U.S. patent application number 10/612265 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-06 for diaper bag and carrying device.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Boppy Company. Invention is credited to Mead, Teresa.
Application Number | 20050000992 10/612265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33552480 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050000992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mead, Teresa |
January 6, 2005 |
Diaper bag and carrying device
Abstract
In one embodiment, a brad for carrying items comprises a bag
body having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side.
The bag has a rain compartment, and the top end defines an opening
into the main compartment. The top end of the bag body is curved to
facilitate the holding of a curved pillow. A carrying strap is
coupled to the bag body.
Inventors: |
Mead, Teresa; (Westminster,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
The Boppy Company
Golden
CO
|
Family ID: |
33552480 |
Appl. No.: |
10/612265 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/610 ;
224/617 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/00 20130101; A45C
13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/610 ;
224/617 |
International
Class: |
A45F 003/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bag for carrying items, the bag comprising: a bag body having
a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side, wherein the
bag body further defines a main compartment that extends from the
bottom end to the top end, wherein the top end defines an opening
that provides access to the main compartment, wherein at least the
top end of the bag body is curved so that the main compartment is
adapted to hold a curved pillow having a medial region and two
extending arms, with the medial region of the pillow conforming
closely to the shape of the top end of the bag body; and at least
one carrying strap coupled to the bag body for carrying the
bag.
2. A bag as in claim 1, wherein the bag body further includes a
pair of connecting sides that extend between the front side and the
back side, wherein the connecting sides are curved and are adapted
to conform to the shape of the extending arms of the curved
pillow.
3. A bag as in claim 2, wherein the carrying strap has a pair of
ends and wherein the ends of the straps are coupled to the bag body
near where the top side intersects with the connecting sides.
4. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a fastener to close the
opening.
5. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising at least one handle that
is coupled to the bag body.
6. A bag as in claim 5, wherein the handle is coupled to the front
side and extends above the top end.
7. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a front pocket that is
coupled to the front side of the bag body.
8. A bag as n claim 7, wherein the front pocket includes a
plurality of sub-pockets.
9. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a side pocket that is
coupled to one of the connecting sides.
10. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a rear pocket that is
coupled to the rear side of the bag body.
11. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising at least one peripheral
item stored within the bag body, wherein the peripheral item is
selected from a group consisting of changing pads, storage devices
and toys.
12. A bag as in claim 2, wherein the bag body has a height in the
range from about 10 inches to about 20 inches and curves downward
to the connecting sides that each have a height in the range from
about 5 inches to about 11 inches.
13. A bag as in claim 1, wherein the curved top end has a radius of
curvature in the range from about 7 inches to about 13 inches.
14. A bag as in claim 1, wherein the bottom end has a length in the
range from about 15 inches to about 25 inches.
15. A system for carrying items, the system comprising a bag body
having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side,
wherein the bag body further defines a main compartment that
extends from the bottom end to the top end, wherein the top end
defines an opening that provides access to the main compartment,
wherein at least the top end of the bag body is curved; at least
one carrying strap coupled to the bag body for carrying the bag;
and a pillow stored within the main compartment, wherein the pillow
comprises a curved pillow body having a medial region and two
opposing arms extending from the medial region, and wherein the
medial region closely conforms to the shape of the curved top end
of the bag body.
16. A system as in claim 15, wherein the bag body further includes
a pair of connecting sides that extend between the front side and
the back side, wherein the connecting sides are curved and are
adapted to conform to the shape of the extending arms of the curved
pillow.
17. A system as in claim 16, wherein the carrying strap has a pair
of ends and wherein the ends of the straps are coupled to the bag
body near where the top side intersects with the connecting
sides.
18. A system as in claim 15, further comprising a fastener to close
the opening.
19. A system as in claim 15, further comprising at least one handle
that is coupled to the bag body.
20. A system as in claim 19, wherein the handle is coupled to the
front side and extends above the top end.
