Folding carrying pack apparatus and method

Abstract

A folding carrying pack apparatus for conversion between a carrying pack and a comfort pad and between a comfort pad and a poncho, and a method of converting the carrying pack to and from the comfort pad, and of converting the comfort pad to and from the poncho, generally including a preset folding pattern. The apparatus includes a main body having a hollow interior, shoulder straps and side flaps for generally retaining the main body in a carrying pack form. The main body generally includes a front flap and rear flap that is maintained by an upper and lower strap set. The strap sets and the side flaps may be opened and the main body folded outwards into a comfort pad. An opening may then be formed in the comfort pad for use as a poncho, including a hood.

Description

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of backpacks and more particularly to a folding backpack apparatus for conversion between a backpack and a mattress, a mattress pad, and/or a blanket.

II. Description of the Related Art

Present backpacks are utilized in various forms for storage during transport, typically for hiking, camping, picnicking, attending entertainment events, and the like. Relatedly, when camping or attending an event, in particular, it is desirable to have some sort of barrier between the user and the ground. Thus, the user must often transport a blanket, mattress pad or other suitable barrier. These barriers can occupy a significant amount of space in the backpack, thereby leaving little or no room for other items, often requiring the user to bring additional bags to accommodate all the items needed or desired. Furthermore, the user must typically formulate a folding pattern by trial and error, in an attempt to reduce the volume of space the barrier occupies.

Therefore, there persists a problem with present backpacks having limited space for the storage of blankets, mattress pads and/or other barriers, in addition to other items to be stored within the backpacks.

SUMMARY

In general, the invention features a folding backpack apparatus for conversion between a backpack and a comfort pad. It is appreciated that the comfort pad can include blankets, pads, mattress pads or any other material suitable for defining a planar surface that a user can sit on, lie on, or otherwise physically occupy, for comfort, sleeping and the like. The invention further features a method of converting the backpack to and from the comfort pad, generally including a pre-set folding pattern. The apparatus includes a main body having a hollow interior, shoulder straps and side flaps for generally retaining the main body in a back pack configuration. The main body generally includes a front flap and a rear flap that are maintained by an upper and lower strap set. The strap sets and the side flaps can be opened and the main body folded outwardly into a comfort pad configuration.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a backpack apparatus for conversion into comfort pad, including a main body having a hollow interior, and having a front flap and a rear flap contiguously connected to one another through a bottom portion, wherein the main body also has an upper strap set connected to the rear flap and coupled to a lower strap set connected to the front flap. Shoulder straps are connected to an upper end and a lower end of the rear flap, and side flaps are connected to a fixed connection point on the front flap, with a removable connection point on the rear flap.

In one implementation, the apparatus further includes a short front flap and a short rear flap, wherein the short front flap is connected to the front flap and folded into the hollow interior. The short rear flap is connected to the rear flap, and is positioned in opposition to the short front flap, and is also folded.

In another implementation, the front flap and the rear flap form two elongate folded-over portions when separated from one another.

In another implementation, each of the folded-over portions has a width.

In another implementation, the folded-over portions each fold out to a half comfort pad four times the width of the folded-over portion.

In another implementation, each of the elongate folded-over portions is folded over in quarter folds.

In another implementation, the elongate folded-over portions are separated by a longitudinal axis generally bisecting the apparatus.

In another implementation, the front and rear flaps unfold into a planar comfort pad.

In another aspect, the invention features a comfort pad apparatus for conversion into a backpack, wherein the comfort pad apparatus includes a plane-defining pad having an upper surface and a lower surface and generally bisected by a longitudinal axis. Shoulder straps are connected to the lower pad surface, such that they straddle the longitudinal axis, and an upper strap set connected to the lower pad surface, such that they straddle the longitudinal axis spaced from the shoulder straps. A lower strap set is connected to the lower surface, straddling the longitudinal axis below the shoulder straps and for connecting to the upper strap set and a set of side flaps, wherein the upper strap set and the set of side flaps are each connected to the lower surface at the longitudinal axis.

In one implementation, the upper pad surface includes a fleece lining.

In another implementation, the apparatus can include other materials and/or linings having thermal insulating properties.

In another implementation, the apparatus can include other materials and/or linings having water-resistant or water-proof properties.

