U.S. patent application number 12/462987 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-17 for utility totebag system with multiple replaceable liners.
Invention is credited to Valerie C. Chan, Henry J. Renteria.
Application Number | 20110036473 12/462987 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43587886 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110036473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Valerie C. ; et
al. |
February 17, 2011 |
Utility totebag system with multiple replaceable liners
Abstract
The invention is a utility totebag system that can be carried by
a person. The system includes an outer carrier shell and at least
two interchangeable, removable liners with varying characteristics
adapted to differing requirements of transporting various small
items. Any number of specialized liners can be includes in the
system with preferable design choices for the set of
interchangeable liners including one made of water-resistant
material, and/or one made of thermally insulating material.
Optionally an interior closure strap is provided to narrow the
opening of the totebag. The interior of the outer carrier shell has
means for temporarily attaching any one of the set of
interchangeable liners. Each liner has matching attaching means. In
alternative embodiments, the shell and/or the liners have a
flexible flap of material that covers and protects the attachment
means.
Inventors: |
Chan; Valerie C.; (Newport
Beach, CA) ; Renteria; Henry J.; (Huntington Beach,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARLIN KNIGHT
P. O. BOX 1320
PIONEER
CA
95666
US
|
Family ID: |
43587886 |
Appl. No.: |
12/462987 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/104 ;
150/107; 150/113; 150/118; 150/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2013/026 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/104 ;
150/113; 150/118; 150/129; 150/107 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/00 20060101
A45C003/00; A45C 13/10 20060101 A45C013/10; A45C 13/30 20060101
A45C013/30 |
Claims
1. A utility totebag system comprising: an outer totebag carrier
shell with an opening and a first fastening component attached to
an interior surface of the outer totebag carrier shell adjacent to
the opening; a first liner sized to nest inside of the outer
totebag carrier shell, the first liner having a second fastening
component attached to an outside surface, the second fastening
device mating with the first fastening component to selectively
attach the first liner to the outer totebag carrier shell under
control of a user, the first liner having at least two pockets in a
first configuration for transporting a first set of items, the
first liner being made of a non-waterproof material; and a second
liner sized to nest inside of the outer totebag carrier shell, the
second liner having a third fastening component attached to an
outside surface, the third fastening device mating with the first
fastening component to selectively attach the second liner to the
outer totebag carrier shell under control of a user with the second
liner having at least two pockets in a second configuration for
transporting a second set of items, the second liner being made of
a water-resistant material; and wherein the user can selectively
attach the first or the second liner to the outer totebag carrier
shell.
2. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein the first liner
further comprises a portable computer pocket with a securing strap
for holding a portable computer.
3. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein walls of the first
or second liner are made from a flexible multi-layered material
that includes a layer thermally insulating material sandwiched
between two outer layers.
4. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein the second liner
includes pockets for transporting diaper supplies.
5. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein the outer totebag
carrier shell further comprises an outer layer and inner layer and
a cap that covers the outer layer and inner layer at the opening,
the cap extending down the interior surface of the outer totebag
carrier shell to the first fastening component, the cap
substantially covering the first fastening component and being
attached along a first line of attachment to an upper edge of first
fastening component and at least the inner layer, the first line of
attachment extending substantially around the opening, the cap
having a first flexible flap of material extending below the first
line of attachment and substantially covering the first fastening
component, the first fastening component extending below the first
line of attachment and being accessible for attachment to first or
second liners under the first flexible flap of material.
6. The utility totebag system of claim 5 wherein the first liner
has a second flexible flap of material extending over the second
fastening component, second flexible flap of material being
disposed substantially adjacent to the first flexible flap of
material when the first liner is attached to the outer totebag
carrier shell, so that first and second flexible flaps of material
substantially cover first and second fastening components when
first and second fastening components are attached.
7. The utility totebag system of claim 1 further comprising an
interior strap attached to a first side of outer totebag carrier
shell near a top of the opening and a latching means attached to a
second side of outer totebag carrier shell near the top of the
opening, the latching means removably securing the interior strap
under control of a user.
8. The utility totebag system of claim 7 wherein the interior strap
has a metallic component and the latching means includes a magnet
that attracts the metallic component to removably latch the
interior strap.
9. The utility totebag system of claim 7 wherein the outer totebag
carrier shell further comprises a latch shroud extending over the
latching means, the latch shroud having an open top allowing
insertion and removal of the interior strap.
