Bag with Luggage Pass-Through

Abstract

A bag has at least two sides, a front, a back defining a sidewall, and a base; a storage compartment; and at least one strap or handle. An outer surface of the sidewall has a first panel having a first side and a second side and a top. The first side and the second side are attached to the outer surface of the sidewall and the first panel and the sidewall form a sleeve. The sleeve is configured to allow a luggage handle to pass through from a bottom of the sleeve to and through a top of the sleeve. The top of the first panel and the sidewall have a magnetic closure configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and to reconnect when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve. The sleeve may have a pocket configured to receive one or more items therein.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to portable bags or packs useful for carrying or transporting various items.

BACKGROUND

A bag, such as a tote or carry bag, can be a means for an individual to carry or transport various items. Such bags can be made of sturdy cloth, leather, heavy canvas, plastics, etc. A bag may have an unsecured or secured opening and can include straps such as shoulder straps or handles attached to the sides of the bag. Such bags are often carried in addition to larger pieces of luggage or rolling computer bags.

SUMMARY

This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relating to this disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosure.

Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to bags and methods of making bags which can have (1) at least two sides, a front, a back defining a sidewall, and a base; (2) a storage compartment having an opening, wherein the opening is configured to allow access to the storage compartment; (3) at least one strap or handle; (4) an outer surface of the sidewall comprising a panel having a first side and a second side and a top. The first side and the second side may be attached to the outer surface of the sidewall and the panel and the sidewall can form a sleeve. The sleeve can be configured to allow a luggage handle to pass-through from a bottom of the sleeve to and through a top of the sleeve. The top of the panel and the sidewall can include a magnetic closure configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve.

In another aspect, the sleeve may include a pocket configured to receive one or more items therein; and wherein the sleeve comprises a magnetic closure configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the handle is removed from the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

FIG. 1A-B show a left front perspective view and a right rear perspective view, respectively, of an example bag in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-H depict the interior and exterior of an example tote bag in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A-B show a left front perspective view and a rear view, respectively, of an example tote bag attached to a luggage handle in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of a luggage handle pass-through or sleeve in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C depict possible magnet configurations for closure of the sleeve in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B1, 5B2, 5C, 5D1, 5D2, 5E schematically depict details of one aspect of a luggage handle pass-through or sleeve.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a bag and a close-up top portion of a sleeve in an open position in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a duffle bag and a close-up top portion of a sleeve in an open position in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a tote bag and a close-up top portion of a sleeve in an open position in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a magnet encased in a nonwoven fabric used in accordance with aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various examples and components of this disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Also, while the terms “front,” “frontside,” “back,” “backside,” “top,” “base,” “bottom,” “side,” “opposite,” “forward,” and “rearward” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict an exemplary bag 200 that can be configured to carry or contain various items. The bag is just one exemplary bag and may have many arrangements and variations. Examples of variations include the number and location of inner and outer pockets, closures such as snaps or zippers for the bag and/or pockets therein, the location and number of handles and straps, and other features.

The bag can generally include an outer shell 216, shoulder straps 218 and/or hand straps 210, a base 215, an opening 250, and a storage compartment 204. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B the outer shell 216 forms storage compartment 204 for receiving the desired contents therein. The opening 250 is configured to allow access to the storage compartment 204. The outer shell has at least two sides, a front, a back defining a sidewall, and a base. The base 215 can be configured to keep the tote bag upright with or without contents in the storage compartment 204. The base 215 may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible and can be configured to be in the shape of an oval, ellipsoid, rectangle, circle, square, etc. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, various handles and straps (e.g. 218, 210) can also be included on the bag for carrying, holding, or securing the tote bag, or for securing other items to the tote bag. As further shown in FIG. 1A, straps 218 can be formed longer than straps 210 and straps 218 can be configured as shoulder straps for carrying the tote bag 200 on a shoulder of the user; whereas straps 210 can be formed shorter than straps 218 and can be configured for hand carrying the tote bag. Any number of handles are contemplated of different lengths and sizes. The front side exterior of outer shell 216 can have no pockets or one or more pockets. FIG. 1A depicts a pocket 212 attached to the front side exterior of outer shell 216. Such pocket(s) may have a closure such as a zipper, velcro, snaps, buttons, detents, clamps, or magnets and any combinations thereof. Such pocket may be oriented to have a vertical opening having, for example, a vertical zipper, as shown. Such pocket may be further be oriented to have a horizontal or a diagonal opening. FIG. 1B depicts a pocket 270 on the back side exterior of outer shell 216 just below the top of the back. Such pocket may have a closure such as a zipper, velcro, snaps, buttons, detents, clamps or magnets, and any combinations thereof. Other pockets may be positioned in other locations of the back side exterior of outer shell 216.

