in size for different weapons. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  depicts right sidewall cage frame  300 . The right sidewall cage frame  300  may duplicate the look/function of left side wall cage  200  with/without swinging door  204  and may comprise action weapon holder grooves  212  which may vary in size, shape, location, and quantity on the right sidewall cage frame  300 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the back wall barrier  400 . Back wall barrier  400  comprises connection points  402  and  404  which are used to attach should straps and carrying handle  108 , respectively, to pack  100 . Back wall barrier  400  also includes a plurality of rectangular or square openings  406  which reduce the weight of back wall barrier  400  and help to keep the back of a user cool. 
         [0044]    Back wall barrier  400  may further comprise padded sleeves or cushioning made of foam, rubber, or other material that helps with or acts as padding/suspension. The padded sleeves/cushion may comprise of soft stuffed-fabric material with/without suspension system underneath or on top of the fabric. Example metallic, coil springs or shape forming foam, memory foam, beans, sand, corn holes, pellets, ball bearings with the outside fabric being tougher denier nylon that may be flame retardant and use suspension/dispersion of energy for cushioning. The padded sleeve/cushion may be secured to the barrier protection tubes  10  by looping itself around the barrier protection tubes with buttons. The padded sleeves or other cushion may be placed on many parts of the pack to help minimize shock or force. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9 a    depicts shelf  900  which serves as the weight bearing bottom of the interior of pack  100  ( FIG. 6 a   ). Shelf  900  is formed of an exterior rectangular frame  902  which are reinforced by beams  902  arranged in a star pattern. This arrangement of beams  902  helps keep back wall barrier  400  from bending under a load and also helps to dissipate energy to other sections of pack  100  through the beams  902 . As shown in  FIG. 9 b   , a cover and or a piece of plastic sheet may be placed over shelf  900  on the inside of the main compartment of pack  100  to prevent equipment/ammo from falling through the openings between beams  902 . 
         [0046]    Left sidewall cage frame  200 , right sidewall cage frame  300 , shelf  900 , and back wall barrier  400  can be cut from a single piece of flat metal using a water jet machine and then folded/bent together. Alternatively, the pieces can be manufactured separately and then welded together to form the frame of pack  100 . In another embodiment, the pieces may be connected to each other by hinges, allowing left sidewall cage frame  200  and right sidewall cage frame  300  to swing out from back wall barrier  400 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6 a    shows the pack of  FIG. 1 a    with outer fabric shell  102  removed to reveal the inner frame which is comprised of left sidewall cage frame  200 , right sidewall cage frame  300 , back wall barrier  400 , shelf  900 , and front wall barrier  600 . Front wall barrier  600  is similar to back wall barrier in size and in construction. The various elements of the frame can be connected together by hinges, allowing pack  100  to be collapsible, or can be permanently attached/welded to each other for added strength. 
         [0048]    The pack  100  may comprise strips of durable fabric (e.g., connector straps  106 ) that are sewn or attached to the outer fabric shell  102  at any location (e.g., through holes  802  shown in  FIG. 8 a   ). The strips of durable fabric may be thick or thin (as guided by the particular need) and made to stick, grip, and/or stretch. The strips of durable fabric may comprise looped ends that freely hold a ring  602 , and may be freely attached at one end to connector straps  106 . The tail end of connector straps  106  closest to the another connection of opposing connector strap  106  may be a buckle, clip, button, or other connection device. Rings  602  may be cloth strips attach to the fabric&#39;s outer shell and can be shown in  FIGS. 5 / 6   a / 6   b.    
         [0049]    The ring  602  may comprise a metal circle or other combinations of materials and shapes that allow the snap connector straps  106  to move freely about the ring  26  with little strain or friction. The rings  602  may also connect to snap connector straps  106  with integrated extension straps for strap length adjustment. In some embodiments, braces may also be connected to the frame of pack by any means and may slightly protrude out of the inner frame to the outer fabric shell  102 . 
