SEALED COMPARTMENT BAG

Abstract

A bag comprising at least one foldable secondary compartment structure providing a useful article-carrying bag which is capable of being placed by a user in multiple article-carrying configurations which accommodate different circumstances. Multiple article-carrying configurations into which the bag may be placed include, a two compartment configuration and a three compartment configuration. A main compartment and two side compartments can be configured with multiple article-carrying configurations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Statement of the Technical Field

The inventive arrangements relate to article-carrying bags, and more particularly to article-carrying bags comprising at least one foldable sealed compartment.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are various conventional bags known for carrying articles. These conventional bags come in many shapes and sizes. Such conventional bags include, but are not limited to. hand carried bags. A significant problem with these conventional bags is that articles which are carried in the bags may commingle with one another. Therefore, if an individual wanted to keep such articles separate from one another, he would be unable to do so. For example, an individual may have soiled sports articles (e.g., shoes and clothes) that he wants to transport from one place to another. In such cases, the individual may wish to prevent other items contained in his bag from becoming soiled by commingling with the soiled sport articles. Conventional bags do not have a means integrated therein to ensure that the soiled sports articles will not commingle with other articles contained in the bag. Therefore, these conventional bags are limited in utility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures, and in which:

FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic illustrations of a hand carried bag comprising at least one foldable sealed compartment that is useful for understanding the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention concerns bag assemblies configured for carrying articles. Such bag assemblies include. but are not limited to, travel bags, duffle bags and carry-on bags. The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to one or more accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention, may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Before describing the bag assemblies of the present invention, it will be helpful in understanding an exemplary environment in which the invention can be utilized. In this regard, it should he understood that the bag assemblies of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different applications where articles are to be carried. Such applications include, but are not limited to, traveling applications, sports applications, camping applications and hiking applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1D, there is provided schematic illustrations of a bag 100 comprising at least one foldable secondary compartment structure 112 that is useful for understanding the present invention. The bag 100 provides a useful article-carrying bag which is capable of being placed by a user in multiple article-carrying configurations which accommodate different circumstances. FIGS. 1A-1D show the multiple article-carrying configurations into which the bag 100 may be placed. The multiple article-carrying configurations include, but are not limited to, a two compartment configuration 102 and a three compartment configuration 104. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, if the bag 100 includes a main compartment and two side compartments, then the multiple article-carrying configurations would include a four compartment configuration (not shown), rather than a two compartment configuration 102. This multi-compartment configuration will become more evident as the discussion progresses.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the bag 100 includes a main compartment structure 110, a side compartment structure 112 and a foldable secondary compartment structure 114. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. In this regard, the bag 100 can include more compartment structures than that shown. For example, the bag 100 can include various compartment structures disposed on the outer surfaces of a front panel, a back panel and side panels of the bag 100. Various compartment structures can also be disposed in the bag 100 so as to be coupled to inner surfaces of the front panel, a back panel and side panels thereof.

The compartment structures 110, 112, 114 can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, non-woven materials, woven materials, mesh materials, water-resistant materials, leather, canvas and collapsible fabric materials. Notably, each of the compartment structures 110, 112, 114 can be formed from the same material or different material(s).

The main compartment structure 110 may be considered the primary article-carrying compartment structure because it provides the largest unrestricted volume for carrying articles. The term “unrestricted”, as used here, means that the entire volume of the main compartment structure 110 can be made available for defining a single, primary carrying compartment. If only the main compartment structure 110 is desired to be used, then one would only need to open the main compartment structure 110 via a closure element 116. This configuration is ideal for carrying articles which are elongate and require the entire volume of the main compartment structure 110. Such articles can include, but are not limited to, sports equipment, retractable umbrellas, thermoses and portable computers.

The main compartment structure 110 has a top 114 defining a first bag opening which is selectively closable via a zipper 116. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the main compartment structure 110 may have closure elements other than a zipper 116. Such closure elements can include, but are not limited to, Velcro, loop-and-pile fasteners, snaps, button/hole pairs and latches.

The main compartment structure 110 also includes a closed bottom 118 and a central body 120 which extends between the top 114 and the bottom 118. At least the bottom 118 can he formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material suitable to maintain its shape and structural integrity during use of the bag 100. Alternatively, the bottom 118 can include a rigid or semi-rigid insert or floor panel.

