The present invention will become more rally understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
The present invention is directed to a transformable vehicle shaped backpack that can be many different shapes, such as, for example, cars, taxies, military vehicles, and fire trucks. As will be clear from the detailed description, the vehicle shaped backpacks are not limited to just the vehicle shapes shown as there are a myriad number of vehicles to choose from. The exemplary embodiments described below are intended to show, but not limit, the many different configurations that can be used to provide a transformable vehicle shaped backpack. Whenever possible, features common to all embodiments have been given the same reference character.
A vehicle shaped backpack 100 in the form of a car, such as a Volkswagen Beetle®, is shown in
The vehicle shaped backpack 100 also includes two fasteners 130 and 132, each attached to opposed ends 118, 119 of the hollow body portion 110. A first strap 140 having first and second connectors 142, 144, are detachably connected to fasteners 130, 132, respectively. A second strap 150 having first and second connectors 152, 154 may also be detachably connected to fasteners 130, 132, respectively. Straps 140, 150 may be adjustable length, such as by providing a buckle for adjustment of the length of the strap in a known manner, or of fixed length.
Straps 140, 150 can both be detached from the hollow body portion 110 leaving the first connector 142 of the first strap 140 attached to one of the fasteners 130, 132. The second strap 150 can be attached to the first strap 140 by connecting either the first or second connector 152, 154 of the second strap 150 to the second connector 144 of the first strap 140 in order to link them together. Thus, the straps in the present invention have a dual function of acting as backpack straps and as the cord for the backpack 100 in its pull-toy mode.
Although two fasteners 130, 132 are provided for backpack 100 in
In this first exemplary embodiment, the transportation element 120 extends below the bottom surface 114 and is formed integral with the hollow body portion 110. The transportation element may be formed as part of the hollow body as seen in
As seen in
To convert the backpack 100 to a pull-toy as seen in
A taxi shaped backpack 200 is shown in
As seen in
The accessories 220 can be stick-on labels, which come with the backpack and the child can affix to the hollow body portion 110. Alternatively, they could be permanently affixed to the backpack 200.
A military type vehicle backpack 300 is shown in
As seen in
Having described, but not limited, the present invention to several different vehicle shapes, several additional features can be provided or modified to create a more realistic appearance to the vehicle shaped backpacks without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Generally, all of the foregoing backpacks can be made of soft material such as cloth, canvas, nylon, and/or other fabric. Alternatively, the vehicle backpack can be made from a hard plastic material. In addition, portions of the vehicle could be made from different materials. For example, the wheels of each of the backpack can be made from a hard material, such as plastic, metal, or wood. This will help enable the vehicle to act as a pull-toy. However, it is possible that the entire vehicle will be made completely from cloth and rather than roll, the wheels would slide along.
Although the closures means have been shown to be located at the hood and/or the trunk, the closure means could be located at any suitable location including the bumpers or doors. It is expected, however, that the closure would be at the front end of the vehicle in order to prevent items from falling from the backpack when in use. By opening the closure at the front end of the vehicle, it is possible to insert and remove material from the backpack.
Side pockets can be provided around the area of the door. Then, small dolls or other items could be inserted into these side pockets as if they are entering the vehicle through the door. A separate compartment is also possible for the trunk and/or engine area.
While the straps have been discussed as being removable, it is possible that they may remain attached at the front of the vehicle, while only the rear portions of the straps are removable. By keeping the straps at least partially affixed to the vehicle, this reduces the chance that they may be lost. A single strap and an appropriate loop fastener may instead be provided at the front of the vehicle. By pulling one end of the strap, it would slide through the loop fastener to provide one long strap that remains affixed to the vehicle. Many different arrangements are available.
In the various views, the vehicles are shown with lights. These can be merely painted or sewn on the vehicle, or they can be workable lights. For example, the headlights and taillights of the car can illuminate. The taxi light on the top of the taxi can illuminate, or the siren on the fire truck can illuminate. In addition, a device for providing sound effects, such as a siren, horn, or other desired effects can be included in the backpack. It is contemplated that this would be sewn or otherwise permanently affixed within the backpack. Appropriate activation means could be provided.
The backpacks can have bumpers and fenders as well. These could be painted on the vehicle or additional pieces can be added. For example, the military vehicle could also have a sewn on, plastic front grill. Different add-on equipment is contemplated. The indicia also provided on the vehicles can vary. For example, a camouflage covering could be used for the military vehicle.
Finally, while the transportation element of the vehicle backpack has been shown as wheels, it is contemplated that other transportation elements may be provided. For example, the transportation element may be skids, runners, or treads, but is not so limited, that will enable the backpack to be pulled like a pull-toy.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/816,317, filed Jun. 26, 2006, and is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60816317 | Jun 2006 | US |