The disclosed embodiments related to carrying cases. In particular, the disclosed embodiments relate to a modular carrying case for separating and transporting components of a tablescape.
Currently, various techniques exist for transporting fragile items long distances. Generally, these techniques focus on bulk, commercial shipping, or shipping of individual items. For example, manufacturers package dinnerware in corrugated cardboard containers, sealed with shrink wrap, packaged in a bulk container, and shipped via commercial transport.
While such techniques have existed for some time, new services provide entire tablescapes to rent for events such as dinner parties. Such services provide all cutlery, dinnerware, glassware, as well as linens, and other sundry items in a single package. End-users use tablescape items for events having a scheduled date. Shippers of rental tablescapes generally attempt to minimize the amount of time that tablescapes are in use. These factors result in shippers transporting tablescapes “just in time” for an event. Since the time between shipping and use is short, shippers require that tablescapes not be damaged during transit. However, existing packaging fails to meet this requirement.
In general, some services utilize cardboard packaging for shipping tablescapes. Cardboard packaging is generally not suitable for long-haul transport as the risks of damage are too significant. Further, the lifetime of a cardboard package is limited, thus contributing to significant environmental waste. Existing commercial shipping techniques generally utilize packaging that is not aesthetically pleasing and, similarly, includes significant waste (e.g., plastic shrink wrap, non-recyclable components, and excess cardboard).
Additionally, even if cardboard packaging may be used for return shipping, there are numerous deficiencies in using such packaging. First, the use of cardboard generally requires complicated packing systems. These systems are not amenable for re-use since the packaging cannot easily be re-packed by hand by end-users. Second, cardboard packaging, even if used for return shipping, cannot generally be re-used for different end-users. Thus, cardboard packaging is limited to a single distribution and, in some cases, return. Third, most existing services rely on “generic” packaging. For example, a single large cardboard box may be segmented into a plurality of “areas” (e.g., cubes) for storing items. This configuration results in standardized total container size, but the packaging therein varies depending on the items shipped, thus resulting in confusing and inconsistent internal packaging.
The disclosed embodiments solve these and other problems in the art, as described in more detail herein.
The disclosed embodiments provide a carrying case designed to transport tablescape items in smaller sub-containers nested within the carrying case. The sub-containers are designed and arranged to minimize air gaps within the carrying case when inserted into the carrying case. The carrying case includes a foam-lined hardshell case to protect the sub-containers during transport. Each sub-container is explicitly designed for the items being transported. In one embodiment, the sub-containers include a dinner plate bag, salad plate bag, drinkware bag, décor bag, and silverware roll bag.
In one embodiment, a device is disclosed comprising a hardshell case, the hardshell case comprising a lid and base, the hardshell case including a rigid exterior and a padded interior; and a plurality of modular containers, the plurality of modular containers configured to be inserted into a cavity in the base, wherein when inserted the plurality of modular containers occupy substantially all of the available space in the cavity.
According to one embodiment, the rigid exterior is formed from a material suitable for commercial shipping. According to one embodiment, the rigid exterior comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. According to one embodiment, the padded interior comprises foam padding. According to one embodiment, the foam padding comprises 1-inch foam padding in the base and ½-inch foam padding in the lid. According to one embodiment, the device further comprises two handles on opposite sides of the hardshell case. According to one embodiment, the lid includes a cavity formed via a lid flap present on the interior side of the lid, the lid flap connected to the lid via a zipper. According to one embodiment, the lid flap further includes one or more pockets.
According to one embodiment, the plurality of modular containers includes a drinkware bag, a décor bag, a dinner plate bag, a salad plate bag, and a silverware roll bag. According to one embodiment, the décor bag is inserted on the bottom of the cavity and against a first sidewall of the cavity, the décor bag having a depth substantially equal to the depth of the cavity. According to one embodiment, the drinkware bag is inserted atop the décor bag, the drinkware bag and against the first sidewall of the cavity, the drinkware bag having a depth substantially equal to the depth of the cavity. According to one embodiment, the dinnerplate bag is inserted on the bottom of the cavity and against a second sidewall of the cavity, the second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the dinnerplate bag having a depth substantially equal to the depth of the cavity. According to one embodiment, the salad plate bag is inserted between the dinner plate bag and the décor bag and drinkware bag. According to one embodiment, the silverware roll bag is inserted between the dinner plate bag and décor bag and adjacent to the salad plate bag. In one embodiment, the device further comprises an auxiliary bag, the auxiliary bag inserted between the dinner plate bag and salad plate bag.
