U.S. patent application number 17/201335 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-15 for system to conceal strap attached to a bag.
The applicant listed for this patent is Boban Jose. Invention is credited to Boban Jose.
Application Number | 20220287442 17/201335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005764262 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220287442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jose; Boban |
September 15, 2022 |
System to conceal strap attached to a bag
Abstract
A bag with a pocket for concealing at least one strap attached
to the bag without detaching at least one end of the at least one
strap from the bag is disclosed. The pocket includes at least one
opening to provide access to the pocket and a zipper attached along
an edge of the at least one opening. The zipper includes a pair of
sliders. The at least one strap includes a first end, a second end,
and a strap portion that extends between the first end and the
second end, where the first end is attached to the bag within the
pocket and the second end is attached to the bag outside the
pocket. The at least one strap is concealable within the pocket by
positioning the first end and the strap portion of the at least one
strap inside the pocket and partially closing the pocket by sliding
a first slider and a second slider from the pair of sliders towards
one another until being stopped by the strap portion close to the
second end of the at least one strap protruding out of the
pocket.
Inventors: |
Jose; Boban; (Danville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jose; Boban |
Danville |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005764262 |
Appl. No.: |
17/201335 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/103 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C 3/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04; A45C 3/06 20060101 A45C003/06; A45C 13/10 20060101
A45C013/10 |
Claims
1. A bag with a pocket for concealing at least one strap attached
to said bag without detaching at least one end of said at least one
strap from the bag, the bag comprising: said pocket for concealing
at least one strap attached to said bag without detaching the at
least one end of the at least one strap from the bag, the pocket
comprising: at least one opening to provide access to the pocket;
and a zipper attached along an edge of said at least one opening,
wherein said zipper comprises a pair of sliders; and the at least
one strap comprising a first end, a second end, and a strap portion
that extends between said first end and said second end, wherein
the first end is attached to the bag within the pocket and the
second end is attached to the bag outside the pocket; wherein the
at least one strap is concealable within the pocket by positioning
the first end and the strap portion of the at least one strap
inside the pocket and partially closing the pocket by sliding a
first slider and a second slider from said pair of sliders towards
one another until being stopped by said strap portion close to the
second end of the at least one strap, protruding out of the
pocket.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein upon the at least one strap being in
a non-concealed position, the second end and the strap portion of
the at least one strap is positioned outside the pocket and the at
least one opening of the pocket is partially closable by sliding
the first slider and the second slider towards one another until
being stopped by the strap portion close to the first end of the at
least one strap, protruding out of pocket.
3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the first slider and the second
slider are slidable away from one another for selectively opening
the at least one opening of the pocket.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first slider is slidable:
between a first edge of the at least one opening close to the first
end of the at least one strap, up to the strap portion close to the
first end, upon the at least one strap being in a non-concealed
position and between the first edge of the at least one opening
close to the first end of the at least one strap up to the strap
portion close to the second end, upon the at least one strap being
in a concealed position within the pocket.
5. The bag of claim 4, wherein the second slider is slidable:
between a second edge of the at least one opening close to the
second end, up to the strap portion close to the first end upon the
at least one strap being in a non-concealed position and between
the second edge of the at least one opening close to the second end
of the at least one strap up to the strap portion close to the
second end upon the at least one strap being in a concealed
position within the pocket.
6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is configured
to form a loop to be slung across a body of a user for carrying the
bag.
7. The bag of claim 1, further comprising one or more storage
pockets.
8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is a backpack comprising
least one strap, wherein said backpack comprises at least one front
pocket comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sidewalls
and a bottom wall joined together to form said at least one front
pocket, wherein the pocket constitutes a back pocket disposed at
the back of the at least one front pocket and is formed between the
rear wall of the at least one front pocket and an outer wall,
wherein the pocket comprises a pair of openings comprising a right
side opening and a left side opening for concealing the at least
one strap within the pocket, and wherein at least one first end of
the at least one strap is attached to the bag inside the pocket and
wherein at least one second end of the at least one strap is
attached to the bag outside the pocket.
