Backpack that Employs a Strap Fastener to Secure Utensils in Place

Abstract

A backpack having one or more flaps that are configured with a series of magnets is utilized to better secure utensils in place. A flap may be configured with external pouches, positioned on top of a base, inside which utensils are placed. Vertically and linearly aligned with the external pouches are magnets positioned within pockets of a magnet pouch positioned behind the base. The magnet pouch may be entirely sealed, covered, and inaccessible from the base's cover, such that utensils, such as knives, can be attracted to the magnets but the utensils only contacts the base layer. Such an arrangement and utilization of magnets can be utilized internally to the backpack, but also externally for external pockets such as, for example, the side, front, or rear pockets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Non-Provisional Patent Application is a Continuation-In-Part Application that claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29 / 792,112, filed Mar. 4, 2022, entitled “Backpack with Interior Support Strap,” which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 802,912 (U.S. Pat. No. 11,266,223), filed Mar. 27, 2020, entitled “Backpack that Employs a Strap Fastener to Secure Utensils in Place,” the entire contents of both applications of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cooking enthusiasts and chefs may have various kitchen utensils, such as knives, wooden spoons, etc., which they can carry around in a backpack designed for kitchen utensils. The carrier of the fully loaded backpack may be displeased if the utensils are moving around and / or escaping the pouches in which they are placed.SUMMARY

[0003] A backpack having one or more flaps that are configured with a series of magnets is utilized to better secure utensils in place. A flap may be configured with external pouches, positioned on top of a base, inside which utensils are placed. Vertically and linearly aligned with the external pouches are magnets positioned within pockets of a magnet pouch positioned behind the base. The magnet pouch may be entirely sealed, covered, and inaccessible from the base's cover, such that utensils, such as knives, can be attracted to the magnets, but the utensils only contact the base layer. Such an arrangement and utilization of magnets can be used internally in the backpack, but also externally for external pockets, such as the side, front, or rear pockets.

[0004] In some situations, each external pouch positioned above the base may have a dedicated magnet positioned within a dedicated pocket within the magnet pouch, so that each utensil has a magnet to connect and secure to. The magnet pouch may have multiple rows and columns; some rows may have multiple magnet pockets so that a single utensil has two magnets to secure to, thereby providing a stronger magnetic attraction and preventing the utensils from moving within the flap.

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. These and various other features will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description and a review of the associated drawings.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative representation of a backpack;

[0007] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative representation of the backpack in a half-opened position;

[0008] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative representation of the backpack in a fully opened position with magnetic areas exposed on certain flaps;

[0009] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative representation of the magnetic pouch construction utilized underneath the flap's base;

[0010] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative representation of a user placing a knife inside one of the pouches on the flap;

[0011] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative representation of the knife secured in place by the pouch and magnets.

[0012] Like reference numerals indicate like elements in the drawings. Elements are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative representation of a backpack 105 which may be used to hold various items. In this implementation, the backpack is configured with various internal compartments and features to hold kitchen utensils, such as knives, silverware, wooden spoons, and knife sharpeners. The zipper 110 can be used to open the backpack.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative representation in which the backpack 105 is in the half-opened position after a user unzipped the zipper 110. The fabric of the outer and internal backpack components may be, for example, nylon, such as fortified ballistic nylon, to provide sufficient strength and durability to store various kitchen utensils. The flaps 220 include strap fasteners 205, which extend past the respective flaps and engage with corresponding fasteners 215 against the respective flap's base 325. The base may be a layer of material that provides the direct support for utensils or other objects inside the backpack, such as leather, nylon, cloth, plastic, etc. The fasteners used in this situation may be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener. The configuration and use of the fasteners will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative representation in which the backpack 105 is in a fully opened position once the flaps 220 are half-rotated laterally about the hinge fabric 345, as illustratively represented by the arrow. In this regard, the flaps 220 may be considered movable flaps since they rotate about the hinge fabric to provide access to the additional backpack compartments. The hinge fabric 345 may be a piece of fabric, such as nylon fabric, that connects the flaps 220 to the backpack's frame or the static or stagnant flaps 350. Opposite horizontal ends of the hinge fabric may be respectively attached to the stagnant flap and the movable flap. The terms “movable flap” and “stagnant” flap are used for illustrative purposes only, and aspects of the contents of each flap may be reversed, altered, rearranged, etc., depending on the specific implementation.

[0016] The stagnant flaps 350 may be configured similarly to the flaps 220, but the stagnant flaps are attached to the inside frame of the backpack and, in this implementation, do not rotate or move. In other implementations, the stagnant flaps may likewise rotate laterally, such as in the opposite direction of the movable flaps 220. Discussion regarding the configuration of the flap 220 (e.g., fasteners, pouches, etc.) likewise applies to the stagnant flaps 350, and vice versa.

