Foldable backpack

Abstract

A foldable backpack is disclosed, including a first panel including a perimeter, a second panel including a perimeter, and a foldable body. The foldable body has a first end secured to the perimeter of the first panel and a second end secured to the perimeter of the second panel to define main body of the foldable backpack. The first panel, the second panel and the foldable body together comprise a main compartment of the foldable backpack. A closure is attached to the first panel and the second panel. In a closed state, the closure retains the first panel and the second panel in parallel relation in a minimized condition of the foldable backpack, and in open state of the closure allows for the first panel and the second panel to extend in opposite directions and for the foldable body to be unfolded in an expanded state of the foldable backpack.

Description

[0001] FOLDABLE BACKPACK

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003]

[0001] Backpacks are manufactured and provided in all shapes, sizes, materials, and the like, but are not configured to be foldable into a compact configuration for carrying and storage and to be expandable to a fully deployed configuration for use as a carrying article.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] The present disclosure is related to a backpack for carrying articles, in particular a foldable, compact backpack.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]

[0003] It is desirable to provide an improved carrying article, such as a backpack. It is desirable to provide an improved backpack that is configured to be folded into a compact configuration for carrying and / or storage and also configured to be expanded and deployed into a backpack for use as a carrying article.

[0008]

[0004] Aspects and embodiments of a foldable backpack include a first panel, a second panel, and a foldable body secured to the first panel and the second panel. Embodiments of the foldable backpack include the first foldable body having a first end secured to a perimeter of the first panel and a second end secured to a perimeter of the second panel to define a main body of the foldable backpack, wherein the first panel, the second panel and the foldable body collectively comprise a main compartment of the foldable backpack.

[0009]

[0005] Aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack include a closure attached to the first panel and the second panel. In a closed state, the closure selectively retains the first panel and the second panel in parallel relation with the foldable body in a folded configuration between the first panel and the second panel, with the foldable backpack in a minimized configuration. In an open state of the closure, the first panel and the second panel extend in opposite directions and the foldable body unfolds into an unfolded configuration for the foldable backpack to be in an expanded state.

[0006] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, the closure is a zipper closure arrangement having mating zipper tapes attached along the perimeter of the first panel and the second panel.

[0010]

[0007] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, the zipper closure is nylon.

[0011]

[0008] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable backpack includes a third panel, a fourth panel, and a second closure disposed about a portion of a periphery of the third and fourth panels. The second closure is configured to maintain the third panel and the fourth panel in parallel relation in a closed configuration of the second closure, and for enabling the fourth panel to pivot with respect to the third panel to enable access to an inside of the main body of the foldable backpack in an open configuration of the second closure.

[0012]

[0009] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, a portion of the third panel and a portion of the fourth panel are connected by a living hinge. According to aspect and embodiments, the living hinge is at a periphery of the portions of the third panel and the fourth panel.

[0013]

[0010] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, a portion of the third panel, a portion of the second panel, and the living hinge are integrally formed.

[0014]

[0011] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable backpack includes a fifth panel and a third closure disposed about a portion of the fourth panel and about a portion of a periphery of the fifth panel. The third closure is configured to maintain the fourth panel and the fifth panel in parallel relation in a closed configuration of the third closure and enable access to an internal pocket between the fourth panel and the fifth panel of the foldable backpack in an open configuration of the third closure.

[0015]

[0012] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, the internal pocket further comprises an additional pocket having a closure that enables access to the additional pocket, wherein access to the additional pocket can be used to facilitate, for example, embroidering on an external surface of the fifth panel.

[0016]

[0013] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, a portion of the fourth panel and a portion of the fifth panel that are connected by a living hinge. According to aspects and embodiments, the portion of the fifth panel is at a periphery of the fifth panel, and a the portion of fourth panel is interior to the periphery.

[0014] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, a portion of the fourth panel, a portion of the fifth panel, and the living hinge arc integrally formed.

[0017]

[0015] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, any of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, the fourth panel and the fifth panel are made of a ballistic nylon.

