1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bag of the type known as a carry-all or tote bag.
2. Background and Description of the Prior Art
Many types of bags are known in the art, however, none are seen to offer the combination of features provided by the present invention.
The present invention is directed to a carry-all bag having a main compartment, a side compartment for an umbrella, and a bottom compartment for a microwaveable dish. The main compartment may have additional compartments for magazines, mobile phone, change, and water or beverage bottle.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
Referring to
The main compartment 102 is preferably large and spacious and has a top opening 122 that is secured by a zipper 124. In the illustrated example, the main compartment 102 is defined by right, left, front and rear panels, 126, 128, 130, and 132 respectively, that are sewn together at seams 134. The bag 100 also has a bottom panel 136 that is sewn to the right, left, front and rear panels along seams 138. The bag 100 is preferably provided with handles 140.
A portion of the interior volume of the bag 100 near the bottom of the bag is divided into three portions 142, 144, and 146 by partitions 148 and 150. The middle portion 144 defines the compartment 108 that is dimensioned and configured to receive a microwave-safe dish of the type having a lid. The portion 142 defines a space for receiving a base portion of a water or beverage bottle 120, thus defining at least in part the location of the compartment 118. The bottle 120 is securely held in place by a pouch 152 that is sewn to the interior of the bag near the side 132 of the bag 100. The pouch 152 has an open top and can be accessed through the top opening 122 of the bag 100.
The portion 146 defines a space for receiving an end portion of a folding or collapsible umbrella 106. Thus the portion 146 defines at least in part the location of the compartment 104. The umbrella 106 is securely held in place by a pouch 154 that is sewn to the interior of the bag near the side 130 of the bag 100. The pouch 154 at least in part defines the compartment 104. The pouch 154 has an open top that is accessed from the exterior of the bag 100. The opening of the umbrella pouch may be provided with a closure flap 156 that is releasably securable in at least the closed position by a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, or any other type of fastener well known for this purpose. The pouch 154 is preferably provided with a waterproof lining 155 to prevent water from a wet umbrella from infiltrating the interior of the bag 100.
The compartment 108 has an open top that is accessed through the top opening 122 of the bag 100. The opening of the compartment 108 is provided with a closure flap 158 that is roughly rectangular. The closure flap 158 is sewn or is otherwise secured to the interior of the bag at one of the sides 126 or 128 of the bag 100 along one side of the flap 158 to provide a flexible hinge about which the flap 158 can be pivotally moved. The side of the flap 158 distal from the hinged side is provided with one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, or other well known fasteners to releasably secure the flap 158 at least in the closed position.
The closure flap 158 acts as a closure for the top opening of the bottom compartment 108 and is movable between open and closed positions. The closure flap 158 allows access to the compartment 108 when it is in the open position. The closure flap 158 acts as the bottom for the main compartment 102 of the bag 100 such that objects placed in the main compartment 102 are supported by the closure flap 158 when the closure flap 158 is in the closed position.
A compartment 112, in the form of a pouch or pocket, may be provided on the interior of the side 126 of the bag 100 for magazines or newspapers. The compartment 112 has an open top which may optionally be provided with a closure flap that is releasably securable in at least the closed position by a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, or any other type of fastener well known for this purpose.
A compartment 114, in the form of a pouch or pocket, may be provided on the interior of the side 128 of the bag 100 for holding a mobile phone or sunglasses. The compartment 114 may be provided with a closure flap 160 that is releasably securable in at least the closed position by a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, or any other type of fastener well known for this purpose.
A compartment 116, in the form of a pouch or pocket, may be provided on the interior of the side 128 of the bag 100 for carrying change. The compartment 116 may be provided with a zippered closable opening or an opening having a closure flap that is releasably securable in at least the closed position by a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, or any other type of fastener well known for this purpose.
The bag 100 is generally of the soft-sided luggage type and may be made of canvas, Nylon fabric, simulated and/or natural leather and the like. The partitions 148 and 150 may have cardboard, plastic, or foam inserts for added rigidity and to hold their shape better. Alternatively, the 148 and 150 may be integral parts of a multi-compartment fabric-covered tray placed at the bottom of the bag 100 to give the bag 100 added rigidity, help the bag 100 hold its shape and help the bag 100 remain upright when placed on a level surface. Additionally, all the various closure flaps, panels and pouches of the bag 100 may be provided with cardboard, plastic, or foam inserts for added rigidity and to better hold their shape.
Furthermore, the preferred embodiment disclosed herein is susceptible to various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the pouch for the water bottle may also have a waterproof lining 119 to prevent condensation from wetting the contents of the bag 100. As yet another alternative, the pouches for the water bottle and umbrella may be provided on the exterior of the bag 100, and the various pockets and pouches of the bag 100 may be provided with or without closure panels. As yet another alternative, the compartment 108 may be provided with access from the exterior of the bag 100.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of my priority U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/387,068, Filed Jun. 7, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60387068 | Jun 2002 | US |