BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Statement of the Technical Field
The inventive arrangements relate to article-carrying bags, and more particularly to article-carrying bags comprising at least one securement loop configured for selectively attaching the bag to a selectively extendable handle of a wheeled article.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various conventional bags known for carrying articles. These conventional bags come in many shapes and sizes. Such conventional bags include, but are not limited to, backpacks. Backpacks typically include straps for wearing the bag over one or more shoulder's of a person. These straps may be used to selectively attach the backpack to extendible handles of a travel bag. However, the backpack can shift from a center of the travel bag to one or more sides thereof when the travel bag is being pulled. In effect, a person pulling the travel bag can be undesirably placed off-balance. Therefore, there is a need for a convenient system to attach the backpack to a travel bag so as to ensure that the backpack will not shift from a desired position while the transport devices are being pulled by a user thereof
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a bag comprising at least one securement loop that is useful for understanding the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rear panel of a bag having a securement loop coupled thereto that is useful for understanding the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the rear panel shown in FIG. 2 that is useful for understanding the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The invention concerns bag assemblies configured for carrying articles. Such bag assemblies include, but are not limited to, backpacks, purses, garment bags, sports bags, travel bags, duffle bags and carry-on bags. The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to one or more accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention, may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
Before describing the bag assemblies of the present invention, it will be helpful in understanding an exemplary environment in which the invention can be utilized. In this regard, it should be understood that the bag assemblies of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different applications where articles are to be carried. Such applications include, but are not limited to, traveling applications.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is provided a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a bag 100 comprising at least one securement loop 102 that is useful for understanding the present invention. The securement loop 102 is generally provided for selectively attaching the bag 100 to an article of luggage 190 (as shown in FIG. 1). The article of luggage 190 can include, but is not limited to, wheeled luggage comprising an extendable handle 192 that allows for convenient maneuverability thereof. The securement loop 102 will be described in more detail below.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bag 100 includes a backpack. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the bag 100 can alternatively include, but is not limited to, a purse, a duffle bag, a sports bag and a carry-on bag. As also shown in FIG. 1, the bag 100 includes a backpack bag 104 and a pair of shoulder straps 106, 108. Each of the shoulder straps 106, 108 of the bag 100 is connected to the backpack bag 104 at the top edge 110 of the backpack bag 104 and at the bottom portion 112 of a respective side panel 114, 116 of the backpack bag 104. Each of the shoulder straps 106, 108 includes a strap portion 120 and a shoulder pad portion 122. Buckles 118 releasably connect the strap portions 120 to the pad portions 122 to permit the shoulder straps 106, 108 to be lengthened or shortened as necessary.
The backpack bag 104 includes a main compartment structure 150 and at least one secondary compartment structure (not shown in FIG. 1) for carrying articles. Such articles include, but are not limited to, cloths, shoes, towels, fluid/liquid products, books, school supplies, toiletries, makeup and other items.
The main compartment structure 150 may be considered the primary article-carrying compartment structure because it provides the largest unrestricted volume for carrying articles. The term “unrestricted”, as used here, means that the entire volume of the main compartment structure 150 can be made available for defining a single, primary carrying compartment. If only the main compartment structure 150 is desired to be used, then one would only need to open the main compartment structure 150 via a closure element 152. This configuration is ideal for carrying articles which are elongate and require the entire volume of the main compartment structure 150. Such articles can include, but are not limited to, sports equipment, retractable umbrellas, thermoses, books, notebooks, shoes and portable computers.
Although the closure element 152 is shown in FIG. 1 to include a zipper closure element, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the closure element 152 can alternatively or additionally include a Velcro closure element, a loop-and-pile fastener, a snap closure element, a button/hole pair closure element, a clip closure element, a hook closure element, a rotatable closure element and a latch closure element.
The main compartment structure 110 generally includes a closed bottom 154 and a central body 156 which extends between the top 110 and bottom 154 thereof. The central body 156 is at least partially defined by a rear panel 158. At least the bottom 154 and rear panel 158 can be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material suitable to maintain its shape and structural integrity during use of the bag 100. Alternatively, the bottom 154 and rear panel 158 can include a rigid or semi-rigid insert. The rigid or semi-rigid insert can include, but is not limited to, a stiffened plastic material and a stiffened cardboard material. The rear panel 158 can also include one or more pad members 180, 182, 184, 186, 188 for providing comfort at certain locations of a person's back. The pad members 180, 182, 184, 186, 188 can include a fabric structure that is coupled to the rear panel 158 so as to define an insert space (not shown in FIG. 1). The insert space (not shown in FIG. 1) can be filled with cotton, foam or the like.
