Backpack and panel for the backpack

Abstract

This invention discloses a panel that can be attached to a backpack body. The panel has at least one through-hole to allow air to flow into a gap defined between the panel and the backpack body. A ventilation device can be mounted to the panel, wherein an outer portion of the ventilation device extends forward from the panel and an inner portion of the ventilation device is positioned within the gap. The ventilation device allows air to flow through the at least one through-hole into the gap and into one or more inlets of the inner portion. The ventilation device allows air to exit through one or more outlets of the outer portion.

Description

Cooling backpack This invention generally relates to backpacks, and more specifically to backpacks designed for heat dissipation. A backpack has one or more forward surfaces that are adjacent to and may press against the back of the human wearer, causing heat to be trapped along the wearer's back. This heat may cause the wearer to sweat, which may wet and soil the forward surfaces of the backpack. The heat may also cause discomfort to the wearer. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a backpack includes a backpack body, a front panel, and a ventilation device. The front panel is attached to the backpack body. At least one through-hole is formed in the front panel to allow air to flow into a gap defined between the front panel and the backpack body. The front panel has a forward profile surface including at least one forward-extending ridge. When a wearer wears the backpack, the at least one forward-extending ridge rests on the wearer's back to space a recessed portion of the front panel from the wearer's back. The ventilation device can be mounted in the recessed portion of the front panel. When the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, an outer portion of the ventilation device extends forward from the front panel. When the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, an inner portion of the ventilation device is positioned within the gap. When the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, the inner portion includes one or more inlets positioned within the gap. When the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, the outer portion includes one or more outlets positioned within the recessed portion. When the ventilation device is in operation and installed in the recessed portion, the ventilation device allows air to flow through the at least one through-hole into the gap and into the one or more inlets. When the ventilation device is in operation and installed in the recessed portion, the ventilation device allows air to flow out of the one or more outlets. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a panel for a backpack including a backpack body includes a peripheral portion, at least one inlet hole, at least one forward-extending ridge, and at least one through hole. The peripheral portion is attachable to the backpack body. The at least one inlet hole is positioned along the peripheral portion to allow airflow through it and into an air gap defined between the panel and the backpack body when the peripheral portion is attached to the backpack body. The at least one forward-extending ridge defines a recessed portion. The at least one through hole is formed in the recessed portion. A ventilation device can be installed in the at least one through hole, wherein an outlet portion of the ventilation device is positioned forward of the recessed portion, and an inlet portion of the ventilation device is positioned backward of the recessed portion in the air gap. When the ventilation device is installed in the at least one through hole and is in operation, the inlet portion receives air through the at least one inlet hole, and the outlet portion outputs the air. Figure 1 illustrates a backpack 10 configured to be worn on the back 12 of a human user or wearer 14, and to aid in heat dissipation along the wearer's back 12 when worn. The backpack 10 includes shoulder straps 18A and 18B, a backpack body 20, a front panel 22, one or more ventilation devices 24 (see Figures 2 and 4 through 7), and electrical components 26 (see Figures 6 and 7). When the wearer 14 wears the backpack 10, the front panel 22 (e.g., a back pad) is positioned adjacent to the wearer 14's back 12. At least a portion of the front panel 22 is in contact with the wearer 14's back 12. The backpack body 20 may have a bag-like shape, having an internal compartment (not shown) for storing items and at least one closure 28 (e.g., a zipper) providing access to and closing of the internal compartment (not shown). Referring to FIG. 2, the front panel 22 has a front profile surface 30 including a peripheral portion 32. At least a portion of the peripheral portion 32 is attached to the backpack body 20. One or more through holes 34 are formed in the peripheral portion 32. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the through holes 34 include through holes 34A to 34H. Referring to FIG. 2, the through holes 34 may extend along an outer periphery 36 of the front panel 22 and may at least partially surround a ventilation device 24. In the illustrated embodiment, both the through holes 34 and the ventilation device 24 are located in a lower half of the front panel 22. The through holes 34 allow air to flow into an air gap 38 defined between the front panel 22 and the backpack body 20. The contoured surface 30 has a first conical portion 40 at least partially positioned above the ventilation device 24 and a second conical portion 42 at least partially positioned below the ventilation device 24. The first conical portion 40 includes an upper ridge 44, which may have an outer uppermost shape that follows or corresponds to an upper portion of the outer periphery 36. The second conical portion 42 includes a lower ridge 46, which may have a shape that follows or corresponds to a lower portion of the outer periphery 36. A recessed portion 50 is defined between the first conical portion 40 and the second conical portion 42. The first conical portion 40 includes a stepped portion 51A extending from the recessed portion 50 to the upper ridge 44. Similarly, the second conical portion 42 includes a stepped portion 51B extending from the recessed portion 50 to the lower ridge 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the stepped portion 51A includes four steps and the stepped portion 51B includes two steps. However, the upper ridge 44 can be characterized as the fifth step of the stepped portion 51A and the lower ridge 46 can be characterized as the third step of the stepped portion 51B. The recessed portion 50 is positioned between the first conical portion 40 and the second conical portion 42 and is rearward relative to the upper ridge 44 and the lower ridge 46. When the backpack 10 is worn by the wearer 14 (see FIG. 1), the upper ridge 44 and the lower ridge 46 can contact the wearer's back 12 (see FIG. 1) and space the recessed portion 50 of the contour surface 30 from the wearer's back 12. In addition, at least portions of the stepped portions 51A and 51B near the recessed portion 50 can also be spaced from the wearer's back 12 to facilitate airflow. The upper ridge 44 and the lower ridge 46 can help to at least partially trap the flowing air within the recessed portion 50. This trapped air can escape from the recessed portion 50 by traveling between the first conical portion 40 and the second conical portion 42 toward the outer periphery 36 via the sides 56A and 56B. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper ridge 44 has a generally C-shaped shape with a downward opening, while the lower ridge 46 has a generally C-shaped shape with an upward opening. The downward opening in the shape of the upper ridge 44 and the upward opening in the shape of the lower ridge 46 are juxtaposed. As the upper ridge 44 extends upward away from the downward opening in its shape, the upper ridge 44 tapers forward away from the backpack body 20. Similarly, as the lower ridge 46 extends downward away from the downward opening in its shape, the lower ridge 46 tapers forward away from the backpack body 20. Therefore, one of the rearmost portions of the front panel 22 can be positioned in the recessed portion 50. The upper ridge 44 and the lower ridge 46 are spaced apart from each other, with the ventilation device 24 positioned between them. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation device 24 is at least partially nested within the upwardly opening outer C-shape of the lower ridge 46. Alternatively or additionally, the ventilation device 24 may be at least partially nested within the downwardly opening outer C-shape of the upper ridge 44. As another non-limiting example, the ventilation device 24 may be spaced apart from or positioned outside one or both of the outer C-shapes defined by the upper ridge 44 and the lower ridge 46, respectively. The peripheral portion 32 extends along the outer periphery 36 and around the first tapered portion 40 and the second tapered portion 42. The peripheral portion 32 has an outer surface 52 that can be profiled and can be tilted rearward toward the outer periphery 36. In the illustrated embodiment, a through-hole 34 is formed in the peripheral portion 32 and configured to define a generally C-shaped shape. The through-hole 34 may extend upward from a position adjacent to a bottom portion 54 of the outer periphery 36 along both sides 56A and 56B of the outer periphery 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole 34 may extend upward along both sides 56A and 56B to a position above the ventilation device 24. Therefore, the ventilation device 24 may be at least partially nested within the generally C-shaped interior defined by the through-hole 34. The through-hole 34 may have different sizes (e.g., different surface areas). As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, the recessed portion 50 extends outward toward the sides 56A and 56B of the outer periphery 36 between the first tapered portion 40 and the second tapered portion 42. Referring to FIG3, at least one through-hole 60 may be formed in the recessed portion 50 of the front panel 22 at a location spaced inward from the sides 56A and 56B of the outer periphery 36. Referring to FIG2, ventilation devices 24 may be installed inside the through-hole 60 (see FIG3), with one external or outlet portion 62 of each of the ventilation devices 24 extending outward toward the wearer's back 12 from the through-hole 60 (see FIG1), and one internal or inlet portion 64 of each of the ventilation devices 24 (see FIG4) extending inward from the through-hole 60 into a gap 38 defined between the front panel 22 and the backpack body 20 (see FIG1 and FIG2) (see FIG2). Each ventilation device 24 may include a housing 66 mounted in one of the through-holes 60 (see FIG. 3). The outlet portion 62 of the housing 66 of each of the ventilation devices 24 may have a flat surface 68. The flat surface 68 may be positioned rearward relative to the foremost point of one of the upper ridge 44 and the lower ridge 46. Alternatively, the flat surface 68 may be positioned to contact the back 12 (see FIG. 1) of the wearer 14 (see FIG. 1). For example, the flat surface 68 may be flush with the upper ridge 44 and / or the lower ridge 46. Referring to Figure 4, the ventilation device 24 may be implemented as one or more fans. Each of the ventilation devices 24 has one or more air inlets 70 formed in the inlet portion 64, which draw air into the ventilation device 24 through the gap 38 (see Figures 2 and 5). Air may flow through the through-hole 34, enter the gap 38, and enter the interior of one of the ventilation devices 24 through the air inlet 70. Referring to Figure 2, the ventilation device 24 has one or more air outlets 72 formed in the outlet portion 62, which move air upward or vertically (e.g., blowing) from the interior of the ventilation device 24 along the contour surface 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet 72 is positioned along the top of the ventilation device 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation device 24 and electrical component 26 (see Figures 6 and 7) form a sub-assembly housed within the housing 66. The housing 66, including the ventilation device 24 and electrical component 26, can be removed and separated from the through-hole 60 (see Figure 3). In other words, the ventilation device 24 and electrical component 26 can be removed as a unit from the rest of the backpack 10 (e.g., the backpack body 20 and the front panel 22). Referring to Figure 8, after the housing 66 (see Figure 2) is removed from the through-hole 60, a cover 74 can be inserted into the through-hole 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole 60 is defined by an inner peripheral edge 76. Recesses 78A to 78D are formed in the peripheral edge 76. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG8, the cover 74 includes a cover portion 80 that is larger than and does not pass through the through-hole 60. The cover portion 80 has a rearward surface 82 (see FIG9) that is positioned adjacent to a portion of the recessed portion 50 surrounding the through-hole 60. For example, the rearward surface 82 may press against the recessed portion 50. An attachment portion 84 extends away from the cover portion 80 and is configured to be received within the through-hole 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 84 has a generally cylindrical shape and is sized to be received within a generally circular through-hole. The attachment portion 84 includes outwardly extending tabs 86A to 86D, which are positioned to be received within and pass through recesses 78A to 78D, respectively. The cover 74 can then be rotated to position the tabs 86A to 86D such that they are no longer aligned with the recesses 78A to 78D, respectively, and cannot travel outward therefrom. In other words, tabs 86A to 86D can form a snap-fit ​​mounting between the cover 75 and the front panel 22. The cover 74 can be removed from the through-hole 60 by rotating the cover 74 to align tabs 86A to 86D with recesses 78A to 78D respectively, and pulling the attachment portion 84 of the cover 74 outward through the through-hole 60 until the cover 74 is detached from the front panel 22. After the cover 74 is removed from the through-hole 60, the housing 66 can be installed inside the through-hole 60. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, a ventilation device 24 (e.g., a fan) is positioned in the lower portion of the front panel 22, drawing one or more inlet airflows 90 through the through-hole 34 into the gap 38, and guiding one or more outlet airflows 92 outward in an upward direction. The outlet airflows 92 travel forward along the first conical portion 40 toward the upper ridge 44. In the illustrated embodiment, as the outlet airflows 92 travel toward the upper ridge 44, they may pass through the stepped portion 51. At least a first portion of the outlet airflows 92 may flow outward between the upper ridge 44 and the wearer's back 12 (see Figure 1). At least a second portion of the outlet airflows 92 may be guided downward toward the lower ridge 46 via the first conical portion 40, the stepped portion 51, and / or the upper ridge 44. The second portion of the outlet airflows 92 may flow within the recessed portion 50 and exit the recessed portion between the first conical portion 40 and the second conical portion 42. As mentioned above with reference to Figure 2, the upper spine 44 and lower spine 46 can contact the back 12 of the wearer 14 (see Figure 1) and space the recessed portion 50 of the contour surface 30 from the wearer's back 12. Therefore, the upper spine 44 and lower spine 46 reduce the surface area in contact with the wearer's back 12, which helps to reduce the amount of heat trapped between the front panel 22 and the wearer's back 12. Furthermore, a ventilation device 24 is positioned within the recessed portion 50 to help dissipate the heat trapped between the front panel 22 and the wearer's back 12. Therefore, the backpack 10 facilitates heat dissipation. The front panel 22 can be formed as a single piece of material or formed from that single piece of material. For example, the front panel 22 can be formed by vacuum forming, injection molding, etc. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the electrical components 26 of the backpack 10 (see Figures 1, 2, and 5) include a ventilation device 24, a controller 100 (e.g., a microcontroller), one or more switches or buttons 102, one or more indicators 104, an airflow control 106, one or more universal serial bus ("USB") ports 108, a fast charging protocol integrated circuit ("IC") 110, a DC-DC ("DC-DC") voltage drop circuit 112, and a power supply 114 (see Figure 7). In Figures 6 and 7, the USB port 108 (see Figure 6) includes an input USB port 116 and an output USB port 118. However, in some embodiments, the input USB port 116 and the output USB port 118 may be implemented as the same port. The controller 100 may be implemented as a microcontroller (e.g., a model S3C7031 microcontroller), a microprocessor, etc. The indicator 104 may be implemented as one or more light-emitting diodes ("LEDs"). The airflow control 106 can be implemented as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor ("MOSFET"), such as a 3400 type MOSFET. As a non-limiting example, IC 110 can be implemented as a USB power delivery controller (e.g., a ten-pin type HUSB238). Circuit 112 can be implemented as a switching regulator (e.g., a type MC34063). Referring to FIG7, power supply 114 can be implemented as one or more batteries. Referring to Figure 7, electrical component 26 may include a multi-stage speed control module connected to ventilation device 24. The multi-stage speed control module may include a speed control circuit including controller 100, an output interface including airflow control 106, and a switch circuit including button 102. In the illustrated embodiment, button 102 includes a single button S1, and ventilation device 24 includes one or more fans (e.g., a fan FAN1). Each time the single button S1 is pressed, controller 100 is operable to use airflow control 106 (e.g., by changing the fan speed) to change the airflow rate generated by the fans. For example, controller 100 may increase the airflow rate each time the single button S1 is pressed until a maximum flow rate is reached. Then, on the next press of the single button S1, the airflow rate may be set to a minimum flow rate. In other words, controller 100 may cycle through a set of predetermined airflow rates. At least one embodiment of the present invention may be described according to the following terms: 1. A backpack comprising: a backpack body; a front panel; and a ventilation device, the front panel being attached to the backpack body, the front panel having at least one through-hole formed therein to allow air to flow into a gap defined between the front panel and the backpack body, the front panel having a forward profile surface including at least one forwardly extending ridge, wherein when a wearer wears the backpack, the at least one forwardly extending ridge rests on one of the wearer's backs to space a recessed portion of the front panel from the wearer's back, the ventilation device being mountable in the recessed portion of the front panel, wherein when the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, one of the ventilation devices... A portion extends forward from the front panel, and when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, an inner portion of the ventilation device is positioned in the gap; when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the inner portion includes one or more inlets positioned within the gap; when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the outer portion includes one or more outlets positioned within the recessed portion; when the ventilation device is operating and installed in the recessed portion, the ventilation device allows air to flow through the at least one through-hole into the gap and into the one or more inlets; when the ventilation device is operating and installed in the recessed portion, the ventilation device allows air to flow out of the one or more outlets. 2. The backpack of Clause 1, wherein the at least one forward-extending spine includes an upper spine and a lower spine, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is between the upper spine and the lower spine. 3. The backpack of Clause 2, wherein the front profile surface includes a stepped portion extending from the recessed portion to the upper spine. 4. A backpack of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the at least one through-hole comprises a plurality of through-holes disposed along a portion of a periphery of the front panel. 