Clamshell backpack with accessory attachment means

Abstract

A backpack includes a housing having a top region, a front wall and an opposing back pad, a sidewall extending between the front wall and back pad, a zippered primary enclosure with sliders, a plurality of attachment interfaces for anchoring accessories and storage cases to the backpack, and a pair of shoulder straps attached to the back pad near the top region, the shoulder straps generally being symmetrically disposed relative to the central plane.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of personal storage and travel storage, including carrying cases and bags, especially backpacks.BACKGROUND

[0002] Traveling of any type can often be a challenging experience due to various constraints on personal storage. One of the primary issues travelers face is the limitation of space. With the rise of low-cost airlines and the subsequent reduction in baggage allowances, passengers are forced to pack more efficiently. This often means having to make difficult decisions about what to leave behind, which can be particularly problematic for those traveling for extended periods or through varying climates, requiring a diverse wardrobe and numerous accessory items.

[0003] Flight and travel restrictions further compound these problems. Regulations on the size and weight of carry-on luggage are strict, and the fees for checking in extra bags can be exorbitant. Additionally, security measures require travelers to pack their belongings in a way that is easily accessible for inspection, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. These restrictions not only limit the amount of luggage one can bring but also the type of items, as many everyday objects are prohibited on flights.

[0004] A well-rounded backpack is often sought by those traveling in any situation, whether on foot, or when using any other means of transportation. Most backpacks, while convenient for hands-free travel, often come with various weight and comfort issues, coupled with a general lack of utility. Limited or poor zipper access to interior compartments can make it difficult to retrieve items quickly, leading to frustration and delays, especially when passing through security checkpoints or needing to access travel documents in a hurry. Moreover, the need to unpack and repack contents to reach something at the bottom can lead to disorganization and increased wear and tear on both the backpack and the items inside. Many backpack producers prioritize only one of these problem areas when attempting to improve upon their products.

[0005] The effects of less-than-ideal conditions associated with traveling and personal storage can add up over time, even in the span of a single trip, negatively impacting the overall travel experience and creating frustration and product dissatisfaction over time. From the stress of deciding what to pack, to the physical burden of carrying and repeatedly accessing a poorly designed backpack, these issues can detract from the joy of travel and the convenience that modern transportation and travel in general should ideally provide. More flexible and balanced personal storage solutions are needed in the field to properly address these issues.SUMMARY

