U.S. patent application number 10/807647 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for unfolding utility bag with multiple upward-opening compartments.
Invention is credited to Langie, Louis R., Wilkins-Langie, Rosa.
Application Number | 20040188204 10/807647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32994895 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040188204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkins-Langie, Rosa ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Unfolding utility bag with multiple upward-opening compartments
Abstract
A utility bag having a plurality of compartments that are
connected to one another by an articulation segment is disclosed.
The utility bag, particularly useful as an infant care bag, has a
stacked position and an opened position. When the bag is
transformed from the stacked position to the opened position it is
unfolded about the one or more articulation segments. The utility
bag additionally includes zippers to secure the compartments in the
stacked position. Also disclosed are numerous features and sub
features useful for stowing and securing items in a utility
bag.
Inventors: |
Wilkins-Langie, Rosa;
(Corona, CA) ; Langie, Louis R.; (Corona,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph C. Andras
MYERS DAWES ANDRAS & SHERMAN LLP
Suite 1150
19900 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine
CA
92612
US
|
Family ID: |
32994895 |
Appl. No.: |
10/807647 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60457871 |
Mar 25, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/111 ; 190/1;
190/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/103 20130101;
A45C 7/0095 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/111 ;
190/109; 190/001 |
International
Class: |
A45C 009/00; A45C
003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A utility bag comprising: three or more compartments, each of
the three or more compartments connected to another of the three or
more compartments by an articulation segment, wherein the utility
bag has a stacked position, the three or more compartments being on
top of one another when the utility bag is in the stacked position,
and wherein the utility bag has an opened position, the three or
more compartments being side-by-side when the utility bag is in the
opened position.
2. The utility bag of claim 1, wherein each of the three or more
compartments comprises: a bottom portion wherein the bottom
portions face in an upward direction when the utility bag is in the
opened position, and wherein at least one of the bottom portions of
at least one of the three or more compartments faces in a downward
direction when the utility bag is in the stacked position.
3. The utility bag of claim 1, wherein each of the three or more
compartments comprises: two lengthwise sides; and two end sides,
wherein at least one of the lengthwise sides of at least one of the
three or more compartments has at least one external pocket.
4. The utility bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the three or
more compartments is composed of insulating material.
5. The utility bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the three or
more compartments comprises padding material.
6. The utility bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the three or
more compartments comprises a removable plastic liner.
7. The utility bag of claim 6, wherein the removable plastic liner
is attachable by a hook-and-loop fastener.
8. The utility bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the three or
more compartments has an external mesh pocket.
9. The utility bag of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable
strap removably secured to the utility bag when the utility bag is
in the stacked position.
10. The utility bag of claim 1, further comprising a zipper to
secure two of the three or more compartments when the utility bag
is in the stacked position.
11. The utility bag of claim 1, the utility bag having an uppermost
compartment when the bag is in the stacked position, the uppermost
compartment having a lid portion, the lid portion further having a
handle.
12. The utility bag of claim 11, wherein the uppermost compartment
has an internal pocket, the internal pocket made of mesh
material.
13. The utility bag of claim 11, wherein the uppermost compartment
has an internal strap for securing a stowed item.
14. The utility bag of claim 1, wherein the three or more
compartments comprises: a first compartment; a second compartment
positioned over the first compartment when the utility bag is in
the stacked position; and a third compartment positioned over the
second compartment when the utility bag is in the stacked
position.
15. The utility bag of claim 14, wherein the first compartment
comprises a first separator flap securing an interior of the first
compartment.
16. The utility bag of claim 15, wherein the first separator flap
comprises a pocket for stowage of one or more items.
17. The utility bag of claim 14, wherein the second compartment
comprises a separator flap securing an interior of the second
compartment.
18. A method of using a utility bag comprising: providing the
utility bag having three or more compartments, each of the three or
more of compartments connected by an articulation segment;
unfolding the utility bag about the articulation segments; and
changing a relative position of each of the three or more
compartments from a stacked position to a side-by-side
position.
19. The method of using a utility bag of claim 18, further
comprising: folding the utility bag about the articulation
segments; and changing the relative position of each of the three
or more compartments from the side-by-side position to the stacked
position.