In still another implementation, the apparatus can have other materials and/or linings having anti-reflective or anti-ultraviolet radiation properties.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for converting a device between a backpack configuration and a comfort pad configuration, including the steps of separating a front flap and rear flap of the backpack so that the front and rear flaps lie on a surface, such as a ground surface, thereby forming elongate portions that are in a first open position, the elongate portions generally being separated by a longitudinal axis in a length direction, unfolding a short front flap and a short rear flap away from each other in a width direction generally perpendicular to the length direction, thus placing the elongate portions in a second open position, unfolding the elongate portions in the second open position away from the longitudinal axis, i.e. in the width direction, thus placing the elongate portions in a third open position, unfolding the elongate portions in the third open position away from the longitudinal axis, i.e. in the width direction, thus placing the elongate portions in a fourth open position, thereby fully opening an upper surface of the comfort pad.

In another aspect, the invention features a method for converting a device between a comfort pad configuration and a backpack configuration, including the steps of folding a first elongate portion of the comfort pad generally in half to place in a first folded position, the folding being done along an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis generally bisecting the comfort pad in a length direction, folding the second elongate portion generally in half to place in a first folded position, the folding being done along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, folding the first and second elongate portions in the first folded positions generally in half along respective second axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis to place the first and second elongate portions into respective second folded positions, folding opposing ends of the elongate portions to form short front and rear flaps along a third and fourth axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and folding the elongate portions about a fifth and sixth axis to form a front and a back of the backpack, and a bottom therebetween.

In one implementation, the method further includes attaching a first and a second side flap to connection point on a respective one of the elongate portions from the back to the front, or from the front to the back.

In another implementation, the method further includes buckling together upper and lower strap sets, wherein the upper strap set is connected to the rear flap and wherein the lower strap set is connected to the front flap.

In another implementation, the straps can pass through the front flap.

In another aspect, the invention features a back pack and comfort pad combination, including a main body having shoulder straps and means for converting the main body from a planar comfort pad having an upper surface and a lower surface into a back pack having a front and rear flap, bottom portion and side flaps.

In one implementation, the combination further comprises a means for retaining the main body in the form of the back pack.

In another implementation, the combination further comprises an upper and lower strap set for opening and closing a front flap of the back pack.

In another implementation, the upper strap set is connected to a rear flap of the main body.

In another implementation, the lower strap set is connected to the front flap, passing through from rear of the front flap to front of the front flap at a distance below the top of the front flap.

In another implementation, the combination further includes side flaps for retaining the main body in the form of the back pack.

One feature and advantage of the invention is that it provides a comfort pad as well as suitable storage space for items.

Another feature and advantage of the invention is that it provides a pre-set folding pattern thereby requiring little mental effort from the user to remember how to fold the comfort pad.

Another feature and advantage of the invention is that is provides a comfort pad providing comfort to the user and protection from natural elements.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a comfort pad that is convertible into a poncho or other garment.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a closed position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a closed position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of comfort pad apparatus formed from an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a first open position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a comfort pad apparatus formed from an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a second open position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a comfort pad apparatus formed from an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a third open position;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a comfort pad apparatus formed from an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a fourth open position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a comfort pad apparatus formed from an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a fourth open position;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a folding backpack apparatus in a closed orientation;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a comfort pad apparatus that is convertible to a backpack, in a configuration for use as a poncho;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 10; and

FIGS. 12A-D illustrate a perperspective view of the operation of a hood for conversion of a comfort pad apparatus to a poncho.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-12D, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar function.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to FIG. 1 that illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of folding backpack apparatus 100 in a closed position. FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of folding backpack apparatus 100 in a closed position. In general, apparatus 100 preferably includes main body 105 having hollow interior 110 defined therein. Main body 105 preferably generally includes upper end 106, lower end 107, front side 108 and rear side 109. Hollow interior 110 may preferably include any variety of contents, such as pillow 115 as shown in FIG. 1. Pillow 115 is preferably disposed within hollow interior 110 proximate lower end 107, and is preferably arranged therein to provide structural definition to hollow interior 110 and to support items placed in hollow interior 110. Pillow 115, so disposed proximate lower end 107, preferably further prevents any small articles contained within hollow interior 110 from escaping through lower end 107. Shoulder straps 120 are preferably connected between the upper and lower ends 106, 107 generally adjacent the rear side 109. Shoulder straps 120 may advantageously be adjustable via buckles 125. Shoulder straps 120 may further include pads and pockets 130.