According to one embodiment, drinkware bag includes an internal divider, the internal divider removable from the drinkware bag. According to one embodiment, the drinkware bag, décor bag, dinner plate bag, and salad plate bag each include at least one zipper. According to one embodiment, the drinkware bag, décor bag, dinner plate bag, salad plate bag, and silverware roll bag each include padding, the padding comprising a material selected such the padding is thinner than padding present in the padded interior. According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a zipper connecting the lid and base. According to one embodiment, the lid further comprises a debossed area on the exterior facing side of the lid, the debossed area sized to house a shipping label.
The preceding and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the disclosure.
In the illustrated embodiment, a carrying case (100) includes a lid (102) and a base (104). As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the lid (102) includes slip pockets (112a, 112b). In the illustrated embodiment, the slip pockets (112a, 112b) comprise mesh panels attached to the surface of the lid flap (116). In the illustrated embodiment, two slip pockets (112a, 112b) are used; however more, or fewer slip pockets may be used as needed. In the illustrated embodiment, each slip pocket is formed to create an opening on one (out of four) sides. In the illustrated embodiment, the slip pockets (112a, 112b) may be used to store flat items. For example, in some embodiments, menus, papers, instructions, return labels, or other flat items may be stored in the slip pockets (112a, 112b) during shipping. Although illustrated as mesh, the slip pockets (112a, 112b) may comprise a solid material such as polyester or similar materials. In another embodiment, the slip pockets (112a, 112b) may be sealable. In these embodiments, the open side of the slip pockets (112a, 112b) may be equipped with a zipper, Velcro, or similar sealing mechanism. In some embodiments, the slip pockets (112a, 112b) may comprise a transparent or translucent material allowing for viewing of materials when stored therein.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lid (102) is hollow. In the illustrated embodiment, a zipper (114) extends around three sides of the rectangular lid (102). In one embodiment, the zipper (114) may comprise a single zipper pull. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated, two zipper pulls may be used. The specific length or percentage of the perimeter the zipper (114) extends is not limiting. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper (114) may be opened to expose the hollow cavity of the lid (102). In one embodiment, the zipper (114) comprises a medium weight zipper. For example, in some embodiments, the zipper comprises a #5 nylon zipper. In other embodiments, a #6 or #7 zipper may be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, metal, coil, or molded plastic zippers may be used.
An example of such a cavity is illustrated in the cross-section view of the case (100) depicted in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the entire lid (102) is 2.5″, including the one-half inch padding on the top of the lid (102). As will be described, the entire case (100) may have dimensions of 18″ (width), 16″ (height), and 14″ (depth). Thus, the lid may have dimensions of 18″ (width), 2.5″ (height), and 14″ (depth). Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are end-to-end and include any padding. Specific dimensions are not intended to be limiting and are only provided as examples.
Turning to
Turning to
Returning to
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiments, the base (104) includes two handles (110a, 110b) on the left and right faces. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the base (104) and lid (102) both comprise an internal hardshell. In some embodiments, this hardshell lines the entire case (100). In one embodiment, the hardshell is made of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material. In these embodiments, the padding (904, 906) is adhered to the hardshell case. The hardshell with adhered padding (904, 906) is then covered with fabric material (e.g., polyester, or polyester canvas) to provide a more pleasing experience. In some embodiments, the polyester coatings are adhered to the hardshell case (i.e., opposite the padding). In some embodiments, polyester canvas is used to cover the exterior side of the hardshell case. Similarly, a lighter weight polyester fabric (e.g., non-canvas) may be used to line the interior surfaces (and padding) of the hardshell case. In some embodiments, the combination of a hardshell case and thick, high-density, foam padding provides significant protection of the internal contents during shipping and thus allows for lighter weight internal storage sub-containers, as will be described in more.
Turning to
By maximizing space usage based on the sizing of sub-containers (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), multiple goals are achieved. First, the closeness of the sub-containers (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) minimizes damages due to weight shifting and impacts. Second, the specific arrangement reduces the risk of mispackaging when customers return the items, resulting in less damage. Third, in combination with a hardshell case and foam padding, the sub-containers (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) are not required to be individually protected as much as existing designs. Thus, more of the internal space of the base (104) may be used, and complicated packaging designs of internal sub-containers (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) are avoided. Details of the sub-containers (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) are described in more detail herein.
