Backpack dividers

Abstract

A backpack including dividers that are provided to form a plurality of compartments in a backpack for storing papers, binders, file folders, books, and the like. The dividers can be permanently or detachably secured to the backpack. The dividers can include identification tabs for identifying the compartments. The identification tabs can be color coded or include identifying indicia. The backpack can also include individual closure means for opening and closing the compartment. The individual closure means can include identification tabs for identifying the compartments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/562,670, filed Apr. 15, 2004, which is incorporated in this specification by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to backpacks, and more particularly relates to structures insertable or built into a backpack to form separate compartments in the backpack for storing papers, binders, file folders, books, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2. Background Information

Backpacks of various types are well known in the art for transporting articles.

Typically, a backpack is quasirectangular in shape and comprises one main compartment in which the majority of the articles to be transported are stored, and one or more smaller outer compartments in which smaller articles are stored. An example of such a backpack is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,978. Since known backpacks of this type typically include only one main compartment, the user is forced to store most of the articles in the main compartment without means for organization.

Backpacks are popularly used by students at all educational levels to carry papers, binders, file folders, books, and the like to and from school. While students often have more than one class and need to transport such items (e.g., notes, handouts, assignments) for each class, students are limited in their ability to organize and store separately the items for each class because these items must be stored together in the main compartment. Consequently, items for each class are mixed with items for the other classes and students may need to browse through all the items for all the classes stored in the backpack in order to find a particular item for a particular class.

Especially typical in high schools and middle schools, students throw papers into their backpacks randomly throughout the school day, returning home with a mess of disorganized class notes and homework assignments.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a backpack that will allow the user to organize the articles to be transported. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a backpack or an insert for a backpack that will allow a student to readily organize various items by subject matter or class, allowing the student to more easily file and retrieve by individual subject class work received during the school day.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a backpack includes an outer bag having some means for wearing the bag on the back of a user, and a plurality of dividers in the bag forming separate compartments in the bag. The dividers are adapted to organize one or more items in the compartments.

In other preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the dividers may be permanently or detachably secured to the outer bag, or may include a divider unit or a divider insert.

In another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the backpack also includes individual closure means for opening and closing the respective compartments.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the backpack includes some means for detachably securing a divider insert in the bag. For example, the means for detachably securing the insert in the bag may be VELCRO or one or more magnetic strips.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, each individual closure means is a zipper.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, one or more compartments are expandable.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the backpack includes one ore more identification tabs connected to one or more individual closure means.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, one or more dividers includes one ore more identification tabs connected to the divider.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the identification tabs are color coded.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the identification tabs include identifying indicia on the tabs.

Yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention provides an insert dimensioned to be affixed in a backpack. The insert includes a plurality of dividers forming separate compartments that are adapted to organize one or more items in each compartment, and some means for securing the dividers within the backpack.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a backpack includes an outer bag having means for wearing the bag on the back of a user, and a plurality of dividers in the bag forming separate elongated compartments adjacent one another in the bag. The dividers are adapted to organize one or more items in the compartments.

In yet another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a divider insert for backpacks includes a plurality of dividers forming separate elongated compartments adjacent one another. The dividers are adapted to organize one or more items in the compartments and are dimensioned to be received inside a backpack. The insert also includes means for securing the plurality of dividers within the backpack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front and left-side perspective view of a backpack according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated without the front, left, and top panels to show the dividers inside the backpack.

FIG. 2 is a front and left-side perspective view of a divider insert according to one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front and right-side perspective view of a backpack according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front and right-side perspective view of a backpack according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts a backpack according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1 the top, left, and front panels are not shown in order to reveal the dividers inside the backpack. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a backpack 2 having an outer bag 4 with divider unit 30 inside outer bag 4. The backpack 2 has shoulder straps 12, a plurality of outer compartments 50, and a main compartment 20 in which the divider unit 30 is provided. The divider unit 30 has a bottom panel 40 that is permanently secured to the bottom of the backpack 2 by fixed securing means 42. Examples of the fixed securing means 42 are rivets, grommets, screws, stitching, and adhesive. Those skilled in the art will recognize other suitable structures and methods that may be used.

