U.S. patent application number 13/397541 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for bag with tablet holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is Diane Von Furstenberg. Invention is credited to Diane Von Furstenberg.
Application Number | 20130206527 13/397541 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48944693 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130206527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Von Furstenberg; Diane |
August 15, 2013 |
Bag With Tablet Holder
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a bag with tablet holder that includes a
body defining an inner compartment, a tablet pocket on the body
defining a device compartment, a top opening defined by the body
providing access to the inner compartment, and a rear opening to
the tablet pocket providing access to the device compartment. An
access flap extends from an edge of the tablet pocket and is
movable between a closed position where it is secured over the
pocket, and an open position where the pocket is uncovered and
tablet is accessible. The device compartment includes a plurality
of retention panels forming a border configured to receive and
retain an electronic tablet in the pocket. The tablet can be
accessed and used while remaining within the pocket in the bag.
Inventors: |
Von Furstenberg; Diane; (New
Milford, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Von Furstenberg; Diane |
New Milford |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48944693 |
Appl. No.: |
13/397541 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/111 ;
53/472 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/02 20130101; A45C
2011/003 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/111 ;
53/472 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/02 20060101
A45C003/02; B65B 5/04 20060101 B65B005/04 |
Claims
1. A bag with tablet holder, comprising: a body defining a top
opening and an inner compartment, the top opening providing access
to the inner compartment; a tablet pocket on the body having a rear
opening, and a device compartment, the rear opening providing
access to the device compartment; a cover extending from an edge of
the tablet pocket and movable between a closed position and an open
position; attachment means for attaching the cover to the body; and
a plurality of retention panels secured within the device
compartment and configured to extend about a portion of a perimeter
of a tablet.
2. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment
means provides for the cover to move between a closed position and
an open position.
3. The bag with tablet holder of claim 2, wherein when the cover is
in the open position, a window to the device compartment is exposed
and the device compartment is accessible through the window, and
when the cover is in the closed position, the window is covered and
the device compartment is not accessible through the window.
4. The bag with tablet holder of claim 2, further comprising a
first latch portion on a cover flap of the bag and a second latch
portion on the body, wherein the first latch portion and the second
latch portion are configured to releasably engage.
5. The bag with tablet holder of claim 4, wherein the latch
mechanism is comprised of any one of hook and loop fasteners,
magnets, snap buttons, or a buckle.
6. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment
means includes any one of zippers, magnets, buttons, or hook and
loop fastener.
7. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, further comprising one or
more male snap buttons provided on an interior of the cover and one
or more female snap buttons provided on an exterior of the tablet
pocket, wherein the one or more male snap buttons and the one or
more female snap buttons are configured for mating and releasably
securing the cover with the tablet pocket.
8. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the cover
includes padding.
9. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
retention panels are formed from molded leather.
10. A bag with tablet holder, comprising: a body defining a top
opening, a first inner compartment and a second inner compartment
separated by an internal divider, the top opening providing access
to the first inner compartment and the second inner compartment; an
access flap extending from the body and movable between a closed
position and an open position; and attachment means for attaching
the access flap to the body; and a plurality of retention panels
secured within the second inner compartment and configured to
extend about a portion of a perimeter of a tablet.
11. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the access flap
is movable between a first position whereby the access flap is
closed and a second position whereby the access flap is open.
12. The bag with tablet holder of claim 11, wherein when the access
flap is in the open position, a window to the device compartment is
exposed and the device compartment is accessible through the
window, and when the access flap is in the closed position, the
window is covered by the access flap and the device compartment is
not accessible through the window.
13. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, further comprising a
locking mechanism including a first latch portion provided on a
cover flap of the bag and a second latch portion provided on the
body, wherein the first latch portion and the second latch portion
are configured to releasably engage.
14. The bag with tablet holder of claim 13, wherein the locking
mechanism is comprised of any one of hook and loop fasteners,
magnets, snap buttons, or a buckle.
15. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the attachment
means includes any one of zippers, magnets, buttons, or hook and
loop fastener.
16. with tablet holder of claim 10, further comprising one or more
male snap buttons provided on an interior of the access flap and
one or more female snap buttons provided on an exterior of the
body, wherein the one or more male snap buttons and the one or more
female snap buttons are configured for mating and releasably
securing the access flap with the body.
17. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the access flap
includes padding.
18. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the plurality
of retention panels are formed from molded leather.
19. A method of storing an electronic tablet in a handbag and using
a tablet comprising: inserting an electronic tablet into a tablet
pocket of a bag; closing the tablet pocket to retain the tablet in
the pocket; opening an access flap to expose a tablet in the tablet
pocket; utilizing a tablet in the tablet pocket from the exterior
of the pocket without removing a tablet from the pocket; closing
the access flap after using a tablet; and using the bag to
transport a tablet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a bag, and, more
specifically, to a bag with a tablet holder and a movable access
flap that allows a user to view and use the tablet from the
exterior of the bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Handheld electronic devices, and specifically electronic
tablets, e.g., the iPad.RTM. (a tablet sold by Apple Inc.), are
becoming more commonplace in society, with more people using such
devices to manage their everyday tasks and needs. As such, people
who may want to frequently access these devices will carry them
around so that they are available at all times. In response to this
necessity, individualized carrying bags and cases have been
developed. However, conventional carrying bags for a tablet require
removal of the tablet from their bag for use and return of the
tablet to the bag when the use has finished. For a person who
checks or utilizes a tablet frequently throughout the day, this can
be a very tiresome and repetitive task.
[0003] Furthermore, many people already carry bags around with them
during their daily activities, be it a handbag, messenger bag,
laptop bag, etc. Having to carry a second bag is troublesome and
often difficult to manage. As such, people simply place their
tablet in the same bag they normally carry, along with their other
items, e.g., keys, pens, papers, coins, etc. This can result in the
tablet screen being scratched or the tablet itself being
damaged.
[0004] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a bag that
overcame one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or
disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In preferred embodiments, a bag is provided that includes a
body defining a top opening and an inner compartment with the top
opening providing access to the inner compartment. A tablet pocket
is provided on the body. The tablet pocket has a rear opening and a
device compartment for holding a tablet. An access flap extends
from an edge of the tablet pocket and is movable between a closed
position and an open position. The bag includes attachment means
for attaching the access flap to the body to cover the device
compartment. A plurality of retention panels are secured within the
device compartment and configured to extend about a portion of a
perimeter of a tablet. In an alternate embodiment, the bag
comprises a body defining a top opening, a first inner compartment
and a second inner compartment separated by an internal divider,
with the top opening providing access to the first and second inner
compartments. An access flap extends from the body and is movable
between a closed position and an open position. The bag includes
attachment means for attaching the access flap to the body to cover
the second inner compartment. A plurality of retention panels are
secured within the second inner compartment and configured to
extend about a portion of a perimeter of a tablet.
[0006] The bag can be used for daily use and also hold a tablet
that can be viewed from the exterior of the bag without removing
the tablet from the bag.
[0007] Other objects and advantages of the present invention and/or
of the current embodiments thereof will become more readily
apparent in view of the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of the
exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the bag with
tablet holder of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1,
showing an access flap in an open position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bag of FIG. 1 taken
along line 4-4;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the bag with
tablet holder of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5,
showing an access flap in an open position;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bag of FIG. 5 taken
along line 8-8;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a partial-cutaway rear perspective view of the bag
of FIG. 1 showing a tablet being inserted into a device
compartment;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the bag of FIG. 9 showing an
access flap in an open position and a tablet secured by retention
panels; and
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5 showing a
tablet being inserted into a device compartment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a bag 10 is shown in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It should be
noted that the bag 10 could be a handbag, pocketbook, messenger
bag, laptop bag, or any other suitable bag for carrying items. The
bag 10, as shown, includes a body 12, a cover flap 14, and a strap
16. A latch mechanism 18 may be provided on the bag 10 such that a
first latch portion 20 is provided on the cover flap 14 and a
second latch portion 22 is provided on the body 12. The first latch
portion 20 and the second latch portion 22 are configured to engage
in a mating fashion to secure the cover flap 14 across the body 12
of the bag 10, thus covering a top opening 24 of the body 12.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the body 12 defines an inner compartment
26, and is substantially closed except for the top opening 24,
which provides access to an inner compartment 26. The body 12 may
be any suitable shape and is not limited to one that has a "top,"
but instead may be, for example, circular in nature with a portion
of the perimeter defining the "top opening." The top opening 24 may
be "open" at all times or may include a zipper, not shown, or other
mechanism for closing the top opening 24.
