Tourniquet strap for backpack and convertible backpack garment

Abstract

A convertible backpack garment is convertible from a normal backpack configuration to a wearable garment configuration. In daily use, a user wears the backpack like a typical backpack. The backpack can be converted to the wearable garment configuration by opening a body access port on the top of the backpack to access an interior compartment, turning the backpack upside down, and opening a head access port on the bottom of the backpack that leads to the compartment. The backpack also includes arm openings on each side of the backpack that lead to the compartment. A user can put-on and wear the backpack like a shirt. The user inserts his arms through respective arm openings on each side of the backpack and slides his head and body through the compartment until his head protrudes from the head access port. The backpack further includes a removable shoulder strap that is a tourniquet.

Description

TOURNIQUET STRAP FOR BACKPACK ANDCONVERTIBLE BACKPACK GARMENTCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 537,487 filed December 12, 2023 and titled “Convertible Backpack Garment.” The entire contents of the above-identified priority application are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technology described herein relates to a backpack that is convertible from a normal configuration to a garment that can be worn by a user, and, more particularly, to a backpack that can be worn to protect a user. The technology described herein further relates to a backpack comprising a detachable shoulder strap that comprises a tourniquet.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional protective backpacks have pockets that store one or more protective materials, such as an armored plate, to protect a user’s vital organs. When wearing the backpack, the protective plates in the pockets of the backpack can protect a user’s chest and back from impact injury, for example, from injury due to bullets from guns, stab wounds from knives, and shrapnel from explosives.

[0004] Conventional protective backpacks have several deficiencies. Significantly, these conventional backpacks do not convert easily from everyday use to the protective configuration and are not easy to wear in the protective configuration, particularly when used by young children. For example, one conventional backpack requires a user to separate the backpack into two halves connected by straps. Then, the user must place the backpack over his body with one-half over his chest and the other half over his back, while determining how to place their head and arms between the various straps. Another conventional backpack requires a user to retrieve a secondary protective plate from a pocket in the backpack, while wearing the backpack, and to pull that plate over the user’s head to a position in front of the user. Neither of these configurations are intuitive or user-friendly, particularly for younger children.

[0005] A tourniquet is a strap that can be wrapped tightly around a leg or an arm to stop the flow of blood to that appendage. For example, a tourniquet may be used to stop bleeding after an injury. Conventional tourniquets are compressed into its smallest form and stored inside a pouch, bag, backpack, or other storage device. When needed, the conventional tourniquet mustbe found and retrieved from inside the storage location and then opened from the compressed form to its usable form before it can be used. In an emergency, those steps can take time that could allow an injury to become more severe.SUMMARY

[0006] This description relates to a convertible backpack garment that can be utilized as a typical backpack in its normal configuration and that can be utilized as a wearable garment in its garment configuration. This description further relates to a backpack comprising a detachable shoulder strap comprising a tourniquet that may be detached from the backpack for emergency use.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, including: a shell including a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further including a first access port in the top side of the shell, a second access port in the bottom side of the shell, a third access port in the left side of the shell, and a fourth access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the third and fourth access ports being disposed closer to the second access port than to the first access port.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the third and fourth access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the second access port such that the third and fourth access ports are arm holes of a shirt and the second access port is a neck hole of a shirt.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of a user of the backpack,and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of the user of the backpack.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shell further including a second interior compartment, the backpack further including a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shell further including a third interior compartment, the second interior compartment being on a back side of the first interior compartment and the third interior compartment being disposed on a front side of the first interior compartment, the backpack further including a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein the first and second protective plates are bulletproof plates.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shell including an impact-resistant protective material.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein the impact-resistant protective material is KEVLAR®.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shell including an insulating material.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shell including a water-resistant material.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the water- resistant material being a waterproof material.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein the shoulder strap is a tourniquet.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, including: a shell including a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further including a body access port in the top side of the shell, a head access port in the bottom side of the shell, a left arm access port in the left side of the shell, and a right arm access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell, the body access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the head access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack, the left and right arm access ports being disposed in a shirtlike relationship to the head access port such that the left and right arm access ports are armholes of a shirt, the head access port is a neck hole of the shirt, and the body access port is a body hole of the shirt; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shell further including a second interior compartment and a third interior compartment, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment, the backpack further including a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell and a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shell including an impact-resistant material.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein the shoulder strap is a tourniquet.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method to convert a backpack into a wearable garment, including: providing a backpack; opening a body access port in a top side of the backpack to provide access to a first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a head access port in a bottom side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a left arm access port in a left side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a right arm access port in a right side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; and turning the backpack upside down to dispose the body access port toward the ground and to dispose the head access port away from the ground with relation to the body access port.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including inserting a protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: inserting a first protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack; and inserting a second protective plate into a third interior compartment of the backpack, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment of the backpack.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: a user reaching through the body access port into the first interior compartment of the backpack; the user passing the user's left and right arms from the first interior compartment through the left arm access port and the right access port, respectively; the user inserting the user's head through the body access port into the interior compartment of the backpack; and the user sliding the backpack down over the user's head and body until the user's head protrudesthrough the head access port, both arms extend through the arm access ports, and a front side of the backpack covers a chest of the user and a back side of the backpack covers a back of the user.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including using a portion of the backpack as a tourniquet by: detaching a shoulder strap from the backpack; inserting an appendage into an opening of the shoulder strap; adjusting the shoulder strap around the appendage; and operating tourniquet components of the shoulder strap to tighten the shoulder strap around the appendage.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, including: a shell; and a shoulder strap detachably connected to the shell, the shoulder strap including tourniquet components.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the tourniquet components including: a tourniquet adjusting strap including a first end and a second end that are each connected to the shoulder strap, wherein an interior portion of the tourniquet adjusting strap between the first and second ends remains detached from the shoulder strap; and a windlass coupled to the interior portion of the tourniquet adjusting strap.