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a backpack comprises a housing, the housing having a height, width, depth, and central axis with corresponding imaginary central plane, the central plane running parallel with the height and depth and orthogonally to the width. The housing further includes an exterior and interior and comprising a top region and an opposing bottom wall, the bottom wall being generally rectangular and having length and width edges meeting at four generally rounded corners. The housing also includes a front wall and an opposing back pad. The housing further includes a sidewall extending between the front wall and back pad and running through a portion of the top region while intersecting the central plane, the sidewall terminating at front and back edges corresponding with the front wall and back pad, respectively, the sidewall further terminating at the width edges of the bottom wall, such that the sidewall, bottom wall, and front wall generally meet at two front corners out of said four, while the sidewall, bottom wall, and back pad generally meet at two back corners out of said four. The housing further includes a zippered primary enclosure with sliders, the primary sliders following an angled primary pathway along the housing to provide a primary open or primary closed configuration, the primary enclosure associated with a primary compartment having interior surfaces and accessible via the primary open configuration, the primary pathway substantially coinciding with said back edge and crossing the two back corners to further run along the bottom wall toward its length edge that is bounded by the two front corners, such that the zipper runs along a substantial portion of the bottom wall's width dimension in two mirrored paths relative to the central plane, each path having a terminal edge near a front corner, the sliders continuously zippable along the primary pathway from terminal edge to terminal edge. The housing includes a plurality of attachment interfaces for anchoring accessories and storage cases to the backpack, each interface comprising a plurality of consecutively arranged loops attached via bartack stitching, such that the loops and stitched portions are linearly arranged in an alternating fashion. The housing also includes a pair of shoulder straps attached to the back pad near the top region, the shoulder straps generally being symmetrically disposed relative to the central plane, each shoulder strap having an outer and inner surface. The two attachment interfaces are positioned on the sidewall's exterior and opposing each other relative to the central plane, wherein each shoulder strap includes an attachment interface, and wherein the primary compartment includes an attachment interface positioned on at least one interior surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration and with attached exterior accessories in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration and secured to mobile luggage via luggage pass-through slits in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates another bottom view of a clamshell backpack in a closed configuration highlighting an angled primary zipper pathway in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a clamshell backpack in a primary open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a clamshell backpack in a primary open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a clamshell backpack in a primary open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosed subject matter may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements, processes or techniques have been briefly mentioned and not elaborated on in order not to obscure the disclosed subject matter in unnecessary detail and description. Moreover, specific details and the like may have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not deemed necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the disclosed subject matter, and are considered to be within the understanding of persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0019] The present invention provides a multifunction backpack having zippered enclosures, at least one of these enclosures providing a clamshell-style opening to access an associated compartment. The backpack includes features that allow the attachment of numerous accessory items to the backpack on various exterior and interior surfaces and in varying positions. Smaller accessory items can include other storage cases and bags, purses, wallets, camera carriers, travel cases, keys, smart phones and devices, and any number of other personal cases and items. Larger accessory items can include yoga mats, sports gear and associated bags, school projects, artwork, and any number of other items that can reasonably be strapped to the backpack via a plurality of straps and loops found on the backpack. Such items may have special attachment means corresponding with those of the backpack, while others may be attachable via their inherent structural features or other means. The backpack further includes a plurality of exterior and interior pockets for additional storage and complementing the attachment means to provide a wide range of carrying options for many items. For descriptive purposes, structural discussions herein may often include the word “generally” due to flexible, often rounded or curved features of the backpack, or where relative positions of various elements (especially those running along large regions of the backpack) substantially or by majority follow a certain structural trend, or where relative structural positions of various elements fall within about an inch of reasonably being categorized a certain way, or having certain structurally descriptive phrases or words applied to the given elements.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a front perspective view shows an exemplary clamshell backpack 100 comprising a housing 110 with exterior and interior, the housing forming the main body of the backpack and including a plurality of zippered enclosures with associated compartments, each compartment having an interior with associated interior surfaces. In this drawing, only the exterior of the backpack 100 is shown, the backpack being in a closed configuration, such that no zippered enclosures have been opened. A pair of shoulder straps 160 attach to the back of the housing 110, each strap having an inner strap surface 160b. The housing 110 includes a top region 115 from which a top handle 119 extends away from the housing 110, the handle being attached at two terminal portions generally positioned in the top region 115 but further running toward the back of the housing 110. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, these terminal portions of the handle 119 include two sewn lines of attachment, a first line of attachment positioned nearer the top region 115, and a second line of attachment positioned nearer the back of the housing 110 (see attachment lines 519a &519b of FIG. 5). The housing further includes a front wall 125.

[0021] An exemplary group of zippered enclosures (those accessible from the housing's exterior) include a zippered top enclosure 116, a zippered primary enclosure 140, a zippered secondary enclosure 150, and a zippered front enclosure 126, each enclosure being zippable by at least one slider 155. In the embodiment shown, the zippered top enclosure 116 and zippered front enclosure 126 are each depicted with a single slider, while the zippered primary enclosure 140 and zippered secondary enclosure 150 are each depicted with two sliders due to their longer and more angled zipper pathways. The front enclosure 126 is diagonally positioned on the exterior of the front wall 125.

