BACKPACK SEAT

Abstract

An improved Backpack and Seat is provided, which is available as a seat requiring no setup prior to use, which is waterproof, and can be manufactured by a variety of methods and materials, including bullet-resistant, in a wide variety of shapes and structures. To use the Backpack Seat as a seat, the user simply removes and places the Backpack Seat on the ground, and sits down. The invention protects the contents by the nature of its' hard hard-sided design, and that also provides for a waterproof interior, perfect for safe transportation of any goods, and particularly useful for electric and electronic devices.

The invention is for many people, in that it provides an immediate resting place, for example when waiting for transportation, and with its' bullet-resistant capabilities, can also provide a modicum of safety. The invention can also re-charge electronic devices, and supports a wide variety of electric and electronic devices to provide for any function desired.

Claims

1. A hard-sided backpack and seat comprising: a body, the body comprised of material or materials or combinations thereof in any configuration which retains their shape against the forces of gravity and the load created by a user when utilizing the backpack as a seat, the body defining an inside cavity, the body having no permanent apertures located on the sides or bottom, and thereby providing a waterproof interior; a cover, the cover comprised of material or materials or combinations thereof in any configuration that can support the load created by a user when utilizing the backpack as a seat, the cover, which may provide partial or whole coverage of the opening at the top of the backpack, and may also be partially or wholly integrated into the body, movable between an open and a closed position, the cover allowing access to the interior of the body in the open position and restricting access to the interior in the closed position, the cover having a lip or edge, gasket, or any sealing method, thereby providing a water resistant and/or waterproof seal to the interior of the body when the cover is in the closed position; shoulder straps, the shoulder straps comprised of any material or materials or combinations thereof in any configuration that can support the load of the backpack seat and contents, that may be permanently or temporarily attached to the body and/or the cover and/or may be permanently or temporarily attached to a carrying or supporting system to facilitate carry of the Backpack Seat.

2. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the cover opens into a horizontal or flat position, the horizontal or flat surface providing a generally flat surface for the user.

3. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has a user pad, the pad located on a rear of the body providing additional comfort and protection to a user, and being formed of any material or materials or combinations thereof, including but not limited to, foam, cloth, wicker, fiber, or air chambers.

4. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has external systems, the external systems including, but not limited to, the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) configuration used by the United States of America and other Militaries, Hook-and-Loop attachment, and/or any attachment points and/or connectors, and/or external structure, as required for any use.

5. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has temporary apertures, the temporary apertures including, but not limited to, holes or openings with removable plugs, thereby providing for cleaning or draining of the interior, and/or doors swinging on an axis, sliding doors, or other mechanisms that provide access to the interior of the body.

6. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has an easily accessible carrying handle, the handle being integrated into the body and/or the cover, thereby providing for the ability to carry the backpack with one hand, similar to a briefcase or suitcase.

7. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has interior systems, the interior systems including, but not limited to, Hook-and-Loop attachment, attachment points and/or connectors, or internal structure that provide for different configurations including, but not limited to, compartmentalization, division, or sub-division of the interior space.

8. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has external systems and/or external structure, these external systems and structures providing for different configurations and/or interior access, including compartmentalization or division of the exterior space which may include intrusion into the interior space, including, but not limited to, food or water storage, lunchbox, and/or or toolbox.

9. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack and/or cover has integrated and/or removable electrical devices, the integrated and/or removable electrical devices including, but not limited to, LED lights, speakers, GPS modules, WiFi/Bluetooth modules, and/or any electrical device offering aesthetic and/or functional benefits.

10. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has interior structure, the structure or structures of which may be comprised of any material or materials or combinations thereof, with integral compartments or cavities and/or dividers and/or integrated connectors and/or inductance locations for various electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, notebook computers, equipment, tools, or removable storage units.

11. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack and/or cover has interior energy storage systems, the interior energy storage systems comprised of commercially available battery or other energy storage modules to store and provide electrical power.

12. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the cover has user comfort features, the features providing comfort and protection to a user, including, but not limited to, internal heating or cooling elements and/or space provided for other chemically or electrically powered heating or cooling pad or pads, the pads being formed of any material or materials or combinations thereof, including but not limited to, foam, cloth, wicker, fiber, rubber compound, plastic, polymer, or air chambers.

13. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the cover may have a lock or locks, the lock or locks providing the ability for the cover and/or external apertures to be secured to the body of the backpack, including, but not limited to, tumbler locks, traditional padlocks, and/or digital locks, and may include strengthened tabs or inserts in the body of the backpack for additional strength and security.

14. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has a waist belt system, the waist belt system comprised of any material or materials or combinations thereof in any configuration that can assist in supporting the load of the backpack seat and contents, that may be permanently or temporarily attached to the body or the cover and/or may be permanently or temporarily attached to a carrying or supporting system to facilitate carry of the Backpack Seat.

15. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the cover has an outer liner, jacket, or padding, the outer liner, coating, being formed of any material or materials or combinations thereof, including, but not limited to, foam, cloth, wicker, fiber, rubber compound, plastic, polymer, or air chambers.

16. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack has an interior and/or exterior liner or liners and/or insert or inserts, the liners or inserts which may be comprised of any material or materials or combinations thereof, including, but not limited to, bullet-resistant and/or bullet-proof materials, insulation, and/or energy storage, providing additional capabilities to the user.

17. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack and/or cover has interior and/or exterior coating or coatings, and/or covering or coverings, these coating(s) and/or covering(s) may be comprised of any material or materials, providing for a variety of aesthetic or functional benefits.

18. The hard-sided backpack and seat of claim 1 wherein the backpack is combined with any or all of the claims herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1-14 Provides a front perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat.

[0034] FIG. 2-14 Provides a side and rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the Backpack Seat, with the cover in the open position, providing a flat surface.

[0035] FIG. 3-14 Provides a front perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with an integrated carrying handle and example external attachment systems.

[0036] FIG. 4-14 Provides a front perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with the cover in an open position and the interior of the Backpack Seat partially viewable.

[0037] FIG. 5-14 Provides a front perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with an integrated external storage compartment and storage unit.

[0038] FIG. 6-14 Provides a front perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with an integrated interior access mechanism.

[0039] FIG. 7-14 Provides a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with a cover partially integrated with the body.

[0040] FIG. 8-14 Provides a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with the cover in the open position showing interior division and compartmentalization and various electronic devices.

[0041] FIG. 9-14 Provides a front perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with a temporary access door to provide access to the interior of the body.

[0042] FIG. 10-14 Provides a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the Backpack Seat, with a waist belt.

[0043] FIG. 11-14 Provides a front perspective view of a partial embodiment of the Backpack Seat, to show detail.

[0044] FIG. 12-14 Provides a cut-away front perspective view of the partial embodiment of FIG. 11-14 of the Backpack Seat, to show detail.

[0045] FIG. 13-14 Provides a front perspective view of a partial embodiment of the Backpack Seat, to show detail.

[0046] FIG. 14-14 Provides a cut-away front perspective view of the partial embodiment of FIG. 13-14 of the Backpack Seat, to show detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Backpacks, in the early 21.sup.st Century, could be considered somewhat ubiquitous. From the youngest child to the eldest adult and at every age in between, backpacks are found as useful implements. They are used for school, business, hiking, camping, and biking, and have even found new uses in the technological society of today with various charging ports and features for electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops. Simply put, members of almost any age group at any time utilize backpacks for a wide and growing variety of reasons and purposes.

[0048] Backpacks can often be very heavy, loaded with school or other books or electronic equipment, or even being used as a beverage/food cooler. A school-age child or an adult waiting for public transportation are good examples of people who could benefit from the unique characteristics of the Backpack Seat. Instead of standing and wearing the weight of a backpack and associated load on their back while waiting, they can simply place the Backpack Seat on the ground and sit down on it. When their transportation arrives, they simply stand up and put the Backpack Seat on, the same as any conventional backpack.

[0049] The Backpack Seat also has electronic add-ons and unique features that make it perfect for the technical World of the 21.sup.st Century and beyond. Using the example above, while a school child or adult is waiting for their public transportation, they can sit down and connect their various devices such as phones, tablets, and notebook computers, to the Backpack Seat. They can provide power to or charge their devices, play music, turn on lights, connect via WIFI and other communication protocols, live stream to the internet, and use or control virtually any electric or electronic device connected to the Backpack Seat.

[0050] Safety is always of great importance, and the Backpack Seat can be manufactured with bullet-resistant materials and have the capability to support internal and/or external liners also made of bullet-resistant materials. The inherent design of the hard-sided body allows for devices such as ballistic insert plates to facilitate even more bullet resistance. These capabilities are of particular value to the military, and unfortunately in the early 21.sup.st Century, also would be of value to parents or guardians of children. Regarding children and safety, the Backpack Seat can also be equipped with a GPS device, allowing parents or guardians to monitor the location of their child/ward, or at least the location of their backpack.

