U.S. patent application number 10/815831 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-23 for portable project bag kit.
Invention is credited to Milionta, Connie L., Milionta, Lynn A..
Application Number | 20040182664 10/815831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46301143 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040182664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Milionta, Lynn A. ; et
al. |
September 23, 2004 |
Portable project bag kit
Abstract
A portable project bag kit includes a large project bag, a small
project bag, and a stand. The large project bag has a pair of
carrying handles and a pair of tabs attached near the opening of
the large project bag, and a closure mechanism sewn within a top
edge of the large project bag. Snaps may also be placed on the
large project bag, and configured to snap together and form a base
for the large project bag to sit upright. The second project bag
also has a closure mechanism sewn within a top edge of the second
project bag. The closure mechanism of each project bag is formed of
a concave metal and is configured to make the each project bag easy
to open and close, and to securely hold contents of the associated
project bag when the project bag is turned upside down.
Inventors: |
Milionta, Lynn A.;
(Blacksburg, VA) ; Milionta, Connie L.;
(Blacksburg, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
46301143 |
Appl. No.: |
10/815831 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10815831 |
Apr 2, 2004 |
|
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10218494 |
Aug 16, 2002 |
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6715594 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/110 ;
150/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 97/06 20130101;
A45C 3/00 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 7/0095 20130101; A45C
13/02 20130101; A45F 3/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/110 ;
150/113 |
International
Class: |
B65D 071/00; B65D
069/00; A45C 003/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A portable project bag kit comprising: a first project bag with
an inside, an outside, and an opening; a pair of carrying handles
attached near the opening of the first project bag; a pair of tabs
attached near the opening of the first project bag; and a closure
mechanism sewn within a top edge of the first project bag near the
opening of the first project bag, the closure mechanism being
formed of a concave metal and configured to make the first project
bag easy to open and close, and securely holding contents of the
first project bag when the first project bag is turned upside
down.
2. The portable project bag kit according to claim 1, further
comprising snaps placed at outside, bottom corners of the first
project bag, and configured to snap together and form a base for
the first project bag to sit upright.
3. The portable project bag kit according to claim 1, further
comprising a pouch sewn inside the first project bag, said pouch
being made of mesh, allowing the user to weave or hook various
tools into the pouch for storage.
4. The portable project bag kit according to claim 1, wherein said
first project bag further comprises at least one strip of
hook-and-loop fastening material attached to the inside of the
first project bag.
5. The portable project bag kit according to claim 1, wherein said
first project bag further comprises a mesh layer lining permanently
attached to the inside of the first project bag for removably
retaining an elongated object.
6. The portable project bag kit according to claim 1, wherein said
first project bag further comprises at least one strip of
hook-and-loop fastening material attached to the mesh layer lining,
said mesh layer lining being disposed between the inside of the
first project bag and said at least one strip.
7. The portable project bag kit according to claim 1, further
comprising a second project bag with a closure mechanism sewn
within a top edge of the second project bag near the opening of the
second project bag, the closure mechanism of the second project bag
being formed of a concave metal and configured to make the second
project bag easy to open and close, and securely holding contents
of the second project bag when the second project bag is turned
upside down.
8. The portable project bag kit according to claim 7, wherein said
closure mechanism of said first project bag and said closure
mechanism of said second project bag are each formed of steel.
9. The portable project bag kit according to claim 1, further
comprising a stand to support the first project bag, said stand
comprising a top piece of rigid material with three apertures
defined through the top piece; a bottom piece of rigid material
with one aperture defined through the bottom piece; two poles
configured to be removably placed in two of the three apertures on
the top piece of the stand; and a pivotal fastening device
configured to pivotally attach the top piece to the bottom piece,
whereby the top piece and bottom pice are pivotally attached to
each other and configured to rotate outward to a `t` shape,
creating a sturdy stand for the first project bag, and preventing
the first project bag from tipping over.
10. The portable project bag kit according to claim 9, wherein said
two poles are each made of fiberglass.