[0022] The backpack 100 further includes a plurality of attachment interfaces found in a number of locations on the exterior and interior of the housing 110. These attachment interfaces are well-suited for anchoring accessories and storage cases to the backpack, each interface comprising a plurality of consecutively arranged loops attached via bartack stitching, such that the loops and stitched portions are linearly arranged in an alternating fashion. The depicted exemplary embodiment includes bartacked loops 138 positioned on the side (on a sidewall, see sidewall 535 of FIG. 5) of the housing 110, along with a strap 136 for further accessory interaction or for carrying purposes, as well as a pocket 137. These side features, as shown, are also included on the opposing side of the housing 110.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, a back perspective view shows the exterior of a clamshell backpack 200 in a closed configuration. The back of the housing further includes a back housing wall 229 and cushioned back pad 230, both opposing the front wall, the back pad depicted with a cutaway section through which the back wall 229 can be seen. A pair of luggage pass-throughs or slits 231 are formed in the back pad 230, one slit 231 being obscured by a shoulder strap 260 in this view. In one example of usage, slits 231 can receive an extendable handle of a mobile luggage, in order to anchor or secure the backpack to the luggage. The back housing wall 229 includes an exterior surface 229a and an interior surface, the interior surface found within the primary enclosure's compartment (see primary interior surfaces 946 of FIG. 9). Likewise, the back pad 230 has an exterior surface 230a and interior surface 230b (the lead arrow 230b shown with dashed lines since this interior surface is not visible and is the reverse side of exterior surface 230a), the back pad's interior surface 230b being distinct from and facing the exterior surface 229a of the back housing wall 229. The slits 231 provide a hidden pathway between each other, the pathway enclosed by the exterior surface 229a of the back wall 229 and the interior surface 230b of the back pad 230. In the above-mentioned example of usage, the extendable handle of the mobile luggage enters the enclosed pathway through a first slit 231 and exits the pathway through the second slit, thus securely positioning the backpack 200 onto the luggage as it is moved. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each slit 231 further comprises a semi-hidden zippered pocket 232 positioned on the exterior surface 229a of the back wall 229. Some examples may envision semi to fully hidden pockets 232 if the slits 231 are differently shaped, or depending on how closely or tightly the back pad 230 is making contact with the back wall 229.

[0024] The shoulder straps 260 are attached to the back pad 230 near or within the top region 215, each strap including an outer strap surface 260a facing away from the back pad. Each shoulder strap 260 is shown with an attachment interface comprising bartacked loops 261. Exemplary shoulder strap bartacked loops 261 are arranged in a single column per outer strap surface 260a, each column generally following a linear path that parallels that of the strap 260 or a portion of the strap, however oriented. On each strap 260, adjacent to the column of bartacked loops 261, the column terminating at a top edge and bottom edge, are two bands 262 having lengths running nearly orthogonally to the height of the column, one band 262 generally at the column's top edge and one band 262 generally at the column's bottom edge. Moreover, each strap band 262 has two edges of attachment to the outer strap surface 260a, each edge generally defining the terminal edges of the band's length, the height of the associated column of bartacked strap loops 261 generally more closely aligned with one of these edges of attachment. In the embodiment depicted, each column-aligned length edge of each strap band 262 lies nearer to the central axis (see central axis CA intersected by central plane CP in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5) than the opposing length edge. In some examples, the strap bands 262 may be flexible and complement the function of the other attachment interfaces, providing more means of interaction with various accessories.

[0025] The backpack housing further comprises a sidewall 235 extending between the front wall and back pad 230 and running through a portion of the top region 215. The sidewall 235 terminates at front and back edges corresponding with the front wall and back pad 230, respectively. Top handle 219 is attached to the housing exterior at the top region 215, extending vertically away from the housing. In this view of the top handle219, its second sewn attachment line 219b can be seen terminating at an edge of the back pad 230, such that each terminal portion of attachment curves or angles toward the back pad following the first sewn lines of attachment.

[0026] The path of the zippered primary enclosure 240 and position relative to the back pad 230 and sidewall 235 is better viewed in the current drawing. The primary enclosure 240 generally demarcates the sidewall 235 from the back pad 230, running along the backpack's sides and further running through the top region 215 continuously. Positioned entirely in the top region 215, the zippered top enclosure includes a top zipper pathway 217 running across a substantial portion of the top region from side to side. A top compartment 218 is accessible via an open configuration of the zippered top enclosure, the top compartment 218 positioned in the top region 215 and sharing an exterior surface with a small top portion of the back pad 230. In the embodiment depicted, the top compartment 218 generally lies above attachment edges of the shoulder straps 260, those edges sewn to the back pad 230.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, a front view shows the exterior of a clamshell backpack 300 in a closed configuration and with attached exterior accessories 381a and 381b. The housing generally has a height, width, and depth. The height and width of the housing are highlighted in the current drawing (see FIG. 5 for a better view of the depth). The housing is shown with a central axis CA and a corresponding imaginary central plane CP, these indicated with dashed lines, the housing being substantially symmetrical across the central plane CP. The central plane CP runs parallel with the height and depth and orthogonally to the width, thus it is currently seen as a dashed line coinciding with that representing the central axis CA. Positioned on the exterior of the sidewall 335, the pair of pockets 337 oppose each other across the central plane CP, each pocket 337 inferiorly positioned relative to the sidewall bartacked loops 338 such that the pockets 337 open at the bases of the loops—which are arranged in columns. The pairs of attachment interfaces and sidewall straps are positioned on the exterior of the sidewall 335, opposing each other relative to the central plane CP.

[0028] The zippered secondary enclosure 350 includes secondary sliders that follow a secondary pathway 351 generally coinciding with the housing's front edge and running between the openings of the sidewall pockets 337. The zippered front enclosure 326 includes a front slider that follows a diagonal pathway 327 running across the front wall 325 and intersecting the central plane CP, both ends of the diagonal pathway terminating adjacent to the housing's front edge.

[0029] In the example shown, accessory 381a is a portable storage case having its own attachment loops, these loops being hookable with temporary attachment means or carabiners 380 which also hook onto the sidewall bartacked loops 338, anchoring each storage case via at least one point of attachment at the attachment interface. Accessory 381b is a larger, heavier item such as a yoga mat, which is better suited for attachment at the bottom or base of the housing. The backpack 300 is further equipped with hookable accessory straps, or pouch straps 324 (see bottom storage pouch 722 and pouch loops 723 of FIG. 7 for a means of strap storage and anchoring, respectively), each pouch strap attached at one end and having an opposing free end that may be wrapped around the accessory 381b and anchored to the bottom of the backpack 300. The straps can subsequently be tightened or loosened for proper securing of the accessory 381b. Thus, in the above manner, the backpack's attachment interfaces are capable of anchoring multiple storage cases and / or other accessories simultaneously.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, a back view shows the exterior of a clamshell backpack 400 in a closed configuration and secured to mobile luggage 482 via luggage pass-through slits 431. The slits 431 are symmetrically disposed on the back pad 430 relative to the central plane CP, the slits running vertically along the height of the backpack 400. Each slit 431 has an inner edge 431b and an outer edge 431a, the inner edges coinciding with the back edge of the housing, each outer edge being formed at a meeting of the exterior surface 430a and interior surface 430b of the back pad 430. In an exemplary embodiment, the back pad's slits 431 serve as luggage pass-throughs by receiving an extendable handle 483 of mobile luggage 482 as shown. A portion of the extendable handle 483 is obscured within the hidden pathway of the back pad 430 and depicted with dashed lines.