The bag can be configured such that opening 250 can be closed with any suitable closure device, for example, a zipper, which can be a waterproof zipper. In the case of a waterproof zipper, for example, the bag can be substantially water resistant and can keep desired contents dry for an extended period of time during wet conditions. It is also contemplated that the opening can include various sealing devices in addition to a waterproof zipper, for example, magnets, Velcro, buttons, snaps, buckles, zippers, excess material that is folded multiple times to form a seal such as a roll-down seal, seals, metal or plastic clamps and combinations thereof could be used to seal the opening. For example, the closures described and discussed in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/388,817, filed Jul. 29, 2021, and U.S. application Ser. No. 17/537,285 filed Nov. 29, 2021 which are hereby incorporated fully by reference herein for any and all non-limiting purposes. In one example, the bag can also be designed to maintain water inside the storage compartment 204, and the bag can be configured to be water “resistant” from the outside in. In other words, the bag can be formed “water tight” inside the outer shell 216, and configured to transport water or other liquid. In another example, the bag storage compartment is configured to include drain holes (not shown), wherein the drain holes penetrate the outer shell, and wherein the drain holes allow fluid to drain out of the storage compartment. Such a configuration allows a user to easily wash or rinse out the bag storage compartment with a hose, power washer, or other cleaning device, and the water is allowed to drain out of the bag. It is also contemplated that the bag could be configured to be waterproof or water resistant to prevent the contents from coming into contact with water.

The outer shell and the inner liner can be manufactured from materials that are antimicrobial or anti-fungal. The bag can also be manufactured from materials that are water resistant or water proof to keep the contents stored therein substantially dry. In one particular example, the outer shell 216 can be constructed from double laminated TPU nylon fabric. Nylon fabric can be used as a base material for the outer shell 216 and can be coated with a TPU laminate on each side of the fabric. The TPU nylon fabric used in one particular example is 0.1 to 1.0 millimeters thick, is waterproof, and has an antimicrobial additive that meets all Food and Drug Administration requirements. In one specific example, the nylon can be 840d nylon with TPU. Alternative materials used to manufacture the outer shell 216 include various materials or polymers such as PVC, TPU coated nylon, coated fabrics, polyesters, and other weldable and waterproof fabrics. In some aspects, the bag is generally foldable or collapsible for easy storage and transport. It is also contemplated that the bag could be insulated with an insulation material placed between the outer shell and inner liner for example as shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/388,817, filed Jul. 29, 2021, and U.S. application Ser. No. 17/537,285 filed Nov. 29, 2021 which are hereby incorporated fully by reference herein for any and all non-limiting purposes.

FIG. 1B further depicts a luggage pass-through or sleeve 280 attached to the back side exterior of outer shell 216. The sleeve 280 allows the bag to be attached to, and removed from a handle of a luggage item, e.g. a suitcase, by passing the handle of the luggage item through the sleeve 280. The sleeve 280 slides over a luggage handle to keep the bag balanced on carry-on or checked wheeled luggage, for example. Luggage may be, for example, a rolling suitcase, duffle bag, or rolling computer bag. Sleeve 280 contains a magnetic closure (described later) configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve.

