Patent Application
20060102673
This invention relates generally to a bag for carrying items, and, in particular, to a bag for carrying items that is reconfigurable to different volumes for different uses.
Bags for carrying items are well known. Such bags include, for example, backpacks, book bags, duffel bags, suitcases, and tote bags. These bags typically contain a main interior compartment, and may include additional internal and/or external pockets. At times, a user will need to carry more items than their bag is designed to carry, causing the user to bring an additional bag or carry some items by hand. Some known bags are expandable, allowing the carrying capacity of the bag to be increased.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,215 to Sawai discloses a gusseted suitcase having a body and a pair of gussets secured to the bottom of the body. The gussets are secured to the body by way of fasteners. When the fasteners are opened, the gussets unfold to increase the volume of the suitcase. Sawai is limiting in the amount that its expandable gussets can expand the volume of the suitcase.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag for carrying items that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.
The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide a bag that can be converted from a first configuration to a second, expanded configuration and in which the portion of the bag that provides for the expanded volume and also serve to act as an internal pocket when the bag is in its compact first configuration.
In accordance with a first aspect, a bag for carrying items has an interior compartment and an exterior surface. An aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the bag. A closure panel is releasably secured to the aperture when the bag is in a first configuration. A primary pocket is secured around a peripheral edge thereof to the aperture and to the closure panel. The primary pocket extends into the interior compartment to form an interior pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag when the bag is in the first configuration. The primary pocket extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag and is in communication with and expands the volume of the interior compartment when the bag is in a second configuration. The closure panel forms a portion of the primary pocket when the bag is in the second configuration.
In accordance with another aspect, a bag for carrying items has an interior compartment and an exterior surface. At least one aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the bag. The bag has at least one closure panel, with each closure panel covering a corresponding aperture when the bag is in a first configuration. The bag has at least one fastener, with each fastener releasably securing one of the closure panels to a corresponding aperture. The bag also has at least one pocket, with each pocket being secured around a peripheral edge thereof to a corresponding aperture and to a corresponding closure panel. The pocket extends into the interior compartment to form an interior pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag when the bag is in the first configuration, and extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag and is in communication with and expands the volume of the interior compartment when the bag is in a second configuration. The corresponding closure panel forms a portion of the pocket when the pocket extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag.
In accordance with a further aspect, a bag for carrying items has an interior compartment and an exterior surface. At least one aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the bag. The bag has at least one closure panel, with each closure panel covering a corresponding aperture when the bag is in a first configuration. The bag has at least one fastener, with each fastener releasably securing one of the closure panels to a corresponding aperture. The bag also has at least one primary pocket, with each primary pocket being secured around a peripheral edge thereof to a corresponding aperture and to a corresponding closure panel. The primary pocket extends into the interior compartment to form an interior pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag when the bag is in the first configuration. The primary pocket extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag and is in communication with and expands the volume of the interior compartment when the bag is in a second configuration. The corresponding closure panel forms a portion of the pocket when the pocket extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag. The bag has at least one secondary pocket, with each secondary pocket secured around a peripheral edge thereof to an aperture formed in a primary pocket and to a second closure panel releasably secured to the aperture formed in the primary pocket. The secondary pocket extends into the primary pocket to form a secondary interior pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag when the bag is in a third configuration, and extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the primary pocket and is in communication with and expands the volume of the interior compartment when the bag is in a fourth configuration. The second closure panel forms a portion of the secondary pocket when the secondary pocket extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag.
In accordance with yet another aspect, a bag for carrying items includes a bag having an interior compartment and an exterior surface. At least one aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the bag and a fastener releasably closes the aperture. A primary pocket is secured around a peripheral edge thereof to the aperture. The primary pocket extends into the interior compartment to form an interior pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag when the bag is in the first configuration. The primary pocket extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag and is in communication with and expands the volume of the interior compartment when the bag is in a second configuration. A releasable fastener is formed in the primary pocket and is configured to provide access to the interior compartment when the bag is in the first configuration and when the bag is in the second configuration.
Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a bag having a pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag in a first configuration and accessible from an interior compartment of the bag in a second configuration. In particular, such a bag provides increased utility, providing multiple sizes and pocket configurations for the bag. This is highly advantageous since the needs of users of such a bag can vary substantially from time to time. For example, at certain times a user will have a need to carry more items than their bag can accommodate.
These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
FIGS. 12A-D are top and elevation views of a preferred embodiment of a base member to provide support for a bottom of a bag in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 13A-D are top and elevation views of another preferred embodiment of a base member to provide support for a bottom of a bag in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 14A-D are top and elevation views of an alternative preferred embodiment of a base member to provide support for a bottom of a bag in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 15A-D are top and elevation views of another alternative preferred embodiment of a base member to provide support for a bottom of a bag in accordance with the present invention.
The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to present a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the bag for carrying items depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Bags for carrying items, as disclosed herein, would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.
The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A preferred embodiment of a bag for carrying items is shown in the form of a backpack 20 in
Backpack 20 includes an interior compartment 22, access to which is obtained by way of a releasable fastener such as a zipper 24. It is to be appreciated that other releasable fasteners for controlling access to interior compartment 22 are considered to be within the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, cinching cords, and buttons. Other suitable releasable fasteners will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. Backpack 20 includes a pair of shoulder straps 26 such that backpack 20 can be carried on the shoulders of a user.
An aperture 28 is formed in backpack 20. In the illustrated embodiment, aperture 28 is formed in a side panel of backpack 20. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, aperture 28 may be formed in any portion of backpack 20. A closure panel 30 is releasably secured along a portion thereof to aperture 28 by a releasable fastener such as a zipper 32, shown here in a partially open position, and serves to cover, or close off, aperture 28. It is to be appreciated that other releasable fasteners for securing closure panel 30 to aperture 28 are considered to be within the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and buttons. Other suitable releasable fasteners will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
A primary pocket 34 is partially secured about its peripheral edge 36 to aperture 28. When backpack 20 is in a first, compact configuration, as illustrated in
Backpack 20 can also be transformed to a second configuration. As illustrated in
It is to be appreciated that backpack 20 can have more than one such pocket that can be inverted, allowing additional expansion of backpack 20. As illustrated in
Another preferred embodiment is shown in
Another preferred embodiment is shown in
Another preferred embodiment is shown in
Another preferred embodiment is shown in
In certain preferred embodiments, a panel 75 may be secured to aperture 64 closing off access between pocket 60 and interior compartment 52.
As illustrated here, both end panels 66 of duffel bag 46 have a pocket 60 secured thereto in order to form invertible pockets in each end. However, it is to be appreciated that pocket 60 may also, or alternatively, for example, be secured to an aperture formed in either or both side panels 70 of duffel bag 46. As illustrated here, a first releasable fastener such as zipper 72 is formed in pocket 60, allowing access to interior compartment 52 when pocket 60 is inverted to extend outwardly from the exterior surface of duffel bag 46, or to another pocket extending inwardly into pocket 60. A second releasable fastener 74 may also be included in pocket 60, allowing additional access to interior compartment 52, or to another pocket extending inwardly into pocket 60.
Another preferred embodiment is shown in
As illustrated here, both end panels 88 of bag 80 have a first pocket 82 secured thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that additional pockets may also, or alternatively, for example, be secured to apertures formed in either or both side panels 92 of bag 80. As illustrated here, a releasable fastener such as a zipper 94 is formed in first pocket 82, allowing access to interior compartment 81 when first pocket 82 is inverted and extends outwardly from bag 80 or to another pocket within first pocket 82.
In the illustrated embodiment, first pocket 82 includes a top panel 96, bottom panel 89, two side panels 100, and an end panel 102. A secondary, or second pocket 104 is secured about its peripheral edge 106 to an aperture 108 formed in end panel 102 of first pocket 82 and to a closure panel 109, allowing storage within first pocket 82 from the exterior in a third configuration. Closure panel 109 is secured to aperture 108 with a releasable fastener such as a zipper 110. When zipper 110 is in its open condition, second pocket 104 can be inverted and extended outwardly from first pocket 82 so as to greatly expand the volume of interior compartment 81 when the bag is in a fourth configuration, with closure panel 109 becoming the bottom panel of second pocket 104 in this configuration. Second pocket 104 also has a pair of side panels 111, an end panel 113, and a top panel 115.
As illustrated here, both first pockets 82 have a second pocket 104 secured to a respective aperture 108 in an end panel 102. Consequently, bag 80 is expandable in telescoping fashion with a plurality of nested pockets to increase and decrease the volume of interior compartment 81 to a large degree, depending on whether first pockets 82 and second pockets 104 extend inwardly into or extend outwardly from bag 80.
A strap 112 may be secured at opposed ends thereof to fasteners, such as loops 114 that are secured to bag 80. This allows a user to conveniently carry bag 80 with strap 112 when pockets 82 and 104 are in their internal positions within bag 80. Alternatively, as illustrated here, strap 112 may be secured at opposed ends thereof to fasteners, such as loops 116, on first pockets 82. Having different fasteners located at different positions on bag 80 allows for different orientations of strap 112 along bag 80, depending on which configuration of bag 80 is being utilized. Consequently, strap 112 can be secured to bag 80 in a first manner corresponding to one configuration of bag 80, and in a second manner corresponding to another configuration of bag 80.
