UTILITY BAG

Abstract

A utility bag for storing and organizing. The utility bag includes a tray, wherein the tray includes a textile housing and a plurality of tabs. The utility bag also includes a multi-level slotted storage wing, configured to store a plurality of objects, wherein the multi-level slotted storage wing includes a first slotted storage layer and a second slotted storage layer. The utility bag further includes an arcuate pocket wing, configured to hold objects, including a curved interior surface and a curved exterior surface, wherein the curved interior surface and the curved exterior surface form a concave pocket, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a handle coupled to the exterior surface. A non skid layer is coupled to and disposed underneath the tray and the arcuate pocket wing. A second arcuate pocket wing substantially mirroring the first arcuate pocket wing, and configured to match with the first arcuate pocket wing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an utility bag, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an utility bag, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a non-slip material of an utility bag, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an utility bag, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an utility bag, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a tool organizer of an utility bag, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a tool organizer of an utility bag, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term “an embodiment,” or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional features, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.

Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The independent embodiments are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

Finally, the fact that the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this application to incorporate by reference the phrasing “an embodiment,” and the like, at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is, are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

FIG. 1 illustrates a utility bag 10 for storing and organizing, which includes a tray 16. The tray 16 includes a bottom 30 and a plurality of side walls 32 extending from the bottom 30. The bottom 30 and the plurality of side walls 32 of the tray 16 are rigid. The tray 16 also includes a textile housing 34 disposed about the bottom 30 and the plurality of side walls 32. The tray 16 includes a plurality of tabs 26 extending from the plurality of side walls 32. In the illustrated example, the tabs are coupled indirectly to the side walls through the textile housing. In addition, the tabs 26 also include a securing member 36 to couple to an arcuate pocket wing 14, 86. There is also shown a multi-level slotted storage wing 12 that is hingedly coupled near a top end 40 of one of the plurality of side walls 32 of the tray 16, and extending therefrom. In the illustrated example, the multi-level slotted storage wing is indirectly coupled to the side wall through the textile housing. The multi-level slotted storage wing 12 is removably coupleable to the tray 16 by means of the illustrated zipper assembly coupling the storage wing 12 to the textile housing 34.

There is also shown an arcuate pocket wing 14 which is configured to hold objects. The arcuate pocket wing 14 is hingedly coupled to the tray 16 and includes a curved interior surface 52 and a curved exterior surface 56. The curved interior surface 52 and the curved exterior surface 56 form a concave pocket 62. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a retaining member 64 disposed along a side 68 (See FIG. 1) of the concave pocket 62 and configured to retain an object 38 there along. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a spacing member 74, configured to space the concave pocket 62 from the tray 16, wherein the spacing member 74 is substantially as wide as a sidewall 32 and as the tray 16 is tall. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a pocket cover 76.

Furthermore, FIG. 1 illustrates a utility bag 10 including a second arcuate pocket wing 86 substantially mirroring the first arcuate pocket wing 14, and configured to match with the first arcuate pocket wing 14 and the plurality of tabs 26 of the utility bag 10. In addition, the arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a plurality of rigid members 78 configured to hold the shape of the arcuate pocket wing 14. The exterior surface 56 includes a securing member (illustrated as a hook and loop patch) 36 configured to removably couple to the plurality of tabs 26. One example of a securing member may be, but not limited to, Velcro.

FIG. 2 illustrates a utility bag 10 including an arcuate pocket wing 14 configured to hold objects. The arcuate pocket wing 14 is hingedly coupled to the tray 16 and includes a curved interior surface 52 and a curved exterior surface 56. The curved interior surface 52 and the curved exterior surface 56 form a concave pocket 62. The curved exterior surface reduces the likelihood of the bag catching on portions of the vehicle and/or the user, thereby enhancing the safety of the bag. The configuration of the curved interior surface 52 of the arcuate pocket wing 14 enables an object 38 to rest about a single resting position, thereby simplifying the search for objects resting therein. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a retaining member 64 disposed along a side 68 of the concave pocket 62 and configured to retain an object, such as the illustrated tool, therealong. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a spacing member 74, configured to space the concave pocket 62 from the tray 16. FIG. 2 further illustrates a multi-level slotted storage wing 12 coupled to the tray 16 of the utility bag 10. The illustrated utility bag 10 is in an open mode 20 and resting on a power sport vehicle 88.

In operation of the illustrated embodiment, a user places the bag over a portion of a power sport vehicle, such as over a gas tank. The arcuate pocket wings hinge outwardly and downwardly thereby wrapping about the portion of the vehicle and gripping that portion while providing a great variety of storage and utility options to the user in a convenient location. The user utilizes the bag as desired and when complete, wraps up the bag into a closed mode (See FIGS. 4 and 5) for transportation elsewhere.