[0033] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the tourniquet components further including a windlass clip coupled to the shoulder strap and into which a portion of the windlass is removably placed.

[0034] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shoulder strap further including a cover over the tourniquet components.

[0035] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein the cover is partially removable from the should strap to expose the tourniquet components.

[0036] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein a first end of the cover is fixedly attached to the shoulder strap and a second end of the cover is removably attached to the shoulder strap.

[0037] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein the cover is fully removable from the should strap to expose the tourniquet components.

[0038] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, wherein first and second ends of the cover are removably attached to the shoulder strap.

[0039] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shoulder strap further including a pocket, wherein the windlass is stored in the pocket during normal use of the backpack, and wherein the windlass is retrieved from the pocket and attached to the tourniquet adjusting strap during operation of the tourniquet components.

[0040] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the backpack further including a pocket, wherein the windlass is stored in the pocket during normal use of the backpack, and wherein the windlass is retrieved from the pocket and attached to the tourniquet adjusting strap during operation of the tourniquet components.

[0041] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shoulder strap including first and second buckle portions attached thereto, the first buckle portion attached to the shoulder strap forming part of a tourniquet in conjunction with the tourniquet components, the shell including corresponding first and second buckle portions attached thereto, and the shoulder strap being detachably connected to the shell by connecting the first buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the first buckle portion of the shell and by connecting the second buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the second buckle portion of the shell.

[0042] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a backpack, the shoulder strap including a tourniquet, a first buckle portion attached thereto, and a second buckle portion attached thereto, wherein neither of the first or second buckle portions attached to the shoulder strap form part of the tourniquet, the shell including corresponding first and second buckle portions attached thereto, and the shoulder strap being detachably connected to the shell by connecting the first buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the first buckle portion of the shell and by connecting the second buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the second buckle portion of the shell.

[0043] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method to use tourniquets with backpacks, including: providing a backpack including a shoulder strap that is a tourniquet; detaching the shoulder strap from the backpack; inserting an appendage into an opening of the shoulder strap; adjusting the shoulder strap around the appendage; and operating tourniquet components of the shoulder strap to tighten the shoulder strap around the appendage.

[0044] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including removing a cover from the shoulder strap to expose the tourniquet components prior to operating the tourniquet components.

[0045] These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated examples.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 is a left side view of a convertible backpack garment.

[0047] Figure 2 is a front view of the convertible backpack garment in its normal configuration.

[0048] Figure 3 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment in its garment configuration with a head access port, left arm access port, right arm access port, and body access port open to the same interior compartment in the backpack.

[0049] Figure 4 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment in the garment configuration and being worn by a user.

[0050] Figure 5 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment in the garment configuration being worn by a user and including two protective plates therein.

[0051] Figure 6 is a left side view of a backpack garment comprising a detachable shoulder strap comprising a tourniquet.

[0052] Figure 7 is a left side view of a backpack garment comprising an alternative design of a detachable shoulder strap comprising a tourniquet.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The innovations described herein relate to a convertible backpack garment comprising a backpack that is convertible from a normal configuration to a wearable garment configuration. In daily use, the backpack is used in its normal configuration to carry books, computers, notebooks, clothing, tools, or any desired items. The backpack includes various compartments, such as pockets, to hold the items and one or more straps, such as shoulder straps, for the user to carry the backpack. In the normal configuration, a user wears the backpack like a typical backpack. The user places his arms through the shoulder straps until the user’s shoulders support the backpack on the user’s back via the straps.

[0054] The backpack can be converted to the wearable garment configuration by opening a body access port on the top of the backpack to access an interior compartment of the backpack, turning the backpack upside down, and opening a head access port on the bottom of the backpack that leads to the compartment. The backpack also includes arm openings on each side of the backpack that lead to the compartment. In this wearable garment configuration, a user can put-on and wear the backpack like a shirt. The user inserts his arms through the respective arm openings on each side of the backpack and slides his head and body through the body access port and through the compartment until his head protrudes from the head access port. This wearable garment configuration can provide an intuitive and easy to use operation, even for younger children. The operation of wearing a shirt is a simple concept for younger children.

[0055] The convertible backpack can be used as a protective backpack. One or multiple compartments of the backpack can be made of, or contain, a protective material, such as“bullet-proof’ materials and armored plates, to protect the user’s vital organs. When wearing the backpack in the normal configuration, the protective material in the compartment(s) of the backpack can protect a user’s back from impact injury, for example, from injury due to bullets from guns, stab wounds from knives, and shrapnel from explosives. In the wearable garment configuration, the backpack can protect the user’s chest and back when the protective materials are included in a front compartment of the backpack and a rear compartment of the backpack.

[0056] The innovations described herein further relate to a backpack garment comprising a backpack comprising at least one detachable shoulder strap comprising a tourniquet. The tourniquet is removably coupled to the backpack at locations where a shoulder strap typically is coupled to the backpack. In daily use, the backpack is used in its normal manner to carry books, computers, notebooks, clothing, tools, or any desired items. The backpack includes various compartments, such as pockets, to hold the items and one or more straps, such as shoulder straps, for the user to carry the backpack. At least one of the shoulder straps comprises a removable tourniquet. The user wears the backpack like a typical backpack. The user places his arms through the shoulder straps until the user’s shoulders support the backpack on the user’s back via the straps. In an emergency, the user may detach the tourniquet from the backpack and use the tourniquet on an appendage.