10. A utility totebag system comprising: an outer totebag carrier
shell with an opening and a first fastening component attached to
an interior surface of the outer totebag carrier shell adjacent to
the opening; a first liner sized to nest inside of the outer
totebag carrier shell, the first liner having a second fastening
component attached to an outside surface, the second fastening
device mating with the first fastening component to selectively
attach the first liner to the outer totebag carrier shell under
control of a user, the first liner having at least two pockets in a
first configuration for transporting a first set of items, the
first liner having being made of a first material; and a second
liner sized to nest inside of the outer totebag carrier shell, the
second liner having a third fastening component attached to an
outside surface, the third fastening device mating with the first
fastening component to selectively attach the second liner to the
outer totebag carrier shell under control of a user with the second
liner having at least two pockets in a second configuration for
transporting a second set of items, the second liner being a
multi-layered composite structure with the innermost layer of the
multi-layered composite structure being a second material different
from the first material; and wherein the user can selectively
attach the first or the second liner to the outer totebag carrier
shell.
11. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the
multi-layered composite structure includes a layer thermally
insulating material sandwiched between two outer layers.
12. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the first
material is a water-resistant material.
13. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the first liner
further comprises a portable computer pocket with a securing strap
for holding a portable computer.
14. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the outer
totebag carrier shell further comprises an outer layer and inner
layer and a cap that covers the outer layer and inner layer at the
opening, the cap extending down the interior surface of the outer
totebag carrier shell to the first fastening component, the cap
substantially covering the first fastening component and being
attached along a first line of attachment to an upper edge of first
fastening component and at least the inner layer, the first line of
attachment extending substantially around the opening, the cap
having a first flexible flap of material extending below the first
line of attachment and substantially covering the first fastening
component, the first fastening component extending below the first
line of attachment and being accessible for attachment to first or
second liners under the first flexible flap of material.
15. The utility totebag system of claim 14 wherein the first liner
has a second flexible flap of material extending over the second
fastening component, second flexible flap of material being
disposed substantially adjacent to the first flexible flap of
material when the first liner is attached to the outer totebag
carrier shell, so that first and second flexible flaps of material
substantially cover first and second fastening components when
first and second fastening components are attached.
16. The utility totebag system of claim 10 further comprising an
interior strap attached to a first side of outer totebag carrier
shell near a top of the opening and a latching means attached to a
second side of outer totebag carrier shell near the top of the
opening, the latching means removably securing the interior strap
under control of a user.
17. The utility totebag system of claim 16 wherein the interior
strap has a metallic component and the latching means includes a
magnet that attracts the metallic component to removably latch the
interior strap.
18. The utility totebag system of claim 16 wherein the outer
totebag carrier shell further comprises a latch shroud extending
over the latching means, the latch shroud having an open top
allowing insertion and removal of the interior strap.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to totebags that can be
carried by a person and are adaptable to the task of transporting a
small items having variety of characteristics.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Modern lifestyles often require that people carry a large
variety of small items for business and personal use. The virtually
infinite list includes typical items such as wallets, cosmetics,
cell phones, computers, keys, notepads, pens, and baby supplies,
but also includes items with special requirements such as grocery
or pharmaceutical items that must be kept cool. Other transportable
items with problematic characteristics include wet gym clothes, wet
swimsuits and soiled infant care supplies. A consumer might
purchase various diaper bags, handbags, briefcases, computer bags,
and insulated bags to meet each of these requirements, but the
expense, storage problems and lack of esthetic appeal make this
solution less than ideal.
[0003] The prior art of handbag design includes U.S. Pat. No.
6,003,573 issued to Owens Dec. 21, 1999. It describes an
interchangeable purse assembly that includes a removable "interior
pouch" that is attached by a zipper, Velcro, snaps, etc. Inside the
pouch are a storage pockets for pens, credit cards, photos, address
book, etc. Owens suggests that the interior purse with all of the
contents can be unzipped from one outer purse and then zipped into
another outer purse of a different style allowing a quick change of
purse styles, thus eliminating the burdensome chore of having to
individually transfer the items to a different purse.
[0004] U.S. patent Huie U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,676 issued to Huie Dec.
9, 2008 is titled a "Handbag with interchangeable liner." Huie
describes a "handbag system for efficient changing of handbag
styles" that includes two outer shells and a removable liner for
attachment within either of the outer shells. The removable liner,
containing typical personal belongings, can be detached from one
outer shell and moved to another outer shell while retaining the
contents. The outer shells differ in their styles and can be
selected for matching the user's "outfit". Huie calls the multiple
shells and removable liner "a fashion system." Huie states without
elaboration that "multiple liners 140 can be interchanged within
first and second outer shells 110a or 110b." The example given for
the liner in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C includes pleats 156. "Upon
unfolding of pleats 156, liner attachment area 154 lengthens and
liner 140 can be inserted into different shells 110 with attachment
areas 130 of various lengths." Toggle-style fasteners 132 are used
in the embodiment shown.