[0018]

[0016] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, the foldable body comprises a lightweight water-resistant material.

[0019]

[0017] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable backpack includes any one or more of shoulder straps, a panel for enabling the backpack to be attached to a telescoping suitcase handle, a carrying handle, a horizontal strap including horizontal daisy chain strap loops, and a vertical strap including vertical daisy chain strap loops attached to the foldable body.

[0020]

[0018] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable backpack includes shoulder straps.

[0021]

[0019] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable body further comprises a panel that is attached to the foldable body and is sized in height and width so as enable insertion of a telescoping handle of a luggage article between the panel and the foldable body of the backpack.

[0022]

[0020] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable backpack includes a carrying handle.

[0023]

[0021] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable backpack includes a horizontal strap including horizontal daisy chain strap loops attached to the foldable body.

[0024]

[0022] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable backpack includes a vertical strap including vertical daisy chain strap loops attached to the foldable body.

[0025]

[0023] According to aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack, the foldable body further includes a vertical side pocket in the foldable body having a closure.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures arc provided for the purposes of illustration and explanation and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures:

[0027]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable backpack in a closed configuration;

[0028]

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the foldable backpack of FIG.

[0029] 1 in an expanded configuration;

[0030]

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the foldable backpack of FIG. 1 in the expanded configuration;

[0031]

[0028] FIG. 4 is a back view of the embodiment of the foldable backpack of FIG. 1 in the expanded configuration;

[0032]

[0029] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the embodiment of the foldable backpack of FIG. 1 in the expanded configuration;

[0033]

[0030] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the embodiment of the foldable backpack of FIG. 1 in the expanded configuration;

[0034]

[0031] FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of the foldable backpack of FIG. 1 in the expanded configuration;

[0035]

[0032] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the foldable backpack of FIG. 1 in the expanded configuration;

[0036]

[0033] FIG. 9 is a view looking inside a compartment of the foldable backpack of FIG. 1 ;

[0037]

[0034] FIGS. 10A-C illustrates certain dimensions of an embodiment of the foldable backpack in the closed configuration; and

[0038]

[0035] FIGS. 10D illustrates certain dimensions of an embodiment of the foldable backpack in the expanded configuration.

[0039] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0040]

[0036] With regard to reference numerals used, the following reference numbering is used throughout the description and drawings. Where technical features in the figures or detailed description are followed by these reference numerals, the reference numerals have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the figures or detailed description.

[0041] Accordingly, neither the reference numerals nor their absence is intended to have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure.

[0042]

[0037] Reference numeral 10 refers to a foldable backpack

[0043]

[0038] Reference numeral 12 refers to a first panel 12;

[0044]

[0039] Reference numeral 14 refers to a second panel 14;

[0045]

[0040] Reference numeral 16 refers to a foldable body;

[0046]

[0041] Reference numeral 18 refers to a first closure;

[0047]

[0042] Reference numeral 20 refers to a horizontal strap;

[0048]

[0043] Reference numeral 22 refers to a horizontal daisy chain strap loops;

[0049]

[0044] Reference numeral 24 refers to vertical straps;

[0050]

[0045] Reference numeral 26 refers to vertical daisy chain strap loops;

[0051]

[0046] Reference numeral 28 refers to shoulder straps

[0052]

[0047] Reference numeral 30 refers to shoulder straps adjustment buckles

[0053]

[0048] Reference numeral 32 refers to carrying handle

[0054]

[0049] Reference numeral 34 refers to a panel;

[0055]

[0050] Reference numeral 36 refers to second closure;

[0056]

[0051] Reference numeral 38 vertical side pocket;

[0057]

[0052] Reference numeral 40 refers to a third closure;

[0058]

[0053] Reference numeral 42 refers to a fourth closure;

[0059]

[0054] Reference numeral 44 refers to a third panel;

[0060]

[0055] Reference numeral 46 refers to a fourth panel;

[0061]

[0056] Reference numeral 48 refers to a fifth panel;

[0062]

[0057] Reference numeral 50 refers to a internal closure;

[0063]

[0058] Reference numeral 52 refers to an internal pocket;

[0064]

[0059] Reference numeral 54 refers to an internal pocket;

[0065]

[0060] Reference numeral 56 refers to living hinge; and

[0066]

[0061] Reference numeral 58 refers to living hinge.