As shown, the top 114, bottom 118 and a central body 120 define a first interior space 122 sized and shaped to carry various articles. Although the top 114 and central body 120 are shown to be separate structures, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the top 114 and central body 120 can be a single continuous structure. A plurality of joinder lines 130a, 130b, 130c directly connect the top 114, bottom 118 and/or central body 120 together. Each of the joinder lines 130a, 130b, 130c can be formed from a sewn stitching, adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. If the joinder lines 130a, 130b. 130c include sewn stitching, then the seams (not shown) formed from coupling the components 114. 118, 120 together can be water-tight and/or air-tight.

Although only one side compartment structure 112 is shown, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the bag 100 can include a side compartment structures 112 disposed on each end of two opposing ends thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the side compartment structure 112 includes side walls 124, 132 defining a second bag opening 128. At least a portion of the side wall 124 is attached to the hang 100 via a U-shaped zipper 126. The U-shaped zipper 126 provide means for selectively opening and closing the second bag opening 128. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the side wall 124 can be at least partially attached to the hag 100 via closure elements other than a zipper 126. Such closure elements can include, but are not limited to, Velcro, loop-and-pile fasteners, snaps, button/hole pairs and latches. The side wall 132 is joined to the main compartment structure 110 via at least one joinder line 134. The joinder line 134 can be formed from a sewn stitching, adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. If the joinder line 134 includes sewn stitching, then the seams (not shown) formed from coupling the side wall 132 to the main compartment structure 110 can be water-tight and/or air-tight.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the side wall 132 has a flap 158 and a closure element 136 coupled thereto. The closure element 136 can include, but is not limited to, Velcro, a U-shaped zipper (as shown in FIG. 1B), loop-and-pile fasteners (not shown), snaps (not shown), button/hole pairs (not shown) and/or latches (not shown). The flap 158 and closure element 136 collectively facilitate access to the foldable secondary compartment structure 114. The closure element 136 also facilitates the selective opening and closing of the secondary compartment structure 114. Consequently, the secondary compartment structure 114 is concealed in the bag 100 at least partially by the side compartment structure 112.

Although a single secondary compartment structure 114 is shown, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the bag 100 can include a secondary compartment structure 114 disposed on each end of two opposing ends thereof.

The secondary compartment structure 114 may be considered the secondary article-carrying compartment structure because it provides a smaller volume for carrying articles as compared to the main compartment structure 110. If secondary compartment structure 114 is desired to he used, then one would need to open it via a closure element 136 of the side compartment structure 112 and a closure element 156 of the main compartment structure 110. This configuration is useful for carrying articles which are not to be commingled with articles disposed in the main compartment structure 110, or vice versa. Such articles include, but are not limited to, sports cloths, sport shoes, towels, wet cloths, beverage containers, lotions, liquid bathing products and other fluid/liquid products.

As shown in FIG. 1A-1D, the secondary compartment structure 114 includes a carrying member 138 that can he transitioned from a collapsed position to an extended position 150. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carrying member 138 has a generally bag-like shape. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard. For example, the carrying member 138 can have any shape that is suitable for carrying items. Such shapes include, but are not limited to, cylindrical shapes, rectangular shapes, accordion shapes and cone shapes.

The transition between the positions of the carrying member 138 is facilitated by the closure elements 136 coupled to the side wall 132 of the side compartment structure 112 and closure elements 156 coupled to a side wall 140 disposed in the interior of the hag 100. The closure elements 156 can include, but are not limited to, Velcro, a U-shaped zipper, loop-and-pile fasteners (not shown), snaps (not shown), button/hole pairs (not shown) and/or latches (not shown).

In the collapsed position, the carrying member 138 is folded and housed in a chamber at least partially defined by the sidewall 132 of the side compartment structure 112 and the side wall 140 disposed in the interior of the bag 100. The size and shape of the chamber can vary based on the type of material(s) employed for the carrying member 138. In the extended position 150, the carrying member 138 is unfolded so as to extend into the first interior space 122 of the main compartment structure 110. In this regard, it should be understood that the unfolded carrying member 138 has a size and shape that fits within the first interior space 122 of the main compartment structure 110. The size and shape of the unfolded carrying member 138 can be selected to permit articles to be carried in the first interior space 122 of the main compartment structure 110 and a second interior space 152 of the secondary compartment structure 114.