20. The method of using a utility bag of claim 18, further
comprising securing the three or more compartments in the stacked
position with a zipper.
21. The method of using a utility bag of claim 18, further
comprising carrying the utility bag using an adjustable, removable
strap.
22. A utility bag comprising: a first compartment, the first
compartment having a bottom portion and a first separator flap; and
a second compartment having a bottom portion and a second separator
flap, wherein the utility bag has an opened position and a stacked
position, and wherein the second compartment is inverted and on top
of the first compartment when the utility bag is in the stacked
position, and wherein the second compartment is adjacent to the
first compartment when the utility bag is in the opened position; a
third compartment, the third compartment being an uppermost
compartment when the utility bag is in the stacked position; and a
second articulation segment connecting the second compartment to
the first compartment.
23. The utility bag of claim 22, wherein either the first separator
flap or the second separator flap comprises a pocket.
24. The utility bag of claim 22, further comprising a first
articulation segment connecting the first compartment and the
second compartment, wherein the second compartment or the first
compartment is rotated about the first articulation segment when
the utility bag is transformed from the stacked position to the
opened position.
25. The utility bag of claim 22, wherein the third compartment
comprises: an external pocket; an internal pocket; and an internal
strap for securing articles.
26. The utility bag of claim 22, wherein the third compartment
further comprises a lid portion, the lid portion being secured by a
zipper and having a handle.
27. The utility bag of claim 22, wherein each of the first
compartment and second compartment comprise: two lengthwise sides;
and two end sides, an end side of the second compartment having an
external pocket.
28. The utility bag of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first
and second compartments is composed of insulating material.
29. The utility bag of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first
and second compartments comprises padding material.
30. The utility bag of claim 22, wherein at least one of the first
and second compartments comprises a removable plastic liner.
31. The utility bag of claim 22, further comprising an adjustable
strap removably secured to the utility bag when the utility bag is
in the stacked position.
32. The utility bag of claim 22, further comprising a zipper to
secure the first and second compartments when the utility bag is in
the stacked position.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of the priority
date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/457,871,
filed on Mar. 25, 2003 and entitled Unfolding Utility Bag with
Multiple Upward-Opening Compartments (docket no. WIL1.PAU.01)
pursuant to 35 USC .sctn.119. The entire contents of this
provisional patent application are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains generally to utility bags for
stowage and transport of various items. More particularly, the
present invention pertains to a utility bag and method of use with
multiple folding and unfolding compartments. The present invention
is particularly, but not exclusively useful as an infant care bag
that has an opened position for packing and/or accessing items and
a stacked position for transporting the items.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] A number of organizer-type bags in various sizes are known.
The prior art contains numerous bags typically made from fabric,
vinyl, nylon and the like. The prior art bags may be of a
self-supporting construction or they may have an internal frame
that is covered with an external fabric. If a bag is poorly
supported, access to compartments may be compromised and the items
themselves may become damaged. Ideally, a utility bag contains
enough rigidity of structure to be self-supporting, or a plastic
framework or other lightweight design choice is employed.
[0006] Access and organization of items are also highly desired in
the design of personal bags. When used as an infant care bag for
example, numerous items and accessories must be organized or
arranged for the most efficient stowage and for ease of
transportation. Such items include diapers, bottles, tissues,
lotion and other similar products. It is also desired that the
various items fit snugly into their respective compartments for
suitable transfer and to minimize wasted space. A utility bag
should also be versatile enough to be useful in transporting any
number of different items in a variety of situations. This type of
utility bag would also be ideal for day outings, for instance trips
to the beach, sporting events, and picnics. A bag should
additionally provide some protection for fragile equipment such as
cameras and camcorders. Another desired use involves transporting
food and beverage items, in which case a bag may contain a suitable
protective lining and have insulating properties.
[0007] Heretofore, the inventor has not known of utility bags where
multiple compartments are exposed in a side-by-side,
upwardly-opening direction when the bag is opened for use. This is
a particularly desirable feature in certain uses. In the example of
an infant care bag, it is problematic when all of the items stored
in the bag are randomly arranged in a single deep compartment.
Organization and accessibility are measurably achieved in a bag
design that has multiple upwardly-opening compartments. A utility
bag is desired that provides this feature and also allows for
rearrangement of the compartments for ease of transport.
