U.S. patent application number 12/319575 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for convertible bag.
Invention is credited to Cornelia Erika Gabriele Wittke-Kothe.
Application Number | 20090180715 12/319575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40850693 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090180715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wittke-Kothe; Cornelia Erika
Gabriele |
July 16, 2009 |
Convertible bag
Abstract
A convertible bag includes a bag body having a first face, a
second face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end
portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion,
a fastener configured to releasably secure the opposing end
portions of the bag body to form a sleeve, a shoulder strap having
two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of
the bag body, and a waist strap configured to releasably connect
the two opposing end portions of the bag body.
Inventors: |
Wittke-Kothe; Cornelia Erika
Gabriele; (Port Washington, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON LLP
ONE BROADWAY
NEW YORK
NY
10004
US
|
Family ID: |
40850693 |
Appl. No.: |
12/319575 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61010756 |
Jan 11, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/4 ; 224/153;
224/625; 383/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0095 20130101;
A45F 2004/023 20130101; A45C 2009/007 20130101; A45F 3/02 20130101;
A45C 11/26 20130101; A45F 4/02 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/4 ; 383/6;
224/153; 224/625 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00; B65D 33/06 20060101 B65D033/06; A45F 4/02 20060101
A45F004/02; A45F 3/02 20060101 A45F003/02 |
Claims
1. A bag, comprising: a bag body having a first face, a second
face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end
portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion;
a fastener configured to releasably secure the opposing end
portions of the bag body to each other to form a sleeve; a shoulder
strap having two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the
top portion of the bag body; and a waist strap configured to
releasably connect the two opposing end portions of the bag
body.
2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the second face is
outwardly exposed when the sleeve is formed and the first face is
outwardly exposed when the end portions are connected by the waist
strap.
3. The bag according to claim 2, wherein the fastener is a zipper
having a slide with a first tab arranged to be outwardly exposed
when the first face is outwardly exposed and a second tab arranged
to be outwardly exposed when the second face is outwardly
exposed.
4. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the bag is reversible such
that the sleeve may be formed with either the first face or the
second face being outwardly exposed.
5. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a flap coupled
to the top portion and having a closed position in which the flap
extends across a top opening of the sleeve and downwardly toward
the bottom portion.
6. The bag according to claim 5, wherein the ends of the shoulder
strap are disposed on opposite sides of the flap.
7. The bag according to claim 5, wherein at least one face of the
flap is formed of the same material as at least one of (a) the
first face of the bag body and (b) the second face of the bag
body.
8. The bag according to claim 5, wherein the flap is releasable
from the bag body.
9. The bag according to claim 5, further comprising a changing mat
releasably coupled to at least one of the bag body and the
flap.
10. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the changing mat is
releasably coupled to the at least one of the bag body and the flap
by a strap.
11. The bag according to claim 10, wherein the strap includes at
least one of (a) a button connection and (b) hook-and-loop
fabric.
12. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the waist strap extends
from the top portion of the bag body.
13. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a pouch
coupled to the shoulder strap.
14. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the pouch is slidable
along the shoulder strap.
15. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of
stroller attachment mechanisms.
16. The bag according to claim 15, wherein each of the stroller
attachment mechanisms includes a strap portion and a loop portion
releasably secured to the strap portion.
17. The bag according to claim 16, wherein the loop portion is
releasably secured to the strap portion by a carabiner.
18. The bag according to claim 17, wherein the loop portion
includes two strips releasably secured by a closure.
19. The bag according to claim 18, wherein the closure includes
hook-and-loop fabric.
20. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
pockets disposed on the first face and having openings directed
toward the top portion of the bag body.
21. The bag according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the
pockets further includes a dispensing aperture through a lateral
surface of the at least one of the pockets.
22. A method of converting a bag having a bag body having a first
face, a second face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two
opposing end portions extending between the top portion and the
bottom portion, a fastener arranged to releasably secure the
opposing end portions of the bag body to each other to form a
sleeve with the first face facing inwardly, a shoulder strap having
two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of
the bag body, and a waist strap arranged to releasably connect the
two opposing end portions of the bag body, comprising: releasing
the fastener to allow separation of the end portions of the bag
body; unfolding the bag body into an open position to outwardly
expose the first face; and engaging the waist strap to releasably
secure the bag body in the open position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/010,756, filed on Jan. 11, 2008, which is
expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference
thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a convertible
bag. The bag may be particularly suitable for carrying accessories
for the care of a baby or small child.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Standard bags, such as shoulder bags, typically have a large
inner compartment and side pockets for storage. This arrangement
can be cumbersome, particularly when an item must be found from
within the interior of the bag, which can easily become cluttered
as additional items are stored therein. It may be necessary to
remove such a bag from the shoulder to access particular pockets or
to find specific items within the bag. This limits mobility and may
require an excessive amount of time to locate stored items. This
arrangement may be especially inconvenient for a caregiver trying
to quickly find an item such as, e.g., a pacifier, snack, or diaper
in the often hectic and frenzied environment that accompanies
tending to young children. Also, it may force the caregiver to put
the bag down to access items, which can represent an issue from a
cleanliness and hygiene perspective. The cumbersome nature of these
bags also weighs against the caregiver carrying the bag around
while following a mobile toddler, which may result in misplacing
the bag along with any items therein. Moreover, typical bags for
carrying baby items may be viewed as unstylish and
unflattering.