[0017] Each movable flap 220 and stagnant flap 350 has a base 325, which forms the linear plane for the compartments and components attached to the flaps. Pouches 310 are attached (e.g., stitched) to the base 325 of the flaps for storage of various kitchen utensils using the openings 335 at the top of the pouches. Each pouch is separated at a seam 340, so each kitchen utensil has its own space. Elastic tops 315 for the pouches are provided to better secure and put pressure on kitchen utensils stored within the pouches. The elastic tops are secured to the pouches using the seam 320. The elastic tops also provide greater protection to the pouches since the tops of the pouch will likely be engaged more frequently through use.

[0018] A distance above the pouches 310 are strap fasteners 205, which are secured to each respective stagnant flaps 350 at a horizontal end. In other implementations, the stagnant and movable flaps may be reversed. The strap fasteners may be fastened at the attachment point between the flap 350 and the hinge fabric 345. Thus, the strap fastener may be sewn between the hinge fabric and the flap 220, which enables rotatability of the flap 220. This may enhance the strength of the strap fastener to the flap for repeated use.

[0019] The movable flaps 220 may have a magnetic area 355 that is magnetized to secure objects, such as utensils, to the base 325. The magnetic area, including one or more magnets, may be centrally located on the flap, but in other implementations, may be positioned at any position from the top end of the flap to the bottom end or at least at the start of the opening 335. Spaces or distances may be utilized between magnets as well to create a row-like magnet configuration. Additionally, the stagnant flaps 350 or otherwise a flap with the strap fastener 205 may additionally or alternatively utilize one or more magnets, such as in a magnetic area 355, to further support any objects or utensils. The magnetic areas for the stagnant flaps or flaps with a strap fastener may be configured similarly in various arrangements as discussed above with respect to the movable flaps 220.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative representation in which the movable flap's magnetic area 355 includes a magnet pouch 425 therein. The magnet pouch may be comprised of, for example, a cloth, nylon, plastic, or other material that can receive stitching so one or more pockets can be created therein. The construction 430 of the flap 220 shows the arrangement of the layers relative to each other. So, for example, a bottom layer may be a support structure 425 that may be comprised of a relatively more durable material than the rest of the structure, such as Styrofoam, plastic, wood, metal, etc. This support structure may give the flaps the strength that holds the various objects put into the backpack 105. Above the support structure 425 may be the magnet pouch 425 that is configured with one or more pockets 415, depending on the configuration, that hold the various magnets 405 within pockets, typically, 1:1 magnet per pocket.

[0021] Structurally above the magnet pouch 420 is the base 325, which may be a layer of material like nylon that separates the various layers and provides the backing to any utensils or other objects input into the backpack 105 by a user. Given that the base layer of material is a top layer (excluding the pouches 310, if present), the base, at least in some situations, may entirely cover, hide, and thereby prevent the magnet pouch from sight. Put differently, the magnet pouch may be completely hidden and inaccessible to a user, at least when the base material covers the entire flap or is otherwise sealed. In other embodiments, however, the magnet pouch may be positioned above the base 325. In such situations, the magnets may be securely enclosed within the magnet pouch 425 or other structure to ensure the magnets do not escape. The support structure may likewise be entirely encapsulated and sealed behind the base 325 since it is meant to provide internal support to the overall structure. The magnet pouch in this or other scenarios may be reinforced with additional materials, whether the same or different, to ensure the magnets never escape their pockets 415. Such additional materials can be plastic, wood, silicone, rubber, additional or thicker cloth or nylon, etc. Above the base 325 may be the pockets 310 that are secured at least to the base 325, inside the pockets may be a portion of a utensil or other object. In this regard, the pockets may be sewn or otherwise attached to the base, the support structure, or both.

[0022] FIG. 4 further shows a schematic diagram of the magnet pouch 420. The magnet pouch may be laid against the support structure 425. The magnet pouch includes a collection of stitching 430 that forms one or more pockets 415 therein that accordingly hold magnets 405 positioned therein. While a specific arrangement of magnets and pockets is shown herein, the arrangement shown is exemplary only. In this example, the number of magnets aligned in a row corresponds to the number of pouches 310 so that individual utensils are assured to have a magnet to engage with. In this regard, the magnets may be at least substantially positioned and substantially linearly aligned with the center of each respective pouch. The magnet pockets 405 may linearly align with pouches 310, meaning that the magnet pockets are to be arranged vertically above the pouches 310. In other implementations, some magnet pockets 405 may be substantially centered above at least some pouches 310, and other magnets may be offset. Such situations may be utilized, for example, for utensils or objects that have a non-linear appearance, like a hammer instead of a screwdriver. Alternatively, some pouches 310 may be dedicated to holding specific objects, like wooden objects; thus, arranging magnets with those pockets may be unnecessary. Or, some flaps may have zippered pockets arranged at certain locations, in which case, there may be no reason to place magnets in such unnecessary areas. Alternatively, however, the magnets may be utilized behind such zippered pockets so any objects therein are better retained. Other numbers of pouches and magnet rows are also possible.