[0005] Similarly U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,254 issued to Fromm May 4,
1993 describes a handbag assembly with separable inner pouch and
outer member to allow conversion into a variety of different styles
and configurations. In one embodiment of the invention, continuous
strips of hook and loop type fastening material are provided on
either side of the lining pouch near its opening. These strips mate
with corresponding strips provided on the inner surface of the
outer member to fasten the lining pouch in place. The strips on the
lining pouch also mate with one another to seal the pouch when it
is removed from the outer envelope. Lifting straps are provided to
facilitate removal of the inner pouch from the outer envelope of
the outer member.
[0006] Published U.S. patent application 20090065110 by Cassella
(Mar. 12, 2009) describes a "Quick Change Purse" which allows
changing styles, sizes and/or colors of the bag through use of a
removable interior lining which can expand and contract in length
and/or in depth depending on the size and/or shape of the bag it is
fitted. Two or more linings may be attached together to increase
its depth for fitting into bigger bags. When used with transparent
handbags the lining may change appearance of the handbags.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention is a utility totebag system that can be
carried by a person. The system includes an outer carrier shell and
at least two interchangeable, removable liners with varying
physical and mechanical characteristics adapted to differing (and
possibly incompatible) requirements of transporting various small
items. Any number of specialized liners can be included in the
system with optional design choices for the set of interchangeable
liners including one made of water-resistant material, and/or one
made of thermally insulating material. An exemplary liner with
thermal insulating properties is adapted to transporting items
requiring refrigeration which could include some groceries and/or
pharmaceuticals. Another exemplary liner is adapted to transporting
a portable computer and associated items. Yet another exemplary
liner is made of water-resistant material adapted to transporting
wet and/or soiled items. By having interchangeable liners, the
system allows the user to transport otherwise incompatible items
such as soiled clothing and groceries using the same carrier shell
by replacing the liner. The outer carrier shell preferably has one
or more carrying straps that facilitate the carrying of the totebag
by a person. Optionally an interior closure strap is provided to
narrow the lateral opening of the totebag.
[0008] The interior of the outer carrier shell has means for
temporarily attaching any one of the set of interchangeable liners,
for example, using zippers, buttons or hook and loop strips. Each
liner has matching attaching means. In one embodiment mating zipper
halves on the shell and liner allow the liner to be attached around
the entire circumference of the opening the shell. In alternative
embodiments, the shell and/or the liners have a flexible flap of
material that covers and protects the attachment means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the
outside of a utility totebag according to the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag
according to the invention with attached interior liner designed
for carrying items such as groceries and/or pharmaceutical items
that should be kept cool.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of a
detached liner according to the invention designed for carrying
items including a notebook computer or similar device.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a
detached water-resistant liner according to the invention designed
for carrying items including diaper supplies.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag
according to the invention with an attached interior closure strap
and latching means.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a section view of the outer
carrier shell of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the
magnetic receiver latch and zipper arrangement.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a section view of an embodiment
of a liner of the invention illustrating the zipper
arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the
outside of a utility totebag 21 according to the invention. Two
carrying straps 22 are attached to the outer carrier shell 23 in
this embodiment that facilitate the carrying of the totebag by a
person. Although the size of the totebag is not critical, an
exemplary size for the outer carrier shell 23 could be
approximately 14 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep and 14 inches high.
The outer carrier shell 23 has flexible, relatively thin side walls
and is generally hollow with an opening (mouth) at the top. In one
embodiment the outer carrier shell 23 is a flexible open-top
container with a closed bottom. The walls and bottom of the outer
carrier shell 23 can be made of leather, fabric, plastic or any
other material typically used for totebags. The removable liner 32,
which will be described more fully below, is sized to substantially
fill the interior hollow cavity of the outer carrier shell 23 and
be removable through the top opening.