SUMMARY
[0004] Example embodiments of the present invention provide a bag
that, when closed, takes the form of a bag with a strap for
carrying on, e.g., a shoulder or a stroller. The bag may be opened
by unfastening a closure mechanism and horizontally unfolding two
flaps of a fabric body. When opened, the bag takes the form of an
apron or belt with a waist strap and having various pockets easily
and quickly accessible by the wearer. While and after converting
the bag, e.g., from a messenger bag to a belt, there is no need to
put the bag down, which is very beneficial with respect to
cleanliness and hygiene. When worn as an apron or belt, the bag
allows the wearer to maintain mobility and the use of both arms,
which may be especially important if the bag is used by a caregiver
to hold baby items and to change a baby's diaper. The bag may have
specialized pockets for, e.g., dispensing baby wipes and/or straps
for, e.g., attaching a pacifier. The bag may contain a key finder,
phone bag, elastic band to store baby cutlery or other items,
insulated bottle compartment, etc. The bag may include a detachable
changing mat for changing a baby's diaper. When closed, the bag may
conceal some or all of the pockets within the interior of the bag,
thus allowing a more fashionable appearance.
[0005] According to an example embodiment of the present invention,
a bag includes: a bag body having a first face, a second face, a
top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end portions
extending between the top portion and the bottom portion; a
fastener arranged to releasably secure the opposing end portions of
the bag body to form a sleeve; a shoulder strap having two ends,
each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of the bag
body; and a belt arranged to releasably connect the two opposing
end portions of the bag body.
[0006] The second face may be outwardly exposed when the sleeve is
formed and the first face may be outwardly exposed when the end
portions are connected by the belt.
[0007] The fastener may be a zipper having a slide with a first tab
arranged to be outwardly exposed when the first face is outwardly
exposed and a second tab arranged to be outwardly exposed when the
second face is outwardly exposed.
[0008] The bag may be reversible such that the sleeve may be formed
with either the first face or the second face being outwardly
exposed.
[0009] The bag may include a flap coupled to the top portion and
having a closed position in which the flap extends across a top
opening of the sleeve and downwardly toward the bottom portion. The
ends of the shoulder strap may be disposed on opposite sides of the
flap. At least one face of the flap may be formed of the same
material as at least one of the first face of the bag body and the
second face of the bag body. Further, the flap may be releasable
from the bag body.
[0010] The bag may include a changing mat releasably coupled to the
inside of the flap by a button connection or a hook-and-loop fabric
connection. The flap may substantially cover the changing mat when
the flap is in the closed position.
[0011] The belt of the bag may extend from the top portion of the
bag body.
[0012] The bag may include a pouch coupled to the shoulder strap.
The pouch may be slidable along the shoulder strap.
[0013] The bag may include one or more, e.g., a pair, of stroller
attachment mechanisms. Each of the stroller attachment mechanisms
may include a strap portion and a loop portion releasably secured
to the strap portion. The loop portion is releasably secured to the
strap portion by a carabiner. The loop portion may include two
strips releasably secured by a closure, which may include, e.g.,
hook-and-loop fabric.
[0014] The bag may include a plurality of pockets disposed on the
first face and having openings directed toward the top portion of
the bag body. At least one of the pockets may further include a
dispensing aperture through a lateral surface of at least one of
the pockets.
[0015] According to another example embodiment of the present
invention, a method of converting a bag is provided. The bag may
include a bag body having a first face, a second face, a top
portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end portions extending
between the top portion and the bottom portion. The bag may also
include a fastener arranged to releasably secure the opposing end
portions of the bag body to form a sleeve with the first face
facing inwardly, a shoulder strap having two ends, each of the two
ends being attached to the top portion of the bag body, and a belt
arranged to releasably connect the two opposing end portions of the
bag body. The method may include releasing the fastener to allow
separation of the end portions of the bag body, unfolding the bag
body into an open position to outwardly expose the first face, and
engaging the belt to releasably secure the bag body in the open
position.
