Backpack storage apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus used to create storage space on the outside of a backpack and method for using such apparatus are described. The storage apparatus comprises a restraining device configured to store items on the outside of a backpack and an assembly for connecting the restraining device to a backpack. This assembly contains a grasping device and a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that the fabric of the backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device. Items can then be stored on the outside of the backpack under the restraining device or the items can be attached to the restraining device itself. Using the connection assembly, the restraining device can be quickly attached to a wide variety of locations on the backpack and can be used with a wide variety of types, sizes, and shapes of backpacks. Other embodiments are also described.

1 . A device for grasping a carabineer and retaining it to a backpack, comprising:
 a first opening;   a second opening; and   a channel located between the openings and having a diameter less than the openings;   
       wherein the grasping device is configured so that a side of the carabineer enters the first opening, exits the second opening, and is retained by the channel. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in size. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in shape. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the channel is about 20% to about 25% smaller than the size of the openings. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the channel contains a depth sufficient to also retain the fabric of a backpack. 
     
     
         6 . An assembly for connecting a cord to a backpack, comprising:
 a grasping device; and   a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that fabric of a backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device.   
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the connection device comprises a carabineer. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the grasping device comprises a first opening, a second opening, and a channel located between both openings and having a diameter less than the openings. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the grasping device is configured so that a side of the carabineer enters the first opening, exits the second opening, and is retained by the channel. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in size. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in shape. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the diameter of the channel is about 20% to about 25% smaller than the size of the openings. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the channel contains a depth sufficient to also retain the fabric of a backpack. 
     
     
         14 . A backpack storage apparatus, comprising:
 a restraining device configured to store items on the outside of a backpack; and   an assembly for connecting the restraining device to the backpack comprising:
 a grasping device; and 
 a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that fabric of a backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device. 
   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the connection device comprises a carabineer. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the grasping device comprises a first opening, a second opening, and a channel located between both openings and having a diameter less than the openings. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the grasping device is configured so that a side of the carabineer enters the first opening, exits the second opening, and is retained by the channel. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in size. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in shape. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the diameter of the channel is about 20% to about 25% smaller than the size of the openings. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the channel contains a depth sufficient to also retain the fabric of a backpack.