US20090014490A1

US20090014490A1 - Bulletproof Backpack

Info

Publication number: US20090014490A1
Application number: US11/775,937
Authority: US
Inventors: Ted Bradley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-11
Filing date: 2007-07-11
Publication date: 2009-01-15

Abstract

A bulletproof backpack includes a skin that forms a pocket, a pair of shoulder straps coupled to the skin, a water-resistant bulletproof-panel pocket located on an interior surface of the skin, the bulletproof-panel pocket being suitable for holding a bulletproof panel of sufficient size and in a position to protect a wearer of the backpack from a bullet, and a removable bulletproof panel within the pocket.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to backpacks, and more particularly relates to a backpack that is capable of stopping bullets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks are well-known to the general public and are most commonly used by students for carrying academic materials to, from, and during school. They are also used for a wide variety of other purposes, including transporting clothing and other personal effects during travel.
Most backpacks are made of a durable fabric outer material that forms a hollow pocket for holding items, such as books and other personal belongings. An opening for gaining access to the chamber is often sealed with a zipper mechanism.
In recent years there has been a series of tragic and well-publicized shootings that have taken place inside a number of learning institutions. Media coverage of these events has frequently shown students running away from school buildings in an attempt to avoid gunfire. Such coverage also tells unfortunate stories of students trapped inside buildings where they hid under desks, inside closets, behind doors, and in any other place they could find. Sadly, many of these innocent young students were hit by bullets and were seriously injured or died.
This is due, at least in part, to the fact that the students did not have bullet-stopping material available to them and positioned between them and the gunman.
In addition, there are many instances where children's lives are at risk in situations other than in schools. For instance, many people earn a living guarding children of wealthy parents or children that grow up in dangerous areas, such as countries at war.
One of the few items that most students have available to them at all times is their backpacks. U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,245 teaches a military backpack with a large rectangular frame. The entire frame is then wrapped with KEVLAR material. KEVLAR is the DuPont Company's registered trademark for a particularly light but very strong synthetic fiber that is particularly well suited bulletproof applications. Fibers of KEVALR consist of long molecular chains produced from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, which do not rust or corrode. There are many inter-chain bonds making the material extremely strong. KEVLAR derives a portion of its improved strength from inter-molecular hydrogen bonds formed between the carbonyl groups and protons on neighboring polymer chains and the partial pi stacking of the benzenoid aromatic stacking interactions between stacked strands. When KEVLAR is spun in the same way that a spider spins a web, the resulting fiber has tremendous strength.
The '245 backpack, however, is disadvantageous in that the frame is large and heavy, is one solid piece that can not easily be stored, and is very expensive due to the fact that the entire frame is wrapped in KEVLAR material. In addition, KEVLAR becomes significantly less effective once it is exposed to water. Also, the bullet resistant properties of KEVLAR also diminish upon exposure to ultraviolet light, including sunlight. Therefore, once the '245 backpack is subjected to rain or sunlight, its effectiveness at stopping bullets is in compromised.
Therefore a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, disclosed is an apparatus for mitigating the consequences of school violence by providing students with a simple device for protection against ballistic and other impacts. Embodiments of the present invention improve upon the prior art by providing a backpack which allows for better functionality with regards to intended use by students or other users.
The present invention provides a backpack with at least one protective plate contained within the interior of the backpack. In one embodiment, the protective plate is made of a bullet-stopping material, such as KEVLAR. Because the panel is housed on an interior of the backpack, the KEVLAR plate is thereby itself protected against moisture and exposure to direct sunlight. The backpack, in one embodiment, is generally rounded in shape, with a flat bottom, back, and front. The sides of the backpack need not be rigid and may be constructed of known durable but non-rigid fibers such as nylon or other blends, similar to known student backpacks. Two adjustable carrying straps are attached to the back exterior of the backpack in order allow easy transporting over the carrier's shoulders, especially when the backpack is used for carrying a heavy load; as such, the straps may contain extra padding. However, the backpack need not be in any one particular configurations so long as it is configured to be carried over the user's two shoulders and can accommodate the dimensions and weight of at least one KEVLAR plate.
In one embodiment, the interior of the back panel of the backpack provides a pouch or otherwise separate envelope-like holder to keep the Kevlar plate separate from the remainder of the interior.
The panel itself may either be a single panel, or a combination of two or more panels removably connected to each other by a strap mechanism that allows for one of the panels to be removed from the backpack, moved over the carrier's head, and placed against the carrier's chest. In this dual-panel embodiment, it may be necessary to secure the rear panel to the interior of the backpack; in a single-panel embodiment, this securing may be preferred, but is not necessary.
In accordance with a particular embodiment, the present invention includes an outer skin forming a pocket and a bulletproof panel coupled to an interior of the pocket.
In accordance with another feature, the bulletproof panel is removable.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, an inner pocket is located within the interior of the pocket and adapted to at least partially contain the bulletproof panel.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the inner pocket is water-resistant.
In accordance with another feature, a second bulletproof panel is coupled to an exterior of the backpack.
In accordance with yet another feature, at least one strap couples the second bulletproof panel to the exterior of the skin and at least one strap is adapted to secure the second panel on a first side of a user and the pocket on a second side of the user.
With objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a skin forming a pocket, a pair of shoulder straps coupled to the skin, a water-resistant bulletproof-panel pocket located on an interior surface of the skin, the bulletproof-panel pocket adapted for holding a bulletproof panel of sufficient size and in a position to protect a wearer of the backpack from a bullet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures where lice reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a prior-art backpack from a front side thereof;