[0017] An embodiment of the utility totebag system according to the
invention includes at least one outer carrier shell and at least
two interchangeable liners having characteristics adapted to
transporting at least two different sets of items that have
different transportation requirements. An exemplary set of liners
could include a thermally insulating liner adapted to transporting
groceries and/or pharmaceutical items that should be kept cool, a
liner adapted to transporting a portable computer (and associated
items) and a water-resistant liner adapted to transporting wet gym
clothes, wet swimwear and/or diaper supplies including wet and/or
soiled items.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag
21 according to the invention with attached grocery liner 32
designed for carrying items such as groceries and/or pharmaceutical
items that should be kept cool. Surface 32B is the bottom of the
liner and in normal use would be disposed significantly below the
upper edge of the liner where the straps 22 are attached. In this
embodiment a zipper 33 with zipper slider 34 temporarily
(removably) attaches grocery liner 32 to the outer carrier shell
23. The zipper 33, which extends substantially around the interior
circumference of the opening of the outer carrier shell 23, is a
separating type that allows the liner to be completely removed.
Preferably one of the two mating components (halves) of zipper 33
is fastened by sewing or other comparable means to the interior of
the outer carrier shell 23 near the upper edge or top of the shell.
Attaching the zipper slightly below the upper edge, for example,
approximately 2 inches down, will be preferable in some embodiments
to allow the lining to be less exposed and less visible when being
carried. Preferably the straps 22 are attached by sewing or other
comparable means to the outer carrier shell 23 slightly above the
line of attachment for the zipper. Preferably the zipper 33 extends
substantially around the interior opening or mouth of the outer
carrier shell 23 so that no large gap in the attachment exists that
would allow objects to fall between the liner and the shell.
Preferably the second of the two mating components of zipper 33 is
fastened by sewing or other comparable means to the outer upper
edge of the liner 32 to allow a nesting-fit of the grocery liner 32
inside the outer carrier shell 23. The grocery liner 32 preferably
slightly shorter than the height of the outer carrier shell 23 so
that the liner does not protrude above the upper edge of the outer
carrier shell. Other comparable means of removably attaching the
grocery liner 32 and the other liners described below that can be
used include, but are not limited to, buttons (including toggle
type buttons) and button holes, and hook and loop type fastening
strips.
[0019] Grocery liner 32 includes pockets 36 formed from mesh (or
netting) attached to the inside of the liner. Preferably these
pockets, which can be any size or number, are sized to hold
standard grocery items such as bottles of liquids. Also included as
shown are two carton straps 35, which are preferably made of
elastic material, for holding items similar to cartons of milk or
juice. The grocery liner body is preferably made of flexible
materials that provide thermal insulation to keep items requiring
refrigeration cool during transportation. An exemplary embodiment
uses a multilayered, flexible structure for the walls and bottom of
the liner that includes a layer of thermally insulating foam
sandwiched between two outside layers of suitable supporting
material such as nylon or polyethylene.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of a
detached electronic device liner 40 according to the invention
designed for carrying items including notebook computer or similar
device. The viewpoint is looking down at an angle from the front
into the open interior of the liner. The electronic device liner 40
is shown detached from the outer carrier shell 23. Any one of the
attachment means (not shown) described above can be used for this
liner and be attached to upper edge 47 as will be described further
below. The electronic device liner 40 includes flexible pockets
4145 which are preferably several inches to a foot or more deep to
accommodate variously sized items including a notebook computer,
cell phone, pens, etc. Pocket 41 has a notebook strap 46, which
securely holds the pocket closed. The notebook strap 46 can be
secured by hook and loop means or other equivalent means.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a
water-resistant diaper bag liner 50 according to the invention
designed for carrying items including diaper supplies. The diaper
bag liner 50 is preferably made from waterproof or water resistant
material. The liner includes variously sized pockets 51 which are
intended to accommodate transportation of a multiplicity of items
such as baby bottles, baby wipes, diapers, toys.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag
embodiment 60 according to the invention with outer carrier shell
63 which has an attached interior closure strap 64 and latching
means comprising magnetic receiver latch 65 and metallic button 67.
This outer carrier shell 63 can be used with any of the liners
described herein. In the position shown the interior closure strap
64 is floating over the interior of the liner 32. In the closed or
latched position (not shown) the end of the interior closure strap
64 with metallic button 67 is placed in contact with magnetic
receiver latch 65 to latch the strap. In the closed or latched
position the flexible sides of the outer carrier shell 63 are
pulled toward each other to narrow the top opening of the totebag.
In one embodiment the interior closure strap 64 is dimensioned to
constrict the width of the top opening of the totebag to
approximately 3 inches. The magnetic receiver latch 65 is attached
to the inside wall of the outer carrier shell 63 above zipper 33.
In this embodiment magnetic receiver latch 65 is oriented to
receive the metallic button 67 in a vertical position which means
the user will pull the interior closure strap 64 toward magnetic
receiver latch 65 and tilt or position the end of the interior
closure strap 64 with metallic button 67 vertically to mate with
magnetic receiver latch 65 to latch the strap. Preferably the
metallic button 67 has a small protrusion on its outside face that
matches and mates with a comparable recess in the magnetic receiver
latch 65 to increase the strength of the magnetic latching force
exerted on the metallic button 67 by magnetic receiver 65. The
metallic button 67 includes sufficient ferromagnetic material, such
as steel, to be attracted with a sufficient force by ferromagnetic
material in magnetic receiver 65 to latch interior closure strap 64
under normal and allow a user to easily remove the metallic button
67 from the magnetic receiver 65. Optional latch shroud 66 provides
protection for magnetic receiver latch 65 to help prevent metallic
objects being carried in the totebag from unintentionally being
attracted to the magnet. The latch shroud 66 can conveniently be a
strip of leather or comparable material that is large enough to
cover the magnetic receiver latch 65 in the vertical and horizontal
directions as viewed from the inside of the totebag. As shown the
latch shroud 66 is attached to the outer carrier shell 63 on the
left and right of magnetic receiver latch 65 and forms a shallow
loop of material, which extends toward the interior of the totebag
and provides clearance for the end of the interior closure strap 64
with metallic button 67 to be inserted into position and removed by
a user. The latch shroud 66 can form a pocket by having a closed
bottom or the bottom can be left open as shown.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a section view through the
outer carrier shell 70 of an embodiment of the invention
illustrating a particular arrangement of the magnetic receiver
latch 65, zipper half 33A and flexible zipper flap 71A. The section
view is taken vertically through side wall of the outer carrier
shell 70 through the center of magnetic receiver latch 65 and shows
an optional recess 65A designed a receive an optional mating
protrusion on metallic button 67. As shown the section cuts through
latch shroud 66 which at this point loops out away from magnetic
receiver latch 65. The bulk body of the outer carrier shell 70
comprises an outer layer 72, which is preferably a material such as
leather, canvas or other material suitable for the exterior of the
totebag, and inner layer 73, which can be a lighter material such
as cloth, since it is not subject to as heavy wear as the outer
layer 72. The outer and inner layers 72, 73 are preferably
concentric, similarly bag-shaped components. Wall cap 71, which is
preferably a material such as leather or other material suitable
for the exterior of the totebag, is preferably sewn over the inner
and outer layers 72, 73. The wall cap 71 is shown as a single piece
in FIG. 6 but it can also be formed by sewing two (or more) pieces
of material together with a joint at the top edge of the outer
carrier shell 70, for example.
[0024] Wall cap 71 in this embodiment includes zipper flap 71A
which substantially overlaps and covers zipper half 33A on the
interior of the totebag. Zipper flap 71A acts to protect zipper
half 33A from wear, as well as, visually hiding zipper half 33A.
The zipper flap 71A is preferably formed by sewing together at
least the wall cap 71, inner layer 73 and zipper half 33A along the
plane indicated by line A-A' which leaves the zipper flap 71A as a
flexible, unattached (floating) segment of wall cap 71. Preferably
the sewing threads (not shown) do not extend through the outer wall
72. The backing for zipper half 33A is a flexible material, so that
both zipper half 33A and zipper flap 71A are flexible to allow a
user to flex both components to a limited extent to achieve zipping
and unzipping of the zipper halves to attach the liner.
[0025] Embodiments of the replaceable liners can include a
comparable zipper flap so that the completed zipper is
substantially protected and hidden when the liner is attached. FIG.
7 is an illustration of a section view of an embodiment of a liner
81 of the invention illustrating the zipper half 33B, which mates
with zipper half 33A, and liner zipper flap 82A arrangement. Zipper
flap 82A as shown is formed from the flexible material 82 used for
the body of the liner. The zipper half 33B can be attached to liner
by sewing or other means where contact is shown in the figure. When
the liner 81 is attached to outer carrier shell 70 by zipping
zipper halves 33A and 33B together, flexible zipper flap 71A
preferably will be disposed substantially adjacent to, abutting or
overlapping zipper flap 82A, so that the two flexible zipper flaps
71A, 82A substantially cover both zipper halves as viewed from the
interior of the purse.
[0026] Attachment of magnetic receiver latch 65 can be achieved by
any convenient means, but one method uses a rivet type fastening
means (not shown) which attaches the magnetic receiver latch 65 to
the inner and outer layers 72, 73, but not to wall cap 71. In this
embodiment the wall cap 71 covers the rivet type fastening means so
that it is hidden from view.
* * * * *