U.S. patent application number 12/253964 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for portable accessory organizer pack.
Invention is credited to Lisa A. Landay.
Application Number | 20090114690 12/253964 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40587097 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090114690 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Landay; Lisa A. |
May 7, 2009 |
PORTABLE ACCESSORY ORGANIZER PACK
Abstract
A portable accessory organizer pack for storing, organizing and
transporting personal articles and accessories along with the pack
is provided by an organizer pack having a pouch body with a pair of
pouch walls hingedly coupled to a base section and a covering flap
and that is configurable between a first position wherein a set of
interior storage compartments in the pouch walls and covering flap
may all be accessible at one time to facilitate packing and
unpacking activities to a narrow profile, ready for transport
configuration that further forms a central cavity selectively
coverable by the covering flap and providing additional storage
space to that already provided by the other internal storage
compartments for maximizing storage space.
Inventors: |
Landay; Lisa A.; (San
Clemente, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADVANTAGE IP LAW FIRM
3020 OLD RANCH PARKWAY, SUITE 340
SEAL BEACH
CA
90740
US
|
Family ID: |
40587097 |
Appl. No.: |
12/253964 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60981103 |
Oct 18, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/575 ;
224/581; 224/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/30 20130101;
A45C 9/00 20130101; A45F 3/02 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45C
7/0054 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C 7/0095 20130101; A45F
2005/006 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45F 2003/003 20130101;
A45F 4/02 20130101; A45C 13/103 20130101; A45F 4/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/575 ;
224/581; 224/600 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/00 20060101
A45F004/00; A45F 3/00 20060101 A45F003/00 |
Claims
1. A portable accessory organizer pack for increasing storage
capacity and facilitating assembly between unpacking/packing and
transportation ready configurations comprising: a pouch body with a
base section interposed between two pouch walls, each pouch wall
being hingedly coupled to opposing spaced apart regions of the base
section and having a storage surface with at least one pocket
having an innermost surface, the pouch walls further being
rotatable relative to the base section between a first position
with the storage surfaces substantially opposing one another to a
second position with the storage surface of each pouch wall
disposed in substantially the same plane; a connective element
constructed to releasably couple the pouch walls together into a
transportation ready configuration with the pouch walls, the base
section, and the connective element cooperating to maintain the
spacing of the innermost surfaces of the pouch wall storage
surfaces apart from one another to form a substantially enclosed
pouch cavity while leaving at least one opening between the pouch
walls providing access into the pouch cavity when the connective
element is engaged, the connective element being further
constructed to free the pouch walls to rotate about the base
section into a substantially flat unpacking/packing configuration
exposing and providing access to each of the storage surface
pockets of the pouch walls; and a covering flap hingedly coupled to
the pouch body and including an auxiliary storage surface with at
least one interior facing flap pocket, the covering flap being
constructed to rotate relative to the pouch body to extend from the
pouch body positioning the interior facing flap pocket in
substantially the same plane as the pouch wall pockets when the
connective element is disengaged providing access to all interior
facing pockets and further constructed to rotate relative to the
pouch body so that a user may selectively cover and uncover at
least a portion of the pouch cavity opening when the pouch body is
in a transportation ready configuration.
2. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: a
carrying strap secured to the pouch body or covering flap and
constructed to be exposed when the pack is in the transport
configuration.
3. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the
connective element forms opposing side walls of the pouch
cavity.
4. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 3 wherein: the
connective element extends from the base section to a point
proximate the uppermost extent of the pouch walls.
5. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the pouch
walls, the base section, and the covering flap include exterior
surfaces that reside in substantially the same plane when the
connective element is disengaged and the covering flap
extended.
6. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: at least one
of the pockets includes a substantially see-through pocket covering
forming a viewing window.
7. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the pouch
body and covering flap are constructed of a substantially flexible
material.
8. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the
connective element forms a side wall of the pouch cavity and
further includes at least one auxiliary pocket.
9. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the covering
flap is constructed to cover the entire opening of the pouch
cavity.
10. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the pouch
body includes a first covering flap fastener element; and the
covering flap includes a complementary covering flap fastener
operable to releasably secure the covering flap to the pouch body
with the interior flap pocket abutting an exterior surface of one
of the pouch walls.
11. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:
at least one pocket on an exterior surface of the pouch body or
covering flap.
12. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 3 wherein: the
connective element extends from the uppermost extent of the pouch
walls toward the base section leaving at least one gap into the
pouch cavity proximate the base section.
13. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 3 wherein: the
connective element extends between the uppermost extent of the
pouch walls and the base section leaving at least one upper gap
opening and at least one lower gap opening into the pouch
cavity.
14. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 3 wherein: the
connective element includes a set of spaced apart connective strips
operable to releasably secure the pouch walls together.
15. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the pouch
walls are substantially parallel to one another when the connective
element is engaged.
16. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:
an accessory mat constructed to fold up within the profile of the
pouch body when the pouch body is in the transport configuration;
and an anchoring element on the interior surface of the pouch body
constructed to releasably secure the accessory mat to the pouch
body.
17. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:
a carrying strap coupled to the pouch body and having at least one
separable section constructed to encircle and releasably engage a
bar to suspend the pack therefrom.
18. The organizer pack as set forth in claim 2 wherein: the
carrying strap is a single loop shoulder strap; an exterior surface
of the pouch body or flap section includes a strap converter
constructed to releasably capture a portion of the carrying strap
to subdivide the single loop shoulder strap into a dual loop
backpack strap.
19. A portable accessory organizer pack for increasing storage
capacity and facilitating assembly between unpacking/packing and
transportation ready configurations comprising: a pouch body with a
base section interposed between and hingedly connected to an outer
pouch wall with an outermost free edge and an inner pouch wall
terminating in an uppermost hinge element, each of the pouch walls
having an interior surface and an exterior surface and being
independently rotatable through a substantially one hundred eighty
degree arc relative to the base section; a strap retention section
extending from the hinge element of the inner pouch wall and
further extending into an elongated covering flap with an interior
surface, the covering flap being constructed to pivot about the
hinge element from a pouch cavity access position aligning the
interior surfaces of the inner pouch wall and the covering flap in
substantially the same plane to a covering position with the
interior surface of the covering flap abutting the exterior surface
of the outer pouch wall; at least one pocket on each of the
interior surfaces of the pouch walls and covering flap; a pair of
opposing connective elements projecting between the base section
and a region proximate the top of each pouch wall, the connective
elements being constructed to releasably secure the pouch walls
together with the interior surfaces of the pouch walls opposing one
another in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to form a pouch
cavity with a top opening at least partially coverable by the
covering flap, the connective elements further being constructed to
free the pouch walls to rotate away from one another about the base
section into a substantially flat configuration; and a carrying
strap coupled at opposing ends to the strap retention section for
suspending the pack during transport whereby a user may selectively
engage the connective elements to couple the pouch walls together
and pivot the covering flap over onto the pouch body to cover the
top opening of the pouch cavity to form the pack into a transport
configuration and also pivot the covering flap away from the pouch
body into a position extending from the inner pouch wall and
selectively disengage the connective elements to pivot the pouch
walls away from one another to position the interior surfaces of
the pouch walls and covering flap in substantially the same plane
exposing all of the interior pockets in each of the pouch walls and
covering flap.
20. A portable accessory organizer pack for increasing storage
capacity and facilitating assembly between unpacking/packing and
transportation ready configurations comprising: a pouch body with
an inner pouch wall and an outer pouch wall hingedly coupled to
opposing spaced apart regions of a base section interposed
therebetween, each pouch wall having an interior facing storage
surface with at least one pocket and being rotatable relative to
the base section between a first position with the storage surfaces
substantially opposing one another in a spaced apart relationship
to a second position with the storage surface of each pouch wall
disposed in substantially the same plane; a connective element on
each side of the pouch body constructed to releasably couple the
pouch walls together into a transportation ready configuration with
the pouch walls, the base section, and the connective element
forming a substantially enclosed pouch cavity while leaving at
least one opening between the pouch walls when the connective
element is fully engaged providing access into the pouch cavity,
the connective element being further constructed to free the pouch
walls to rotate about the base section into a substantially flat
configuration exposing and providing access to each of the interior
facing pockets of the pouch walls; a flap element hingedly coupled
to the pouch body and including an auxiliary storage surface
including at least one interior facing flap pocket, the flap being
constructed to rotate relative to the pouch body to extend the flap
element from the pouch body exposing the interior facing flap
pocket when the pouch body is in the unpacking/packing
configuration and further constructed to rotate relative to the
pouch body to cover at least a portion of the pouch cavity opening
when the pouch body is in a transportation ready configuration; an
accessory mat with a first fastener element having an unfolded
profile larger than the pouch body in at least one dimension and
constructed to fold up to fit within the profile of the pouch body
when the connective element is engaged; a complementary second
fastener element disposed on the interior surface of the pouch body
constructed to align with the first fastener element and releasably
secure the accessory mat to the pouch body; a strap length reducer
on the exterior surface of the pouch body; and a carrying strap
having opposing ends coupled to the pouch body or covering flap and
constructed to be selectively captured by the strap length reducer
to bisect the carrying strap into two loops, the carrying strap
further including at least one separable section constructed to
encircle and releasably capture a support bar to suspend the pack
therefrom.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/981,103 filed on Oct. 18, 2007, entitled the
same, and which is hereby by incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to portable packs for
transporting, storing, and organizing personal gear and accessories
and more specifically to portable packs that are convertible from
one configuration to another.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] When conducting outdoor activities, traveling, going to a
gym or exercise class, heading out to the beach or a picnic, or
merely conducting local shopping activities or seeking out local
entertainment, it is commonplace to carry around personal gear
relating to the activity. Often the gear such as clothing, food and
beverages, identification, toiletries, and the like is tailored to
the event. In addition, if accompanied by small children or
infants, there are additional gear needs as well such as diapers,
extra clothes, changing mats, wipes, and snacks, for instance.
Typically, the solution for transporting personal items is provided
by personal carrying products such as purses, handbags, wallets,
tote bags, shopping bags, backpacks, and messenger bags. Often more
than one carrying product is required due to the amount of gear and
needs of the user. Depending on the construction of the carrying
product, the user typically supports the product on his or her
shoulder, wears the item as a backpack, or merely carries the item
using a handle or handles. Also, it is not uncommon to bring bulky
items along as well such as umbrellas, sleeping bags, large beach
towels, exercise mats, large bulky clothing such as jackets and the
like which may need to be hand carried in some instances since the
carrying item cannot accommodate the bulky nature of the goods.
Thus, the user typically will have one or both hands occupied with
carrying additional goods. This may also add multiple trips to and
from a vehicle such as when going to the beach, picnic, or barbecue
to fully transport all of the goods.
[0006] The general construction of many of these carrying products
is usually of a sack like construction in that there is a large
central pocket that may or may not have a covering flap and some
sort of handle or strap for carrying the sack. Thus, the user
merely dumps much of the gear into the sack without any
organizational thought and is forced to search through the sack to
find the desired gear. This drawback appears in many messenger
style bags as well.
