U.S. patent application number 12/794892 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-09 for weight-balanced modular carrying apparatus.
Invention is credited to Shanley Giglio.
Application Number | 20100307878 12/794892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43299971 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100307878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giglio; Shanley |
December 9, 2010 |
Weight-Balanced Modular Carrying Apparatus
Abstract
The present invention is a modular carrying apparatus for
personal items and baby supplies that includes a plurality of
separately attachable weight-balanced storage components which
allow the apparatus to be carried with a shoulder strap.
Inventors: |
Giglio; Shanley; (Wauwatosa,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ABSOLUTE TECHNOLOGY LAW GROUP LLC
135 W. WELLS ST., SUITE 518
MILWAUKEE
WI
53203
US
|
Family ID: |
43299971 |
Appl. No.: |
12/794892 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61185113 |
Jun 8, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0086 20130101;
A45C 11/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/100 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/02 20060101
A45C003/02 |
Claims
1. A modular carrying apparatus comprised of: at least one
weight-balanced storage component, each of said at least one
weight-balanced components having a pre-determined weight ratio
relative to a base component; and at least one weight-balancing
strap component.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said weight ratio is calculated
based on the weight of an empty weight-balanced storage
component.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said weight ratio is calculated
based on the weight of a weight-balanced storage component and
expected contents.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one
weight-balancing strap component is selected from a group
consisting of a strap, loop, attachment, tab, seam, weighted
member, filled member, and protuberance.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a combination of said
weight-balanced storage components is selected based on their
weight-balancing ratio.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one
weight-balanced storage component is selected from a group
consisting of a purse, a handbag, a diaper bag, a camera bag, a
briefcase, a computer bag, an electronic device carrier, a
portfolio, a wallet, a tote bag, a pet carrier, and an accessory
case.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said at least one
weight-balanced storage component is assigned a relative weight
ratio based on an estimated weight of expected contents.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein attachment points of said at
least one weight-balanced storage component and said base component
are concealed to give said apparatus a geometrically conformed
appearance.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said weight-balanced storage
components are secured to said base component by a plurality of
magnets.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes a frame component to
which said base component is secured.
11. The apparatus of clam 10 which further includes at least one
weight-balanced storage component.
12. A system for creating a weight-balanced modular carrying
apparatus comprised of: a base component; at least one
weight-balanced storage component, each of said at least one
weight-balanced components having a pre-determined weight ratio
relative to said base component; and at least one weight-balancing
strap component; wherein said base component and said at least one
weight-balancing storage component further include attachment for
points for attaching said at least one weight-balancing storage
component to said base component.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein said weight ratio is calculated
based on the weight of an empty weight-balanced storage
component.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein said weight ratio is calculated
based on the weight of a weight-balanced storage component and
expected contents.
15. The system of claim 12 wherein said at least one
weight-balancing strap component is selected from a group
consisting of a strap, loop, attachment, tab, seam, weighted
member, filled member, and protuberance.
16. The system of claim 12 wherein a combination of said
weight-balanced storage components is selected based on their
weight-balancing ratio.
17. The system of claim 12 wherein said at least one
weight-balanced storage component is selected from a group
consisting of a purse, a handbag, a diaper bag, a camera bag, a
briefcase, a computer bag, an electronic device carrier, a
portfolio, a wallet, a tote bag, a pet carrier, and an accessory
case.
18. The system of claim 12 wherein each of said at least one
weight-balanced storage components is assigned a relative weight
ratio based on an estimated weight of expected contents.
19. The system of claim 12 wherein said attachment points of said
at least one weight-balanced storage component and said base
component are concealed to give said apparatus a geometrically
conformed appearance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/185,113 filed on Jun. 8, 2009.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of carrying
devices, in particular to a convertible carrying device which
allows modular components to be stably attached and
weight-balanced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a modular
carrying apparatus in the closed position.
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a modular
carrying apparatus in the open position.
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a modular carrying apparatus in the closed
position.
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary
embodiment of a modular carrying apparatus.
[0007] FIG. 5a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a
weight-balanced modular carrying apparatus.
[0008] FIG. 5b illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an unbalanced
modular carrying apparatus.
GLOSSARY
[0009] As used herein, the term "modular carrying apparatus" refers
to a device with selectively attachable weight-balanced storage
components having storage functionality.