5. A backpack of clause 4, wherein the plurality of through-holes extend along a lower portion of the periphery and upward along a first and a second side of the periphery, wherein when the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, at least one first through-hole is positioned above the ventilation device along the first side, and when the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, at least one second through-hole is positioned above the ventilation device along the second side. 6. A backpack of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the ventilation device includes a housing, and the front panel includes an opening into which the housing can be mounted. 7. A backpack of clause 6, wherein the housing has a flat surface located in the outer portion, and when the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion, the flat surface is positioned rearward relative to the foremost point of the at least one forward-extending ridge.8. A backpack as described in Clause 6 or Clause 7, wherein the outer shell is removable from the opening, and the backpack further includes a lid that, after the outer shell is removed from the opening, is positioned inside the opening. 9. A backpack as described in any of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the at least one forward-extending ridge facilitates the trapping of at least partially flowing air within the recessed portion. 10. A backpack as described in Clause 9, wherein the at least one forward-extending ridge includes an upper ridge and a lower ridge, each of the upper ridge and the lower ridge having a C-shaped profile with an opening, the opening of the upper ridge being juxtaposed with the opening of the lower ridge, and when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, a portion of the ventilation device is positioned within the opening of the lower ridge, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is positioned within the openings of the upper ridge and the lower ridge. 11. The backpack of Clause 10, wherein the C-shaped shape of the upper spine tapers from the opening of the upper spine to one of the highest points of the upper spine, and the C-shaped shape of the lower spine tapers from the opening of the lower spine to one of the lowest points of the lower spine. 12. A panel for a backpack including a backpack body, the panel comprising: a peripheral portion; at least one inlet hole; at least one forward-extending ridge; and at least one through hole, the peripheral portion being attachable to the backpack body, the at least one inlet hole being positioned along the peripheral portion to allow airflow through it and into an air gap defined between the panel and the backpack body when the peripheral portion is attached to the backpack body, the at least one forward-extending ridge defining a recessed portion, the at least one through hole being formed in the recessed portion, a ventilation device being mountable within the at least one through hole, wherein an outlet portion of the ventilation device is positioned forward of the recessed portion, and an inlet portion of the ventilation device is positioned rearward of the recessed portion within the air gap, wherein when the ventilation device is mounted in the at least one through hole and is in operation, the inlet portion receives air through the at least one inlet hole, and the outlet portion outputs the air. 13. The panel of claim 12, wherein the at least one forward-extending ridge facilitates at least partially trapping flowing air within the recessed portion. 14. The panel of Clause 13, wherein the at least one forward-extending ridge includes an upper ridge and a lower ridge, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is between the upper ridge and the lower ridge. 15. The panel of Clause 14, wherein each of the upper ridge and the lower ridge has a C-shaped profile with an opening, a portion of the at least one through-hole is located within the opening of the lower ridge, the opening of the upper ridge is juxtaposed with the opening of the lower ridge, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is located within the opening of the upper ridge and the opening of the lower ridge. 16. The panel of Clause 15, wherein the C-shaped profile of the upper ridge tapers from the opening of the upper ridge to a highest point of the upper ridge, and the C-shaped profile of the lower ridge tapers from the opening of the lower ridge to a lowest point of the lower ridge.17. The panel of any one of clauses 14 to 16, further comprising: a stepped portion extending from the recessed portion to the upper ridge. 18. The panel of any one of clauses 12 to 17, wherein the at least one inlet hole comprises a plurality of through holes disposed along the peripheral portion. 19. The panel of clause 18, wherein the plurality of through holes extends along a lower portion of the peripheral portion and upward along a first side and a second side of the peripheral portion, at least one first through hole positioned along the first side at a location above the at least one through hole, and at least one second through hole positioned along the second side at a location above the at least one through hole. 20. The panel of any one of clauses 12 to 19, comprising a single-piece molded material. 21. A panel as described in any of clauses 12 to 20, wherein the at least one through-hole is defined by a peripheral edge comprising a plurality of recesses, and the plurality of recesses are configured to receive a plurality of tabs of a cover when the ventilation device is not installed in the at least one through-hole, and when installed in the at least one through-hole, the cover covers the at least one through-hole. The foregoing embodiments illustrate different components that are housed within or connected to different other components. It should be understood that the illustrated architectures are merely illustrative, and many other architectures can in fact be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any components that achieve the same function are configured to be effectively "associated" to achieve the desired function. Therefore, any two components combined herein to achieve a particular function can be considered as "associated" with each other to achieve the desired function, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two such associated components can also be considered as "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to achieve the desired function. While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications can be made based on the teachings herein without departing from the invention and its broader scope, and are therefore encompassed within the scope of the appended claims. All such changes and modifications are within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terminology