[0007] Other carrying items provide a number of pockets for
organizing the gear somewhat but do not allow the user to access
all or even most of the pockets at the same time. For example,
backpacks are often top loaded and/or front panel loaded. However,
when accessing one of the storage compartments, typically, another
is covered up and the user is forced to flip back and forth or open
and close different sections of the backpack to access another.
[0008] One such example may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,034 to
Fournier. The Fournier sports bag includes a central section and
two outer sections, each including a set of pockets. The outermost
edges of the two outer sections may be brought together in an
abutting relationship to form and seal off the top side of a
generally bell-shaped cavity. The side walls may also be zipped up
to fully enclose the cavity. A relatively short flap without any
storage capacity may overlap and secure the top edges of the outer
walls together. While providing a significant amount of storage,
such pack fails to provide any additional storage capacity in the
short flap section or quick access into the cavity formed when the
bag is assembled for transport. In addition, the relatively
bell-shaped cavity forms an enlarged profile of that of a
conventional duffel bag and not a slimming profile creating a
somewhat bulky bag to keep next to one's person during
transport.
[0009] Yet another example of a carrying pack is provided in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,002,401 to Blackman. The Blackman article holder and
carrier includes a pack that opens flat with pockets throughout the
interior. The pack may be folded up to form a central compartment
and includes a side flap for coupling the sidewalls together with a
hook and loop fastener and a bottom flap for closing off the bottom
of the compartment. The top of the compartment may be sealed with a
cinch top closure. When ready for transportation, the pack
generally resembles a backpack or half milk carton in profile. The
pocket openings run parallel to and face the top opening that is
not covered by a flap so that smaller items falling out of the open
pockets may fall out of the compartment through the cinch top
closure if the pack is inverted. The dual flap closures also
require a significant amount of effort on the part of the user to
manipulate, align, and close up the pack as both flaps must be
coupled to the main body of the pack to close off the compartment
making this pack somewhat unwieldy. In addition, the lack of a
covering flap for the cinch top opening allows environmental
conditions such as rain to enter into the main compartment.
[0010] Another product sold under the brand Buxton Over The
Shoulder Organizer Bag as available from www.buxtonbag.tv attempts
to provide organizational capabilities in an over the shoulder
style bag. While such a bag provides a relatively roomy pouch
section thanks to an expandable pouch section and a flap section
with interior pockets, the pouch section may only be widened for
additional storage or zippered into a more narrow profile. The
ability to expose the interior surface of the pouch cavity is not
provided.
[0011] A Coach brand messenger bag is another attempt to satisfy
consumers craving an organized messenger bag. The Coach brand bag
includes a first openable clam-shell style section adjacent a pouch
section with a flap section that covers the both the pouch section
and the clam-shell style section. However, the Coach brand
messenger style bag includes permanent pouch side walls such that
interior surfaces of the opposing pouch walls may not be opened
flat and exposed and the pouch remains hidden when the adjacent
clam-shell style section is opened up. Thus, all of the interior
surfaces of the Coach bag cannot be exposed at the same time.
Moreover, the clam-shell halves are connected together by a narrow
strip of material that projects upwardly into the clam-shell
sections to interfere with the withdrawal of materials placed
therein or the placement of mat and pads thereon.
[0012] Additional examples of more specific accessory focused packs
include a tri-fold picnic pack available from www.picnicfun.com
under the picnic pack category and sold under the product
identification Bordeaux Picnic Set for 4. Such a tri-fold
arrangement allows no room for an internal pouch cavity as each of
the internal pockets abut one another when the wallet or pack is
folded up for transport. In addition, the open side walls of such a
pack encourage the loss of internal contents that are not securely
fastened to the pack. Thus, loose items could not realistically be
stored in such a pack.
[0013] Another example from the same web site is the Classico
Deluxe Rose Picnic Pack for 2 or Classico Deluxe Riviera Pack for
2. These two packs provide some suitable features but do not
include a covering flap and instead provide a two-section
clam-shell pack that zips up all around the pack to seal off the
interior completely. In addition, there is no internal cavity
created as the internal contents abut one another when the pack is
closed. Such packs clearly miss out on the incorporation of a
covering flap with additional storage as well as an easily
accessible internal cavity when folded up for transport.
[0014] In surveying these other pack solutions, a primary drawback
of many of these carrying items is the loss of possible storage
capacity since not all of the surface features contain storage
compartments. Yet another frequent drawback is that there is no way
to see into the contents of the storage compartments since the
outer pocket coverings are usually opaque or the contents are
concealed in some fashion even when available for access.
[0015] Given the drawbacks of conventional carrying products, there
exists a need for an easy to use, portable organizer accessory pack
that maximizes storage space while reducing the need for extra
baggage and that provides superior organizational features in a
relatively narrow profile configuration. Such an organizer pack
would also preferably be capable of transporting travel gear and
related accessories along with personal items so as to free the
user's hands during transportation and further allow the user to
access all of the interior storage compartments at the same time
reducing the time required to both pack and unpack the travel
pack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a portable accessory organizer pack for increasing
storage capacity and facilitating assembly between
unpacking/packing and transportation ready configurations may be
provided with a pouch body having a base section hingedly coupled
between two pouch walls with each pouch wall having a storage
surface with at least one interior facing pocket, the pouch walls
further being rotatable relative to the base section between a
first position with the storage surfaces substantially opposing one
another to a second position with the storage surface of each pouch
wall disposed in substantially the same plane. A connective element
constructed to releasably couple the pouch walls together into a
transportation ready configuration with the pouch walls, the base
section, and the connective element cooperating to maintain the
spacing of the innermost surfaces of the pouch walls apart from one
another to form a substantially enclosed pouch cavity while leaving
at least one opening between the pouch walls providing access into
the pouch cavity when the connective element is fully engaged, the
connective element being further constructed to free the pouch
walls to rotate about the base section into a substantially flat
unpacking/packing configuration exposing and providing access to
each of the storage surface pockets of the pouch walls is also
provided along with a flap element hingedly coupled to the pouch
body and including an auxiliary storage surface including at least
one interior facing flap pocket, the flap being constructed to
rotate relative to the pouch body to extend the flap from the pouch
body exposing the interior facing flap pocket when the pouch body
is in the unpacking/packing configuration and further constructed
to rotate relative to the pouch body so that a user may selectively
cover and uncover at least a portion of the pouch cavity opening
when the pouch body is in a transportation ready configuration.
[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, a carrying strap
may be provided to facilitate the transportation of the pack and a
strap length reducer may be used to convert the carrying strap from
a single shoulder strap to a dual loop backpack style
configuration, both carrying means offering hands free
transport.
[0018] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the carrying
strap may incorporate at least one separable region whereby a user
may separate a portion of the carrying strap to encircle a support
bar such as a stroller handle and suspend the pack therefrom.
[0019] Another feature of the present invention may be the
incorporation of a pre-filled cavity with an accessory mat that may
be anchored thereto and folded up to fit within the profile of the
ready for transport configuration pack.
[0020] Other aspects of the present invention include providing
connective elements that form the sidewalls of the pouch cavity and
may incorporate additional auxiliary pockets or a covering flap
that covers at least a portion of the pouch cavity opening and that
also introduce additional gap openings for inserting items into the
pouch cavity that are larger than the pouch cavity.
[0021] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent
with further reference to the following drawings and
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an interior surface of an
exemplary first embodiment of a portable accessory organizer pack
in an unfolded, ready for packing configuration and in accordance
with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an exterior surface of the
organizer pack of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is the same view as in FIG. 1 and illustrating
various articles being stored within the pockets of the organizer
pack of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the organizer pack of FIG.
1 with two pouch walls folded and coupled together to form a
pouch;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a left hand side view of FIG. 4 with the flap
folded back;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a left hand side view of FIG. 5 with the close
connective element disengaged and peeled back to reveal the pouch
cavity and the covering flap slightly repositioned;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top view of the organizer pack of FIG. 1 with
the flap section folded back;
[0029] FIG. 8 is the same view of the organizer pack of FIG. 4
rotated through 90 degrees illustrating a quick pouch access
configuration;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a rear view of FIG. 8;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a left hand side view of the organizer pack of
FIG. 1 with the flap section folded onto the pouch section
illustrating the ready for transport configuration;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a top view of the organizer pack of FIG. 10;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the organizer pack of FIG.
10;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a long side view of the pack of the unfolded
organizer pack of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 14 is the same view as FIG. 5 with an alternative
sidewall construction;
[0036] FIG. 15 is the same view as FIG. 5 with another alternative
sidewall construction;
[0037] FIG. 16 is the same view as FIG. 5 with yet another
alternative sidewall construction;
[0038] FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 5 with yet another
alternative sidewall construction;
[0039] FIG. 18 is the same view as in FIG. 1 with an alternative
covering flap and carrying strap construction;
[0040] FIG. 19 is the same view as in FIG. 11 with the alternative
covering flap and carrying strap construction of FIG. 18;
[0041] FIG. 20 is the same view as in FIG. 1 with an alternative
interior storage construction;
[0042] FIG. 21 is the same view as in FIG. 20 with exemplary
utensils and accessories inserted into the storage regions of the
pack;
[0043] FIG. 22 is an elevational view of an interior surface of
another exemplary embodiment of a portable accessory organizer pack
in an unfolded, ready for packing configuration and in accordance
with the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 23 is an elevational view of an exterior surface of the
organizer pack of FIG. 22;
[0045] FIG. 24 is the same view as in FIG. 22 and illustrating
various articles being stored within the interior surface pockets
of the organizer pack;
[0046] FIG. 25 is an elevational view of the organizer pack of FIG.
22 with two sections folded and coupled together to form a
pouch;
[0047] FIG. 26 is a left hand side view of FIG. 25 with the flap
folded back;
[0048] FIG. 27 is the same view as FIG. 26 with the nearest
sidewall removed revealing the pouch cavity;
[0049] FIG. 28 is a top view of the organizer pack of FIG. 26 with
the flap section folded back;
[0050] FIG. 29 is a left hand side view of the organizer pack of
FIG. 26 with the flap section folded onto the pouch section
illustrating the ready for transport configuration;
[0051] FIG. 30 is a top view of the organizer pack of FIG. 29 with
the flap section folded onto the pouch section;
[0052] FIG. 31 is a front view of the organizer pack of FIG. 29
with the flap section folded onto the pouch section;
[0053] FIG. 32 is the same view as in FIG. 28 rotated through 90
degrees and with exemplary liquid containers being stored in the
opened sidewall compartments;
[0054] FIG. 33 is rear view of the organizer pack of FIG. 32
illustrating an alternative carrying strap configuration;
[0055] FIG. 34 is an elevational view of an interior surface of
another embodiment of the portable accessory organizer pack in an
unfolded, ready for packing configuration in accordance with the
present invention;
[0056] FIG. 35 is an elevational view of an exterior surface of the
organizer pack of FIG. 34;
[0057] FIG. 36 is a rear elevational view of an exemplary folding
mat for use with the organizer pack of FIG. 34;
[0058] FIG. 37 is the same view as in FIG. 34 and illustrating the
foldable mat of FIG. 36 being anchored to the pack in an unfolded
state;
[0059] FIG. 38 is the same view as in FIG. 37 and illustrating the
foldable mat of FIG. 36 being folded up with the profile of the
pack;
[0060] FIG. 39 is a front elevational view of the organizer pack of
FIG. 34 shown in a ready for transport configuration;
[0061] FIG. 40 is a left forward perspective view of the pack in
FIG. 39;
[0062] FIG. 41 is the same view as FIG. 39 with the separable
regions of the carrying strap in an unbuckled configuration;
[0063] FIG. 42 is the same view as FIG. 39 with the carrying strap
secured around and suspended from an exemplary stroller handle;
[0064] FIG. 43 is an elevational view of an interior surface of
another embodiment of the portable accessory organizer pack in an
unfolded, ready for packing configuration in accordance with the
present invention;
[0065] FIG. 44 is an elevational view of an exterior surface of the
organizer pack of FIG. 43;
[0066] FIG. 45 is the same view as in FIG. 43 and illustrating the
foldable mat of FIG. 36 being anchored to the pack in an unfolded
state;
[0067] FIG. 46 is the same view as in FIG. 45 and illustrating the
foldable mat of FIG. 36 folded up with the profile of the pack;
[0068] FIG. 47 is an elevational view of the organizer pack of FIG.
