Rocketz Backpack Wheels
Invented by 11-year old Rikio Kato
 

Rikio’s sister at age 14 complained of back pain. She went to the Doctor and he determined it was due to her 32 pound backpack putting strain on her back and neck. Rikio thought there must be a way to prevent this from happening.  

Kids everywhere were straining their backs with their heavy backpacks. The wheeled backpacks that were available in the stores to lessen the strain on backs and necks would not fit in the school lockers and were often considered ‘uncool.’

Rick wanted to create removable wheels that could be attached to the bottom of any backpack. That way, the backpack could be wheeled when it was too heavy and then the wheels would come off allowing the wheels and backpack to fit easily into the locker. With help from his Mother and Stepfather he assembled the wheels, the Velcro® attachment and the removable strap for pulling it the backpack. His idea was a hit and a winner.

He has appeared in local newspapers and on local TV news programs.