generally used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), is intended to be "open-ended" (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "at least having," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of claims is intended, this intention will be explicitly stated in the claims, and without such a statement, this intention does not exist. For example, for the purpose of facilitating understanding, the appended claims may use the introductory terms "at least one" and "one or more" to describe claims. However, the use of such wording This should not be interpreted as implying that a claim statement introduced by the indefinite article "a (a / an)" limits any particular claim containing such a claim statement to an invention containing only one such claim statement, even when the same claim includes introductory terms such as "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a (a / an)" (e.g., "a (a and / or an)" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"); the use of definite articles used to introduce claim statements is understood in the same way. Furthermore, even if a specific number of claim statements is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should generally be interpreted as meaning At least the number stated (e.g., simply stating "two statements" without other modifiers usually means) At least two statements or (Two or more statements). As used herein, a term that connects items into a series (e.g., the term "or", the term "and", etc.) does not apply to the entire series of items unless explicitly stated otherwise or clearly contradicted by the context. For example, the phrase "plural A, B and C" (with or without an Oxford comma) refers to a subset that includes at least two of the stated items in the series. Thus, the phrase means (1) at least one A and at least one B but not C, (2) at least one A and at least one C but not B, (3) at least one B and at least one C but not A, and (4) at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C. Similarly, the phrase "plural A, B or C" (with or without an Oxford comma) refers to a subset that includes at least two of the stated items in the series. Thus, the phrase also means (1) at least one A and at least one B but not C, (2) at least one A and at least one C but not B, (3) at least one B and at least one C but not A, and (4) at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C. By way of another example, conjunctions (such as phrases in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, and C" (i.e., the same phrase with or without an Oxford comma)) should be understood, unless otherwise specifically stated or the context clearly contradicts, to generally present an item, term, etc., that may be any non-empty subset of the set A or B or C, A and B and C, or any set containing at least one A, at least one B, or at least one C, unless otherwise excluded. For example, in an illustrative example of a set with three members, the connecting phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" and "at least one of A, B, and C" refer to any set of {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}, and, unless there is an obvious contradiction or conflict with the context, any set having {A}, {B}, and / or {C} as a subset (e.g., a set with multiple "A"s). Therefore, this connecting phrase is generally not intended to imply that some embodiments require at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C to be present individually. Similarly, terms such as "at least one of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" are the same as "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, and C" refers to any one of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}, unless explicitly stated or clearly understood from the context of the content. Therefore, this invention is limited only by the scope of the accompanying patent application. 10: Backpack 12: Backrest 14: Wearer 18A: Shoulder Straps 18B: Shoulder Straps 20: Backpack Body 22: Front Panel 24: Ventilation Device 26: Electrical Components 28: Closure 30: Front Profile Surface / Profile Surface 32: Peripheral Part 34: Through Hole 34A: Through Hole 34B: Through Hole 34C: Through Hole 34D: Through Hole 34E: Through Hole 34F: Through Hole 34G: Through Hole 34H: Through Hole 36: Outer Periphery 38: Air Gap / Gap 40: First Conical Part 42: Second Conical Part 44: Upper Ridge 46: Lower Ridge 50: Recessed Part 51A: Stepped Part 51B: Stepped Part 52: Outer Surface 54: Bottom Part 56A: Side 56B: Side 60: Through Hole 62 64: Outlet section 66: Inlet section 68: Housing 68: Flat surface 70: Air inlet 72: Air outlet 74: Cover 76: Internal peripheral edge / peripheral edge 78A: Recess 78B: Recess 78C: Recess 78D: Recess 80: Cover section 82: Rear surface 84: Attachment section 86A: Protrusion / outwardly extending protrusion 86B: Protrusion / outwardly extending protrusion 86C: Protrusion / outwardly extending protrusion 86D: Protrusion / outwardly extending protrusion 90: Input airflow 92: Output airflow 100: Controller 102: Button 104: Indicator 106: Airflow control 108: Universal serial bus ("USB") port 110: Fast charging protocol integrated circuit ("IC") / IC 112: DC-DC ("DC-DC") voltage drop circuit / circuit 114: Power supply 116: Input USB port 118: Output USB port FAN1: Fan S1: Button Various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a backpack worn on a wearer's back. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a front panel of the backpack of Figure 1, omitting its shoulder straps. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a front profile surface of the front panel of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rear surface of the front panel of Figure 2, illustrated with a ventilation device installed in the rear surface. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the backpack of Figure 1, omitting its shoulder straps and illustrated with arrows indicating airflow generated by the ventilation device. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical component of the backpack of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the electrical component of the backpack of Figure 1. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the front profile surface of the front panel of Figure 2 and an optional cover. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a rear side of the optional cover. Similar components are indicated by similar reference numerals in the figures. 10: Backpack 20: Backpack body 22: Front panel 24: Ventilation device 30: Forward profile surface / profile surface 32: Surrounding Area 34: Through hole 36: Outer perimeter 38: Air gap / gap 40: First conical section 42: Second conical section 44: Upper spine 46: Lower ridge 50: Depressed portion 51A: Stepped section 51B: Stepped section 52: Outer surface 54: Bottom section 56A: Side view 56B: Side view 62: Export Portion 68: Flat surface 72: Air outlet