11. A portable project bag kit comprising: a stand to support a
first project bag, said stand comprising a top piece of rigid
material with three apertures defined through the top piece; a
bottom piece of rigid material with one aperture defined through
the bottom piece; two poles configured to be removably placed in
two of the three apertures on the top piece of the stand; and a
pivotal fastening device configured to pivotally attach the top
piece to the bottom piece, whereby the top piece and bottom piece
are pivotally attached to each other and configured to rotate
outward to a `t` shape, creating a sturdy stand for the first
project bag, and preventing the first project bag from tipping
over.
12. The portable project bag kit according to claim 11, wherein
said two poles are each made of fiberglass.
13. The portable project bag kit according to claim 11, further
comprising a second project bag with a closure mechanism sewn
within a top edge of the second project bag near the opening of the
second project bag, the closure mechanism of the second project bag
being formed of a concave metal and configured to make the second
project bag easy to open and close, and securely holding contents
of the second project bag when the second project bag is turned
upside down.
14. The portable project bag kit according to claim 13, wherein
said first project bag further comprises: an inside, an outside,
and an opening; a pair of carrying handles attached near the
opening of the first project bag; a pair of tabs attached near the
opening of the first project bag; and a closure mechanism sewn
within a top edge of the first project bag near the opening of the
first project bag, the closure mechanism being formed of a concave
metal and configured to make the first project bag easy to open and
close, and securely holding contents of the first project bag when
the firt project bag is turned upside down.
15. The portable project bag kit according to claim 14, wherein
said closure mechanism of said first project bag and said closure
mechanism of said second project bag are each formed of steel.
16. The portable project bag kit according to claim 14, further
comprising snaps placed at outside, bottom corners of the first
project bag, and configured to snap together and form a base for
the first project bag to sit upright.
17. The portable project bag kit according to claim 14, wherein
said first project bag further comprises a pouch sewn inside the
first project bag, said pouch being made of mesh, allowing the user
to weave or hook various tools into the pouch for storage.
18. The portable project bag kit according to claim 14, wherein
said first project bag further comprises at least one strip of
hook-and-loop fastening material attached to the inside of the
first project bag.
19. The portable project bag kit according to claim 14, wherein
said first project bag further comprises a mesh layer lining
permanently attached to the inside of the first project bag for
removably retaining an elongated object.
20. The portable project bag kit according to claim 18, wherein
said first project bag further comprises at least one strip of
hook-and-loop fastening material attached to the mesh layer lining,
said mesh layer lining being disposed between the inside of the
first project bag and said at least one strip.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/218,494 filed on Aug. 16, 2002, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to portable carrying cases for
sewing and knitting materials, fishing paraphernalia, and the like.
More particularly, the inventive carrying case includes removable
and interchangeable object-holding pockets, inserts, and pouches,
which are held in place by strips of hook and loop fastener
material.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The use of foldable, portable cases for carrying small items
is well known. However, none have the combination of removable,
detachable pockets and inserts using hook-and-loop fastener strips
as well as a mesh area on one of the internal surfaces of the case
for holding elongated objects. Moreover, none teach the particular
multi-pocket structure used as a removable insert.
