Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
MULTI-COMPONENT BACKPACK
BACKGROUND
[0001] Backpacks may be employed to aid in the transportation of objects
from place to
place. Children and adults involved in academics may use backpacks to
transport books,
binders and other scholarly materials from class to class. Backpacks may also
be
employed in various other activities. Hiking is another activity during which
a backpack may
be employed. In this case, a backpack could be used to carry a hiker's water,
first-aid kit,
tools and other necessary items. In the event that a hiking trip or day of
academics is
particularly lengthy, the participant may bring along a lunch to sustain
him/her during the
activity.
[0002] Lunches are often carried in a separate lunchbox. Lunchboxes may be
thermally
insulated in order to maintain contents in a more conducive storage
environment. Such
insulation allows the participant to extend the viable consumption time of
food for periods
greater than allowed absent insulation.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an embodiment, a multi-component backpack is disclosed. The multi-
component backpack comprises a first storage component and a second storage
component. The two components are detachably coupled together, and one, or the
other,
or both of the components are insulated.
[0004] In another embodiment, a system for identifying an incomplete multi-
component
backpack is disclosed. The system comprises a first storage component
containing at least
one accessible compartment. The system also comprises an indicator configured
to
indicate that the multi-component backpack is incomplete. The system also
comprises a
second storage component. Removal of the second storage component causes
expression
of the indicator thus indicating that the multi-component backpack is
incomplete.
[0005] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-component
backpack is disclosed. The method comprises fabricating a first storage
component and a
detachably coupled second storage component. The method also comprises
providing an
indicator configured to indicate that the multi-component backpack is
incomplete upon
detachment of the first and second components.
1
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
[0006] These and other features will be more clearly understood from the
following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure,
reference is now
made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the
accompanying figures
and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like
parts.
[0008] Figure 1A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack according
to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0009] Figure 1B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack according
to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0010] Figure 1C is an illustration of a multi-component backpack according
to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0011] Figure 2A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system
displaying an
indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0012] Figure 2B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system
concealing an
indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] Figure 3A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system
displaying an
indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0014] Figure 3B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system
displaying an
indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] Figure 4A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system
displaying an
indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] Figure 4B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system
displaying an
indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017] Figure 5 is a diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative
implementations of
one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and
methods may
be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not
yet in
existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative
implementations,
drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the
scope of the
appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
2
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
[0019] Turning now to Figure 1A, a multi-component backpack 100 is
described. In an
embodiment, the multi-component backpack 100 comprises a backpack component
120
and a lunchbox component 140. The backpack component 120 comprises a first
handle
132, a first zippered compartment 130, a second zippered compartment 128, side
pockets
126 and 127, a first fastening component 121 comprising a loop strip 122 and a
hook strip
(not shown), and a female fastener 124 of a second fastening component 125.
The
lunchbox component 140 comprises a second handle 142, an inner pocket 146, an
insulating layer 148, a zippered compartment 150, and a male fastener 152
configured
such that it may be mated with the first clip 124.
[0020] While in some contexts, the backpack component 120 may be referred
to as a
backpack, a bag, a case, a pack, etc., for the purposes of this disclosure it
will be referred
to as the backpack component 120. While in some contexts, the lunchbox
component 140
may be referred to as a backpack, a bag, a case, a pack, a lunch pail, a lunch
bag, an
attachment, a lunch pocket, etc., for the purposes of this disclosure it will
be referred to as
the lunchbox component 140.
[0021] The multi-component backpack 100 is configured to allow the user to
attach the
lunchbox component 140 to the backpack component 120, thus allowing the user
to
transport the two components. For example, the two components may be
transported
hands-free by slipping the shoulder straps over the user's shoulders. The
ability to
transport the multi-component backpack 100 hands-free may be useful to the
user when
circumstances call for food and other materials to be transported concurrently
or when the
user prefers to transport both components 120, 140 as a unit.
[0022] In one embodiment, the backpack component 120 is a backpack
comprising two
shoulder straps, the first handle 132, the first zippered compartment 130
being configured
to carry books, the second zippered compartment 128 being configured to be a
front
storage pocket, the side pockets 126 and 127 comprising a mesh net and being
configured
to store water bottles, the loop strip 122, and the female fastener 124. In
such an
embodiment, the lunchbox component 140 is a lunchbox coupled to the backpack
component 120 by a hook strip and the male fastener 152. In this embodiment,
the
lunchbox component 140 comprises the second handle 142, the inner pocket 146
comprising a mesh net, the insulating layer 148, the zippered compartment 150
and a hard
plastic liner on the bottom of the lunchbox component 140 configured for
support.