Although the closed bottom 154 and a central body 156 are shown in FIG. 1 to be separate structures, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard.
For example, the closed bottom 154 and a central body 156 can be a single continuous structure. At least one joinder line 170 directly connects the closed bottom 154 and central body 156 together. The joinder lines 170 can be formed from a sewn stitching, adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. If the joinder line 170 includes sewn stitching, then the seams (not shown) formed from coupling the components 154, 156 together can be water-tight and/or air-tight.
The central body 156 can be defined by a front panel (not shown in FIG. 1), at least one side panel 114, 116 and the rear panel 158. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the central body 156 can be a single continuous structure. As shown in FIG. 1, the panels 114, 116, 158 are connected together via at least one joinder line 172. The joinder line 172 can be formed from a sewn stitching, adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. If the joinder line 172 includes sewn stitching, then the seams (not shown) formed from coupling the panels 114, 116, 158 together can be water-tight and/or air-tight.
The secondary compartment structure (not shown in FIG. 1) of the bag 100 may be considered the secondary article-carrying compartment structure because it provides a smaller volume for carrying articles as compared to the main compartment structure 150. If secondary compartment structure (not shown in FIG. 1) is desired to be used, then one would need to open it via a closure element (not shown in FIG. 1) of the side compartment structure (not shown in FIG. 1) and/or a closure element of the main compartment structure 150. This configuration is useful for carrying articles which are not to be commingled with articles disposed in the main compartment structure 150, or vice versa. Such articles include, but are not limited to, cloths, shoes, towels, fluid/liquid products, make-up and other items.
The secondary compartment structures (not shown in FIG. 1) of the bag 100 can be disposed on the outer surfaces of a front panel (not shown in FIG. 1) and side panels 114, 116 of the main compartment structure 150. The secondary compartment structures (not shown in FIG. 1) can also be disposed in the bag 100 so as to be coupled to inner surfaces of the front panel, a back panel and side panels of the main compartment structure 150. The secondary compartment structures (not shown in FIG. 1) can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, non-woven materials, woven materials, mesh materials, water-resistant materials, leather, canvas and collapsible fabric materials. Notably, each of the compartment structures (not shown in FIG. 1) can be formed from the same material or different material(s).
The secondary compartment structure(s) can be selectively closable via a closure element (not shown in FIG. 1). Such closure elements (not shown in FIG. 1) include, but are not limited to, zipper closure elements, Velcro closure elements, loop-and-pile fasteners, snap closure elements, button/hole pair closure elements, clip closure elements, hook closure elements, rotatable closure elements, and latch closure elements.
As noted above, the bag 100 includes a securement loop 102. The securement loop 102 is comprised of side portions 196 and a center portion 198. The side portions 196 have generally triangular shapes. The center portion 198 has a generally ribbon shape, i.e., the center portion 198 includes a convex edge and a concave edge. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the securement loop 102 can be a single continuous structure having a generally rectangular shape.
The securement loop 102 is coupled to the main compartment structure 150 so as to extend across a width W1 of the rear panel 158. The securement loop 102 can be coupled to the main compartment structure 150 via sewn stitching, adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. The securement loop 102 is at least partially formed of an elastic material. As shown in FIG. 1, a channel 199 is formed in the rear panel 158. The channel 199 is sized and shaped for receiving the securement loop 102. In this scenario, the securement loop 102 is recessed in the channel 199 when it is not in use.
The securement loop 102 is generally provided for selectively attaching the bag 100 to the article of luggage 190 (as shown in FIG. 1). When the bag 100 is attached to the article of luggage 190 as shown in FIG. 1, the bag 100 rests upon the top 194 of the article of luggage 190 and is retained by the selectively extendable handle 192 via the securement loop 102. Notably, the securement loop 102 is configured to ensure that the bag 100 will not shift or otherwise interfere with the individual maneuvering of the article of luggage 190, other individuals or objects.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, the bag 100 can include at least one handle (not shown in FIG. 1) and/or at least one carrying strap coupled to the top 110 or side panels 114, 116 thereof. The handle (not shown in FIG. 1) can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, leather, plastic, wood, metal, fabric or a combination thereof. The handle (not shown in FIG. 1) is attached to the bag 100 via sewn stitching, an adhesive bond or a mechanical connector (e.g., a clip or hook/loop fastener).
