Convertible Backpack Garment

Abstract

A convertible backpack garment is convertible from a normal backpack configuration to a wearable garment configuration. In daily use, a user wears the backpack like a typical backpack. The backpack can be converted to the wearable garment configuration by opening a body access port on the top of the backpack to access an interior compartment, turning the backpack upside down, and opening a head access port on the bottom of the backpack that leads to the compartment. The backpack also includes arm openings on each side of the backpack that lead to the compartment. In this wearable garment configuration, a user can put-on and wear the backpack like a shirt. The user inserts his arms through the respective arm openings on each side of the backpack and slides his head and body through the compartment until his head protrudes from the head access port.

Claims

1. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a first access port in the top side of the shell, a second access port in the bottom side of the shell, a third access port in the left side of the shell, and a fourth access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

2. The backpack according to claim 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

3. The backpack according to claim 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed closer to the second access port than to the first access port.

4. The backpack according to claim 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the second access port such that the third and fourth access ports are arm holes of a shirt and the second access port is a neck hole of a shirt.

5. The backpack according to claim 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

6. The backpack according to claim 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of the user of the backpack.

7. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell.

8. The backpack according to claim 7, the shell further comprising a third interior compartment, the second interior compartment being on a back side of the first interior compartment and the third interior compartment being disposed on a front side of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

9. The backpack according to claim 8, wherein the first and second protective plates are bulletproof plates.

10. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell comprising an impact-resistant protective material.

11. The backpack according to claim 10, wherein the impact-resistant protective material is KEVLAR.

12. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell comprising an insulating material.

13. The backpack according to claim 1, the shell comprising a water-resistant material.

14. The backpack according to claim 13, the water-resistant material being a waterproof material.

15. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a body access port in the top side of the shell, a head access port in the bottom side of the shell, a left arm access port in the left side of the shell, and a right arm access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell, the body access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the head access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack, the left and right arm access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the head access port such that the left and right arm access ports are arm holes of a shirt, the head access port is a neck hole of the shirt, and the body access port is a body hole of the shirt; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

16. The backpack according to claim 15, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment and a third interior compartment, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell and a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

17. The backpack according to claim 15, the shell comprising an impact-resistant material.

18. A method to convert a backpack into a wearable garment, comprising: providing a backpack; opening a body access port in a top side of the backpack to provide access to a first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a head access port in a bottom side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a left arm access port in a left side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a right arm access port in a right side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; and turning the backpack upside down to dispose the body access port toward the ground and to dispose the head access port away from the ground with relation to the body access port.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising inserting a protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: inserting a first protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack; and inserting a second protective plate into a third interior compartment of the backpack, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment of the backpack.

21. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: a user reaching through the body access port into the first interior compartment of the backpack; the user passing the user's left and right arms from the first interior compartment through the left arm access port and the right access port, respectively; the user inserting the user's head through the body access port into the interior compartment of the backpack; and the user sliding the backpack down over the user's head and body until the user's head protrudes through the head access port, both arms extend through the arm access ports, and a front side of the backpack covers a chest of the user and a back side of the backpack covers a back of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a convertible backpack garment.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a front view of the convertible backpack garment in its normal configuration.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment in its garment configuration with a head access port, left arm access port, right arm access port, and body access port open to the same interior compartment in the backpack.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment in the garment configuration and being worn by a user.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment in the garment configuration being worn by a user and including two protective plates therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The innovations described herein relate to a convertible backpack garment comprising a backpack that is convertible from a normal configuration to a wearable garment configuration. In daily use, the backpack is used in its normal configuration to carry books, computers, notebooks, clothing, tools, or any desired items. The backpack includes various compartments, such as pockets, to hold the items and one or more straps, such as shoulder straps, for the user to carry the backpack. In the normal configuration, a user wears the backpack like a typical backpack. The user places his arms through the shoulder straps until the user's shoulders support the backpack on the user's back via the straps.

[0033] The backpack can be converted to the wearable garment configuration by opening a body access port on the top of the backpack to access an interior compartment of the backpack, turning the backpack upside down, and opening a head access port on the bottom of the backpack that leads to the compartment. The backpack also includes arm openings on each side of the backpack that lead to the compartment. In this wearable garment configuration, a user can put-on and wear the backpack like a shirt. The user inserts his arms through the respective arm openings on each side of the backpack and slides his head and body through the body access port and through the compartment until his head protrudes from the head access port. This wearable garment configuration can provide an intuitive and easy to use operation, even for younger children. The operation of wearing a shirt is a simple concept for younger children.

[0034] The convertible backpack can be used as a protective backpack. One or multiple compartments of the backpack can be made of, or contain, a protective material, such as bullet-proof materials and armored plates, to protect the user's vital organs. When wearing the backpack in the normal configuration, the protective material in the compartment(s) of the backpack can protect a user's back from impact injury, for example, from injury due to bullets from guns, stab wounds from knives, and shrapnel from explosives. In the wearable garment configuration, the backpack can protect the user's chest and back when the protective materials are included in a front compartment of the backpack and a rear compartment of the backpack.