[0051] For example, when hiking, an individual may walk wearing their backpack, and when they want to stop, they are typically forced to look for a clear spot or a log or some object like a large rock on which to put their backpack down or at least a place to sit down and rest. Often, those clear locations or objects themselves are covered in detritus and also may be wet or snow-covered, providing no place to sit down. In situations like that and others, not only does the Backpack Seat provide a place to sit, but with the various electronic and electric features available, it can be used such as a Camp/Area Light, or a speaker to play music, or any of a variety of things.

[0052] A bike rider, for another example, wearing the Backpack Seat while riding, could have a cell phone app and/or wireless integration with the vehicle control systems via WIFI or Bluetooth to control running lights and directional signals mounted on the body of the invention to provide indicator lights and information to other bicyclists and vehicles, facilitating safety. When the bike rider has dismounted from their bicycle or vehicle, the invention still functions as a seat, providing the user with a place to sit down.

[0053] The hard-sided body and the inherent waterproof interior provide a safe and secure environment for electric and electronic devices, for example, giving a user the ability to safely and securely store laptops or tablet computers, batteries, cameras, microphones, and other devices needed to do live-streaming or various social media events, such as podcasts or other things, all while still providing the user with a place to sit down.

[0054] The Backpack Seat is waterproof and is always available as a seat, with no setup required. The wearer needs only to take it off their back and place it on the ground, and then simply sit down. There are no legs to unfold or mechanism to deploy prior to use. After use, the wearer simply stands up, puts their arms through the shoulder straps, and puts it onin the same fashion as any other conventional backpack. No setup is required to use and no breakdown is necessary when finished using the disclosed invention as a seat, making it unique and highly useful.

[0055] Turning to the annexed drawings, certain examples will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods, systems, and devices herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples and that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example may be combined with the features of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIGS. 1-14 and FIGS. 2-14 present front and rear perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the invention. The Body 100 and Cover 200 may be manufactured using a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, 3D printing, injection molding, thermoforming, casting, and conventional metal forming and welding, from a variety of material or materials or combinations thereof, including, but not limited to plastics, resins, fiberglass, organics, metals, composites, including those that are bullet-resistant, with sufficient strength to retain their shape against the force of gravity when utilized as a seat by a user. The Body 100 has no permanent apertures and is constructed of material or materials that are waterproof. When the Cover 200 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1-14, the interior of the invention is thereby waterproof.

[0057] Body Hinges 300 and Cover Hinges 301, and Shoulder Straps 190 are also illustrated.

[0058] FIG. 1-14 illustrates additional features for external storage with examples of a Storage Pouch 305 on the rear of the Body 100, and a Storage/Drink Pouch 306 on a side of the Body 100. Examples of electric and electronic features include examples of Light 303 on the rear of Body 100 and Light 302 and round Speaker 304 located on a side of Body 100.

[0059] FIG. 2-14 illustrates the Cover 200 in a fully open position, with the design of the Body Hinges 300 and the Cover Hinges 301 being such that the Cover 200 provides a flat surface. The flat surface may be used for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, temporary storage, drink storage, or electronic device storing and/or charging. Back Pad 307 is provided to give comfort and cushioning to the user of the invention, and may be of any shape and constructed of any material or materials or combinations thereof as needed.

[0060] FIG. 3-14 presents a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the Body 101 has a Temporary Aperture Hole 308 and associated Temporary Aperture Plug 309. This allows for the Body 101 to be cleaned, sanitized, or draining of liquid buildup, while retaining the waterproof capabilities of the invention. MOLLE/PALS (MOdular Lightweight Loadcarrying Equipment/Pouch Attachment Ladder System) Panels 311 are shown. These MOLLE/PALS Panels 311 allow for the invention to be used with a wide variety of products that are compatible for attachment and carry with this International standard. The Cover 201 has an Integrated Carrying Handle System 202 to allow the invention to be carried in one hand, similar to a briefcase or suitcase.

[0061] Shoulder Straps 190 are also illustrated.

[0062] FIG. 4-14 presents a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with the Cover 202 opening on Body 102 in a reverse orientation to the user, to provide an example of the multiple options available to facilitate access to the interior of Body 102. External Attachment Points 312 and Internal Attachment Points 314 are illustrated to show example locations and example designs to which various types of equipment may be attached to the invention through a variety of mechanisms. Several Hook and Loop Attachment Strips 313 are shown as examples of internal attachment systems whereby the interior space may be divided and/or sub-divided by use of strips of any material or materials with Hook and Loop connection points. Shoulder Straps 190 are also illustrated.

[0063] FIG. 5-14 presents a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with Body 103 having an Internal Cavity 400 accessible from the exterior being utilized as a compartment to house a Storage Box 401. The Storage Box 401 can be inserted into the Body 103 of the invention, and removed by the user as necessary, providing an example of a lunchbox or toolbox that is easily removable from Body 103 while retaining the strength necessary for the invention to be used as a seat and to preserve the waterproof characteristics of the invention. Cover 203 is also illustrated.

[0064] FIGS. 6-14 and FIGS. 7-14 present front and rear perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the invention with a Body 104 having a Cover 204 that is partially integrated with Body 104, providing additional strength and support to the invention.

[0065] FIG. 6-14 illustrates Body 104 having a Temporary Aperture 316 that provides access to the interior of Body 104 when Sliding Access Door 315 is moved to the open or partially open position. This example of an interior access system allows for the invention to be in use as a seat, with the Cover 204 closed, while still allowing access to the interior. For example, a user could be sitting on the Backpack Seat, reach down and slide the Sliding Access Door 315 to the open position, and then reach inside the interior of Body 104 for whatever they wanted to retrieve.

[0066] FIG. 7-14 illustrates Body 104 with a Cover 204 that is partially integrated into the Body 104 providing additional strength and support for the overall structure of the invention. Carrying Handle 318 is illustrated as an example of an external handle providing the capability to allow the invention to be carried in one hand, similar to the way a briefcase or suitcase is carried. Shoulder Straps 190 are also illustrated.

[0067] FIG. 8-14 presents a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with Body 105 that includes Internal Partition Structures 115. These are non-limiting examples of structures that can be designed and utilized to divide the interior cavity for a variety of purposes, such as helping secure electronic equipment and/or locating equipment or devices in separate compartments.

[0068] Various Electronic Components 320 are illustrated, and may include, but not be limited to, small computers, WIFI modules, GPS modules, Bluetooth modules, lights, speakers and/or various controllers. A variety of commercially available or customized Battery Storage 321 systems may power any devices, including those on or in the invention itself, such as the examples shown of an Exterior Round Speaker 304 and Exterior Rectangular Speaker 317. Cover 205 is illustrated with a lip or edge shown to assist in waterproof sealing. Shoulder Straps 190 are also illustrated.

[0069] FIG. 9-14 presents a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with Body 106 that provides an example of the wide variety of shapes that the invention can be designed and manufactured in, with a largely circular body. The example front Pivoting Access Door 335 allows access to the interior through a Temporary Aperture 336. The front Pivoting Access Door 335 may be secured to the Body 106 with the example Locking System 330 to secure access to the interior, thereby providing protection for the contents of the invention. The Cover 206 has a Pad 207 for padding and/or heating and cooling elements for user comfort when the invention is being used as a seat. The Pad 207 may be constructed of any material or materials or combinations thereof, and can include pockets to allow for heating and cooling in order to provide comfort to the user.

[0070] Body Hinges 300 and Cover Hinges 301, and Shoulder Straps 190 are also illustrated.

[0071] FIG. 10-14 presents a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with Body 107 and Cover 208 with an example of a Waist Belt 340 attached to Body 107 of the invention. The Waist Belt 340 may be constructed of any material or materials or combinations thereof in any design and provides additional comfort and capabilities for carrying a heavy load with the invention.

[0072] Body Hinges 300 and Cover Hinges 301, and Shoulder Straps 190 are also illustrated.

[0073] FIG. 11-14 presents a rear perspective view of a partial embodiment of the invention with Body 105 and Exterior Liner 350. The Exterior Liner 350 may be commercially available or customized to fit the invention and/or constructed of any material or materials of combination thereof and provides for aesthetic and/or functional capabilities for the invention, such as, but not limited to, insulation, bullet resistance and/or impact absorption, energy collection and/or energy storage, and/or advertising, marketing, or promotion.

[0074] Example Internal Partition Structures 115 are also illustrated.

[0075] FIG. 12-14 presents a cut-away rear perspective view of the partial embodiment of FIG. 11-14, to show detail of this example of the invention with Body 105 and Exterior Liner 350. Example Internal Partition Structures 115 are also illustrated.

[0076] FIG. 13-14 presents a rear perspective view of a partial embodiment of the invention with Body 108 and example Interior Liner 360. The Interior Liner 360 may be constructed of any material or materials of combination thereof and provides for aesthetic and/or functional capabilities for the invention, such as, but not limited to, insulation, bullet resistance and/or impact absorption, energy collection and/or energy storage, and/or advertising, marketing, or promotion.

[0077] FIG. 14-14 presents a cut-away rear perspective view of the partial embodiment of FIG. 13-14, to show detail of this example of the invention with Body 108 and example Interior Liner 360.

[0078] While the foregoing description is exemplary of various embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions, and the like as readily possible, especially given this description, the annexed drawings and claims drawn thereto. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.