The carrying member 138 can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials include. but are not limited to, non-woven materials, woven materials, mesh materials, water-resistant materials, leather, canvas and collapsible fabric materials. However, it should be understood that water-resistant materials provide certain advantages over other materials. For example, a carrying member 138 formed of a water-resistant material can prevent dry/clean articles disposed in the main compartment structure 110 from becoming wet/soiled by articles disposed in the secondary compartment structure 114.

The carrying member 138 can be coupled to the main compartment structure 110 and/or the secondary compartment structure 114 via one or more joinder lines. The joinder lines can be formed from a sewn stitching adhesive bonding and/or heat bonding. If the joinder lines include sewn stitching, then the seams (not shown) formed from coupling the carrying member 138 to the structures 110, 114 can be water-tight and/or air-tight. Alternatively, the carrying member 138 can be coupled to the main compartment structure 110 and/or the secondary compartment structure 114 via Velcro or other coupling means that allows the carrying member 138 to be coupled and decoupled from the bag 100. In this scenario, the carrying member 138 can be removed from the bag 100 so that it can be cleaned.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the bag 100 can include at least one handle and/or at least one carrying strap. The handle can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, leather, plastic. wood. metal, fabric or a combination thereof. The handle is attached to the bag 100 via sewn stitching, an adhesive bond or a mechanical connector (e.g., a clip or hook/loop fastener).

The carrying strap(s) (not shown) can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, non-woven materials, woven materials, mesh materials, water-resistant materials, leather, canvas and collapsible fabric materials. For example, the carrying strap(s) (not shown) can be formed of a flat rope. The flat rope can include, but is not limited to, a durable polyester braided flat rope and a durable nylon flat rope. The carrying strap(s) (not shown) can be attached to the bag 100 by sewing or the like. The seams (not shown) formed from coupling the carrying strap(s) to the bag 100 can be water-tight and/or air-tight. The carrying strap(s) (not shown) can be formed into carrying loops (not shown). The carrying loops (not shown) provide a means for carrying the bag 100 by hand or over-the-shoulder.

The carrying strap(s) can have adjustable retaining structures (not shown) disposed thereon. The adjustable retaining structures are configured for facilitating the adjustment of the length of the carrying strap(s). For example, the adjustable retaining structures can include, but is not limited to, clips, buckles and other securing, means.

All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined.

Claims

1. A bag, comprising: a main compartment structure defining a first interior space for carrying articles;at least one side compartment structure attached to an end of said main compartment structure defining a second interior space for carrying articles, said second interior space smaller than said first interior space; anda secondary compartment structure that is concealed between said main compartment structure and said side compartment structure, said secondary compartment structure including a carrying member adjustable between (a) a collapsed position in which said carrying member is stowed in a chamber at least partially defined by a first sidewall of said main compartment structure and a second sidewall of said side compartment structure, and(b) an extended position in which said carrying member extends into said first interior space so as to define a third interior space for carrying articles.

2. The bag of claim 1 further comprising at least a third compartment structure.

3. The bag of claim 2 wherein said third compartment structure is concealed between said main compartment structure and said side compartment structure.

4. The bag of claim 2 wherein said third compartment structure includes a carrying member adjustable between a collapsed position in which said carrying member is stowed in a chamber at least partially defined by a first sidewall of said main compartment structure and a second sidewall of said side compartment structure, andan extended position in which said carrying member extends into said first interior space so as to define a third interior space for carrying articles.

5. The bag of claim 1 wherein the main compartment structure has a top defining a first bag opening.

6. The bag of claim 5 wherein the first bag opening includes at least one closure element.

7. The bag of claim 1 wherein the main compartment structure has a bottom formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

8. The bag of claim 1 wherein the at least one side compartment includes, side walls defining a second bag opening.

9. The bag of claim 8 wherein the second bag opening includes a mechanism for selectively opening and closing the second bag opening.

10. The bag of claim 1 wherein the secondary compartment structure includes a carrying member configured to be transitioned from a collapsed position to an extended position.