         [0050]    Pack  100  may further comprise a wire, mesh, or other flexible, protective material running horizontally along the center of the pack to help facilitate action weapon holder grooves  212 . The action weapon holder grooves  212  may comprise half-moon-shaped extrusions, recesses, or other-shaped extrusions/recesses, that may absorb shock and recoil of a weapon and may be malleable in the left sidewall cage frame  200  and right sidewall cage frame  300 . The area of the pack provided by weapon holder grooves  212  can be used to secure weapons and other equipment. The weapon holder grooves  212  may be vertically or horizontally placed in the edges of the frame with variations in diameter and quantity of weapon holder grooves  212 . There may also be one whole or portion of an edge on  200  and  300  that is without a groove. Different materials, such as carbon fiber, carbon fiber/fiberglass mix, extra cotton, rubber, foam or other materials, may be added or attached to weapon holder grooves  212  to better help with recoil/shock absorption. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6 b    shows a method of holding a shoulder fired weapon  604  with one or more durable fabric straps that may attach to the inner frame and have rings  602 . Rings  602  may have a strip of durable fabric attached with connector straps  106  connector  3 . connector straps  106  may run through at any angle and pass between and through the holder strap area/carrying attachments  606  of a shoulder fired weapon  604  to attach to any opposing connector strap  106 . The carrying attachment  606  may refer to, for example, a shoulder fired weapon system&#39;s anchors, which may be positioned at opposite ends of the weapon and used to hold a user&#39;s carrying strap. Rings  602  may also be replaced or included in addition to a metal plates (formed from aluminum, steel, or any other tough metal) attached to connector straps  106  which passes through carrying attachment  606 . The weight of the shoulder fired weapon  604  will potentially hold on braces attached to frame, inner frame, rings, and strong LBS rated Spectra or other stitching. Any material is acceptable for items listed above and any snap connector that buckles, snaps, hook loops and fastens, sticks, grips and clips that does the job of securing and holding is acceptable as long as it passes through a belt/holder loop or through its carrying attachments  606 . The buckles or variations of attachments connected to the snap connector strap  106  may be in any shape, size and quantity. A strip of durable fabric may be secured to rings  602  by, for example, spectra, Kevlar, nylon or any other thread and material. The rings  602  may be machine stamped, welded or attached in any way and be any shape, size, and material. The snap connector  3  fabric strip may be attached to the inner frame without a ring  602 . Height adjustment could be based on amount of slack given by adjustable strips on the connector straps  106 . To help facilitate an easier route, the connector strap  106  and metal plate may be changed inn thickness, density, attachments or any other way. 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  illustrates a view of the pack  100  as worn with a rifle  702  secured within the action weapon holder grooves  212 . Holder grooves  212  could be bouncy, soft, or have shock absorbing qualities to it to help with dispersion, absorption or recoil of a weapon/equipment. The pack  100  of  FIG. 7  may comprise a carrying handle  108  that may comprise a piece of durable fabric woven through two support braces  404  attached to the back wall barrier  400 . The carrying handle  108  may be woven through the support braces  404  and woven back on itself one or more times to strengthen the carrying handle  108 . 
         [0053]    Ballistic protection may be in any form, such as, for example, ballistic nylon, ballistic plastic, Kevlar, combination of these and other materials, compressed, sewn, or just attached to the container frame or any part of the pack to help shield against accidental discharge of grenades or smoke grenades and other sensitive materials. There could also be padding that may be wrapped around/attached to the tubes in any form or formation combined with any durable fabric or material for protection with/without a suspension system. The suspension system may be any suitable suspension as long as it provides absorption, reflection, dispersion, reduction, expelling or containing blast of energy helping to protect equipment/belongings. There may be pockets/small bags any size lining inside or out of the container frame to help with ballistic or barrier protection. Soldiers may place flak, Kevlar, ballistic plastic, nylon or any other protective material inside a pouch or pocket attached to the container. Ballistic protection may also double as protection and suspension. For example, beanbags placed in or around pack  100  which are filled with pieces of soft ballistics can help providing cushion and protection. Outer fabric  102  may additional comprise foam with ballistic padding compressed or extended at any side or angle and may be on one or all sides. Ballistic protection may be connected to container permanently or may be detachable with snaps, buckles or anything else that can be connected. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8 a    depicts holes  802  which have been cut through the beams of any of the pack frame (e.g., left sidewall cage frame  200 ). The holes  802  are preferably water jetted holes that have pieces of durable nylon webbing or fabric woven through or wrapped around and secured on it self of the pack  100  to help hold equipment and tools on the interior/exterior sides. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 8 b   , a hammer  804  is shown held using holes  802  and pieces of durable nylon webbing. 
         [0055]    The interior of monopod pocket  114  is depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 9   b . As shown, the monopod pocket  114  is located directly below shelf  900  and contains monopod holder sleeve  906  which can be closed using closure  112 . Monopod pocket  114  can also be used to store other items, such as a sleeping bag. Monopod sleeve holder  906  is preferably formed from a fabric or could be metallic ring/s that are circular and line up to be attached to beams  902 / 904  on shelf  900  to hold, mono/bi/tripods. Monopod sleeve holder  906  can also be used to hold attachments for weapons. In some embodiments, monopod sleeve holder  906  is attached to outer fabric shell  102 . 
         [0056]    Keeping present embodiment in mind with all four sides of pack  100  enclosed in a box like fashion, the pack may collapse all together with interior shelf collapsing at the same time by pulling twisting or unlocking twisting/untwisting screws, cotter pins, levers that self lock or are manual. Left sidewall cage frame  200 , right sidewall cage frame  300 , back wall barrier  400 , front wall barrier  600 , or shelf  900  may be connected via joints or hinges so that pack  100  is collapsible. 
         [0057]    The foregoing description and accompanying Figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. That is, additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 
         [0058]    All documents cited herein, including journal articles or abstracts, published or corresponding U.S. or foreign patent applications, issued or foreign patents or any other documents are each entirely incorporated by reference herein, including all data, tables, Figures and text presented in the cited documents.