FIG. 3 illustrates a utility bag including a utility bag 10 including a non skid layer 80 coupled to and disposed underneath the tray 16 and the arcuate pocket wing 14. The non skid layer 80 extends only partially underneath the arcuate pocket wing 14 forming a curved boundary 82 between an exposed arcuate pocket wing surface 84 and the non skid layer 80. Examples of a non skid technology (layers having a relatively high friction coefficient such that lateral motion is restricted under typical usage forces) may be, but not limited to, a non skid material as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,109 issued to McBride, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,271, issued to Taub, which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a spacing member 74, configured to space the concave pocket from the tray 16. The tray 16 includes a plurality of tabs 26 extending from the tray 16.

Advantageously, as the bag in use wraps about a portion of a vehicle, the non-skid layer is applied over a larger surface area than merely a bottom portion of the bag. Further, the non-skid layer applies a restricting force over a larger number of directions, thus synergistically enhancing the ability of the non-skid layer to resist motion of the bag under a larger range of force amounts and directions. This enhanced ability provides additional safety, reliability, efficiency, and ease of use under operating conditions. It is understood that one skilled in the art would be able to determine appropriate materials for the non-skid layer from the great variety of materials publicly available and would be able to determine an appropriate threshold for coefficient of friction of such materials based on simple experimentation under use conditions.

Further, the curved boundary of the non-skid layer takes advantage from the generally curved nature of power sport vehicle mounting portions, such that a near maximum amount of surface area of the bag is in contact through a non-skid layer while minimizing the total surface area of the bag that is covered with the non-skid layer. This is accomplished because the non-skid material is positioned about the area of most probable contact.

FIG. 4 illustrates a utility bag 10 including an arcuate pocket wing 14, in a partially closed mode between the open mode 20 and a closed mode 28. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a spacing member 74, configured to space the concave pocket 62 from the tray 16. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a handle 66 coupled to the exterior surface 56, wherein the exterior surface 56 includes a securing member 36 configured to removably couple to the plurality of tabs 26. The tray 16 includes a plurality of tabs 26. The tabs 26 include a coupling mechanism 72 configured to couple the end of the tabs 26 together. FIG. 4 further illustrates a backing 44 of a multi-level slotted storage wing 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates a utility bag 10 in a closed mode 28. The utility bag 10 includes a non skid layer 80 coupled to and disposed underneath the tray 16 and the arcuate pocket wing 14. The non skid layer 80 extends only partially underneath the arcuate pocket wing 14 forming a curved boundary 82 between an exposed arcuate pocket wing surface 84 and the non skid layer 80. The arcuate pocket wing 14 includes a handle 66 coupled to the exterior surface 56. The illustration shows that the utility bag 10 is in a closed mode 28. The utility bag 10 also includes a coupling mechanism 72 coupling together the plurality of tabs 26. In addition, the arcuate pocket wing includes handles 66 to transport the utility bag 10 in a closed mode 28.

FIG. 6 illustrates a multi-level slotted storage wing 12 of a utility bag 10. The multi-level slotted storage wing 12 includes a first slotted storage layer 42, secured to a backing 44, and a second slotted storage layer 46 frontally disposed over a lower portion 48 of the first slotted storage layer 42. The first slotted storage layer 42 and the second slotted storage layer 46 include a lip 54 along a top edge 50 of the first slotted storage layer 42 and second slotted storage layer 46 and wherein the lip 54 is not directly secured to the backing 44.

In operation, a user may slide an object into one of the slots for storage. The uncoupled lip facilitates one-handed sliding and also allows a user to more easily select between and/or change slot locations.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a multi-level slotted storage wing 12 of a utility bag 10. The multi-level slotted storage wing 12 includes a first slotted storage layer 42, secured to a backing 44, and a second slotted storage layer 46 frontally disposed over a lower portion 48 the first slotted storage layer 42. The first slotted storage layer 42 and the second slotted storage layer 46 include a lip 54 along a top edge 50 of the first slotted storage layer 42 and second slotted storage layers 46 and wherein the lip 54 is not directly secured to the backing 44. The first slotted storage layer 42 further includes a pressure dispersion member 60 disposed in the lower portion 48 of the first slotted storage layer 42 and extending across a plurality of slots 18.

Advantageously, the pressure dispersion member disperses pressure when objects are inserted and/or removed from slots, thereby lessening the likelihood of such interfering with slots above/below the slot of the object being manipulated. The pressure dispersion member 60 may be a rigid plate extending along a bottom portion of the slots.