[0057] With reference to Figures 1-4, a convertible backpack garment 100 will be described. Figure 1 is a left side view of a convertible backpack garment 100. Figure 2 is a front view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in its normal configuration. Figure 3 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in its garment configuration with a head access port 120, left arm access port 118, right arm access port 122, and body access port 110 open to the same interior compartment 302. Figure 4 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration and being worn by a user.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1-4, a convertible backpack garment 100 comprises a shell 102 with one or more shoulder straps 104 attached thereto. The figures are labeled with directional reference arrows to describe the top, bottom, and sides of the convertible backpack garment 100. The shell 102 of the convertible backpack garment 100 includes a back side 102a, a top side 102b, a front side 102c, a bottom side 102d, a left side 102e, and a right side 102f.

[0059] The one or more shoulder straps 104 are attached to the back side 102a of the shell 102 at locations 104a, 104b via any suitable means. For example, the one or more shoulder straps 104 can be fixed to the shell 102 at the locations 104a, 104b by being sewed, glued, seam welded, or otherwise fixed to the shell 102. The one or more shoulder straps 104 also can be attached to the shell 102 at one or more of locations 104a, 104b in a removable or adjustablemanner via clips, adjustable straps, or any combination thereof or in combination with any fixed configuration. The one or more shoulder straps 104 can be attached to the shell 102 at any suitable location. For example, if only one shoulder strap 104 is utilized, the shoulder strap 104 may be attached in an angled relationship to the shell 102 to facilitate carrying of the convertible backpack garment 100.

[0060] The shell 102 comprises multiple access ports 106-122 leading from an exterior of the shell 102 to an interior of the shell 102. Each access port 106-122 is operable between a closed position and an open position via corresponding fasteners 106a-122a. As shown in Figures 1-4, the fasteners 106a-122a can be zipper pulls that operate a zipper access of each access port 106-122. Movement of the zipper pulls in a first direction will unzip the corresponding zippers to allow access through each access port 106-122 into the interior of the shell 102. Movement of the zipper pulls in an opposite direction will zip the corresponding zippers to prevent access through each access port 106-122 into the interior of the shell 102.

[0061] Although the fasteners 106a-122a are depicted in the figures as zippers and zipper pulls, any suitable fastener may be used to open and close the access ports 106-122. For example, the fasteners 106a- 122a can be VELCRO®, buttons, straps, snaps, clips, or any other suitable fastener.

[0062] Each of the access ports 106-122 leads to the interior of the shell 102. Typically, each of the access ports 106-122 leads to a separate compartment inside the shell, with interior walls (not shown) separating the corresponding compartments from each other. However, for the convertible backpack garment 100, multiple access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 lead to the same interior compartment 302 (Figure 3) inside the shell 102 to facilitate the garment configuration of the convertible backpack garment 100.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the access port 110 on the top side 102b of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302; the access port 120 on the bottom side 102d of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302; the access port 118 on the left side 102e of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302; and the access port 122 on the right side 102f of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302. In this manner, each of the access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 can be opened to allow access to the compartment 302 inside the shell 102 to convert the convertible backpack garment 100 into the garment configuration to be worn by a user.

[0064] More specifically, with the backpack placed in an upside-down configuration as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the garment configuration (with access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 open) allows a user 402 (Figure 4) to wear the convertible backpack garment 100 like a shirt. The“arm” access ports 118, 122 are disposed on the shell 102 in proximity to the “head” access port 120 in a similar relationship as the sleeves and neck of a shirt. Additionally, the “body” access port 110 is disposed on the shell 102 with reference to the head access port 120 and the arm access ports 118, 122 in a similar relationship as the bottom opening of a shirt.

[0065] In operation, the user 402 opens each of the access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 and turns the convertible backpack garment 100 upside down. The user 402 then reaches through the access port 110 into the compartment 302 to pass her left and right arms from the compartment 302 through the left access port 118 and the right access port 122, respectively, and inserts her head through the body access port 110 into the compartment 302. The user 402 then slides the convertible backpack garment 100 down over her head and body until her head protrudes through the head access port 120, both her arms extend through the arm access ports 118, 122, and the front side 102c of the shell 102 covers her chest and the back side 102a of the shell 102 covers her back, as shown in Figure 3.

[0066] In the normal configuration depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the user can open the access port 110 to access the compartment 302. Even when the access port 110 is open to its maximum amount, the user can place items in the compartment 302 in the normal configuration. With the access port 120 remaining closed, the user can place items in the compartment 302 for transportation. Access ports 118, 122 can remain closed to maintain the integrity of the compartment 302. The user also may access the compartment 302 via the access ports 118, 122 to place items in the compartment 302.

[0067] Additionally, although not depicted in Figures 1-4, access ports 118, 122 can provide access to corresponding compartments behind the flaps 118b, 122b, respectively. These compartments provide separate storage areas in the shell 102 separate from the compartment 302. In this configuration, these compartments behind flaps 118b, 122b include a pass-through access into the compartment 302 of the shell 102. For example, these compartments can have a wall that separates them from the compartment 302, and these walls have an openable access into the compartment 302. The openable access can be controlled via a fastener, such as a zipper, snaps, clips, VELCRO®, or other suitable fastener, or by overlapping material. In the garment configuration, the user also will open this pass-through access to extend her arms from the compartment 302 through the access ports 118, 122. The flaps 118b, 122b may or may not be provided. For example, the access ports 118, 122 may provide an opening into the compartment 302 without resulting in a sleeve configuration created by the flaps 118b, 122b.

[0068] As also shown in Figures 3 and 4, the access port 110 can comprise one or more retention guides on the left side 102e and the right side 102f of the shell 102, such as theretention strap 304 and / or the retention flap 306. The retention guides can provide additional “sides” of the garment configuration, which can facilitate the shirt-like operation of the convertible backpack garment 100. The retention guides also facilitate the normal configuration of the convertible backpack garment 100. For example, the retention strap 304 and the retention flap 306 help secure items inside the compartment 302 by reducing a size of the access port 110. In the garment configuration, the retention guides are sized to create a suitably sized opening for the body of the user 402. For example, the retention strap 304 and / or the retention flap 306 may be adjustable for the user 402 to tighten the front side 102c and the back side 102a of the shell 102 around her body. The retention guides may be adjustable by including a mechanical adjuster, such as an adjustable strap with a clip and / or a releasable buckle or by forming one or more of the retention guides from a stretchable material, such as spandex, neoprene, or other suitable material.

