The present invention generally relates to portable and convertible backpacks and/or child carriers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable, interchangeable and multipurpose backpack providing enhanced storage and a carrier for holding a child.
Backpacks are commonly used to carry articles or items. Backpacks are preferred as they do not occupy the hands of a user and do not strain the user's hands. Young mothers carrying children face considerable physical prowess and balance challenges in carrying both the child and the backpack.
Several attempts have been made in the past to address the above problem by combining backpacks and child carriers. One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 9,295,341, entitled “Convertible Bag and Child carrier” (“the '341 Patent”). The '341 Patent discloses a convertible bag with storage compartments, pockets, and bottle compartments for carrying diapers, bottles, childcare supplies, or other general items. The bag can convert into a sling for carrying a child. The storage compartments, pockets, and bottle compartments of the convertible bag can still be accessed by a user even when a child is being carried in the converted sling configuration.
Another example is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 20170238722, entitled “A Baby Carrier” (“the '722 Publication”). The '722 Publication discloses a multi-functional baby carrier that transitions seamlessly from one mode to another to allow the carrying of a child from new-born baby through to a toddler wherein the main body forms an adjustable seat width position to address ergonomic concerns when in a particular carrying mode. The main body portion also comprises a hands through pouch configured to allow a wearer to pass their hands through for additional support when carrying the child. The insert includes an adjustable length back support and is configured to engage with the main body of a multi-functional baby carrier without requirement of separate fasteners to retain the insert within the main body of the multi-functional baby carrier.
Although the above discussed disclosures are successful in combining backpacks and child carriers, they have few problems. For example, the user must carry a separate bag for storing the child carriers in addition to the backpack, which can be cumbersome. Further, they are not easy to install and uninstall.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved backpack that has the features of a backpack and a child carrier and requires no separate bags to carry them.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a backpack having the features of a backpack and a child carrier and that avoids the drawback of known convertible bag and child carriers.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable, interchangeable and multipurpose backpack providing enhanced storage and a carrier for holding a child.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a backpack having the features of a backpack and a child carrier that allows the user to have balance and control while carrying the backpack and the child.
In order to overcome the limitations here stated, the present invention provides a portable, interchangeable and multipurpose backpack. The backpack includes a back plate, a face plate and a front plate. The back plate includes a first receptacle for storing articles or items. The back plate includes a first access section such as a cover flip that allows access to the first receptacle. The back plate includes shoulder straps that allow a user to put on the back plate as a backpack. Further, the back plate includes strap openings for receiving connecting straps for connecting the front plate to the back plate.
Further, the back plate includes a face plate receiving section. The face plate receiving section receives the face plate, via a zipper, for example. The face plate includes a second receptacle for storing articles or items. The face plate includes a second access section such as a cover flip that allows access to the second receptacle. The face plate includes shoulder straps that allow a user to put on the face plate as a (separate) backpack.
The front plate includes straps that connect to the back plate. The front plate connects to the back plate and allows it to be used as a child carrier with the back plate. Here, the user The user places a child in a child receiving portion i.e., between his body and the front plate for use as a carrier for holding a child.
In one advantageous feature of the present invention, each of the back plate, the face plate and the front plate includes one or more portable storage compartments. The portable storage compartments allow to store smaller items.
In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the user can interchange the back plate, the face plate and the front plate and use them as a backpack or child carrier depending on the need. In one implementation, the user can use the back plate alone as a backpack. In another implementation, the user can use the face plate alone as a backpack. Additionally, the user can connect the face plate to the back plate and use them as a single (combinational) backpack with multiple receptacles i.e., first and second receptacles. Further, the user can connect the front plate to the back plate or the face plate to convert the backpack for use as a backpack and a child carrier.
In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the user folds and stores the front plate in one of the back plate and the face plate thereby saving space when it is not needed. This allows the backpack to be portable and easy to carry without the need for separate bags.
Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGUREs. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.
The present subject matter will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the subject matter so as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter. It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. Notably, the FIGUREs and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present subject matter to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed backpack. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed backpack.
In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the subject matter preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present subject matter encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.
Although the present disclosure provides a description of a portable, interchangeable and multipurpose backpack, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the backpack. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
It should be understood that the present invention describes a portable, interchangeable and multipurpose backpack providing enhanced storage and a carrier for holding a child. The backpack includes a back plate having a first receptacle for storing items. The back plate includes a face plate receiving section. Further, the back plate includes connecting straps drawing through strap openings. The back plate includes shoulder straps. The backpack includes a face plate having a second receptacle for storing items. The face plate connects to the back plate at the face plate receiving section. The backpack further includes a front plate having front plate strap connectors and top straps. A user puts on the first shoulder straps over his shoulder to use the back plate as a backpack. The front plate strap connectors connect to the connecting straps, and the top straps connect to the first shoulder straps creating a child receiving portion. The user places a child between said back plate and said front plate for use as a carrier for holding a child.