43 with two sections folded and coupled together to form a pouch
with a folded mat inside; and
[0069] FIG. 48 is a front left perspective view of the pack of FIG.
47 with the side wall removed to show the folded up mat inside.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0070] The following packs have features in common including a
pouch body of a generally rectangular shape that may be configured
between a closed, transportation ready, configuration that conceals
most, if not all, of the storage compartments used for packing,
storing, organizing, and transporting personal gear and accessories
and an expanded, open, ready for packing and unpacking
configuration with the pouch body and covering flap configured in a
substantially flat position to expose the organizing compartments.
The packing process transforms each pack from an elongated
configuration presenting a large amount of packing space to a
closed configuration having a relatively narrow profile generally
resembling a messenger style bag or clam-shell style pack with or
without a covering flap. In addition, for some of the packs,
manipulating the pouch body into the closed configuration creates a
central cavity for additional storage space. Exterior facing
pockets may also be used on each of the packs to provide additional
storage space on the outside surfaces of the packs that are not
concealed when the packs are in the closed configuration.
[0071] Each of the packs may also include a carrying means such as
a shoulder strap, dual backpack straps, one or more handles, or a
combination thereof, and attached to various locations on the pouch
body and/or covering flap as will be described below. Various
closure devices and fasteners are used to close off and control
access to the storage compartments and also to maintain the pack in
the closed, ready for transport configuration. For example,
throughout this description various fasteners or closure devices
such as zippers, magnetic snaps and locks, buckles and clips, hook
and loop, loose tie strings, straps, buttons, hooks and grommets,
tongue and groove type closures, and other suitable fasteners are
referred to, but are not meant to be limiting, unless otherwise
noted. In addition, attachable accessories such as accessory mats
and removable pockets may be used with each pack provided a
suitable corresponding attachment structure is provided. The
features of one pack are generally understood to be interchangeable
with the features of other packs, except where noted.
[0072] The packs may also be used to secure and transport gear and
accessories either in a fixed storage compartment or loose within
the pack and be transported as a single unit with the pack. Other
advantageous features and the versatility of the organizer packs
will become apparent as this description continues.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, an exemplary first embodiment
of a portable accessory organizer pack, generally designated 100,
is illustrated. Referring specifically now to an interior surface
view of the unfolded, pre-packing (or unpacked) organizer pack
configuration in FIG. 1, the organizer pack 100 includes a pouch
body, generally designated 102, with a substantially rectangular
outer pouch wall, generally designated 104. The outer pouch wall
includes a free outer edge 106 and an opposing innermost edge 108
hingedly connected to an outer pouch wall side edge 110 (edges 108
and 110 essentially coincide with one another) of a substantially
rectangular base section 112. A pair of opposing long sides 113,
115 forms part of the periphery of the outer pouch wall as
well.
[0074] The base section 112 further includes an inner pouch wall
side edge 114 hingedly connected to an inner pouch wall, generally
designated 116. Thus, the base section acts as a dual hinge with
two spaced apart hinge lines (110, 114) about which each respective
pouch wall 104, 116 may pivot independently. While generally only
approximately ninety (90) degrees of rotation is useful for each
pouch wall relative to the base section, such hinge may be
constructed to enable each pouch wall to rotate through a
substantially three hundred and sixty (360) degree arc. The upper
and lower boundaries of the inner pouch wall as viewed in FIG. 1 is
defined by long sides 121 and 123, respectively. At the opposing
end of the pouch body from the outermost edge of the outer pouch,
the inner pouch wall terminates in an upper edge 118 from which
extends a covering flap 120 that may include an intermediate strap
retention section 122. The covering flap is also hingedly connected
to the pouch body about the upper edge 118 that forms another hinge
line (axis of rotation) in the organizer pack. The covering flap
may also be rotated about the upper edge pivot line through three
hundred and sixty (360) degrees as shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 10.
Such flap is configurable between a covering position for transport
as in FIG. 10, an unpacking/packing position as in FIG. 1, and a
quick pouch access position as in FIGS. 5-6.
[0075] Taking advantage of the interior facing surface area of each
pouch walls 104, 116 and the covering flap section 120 as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 and to increase the storage capacity of the organizer
pack 100, at least one pocket is preferably introduced into each
wall or flap section with the pocket or pockets filling a
significant portion of the entire span of each pouch wall and flap
section. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer pouch wall 104
includes a set of three pockets: a main pocket 124 forming the
innermost pocket and two smaller auxiliary pockets 126, and 128
overlapping a portion of the main pocket. The main pocket spans the
width of the outer pouch wall from side to side (width being
defined as top to bottom of the pouch wall as shown in FIG. 1) with
a lower end coinciding with or terminating near the outer pouch
wall side edge 110 and an upper end 130 terminating about
two-thirds of the way to the outermost end 106 of the outer pouch
wall 104. The smaller auxiliary pockets 126, 128 essentially
subdivide the larger main pocket in width and have a lower edge in
common with the lower edge of the main pocket 124 but terminate in
a common outer edge 132 about half way across the outer pouch wall.
The openings of each of the outer pouch wall pockets project in a
parallel orientation to the closest long edge 110 of the base
section 112 and the outermost edge 106 of the outer pouch wall. In
this exemplary embodiment, the top edges of the pockets are only
secured at the sides of each respective pockets allowing quick
retrieval into the pockets. The pockets are also preferably
constructed to lay substantially flat to provide a relatively thin
pocket profile or, alternatively, may be of an accordion style,
have a stretchable pocket covering material, or have pleated
corners to enable further expansion. In addition, the pockets may
be formed of a transparent or see-through mesh material to enable
ready identification of the pocket contents or also of an opaque
material if more privacy is required.
[0076] Similarly, the inner pouch wall 116 includes a set of three
pockets as well: a main pocket 134 and two smaller auxiliary
pockets 136 and 138, each with a common bottom edge terminating at
or near the inner pouch wall side edge 114 of the base section 112.
In this exemplary embodiment, the inner pouch wall main pocket 134
includes an upper edge 140 terminating at or near the top edge 118
of the inner pouch wall and including a zipper closure 142 for
controlling access into the pocket. As with the corresponding
auxiliary pockets on the outer pouch wall, the auxiliary pockets on
the inner pouch wall generally subdivide the width of the inner
pouch wall. Such auxiliary inner wall pouch pockets also include a
common upper edge 144 terminating about one-half of the way between
the wall side edge 114 and the outer edge 118 of the inner pouch
wall providing a slightly different size configuration than their
outer pouch wall counterpart. The common upper edge of the smaller
auxiliary pockets does not include a fastener in this example. In
addition, the pocket openings of the inner pouch wall face in the
opposite direction to those of the outer pouch wall when the pack
is unfolded as seen in FIG. 1. Thus, when the pouch walls 104, 116
of the pouch body 102 are folded up together for transport, as will
be described below, the pocket openings of both the inner and outer
pouch walls face the top of the pack during transport to facilitate
both retrieval of items stored therein and to prevent items from
spilling out during transport.
[0077] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the covering flap
section 120 extends outwardly from the uppermost edge 118 of the
inner pouch wall 116. The interior surface of the covering flap
section includes an enlarged storage pocket 146 providing an
auxiliary flap storage area. This pocket includes a bottom edge
coexistent with the outermost edge 119 of the strap retention
section 122 and an upper edge 148 with a zipper closure 150
recessed about one-fifth of the length of the covering flap back
from the outer edge 152 of the covering flap. The pocket covering
or interior wall of the interior flap pocket 146 is constructed of
a stretchable mesh material such as a vinyl coated mesh in this
exemplary embodiment. Such see-through stretchable material
facilitates both the ready identification of stored articles as
well as providing some expandability of the pocket for enlarged
items and extra capacity. Extending from the outer edge of the
zipper closure is a bayonet style fastener 154 attached to a short
length of webbed strapping 155 for use in releasably securing the
flap 120 to the exterior surface 177 (FIG. 2) of the outer pouch
wall 104 as will be described below
[0078] For releasably joining the two pouch walls 104, 116
together, a pair of connective elements 156 and 158 in the form of
a pair of opposing zipper assembly closures (complementary toothed
zipper walls with zipper pull) is provided in this exemplary
embodiment. Each connective element 156, 158 includes one half of
the zipper assembly that projects along the longer sides 113, 115
and 121, 123, respectively, of the opposing pouch walls 104, 116
from near their respective top edges 106, 118 to converge at
opposing points 160, 162 (FIG. 2) on either side of the opposing
short ends 164, 166 of the base section. This provides the pack
with a slightly tapered appearance with the region of the outer
pouch wall 104 nearest the base section 112 slightly narrower than
the outermost edge 106 as best seen in FIG. 1. Such connective
elements may project at right angles to their respective pouch
walls and be constructed of a rigid or flexible material. It will
be appreciated that a flexible material such as cloth or nylon may
fall to one side or the other when unfastened. Preferred zipper
materials include conventional metals or plastics such as nylon.
Other suitable materials will occur to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0079] Referring now to an exterior surface view of the organizer
pack 100 in FIG. 2, the exterior surface 177 of the outer pouch
wall 104 is a generally rectangular surface bordered by a piping or
trim 170 sewn around the periphery of the pouch wall providing a
finished border appearance. Projecting from the interior edge 172
of the exterior surface of the outer pouch wall is short webbed
strap 174 terminating in a buckle 176 for receiving the bayonet
fastener 154 of the covering flap 120. The exterior surface 178 of
the inner pouch wall is also generally rectangularly shaped but
extends to merge with the elongated rectangular exterior surface
179 of the flap section and both are finished with a separate
piping material. On the exterior surface of the inner pouch wall is
yet another pocket 180 with a bottom edge 182 adjacent the base
section 112 and an upper edge 184 coexistent with the pouch side
edge of the strap restraint section 122. A zipper closure 186
spaced a few inches from the strap restraint section 122 provide
the access control for the inner pouch wall exterior pocket
180.