[0069] In the garment configuration, the user 402 can wear the convertible backpack garment 100 in a manner similar to putting on a shirt. Even small / young children understand this concept and can put the convertible backpack garment 100 on by themselves or with limited instruction or assistance.

[0070] The garment configuration is useful to provide additional protection for the user. For example, the user can wear the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration (as shown in Figure 4) for additional protection from cold or wet weather. The shell 102 of the convertible backpack garment 100 can be made of any suitable material to provide weather protection, such as nylon, denier, cloth, insulated materials, waterproof or water-resistant materials, or any other material suitable for the desired purpose.

[0071] Additionally, the convertible backpack garment 100 can be made of, or can contain, a protective material that can protect the user’s chest and back from impact injury, for example, from injury due to bullets from guns, stab wounds from knives, and shrapnel from explosives.

[0072] In the garment configuration, the convertible backpack garment 100 covers the user’s chest and back as shown in Figure 4. Thus, making the shell 102 and / or interior compartment walls of a protective material, the convertible backpack garment 100 protects the user from impact injuries. An example protective material is KEVLAR®, which is a light but very strong synthetic fiber material for impact-resistant, puncture-resistant, and / or bullet- resistant / bulletproof applications. Other protective materials, such as those used in ballistic vests and body armor are suitable materials for the shell 102 and / or compartment walls of the convertible backpack garment 100 to protect the user from impact injury. Additionally, the convertible backpack garment 100 can include protective material covering the side of the userand / or can have the retention guides made of a protective material, which can protect the user’s sides.

[0073] Alternatively, or additionally, one or more protective plates 502 (Figure 5) may be placed in one or more compartments of the convertible backpack garment 100 to protect the user from impact injuries. Figure 5 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration being worn by a user 402 and including two protective plates 502 therein. As shown in Figure 5, the two protective plates 502 are inserted through access ports 106, 112 into respective compartments in the shell 102 of the convertible backpack garment 100. If desired, the shell 102 may include additional inner compartments (not depicted) to secure the protective plates 502 within the shell 102. In this manner, the protective plates 502 protect the user’s chest and back from impact injury when the user wears the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration. The protective plates also protect the user’s back when the user wears the convertible backpack garment 100 in the normal configuration.

[0074] The protective plates 502 can be made of any suitable material and chosen for the desired result. For example, the protective plates 502 can be made of a KEVLAR® material or any other suitable impact-resistant, puncture-resistant, and / or bullet-resistant / bulletproof material. The plate material and thickness can be varied based the desired scope of protection based on perceived threats. Additionally, larger plates may be utilized for larger users, and smaller plates may be utilized for smaller users.

[0075] Similarly, a larger convertible backpack garment 100 may be utilized for larger users, and a smaller convertible backpack garment 100 may be utilized for smaller users. The convertible backpack garment 100 also can be sized as desired to include more or less carrying capacity.

[0076] An alternative design disposes the arm access ports 118, 122 in proximity to the access port 110 on the top side 102b of the shell 102. In this regard, the garment configuration is achieved without turning the backpack upside down. In operation of this configuration, the user 402 opens each of the access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122. The user 402 then reaches through the access port 120 into the compartment 302 to pass her left and right arms from the compartment 302 through the left access port 118 and the right access port 122, respectively, and inserts her head through the access port 120 into the compartment 302. The user 402 then slides the convertible backpack garment 100 down over her head and body until her head protrudes through the access port 110, both her arms extend through the arm access ports 118,122, and the front side 102c of the shell 102 covers her chest and the back side 102a of the shell 102 covers her back.

[0077] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, backpack garments comprising a detachable tourniquet as a shoulder strap will be described. Figure 6 is a left side view of a backpack garment 600 comprising a detachable shoulder strap 604 that is a tourniquet. Figure 7 is a left side view of a backpack garment 700 comprising an alternative design of a detachable shoulder strap 708 that is a tourniquet.

[0078] The backpack garments 600, 700 can include all or some features similar to those described previously with reference to Figures 1-5. For example, the backpack garments 600, 700 may be a convertible backpack garment as described herein. The backpack garments 600, 700 also may be any suitable carrying bag comprising at least one shoulder strap via which a user wears the garments 600, 700, such as a backpack or a sling pack.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6, the backpack garment 600 comprises the shell 102 with at least one shoulder strap 604 that is a tourniquet attached thereto. The backpack garment 600 also may include additional shoulder straps 104 as described previously herein.

[0080] The shoulder strap 604 is attached to the back side 102a of the shell 102 at locations 104a, 104b via detachable buckles 606, 607. As shown in the figures, buckle 606 is depicted as an upper buckle, and buckle 607 is depicted as a lower buckle.

[0081] Each buckle 606, 607 comprises two pieces that are detachable from each other. Buckle 606 comprises a female piece 606a and a male piece 606b. The female piece 606a is insertable into the male piece 606b to secure the pieces 606a, 606b of the buckle 606 together. Buckle 606 includes a quick-release feature to remove the female piece 606a from the male piece 606b.

[0082] Similarly, buckle 607 comprises a female piece 607a and a male piece 607b. The female piece 607a is insertable into the male piece 607b to secure the pieces 607a, 607b of the buckle 607 together. Buckle 607 includes a quick-release feature to remove the female piece 607a from the male piece 607b.

