WATERPROOF BACKPACK

Abstract

A waterproof backpack with a pouch dimensioned so that it only covers the thoracic area of the spine of the user, a waterproof lining within the pouch, a set of adjustable shoulder straps adjoined at the front of the backpack, and a set of adjustable abdomen straps. The waterproof backpack enables a user to swim whilst wearing the backpack.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the bag industry and, more particularly to a waterproof backpack adapted for swimming.

BACKGROUND

People who participate in water sports (such as swimming, surfing, marathon running, canyoneering and skin diving) are often forced to leave their valuable items (such as wallets, mobile phones and keys) in a public place where those items can be stolen.

Waterproof bags are available which protect the contents of the bag against water damage. These bags have an opening which is rolled over and then locked together with a clip. However, many of these bags are primarily designed to protect the contents of the bag from rain. Such bags are merely “water resistant” and cannot withstand seepage even slightly underneath the surface of the water.

Moreover, these bags are not designed to be worn whilst swimming. Many of these backpack designs have a single strap, which is awkward to carry and even more awkward to swim with. The user could not swim in a natural way (i.e. using an overarm stroke) but would be forced to pull the bag across the surface of the water with one hand, whilst slowing progressing through the water with the other hand and the kicking with their feet. Such a swimming style is not only slow, but exhausting.

Many of currently available waterproof bag designs trap a large amount of air within them, such that they could not be easily submerged. Their buoyancy would make it practically difficult for a user to progress through the water.

It would be useful if there was a way to take valuable items in the water whilst participating in water sports and particularly whilst swimming with an overarm stroke.

The object of the present invention is to overcome or at least substantially ameliorate the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a waterproof backpack comprising:

(a) a pouch;

(b) a waterproof lining within the pouch;

(c) a set of shoulder straps adjoined at the front of the backpack; and

(d) abdomen straps;

so that the backpack is adapted to enable and facilitate movement of the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.

Preferably, the backpack is made from polychloroprene. The abdomen straps and the shoulder straps are preferably adjustable. It is also preferred that the size of the pouch is dimensioned so that it only covers the thoracic area of the spine of the user.

Preferably, the shoulder straps are adjoined at the front of the backpack by a zipper. The waterproof backpack may have a snap-lock. It is preferred that the backpack has abdomen straps. It is also preferred that the straps are adjustable. The backpack may have a zipper covering the snap-lock waterproof backpack on the pouch. Preferably, the zipper on the pouch is covered by a flap.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of the waterproof backpack according an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the waterproof backpack of FIG. 1, wherein the pouch is opened.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a lining of the waterproof backpack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a user wearing the waterproof backpack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the waterproof backpack of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 5 show a waterproof backpack 10 according an embodiment to the present invention. The waterproof backpack 10 comprises a pouch 12 which has a snap-lock plastic lining 14 (see FIG. 3). The pouch 12 is preferably made from polychloroprene (commonly known as Neoprene™) rubber or similar, or another synthetic rubber.

Neoprene is a useful material because it is not only waterproof to some degree, but it is also flexible. It conforms to the shape of the body of the user more than other materials. This allows the user of the waterproof backpack 10 to easily move whilst performing an over arm stroke in the water. The waterproof backpack 10 can move and flex as the user performs an overarm stroke in the water. The function of the waterproof backpack 10 is as much about comfort as it is about its waterproof function.

The key to enabling the user to swim whilst wearing the waterproof backpack is the shoulder straps 16 which are joined at the front of the waterproof backpack 10 by a zipper 18 (as shown in FIG. 3). The shoulder straps 16 are set close the neck 20 of the user (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and as far away as possible from their deltoids 22. The waterproof backpack 10 also has abdomen straps 24.

All of the shoulder straps 16 and the abdomen straps 24 are adjustable with buckles 26. This enables the waterproof backpack 10 to be “one-size-fits-all” design.

The lining 14 is covered with a zipper 28 and a flap 30, which also prevents the ingress of water into the pouch.

The carrying capacity of the pouch 12 is limited so that the user does not over fill the waterproof backpack 10, which could then present a risk of sinking the user. The pouch 12 is designed to fit over the thoracic spine area rather than the lumber spine area, which could otherwise impede easy movement by the user. The pouch 12 is also designed to fit within the shoulder blade area of the back so as to facilitate free movement of the shoulders whilst the user is swimming with an overarm stroke.

The pouch 12 can carry valuable items such as a mobile phone, wallet and keys, all of which are susceptible to water damage. These valuable items are often otherwise left next to the water, such as on a beach, where they could be stolen.

Some commonly used water bags are not entirely or reliably waterproof. Many users of such bags put their valuable contents of the bag (such as electronic items) within a disposable plastic bag to protect the contents from water. The common use and proliferation of such disposable plastic bags is damaging for the environment. The present invention dispenses with the need for such bags and is therefore beneficial to the environment.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the waterproof backpack 10 features a water storage compartment and a hose so that user can drink the water whilst performing their activities.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A waterproof backpack comprising:

(a) a pouch;

(b) a waterproof lining within the pouch;

(c) a set of shoulder straps adjoined at the front of the backpack; and

(d) abdomen straps; so that the backpack is adapted to enable and facilitate movement of the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.

2. The waterproof backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack is made from polychloroprene.

3. The waterproof backpack of claim 1, wherein the abdomen straps are adjustable.

4. The waterproof backpack of claim 1, wherein the shoulder straps are adjustable.

5. The waterproof backpack of claim 1, wherein the size of the pouch is dimensioned so that the pouch only covers the thoracic area of the spine of the user.