3
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
[0023] In other embodiments, the multi-component backpack 100 may adopt
different
forms. The multi-component backpack 100 may comprise additional re-sealable
compartments. These additional compartments may facilitate the transport
and/or storage
of additional items. Further, the multi-component backpack 100 may comprise
additional
detachable components, and all components may vary in location. Referring to
Figures 1B
and 1C, the multi-component backpack 100 further comprises a third detachable
component 145. The third detachable component may adopt several different
forms. For
example, the third detachable component may be configured to store a cell
phone, a
laptop, pencils, books, a camera, a music player, or other portable items.
[0024] In an embodiment, the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox
component
140 may be attached using different methods. The two components may be
attached using
a zipper, a button, hook and loop strips, a clip, a snap, a buckle, a magnet,
a strap, or
combinations thereof. The other features of the multi-component backpack 100
may
likewise be varied. In an embodiment, the backpack component 120 may be
insulated.
This feature may be useful when a smaller lunchbox component 140 does not
provide
sufficient insulated space. Similarly, the lunchbox component 140 may have
substantially
the same dimensions as the back pack component 120. Such a configuration would
provide more space and still allow the components to be separated. This
ability to separate
the components may be beneficial when the user is a member of a group, the
group splits
up, and each sub-group carries provisions. To further facilitate such a
situation, both
components may comprise features to aid in their transportation. For example,
both the
backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 may comprise a shoulder
strap, a belt, a handle, or combinations thereof.
[0025] Additionally, the components 120, 140 of the multi-component
backpack 100
may comprise different materials. The insulation used in the components may
comprise
vinyl laminated with aluminized mylar, neoprene, a polyethylene terephthalate
insulator,
reflective metal insulation, a synthetic fiber thermal insulator, or other
insulating materials.
The components 120, 140 themselves may comprise nylon, vinyl, polyester,
canvas,
cotton, wool, leather, denim, corduroy or other materials. In some
embodiments, the inner
pocket 146 of the lunchbox component 140 may comprise a mesh net, while in
others it
may comprise a continuous material. Likewise, in some embodiments, the pair of
side
4
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
pockets 126 may comprise a mesh net, while in others it may comprise a
continuous
material.
[0026] Turning now to Figures 2A and 2B, a system for identifying an
incomplete multi-
component backpack is discussed. In an embodiment, a multi-component backpack
system 250 comprises a multi-component backpack 100, further comprising the
backpack
component 120, the lunchbox component 140, and an indicator 160. Figure 2A
depicts
expression of the indicator 160 upon decoupling the backpack component 120 and
the
lunchbox component 140.
[0027] In an embodiment, the indicator 160 may comprise an image that is
uncovered
by decoupling the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140. For
example, the image may be a stop sign configured to alert the user that the
lunchbox
component 140 and the backpack component 120 are not properly coupled
together. The
indicator 160 may comprise a nature scene, a television character, a
cityscape, a painting,
a person, an animal, a mechanical device, a tool, a game, a book, a
mythological character
or another image. In other embodiments, the indicator 160 may be a distinctive
color.
[0028] In one embodiment, the multi-component backpack system 250 may be
configured to detect when the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack
component 120
are decoupled. In such an embodiment, the indicator 160 may be configured to
express an
audible tone or to turn on a light. Upon detection that the lunchbox component
140 and the
backpack component 120 are not coupled, the multi-component backpack system
250
would express the indicator 160 which, in this embodiment, is configured to
express an
audible tone. In relation to this embodiment, there are multiple possibilities
for the indicator
160. The indicator 160 may comprise a programmable electronic device into
which the
user may program desired functions. For example, a parent may program the
indicator 160
comprising a programmable electronic device to begin beeping fifteen minutes
after his/her
child's known lunch period or last period of the school day if the multi-
component backpack
system 250 detects that the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack component
120
are not coupled together. The indicator 160 may comprise a detector switch.
This may
prevent the child from losing a component of the multi-component backpack 100.
In other
embodiments, the indicator 160 may express a constant tone, a periodic tone,
etc., upon
detection that the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete. The tone may
sound for a
short duration at periodic intervals when components 120, 140 are decoupled,
for example
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
sounding for two seconds every minute or for other durations and/or at other
periodic
intervals. The indicator 160 may be configured to promote a user programming a
tone to
be played back, for example a voice message or a segment of a popular song. In
some
embodiments, a similar method to that discussed above may be used to turn on a
light
configured to indicate that the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete.
[0029] Figure 2B shows the multi-component backpack system 250 when the
backpack
component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled together to form the
multi-
component backpack 100 in its completed state. In this embodiment, the
indicator 160 is
concealed by the lunchbox component 140, thus indicating that the multi-
component
backpack 100 is complete. When the indicator 160 comprises an electronic
device, the
detector switch may close when the components 120, 140 are coupled.
[0030] In one embodiment, the multi-component backpack system 250 may
comprise a
motion detector. The motion detector may be configured to activate expression
of the
indicator 160 upon detecting that the multi-component backpack 100 is in
motion and
incomplete. In some embodiments, given expression of the indicator 160 due to
the multi-
component backpack 100 being incomplete, the motion detector may be configured
to
increase the expression of the indicator 160 upon detecting that the multi-
component
backpack 100 in motion. For example, expression may be increased by increasing
the
volume of the beeps or tone, by decreasing the time between beeps, or both. In
a different
embodiment, the motion detector may be configured to limit the expression of
the indicator
160 to times when the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete and in
motion. Such a
configuration may prevent undue expression of the indicator 160 in the event
that the
backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are proximate each other
but
not coupled together. For example, such a configuration may prevent expression
of the
indicator 160 when the two components are stored in the user's locker.
[0031] Turning now to Figures 3A and 3B, the multi-component backpack
system 250 is
further discussed. In an embodiment, the multi-component backpack system 250
comprises the multi-component backpack 100, further comprising the backpack
component
120, the lunchbox component 140, a first indicator component 170a and a second
indicator
component 170b. Figure 3A depicts expression of the indicator components 170a
and
170b upon decoupling the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component
140.
6
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
[0032] In an embodiment, the indicator components 170a and 170b come
together to
form an indicator 170. Figure 3B shows the multi-component backpack system 250
when
the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled together
to
form the multi-component backpack 100 in its completed state. In this
embodiment, the
indicator 170 is a completed image, thus indicating that the backpack
component 120 is
coupled to the lunchbox component 140 forming the complete multi-component
backpack
100.
[0033] In an embodiment, the indicator 170 may be a two-dimensional image
configured to appear in its completed form when the backpack component 120 and
the
lunchbox component 140 are coupled together. In such a configuration, neither
the
backpack component 120, nor the lunchbox component 140 would show a completed
image in an uncoupled state. Thus, the user may identify that the multi-
component
backpack 100 is incomplete if he/she fails to see the completed image that the
multi-
component backpack 100 would be expressing in its completed form. In similar
embodiments, the image may comprise a nature scene, a television character, a
cityscape,
a painting, a person, an animal, a mechanical device, a tool, a game, a book,
a
mythological character or another two-dimensional image.
[0034] In one embodiment, the indicator 170 may be a three-dimensional
image
configured to appear in its completed form when the backpack component 120 and
the
lunchbox component 140 are coupled together. In such a configuration, neither
the
backpack component 120, nor the lunchbox component 140 would show a completed
image in an uncoupled state. Thus, the user may identify that the multi-
component
backpack 100 is incomplete if he/she fails to see the completed image that the
multi-
component backpack 100 would be expressing in its completed form. In an
embodiment,
the three-dimensional image formed by joining the backpack component 120 and
the
lunchbox component 140 to form the multi-component backpack 100 may be of an
animal.
A turtle, for example, may be formed by configuring the backpack component 120
to look
like a turtle body, and configuring the lunchbox component 140 to look like a
turtle shell.
Coupled together, the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack component 120
would
form the multi-component backpack 100 and form a three-dimensional image of a
turtle. In
other embodiments, the three-dimensional image may be a nature scene, a
television
7
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
character, a cityscape, a painting, a person, a mechanical device, a tool, a
game, a book, a
mythological character or any other three-dimensional image.
[0035] Although the indicator 160 and the indicator 170 are discussed
independently,
said indicators may both be included concurrently in the same multi-component
backpack
100. In an embodiment, the multi-component backpack 100 comprises the
indicator 160
and the indicator 170, wherein the indicators 160 and 170 may function
simultaneously.
For example, the indicator 160 may be an image exposed upon the detachment of
the
lunchbox component 140 from the backpack component 120, and the indicator 170
may be
a three-dimensional image configured to appear in its completed form when the
backpack
component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled. Removal of the
lunchbox
component 140 may cause expression of the indicator 160 by revealing an image
and also
cause expression of the indicator 170 by failing to complete a three-
dimensional image. In
another embodiment, the multi-component backpack 100 comprises both the
indicator 160
and the indicator 170 concurrently, wherein the indicator 160 may be
configured to express
an audible tone, and the indicator 170 may take the form of a completed image
when the
backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled. In this
embodiment, the lunchbox component 140 may be placed proximate the backpack
component 120, but not be coupled to it, thereby giving the appearance of a
completed
image. In this case, the user may fail to notice the expression of the
indicator 170. In this
embodiment, the indicator 160, configured to express an audible tone, would be
expressed
and may be more noticeable to the user.
[0036] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the third detachable component 145
may also
comprise an indicator 180 configured to indicate its detachment from the multi-
component
backpack 100. Indicator 180 may function using any of the methods discussed
above for
indicators 160 and 170, or it may function by a different method. Further,
each additional
detachable component, e.g. a fourth, fifth, sixth detachable component, etc.,
may also
comprise an indicator configured to detect its detachment from the multi-
component
backpack 100.
[0037] As noted, the third detachable component 145 and/or other detachable
components may comprise various indicators, e.g. indicator 180, different than
those
embodied by the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140. In an
embodiment, the third detachable component 145 may comprise the indicator 180
8
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
configured to express an image upon detachment of the third detachable
component 145
from the multi-component backpack 100. In said embodiment, the backpack
component
120 and the lunchbox component 140 may comprise the indicator 160 configured
to
express a different image upon detachment of the lunchbox component 140 from
the multi-
component backpack 100.
[0038] In some embodiments, the third detachable component 145 and/or
additional
detachable components may comprise substantially similar indicators to the
backpack
component 120 and the lunchbox component 140. For example, the third
detachable
component 145, additional detachable components, the backpack component 120,
and the
lunchbox component 140 may comprise the indicator 160 comprising a
substantially similar
image, audible tone, or light in all cases. An indicator substantially similar
to the indicator
170 may likewise be employed. The third detachable component 145, additional
detachable components, the backpack component 120, and the lunchbox component
140
may form a completed image when coupled together to form the multi-component
backpack 100. In this embodiment, removal of any one of the detachable
components
would result in an incomplete image, thus indicating that the multi-component
backpack
100 is incomplete.
[0039] While being included concurrently in the same multi-component back
pack 100,
it is contemplated that the indicators 160, 170 and 180 may function at
different times. In
an embodiment, the indicator 180 may be configured to indicate the detachment
of the
third detachable component 145 while the indicator 170 may be configured to
indicate the
detachment of the lunchbox component 140. In such an embodiment, the third
detachable
component may be detached from the multi-component backpack 100, thus causing
the
expression of the indicator 180 while the indicator 170 is not expressed.
[0040] In an embodiment, the indicator 180 may be configured to indicate
the
detachment of the third detachable component 145 while the indicator 160 may
be
configured to indicate the detachment of the lunchbox component 140. In such
an
embodiment, the third detachable component may be detached from the multi-
component
backpack 100, thus causing the expression of the indicator 180 while the
indicator 160 is
not expressed. In other embodiments, the indicator 160, the indicator 170, and
the indicator
180 may function at different times in response to detachment of additional
detachable
components.
9
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
[0041] Turning now to Figure 5, a method 400 is discussed. At block 410 the
components of a multi-component backpack are fabricated. These components
comprise a
first storage component and a detachably coupled second storage component. In
some
contexts, the first storage component may be referred to as a backpack, a bag,
a case, a
pack, etc., but for the purposes of this disclosure it will be referred to as
the first storage
component. In some contexts, the second storage component may be referred to
as a
lunchbox, a backpack, a bag, a case, a pack, a lunch pail, a lunch bag, an
attachment, a
lunch pocket, etc., but for the purposes of this disclosure it will be
referred to as the second
storage component. In some embodiments, the first storage component and the
second
storage component may be coupled by a zipper, a button, hook and loop strips,
a clip, a
snap, a buckle, a magnet, a strap, or combinations thereof.
[0042] At block 420 an indicator, configured to indicate incomplete
assembly of the first
and second storage components, is provided. In various embodiments, the
indicator may
be a color, a two-dimensional image, a three-dimensional image, or an audible
tone. In an
embodiment, the indicator may comprise an electronic device configured to
detect whether
or not the first storage component and the second storage component are
coupled
together.
[0043] At block 430 the first storage component, the second storage
component, and
the indicator are coupled to assemble a multi-component backpack configured
such that
the detachment of the second storage component from the first storage
component causes
expression of the indicator. In some embodiments, the location of attachment
of the first
storage component and the second storage component may vary. In some
embodiments,
the nature of the indicator may vary.
[0044] While several embodiments have been provided in the present
disclosure, it
should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in
many
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
disclosure.
The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive,
and the
intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the
various elements
or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain
features may
be omitted or not implemented.
[0045] Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and
illustrated
in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or
integrated with
CA 02879086 2015-01-13
WO 2014/011920 PCT/US2013/050131
other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the
scope of the
present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or
communicating
with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some
interface,
device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or
otherwise. Other
examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one
skilled in the
art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed
herein.
11