Various features and embodiments of a portable, interchangeable and multipurpose backpack providing enhanced storage and a carrier for holding a child are explained in conjunction with the description of
The present invention discloses a portable, interchangeable and multipurpose backpack providing enhanced storage and a carrier for holding a child, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
Further, back plate 16 includes first access section 40. Here, first access section 40 includes a cover flap, slit or any other mode of accessing first receptacle 32. In some embodiments, first receptacle 32 and/or first access section 40 encompasses other mechanisms such as snaps, hook and loops, buttons, magnets, zippers, or any other known and/or convenient fastening mechanisms for selectively engaging to close i.e., allowing and restricting access to first receptacle 32.
In one embodiment, back plate 16 provides one or more first portable storage compartments 42. In one example, one or more first portable storage compartments 42 position at bottom end 30 (
Each of one or more first portable storage compartments 42 encompasses opening 44 for receiving the items. Each of one or more first portable storage compartments 42 includes second access section 43. Second access section 43 includes a cover flap, slit or any other mode of accessing first portable storage compartment 42 through opening 44. In one embodiment, first portable storage compartments 42 encompass zipper 45 to close first portable storage compartments 42. In some embodiments, first portable storage compartments 42 encompass other mechanisms such as snaps, hook and loops, buttons, magnets, zippers, or any other known and/or convenient fastening mechanisms for selectively engaging to close storage compartments 42.
Further, face plate 18 includes third access section 72. Here, third access section 72 includes a cover flap, slit or any other mode of accessing second receptacle 66. In some embodiments, second receptacle 66 and/or third access section 72 encompasses other mechanisms such as snaps, hook and loops, buttons, magnets, zippers, or any other known and/or convenient fastening mechanisms for selectively engaging to close second receptacle 66.
In one embodiment, face plate 18 provides second portable storage compartment 74 at third end 59 (
Face plate 18 presents second shoulder straps 76 (
A person skilled in the art understands that back plate 16 and face plate 18 when connected together provide additional space for storage through respective first receptacle 32 and second receptacle 66. Further, back plate 16 and face plate 18 take the shape of a backpack and allows user 14 to use them as a backpack with additional storage (
In addition, front plate 20 includes third portable storage compartment 92 at fifth end 80 (
From the above, a person skilled in the art understands that back plate 16 can be used as a standalone backpack. Further, face plate 18 can connect to back plate 16 and allow user 14 to use it as an alternate backpack with additional storage with first receptacle 32 and second receptacle 66. In one example user 14 can fold and store front plate 20 in first receptacle 32 and/or second receptacle 66.
When needed, user 14 can use front plate 20 and connect to back plate 16 such that he can use back plate 16 as a backpack and front plate 20 as a carrier (or child carrier) for holding a child. This allows backpack 12 to provide dual-functionality of carrying items with back plate 16 and holding child 22 with the help of front plate 20. Additionally, user 14 can connect face plate 18 to back plate 16 and store more items in second receptacle 66 (
Although it is shown that front plate 20 connects to back plate 16, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art to provide second shoulder straps 76 with a buckle on face plate 18 that connects to top straps 98 of front plate 20. In such an implementation, connecting straps 94 position at fourth end 60 of face plate 18 (similar to connecting straps 94 on back plate 16) for connecting front plate 20 directly to face plate 18. Here, user 14 puts on face plate 18 on his shoulders using second shoulder straps 76 (
When it is not required to use front plate 20 for holding child 22, then user 14 uninstalls front plate 20 from back plate 16 or face plate 18 and stores front plate 20 in one of back plate 16 and face plate 18. This saves space and ensures no additional bags are needed to carry the child carrier. Further, user 14 can retain the shape of back plate 16 or face plate 18 and bear the weight of backpack 12 and its contents without any discomfort. Further, this ensures backpack 12 is portable and easy to carry without the need for separate bags.
Based on the above, a person skilled in the art understands that the presently disclosed backpack provides enhanced storage with both back plate and face plate and a carrier i.e., front plate connecting the back plate or face plate for holding a child.
Replaceable backpack straps 112 on the backplate solves a problem with backpack straps for large people and short people. With the addition of replaceable straps onto the back of backpack 110, a person 5′0″ could purchase a small pair and a 6′0″ could purchase a large pair. So, basically, backpack 110 may be with sewn on straps 112 as one embodiment and as well as providing for the manufacture of backpack 110 with a totally “pick-and-put-on” configuration. As such, a student will be able to walk in a store or go online and choose the three different parts of backpack 110 and put them together (backplate, faceplate, straps).
In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
It shall be appreciated that the components of the backpack described in several embodiments herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any colour, size and/or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of the backpack described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field. In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but is nevertheless a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. The claimed subject matter set forth in the claims may not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed subject matter.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/100,417, filed Mar. 12, 2020; all of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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9295341 | Sonnenberg | Mar 2016 | B2 |
9439516 | Workman | Sep 2016 | B2 |
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Number | Date | Country |
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H0679322 | Nov 1994 | JP |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20210274919 A1 | Sep 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63100417 | Mar 2020 | US |