Backpack with semi-rigid handle, possibly having stowage therein

Abstract

A backpack for carrying wear by a user, and an associated method of utilizing the backpack. The backpack includes a backpack body defining an inner main cavity. The backpack includes at least one shoulder strap coupled to the backpack body. The backpack includes a carry handle located adjacent to a top portion of the backpack body, the carry handle being rigid or semi-rigid. A grasping hand of the user, upon application of minimal squeezing force, is capable of holding the carry handle with minimal deformation of the carry handle from an original shape.

Description

BACKPACK WITH SEMI-RIGID HANDLE, POSSIBLY HAVING STOWAGE THEREINRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Priority is hereby claimed to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 718,316, filed on November 8, 2024, entitled “BACKPACK WITH SEMI-RIGID HANDLE, POSSIBLY HAVING STOWAGE THEREIN,” the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present application relates to backpacks that are wearable by a user and are for carrying multiple articles.BACKGROUND

[0003] Backpacks are widely used by students, commuters, and others to store various items during travel. Often, the items to be stored can have different attributes (e.g. clean / dirty, wet / dry, etc.) and there may be interest to keep such items segregated. Also, there may be a desire to access items individually and / or access items from a primary access point. Also, there may be interest in providing protection to backpacks from adverse weather elements (e.g., rain, snow, etc.). Still further, there may be interest in providing both an ability to provide protection while maintaining style and comfort.

[0004] Current backpack configurations do not provide for adequate address of such issues. Accordingly, there is need for continued improvement within the backpack technologies.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] An example backpack that presents one or more aspects in accordance with the present disclosure is shown within the attached drawings. The drawings are part of this patent application and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the attached images in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is an image of a first example backpack incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is an image of a reverse side of the example backpack shown in FIG.1 , and primarily shows a carry handle incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view image of the backpack shown within FIG. 1 , and primarily shows an example carry handle incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 4 is an image similar to FIG. 3, but shows an optional first zipper actuated to be open and allowing access to an optional interior of the carry handle;

[0011] FIG. 5 is an image similar to FIG. 4, but being sightly enlarged and with an opening into interior of the carry handle being open in an accentuated manner to show some example structure of the handle providing for a ridged or semi-rigid construction of the carry incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 6 is an image similar to FIG. 5, but being sightly enlarged and partially torn-away to show details of the example structure;

[0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged image of a first side of the carry handling showing aspects of the ridged or semi-rigid construction of the carry handle incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 8 is an image of a reverse side of the carry handle shown in FIG. 7 and showing aspects of the ridged or semi-rigid construction of the carry handle incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 9 is an image series showing an example comparison two possible examples of the ridged or semi-rigid construction of the carry handle incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 10 is an image of a non-limiting example of a backpack within which a carry handle incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure may be utilized;

[0017] FIG. 1 1 is an image of another non-limiting example of a backpack within which a carry handle incorporating one or more aspect in accordance with the present disclosure may be utilized; and

[0018] FIGS. 12-14 are a sequence of images showing an example of a semi-rigid carry handle that has a predetermined shape (FIG. 12) and which is held by an example user hand, which has the predetermined shape temporarily changed (FIG. 13, e.g., via pressure from the user hand) and then returns to the predetermined shape (FIG. 14, e.g., via release of pressure from the user hand), in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0019] Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described within the following text and illustrated in the accompanying images.

[0020] In accordance with at least one aspect, the present disclosure provides a backpack for carrying wear by a user. The backpack includes a backpack body defining an inner main cavity. The backpack includes at least one shoulder strap coupled to the backpack body. The backpack includes a carry handle located adjacent to a top portion of the backpack body. The carry handle is rigid or semi-rigid.

[0021] In accordance with at least one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of utilizing a backpack for carrying wear by a user. The backpack includes a backpack body defining an inner main cavity. The backpack includes at least one shoulder strap coupled to the backpack body. The backpack includes a carry handle located adjacent to a top portion of the backpack body. The carry handle is rigid or semi-rigid. A grasping hand of the user, upon application of minimal squeezing force, is capable of holding the carry handle with minimal deformation of the carry handle from an original shape.DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described within the following text and illustrated in the accompanyingimages. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present disclosure. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present disclosure. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.

