Backpack and toy vehicle combination

Abstract

A backpack and toy vehicle system includes a storage compartment, a trolley, and elements for selectable securement of the compartment in the trolley. The storage compartment includes a semi-rigid front, rear, and first and second lateral sidewalls. A flexible bottom base having edges in integral communication with opposing lower edges of all sidewalls; a top base of the storage compartment having one edge in integral flexible communication with the upper edge of one of the front, rear or lateral sidewalls of the compartment in which other edges of the top base are selectably securable to opposing edges of the front, rear and lateral sidewalls. The top base defines an object-interest of a child and is formed of a material of sufficient rigidity to support a child wishing to ride on after the elements of the system have been assembled. Also provided is a handle grip upon at least one of the sidewalls. A trolley part of the system includes a frame and a vertical wall defining a recess for complemental engagement of at least portions of the sidewalls of the storage compartment; a handle assembly extensible from a front or rear wall of said frame; a pair of wheels, having axles between each pair of wheels, the axles journalled within the trolley frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a backpack shaped, in part, like a toy vehicle or other child object interest in which a classical storage compartment defining a backpack and a toy vehicle may be complementally integrated into a trolley which may be rolled upon on the ground or floor by a child in the manner of an attaché case, carried as a backpack without the trolley, or rider upon as a toy vehicle when the storage compartment is locked into the trolley.

2. Description of Related Art

Various types of backpacks are known, however heretofore few vehicle-shaped backpacks have been known in the art and none of such backpacks, generically known as kids travel luggage, include the capability of use by the child of the same as a functional toy vehicle. Such kid's travel luggage which is available online include the Disney PIXAR Cars Rolling Backpack, the TrendyKid Trunki Product, the Gigi Giraffe Pull-a-Long Backpack, and the GO CARS Kids Travel Luggage, all of which are available through Amazon.com and may be viewed under the search term “Toys and Carres.” A kid's backpack which may be integrated into a rollable trolley is sold by Guiwang Juangzhou Trade Limited, China, under the trademark LETFLY. This product cannot be used as a toy vehicle that a small child can ride upon.

None of the above products teach a backpack and toy vehicle combination in which the backpack is selectable integratable into the structure of the trolley to produce a combination or system upon which a child can ride about.

Backpacks equipped with rollers are therefore known. However, a backpack with integrated wheels appears, to the knowledge of the within inventor, only in United States Application Publication US2007/0295775 (2007) to Guenther, entitled Vehicle Shaped Backpack and Method of Use. This art does not teach a backpack usable as a toy vehicle in which the luggage storage function of the backpack may be separated from the luggage trolley function thereof in which the combination may be used by a child as a toy vehicle upon which he or she may ride. The present invention also provides other differences and advantages over the art of record.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a backpack and toy vehicle system, the same comprising a storage compartment, a trolley, and elements for selectable securement of said storage compartment with said trolley. More particularly, said storage compartment includes a semi-rigid front, rear, and first and second lateral sidewalls thereof. A flexible bottom base having edges in integral communication with opposing lower edges of said front, rear and lateral sidewalls; a top base of the storage compartment having one edge in integral flexible communication with the upper edge of one of the front, rear or lateral sidewalls of the compartment in which other edges of the top base are selectably securable to opposing edges of the front, rear and lateral sidewalls. The top base defines an object-interest of a child and is formed of a material of sufficient rigidity to support a child wishing to ride thereon after the elements of the system have been assembled. Further provided is a handle grip upon at least one of the front, rear or lateral sidewalls. Backpack straps are secured proximally to a base of said compartment.

A trolley part of the system includes a frame and a vertical wall defining a recess for complemental engagement of at least portions of the sidewalls of the storage compartment; a handle assembly extensible from a front or rear wall of said frame; a pair of wheels, having axles between each pair of wheels, the axles journalled within the trolley frame.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a backpack and toy system having multiple utilities inclusive of that of a toy storage compartment alone, a toy storage compartment which may be transported or rolled by the child by integration of the backpack into a trolley frame, a storage compartment that may be employed as a backpack or suitcase, and a system which, in combination of the elements thereof, may be used as a toy vehicle in which the child user may ride upon an object-interest defining upper base of the storage compartment.