[0006] The related art is represented by the following references
of interest.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,955, issued on to Noyes on Jan. 24,
1978, describes a carrying pouch for a cardiac telemonitor
transmitter unit that includes a pair of ribbon tie strips by which
the carrier may be affixed about the neck and chest of a cardiac
patient to se cure the transmitter against artifact generating
movement. A seam vest in the pouch permits ready access to the
contact lead coupling means on the transmitter.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,945, issued to Pavlik on Oct. 27, 1981,
teaches a foldable pocket secretary having removable internal
members, e.g., a removable notebook. The closure flap uses
hook-and-loop fastener material.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,130, issued to Coates on Jan. 21, 1986,
teaches a combination carrying bag for carrying diapers and infant
accessories. Hook-and-loop fastener material is used to secure
removable pockets inside the bag.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,562, issued to Liu on Jul. 18, 1989,
teaches a pin collector bag having several pockets for holding
small items.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,314, issued to Jacober on Feb. 2, 1999,
teaches a case for carrying medical supplies that includes an outer
zipper.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,557, issued to Derelanko on Jan. 11,
2000, describes a carry bag system in which the handle of a case
fits through an elongated slot on the flap of an accessory bag
having one ore more compartments for storing articles placed
therein, with the accessory bag draping over one of the sides while
being transported about as a single unit by virtue of the carry
handle. A series of straps and buckle-snap arrangements are
described to further secure the accessory bag carried by the case
with either or both accessory bags being additionally detachable
from the combination to allow independent carrying thereof to
conferences, meetings, and seminars without having to carry the
entire combination together.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,213, issued to Roegner on Aug. 1, 2000,
describes an organizing case for articles that can be carried as a
clutch, or small shoulder bag, or in a purse. The carrying case
includes a generally rectangular primary panel having an inner and
an outer face that is folded along a selected transverse line
forming a front panel and aback panel with the inner face defining
a primary receptacle. A pocket assembly and an inner mounting panel
are pivotally mounted inside the primary receptacle. Are movable
corner is shaped to envelop the case so that the case can e carried
as a purse.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,118 B1, issued to Kearl on Feb. 27,
2001, teaches an organizer including various pockets to hold
different sizes and amounts of small objects.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,094 B1, issued to Knecht on Oct. 2,
2001, describes a travel bag 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.
[0016] Great Britain Patent Application Publication No. 2,061,712,
published on May 20, 1981, describes a carrying bag including an
outer zipper and several internal pockets, one of the internal
layers being held in place using a hook-and-loop fastener
material.
[0017] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant
invention as claimed. Thus a portable carrying case solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is a portable project bag kit. The
portable project bag kit includes a large project bag, a small
project bag, and a stand. The large project bag has an inside, an
outside, and an opening. The large project bag has a pair of
carrying handles and a pair of tabs attached near the opening of
the large project bag, and a closure mechanism sewn within a top
edge of the large project bag near the opening of the large project
bag. Male and female snaps may be placed at the outside, bottom
corners of the large project bag, and be configured for snapping
together. When the snaps are snapped together, a base is formed for
the large project bag to sit upright, with or without the stand.
The second project bag also has a closure mechanism sewn within a
top edge of the second project bag near the opening of the samll
project bag. The closure mechanism of each project bag is formed of
a concave metal and is configured to make the each project bag easy
to open and close, and to securely hold contents of the associated
project bag when the project bag is turned upside down.
[0019] A pouch is sewn inside the large project bag. The pouch is
made of mesh, allowing the user to weave or hook various tools into
the pouch for storage. At least one strip of hook-and-loop
fastening material is attached to the inside of the large project
bag. A mesh layer lining is permanently attached to the inside of
the large project bag for removably retaining an elongated object.
At least one strip of hook-and-loop fastening material is attached
to the mesh layer lining, and the mesh layer lining is disposed
between the inside of the large project bag and the at least one
strip.
[0020] The small project bag includes a closure mechanism sewn
within a top edge of the small project bag near the opening of the
small project bag. The closure mechanism of the small project bag
is formed of a concave metal and is configured to make the small
project bag easy to open and close, and to securely hold contents
of the small project bag when the second project bag is turned
upside down. The closure mechanism of the large project bag and the
closure mechanism of the small project bag may each be formed of
steel.
[0021] The stand supports the large project bag. The stand includes
a top piece of rigid material with three apertures defined through
the top piece, a bottom piece of rigid material with one aperture
defined through the bottom piece, two poles configured to be
removably placed in two of the three apertures on the top piece of
the stand, and a pivotal fastening device configured to pivotally
attach the top piece to the bottom piece. The top piece and bottom
piece are pivotally attached to each other and configured to rotate
outward to a `t` shape, creating a sturdy stand for the large
project bag, and preventing the large project bag from tipping
over. The top and bottom pieces are each made of wood or similar
durable material. The two poles may each be made of fiberglass.
[0022] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a portable project bag kit including a large project bag
with an inside, an outside, and an opening. The large project bag
has a pair of carrying handles and a pair of tabs attached near the
opening of the large project bag, and a closure mechanism sewn
within a top edge of the large project bag near the opening of the
large project bag. The closure mechanism is formed of a concave
metal and is configured to make the large project bag easy to open
and close, and securely holds contents of the large project bag
when the large project bag is turned upside down.
