U.S. patent application number 09/925799 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-14 for combination cosmetic bag and travel bag with multiple carrying modes.
Invention is credited to Knecht, Wendy S..
Application Number | 20020029946 09/925799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26822101 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020029946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knecht, Wendy S. |
March 14, 2002 |
Combination cosmetic bag and travel bag with multiple carrying
modes
Abstract
A travel bag is disclosed that includes a pair of flaps. The
flaps fold with respect to each other to lay flat or can be
positioned to lie adjacent with respect to each other as would be
used in a travel bag. Each flap also has at least one sub-flap that
enables similar orientation with respect to its respective flap.
This combination enables the bag to be positioned flat as it would
be if hung open, folded in half as a travel/garment bag or folded
to one-quarter size as a travel carryon item or even smaller with
additional sub-flaps. The bag can also include a series of pockets,
at least some of which are in the form of modules, each may contain
several receptacles or individual pockets.
Inventors: |
Knecht, Wendy S.; (Santa
Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID A. SIMONS
Fish & Richardson P.C.
225 Franklin Street
Boston
MA
02110-2804
US
|
Family ID: |
26822101 |
Appl. No.: |
09/925799 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09925799 |
Aug 9, 2001 |
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09520046 |
Mar 7, 2000 |
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6296094 |
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60123991 |
Mar 11, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/107 ;
190/103; 383/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 190/901 20130101;
A45C 7/0095 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/107 ;
190/103; 383/4 |
International
Class: |
A45C 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A travel bag comprising: a first flap and a second flap joined
together by a flap connector disposed therebetween; a first
sub-flap and a second sub-flap positioned as part of said first
flap and said second flap respectively, and located opposite to
said flap connector, said first flap being foldable along a
boundary of said first sub-flap, and said second flap being
foldable along a boundary of said second sub-flap, allowing for
multiple foldable configurations of said travel bag; and a
plurality of pockets attached to said first and second flaps.
2. The travel bag as described in claim 1, wherein said flap
connector is constructed of a semi-rigid material that is covered
with fabric.
3. The travel bag as described in claim 2, wherein said semi-rigid
material is a material selected from the group consisting of
cardboard, plastic, metal and wood.
4. The travel bag as described in claim 1, wherein a portion of
said first flap and said second flap include a semi-rigid structure
that is covered with fabric.
5. The travel bag as described in claim 4, wherein said semi-rigid
material is a material selected from the group consisting of
cardboard, plastic, metal and wood.
6. The travel bag as described in claim 1, wherein said plurality
of pockets include pockets accessible through a pocket opening in
said first or said second flap.
7. The travel bag as described in claim 1, wherein said plurality
of pockets include pockets that are comprised of sets of pockets in
the form of modules.
8. The travel bag as described in claim 7, wherein said modules are
comprised of cavities of various shapes and sizes.
9. The travel bag as described in claim 7, wherein said modules are
releasably secured to said first flap or said second flap.
10. The travel bag as described in claim 9, wherein said modules
are releasably secured by use of fasteners selected from the group
consisting of hook and loop, and mechanical snaps.
11. The travel bag as described in claim 7, wherein said modules
are manufactured of a plastic material.
12. The travel bag as described in claim 1, further comprising a
handle fastened to said flap connector.
13. The travel bag as described in claim 12, wherein said handle is
a substantially longitudinal length of material comprising a
shoulder strap.
14. The travel bag as described in claim 1, further comprising at
least one substantially longitudinal strap, with each end secured
in an adjacent position to said first flap, said second flap or
said flap connector, thus comprising a hoop strap.
15. The travel bag as described in claim 14, wherein said hoop
strap is manufactured of an elastic material.
16. The travel bag as described in claim 1, further comprising an
anchor strap including a substantially longitudinal strap with a
first end secured to the inside of said first flap and a second end
secured to an outside of said second flap, whereby said anchor
strap, when supported by a structure, enables supporting said
travel bag in an open position, allowing access by a user.