9. The bag of claim 8, wherein each of the right side opening and
the left side opening, constitute the at least one opening, wherein
said right side opening includes a right zipper and said left side
opening includes a left zipper, wherein the right zipper includes a
first right slider and a second right slider for selectively
closing or opening the right zipper, and wherein the left zipper
includes a first left slider and a second left slider for
selectively closing or opening the left zipper.
10. The bag of claim 9, wherein in a non-concealed position, the
least one strap is disposed outside the pocket, wherein the right
side opening of the pocket is selectively and partially closed by
sliding the second right slider towards the first right slider
until being stopped by a strap portion of the at least one strap
close to the at least one first end, attached to the bag inside the
pocket, thereby partially closing the right side opening of the
pocket and wherein the left side opening is partially closed by
sliding the second left slider towards the first left slider until
being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap close
to the at least one first end, attached to the bag outside the
pocket, thereby partially closing the left side opening of the
pocket.
11. The bag of claim 10, wherein in the concealed position, the
second right slider and first right slider are slidable towards one
another for selectively closing the right zipper until being
stopped by strap portion of the at least one strap close to the at
least one second end, attached to the bag outside the pocket,
thereby partially closing the right side opening of the pocket and
wherein the second left slider and first left slider are slidable
towards one another for selectively closing the left zipper until
being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap close
to the at least one second end, attached to the bag outside the
pocket, thereby partially closing the left side opening of the
pocket.
12. The bag of claim 10, wherein the backpack comprises a pair of
separate pockets comprising a right pocket for concealing the right
strap and a left pocket for concealing the left strap.
13. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is a backpack and the at
least one strap comprises at least one back strap of said backpack,
wherein said backpack comprises at least one front pocket
comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sidewalls and a
bottom wall joined together to form said at least one front pocket,
wherein the pocket constitutes a back pocket disposed at the back
of the at least one front pocket and is formed between the rear
wall of the at least one front pocket and an outer wall, wherein
the pocket comprises an opening for concealing the at least one
strap within the pocket, and wherein at least one first end of the
at least one strap is attached to the bag inside the pocket and
wherein at least one second end of the at least one strap is
attached to the bag outside the pocket.
14. The bag of claim 13, wherein the opening includes a zipper
attached along an edge of the opening, wherein the zipper includes
a pair of left sliders and a pair of right sliders for selectively
closing or opening the zipper, and wherein the pair of left sliders
comprises a first left slider and a second left slider, and the
pair of right sliders comprises a first right slider and a second
right slider.
15. The bag of claim 14, wherein in a non-concealed position, the
at least one strap is disposed outside the pocket, the first left
slider and the first right slider are slidable towards one another
for selectively opening the pocket and the second left slider is
slidable from a left end of the zipper until being stopped by a
strap portion of the at least one strap close to the at least one
first end connected inside the pocket and the second right slider
is slidable from a right end of the zipper until being stopped by
the strap portion of the at least one strap close to the at least
one first end connected to the bag inside the pocket, thereby
selectively partially closing the zipper.
16. The bag of claim 15, wherein in a concealed position, the at
least one strap is disposed inside the pocket, the pocket is
selectively and partially closable by sliding the first left slider
and second left slider towards one another until being stopped by a
strap portion of the at least one strap close to the at least one
second end connected to the bag outside the pocket, and by sliding
the first right slider and second right slider towards one another
until being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap
close to the at least one second end connected to the bag outside
the pocket.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to receptacles, and
more specifically to a bag with a pocket for concealing a strap
attached to the bag without detaching at least one end of the strap
from the bag.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Currently, there are plenty of baggage options for travelers
who prefer the traditional route of carrying their carry-on luggage
and there is also a wide range of efficient bags to choose from.
