CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK WITH INTEGRATED SLEEPING BAG, BLANKET, OR CUSHION AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING SAME

BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a multiple use convertible backpack.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This invention relates to a multiple use convertible backpack, has an outer shell and is integrated with a convertible dual-sided fabric liner which may be pulled out of the outer shell and be utilized as a sleeping bag, blanket, cushion, or pillow, while remaining attached to the outer shell. The outer shell of the backpack may be used to store additional items when the liner is stowed inside the backpack. The outer shell forming the backpack may serve a variety of functions when the liner is removed from the bag and being utilized for any purpose.

Some embodiments comprise a multiple use convertible backpack, comprising an integrated convertible dual sided fabric liner, which may be utilized as a sleeping bag, blanket, cushion, or pillow once removed from the outer shell. The outer shell remains attached, or is removably attached to the convertible dual-sided fabric liner when the convertible dual-sided fabric liner is removed from the backpack. In such embodiments where the material forming the outer shell remains attached to the convertible dual sided fabric liner, the material forming the outer shell may serve as an extension of a sleeping bag, blanket, cushion, or pillow or may form a pouch that contiguously extends the interior of the sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion into which an individual may extend their feet. The material forming the outer shell may also serve as a bag into which additional materials, items, or personal belongings may be placed and remain attached to the sleeping bag, blanket, cushion, or pillow. The material forming the outer shell may also serve as a hood or pillow when the convertible dual-sided fabric liner is removed and is being utilized as a sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion. In some embodiments while the convertible dual-sided fabric liner is stowed inside the outer shell of the backpack, there is sufficient space for additional objects, personal items, drinks or food to be carried in the back pack with the convertible dual sided fabric liner allowing for the backpack to easily conform to the intended use of the individual for many different conditions and events, and serve to carry all of the additional objects, personal items, gear, drinks, or food that will be utilized for any particular event to be carried in the same backpack, simplifying the process of preparing to embark on any kind of activity.

In some embodiments the convertible dual sided fabric liner comprises a zipper along three edges of a square shaped convertible dual-sided fabric, which allows for ease of conversion of the dual sided fabric liner to the desired form comprising a sleeping bag, blanket, cushion, or pillow. In some embodiments, after the convertible dual sided fabric liner has been withdrawn from the backpack, the zipper may be zipped to a fully closed or partially closed position to form a sleeping bag with the zipper extending along the entire length of the sleeping bag allowing the sleeping bag to transition from fully open, through partially closed, to completely closed with ease, providing a fully functional sleeping bag.

Alternatively, with the zipper in a fully closed position the convertible dual-sided fabric liner may serve as a blanket fully extended length wise, but folded in half by width exposing only the outer surface of the dual-sided fabric liner, or as a cushion fully extended length wise, but folded in half by width exposing only the outer surface of the dual-sided fabric liner. When the zipper is in a fully open position the convertible dual-sided fabric liner forms a blanket fully extended length wise and width-wise exposing only the outer surface of the dual-sided fabric liner to the a surface on which the blanket is placed, or exposed to the air when the blanket is wrapped around one or more users, exposing the users to only the inside surface of the dual-sided fabric liner, or as a cushion fully extended length wise and by width exposing only the outer surface of the dual-sided fabric liner to the surface on which the cushion is placed, and the interior surface of the dual-sided fabric liner forming the surface of the cushion on which one or more users may sit or recline.