17. The travel bag as described in claim 1, wherein said boundaries
of said first and second sub-flaps comprise fold lines.
18. The travel bag as described in claim 17, wherein said first and
second fold lines are disposed approximately at midpoints of said
first and second flaps, respectively.
19. The travel bag as described in claim 1, wherein the multiple
foldable configurations include a single-fold configuration and a
double-fold configuration, said single-fold configuration reducing
a length of said bag to one-half of an unfolded length, and said
double fold configuration reducing a length of said bag to
one-quarter of said unfolded length.
20. The travel bag as described in claim 1, further comprising: a
pair of first fasteners disposed on said first flap; and a pair of
closure flaps attached to said second flap, each said closure flap
having a second fastener disposed thereon, said second fasteners
being configured to engage with said first fasteners.
21. The travel bag as described in claim 20, wherein said fasteners
are selected from the group consisting of hook and loop, and
mechanical snaps.
22. The travel bag as described in claim 20, wherein said first
fasteners are disposed on opposite sides of a first surface of said
first flap, and said closure flaps are attached to opposite sides
of said second flap.
23. The travel bag as described in claim 20, wherein the multiple
foldable configurations include a single-fold configuration and a
double-fold configuration, said single-fold configuration reducing
a length of said bag to one-half an unfolded length, and said
double fold configuration reducing the length of said bag to
one-quarter the unfolded length, and wherein engagement of said
first fasteners with said second fasteners secures said bag in
either said single-fold or said double-fold configuration.
24. A method of varying luggage dimension comprising: providing a
luggage device which includes a first flap and a second flap joined
by a flap connector; providing a first sub-flap and a second
sub-flap positioned as part of said first flap and said second flap
respectively, and located opposite to said flap connector;
positioning said first sub-flap and said second sub-flap to be
substantially coplanar with a remainder of said first flap and a
remainder of said second flap respectively; and repositioning said
first sub-flap and said second sub-flap to be substantially
parallel but not coplanar with said remainders of said first and
second flaps respectively, thereby reducing the overall dimension
of said luggage device.
25. The method as described in claim 24, including providing a
plurality of modular receptacles that are releasably secured to at
least one of said flaps, whereby groups of articles can be removed
and added to said luggage device with the addition or removal of a
single receptacle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application serial no. 60/123,991, filed Mar. 11, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention herein relates to luggage and more
particularly to a travel bag especially adapted for airline
travel.
[0003] It is generally known that airlines and other transportation
carriers restrict the amount of luggage that passengers can carry
on board with them. Passengers therefore often reluctantly check
luggage into the baggage compartment. Due to the high volume of
checked luggage, some is lost. Consequently, the traveling public
is often greatly inconvenienced by the loss or delay in receiving
their personal items. Stricter regulations concerning carryon
baggage has also forced travelers to limit the amount of items that
they bring with them.
[0004] Another problem encountered by travelers that is related to
luggage is pre-travel packing, "living out of the luggage" while
away and repacking for the return trip. This process also leaves
room for error in the fast paced world of the packing and
traveling. These errors usually result in forgetting to bring
items, and inadvertently leaving items in hotel rooms and the
like.
[0005] Basic needs of the traveler in this area have thus far
avoided the marketplace. A need exists for travel bags that conform
to air carriers guidelines for size while allowing maximal packing
efficiency and ease of locating and repacking travel items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Present Invention:
[0007] In one aspect, the invention features a luggage or travel
bag that includes a first flap and a second flat joined together by
a flap connector disposed therebetween. At least one first sub-flap
and at least one second sub-flap is positioned as part of the first
flap and the second flap respectively, and located opposite to the
flap connector. The device also includes a plurality of pockets
attached to the first flap and the second flap. This combination of
the flaps allows for multiple foldable configurations of the travel
bag with storage of items in the pockets.
[0008] The system may also include a first flap and a second flat
joined together by a flap connector disposed therebetween with the
first flap including a fastener. In addition, two closure flaps are
secured to each of the two sides of the second flap, adjacent to
the flap connector. The closure flaps extend laterally from the
respective sides of the second flap and include a fastener secured
to the distal end thereof. This allows the closure flaps, when,
folded around the sides of the second flap, to be secured by the
fasteners on the closure flaps. This creates an enveloping feature
about the area between said first flap and said second flap to more
completely secure items in the bag.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention includes a method of
varying luggage dimension utilizing the afore mentioned system of
flaps and sub-flaps. By positioning the first sub-flap and the
second sub-flap to be substantially coplanar with the first flap
and the second flap respectively and then repositioning the first
sub-flap and the second sub-flap to be substantially parallel but
not coplanar with the first flap and the second flap respectively,
the overall dimension of the bag will be altered. This ability
enables the user to reduce the overall dimension of the luggage bag
as needed or desired. The aforementioned ability to provide modular
receptacles that are releasably secured to at least one of said
flaps, also aids in the ability of groups of articles to be removed
and added to the luggage device with the addition or removal of a
single receptacle.
[0010] Definition of Terms:
[0011] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same intended meaning as would be commonly
understood by anyone of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. To eliminate possible ambiguity, specific terms
used herein have been defined as they would be applied to the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a travel bag, without closure
flaps and positioned in a single fold carry mode, the device
produced in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a travel bag, with closure
flaps and positioned in a single fold carry mode, the device
produced in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a travel bag, with closure
flaps and positioned in a double fold carry mode, the device
produced in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a travel bag, with closure flaps
and positioned in an unfolded or hanging as the device would by the
hook strap, the device produced in accordance with the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The object of the disclosed invention is to provide an
improved method of packing, and in the use of luggage for
traveling. The invention is especially useful in regard to carryon
luggage for commercial transportation. The size of a piece of
carryon luggage is strictly enforced by air carriers regarding the
overall size of the device. Items over a specified size must the
checked to the baggage claim resulting in delays for the traveler
and in some cases lost luggage. The invention also discloses a
modular packing system that can aid the traveler in reduced packing
time and also reducing the likelihood of lost or forgotten travel
items.
[0017] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a simplified version
of a travel bag in a single-fold position. In its single-fold
position, the length of the bag is one-half its full, unfolded
length. The bag includes a first flap 10 and a second flap 12
joined together by a flap connector 14. The first flap 10 includes
a first sub-flap 16 and likewise the second flap 12 includes a
second sub-flap 18. A plurality of pockets are included in the bag
including an outside pocket 20 accessible by a zipper 22. The
outside pocket can be positioned in any or all of the flaps,
including the sub-flaps and can be secured by any type of fastener
commonly used in the art. Other fasteners include snaps and hook
and loop type fasteners.
[0018] The flaps can be constructed of any of a number of
materials. In an embodiment, a semi-rigid material 24 is used under
a fabric cover material 26. The semi-rigid material gives the
invention a basic form, aiding in the appearance and function in
offering protection to items stored within the first 10 and second
12 flaps. In this embodiment, a fold line 27 is created to separate
the first sub-flap 16 from the rest of the first flap 10. The fold
line 27 does not include the semi-rigid material 24 so that the
sub-flap 16 can change its orientation with respect to the rest of
the flap 10. In another embodiment the semi-rigid material 24 is
only used in the flap connector 14, leaving the first flap and the
second flap 12 pliable to conform to the needed conditions.
[0019] The specifics of the semi-rigid material is not intended to
be limiting to the scope of the invention, but suggested materials
include cardboard, plastic metal and wood. In a similar manner the
flap connector 14 is also desirable to be constructed of a material
set similar to the flaps.
[0020] The first 10 and second 12 flaps include pockets on the
inside as positioned in this figure. It is intended that the
majority of all products that would be stored in the bag would be
placed in these pockets. A removable pocket 28 is shown as being
secured to the inside of the second flap 12. This pocket would
likely also include a type of fastener to secure items therein,
here being shown as a zipper 30. As previously disclosed, any type
of fastener or other functional equivalent could be used in place
of that shown. Below the removable pocket 28 is a mesh pocket 32
shown on the inside of the second sub-flap 18. This pocket opening
may be restricted from opening, preferably by an elastic strap 34
situated at the opening of the pocket 32.