21. A system as in claim 15, further comprising a front pocket that
is coupled to the front side of the bag body.
22. A system as in claim 21, wherein the front pocket includes a
plurality of sub-pockets.
23. A system as in claim 15, further comprising a side pocket that
is coupled to one of the connecting sides.
24. A system as in claim 15, further comprising at least one
peripheral item stored within the bag body, wherein the peripheral
item is selected from a group consisting of changing pads, storage
devices and toys.
25. A system as in claim 16, wherein the bag body has a height in
the range from about 10 inches to about 20 inches and curves
downward to the connecting sides that each have a height in the
range from about 5 inches to about 11 inches.
26. A system as in claim 15, wherein the curved top end has a
radius of curvature in the range from about 7 inches to about 13
inches.
27. A system as in claim 15, wherein the bottom end has a length in
the range from about 15 inches to about 25 inches.
28. A system as in claim 15, wherein the medial region has a length
in the range from about 12 inches to about 25 inches, and wherein
the arms have a length in the range from about 7 inches to about 15
inches.
29. A method for carrying a pillow, the method comprising:
providing a bag comprising a bag body having a top end, a bottom
end, a front side and a back side, wherein the bag body further
defines a main compartment that extends from the bottom end to the
top end, wherein the top end defines an opening that provides
access to the main compartment, wherein at least the top end of the
bag body is curved, and at least one carrying strap coupled to the
bag body for carrying the bag; providing a pillow comprising a
curved pillow body having a medial region and two curved arms
extending from the medial region; squeezing the arms toward each
other and pushing the pillow into the main compartment; and closing
the opening, with the medial region closely conforming to the shape
of the top end of the bag body.
30. A method as in claim 29, further comprising removing the pillow
from the bag and supporting a baby with the pillow.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of bags, and
in particular to bags that are used to hold baby items, among
others. More specifically, the invention relates to so-called
diaper bags that may be used to carry various items used in caring
for babies.
[0002] Diaper bags have been in widespread use for a number of
years. Modern diaper bags often have various compartments for
holding items. For example, some have lined compartments for
holding diapers, baby wipes and the like. Other compartments may be
used for storing books, toys, snacks and the like.
[0003] Many such diaper bags are rectangular in shape. While
acceptable for some uses, such a configuration can make the diaper
bag unsuitable for carrying other types of items.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Hence, this invention relates generally to bags that may be
used to carry a wide variety of items. Such bags may be constructed
of a bag body having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a
back side. The bag body further includes a main compartment that
extends from the bottom end to the top end. The top end has an
opening leading into the main compartment. Further, the top end of
the bag body is curved. In this way, a curved pillow having a
curved medial region and two curved arms may be placed into the
main compartment, with the medial region conforming to the shape of
the top end. Of course, the pillow could be inserted into the main
compartment in other orientations as well. For example, the two
curved arms could be adjacent the top end. The bag may further
include one or more carrying straps or handles to carry the
bag.
[0005] In one aspect, the bag body may further include a pair of
connecting sides that extend between the front side and the back
side. The connecting sides may also be curved to conform to the
shape of the curved arms of the pillow body. In another aspect, the
carrying straps may be coupled to the bag body near where the top
end meets the connecting sides.
[0006] The bag body may also include a fastener, such as a sipper,
clasp, or the like to close the opening. If one or more handles are
used, they may extend above the curved top end.
[0007] The bag may also include a variety of pockets, such as a
pocket on the front side, on the back side, on the connecting sides
and/or within the main compartment. One or more of the pockets may
also include one ore more sub-pockets. These may be fashioned to
hold specific types of items. For example, the main compartment or
pockets may be configured to hold items such as a baby changing
pad, storage devices, bottles, toys, food, diapers, wipes, clothing
and the like.