[0080] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the exterior surface 188
of the covering flap section 120 includes a pair of external flap
pockets 190 and 192, together spanning the width of the flap
section. The flap pockets have a common bottom edge coexistent with
the outer edge 152 of the covering flap and a common top edge 194
spaced apart a few inches from the strap restraint section 122. The
common top edge includes a common zipper element 196 that when
pulled across the width of the flap section opens or closes both
flap pockets. In this exemplary embodiment, the pockets bifurcate
the exterior surface 188 of the covering flap 120 unequally with
the top pocket 190, as viewed in FIG. 2, being slightly larger its
counterpart pocket 192. The bottom pocket (as viewed in FIG. 2)
also includes a mesh outer surface while the top pocket includes a
solid/opaque outer surface. A lanyard 198 extends from one end of a
strap having the other end sewn into zipper closure 196. Such a
lanyard provides a convenient locating for releasably securing
one's keys for example.
[0081] With continued reference to FIG. 2, a convenient elongated
carrying strap 168 is coupled to the short ends 164, 166 (FIGS. 2
and 3) of the strap retention section 122. Alternatively, such
strap may be attached to the pouch body, other region of the flap
section, or a combination thereof. The carrying strap forms a
shoulder strap from which the pack 100 may be carried or suspended
and may include an adjustable shoulder pad (not shown here but
described below in conjunction with other packs described herein)
that may be slidably mounted on the strap and can be slid along a
length of the strap so that a user can adjust the strap to increase
the level of comfort. Furthermore, a quartet of conventional strap
length adjusters 169, 171, 173, and 187 are placed along a length
of the strap to enable a user to adjust the overall length of the
carrying strap as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art. This strap is preferably long enough to form an elongated
shoulder strap although a short carrying handle would be a suitable
substitute. While the carrying strap is convenient, it will be
appreciated that the pack could also be carried as a satchel
without any carrying strap if desired.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 1-2 in conjunction with the side view of
the FIG. 13, with the organizer pack 100 in an unfolded
configuration with the connective elements 156, 158 disengaged, the
pouch walls 104, 116 are rotated relative to the base section 112
and the covering flap 120 is extended out from the inner pouch wall
such that the exterior surfaces of the pouch walls, base section,
and covering flap all reside in substantially the same horizontal
plane. This hinging feature between the pouch walls and base
section facilitates exposing all of the interior pockets 124, 126,
128, 134, 136, 138, and 146 all at once. In addition, the
relatively low profile of the base section 112 provides a useful
surface for attachments as will be described below and does not
inhibit placing a mat or other enlarged pad across the interior
surfaces of both pouch walls and further does not inhibit drawing
articles from the pockets should the openings be placed parallel to
and proximate the base section.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the organizer pack 100 is
illustrated in a ready for transport configuration except that the
covering flap 120 is peeled back in FIG. 5 and the near side
connective element 158 is unzipped to aid in the further
description of the pouch body 102. Referring now specifically to
FIG. 5, the connective elements 156 and 158 are shown in an engaged
configuration. The zipper of each connective element has been drawn
from its respective convergent point 160, 162 to the outermost
edges 106, 118 of each pouch wall 104, 118 as the pouch walls are
pivoted together about the base section 112. When the connective
elements are fully engaged, the connective elements, pouch walls,
and base section of the pouch body cooperate to form a pouch cavity
109 (FIG. 6) with an access opening 111 as in this exemplary
embodiment as shown as the top of the pouch cavity as viewed in
FIGS. 5-6. As shown in FIG. 6, the base section 112 introduces a
space or gap between the interior surfaces (pocket coverings) of
the interior surface pockets 124, 126, 128 and 134, 136, 138 of the
respective outer and inner pouch walls to form an additional
storage space for loose items that may be placed within the pouch
cavity and still maintained within the organizer pack. Items such
as picnic blankets, towels, mats, umbrellas, and other items too
large from the interior storage pockets may be placed within the
pouch cavity for storage and transportation. Even with the interior
pockets stuffed to capacity, sufficient spacing will remain to form
a central cavity to provide such additional storage. The connective
elements provide the side walls that extend in a ninety (90) degree
angle from the respective inner and outer pouch walls and prevent
loose items from falling out during transportation as well. It will
be appreciated that such configuration maintains the upper edges
106 and 118 of the outer and inner pouch walls, 104, 116,
respectively in a spaced apart configuration providing quick access
to the pouch cavity through the top opening 111 when the covering
flap 120 is peeled back as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 provides a top
view of the pouch body folded up with the top opening into the
pouch cavity.
[0084] Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, to construct the organizer pack
100, a base sheet of material may be cut to form the generally
rectangular shape of the outer pouch wall 104 and a second base
sheet of material may be cut to the elongated rectangular shape of
the inner pouch wall 116 and flap section 120 as best seen in FIG.
2. Sheets of selected material forming the pocket coverings such as
a mesh material, transparent material such as plastic, or opaque
material are then cut to form and overlaid onto the base sheet. The
pockets sheets and base sheets may be sewn together and the edges
finished off with a piping material forming the border of each
section (outer pouch wall and inner pouch wall/flap section). The
pockets may be finished off with the zipper closures are desired or
attractive trim pieces. The ends of the carrying strap 120 may also
be sewn into the pack body on opposing sides of the strap restraint
section 122. The base section 112 that forms an enlarged connecting
strip between the outer pouch wall 104 and inner pouch wall 116 may
then be sewn onto the respective bottom edges of the outer pouch
wall and inner pouch wall to connect the two walls together. The
connective elements 156, 158 may then be sewn onto the sides of the
pouch walls with a convergence point on or near the short ends of
the base section 112. One end of the webbed strapping 155 of the
flap bayonet fastener 154 on the covering flap 120 may be sewn into
the zipper closure 148 while one end of the webbed strapped
connected to the complementary buckle fastener 176 may be sewn into
the interior piping edge 172 of the outer pouch wall 104 to secure
the fastener there. The key ring clip 198 also includes a short
length of strapping that may be sewn into the zipper closure 196 of
the external flap pockets 190, 192. Other finishing lines may be
added to the pack body. The exterior pockets are formed similarly
to the interior pockets by sewing a pocket covering onto the
exterior surface of the base sheets.
[0085] Alternatively, a second interior sheet of material may be
cut into a complementary shape to the exterior sheets and placed
over the exterior base sheets. The pocket coverings and piping are
then sewn onto and around the multi-sheet assembly. In addition, a
rigid insert or insert or other stiffening materials may be
inserted between the exterior and interior sheets of material or
attached directly to the exterior sheet of material in any one of
the sections including the outer pouch wall 104, inner pouch wall
116, base section 112, strap restraint section 122, and covering
flap section 120, and/or connective elements 156, 158 to lend
additional rigidity to the pack during transport. In addition to or
in lieu of a rigid insert, a padding element may also be inserted
between the pack sheets in the same sections.
[0086] The materials used may be of any suitable textile or
flexible plastic although metallic and elastomeric materials are
not out of the question. Non-limiting examples of materials found
to be suitable include soft or hard plastics such as nylon and
polyester as well as textiles like corduroy and canvas. Buckles and
zippers may also be formed of hard plastic materials or constructed
of metallic materials. Materials may be mixed and matched as well
throughout the pack body. While the preferable means of assembly is
primarily via stitching sheets of material, piping, and fasteners
together, other means of securing the pack together such as
adhesives, welding, stapling, riveting, and other suitable methods
of manufacture may be used as well.
[0087] The materials selected for the pocket covering may be
opaque, transparent, or semi-opaque, and clear plastic materials so
that one may readily ascertain the contents of the pockets when the
pack is in the open configuration. If more privacy is required,
then an opaque material may be used as well.
[0088] In order to ready the organizer pack 100 for transport,
referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-6 and assuming the organizer is
empty and unfolded as in FIG. 1, the user may unzip the enlarged
pockets 134 and 146 in the inner pouch wall 116 and covering flap
sections 120, respectively, by grasping the corresponding zipper
142, 150 and drawing such zipper across the width of the pack. With
the enlarged pockets open, the user may select various articles for
storing in the enlarged pockets or auxiliary pockets 126, 128, 136,
and 138 such as those articles illustrated in FIG. 3: a notebook
195a, a box of crayons 195b, a small box of Kleenex 195c, a wallet
195d, a camera 195e, a shirt 195f, and a folder 195g. Each of the
items may be placed into a suitable pocket as determined by the
user. The zipper closures 142, 150 may then be drawn conventionally
across the respective enlarged pockets to close off access to the
corresponding pocket.
[0089] With reference now to FIG. 4, the user may then flip the
outer pouch wall 104 over onto the inner pouch wall 116 by pivoting
the outer pouch wall about the base section 112 to resemble the
configuration shown in FIG. 4. The user may then stand the
organizer pack upright as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 with the top
opening 111 facing upwards. If desired the user may stuff more
items into the pouch cavity 109 to maximize the carrying capacity
of the organizer pack 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner
and outer pouch walls are substantially parallel to one another and
at right angles to the base section when the connective elements
are engaged forming a relatively slim profile pack with
considerable storage capacity.
[0090] Once the pouch cavity 109 is filled as desired by the user,
the user may grasp the outer edge 152 of the covering flap 120 and
flip the covering flap to pivot the flap about the top edge 118 of
the inner pouch wall 116 and over onto the pouch body 102 to cover
the top opening 111 and effectively seal off the pouch cavity 109.
In this exemplary embodiment, the strap retention section 122 of
the covering flap actually covers the top opening with the
remainder of the covering flap positioned so that the pocket
covering (generally 146) or interior surface of the covering flap
is adjacent or even abutting the exterior surface 177 of the outer
pouch wall 104. The user may further secure the free end of the
covering flap to the pouch body by engaging the bayonet fastener
154 with the complementary buckle 176. The organizer pack is packed
and organized as determined by the user and ready for transport.
The pack may be suspended via the shoulder strap to allow hands
free transport.
[0091] To quickly access the contents of the pouch cavity 109, the
user may simply unbuckle the bayonet and buckle fasteners 154, 176,
respectively and peel back the covering flap 120 to expose the top
opening 111 of the pouch cavity as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. This can
be accomplished while the pack 100 is being carried or set down. To
continue into an unpacking configuration such as that shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3, the user may set the pack 100 down and disengage the
connective elements 156, 158 on either side of the pouch cavity.
Once the connective elements are disengaged, the user may pivot the
outer pouch wall 104 about the base section 112 and away from the
inner pouch wall 116. Any articles previously placed within the
interior pockets may then be removed as desired. It will be
appreciated that such an unpacking configuration exposes each of
the interior pockets all at once. There are no concealed hidden
interior pockets wherein the user must flip the pack around or back
and forth to access. Likewise, the user may simply flip the entire
pack over to access the exterior pockets if desired all at
once.
[0092] It will be appreciated that such a pack provides significant
interior storage and organizational capabilities on the interior
surface of the pack. The entire interior surface may be quickly
accessed by quickly unbuckling the front flap and unzipping the two
pack sections from one another. The cavity provides an area for
even quicker access since only the flap must be moved out of the
way. However, when in a packed, ready for transport configuration,
the pack assumes a relatively narrow profile and conceals the
interior storage compartments, including the cavity.