[0010] As used herein, the term "weight-balanced storage component"
refers to an apparatus, case or compartment included within a
modular carrying apparatus that may be selectively attached,
detached, and removed, and which is adapted for the carrying and
organizing of items. A weight-balanced storage component may be
attached or secured with magnets, hook-and-eye fabric, hooks,
snaps, closures, cords, clips, clasps, ties, zippers, or any other
securing apparatus known in the art.
[0011] As used herein, the term "geometrically conformed" means
multiple components that look like a single component. For example,
a component may be geometrically conformed through means including,
but not limited to the use of concealed attachment means,
coordinating fabrics, and styling.
[0012] As used herein, the term "concealed" means disguised, hidden
or not easily seen.
[0013] As used herein, the term "weight-balanced component" refers
to a component capable of being adjusted to evenly balance or
stabilize the weight of one or more weight-balanced storage
components using a predetermined ratio which may or may not take
into account the weight of the expected contents.
[0014] As used herein, the term "weight-balancing strap component"
refers to a strap capable of balancing weight by being
repositioned, lengthened, shortened, weighted or reinforced by the
use of modular strap components.
[0015] As used herein, the term "weight-balancing ratio" refers to
the ratio of weight of one weight-balanced storage component to
another weight-balanced storage component.
[0016] As used herein, the term "base component" refers to the
weight-balanced storage component against which weight is
computed.
[0017] As used herein, the term "expected contents" refers to the
items that are anticipated to be carried in a weight-balanced
storage component.
[0018] Background
[0019] The global market for handbags, purses, briefcases, and
diaper bags and other carrying accessories is in excess 2 billion
dollars per year, with high profit margins in niche and specialty
fashion markets. In addition to fashion-motivated buying decisions,
purchasers are motivated by functionality, i.e., convenient
organizational and functional features.
[0020] Designers have focused on functionality in the past, but
have yet to come up with a bag that has unlimited functionality and
for which functionality can be easily altered, e.g., from a purse
to a diaper bag.
[0021] Currently each type of accessory (e.g., a handbag and a
diaper bag) is designed so that each device offers limited,
traditional functionality. Women must carry multiple handbags,
diaper bags, pet carriers and briefcases to make a coordinated
fashion and functional choice.
[0022] It is desirable to have a fashionable item which combines
the functionality of one or more carrying apparatuses (e.g.,
handbags, purses, briefcases, pet carrying devices and diaper bags)
and which has structural components which allow the bag to be
functionally altered.
[0023] It is further desirable to have components that can be
securely attached and provide the balanced weight and stability of
a single function bag.
[0024] It is further desirable to have a system of modular
components that can be economically produced and modified for
varying consumer tastes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention is a modular carrying apparatus for
personal items and baby supplies that includes a plurality of
separately attachable weight-balanced storage components which
allow the apparatus to be carried with a shoulder strap or
handle(s).
[0026] The apparatus utilizes a secure system of securing means and
may take into account the expected weight of the contents of each
storage component so that the apparatus is sufficiently
weight-balanced and secure for ready transport. The securing means
allow components to be easily attached and detached in seconds, and
in some embodiments, with one hand. In addition, it is not
necessary that a user see the attachment means in order to operate
them.
[0027] As components are attached, the modular carrying apparatus
retains its appearance as an integrated, singly-constructed unit. A
strap(s) may be added or positioned as necessary to enhance the
functionality of the apparatus and to stabilize and balance the
weight of the modular carrying components.
[0028] In various embodiments, the modular apparatus may be placed
upright on floors and counters and hung on hooks to be adapted for
use in restrooms and other public environments. In various
embodiments, the weight-balanced storage components of the modular
carrying apparatus can be selectively attached and detached for use
as a purse, diaper bag and/or briefcase, and various components may
increase the functionality or vary the appearance of the modular
carrying apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0029] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present
invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments
of a weight-balanced modular carrying apparatus, only some of which
are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations
on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these
exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent
designs, materials, and components may be used. The inclusion of
additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis
for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of
ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.
[0030] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the
embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various
drawings refer to identical or near identical structural
elements.
[0031] Moreover, the terms "substantially" or "approximately" as
used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative
representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a
change in the basic function to which it is related.
[0032] FIG. 1 is an exemplary system for modular carrying apparatus
100 that includes purse component 50 and childcare component 70. In
the embodiment shown, both childcare component 70 and purse
component 50 are in the closed position. In various embodiments,
components may be of various weights having a relative ratio to one
another, and may further include weight-balancing strap components
which may be adjusted to balance the weight as weight-balanced
storage components are selectively added and removed.
Weight-balancing strap components may balance weight by being
repositioned, lengthened, shortened, weighted or reinforced by the
use of modular strap components which may be added for length
and/or leverage.