[0031] The shoulder straps 460 are generally symmetrically disposed relative to the central plane CP. A pair of bartacked loops 461, one loop per strap 460, are used to anchor a connective strap 463 running lengthwise between the shoulder straps 460 across the central plane CP, the connective strap 463 fastened or buckled at or near the lengthwise center of the strap 463.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, a side view shows the exterior of a clamshell backpack 500 in a closed configuration. The backpack's housing includes a bottom wall 520 opposing the top region 515. Each terminal lower edge of the sidewall 535 terminates at a width edge of the bottom wall 520. Similarly, yet less related to the backpack's structural integrity, an attached end of each pocket 537 generally coincides with the same width edges of the bottom wall 520, the pockets being attached or sewn there. The bottom wall 520 curves upward slightly and toward the pockets to terminate in these width edges. The pockets 537 can be understood as being formed on and part of the exterior of the sidewall 535. Each group of the sidewall's bartacked loops 538 and strap 536 are positioned directly above a sidewall pocket 537. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sidewall's bartacked loops 538 are arranged in two sets of two parallel columns each, the two sets opposing each other across the central plane CP, each set having one column adjacent to the housing's front edge and one column adjacent to the housing's back edge. Additionally, the sidewall's columns of bartacked loops 538 have equal heights. Each sidewall strap 536 runs parallel with and centrally between each column of sidewall bartacked loops 538, the straps 536 having heights equal or substantially similar to that of the bartacked loop columns.

[0033] The top handle 519 is oriented at a forward angle, such that the handle extends away from the zippered top enclosure 516. The terminal attached portions of the top handle 519 include the previously mentioned first sewn attachment line 519a and second sewn attachment line 519b. Each first attachment line 519a is substantially linearly aligned with an adjacent terminal edge of the top enclosure 516. Each second attachment line 519b terminates at an edge meeting between the back pad and sidewall 535, within or very near the top region 515. The zippered secondary enclosure 550 is positioned between the sidewall 535 and front wall 525, the secondary zipper pathway 551 running from opening to opening of each pocket 537. Primary sliders follow an angled primary zipper pathway 541 along the housing to provide a primary open or primary closed configuration, the primary pathway substantially coinciding with the housing's back edge. The primary pathway 541 is seen here slightly curving forward toward the front wall 525, this curving generally occurring in the top region 515, the primary pathway further running along the full height of the sidewall 535 (on both sides) and running past the width edges of the bottom wall 520, leaving the sidewall and continuing along a substantial portion of the bottom wall's width—doing so in two paths mirrored across the central plane CP. Thus, the primary pathway 541 runs along the top region 515, along the full perimeter of the sidewall 535, and angles sharply (at approximately 45 degrees) to continue along a substantial portion of the bottom wall 520. The zippered primary enclosure 540 is associated with a primary compartment having interior surfaces and accessible via the primary open configuration (see FIGS. 9-11 for views of the primary open configuration), this primary open configuration allowing full side access to the primary compartment.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, a top view shows the exterior of a clamshell backpack 600 in a closed configuration. The housing's width and depth are highlighted in this view. The sidewall 635 intersects the central plane CP as it runs through the backpack's top region. A top slider follows the top zipper pathway 617, the pathway superiorly positioned relative to the back pad and intersecting the central plane CP as it runs along a substantial portion of the housing's width. The top handle 619 is positioned between the primary pathway 641 of the primary enclosure 640 and the top pathway 617 of the top enclosure 616, with respect to the depth of the housing. The top compartment 618, associated with the top enclosure 616, lies in the housing's top region, generally behind the primary pathway 641 and beneath the top handle 619, continuing into a smaller region positioned above the back pad. The secondary pathway 651 of the secondary enclosure 650 runs between the sidewall pocket openings, intersecting the central plane CP, and positioned in front of the sidewall along the housing's front edge. The front wall 625 generally extends a small distance forward and away from the secondary enclosure 650 relative to the housing's depth.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, a bottom view shows the exterior of a clamshell backpack 700 in a closed configuration. The bottom wall 720 is generally rectangular and has length and width edges meeting at four generally rounded or curved corners 721. The sidewall, bottom wall 720, and front wall generally meet at two front corners 721 out of the four, while the sidewall, bottom wall, and back pad generally meet at two back corners 721 out of the four.