Another preferred embodiment of a bag 120 is shown in
An aperture 130 at one end of bag 120 is closed by way of a releasable fastener such as a cinching cord 132. A pocket 134 is secured about its peripheral edge 136 to aperture 130. As illustrated in
Bag 120 can also be transformed to a second configuration, which is illustrated in
As seen in
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, an expandable support member 140 is seen in FIGS. 12A-D. Support member 140 is suitable for use in the bottom of a bag, such as a duffel bag, which is expandable by way of inverting a pocket as described above. Support member 140 provides a substantially rigid bottom support for the items carried in the duffel bag when the duffel bag is in its compact and expanded configurations.
Support member 140 is formed of a substantially rigid and planar first member 142 and a substantially rigid and planar second member 144, which is preferably approximately the same size as first member 142. First member 142 and second member 144 are pivotally connected to one another by way of a pin 146. As shown in
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, an expandable support member 150 is seen in FIGS. 13A-D. Support member 150 is suitable for use in the bottom of a bag, such as a duffel bag, which is expandable at opposite ends thereof. Support member 150 provides a substantially rigid base for the items carried in the duffel bag when the duffel bag is in its compact and its expanded configurations.
Support member 150 is formed of a substantially rigid and planar first member 152, a substantially rigid and planar second member 154, which is preferably approximately the same size as first member 152 and is pivotally connected to first member 152 by way of a pin 156. A substantially rigid and planar third member 158, which is preferably approximately the same size as first member 152, is pivotally connected to first member 152 by way of a pin 160. As shown in FIGS. 13A-B, expandable support member 150 is depicted in its first, compact configuration, which would correspond with a duffel bag in a corresponding compact configuration having its pockets extending into its internal compartment. Support member 150 is positioned in the bottom of the internal compartment in order to provide support for items carried in the duffel bag. To expand support member 150, second member 154 can be pivoted about pin 156 (shown in dotted lines in
As illustrated in FIGS. 13C-D, support member 150 is fully expanded. It is to be appreciated that in certain preferred embodiments, where only one of the pockets of the duffel bag is inverted to extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the duffel bag, only one of second member 154 and third member 158 need be rotated about its respective pin.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, an expandable support member 161 is seen in FIGS. 14A-D. Support member 161 is similar to support member 150, however, it has an additional substantially rigid and planar fourth member 162 pivotally connected to second member 154 by way of a pin 164. Fourth member 162 is rotated about pin 164 (shown in dotted lines in
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, an expandable support member 170 is seen in FIGS. 15A-D. Support member 170 is suitable for use in the bottom of a bag, such as a duffel bag, which is expandable at opposite ends thereof. Support member 170 provides a substantially rigid base for the items carried in the duffel bag when the duffel bag is in its compact and its expanded configurations.
Support member 170 is formed of a substantially rigid and planar first member 172, a substantially rigid and planar second member 174, which is preferably approximately half the size of first member 172, and is pivotally connected to first member 172 by way of a pin 176. A substantially rigid and planar third member 178, which is preferably approximately half the size of first member 172, is pivotally connected to first member 172 by way of a pin 180. As shown in FIGS. 15A-B, expandable support member 170 is depicted in its first, compact configuration, with second member 174 and third member 178 folded under first member 172. This compact configuration would correspond with a duffel bag in a corresponding compact configuration having its pockets extending into its internal compartment. Support member 170 is positioned in the bottom of the internal compartment in order to provide support for items carried in the duffel bag. To expand support member 170, second member 174 can be pivoted about pin 176 (shown in dotted lines in
As illustrated in FIGS. 15C-D, support member 170 is fully expanded. It is to be appreciated that in certain preferred embodiments where only one of the pockets of the duffel bag is inverted to extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the duffel bag, only one of second member 174 and third member 178 need be rotated about its respective pin.
The invertible pockets for use with bags in accordance with the present invention can take many shapes. A preferred embodiment of a pocket 182 is shown in
An alternative embodiment of a pocket 182′ is shown in
Another embodiment of a pocket 198 secured about its peripheral edge 200 to an aperture 202 in end panel 188 is shown in
Another embodiment of a pocket 206 is shown in
Another embodiment of a pocket 214 is shown in
Another embodiment of a pocket 224 is shown in
Another embodiment of a pocket 234 is shown in
Another embodiment of a pocket 244 is shown in
It is to be appreciated that the various pocket shapes described above and shown herein are merely exemplary of the shapes of pockets to be used with a bag in accordance with the present invention, and other suitable shapes will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.
In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.