Many of the currently available bags offer added features such as
locks, extra pockets, and shoulder padding, while others can neatly
compress for easy storage when not in use. However, it is always a
challenge to carry belongings in the most efficient and easy manner
while travelling. Also, depending on the circumstances, one type of
bag, may not often be the best for all situations. Depending on the
needs of usage, sometimes the user may need to change the type of
bag or conceal some parts of the bag that do not match the needs,
for instance, sometimes a user may not need to use the straps of
the bag and instead may prefer to use handles attached to the bag
to carry the bag with the hand rather than using the straps to
carry the bag on the shoulder.
[0003] Several techniques have been used in past to conceal the
straps of the bag or straps of a backpack, such as providing a
pocket at the back of the backpack that could hide the back straps
by detaching one or more ends of the backpacks from the bag and
hiding inside the pocket. However, it may not always be convenient
to detach one of the ends of the straps for concealing the straps,
every time the user needs to use a handle instead of the straps.
Additionally, several known techniques to conceal the straps
require the ends of the straps, that are typically attached to
buckles, to be detached that leaves behind the buckles hanging
freely along the sides of the bag, which could be aesthetically
unpleasing and may also interfere with an efficient the usage of
the bag, for example the buckles can get caught in doorways when a
user moves around with the bag.
[0004] Therefore, to overcome the existing problems and challenges,
there remains a need for a bag with a pocket for concealing a strap
attached to the bag without detaching at least one end of the strap
from the bag.
SUMMARY
[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0006] A bag with a pocket for concealing at least one strap
attached to the bag, without detaching at least one end of the at
least one strap from the bag is disclosed.
[0007] In one aspect, the bag includes a pocket and at least one
strap. The pocket is configured for concealing at least one strap
attached to the bag without detaching the at least one strap from
the bag. The pocket includes: at least one opening to provide
access to the pocket and a zipper attached along an edge of the at
least one opening. The zipper includes a pair of sliders. The at
least one strap includes a first end, a second end, and a strap
portion that extends between the first end and the second end,
where the first end is attached to the bag within the pocket and
the second end is detachably attached to the bag outside the
pocket. The at least one strap is concealable within the pocket by
positioning the first end and the strap portion of the at least one
strap inside the pocket and partially closing the pocket by sliding
a first slider and a second slider from the pair of sliders towards
one another until being stopped by the strap portion close to the
second end of the at least one strap protruding out of the
pocket.
[0008] In an embodiment, upon the at least one strap being in a
non-concealed position, the second end and the strap portion of the
at least one strap is positioned outside the pocket and the at
least one opening of the pocket is partially closable by sliding
the first slider and the second slider towards one another until
being stopped by the strap portion close to the first end of the at
least one strap protruding out of pocket.
[0009] In an embodiment, the first slider and the second slider are
slidable away from one another for selectively opening the at least
one opening of the pocket.
[0010] In an embodiment, the first slider is slidable: between a
first edge of the at least one opening close to the first end of
the at least one strap up to the strap portion close to the first
end upon the at least one strap being in a non-concealed position
and between the first edge of the at least one opening close to the
first end of the at least one strap up to the strap portion close
to the second end upon the at least one strap being in a concealed
position within the pocket.
[0011] In an embodiment, the second slider is slidable between a
second edge of the at least one opening close to the second end up
to the strap portion close to the first end upon the at least one
strap being in a non-concealed position and between the second edge
of the at least one opening close to the second end of the at least
one strap up to the strap portion close to the second end upon the
at least one strap being in a concealed position within the
pocket.
[0012] In an embodiment, the at least one strap is configured to
form a loop to be slung across a body of a user for carrying the
bag.
[0013] In an embodiment, the bag further includes one or more
storage pockets.
[0014] In an embodiment, the bag is a backpack and the at least one
strap includes at least one strap of the backpack. The backpack
includes at least one front pocket that includes a front wall, a
rear wall, a pair of sidewalls and a bottom wall joined together to
form the at least one front pocket, where the pocket constitutes a
back pocket disposed at the back of the at least one front pocket
and is formed between the rear wall of the at least one front
pocket and an outer wall, where the pocket comprises a pair of
openings comprising a right side opening and a left side opening,
for concealing the at least one strap within the pocket, and where
at least one first end of the at least one strap is attached to the
bag inside the pocket and at least one second end of the at least
one strap is attached to the bag outside the pocket.