FIG. 2 is a perspective hidden view of a bulletproof section of material located within a backpack, which is shown from the backside thereof, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of an interior of a backpack having a bulletproof-material-holding pocket, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a projectile-stopping panel, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of a user wearing the backpack of FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective hidden side view of backpack with two bulletproof plates contained within an inner envelope inside the backpack, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of a backpack showing the two bulletproof plates of FIG. 6 with one plate removed from the inner envelope and deployed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of a user wearing the backpack of FIG. 6, with a second bulletproof plate, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of a user wearing the backpack of FIGS. 6 and 7, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.
The present invention, according to an embodiment, overcomes problems with the prior art by providing a backpack with bullet impeding or stopping ability. The inventive backpack, when placed between a person and a gunman, will protect a covered portion of the person by preventing a bullet from making unimpeded contact with the person's body.
Described now are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a backpack 100. As illustrated, the present invention discloses a backpack (although the invention is not so limited), which is formed of an outer skin 101 that can be any material, such as cloth, nylon, or canvas. The outer skin 101, along with an inner panel 303, forms a pocket 300, which is shown in FIG. 3 and will be explained below. The backpack 100 also includes two straps 102 that are useful for carrying the backpack 100 over one's shoulders. The backpack 100 also includes a sealing mechanism 104 (such as a zipper) along the top 112 of the backpack 100 to prevent the internal contents of the backpack 100 from falling out.
Furthermore, FIG. 1 demonstrates one aesthetic quality of the backpack 100. Although, as will be explained in detail below, the backpack can be used as protection against gunfire, it is not obvious or otherwise noticeable to a passerby that a student carrying the backpack 100 around a school or university, or any other person carrying the device 100, is carrying a bulletproof device. Therefore, there is, advantageously, no stigma or predisposition attached to carrying the presently inventive protective backpack.
FIG. 2 depicts a rear exterior partially hidden view of an embodiment of the present invention, which shows a bulletproof panel 202 provided on the interior of the backpack 100. The panel 202 can be any material that stops, blocks, or otherwise impedes-ballistics and other projectiles. In one embodiment of the present invention, the panel is a KEVLAR panel, which is a material that is well-known for its bullet-stopping ability. The terms bulletproof, bullet-stopping, and other similar terms used herein are intended to describe materials that impede or otherwise lessen the damage to one's body caused by a projectile, whether a bullet or otherwise.
The back surface 204 of the backpack 100 is a substantially flat surface that rests comfortably against the carrier's back. The interior panel 202, in one embodiment rests against the interior side of the back surface 204. In another embodiment, the panel 202 rests against the exterior side of the back surface 204.
Straps 102 allow for easy carrying and distribution of weight. The straps 102 ideally include padding along their lengths so as to reduce the stress from the weight of carrying the backpack, but this padding is not required of the invention.
FIG. 3 shows an elevational perspective view of the backpack 100. In this view, a portion of an interior 301 of the pocket 300 of the backpack 100 can be seen. The interior 301 includes a pocket 304 for holding one or more panels 202 (not shown in this view). The pocket 304 allows the panels 202 to be removable and can be any size that accommodates a panel 202. Because it is envisioned that panels of various sizes will be available, it is also envisioned that backpacks 100 will be offered with pockets 304 of various sizes. In one embodiment, the pocket 304 is adjustable, with additional zippers, buttons, snaps, or any other mechanism, and allows panels 202 of multiple sizes to fit within the backpack 100.
The pocket 304 has a securing mechanism 306, which, in this embodiment, is a zipper. However, the securing mechanism 306 is not limited to a zipper, but can also include snaps, buttons, hooks, or any other fastener. Because KEVLAR is known to lose its bullet-stopping ability once it is exposed to moisture, in one embodiment, the pocket 304 is waterproof or water-resistant and the securing mechanism 306 is a waterproof-type sealer.
Therefore, the embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, is a backpack 100 capable of protecting a wearer from damage from a bullet, where the backpack 100 includes a pliable outer skin material 101 forming an interior 301. A flap 302 provides an opening 310 on a first side 312 of the skin 101 for accessing the interior 301. The backpack 100 also includes a sealable pocket 304 provided on the second side 314 of the skin 101 and within the interior 301. Once sealed, the pocket is waterproof and/or gas-proof. Of course, the backpack 100 further includes a section of bulletproof material (shown in FIG. 4) disposed within and slidably removable from the pocket 304 and of sufficient size to protect a wearer of the backpack from a bullet.
FIG. 4 shows and embodiment of the protective panel 400. The panel 400 does not necessarily protect the wearer by deflecting bullets and other projectiles, but, instead, is able to catch the projectile and spread its force over a larger portion of the body, absorbing energy more quickly and hopefully bringing it to a stop before it can penetrate into the body. This tends to deform the bullet or other projectile, further reducing its ability to penetrate. The panel 400 can be any material suitable for impeding the path of a projectile. Some suitable materials include ceramic, metal, KEVLAR, LEXAN, carbon fiber and other composite materials, honeycomb materials, polyethylene, and many others. KEVLAR is particularly well-suited because of its low weight combined with high strength.
Both the Underwriters Laboratories and the United States National Institute of Justice (US NIJ) have specific performance standards, UL Standard 752 and NIJ Standard 0101.04, respectively, for bullet resistant vests used by law enforcement The US NIJ rates vests on the following armor level scale against penetration and also blunt trauma protection (deformation):