[0022] The cover flap 14 is connected to the body 12 at a first
end, and is releasably secured to the body 12 at a second end by
the latch mechanism 18. When the first latch portion 20 and the
second latch portion 22 are not engaged, the cover flap 14 can be
moved to uncover or cover the top opening 24, making the inner
compartment 26 either accessible or inaccessible. When the cover
flap 14 is moved to cover the top opening 24, the first latch
portion 20 may be engaged with the second latch portion 22,
securing the cover flap 14 in a position covering the top opening
24 and making the inner compartment 26 inaccessible. The latch
mechanism 18 may be any type of latch mechanism known in the art.
For example, the latch mechanism 18 may be magnetic, snap-fit,
lock-fit, hook and loop closure, etc. Of course, the bags discussed
herein do not require a cover flap and/or a latch mechanism.
[0023] If the bag 10 includes the strap 16, the strap 16 may be
secured to the body 12 and positioned so that first and second ends
of the strap 16 extend from opposite sides of the bag 10. The strap
16 may be any type of strap that is customary or known in the art,
and may include multiple adjustable components. Additionally, the
strap 16 may be releasably attached to the body 12.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag 10 of the present
invention showing a tablet pocket 30 on a side of the bag 10. The
tablet pocket 30 includes a rear opening 32 and a cover such as an
access flap 40. The rear opening 32 may include a zipper 42 for
securely closing the rear opening 32. Other closure mechanisms
besides a zipper can be used, for example, a series of snap-fits,
buttons, a hook and loop fastener, etc.
[0025] The access flap 40 extends from the body 12 along a bottom
edge. The access flap 40 covers a device compartment 50 and can be
opened to provide access to a tablet in the tablet pocket 30. The
access flap 40 can be attached to the body 12, over the tablet
pocket 30 by one or more fastening mechanism such as by a first
securing mechanism (e.g., a zipper) 44 and a second securing
mechanism (e.g., a zipper) 46 parallel and opposite to the first
zipper 44. The first and second zippers 44, 46 are configured to
secure the access flap 40 to the body 12. As shown in FIG. 2, when
the first zipper 44 and the second zipper 46 are closed, the access
flap 40 is tightly secured to the body 12.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, the bag 10 is shown with the first and
second zippers 44, 46 opened, and the access flap 40 moved away
from the bag 10, e.g., in an open position. The access flap 40 may
include one or more male snap buttons 56 to engage one or more
female snap buttons 58 located on the body 12. This permits a top
portion of the access flap 40 to be secured to the body 12 along
with the sides, which are secured by the first and second zippers
44, 46. When the access flap 40 is in the open position, an open
window 48 is exposed and access is provided to a device compartment
50 within the tablet pocket 30. The device compartment 50 is
accessible both through the open window 48 and through the rear
opening 32 when the zipper 42 is opened. The device compartment 50
includes a plurality of retention panels 52 that are secured about
their periphery to an internal tablet pocket wall 54. The plurality
of retention panels 52 serve to retain the tablet and form a border
configured to extend over perimeter edges of a standard tablet,
such as an iPad, allowing the tablet to be inserted between the
plurality of retention panels 52 and the internal tablet pocket
wall 54 so that the tablet screen can be viewed and accessed
through the window 48. Although three retention panels 52 are shown
in FIG. 3, more or less panels can be used. Additionally, the open
window 48 can be configured so that a portion, e.g., the top
portion, overlaps a part of the tablet perimeter, further retaining
the tablet within the device compartment 50. Moreover, the
retention panels 52 may include specific features corresponding to
design features of tablets. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a
semi-circle is removed from one of the plurality of retention
panels 52 allowing the "home" button of an iPad to be accessed by a
user, while an oval is removed from another one of the plurality of
retention panels 52 allowing an iPad camera to operate while it is
secured by the retention panels 52. Additionally, the retention
panels 52 may be formed of a molded leather that provides added
rigidity, structure, and shape to the retention panels 52. The
retention panels 52 may be formed to have a concave shape such that
they extend outwardly from the internal tablet pocket wall 54 that
they are secured to, and can cup around the edges of a tablet. As
such, the retention panels 52 are shaped to receive and hold a
tablet around edges thereof.