[0016] Further features and aspects of example embodiments of the
present invention are described in more detail below with reference
to the appended Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of a bag with a fastened closure
mechanism.
[0018] FIGS. 2a and 2b show the bag of FIG. 1 with an unfastened
closure mechanism.
[0019] FIGS. 3a to 3c show the bag of FIG. 1 with an opened
body.
[0020] FIGS. 4a and 4b show the bag of FIG. 1 with fastened strap
snaps.
[0021] FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of a bag with a detachable
mat.
[0022] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the bag of FIG. 5a with the body
opened.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a back view of the bag of FIG. 5a with the body
opened and the mat detached.
[0024] FIGS. 8a and 8b show a bag with a closed body and a
detachable mat.
[0025] FIGS. 9a and 9b show the bag of FIG. 8a with the body
opened.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a back view of the bag of FIG. 8a, with a top
flap folded into a back position.
[0027] FIG. 11 shows the detachable mat of FIG. 8a when detached
and unrolled.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a back view of the bag of FIG. 8a.
[0029] FIG. 13 shows a bag with a pacifier strap.
[0030] FIG. 14 shows a bag with a waist strap extension.
[0031] FIGS. 15a to 15c show a bag with multiple snap elements.
[0032] FIG. 16 shows a bag with a phone pouch.
[0033] FIG. 17 shows a bag with a carabiner strap.
[0034] FIG. 18 shows a bag with a pacifier bag.
[0035] FIG. 19 shows a bag with a specialized pocket with a
band.
[0036] FIG. 20 shows a bag with attachment bands.
[0037] FIGS. 21a to 21e show a convertible bag.
[0038] FIGS. 22a to 22c show another convertible bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] FIG. 1 is a front view of a bag 5 with a fastened closure
mechanism 10. The closure mechanism 10, when fastened, maintains a
flexible body 15 in a closed position. The body 15 is generally
rectangular, as shown in FIGS. 3a to 3c. Although the closure
mechanism 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is a zipper, it should be
appreciated that other closure mechanisms may be used, e.g., snaps,
buttons, buckles, magnets, latches, and/or hook-and-loop fabric. To
be in a closed position, the outer portions of the body are folded
horizontally inwardly, such that the body is horizontally closed in
on itself to form a sleeve-like, i.e., tubular, structure. When in
a closed position, a first face 16 of the body faces outwardly and
a second face 17, shown in FIGS. 3a to 3c, faces inwardly. The bag
has a-carrying strap 20 attached to an upper part of the body. The
carrying strap 20 allows the bag to be carried as a shoulder bag
when the body is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. For
example, the bag may be worn as a shoulder bag, e.g., a messenger
bag, with the bag extending below the shoulder on which the strap
rests or such that the strap extends across the wearer's body from
the shoulder on which the strap rests. The carrying strap may also
be placed on a crossbar of a stroller or any other appropriate
structure. The carrying strap 20 is stitched directly onto the body
15. It should be appreciated, however, that according to other
examples, the carrying strap may be detachable from the body or
attached to the body in any other manner, e.g., with a ring.
[0040] The bag 5 may be quickly and easily converted from a
shoulder bag, e.g., a messenger bag, into an apron by unfastening
the closure mechanism 10, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, and
horizontally unfolding the body 15. The bag 5, when used as a
shoulder bag, may be worn with the closure mechanism 10 facing away
from the wearer. In this manner, the wearer may unzip and unfold
the bag 5, while it is still supported on the wearer's shoulder.
The carrying strap 20 may then be transferred from the wearer's
shoulder to the wearer's neck, with the strap extending around the
back of the wearer's neck. Alternatively, the carrying strap 20 may
be transferred to the wearer's neck before opening the body 15. As
another alternative, the carrying strap 20 may be left around the
shoulder while converting the bag into a waist belt. This results
in a very simple conversion. For example, the wearer may simply
shift the bag toward the front of the wearer's body and convert the
bag body from the shoulder bag, e.g., messenger bag, into a tool
belt or waist belt without removing the strap from the shoulder.
After, e.g., changing a baby's diaper, the bag may then be
converted back to a shoulder bag, e.g., messenger bag, again
without removing the strap from the shoulder. When worn as an apron
or a waist belt, the first face 16 of the body 15 would be proximal
to the wearer and the second face 17 would be distal to the wearer.
This allows a very simple and intuitive unwrapping of the body
around the wearer's waist to attach the waist strap and expose the
second face 17 of the body.