[0083] Buckle 606 is coupled to the shell 102 at location 104a, and buckle 607 is coupled to the shell 102 as location 104b. A connector strap 610a is connected at one end to the shell 102 at location 104a and at its other end to the female piece 606a of connector 606. And, connector strap 610b is connected at one end to the shell 102 at location 104b and at its other end to the male piece 607b of connector 607. The connector straps 610a, 610b can be fixed to the shell 102 at the locations 104a, 104b by being sewed, glued, seam welded, or otherwise fixed to the shell 102.

[0084] The corresponding pieces 606b, 607a of the buckles 606, 607, respectively, are coupled to the shoulder strap 604. The shoulder strap 604 comprises a first end 604b that is attached to the male piece 606b of the buckle 606. For example, the first end 604b of the shoulder strap 604 may be inserted into a slot in the male piece 606b of the buckle 606, folded back, and attached to itself via any suitable means, such as by being sewed, glued, seam welded, or otherwise fixed. Then, a second end 604c of the shoulder strap 604 is freely inserted through a slot in the female piece 607a of the buckle 607 and freely inserted through a slot in the male piece 606b of buckle 606. The shoulder strap 604 comprises corresponding hook and loop sections 604d, 604e, or other suitable attaching mechanism, attached to the shoulder strap 604. The second end 604c of the shoulder strap 604 is then folded back over the shoulder strap 604 to mate the corresponding hook and loop sections 604d, 604e to secure the shoulder strap 604 in place.

[0085] The shoulder strap 604 is attached to the shell 102 of the backpack garment 600 by connecting the buckles 606, 607. More specifically, the male piece 606b of the buckle 606 is inserted into the female piece 606a of the buckle 606, and the male piece 607b of the buckle 607 is inserted into the female piece 607a of the buckle 607. In a similar manner, the shoulder strap 604 can be detached from the shell 102 of the backpack garment 600 by disconnecting the buckles 606, 607.

[0086] When the shoulder strap 604 is attached to the backpack garment 600, the length of the shoulder strap 604 can be adjusted by moving the second end 604c away from the shoulder strap 604 to separate the hook and loop sections 604d, 604e, moving the shoulder strap 604 a desired amount into or out of the slot in the male piece 606b of the buckle 606, and then remating the corresponding hook and loop sections 604d, 604e.

[0087] The buckles 606, 607 may be configured as depicted in Figure 6. Alternatively, the buckles 606, 607 may be configured such that both female pieces 606a, 607a are attached to the shell 102 of the backpack garment 600 and both male pieces 606b, 607b are attached to the shoulder strap 604; the buckles 606, 607 may be configured such that both female pieces 606a, 607a are attached to the shoulder strap 604 and both male pieces 606b, 607b are attached to the shell 102 of the backpack garment 600; or the buckles 606, 607 may be configured such that the male piece 606b of the buckle 606 and the female piece 607a of the buckle 607 may be attached to the shell 102 of the backpack garment 600 and the female piece 606a of the buckle 606 and the male piece 607b of the buckle 607 is attached to the shoulder strap 604.

[0088] The shoulder strap 604 comprises tourniquet components 608 to make the shoulder strap 604 a tourniquet. An adjusting strap 608a is attached on its ends to the shoulder strap604, leaving interior of the tourniquet adjusting strap 608a between its ends separate from the shoulder strap 604. A windlass 608b is attached to the interior section of the tourniquet adjusting strap 608a. A windlass clip 608c is attached to the shoulder strap 604. An end of the windlass 608b is secured in the windlass clip 608c to prevent rotation of the windlass 608b. The shoulder strap 604 makes an opening A inside the shoulder strap 604 when the second end 604c of the shoulder strap 604 is attached to the shoulder strap 604 via the hook and loop sections 604d, 604e.

[0089] The windlass clip 608c may be a rigid device as depicted in Figure 6. Alternatively, the windlass clip 608c may be any suitable device to secure the windlass 608b when desired to prevent movement of the windlass 608b. For example, the windlass clip 608c may be an elastic strap, a strap with corresponding hook and loop components, a twist tie, or other suitable retaining device.

[0090] The shoulder strap 604 also may include a removable cover (not depicted in Figures 6 or 7) to protect the tourniquet components 608 during daily use. For example, the cover can comprise the same material as the shoulder strap 604 (or any other suitable material) and be fully or partially removable from the shoulder strap 604. The cover can be made as long as desired to protect the tourniquet components 608. Both ends of the cover may have hook and loop closures attached thereto, and the shoulder strap 604 can have corresponding hook and loop closures attached to the shoulder strap 604 above and below the tourniquet components (or to the tourniquet components, such as to the tourniquet clip 608c or the tourniquet adjusting strap 608a). The cover is placed over the tourniquet components 608 and attached to the shoulder strap 604 by connecting the corresponding hook and loop closures on the cover and the shoulder strap 604. Alternatively, one end of the cover may be fixedly attached to the shoulder strap above or below the tourniquet components 608, such as by being sewed, glued, seam welded, or otherwise fixed to the shoulder strap 604. Then, the other end of the cover is folded over the tourniquet components 608 and attached to the shoulder strap 604 via the corresponding hook and loop closures, as described previously.

[0091] The shoulder strap 604 can be attached to the shell 102 at any suitable location. For example, if only one shoulder strap is utilized, the shoulder strap 604 may be attached in an angled relationship to the shell 102 to facilitate carrying of the backpack garment 600. Additionally, multiple shoulder straps 604 may be utilized, or a shoulder strap 604 and a shoulder 104 as described previously may be utilized.

[0092] The shoulder strap 604 can be made of any suitable material, such as a nylon webbing or other suitable strapping. The shoulder strap 604 also can comprise padding to cushion theuser when wearing the backpack. When using the tourniquet function of the shoulder strap 604, any padding can be compressed when tightening the tourniquet.

