Bullet Resistant Bifurcated Backpack Assembly

Abstract

A fireproof, bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly provides a combination of a bullet resistant vest worn on the torso that absorbs the impact from projectiles and shrapnel, and a backpack that is worn across the back to carry items. The panels join as a backpack or bifurcate into a front panel for protecting the chest and a rear panel for protecting the back. The assembly comprises a first panel and a second panel, with the first panel adapted to cover the chest, the second panel adapted to cover the back. A fastening mechanism is operational along the junction between the panels. A bullet resistant armor material is integrated into each panel. At least one pocket forms in each panel. At least two straps extend from the rear panel. The straps serves the dual purpose of carrying the backpack, and tying the front and rear vests snugly around the torso.

Claims

1. A bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly, the assembly comprising: a front panel defined by a front inner face, a front outer face, and a front edge; a rear panel defined by a rear inner face, a rear outer face, and a rear edge, the front panel and the rear panel being detachably attachable, whereby the front inner face of the front panel and the rear inner face of the rear panel are facing, whereby a volume forms between the front panel and the rear panel when attached; a fastening mechanism disposed along the front edge of the front panel and the rear edge of the rear panel, the fastening mechanism operable to detachably attach the front panel and the rear panel; and at least two straps extending from the rear panel, the at least two straps defined by a free end and a fixed end attached to the rear panel, whereby the at least two straps enable carrying the assembly when the front panel and the rear panel are attached, whereby the at least two straps enable donning the assembly when the front panel and the rear panel are detached; and a bullet resistant armor material integrated into each panel.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least two strap mounts operable to fasten the at least two straps.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least two strap mounts comprise at least two male clips disposed on the free ends of the at least two straps.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least two strap mounts comprise at least two female clips disposed on the front panel.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two straps comprises a webbing.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one pocket.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one pocket is disposed on the front panel, or the rear panel, or both.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the front panel and the rear panel are defined by a generally elongated shape.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism includes at least one of the following: a zipper, a plurality of buttons, a magnet, and a hook and loop fastener.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the front panel and the rear panel attach at the front edge and the rear edge to form a backpack.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the front panel and the rear panel separate to form a bullet resistant vest.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two straps enable carrying the assembly across the back.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two straps enable donning the assembly around the torso.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the bullet resistant armor material includes at least one of the following: Kevlar, metal plates, ceramics, polyethylene plates, multiple layers of a tightly woven laminated fibers, and multiple layers of a tightly woven material.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the bullet resistant armor material is covered with a metallized fiber so that the heat from a projectile cannot set the front panel or the rear panel on fire, and so that rust is inhibited from forming on the bullet resistant armor material.

16. A bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly, the assembly comprising: a front panel defined by a front inner face, a front outer face, and a front edge; a rear panel defined by a rear inner face, a rear outer face, and a rear edge, the front panel and the rear panel being detachably attachable, whereby the front inner face of the front panel and the rear inner face of the rear panel are facing, whereby a volume forms between the front panel and the rear panel when attached; a fastening mechanism disposed along the front edge of the front panel and the rear edge of the rear panel, the fastening mechanism operable to detachably attach the front panel and the rear panel; at least one pocket disposed on the front panel, or the rear panel, or both; at least two straps extending from the rear panel, the at least two straps defined by a free end and a fixed end attached to the rear panel, whereby the at least two straps enable carrying the assembly when the front panel and the rear panel are attached, whereby the at least two straps enable donning the assembly when the front panel and the rear panel are detached; at least two strap mounts operable to fasten the at least two straps; and a bullet resistant armor material integrated into each panel.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the front panel and the rear panel are defined by a generally elongated shape.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least two strap mounts comprise at least two male clips disposed on the free ends of the at least two straps.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the at least two strap mounts comprise at least two female clips disposed on the front panel.