[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one opening includes a right
side opening and a left side opening, each constituting the at
least one opening, where the right side opening includes a right
zipper and the left side opening includes a left zipper, where the
right zipper includes a first right slider and a second right
slider for selectively closing or opening the right zipper, and
where the left zipper includes a first left slider and a second
left slider for selectively closing or opening the left zipper.
[0016] In an embodiment, in a non-concealed position, the at least
one strap is s disposed outside the pocket, where the right side
opening of the pocket is selectively and partially closed by
sliding the second right slider towards the first right slider
until being stopped by a strap portion of the at least one strap
close to the at least one first end, attached to the bag inside the
pocket, thereby partially closing the right side opening of the
pocket and where the left side opening can also be partially closed
by sliding the second left slider towards the first left slider
until being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap
close to the at least one first end, attached to the bag outside
the pocket, thereby partially closing the left side opening of the
pocket.
[0017] In an embodiment, in the non-concealed position, the second
right slider and first right slider are slidable towards one
another for selectively closing the right zipper until being
stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap close to the
at least one second end, attached to the bag outside the pocket,
thereby partially closing the right side opening of the pocket and
where the second left slider and first left slider are slidable
towards one another for selectively closing the left zipper until
being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap close
to the at least one second end, attached to the bag outside the
pocket, thereby partially closing the left side opening of the
pocket.
[0018] In an embodiment, the backpack includes a pair of separate
pockets comprising a right pocket for concealing the right strap
and a left pocket for concealing the left strap.
[0019] In an embodiment, the bag includes a backpack and the at
least one strap includes at least one back strap of the backpack,
where the backpack includes at least one front pocket comprising a
front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sidewalls and a bottom wall
joined together to form the at least one front pocket, wherein the
pocket constitutes a back pocket disposed at the back of the at
least one front pocket and is formed between the rear wall of the
at least one front pocket and an outer wall, wherein the pocket
comprises an opening for concealing the at least one strap within
the pocket, and wherein at least one first end of the at least one
strap is attached to the bag inside the pocket and wherein at least
one second end of the at least one strap is attached to the bag
outside the pocket. In an embodiment, the opening includes a zipper
attached along an edge of the opening, wherein the zipper includes
a pair of left sliders and a pair of right sliders for selectively
closing or opening the zipper, and wherein the pair of left sliders
comprises a first left slider and a second left slider, and the
pair of right sliders comprises a first right slider and a second
right slider.
[0020] In an embodiment, in the non-concealed position of the at
least one strap is disposed outside the pocket, where the first
left slider and the first right slider are slidable towards one
another for selectively opening the pocket and the second left
slider is slidable from the left end of the zipper until being
stopped by a strap portion of the at least one strap close to the
at least one first end connected inside the pocket p and the second
right slider is slidable from a right end of the zipper until being
stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap close to the
at least one first end connected to the bag inside the pocket,
thereby selectively partially closing the zipper with the pair of
the straps disposed outside the pocket.
[0021] In an embodiment, in the concealed position of the at least
one strap is disposed inside the pocket, the pocket is selectively
and partially closable by sliding the first left slider and second
left slider towards one another until being stopped by a strap
portion of the at least one strap close to the at least one second
end connected to the bag outside the pocket, and sliding the first
right slider and second right slider towards one another until
being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap close
to the at least one second end connected to the bag outside the
pocket.
[0022] Advantages of the present invention over the other known
techniques include the ability to conceal the straps of the bag
inside the pocket without detaching the straps from the bags and
therefore providing a convenient and hassle-free mechanism for
concealing the straps when not required. Since the present
invention does not require detaching the straps from buckles or
other fastening means for concealing the straps, the present
invention prevents buckles from unnecessarily hanging loosely along
the sides of the bag while the straps are concealed within the
pocket and therefore along the outside of the luggage. The
concealing of the straps within the pocket facilitates better usage
of the bags in tight spaces and other situations where it may be
required to use the bag without the straps.