- Type I: (0.22 LR; 0.380 ACP) This armor protects against 22 caliber Long Rifle Lead Round Nose (LR LRN) bullets, with nominal masses of 2.6 g (40 gr) at a reference velocity of 329 m/s (1080 ft/s±30 ft/s) and 0.380 ACP Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 6.2 g (95 gr) at a reference velocity of 322 m/s (1055 ft/s±30 ft/s).
- Type IIA: (9 mm; .40 S&W) This armor protects against 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) at a reference velocity of 341 m/s (1120 ft/s±30 ft/s) and .40 S&W caliber Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) bullets, with nominal masses of 11.7 g (180 gr) at a reference velocity of 322 m/s (1055 ft/s±30 ft/s). It also provides protection against the threats mentioned in [Type I]
- Type II: (9 mm; .357 Magnum) This armor protects against 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) at a reference velocity of 367 m/s (1205 ft/s±30 ft/s) and 357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) bullets, with nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr) at a reference velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s±30 ft/s). It also provides protection against the threats mentioned in [Types I and IIA].
- Type IIIA: (High Velocity 9 mm; .44 Magnum) This armor protects against 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) at a reference velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s±30 ft/s) and .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) bullets, with nominal masses of 15.6 g (240 gr) at a reference velocity of 436 m/s (1430 ft/s±ft/s). It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the threats mentioned in [Types I, IIA, and II].
- Type III: (Rifles) This armor protects against 7.62 mm Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) bullets (U.S. Military designation M80), with nominal masses of 9.6 g (148 gr) at a reference velocity of 847 m/s (2780 ft/s±30 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against the threats mentioned in [Types I, IIA, II, and IIIA].
- Type IV: (Armor Piercing Rifle) This armor protects against .30 caliber armor piercing (AP) bullets (U.S. Military designation M2 AP), with nominal masses of 10.8 g (166 gr) at a reference velocity of $78 m/s (2880 ft/s±30 ft/s). It also provides at least single hit protection against the threats mentioned in [Types I, IIA, II, IIIA, and III].
  Panels 400 of the present invention can be equivalent to any of these armor levels I-IV, based on the intended use and preference of the wearer or purchaser. To say that the panel “has an armor level,” as used herein, does not necessarily mean that the material is certified as that corresponding armor level, but indicates that the material is of sufficient strength to withstand impact from the projectiles listed in these categories. In addition, the panel 400 should be of a sufficient size to protect a wearer of the backpack 100. In one embodiment, a “sufficient size” is at least 18 inches by 20 inches. In another embodiment 12 inches by 18 inches or 15 inches by 18 inches is a sufficient size.