[0021] With the bag in the single-fold position shown in FIG. 1,
the length of the flaps can be made great enough to carry a suit or
other articles of clothing, such as pants that are lengthy with
only a single fold. This is desirable because multiple folds can
cause wrinkles that are difficult to remove by the traveler,
especially adding the inconveniences of being away from home. If
necessary the length of the bag can be reduced in size by folding
the sub-flaps under the flaps. In this double-fold configuration
(see FIG. 3), the length of the bag is one-quarter its full,
unfolded length. Since this additional fold is so easily
accomplished, this can be done temporarily to satisfy baggage
officials and then unfolded shortly thereafter. This minimal time
in a folded position minimizes the wrinkling effect on any long
garments stored therein.
[0022] To carry the bag in this form two handles are included. The
hand handle 36 is preferably secured to the center of the flap
connector 14. This allows single hand carrying of the bag in its
long or open form. Also included is a long strap or shoulder strap
38 that is releasably secured by clips 40 to the rings 42 at the
outer edges of the flap connector 14. This allows the user to carry
the bag "hands free" by placing the strap 38 over the shoulder of
the user.
[0023] The bag is further shown in FIG. 2. Here the first flap 10
includes a pair of fasteners 44 attached thereto. These fasteners
44 secure the closure flaps 46, attached to the second flap 12, to
the first flap 10 to close the sides of the bag, thereby further
securing the articles carried therein. This is accomplished by
moving the closure flaps 46 in the direction of the arrows 48 to
releasably secure the mating fasteners 50 to the fasteners 44 on
each side of the bag. This type of fastener shown here is a hook
and loop type fastener, and is considered to be the preferred
embodiment due to the flexibility in placement of the adjoining
parts.
[0024] Another fastener type would be a mechanical snap, the male
position on the closure flaps 46 and the female portion on the
first flap 10. The positioning can be reversed and in either case
the snaps do provide a secure means of fastening that does not wear
after repeated usage. The limitation being the necessity of
critical location of one part with respect to the other part. This
can be a problem in a luggage device since a dissimilar amount and
overall size of items can be packed. A possible solution would be
multiple snaps on one component, preferably the first flap 10. This
would allow the snap on the appropriate closure flap 46 to vary in
its position on the first flap according to the fullness of the
invention.
[0025] The double fold orientation of this version of the bag is
shown in FIG. 3. The first sub-flap 16 and the second sub-flap 18
are folded inward, underneath the upper portion of the first flap
10 and the second flap 12 respectively. The closure flaps 46 can
then be rotated about the side of the bag, enveloping the articles
located therein, as shown by the arrows 48. The fasteners 44 and
mating fasteners 50 secure the closure flaps into position. Though
only a double fold is shown, any number of folds can be made with
this bag. As such, multiple sub-flaps can be created as part of the
first flap 10 and the second flap 12. The folding process would
follow as is shown here for each sub-flap in that they could fold
or remain unfolded, as is deemed desirable by the user.
[0026] Another security feature that can be used is shown on all
versions of the bag, but primarily used only when the bag is in
this double fold position. This feature includes the use of one or
more bottom snaps 52 that are secured to the back side of the
second flap 12. The straps 52 are then secured to the first flap 10
by use of male buckle 54 and the female buckle 56. Coupling these
buckles then positions the straps 52 under the first 10 and second
12 flaps, closing the bottom of the bag and securing the first 16
and second 18 sub-flaps in a captured position between the upper
portions of the first flap 10 and second flap 12. The result is a
reduced size travel bag that can be made to conform to the rigid
restrictions for carryon luggage. In addition, the foldability to a
reduction in size makes the device more desirable to the user in
that one bag is dynamically able to conform to multiple sizes to
efficiently perform a variety of functions. This means the consumer
only has to buy one bag where otherwise more bags would need to be
purchased.