[0023] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be
better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction
with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It
should be understood, however, that the following descriptions,
while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific
details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the
scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit
thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such
modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the
following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in
which:
[0025] FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a bag with a pocket
for concealing at least one strap without detaching the at least
one strap from the bag, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 1B depicts a side perspective view of the bag, with the
at least one strap in a concealed position within the pocket, in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 1C depicts a side perspective view of the bag, with the
at least one strap in a non-concealed position and outside the
pocket, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2A depicts a top perspective view of the bag, with the
at least one strap in a non-concealed position and outside the
pocket, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 2B depicts a top perspective view of the bag, with the
at least one strap in a non-concealed position and the pocket being
partially closed, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 2C depicts a top perspective view of the bag, with the
at least one strap in a concealed position and the pocket being
partially closed, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0031] FIGS. 3A-3G depict perspective views of the bag in a
backpack configuration, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The embodiments herein and the various features and
advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing
techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the
embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to
facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein
may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to
practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments
herein.
[0033] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a bag with a
pocket for concealing at least a strap without detaching the strap
from the bag. As used herein the term "strap" refers to a narrow
strip of a material in the form of a loop affixed to the bag and
which hangs over a shoulder of a user to hold the bag in position.
In an embodiment, the bag includes the pocket configured to conceal
the at least one strap. The pocket includes at least one opening to
provide access to the pocket and a zipper attached along an edge of
the at least one opening. The zipper includes a pair of sliders.
The at least one strap includes a first end, a second end and a
strap portion that extends between the first end and the second
end, such that the first end is attached to the bag within the
pocket and the second end is detachably attached to the bag outside
the pocket. The at least one opening of the pocket extends beyond
the first end and the second end of the at least one strap and the
pocket is configured to conceal the at least one strap without
detaching the first end and the second end from the bag by
positioning the first end and the strap portion of the at least one
strap inside the pocket and sliding a first slider of the pair of
sliders from beyond the first end towards a second slider of the
pair of sliders, and sliding the second slider up to where the
second slider would be stopped by the second end, thereby partially
closing the pocket leaving out the second end Referring now to the
drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A through 3B, where
similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the figures, preferred embodiments are
shown.
[0034] FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a bag 100 with a
pocket 102 for concealing at least one strap 104 therein without
detaching the at least one strap 104 from the bag 100, according to
an embodiment. The bag 100 includes the pocket 102 and the at least
one strap 104. The bag 100 can be formed of any convenient durable
material, such as for example, fabric, canvas, nylon, leather,
plastic, and the like. The at least one strap 104 includes a first
end 106 attached to the bag at a location inside the pocket and a
second end 108 detachably attached to the bag at a location outside
the pocket, and a strap portion 110 that extends between the first
end 106 and the second end 108. The first edge 106 is hidden from a
direct view, but is shown in outline form in FIG. 1A. The at least
one strap 104 is configured to form a loop to be slung across a
body of a user for carrying the bag 100. The pocket 102 includes at
least one opening 112 to provide access to the pocket a zipper 114
attached along an edge of the at least one opening 112, wherein the
zipper 114 includes at least a pair of sliders including a first
slider 116 and a second slider 118. The at least one opening 112 of
the pocket extends beyond the first end 106 and the second end 108
of the at least one the strap 110. The first slider 116 is slidable
between a first edge 111 of the at least one opening 112 close to
the first end 106 up to the strap portion 110 close to the first
end 106 upon the at least one strap 104 being in a non-concealed
position and between the first edge 111 of the at least one opening
112 close to the first end 106 of the at least one strap up to the
strap portion close to the second end 118 upon the at least one
strap 104 being in a concealed position within the pocket 102. The
second slider 118 is slidable between a second edge of the at least
one opening 113 close to the second end 108 up to the strap portion
110 close to the first end 106 upon the at least one strap 104
being in a non-concealed position and between the second edge of
the at least one opening 102 close to the second end 108 of the at
least one strap 104 up to the strap portion 110 close to the second
end 108 upon the at least one strap 104 being in a concealed
position within the pocket 102.