In operation of the utility bag 10, a user places the utility bag 10 on a portion of the vehicle, such as along a centerline portion such as but not limited to the gas tank, seat, or rear end area of a power sport vehicle 88. The user is able to work from the utility bag, using it as a centralized base of operations as the utility bag is conveniently located on the vehicle. The user then decouples the coupling mechanism 72 of the tabs 26. The user then detaches the securing member 36 of the tabs 26 from the securing members 36 of the arcuate pocket wing 14. The arcuate pocket wings 14 unfold and displaces on both sides of the power sport vehicle 88. Thereby, displaying the tray 16, multi-level slotted storage wing 12, and arcuate pocket wings 14 to store and organize tools, parts, and accessories for maintenance, repair, and cleaning. In addition, the non skid material 80 rests about the gas tank, seat, or rear end areas of the power sport vehicle 88. Gravity and the weight of the utility bag 10 and stored objects 38 constrict the exterior surface 56 of the arcuate pocket wings 14 and the tray 16 to the power sport vehicle 88. In further operation the user may selectably couple the multi-level slotted storage wing 12 from near a top end 40 of the side wall 32 of the tray 16; and interchange other various multi-level slotted storage wings 90 to the utility bag 10 when those objects are needed. The user may then couple the multi-level slotted storage wings 12 and fold up the arcuate pocket wings 14 and secure the securing members 36 of the tabs 26 to the securing members 36 of the arcuate pocket wings 14. Then the user attaches the coupling mechanism 72 on the ends of the tabs 26 to secure the utility bag 10 in a compact travel assembly, closed mode 28.

The following are other variations of the design and configuration of the utility bag, however still including the basic features of the current design and configuration. Supplying the end user with a mount; then providing a separate apparatus that utilized the mount to work on the vehicle that has similar attributes of the invention. There may be an apparatus that does not rest upon the vehicle with similar attributes of the invention. For instance, a free standing apparatus similar to a dentist tray or cart on wheels that hovers, straddles or stands next to a power sport, vehicle that contains a free floating work surface/storage and/or organization. It is envisioned to integrate one or more described features into the power sport vehicle itself; and/or integrate a work area that is uncovered and utilized. It is envisioned to modulize one or more described structures, thereby allowing one to assemble a utility bag in parts. In one example, there is the option to make the bottom of a bag a hard shell that can be used as a work surface.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the figures illustrate a multi-level slotted storage wing, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the multi-level slotted storage wing may vary in size, shape, configuration, plurality of slots, design, color, length, width, material, and still perform its intended function.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate a tray, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the tray may vary in design, shape, configuration, length, size, width, and still perform its intended function.

It is also envisioned that the utility bag may include a variety of multi-level slotted storage wings and arcuate pocket wings may be accessories or additional attachments to the tray.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the arcuate pocket wings may be selectably coupleable to the utility bag's textile housing, in addition the arcuate pocket wings may vary in size and still perform its intended function.

Further, while hook and loop, zippers, and buckles are illustrated as devices for coupling, it is understood that there is a great variety of coupling options available for portions of the invention including but not limited to tacky materials, tongue and groove pairs, snaps, buttons, and etc.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, the tray may be constructed of but not limited to plastic, rubber, rubber compositions, metal, metal alloys, etc. and still perform its intended function. In addition, the multi-level slotted storage wing may be comprised of, but not limited to: neoprene, fabric, cloth, etc. and still perform its intended function.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A utility bag for storing and organizing, comprising: a) a tray, including a bottom and a plurality of side walls extending from the bottom, wherein the bottom and the plurality of side walls are rigid, wherein the tray includes a textile housing disposed about the bottom and the plurality of side walls, wherein the tray includes a plurality of tabs extending from the plurality of side walls, the tabs having a coupling mechanism configured to couple the end of the tabs together;b) a multi-level slotted storage wing, configured to store a plurality of objects, hingedly coupled near a top end of one of the plurality of side walls of the tray, and extending therefrom, wherein the multi-level slotted storage wing includes a first slotted storage layer, secured to a backing, and a second slotted storage layer frontally disposed over a lower portion the first slotted storage layer;c) an arcuate pocket wing, configured to hold objects, hingedly coupled to the tray and including a curved interior surface and a curved exterior surface, wherein the curved interior surface and the curved exterior surface form a concave pocket, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a spacing member, configured to space the pocket from the tray, wherein the spacing member is substantially as wide as one of the plurality of sidewalls is tall, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a handle coupled to the exterior surface;d) a non skid layer coupled to and disposed underneath the tray and the arcuate pocket wing; ande) a second arcuate pocket wing substantially mirroring the first arcuate pocket wing, and configured to match with the first arcuate pocket wing and the plurality of tabs when the utility bag is in a closed mode.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first slotted storage layer includes a lip along a top edge of the first slotted storage layer and wherein the lip is not directly secured to the backing.

3. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first slotted storage layer further includes a pressure dispersion member disposed in the lower portion of the first slotted storage layer and extending across a plurality of slots.

4. A device as in claim 1, wherein the multi-level slotted storage wing is removably coupleable to the tray.

5. A device as in claim 1, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a retaining member internally disposed along a side of the concave pocket and configured to retain an object there along.

