Lateral Restraining Device for a Backpack and a Method for Forming the Same

Abstract

A lateral restraining device for preventing lateral movement of a backpack including at least two vertically extending curbs situated on an anterior surface of the backpack, the curbs corresponding to a respective lateral side of the wearer and configured to grip the wearer. A convertible lateral restraining device for preventing movement of a backpack on a wearer including at least two flaps of material and at least two straps, where the two flaps may be positioned in a flat position to act as a torso pad or in a rolled position secured by the straps to act as a lateral restraining device. A method of forming a lateral restraining device from a torso pad is also provided.

1 . A lateral restraining device for preventing lateral movement of a backpack on a wearer, comprising at least two vertically extending curbs situated on an anterior surface of the backpack each corresponding to a respective lateral side of the wearer, the curbs configured to grip the wearer. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising gripping material on anterior and interior surfaces of the at least two curbs. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising gripping material arranged on an anterior surface of the backpack between the at least two vertically extending curbs. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , further adapted to grip an armor plate inside a vest worn by the wearer, the armor plate having a width, wherein the at least two curbs are separated by a distance substantially equal to the width of the armor plate. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least two vertically extending curbs each comprise a rolled flap of material. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the rolled flap of a material has an exterior edge and interior edge, wherein the exterior edge is fixedly attached to the backpack and the interior edge is removably attachable to the backpack. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , further comprising at least two straps with a first end and a second end, the first end fixedly attached to the backpack and the second end removably attachable to the backpack. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the at least two straps is positioned around each of the rolled flaps of material and the first end is removably attached to the backpack. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the at least two straps each have gripping material on their anterior and interior surfaces in their secured position. 
     
     
         10 . A convertible torso pad and lateral restraining device for preventing movement of a backpack on a wearer, comprising:
 at least two flaps of material with an interior edge and an exterior edge wherein the flap is fixedly attached along its exterior edge to a surface of the backpack and the flap is removably attachable along its interior edge to the surface of the backpack and to the other respective flap of material;   at least two straps with a first end and a second end, the first end being fixedly attached to the surface of the backpack and a second end removably attachable to the backpack,   wherein, the at least two flaps may be positioned in a flat position to act as a torso pad or in a rolled position, secured by the at least two straps, to act as a lateral restraining device.   
     
     
         11 . The convertible device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least two flaps of material are in a rolled position creating at least two rolled flaps of material and the at least two straps of material are positioned around each of the rolled flaps of material and the first end is removably attached to the backpack. 
     
     
         12 . The convertible device of  claim 11 , wherein the at least two rolled flaps of material further comprise an anterior surface and an interior surface, wherein gripping material is located on the anterior and interior surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The convertible device of  claim 12 , where the at least two straps further comprise an anterior surface and an interior surface, wherein gripping material is located on the anterior surface and interior surfaces. 
     
     
         14 . The convertible device of  claim 13 , further comprising gripping material secured to the anterior surface of the backpack and located between the exterior edges of the at least two flaps. 
     
     
         15 . The convertible device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least two flaps of material are in a flat position and are removably connected at their interior edges. 
     
     
         16 . The convertible device of  claim 15 , wherein the at least two straps of material are in a folded stored position underlying the at least two flaps of material. 
     
     
         17 . The convertible device of  claim 10 , wherein the backpack comprises a frame with straps for attachment of a bag, and the convertible device is secured to the frame. 
     
     
         18 . A method of forming a lateral restraining device for a backpack with a convertible torso pad with at least two flaps removably connected at respective inside edges, the inside edges being further removably connected to the backpack, comprising:
 disconnecting the inside edges of the at least two flaps from each other and from the backpack;   rolling each of the at least two flaps in opposite directions toward the outside edges of the backpack; and   securing each of the at least two flaps with at least one strap.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising, adjusting the at least two rolled flaps to a tightness to accommodate an armor plate of a wearer. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising, adjusting the at least two rolled flaps to a tightness to accommodate a back of a wearer.