[0023] It is another object of the invention to provide a portable
project bag kit with pouch sewn inside the large project bag. The
pouch is made of mesh, allowing the user to weave or hook various
tools into the pouch for storage. At least one strip of
hook-and-loop fastening material is attached to the inside of the
large project bag. A mesh layer lining is permanently attached to
the inside of the large project bag for removably retaining an
elongated object. At least one strip of hook-and-loop fastening
material is attached to the mesh layer lining, and the mesh layer
lining is disposed between the inside of the large project bag and
at least one strip of the hook-and-loop fastening material.
[0024] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0025] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a portable
small-article carrying case according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of a second
embodiment of a small-article carrying case according to the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3A shows the portable case of FIG. 1 unfolded and with
all inserts removed.
[0029] FIG. 3B shows a front view of an external pouch for the
portable case of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of a single-pocket insert
for the portable case of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show a multi-pocket insert in various
stages of formation.
[0032] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the interior including inserts for the
embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0033] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E show various pieces that are
assembled to form the elongated multi-pocket pouch insert for use
in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portable project bag
kit according to the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows a front view of the large project bag that is
part of the portable carrying bag kit shown in FIG. 7.
[0036] FIG. 9A shows a cross sectional view along the lines 9A-9A
of the large project bag shown in FIG. 8.
[0037] FIG. 9B shows a cross sectional view along the lines 9B-9B
of the large project bag shown in FIG. 8.
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the small project bag that is
part of the portable carrying bag kit shown in FIG. 7.
[0039] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the stand that is part of
the portable project bag kit shown in FIG. 7.
[0040] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] The present invention is a portable carrying case having
various detachable, replaceable inserts, and a portable project bag
kit.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, carrying case 100 has two main panels 14
and 16, in which panel 14 can be folded into parallel relationship
with panel 16. Flap 12 is used to close the case 100 using
hook-fastener strip 20 that attaches to a corresponding
loop-fastener strip on the outside of panel 14. Two spines are used
to form hinges 40, one spine being disposed between panel 14 and
panel 16, and the other spine being disposed between panel 16 and
flap 12. The inside surface of panel 14 of the case 100 is provided
with a mesh material, e.g., netting 36, to hold elongated objects,
such as knitting needles.
[0043] An alternative embodiment of the carrying case, designated
as 200, is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the carrying case
200 is formed by panels 212 and 214 and is somewhat larger than
that shown in FIG. 1, in order to hold larger objects, such as
longer sewing needles. Panels 212 and 214 fold about a spine and
are secured in a closed position by zipper 50, which extends about
three sides of the perimeter of case 200. Elongated multi-pocket
insert 60 provides nine individual elongated pockets for holding
long needles and is removably attached to hook-fastener strip 62.
Multi-pocket inserts 42, 44, and 46 are likewise attached to their
corresponding hook-fastener strips using corresponding
loop-fastener strips located along their edges. The embodiment of
FIG. 2 will be discussed in more detail later.
[0044] In the version shown in FIG. 1, the case 100 includes four
inserts: multi-pocket pouch inserts 22 and 24, single pocket insert
26, and single-ply insert 28. Single-ply insert 28 has a fleece
backing for holding darning needles, pins, and other articles that
may be hooked into the fleece. All four inserts are removably
attached to the inside of the case 100 using a loop-fastener strip
that fastens to a corresponding hook-fastener strip inside the
case. An external pocket or pouch 30 is attached to the case 100
using ribbons 32 and 34 that wrap around panel 16 of the case 100.
The opening of the single pocket insert 26 is closed using
corresponding strips of hook-and-loop fastener material. The two
ribbon loops 38 are used to grip and thereby open the insert 26 to
place small objects inside.
[0045] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show a view of the interior of the
three-panel case 100 with only the external pouch 30 attached (no
inserts attached) as seen with the case 100 unfolded, a front view
of the external pouch 30 detached from the case 100, and a
perspective view of the single-pocket insert pouch 26,
respectively.