[0023] In other examples, magnets 405 may be positioned in each pocket 415 or skip a pocket sporadically or according to some principle, such as every other column gets a magnet, or every other row gets a magnet. As shown, while the middle row is fully stitched and capable of receiving magnets 405, magnets have been left out of that row. Instead, magnets are positioned at every column in the top and bottom rows; such an arrangement may be used so magnets can be easily inserted into the upper and lower pockets and then sealed with stitching. In other implementations, fewer pockets may be used with larger magnets. For example, a longer vertically-arranged magnet may fill up a single pocket in one of the columns, or may fill up two rows within a column. Alternatively, a longer horizontally-arranged magnet may fill up an entire row or multiple columns within a row. Diagonally-arranged magnets may also be possible.

[0024] The schematic diagram shown in FIG. 4 also shows empty spaces within pockets, as representatively shown by reference numeral 410 and the associated brackets representing the empty spaces. In this regard, the magnets may be smaller than the pocket and capable of moving around within the pocket. This may enable the magnet to better maneuver depending on the utensil or object positioned inside a pouch 310. For example, the length or width of knives or other objects may affect the magnet's attraction to the object. Shorter objects / utensils may cause the magnet to move downward within the pocket. Narrower objects / utensils may cause the magnet to reorient itself to properly capture and attract the object. Since the magnets are secured underneath relatively snug or form-fitting layers, namely, the magnet pouch 420 and base 325, the magnet's secure placement causes the utensil or object to attach downward toward the magnet and against the base 325, as opposed to the magnet hovering upward.

[0025] The magnet pouch 420 may be secured to the backpack 105 either by being attached to the support structure 425 directly or, alternatively or additionally, by being sewn to a support seam 435 on the interior of the base (e.g., between the base 325 and support structure 425). The support seam may form a frame or skeleton for the backpack overall, or may be dedicated to the magnet pouch. For example, the support seam may be utilized as the frame to which the base 325 throughout the backpack attaches via, for example, stitching. So, while the representative support seam 435 is shown in FIG. 4, the support seams may alternatively fully extend from a top end to the bottom end of the flap 220, or at least from a top portion to a bottom portion. The support seam may also extend around the corners and along the horizontal sides, such as to be used for the pouches 310 to be secured to.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative representation in which a user 510 places a knife 505 inside the backpack's pouch 310 and, upon doing so, an attraction is established with one or more magnets inside the magnetic area 355. An attraction with the one or more magnets causes the metal of the knife to attract downward and secure against the base material 325 since the magnet is snugly tucked underneath the base 325 and magnet pouch 420 (FIG. 4). The knife 505 is illustrative only, and other utensils or objects may also be utilized herein.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative representation in which the knife is snugly tucked inside pouches 310 while being attracted to one or more magnets 405 inside the magnetic area 355. Also shown in FIG. 6 is a magnetic area 355 on stagnant flap 350. On this flap, the magnetic area overlaps with another fastening mechanism, the strap fastener 205. The magnetic area on the stagnant or any flap may have a similar construction and configuration as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4. Thus, the magnetic area may operate in tandem with one or more additional fasteners that secure utensils or other objects in place. In another implementation, the magnetic area 355 may alternatively or additionally be placed where the pouches 310 are located—this way, the lower magnetic area may secure objects in place along with upper magnets. Alternatively, the magnets may be positioned in pockets and arranged in set distances or offset distances throughout the flap 220 or 350. For example, magnets may extend fully from the top to the bottom so that a user can simply drop their knife into the backpack or against a flap, and it automatically gets set in place.

[0028] Although the magnetic pouch 420 herein is shown as being associated with an internal flap 220 to the backpack 105, such a configuration may alternatively be arranged on an exterior side of the backpack, such as on its front, rear, or sides (top, bottom, left, right), so that users can better secure objects, with magnetism, to the exterior as well. For example, backpacks often have side pockets that users can use for beverage containers or bottles, adding magnets to the side may help secure metallic water bottles to their pockets.

[0029] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A backpack configured to store utensils, comprising:a flap having a base against which a utensil at least partially contacts;a magnet pouch positioned behind the flap's base; andone or more magnets positioned inside one or more pockets associated with the magnet pouch.

2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the magnet pouch is entirely covered by the base and is inaccessible.

3. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a support structure positioned behind the magnet pouch.

4. The backpack of claim 3, further comprising one or more pouches positioned above the base.

5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein at least some of the one or more pockets linearly align with at least some of the pouches positioned above the base.

6. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the one or more pockets of the magnet pouch include empty space around the one or more magnets.

7. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the base includes areas that are unmagnetized, such that the magnet pouch is arranged in a dedicated area of the base.

8. A method of securing utensils to a backpack using one or more magnets, comprising:providing a backpack with an internal flap, in which the internal flap includes a base;arranging a magnet pouch behind the base, in which the magnet pouch includes one or more pockets inside which are one or more magnets;securing one or more pouches above the base, in which the one or more pouches are vertically and linearly aligned with the one or more pockets of the magnet pouch.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the magnet pouch is entirely covered by the base and is inaccessible.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a support structure behind the magnet pouch.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more pockets of the magnet pouch include empty space around the one or more magnets.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the base includes areas that are unmagnetized, such that the magnet pouch is arranged in a dedicated area of the base.

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