[0008] In light of the above, it is an object of the present
invention to provide an unfolding utility bag with multiple
upwardly-opening compartments. It is another object of the present
invention to provide a utility bag that has a stacked position and
an opened position, the stacked position providing ease of
transport, and the opened position providing efficient packing and
unpacking. It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a bag design and method that has upwardly-opening
compartments and can be carried as a backpack. It is yet still a
further object of the present invention to provide a utility bag
design that is self-supporting, and offers padding and insulation.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide
a utility bag design having suitable compartments and pockets for
carrying various items in an organized fashion. It is still another
object of the present invention to provide a utility bag design and
method that is relatively simple to use, and comparatively cost
effective.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art.
More particularly, the present invention is a utility bag
comprising: three or more compartments, each of the three or more
compartments connected to another of the three or more compartments
by an articulation segment, wherein the utility bag has a stacked
position, the three or more compartments being on top of one
another when the utility bag is in the stacked position, and
wherein the utility bag has an opened position, the three or more
compartments being side-by-side when the utility bag is in the
opened position.
[0010] The present invention is further defined by each of the
three or more compartments comprising a bottom portion wherein the
bottom portions face in an upward direction when the utility bag is
in the opened position, and wherein at least one of the bottom
portions of at least one of the three or more compartments faces in
a downward direction when the utility bag is in the stacked
position.
[0011] The three or more compartments of the present invention each
further comprise two lengthwise sides, and two end sides. At least
one of the lengthwise sides of at least one of the three or more
compartments has at least one external pocket. Also, at least one
of the three or more compartments is composed of insulating
material. Further, at least one of the three or more compartments
comprises padding material and/or a removable plastic liner. The
removable plastic liner is optionally attachable by a hook-and-loop
fastener. Further, at least one of the three or more compartments
has an external mesh pocket.
[0012] The utility bag of the present invention further comprises
an adjustable strap removably secured to the utility bag when the
utility bag is in the stacked position. A zipper is optionally
employed by the present invention to secure two of the three or
more compartments when the utility bag is in the stacked position.
The uppermost compartment is further characterized as having a lid
portion, the lid portion further having a handle. The uppermost
compartment further has an internal pocket made of mesh material,
and an internal strap for securing stowed items.
[0013] More particularly, the three or more compartments are: a
first compartment; a second compartment positioned over the first
compartment when the utility bag is in the stacked position; and a
third compartment positioned over the second compartment when the
utility bag is in the stacked position. The first compartment
comprises a first separator flap securing an interior of the first
compartment and the first separator flap has a pocket for storing
items. The second compartment further has a separator flap securing
an interior of the second compartment.
[0014] The invention is also characterized as a method of using a
utility bag comprising the steps of: providing the utility bag
having three or more compartments, each of the three or more of
compartments connected by an articulation segment; unfolding the
utility bag about the articulation segments; and changing a
relative position of each of the three or more compartments from a
stacked position to a side-by-side position.
[0015] The method of the invention further comprises the steps of:
folding the utility bag about the articulation segments; and
changing the relative position of each of the three or more
compartments from the side-by-side position to the stacked
position. The method further comprises the steps of securing the
three or more compartments in the stacked position with a zipper
and carrying the utility bag using an adjustable, removable
strap.
[0016] In another aspect, the invention is characterized as a
utility bag comprising: a first compartment, the first compartment
having a bottom portion and a first separator flap; and a second
compartment having a bottom portion and a second separator flap,
wherein the utility bag has an opened position and a stacked
position, and wherein the second compartment is inverted and on top
of the first compartment when the utility bag is in the stacked
position, and wherein the second compartment is adjacent to the
first compartment when the utility bag is in the opened position; a
third compartment, the third compartment being an uppermost
compartment when the utility bag is in the stacked position; and a
second articulation segment connecting the second compartment to
the first compartment.
[0017] The utility bag, in this aspect, is further defined by the
first separator flap or the second separator flap having a pocket.
The utility bag further comprises a first articulation segment
connecting the first compartment and the second compartment,
wherein the second compartment or the first compartment is rotated
about the first articulation segment when the utility bag is
transformed from the stacked position to the opened position. The
third compartment of the utility bag includes: an external pocket;
an internal pocket; and an internal strap for securing articles.