[0046] In FIG. 3A, three hook-fastener strips, 92, 94, and 96, are
used for fastening the various inserts in place. An additional
hook-fastener strip 20 is used to close the flap 12 by attaching to
a corresponding loop-fastener strip (not shown) on the outside of
panel 14 along its free edge.
[0047] The external pouch 30, shown in FIG. 3B, is mounted onto the
back of panel 16 of the case 100 by ribbons 32 and 34. The external
pouch 30 contains a pocket that is closed using paired strips of
hook-and-loop fastener material lining the sides of its opening.
Grip ribbons 98 permit the user to open the external pouch 30 to
place objects inside.
[0048] The insert pouch 26 shown in FIG. 3C is similarly opened and
closed using paired strips of hook-and-loop fastener material 54
lining the sides of its opening. Grip ribbons 38 are used to open
the insert pouch 26. A strip of loop fastener material 52 is
provided along the lower outside margin of the insert pouch 26 for
attachment to a corresponding hook fastener material 96 inside the
case 100.
[0049] The case 100 also provides for an inventive multi-pocket
pouch 22 that is constructed from a single sheet of textile
material as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. The multi-pocket pouch 22 is
structured to be stitched in a particular manner to obtain a
staggered layering of pockets. Initially, the multi-pocket pouch 22
is an elongated sheet of fabric having a strip of loop-type
fastener material 110 attached near a corner. The sheet is first
folded longitudinally along fold-line 118 and stitched together
along the bottom and side edges of its perimeter 120 to form the
structure shown in FIG. 4B. The structure of FIG. 4B is then folded
in alternative directions, with either a single row, or a very
closely parallel pair of rows, of stitches at 116 to define the
bottom of the three pockets, and two parallel, spaced apart pairs
of rows of stitches at 112 and 114, with the pair of rows at 114
being spaced apart wider than the pair of rows at 112, in order to
obtain the structure of overlapping pockets shown in plan view in
FIG. 4C, in which the strip of loop fastener material 110
ultimately appears on the outer surface of edge 130 that protrudes
the farthest, edges 132 being opposite fastener strip 110. Fastener
strip 110 may be attached either to upper hook fastener strip 92,
or to medial hook fastener strip 94, as desired, with the pockets
opening laterally. Removable pocket insert 24 is prepared in the
same manner as pocket insert 22.
[0050] Details of the second embodiment of the carrying case 200
are shown in FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6E. In this embodiment, the case
200 includes permanently attached carrying handles 82 and 84 and
five hook-type fastener strips, e.g., 204 and 206, to which the
inserts can be detachably fastened. Insert pouches 42, 44, and 46,
can be single or multi-pocket pouches constructed in the same
fashion as pocket inserts 22 and 24, or single-layer two-sided
sheets, each attached using a corresponding loop-type fastener
strip. Panel 214 includes a permanently attached mesh layer 80 for
attaching elongated objects.
[0051] Dual-pocket insert pouch 70 is also attached to the strip of
hook-type fastener material inside panel 214. Grip ribbons 72 and
74 permit the user to open either end of the dual pocket insert to
place objects inside. Pouch 70 is formed from a single piece of
square fabric by folding the sheet in half and stitching the
elongated edges together to form a sleeve. A strip of hook and loop
fastening material is connected to the sleeve by a double row of
stitches 76 and 78 (seen in FIG. 2) extending transversely across
the middle of the sleeve to define two pockets, which open in
opposite directions. The strip of hook and loop fastening material
on the sleeve is used to removably attach the dual-pocket insert
pouch 70 to a mating strip of hook and loop fastening material on
the inside surface of panel 214.