In some embodiments the multiple use convertible backpack may be utilized as a seat cushion allowing one or more users to provide a soft dry place to sit. In some embodiments the seat cushion may be converted into a blanket or sleeping bag in colder temperatures for one or more users to wrap around the one or more users, or allowing the one or more users to climb into the sleeping bag to stay warm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specific features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment wherein the sleeping bag, blanket, padding, etc. are contained in a closed backpack, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the attachment of a backpack strap to a bottom corner of the backpack, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the attachment of the backpack straps to the top of the backpack, wherein the backpack is in a closed position with the strap cinched tightly closing the opening at the top of the backpack, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a backpack containing a sleeping bag, blanket, or pad wherein the sleeping bag, blanket, or pad is removed from the pack and partially opened by a zipper on the side, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an opened backpack and a fully closed zipper forming a closed sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion with exterior material exposed, and the material forming the back pack, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an open back pack with the sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion attached to the material forming the backpack; additionally this perspective view shows the interior of the back pack, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an opened backpack and a fully open zipper forming a fully open sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion with exterior layer exposed to the ground, while the interior layer is completely exposed and demonstrates how the open backpack may server as an extension of the sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a zipper in a partially unzipped, and unlocked position allowing for the zipper to move into a more open or more closed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a zipper in a partially unzipped and locked position preventing the zipper from moving into a more open or more closed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a multiple use convertible backpack, in particular the backpack is integrated with a convertible dual-sided fabric liner which may be utilized as a sleeping bag, blanket, cushion, or pillow. The backpack may be used to store additional items when the convertible dual-sided fabric liner is stowed inside the back pack. With the backpack remaining attached to the convertible dual-sided fabric liner when removed from the backpack, the backpack may be used as a hood, or as an extension of the sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion into which the user's feet may extend or be placed. Alternatively, the backpack may serve as a bag, attached to the dual-sided fabric liner, into which additional materials, items, or personal belongings may be placed, while the convertible dual-sided fabric liner is removed from the backpack.

In the following description of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention is may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments the convertible dual-sided fabric liner comprises a zipper along three edges of a square shaped convertible dual-sided fabric, which allows for ease of conversion of the dual-sided fabric liner to the desired form comprising a sleeping bag, blanket, cushion, or pillow. In some embodiments, after the convertible dual-sided fabric liner has been withdrawn from the backpack, the zipper may be zipped to a fully closed or partially closed position to form a sleeping bag with the zipper extending along the entire length of the sleeping bag allowing the sleeping bag to transition from fully open, through partially closed, to completely closed with ease, providing a fully functional sleeping bag.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multiple use convertible backpack 101, wherein the convertible dual-sided fabric liner is enclosed inside a the backpack 101 in a closed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The multiple use convertible backpack 101, comprises: material forming the backpack 103, material forming the bottom of the backpack 104, material forming the top of the backpack 105, backpack straps 106, connecting structure 107 for connecting backpack straps 106 to the bottom of the backpack 104, attachment 108 structure for connecting backpack straps 106 to the top of the back pack 105, and a closure system 109 for opening and closing the top of the backpack 104.

In some embodiments the multiple use convertible backpack 101 contains a convertible dual-sided fabric liner, which in combination may be utilized as the convertible dual-sided fabric liner forming a cushion or blanket, for one or more individuals to sit on at indoor and outdoor events, with attach backpack 101 containing additional objects, personal items, food, snacks or drinks the individual may put into the backpack with the convertible dual-sided fabric liner in preparation for an event, with the material forming the backpack 103 continuing to hold the additional objects or personal items when the convertible dual-sided fabric liner is removed from the backpack 101.

In other embodiments, the convertible dual-sided fabric liner may be removed from the backpack 101, which may be used in combination to form a sleeping bag and/or pillow (e.g., the convertible dual-sided fabric liner being used as a sleeping bag, with the material forming the backpack 103 being utilized as a pillow attached to the sleeping bag, or as an extension of the sleeping bag into which the feet of the one or more persons using the sleeping bag may put their feet).

Some embodiments of the backpack 101 comprise sufficient interior space or carrying capacity to carry the dual-sided fabric liner, along with sufficient space for one or more individuals to load the backpack 101 with additional objects or personal items that may be utilized when the user is planning on attending an indoor or outdoor event, or spending the night indoors at a location other than their personal residence, including spending the night outdoors. For example the backpack 101 may also be used to carry drinks, snacks, additional clothing, scarves, hats, gloves, etc. For example, the convertible dual-sided fabric liner may be pulled out of the backpack 101 and fully unzipped to create a large blanket, or large cushion for one or more individuals to sit or recline on, or left fully zipped to create a smaller blanket, sleeping bag, or cushion to sit on, while the backpack 101 may continue to retain the additional objects or personal items that the user has brought with them. For example additional objects or personal items may comprise a change of clothes for the next day, pajamas, various toiletries comprising a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