[0023] Turning to the example backpack of FIGS. 1 -8, the backpack 20 is for carrying wear by a user. As such, the disclosure provides a method of utilizing the backpack 20 for carrying wear by a user as will be appreciated by review of the discussion herein and the accompanying drawing set.

[0024] The backpack 20 includes a main or overall backpack body 22 that is constructed primarily of flexible and pliable material. It is to be appreciated that the flexible and pliable material may be any material such as nylon fabric, or similar. The material may be treated or otherwise configured / constructed to provide durability, wear resistant, weather / water resistant / proof ability or similar. Although the backpack body 22 is indicated as being constructed primarily of a flexible material, it is to be appreciated that some portions of the backpack body may be stiffened to provide a certain amount of rigidity and / or form / shape retention. Still further, it is to be appreciated that some portions of the backpack body 22 may be constructed to provide other attributes such as some weather / water resistance / proofing (e.g. such as provided by a rubberized bottom).

[0025] The backpack 20 includes at least one shoulder strap 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) so as to permit the carrying wear by a user. Within the shown example, the backpack includes two shoulder straps 24. The shoulder straps 24 may include various structural attributes such as having adjustability structures, accessory clips, padding and the like. In general for the shown example, the two, optionally one, shoulder straps 24 are attached to the backpack body 22 so as to provide a yolk that is centered near a base of a neck between the shoulder blades of the user. Each shoulder strap is also attached to the backpack body 22 at or adjacent to a lower end portion corner of the backpack body. As such, these attachment portions are often near a waist or pelvic bone the wear. Of course, the size dimensioning of the backpack can be varied.Moreover, the particular user of the backpack 20 may cause the proximity of locations to vary. It is to be appreciated that specific sizing need not be a specific limitation upon the present disclosure. It is also to be appreciated that various other, optional straps and the like may be present. It is to be appreciated, that shoulder strap(s), other possible straps, etc. only examples and are not limitations upon the present disclosure. Variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] As it can be appreciated, the backpack body 22 includes an interior or inner main cavity 26 (indicated via dash line in the figures to indicate hidden within, as viewed) into which items are placed for storage and carried during use of the backpack by the user. It is to be appreciated though that the backpack 20 may have other cavities and may include several cavities. It is to be appreciated, that backpack body 22, main cavity 26 thereof, other possible cavities, etc. are only examples and are not limitations upon the present disclosure. Variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Within the shown example, the backpack 20 includes an upper portion 38 of the backpack body 22. It is to be appreciated that the designations such as of “up,” “upper,” “top,” etc. is with reference to an orientation when the backpack 20 is worn by a user on the back of the user in a normal manner.

[0028] Within the shown example, the backpack 20 includes a carry handle 40 located adjacent to the upper portion 38 of the backpack body 22. The carry handle 40 may be referred to by other identifiers, such as pack handle, haul strap handle, etc. Within a typical example, the carry handle 40 may be grasped by a hand of a user to pick up and carry the backpack 20. It is simply to be appreciated that the carry handle 40 may be used to the carry the backpack 20, by a hand of a user, when the backpack 20 is not otherwise located / toted upon a back of the user.

[0029] The carry handle 40 is generally disposed either between the shoulder straps 24 or at / near the top of the backpack 20. The specific location of the carry handle 40 upon the backpack 20 is not a specific limitation upon the present disclosure. Variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Within an example, the carry handle 40 is interiorly hollow and opens through a zippered or other closure opening 42 having a zipper or other closure feature44 and provides an interior space, which may be a stowage compartment 46. Note that FIG. 3 shows an example zipper closure 44 in a closed condition (i.e. , closing the stowage compartment 46) and FIG. 4 show the example zipper closure 44 in an open condition (i.e., the stowage compartment 46 is open allowing access thereto). It is to be appreciated that various item(s) could be stowed within the stowage compartment 46. Within a non-limiting example, a rain / pack cover 48 may be stowed within the stowage compartment 46 (e.g., via rolling and / or folding of the rain / pack cover 48). The rain / pack cover 48 is indicated via dash line in FIGS. 1 to indicate hidden within, as viewed, in FIGS. 1 -3 and 7 and removed from the stowage compartment 46 in FIGS. 4- 6 to permit viewing of the stowage compartment.