FIG. 5 depicts one way that the inventive backpack 100 is used. In this embodiment, the backpack 100 is carried by a person 500, using shoulder straps 102, with one strap over each shoulder. FIG. 5 diagrammatically shows the panel 202 located within the backpack 100, which can provide protection against gunfire and other ballistic impacts fired at a person with their back turned toward the shooter. This view also shows how the backpack 100 is carried over the shoulders and does not, from the outside, appear to be a bulletproof device. The backpack 100 can also be worn in a second configuration, where the backpack 100 is placed on the chest of a user to protect the front side and vital organs in the upper torso of the user. However, the backpack 100 is in no way limited in use or application and, because of the internal panel 202, can be held over any part of a user's body to protect the user from impact of a projectile. In a dual-panel embodiment of the backpack 100, as discussed directly below, a second panel may quickly and easily be deployed from the backpack 100 and, in combination with the first panel 202, be used to protect both the front and back of the user.
FIG. 6 depicts a side cross-sectional view, with the top 112 of the backpack 100 at the top of the figure. This embodiment incorporates a dual panel set up, with panel 202 coupled, via one or more straps 604 (adjustable in one embodiment), to a second panel 602. Both of the panels 202 and 602 are contained within an envelope-like inner pocket 304. The inner pocket 304 can be within the interior 301 of the backpack 100 or located on and accessible from an exterior of the backpack 100. It should be noted that the inner pocket 304 is not necessary to the invention in either a single or dual panel embodiment. It is advantageous in the dual panel embodiment for one of the back panels 202 or 602 to be secured to the back side 204 or some other portion of the backpack 100.
FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of the backpack 100 of FIG. 6 with the two bulletproof panels 202 and 602. In this view, one panel 602 is removed from the inner pocket 304 and deployed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, the pocket 304 remains attached to the back surface 204. In this view, the first panel 202 is located inside the pouch 304. In an embodiment, this first panel 202 is secured (removably or permanently) to the back surface 204, while the second panel 602, which is attached to the first panel (here by adjustable straps 604), is configured to be stoned inside the pouch 304 but able to be easily removed from the pouch 304 and interior of the backpack while still connected to the first panel 202.
FIG. 8 shows a view similar to the view of FIG. 5. In the view of FIG. 8, a dual-panel configuration can be seen. When the backpack 100 is being worn in its non-deployed configuration, the backpack provides protection similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, with the addition of having double or more the stopping power of a single panel configuration. When deployed, as shown in FIG. 9, the backpack provides protection from both the front and rear of a wearer 700. If desired, straps can connect the bottom corners of the second panel 602 to the bottom of the straps 102 or the bottom of the backpack 100.
FIG. 9 shows a front view of a person 700, carrying the backpack 100 with shoulder straps 102. In this view, the second panel 604 is removed from the backpack 100, and is moved over the carrier's 700 head and placed against the user's chest to provide protection against projectile impact from both the user's front and rear. This front second panel 602 is connected by straps 604 or other connective device to the first panel 202 that is still inside the backpack 100. It is important to emphasize in this figure that the backpack 100 is carried in the same manner, i.e., over the shoulders, whether it is used in its typical role as a backpack to carry books or other articles, or as a ballistic protection device and also regardless of whether it is used in a single panel or dual panel embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of a protective backpack. In FIG. 10, a backpack 1000 is provided with a layer of bulletproof material 1002 disposed on an outside surface 1004 of the backpack 1000. The bulletproof material 1002, like the other panels described above, can be made of a flexible pliable material, such as KEVLAR. In this embodiment, the material 1002 conforms to the outer shape of the backpack 1000.
At the bottom of the material 1002 are two fasteners 1006 and 1008. The fasteners shown are snaps, but the invention is not so limited and any other fastener, such as VELCRO, buckles, clips, and others can be used. The fasteners 1006 and 1008 allow the material 1002 to be removably attached to the outer surface 1004 of the backpack 1000. The upper portion 1010 of the material 1002 is shaped to allow access to the zippered opening 1012 of the backpack 1000. The upper portion 1010 is attached to the backpack 1000 at two locations 1014 and 1016.
The material 1002 attached to the backpack 1000 is advantageous in that in the event of a situation where a wearer desires to have protection on his frontside, the material 1002 can quickly be unattached, via fasteners 1006 and 1008, and flipped, as is shown in FIG. 11, over the wearer's head.
Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one, or more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two, or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Claims