Although a backpack with the divider unit 30 as depicted in FIG. 1 represents one preferred backpack construction, for this invention “backpack divider” means any plurality of dividers suitable for storing and organizing items that is built into, fixedly secured to, or otherwise integrated with a backpack.

Also for this invention, “items” means articles made up of one or more sheets—loose or bound—such as paper (plain, bond, matte, glossy, premium, etc.), looseleaf and other binders, file folders and other filing supplies, notebooks, pads, books, transparencies, photos, and the like.

Regarding another preferred embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a divider insert 60, which is dimensioned to be received in a main compartment of a conventional backpack known in the art. In this embodiment, divider insert 60 is generally identical to divider unit 30 shown in FIG. 1, except that the bottom panel 40 of divider insert 60 is provided with detachable securing means 44 for detachably securing the bottom panel 40 to the bottom of the backpack. Examples of detachable securing means 44 are one or more magnetic strips, VELCRO, and a zipper. Skilled artisans will recognize other suitable structure and methods that may be used.

Both divider unit 30 and divider insert 60 have a plurality of dividers 34 forming separate compartments 36 that are defined by dividers 34, side panels 38, and bottom panel 40. Identification tabs 32, which are connected to each divider 34 for identifying the content stored in the compartment 36, may also be provided. Dividers 34 may, for example, be constructed of plastic, vinyl, or nylon, and may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Again, skilled artisans will recognize other suitable materials that may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the divider unit 30 and divider insert 60 may be provided with one or more frames 46 in order to strengthen them or maintain their shapes. Frames 46 may, for example, be constructed of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material known in the art. The divider unit 30 and divider insert 60 may also be provided with outer sides 48, which preferably are taller than dividers 34, for support in backpack 2.

Although the divider insert 60 as depicted in FIG. 2 represents one preferred insert construction, for this invention “divider insert” means any plurality of dividers suitable for storing and organizing items that is insertable into, removably secured to, or otherwise not itself integrated with a backpack.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, backpack 2 is provided with individual closure means 16 associated with compartments 36 for opening and closing each compartment 36. Examples of individual closure means 16 are one or more magnetic strips, VELCRO, and a zipper. Skilled artisans will recognize other suitable structure and methods that may be used and variations on each suitable structure. In preferred embodiments, a zipper has a single pull or a double pull. Each individual closure means 16 is provided with an identification tab 14 for identifying the content stored in each compartment 36; in the example of FIG. 3, each identification tab 14 forms part of a zipper pull, which is part of individual closure means 16.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the identification tabs 14 include identifying indicia on each tab for identifying the content stored in each compartment 34. As shown in this example, the five identification tabs 14 are labeled “M,” “S,” “SS,” “E,” and “L” to indicate courses for a student that include Math, Science, Social Studies, English, and Language, respectively. These labels are just one example of the identifying indicia; other letters, words, characters, symbols, patterns, colors, or any combination of those may also be used. As another example, the five identification tabs 14 may be yellow, green, black, blue, and orange to identify Math, Science, Social Studies, English, and Language, respectively.

Moreover, any subject matter—not just school courses—can be identified with labels as described. And backpack 2 may be provided with additional blank labels so that the user can customize and replace each of the identifying indicia on the identification tabs 14.

The identification tabs 14 may be attached to or a part of the individual closure means 16. For example, if each individual closure means 16 is a double-pull zipper, the identification tabs 14 may be attached to one or both zipper pulls. As another example, one or more zipper pulls themselves may constitute the identification tabs 14.

In one preferred embodiment, backpack 2 is approximately 13.5″ tall and 13″ wide. Preferably, the backpack 2 and the divider unit 30 or divider insert are constructed of materials that are flexible, lightweight, and bendable. For example, the materials may include a combination of heavy-duty and lightweight plastic with padding in some areas, as well as vinyl and nylon. Other suitable materials will be apparent.

