Package and article carriers – Carried by animate bearer – Article held by receiver
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-19
2001-07-10
Vidovich, Gregory M. (Department: 3727)
Package and article carriers
Carried by animate bearer
Article held by receiver
C150S108000, C224S601000, C224S606000, C224S608000, C224S627000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257472
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a backpack which is mounted about the back with straps that fit over the shoulders of the user. The backpack has a central section formed from foldable panels which are controlled by straps and secured by a strap guide assembly which enables the panels to fold one upon the other when the backpack is secured about the shoulders to provide greater safety and security of the contents contained in the backpack. The backpack provides flexibility yet can carry flat materials (e.g. paper) in an unfolded condition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Backpacks or knapsacks have been in use for many years. Such devices typically comprise a central storage compartment and optional secondary storage compartments. Attached to the central storage compartment is generally two straps which are worn about the shoulders of the user so that the backpack is partially supported by the shoulders and the back of the user.
Backpacks of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 432,607; 5,129,560; 5,431,317; and 5,577,652 are generally stiff shaped or non-flexible backpacks. Such backpacks typically have closures such as zippers. Such non-flexible backpacks are not comfortable because they have stiff edges which apply pressure to various portions of the user's back, and are awkward to carry. In addition, such backpacks can not be condensed so that they can be easily stored within a suitcase and transported during travel.
Another disadvantage of conventional backpacks whether having a zipper or drawstring closure is that entry to the central storage section is typically exposed to the public when the user is wearing the backpack. The closure is rather an easy target for someone who wishes to gain entry into the backpack even when the backpack is worn by the user.
It is therefore desirable in the backpack industry to provide a backpack assembly which is flexible, more comfortable to wear, allows for storage of materials in a flat condition and provides greater security than conventional backpacks described above. It would therefore be an advance in the art of developing backpacks to provide a backpack which provides a surface in contact with the back of the user which is generally flexible, conforms to the contour of the user's back, yet can carry flat materials in an unfolded condition. It would be a further advance in the backpack art to provide a backpack having a closure system which can not be readily tampered with when the user is wearing the backpack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally directed to a backpack having a series of foldable panels which form the central storage section which panels can be folded one upon the other when the backpack is worn by the user. The backpack also provides for a strap assembly which facilitates the folding of the panels one upon the other and provides a secure closure of the central storage section when the backpack is operably carried by the user.
In one aspect of the present invention, the backpack comprises:
a) a central storage compartment comprising a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and plurality of opposed side panels foldable upon each other, said panels defining an upper opening for entry into the central storage compartment;
b) a strap secured to the backpack for releasably enabling the side panels to move from a folded condition thereby closing the upper opening to an unfolded condition whereby the upper opening allows access to the central storage compartment;
c) strap guide means operably fixed to the side and front panels to maintain the strap in position to enable the side panels to be folded and unfolded; and
d) strap attachment means for securing the strap to the front panel at a position to enable the strap to be placed about the shoulders of the user.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3653583 (1972-04-01), Meyer
patent: 4079767 (1978-03-01), Howard
patent: 4194602 (1980-03-01), Allen
patent: 4988216 (1991-01-01), Lyman
patent: 5957354 (1999-09-01), Mentken
patent: 95653 (1924-01-01), None
patent: 288909 (1953-02-01), None
patent: 57828 (1923-09-01), None
Brevard Maerena W.
Vidovich Gregory M.
Watov & Kipnes P.C.
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