[0008] When specifically designed for holding a curved pillow, the
bag may have a height in the range from about 10 inches to about 20
inches, and may curved downward to the connecting sides that have a
height in the range from about 5 inches to about 11 inches. The top
end may also have a radius of curvature of about 7 inches to about
13 inches. Also, the bottom end may have a length in the range from
about 15 inches to about 25 inches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bag and exemplary
items that may be held in the bag according to he invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1 with a front pocket
opened.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the bag of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1 when worn by a
user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention provides bags that may be used to hold a
variety of items. The bags may be particularly useful in carrying
baby related items, although other items may be held as well.
Examples of items that may be held include diapers, wipes, napkins,
bibs, toys, snacks, drinks, books, clothing, pacifiers, and the
like. One particular item that may be carried is a support pillow.
Examples of support pillows that may be carried are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,261,134, 5,661,861, 6,038,720, 6,055,687,
6,434,770, 6,532,612, 6,321,403, 6,279,185, 6,453,493, and
6,523,200, and copending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/046,377
filed Oct. 26, 2001; 09/884,742 filed Jun. 18, 2001; 09/802097
filed Mar. 8, 2001; 10,426,067, filed Apr. 28, 2003 (Atty. Dkt. No.
17242-010700), ______, filed on the same date as the present
application (entitled "Multi-use Pillow and Methods", attorney
docket no. 017242-010900), and ______, filed on the same date as
the present application (entitled "Support Pillow for Small
Infants", attorney docket no. 017242-011000), the complete
disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. However,
it will be appreciated that other pillows may be stored as well. In
one embodiment, the bag may be configured to have a shape that
generally conforms to the pillow so that the bag is somewhat form
fitting. This serves to accommodate the shape of the pillow without
using excess space.
[0014] The bag may also include a variety of internal and external
pockets for storing various items. These pockets may be subdivided
or include sub-pockets to facilitate holding specific types of
items. For example, pockets may be used to hold bottles, food,
drinks, pacifiers, wet or damp items, toys, and the like.
[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a bag 10 will be
described. Bag 10 comprises a bag body 12 having a bottom end 14, a
top end 16, a front side 18, a back side 20 (see FIG. 3) and a pair
of connecting sides 22 and 24. Bag body 12 may be constructed of a
wide variety of materials, such as nylon, fabrics (such as cotton,
denim and polyester), leather and the like. Also, bag body 12 may
be constructed of a combination of materials. For example, bag body
12 may have its interior or any pockets lined with a waterproof
material.
[0016] Bag body 12 also includes an opening 26 that provides access
into an interior 28. Opening is formed in top end 16 and
conveniently includes a zipper 30 that may be used to close opening
26. Other types of fasteners that may be used include snaps,
buttons, hooks, straps, buckles, a hook and loop fastener material,
a magnetic snap and the like.
[0017] Interior 28 may be used to hold a wide variety of items. By
way of example, shown in FIG. 1 is a pillow 32, a changing pad 34
and a purse 36. However, a variety of other items may be stored as
well as described herein. Pillow 32 comprises a pillow body 38
having a curved medial region 40 and two curved arms 42 and 44
extending from medial region 40. Pillow 32 may be constructed in a
manner similar to and have similar sizes as those described in the
patents incorporated herein by reference. As one example, medial
region 40 may have a length in the range of about 12 inches to
about 25 inches, and arms 42 and 44 may have a length in the range
from about 7 inches to about 15 inches. The medial region 40 and
arms 42 and 44 define a well 46 having a distance across of about 3
inches to about 12 inches. The thickness of pillow 32 may be in the
range from about 3 inches to about 8 inches. The pillow 32 may be
constructed of a variety of materials (including being inflatable)
and may be generally flexible while still being firm.
[0018] When placed into interior 28 in the orientation shown in
FIG. 1, medial region 40 is adjacent top end 16 and sides 22 and 24
are generally curved to conform to the shape and size of pillow 32.