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 14-19, several alternative
modifications to the organizer pack 100 described above are
presented concerning the connective element, covering flap, and
carrying means. As most of the elements are similar to those
described above in FIGS. 1-13, like reference numerals will be used
for like components.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 14, a modified organizer pack,
generally designated 100a, includes a modified connective element
158a (opposing side 156a constructed similarly but only partially
shown) that forms the side wall of the pouch cavity 109a but
extends from the base section 112 to a point lower than the
uppermost edges 106 and 118 of the respective pouch walls 104, 116.
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the side walls
terminate about the midpoint of the pouch body 102a. This
embodiment leaves an enlarged gap opening 163a into the pouch
cavity 109a from the side wall area between the top edge 161a of
the connective element 158a and the covering flap 120.
[0095] In FIG. 15, another modified organizer pack, generally
designated 100b, includes a modified connective element 158b
(opposing side 156b constructed similarly but only partially shown)
that forms the side wall of the pouch cavity 109b but extends from
the uppermost edges 106 and 118 of the pouch walls 104 and 116,
respectively, toward the base section 112 but terminates about the
midpoint of the pouch body 102b. This configuration leaves an
enlarged lower gap opening 165b into the pouch cavity 109b between
the bottom edge 167b of the connective element 158b and the base
section 112.
[0096] Referring now to FIG. 16, another modified organizer pack,
generally designated 100c, includes a modified connective element
158c (opposing side connective element 156c constructed similarly
but only partially shown) that forms the side wall of the pouch
cavity 109c but extends from the approximate midpoint of the pouch
body 102c toward both the uppermost edges 106, 118 of the pouch
walls 104, 116, respectively, and the base section 112 but stops
short of reaching them leaving an upper gap opening 163c into the
pouch cavity 109c between the uppermost edge 161c of the connective
element 158c and the top edges 106, 118 of the respective pouch
walls 104, 116, and thus the flap covering 120 when engaged in a
covering relationship and a second lower gap opening 167c into the
pouch cavity 109c between the lowermost edge 165c of the connective
element 158c and the base section 112.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 17, more than one connective element may
used on each side of the pouch cavity as shown on the modified
organizer pack, generally designated 100d. More specifically, the
modified pack 100d includes a pair of spaced apart connective
elements 158d, each consisting of a strap constructed of a webbed
material extending from the opposing pouch walls 104, 116 and
terminating in a complementary buckle elements as described above
for securing the covering flap 120 in FIG. 1 to secure the pouch
walls together. Using such a configuration, much of the side wall
is removed from the pouch body but sufficient support remains to
maintain the pouch walls in a generally parallel alignment and
maintain items within the pouch cavity to facilitate their
transportation. In this exemplary embodiment, there are three gap
openings: upper 163d, lower 165d, and intermediate 181d into the
pouch cavity 109d.
[0098] It will be appreciated that the provision of such gap
openings 163, 163a, 165b, 163c, 165c, 163d, 165d, and 175d provided
in the organizer pack 100 and modified organizer packs 100a-d as
illustrated in FIGS. 10, and 14-17 may facilitate the
transportation of objects having dimensions wider than the pouch
cavity width such as towels, yoga mats, blankets umbrellas, and
other elongated or bulky. Such gap openings may also facilitate
removal from and insertion into the pouch cavity eliminating the
need to open the covering flap in some instances.
[0099] Referring now to FIGS. 18-19, yet another modified organizer
pack, generally designated 100e, includes a modified covering flap
120e of a shorter width than the covering flap 120 shown in FIG. 1.
The modified covering flap also includes a storage section 146e in
the form of a pocket with a zipper closure 150e extending
substantially across the width of the covering flap. The covering
flap also includes a fastening element 154 in the form of a buckle
for securing the covering flap to the exterior surface (not shown)
of the outer pouch wall 104 as described above in connection with
organizer pack 100. In this embodiment, however, the covering flap
covers less than the entire top opening 111 of the pouch cavity
109e. In this instance, an upper gap opening 179e as viewed in FIG.
19 located between the upper outer edge 183e of the flap covering
and the upper connective element 156. Similarly, a lower gap
opening 181e located between the lower outer edge 185e of the flap
covering and the lower connective element 158. These two gap
openings 179e, 181e provide a means for storing objects taller than
the depth of the pouch cavity 109e such as a rolled up mat,
umbrella, or similar items as well as a quick retrieval of other
items stored in the pouch cavity while still serving to maintain
the top edges of the pouch walls in a spaced apart
configuration.
[0100] In addition, an alternative carrying means in the form of a
dual handle carrying or shoulder strap 168e is shown. One of the
handles is sewn onto the exterior surface of the outer pouch wall
104 while the opposing complementary handle is sewn onto the
exterior surface of the inner pouch wall 116. As shown in FIG. 18,
the handles 168e extend from their respective pouch walls and do
not interfere with the use of the covering flap 120e. In use, the
handles may be brought together and slung over a shoulder to
support the pack 100e therefrom or simply handheld to transport the
pack.
[0101] FIGS. 20-21 depict additional views of yet another modified
organizer pack, generally designated 100f. As with the first pack,
organizational and convenient packing features are present while
allowing the user to manipulate the pack into a reduced profile
configuration when ready for transport. With many of the components
being the same or similar to those described above for organizer
pack 100, like components are like numbered for the pack 100f as
shown in FIGS. 20-21.
[0102] With continued reference to FIGS. 20-21, the organizer pack
100f includes all the same components as with the organizer pack
100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 except for a modification to the
interior surface of the inner pouch wall 116e. While other
components remain the same, as a substitute for the inner pouch
wall pockets 136 and 138 of organizer pack 100, the inner pouch
wall includes a set of utensil restraints 136f and 138f covering a
portion of the main inner pouch wall pocket 134. The utensil
restraints are adhered to the large pocket covering 134 and the
edges of each restraint may also be sewn into the sides of the
large pocket. The restraints are arranged in two spaced apart rows
of loops formed of an elastic material with corresponding loops
from each restraint aligned vertically as viewed in FIGS. 20-21 for
receipt of a common utensil to arrange such utensil to project
along the height of the enlarged pocket 134 as viewed from left to
right in FIG. 21. Such a modification shows the versatility of the
organizer pack described herein. In this exemplary embodiment, the
user may pack such articles as a corkscrew 195h, set of utensils
such as the forks 195i shown in FIG. 21, a dinner plate 195j, a
napkin 195k, a knife 195l, and a small picnic blanket or mat 195m.
Such articles are meant to be exemplary to demonstrate the
versatility of the organizer pack and not meant to be limiting in
any manner. In packing the utensils 195i, the user may insert the
forks through the aligned loops of the dual rows of utensil
restraints 136f, 138f to releasably secured to the main pocket 134
of the inner pouch wall 116. In this example, such an organizer
pack 100f is particularly suited for taking on a picnic. However,
other utensils or accessories will occur to one of ordinary skill
to support other activities.
[0103] It will be appreciated that the configuring for unpacking
and also for transport are similar to the organizer pack 100
described above exposing all internal pockets and the utensil
restraints when the pack 100f is in the unpacking/packing
configuration as shown in FIGS. 20-21 as well as leaving an
internal cavity for storing additional items in the pack as
generally shown in FIGS. 5-7, for example, when the pack is
configured in a ready for transport configuration.
[0104] FIGS. 22-33 depict the various views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a portable accessory organizer pack, generally
designated 200. While other uses will occur to one of ordinary
skill in the art, this pack 200 may be particularly suited for
transporting picnic, beach, camping, or barbecue related gear due.
This pack is also constructed with similar features compared to the
first pack 100 described above and like components are numbered
alike.
[0105] Referring specifically now to an interior surface view of
the unfolded, pre-packing (or unpacked) organizer pack
configuration in FIG. 22, the organizer pack 200 includes a pouch
body, generally designated 202, with a substantially rectangular
outer pouch wall, generally designated 204. The outer pouch wall
includes a free outer edge 206 and an opposing innermost edge 208
hingedly connected to an outer pouch wall side edge 210 (edges 208
and 210 essentially coincide with one another) of a substantially
rectangular base section 212. A pair of opposing long sides 213,
215 forms part of the periphery of the outer pouch wall as
well.
[0106] The base section 212 further includes an inner pouch wall
side edge 214 hingedly connected to an inner pouch wall, generally
designated 216. Thus, the base section acts a dual hinge with two
spaced apart hinge lines about which each respective pouch wall may
pivot. While generally only approximately ninety (90) degrees of
rotation is useful for each pouch wall relative to the base
section, such hinge may be constructed to enable each pouch wall to
rotate through a substantially three hundred and sixty (360) degree
arc. The upper and lower boundaries of the inner pouch wall as
viewed in FIG. 22 is defined by long sides 221 and 223,
respectively.
[0107] At the opposing end of the pouch body 202 from the outermost
edge 206 of the outer pouch wall 204, the inner pouch wall 216
terminates in an upper edge 218 from which extends a covering flap,
generally designated 220, that may include an intermediate strap
retention section 222. The covering flap is also hingedly connected
to the pouch body about the upper edge 218 that forms another pivot
line in the organizer pack. The covering flap may also be rotated
about the upper edge pivot line 218 through three hundred and sixty
(360) degrees as shown in FIGS. 22, 26, and 29, for example. Such
flap is configurable between a covering position for transport as
in FIG. 29 and an unpacking/packing position as in FIGS. 22-24 to a
pouch cavity access position as in FIG. 26.
[0108] Taking advantage of the interior facing surface area of each
pouch walls 204, 216 and the flap section 220 as shown in FIG. 22
and to increase the storage capacity of the organizer pack 200, at
least one pocket is preferably introduced into each wall or section
with the pocket or pockets filling a significant portion of the
entire span of each pouch wall and flap section. In this exemplary
embodiment, the outer pouch wall 204 is constructed similarly to
its counterpart outer pouch wall 104 as in the prior described
embodiment. As such, the outer pouch wall includes a set of three
pockets: a main pocket 224 forming the innermost pocket and two
smaller auxiliary pockets 226, and 228 overlapping a portion of the
main pocket. The main pocket spans the width of the outer pouch
wall from side to side (width defined as top to bottom of the pouch
wall as shown in FIG. 22) with a lower end coinciding with or
terminating near the outer pouch wall side edge 210 and an upper
end 230 terminating about two-thirds of the way to the outermost
end 206 of the outer pouch wall 204. The smaller auxiliary pockets
226, 228 essentially subdivide the larger main pocket in width and
have a lower edge in common with the lower edge of the main pocket
224 but terminate in a common outer edge 232 about half way across
the outer pouch wall. The openings of each of the outer pouch wall
pockets project in a parallel orientation to the closest long edge
210 of the base section 212 and the outermost edge 206 of the outer
pouch wall. In this exemplary embodiment, the top edges of the
pockets are only secured at the sides of each respective pockets
allowing quick retrieval into the pockets. The pockets are also
preferably constructed to lay substantially flat to provide a
relatively thin pocket profile or, alternatively, be of an
accordion style or have pleated corners to enable further
expansion. In addition, the pockets may be formed of a transparent
or mesh material to enable ready identification of the pocket
contents or opaque if more privacy is required.