FIGS. 2A-F depict possible features of the exemplary bag 200 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 2A depicts an example interior rear including two interior pockets 242 and 244 attached to the interior rear and two areas 246 for liquid canisters 290. FIG. 2B depicts an example interior front including two interior pockets 260, a zippered pocket 248, and two bottle pockets 246. FIG. 2C depicts a front pocket 212 configured to be attached to the front side exterior of outer shell 216 as seen in FIG. 2D. Such pocket 212 may have a closure such as a zipper, velcro, snaps, buttons, or magnets and any combinations thereof. And it is also contemplated that the material forming the pocket 212 may include a degree of elasticity so the pocket 212 is biased closed. Such pocket 212 may be oriented to have a vertical opening having, for example, a vertical zipper, as shown. Such pocket 212 may be further be oriented to have a horizontal or a diagonal opening. FIG. 2D depicts a front side of bag 200 having pocket 212. FIG. 2E depicts a side view of bag 200. FIG. 2F depicts a pocket 270 on the back side exterior of outer shell 216 just below the top of the back. Such pocket may have a closure such as a zipper, velcro, snaps, buttons, or magnets and any combinations thereof. And it is also contemplated that the material forming the pocket may include a degree of elasticity so the pocket is biased closed. Other pockets may be positioned in other locations of the back side exterior of outer shell 216. FIG. 2G depicts a top of the bag having a closure 250. FIG. 2H depicts the bottom of the bag 215.

FIG. 2F further depicts the luggage pass-through or sleeve 280 attached to the back side exterior of outer shell 216. The sleeve 280 allows the bag to be attached to, and removed from, a handle 600 of a luggage item, e.g. a suitcase, by passing the handle of the luggage item through the sleeve 280. Sleeve 280 contains a magnetic closure (described later) configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve.

The luggage pass-through or sleeve may be modified to accommodate various widths of luggage handles typically found on rolling luggage or computer bags. Generally such handles are pulled out, e.g. telescope out of the luggage, when used to pull the luggage and then pushed back into the luggage when not in use.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict another exemplary bag 300 that can be configured to carry or contain various items. The bag can generally include an outer shell 316, straps 310, side handle 352, a base 315, an opening 350, and a storage compartment 304. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer shell 316 forms a storage compartment 304 for receiving the desired contents therein. A semi-rigid base 315 is configured to keep the bag upright with or without contents in the storage compartment 304. The semi-rigid base 315 can be configured to be in the shape of an oval, ellipsoid, rectangle, circle, square, etc. Various handles and straps (e.g. 310, 352) can also be included on the bag for carrying, holding, or securing the bag, or for securing other items to the bag. Loops 314 below handle 352 may be aesthetic and/or could be used for tying down the bag or clipping on small accessories like carabineers with keys or bottle openers. Any number of straps and/or handles are contemplated of different lengths and sizes. The front side exterior of outer shell 316 may have no pockets or one or more pockets. FIG. 3A depicts a pocket 312 attached to the front side exterior of outer shell 316. Such pocket(s) may have a closure such as a zipper, velcro, snaps, buttons, or magnets and any combinations thereof. And it is also contemplated that the material forming the pocket(s) may include a degree of elasticity so the pocket(s) are biased closed. Such pocket(s) may be oriented to have a horizontal opening having, for example, a horizontal zipper, as shown. Such pocket may be further be oriented to have a vertical or a diagonal opening.

FIG. 3B depicts a luggage pass-through or sleeve 380 attached to the back side exterior of outer shell 316. The bag may be attached to, and removed from, a handle of a luggage item, e.g. a suitcase, by passing the handle 600 of the luggage item through the sleeve 380. Similar to FIG. 2F, sleeve 380 contains a magnetic closure (described later) configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded exemplary arrangement of a luggage pass-through or sleeve 480. An inner panel 412 can be attached to the backside of a bag 400. The inner panel 412 may be attached at its bottom and sides forming a pocket 414. The inner panel 412 may be any suitable size and shape but is generally rectangular having a width longer than its height.

An outer panel 410 forms the outer part of the sleeve. The sides of outer panel 410 can be attached to respective sides of inner panel 412 to form a sleeve 480. Alternatively, the sides of outer panel 410 can be attached directly to the backside of bag 400, for example if the inner panel 412 is not as wide as the outer panel 410. The inner and outer panels 412, 410 may be made of the same material as the bag or different material. For example, the inner and outer panels 412, 410 may be made of fabric, or canvass, or waterproof rubber type material. The inner and outer panels 412, 410 may be reinforced with strands.