[0027] Additionally, the access flap 40 may include internal
padding to provide cushioning for a tablet when it is secured
within the device compartment 50. Such padding can provide a level
of protection for the tablet so that it is not easily damaged in
the bag 10.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, another embodiment of the bag
110 of the present invention is shown. FIG. 5 is a front view of
the bag 110, which, as shown, includes a body 112, a cover flap
114, and a strap 116. A latch mechanism 118 may be provided on the
bag 110 such that a first latch portion 120 is provided on the
cover flap 114 and a second latch portion 122 is provided on the
body 112. The first latch portion 120 and the second latch portion
122 are configured to engage in a mating fashion to secure the
cover flap 114 across the body 112 of the bag 110, thus covering a
top opening 124 (FIG. 8) of the body 112.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 8, the body 112 defines a first inner
compartment 126, and a second inner compartment 128 that are
substantially closed except for the top opening 124, which provides
access to the first and second inner compartments 126, 128. The
first and second inner compartments 126, 128 are separated by an
internal divider 130. As discussed with reference to the first
embodiment, the body 112 may be any suitable shape and is not
limited to one that has a "top," but instead may be, for example,
circular in nature with a portion of the perimeter defining the
"top opening." The top opening 124 may be "open" at all times or
may include a zipper, not shown, or other mechanism for closing the
top opening 124.
[0030] The cover flap 114 functions similar to the cover flap 14
discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-4. To reiterate, the cover flap
114 is connected to the body 112 at a first end, and is releasably
secured to the body 112 at a second end by the latch mechanism 118.
When the first latch portion 120 and the second latch portion 122
are not engaged, the cover flap 114 can be moved to uncover or
cover the top opening 124, making the first and second inner
compartments 126, 128 either accessible or inaccessible. When the
cover flap 114 is moved to cover the top opening 124 the first
latch portion 120 may be engaged with the second latch portion 122,
which is then rotated, securing the cover flap 114 in a position
covering the top opening 124 and making the first and second inner
compartments 126, 128 inaccessible through the top opening 124. The
latch mechanism 118 may be any type of latch mechanism known in the
art. For example, the latch mechanism 118 may be magnetic,
snap-fit, lock-fit, hook and loop fasteners, etc. Of course, the
bag 110 discussed herein does not require a cover flap 114 and/or a
latch mechanism 118.
[0031] If the bag 110 includes the strap 116, the strap 116 may be
secured to the cover flap 114 and positioned so that first and
second ends of the strap 116 extend from opposite ends of the cover
flap 114. The strap 116 may be any type of strap that is customary
or known in the art, and may include multiple adjustable
components. Additionally, the strap 116 may be releasably attached
to the cover flap 114, or may be configured identical to the strap
16 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, e.g., extending
from opposite ends of the bag 110. Similarly, the strap 16 of FIGS.
1-4 may be configured identical to the strap 116 described herein
with reference to FIGS. 5-8.
[0032] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the bag 110 of the present invention
illustrating an access flap 140 on a side of the bag 110. The
access flap 140 extends from the body 112 along a bottom edge. The
access flap 140 covers the second inner compartment 128 and can be
opened to provide access to a tablet in the second inner
compartment 128. The access flap 140 can be attached to the body
112 by one or more fastening mechanisms, such as a first securing
mechanism (e.g., a zipper) 144 and a second securing mechanism
(e.g., a second zipper) 146 parallel and opposite to the first
zipper 144. The first and second zippers 144, 146 are configured to
secure the access flap 140 to the body 112. As shown in FIG. 5,
when the first zipper 144 and the second zipper 146 are closed, the
access flap 140 is tightly secured to the body 112.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, the bag 110 is shown with the first and
second zippers 144, 146 opened, and the access flap 140 moved away
from the bag 110, e.g., in an open position. The access flap 140
may additionally include one or more male snap buttons 156 to
engage one or more female snap buttons 158 located on the body 112.