[0041] FIGS. 3a to 3c show the bag of FIG. 1 when opened. Extending
from the lateral edges 30, 35 of the body 15, are waist strap
elements 40, 42, which may be partially or entirely contained in
the interior of the sleeve-like structure of the body 15 when the
body 15 is in the closed position. Waist strap elements 40, 42
together form a waist strap when latching elements 43, 47 are
coupled. In this example, the latching elements are male and female
clip elements that mate to form a releasable clip connection. The
waist strap has an adjustable length. It should be appreciated
that, according to other examples, the waist strap may be formed
from a single waist strap element that extends from one of the
lateral edges to the other of the lateral edges and releasably
attaches directly to the body. The bag 5 may be worn like an apron,
with the carrying strap 20 around the back of the wearer's neck, or
like a tool belt, with the bag supported by the waist strap alone,
with the carrying strap 20 hanging loosely, tucked or folded into a
pocket, or remaining around the wearer's shoulder.
[0042] The second face 17 has a plurality of pockets 50, 51, 52,
53. The pockets 50, 51, 52, 53 each open upwardly. It is noted in
this regard that items disposed in the pockets will not fall out of
the pockets regardless of whether the bag is worn as a shoulder bag
or an apron/belt. This is so because the body folds horizontally,
maintaining the upward orientation of the pocket openings.
[0043] The pockets may be generally sized or may be specially
designed to hold or dispense particular items. For example,
referring to FIG. 3c, pocket 51 is sized so as to hold commonly
sized containers of baby wipes. A pocket strap 55 may secure such a
container within the pocket 51 and an opening 56 allows baby wipes
to be withdrawn from the container without removing the container
from the pocket 51. Other pockets may be used to hold, e.g.,
diapers, snacks, clothing, and/or pacifiers.
[0044] Although the bag 5 only has pockets on one face 17 of the
body 15, it should be appreciated that other examples may have
pockets on both sides. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the
bag may be reversible, such that either face of the body may face
outward when the body is in the closed position and either face of
the body may be distal to the wearer when the bag is worn as an
apron or belt. The closure mechanism may be accessible from either
side, e.g., a zipper with tabs on both sides. Such designs may
allow a wearer to choose which side to have externally exposed (and
thus more accessible) based on current needs or social
situation.
[0045] FIGS. 4a and 4b show the bag of FIG. 1 with fastened strap
snaps that form a snap closure 65. The mating strap snaps are each
disposed on the carrying strap 20. When the strap snaps are
fastened as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the strap is cinched together
at the point of the closure 65, effectively shortening the length
of the strap. In other words, the bag does not hang as low when
suspended from the carrying strap 20 than it would if the strap
snaps were not connected to each other. This may be beneficial,
e.g., when the bag is suspended from a stroller. Alternatively, the
bag could be supported by securing the snap closure 65 above a
support member, in which case the bag would be supported just below
the closure 65.
[0046] FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of a bag 105. The bag 105
shares many features in common with the bag 5 depicted in FIGS. 1
to 4b. The bag 105, however, has a detachable mat 112 that may be
draped over a body 115 when the body is in a closed position, as
shown in FIG. 5a. The detachable mat 112 may be lifted, as shown in
FIG. 5b, to expose the closure mechanism 110, in this case a
zipper. The mat 112 has a soft fabric outer surface 113 and stain
and liquid resistant fabric on the inner surface 114. In this
regard, the detachable mat 112 is suitable for changing a baby's
diaper when the mat 112 is detached from the bag 105, as shown in
FIG. 7. The fabric on the inner surface 114 is a polymer fabric,
but it should be appreciated that the inner surface may be any
suitable material, e.g., a solid vinyl sheet. It is further noted
that the carrying strap 120 is connected to the body 115 via rings
121 rather than being stitched directly to the body 115. The rings
121 are metal and have a rectangular shape. It should be
appreciated, however, that other examples may have rings with
different shapes, e.g., semicircular or circular and made from
other materials, e.g., plastic.
[0047] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the bag of FIG. 5a when opened. The bag
has pockets 150, 151, 152, 153 on a second face 117 of the body
115. Pockets 150 and 151 are analogous to the pockets 50 and 51
described above with respect to bag 5. Pocket 152 has a strap 161
to secure items within the pocket. The top portion of strap 161 is
attached to the body 115 by stitching. To close the pocket 152, the
strap 161 is fed downwardly through a ring 162 and then upwardly so
as to double back on itself. The free end of the strap is then
attached to another region of the strap, as shown in FIG. 6b, with
hook-and-loop fabric. Pocket 153 has a pacifier pocket 154 disposed
on its outer surface. The pacifier pocket 154 is appropriately
sized to securely hold a typical pacifier. This may make locating
the pacifier much easier than if the relatively small pacifier is
stored with other items in a larger pocket. The pacifier pocket 154
is shown in FIG. 6b with a pacifier inserted.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows the bag 105 of FIG. 5 when opened and with the
mat 112 detached. The mat 112 has button elements 170 that mate
with button elements 171 on a first face 116 of the body 115 to
releasably secure the detachable mat 112 to the body 115.
[0049] In contrast to the bag 5 described above, bag 105 has
pockets 180, 181 disposed on the first face 116 of the body 115.
The openings of pockets 180, 181 are covered by pocket flaps.
[0050] FIGS. 8a and 8b show a bag 205. The bag 205 shares many
features in common with the bags 5, 105 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 7.
The bag 205 has a closure mechanism 210 that releasably secures a
body 215 in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, with a
first face 216 of the body 215 facing outwardly. The bag 205 has a
cover flap 232 that may be folded to vertically hang down the front
of the body 215, as shown in FIG. 8a. The cover flap 232 is
releasably held in position by mating magnetic elements 233 of the
cover flap 232 to magnetic elements 234 disposed on pockets 280,
281. As shown in FIG. 10, the cover flap 232 may be folded back in
the opposite direction to hang down the back of the body 215. This
may be advantageous when the body 215 is opened so as to use the
bag 205 as an apron or a belt. A carrying strap 220 has a buckle
229 that allows the length of the carrying strap to be
adjusted.
[0051] When folded as shown in FIG. 8a, the cover flap 232 covers
and partially hides a detachable mat 212. The mat 212 is attached
by mating, referring to FIG. 9b, snap elements 221 to snap elements
222 to form releasable snap connections. In order to use the mat
212 to, e.g., change a baby's diaper, the mat is detached,
unrolled, and then unfolded, as shown in FIG. 11. The mat 212 has a
solid vinyl inner surface 214. This material makes cleaning and/or
sanitizing the inner surface 214 very simple. To reattach the mat
212, the mat is first folded longitudinally in half, and then
rolled, starting at a first end 226, toward a second end 227. At
the second end 227 of the mat 212 is a roll strap 228 that may
secure the mat from unrolling, by wrapping around the outer surface
of the rolled portion of the mat 212. An end portion of the roll
strap 228 is then releasably attached to another portion of the
roll strap 228 by hook-and-loop fabric, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 12, the bag 205 has pockets 280, 281
disposed on the first face 216 of the body 215. The bag 205 also
has a pleated pocket 282 centrally disposed between pockets 280,
281. The pleated pocket 282 has an elastic band at its opening to
help prevent items from falling out if, e.g., the bag is inverted.
The pleated and elastic nature of the pocket 282 allows the size of
the pocket to vary depending on the volume of items stored within
the pocket 282. To provide additional storage options, the bag 205
has three pockets 290, 291, 292, of which the middle pocket 292 is
zippered. These pockets 290, 291, 292 allow storage in a space in
between the first face 216 and the second face 217 of the body 215.
The zipper of the middle pocket 292 allows the upwardly directed
pocket opening to be closed. It should be appreciated that,
according to other examples, the other pockets may be zippered.
Alternatively, a zipper may be omitted on all of the pockets. A
draw cord 295 with adjustable stops extends across the width of the
body 215 in a tubular pocket. The draw cord allows the top portion
of the body 215 to be cinched, which allows, e.g., the top portion
of the bag to be tightened when the body 215 is closed.
[0053] FIG. 13 shows a bag 305 that shares many features in common
with the bags 5, 105, 205 described above. The bag 305 is shown
with a body 315 in an open position so as to expose a second
surface 317. The bag 305 has a pacifier strap 307 that is stitched
to an upper part of the second surface 317, so as hang freely from
the stitched connection. The pacifier strap 307 has two
spaced-apart mating hook-and-loop fabric elements, one disposed at
the free end of pacifier strap 307. The free end of the pacifier
strap 307 may be fed through the ring of a pacifier, after which
the hook-and-loop fabric elements are mated to form a releasable
connection. The pacifier strap 307 thus forms a loop that
releasably holds the pacifier or other item such as small toys. It
should be appreciated that, according to other examples, the strap
may be attached at any other location on the bag.