6. A device as in claim 1, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a pocket cover.

7. A device as in claim 1, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a plurality of rigid members configured to hold the shape of the arcuate pocket wing.

8. A device as in claim 1, wherein the exterior surface includes a securing member configured to removably couple to the plurality of tabs.

9. A device as in claim 1, wherein the non skid layer extends only partially underneath the arcuate pocket wing forming a curved boundary between exposed arcuate pocket wing surface and non skid layer.

10. A utility bag for storing and organizing, comprising: a) a tray, including a bottom and a plurality of side walls extending from the bottom;b) a multi-level slotted storage wing, configured to store a plurality of objects, hingedly coupled near a top end of one of the plurality of side walls of the tray, and extending therefrom;c) an arcuate pocket wing, configured to hold objects, hingedly coupled to the tray and including a curved interior surface and a curved exterior surface, wherein the curved interior surface and the curved exterior surface form a concave pocket; andd) a non skid layer coupled to and disposed underneath the tray and the arcuate pocket wing.

11. A device as in claim 10, wherein the bottom and the plurality of side walls are rigid, and wherein the tray includes a textile housing disposed about the bottom and the plurality of side walls, also the tray includes a plurality of tabs extending from the plurality of side walls, the tabs include a coupling mechanism configured to couple the end of the tabs together.

12. A device as in claim 10, wherein the multi-level slotted storage wing includes a first slotted storage layer, secured to a backing, and a second slotted storage layer frontally disposed over a lower portion the first slotted storage layer, and wherein the first slotted storage layer further includes a pressure dispersion member disposed in the lower portion of the first slotted storage layer and extending across a plurality of slots.

13. A device as in claim 12, wherein the first slotted storage layer includes a lip along a top edge of the first slotted storage layer and wherein the lip is not directly secured to the backing.

14. A device as in claim 13, wherein the multi-level slotted storage wing is removably coupleable to the tray.

15. A device as in claim 10, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a spacing member, configured to space the pocket from the tray, wherein the spacing member is substantially as wide as a sidewall and as the tray is tall, and wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a plurality of rigid members configured to hold the shape of the arcuate pocket wing.

16. A device as in claim 15, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a retaining member internally disposed along a side of the concave pocket and configured to retain an object there along, and wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a pocket cover.

17. A device as in claim 16, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a handle coupled to the exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a securing member configured to removably couple to the plurality of tabs.

18. A device as in claim 10, wherein the non skid layer extends only partially underneath the arcuate pocket wing forming a curved boundary between exposed arcuate pocket wing surface and non skid layer.

19. A device as in claim 10, wherein a second arcuate pocket wing substantially mirroring the first arcuate pocket wing, and configured to match with the first arcuate pocket wing and the plurality of tabs when the utility bag is in a closed mode.

20. A utility bag for storing and organizing, comprising: a) a tray, including a bottom and a plurality of side walls extending from the bottom, wherein the bottom and the plurality of side walls are rigid, wherein the tray includes a textile housing disposed about the bottom and the plurality of side walls, wherein the tray includes a plurality of tabs extending from the plurality of side walls, the tabs having a coupling mechanism configured to couple the end of the tabs together;b) a multi-level slotted storage wing, configured to store a plurality of objects, hingedly coupled near a top end of one of the plurality of side walls of the tray, and extending therefrom, wherein the multi-level slotted storage wing includes a first slotted storage layer, secured to a backing, and a second slotted storage layer frontally disposed over a lower portion the first slotted storage layer, wherein the first slotted storage layer includes a lip along a top edge of the first slotted storage layer and wherein the lip is not directly secured to the backing, wherein the first slotted storage layer further includes a pressure dispersion member disposed in the lower portion of the first slotted storage layer and extending across a plurality of slots, wherein the multi-level slotted storage wing is removably coupleable to the tray;c) an arcuate pocket wing, configured to hold objects, hingedly coupled to the tray and including a curved interior surface and a curved exterior surface, wherein the curved interior surface and the curved exterior surface form a concave pocket, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a retaining member disposed along a side of the concave pocket and configured to retain an object there along, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a spacing member, configured to space the pocket from the tray, wherein the spacing member is substantially as wide as a sidewall and as the tray is tall, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a pocket cover, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a plurality of rigid members configured to hold the shape of the arcuate pocket wing, wherein the arcuate pocket wing includes a handle coupled to the exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface includes a securing member configured to removably couple to the plurality of tabs;d) a non skid layer coupled to and disposed underneath the tray and the arcuate pocket wing, wherein the non skid layer extends only partially underneath the arcuate pocket wing forming a curved boundary between exposed arcuate pocket wing surface and non skid layer; ande) a second arcuate pocket wing substantially mirroring the first arcuate pocket wing, and configured to match with the first arcuate pocket wing and the plurality of tabs when the utility bag is in a closed mode.