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Reference will now be made in detail to at least one representative embodiment of a foldable backpack illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments of a foldable backpack to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, they are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as disclosed. It is appreciated that any of the features of any of the embodiments can be used with any of the aspects and embodiments and it is understood that they can so be combined in any manner.

[0068]

[0063] According to the present disclosure, a foldable backpack is configured to be folded into a compact configuration for carrying and / or storage and is configured to be unfolded and expanded to an expanded state and used as a backpack carrying article. When a user wants to carry items, the user can open and unfold the foldable backpack into an expanded configuration and use it as a carrying item. When the user wants to carry and / or store the foldable backpack in a compact configuration, the user can collapse the foldable backpack to a folded configuration for storage and / or for carrying.

[0069]

[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable backpack, generally indicated at 10, in a closed, compact, folded condition. FIG. 2 illustrates the foldable backpack in an unfolded, expanded condition, as described in further detail below. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of a foldable backpack. A user may selectively convert the foldable backpack 10 between the folded configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, in which the foldable backpack 10 is configured to be carried and / or stored, and the unfolded configuration of FIG. 2, in which the foldable backpack 10 is unfolded into an expanded state and used as a carrying article.

[0070]

[0065] Referring to FIGs 1-2, the foldable backpack 10 comprises a first panel 12 and a second panel 14 secured together by a first closure 18. The first closure 18 includes a closure portion attached to a periphery portion of the first panel 12 and a closure portion attached to a portion of a periphery of the second panel 14. The first panel 12 and a second panel 14 are attached to a foldable body 16 that collectively provide a main body of the foldable backpack. The foldable body 16 is sized and configured to provide a main pocket of the foldable backpack. The main body can be unfolded and expanded from the folded condition (FIG. 1) in which the first and second panel are secured together by closure 18, to an unfolded and expanded condition in which the closure is opened and the foldable backpack is unfold into the expanded configuration (such as in FIG. 2). When a user docs not wish to use the foldable backpack 10 as a carrying article, the user may fold the foldable body 16 to the folded condition and secure the first panel 12 and second panel 14 together with closure 18 (FIG. 1) storing the foldable body 16 between the first panel 12 and the second panel 14. The user can close closure 18 to retain the foldable body 16 within the volume defined between the first panel 12 and second panel 14.

[0071]

[0066] The foldable body 16 has a first (top) end and a second (bottom) end. The first (top) end of the foldable body is secured at or about a perimeter of the first panel 12, and the second (bottom) end of the foldable body is secured at or about a perimeter of the second panel 14 to define the main body and compartment of the foldable backpack 10, so that the first panel 12 forms a top panel and the second panel 14 forms a bottom panel of the foldable back 10, and so that the foldable body 16 forms side walls of the main compartment of the foldable backpack. In some embodiments, foldable body 16 comprises a lightweight water-resistant material. In some embodiments the foldable body is made of nylon. In some embodiments, foldable body 16 comprises at least one vented opening (not illustrated) to allow passage of liquids and condensation.

[0072]

[0067] In some embodiments, the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 are secured to the foldable body 16 by a fastening means. In some embodiments, the fastening means may be any one or more of stitching, an adhesive, or another fastening means known to one of skill in the art. The first panel 12 is attached to the foldable body 16 about a first top end and perimeter of the foldable body 16. The second panel 14 is attached to the foldable body 16 about a second bottom end and perimeter of the foldable body 16. This arrangement is configured to contain the foldable body within and between the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 in the closed condition when the foldable backpack 10 is not being used and in the expanded configuration. When the closure 18 is in a closed state, the closure 18 retains the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 in parallel relation in a minimized condition of the foldable backpack 10 (FIG. 1). When the closure 18 is in an open state, the closure allows for the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 to separate and extend in opposite directions for the foldable body to unfold and be deployed and expanded in an expanded state of the foldable backpack 10 (FIG. 2).