[0109] Unlike the earlier packs described above, the inner pouch
wall 216 of this organizer pack 200 includes a single main pocket
234 having a bottom edge terminating at or near the inner pouch
wall side edge 214 of the base section 212. The enlarged main
pocket includes a set of reinforcing strips around three sides and
a mesh central section for viewing contents placed therein. This
inner pouch wall main pocket 234 further includes an upper edge 240
terminating at or near the top edge 218 of the inner pouch wall and
including a zipper closure 242 for controlling access into the
pocket. The pocket opening of the main pocket of the inner pouch
wall faces in the opposite direction to those of the outer pouch
wall when the pack is unfolded as seen in FIG. 22. Then, when the
pouch walls 204, 216 of the pouch body 202 are folded up together
for transport, as will be described below, the pocket openings of
both the inner and outer pouch walls face the top of the pack
during transport to facilitate both retrieval of items stored
therein and to prevent items from spilling out during
transport.
[0110] With reference to FIGS. 22-25, the covering flap section 220
extends outwardly from the uppermost edge 218 of the inner pouch
wall 216. The interior surface of the covering flap section
includes an enlarged storage pocket 246 providing an auxiliary flap
storage area. This pocket includes a bottom edge coexistent with
the outermost edge 219 of the strap retention section 222 and an
upper edge 248 with a zipper closure 250 recessed about one-fifth
of the length of the covering flap back from the outer edge 252 of
the covering flap. The pocket covering or interior wall of the
interior flap pocket 246 is constructed of a mesh material such as
a vinyl coated mesh in this exemplary embodiment. Such see-through
material facilitates both the ready identification of stored
articles as well as providing some expandability of the pocket for
enlarged items and extra capacity. Extending from the outer edge of
the zipper closure is a bayonet style fastener 254 attached to an
elongated length of webbed strapping 255 for use in releasably
securing the flap 220 to the exterior surface 277 (FIG. 23) of the
outer pouch wall 204 as will be described below.
[0111] With continued reference to FIGS. 22-25, for releasably
joining the two pouch walls 204, 216 together, a pair of connective
elements 256 and 258 (FIG. 24) in the form of a pair of opposing
zipper assembly closures is provided in this exemplary embodiment.
Such connective elements are modified from those described earlier
for prior described packs although some elements are common to each
of the packs. In this exemplary embodiment, each connective element
256, 258 includes a first leg of the zipper assembly that projects
along the longer sides 213, 215 from the outermost points 259, 261,
respectively, on the outer pouch wall 204 to the innermost wall 214
of the base section 212 on its corresponding side. The other legs
291, 297 of the zipper assembly of the connective elements run in
an L-shaped pattern from the innermost wall 214 of the base section
along modified cylindrical sidewalls 247, 257 to uppermost ends
that incorporate auxiliary pockets 236, 238, respectively. With the
zipper element of each zipper assembly positioned at or near the
base section, the pouch walls may be fully separated and placed
flat as in FIG. 22. With the zipper element of each zipper assembly
positioned at or near the uppermost extents of each zipper leg 259,
225 and 261, 227 and engaging the zipper legs, the pouch walls may
be maintained in a folded up configuration as in FIGS. 25-26 and
28. Both zipper legs of each connective element of the opposing
pouch walls 204, 216 converge at a point 260, 262 (FIGS. 22-24) on
either side of the opposing short ends 264, 266 of the base
section. Such connective elements may project at right angles to
their respective pouch walls and be constructed of a rigid or
flexible material. It will be appreciated that a flexible material
such as cloth or nylon may fall to one side or the other when
unfastened. Preferred zipper materials includes conventional metals
or plastics such as nylon. Other suitable materials will occur to
one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0112] In this exemplary embodiments, the modified sidewalls 247,
257 are substantially semi-circular in profile as viewed from the
top (FIG. 28) and incorporate an auxiliary pocket 236, 238,
respectively as best seen in FIG. 32, capped by a lid 237, 239 held
in place by a zipper fastener 249, 251, respectively. This provides
a flush profile on the sides of the pack although other suitable
sidewall shapes will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art
including those with circular, oval, square, triangular,
rectangular and other polygonal cross sections. Such sidewalls
provide additional storage for the organizer pack 200 and may also
lend additional rigidity to the pack when articles are placed
therein. If desired, the auxiliary pockets may be lined with an
insulating material to keep beverages and other goods more
resistant to the external environment.
[0113] Referring now to exterior surface view of the organizer pack
200 in FIG. 23, the outer pouch wall 204 is a generally rectangular
surface adjacent to the base section 212 that is in turn adjacent
to the rectangular inner pouch wall 216 that extends into the
rectangular covering flap 220. All four sections are bordered by a
piping or trim 270 sewn around the periphery of the pack providing
a finished border appearance. Projecting from the interior edge 272
of the exterior surface 277 of the outer pouch wall is short webbed
strap 274 terminating in a buckle 276 for receiving the bayonet
fastener 254 of the covering flap 220. The exterior surface 278 of
the inner pouch wall is also generally rectangularly shaped but
extends to merge with the elongated rectangular exterior surface
288 of the flap section. On the exterior surface of the inner pouch
wall is yet another pocket 280 with a bottom edge 282 adjacent the
base section 212 and an upper edge 284 coexistent with the pouch
side edge of the strap restraint section 222. A zipper closure 286
spaced a few inches from the strap restraint section 222 provides
the access control for the inner pouch wall exterior pocket
280.
[0114] With continued reference to FIG. 23, the exterior surface
288 of the covering flap section 220 includes a pair of external
flap pockets 290 and 292, together spanning the width of the flap
section. The flap pockets have a common bottom edge coexistent with
the outer edge 252 of the covering flap and a common top edge 294
spaced apart a few inches from the strap restraint section 222. The
common top edge includes a common zipper element 296 that when
pulled across the width of the flap section opens or closes both
flap pockets. In this exemplary embodiment, the pockets bifurcate
the exterior surface 288 of the covering flap 220 equally. The
bottom pocket (as viewed in FIG. 24) also includes a mesh outer
surface while the top pocket includes a solid/opaque outer surface.
One end of the strap 255 is sewn into the zipper closure 296 and
may be secured to additional locations along the exterior surface
288 of the covering flap 220.
[0115] A convenient elongated carrying strap 268 is coupled to the
long side outer walls of the sidewalls 247, 257 and reinforced on
each side with a short length of webbed strapping spaced apart
along the respective sidewalls. As an alternative carrying source,
a short handle 289 is riveted, adhered, sewn into, or otherwise
suitably secured to the strap restraint section 222. Alternatively,
such straps may be attached to other areas of the pouch body,
sidewalls, other region of the flap section, or a combination
thereof. The carrying strap 289 forms a shoulder strap from which
the pack 200 may be carried or suspended and may include an
adjustable shoulder pad (not shown) that may be slidably mounted on
the strap and can be slid along a length of the strap so that a
user can adjust the strap to increase the level of comfort.
Furthermore, a quartet of conventional strap length adjusters as
with the pack described above are placed along a length of the
strap to enable a user to adjust the overall length of the carrying
strap as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
This strap is preferably long enough to form an elongated shoulder
strap although a short carrying handle would be a suitable
substitute. While the carrying strap is convenient, it will be
appreciated that the pack could also be carried as a satchel
without any carrying strap if desired.
[0116] Referring the rear view in FIGS. 23 and 33, the shoulder
strap 268 is convertible between a single shoulder strap 268 (as
best seen in FIGS. 23 and 31) and a dual loop shoulder strap as
best shown in FIG. 33 so that the pack may be worn as a backpack to
more evenly distribute the weight. To accomplish this, a two-piece
reduction strap 299 with a buckle and bayonet style fastener is
located in the middle top portion of the exterior surface 278 of
the inner pouch wall 216 of the pouch body 202 above the zipper
closure 286. By passing a portion of the shoulder strap 268 through
the unbuckled reduction strap, and then fastening the reduction
strap around the shoulder strap, the single shoulder loop is
provided with a central anchor point to form the dual shoulder
strap construction (FIG. 33). By unbuckling the reduction strap
from the strap, the shoulder strap may again assume a single strap
configuration.
[0117] It will be appreciated that, as with the organizer pack 100
and as shown the unfolded configuration with the connective
elements disengaged as in FIG. 3, the pouch walls 204, 216 of the
organizer pack 200 may likewise be rotated relative to the base
section 212 and the covering flap 220 disposed to extend out from
the inner pouch wall such that the exterior surfaces of the pouch
walls, base section, and covering flap all reside in substantially
the same horizontal plane. This hinging feature between the pouch
walls and base section would also facilitate exposure of all of the
interior pockets 224, 226, 228, 234, and 246 all at once. In
addition, the relatively low profile of the base section 212
provides a useful surface for attachments as will be described
below and does not inhibit placing a mat or other enlarged pad
across the interior surfaces of both pouch walls.
[0118] Referring now to FIGS. 26-28, the organizer pack 200 is
illustrated in a ready for transport configuration except that the
covering flap 220 is peeled back and the near side connective
element 258 is removed in FIG. 27 to aid in the further description
of the pouch body 202. Referring now specifically to FIG. 26-28,
the connective elements 256 and 258 are shown in an engaged
configuration. The zipper of each connective element has been drawn
from its respective convergent point 260, 262 toward the outermost
edges 206, 218 of each pouch wall 204, 216 as the pouch walls are
pivoted together about the base section 212. When the connective
elements are fully engaged, the connective elements with pockets
236, 238, pouch walls, and base section of the pouch body cooperate
to form a pouch cavity 209 (FIGS. 28-29) with an access opening
211, in this exemplary embodiment, the top of the pouch cavity as
viewed in FIGS. 27-28. As shown in FIG. 28, the base section 212
introduces a space or gap between the interior surfaces (pocket
coverings) of the interior surface pockets 224 and 234 of the
respective outer and inner pouch walls to form an additional
storage space for loose items that may be placed within the pouch
cavity and still maintained within the organizer pack. Items such
as picnic blankets, towels, mats, camping stoves, umbrellas, and
other items too large from the interior storage pockets may be
shoved into the pouch cavity for storage and transportation. Even
with the interior pockets stuffed to capacity, a central cavity
will remain to provide such additional storage. The outer wall of
the connective elements provide the side walls that extend in a
ninety (90) degree angle from the respective inner and outer pouch
walls while the semi-circular pockets 236, 238 project into the
cavity slightly. Such sidewalls prevent loose items from falling
out during transportation as well. It will be appreciated that such
configuration maintains the upper edges 206 and 218 of the outer
and inner pouch walls 204, 216, respectively in a spaced apart
configuration providing quick access to the pouch cavity through
the top opening 211 when the covering flap 220 is peeled back as
shown in FIGS. 27-28. FIG. 28 provides a top view of the pouch body
folded up with the top opening into the pouch cavity.