[0036] The housing further comprises a bottom storage pouch 722 covering a substantial portion of the exterior of the bottom wall 720. The pouch 722 has intermittent attachment to the housing via attached or sewn portions 722a, such that unattached edges of the pouch form openings 722b through which the bottom wall 720 is accessible. A space between the pouch 722 and bottom wall 720 thus provides a storage region for the accessory straps shown in FIG. 3. The bottom storage pouch 722 further comprises a pair of pouch loops 723 ideally used to anchor the accessory straps, each loop 723 having an edge coinciding with the back length edge of the bottom wall 720. Portions of the primary zipper pathway 741 can be seen running along the bottom wall 720 before being obscured by the storage pouch 722. See FIG. 8 for the continued running of the primary pathway 741 along the bottom wall 720 and its termination thereon.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 8, another bottom view shows the exterior of a clamshell backpack 800 in a closed configuration, the view highlighting the angled primary zipper pathway 841 as it runs along the bottom wall 820. From the housing's back edge, the primary pathway 841 crosses the two back corners of the bottom wall 820 to further run along the bottom wall toward its length edge that is bounded by the two front corners, such that the zipper runs along a substantial portion of the bottom wall's width dimension in two mirrored paths relative to the central plane CP. Each path has a terminal edge 841a near a front corner, the sliders continuously zippable along the primary pathway 841 from terminal edge to terminal edge.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 9, a top perspective view shows a clamshell backpack in a primary open configuration 943. A primary compartment 945 is made accessible by separating or rotating a back panel 944 away from the sidewall via unzipping the primary enclosure, its primary pathway 941 shown here split between the back panel and sidewall. Primary opening path 990 indicates a range of opening motion for the back panel 944 in this primary open configuration 943, the panel having been rotated away from the sidewall by about 90 degrees. The back panel 944 includes the housing's back wall 929, the back pad and its previously mentioned associated elements (e.g. shoulder straps, luggage pass-through slits), along with previously mentioned elements found in the top region (e.g. top handle, zippered top enclosure). Primary interior surfaces 946 oppose the exteriors of the back wall 929, sidewall, front wall, and bottom wall. An exemplary primary compartment 945 includes a primary interior attachment interface 947 positioned on at least one interior surface 946, along with a primary interior strap 948, and primary interior pocket 949. In other examples of primary open configurations, the back panel 944 can be further opened along the primary pathway 941 all the way to the terminal edges 941a of the pathway, such that the back panel 944 is fully rotated about 180 degrees or more from its original closed position and configuration.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 10, a front view shows a clamshell backpack in a primary open configuration 1043 for accessing the primary compartment 1045. The opened back panel 1044 includes the primary interior surface 1046 opposing the back wall's exterior, this interior surface having a primary interior pocket 1049 and primary interior strap 1048 running orthogonally to the pocket's opening. The pocket opening runs along a portion of the width of the back panel 1044. The pocket 1049 may further have an interior height that substantially occupies the height of the primary interior surface 1046. The primary interior strap 1048 may include hook or loop material on its distal portion in order to better enclose the pocket 1049, the strap having an attached end opposing the distal portion, the attached end connected to the primary interior surface 1046.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 11, a top view shows a clamshell backpack in a primary open configuration 1143, highlighting an exemplary primary interior attachment interface. The drawing shows an overhead view of the open back panel 1144 and the accessed primary compartment 1145. The primary interior bartacked loops 1147 are arranged in three parallel columns on one primary interior surface 1146 within the primary compartment 1145, this example's interior surface opposing the exterior of the front wall. The depicted arrangement of bartacked loop columns, these columns running a substantial distance along the backpack's height, make the attachment interface well suited for anchoring multiple accessories simultaneously (e.g. specially equipped storage cases) securely storing them within the primary compartment 1145. Depending on their shape and dimensions, the accessories can be rotated into a plurality of different orientations in order to optimize space within the compartment 1145.

[0041] Many variations may be made to the embodiments described herein. All variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The description of the embodiments herein can be practiced in many ways. Any terminology used herein should not be construed as restricting the features or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. The scope should instead be construed in accordance with the appended claims.

[0042] There may be many other ways to implement the disclosed embodiments. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these implementations may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. For instance, different numbers of a given element or module may be employed, a different type or types of a given element or module may be employed, a given element or module may be added, or a given element or module may be omitted.