[0054] FIG. 14 shows a bag 405 that shares many features with the
bags described above. The bag 405 has a male clip element 443 and a
female clip element 447 of waist strap elements 440, 442, which are
stitched to a body 415. The male clip element 443 and the female
clip element 447 may be mated to form a releasable clip connection
for joining the waist strap elements 440, 442 to form a waist
strap. For larger individuals, e.g., pregnant women, this waist
strap may not be large enough. As such, the bag 405 has a waist
strap extension 408 having a male clip element 408a and a female
clip element 408b. The male clip element 408a may mate with the
female clip element 447 whereas the female clip element 408b may
mate with the male clip element 443, thus forming an extended waist
strap. The waist strap extension 408 has a buckle that allows the
length of the waist strap extension 408 to be adjusted.
[0055] FIGS. 15a to 15c show a bag 505 similar to those described
above. The bag 505, however, has a series of snap elements on each
side of a carrying strap 520. The additional snap elements allow
greater flexibility in how the carrying strap 520 is arranged. As
shown in FIG. 15b, snap elements on common sides of the carrying
strap may be releasably mated to form two loops. These loops may be
formed around, e.g., a crossbar on a stroller, so as to allow the
bag to be securely suspended therefrom. As shown in FIG. 15c, snap
elements from opposite sides of the support strap 520 may be
releasably mated in a similar manner to that described with regard
to carrying strap 20 of bag 5.
[0056] FIG. 16 shows a bag 605 similar to those described above,
but with a phone pouch 606 releasably attached to a carrying strap
620. The opening of phone pouch 606 is releasably closed via a flap
with a fastener. The phone pouch 606 is attached to the carrying
strap 620 by two flaps 606a, 606b that releasably mate with each
other via hook-and-loop fabric elements that form a hook-and-loop
fabric connection. When mated, the flaps 606a, 606b form a loop
around the carrying strap 620. Although the phone pouch 606 is
removable, it should be appreciated that, according to other
examples, the phone pouch may be fixed, e.g., by stitching, to the
carrying strap. It should be appreciated that, according to other
examples, the phone pouch may be attached at any other location on
the bag.
[0057] FIG. 17 shows a bag 705 similar to those described above,
but with a carabiner strap 703. Carabiner strap 703 is stitched to
the bag 705 near an opening of a pocket 781, such that the
carabiner strap 703 hangs freely at its end opposite the stitching.
At the free end of the carabiner strap 703 is a carabiner 703a that
may be used for attaching an item, e.g., a set of keys. Because of
the location of the carabiner strap 703, the attached item may be
allowed to drop into the pocket 781 and yet be easily retrieved by
pulling the carabiner strap 703. The length of the strap 703 may
also allow items such as keys to be used without removal from the
carabiner 703a.
[0058] FIG. 18 shows a bag 805 similar to those described above,
but with a pacifier bag 811. The pacifier bag 811 is sized so as to
accommodate many commonly sized pacifiers and has a zipper closure.
Pacifier bag 811 is stitched directly to a bag body 815 below a
pocket 851 that is specialized to allow the dispensing of baby
wipes. It should be appreciated that, according to other examples,
the bag may be attached to any other location on the bag, such as,
e.g., on a pocket. The pacifier bag 811 allows a stored pacifier to
be easily located and accessed.
[0059] FIG. 19 shows a bag 905 similar to those described above,
but with a specialized pocket 953 with a band 955. The band 955 is
elastic and stitched to the bag 905 at intermittent locations along
the band. In this regard the bands allow baby cutlery to be
supported with cutlery handles inserted through the sections of the
band 955 that are not stitched, with the non-handle portions (e.g.,
spoon portion, fork portion, etc.) supported above the elastic band
955. The pocket 953 has a flap 954 that is folded to contact
directly over the band 955. The flap 954 may thus prevent any food,
etc. on the cutlery from escaping the pocket 953 as well as
preventing external contaminants, e.g., dirt, from touching the
cutlery. The flap 954 may have an interior surface 954a, facing the
band 955 when the flap 954 is closed, that is easily washable
and/or sanitizable. For example, the surface 954a may be made of a
plastic sheet or a sanitizable fabric. A back surface 953a of the
pocket 953, disposed above the band 955, may also be made of such a
material. In this regard, the surfaces 954a, 953a may be easily
cleaned and/or sanitized to reduce the possibility of contaminants,
e.g., germs, being transferred from the pocket 953 to the portions
of the cutlery that are, e.g., inserted into a baby's mouth. This
may be advantageous with regard to cleanliness and hygiene.
Alternatively or additionally, an inwardly facing portion of the
pocket 953, disposed and facing oppositely from surface 953a may
have a similar surface. In addition to cutlery, the band 955 may
hold any other appropriately sized items.