[0093] In operation, the shoulder strap 604 is attached to the backpack garment 600, and the user wears the backpack garment 600 to carry items in the backpack garment 600. In an emergency, the shoulder strap 604 is detached from the backpack garment 600 by separating the buckles 606, 607. An appendage is placed in the opening A of the shoulder strap 604. The shoulder strap 604 is tightened around the appendage by moving the second end 604c away from the shoulder strap 604 to separate the hook and loop sections 604d, 604e, moving the shoulder strap 604 a desired amount into or out of the slot in the male piece 606b of the buckle 606, and then re-mating the corresponding hook and loop sections 604d, 604e. The tourniquet components 608 are then operated. The end of the windlass 608b is removed from the windlass clip 608c; the windlass is twisted to gather the tourniquet adjusting strap 608a, which pulls the ends of the tourniquet adjusting strap 608a together to tighten the shoulder strap 604 around the appendage; and, when the tourniquet is sufficiently tightened, the end of the windlass 608b is placed in the windlass clip 608c to retain the windlass 608b in the tightened position.

[0094] In an alternative operation of the tourniquet, the shoulder strap 604 may be wrapped around an appendage and connected together by inserting the male piece 606b of the buckle 606 into the female piece 607a of the buckle 607. Then, the tourniquet function may be operated as described previously.

[0095] As depicted in Figure 6, the windlass 608b is stored in the attached position on the tourniquet adjusting strap 608a. Alternatively, the windlass may be stored in a pocket in the backpack garment 600, or in a pocket within the shoulder strap 604, retrieved when needed, and attached to the tourniquet adjusting strap 608a to operate the tourniquet.

[0096] If the shoulder strap 604 comprises the protective cover, the cover is removed from the shoulder strap 604 (in the case where the cover is fully removable) or the cover is folded back to expose the tourniquet components 608 (in the case where the cover is partially removable) prior to operating the tourniquet components 608.

[0097] In this manner, the shoulder strap 604 is a tourniquet attached to the backpack garment 600 and is available when desired for use.

[0098] Figure 7 depicts a backpack garment 700 comprising an alternative configuration of a shoulder strap 704 that is a tourniquet. As shown in Figure 7, the backpack garment 700 comprises the shell 102 with at least one shoulder strap 704 that is a tourniquet attached thereto. The backpack garment 700 also may include additional shoulder straps 104 as described previously herein. The backpack garment 700 includes similar features as described withreference to the shoulder strap 604 of Figure 6 and may include the cover for the tourniquet components. The difference in the shoulder strap 704 is the addition of buckle 706.

[0099] The first end 604b of the shoulder strap 704 is attached to the buckle 706. For example, the first end 604b of the shoulder strap 604 may be inserted into a first slot in the buckle 706, folded back, and attached to itself via any suitable means, such as by being sewed, glued, seam welded, or otherwise fixed. Then, the second end 604c of the shoulder strap 704, is freely inserted through a slot in the male piece 606b of the buckle 606, freely inserted through a slot in the female piece 607a of the buckle 607, and freely inserted through a second slot in the buckle 706. The second end 704c of the shoulder strap 704 is then folded back over the shoulder strap 704 to mate the corresponding hook and loop sections 604d, 604e to secure the shoulder strap 704 in place.

[0100] The configuration of Figure 7 allows use of a standard tourniquet as the shoulder strap 704. To use a standard tourniquet, the pieces 606b, 607a of the buckles 606, 607 are freely coupled to the tourniquet as described herein. Then, the tourniquet may be attached to the backpack garment 700 and detached from the backpack garment 700 via the buckles 606, 607. Operation of the tourniquet function is similar to the operation of the tourniquet function of the shoulder strap 604.

[0101] In this manner, the shoulder strap 704 is a tourniquet attached to the backpack garment 700 and is available when desired for use.

[0102] Figure 7 further depicts an alternative adjustment feature to adjust the shoulder strap 704 for the user. The connector strap 610b comprises an end 710b that is routed through slots in the male piece 607b of the buckle 607. In this manner, the buckle 607 may adjustably slide along the connector strap 610b to adjust the shoulder strap 704 for the user. This configuration may be used for any of the shoulder straps described herein and at any location 104a, 104b, as desired.

[0103] Clause 1. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a first access port in the top side of the shell, a second access port in the bottom side of the shell, a third access port in the left side of the shell, and a fourth access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

[0104] Clause 2. The backpack according to clause 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

[0105] Clause 3. The backpack according to clause 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed closer to the second access port than to the first access port.

[0106] Clause 4. The backpack according to clause 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the second access port such that the third and fourth access ports are arm holes of a shirt and the second access port is a neck hole of a shirt.

[0107] Clause 5. The backpack according to clause 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

[0108] Clause 6. The backpack according to clause 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of the user of the backpack.

[0109] Clause 7. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell.

[0110] Clause 8. The backpack according to clause 7, the shell further comprising a third interior compartment, the second interior compartment being on a back side of the first interior compartment and the third interior compartment being disposed on a front side of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

[0111] Clause 9. The backpack according to clause 8, wherein the first and second protective plates are bulletproof plates.

[0112] Clause 10. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell comprising an impact-resistant protective material.

[0113] Clause 11. The backpack according to clause 10, wherein the impact-resistant protective material is KEVLAR®.

[0114] Clause 12. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell comprising an insulating material.

[0115] Clause 13. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell comprising a water-resistant material.

[0116] Clause 14. The backpack according to clause 13, the water-resistant material being a waterproof material.

[0117] Clause 15. The backpack according to clause 1, wherein the shoulder strap is a tourniquet.