[0119] In order to ready the organizer pack 200 for transport,
referring now to FIGS. 22, and 24-32 and assuming the organizer is
empty and unfolded as in FIG. 23, the user may unzip the enlarged
pockets 234 and 246 in the inner pouch wall 216 and covering flap
sections 220, respectively, by grasping the corresponding zipper
242, 250 and drawing such zipper across the width of the pack. With
the enlarged pockets open, the user may select various articles for
storing in the enlarged pockets or the main pocket 224 or auxiliary
pockets 226 and 228 such as those articles illustrated in FIG. 24:
a cutting board and knife 295a, a lighter and can opener set 295b,
a spoon, knife, and condiment set 295c, a portable stove 295d, a
pair of water bottle 295e, a compartmentalized dinner plate 295f,
and a frying pan 295g. Each of the items may be placed into a
suitable pockets as determined by the user. The zipper closures
242, 250 may then be drawn conventionally across the respective
enlarged pockets to close off access to the corresponding
pocket.
[0120] With reference now to FIG. 25, the user may then flip the
outer pouch wall 204 over onto the inner pouch wall 216 by pivoting
the outer pouch wall about the base section 212 and rotate the
sidewalls 247, 257 inwardly about the long sides 221, 223 of the
inner pouch wall 216 and zip up the connective element zipper
assemblies 256, 258, respectively, to assemble the configuration
shown in FIGS. 25-26. The user may then stand the organizer pack
upright as shown in FIGS. 28 and 32, for example, with the top
opening 211 facing upwards. If desired the user may stuff more
items into the pouch cavity 209 to maximize the carrying capacity
of the organizer pack 200. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner
and outer pouch walls are substantially parallel to one another and
at right angles to the base section when the connective elements
are engaged forming a relatively slim profile pack with
considerable storage capacity.
[0121] Then, in addition to storing articles in the interior
pockets of the pouch walls 204, 216 and covering flap 220, the user
may also unzip the sidewall auxiliary pocket coverings 237, 239,
respectively to expose the auxiliary sidewall pockets 236, 238. The
user may select to store additional accessories and goods such as
the water bottle 295h and beverage can 295i illustrated as examples
in FIG. 32. Depending on the width and depth of these sleeves 236,
238, the user may be able to store multiple items. Once finished
stuffing the sidewall auxiliary pockets, the user may zip the
covers 237, 247 shut to seal off the sleeve compartments.
[0122] Once the pouch cavity 209, sidewall pockets 236, 238, and
interior pockets 224, 226, 226, 234, and 246 are filled as desired
by the user, the user may then fill the exterior pocket 280 by
unzipping the zipper element 286 prior to flipping the covering
flap 220 over onto the pouch body. Then, the user may grasp the
outer edge 252 of the covering flap 220 and flip the covering flap
to pivot the flap about the top edge 218 of the inner pouch wall
216 and over onto the pouch body 202 to cover the top opening 211
and effectively seal off the pouch cavity 209 (FIGS. 29-31). In
this exemplary embodiment, the strap retention section 222 of the
covering flap actually covers the top opening with the remainder of
the covering flap positioned so that the pocket covering (generally
246) or interior surface of the covering flap is adjacent the
exterior surface 277 of the outer pouch wall 204. The user may
further secure the free end of the covering flap to the pouch body
by engaging the bayonet fastener 254 with the complementary buckle
276. The organizer pack is pack and organized as determined by the
user and ready for transport. The pack may be suspended via the
shoulder strap to allow hands free transport. The exterior pockets
290, 292 and lanyard also become accessible in this configuration
for additional storage.
[0123] To quickly access the contents of the pouch cavity 209, the
user may simply unbuckle the bayonet and buckle fasteners 254, 276,
respectively and peel back the covering flap 220 to expose the top
opening 211 of the pouch cavity as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. This
can be accomplished while the pack 200 is being carried or set
down. To continue into an unpacking configuration such as that
shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, the user may set the pack 200 down and
disengage the connective elements 256, 258 on either side of the
pouch cavity. Once the connective elements are disengaged, the user
may pivot the outer pouch wall 204 about the base section 212 and
away from the inner pouch wall 216. Any articles previously placed
within the interior pockets or auxiliary sidewall pockets may then
be removed as desired. It will be appreciated that such an
unpacking configuration exposes each of the interior pockets all at
once. There are no concealed hidden interior pockets wherein the
user must flip the pack around to access. Likewise, the user may
simply flip the entire pack over to access the exterior pockets if
desired all at once.
[0124] It will be appreciated that such a pack provides significant
interior storage and organizational capabilities on the interior
surface of the pack. The entire interior surface may be quickly
accessed by quickly unbuckling the front flap and unzipping the two
pack sections from one another. The cavity provides an area for
even quicker access since only the flap must be moved out of the
way. However, when in a packed, ready for transport configuration,
the pack assumes a relatively narrow profile and conceals the
interior storage compartments, including the cavity.
[0125] FIGS. 34-42 depict several views of a third exemplary
embodiment of a portable accessory organizer pack, generally
designated 300. This pack shares some of the same features with the
prior described packs and like components are like numbered. More
specifically, the organizer pack 300 is constructed in a similar
manner to the previous packs 100, 200 and includes a pouch body,
generally designated 302, with a substantially rectangular outer
pouch wall 304. The outer pouch wall includes a free outer edge 306
and an opposing innermost edge 308 hingedly connected to a outer
pouch wall side edge 310 (edges 308 and 310 essentially coincide
with one another) of a substantially rectangular narrow base
section 212. A pair of opposing long sides 313, 315 forms part of
the periphery of the outer pouch wall as well.
[0126] The base section 312 further includes an inner pouch wall
side edge 314 hingedly connected to an inner pouch wall, generally
designated 316. Thus, the base section acts a dual hinge with two
spaced apart hinge lines about which each respective pouch wall may
pivot. While generally only approximately ninety (90) degrees of
rotation is useful for each pouch wall relative to the base
section, such hinge may be constructed to enable each pouch wall to
rotate through a substantially three hundred and sixty (360) degree
arc. The upper and lower boundaries of the inner pouch wall as
viewed in FIG. 34 is defined by long sides 321 and 323,
respectively. At the opposing end of the pouch body from the
outermost edge of the outer pouch, the inner pouch wall terminates
in an upper edge 318 from which extends a covering flap 320 that
may include an intermediate strap retention section 122. The
covering flap is also hingedly connected to the pouch body about
the upper edge that forms another pivot line in the organizer pack.
The covering flap may also be rotated about the upper edge pivot
line through three hundred and sixty (360) degrees with two of the
positions shown in FIGS. 34 and 40. Such flap is configurable
between a covering position for transport as in FIG. 40 and an
unpacking/packing position as in FIG. 34 to a pouch access
position, not shown here but similar to prior described packs
above.
[0127] Taking advantage of the interior facing surface area of each
pouch wall 304, 316 and the flap section 320 as shown in FIG. 34
and to increase the storage capacity of the organizer pack 300, at
least one pocket is preferably introduced into each wall or section
with the pocket or pockets filling a significant portion of the
entire span of each pouch wall and flap section. In this exemplary
embodiment, the outer pouch wall 304 includes a main pocket 324
spanning practically the entire interior surface of the outer pouch
wall. The opening of the outer pouch wall pocket projected in a
parallel orientation to the closest long edge 310 of the base
section 312 and the outermost edge 306 of the outer pouch wall.
Access control is provided via a zipper closure 330.
[0128] Similarly, the inner pouch wall 316 includes a main pocket
334 spanning practically the entire interior surface of the inner
pouch wall as well. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner pouch
wall main pocket 334 includes an upper edge 340 terminating at or
near the top edge 318 of the inner pouch wall and including a
zipper closure 342 for controlling access into the pocket. In
addition, the pocket opening of the inner pouch wall faces in the
opposite direction to those of the outer pouch wall when the pack
is unfolded as seen in FIG. 34. Then, when the pouch walls 304, 316
of the pouch body 302 are folded up together for transport, as will
be described below, the pocket openings of both the inner and outer
pouch walls face the top of the pack during transport to facilitate
both retrieval of items stored therein and to prevent items from
spilling out during transport.
[0129] With continued reference to FIG. 34, the covering flap
section 320 extends outwardly from the uppermost edge 318 of the
inner pouch wall 316. The interior surface of the covering flap
section includes an enlarged storage pocket 346 providing an
auxiliary flap storage area. This pocket includes a bottom edge
coexistent with the outermost edge 319 of the strap retention
section 322 and an upper edge 348 with a zipper closure 350
recessed about one-fifth of the length of the covering flap back
from the outer edge 352 of the covering flap. Extending from the
outer edge of the zipper closure is a hook portion 354 of a hook
and loop fastener for use in releasably securing the flap 320 to
the exterior surface 377 (FIG. 35) of the outer pouch wall 304 as
will be described below.
[0130] Each of the pockets in this exemplary pack 300 are also
preferably constructed to lay substantially flat to provide a
relatively thin pocket profile or, alternatively, be of an
accordion style or have pleated corners to enable further
expansion. In addition, the pockets may be formed of a transparent
or mesh material to enable ready identification of the pocket
contents or opaque if more privacy is required. The pocket
coverings may be constructed of a see-through material such as a
vinyl coated mesh or clear plastic material. Such see-through
material facilitates both the ready identification of stored
articles as well as providing some expandability of the pocket for
enlarged items and extra capacity. The transparent viewing windows
provided by the see-through materials save the user search time
when looking for particular contents and also may facilitate
airport security screening efforts. However, it will be appreciated
that opaque materials may be used if more privacy is desired to
conceal the contents of a pocket or pockets.
[0131] Referring now to exterior surface view of the organizer pack
300 in FIG. 35, the exterior surface 377 of the outer pouch wall
304, inner pouch wall 316, and covering flap 320 is a generally
rectangular surface bordered by a piping or trim 370 sewn around
the periphery to provide a finished border appearance. Projecting
across the exterior surface on the back side of the outer pouch
wall is a complementary strip 376 of the hook and loop fastener 354
attached to the interior of the covering flap.
[0132] A convenient elongated carrying strap 368 is coupled to the
short ends 364, 366 of the strap retention section 322.
Alternatively, such strap may be attached to the pouch body, other
region of the flap section, or a combination thereof. The carrying
strap forms a shoulder strap from which the pack 300 may be carried
or suspended and may include an adjustable shoulder pad 368a that
may be slidably mounted on the strap and can be slid along a length
of the strap so that a user can adjust the strap to increase the
level of comfort. The strap 368 also includes a set of conventional
length adjustment devices placed along a length of the strap to
enable a user to adjust the overall length of the carrying strap as
would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The strap
is preferably long enough to form an elongated shoulder strap
although a short carrying handle would be a suitable substitute.
While the carrying strap is convenient, it will be appreciated that
the pack could also be carried as a satchel without any carrying
strap if desired.