[0060] FIG. 20 shows a bag 1005, similar to those described above,
but with attachment bands 1002. Attachment bands 1002 are stitched
to a carrying strap 1020 of the bag 1005 such that each attachment
band 1002 has one end that hangs free. The attachment bands have
first snap elements 1003a that attach to second snap elements 1003b
of the carrying strap 1020 to form snap connections 1003 when the
attachment bands are folded back into a closed position to form
loops. The attachment bands 1002 may thus releasably attach the bag
1005 to support members, e.g., bars of a stroller. It should be
appreciated that, according to other examples, attachment bands may
be attached to any appropriate location on the bag and/or designed
so as to form a closed position without being folded. According to
other examples, the loops may be stitched closed instead of being
releasably closed by a snap connection.
[0061] FIGS. 21a to 21d show a bag 1105. The bag 1105 shares many
features in common with the bags described above. The bag 1105 has
a closure mechanism 1110 that releasably secures a body 1115 in a
closed position as a sleeve, as shown in FIG. 21a. The bag 1105 has
a cover flap 1132 that may be folded over the top opening of the
sleeve to vertically hang down the front of the body 1115. The
cover flap 1132 is releasably held in position by mating of snap
elements 1133 of the cover flap 1132 to snap elements 1134 disposed
on pockets 1180, 1181. Pockets 1180 and 1181 have elastic bands
1189 at their openings to prevent items from inadvertently falling
out of the pockets 1180 and 1181.
[0062] The closure mechanism 1110 is a zipper which includes a pull
having two tabs 1111. This may be especially suitable where the bag
1105 is used in a reversible manner, as one of the two tabs would
be outwardly exposed and thus easily accessible, regardless of
which face of the bag 1105 is oriented in the outward
direction.
[0063] The bag 1105 includes a pair of attachment mechanisms for
attachment to, e.g., a stroller. Each attachment mechanism includes
a strap portion 1140 and a loop portion 1141 releasably secured to
the strap portion 1140 via carabiner 1142 that couples to a metal
ring. As illustrated, the strap portion 1140 is a continuous strap
that also functions to hold the shoulder strap to the bag. The
shoulder strap includes a primary strap portion 1147 that is
adjustable, includes a shoulder pad 1121, and is coupled to the bag
1105 via metal rings rather than being directly stitched to the bag
1105. The bag 1105 also includes a zippered pouch 1122 that can
slide along the length of the shoulder strap.
[0064] The loop portion includes two strips releasably secured by
hook-and-loop fabric. It should be appreciated, however, that other
closure mechanisms may be provided in addition or as an alternative
to the hook-and-loop fabric closure.
[0065] The bag includes a pocket 1151 similar to, e.g., pockets 51
and 151 described above. Pocket 1151 includes a closure flap 1153
that secures items, e.g., a box of baby wipes, within the pocket
1151 via a closure such as hook-and-loop fabric. Pocket 1151 also
includes a pocket flap 1154 that extends downwardly to cover a
dispensing aperture through which items such as baby wipes may be
dispensed from within the pocket 1151. This flap 1154 may be
well-suited for preventing foreign matter, e.g., dirt, from
entering the pocket 1151. The flap 1154 may also help prevent items
such as baby wipes from prematurely drying out by restraining
airflow into the dispensing aperture. When dispensing is desired,
the flap 1154 may be lifted upwardly to expose the dispensing
aperture.
[0066] Pocket 1152 includes a closure strap 1156 that extends
across the upwardly facing opening of pocket 1152 and down across
the front face of pocket 1152. The strap is secured to the front
face of the pocket 1152 via hook-and-loop fabric, although any
appropriate fastening mechanism may be provided.
[0067] The bag 1105 includes a changing mat 1161 that is held into
a rolled position by a hook-and-loop secured strap and releasably
attached to the flap 1132 by a snap mechanism.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 21c, the bag 1105 includes a flap 1158
that extends into the interior of the pocket 1151 (although it has
been pulled out for the sake of illustration in FIG. 21c).
Referring to FIG. 21e, which illustrates a cross-section through
the pocket 1151, the flap 1158 is used to build an interior pocket
1162 within pocket 1151. To form the interior pocket 1162, the free
end of the flap 1158 is releasably coupled to the interior face of
the pocket 1151 via closure 1163. Items (e.g., a container of
petroleum jelly) stored in the interior pocket 1162 may be
prevented from inadvertently falling out of the interior
compartment 1162 by coupling the free end of closure flap 1153 to
pocket 1151 via closure 1164. Although closures 1163 and 1164 are
formed of hook-and-loop fabric, it should be appreciated that any
appropriate closure, e.g., one or more buttons, snaps, and/or
magnetic closures may be provided.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 21e, the pocket 1162 is formed
adjacent to a container 1165 of baby wipes 1166 that has been
placed in the pocket 1151 such that the baby wipes 1166 may be
dispensed through the dispensing aperture of the pocket 1151. It
should be appreciated, however, that the pocket 1162 may be formed
within pocket 1151 even when the lower portion of pocket 1151 is
unoccupied. Further, when the pocket 1162 is not needed, the flap
1158 may extend along the back face of the container 1165 (e.g., in
the example illustrated, the face opposite the face through which
the baby wipes 1166 are dispensed).
[0070] FIG. 21d shows the opposite side of the bag body from that
shown in FIGS. 21b and 21c. A large middle pocket 1183 is disposed
between pockets 1180 and 1181 and includes an elastic band 1188,
similar to elastic bands 1189 of pockets 1180 and 1181. The bag
1105 also includes a strap 1191 with a carabiner that may be used,
e.g., as a key strap, with the carabiner coupling to a key chain.
The end of the strap 1191 along with whatever item is attached to
the carabiner may be inserted into the pocket 1183. This allows for
the items to be located quickly and with little effort.
[0071] The bag 1105 also has two rings 1177 formed of, e.g., metal,
that may be used for any appropriate purpose, e.g., for attaching
carabiner clips and/or for suspending the bag 1105.
[0072] Above pocket 1183 is a zippered opening 1169 for a pocket
that extends within the body of the bag 1105 and behind pocket
1183.
[0073] FIGS. 22a to 22c show a bag 1205. The bag 1205 shares many
features in common with the bags described above. The bag 1205 is
smaller in comparison to bag 1105 and includes mat 1267 that is
foldable to fit into a pocket, e.g., pocket 1250. As shown in FIG.
22a, the mat 1267 is fully inserted into pocket 1250, whereas the
mat 1267 is partially removed from pocket 1250 in FIG. 22b. It
should be appreciated that the mat 1267 may be inserted in any
appropriate pocket of the bag 1205, provided the pocket has
adequate space.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 22c, the bag 1205 does not have any pockets
on one of its faces.
[0075] The bag 1205 has a bag body 1206 having a top portion 1207,
a bottom portion 1209, and two opposing end portions 1211 and 1213
extending between the top portion 1207 and the bottom portion 1209.
Corresponding zipper elements 1221 and 1222, which are disposed
along end portions 1211 and 1213, respectively, form a closure that
releasably secures the opposing end portions 1211 and 1213 of the
bag body 1206 to form a sleeve.
[0076] The bag 1205 has a shoulder strap 1230 having two ends, each
of the two end segments 1231 and 1232 that are attached to the bag
body 1206 along the top portion 1207 in a spaced-apart
relationship. It is note in this regard that the distance along top
portion 1207 between the attachment locations is approximately the
same as the remaining distance along the top portion 1207. This
results in the shoulder strap 1230 being attached at approximately
opposite locations around the perimeter of the upper portion of the
sleeve that is formed when the zipper joins the end portions 1211
and 1213. This may provide for balanced support of the bag 1205,
e.g., on a shoulder, with the sleeve oriented vertically (i.e.,
with the line running through the open bottom end and the open top
end of the sleeve being vertical). It should be appreciated,
however, that the spacing of the attachment points of the shoulder
strap may be varied.
[0077] The bag 1205 includes waist strap elements 1241 and 1242
that releasably couple to form a waist strap connecting the end
portions 1211 and 1213. The waist strap together with the bag body
1206 forms a belt that may be worn around a person's waist. The
waist strap elements 1241 and 1242 attach to the bag body 1206 at
the upper corners of the face shown, i.e., at both the top portion
1207 and the end portions 1211 and 1213. This may be advantageous
to allow the weight of the bag to be supported by hanging from the
waist strap. It should be appreciated, however, that any
appropriate attachment points for the waist strap may be
provided.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 22c, both the shoulder strap and the waist
strap have adjustable lengths as a result of sliding buckle
mechanisms. It should be appreciated, however, that other length
adjustment mechanisms may be provided or the shoulder strap and/or
waist strap may have their lengths set to predetermined values.
[0079] It should be appreciated that any connection mechanisms
described herein, e.g., clips, snaps, buttons, magnets, and/or
hook-and-loop fasteners, may be substituted by each other or any
other appropriate connection mechanism.
[0080] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular examples and embodiments, it should be
understood that the present invention is not limited to those
examples and embodiments. Moreover, the features of the particular
examples and embodiments may be used in any combination. The
present invention therefore includes variations from the various
examples and embodiments described herein, as will be apparent to
one of skill in the art.
* * * * *