Single strap backpack with top and side access openings

Abstract

A single strap backpack includes a top side opening and a lateral side opening with a single strap attached thereto the midpoint of the back side at the top and bottom thereof so that the backpack may be moved between a position on the back side of an individual and a position on the front side of the individual. The construction permits access to the interior of the backpack when on the back of an individual or when positioned on the front of the individual.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a backpack utilizing a single support strap.

[0002] Backpacks are very popular and are used for multiple purposes. Students often carry their books and materials in backpacks. Obviously, campers and sportsmen utilize backpacks for their sport.

[0003] Typically, a backpack is comprised of a flexible fabric pouch having a flexible or semi-rigid panel which sits against the back of a person utilizing the backpack. Typically, the back panel includes first and second shoulder straps which are stitched to the top and bottom respectively of the back panel. The shoulder straps are often adjustable and are designed to fit over the separate shoulders of an individual so that the backpack may be appropriately supported and carried on the back of the individual.

[0004] Access to the backpack contents when the backpack is positioned on the back of an individual is often difficult. The backpack must be removed from the back of the individual and then an access opening opened to reveal the contents. Thus, there has developed a need for an improved backpack construction which will enable access by the user without fully removing the backpack from the shoulder of an individual. These and other objects have led to the development of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Briefly, the present invention comprises a single strap backpack. A pouch comprising a backpack includes a single strap which is adjustable and has a first end attached to the top of the backpack and a second end attached to the bottom of the backpack. An access opening is also provided in the top of the backpack. A second access opening is provided in a lateral side of the backpack. The single strap may be positioned over one shoulder of an individual so that the backpack will be carried on the back of an individual and oriented for access through the top access opening. When the backpack is positioned against the stomach or the front side of an individual by adjusting or sliding the strap over the shoulder of an individual, access to the interior is provided through a second access opening in the lateral side of the backpack. Thus, the backpack may be positioned on the back of an individual for access through the top side or on the front side of an individual for access through a lateral side of the backpack. Movement between the front side and back side of the individual is effected merely by sliding the shoulder strap over the shoulder and adjusting the position of the backpack on the individual.

[0006] Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved single strap backpack construction.

[0007] It is a further object of the invention to provide a backpack construction having access to the contents when positioned on the back of an individual as well as on the front side of an individual.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide an economical, easily used, rugged and inexpensive backpack construction utilizing a single strap and having an access opening on the top and at least one lateral side thereof.

[0009] These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0010] In the detailed description which follows reference will be made to drawing comprised of the following figures:

[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the backpack of the invention wherein the backpack is positioned on the back side of an individual; and

[0012] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the backpack of the invention wherein the backpack is positioned on the front side of an individual as effected by sliding the shoulder strap over the shoulder of the individual and moving the backpack from the back side of the individual as depicted in FIG. 1 to the front side.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] Referring to the figures, a backpack 10 includes a top side 12, a bottom side 14, a first lateral side 16, and a second lateral side 18. The backpack 10 further includes a front panel 20 and a back side panel 22. The back side panel 21 is spaced from the front side panel 20 and, in combination with the other panels and sides of the backpack, forms a pouch. The backpack 10 may include a top flap 22 which fits over a top access opening 24. A first lateral side flap 26 attached to the lateral side 16 by means of a zipper mechanism 28 permits access through the lateral side 16 of the backpack. Optionally, a second lateral side flap 30 attached to lateral side 18 by a zipper 32 will permit access to the interior of the backpack 10 through the second lateral side 18.

[0014] An adjustable strap 40 having a strap shoulder pad 42 includes a first end 44 attached to the top 12 of the backpack 10. Second end 46 of the strap 40 is attached to the back panel 21 or bottom panel 14. Preferably, the strap 40, and more particularly, the first end 44 and the second end 46 are attached to the midpoint or substantially at the midpoint of the back panel 21 and the top panel 12.

[0015] As depicted in FIG. 1, when the strap 40 is positioned over the left shoulder, for example, of an individual and fitted around the right hip of an individual, the backpack 10 will be carried vertically upward on the back of the individual with an access opening through the flap 22 vertically oriented in an upward direction for ease of access to the interior contents.

[0016] By sliding the shoulder strap 40 over the left hand shoulder of the individual so as to reposition the backpack 10 toward the front of the individual as shown in FIG. 2 with the back side 21 of the backpack fitted against the stomach or torso of the individual, the access flap 26 may be opened by operation of the zipper 28 to thereby permit ingress to the backpack 10. In other words, the backpack 10 is oriented so that the access panel 26 is oriented upwardly vertically for vertical entry through the access opening to the interior of the backpack and to the contents therein.

[0017] Thus, by sliding the strap 40 over the shoulder of an individual between the positions of FIGS. 1 and 2, access to the backpack may be effected either through the top 12 or through the lateral side 16 of the backpack. It is possible to provide for placement of the backpack over the opposite shoulder of the individual and utilize the second lateral side flap 30 for access opening to the pouch 10. In any event, a single strap is provided for support of the backpack 10 and for movement thereof between a position associated with the front side of the individual and a position associated with the back side of the individual.

[0018] Various additional pouches and access openings may be provided to the backpack 10. The construction of the strap may be varied and may include shoulder pads and adjustment mechanisms of various types and conditions. Additionally, the means of attaching the strap 40 to the backpack and the exact position of attachment thereof may amended or altered without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is therefore to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A single strap backpack comprising:

a pouch having a top, a first lateral side, a second spaced opposite lateral side, a bottom, a front panel, and a back panel;

a single support strap having a first end attached to the top of the pouch and a second end attached to the bottom of the pouch,

a first access opening in the first lateral side oriented to a vertically upward position when the strap is positioned over a shoulder of an individual with the pouch positioned on the front side of said individual; and

a second access opening in the top oriented to a vertically upward position when the strap is positioned over a shoulder of an individual with the pouch positioned on the back side of said individual.

2. The backpack of claim 1 wherein the pouch is soft sided and comprised of a flexible fabric.

3. The backpack of claim 1 wherein the length of the strap is adjustable.