[0118] Clause 16. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a body access port in the top side of the shell, a head access port in the bottom side of the shell, a left arm access port in the left side of the shell, and a right arm access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell, the body access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the head access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack, the left and right arm access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the head access port such that the left and right arm access ports are arm holes of a shirt, the head access port is a neck hole of the shirt, and the body access port is a body hole of the shirt; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

[0119] Clause 17. The backpack according to clause 16, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment and a third interior compartment, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell and a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

[0120] Clause 18. The backpack according to clause 16, the shell comprising an impactresistant material.

[0121] Clause 19. The backpack according to clause 16, wherein the shoulder strap is a tourniquet.

[0122] Clause 20. A method to convert a backpack into a wearable garment, comprising: providing a backpack; opening a body access port in a top side of the backpack to provide access to a first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a head access port in a bottom side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a left arm access port in a left side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a right arm access port in a right side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; and turning the backpack upside down to dispose the body access port toward the ground and to dispose the head access port away from the ground with relation to the body access port.

[0123] Clause 21. The method according to clause 20, further comprising inserting a protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack.

[0124] Clause 22. The method according to clause 20, further comprising: inserting a first protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack; and inserting a second protective plate into a third interior compartment of the backpack, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment of the backpack.

[0125] Clause 23. The method according to clause 20, further comprising: a user reaching through the body access port into the first interior compartment of the backpack; the user passing the user's left and right arms from the first interior compartment through the left arm access port and the right access port, respectively; the user inserting the user's head through the body access port into the interior compartment of the backpack; and the user sliding the backpack down over the user's head and body until the user's head protrudes through the head access port, both arms extend through the arm access ports, and a front side of the backpack covers a chest of the user and a back side of the backpack covers a back of the user.

[0126] Clause 24. The method according to clause 20, further comprising using a portion of the backpack as a tourniquet by: detaching a shoulder strap from the backpack; inserting an appendage into an opening of the shoulder strap; adjusting the shoulder strap around the appendage; and operating tourniquet components of the shoulder strap to tighten the shoulder strap around the appendage.

[0127] Clause 25. A backpack, comprising: a shell; and a shoulder strap detachably connected to the shell, the shoulder strap comprising tourniquet components.

[0128] Clause 26. The backpack according to clause 25, the tourniquet components comprising: a tourniquet adjusting strap comprising a first end and a second end that are each connected to the shoulder strap, wherein an interior portion of the tourniquet adjusting strap between the first and second ends remains detached from the shoulder strap; and a windlass coupled to the interior portion of the tourniquet adjusting strap.

[0129] Clause 27. The backpack according to clause 26, the tourniquet components further comprising a windlass clip coupled to the shoulder strap and into which a portion of the windlass is removably placed.

[0130] Clause 28. The backpack according to clause 26, the shoulder strap further comprising a cover over the tourniquet components.

[0131] Clause 29. The backpack according to clause 28, wherein the cover is partially removable from the should strap to expose the tourniquet components.

[0132] Clause 30. The backpack according to clause 29, wherein a first end of the cover is fixedly attached to the shoulder strap and a second end of the cover is removably attached to the shoulder strap.

[0133] Clause 31. The backpack according to clause 28, wherein the cover is fully removable from the should strap to expose the tourniquet components.

[0134] Clause 32. The backpack according to clause 29, wherein first and second ends of the cover are removably attached to the shoulder strap.

[0135] Clause 33. The backpack according to clause 26, the shoulder strap further comprising a pocket, wherein the windlass is stored in the pocket during normal use of the backpack, and wherein the windlass is retrieved from the pocket and attached to the tourniquet adjusting strap during operation of the tourniquet components.

[0136] Clause 34. The backpack according to clause 26, the backpack further comprising a pocket, wherein the windlass is stored in the pocket during normal use of the backpack, and wherein the windlass is retrieved from the pocket and attached to the tourniquet adjusting strap during operation of the tourniquet components.

[0137] Clause 35. The backpack according to clause 26, the shoulder strap comprising first and second buckle portions attached thereto, the first buckle portion attached to the shoulder strap forming part of a tourniquet in conjunction with the tourniquet components, the shell comprising corresponding first and second buckle portions attached thereto, and the shoulder strap being detachably connected to the shell by connecting the first buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the first buckle portion of the shell and by connecting the second buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the second buckle portion of the shell.

[0138] Clause 36. The backpack according to clause 26, the shoulder strap comprising a tourniquet, a first buckle portion attached thereto, and a second buckle portion attached thereto, wherein neither of the first or second buckle portions attached to the shoulder strap form part of the tourniquet, the shell comprising corresponding first and second buckle portions attached thereto, and the shoulder strap being detachably connected to the shell by connecting the first buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the first buckle portion of the shell and by connecting the second buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the second buckle portion of the shell.

[0139] Clause 37. A method to use tourniquets with backpacks, comprising: providing a backpack comprising a shoulder strap that is a tourniquet; detaching the shoulder strap from the backpack; inserting an appendage into an opening of the shoulder strap; adjusting the shoulder strap around the appendage; and operating tourniquet components of the shoulder strap to tighten the shoulder strap around the appendage.

[0140] Clause 38. The method according to clause 37, further comprising removing a cover from the shoulder strap to expose the tourniquet components prior to operating the tourniquet components.

[0141] The example systems, methods, and components described in the embodiments presented previously are illustrative, and, in alternative embodiments, certain components can be combined in a different order, omitted entirely, and / or combined between different example embodiments, and / or certain additional components can be added, without departing from the scope and spirit of various embodiments. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments are included in the scope of the following claims, which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such alternate embodiments.

[0142] Although specific embodiments have been described above in detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects described above are not intended as required or essential elements unless explicitly stated otherwise. Modifications of, and equivalent components or acts corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the example embodiments, in addition to those described above, can be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the this disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a first access port in the top side of the shell, a second access port in the bottom side of the shell, a third access port in the left side of the shell, and a fourth access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

2. The backpack according to claim 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

3. The backpack according to claim 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed closer to the second access port than to the first access port.