It is another object to provide a system of the above type which may be used by a child for purposes of storage of toys, books and the like and, optionally as a back pack.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system of the above type in which the storage compartment may be complementally engaged by a recess within the trolley of the system providing the same with wheels to enable the combination not be used as a toy vehicle by the child after the storage compartment has been appropriately secured within the trolley such that children in the 2 to 5 year old age range are provided with a plurality of options as to how the present system may be utilized.

The above and yet other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention, and Claims appended herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood with referenced to the Detailed Description given below, the accompanying drawings which are set forth below by way of illustration only and, as such, are not limitative of the present invention. As such, the drawings are as follow:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the storage compartment of the inventive system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the storage compartment and the system trolley.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an assembly view of FIG. 3 in which the dotted circles thereon indicate elements for securing the system trolley to the storage compartment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an assembly view of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a commercial expression of the storage compartment provided with a top space defining an object interest of a child.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a commercial expression of the invention corresponding generally to the schematic view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is an assembly view of a commercial expression of the invention corresponding to the schematic assembly view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual view of use and embodiment of the storage compartment which is provided with a write-erasable outer surface upon the sidewalls thereof.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a commercial expression showing the use of the storage compartment of the invention as a backpack.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the use of the system shown in FIG. 9 as a toy vehicle.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the storage compartment showing another embodiment of the top surface thereof however having a different child-interest theme.

FIG. 14 is similar to that of FIG. 8, showing insertion of the embodiment of the storage compartment of FIG. 13 into a trolley having a recess complemental to the sidewalls of the storage compartment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an assembly view of the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 16 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 12, showing use of the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15 as a toy vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the schematic view of FIG. 1, there is shown a storage compartment 10 of the present invention inclusive of a semi-rigid front wall 12, back wall 14, first lateral sidewall 16 and second lateral sidewall 18. Also shown in FIG. 1 is flexible substantial planar bottom base 20 and top base 22 of the storage compartment 10. As may be noted, all lower edges of all sidewalls 24 are secured to each other and, as well, one edge 26 of upper base 22 is secured to one upper edge of one of said front, rear or lateral sidewalls of the storage compartment. The other edges, that is, opposing edges 28 of top base and 30 of the respective sidewalls are selectably securable to each other as, typically through the use of a zipper or VELCRO arrangement. Further shown in FIG. 1 is a locking element 32 for maintaining top base 22 in a locked condition relative to front sidewall 12 of the compartment 10. On wall 12, a handle grip 34 is also shown. It is to be understood that said handle grip may be positioned upon any of the sidewalls of the storage compartment 10.

Given the intended use of the present invention by a child, the storage compartment will have a width of about 10 to 12 inches and a length of about 18 to 20 inches.

Shown in FIG. 2 is the relationship between storage compartment 10 and trolley 36. As may be noted therein, frame vertical sidewalls 42 have a dimensions completmental for the engagement of portions of the sidewalls 12, 14, 16 and 18 of said compartment 10. Further shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is opening 42 which accommodates handle 34 of the storage compartment when the same are completely assembled as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Further shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a supplemental compartment 44 of general storage compartment 10. It should be noted that multiple internal compartments may be provided within the general compartment 10. Further shown in FIGS. 2-6 is handle assembly 46 is provided with telescoping members 48 by which the handle assembly may be selectably extended or retracted from sidewall 42 of the trolley 36. Further provided upon trolley 36 are front wheels 50 and rear wheels 51 secured upon respective axles 52 which are journalled within a lower portion of trolley 38.

Shown as openings 17 in the sidewalls 16/18 of the compartment 10 are connections for backpack straps 19 (see FIG. 11).

In FIG. 4 are shown locking elements 54 which function to secure the selectable engagement of a bottom of the storage compartment 10 to the trolley 36.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the view of FIG. 4 showing thereon further elements 56 which may be used to assure securement engagement between storage compartment 10 and trolley 36.

Shown in FIG. 6 is an assembly perspective view of the side view of FIG. 4 showing therein primary storage compartment 10, secondary storage area 44 and said trolley 36.

Shown in FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a commercial expression of the storage compartment 10 in which, there is more particularly shown semi-rigid upper base 22 and the manner in which said top base defines a child object interest 56. In the expression of the compartment 10 shown in FIG. 7, the child object interest is in the nature of a police car which, as such, may be provided with such accessories as flashing police lights 58 and headlights 60.