[0043] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A backpack comprising:a housing, the housing having a height, width, depth, and central axis with corresponding imaginary central plane, the central plane running parallel with the height and depth and orthogonally to the width, the housing further having an exterior and interior and comprising:(a.) a top region and an opposing bottom wall, the bottom wall being generally rectangular and having length and width edges meeting at four generally rounded corners;(b.) a front wall and an opposing back pad;(c.) a sidewall extending between the front wall and back pad and running through a portion of the top region while intersecting the central plane, the sidewall terminating at front and back edges corresponding with the front wall and back pad, respectively, the sidewall further terminating at the width edges of the bottom wall, such that the sidewall, bottom wall, and front wall generally meet at two front corners out of said four, while the sidewall, bottom wall, and back pad generally meet at two back corners out of said four;(d.) a zippered primary enclosure with sliders, the primary sliders following an angled primary pathway along the housing to provide a primary open or primary closed configuration, the primary enclosure associated with a primary compartment having interior surfaces and accessible via the primary open configuration, the primary pathway substantially coinciding with said back edge and crossing the two back corners to further run along the bottom wall toward its length edge that is bounded by the two front corners, such that the zipper runs along a substantial portion of the bottom wall's width dimension in two mirrored paths relative to the central plane, each path having a terminal edge near a front corner, the sliders continuously zippable along the primary pathway from terminal edge to terminal edge;(e.) a plurality of attachment interfaces for anchoring accessories and storage cases to the backpack, each interface comprising a plurality of consecutively arranged loops attached via bartack stitching, such that the loops and stitched portions are linearly arranged in an alternating fashion;(f.) a pair of shoulder straps attached to the back pad near the top region, the shoulder straps generally being symmetrically disposed relative to the central plane, each shoulder strap having an outer and inner surface; and,wherein two attachment interfaces are positioned on the sidewall's exterior and opposing each other relative to the central plane, wherein each shoulder strap includes an attachment interface, and wherein the primary compartment includes an attachment interface positioned on at least one interior surface.

2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a back housing wall with exterior surface and one of said primary interior surfaces, wherein the back pad has an exterior and interior surface, the back pad interior surface being distinct from and facing the exterior surface of the back housing wall, wherein the housing further comprises a pair of slits symmetrically disposed on the back pad relative to the central plane, the slits running vertically along the height of the backpack, each slit having an inner edge and outer edge, the inner edges coinciding with the back edge of the housing, each outer edge being formed at a meeting of the back pad exterior and interior surfaces, the slits providing a hidden pathway between each other, the pathway enclosed by the back wall exterior surface and back pad interior surface, each slit further comprising a zippered pocket positioned on the back wall exterior surface.

3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the primary interior bartacked loops are arranged in three parallel columns on one primary interior surface, wherein the sidewall bartacked loops are arranged in two sets of two parallel columns each, the two sets opposing each other across the central plane, each set having one column adjacent to the housing's front edge and one column adjacent to the housing's back edge, and wherein the shoulder straps'bartacked loops are arranged in a single column per outer strap surface.

4. The backpack of claim 3, wherein the sidewall's exterior further comprises a pair of pockets opposing each other across the central plane, each pocket inferiorly positioned relative to the sidewall bartacked loops such that the pockets open at the bases of the loop columns while an attached end of each pocket generally coincides with a width edge of the housing's bottom wall.

5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein the housing further comprises a zippered secondary enclosure, a zippered top enclosure, and a zippered front enclosure, each zippered enclosure having at least one slider, the secondary sliders following a secondary pathway generally coinciding with the housing's front edge and running between the sidewall pocket openings, the top slider following a top pathway superiorly positioned relative to the back pad and intersecting the central plane as it runs along a substantial portion of the housing's width, the front slider following a diagonal pathway running across the front wall and intersecting the central plane, both ends of the diagonal pathway terminating adjacent to the housing's front edge.

6. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the sidewall bartacked loop columns have equal heights, wherein the sidewall's exterior further comprises a pair of straps opposing each other across the central plane, each sidewall strap running parallel with and centrally between each sidewall bartacked loop column and having a height substantially similar to that of the columns.

7. The backpack of claim 6, wherein the housing further comprises a bottom storage pouch covering a substantial portion of the bottom wall's exterior, the pouch having intermittent attachment to the housing, such that unattached edges of the pouch form openings through which the bottom wall is accessible, a space between the pouch and bottom wall thus providing a storage region for accessory straps.

8. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the bottom storage pouch further comprises a pair of loops configured to anchor the accessory straps, each loop having an edge coinciding with the bottom wall's back length edge.

9. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises a top handle attached at the top region's exterior and extending vertically away from it, the top handle positioned between the primary pathway and top pathway with respect to the depth of the housing.

10. A backpack comprising a housing, the housing having an exterior and interior and comprising:(a.) a top region and an opposing bottom wall;(b.) a front wall and an opposing back pad;(c.) a sidewall extending between the front wall and back pad;(d.) a zippered primary enclosure having an angled primary pathway running along the top region, along the full perimeter of the sidewall, and angling to continue along a substantial portion of the bottom wall;(e.) a plurality of attachment interfaces configured to anchor accessories and storage cases to the exterior and interior of the housing;(f.) a pair of shoulder straps attached to the back pad, each shoulder strap having an outer and inner surface;(g.) a pair of slits formed in the back pad, the slits configured to secure the backpack to mobile luggage;(h.) a bottom storage pouch covering a substantial portion of the bottom wall's exterior; and,wherein two attachment interfaces are positioned on the exterior of the sidewall, the sidewall attachment interfaces opposing each other, wherein each shoulder strap includes an attachment interface on its outer surface, wherein the housing interior includes an attachment interface, and wherein the primary enclosure is configured to provide a clamshell-style open configuration of the backpack allowing side access to the housing interior.

11. The backpack of claim 10, wherein each attachment interface comprises a plurality of consecutively arranged loops attached via bartack stitching, such that the loops and stitched portions are linearly arranged in an alternating fashion.

12. The backpack of claim 11, wherein the interior bartacked loops are arranged in three parallel columns, wherein the sidewall bartacked loops are arranged in two sets of two parallel columns each, and wherein the shoulder straps' bartacked loops are arranged in a single column per outer strap surface.

13. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the sidewall's exterior further comprises a pair of pockets opposing each other, each pocket inferiorly positioned relative to the sidewall bartacked loops such that the pockets open at the bases of the loop columns.

14. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the sidewall bartacked loop columns have equal heights, wherein the sidewall's exterior further comprises a pair of straps opposing each other, each sidewall strap running parallel with and centrally between each sidewall bartacked loop column and having a height substantially similar to that of the columns.

15. The backpack of claim 14, wherein the bottom storage pouch has intermittent attachment to the housing, such that unattached edges of the pouch form openings through which the bottom wall is accessible, a space between the pouch and bottom wall thus providing a storage region for accessory straps.

16. The backpack of claim 15, wherein the bottom storage pouch further comprises a pair of loops configured to anchor the accessory straps, each loop having an edge adjacent to the back pad.

17. The backpack of claim 16, wherein the housing further comprises a zippered secondary enclosure, a zippered top enclosure, and a zippered front enclosure, the secondary enclosure positioned between the sidewall and front wall, the top enclosure positioned on the housing's top region, and the front enclosure diagonally positioned on the front wall.

18. The backpack of claim 17, wherein the back pad slits serve as luggage pass-throughs by receiving an extendable handle of the mobile luggage, and wherein each luggage pass-through slit further comprises a zippered pocket.

19. The backpack of claim 18, wherein the housing further comprises a top handle attached at the top region's exterior, the top handle positioned between the primary enclosure and top enclosure.

20. The backpack of claim 19, wherein the attachment interfaces are configured to anchor multiple storage cases simultaneously.

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