[0052] Finally, elongated multi-pocket pouch insert 60 is usable in
the carrying case of the second embodiment. The construction of
this pouch insert is shown in FIGS. 6A-6E. Layers 302, 304, 306,
and 308 are stacked from top to bottom in size order with the
shortest on top and longest in the bottom, stitched together along
three sides, and then stitched together along the longitudinal
stitch lines 310. The final structure is shown in FIG. 6E showing
the tops of the pockets along edges 320. Elongated objects such as
knitting needles can be inserted in these pockets. Also, a strip of
material 330 including one side (on the rear) having a loop-type
fastening material is attached to bottom layer 308 to permit the
multi-pocket pouch 60 to be detachably fastened to the center strip
of hook-type material 204, as shown in FIG. 5B. The rear surface of
layer 308 may have a fleece backing similar to that of single ply
insert 28 for securing objects that may be hooked into the
fleece.
[0053] The material used to form the cases 100 and 200 can be any
available textile material, such as cloth or drapery material.
Also, the hook-type fastening strips and the corresponding
loop-type fastening strips described above can be switched provided
that all strips inside the case for attaching the inserts are the
same and all strips on the surfaces of the inserts are the same and
can be fastened to the corresponding strips inside the case.
[0054] A portable project bag kit 400 is illustrated in FIGS. 7
through 11. The portable project bag kit 400 includes a large
project bag 410, a small project bag 450, and a stand 460 (see FIG.
11) for supporting the large project bag 410. Both bags 410 and 450
can be used for the storage and carrying of craft items and
accessories, such as knitting, needlepoint, sewing, jewelry,
beading, quilting, embroidery, crocheting, and other artisan and
craftsman projects. In addition, the bags 410 and 450 can be used
for the storage and carrying of fishing items, camping items,
household items, garage items, shop items, etc.
[0055] The large project bag 410 has an inside, an outside, and an
opening. The large project bag 410 has a pair of carrying handles
412 and 414 attached near the opening of the large project bag 410,
a pair of tabs 416 attached near the opening of the first project
bag 410, and a closure mechanism 420 sewn within a top edge of the
first project bag 410 near the opening of the first project bag
410. The closure mechanism 420 is formed of a concave metal and is
configured to make the first project bag 410 easy to open and
close, and to securely hold contents of the first project bag 410
when the first project bag is turned upside down. The large bag 410
may also include male and female snaps 422 and 424 placed at the
outside, bottom corners of the bag 410, and be configured for
snapping together. When the snaps 422 and 424 are snapped together,
a base is formed for the bag 410 to sit upright, with or without
the stand 460. This also allows the user to release the snaps 422
and 424, providing additional storage or carrying space in the bag
410, or for the user to fold the bag 410 flat when empty and not in
use.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a pouch 442 is sewn inside the
large project bag 410 for the storage of small items or accessory
pouches from the above described portable carrying cases. The pouch
442 is made of mesh 444, allowing the user to weave or hook various
tools into the pouch 442 for storage. At least one strip of
hook-and-loop fastening material is attached to the inside of the
large project bag 410. A mesh layer lining 430 is permanently
attached to the inside of the large project bag 410 for removably
retaining an elongated object. Insert pouches 446 can be single or
multi-pocket pouches constructed in the same fashion as pocket
inserts 22 and 24 described above, or single-layer two-sided
sheets, each attached to a corresponding loop-type fastener
strip.
[0057] At least one strip of hook-and-loop fastening material
432,440 is attached to the mesh layer lining, and the mesh layer
lining 430 is disposed between the inside of the large project bag
410 and the at least one strip 432,440.
[0058] The portable project bag kit 400 includes a small project
bag 450 with a closure mechanism 452 sewn within a top edge of the
small project bag 450 near the opening of the small project bag
450. The closure mechanism 452 of the small project bag 450 is
formed of a concave metal and is configured to make the small
project bag 450 easy to open and close, and to securely hold
contents of the small project bag 450 when the small project bag
450, is turned upside down. The closure mechanism 420 of the large
project bag 410 and the closure mechanism 452 of the small project
bag 450 may each be formed of steel.