[0031] The rain cover may be a pack cover only, a combined pack cover and hood, a poncho and integral hood, and / or the like. Further, the rain cover may be connected to the interior of the storage compartment, for instance by stitching, such that the rain / pack cover portion tends to deploy downwardly while the hood portion for the user tends to deploy upwardly, or above the pack cover. Alternatively, the rain cover may be kept entirely loose or free from any physical connection to the storage compartment interior such that it may be used independently of the backpack. The rain cover may also be provided with means for securing the cover tightly around the backpack, such as by an elastic drawstring closure or cinch closure with a cord lock or cord stopper. In general, although the phrase rain cover is utilized, it is to be appreciated that such may provide protection to various weather elements, such as rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc.

[0032] It is worth noting that the shown example presents the carry handle 40, and thus a contained rain cover therein, away from the portions (e.g., the shoulder straps 24) of the backpack 20 that directly engage the body of the use and / or the backpack body 22 itself, which, of course, is for contents that are to be protected from weather, water, etc. To be clear, the carry handle 40, and thus a contained rain cover 48 therein, is not integrated into the shoulder straps 24 and / or the backpack body 22. In other words, of the carry handle 40, and stowage compartment 46 therein, is separate from the shoulder straps 24 and / or the backpack body 22, and the main cavity 26 therein. Such construction is such that even if the rain cover might be re-stowed after use (i.e., possibly wet), there is no transfer of water, etc. to other portions (e.g., the backpackbody 22 and the main cavity 26 therein) of the backpack 20. It is to be appreciated that the presence of the rain cover, details of such, function(s) of such etc., are not to be limitations upon the present disclosure. Variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Focusing upon the carry handle 40, the carry handle 40 is rigid or semi-rigid in accordance with one or more aspect of the present disclosure. With regard to rigid or semi-rigid, it is to be appreciated that such is to be understood as having an ability to retain a predetermined shape (e.g., pre-molded, pre-formed, pre-shaped, etc.) In other words, the carry handle 40 constructed / configured such that the carry handle has elasticity and a memory to return to an original shape. It is to be appreciated that within some non-limiting examples, the predetermined shape may be temporarily changed (e.g., distorted, squeezed, squashed, flattened, etc.). Such an appreciation provides for knowledge and understanding of an aspect of semi-rigid, with an ability to return to the original shape.

[0034] It is to be appreciated that the carry handle 40 is stiffened to provide a certain amount of rigidity and / or form / shape retention. The stiffening of the carry handle 40 may be by a variety of constructions, configurations, methodologies, etc., all of which are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Some non-limiting examples of stiffening to provide rigidity or semi-rigidity include selection of material, multiple layers of material, pressing multiple layers of material together (e.g., lamination), adding stiffening agents, etc.

[0035] Further, it is to be appreciated that, after a temporary change of the predetermined shape, the carry handle 40 can return to the predetermined shape. Such may be considered as the carry handle 40 being constructed / configured to have a shape memory. The carry handle 40 is self-capable to return to the predetermined shape. As such, the carry handle 40 has a resilience, elasticity or spring-like memory to return to the original shape. Again, such may be by a variety of constructions, configurations, methodologies, etc., all of which are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Some non-limiting examples of resilience, elasticity or springlike memory include selection of material, multiple layers of material, pressing multiple layers of material together (e.g., lamination), adding stiffening agents, etc.

[0036] It is to be appreciated that the temporary change of the predetermined shape may be accomplished via the application of some amount of force (e.g., squeezing force) to the carry handle 40. As an example, the amount of force (e.g., squeezing force) may be an amount that can easily and reasonably be applied by a gripping hand of an average (e.g., typical) user of the backpack 20. It is to be appreciated that the function / ability to temporary change of the predetermined shape may may be absent, may be avoided, etc. For example, a relatively light force / grip applied by a user many not cause the temporary change of the predetermined shape. But, of course, if temporary change of the predetermined shape does occur, the predetermined shape does reoccur once the applied force / grip is removed, relinquished, etc.