Claims

1. A backpack comprising: The main body of a backpack; Attached to a front panel of the backpack body, the front panel having at least one through-hole to allow air to flow into a gap defined between the front panel and the backpack body, the front panel having a front profile surface including at least one forward-extending ridge, which rests on the wearer's back when the backpack is worn to space a recessed portion of the front panel from the wearer's back; and a ventilation device capable of being mounted in the lower portion of the front panel within the recessed portion, wherein when the ventilation device is mounted in the recessed portion: a portion of the ventilation device is flush with the foremost point of one of the at least one forward-extending ridges, an outer portion of the ventilation device extends forward from the front panel and includes one or more outlets formed in the top portion of the ventilation device, the one or more outlets being positioned within the recessed portion to guide air upward when the ventilation device is operating and causing air to flow out of the one or more outlets. One of the internal portions of the ventilation device is located in the gap and includes one or more inlets located inside the gap, and when the ventilation device is in operation, the ventilation device allows air to flow into the gap and into the one or more inlets through the at least one through hole.

2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one forward-extending spine includes an upper spine and a lower spine, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is between the upper spine and the lower spine.

3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the forward profile surface includes a stepped portion extending from the recessed portion to the upper ridge.

4. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one through hole comprises a plurality of through holes disposed along a portion of a periphery of one of the front panels.

5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein the plurality of through holes extend along a lower portion of the periphery and upward along a first side and a second side of the periphery, wherein when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, at least one first through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned above the ventilation device along the first side, and when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, at least one second through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned above the ventilation device along the second side.

6. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the ventilation device includes a housing and the front panel includes an opening into which the housing can be installed.