The backpack 101 may be constructed in various sizes comprising 20″×20″, 30″×30″, 20″×30″, 25″×25″, 20″×25″, 25″×30″, 30″×20″, 30″×25″, 40″×40″, etc. in accordance with various embodiments. The material forming the bottom of the back pack 105 may comprise high strength abrasion resistant material that can easily be washed clean. For example the material forming the bottom of the backpack 105 may be oxford with polyester coating. Likewise the material forming the top of the backpack 104 may be any material selected from a list comprising: water proof material, water resistant material, wind proof material, wind resistant material, and abrasion resistant material. In various embodiments the size of the material forming the bottom 105, and top 104 of the backpack 101 may vary significantly, and may be selected from a list comprising: bottom: 14″×20″, bottom: 15″×20″, bottom: 16″×20″, bottom: 17″×20″, bottom: 18″×20″, bottom: 13″×20″, bottom: 12″×20″, any of the noted heights with width being 25″, 30″, 35″, or 40″; with material forming the top of the backpack 104 including the same variability as the material forming the bottom 105 of the backpack 101.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the connecting structure 206 for connecting the bottom corner 207 of the backpack 201 to the backpack strap 205, in accordance with some embodiments. Some embodiments of the connecting structure 206 comprise the backpack strap 205, the bottom corner 207 of the backpack, and a grommet 208 through with the strap 205 is fed. For example, backpack straps 205 made of polyester cording, are attached to the bottom corner 207 of the backpack 201, by running the polyester cording through reinforced grommets 208 located at the bottom corner 207 of the back pack, and secured to the bottom corner 207 of the backpack 201 utilizing extras stitching on the bottom seam 209.

Some embodiments utilize various materials for the backpack strap 205. For example, the backpack strap 205 is constructed from one or more of the materials to form a strap selected from a list, comprising: flat webbing, flat webbing with cushioned padding, rope, string, etc., backpack strap 205 is constructed from one or more of the materials selected from a list comprising: nylon cords, polyester cords, nylon webbing, polyester webbing, cotton cords or webbing, synthetic materials, high strength abrasion resistant material, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the attachment structure 305 for connecting one or more of the backpack straps 204 to the top of the material forming the top backpack 302, wherein the backpack 301 is shown with the attachment structure 305 in a closed position, with the straps 304 cinched tightly, decreasing the amount of the straps 304 contained within the attachment system 305, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3 illustrates how the attachment system 305 function with the straps 304 and the material forming the top of the backpack 303 to form a closure system 306, which may be utilized for opening and closing the top of the backpack 301, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments the attachment system 305 removably fixes the straps 304 to the top of the backpack 301. In some embodiments the attachment system 305 permanently affixes the straps 304 to the top of the backpack.

In accordance with some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 the attachment system 305 is integrated into the closure system 306. As shown the top portion of the material forming the back pack 303 is sewn over on itself creating a tunnel through which the straps 304 may run, thus attaching the straps 304 to the backpack 301, as well as providing a closure system 306, wherein the top of the backpack is close when the straps are pull taught.

Alternative attachment systems 305 and closure systems 306 are contemplated by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment system 305 and closure system 306 are discrete and insular structures. For example, the straps 304 may be attached to the top of the backpack 302 utilizing a structure selected from a list comprising: sewing the straps 304 directly to the material forming the backpack 302, while providing a separate cord for cinching the top of the backpack 302 closed; utilizing buckles, snaps, clasps, etc. to attach the straps 304 to the backpack 301, while providing an extra flap of material that folds over the top opening of the backpack 301, and which may be secured shut utilizing buckles, snaps, claps, Velcro, etc.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401, the interior layer of fabric 402, the exterior layer of fabric 403, the intermediate layer(s) of fabric/insulation 404 (not shown), and a zipper 405 comprising a tab 406. As illustrated in accordance with some embodiments the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 is removed from the backpack (not shown), and partially opened by a zipper 405 on the side of the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 to form a partially open sleeping bag, the first step in turning the sleeping bag into a larger blanket, or a step in expanding the size of the pad, in each case partially exposing the interior layer of fabric 402 (e.g., fleece material, cotton, or other material soft to the touch), blanket or pad as well as the exterior layer 403 of the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401, which may be utilized to form an exterior of a sleeping bag, exterior of blanket, or bottom of the pad in accordance with some embodiments.