In some embodiments, the case (100) may further include a plurality of corner guard portions on some of all of the four corners on lid (102) and four corners of base (104). Thus, in some embodiments, the case (100) may include eight corner guards. In some embodiments, the corner guard comprise raised plastic (or similarly suited material) portions extending from the corners of the lid (102) and base (104). As one example, the corner guards may extend along the depth and width of a given corner for a predetermined distance (e.g., two inches). The corner guard may correspondingly extend on the top side (in the case of lid, 102) or bottom side (in the case of base, 104) of the case (100), thus forming a three-sided guard. In some embodiments, the distance the corner guard extends over the top or bottom side of the case (100) may be equal to or similar to the distance the corner guard extends along the depth and width of the case (100). Further, the corner guards may extend along (e.g., downward in the case of lid, 102, and upward in the case of base, 104) the height of the case for a similar distance. The specific dimensions, thickness, and material of the corner guard are not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, the corner guards are used to further protect the case (100) during shipping, preventing large blunt forces directly to the walls, lid (102), and base (104) of the case.
In the illustrated embodiment, a drinkware bag (200), alternatively referred to as a “sub-container,” comprises a lid (202) connected to a base (204) via a zipper, the zipper comprising a track (206c) and a plurality of zipper pulls (206a, 206b). As used herein, zipper pulls (206a, 206b) and zipper track (206c) are referred to as a zipper. The lid (202) and base (204) are formed as a single fabric container with hinge portions on the backside of the bag (200). In one embodiment, the bag (200) has dimensions of 9″×5.5″×11.5″ (W×H×L), although the specific measurements are not intended to be limiting. As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (200) is made of a main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric comprises an eight-ounce polyester canvas. As used herein, a main fabric refers to an exterior fabric that is used to form the structure of the bag (200). The main fabric is sewn to a lining fabric. In some embodiments, the lining comprises a polyester material. In one embodiment, the lining comprises a 150-polyester material. As will be discussed, the lining may comprise the inner lining of the lid (202) and the sidewalls and bottom of the base (204). In the illustrated embodiments, the material forming the internal divider (210) may comprise a different fabric. However, in some embodiments, the material forming the internal divider (210) may comprise the same fabric as the lining.
In the illustrated embodiment, the main fabric and the lining are sewn together to form the exterior walls of the bag (200). In some embodiments, a foam layer is inserted between the main fabric and lining prior to sewing the layers together. In one embodiment, the foam layer comprises an expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam layer. In some embodiments, the foam layer is ten millimeters thick. In one embodiment, the handle (208) on the surface of the lid (202) comprises a one-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester comprises a spun polyester webbing. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap (208) is sewn to the top of the lid (202) and includes slack to form a raised portion providing a handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper comprises a medium weight zipper. For example, in some embodiments, the zipper comprises a #5 nylon zipper. In other embodiments, a #6 or #7 zipper may be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, metal, coil, or molded plastic zippers may be used. In some optional embodiments, the bag (200) may additionally include ¾ inch piping along the edges of the sides.
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the internal divider (210) is designed to form six cavities. These six cavities can then be used to house six glasses or other drinkware. The specific number of cavities is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, different sized internal dividers may be used interchangeably to support different configurations of drinkware. For example, eight cavities may be used to support narrower glasses. In some embodiments, fewer cavities may be used to support wider glassware, pottery, or other objects. By utilizing different sizes of dividers, a single bag (200) may be used in tablescapes having differing drinkware requirements, thus reducing waste.
In the illustrated embodiment, various addon features may be applied alone or in combination. In one embodiment, a label may be placed on the exterior-facing side of the handle (208). In one embodiment, this label may indicate the contents of the bag (200) (e.g., “drinkware”). In some embodiments, including those described above, the materials used in the construction of the bag (200) comprise machine-washable materials, allowing for easy washing of the bag between uses.
In the illustrated embodiment, a dinner plate bag (300) includes a base (304) and a peel top (302) portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (300) is generally cuboid in shape, although other shapes may be implemented. The peel top (302) is connected to the base (304) on one side. For example, as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the peel top (302) is connected to the base (304) via a zipper. As used herein, zipper pulls (306A, 306B) and zipper track (306C) are referred to as a zipper. In one embodiment, the zipper is configured to extend across the entire top portion of the bag (300) and extend across a portion of the left and right sides of the bag (300), as illustrated in
As illustrated, the peel top (302) includes a handle (308). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle (308) enables the carrying of the bag (300) when the zipper is closed.