7. The backpack of claim 6, wherein the outer shell is removable from the opening, and the backpack further includes: The lid will be positioned inside the opening after the outer casing is removed from it.

8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one forward-extending ridge helps to trap at least partially flowing air within the recessed portion.

9. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the at least one forward-extending spine includes an upper spine and a lower spine, each of the upper spine and the lower spine having a C-shaped shape with an opening, the opening of the upper spine being juxtaposed with the opening of the lower spine, and when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, a portion of the ventilation device is positioned within the opening of the lower spine, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is positioned within the opening of the upper spine and the opening of the lower spine.

10. The backpack of claim 9, wherein the C-shaped shape of the upper spine tapers from the opening of the upper spine to one of the highest points of the upper spine, and the C-shaped shape of the lower spine tapers from the opening of the lower spine to one of the lowest points of the lower spine.

11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein when the backpack is worn by the wearer and the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the ventilation device has an outer surface positioned to contact the back of the wearer.

12. A backpack comprising: The main body of a backpack; A ventilation device includes an inlet portion opposite an outlet portion, the outlet portion including a top portion of at least one outlet formed therein; and a panel including a peripheral portion attachable to a backpack body, at least one inlet hole positioned along the peripheral portion to allow airflow through and into an air gap defined between the panel and the backpack body when the peripheral portion is attached to the backpack body, the panel including at least one forward-extending ridge defining a recess including at least one through-hole positioned in a lower portion of the panel. The device can be installed in the at least one through hole, wherein the outlet portion is positioned in front of the recessed portion such that when the ventilation device is in operation, the at least one outlet is positioned to guide air upward along the recessed portion, the inlet portion is positioned behind the recessed portion in the air gap when the ventilation device is installed in the at least one through hole, the inlet portion receives air through the at least one inlet hole when the ventilation device is installed in the at least one through hole and in operation, and a portion of the ventilation device is flush with the foremost point of one of the at least one forwardly extending ridges when the ventilation device is installed in the at least one through hole.

13. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the at least one forward-extending ridge helps to trap at least partially flowing air within the recessed portion.

14. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the at least one forward-extending spine includes an upper spine and a lower spine, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is between the upper spine and the lower spine.

15. The backpack of claim 14, wherein each of the upper spine and the lower spine has a C-shaped shape with an opening, a portion of the at least one through hole is located within the opening of the lower spine, the opening of the upper spine is juxtaposed with the opening of the lower spine, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is located within the opening of the upper spine and the opening of the lower spine.

16. The backpack of claim 15, wherein the C-shaped shape of the upper spine tapers from the opening of the upper spine to one of the highest points of the upper spine, and the C-shaped shape of the lower spine tapers from the opening of the lower spine to one of the lowest points of the lower spine.

17. The knapsack as described in claim 14, further includes: A stepped portion that extends from the recessed portion to the upper ridge.

18. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the at least one entrance hole includes a plurality of through holes arranged along the peripheral portion.

19. The backpack of claim 18, wherein the plurality of through holes extend along a lower portion of a peripheral portion and upward along a first side and a second side of the peripheral portion, at least one first through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned above the at least one through hole along the first side, and at least one second through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned above the at least one through hole along the second side.

20. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the panel is made of a single piece of molded material.

21. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the at least one through-hole is defined by a peripheral edge comprising a plurality of notches, and the plurality of notches are configured to receive a plurality of tabs of a cover when the ventilation device is not installed in the at least one through-hole, and when installed in the at least one through-hole, the cover covers the at least one through-hole.

22. The backpack of claim 12, wherein when a wearer wears the backpack and the ventilation device is installed in the at least one through-hole, one outer surface of the ventilation device is positioned to contact the back of one of the wearers.

23. A backpack comprising: The main body of a backpack; A front panel is attached to the backpack body. The front panel includes an opening and at least one through-hole is formed therein to allow air to flow into a gap defined between the front panel and the backpack body. The front panel has a front profile surface including at least one forward-extending ridge. When the backpack is worn by a wearer, the at least one forward-extending ridge rests on one of the wearer's backs to space a recessed portion of the front panel from the wearer's back. A ventilation device is installable in a recessed portion of a front panel, an outer portion of which extends forward from the front panel when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the ventilation device including an outer housing installable in and removable from an opening in the front panel, an inner portion of which is positioned in a gap when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the inner portion including one or more inlets positioned within the gap when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the outer portion including one or more outlets positioned within the recessed portion when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the ventilation device allowing air to flow through at least one through-hole into the gap and into the one or more inlets when the ventilation device is in operation and installed in the recessed portion, and the ventilation device allowing air to flow out of the one or more outlets when the ventilation device is in operation and installed in the recessed portion; and a cover positioned within the opening after the outer housing is removed from the opening.