[0037] The construction / configuration of the carry handle 40 to have the predetermined shape and the ability to return to the predetermined shape (e.g., shape memory) may be varied. Such variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Within a non-limiting example, the carry handle 40 may have fabric layer(s) and layer(s) of a rigid / semi-rigid material(s). Some non-limiting examples of fabric may be NYLON material (e.g., rip-stop NYLON), CORDURA® material or similar. Some non-limiting examples of rigid / semi-rigid material may be rubbers, plastics or similar. Within some non-limiting examples, the fabric layer(s) and / or layer(s) of rigid / semi-rigid material(s) may be pressed together during manufacture of the carry handle 40. Such can be considered as providing a stiffening. For example, multiple layers of fabric may be pressed / adhered together and the result is a stiffening of the multiple layers of fabric. Within some non-limiting examples, the fabric layer(s) and the layer(s) of the rigid / semi- rigid material(s) may be molded together during manufacture of the carry handle 40. Other manufacturing techniques / processes are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] Within some non-limiting examples, the shape of the carry handle 40 may include sub-shapes, attributes, textures, etc. FIGS. 7 and 8 show some non-limiting examples of sub-shapes, attributes, textures, etc. Such may help provide for a function of shape retention of the carry handle 40, may help provide for a gripping function, etc.Such sub-shapes, attributes, textures, etc. may be provided via an embossing (e.g., forming / pressing) step / function during the production of the carry handle 40. Such, example embossing provides for design, texture, etc. that it stands out in relief. Within the example shown within FIGS. 7 and 8, textures and or patterns 50, such as may be provided via embossing or the like, are present.

[0040] As mentioned, the constructed / configured of the carry handle 40 may be varied. Nonetheless, an example construction / configuration is shown primarily within FIGS. 5 and 6. Within the shown example, two segments 54 56 (e.g., fabric layer(s) and the layer(s)) of rigid / semi-rigid material are overlapped at a bottom, as viewed from a top of the backpack 20, of the interior of the carry handle 40, and then stitched together. Such may help to easily provide for a generally round / ovoid cross-section interior space that is the stowage compartment 46 of the carry handle 40.

[0041] It is to be appreciated that the size (e.g., one or more dimensions) of the carry handle 40 may be varied. Such variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 provides some non-limiting examples of such variations. Specifically, a first non-limiting example has a width (as measured transversely across a middle of the carry handle 40, see location indicated by the middle-indicating arrowheads 58) of 7 cm and a circumference (as measured around the middle of the carry handle 40) of 17.5 cm. A second first non-limiting example has a width (as measured transversely across a middle of the carry handle 40) of 5 cm and a circumference (as measured around the middle of the carry handle 40) of 14 cm.

[0042] It is to be appreciated that various variants of the carry handle 40 may be utilized within a spectrum of various backpacks. Such variations (e.g., variants of the carry handle 40 and the various backpacks) are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. FIGS. 10 and 11 show non-limiting examples of backpacks (20’ and 20”, respectively) within which various variants of the carry handle 40 may be utilized. Such are only examples. It is to be appreciated, that the examples not limitations upon the present disclosure. Variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] As just a non-limiting example of the aspect of a semi-rigid carry handle 40, attention is directed to FIGS. 12-14. An example semi-rigid carry handle 40 has apredetermined shape (as shown in FIG. 12) and which is held by an example user hand 62. The predetermined shape is temporarily changed (as shown in FIG. 13, e.g., via pressure from the user hand 62, specifically the thumb of the user hand as shown in FIG. 13). See temporary deformation 64 in FIG. 13. Then the carry handle 40 returns to the predetermined shape (FIG. 14, e.g., via release of pressure from the user hand). See the return 66 in FIG. 14 from the previous deformation 64 in FIG. 13. Such is in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As such, the carry handle 40 has a resilience or spring-like memory to return to the original shape. Of course, variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] In accordance with at least one aspect, the present disclosure provides a backpack 20 for carrying wear by a user. The backpack 20 includes a backpack body 22 defining an inner main cavity 26. The backpack 20 includes at least one shoulder strap 24 coupled to the backpack body 22. The backpack 20 includes a carry handle 40 located adjacent to a top portion of the backpack body 22, the carry handle being rigid or semi-rigid. A grasping hand 62 of the user, upon application of minimal squeezing force, is capable of holding the carry handle 40 with minimal deformation of the carry handle from an original shape.

[0045] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 is self-capable of retaining and / or returning to a predetermined shape.

[0046] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 is configured to have a shape memory to return the carry handle to an original shape after temporary deformation.

[0047] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 includes two segments 54, 56 of rigid / semi-rigid material that overlapped at a bottom of the carry handle 40.

[0048] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the two segments 54, 56 of rigid / semi-rigid material are stitched together.