[0073]

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the foldable backpack. FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the embodiment of the backpack., FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the embodiment of the backpack, and FIG. 6 illustrates a right side view of the embodiment of the backpack, with like feature numbers indicating like features. Referring to FIGs 3-6, aspects and embodiments of the foldable body 16 include: a horizontal strap 20 that is configured with horizontal daisy chain strap loops 22 that are compatible with and configured for attaching accessories. Aspects and embodiments of the foldable body 16 can also include a vertical strap 24 configured with daisy chain loops 26 that are compatible with and configured for attaching accessories. Aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack can also include shoulder straps 28, and shoulder straps adjustment buckles 30 for adjusting length and configuration of the shoulder straps. Aspects and embodiments of the foldable backpack can further include a carrying handle 32 disposed on a backside of the foldable backpack at or near a top end of the foldable body. Aspects and embodiments of the the foldable backpack can also include a panel 34 disposed on the back side of the foldable body that sized in height and width and configured in combination with the foldable body to enable a luggage article retractable and expandable handle to be inserted through the opening between the panel and foldable body to attach the foldable backpack to the luggage article handle. Aspects and embodiments of the foldable body can also include a second closure 36 that provides access to a vertical opening and side pocket 38 in the foldable body 16. In some embodiments, the straps are a fabric strap. In some embodiments, the strap can be made of a webbing material. It is appreciated that the above aspects can be included individually and in any combination in various embodiments of the foldable backpack.

[0074]

[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the foldable backpack in the expanded configuration, and FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the foldable backpack 10 in the expanded configuration, wherein the first panel 12 and the foldable body 16 are pulled away from the second panel 14. The first panel 12 forms a top portion of the main body of the foldable backpack and the second panel 14 forms a base of the main body of the foldable backpack 10.

[0075]

[0070] Referring to FIGs 3-6, the foldable backpack further includes a third panel 44 secured to a fourth panel 46 by a third closure 40 and a living hinge ( 56). The third closure 40 is attached to a portion of the periphery of the third panel 44 and a portion of the periphery of the fourth panel 46 at or about the perimeter of the panels. According to aspects and embodiments the third closure has a length of about at least % of the perimeter of the third and fourth panels. The third closure can be opened so as to enable access to a main compartment of the foldable backpack 10 through a top opening in the first panel 12 by pivoting open the fourth panel 46 with respect to the third panel 44 with the living hinge (56). Referring to FIGs 2-3, the foldable backpack 10 comprises a fourth closure 42 that secures a fifth panel 48 to the fourth panel 46 to create a U-zip pocket with embroidery capabilities. The fourth closure 42 is attached to a portion of the fourth panel 46 and a portion of a periphery of the fifth panel 48 at or about the perimeter of the fifth panel. Aspects and embodiments of the fourth closure has a length of about % of the perimeter of the fifth panel. The fourth closure 42 can be opened so as to enable access to an additional compartment in the fourth panel. For example, the additional compartment can be opened by opening the closure 42 and pivoting the fifth panel with respect to the fourth panel via a living hinge (not illustrated). Referring to FIG. 9, the fifth panel 48 can be opened so as to expose a pocket 54 including a closure 50 that enables access to an additional pocket 52 within the pocket 54. Pocket 52 can be used to store items and can also facilitate embroidering of the fifth panel, for example, with an user’s initials or any other suitable indicia.

[0076]

[0071] When the user does not want to carry anything in the foldable backpack 10, the user may fold up the foldable body 16 so that the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 of the are in substantially parallel relation, as shown in FIG. 1, and secure the first panel 12 to the second panel 14 by means of closure 18. When the user wants to use the foldable backpack 10 to carry something, the user may undo closure 18 completely and separate first panel 12 from the second panel 14 as shown in FIGS. 2-8.

[0077]

[0072] According to aspects and embodiments, the foldable body 16 may be made of a material comprising fabric or nylon. Aspects and embodiments of the foldable body 16 may include a reinforcing material. Aspects and embodiments of the foldable body 16 may include one or more pieces of reinforcing material. Aspects and embodiments of the pieces of reinforcing material may be covered in the material of the foldable body.

[0078]

[0073] Aspects and embodiments of the hinges described herein may be made of a flexible material and in some embodiments may be a living hinge. In some embodiments, the living hinge is made of the same material as the panels. In some embodiments, any of the foldable body, the first panel 12, the second panel 14, the third panel 44, the fourth panel 46, the fifth panel 48, and the living hinges are made of ballistic nylon. In some embodiments, the living hinges arc integrally formed with the panels. In some embodiments, the integrally formed hinge is a substantially one-dimensional crease demarcating a transition between the panels and does not contribute to the overall height or dimensions of the panels. In some embodiments, the integrally formed hinge may have a length that is greater than zero and the length of one side of a panel.

[0079]

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the closures attached to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth panels is a zipper closure along at least a portion of the perimeter of the panels. In some embodiments, the zipper closure is a nylon zipper closure. However, it is appreciated that any of the closures disclosed herein can be other fasteners, such as a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a clasp, or another fastener known and used by one of skill in the art.

[0080]

[0075] According to aspect and embodiments, the foldable backpack 10 is formed independently and separately from a carrying article, and a user may selectively secure the foldable backpack 10 to the carrying article or selectively remove the foldable backpack 10 from the carrying article. According to aspect and embodiments, a user may secure the foldable backpack 10 to a carrying article, such as an article of luggage for carrying the foldable backpack, when the foldable backpack 10 is being used to carry items for example by inserting an expandable handle of the luggage article through the panel on the back side of the backpack. According to aspect and embodiments, a user may secure the foldable backpack 10 to a carrying article, when the foldable backpack 10 is not being used and is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the foldable backpack 10 can include a clip that is configured to support the weight of the foldable backpack 10 and the contents of the foldable backpack 10 when the foldable backpack 10 is secured to a carrying article. In some embodiments, the clip is made of metal and or plastic. In some embodiments, the clip is a carabiner clip. In some embodiments, the carabiner clip is a metal carabiner clip. In some embodiments, the clip may be selectively secured to a loop, a strap, or another feature on the article of luggage. For example, the clip may be secured to loop affixed to a shoulder strap of the article of luggage or a loop on the side of the article of luggage.

[0081]

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 10A-D, according to one embodiment of the foldable backpack, the dimensions of the foldable backpack are about 2.65" X 10.5" X 7.25" in the closed configuration. In particular, the foldable back is about 7.25 inches wide, about 10.5 inches in length and 2.65” in height in the stored configuration. According to this embodiment, the expanded dimensions are about 17.0" X 10.5" X 7.25", having a height of about 17.0 inches in the expanded configuration. It is appreciated that the foldable backpack of the present disclosure may have different dimensions. For example, another embodiment of the backpack in the expanded state has the dimensions 17.0" X 10.3" X 6.8". In some embodiments, the total weight of the foldable backpack is no more than about 1.1 pounds.

[0082]

[0077] As can be seen from the above description, a foldable backpack of the present disclosure is capable of being stored in a flat, compact configuration, and unfolded and expanded to a configuration in which it can be used as a carrying article. The foldable backpack includes a sheet that is flexible so that the main body of the foldable backpack that is formed by the sheet takes up minimal space and substantially conforms to fit between the first and second panels. One advantage of the foldable backpack is that it is compact, lightweight, and takes up little space when in the folded configuration. Another advantage is that the panels provide rigidity to the foldable backpack. Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the foldable backpack allows a user to selectively store and selectively expand and use the foldable as a carrying article. This allows a user to allocate the volume of the compartment as desired. When the user has an article or articles of sufficient volume to carry, the user can open and unfold into an expanded configuration the foldable backpack to carry the articles.

[0083]

[0078] While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. As such, the particular features claimed below and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible permutations and combinations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the systems and methods of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter includes modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A foldable backpack (10) comprising: a first panel (12) including a perimeter a second panel (14) including a perimeter; a foldable body (16) comprising a first end being secured to the perimeter of the first panel (12) and a second end secured to the perimeter of the second panel (14) to define a main body of the foldable backpack, wherein the first panel (12), the second panel (14) and the foldable body (16) comprise a main compartment of the foldable backpack; a closure (18) attached to the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) that in a closed state of the closure selectively retains the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) in parallel relation with the foldable body (16) in a folded configuration and the with the foldable backpack in a minimized configuration, and in open state of the closure (18) allows for the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) to extend in opposite directions, for the foldable body (16) to unfold into an unfolded configuration, and for the foldable backpack to be in an expanded state.

2. The foldable backpack of claim 1, wherein the closure (18) is a zipper closure arrangement having mating zipper tapes attached along the perimeter of the first panel (12) and the second panel (14).

3. The foldable backpack of claim 2, wherein the zipper closure is nylon.

4. The foldable backpack of claim 1, further comprising a third panel (44), a fourth panel (46), and a second closure (40) disposed about a portion of a periphery of the third and fourth panels, the second closure configured to maintain the third panel (44) and the fourth panel (46) in parallel relation in a closed configuration of the second closure and for enabling the fourth panel to pivot with respect to the third panel to enable access to an inside of the main body of the foldable backpack in an open configuration of the second closure.

5. The foldable backpack of claim 4, having a portion of the third panel (44) and a portion of the fourth panel (46) that arc connected by a living hinge (56).

6. The foldable backpack of claim 5, wherein the portion of the third panel (44), the portion of the second panel (46), and the living hinge are integrally formed.

7. The foldable backpack of claim 4, further comprising a fifth panel (48), and a third closure (42) disposed about a portion of the fourth panel and about a portion of a periphery of the fifth panel, the third closure configured to maintain the fourth panel (46) and the fifth panel (48) in parallel relation in a closed configuration of the third closure and for allowing access in an open configuration of the third closure to an internal pocket (54) in the fourth panel of the foldable backpack.

8. The foldable backpack of claim 7, wherein the internal pocket further comprises an additional pocket (52) having a closure (50) that enables access to the additional pocket, wherein access to the additional pocket can be used to facilitate embroidering on an external surface of the fifth panel.

9. The foldable backpack of claim 7, having a portion of the fourth panel (46) and a portion of the fifth panel (48) that are connected by a living hinge.

10. The foldable backpack of claim 9, wherein the portion of the fourth panel (46), the portion of the fifth panel (48), and the living hinge are integrally formed.

11. The foldable backpack of claim 1, wherein any of the first panel (12), the second panel (14), the third panel (44), the fourth panel (46) and the fifth panel (48) are made of a ballistic nylon.

12. The foldable backpack of claim 1, wherein the foldable body (16) comprises a lightweight water-resistant material.

13. The foldable backpack of claim 1 , further comprising any one or more of shoulder straps (28), a panel (34), a carrying handle (32), horizontal Daisy chain strap loops (22), and vertical Daisy chain strap loops (26) attached to the foldable body (16).

14. The foldable backpack of claim 1, further comprising shoulder straps (28).

15. The foldable backpack of claim 1, wherein the foldable body (16) further comprises a panel (34) that is attached to the foldable body and is sized in height and width so as to be able to insert a handle of a luggage article between the panel and the foldable body.

16. The foldable backpack of claim 1, further comprising a carrying handle (32).

17. The foldable backpack of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal strap (20) including horizontal Daisy chain strap loops (22) attached to the foldable body (16).

18. The foldable backpack of claim 1, further comprising a vertical strap (24) including vertical Daisy chain strap loops (26) attached to the foldable body (16).

19. The foldable backpack of claim 1, wherein the foldable body (16) further includes a vertical side pocket (38) having a closure (36).

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