Some embodiments comprise a storm flap (not shown) along the zipper 405 to decrease or prevent wind/air from flowing through the zipper 405, increasing the convertible dual-sided fabric liner's 401 capacity to keep one or more individuals warm. In some embodiments, the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 comprises at least one layer 403 of material that is wind resistant, wind proof, water resistant, water proof, waterproof and breathable. In some embodiments, the convertible dual-sided fabric liner's 401 inside layer 402 comprises fleece. In some embodiments, the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 comprises an outside layer 403 selected from a list of materials with properties, comprising: wind resistant, wind proof, water resistant, water proof, waterproof or water-resistant and breathable, and an inside layer 402 made of fleece or other material that is soft and breathable. Some embodiments comprise one or more additional layers of material between and inside and outside layer. Some embodiments comprise synthetic, down, or a combination of synthetic and down insulation. Additionally, in embodiments utilizing a water resistant or water proof material for the outer material 403 of the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 prevents a water resident on the surface which the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 is laid from soaking through the fabric, keeping the one or more individual dry despite weather conditions.

In some embodiments, the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 may comprise a zipper 405 that may be unzipped, (See FIG. 7) by moving the zipper 405 to a fully open position. Alternatively, the zipper 405 may be zipped up, or moving the zipper to a fully closed position (See FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the zipper 405 may be partially (See FIG. 4), or completely moved to an open position (See FIG. 7) for increasing the ease of the user entering the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 when the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 is being used in a sleeping bag configuration. Additionally, the zipper 405 may easily be moved to a partially closed (See FIG. 4) or completely closed (See FIG. 5) position to pull the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 401 around one or more individuals similar to being enclosed in a sleeping bag.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an opened backpack 506 and a fully closed zipper 505 forming for example a closed sleeping bag with exterior material 503 and the material forming the back pack 506 being utilized as an extension of the sleeping bag into which the feet of the user may extend, an opened backpack 506 with a blanket in a fully closed position with the zipper 505 fully closed exposing only the exterior material 503 e.g., bottom of the blanket, or an opened backpack 506 with the pad extended to its full length, but folded in half utilizing a zipper 505 closure to effectively limit the width of the pad by 50%, and exposing only the exterior layer of fabric 503 of the pad, while the interior fabric layer 502 e.g., fleece layer, of the pad remains interior to the folded pad, and unexposed to the exterior environment, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 501 is easily removed from the back pack 506, providing the user with access to the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 501, allowing the individual to modify the functionality of the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 501 into their product of choice selected from a list comprising: a partially, fully closed/zipped-up sleeping bag, or a fully open/unzipped sleeping bag shaped unit that may be partially, or completely unzipped allowing the user to easily step into the foot of the bag 506 comprising the material forming the interior of the backpack, or the interior material of the back pack 506, which may then may easily zipped up/the zipper 505 moved to a fully closed position, completely enclosing the user in the sleeping bag shaped unit comprising the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 501 and the material utilized to form the backpack 506, providing increased warmth and protection from environmental conditions for extended periods of time, which may include for example attending a sporting event, sleeping outdoors, or sleeping indoors.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment comprising: a multiple use convertible sleeping bag 601, the material forming an open backpack 602, the interior of the backpack 603, the exterior of the backpack 604, a zipper 605 integrating the outer shell of the backpack 602 with the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606, which an individual can form into a sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion attached to the outer shell of the backpack 602. In some embodiments the interior of the backpack 603 which may be formed utilizing a resilient and easy to wash surface, and may be utilized as an extension of the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606 when utilized as a sleeping bag, blanket, or cushion, into which the feet of the one or more individuals may extend. In some embodiments, the interior of the backpack 603 is attached to the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606 and utilized as a hood by one or more individuals when utilizing the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606 as a sleeping bag, blanket or cushion. In some embodiments, the interior of the backpack 603 may be utilized as bag into which additional materials (e.g., pillow, snacks, beverages, purses, or other personal belongings may be stored), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606 is sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the outer shell of the backpack 602. Alternatively, the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606 is removably attached to the outer shell of the backspack 602 utilizing Velcro, a zipper, snaps, buttons, or other means for removably attaching the two components. Attaching, or removably attaching the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606 to the outer shell of the backpack 602 increases the ease of use, and decreases the time associated with putting the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606 into the outer shell of the backpack 602, as well as decreasing the possibility of losing either the backpack 601 or convertible dual layered fabric liner 606.