4. The backpack according to claim 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the second access port such that the third and fourth access ports are arm holes of a shirt and the second access port is a neck hole of a shirt.

5. The backpack according to claim 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

6. The backpack according to claim 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of the user of the backpack.

7. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell.

8. The backpack according to claim 7, the shell further comprising a third interior compartment, the second interior compartment being on a back side of the first interior compartment and the third interior compartment being disposed on a front side of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

9. The backpack according to claim 8, wherein the first and second protective plates are bulletproof plates.

10. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell comprising an impact-resistant protective material.

11. The backpack according to claim 10, wherein the impact-resistant protective material is KEVLAR®.

12. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell comprising an insulating material.

13. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell comprising a water-resistant material.

14. The backpack according to claim 13, the water-resistant material being a waterproof material.

15. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap is a tourniquet.

16. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a body access port in the top side of the shell, a head access port in the bottom side of the shell, a left arm access port in the left side of the shell, and a right arm access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell, the body access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the head access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack, the left and right arm access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the head access port such that the left and right arm access ports are arm holes of a shirt, the head access port is a neck hole of the shirt, and the body access port is a body hole of the shirt; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

17. The backpack according to claim 16, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment and a third interior compartment, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell and a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

18. The backpack according to claim 16, the shell comprising an impact-resistant material.

19. The backpack according to claim 16, wherein the shoulder strap is a tourniquet.

20. A method to convert a backpack into a wearable garment, comprising: providing a backpack; opening a body access port in a top side of the backpack to provide access to a first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a head access port in a bottom side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a left arm access port in a left side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a right arm access port in a right side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; and turning the backpack upside down to dispose the body access port toward the ground and to dispose the head access port away from the ground with relation to the body access port.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising inserting a protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: inserting a first protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack; and inserting a second protective plate into a third interior compartment of the backpack, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment of the backpack.

23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: a user reaching through the body access port into the first interior compartment of the backpack; the user passing the user’s left and right arms from the first interior compartment through the left arm access port and the right access port, respectively; the user inserting the user’s head through the body access port into the interior compartment of the backpack; and the user sliding the backpack down over the user’s head and body until the user’s head protrudes through the head access port, both arms extend through the arm access ports, and a front side of the backpack covers a chest of the user and a back side of the backpack covers a back of the user.

24. The method according to claim 20, further comprising using a portion of the backpack as a tourniquet by: detaching a shoulder strap from the backpack; inserting an appendage into an opening of the shoulder strap; adjusting the shoulder strap around the appendage; and operating tourniquet components of the shoulder strap to tighten the shoulder strap around the appendage.

25. A backpack, comprising: a shell; and a shoulder strap detachably connected to the shell, the shoulder strap comprising tourniquet components.

26. The backpack according to claim 25, the tourniquet components comprising: a tourniquet adjusting strap comprising a first end and a second end that are each connected to the shoulder strap, wherein an interior portion of the tourniquet adjusting strap between the first and second ends remains detached from the shoulder strap; and a windlass coupled to the interior portion of the tourniquet adjusting strap.

27. The backpack according to claim 26, the tourniquet components further comprising a windlass clip coupled to the shoulder strap and into which a portion of the windlass is removably placed.

28. The backpack according to claim 26, the shoulder strap further comprising a cover over the tourniquet components.

29. The backpack according to claim 28, wherein the cover is partially removable from the should strap to expose the tourniquet components.

30. The backpack according to claim 29, wherein a first end of the cover is fixedly attached to the shoulder strap and a second end of the cover is removably attached to the shoulder strap.

31. The backpack according to claim 28, wherein the cover is fully removable from the should strap to expose the tourniquet components.

32. The backpack according to claim 31, wherein first and second ends of the cover are removably attached to the shoulder strap.

33. The backpack according to claim 26, the shoulder strap further comprising a pocket, wherein the windlass is stored in the pocket during normal use of the backpack, and wherein the windlass is retrieved from the pocket and attached to the tourniquet adjusting strap during operation of the tourniquet components.

34. The backpack according to claim 26, the backpack further comprising a pocket, wherein the windlass is stored in the pocket during normal use of the backpack, and wherein the windlass is retrieved from the pocket and attached to the tourniquet adjusting strap during operation of the tourniquet components.

35. The backpack according to claim 26, the shoulder strap comprising first and second buckle portions attached thereto, the first buckle portion attached to the shoulder strap forming part of a tourniquet in conjunction with the tourniquet components, the shell comprising corresponding first and second buckle portions attached thereto, and the shoulder strap being detachably connected to the shell by connecting the first buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the first buckle portion of the shell and by connecting the second buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the second buckle portion of the shell.

36. The backpack according to claim 26, the shoulder strap comprising a tourniquet, a first buckle portion attached thereto, and a second buckle portion attached thereto, wherein neither of the first or second buckle portions attached to the shoulder strap form part of the tourniquet, the shell comprising corresponding first and second buckle portions attached thereto, and the shoulder strap being detachably connected to the shell by connecting the first buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the first buckle portion of the shell and by connecting the second buckle portion of the shoulder strap to the second buckle portion of the shell.

37. A method to use tourniquets with backpacks, comprising: providing a backpack comprising a shoulder strap that is a tourniquet; detaching the shoulder strap from the backpack; inserting an appendage into an opening of the shoulder strap; adjusting the shoulder strap around the appendage; and operating tourniquet components of the shoulder strap to tighten the shoulder strap around the appendage.

38. The method according to claim 37, further comprising removing a cover from the shoulder strap to expose the tourniquet components prior to operating the tourniquet components.

Images