For example, top end 16 may have a height in the range from about
10 inches to about 20 inches and sides 22 and 24 may have a height
in the range from about 5 inches to about 11 inches. Top end 16 may
also have a radius of curvature of about 7 inches to about 13
inches. Bottom end 14 may have a distance in the range from about
15 inches to about 25 inches and a width in the range from about 3
inches to about 12 inches.
[0019] Pillow 32 may be placed into interior 28 in essentially any
orientation. For example, medial region 40 may be placed adjacent
bottom end 14 or against one of sides 22 or 24. If needed, pillow
32 may be squeezed or manipulated to help position it within
interior 28. By having a bag body 12 closely confirm to the shape
of pillow 32, the overall dimensions of bag body 12 may be
minimized while also providing significant storage space for other
items. Also, various pockets may also be included to provide
additional storage space.
[0020] Changing pad 34 may comprise a padded member or may be a
piece of fabric upon which a baby may be placed when changing a
diaper or clothing. Pad 34 may conveniently be folded to help it
fit within interior 28. Pad 34 may also be constructed of fabrics
used to construct bag body 12.
[0021] Purse 36 defines an interior that may be accessible from its
top end. Purse 36 may be used to hold a variety of items that may
be used in taking care of a baby, such as wipes napkins, diapers
and the like. Purse 36 may also be constructed of a transparent
material.
[0022] To carry bag 10, it may include a carrying strap 50 that may
conveniently be worn over a user's shoulder as shown in FIG. 4. The
length of strap 50 may be adjustable by using an adjustment buckle
(see FIG. 4). Strap 50 may be connected to a buckle 54 located on
bag body using clasps 56 so that it may be removed. However, other
connecting mechanisms may be used as well.
[0023] Bag 10 may also include a pair of handles 60 and 62 (see
FIG. 3) that are connected to bag body 12 and extend upward past
top end 16. This permits bag 10 to be carried by hand simply by
grasping handles 60 and 62.
[0024] Front side 18 includes a front pocket 64 that may optionally
include a flap 66. As best shown in FIG. 2, pocket 64 includes a
zipper 68 that provides access into an interior 70, although other
fasteners may be used. When opened, the front of pocket 64 may be
folded down as shown by the arrow. Flap 66 may also have a fastener
material 72 that permits it to be secured to the front of pocket
64. In this way, zipper 68 may be kept open, with flap 66 serving
to close or cover the interior 70. A variety of fasteners may be
used including a hook and loop material, a magnetic snap, other
snaps and the like.
[0025] Included within interior 70 is a key attachment device that
permits a key ring to be held within interior 70. Interior 70 also
includes a set of sub-pockets 74, 76 and 78. These may be used to
hold a variety of items as selected by the user. Sub-pocket 74 may
include a flap 80 that may be lifted to provide access into the
interior of sub-pocket 74. A fastening material may be used to hold
flap 80 closed.
[0026] Sub-pocket 76 may be constructed of a mesh, string or other
breathable material. An elastic band 82 may be used to help hold
items in sub-pocket 76. Sub-pocket 78 may be constructed of
essentially any material and permits items to be slipped into its
top end.
[0027] Bag 10 also includes side pockets 84 and 86 that may be
constructed of a mesh or other material similar to sub-pocket 76.
An elastic material 88 may also be placed at the top end of pockets
84 and 86 to help hold items in pockets 84 and 86. Side pockets 84
and 86 are especially useful in holding items such as bottles,
glasses, sipper cups and the like.
[0028] As best shown in FIG. 3, bag 10 may also include a back
pocket 90 that extends across the length of the back side 20. A
fastener material 92 may be used to help hold pocket 90 closed.
Other fasteners may be used as well, including magnetic snaps,
ties, and the like. Also, although not shown, pocket 90 may be
subdivided into multiple pockets. Pocket 90 is especially useful
for holding large thin items, such as books, paper and the like, as
well as items that need to be easily accessed.
[0029] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes
of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that
certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *