Combination backpack with removable back support

Abstract

A combination backpack with removable back support has a backpack portion and a back support portion which are detachably connected to each other. This allows for use of a back support and backpack both together and separately, by utilizing a back support while wearing a backpack when connected and utilizing a back support separately on a seat or chair when detached. The back support portion will attach to the outside of the backpack component.

Claims

1. A combination backpack with removable back support, which comprises: a backpack portion having at least one storage compartment securable to a user's back, and at least one strap to be worn on a shoulder; a body side of said backpack portion configured to receive and connect to an attachable back support portion; fasteners releasably connecting said backpack portion to said back support portion, wherein said back support portion contains a supporting frame structure containing at least one elongated member and is comprised of rigid or semirigid material and with fabric material stretched across said supporting frame; wherein said back support portion is configured to conform to the shape of the spine, providing back support to a user; wherein said backpack portion and said back support portion may be joined together and secured against a user's back collectively, such that said back support interfaces with the back of a user while wearing said backpack portion; wherein said back support portion is configured to be portable for independent use on a chair or seat when detached from said backpack portion.

2. The combination backpack with removable back support of claim 1, further characterized by a plurality of means for detachably interconnecting said backpack portion to said back support portion.

3. The combination backpack with removable back support of claim 1, further characterized in that said back support is comprised of one or more lightweight cellular materials including soft material such as foam, or a similar type material having foam-like characteristics.

4. The combination backpack with removable back support of claim 1, wherein said back support comprises a means for maintaining position on a chair or seat when detached from the backpack portion.

5. The combination backpack with removable back support of claim 1, wherein the back support portion is constructed to accommodate the torso size of a child or adolescent.

6. The combination backpack with removable back support of claim 1, wherein the back support portion is constructed to accommodate the torso size of an adult.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The figures and descriptions are not drawn to scale, only represent a potential embodiment, and are for illustrative purposes only.

(2) FIG. 1. Exemplarily illustrates a front view of a backpack portion capable of receiving an attachable back support portion, according to a potential embodiment. Shoulder strap(s) not pictured for better visibility.

(3) FIG. 2A. Exemplarily illustrates a rear view of a backpack portion as identified in FIG. 1 capable of receiving an attachable back support portion with a connecting means such as fastening, snap hooks, or magnets.

(4) FIG. 2B. Exemplarily illustrates a rear view of a backpack portion as identified in FIG. 1 capable of receiving an attachable back support portion with an interlocking connecting means via snapping the perimeter of the frame of said back support portion into the perimeter of the frame of said backpack portion.

(5) FIG. 3A. Exemplarily illustrates a side view of a back support portion capable of connecting to a backpack portion, with a connecting means such as fastening, snap hooks, or magnets, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

(6) FIG. 3B. Exemplarily illustrates a side view of a back support portion capable of connecting to a backpack portion, with an interlocking connecting means via snapping the perimeter of the frame of said back support portion into the perimeter of the frame of said backpack portion, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B.

(7) FIG. 4A. Exemplarily illustrates a side view of a backpack and back support portion when connected with a connecting means according to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A.

(8) FIG. 4B. Exemplarily illustrates a side view of a backpack and back support portion when connected with a connecting means according to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

(9) 1 Backpack 2 Connecting means on backpack illustrating fasteners, snap hooks, or magnets 3 Connecting means on backpack illustrating an interlocking frame 4 Complimentary connecting means for fasteners, snap hooks, or magnets on back support 5 Rigid or semi-rigid frame on back support 6 Complimentary connecting means for interlocking frame on back support 7 Back support

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

First Embodiment (FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B)