The third compartment further has a lid portion, the lid portion
being secured by a zipper and having a handle.
[0018] The utility bag, in this aspect, is further characterized by
each of the first compartment and second compartment comprising two
lengthwise sides; and two end sides, an end side of the second
compartment having an external pocket. At least one of the first
and second compartments is composed of insulating material, and at
least one of the first and second compartments comprises padding
material. Additionally, at least one of the first and second
compartments comprises a removable plastic liner. The utility bag
optionally includes an adjustable strap removably secured to the
utility bag when the utility bag is in the stacked position. The
invention further comprises a zipper to secure the first and second
compartments when the utility bag is in the stacked position.
[0019] These, as well as other advantages of the present invention,
will be more apparent from the following description and drawings.
It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and
described may be made within the scope of the claims, without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0020] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for
the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it
is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly
formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily
limited in any way by the construction of "means" or "steps"
limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning
and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the
judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims
are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full
statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better
visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like
elements are referenced by like numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
utility bag according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the utility bag of FIG.
1 in the upright folded or stacked position;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the utility bag wherein
the compartments are being articulated from the stacked position to
the unfolded position;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a view showing the utility bag of FIG. 3 further
articulated;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the utility bag in the
unfolded position corresponding to FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the preferred utility
bag as partially viewed from below;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the preferred utility
bag;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first preferred utility
bag as the bag's compartments are articulated from the
stacked/folded position toward the opened/unfolded position;
[0030] FIG. 9 is an additional perspective view of the utility bag
on its side with the bag's compartments in a partially unfolded
position;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a top view of the utility bag with its
compartments in the fully unfolded position with the compartments
thereof exposed side-by-side in an upwardly-opened position;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the first preferred utility
bag showing the compartments with typical baby-care items;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a downward-looking perspective view of the first
preferred utility bag with the baby items of FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the utility bag
illustrating a separator flap dividing two compartments when the
bag is being transformed to the stacked position; and
[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the utility bag
illustrating separator flaps that divide compartments, the flaps
positioned over their respective compartments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 through 3, a utility bag 10
of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
This particular bag 10 is divided into first, second and third
compartments 20, 30, 40. Compartmentalizing bag 10 in this way
facilitates organizing items and improves access to those items.
FIG. 1 illustrates bag 10 in an opened or unfolded position. In
contrast, FIG. 2 displays a side view of utility bag 10 in a
stacked or folded position. Importantly, compartments 20, 30, 40
are connected by first and second articulation segments 22, and 24
that are located on opposite sides of the utility bag when viewed
from an end, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The articulation segments
22, 24 allow utility bag 10 to be folded and transformed from the
stacked position (FIG. 2) to the opened position (FIG. 1). As shown
in FIG. 3, compartments 20, 30, 40 are rotated about the
articulation segments 22, 24 when bag 10 is being folded and
unfolded. It is also important to note that the first compartment
20 and the third compartment remain upright in both the stacked and
opened positions. Conversely, compartment 30 is upright when the
utility bag 10 is opened in FIG. 1, and is inverted when the
utility bag is folded to the stacked position in FIG. 2. Stated
differently, first and second compartments 20, 30 have bottom
portions 26, 28, respectively, that face in an upward direction
when the bag is in the opened position. Further, when bag 10 is in
the stacked position, bottom portion 26 remains facing upward,
however, bottom portion 28 faces in a downward direction. The
upward direction is further defined as the positive y-axis
direction in FIG. 1 and the downward inverted direction is the
negative y-axis direction.
[0037] Also shown in FIG. 1, a compartment 20 may contain a plastic
liner 12 according to a preferred embodiment. Plastic liner 12 may
benefit any number of uses to include storage of used diapers or
packing beverages with ice. The plastic liner 12 may also be
removed for cleaning and other purposes. Hook-and-loop fasteners 14
are particularly suited for securing and removing plastic liner 12.
Compartments 20, 30, 40 also have two end-sides 27 and two
lengthwise sides 29 as typical for any six sided rectangular
structure. End side 27 may contain an external pocket 16, or
zippered pouch 17 as desired. Similarly, lengthwise side 29 may
include one or more external pockets 18.