20. A bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly, the assembly consisting of: a front panel defined by a front inner face, a front outer face, and a front edge; a rear panel defined by a rear inner face, a rear outer face, and a rear edge, the front panel and the rear panel being detachably attachable, whereby the front inner face of the front panel and the rear inner face of the rear panel are facing, whereby a volume forms between the front panel and the rear panel when attached; a fastening mechanism disposed along the front edge of the front panel and the rear edge of the rear panel, the fastening mechanism operable to detachably attach the front panel and the rear panel; at least one pocket disposed on the front outer face of the front panel; at least two straps extending from the rear panel, the at least two straps defined by a free end and a fixed end attached to the rear panel, whereby the at least two straps enable carrying the assembly when the front panel and the rear panel are attached, whereby the at least two straps enable donning the assembly when the front panel and the rear panel are detached; at least two strap mounts operable to fasten the at least two straps, the at least two straps comprising at least two male clips disposed on the front panel and at least two female clips disposed at the free ends of the at least two straps; and a bullet resistant armor material integrated into each panel, the bullet resistant armor material includes at least one of the following: Kevlar, metal plates, ceramics, polyethylene plates, multiple layers of a tightly woven laminated fibers, multiple layers of a tightly woven material, and intermediate tenacious metal plates composed of a light metal of sufficient strength to resist the impact of a projectile.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a right side perspective view of an exemplary bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly in the backpack configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of the bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly shown in FIG. 1, with the front panel being separated from the rear panel to show the volume between the panels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly shown in FIG. 1 in the bullet resistance vest configuration, with the front and rear panels fully separated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrates a top view of a front panel, with FIG. 5A showing a front inner face, and FIG. 5B showing a front outer face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates a top view of a rear panel, with FIG. 6A showing a rear inner face, and FIG. 6B showing a rear outer face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or 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 make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. 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. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0055] A bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-6B. The bullet resistant bifurcated backpack assembly 100, hereafter assembly 100 enables a quick, efficient transition between a backpack configuration and a bullet resistant vest configuration. It is known in the art that users that need a bullet resistant vest may also need additional equipment, such as firearms, magazine clips, medical aid kits, and the like. Thus, the assembly 100's unique combination of bullet resistant vest and backpack can be especially effective for users are in dangerous situations that require protection from projectiles and shrapnel, and yet also to carry items with them. These users may include, without limitation, a soldier, a law enforcement officer, a fireman, a natural disaster, and a war zone rescuer.

[0056] As referenced in FIG. 1, the assembly 100 converts into a bullet resistant vest configuration that is worn around the torso. The bullet resistant vest is operable to help absorb the impact from firearm-fired projectiles and shrapnel from explosions. Through simple manipulation of the assembly 100, a backpack configuration is easily formed. The backpack configuration is worn across the back or shoulders, and has sufficient volume to carry items.

[0057] As a result, the bifurcated components of the assembly 100 operate as a unitary backpack having a front panel 102 and a rear panel 112 that join (FIG. 2), or a unitary bullet resistant vest, having the front panel 102 for protecting the chest and the rear panel 112 for protecting the back from the aforementioned projectiles and shrapnel (FIG. 4).

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the assembly 100 may be separable into a front panel 102 and a rear panel 112, with the front panel 102 adapted to cover the chest, the rear panel 112 adapted to cover the back. A zipper is operational along the junction between the panels 102, 112. A bullet resistant armor material 136 is integrated into each panel 102, 112. At least one pocket 134 forms in each panel 102, 112.

[0059] At least two straps 122a, 122b extend from the rear panel 112, or the front panel 102. The straps 122a-b serves the dual purpose of carrying the assembly while in the backpack configuration. The panels 102, 112 may have a generally elongated shape, so that they operate as a backpack when attached together. Additionally, the straps 122a-b fasten the front and rear panels 102, 112 snugly around the torso in the bullet resistant vest configuration.

[0060] As referenced in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the assembly 100, comprises a front panel 102 defined by a front inner face 106, a front outer face 104, and a front edge 108. The front panel 102 may have a generally elongated shape, and be sufficiently sized and dimensioned to cover the chest of a user, while also forming about half of the backpack. Suitable materials for the front panel 102 may include, without limitation, canvas, polyurethane coated Cordura Nylon, Kodra Nylon, Nylon fabrics, and combinations thereof.

[0061] As referenced in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the assembly 100 also provides a rear panel 112 defined by a rear inner face 116, a rear outer face 114, and a rear edge 118. The rear panel 112 may have a generally elongated shape, and be sufficiently sized and dimensioned to cover the back of a user, while also forming about half of the backpack. Suitable materials for the rear panel 112 may include, without limitation, canvas, polyurethane coated Cordura Nylon, Kodra Nylon, Nylon fabrics, and combinations thereof.

[0062] In some embodiments, the front panel 102 and the rear panel 112 are detachably attachable. In this orientation, the front inner face 106 of the front panel 102 and the rear inner face 116 of the rear panel 112 are facing. This orientation is illustrated in FIG. 4. It is also evident that the front and rear panels 102, 112 have substantially the same size and are generally symmetrical to each other, so as to enable a smooth junction to the backpack configuration.

[0063] Looking back at FIG. 1, the front panel 102 and the rear panel 112 attach at matching edges 108, 118 to form the backpack configuration. When the edges 108, 118 are fastened together, a volume forms between the front panel 102 and the rear panel 112. The volume allows the panels 102, 112 to contain items therein. The backpack may include, without limitation, a book bag, a kitbag, a knapsack, a rucksack, a pack, a sack pack, a back sack, large purses, totes, duffle bags, carry-on bags, and any container that is easily carried across the back or shoulders.

[0064] The unique bullet resistance characteristic of the panels 102, 112 is possible because of a bullet resistant armor material 136 that integrated into each panel 102, 112. The bullet resistant armor material 136 may include, without limitation, Kevlar, metal plates, ceramics, polyethylene plates, multiple layers of a tightly woven laminated fibers, multiple layers of a tightly woven material, and intermediate tenacious metal plates composed of a light metal of sufficient strength to resist the impact of a projectile. Though any material or combination thereof that resists ballistic projectiles and shrapnel may be used inside the layers of the panels, or on the outer or interfaces of the panels. In one possible embodiment, the bullet resistant armor material 136 is covered with a metallized fiber so that the heat from a projectile cannot set the front panel 102 or the rear panel 112 on fire, or moisture rust the bullet resistant armor material 136.

[0065] In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism 120 is disposed along the front edge 108 of the front panel 102, and the rear edge 118 of the rear panel 112. The fastening mechanism 120 is operable to detachably attach the front panel 102 and the rear panel 112. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 120 may include, without limitation, a zipper, a plurality of buttons, a magnet, and a hook and loop fastener.

[0066] In operation, the fastening mechanism 120 can be pulled across the edges 108, 118 in a first direction to fasten the front and rear panel edges 108, 118 together, so that backpack configuration is formed. Conversely, the fastening mechanism 120 can be pulled across the edges in a second direction to unfasten the front and rear panels 102, 112; thereby separating the panels 102, 112 so that they can be worn on the chest and the back for the bullet resistant vest configuration.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6B, at least two straps 122a, 122b extend from the rear panel 112. The straps 122a, 122b are defined by a free end 124a, 124b, and a fixed end 126a, 126b that fixedly attaches to the front or rear panels 102,112. The straps 122a-b may include those known in the art for backpacks, including webbing straps. The straps 122a-b enable the assembly 100 to be carried on the back or across the shoulders when the front panel 102 and the rear panel 112 are fastened together; thereby forming the backpack configuration of the assembly 100.

[0068] Further, the straps 122a-b enable fastening the assembly 100 around the torso when the front panel 102 covers the chest, and the rear panel 112 covers the back. The straps 122a-b allows the panels 102, 112 to be snugly fit around the chest and back, and also creates minimal gap ribs of the wearer.

[0069] The straps 122a-b utilize at least two strap mounts 128a, 128b that fasten the straps 122a-b around the back, chest, or torso, depending on the configuration of the assembly 100. The strap mounts 128a, 128b may include a quick clip connect adaptation. Though any attachment mechanism for straps that is known in the art may be used.

[0070] In one embodiment, the strap mounts 128a-b comprise at least two male clips 132a, 132b and at least two female clips 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, of the quick clip connect variety. In one embodiment, the male clips 132a-b are disposed at the free ends 124a-b of the straps 122a-b, and the female clips 130a-d are disposed on the front inner face 106 of the front panel 102. Though in other embodiments male or female clips 130a-d, 132a-b may be mounted anywhere on the front or rear panel 102, 112 and straps 122a-b.

[0071] In operation, the front panel 102 and the rear panel 112 are aligned so that their inner faces 106, 116 are diametrically opposed. The front panel 102 covers the chest, while the rear panel 112 covers the back. The straps 122a-b extend between the front and rear panels 102, 112 and can be adjusted form a snug fit around the torso.

[0072] When converting to the backpack configuration, the front and rear panels 102, 112 are removed from the torso and the fastening mechanism 120 is manipulated so that the edges 108, 118 of the panels 102, 112 are joined. A gap may be left in the edges 108, 118 allow items into the volume between the panels 102, 112. The straps 122a-b may be harnessed around the back, or the shoulders, or both to carry the backpack configuration with the contained items.

[0073] In some embodiments, the free end 124a-b of the straps 122a-b comprises a male clip 132a of the type used in quick connect clips. The male clip 132a is operational to detachably attach to the female clip 130a on the front panel 102. This allows a user to quickly and efficiently convert between bullet resistant vest and backpack configurations by pulling the straps 122a-b over the shoulders, the back, or around the torso, and then attaching the respective clips 130a-d, 132a-b.

[0074] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0075] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.