(11) One embodiment contains a detachable connection between two portions FIGS. 2A,3A and 2B,3B) that support and are carried on by the spine and trunk. One portion is a backpack FIG. 1 and the second portion is a back support FIGS. 3A,3B which conforms to the anatomy of the back muscles such as the erector spinae. The backpack portion can be made of any material used in prior art such as polyester, nylon, codura, or any other stretchable or non-stretchable materials. The backpack and/or back support portions may contain a rigid or semi-rigid frame to maintain structural integrity 6 and shape under the weight of the user. This frame can be made of materials such as metal, ceramic, plastic composites, or other materials with rigid or semi-rigid properties. The connection between said backpack and back support portions will be secured by a plurality of connecting means 2,4,3,5 not limited to fastening, interlocking, magnetic assembly, vacuum, friction or other means providing a secure and temporary linkage. Said connecting means may also be applied individually or in combination, such as magnetic only or magnetic combined with fastening. The said back support frame 7 can be covered or layered with fabric or similar material for cushioning. The frame and cushioning may also be covered by materials to enhance properties such as friction, heat transfer, and sanitation. Of course, the frame, cushioning, and cover assembly are merely illustrative of one potential embodiment of the backpack and back support portions, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

(12) Operation

(13) Operate the two detachably connected portions of this embodiment together FIGS. 4A,4B. Attach the two portions first by securing the connecting means 2,4,3,5. Then operate the two connected portions together in typical fashion for an ordinary backpack by first placing the arms through the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps of the backpack must then be adjusted so that the contour of the back support 7 aligns with the natural curve of the spine 8. This will allow said back support portion of the backpack and back support combination to interface against the spine of the user, providing support and comfort to the spine.

(14) Operate the portable back support portion of this embodiment separately (i.e. apart from said backpack portion). Detach said backpack and back support portions by releasing the connecting means, then remove said back support portion from the backpack and place said back support portion on desired surface such as a chair or seat so that the contour side will meet the curve of the spine FIG. 4A. Pressure and friction created between a seat or chair back and said back support portion under the weight of a user's torso will hold said back support portion in place. Additionally, a means for maintaining position of said back support on a chair or seat not limited to a stretchable and/or adjustable strap as in prior art may also be utilized to further secure said back support portion to a chair

Additional Embodiments (FIGS. Not Available)

(15) Additional embodiments of the portable back support portion include said back support with an additional harnessing mechanism. The harnessing mechanism is detachably connected to said back support portion and will allow a user to further secure said back support against the spine both when connected and not connected to a backpack portion. The harnessing mechanism may be secured on the shoulders, torso, and or hips of a user and will be adjustable so a user can loosen or tighten to minimize movement between said back support portion and spine. The harnessing mechanism will be removeable and or releasing if not desired. This would preclude the need for a means for maintaining position of said back support portion on a chair or seat when detached from the backpack portion and would be well suited to carrying heavy loads.

Alternative Embodiments (FIGS. Not Available)

(16) One alternative embodiment includes said back support portion of the First Embodiment with an additional compartment or capacity for carrying or transporting items within said back support portion. This embodiment would also contain at least one detachable and adjustable shoulder strap but does not contain a backpack portion as in the First Embodiment since this back support embodiment would contain its own carrying capacity. The principal advantage of this embodiment is the smaller size and therefore easier portability when larger items do not need to be carried.

Advantages

(17) From the description above, a number of advantages of the several embodiments become evident 1. Reduces barriers to utilization of back supports of prior art since although some back supports claim to be portable, they are not as conveniently portable, since a user must remember to bring and then carry the back support with them throughout the day, inconveniencing the user, and ultimately decreasing utilization. However, since many persons already carry a backpack, a back support which attaches to it would require nothing additional to remember or carry, and consequently, would likely increase utilization, which in turn, would have a more significant impact on alleviating lower back pain. 2. Eliminating the need to purchase both an ergonomic backpack and separate back support since this embodiment dually improves anatomical alignment of the spine while wearing the back support on the backpack and also when the back support portion is detached, allowing one product to serve more than one function. 3. Help prevent back pain in persons who do not yet have lower back pain due to ease of utilization, convenient portability, and unapparent addition to a backpack, potentially mitigating negative stigma of utilizing a back support.

(18) It is also assumed that the advantages of prior are art such as alleviates back pain, reduces repetitive joint stress, improves spinal alignment, and reduces fatigue are evident and encompassed by the embodiment

(19) With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in FIGS. 1 through 48 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the embodiment. Although the embodiment above has been more specifically described, those skilled in the art could introduce numerous variations on the embodiments without differing from the nature or scope of the disclosure or from the appended claims. The embodiment is presented for illustration purposes only and should not limit the scope of the embodiments or its application.