[0059] The portable project bag kit 400 also includes a stand 460
to support the large project bag 410 (see FIG. 11). The stand 460
includes a top piece 470 of rigid material with three apertures 472
and 474 defined through the top piece 470, a bottom piece 462 of
rigid material with one aperture 476 defined through the bottom
piece 462, two poles 482 configured to be removably placed in two
of the three apertures 472 on the top piece 470 of the stand 460,
and a pivotal fastening device 480 configured to pivotally attach
the top piece 470 to the bottom piece 462. The top piece 470 and
bottom piece 462 are pivotally attached to each other and
configured to rotate outward to a `t` shape, creating a sturdy
stand for the large project bag 410, and preventing the large
project bag 410 from tipping over. The top and bottom pieces 470
and 462 are each made of wood or similar durable material. The two
poles 482 may each be made of fiberglass.
[0060] The two tabs 416 are configured to receive the two poles 482
of the stand 460, and to support the large project bag 410 on the
two poles 482. The poles 482 may be made from fiberglass or other
durable material. The stand 460 enables the large bag 410 to
supported therefrom with the top open so that a user can access
items from the bag 410 in its open position. As descirbed above,
the large bag 410 may include snaps 422 and 424 placed at the
outside, bottom corners of the bag 410, configured for snapping
together. When the snaps 422 and 424 are snapped together, a base
is formed for the bag 410 to sit upright, with or without the stand
460. This also allows the user to release the snaps 422 and 424,
providing additional storage or carrying space in the bag 410, or
for the user to fold the bag 410 flat when empty and not in
use.
[0061] The small project bag 450 does not have a snap at the bottom
corners of the bag 450, nor does it have tabs. The small bag 450 is
not configured to be placed on the stand 460. The small project bag
450 uses the same type of light steel concave metal closure
mechanism 452. The small bag 450 can be used on its own or can be
used to carry items and be placed inside the large project bag
410.
[0062] The stand 460 is made from two pieces of wood or other
appropriate material 462 and 470. The two pieces of wood 462 and
470 are attached to each other in such a way that they rotate to
stack on top of each other for convenient storage and/or carrying
in the large project bag 410. When rotated outward, they form a `t`
shape, creating a sturdy stand for the large project bag. This `t`
shape prevents the large project bag 410 from tipping over. The top
piece of wood 470 is rectangular shaped with a hole 472 drilled
into the wood toward each edge and a hole 474 drilled in the
center. The holes 472 receive poles 482 made of fiblerglass or the
like, which can be attached to the large project bag 410. The hole
474 receives a fastening device 480 to pivotally fasten the two
pieces of wood 462 and 470 together. There are two smaller pieces
of wood 476 integrally formed with and/or mounted underneath the
top piece of wood 470, at opposite ends, which give the top piece
of wood 470 height. This additional height allows the second piece
of wood 462 to easily rotate underneath the top piece of wood 470
(allowing the user to remove the poles 482 from the large project
bag 410 and the stand 460, rotate the base 462 of the stand 460 in
to a closed position, and place all parts of the stand 460 in the
project bag 410). The bottom piece of wood 462 (or other material)
sits flush with the floor or other surface but is curved on the
edges. This curvature allows the lower piece of wood 462 to rotate
underneath the top piece of wood 470, forming one rectangular block
of wood which locks into place.
[0063] The large project bag 410 may have a snap at the bottom
which creates a base that allows the bag 410 to stand alone and
also provides a base for the bag 410 when it sits on the stand 460.
The user can unsnap the snap for additional space in the bag 410 if
they choose. The large project bag 410 is also unique in the way it
attaches to the stand 460, allowing the user to keep the bag 410
open to work from if they choose.
[0064] Both the large project bag 410 and the small project bag 450
use a concave, light steel type of metal for their closure
mechanisms 420 and 452. These closure mechanisms 420 and 452 are
easy to open and close, but hold the contents of the bags 410 and
450 securely in the bags 410 and 450 if they are turned upside
down. Additionally, this unique type of metal closure mechanism
provides the ideal tension for knitters, crocheters, and other
crafters who want to feed their yarn or thread through the closure
with even tension.
[0065] The stand 460 is unique in the way it uses removable rods
482 to hold the bag 410 onto the stand 460, and in the way it
rotates to form one compact, rectangular base. Both of these unique
features make the project bag kit 400 easily portable and easy to
set up and use.
[0066] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments-within the scope of the following claims.
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