[0033] Weight-balanced storage components may be selected based on
their weight-balancing ratio, and are placed in a pre-designated
position alongside a base component to balance the modular carrying
apparatus.
[0034] In various embodiments, weight-balanced storage components
may be constructed of leather, fabric, linen, wool, plastic, paper,
rubber, resin, synthetic materials and combinations thereof and be
comprised of materials and colors which blend and give the
appearance of a structurally integrated carrying apparatus and may
be of the same or dissimilar materials to achieve an aesthetic
effect when attached. Various weight-balanced storage components of
modular carrying apparatus 100 may be sold, selected and/or
marketed separately.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, purse component 50 is
integrally and selectively attached to childcare component 70 by
two or more hook and loop securing components 55a, 55b placed near
the top of childcare component 70 at approximate opposite ends.
[0036] In the embodiment shown, hook 55a is attached on the
external (outer surface) of childcare component 70 using a seam,
pocket apertures, bolts, rivets or other means of attachment. Loop
attachments 55b are fixedly attached to opposite upper ends of
purse component 50 or a strap secured to purse component 50. Loop
attachments 55b can be split rings that have an opening, claw
hooks, carabineers, ring-type structures, or any other metal or
plastic attachment means known in the art. In alternative
embodiments, hook 55a and loop attachment 55b may be placed on
alternate system components or in different positions. In still
other embodiments, modular carrying apparatus 100 may have more,
fewer or differently shaped or configured hook 55a and loop
attachment 55b components or alternate means of temporary or
permanent structural attachment.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, purse component 50 and childcare
component 70 have concealed securing components 55a, 55b. For
example, magnets (e.g., neodymium) may be used to secure purse
component 50 and childcare component 70 together providing the
appearance of a geometrically conformed modular carrying apparatus
100. Modular carrying apparatus 100 may further include concealment
components (e.g., flaps or seams) add to the appearance of modular
carrying apparatus 100.
[0038] It is contemplated that hook 55a and loop attachment 55b
components (or such alternate structural components that may be
used) allow purse component 50, childcare component 70, laptop
component, pet carrier component and all other components to be
selectively attached and detached in a secure manner involving
limited manipulation and as few user steps as possible.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, each individual carrying
component (e.g., purse component 50 and childcare component 70) is
weight-balanced based on its intended items. In addition, carrying
components may include sub-compartments for holding and securing
specifically identified items (e.g., a baby bottle, diapers, a cell
phone, a laptop) and the carrying components may be weight-balanced
based on the intended specifically identified items.
[0040] In various embodiments, at least one of the selected
carrying components that make up modular carrying apparatus 100 has
a weight-balancing strap or handle(s) with an attachment component
(e.g., loop members) that evenly balances and stabilizes the weight
of one or more components and their contents. In addition, the
straps of one or more modular carrying components may be
selectively attached, detached, stowed, or length-adjusted when
other modular carrying components are attached to allow for a more
fashionable appearance.
[0041] Also shown in FIG. 1 are optional structural components 16a,
16b, 16c and 16d, which cause modular carrying apparatus 100 to
stand upright when placed on the floor or ground. In the embodiment
shown, structural components 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are made of
plastic. In other embodiments, structural components 16a, 16b, 16c
and 16d are made of metal, rubber or any other material capable of
stabilizing modular carrying apparatus 100 in the upright
position.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a further embodiment of an exemplary
system for modular carrying apparatus 100 that includes purse
component 50 and childcare component 70. In the embodiment shown,
childcare component 70 is in the open position and sides 7a and 7b
are separated to reveal the contents of childcare component 70.
Sides 7a and 7b may be joined with zippers, chains, clasps, tie,
hinges, fabric, magnets, or any other selective closure devices
known in the art.
[0043] FIG. 2 further illustrates a plurality of removable
"activity components" 25, 27, 29 and 31 which secure supplies for
various childcare activities (e.g., bottle feeding, solid food
feeding, playing, reading, nursing, photographing, note-taking,
cleaning, changing). In the embodiment shown, activity components
25, 27, 29 and 31 are made of a transparent or semi-transparent
material to allow the contents to be visible. In the embodiment
shown, activity components 25, 27, 29 and 31 are secured in a
closed position using zippers, but in other embodiments they may be
secured in a closed position using magnetic closures, hooks, snaps,
magnets and/or hook and eye fabric.
[0044] Also shown in FIG. 2 is diaper mat 34, which is adapted to
be folded, and which is secured by diaper mat securing device 36.