[0027] Another method of securing the bottom of the bag is by means
of a zipper with one of each side of the zipper attached to each of
the first sub-flap 16 and the second sub-flap 18. By zipping the
structure together the bag is then closed on the bottom, further
securing the items therein. In addition to a zipper, mechanical
snaps, or any other fastening means commonly know in the art could
also be used as a functional equivalent. Also, the means of
securing the straps 52 and the number of straps 52 are not intended
to be limiting to the scope of the invention. A variety of
fastening methods such as hook and loop and other mechanical snap
devices known in the art are acceptable for this function.
[0028] The bag is shown in FIG. 4 in a unfolded or hanging
position. What is shown here is the entire inside of the bag as it
would appear hanging open, with all compartments and pockets
accessible to the user. The first flap 10, the flap connector 14
and the second flap 12 are in a top to bottom orientation with the
closure flaps 46 laid out for display purposes. To assist in
positioning the bag in this way an anchor strap 58 is connected to
the first sub-flap 16. The anchor strap 58 is preferably comprised
of a substantially longitudinal strap material that is releasably
secured to the first sub-flap 16 such that at least one end of the
strap 58 can be unfastened from the sub-flap 16, secured about a
towel rack or other anchoring structure and then refastened to the
sub-flap 16. This allows the bag to be displayed as shown, with
fill access to the pockets contained therein.
[0029] A variety of storage pockets are disclosed in their use with
the bag itself. The removable pocket 28, as referenced earlier, is
shown here in more detail. The removable pocket is shown to be
preferably manufactured out of a clear material, so that items can
be easily seen therein. This is not a necessity of the invention,
in that opaque materials would also function in the primary
purpose, which is to store items. Utilizing the concept of clear
material, the details of the items in the pockets can be more
easily identified. The removable pocket includes a method of
fastening to the bag. This is shown here as four strips 60, each
comprising one side of a hook and loop fastener. The long mating
strips 62 are attached to the bag at various locations on the
inside of the second flap 12 and short vertical mating strips 64 on
the inside of the first flap 10. This orientation is not specific
to the invention but is done to demonstrate the diverse nature of
these modes of attachment. As is shown here, a variety of sizes of
pockets can be randomly arranged as deemed desirable by the user.
Here a pair of small pockets 66 with their strips 60 attached
thereto can be used in conjunction with or in place of large
pockets 68.
[0030] The mesh pockets 32 are situated on the inside of the second
sub-flap 18. These are likely used for loose items. The items are
secured therein by the elastic strap 34, as previously noted.
[0031] Permanent pockets 70 are also provided in this version of
the bag. An opening that includes a flap 72 that is secured by a
mechanical snap 74 is shown here. This method of opening and
securing the pockets are interchangeable with the use of a zipper
76 in the large pockets 68 and the small pockets 66. Other forms
such as hook and loop fasteners are also acceptable in this
application.
[0032] The permanent pockets 70 are shown here to include a set of
hoop straps 76. These hoop straps 76 are comprised of a
substantially longitudinal strap with each end secured to an
adjacent position to the first flap 10. The hoop strap 76 is
preferably manufactured of an elastic material so that the
resulting loop or hoop between the fastened ends, can receive items
of varying sizes and shapes, securing them in the pocket 70, flap
10 or other supporting structure. These hoop straps 76 can also be
attached to the second flap 12 (not shown) or to the flap connector
14. On the flap connector 14 a pair of hoop straps 76 are shown
adjacently positioned in a vertical orientation to support an item.
Here a typical item such as a curling iron 78 is shown.
[0033] The specific orientation and display of the elements of the
disclosed invention are considered to be the preferred embodiments,
but are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention.
It is understood that an infinite combination of variations in the
use and placement of these pockets and straps is inherently
included in this disclosure.
* * * * *