Folding backpack apparatus 100 may further preferably include front flap 135 and rear flap 140, wherein front flap 135 and rear flap 140 are generally held in a closed position by straps 145, each strap 145 having upper strap 146 connected to upper end 106 at rear flap 140, and lower strap 147 generally connected to a lower portion of front flap 135. Upper and lower straps 146, 147 are preferably connected together through buckles 150. In a typical implementation, buckles 150 may be used to connect and disconnect upper and lower straps 146, 147 from one another so that front and rear flaps 135, 140 may be opened and closed to access the hollow interior 110. Front flap 135 generally further preferably includes front short flap 136, and rear flap 140 preferably includes rear short flap 141. Front and rear short flaps 136, 141 may be advantageously folded in a variety of ways, which includes, but is not limited to as shown in the Figures.

Folding backpack apparatus 100 preferably further includes side flaps 155 that are generally connected to front flap 135 at a common connection point 160 and preferably wrap around main body 105 to respective connection points 165 on rear flap 140. In a typical embodiment, rear connection points 165 are hook and loop fasteners such that side flaps 155 may be connected to, and disconnected from, the rear flap 140, as discussed further in the description below. Side flaps 155, as well as various other locations along main body 105, may additionally include additional storage pockets 170 as needed or desired. Folding backpack apparatus 100 preferably further includes one or more bag 190, which may or may not be sealable, such as with zippers, hook and loop fasteners, drawstrings, or the like for containing articles to be carried in folding backpack apparatus 100. Bag 190 preferably operates to reduce clutter of articles disposed within folding backpack apparatus 100 and preferably keeps such articles organized and reduces loss of articles, especially when folding backpack apparatus 100 is unfolded to form comfort pad 200, as described in detail below. Bag 195 may be insulated, such as for storage of food, medicine or the like that requires storage at a temperature above or below an ambient temperature. It is particularly useful to include insulation in bag 195 when picnicking with folding backpack apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of folding backpack apparatus 100 in a closed position. As is appreciated further in the description below, front and rear flaps 135, 140 are preferably contiguously connected such that a bottom 175 of folding backpack apparatus 100 is preferably formed from such contiguous connection. Side flaps 155 preferably function as side walls of folding backpack apparatus 100, and front and rear flaps 135, 140 preferably function as front and rear walls of folding backpack apparatus 100, thereby forming self-contained hollow interior 110.

Folding backpack apparatus 100 may advantageously be converted into comfort pad apparatus 200 (see FIGS. 3-8), preferably by opening buckles 150 to generally separate front and rear flaps 135, 140, and preferably by detaching side flaps 155 from connection points 165 on rear flap 140. By opening buckles 150 and detaching side flaps 155 in this way, front and rear flaps 135, 140 are preferably open, thereby generally enabling dismantling via unfolding of folding backpack apparatus 100, and thereby transforming folding backpack apparatus 100 into comfort pad apparatus 200. The details of the transformation and conversion from the backpack apparatus 100 to the comfort pad apparatus 200 are now described.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of comfort pad apparatus 200 formed from by manipulating folding backpack apparatus 100. In a typical implementation, front and rear flaps 135, 140 are preferably folded from one another so that they are preferably oriented 180° with respect to one another and so that front and rear flaps 135, 140 lay flat on a surface, such as the ground. Side flaps 155 may be advantageously laid open on the surface, preferably generally perpendicular to front and rear flaps 135, 140. When front flap 135 is first unfolded, front short flap 136 preferably remains in the inward folded position as described above. Similarly, when rear flap 140 is first unfolded, rear short flap 141 preferably remains in the inward folded position as described above. It is understood that the flaps, such as rear flap 140, may be folded in a variety of ways. The orientation illustrated in FIG. 4, and in all the Figures, is for exemplary purposes only. Upper and lower straps 146, 147 preferably remain at least partially exposed. Shoulder straps 120 are advantageously fully covered in this first open position. Contents 115, shown as a pillow 115, are shown for illustrative purposes. In general, comfort pad apparatus 200 is preferably arranged about longitudinal axis 250 toward which, and away from which, the folding generally occurs as described further below.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of comfort pad apparatus 200, formed from folding backpack apparatus 100, in a second open position. In the second position front and rear short flaps 136, 141 are preferably further folded outwards along axis 250, which advantageously covers upper and lower straps 146, 147. When in this partially unfolded second position, comfort pad apparatus 200 preferably includes two elongate folded-over portions 205, 210, each having width w and length L.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of comfort pad apparatus 200, formed from an embodiment of folding backpack apparatus 100, in a third open position. In this third open position, elongate folded-over portions 205, 210 have preferably been further unfolded away from axis 250 such that folded-over portions 205, 210 now each preferably have width 2w, or a width generally twice their original width, thereby increasing the width of comfort pad apparatus 200 by a factor of two. Side flaps 155 are preferably further covered by unfolding folded-over portions 205, 210. Optionally, one or both of folded-over portions 205, 210 may include additional pockets 215 and/or straps 220.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of comfort pad apparatus 200, formed from an embodiment of folding backpack apparatus 100, in a fourth open position. In this fourth open position, folded-over portions 205, 210 have preferably been further unfolded away from axis 250 to form folded-over portions 205, 210, now each having a width 4w, that is to say generally twice the previous folded width 2w, i.e. at the third open position, and four times the original width w. Comfort pad apparatus 200 is preferably generally planar when in this fourth and fully unfolded and open position, and generally rectangular or square.

Contents 115, illustrated as a pillow, have advantageously been placed at a head position on comfort pad apparatus 200, in order to illustrate that comfort pad apparatus 200 may optionally be used as a pad for lounging, sitting, lying down or the like. In a typical embodiment, upper surface 225 of comfort pad apparatus 200 is preferably lined with a warm soft material such as fleece or other suitable material. Comfort pad apparatus 200 may optionally further include border 230, and, in one implementation, border 230 may be a raised border in order to prevent or reduce items rolling off upper surface 225. Opening 291 is preferably included along longitudinal axis 250, disposed in a central location on upper surface 225 of comfort pad apparatus 200. Opening 291 is preferably releasably sealable via closure means 293, such as a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, snaps, buttons, or the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of an embodiment of comfort pad apparatus 200 as unfolded fully and defined from an embodiment of folding backpack apparatus 100, in a fifth open position. This bottom plan view illustrates that components of the backpack apparatus 100, that is, shoulder straps 120, upper and lower straps 146, 147, side flaps 155, pockets 130, pad 170, connection points 165, pockets 215, and/or straps 220, are all preferably located on the lower surface 235 of comfort pad apparatus 200. In a typical embodiment, the lower surface 235 is preferably formed as a durable, weather-resistant material, such as vinyl, nylon, or other suitable material. In still another implementation, an insulating layer (not shown) may optionally be interposed between upper and lower surfaces 225,235, respectively, to provide further thermal insulation between the user positioned atop comfort pad apparatus 200 and the ground, to insulate the user from uncomfortable temperatures. Opening 295 is preferably included centrally on lower surface 235 of comfort pad apparatus 200, preferably opposite opening 291. Opening 295 is preferably similarly releasably sealable via closure means 297, such as a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, snaps, buttons, or the like.

When both opening 291 and opening 295 are open, as shown in FIG. 10, hood 299 is preferably accessible. Hood 299 preferably extends from a space between upper surface 225 and lower surface 235, preferably has a durable and/or weather-resistant outer layer, such as nylon or the like, and preferably has a soft and/or insulating inner layer, such as fleece, cotton, or the like. Hood 299 is preferably connected to one or more of top layer 225 and bottom layer 235 between top layer 225 and bottom layer 235 to prevent loss thereof and to prevent rain from reaching top layer 225 and/or a user. The user may preferably pass comfort pad 200 over the user's head, whereby the user's head, protruding through openings 291, 295, may preferably be covered by hood 299. Thus, comfort pad 200 may be used as a poncho to protect a user against inclement weather and/or to help keep the user warm or protected from the sun if needed or desired.

As indicated above, comfort pad apparatus 200 may preferably be converted into backpack apparatus 100, generally by following the same steps described above in reverse. In general, in the fully unfolded or open position, such as illustrated in FIG. 7, comfort pad apparatus 200 preferably has overall length L and preferably has a width 2W, with two elongate portions 205, 210. The two elongate portions 205, 210 can be folded in half toward the axis 250, such that folded-over elongate portions 205, 210 now each have width ½W, such as is illustrated in FIG. 6. Folded-over portions 205, 210 may preferably be further folded in half toward axis 250, such that the folded-over portions 205, 210 now each preferably have width ¼W, such as is illustrated in FIG. 5, thereby exposing side flaps 155.

Front short flap 136 and rear short flap 141 may preferably both be partially folded over along axis 250 as illustrated in FIG. 4, thereby exposing the upper and lower straps 146, 147. Folding backpack apparatus 100 may thus preferably be assembled by folding front and rear flaps 135, 140 about the bottom 175 and toward one another, and by connecting side flaps 155 at connection points 165. Upper and lower buckles 146, 147 may further preferably be connected together to complete the assembly and closure of folding backpack apparatus 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and in FIG. 9. It is, therefore, appreciated that comfort pad apparatus 200 may preferably be advantageously folded according to a preset folding pattern, thereby reducing the area that it occupies, and forming a compact package. Furthermore, comfort pad apparatus 200 in its folded orientation forms front and rear walls, 135, 140, respectively, as well as the bottom portion 175, of the backpack apparatus 100.

In general, it is appreciated that a backpack has been described as an exemplary embodiment. It is understood that other types of carrying packs are contemplated, including, but not limited to messenger bags, and other dual or single strap bags.

It is further appreciated that the folding pattern of the comfort pad has been described in a specific folding pattern for illustrative purposes only. It is appreciated that other folding patterns are contemplated.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A comfort pad apparatus for conversion into a carrying pack or a garment, the comfort pad apparatus comprising: a planar pad having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a central longitudinal axis extending in a length direction; a set of shoulder straps connected to said lower surface and straddling said longitudinal axis of said planar pad; at least one closure strap connected to said lower surface and disposed proximate said longitudinal axis and proximate a peripheral edge of said planar pad; a set of side flaps each connected to said lower surface at said longitudinal axis; and an opening disposed in said planar pad disposed therethrough.

2. The comfort pad apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper surface comprises an insulating lining.

3. The comfort pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lower surface comprises at least one of a water-repellent material and a water-impermeable material.

4. The comfort pad apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hood disposed proximate said opening.

5. The comfort pad apparatus of claim 4, wherein said hood is disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface, and wherein said hood comprises an outer surface disposed proximate said lower surface, said outer surface being at least one of durable, water-repellent, water-impermeable, and wind-resistant.

6. The comfort pad apparatus of claim 4, wherein said hood is disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface, and wherein said hood comprises an inner surface disposed proximate said upper surface, said inner surface being at least one of soft, thermally-insulating, and breathable.

7. The comfort pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said opening is releasably sealable via closure means.

8. The comfort pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein said opening comprises a first opening disposed through said upper surface, and a second opening disposed through said lower surface.

9. The comfort pad apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one closure means for releasable closing at least one of said first opening and said second opening.

10. A method for converting between a carrying pack and a garment, the method comprising the steps of: unfolding a carrying pack, said carrying pack comprising a substantially unitary sheet of material; and utilizing an opening disposed through said unitary sheet of material to form a garment adapted to be worn by a user.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said step of utilizing comprises releasing at least one releasably sealable closure means associated with at least one opening formed in said unitary sheet.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of disposing at least a portion of a body of a user through said opening to wear said garment.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least a portion of a body of a user comprises a head of a user, and wherein said garment comprises a poncho.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of covering the head of the user with a hood, said hood being disposed on said garment.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of extracting a hood from within said comfort pad through said opening.

16. A method for converting between a comfort pad and a garment, the method comprising the steps of: releasing at least one releasably sealable closure means of at least one opening to form an opening disposed through said comfort pad; and extracting a hood from an enclosed portion of said comfort pad, said hood being disposed proximate said opening to form a garment.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of disposing said garment on a user such that at least a portion of a body of the user is disposed through said opening.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said enclosed portion is a space between a first surface of said comfort pad and a second opposite surface of said comfort pad, and wherein the step of extracting comprises removing said hood from said space through said opening.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of releasing comprising releasing a first releasably sealable closure device operably associated with a first opening in a first surface of said comfort pad, and releasing a second releasably sealable closure device operably associated with a second opening in a second surface of said comfort pad, said second opening disposed proximate said first opening.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of extracting comprises pushing at least a portion of a body of a user through said opening to contact at least a portion of said hood disposed within said opening and pushing said hood through said opening, thereby extracting said hood from within said opening.