In one embodiment, the bag (300) has dimensions of 11.5″×11.5″×3″ (W×H×L), although the specific measurements are not intended to be limiting.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (300) is made of a main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric comprises an eight-ounce polyester canvas. As used herein, a main fabric refers to an exterior fabric that is used to form the structure of the bag (300). The main fabric is sewn to a lining fabric. In some embodiments, the lining comprises a polyester material. In one embodiment, the lining comprises a 150-polyester material. As will be discussed, the lining may comprise the inner lining of the peel top (302) and the sidewalls and bottom of the base (304).
In the illustrated embodiment, the main fabric and the lining are sewn together to form the exterior walls of the bag (300). In some embodiments, a foam layer is inserted between the main fabric and lining prior to sewing the layers together. In one embodiment, the foam layer comprises an EPE foam layer. In some embodiments, the foam layer is eight millimeters thick. In one embodiment, the handle (308) on the surface of the peel top (302) comprises a one-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester comprises a spun polyester webbing. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap (308) is sewn to the top of the peel top (302) and includes slack to form a raised portion providing a handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper comprises a medium weight zipper. For example, in some embodiments, the zipper comprises a #5 nylon zipper. In other embodiments, a #6 or #7 zipper may be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, metal, coil, or molded plastic zippers may be used. In some optional embodiments, the bag (300) may additionally include ¾ inch piping along the edges of the sides.
In some embodiments, the vertical panels forming the separator (314) may be formed using woven fabric. In some embodiments, this woven fabric comprises a 100 g woven fabric. In some embodiments, the panels additionally include an EP foam padding covered by the woven fabric. In some embodiments, this foam padding comprises a five-millimeter EPE foam padding.
In the illustrated embodiment, various addon features may be applied alone or in combination. In one embodiment, a label may be placed on the exterior-facing side of the handle (308). In one embodiment, this label may indicate the contents of the bag (300) (e.g., “dinner plates”). In some embodiments, including those described above, the materials used in the construction of the bag (300) comprise machine-washable materials, allowing for easy washing of the bag between uses.
In some embodiments, the accordion separator (314) is physically connected or attached to the interior of the base (304). That is, in one embodiment, the accordion separator (314) may be sewn to the base (304) of the bag (300). In other embodiments, however, the accordion separator (314) is optional or removable. In this embodiment, the accordion separator (314) can be removed as needed. In these embodiments, Velcro fasteners may be used to secure the accordion separator (314) to the base (304). In these embodiments, Velcro may be placed on the sides and bottom of the base (304) and the corresponding faces of the accordion separator (314). In some embodiments, 1-inch Velcro strips may be used.
In one embodiment, the handle (308) comprises a ⅜-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester of the handle (308) may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester of the handle (308) comprises a spun polyester webbing.
In the illustrated embodiment, a salad plate bag (400) includes a base (404) and a peel top (402) portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (400) is generally cuboid in shape, although other shapes may be implemented. The peel top (402) is connected to the base (404) on one side. For example, as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the peel top (402) is connected to the base (404) via a zipper. As used herein, zipper pulls (406A, 406B) and zipper track (406C) are referred to as a zipper. In one embodiment, the zipper is configured to extend across the entire top portion of the bag (400) and extend across a portion of the left and right sides of the bag (400), as illustrated in
As illustrated, the peel top (402) includes a handle (408). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle (408) enables the carrying of the bag (400) when the zipper is closed.
In one embodiment, the bag (400) has dimensions of 9.5″×9.5″×3″ (W×H×L), although the specific measurements are not intended to be limiting.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (400) is made of a main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric comprises an eight-ounce polyester canvas. As used herein, a main fabric refers to an exterior fabric that is used to form the structure of the bag (400). The main fabric is sewn to a lining fabric. In some embodiments, the lining comprises a polyester material. In one embodiment, the lining comprises a 150-polyester material. As will be discussed, the lining may comprise the inner lining of the peel top (402) and the sidewalls and bottom of the base (404).
In the illustrated embodiment, the main fabric and the lining are sewn together to form the exterior walls of the bag (400). In some embodiments, a foam layer is inserted between the main fabric and lining prior to sewing the layers together. In one embodiment, the foam layer comprises an EPE foam layer. In some embodiments, the foam layer is eight millimeters thick. In one embodiment, the handle (408) on the surface of the peel top (402) comprises a one-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester comprises a spun polyester webbing. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap (408) is sewn to the top of the peel top (402) and includes slack to form a raised portion providing a handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper comprises a medium weight zipper. For example, in some embodiments, the zipper comprises a #5 nylon zipper. In other embodiments, a #6 or #7 zipper may be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, metal, coil, or molded plastic zippers may be used. In some optional embodiments, the bag (400) may additionally include ¾ inch piping along the edges of the sides.
