Backpack with expandable area

Abstract

A backpack includes a backpack body comprising first and second panels cooperating to substantially form a first compartment therebetween; an expandable compartment configured for housing an object, the expandable compartment including first and second areas cooperating with each other; the first area being connected to the backpack body, the first area having two end portions, each end portion comprising a protrusion, and the first area having a fold line approximately along its center, the second area comprising three regions configured to cooperate with each other; and a cord capable of cooperating with the second area for facilitating the cooperation of the three regions. The shape of the protrusions of the end portions prevent the visibility of the first area to a user when the compartment is in an unexpanded configuration. When the compartment is in the unexpanded configuration, approximately half of the first area abuts the second area and approximately half of the material of the first area abuts the first panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to backpacks and more particularly to backpacks with expandable compartments. BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0002] Backpacks are designed in various sizes and shapes. Some have multiple pockets and are designed to accommodate various articles of various sizes. The helmet design and manufacturing industry strives to provide protective and attractive helmets for cyclists. Since helmets can be awkward to carry when not being worn, some backpacks are designed to accommodate cyclists' helmets. [0003] One concern in designing backpacks is efficient use of space. Backpacks should be designed such that they are no larger than required yet can store many objects in that space. Expandable compartments are typically used to serve this purpose. When they are not in use, the expandable compartments are typically zipped shut and do not take up that much extra space. [0004] Conventional expandable compartments suffer from som...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the backpack includes an expandable compartment. The outer portion of the expandable compartment is divided into three regions. The two outer regions are held to the inner region by use of an expandable cord. They are attached to a perimeter member which is attached to the backpack body. The perimeter member surrounds the compartment approximately three-fourths of the way around. The division of the outer panel into three regions permits expansion and contraction of the pocket without bundling. Thus, this division into three regions permits the expandable compartment to effectively and aesthetically accommodate objects of various sizes and shapes. It is particularly suitable for cyclist helmets.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the cord is attached to a hook feature on the backpack body. This attachment allows the harnessing of the object in the expandable compartment from becoming dislodged through the top open portion of the compartment.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the perimeter panel folds in the shape of a “V” when viewed in cross-section. This permits optimal contraction of the expandable pocket and conserves space.

Problems solved by technology

Since helmets can be awkward to carry when not being worn, some backpacks are designed to accommodate cyclists' helmets.

Conventional expandable compartments suffer from some problems.

First, typically the material around the perimeter of the pocket which allows the expansion is such that it does not permit an easy compression of the pocket when the pocket will be zipped close.

The one outer panel is typically flat and may not efficiently and aesthetically accommodate items of various sizes and shapes.

Moreover, this outer panel typically is attached to the backpack on all of its (the outer panel's) sides, and this contributes to the lack of such various size accommodation.

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