[0133] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 35, 39, and 41-42, the
carrying strap is modified with a pair of intermediate stroller
loops 369, 371 to either side of a midpoint line of the elongated
shoulder strap 368. Each loop includes a buckle and bayonet clip
assembly 373, 387 that may be released from one another to form a
pair of breaks 373a, 387a (as best seen in FIG. 41) in the shoulder
strap. The stroller loops are passed through a pair of opposing
slide clips 369a, 369b, and 371a, 371b on the shoulder strap 368.
The lower slide clips 369a, 371a are coupled to a pair of strap
loops 373a, 373b connected to the pouch body 302, strap restraint
section 322, or elsewhere on the pack 300. The upper slide clips
are coupled to the free ends or free end loops of the remainder of
the shoulder strap 368.
[0134] In addition, referring now to FIGS. 34 and 36, a generally
rectangular accessory mat 333 may also be included with this pack
300 and may be secured to the pouch body using a hook and loop
strip 331 placed over the base section 312 (FIG. 34) and a
complementary anchor strip 335 (FIG. 36). Exemplary accessory mats
include diaper changing mats, picnic blankets, children accessory
mats, coloring mats, game board mats, and other suitable mats. Such
mat examples are not meant to be limiting in any manner. If
desired, the mat may be constructed of a washable or wipeable
fabric, material, textile, or plastic, and may be larger than the
pack when unfolded but is preferably constructed to fold up and fit
within the profile of the pack during transport as will be
described below.
[0135] When ready for use, the user may unfold the pack 300 into
the configuration shown in FIG. 34, pack the pockets as desired and
then fold the pack up into a narrow profile ready for transport
configuration with or without the accessory mat. It will be
appreciated that any pouch cavity 309 (FIG. 40) will be relatively
narrow for such a slim profile pack but still sufficient to
accommodate the accessory mat if desired. If transportation of the
mat 333 is desired, the mat may be placed on top of the base
section 312 to align the pouch anchoring strip 331 with the mat
anchoring strip 335 and releasably secure the mat to the pouch body
302 (FIG. 37). At this point, depending on the mat size, the outer
edges may extend beyond the periphery of the pouch body. If so, the
mat may conveniently be folded up to a profile the same size or
smaller than the pouch body profile as best seen in FIG. 38. In
such manner, it will be appreciated that the mat may be sized to be
larger than the pouch body but still folded up to fall within the
confines of the pouch body when ready for transport.
[0136] With continued reference to FIG. 38, the outer pouch wall
304 may be folded over onto the inner pouch wall 316 (FIG. 34) and
then the covering flap 320 folded over onto the exterior surface
377 of the outer pouch wall 304 to engage the flap fastener 354
with the outer pouch wall fastener 376 (FIGS. 34-35) to assume the
configuration shown in FIGS. 39-42. The pack may then be
transported via the shoulder strap. Alternatively, the pack may be
suspended from a stroller handle 500 or similar hanger. To
accomplish this, the user may form a pair of breaks in the shoulder
strap by disengaging the buckle and clip assemblies 373, 387 on
both sides of the shoulder strap. Once the free ends of the
stroller loops 369, 371 are engaged around the stroller handle or
like hanger, the buckle and clip assemblies may be re-engaged and
the pack suspended from the stroller handle. It will be appreciated
that such stroller straps being built right into the shoulder strap
facilitate the quick attachment to a stroller handle and suspend
the pack 300 in a convenient location for the user. While a single
stroller loop may be acceptable, the dual stroller loops have been
found to orient the hanging pack in a preferable orientation.
[0137] It will also be appreciated the pad attachment anchor 331
and accessory mat 333 with fastener 335 may be incorporated into
any other organizer pack described herein and placement, while
preferred on the base section is not limited thereto and other
locations of such anchoring element such as on the strap restraint
section, for example, will occur to one of ordinary skill in the
art. Moreover, the modified straps are particularly useful for
suspending the pack from a bar support such as on a stroller. Such
straps may also be incorporated into the other packs described
herein as well.
[0138] FIGS. 43-48 depict the various views of a fourth exemplary
embodiment of a portable accessory organizer pack, generally
designated 400. Where components are similar to previously
described packs, like components will be like numbered. Referring
now to FIGS. 43-44, the organizer pack 400 includes a pouch body
402 with a left hand pouch wall 404 hingedly coupled to one edge
410 of a base section 412 which is in turn hingedly coupled at an
opposing edge 414 to a right hand pouch wall 416 as viewed in FIG.
43. The left hand pouch wall includes a main pocket 424 with a
zipper closure 424a recessed from the free end 406 of the left hand
pouch wall. The pocket projects across the width of the left hand
pouch wall.
[0139] With continued reference to FIG. 43, the right hand pouch
wall also includes a similarly constructed main pocket 434 with a
zipper closure 442 facing in the opposite direction to the left
hand pouch wall zipper closure 424a. Both zipper closures are
aligned in a parallel orientation to the long sides of the base
section 412 and outer ends 406, 418 of the respective pouch walls
406, 416. An anchoring strip 431 for receiving an accessory mat 433
(FIG. 45) is positioned on the base section 412 as well.
[0140] Turning now to FIG. 44, the exterior surface 477 of the left
hand pouch wall includes an auxiliary exterior pocket 480 with a
zipper closure 486 proximate the base section 412 of the pouch body
402. On the other hand, the exterior surface 478 of the right hand
pouch wall 416 includes a pair of auxiliary pockets 490, 492, each
having a closure flap 490a, 492a for sealing off the pockets.
[0141] To secure the pouch walls 404, 416 together, a connective
element 456 is provided in the form of a three-sided zipper
assembly runs the periphery of the pouch walls on each side but the
base section side. By engaging the zipper pull all around the pouch
walls, the pouch wall may be brought together and releasably
secured forming a pouch cavity 409 (FIG. 48).
[0142] The construction and use of the shoulder strap with modified
stroller strap loops 468 is identical to the shoulder strap 368
described above for the organizer pack designated 300 and such
description will not be repeated here. The accessory mat 433 is
also constructed in a similar manner to the accessory mat 333
described above.
[0143] In use, assuming the unfolded, pre-packing configuration of
FIG. 43, the user may open the zipper closures 424a, 442 of each
pouch wall pocket 424, 434, respectively, and place selected
articles within. The pockets may be sealed off by pulling the
zipper closures to the closed position. The accessory mat 433 may
then be placed onto the base section anchoring strip 431 to align
the mat and pouch body fasteners as best seen in FIG. 45. The mat
may then be folded up into a profile of equal to or less than the
profile of the pouch body 402 as best seen in FIG. 46. The two
pouch wall 404, 416 may then be brought together and the connective
element 456 engaged around the periphery of the pouch body to
secure the pouch walls together and position the mat in the pouch
cavity 409 as best seen in FIG. 48. The user may then carry the
pack 400 around supported by the shoulder strap 468 or suspended
from a stroller handle or similar hanger as described above for the
organizer pack designated 300.
[0144] Each of the packs described above may be constructed of
materials that render the pack bodies substantially flexible
throughout or include one or more stiffening elements inserted at
strategic locations to give the packs more form when folded into
the transport configuration. More rigid materials may also be used
to impart more rigidity into the packs. While the flexibility of
the packs provides certain advantages, hard plastic or leather
materials may be used in constructing the pack. Fold wells, fold
lines, seams, hinges and the like are provided between sections to
accommodate the folding and packing process.
[0145] The pack bodies are generally constructed of an outer layer
of fabric sewn to a similarly dimensioned inner layer of fabric
forming an exterior bag body surface and interior bag body surface.
The outer edges of the bag bodies may be finished off with
conventional 1/4 inch filled piping circumscribing the perimeter of
the bag body if desired or plastic piping. The packs may be
constructed of nylon, polyester, cloth, canvas, hard leather, soft
leather, denim, and other suitable textiles. For some applications,
the selected material may be selected from a substantially
waterproof or water resistant material or treated with a waterproof
material. This prevents personal articles that may leak from
spreading to other compartments in the pack body. In addition, a
wet towel may be placed in one the pockets without concern of
dampening the other articles. By providing a waterproof exterior
surface, the items in the pockets are further protected from
exterior moisture.
[0146] The pockets of each pack may be formed by sewing, adhering,
welding or using other suitable joining techniques to join the
three sides of a substantially rectangular sheet or sheets to the
interior surface of the respective bag body. A fourth edge of the
sheet forms an opening into the respective pocket compartments that
may be closed using conventional closure devices such as plastic or
metal zippers, hook and loop closures, buttons, snaps, magnetic
snaps, and other suitable closure devices. It is not necessary to
use a closure device however. In some instances, it is preferable
to use clear plastic sheets or a see-through mesh material to form
a viewing window or a portion of a viewing window so that the
contents of the pocket may be easily ascertained without having to
open the pocket and remove the contents one at a time until the
desired article is retrieved.
[0147] To maximize the storage capacity of the bag body, it is also
preferable to provide pockets across the entire width and height of
the bag body with fold well or pivotal connections at intermediate
locations to facilitate folding of the bag body even when the
pockets are full but smaller pocket configurations may also be
used. In addition, the pockets openings are generally configured
parallel to the outer edges of the rectangular bag body. In
addition, the vertical and inwardly facing openings of each pocket
reduce the likelihood of any articles falling out of a pocket
during transport even if the closures are left open. The interior
facing pockets also reduce the likelihood of theft of important
articles during transport. It will further be appreciated that the
interior facing pockets and changing pads cooperate to cushion the
articles stored in the organizer packs during transportation.
[0148] The pockets are constructed primarily to received flattened,
substantially flattened, compressible, or relatively non-bulky
items. The pockets may include gussets, expandable fabric, or be
constructed with accordion-like side walls to provide for more
capacity if desired. Other pocket configurations and opening
positions and orientations will occur to one of ordinary skill in
the art. The use of an all plastic sealable pocket may also allow
the user to compress the pocket to drive the air out and then seal
the pocket to reduce the profile of the pocket even more. While
several exemplary embodiments have been described above, other
suitable pocket, pocket openings, and fold well configurations may
be used.
[0149] While certain fasteners, retainers, connective elements, or
closure devices such as hooks and loop type fasteners, buckles and
bayonet clips, zippers, lanyards, and elastic restraining bands
have been described herein, it will be appreciated that snaps,
ties, buttons, magnets, releasable adhesives or other suitable
complementary fasteners may be used in place of or in combination
with those fasteners. Also, where a sewn article is indicated,
adhesion, welding, and other suitable joining techniques including
those mentioned herein may be used. Also, the dimensions discussed
herein are not meant to be limiting in any manner or other suitable
dimensions will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0150] In addition, a removable pocket releasably attached to the
anchor strip for transporting toiletries, for example, may be
substituted for or in addition to the accessory mat. Such removable
pocket may be clipped onto or otherwise releasably secured to the
interior surface of the pouch body as with the accessory mat and
removed by the user as desired thus providing additional interior
storage and facilitating removal of a single pocket for short trips
instead of the entire pack. Such removable pocket as with the
accessory should ideally be constructed to fit within the confines
of the pack during transport.
[0151] While the present invention has been described herein in
terms of a number of preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated
that various changes, uses, and improvements may also be made to
the invention without departing from the scope and spirit
thereof.
* * * * *
References