[0049] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, an interior space, such as the stowage compartment 46, of the carry handle 40 has a generally round cross-section.

[0050] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, an interior space, such as the stowage compartment 46, of the carry handle 40 has a generally ovoid cross-section.

[0051] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 includes an embossed texture 50.

[0052] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 has a width, as measured transversely across a middle of the carry handle, within a range of 5 to 7 cm and a circumference, as measured around the middle of the carry handle, within a range of 14 to 17.5 cm.

[0053] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 is constructed to have a memory to return to a predetermined shape after deformation.

[0054] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 is constructed to have elasticity to return to a predetermined shape after deformation.

[0055] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 provides a stowage compartment 46.

[0056] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the stowage compartment 46 is accessible via a closure opening 42.

[0057] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the stowage compartment 46 is configured for stowing a rain cover 48.

[0058] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 provides a stowage compartment 46 and the carry handle is constructed to have a memory to return to a predetermined shape after deformation.

[0059] In accordance with at least one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of utilizing a backpack 20 for carrying wear by a user. The backpack 20 includes a backpack body 22 defining an inner main cavity 26. The backpack 20 includes at least one shoulder strap 24 coupled to the backpack body 22. The backpack 20 includes a carry handle 40 located adjacent to a top portion of the backpack body 22. The carry handle 40 is rigid or semi-rigid. A grasping hand 62 of auser, upon application of minimal squeezing force, is capable of holding the carry handle 40 with minimal deformation of the carry handle from an original shape.

[0060] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the grasping hand 62 of the user, upon application of an additional squeezing force, is capable of temporarily deforming 64 the carry handle 40 from the original shape.

[0061] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the carry handle 40 returns 66 to the original shape upon removal of squeezing forces from the grasping hand 62 of the user.

[0062] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes providing the handle 60 to have a stowage compartment 46.

[0063] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes stowing a rain within the stowage compartment.

[0064] The disclosure has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the disclosure are intended to include all such modifications and alterations.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:1 . A backpack for carrying wear by a user, the backpack including: a backpack body defining an inner main cavity; at least one shoulder strap coupled to the backpack body; and a carry handle located adjacent to a top portion of the backpack body, the carry handle being rigid or semi-rigid.

2. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle is self-capable of retaining and / or returning to a predetermined shape.

3. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle is configured to have a shape memory to return the carry handle to an original shape after temporary deformation.

4. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle includes two segments of rigid / semi-rigid material that overlapped at a bottom of the carry handle.

5. The backpack as set forth within claim 4, wherein the two segments of rigid / semi- rigid material are stitched together.

6. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein an interior space of the carry handle has a generally round cross-section.

7. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein an interior space of the carry handle has a generally ovoid cross-section.

8. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle includes an embossed texture.

9. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle has a width, as measured transversely across a middle of the carry handle, within a range of 5 to 7 cm and a circumference, as measured around the middle of the carry handle, within a range of 14 to 17.5 cm.

10. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle is constructed to have a memory to return to a predetermined shape after deformation.1 1 . The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle is constructed to have elasticity to return to a predetermined shape after deformation.

12. The backpack as set forth within claim 1 , wherein the carry handle provides a stowage compartment.

13. The backpack as set forth within claim 12, wherein the stowage compartment is accessible via a closure opening.

14. The backpack as set forth within claim 12, wherein the stowage compartment is configured for stowing a rain cover.

15. The backpack as set forth within claim 12, wherein the carry handle is constructed to have a memory to return to a predetermined shape after deformation.

16. A method of utilizing a backpack for carrying wear by a user, wherein the backpack including: a backpack body defining an inner main cavity; at least one shoulder strap coupled to the backpack body; and a carry handle located adjacent to a top portion of the backpack body, the carry handle being rigid or semi-rigid; andwherein a grasping hand of the user, upon application of minimal squeezing force, is capable of holding the carry handle with minimal deformation of the carry handle from an original shape.

17. The method as set forth within claim 16, wherein the grasping hand of the user, upon application of an additional squeezing force, is capable of temporarily deforming the carry handle from the original shape.

18. The method as set forth within claim 17, wherein the carry handle returns to the original shape upon removal of squeezing forces from the grasping hand of the user.

19. The method as set forth within claim 16, includes providing the handle to have a stowage compartment.

20. The method as set forth within claim 19, includes stowing a rain within the stowage compartment.

Images