[0038] The design concept illustrated herein has several advantages
apparent from the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1. For
Example, easy access to the bag 10 will expedite the inspection
process at airport security checkpoints because all of the items
are visible at a glance. Conversely, the constrained access
provided by a single, deep-pocket bag would not yield this
efficiency. Next, the compartmentalized design in combination with
the bag's 10 other features will evenly distribute items further
providing ergonomic benefits. Additionally, the design concept is
applicable to bags 10 of all sizes for a variety of
applications.
[0039] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 again show utility bag 10 being unfolded
about articulation segments 22, 24. As shown in FIG. 6,
articulation segments 22, 24 are in the form of a strip of material
covering a seam in a preferred embodiment. The articulation
segments 22, 24 provide a jointed formation for the utility bag 10
to be unfolded. While the utility bag 10 is in the stacked
position, zippers 32, 34 secure compartments 20, 30, 40 in place as
shown in FIG. 6. Other suitable means are contemplated by the
present invention to secure compartments 20, 30, and 40 while in
the stacked position.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7 utility bag 10 of the preferred
embodiment is illustrated now showing lid portion 42 of third
compartment 40. In this embodiment, third compartment 40 is also an
uppermost compartment 40. Lid portion 42 also comprises a handle 44
that is useful for carrying utility bag 10. FIG. 8 further
illustrates a perspective view of utility bag 10 as the bag's
compartments 20, 30, 40 are articulated from the stacked/folded
position toward the opened/unfolded position. FIG. 8 additionally
provides an alternate view of first articulation segment 22. Also
shown are bottom portions 26, 28 of first and second compartments
20, 30. Bottom portion 28 is becomes inverted when utility bag 10
is transformed from the opened position to the stacked position.
Adjustable and removable strap 52 is additionally illustrated in
FIG. 8. The strap 52 is particularly useful for transporting the
bag 10 as a shoulder bag or a backpack.
[0041] FIG. 9 is an additional perspective view of the utility bag
10 on its side with the bag's compartments 20, 30, 40 in a
partially unfolded position. Second articulation segment 24 is
again illustrated as a strip of material connecting edges of
compartments 30 and 40. Plastic liner 12 having hook and loop
attachments 14 are again illustrated. It should be noted that any
of compartments 20, 30, 40 may be assembled with padding material
inserted into the fabric chosen for use in construction of utility
bag 10. Any padding material would benefit the utility bag's 10
self-supporting construction and serve to cushion items stowed
within the bag 10 and minimize possible damage to the items. Also,
material with insulating properties may used with the fabric chosen
for construction of utility bag 10. Compartments 20, 30, 40 having
insulating properties may be particularly useful for storage of
food and beverage items.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the utility bag 10 with
its compartments 20, 30, 40 in the fully unfolded position and
exposed side-by-side in an upwardly-opening position. First and
second compartments 20, 30 each have first and second separator
flaps 21, 31. The separator flaps 21, 31 serve to cover the items
that are stowed in their respective compartments 20, 30, thus
preventing items from shifting between compartments 20, 30 while
being transported. Separator flaps 21, 31 may be secured using a
hook-and-loop attachment (not shown) or other means.
[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the first
preferred utility bag 10 showing the compartments 20, 30, 40 with
typical baby-care items. It becomes apparent that the items are
readily assessable and organized, according to the present
invention by providing upwardly-opened compartments 20, 30, 40.
FIG. 12 provides a similar illustration as in FIG. 11. One or more
internal straps 62 are utilized by the present invention for
stowage of items. FIG. 13 shows yet another illustration of utility
bag 10 of the preferred embodiment. First separator flap 21 has a
mesh pocket 64 configured on an underside of flap 21 for additional
stowing of items. FIG. 14 provides yet still another perspective
view of the utility bag 10 illustrating separator flaps 21, 31 that
divide compartments 20, 30. The separator flaps 21, 31 in this
illustration are positioned over their respective compartments 20,
30.
[0044] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the
invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0045] While the particular Unfolding Utility Bag with Multiple
Upward-Opening Compartments as herein shown and disclosed in detail
is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the
advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is
merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design herein shown other than as described in the
appended claims.
[0046] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
* * * * *