The luggage handle sleeve 480 allows the bag to be attached to, and removed from, a handle 600 of a luggage item, e.g. a suitcase, by passing the handle 600 of the luggage item through the sleeve 480. When a handle 600 is present, pocket 414 is compressed. Such compression may secure any contents within the pocket, for example, making it difficult for the contents to slip out and/or difficult for someone to reach in easily and retrieve the contents. Pocket 414 is hidden by the sleeve 480.

Sleeve 480 contains a magnetic closure 420, 422 configured to disconnect by overcoming the magnetic attraction of the magnetic closure 420, 422 when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect by way of magnetic attraction when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve. At least one magnet or ferromagnetic material can be placed along the top upper edge, or just below the top upper edge of each panel 410, 412. For simplicity, the magnetic closure 420, 422 is discussed in terms of magnets; however, any ferromagnetic material is contemplated in any aspect. Suitable magnets may include plate, bar, and disc magnets. Magnets on the outer panel 410 correspond to magnets on the inner panel 412 such that they align to close the top between the inner and outer panels 410 and 412. For example, there may be 2-10 corresponding magnets per panel.

In certain examples, the magnets or ferromagnetic materials can be permanently secured to the outer or first panel 412 and the inner or second panel 410 by one or more of adhesives, welding (e.g. RF welding), stitching, molding (in-molding), etc. These connection methods can be used in of themselves or in combination. It is also contemplated that one or more pockets for receiving can be formed of the material forming panels and other suitable materials and the connection methods discussed herein can be used alone or in combination with the pockets to secure the magnets to the panels. Also, other non-permanent connections are also contemplated to secure the magnets or ferromagnetic materials to the first panel 412 and the second panel 410, such as hook and loop, clasps, screws, friction fits, ball-and-socket, etc.

Alternatively, one or both panels may have a magnetic strip or a ferromagnetic strip that extends between the sides of the panel and the other or both panels may have at least one magnet or ferromagnetic material, multiple magnets or ferromagnetic materials sandwiched or embedded within the magnetic strip, or magnetic particles or ferromagnetic particles sandwiched or embedded within the strip. FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate exemplary alternative magnetic strip 422 configurations. FIG. 4A depicts two corresponding longer magnetic strips each of which can be placed on each panel. In one example, the two strips 422 of FIG. 4A can extend along the length or partially along the length of each of the panels. FIG. 4B depicts a relatively longer magnetic strip 422 which can be placed on one of the first or second panels and two relatively shorter magnetic strips 422 that can be placed on the opposite panel. FIG. 4C depicts two relatively shorter magnetic strips 422 that can be placed on each of the first panel or the second panel. In the arrangement the magnet strips 422 may correspond in shape and size with each other. In the above examples, the magnets can be rectangular shaped. However, any shape of magnet is contemplated. For example, square, round or button magnets or oval magnets. For example, in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the short magnets may be replaced with round or oval magnets.

FIG. 5A and schematic FIGS. 5B-5E provide details of a bag having a luggage handle pass-through or sleeve having a secret pocket hidden by the sleeve. FIG. 5A depicts a bag having a luggage pass-through or sleeve 580 attached to bag 500 similar to FIG. 4. FIG. 5B1 depicts a side view of outer or first panel 510 and inner or second panel 512. FIG. 5B2 depicts an exploded side view of outer or first panel 510 and inner or second panel 512.

The second panel 512 can be attached at the bottom and the sides of the backside of the bag to form a pocket 514. Such pocket 514 can be hidden from view and utilizes the inner panel 512 to define an inner wall of the pocket 514. The pocket 514 can include a closure such as a zipper, velcro, snaps, buttons, or magnets and any combinations thereof. And it is also contemplated that the material forming the pocket 514 can include a degree of elasticity so the pocket is biased closed.

FIGS. 5B1 and 5B2 depict the handle 530 inserted into and through the sleeve. Magnets 520 are attached at or near the top of outer panel 510 and magnets 522 are attached at or near the top of inner panel 512. Magnets 520 are in alignment with magnets 522 and connected when no handle is present. When a handle 530 is inserted through the bottom of sleeve, the handle pushes between panels 510 and 512, the force of the handle disconnects the magnets. When the handle is removed by withdrawing downward, the magnets reconnect, closing the top of the sleeve.