1. A backpack comprising:

an outer skin forming a pocket; and

a bulletproof panel coupled to an interior of the pocket.

2. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein:

the bulletproof panel is removable.

3. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the bulletproof panel comprises:

an armor level of at least Type I.

4. The backpack according to claim 1, wherein the bulletproof panel comprises fibers that include molecular chains of poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide.

5. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising:

an inner panel pocket located within the interior of the pocket, the inner panel pocket adapted to at least partially contain the bulletproof panel.

6. The backpack according to claim 5, wherein:

the inner pocket is waterproof when closed.

7. The backpack according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second bulletproof panel coupled from an exterior of the pocket into the pocket.

8. The backpack according to claim 7, wherein:

the outer skin has an exterior;

at least one strap couples the second bulletproof panel to the outer skin exterior; and

at least one strap is adapted to secure the second bulletproof panel on a first side of a user and the pocket on a second side of the user.

10. A bulletproof backpack comprising;

a skin defining an interior;

a pair of shoulder straps coupled to the skin; and

a water-resistant bulletproof-panel pocket located at the skin; and

a bulletproof-panel adapted for being held within the pocket in a position to at least partially protect a wearer of the backpack from a bullet.

11. The backpack according to claim 10, wherein the skin has:

a front side with an opening; and

a back side coupled to the shoulder straps,

wherein the pocket is coupled to the back side.

12. The backpack according to claim 10, further comprising:

a second bulletproof-panel adjustably attached to the bulletproof panel to move between a stowed position in the pocket and a deployed position outside of the pocket, the second bulletproof-panel, when deployed, being in a position to protect a wearer of the backpack from a bullet.

13. The backpack according to claim 12, wherein:

the pocket is disposed on an exterior surface of the skin.

14. The backpack according to claim 12, wherein:

the pocket is disposed on the interior.

15. A backpack capable of protecting a wearer from damage from a bullet, the backpack comprising:

a pliable outer skin material forming an interior,

an opening on a first side of the skin for accessing the interior;

a set of carrying straps physically coupled to a second side of the skin, the second side opposite the first side;

a sealable pocket provided on the second side of the skin and within the interior, the pocket capable of holding a section of bulletproof material in a position to protect a wearer of the backpack from a bullet; and

a section of bulletproof material disposed within and slidably removable from the pocket and of sufficient size to protect a wearer of the backpack from a bullet.

16. The backpack according to claim 15, wherein:

the bulletproof material has dimensions of at least 15 inches by 18 inches.