24. The backpack of claim 23, wherein the at least one forward-extending spine includes an upper spine and a lower spine, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is located between the upper spine and the lower spine.

25. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the forward profile surface includes a stepped portion extending from the recessed portion to the upper ridge.

26. The backpack of claim 23, wherein the at least one through hole comprises a plurality of through holes arranged along a portion of a periphery of one of the front panels.

27. The backpack of claim 26, wherein the plurality of through holes extend along a lower portion of the periphery and upward along a first side and a second side of the periphery, wherein when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, at least one first through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned above the ventilation device along the first side, and when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, at least one second through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned above the ventilation device along the second side.

28. The backpack of claim 23, wherein the outer shell has a flat surface positioned in the outer portion, and when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, the flat surface is positioned rearward relative to the foremost point of the at least one forward-extending ridge.

29. The backpack of claim 23, wherein the at least one forward-extending ridge helps to trap at least partially flowing air within the recessed portion.

30. The backpack of claim 29, wherein the at least one forward-extending spine includes an upper spine and a lower spine, each of the upper spine and the lower spine having a C-shaped shape with an opening, the opening of the upper spine being juxtaposed with the opening of the lower spine, and when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, a portion of the ventilation device is positioned within the opening of the lower spine, and at least a portion of the recessed portion is positioned within the opening of the upper spine and the opening of the lower spine.

31. The backpack of claim 30, wherein the C-shaped shape of the upper spine tapers from the opening of the upper spine to one of the highest points of the upper spine, and the C-shaped shape of the lower spine tapers from the opening of the lower spine to one of the lowest points of the lower spine.

32. The backpack of claim 23, wherein the ventilation device has an outer surface positioned to contact the back of the wearer when the backpack is worn by the wearer and the ventilation device is installed in the recess.

33. The backpack of claim 23, wherein a portion of the ventilation device, when the ventilation device is installed in the recessed portion, is flush with the foremost point of one of the at least forward-extending ridges.

34. A panel for a backpack including a backpack body, the panel comprising: A peripheral portion capable of attaching to the backpack body; at least one inlet hole positioned along the peripheral portion to allow airflow through and into an air gap defined between the panel and the backpack body when the peripheral portion is attached to the backpack body; at least one forward-extending ridge defined in a recessed portion, the at least one forward-extending ridge facilitating the trapping of at least partially flowing air within the recessed portion, the at least one forward-extending ridge including an upper ridge and a lower ridge, at least a portion of the recessed portion being located between the upper ridge and the lower ridge, each of the upper ridge and the lower ridge having a C-shaped profile with an opening, the opening of the upper ridge being juxtaposed with the opening of the lower ridge, at least a portion of the recessed portion being positioned within the opening of the upper ridge and the opening of the lower ridge, the C-shaped profile of the upper ridge extending from the opening of the upper ridge to the upper ridge... The lower ridge tapers from its highest point to its lowest point, and has a C-shaped shape that tapers from its opening to its lowest point. It also includes at least one through-hole formed in the recessed portion. A portion of the at least one through-hole is positioned within the opening of the lower ridge. A ventilation device can be installed in the at least one through-hole, with one outlet portion positioned in front of the recessed portion and one inlet portion positioned behind the recessed portion within the air gap. When the ventilation device is installed in the at least one through-hole and is in operation, the inlet portion receives air through the at least one inlet hole, and the outlet portion outputs the air.

35. The panel as described in request item 34 further includes: A stepped portion that extends from the recessed portion to the upper ridge.

36. The panel of claim 34, wherein the at least one inlet hole comprises a plurality of through holes arranged along the peripheral portion.

37. The panel of claim 36, wherein the plurality of through holes extends along a lower portion of the peripheral portion and upward along a first side and a second side of the peripheral portion, at least one first through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned along the first side at a location above the at least one through hole, and at least one second through hole of the plurality of through holes is positioned along the second side at a location above the at least one through hole.

38. The panel as described in request item 34 is made of a single piece of molded material.

39. The panel of claim 34, wherein the at least one through-hole is defined by a peripheral edge comprising a plurality of recesses, and the plurality of recesses are configured to receive a plurality of tabs of a cover when the through-hole device is not installed in the at least one through-hole, and when installed in the at least one through-hole, the cover covers the at least one through-hole.

40. The panel of claim 34, wherein the panel is included in a backpack, the backpack including a backpack body attached to the peripheral portion of the panel, and the ventilation device installed in the at least one through-hole of the panel.

41. The panel of claim 34, wherein the panel is included in a backpack, the backpack including a backpack body attached to the peripheral portion of the panel, and a ventilation device installed in the at least one through-hole of the panel, a portion of the ventilation device being flush with the foremost point of the at least one forwardly extending spine.

Images