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a convertible backpack garment 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a left side view of a convertible backpack garment 100. FIG. 2 is a front view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in its normal configuration. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in its garment configuration with a head access port 120, left arm access port 118, right arm access port 122, and body access port 110 open to the same interior compartment 302. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration and being worn by a user.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a convertible backpack garment 100 comprises a shell 102 with one or more shoulder straps 104 attached thereto. The figures are labeled with directional reference arrows to describe the top, bottom, and sides of the convertible backpack garment 100. The shell 102 of the convertible backpack garment 100 includes a back side 102a, a top side 102b, a front side 102c, a bottom side 102d, a left side 102e, and a right side 102f.

[0037] The one or more shoulder straps 104 are attached to the back side 102a of the shell 102 at locations 104a, 104b via any suitable means. For example, the one or more shoulder straps 104 can be fixed to the shell 102 at the locations 104a, 104b by being sewed, glued, seam welded, or otherwise fixed to the shell 102. The one or more shoulder straps 104 also can be attached to the shell 102 at one or more of locations 104a, 104b in a removable or adjustable manner via clips, adjustable straps, or any combination thereof or in combination with any fixed configuration. The one or more shoulder straps 104 can be attached to the shell 102 at any suitable location. For example, if only one shoulder strap 104 is utilized, the shoulder strap 104 may be attached in an angled relationship to the shell 102 to facilitate carrying of the convertible backpack garment 100.

[0038] The shell 102 comprises multiple access ports 106-122 leading from an exterior of the shell 102 to an interior of the shell 102. Each access port 106-122 is operable between a closed position and an open position via corresponding fasteners 106a-122a. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fasteners 106a-122a can be zipper pulls that operate a zipper access of each access port 106-122. Movement of the zipper pulls in a first direction will unzip the corresponding zippers to allow access through each access port 106-122 into the interior of the shell 102. Movement of the zipper pulls in an opposite direction will zip the corresponding zippers to prevent access through each access port 106-122 into the interior of the shell 102.

[0039] Although the fasteners 106a-122a are depicted in the figures as zippers and zipper pulls, any suitable fastener may be used to open and close the access ports 106-122. For example, the fasteners 106a-122a can be VELCRO, buttons, straps, snaps, clips, or any other suitable fastener.

[0040] Each of the access ports 106-122 leads to the interior of the shell 102. Typically, each of the access ports 106-122 leads to a separate compartment inside the shell, with interior walls (not shown) separating the corresponding compartments from each other. However, for the convertible backpack garment 100, multiple access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 lead to the same interior compartment 302 (FIG. 3) inside the shell 102 to facilitate the garment configuration of the convertible backpack garment 100.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the access port 110 on the top side 102b of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302; the access port 120 on the bottom side 102d of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302; the access port 118 on the left side 102e of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302; and the access port 122 on the right side 102f of the shell 102 provides access to the compartment 302. In this manner, each of the access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 can be opened to allow access to the compartment 302 inside the shell 102 to convert the convertible backpack garment 100 into the garment configuration to be worn by a user.

[0042] More specifically, with the backpack placed in an upside-down configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the garment configuration (with access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 open) allows a user 402 (FIG. 4) to wear the convertible backpack garment 100 like a shirt. The arm access ports 118, 122 are disposed on the shell 102 in proximity to the head access port 120 in a similar relationship as the sleeves and neck of a shirt. Additionally, the body access port 110 is disposed on the shell 102 with reference to the head access port 120 and the arm access ports 118, 122 in a similar relationship as the bottom opening of a shirt.

[0043] In operation, the user 402 opens each of the access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122 and turns the convertible backpack garment 100 upside down. The user 402 then reaches through the access port 110 into the compartment 302 to pass her left and right arms from the compartment 302 through the left access port 118 and the right access port 122, respectively, and inserts her head through the body access port 110 into the compartment 302. The user 402 then slides the convertible backpack garment 100 down over her head and body until her head protrudes through the head access port 120, both her arms extend through the arm access ports 118, 122, and the front side 102c of the shell 102 covers her chest and the back side 102a of the shell 102 covers her back, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] In the normal configuration depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the user can open the access port 110 to access the compartment 302. Even when the access port 110 is open to its maximum amount, the user can place items in the compartment 302 in the normal configuration. With the access port 120 remaining closed, the user can place items in the compartment 302 for transportation. Access ports 118, 122 can remain closed to maintain the integrity of the compartment 302. The user also may access the compartment 302 via the access ports 118, 122 to place items in the compartment 302.

[0045] Additionally, although not depicted in FIGS. 1-4, access ports 118, 122 can provide access to corresponding compartments behind the flaps 118b, 122b, respectively. These compartments provide separate storage areas in the shell 102 separate from the compartment 302. In this configuration, these compartments behind flaps 118b, 122b include a pass-through access into the compartment 302 of the shell 102. For example, these compartments can have a wall that separates them from the compartment 302, and these walls have an openable access into the compartment 302. The openable access can be controlled via a fastener, such as a zipper, snaps, clips, VELCRO, or other suitable fastener, or by overlapping material. In the garment configuration, the user also will open this pass-through access to extend her arms from the compartment 302 through the access ports 118, 122. The flaps 118b, 122b may or may not be provided. For example, the access ports 118, 122 may provide an opening into the compartment 302 without resulting in a sleeve configuration created by the flaps 118b, 122b.

[0046] As also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the access port 110 can comprise one or more retention guides on the left side 102e and the right side 102f of the shell 102, such as the retention strap 304 and/or the retention flap 306. The retention guides can provide additional sides of the garment configuration, which can facilitate the shirt-like operation of the convertible backpack garment 100. The retention guides also facilitate the normal configuration of the convertible backpack garment 100. For example, the retention strap 304 and the retention flap 306 help secure items inside the compartment 302 by reducing a size of the access port 110. In the garment configuration, the retention guides are sized to create a suitably sized opening for the body of the user 402. For example, the retention strap 304 and/or the retention flap 306 may be adjustable for the user 402 to tighten the front side 102c and the back side 102a of the shell 102 around her body. The retention guides may be adjustable by including a mechanical adjuster, such as an adjustable strap with a clip and/or a releasable buckle or by forming one or more of the retention guides from a stretchable material, such as spandex, neoprene, or other suitable material.

[0047] In the garment configuration, the user 402 can wear the convertible backpack garment 100 in a manner similar to putting on a shirt. Even small/young children understand this concept and can put the convertible backpack garment 100 on by themselves or with limited instruction or assistance.

[0048] The garment configuration is useful to provide additional protection for the user. For example, the user can wear the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration (as shown in FIG. 4) for additional protection from cold or wet weather. The shell 102 of the convertible backpack garment 100 can be made of any suitable material to provide weather protection, such as nylon, denier, cloth, insulated materials, waterproof or water-resistant materials, or any other material suitable for the desired purpose.

[0049] Additionally, the convertible backpack garment 100 can be made of, or can contain, a protective material that can protect the user's chest and back from impact injury, for example, from injury due to bullets from guns, stab wounds from knives, and shrapnel from explosives.

[0050] In the garment configuration, the convertible backpack garment 100 covers the user's chest and back as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, making the shell 102 and/or interior compartment walls of a protective material, the convertible backpack garment 100 protects the user from impact injuries. An example protective material is KEVLAR, which is a light but very strong synthetic fiber material for impact-resistant, puncture-resistant, and/or bullet-resistant/bulletproof applications. Other protective materials, such as those used in ballistic vests and body armor are suitable materials for the shell 102 and/or compartment walls of the convertible backpack garment 100 to protect the user from impact injury. Additionally, the convertible backpack garment 100 can include protective material covering the side of the user and/or can have the retention guides made of a protective material, which can protect the user's sides.

[0051] Alternatively, or additionally, one or more protective plates 502 (FIG. 5) may be placed in one or more compartments of the convertible backpack garment 100 to protect the user from impact injuries. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration being worn by a user 402 and including two protective plates 502 therein. As shown in FIG. 5, the two protective plates 502 are inserted through access ports 106, 112 into respective compartments in the shell 102 of the convertible backpack garment 100. If desired, the shell 102 may include additional inner compartments (not depicted) to secure the protective plates 502 within the shell 102. In this manner, the protective plates 502 protect the user's chest and back from impact injury when the user wears the convertible backpack garment 100 in the garment configuration. The protective plates also protect the user's back when the user wears the convertible backpack garment 100 in the normal configuration.

[0052] The protective plates 502 can be made of any suitable material and chosen for the desired result. For example, the protective plates 502 can be made of a KEVLAR material or any other suitable impact-resistant, puncture-resistant, and/or bullet-resistant/bulletproof material. The plate material and thickness can be varied based the desired scope of protection based on perceived threats. Additionally, larger plates may be utilized for larger users, and smaller plates may be utilized for smaller users.

[0053] Similarly, a larger convertible backpack garment 100 may be utilized for larger users, and a smaller convertible backpack garment 100 may be utilized for smaller users. The convertible backpack garment 100 also can be sized as desired to include more or less carrying capacity.

[0054] An alternative design disposes the arm access ports 118, 122 in proximity to the access port 110 on the top side 102b of the shell 102. In this regard, the garment configuration is achieved without turning the backpack upside down. In operation of this configuration, the user 402 opens each of the access ports 110, 120, 118, and 122. The user 402 then reaches through the access port 120 into the compartment 302 to pass her left and right arms from the compartment 302 through the left access port 118 and the right access port 122, respectively, and inserts her head through the access port 120 into the compartment 302. The user 402 then slides the convertible backpack garment 100 down over her head and body until her head protrudes through the access port 110, both her arms extend through the arm access ports 118, 122, and the front side 102c of the shell 102 covers her chest and the back side 102a of the shell 102 covers her back.

[0055] Clause 1. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a first access port in the top side of the shell, a second access port in the bottom side of the shell, a third access port in the left side of the shell, and a fourth access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

[0056] Clause 2. The backpack according to clause 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

[0057] Clause 3. The backpack according to clause 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed closer to the second access port than to the first access port.

[0058] Clause 4. The backpack according to clause 2, the third and fourth access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the second access port such that the third and fourth access ports are arm holes of a shirt and the second access port is a neck hole of a shirt.

[0059] Clause 5. The backpack according to clause 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack.

[0060] Clause 6. The backpack according to clause 1, the first access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of a user of the backpack, and the second access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of the user of the backpack.

[0061] Clause 7. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell.

[0062] Clause 8. The backpack according to clause 7, the shell further comprising a third interior compartment, the second interior compartment being on a back side of the first interior compartment and the third interior compartment being disposed on a front side of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

[0063] Clause 9. The backpack according to clause 8, wherein the first and second protective plates are bulletproof plates.

[0064] Clause 10. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell comprising an impact-resistant protective material.

[0065] Clause 11. The backpack according to clause 10, wherein the impact-resistant protective material is KEVLAR.

[0066] Clause 12. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell comprising an insulating material.

[0067] Clause 13. The backpack according to clause 1, the shell comprising a water-resistant material.

[0068] Clause 14. The backpack according to clause 13, the water-resistant material being a waterproof material.

[0069] Clause 15. A backpack, comprising: a shell comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, the shell defining a first interior compartment therein, the shell further comprising a body access port in the top side of the shell, a head access port in the bottom side of the shell, a left arm access port in the left side of the shell, and a right arm access port in the right side of the shell, each of the access ports providing access from an exterior of the shell into the first interior compartment of the shell, the body access port in the top side of the shell being sized to accommodate a body of a user of the backpack, and the head access port in the bottom side of the shell being sized to accommodate a head of the user of the backpack, the left and right arm access ports being disposed in a shirt-like relationship to the head access port such that the left and right arm access ports are arm holes of a shirt, the head access port is a neck hole of the shirt, and the body access port is a body hole of the shirt; and at least one shoulder strap connected to the shell.

[0070] Clause 16. The backpack according to clause 15, the shell further comprising a second interior compartment and a third interior compartment, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment, the backpack further comprising a first protective plate disposed in the second interior compartment of the shell and a second protective plate disposed in the third interior compartment of the shell.

[0071] Clause 17. The backpack according to clause 15, the shell comprising an impact-resistant material.

[0072] Clause 18. A method to convert a backpack into a wearable garment, comprising: providing a backpack; opening a body access port in a top side of the backpack to provide access to a first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a head access port in a bottom side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a left arm access port in a left side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; opening a right arm access port in a right side of the backpack to provide access to the first interior compartment of the backpack; and turning the backpack upside down to dispose the body access port toward the ground and to dispose the head access port away from the ground with relation to the body access port.

[0073] Clause 19. The method according to clause 18, further comprising inserting a protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack.

[0074] Clause 20. The method according to clause 18, further comprising: inserting a first protective plate into a second interior compartment of the backpack; and inserting a second protective plate into a third interior compartment of the backpack, the second and third interior compartments being disposed on opposite sides of the first interior compartment of the backpack.

[0075] Clause 21. The method according to clause 18, further comprising: a user reaching through the body access port into the first interior compartment of the backpack; the user passing the user's left and right arms from the first interior compartment through the left arm access port and the right access port, respectively; the user inserting the user's head through the body access port into the interior compartment of the backpack; and the user sliding the backpack down over the user's head and body until the user's head protrudes through the head access port, both arms extend through the arm access ports, and a front side of the backpack covers a chest of the user and a back side of the backpack covers a back of the user.

[0076] The example systems, methods, and components described in the embodiments presented previously are illustrative, and, in alternative embodiments, certain components can be combined in a different order, omitted entirely, and/or combined between different example embodiments, and/or certain additional components can be added, without departing from the scope and spirit of various embodiments. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments are included in the scope of the following claims, which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such alternate embodiments.

[0077] Although specific embodiments have been described above in detail, the description is merely for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated, therefore, that many aspects described above are not intended as required or essential elements unless explicitly stated otherwise. Modifications of, and equivalent components or acts corresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the example embodiments, in addition to those described above, can be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the this disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.