In some embodiments, the vertical panels forming the separator (414) may be formed using woven fabric. In some embodiments, this woven fabric comprises a 100 g woven fabric. In some embodiments, the panels additionally include an EP foam padding covered by the woven fabric. In some embodiments, this foam padding comprises a five-millimeter EPE foam padding.
In the illustrated embodiment, various addon features may be applied alone or in combination. In one embodiment, a label may be placed on the exterior-facing side of the handle (408). In one embodiment, this label may indicate the contents of the bag (400) (e.g., “salad plates”). In some embodiments, including those described above, the materials used in the construction of the bag (400) comprise machine-washable materials, allowing for easy washing of the bag between uses.
In some embodiments, the accordion separator (414) is physically connected or attached to the interior of the base (404). That is, in one embodiment, the accordion separator (414) may be sewn to the base (404) of the bag (400). In other embodiments, however, the accordion separator (414) is optional or removable. In this embodiment, the accordion separator (414) can be removed as needed. In these embodiments, Velcro fasteners may be used to secure the accordion separator (414) to the base (404). In these embodiments, Velcro may be placed on the sides and bottom of the base (404) and the corresponding faces of the accordion separator (414). In some embodiments, 1-inch Velcro strips may be used.
In one embodiment, the handle (408) comprises a ⅜-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester of the handle (408) may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester of the handle (408) comprises a spun polyester webbing.
In the illustrated embodiment, the silverware roll bag (500) includes a main panel (504) and a flap (502). In the illustrated embodiment, the flap (502) is connected to the main panel (504) on one side and is configured to cover silverware (510) inserted into an array of slots (506a, 506b). The bag (500) additionally includes a tie (508) that can be used to secure the bag (500) when it is in a rolled state (as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (500) is made of a main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric comprises an eight-ounce polyester canvas. The main fabric is sewn to a lining fabric. In some embodiments, the lining comprises a polyester material. In one embodiment, the lining comprises a 150-polyester material. In the illustrated embodiment, the lining comprises an internal surface when rolled.
In the illustrated embodiment, the main fabric and the lining are sewn together to form the bag (500). In some embodiments, a foam layer is inserted between the main fabric and lining prior to sewing the layers together. In one embodiment, the foam layer comprises a sponge foam layer. In some embodiments, the foam layer is one millimeter thick. In some embodiments, the lining of the flap (502) may alternatively comprise a velvet fabric. In some embodiments, the padding of the flap (502) may be different than the padding of the main panel (504). In these embodiments, the padding can comprise a woven fabric, such as a 100 g woven fabric. In some embodiments, the tie may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester comprises a spun polyester webbing. In some optional embodiments, the bag (500) may additionally include ¾ inch piping along the edges of the sides.
In one embodiment, the bag (500) has dimensions of 15.75″×11.5″ when unrolled (
In the illustrated embodiment, a décor bag (600), alternatively referred to as a “sub-container,” comprises a lid (602) connected to a base (604) via a zipper, the zipper comprising a track (606c) and a plurality of zipper pulls (606a, 206b). As used herein, zipper pulls (606a, 206b) and zipper track (606c) are referred to as a zipper. The lid (602) and base (604) are formed as a single fabric container with hinge portions on the backside of the bag (600). In one embodiment, the bag (600) has dimensions of 9″×6″×11.5″ (W×H×L), although the specific measurements are not intended to be limiting. As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (600) is made of a main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric comprises an eight-ounce polyester canvas. As used herein, a main fabric refers to an exterior fabric that is used to form the structure of the bag (600). The main fabric is sewn to a lining fabric. In some embodiments, the lining comprises a polyester material. In one embodiment, the lining comprises a 150-polyester material. As will be discussed, the lining may comprise the inner lining of the lid (602) and the sidewalls and bottom of the base (604).
In the illustrated embodiment, the main fabric and the lining are sewn together to form the exterior walls of the bag (600). In some embodiments, a foam layer is inserted between the main fabric and lining prior to sewing the layers together. In one embodiment, the foam layer comprises an EPE foam layer. In some embodiments, the foam layer is ten millimeters thick. In one embodiment, the handle (608) on the surface of the lid (602) comprises a one-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester comprises a spun polyester webbing. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap (608) is sewn to the top of the lid (602) and includes slack to form a raised portion providing a handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper comprises a medium weight zipper. For example, in some embodiments, the zipper comprises a #5 nylon zipper. In other embodiments, a #6 or #7 zipper may be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, metal, coil, or molded plastic zippers may be used. In some optional embodiments, the bag (600) may additionally include ¾ inch piping along the edges of the sides.