This permits a top portion of the access flap 140 to be secured to
the body 112 along with the sides, which are secured by the first
and second zippers 144, 146. When the access flap 140 is in the
open position, an open window 148 is exposed and access is provided
to the second inner compartment 128. The second inner compartment
128 is accessible both through the top opening 124 and through the
open window 148 when the access flap 140 is unzipped. The second
inner compartment 128 includes a plurality of retention panels 152
that are secured about their periphery to a wall of the internal
divider 130 adjacent the second inner compartment 128. The
plurality of retention panels 152 form a border configured to
extend over perimeter edges of a standard tablet, such as an iPad,
allowing the tablet to be inserted between the plurality of
retention panels 152 and the internal divider 130 so that the
tablet screen can be viewed and accessed through the open window
148. While three retention panels 152 are shown in FIG. 7, more or
less panels can be used. Further, the retention panels 152 may be
formed of a molded leather that provides added rigidity, structure,
and shape to the retention panels 152. The retention panels 152 may
be formed to have a concave shape such that they extend outwardly
from the internal divider 130 that they are secured to, and can cup
around the edges of a tablet. As such, the retention panels 152 are
shaped to receive and hold a tablet around edges thereof.
[0034] Additionally, the access flap 140 may include internal
padding to provide cushioning for a tablet when it is secured
within the second inner compartment 128. Such padding can provide a
level of protection for the tablet so that it is not easily damaged
in the bag 110.
[0035] Further, the retention panels 152 may include specific
features corresponding to design features of tablets. For example,
as shown in FIG. 7, a semi-circle shape is removed from one of the
plurality of retention panels 152 that allows the "home" button of
an iPad to be accessed by a user.
[0036] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a tablet being inserted into the bag 10.
In use, the bag 10 of FIGS. 1-4 will function for its intended
purpose, e.g., as a hand bag, a pocketbook, a messenger bag, a
laptop bag, etc. As such, a user can place the strap 16 across his
or her shoulder to carry the bag 10. The user can unlock the latch
mechanism 18 and place any items he or she wishes to carry within
the inner compartment 26. The user can then close the latch
mechanism 18, thus covering the top opening 24. Alternatively, the
bag 10 may not have a cover flap 14, instead the top opening 24
could include a zipper which closes the top opening 24, securing a
user's items within the inner compartment 26.
[0037] The user can then unzip the zipper 42 of the tablet pocket
30 providing access to the device compartment 50. At this point,
the user can slide their tablet through the rear opening 32, into
the device compartment 50, and between the plurality of retention
panels 52 and the internal tablet pocket wall 54, with the tablet
screen facing away from the internal tablet pocket wall 54. The
rear opening zipper 42 could then be closed, securing the tablet
within the tablet pocket 30. Alternatively, for a user to secure
their tablet within the bag 110 of FIGS. 5-8, as shown in FIG. 11,
he or she would simply unlock the latch mechanism 118 and insert
the tablet through the top opening 124 of the bag 110 into the
second inner compartment 128, and between the plurality of
retention panels 152 and the internal divider 130, with the tablet
screen facing away from the internal divider 130. The path and
direction of insertion is further illustrated by arrow A of FIG. 8.
The user can then close the latch mechanism 118, thus covering the
top opening 124.
[0038] When the user needs to use the tablet, they can simply
unsnap the one or more male snap buttons 56, 156 from the one or
more female snap buttons 58, 158 and unzip the first zipper 44, 144
and the second zipper 46, 146. This will allow the access flap 40,
140 to be moved away from the bag 10, 110, thus exposing the window
48, 148, providing access to the tablet that is secured by the
plurality of retention panels 52, 152 within the device compartment
50 or second inner compartment 128. The user can then use the
tablet for whatever purpose required, whether it be getting
directions, checking their schedule, browsing the internet, etc.,
while the tablet is retained within the device compartment 50 or
the second inner compartment 128. When the user is finished using
the tablet he or she can simply zip the first zipper 44, 144 and
the second zipper 46, 146, and snap the one or more male snap
buttons 56, 156 and the one or more female snap buttons 58, 158
together, closing the access flap 40, 140 and securing the tablet
within the device compartment 50 or second inner compartment 128,
away from outside tampering. The bag 10, 110 can then be used as it
normally would be for daily activities. The access flap 40, 140 can
be configured in various ways and can connect with the bag 10, 110,
over the device compartment 50 or the second inner compartment 128,
in any way known in the art. Any other cover that can open to
provide access to a tablet in a tablet pocket on a bag is within
the scope of the present invention. Any suitable materials known in
the art can be used for the bag and the components thereof.
[0039] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person
skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
All such variations and modifications, including those discussed
above, are intended to be included within the scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *