US20130129948A1

US20130129948A1 - Portable pack cover

Info

Publication number: US20130129948A1
Application number: US13/746,881
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert Vincent Fikry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-05
Filing date: 2013-01-22
Publication date: 2013-05-23

Abstract

An enclosure device for a portable pack including a perimeter, a first wall and a fastening member is provided. The perimeter forms an opening for receiving the portable pack. The first wall extends across the perimeter and the first wall has a plurality of individual covering elements extending a width of the perimeter. Each of the plurality of covering elements are independently moveable between an open position and a closed position. The perimeter and the first wall form an interior cavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack. The fastening member is operatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosure device to the portable pack.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 12/932,777, filed Mar. 5, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an enclosure device for use with portable packs. In particular, the present invention relates to an enclosure device capable of surrounding the portable pack while be carried by a user and which allows access to the portable pack while in use.
Anyone who has spent time at a bus stop can see that portable packs end up on the ground or get soaked in the rain or snow waiting for the bus. Further, conventional portable pack covers are typically designed for large camping style backpacks and do not allow for access to the backpacks while in place.
Thus, there is still a need for an enclosure device that is capable of covering a portable pack while allowing the portable pack to be carried by a user and accessible by the user while in use. Such a need is satisfied by the portable pack cover of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an enclosure device for a portable pack that includes a perimeter, a first wall and a fastening member. The perimeter forms an opening for receiving the portable pack. The first wall extends across the perimeter and has a plurality of individual covering elements extending across a width of the perimeter. Each of the plurality of covering elements is independently moveable between an open position and a closed position. The perimeter and the first wall form an interior cavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack. The fastening member is operatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosure device to the portable pack.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides an enclosure device for a portable pack that includes a perimeter, a first wall and a fastening member. The perimeter forms an opening for receiving the portable pack. The first wall extends across the perimeter and has at least one covering element extending across a width of the perimeter. The covering element is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The perimeter and first wall form an interior cavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack. The fastening member is operatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosure device to the portable pack.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the present invention provides a waterproof backpack cover that includes a covering member, an access opening, and a fastening member. The covering member defines an interior cavity for receiving the backpack. The access opening provides access to the interior cavity. The fastening member moves the access opening between a first position and a second position for securing the covering member to the backpack. The covering member includes a plurality of covering elements spanning across a perimeter of the covering member. Each of the plurality of covering elements is independently moveable between an open and a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a backpack cover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the backpack cover of FIG. 1 containing an oval shaped opening for backpack straps to fit through so as to allow a user to wear the backpack on his or her back while simultaneously utilizing the backpack cover;

FIG. 3 is a left view of a person utilizing the backpack cover while wearing a backpack;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the portable pack cover of FIG. 4 showing a covering element in an open position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the portable pack cover of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the portable pack cover of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a portable pack cover in accordance with another aspect of the present invention that includes a second wall;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a container for housing a portable pack cover in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable pack cover including the container of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover in accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention having square covering elements;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover in accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention having semi-circular covering elements;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover in accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention having trapezoidal covering elements; and

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover in accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention having an oval covering element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms used in conjunction with the following description of the drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term “a,” as used in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
For purposes of convenience only, the present invention will be described herein in reference to a portable pack being a backpack, however the present invention can be applied to any portable pack such as a piece of luggage, a briefcase, a laptop bag, etc.
In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a backpack cover that is functional. Waterproof and washable fabric is fashioned so that all sides of the backpack are covered except the rear of the backpack where an oval-shape cut out 12 appears, where the shoulder straps of the backpack are located, with an elastic band 11 contained around the oval-shape cut out, so that the backpack cover will fit over the backpack in a snug fashion but still permit the user to wear the backpack on his or her back.
It would be advantageous to provide a backpack cover that is waterproof and washable. It would also be advantageous to provide a backpack cover that can be secured and removed without any clasps, hooks or ties. It would further be advantageous to provide a backpack cover that enables the user to use the backpack cover while still being able to wear the backpack in a traditional fashion, on one's back.
FIG. 1 is a rear view of the backpack cover with number 10 referring to the washable, waterproof fabric covering the exterior of the backpack.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the backpack cover with number 11 referring to the elastisized seam around an oval shaped opening 12 to allow for the backpack straps to exit the backpack cover so as to allow the wearer to wear the backpack on his or her back while simultaneously allowing the backpack cover to cover the entire exterior of backpack except that part which is touching the user's back.
FIG. 3 is a left view of a person utilizing the backpack cover while wearing a backpack with number 13 referring to the not claimed backpack shoulder straps 13.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
FIGS. 4-14 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the present invention provides an enclosure device 100 (i.e., a portable pack cover) for a portable pack (not shown). The enclosure device 100, also referred to herein as a backpack cover, includes a perimeter 102, a first wall 104 and a fastening member 110. The portable pack can be any portable pack as readily known in the art, such as but not limited to a backpack, a piece of luggage, a briefcase or a laptop bag.
Referring to FIG. 6, the perimeter 102 forms an opening 114 for receiving the portable pack. The opening 114 is sized and configured to receive the portable pack and allow the portable pack to fit therethrough. The portable pack passes through the opening 114 and is substantially enclosed within the enclosure device 100. That is, the perimeter 102 along with the first wall 104, further described below, form an interior cavity 108 for substantially surrounding the portable pack. The opening 114, as shown, is substantially rectangular in shape, but can be any other shape suitable for the foregoing intended use of covering a portable pack.
Referring back to FIG. 4, the first wall 104 extends across from the perimeter 102. That is, the first wall 104 extends across a width of the perimeter 102. The interior cavity 108, as shown in FIG. 6, is substantially cubic in shape, but can be configured into any other shape suitable for conforming to and encasing or covering the portable pack. The first wall 104 and the perimeter 102 collectively form a covering member. In other words, the covering member includes a plurality of covering elements 106 spanning across a perimeter of the covering member. Each of the plurality of covering elements 106 is independently moveable between an open and a closed position.
The first wall 104 is formed from a plurality of individual covering elements 106 extending across a width of the perimeter 102. FIG. 4 illustrates the covering elements 106 extending across the width of the perimeter 102 in a horizontal direction, but the cover elements 106 can alternatively be configured to extend in any other direction across the width of the perimeter 102, such as at an angle to the horizontal. Each of the covering elements can be configured to have a shape of at least one of a rectangle (FIG. 4), a square (FIG. 11), a semi-circle (FIG. 12), a trapezoid (FIG. 13) and an oval (FIG. 14). Each of the plurality of covering elements 106 is independently moveable between an open position (FIG. 5) and a closed position (FIG. 4). The covering elements 106 are connected to the perimeter 102 along its side edges, but preferably connected about a localized upper area of the side edge, as shown in FIG. 5. The covering elements 106 are releasably connected to an adjacent covering element 106 by a fastener 107, such as a zipper, a hook and loop fastener (FIG. 5), a clip, a button, a latch, or combinations thereof.
Preferably, each covering element 106 includes a plurality of hook and loop fasteners 107 in a spaced relation along an overlapping area of adjacent covering elements 106. Furthermore, each of the plurality of covering elements 106 preferably overlaps an adjacent covering element 106 e.g., in a shingle-like relationship, as best shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 11.
Referring again to FIG. 6, as discussed previously, the enclosure device 100 includes a fastening member 110. The fastening member 110 is preferably operatively connected to the perimeter 102, but can alternatively be connected to other areas of the enclosure device 100. The fastening member 110 can be at least one of a lash (FIG. 6), an elastic member, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, and a clip. Preferably, the fastening member 110 is a lash, as shown in FIG. 6, which can be tightened by pulling the lash from the fastening member holes 111 and in doing so, the opening 114 becomes smaller in size, closing the interior cavity 108 and substantially conforming the enclosure device on the portable pack. The lash 110 is connected to the perimeter 102 by a through passage 109 extending substantially the entire length of the perimeter 102.
Referring to FIG. 8, the enclosure device 100 can further include a second wall 112 extending from the perimeter 102. The second wall 112 extends from the perimeter 102 on a side opposite the first wall 104. The second wall 112 preferably partially covers the opening 114. The second wall 112 only partially extends from the perimeter 102 so as to form an aperture 113 which allows, e.g., straps on a backpack to pass through without obstruction.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the enclosure device 100 can optionally include a container 116. The container 116 is fixedly attached to at least one of the perimeter 102 and the first wall 104. As shown in FIG. 10, the container 116 is preferably fixedly attached to a top end of the perimeter 102, but the container 116 can alternatively be attached in any location about the enclosure device. The container 116 is configured to receive the entirety of the perimeter 102, the first wall 104 and the fastening member 110 and completely enclose the perimeter 102, the first wall 104 and the fastening member 110. That is, the enclosure device 100 can be rolled up and completely stored within the container 116 for storage.
The container 116 can also optionally include a pair of attachment members 118 for attaching the container 116 to the portable pack, and more specifically to e.g., shoulder straps of the portable pack. As shown in FIG. 9, the pair of attachment members 118 is illustrated as a pair of clips each extending from opposite ends of the container 116. A variety of clips also applicable to the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,234,761 and 5,005,266, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. However, the attachment member 118 can alternatively be any other suitable attachment member 118, such as a hook and loop fasteners, a draw string, etc. The container 116 also includes a closing member 120. The closing member 120, as shown, is a zipper, but also can be any other closing member 120 suitable for the foregoing intended use.
Referring back to FIG. 4, the perimeter 102 is configured to form a side wall 102 of the enclosure device 100 which can be of varying width and sizes. The side wall 102 can optionally be configured to include a retaining member 122. The retaining member 122 is connected to the front and rear ends of the side wall 102 and extends across the width of the side wall 102. The retaining member 122 can be moved so as to adjust an overall length of the side wall 102 from a first length to a second length. That is, the retaining member 122 can be moved between an expanded position (e.g., a first length) and a contracted position (e.g., a second length). This allows the enclosure device 100 to fit snugly around the portable pack. The retaining member 122 is preferably at least one of an elastic member, a lash, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a zipper, and a clip.
The enclosure device 100 is formed out of a flexible material. This allows the enclosure device 100 to surround, conform to, and completely or substantially enclose any portable pack of varying size and shape. The enclosure device is also formed out of a waterproof and/or washable material, such as natural or synthetic fabrics that are laminated to or coated with a waterproofing material e.g., rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, and wax.
In operation, when the enclosure device 100 is used for covering the portable pack, the portable pack is fed through the opening 104 and into the interior cavity 108. The fastening member 110 is operated so as to close the opening 104 around the portable pack and secure the enclosure device 100 around the portable pack in times of use.
Then, when a user desires to access something in the portable pack but does not want to remove the enclosure device 100, the user can open any of the plurality of individual covering elements 106 extending across the perimeter 102. The individual covering elements 106 are independently moveable between an open position and a closed position (i.e., one can be opened without opening another). When the individual covering elements 106 are in an open position the user has access to the portable pack thought the enclosure device 100. When the individual covering elements 106 are in a closed position, the portable pack is completely surrounded and enclosed by the enclosure device 100. The bottom end of each individual covering element 106 can be detached from the top end of an adjacent covering element 106 located directly below. In doing so, the user can open just a single covering element 106 and access a single part of the portable pack without exposing the rest of the portable pack. Each individual covering element 106 can be partially removed or fully removed as a result of the plurality of fasteners 107.
Further, the entire enclosure device 100 can be collapsed and stored inside of the container 116 when the enclosure device 100 is not in use. The enclosure device 100 can be folded, rolled or pressed inside of the container 116 and stored out of the way. Furthermore, the container 116 can be attached e.g., to shoulder straps of a backpack for ease of use and deployment.
In an alternative aspect, the covering member, discussed previously, can include a plurality of retaining members 115 (FIG. 1) positioned about the covering member in a spaced relationship for reconfiguring the shape of the interior cavity 108 of the covering member. In other words, the retaining members 115 function to shorten or lengthen a section of the covering member to allow a user to reconfigure the size and shape of the covering member's interior cavity to a specific backpack. In doing so, the covering member reduces the possibility that the backpack will be exposed to adverse weather related elements.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

I/we claim:

1. An enclosure device for a portable pack comprising:

a perimeter forming an opening for receiving the portable pack;

a first wall extending across the perimeter, the first wall having a plurality of individual covering elements extending across a width of the perimeter, wherein each of the plurality of covering elements are independently moveable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the perimeter and the first wall form an interior cavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack; and

a fastening member operatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosure device to the portable pack.

2. The enclosure device of claim 1, further comprising a second wall extending from the perimeter and opposite the first wall that at least partially covers the opening.

3. The enclosure device of claim 1, further comprising a container attached to at least one of the perimeter and the first wall.

4. The enclosure device of claim 3, wherein the container is configured to receive the entirety of the perimeter, the first wall and the fastening member and completely enclose the perimeter, the first wall and the fastening member.

5. The enclosure device of claim 3, wherein the container further comprises a pair of attachment members for attaching the container to the portable pack.

6. The enclosure device of claim 5, wherein the pair of attachment members is a pair of clips each extending from opposite ends of the container.

7. The enclosure device of claim 4, wherein the container includes a closing member.

8. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein the fastening member is at least one of a lash, an elastic member, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, and a clip.

9. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein the enclosure device is formed out of a flexible material.

10. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein the enclosure device is formed out of a waterproof material.

11. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of covering elements are each configured to have a shape of at least one of a rectangle, a square, a semi-circular, a trapezoid, and an oval.

12. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of covering elements is releasably connected to an adjacent covering element.

13. The enclosure device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of covering elements is releasably connected to an adjacent covering element by at least one of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a clip, a button, and a latch.

14. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of covering elements overlaps an adjacent covering element.

15. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein the perimeter is configured to form a side wall of the enclosure device, and wherein the enclosure device further includes a retaining member connected to the side wall and extending across a width of the side wall for adjusting an overall length of the side wall from a first length to a second length.

16. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is at least one of an elastic member, a lash, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a zipper, and a clip.

17. An enclosure device for a portable pack comprising:

a perimeter forming an opening for receiving the portable pack;

a first wall extending across the perimeter, the first wall having at least one covering element extending across a width of the perimeter, wherein the covering element is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the perimeter and the first wall form an interior cavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack; and

18. A waterproof backpack cover comprising:

a covering member defining an interior cavity for receiving the backpack;

an access opening for providing access to the interior cavity; and

a fastening member for moving the access opening between first and second positions and for securing the covering member to the backpack;

wherein the covering member includes a plurality of covering elements spanning across a perimeter of the covering member, and wherein each of the plurality of covering elements are independently moveable between an open position and a closed position.

19. The waterproof backpack cover of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of covering elements overlap an adjacent covering element in a shingle-like relationship.

20. The waterproof backpack cover of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of retaining members positioned about the covering member in a spaced relationship for reconfiguring the shape of the interior cavity of the covering member.