FIG. 5C depicts outer panel 510 which can be formed of a foam layer 540. The foam layer 540 can provide cushioning and shock absorption to the bag in the area of the luggage pass through to protect contents in the bag. The foam layer 540 can be sandwiched between two layers of material 542 at a top section. The two layers of material can retain the at least one panel magnet 520 or ferromagnetic material. Magnets 520 are placed at or near the top of foam panel 540. The magnets 520 may be embedded in the foam or attached to the foam panel. The material layers are attached to the foam via any suitable means such as stitching or adhesive.

FIG. 5D depicts a foam layer 544 that is placed at or near the top of inner panel 512. Magnets 522 are placed in foam layer 544. The magnets 520 may be embedded in the foam or attached to the foam layer and can be secured to the foam layer 544 by any of the methods described herein. Film or fabric layers 546 may be placed over the magnets 522. The film or fabric layers are attached to the foam via any suitable means such as welding, stitching, or adhesives.

Other non-permanent connections are also contemplated to secure the panels together, such as hook and loop, clasps, screws, friction fits, ball-and-socket, etc. Such non-permanent connections can be used in combination and can be combined with the magnetic connections and variations discussed herein.

It is also contemplated that the example shown in relation to FIGS. 5A to 5E that one or both panels may have a magnetic strip or a ferromagnetic strip that extends between the sides of the panel and the other or both panels may have at least one magnet or ferromagnetic material, multiple magnets or ferromagnetic materials sandwiched or embedded within the magnetic strip, or magnetic particles or ferromagnetic particles sandwiched or embedded within the strip.

It is also contemplated that the inner panels 412, 512 do not need to be a separate structure and could be part of the bag itself.

In this example, the bag can include at least two sides, a front, a back defining a sidewall, and a base, a storage compartment having an opening. The opening can be configured to allow access to the storage compartment. The bag can include at least one strap or handle. And an outer surface of the sidewall can include a panel having a first side and a second side and a top. The first side and the second side may be attached to the outer surface of the sidewall and the panel and the sidewall can form a sleeve. The sleeve can be configured to allow a luggage handle to pass-through from a bottom of the sleeve to and through a top of the sleeve. The top of the panel and the sidewall can together form a magnetic closure configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve.

The magnetic closure may include at least one panel magnet or ferromagnetic material attached to the top of the panel and at least one sidewall magnet or ferromagnetic material configured to be attracted to the at least one panel magnet and attached to a corresponding area on the sidewall. The at least one panel magnet attached to the top of the panel can be at least one magnetic strip and can include 2 to 5 magnetic strips.

The panel may also include at least one panel foam strip located at the top of the panel, and extending between sides of the panel. Also the at least one panel magnet or ferromagnetic material can be embedded in the at least one panel foam strip. The at least one panel foam strip can be sandwiched between two layers of material and wherein the two layers of material retain the at least one panel magnet or ferromagnetic material.

The sidewall can include at least one sidewall foam strip located at the corresponding area of the sidewall, and the at least one sidewall magnet or ferromagnetic material can be embedded in the at least one sidewall foam strip. The magnetic closure is configured to automatically reconnect when the handle is removed from the sleeve by way of magnetic attraction. Also a closure device may be configured to secure the storage compartment.

In another example, where the inner panel can be part of the bag itself, the bag can include at least two sides, a front, a back defining a sidewall, and a storage compartment having an opening. The opening may be configured to allow access to the storage compartment, and at least one strap or handle. The outer surface of the sidewall of the bag may include a first panel. The first panel may include a first side and a second side, a top, and the first side and the second side are attached to the outer surface of the sidewall to form a sleeve. The sleeve can be configured to allow a luggage handle to pass-through from a bottom of the sleeve to and through a top of the sleeve. The sleeve can include a pocket configured to receive one or more items therein. And the sleeve may include a magnetic closure configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the handle is removed from the sleeve.

In one example, the pocket can be formed by a layer attached to the first panel, and the magnetic closure may include at least one first panel magnet or ferromagnetic material attached to the top of the first panel and at least one sidewall magnet or ferromagnetic material configured to be attracted to the at least one sidewall magnet and attached to a corresponding area on the sidewall. The at least one first panel magnet attached to the top of the first panel can also be at least one magnetic strip and the at least one second panel magnet may include 2 to 5 magnetic strips. The first panel can include at least one foam strip located at the top of the first panel, and extending between the first side and the second side of the second panel. The at least one first panel magnet or ferromagnetic material can be embedded in the at least one foam strip.