In the illustrated embodiment, various addon features may be applied alone or in combination. In one embodiment, a label may be placed on the exterior-facing side of the handle (608). In one embodiment, this label may indicate the contents of the bag (600) (e.g., “décor”). In some embodiments, including those described above, the materials used in the construction of the bag (600) comprise machine-washable materials, allowing for easy washing of the bag between uses.
In the illustrated embodiment, an auxiliary bag (700) includes a base (704) and a peel top (702) portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (700) is generally cuboid in shape, although other shapes may be implemented. The peel top (702) is connected to the base (704) on one side. For example, as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the peel top (702) is connected to the base (704) via a zipper. As used herein, zipper pulls (706A, 706B) and zipper track (706C) are referred to as a zipper. In one embodiment, the zipper is configured to extend across the entire top portion of the bag (700) and extend across a portion of the left and right sides of the bag (700), as illustrated in
As illustrated, the peel top (702) includes a handle (708). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle (708) enables the carrying of the bag (700) when the zipper is closed.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bag (700) is made of a main fabric. In some embodiments, the main fabric comprises an eight-ounce polyester canvas. As used herein, a main fabric refers to an exterior fabric that is used to form the structure of the bag (700). The main fabric is sewn to a lining fabric. In some embodiments, the lining comprises a polyester material. In one embodiment, the lining comprises a 150-polyester material. As will be discussed, the lining may comprise the inner lining of the peel top (702) and the sidewalls and bottom of the base (704).
In the illustrated embodiment, the main fabric and the lining are sewn together to form the exterior walls of the bag (700). In some embodiments, a foam layer is inserted between the main fabric and lining prior to sewing the layers together. In one embodiment, the foam layer comprises an EPE foam layer. In some embodiments, the foam layer is eight millimeters thick. In one embodiment, the handle (708) on the surface of the peel top (702) comprises a one-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester comprises a spun polyester webbing. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap (708) is sewn to the top of the peel top (702) and includes slack to form a raised portion providing a handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper comprises a medium weight zipper. For example, in some embodiments, the zipper comprises a #5 nylon zipper. In other embodiments, a #6 or #7 zipper may be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, metal, coil, or molded plastic zippers may be used. In some optional embodiments, the bag (700) may additionally include ¾ inch piping along the edges of the sides.
In some embodiments, the vertical panels forming the separator (714) may be formed using woven fabric. In some embodiments, this woven fabric comprises a 100 g woven fabric. In some embodiments, the panels additionally include an EP foam padding covered by the woven fabric. In some embodiments, this foam padding comprises a five-millimeter EPE foam padding.
In the illustrated embodiment, various addon features may be applied alone or in combination. In one embodiment, a label may be placed on the exterior-facing side of the handle (708). In one embodiment, this label may indicate the contents of the bag (700) (e.g., “just in case” or “auxiliary”). In some embodiments, including those described above, the materials used in the construction of the bag (700) comprise machine-washable materials, allowing for easy washing of the bag between uses.
In some embodiments, the separator (714) is physically connected or attached to the interior of the base (704). That is, in one embodiment, the separator (714) may be sewn to the base (704) of the bag (700). In other embodiments, however, the separator (714) is optional or removable. In this embodiment, the separator (714) can be removed as needed. In these embodiments, Velcro fasteners may be used to secure the separator (714) to the base (704). In these embodiments, Velcro may be placed on the sides and bottom of the base (704) and the corresponding faces of the separator (714). In some embodiments, 1-inch Velcro strips may be used.
In one embodiment, the handle (708) comprises a ⅜-inch polyester strap. In some embodiments, the polyester of the handle (708) may comprise a spun polyester strap. In some embodiments, the spun polyester of the handle (708) comprises a spun polyester webbing.
It should be noted that although embodiments are described that include specific dimensions and/or material thicknesses, those metrics should not be construed as limiting. Indeed, various dimensions and thicknesses may be implemented based on the needs of the case and the various sub-containers or based on shipping conditions.
Subject matter has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show illustrative embodiments. Subject matter can, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and the claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended.
In general, terminology can be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms, such as “and”, “or”, or “and/or,” as used herein can include a variety of meanings that can depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or,” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. Also, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or can be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, can be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. Also, the term “based on” can be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and can, instead, allow for the existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 16899998 | Jun 2020 | US |
Child | 17460707 | US |