In the embodiment shown, diaper mat securing device 36 is a strap,
but in other embodiments can be a pocket structure, clip, tie,
hook-and-eye fabric attachment or any other device known in the art
for attaching or securing diaper mat 34. In various embodiments,
modular carrying apparatus 100 further includes diaper dispenser
38, which allows one-handed removal of diapers.
[0045] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 further illustrates wipe
dispenser receptacle 44, a receptacle or compartment adapted to fit
a baby wipe dispenser and which allows the wipes to be dispensed
without requiring the baby wipe dispenser to be removed from
modular carrying apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown, wipe
dispenser receptacle 44 is a pocket structure which allows a
dispenser to be inserted and which further allows the wipes to be
dispensed without requiring the baby wipe dispenser to be removed
from modular carrying apparatus 100.
[0046] In various embodiments, modular carrying apparatus 100 may
open fully along sides 7a and 7b, or may partially open (along
sides and/or along top). Zippers, hooks, snaps, hook-and-eye
fabric, ties, cords or any closure device known in the art may be
used to secure sides 7a and 7b together. Additionally, sides 7a and
7b may be secured with a combination of devices, or with an
additional adjoining panel component. In still other embodiments,
sides 7a and 7b may be partially opened and secured in a position
that allows modular carrying apparatus 100 to be stabilized in an
upright manner while partially open.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of modular carrying apparatus 100 with childcare
component 70 and purse component 50 in the closed position.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary
embodiment of modular carrying apparatus 100.
[0049] FIG. 5a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a
weight-balanced modular carrying apparatus. In various other
embodiments, a smaller or larger number of weight-balanced storage
components are used and/or the weight of the weight-balanced
storage components may vary.
[0050] FIG. 5b illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an unbalanced
modular carrying apparatus. In various other embodiments, a smaller
or larger number of weight-balanced storage components are used
and/or the weight of the weight-balanced storage components may
vary.
[0051] Various embodiments of modular carrying apparatus 100 may be
adapted to be manipulated with one hand (e.g., snaps, zippers,
spring loaded clasps and other easily manipulated closure means
known in the art).
[0052] One or more outer pockets (not shown) may also be included
in various embodiments of modular carrying apparatus 100. Outer
pockets may be used for diapers, bottles, cameras, electronic
devices, Medication, keys, and other devices or items.
[0053] Modular carrying apparatus 100 may be constructed so that
the weight of an attached weight-balanced storage component (e.g.,
purse component) will not cause modular carrying apparatus 100 to
topple or tip forward.
[0054] In alternative embodiments, a laptop component, a pet
carrier component, a briefcase, a portfolio, a handbag, a tote or
any other carrying accessory known in the art may be substituted
for childcare component 70.
[0055] Other embodiments of modular carrying apparatus 100 may
include washable and/or wipeable interior and exterior
components.
[0056] In various embodiments, modular carrying apparatus 100 may
include interior and exterior pockets that are insulated for
storage of hot or cold items or padded to hold destructible items
(e.g., a laptop).
[0057] It is contemplated that structural mounting components may
be added to extend various embodiments of modular carrying
apparatus 100 in an open or closed position. For example, hooks may
be added for mounting modular carrying apparatus 100 on a changing
table. Other embodiments may include hooks or structures for
suspending modular carrying apparatus 100 on a stroller or
shoulder.
[0058] Still other embodiments may be adapted to accommodate the
weight of multiple modular components and their contents. For
example, gel-filled or padded weight-balancing straps may be
utilized.
[0059] Other novel features of modular carrying apparatus 100 and
system disclosed herein may include the following:
[0060] integrated appearance of components so modular carrying
apparatus 100 can be adapted for a variety of settings;
[0061] a novel system of attaching and detaching components (e.g.,
magnets, specially configured clasps, and attachment devices);
[0062] the ability of modular carrying apparatus 100 to stand
independently on an even surface;
[0063] the ability to suspend modular carrying apparatus 100 by a
strap or hook from a changing table or stroller without dispersing
the contents and to make diaper changing supplies easily
accessible;
[0064] independent and detachable modules designed to be very
quickly attached to and detached from each other with magnets,
simple snaps, clips, etc.;
[0065] use of gel-filled or other straps designed for carrying
excess weight;
[0066] design of modular carrying apparatus 100 so contents can be
accessed by users with only one free hand or while carrying a
child; and
[0067] removable nature of components which are adapted for
selective attachment both inside and outside of the apparatus.
* * * * *