FIG. 6A depicts an extension bag design having a sleeve. A luggage handle, for example, may be inserted from bottom of the sleeve 64 through the sleeve and exit at the top of the sleeve 62. FIG. 6B depicts a close up of the top of the sleeve 62 in an open position including magnet 66. FIG. 7A depicts a duffle bag design having a similar sleeve having bottom 74 and at the top 72. FIG. 7B depicts a close up of the top of the sleeve 72 in an open position. FIG. 8A depicts a tote bag design also having a similar sleeve having a bottom 84 and a top 82. FIG. 8B depicts a close up of the top of the sleeve 82 in an open position including magnets 86.

In any of the aspects described herein, the magnets should have sufficient strength to allow the pass-through or sleeve to stay closed when not in use, but allow a handle, e.g. a luggage handle, to be inserted with relative ease. For example, the magnets may be sufficiently strong and positioned to discourage the accidental insertion of an item, e.g. a phone, through the pass-through or sleeve resulting in loss of such item. For example, magnets positioned only at the edges of the pass-through or sleeve may not prevent accidental insertion of an item through the center. Further, if the magnets are not sufficiently strong, one may unintentionally push an item between the magnets resulting in the item being dropped through sleeve and lost or broken. The magnets should be of sufficient strength to alert one to the possible unintended insertion.

Any suitable magnets may be used of any shape and size and strength. A rare earth or neodymium magnet is around 2-7 times stronger than a regular or ferrite magnet. Neodymium magnets are all graded by the material they are made of Generally, the higher the grade (the number following the ‘N’), the stronger the magnet. The highest grade of neodymium magnet currently available is N52 and the lowest is N35. A suitable magnet used herein is, for example, N45. Disc magnets may be any suitable radius. Rectangular magnets may be any suitable length, for example, from 1 to 5 cm in length, e.g. 1.5 cm or 2.5 cm in length. An example magnet may be a rectangular-shaped magnet N45 nickel magnet about 2 cm in length.

Sewing magnets may be sold in matched pairs marked with either a + or a − sign. They may be sewn into a hem or fold of fabric, so that the magnet is hidden in the finished article. Some magnets are sold encased in a plastic cover. Such plastic covers may be used to sew the magnet into fabrics.

FIG. 9 shows magnet 610 encased or sewn into a strip 612. The strip 612 may be woven or non-woven fabric or any other suitable material such as plastic. A magnet 610 is placed on strip 612. A second strip 614 is placed over the first strip 612. The second strip is then attached to the first strip by any suitable means such as stitching, adhesive, or staples. For example, in FIG. 9, the second strip 614 is attached to the first strip by stitching 616 around magnet 610. The remaining part of strip 614 may be left unattached, trimmed away, or adhered or sewn to strip 612. The strip 610 may have one or magnets attached along its length. For example, the strip may contain, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 magnets. The strip is then sewn into the top of the sleeve or pass-through such as described above. A corresponding strip may be sewn on the bag such that the magnets in the strips line up and are attracted to each other in order to close the top of the sleeve or pass through.

Some magnets, especially those with corners or sharp edges, may introduce pinch points and break down the fabric strip over time, especially if a thin or poor-quality fabric is used. For a longer-lasting life, a better quality or more durable fabric should be used to encase the battery. Similarly, the quality of the thread and type of stitching used to encase the magnet may affect the lifetime operation of the bag.

The magnet may also be a strip magnet or magnetic tape which may be cut to the desired length. Such strip magnets or tapes are thin and flexible but generally not as powerful. An example strip magnet may be made of ferro magnetic powder and rubber.

A sufficient number of magnet pairs should be used to prevent gaps. For example, if only a single magnet pair is used in the center of a pass-through or sleeve, gaps may appear between the magnet and the edges of the sleeve. To prevent such gaps, a sufficient number of magnet pairs should be used along the opening to maintain a flush appearance, for example, at least 2, at least 3, or at least 4 or more magnet pairs may be used.