In this preferred embodiment, the dividers are approximately 1.5″ to 2″ apart. Also, side panels 38 are preferably constructed of flexible materials (such as vinyl gusseting, nylon, fisherman's net) or expandable elastic materials, making the dividers expandable. The side panels 38 preferably extend vertically approximately two-thirds of the height of the dividers 34.

In other preferred embodiments, the identification tabs 14 of the closure means 16 or the identification tabs 32 of the dividers 34 are color coded.

In other preferred embodiments, the identification tabs 14 of the closure means 16 or the identification tabs 32 of the dividers 34 are labeled.

In other preferred embodiments, the identification tabs 14 of the closure means 16 or the identification tabs 32 of the dividers 34 are replaceable.

In another preferred embodiment, closure means 16 are zippers.

In other preferred embodiments, the divider unit 30 or the divider insert 60 includes five individual compartments.

An example of how one preferred embodiment according to the invention would be used is as follows. A backpack includes a backpack unit with five compartments and five zippered individual closure means, each with one of five different color-coded zipper pulls. During a particular class/subject, a student keeps open only the color-coded, zippered compartment corresponding to that class/subject, and keeps the four other color-coded, zippered compartments closed. This helps ensure that confusion and inconvenience about placing in an organized manner new or old papers pertaining to that class/subject are minimized.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the appended claims; no other limitation—such as details of the specific preferred embodiments disclosed—is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

1. A backpack comprising:

(a) an outer bag having means for wearing the bag on the back of a user; and

(b) a plurality of dividers in the bag forming separate compartments in the bag and adapted to organize one or more items in the compartments.

2. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, further comprising individual closure means, each for opening and closing the respespective compartments.

3. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of dividers comprises a divider unit that is fixedly secured to the outer bag.

4. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of dividers comprises a divider insert that is detachably secured to the outer bag.

5. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for detachably securing the plurality of dividers to the outer bag.

6. A backpack as claimed in claim 5, wherein the means for detachably securing comprises VELCRO.

7. A backpack as claimed in claim 5, wherein the means for detachably securing comprises one or more magnetic strips.

8. A backpack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the individual closure means is a zipper.

9. A backpack as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more compartments are expandable.

10. A backpack as claimed in claim 4, wherein the divider insert is detachably secured at its lower ends.

11. A backpack as claimed in claim 2, further comprising one or more identification tabs connected to one or more of the individual closure means.

12. A backpack as claimed in claim 11, wherein the identification tabs are color coded.

13. A backpack as claimed in claim 11, wherein the identification tabs comprise identifying indicia thereon.

14. A divider insert for backpacks comprising:

(a) a plurality of dividers forming separate compartments, the dividers being adapted to organize one or more items in each compartment and being dimensioned to be received inside a backpack; and

(b) means for securing the plurality of dividers within the backpack.

15. A divider insert as claimed in claim 14, further comprising one or more identification tabs for identifying one or more of the compartments.

16. A divider insert as claimed in claim 5, wherein the identification tabs are color coded.

17. A divider insert as claimed in claim 15, wherein the identification tabs comprise identifying indicia thereon.

18. A divider insert as claimed in claim 14, wherein one or more of the compartments are expandable.

19. A divider insert as claimed in claim 14, wherein the means for securing the dividers comprises VELCRO.

20. A divider insert as claimed in claim 14, wherein the means for securing comprises one or more magnetic strips.

21. A backpack comprising:

(a) an outer bag having means for wearing the bag on the back of a user; and

(b) a plurality of dividers in the bag forming separate elongated compartments adjacent one another in the bag and adapted to organize one or more items in the compartments.

22. A divider insert for backpacks comprising:

(a) a plurality of dividers forming separate elongated compartments adjacent one another, the dividers being adapted to organize one or more items in the compartments and being dimensioned to be received inside a backpack; and

(b) means for securing the plurality of dividers within the backpack.