Backpack for carrying a bicycle
The present invention is a durable, lightweight backpack that allows its user to comfortably carry a bicycle over ling distances and varied terrain. The back is constructed of a lightweight frame and is fully adjustable to fit any size of user. The backpack includes a detachable backpack, lumbar fanny pack for added convenience, and a hydration system on a compact frame. Once the wheels and pedals of a bicycle are removed the bicycle frame is mounted on the pack, the wheels are attached to the frame of the bike and the pedal is stored away. The backpack also contains additional space for personal items such as shoes, clothing, food, and water.
This patent generally relates to the field of biking and backpacking. The present invention is a backpack adapted for carrying a bicycle that enables a user to hike or backpack into a remote location, over rough terrain, or city subway system and then dismount the bike and ride on the bicycle. The present invention enables a user to quickly and easily secure a bicycle to the backpack for transportation when it is undesirable for the user to ride on the bicycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMountain climbers and hikers have been utilizing backpacks in a variety of forms for many years. Several U.S. Patents have issued teaching the use of a backpack for transporting such things as folding chairs, boots, fishing rods, and even chainsaws. U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,829 issued on Nov. 5, 1996 to Harrison shows a backpack comprising front and rear members, a connecting device to form an internal cavity with a fastening device for storing and securing a foldable chair. U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,981 issued on Nov. 27, 1990 to Gex discloses a backpack for carrying folding chairs that utilizes an adjustable enveloping structure that can accommodate different sizes and numbers of chairs.
Many other backpack designs have been created for easier transport of boots (U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,353 issued on Oct. 10, 1995 to Challoner), fishing rods (U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,393 issued on Nov. 2, 1999 to Bellamy), hunting bow (U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,114 issued on Aug. 18, 2001 to Berberian), and a chain saw (U.S. Patent issued on Dec. 17, 1985 to Fullmer). The present invention teaches the use of a backpack system that enables a user to transport a bicycle in a more efficient and easier manner. U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,437 issued on May 15, 1984 to Montague teaches a foldable bicycle that has separate front and rear frames coupled to each other. The bicycle uses standard components to form the drive, brake, and steering assemblies. In the folded state, the bicycle may be backpacked using available straps and webs that are attached to the front frame.
The invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,437 issued to Montague has many deficiencies that the present invention cures and eliminates. The present invention does not utilize a folding bicycle frame, but is meant to be use with any standard bicycle of any size. The prior art for transporting a bicycle in a backpack configuration utilizes a specialized bicycle comprising a foldable frame. This foldable frame presents many issues of strength and durability of the bicycle when in use. The present invention evolved from the need for mountain bikers and downhill riders who struggled to carry their bikes into terrain that they wished to ride down or out of. The bikes required for this type of exercise undergo extreme forces and must be able to with stand a tremendous amount of stress to the frame and other components. A foldable bicycle will not be able to withstand the stress from such activities and is not desirable for this application. The present invention cures this problem by creating a backpack that a user can attach any bicycle desired and easily transport over any terrain.
SUMMARYThe present invention is a durable, lightweight backpack that allows its user to comfortably carry a bicycle over ling distances and varied terrain. The back is constructed of a lightweight frame and is fully adjustable to fit any size of user. The backpack includes a detachable backpack, lumbar fanny pack for added convenience, and a hydration system on a compact external frame. Once the wheels and inside pedal of a bicycle are removed the bicycle frame is mounted on the pack, the wheels are attached to the frame of the bike and the pedal is stored away. The backpack also contains additional space for personal items such as shoes, clothing, food, and water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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Storage compartment designs can be modified to fit a particular users desirable storage requirement. For example a hiker would most likely use it in the present embodiment or with just one long storage compartment. An adventure racer might use a long storage compartment but also have smaller item storage compartments on the shoulder straps for food, tools, or GPS. A commuter model could have a messenger bag with a large storage compartment that you can put the entire backpack inside and carry it into an office building. Storage compartments on a touring model would also convert into panniers. All storage containers or bags are designed to be interchangeable so a user must only buy one backpack frame in one form, but could convert it by adding or removing storage compartments at a later time to place the backpack into a different configuration as described above or a personalized combination.
Another embodiment of the backpack frame could be the replacement of the top brace used to support the bike with two simple tubes for mounting the securing apparatus, effectively utilizing the same brace absent the center portion previously discussed.
Although the description above contains various specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
Claims
1. A backpack for transporting a bicycle comprising:
- (a) an external frame with at least one adjustable shoulder strap associated with the frame for securing the backpack to a users shoulder;
- (b) an adjustable waist belt for securely holding the external frame in position;
- (c) a connector associated with the external frame for releasable connecting a bicycle frame to the top of the external frame
2. The backpack as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one storage compartment associated with the outer side of the external frame.
3. The backpack as claimed in claim 2 further comprising:
- a first storage compartment associated with the outer side of the external frame, the first storage compartment being fastened to the top of the external frame;
- a second storage compartment associate with the outer side of the external frame, the second storage compartment being fastened to the bottom of the external frame.
4. The backpack as claimed in claim 3 further comprising:
- a connector associated with the first and second storage compartments for releasably connecting the lower portion of the first storage compartment and the top portion of the second storage compartment, which when connected define an internal cavity for including at least one bicycle wheel between the external frame and the storage compartments.
5. The backpack as claimed in claims 1-4 further comprising a hydration system.
6. The backpack as claimed in claims 1-5 wherein the securing means for a bicycle frame comprises a plurality of fastening straps, each strap fixed to the external frame
7. A backpack for transporting a bicycle comprising:
- (a) an external frame with at least one adjustable shoulder strap associated with the frame for securing the backpack to a users shoulder;
- (b) an adjustable waist belt for securely holding the external frame in position;
- (c) a connector associated with the external frame for releasable connecting a bicycle frame to the top of the external frame comprising a plurality of fastening straps, each strap fixed to the external frame
- (d) at least one storage compartment associated with the outer side of the external frame
- (e) a hydration system.
8. The backpack as claimed in claim 7 wherein the securing means for a bicycle frame comprises
- a first storage compartment associated with the outer side of the external frame, the
- first storage compartment being fastened to the top of the external frame;
- a second storage compartment associate with the outer side of the external frame, the
- second storage compartment being fastened to the bottom of the external frame.
9. The backpack as claimed in claim 8 further comprising:
- a connector associated with the first and second storage compartments for releasably connecting the lower portion of the first storage compartment and the top portion of the second storage compartment, which when connected define an internal cavity for including at least one bicycle wheel between the external frame and the storage compartments.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 21, 2003
Publication Date: May 26, 2005
Inventors: Jeffrey Larsen (Las Vegas, NV), Joseph Boud (Salt Lake City, UT)
Application Number: 10/718,752