The present disclosure is discussed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A bag comprising: at least two sides, a front, a back defining a sidewall, and a base;a storage compartment having an opening, wherein the opening is configured to allow access to the storage compartment;at least one strap or handle;an outer surface of the sidewall comprising a first panel having a first side and a second side and a top, wherein the first side and the second side are attached to the outer surface of the sidewall and wherein the first panel and the sidewall form a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is configured to allow a luggage handle to pass through from a bottom of the sleeve to and through a top of the sleeve; andthe top of the first panel and the sidewall comprising a magnetic closure configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and is configured to reconnect when the luggage handle is removed from the sleeve.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the magnetic closure comprises at least one first panel magnet or ferromagnetic material attached to the top of the panel and at least one sidewall magnet or ferromagnetic material configured to be attracted to the at least one first panel magnet and attached to a corresponding area on the sidewall.

3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the at least one first panel magnet attached to the top of the panel is at least one magnetic strip.

4. The bag of claim 2, wherein the at least one first panel magnet comprises 2 to 5 magnetic strips.

5. The bag of claim 2, wherein the first panel comprises at least one first panel foam strip located at the top of the first panel, and extending between sides of the first panel, wherein the at least one first panel magnet or ferromagnetic material is embedded in the at least one first panel foam strip.

6. The bag of claim 5 wherein the at least one first panel foam strip is sandwiched between two layers of material and wherein the two layers of material retain the at least one first panel magnet or ferromagnetic material.

7. The bag of claim 2, wherein the sidewall comprises a second panel and wherein the second panel comprises at least one sidewall foam strip located at the corresponding area of the sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall magnet or ferromagnetic material is embedded in the at least one sidewall foam strip.

8. The bag of claim 1 wherein the magnetic closure is configured to automatically reconnect when the handle is removed from the sleeve.

9. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a closure device configured to secure the storage compartment.

10. A bag comprising: at least two sides, a front, a back defining a sidewall;a storage compartment having an opening wherein the opening is configured to allow access to the storage compartment;at least one strap or handle;an outer surface of the sidewall comprising a first panel, the first panel comprising a first side and a second side, a top, wherein the first side and the second side are attached to the outer surface of the sidewall to form a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is configured to allow a luggage handle to pass-through from a bottom of the sleeve to and through a top of the sleeve;wherein the sleeve comprises a pocket configured to receive one or more items therein; andwherein the sleeve comprises a magnetic closure configured to disconnect when a luggage handle is passed through the sleeve and reconnect when the handle is removed from the sleeve.

11. The bag of claim 10, wherein the pocket is formed by a layer attached to the first panel and the sidewall comprises a second panel.

12. The bag of claim 11 wherein the magnetic closure comprises at least one second panel magnet or ferromagnetic material attached to the top of the second panel and at least one sidewall magnet or ferromagnetic material configured to be attracted to the at least one second panel magnet and attached to a corresponding area on the sidewall.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the at least one second panel magnet attached to the top of the second panel is at least one magnetic strip.

14. The bag of claim 13, wherein the at least one second panel magnet comprises 2 to 5 magnetic strips.

15. The bag of claim 12, wherein the second panel is inwardly located from the first panel and the second panel further comprises at least one foam strip located at the top of the second panel, and extending between the first side and the second side of the second panel, wherein the at least one second panel magnet or ferromagnetic material is embedded in the at least one foam strip.

16. The bag of claim 10, wherein the magnetic closure comprises at least one first panel magnet or ferromagnetic material attached to the top of the first panel and at least one sidewall magnet or ferromagnetic material configured to be attracted to the at least one first panel magnet and attached to a corresponding area on the sidewall.

17. The bag of claim 16, wherein the at least one first panel magnet attached to the top of the first panel is at least one magnetic strip.

18. The bag of claim 17, wherein the at least one first panel magnet comprises 2 to 5 magnetic strips.

19. The bag of claim 16, wherein the first panel comprises at least one foam strip located at the top of the first panel, and extending between sides of the first panel, wherein the at least one first panel magnet is embedded in the foam strip.

20. The bag of claim 15 wherein the second panel further comprises a foam layer and wherein the foam strip is positioned on the foam layer.