FIG. 9 is an assembly view of commercial expression of the invention generally corresponding to the conceptual view of FIG. 6. As may be noted, sidewalls 40 of the trolley 36 may be formed of a transparent material so that indicia 62 such as the word POLICE may be viewed when the storage compartment is inserted within the trolley, this as is shown in the view of FIG. 8. As may be further noted in the view of FIG. 8, indicia 64 may be provided on transparent sidewall 40 of the trolley such that when the storage compartment 10 is fully inserted within the trolley (see FIG. 9), the indicia 62 upon the sidewalls of the luggage compartment are congruent with indicia 64 upon the transparent sidewalls of the luggage cart.

In FIG. 10 is shown a conceptual view of a further use embodiment storage compartment in which sidewalls 40 thereof are provided with a write-erasable outer surface such that a child 65 may employ a magic marker type pen 66 to write whatever indicia 68 may be of interest to him. In this embodiment, the presence of congruent indicia 64 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 would not be used.

In FIG. 11 is shown a commercial expression of the invention in which a storage compartment of the invention is employed, through the use of straps 19, connected to recesses 17 of wall 16 of compartment 10. See FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 shows that the storage compartment, after integration into trolley 36, may be employed as a toy vehicle by child who may engage toy headlights 60 of the police car for purposes of steering as the child, typically ages 2-6, employs wheels 50 and 51 for forward movement and turning. In this use of the invention, backpack straps 19 are hidden within the recess 38 of the trolley 36. See FIG. 3.

In FIGS. 13-16 is shown another commercial expression of the invention in which storage top base 57 of compartment 11 takes the form of a ladybug while trolley 37 is provided with a recess conformal to the outer periphery of the compartment 11, which may be used by child 67. In all other respects, the operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 13-16 is the same as that of earlier embodiments. It, thereby, is to be appreciated that any top base 56 or 57 of the storage compartment of the inventive backpack and toy vehicle system set forth herein may be employed as an object interest of a child.

FIG. 17 shows that the “ladybug” expression of the invention may be employed as a toy vehicle in the same manner shown and described above with reference to FIG. 12.

While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.

Claims

1. A backpack and toy vehicle system combination, comprising:

(a) a storage compartment having: (i) a semi-rigid front, rear, and first and second lateral sidewalls; (ii) a flexible substantially planar bottom base having edges in integral communication with opposing lower edges of said front, rear and lateral sidewalls; (iii) a top base of said compartment having one edge in integral flexible communication with an upper edge of one of said front, rear or lateral sidewalls of said compartment, in which other edges of said top base are selectably securable to opposing edges of said front, rear and lateral sidewalls, said top base defining an object-interest of a child, and formed of a material of sufficient rigidity to support a child wishing to ride thereon after assembly of the system; and (iv) a handle grip upon at least one of said front, rear or lateral sidewalls; (v) backpack straps secured proximally to a base of said storage compartment; and

(b) a trolley including: (i) a frame and vertical walls defining a recess for complemental engagement of portion of said sidewalls of said storage compartment; (ii) a handle assembly extendable from a front or rear wall of said frame; (iii) a front and rear pair of wheels, having axles between each pairs of wheels, said axles journalled within said trolley frame; and

(c) elements for selectable securement of said storage compartment within said trolley.

2. The system as re recited in claim 1, in which sidewalls of said compartment include a write-erasable outer surface.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said sidewalls of said trolley comprise a transparent surface to permit viewing of permanent or non-permanent indicia affixed to information upon said sidewalls of said compartment.

4. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said sidewalls of said trolley are provided the indicia of a geometry and management congruent with indicia printed upon said sidewalls of said compartment.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said child object-interest top base includes light and display means.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, in which a length and width of said storage compartment is proportioned to the length and width of the back of a child of between 2 and 5 years of age.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, in which said axles of each pair of wheels of said trolley define a length in a range of about 12-about 15 inches.

9. The system as recited in claim 6, in which said storage compartment exhibits a width of about 10 to 12 inches and a length of about 18 to 20 inches.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said storage compartment comprises multiple compartments.