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the interior portion of the dual layered fabric liner 606, or interior material of the backpack 603 (the “boot area”). In some embodiments the boot area, whether the bottom end of the interior portion of the dual layered fabric liner 606, or the interior material of the backpack 603, may be made from a durable, and easy to wash material. For example the boot area, or where a user's feet go when inside the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606, when configured in the shape of a sleeping bag, comprises: durable material, abrasion resistant material, water proof material. For example 1680D Polyester, or Oxford with PVC Coating. The durable, abrasion resistant, and/or waterproof material may be sewn in the boot area of the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606, or into the interior of the backpack 602. Alternatively, the durable, abrasion resistant, and/or waterproof material may be permanently attached to the boot area by various means, or permanently affixed to the boot area by various means. In some embodiments, the use of a durable, abrasion resistant, and/or waterproof material in the boot area of the interior portion of the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606, or interior portion of the backpack 602 allows for easy clean up if the user's shoes are dirty, and provides increased durability to the convertible dual layered fabric liner 606, increasing the duration of use and the number of times an individual may enter the dual layered fabric liner 606, while tolerating significant movement by the individual utilizing the bag. For example, the user may be attending a sporting event and jump up and down repeatedly to cheer for their team while inside a zipped up inside the convertible layered fabric liner 606, forming a sleeping bag around the user.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an opened multiple use convertible backpack 701 and a fully open zipper 707 forming a fully open convertible dual layer fabric liner 703 with exterior layer 708 (not show) exposed to the ground, while the interior layer 706 is completely exposed, with the open backpack material 702 serving as an extension of the convertible dual layered fabric liner 703. In some embodiments the open back pack material 702 may be structured to serve various functions comprising: a pocket into which the feet of one or more individuals are extended, or as a bag into which additional materials (e.g., pillow, snacks, beverages, purses, or other personal belongings may be stored). In some embodiments, the fully open convertible dual layered fabric liner 703 may function as a sleeping bag in fully open position with the exterior layer 708 exposed to the ground or surface on which the sleeping bag is placed, and the interior layer 706 fully exposed, with an open back pack 702, which may serve various purposes. In other embodiments, the multiple use convertible backpack 701 and fully extended convertible dual layer fabric liner 703, may function as an opened backpack 702 with the convertible dual layered fabric liner 703 functioning as a blanket in a fully extended formation both in terms of length and width, with the zipper 707 being fully open exposing only the exterior layer 708 (of the convertible dual layered fabric liner 703) of the blanket to the surface on which the blanket is place, and fully exposing only the interior layer 706 of the dual layered fabric liner 703 functioning as a blanket to the air when laid on a surface providing a soft blanket for one or more individuals to sit on, or a soft layer when wrapped around one or more users. In some embodiments the interior of the backpack 705, may be formed utilizing a resilient, abrasion resistant, and easy to wash surface that may be utilized as an extension of the blanket into which the feet of the user may extend. In other embodiments, the interior of the backpack 705 functions as an extension of the blanket which may be used as a hood by one or more individuals. In other embodiments, the interior of the backpack 705 functioning as an extension of the blanket which may be utilized to extend the length of the blanket, while also serving as a bag into which additional materials (e.g., pillow, snacks, beverages, purses, or other personal belongings) may be stored.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a zipper 804 in a partially unzipped, and unlocked position allowing for the zipper to move into a more open or more closed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the zipper 804 is designed to stay where the individual puts it by utilizing a tab 805 of the zipper 804 to lock and unlock the zipper 804 to prevent inadvertently having the dual-sided fabric liner 801 open up at undesirable times because the zipper 805 is slipping into an increasingly open position, exposing more of the interior layer 803 of the convertible dual-sided fabric liner 801 to the air, instead of the exterior layer 802.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a zipper 904 in a partially unzipped, and locked position preventing the zipper 804 from moving into a more open or more closed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

The foregoing examples are merely examples of potential areas of applicability of certain embodiments of the invention, and other areas of applicability will be understood by way of practicing the embodiments of the invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK WITH INTEGRATED SLEEPING BAG, BLANKET, OR CUSHION AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING SAME

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)