The carrying strap(s) (not shown in FIG. 1) can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, non-woven materials, woven materials, mesh materials, water-resistant materials, leather, canvas and collapsible fabric materials. For example, the carrying strap(s) (not shown in FIG. 1) can be formed of a flat rope. The flat rope can include, but is not limited to, a durable polyester braided flat rope and a durable nylon flat rope. The carrying strap(s) (not shown in FIG. 1) can be attached to the bag 100 by sewing or the like. The seams (not shown in FIG. 1) formed from coupling the carrying strap(s) to the bag 100 can be water-tight and/or air-tight. The carrying strap(s) (not shown in FIG. 1) can be formed into carrying loops (not shown in FIG. 1). The carrying loops (not shown in FIG. 1) provide a means for carrying the bag 100 by hand.
The carrying strap(s) (not shown in FIG. 1) can have adjustable retaining structures (not shown) disposed thereon. The adjustable retaining structures (not shown) are configured for facilitating the adjustment of the length of the carrying strap(s). For example, the adjustable retaining structures (not shown in FIG. 1) can include, but are not limited to, clips, buckles and other securing means.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there are provided a schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a rear panel 258 of a bag (not shown in FIG. 2) having a securement loop 200 coupled thereto that is useful for understanding the present invention. A partial exploded view of the rear panel 258 is provided in FIG. 3. The securement loop 200 is generally provided for selectively attaching the bag (not shown in
FIG. 1) to an article of luggage (not shown in FIG. 1) via a selectively extendable handle 192. The securement loop 200 will be described in more detail below.
As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the rear panel 258 comprises a base member 210 and a plurality of pad members 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 coupled to the base member 210 via one or more joinder lines 230, 232, 234, 236, 238. The joinder lines 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 can be formed from a sewn stitching, adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. If the joinder lines 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 include sewn stitching, then the seams (not shown) formed from coupling the pad members 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 to the base member 210 can be water-tight and/or air-tight.
The pad members 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 are generally configured for providing comfort at certain locations of a person's back. The pad members 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 can include a fabric structure that is coupled to the rear panel 258 so as to define an insert space (not shown in FIG. 1). The insert space (not shown in FIG. 1) can be filled with cotton, foam or the like.
As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the securement loop 200 has a generally rectangular shape and extends across a width W2 of the rear panel 258. More particularly, the securement loop 200 includes a center portion 240 and two opposing side portions 242, 244. The side portions 242, 244 can be coupled to the center portion 240 via joinder lines 246, 248. The joinder lines 246, 248 can be formed from a sewn stitching, adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. Notably, each of the end portions 202, 204 of the securement loop 200 is disposed beneath a respective pad member 212, 214. A portion of the center portion 240 can also be disposed beneath the pad members 212, 214. In this scenario, the pad members 212, 214 have a notch 250, 252 formed therein. The notches 250, 252 are sized and shaped to ensure that the pad members 212, 214 do not interfere with the use of the securement loop 200.
The center portion 240 is formed from a non-elastic material configured to resist fraying and deterioration as a result of use thereof. Such materials include, but are not limited to, non-woven materials, woven materials, mesh materials, water-resistant materials, leather and canvas materials. In contrast, the end portions 202, 204 are formed of an elastic material. Such elastic materials include, but are not limited to, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a mesh fabric, a powernet or sleeknet fabric, a double knot tricot fabric, a polyamide fabric, an elastane fabric and spandex. Consequently, the securement loop 200 can be pulled and slid over the selectively extendable handle 192 of the article of luggage (not shown in FIG. 1). Also, the securement loop 200 can retract so as to lay flat against the rear panel 258 when it is not in use. Alternatively and/or additionally, a channel (not shown in FIG. 2) can be formed in the rear panel 258 sized and shaped for receiving the securement loop 200 when it is not in use. In this scenario, the securement loop 200 is recessed in the channel (not shown in FIG. 2) when it is not in use.
As noted above, the securement loop 200 is generally provided for selectively attaching the bag (not shown in FIG. 1) to the article of luggage (not shown in FIG. 1) via the selectively extendable handle 192 thereof. When the bag (not shown in FIG. 1) is attached to the article of luggage (not shown in FIG. 1), the bag (not shown in FIG. 1) rests upon a top of the article of luggage (not shown in FIG. 1). The bag (not shown in FIG. 1) is also retained by the selectively extendable handle 192 via the securement loop 200. Notably, the securement loop 200 is configured to ensure that the bag (not shown in FIG. 1) will not shift or otherwise interfere with the individual maneuvering of the article of luggage (not shown in FIG. 1), other individuals (not shown in FIG. 1) or objects (not shown in FIG. 1).
Although a single securement loop 200 is shown in FIGS. 2-3, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, a bag can alternatively include two or more securement loops. In this scenario, the securement loops can be spaced a certain distance from each other such that a first securement loop extends across a top of the rear panel and a second securement loop extends across a bottom of the rear panel.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term or is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is if, X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined.
Patent Application
20110163145
