GB2420074A

GB2420074A - High visibility waterproof rucksack cover

Info

Publication number: GB2420074A
Application number: GB0425136A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Stephan Rodgers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-13
Filing date: 2004-11-13
Publication date: 2006-05-17
Also published as: GB0425136D0

Abstract

A high visibility waterproof rucksack cover comprising a cover fabricated from waterproof material which in use is secured to a rucksack using a webbing strap and a pull-cord, an adjustable or removable reflective panel and two pockets, one of which is fabricated from mesh, secured to opposite sides of the rucksack cover by hook-and-loop fastener.

Description

RUCKSACK COVER

This invention relates to a high visibility waterproof rucksack cover with detachable reflective panel.

Most rucksacks are constructed of materials that are not 100% waterproof and are generally made using dark coloured fabrics. Consequently when used in wet weather, the rucksack and its contents can become wet. Most rucksacks are dark in colour and not very visible to motorists and other road users. To compensate for this, cyclists and motorcyclists often wear high visibility clothing which can be obscured by their rucksack, which would cover the majority of the riders back. Ramblers and campers can also suffer from the same visibility problems as road users as they are often seen walking along side the carriageway. School children invariably take rucksacks to school and there has recently been an increase in children walking to school as opposed to using alternative methods of transport. This creates obvious risks whilst walking to and from school.

To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes a waterproof high visibility rucksack cover with a central adjustable webbing strap and a cord pull adjustment to give a flexible secure fit for different rucksack loads. The cover also has a reflective panel which can be positioned at any point along the height of the cover by VelcTixings. Two pockets are fitted to the cover, one on each side. The cover is designed to provide protection against rain, dust and dirt.

To increase visibility the main body of the cover would be constructed of fluorescent fabric. The two outer panels would be a different fluorescent colour to the main central body which creates a contrast in colour and is more eye catching.

Two vertical Velcro slrips on the main body provide fittings for an encapsulated reflective panel which displays an arrow directed to the right or left, depending on which side of the carriageway is used to travel on. The arrow would be light reflective and cover as much surface area as possible.

The encapsulation provides a 100% waterproof seal. The reflective panel would also be supplied with four round Velcro'patches, which would allow the user to fit the panel to their existing garment if a rucksack is not worn whilst riding or walking along side the carriageway. The reflective panel provides a high degree of low light and night time visibility.

The rear of the reflective panel would have two vertical Velcrrrstrips. The two vertical Velcro strips on the cover and panel allow the reflective panel to be positioned at any point along the height of the cover. This accommodates different riding positions. The more upright riding position is generally used by motorcyclists and mountain bikers and therefore the reflective panel would be fitted somewhere in the middle of the cover. Racing cyclists generally adopt the head down position and therefore the bottom of the rucksack is most prominently seen. In this case the reflective panel would be fitted at the bottom of the cover.

The arrow would be the standard panel design, however a wide range of other designs would be available which would prove suitable for pedestrians and school children. These panels would fit and function in exactly the same way as the arrow panels.

Two different types of pocket are fitted to the sides of the cover. One pocket is made of the same waterproof fabric as the main cover and provides easy access to items such as keys and mobile phone and is secured using Velcro. The other side has a mesh pocket for easy access to items such Th1 as a water bottle or storage of the reflective panel if not in use. Velcrois also used to secure this pocket opening. The mesh would be a coated weatherproof material.

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the rucksack cover from the front view with the reflective panel fitted.

Figure 2 shows the rucksack cover from the rear view. This view also shows the central adjustable webbing strap and adjustable pull cord.

Figure 3 shows the rucksack cover from the left side view. This view shows the mesh pocket.

Figure 4 shows the rucksack cover from the right side view. This view shows the pocket with Velcr'iastening flap.

Figures shows a close-up view of the reflective panel being removed. The view shows the Velcro'fixing strips on both the cover and panel.

Figure 6 shows a close-up view of the pull cord adjustment. The view shows the plastic cord locking toggle.

Figure 7 shows a close-up view of the right side pocket in use. The view shows the Velcro'fixing to the flap and pocket In figure 1 shows the front view of the cover as would be seen when the cover is worn over the rucksack. The reflective panel is fitted to the cover with two Velcitrips. This panel can be fitted to any point along the height of the cover to accommodate different riding positions. The reflective panel can be removed and stored in one of the side pockets if not required.

Figure 2 shows the rear view of the rucksack cover. The view shows the outer adjustable pull cord fitted within an outer hem. The cover is held in place by pulling the cord tight over the rucksack which is then held in place by the plastic toggle fastening. The cover is also held in place by a central webbing strap which is adjustable and fitted with a plastic clasp. Both fastenings are fully adjustable to accommodate different rucksack loads. Figure 6 shows a close-up of the pull cord and toggle as described above.

Figure 3 shows the left hand mesh pocket which is designed to provid storage for items such as water bottle. The mesh pocket is secured at the opening using a Velcrstrip. An encapsulated reflective strip is fitted to the top lip of the pocket to aid visibility.

Figure 4 shows the side view and pocket. The pocket is made from the same fabric as the side panel and has a flap with Velc/ fastening. The pocket is designed to provide space for items such as keys and mobile phone. The pocket is fitted at an angle. When worn the natural forward angle of the rider/wearer levels the pocket out to a horizontal position, therefore helping to prevent water from entering the pocket. The pocket flap is fitted with an encapsulated reflective strip to aid visibility from the side. Figure 7 shows a close-up of the pocket and its Velcrostening.

Figure 5 shows a close-up view of the reflective panel. The panel is encapsulated to give 100% waterproofing. The reflective arrow design gives a large surface area of reflective material for maximum visibility. The rear of the panel is fitted with two vertical Velcro trips allowing the panel to be fitted to any point along the full height of the main rucksack cover. This accommodates different riding styles. This panel would be available with different reflective designs to accommodate school children, ramblers, campers Etc. The reflective panel would also be supplied with four small self adhesive Ve1crodiscs which would enable the user to attach the panel to the back of clothing, a cycling jacket, running top or school jacket are just a few examples. This provides versatility for users who do not always use their rucksack/cover.

Claims

1. A high visibility waterproof rucksack cover with adjustable/detachable encapsulated reflective panel and fully adjustable webbing central strap andpull cord adjustment to the outer hem. A side pocket is fitted to the rit side with VelcrfTap fastening. A mesh pocket is fitted to the left side with Velcro fastening to the opening.

2. A high visibility waterproof rucksack cover as in claim 1, where the high visibility is provided by fluorescent waterproof fabric and a light reflective design on a detachable panel. Further visibility is provided by an encapsulated reflective strip fitted to the right pocket flap and the left pocket opening lip.

3. A high visibility waterproof rucksack cover as in clairAl,.jAwhere the detachable reflective panel is attached and detached by means of two Velcro strips. This allows the panel to be fitted at any point alon4 the full height of the rucksack cover which has the two corresponding Velcr strips running the full length of the main body of the rucksack cover.

4. A high visibility waterproof rucksack cover as in claim 1, where two fitting systems are used. A central webbing strap with plastic clasp and a pull cord and toggle fitted to the outer hem. Both fittings are fully adjustable allowing for different rucksack loads and maximum protection from water and dirt.

5. A high visibility waterproof rucksack cover as in claim 1, where a storage pocket is fitted to the right side of the cover. The pocket is manufacturedom the same fabric as the main body and is secured by means of a flap with a Velcrcf fastening.

6. A high visibility waterproof rucksack cover as in claim 1, where a mesh pocket is fitted to theJeft side of the main body of the cover. The opening is secured by means of a Velcrcr strip.