[0035] The pocket 102 is configured to conceal the at least one
strap 104 without detaching the first end 106 and the second end
108 from the bag 100, and where the at least one strap 104 is
concealable by positioning the first end 106 and the strap portion
110 of the at least one strap 104 inside the pocket 102 and sliding
the first slider 116 from beyond the first end 106 towards the
second slider 118 and sliding the second slider 118 up to where the
second slider 118 would be stopped by the second end 108, thereby
partially closing the pocket 102 leaving out the second end 108.
The at least one strap 104 being concealed within the pocket 102 is
depicted in FIG. 1B.
[0036] FIG. 1B depicts a side perspective view of the bag 100, with
the at least one strap 104 in a concealed position within the
pocket 102, in accordance with an embodiment. As depicted in FIG.
1B, in the concealed position, the first end 106 and the strap
portion 110 is concealed (or hidden) within the pocket 102 and the
zipper 114 is partially closed by sliding the first slider 116 up
to a left edge 120 of the second end 108 and the second slider 118
up to a right edge 122 of the second end 108, thereby partially
closing the pocket 102 with the second end 108 remaining outside
the pocket 102. The strap portion 110 and the first end 106 are
hidden from direct view, but are shown in outline form in FIG.
1B.
[0037] FIG. 1C depicts a side perspective view of the bag 100, with
the at least one strap 104 in a non-concealed position and outside
the pocket 102, in accordance with an embodiment. In the
non-concealed position, the first end 106, the second end 108 and
the strap portion 110 of the at least one strap 104 is positioned
outside the pocket 102 and the pocket 102 is partially closable by
sliding the first slider 116 from a position beyond the first end
106 towards the second slider 118, and by sliding the second slider
118 from a position beyond the second end 108 up to where the first
slider 116 and the second slider 118 would be stopped by the first
end 106, thereby partially closing the pocket 102 with the strap
portion 110 close to the first end 106 remaining outside the pocket
102. In an embodiment, the bag 100 further includes one or more
storage pockets (not shown) in addition to the pocket 102 for
storing objects.
[0038] FIG. 2A depicts a top perspective view of the bag 100, with
the at least one strap 104 in a non-concealed position and outside
the pocket 102, in accordance with an embodiment. As depicted in
FIG. 2A, in the non-concealed position, the first slider 116 and
the second slider 118 can be pulled away from one another and
positioned at the left and right extremes respectively of the bag
100 to completely open the at least one opening 112 to provide
access to the pocket 102.
[0039] FIG. 2B depicts a top perspective view of the bag 100, with
the at least one strap 104 in a non-concealed position and the
pocket 102 being partially closed, in accordance with an
embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 2B, in the non-concealed position,
in order to close the at least one opening 112 of the pocket 102,
the first slider 116 and the second slider 118 are slidable towards
one another until being stopped by a left edge 202 of the first end
106 and a right edge 204 of the first end 106 respectively, thereby
partially closing the pocket 102, except for a portion where the
strap portion 110 close to the first end 106 protrudes out of the
pocket 102.
[0040] FIG. 2C depicts a top perspective view of the bag 100, with
the at least one strap 104 in a concealed position and the pocket
102 being partially closed, in accordance with an embodiment. As
depicted in FIG. 2C, in a concealed position, the first end 106 and
the strap portion 110 are concealed within the pocket 102, while
the second end 108 remains outside the pocket 102. The first slider
116 and the second slider 118 can be pulled towards one another
until being stopped by a left edge 120 of the second end 108 and a
right edge 122 of the second end 108 of the at least one strap 104
thereby partially closing the pocket 102, except for a portion
where the strap portion 110 of the at least one strap 104 closer to
the second end 108 protrudes out of the pocket 102.
[0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative
embodiments exist from the description of the preferred embodiments
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2C, are shown in the
context of a standard messenger bag. However, in alternative
embodiments, a backpack with additional pockets, a sling bag, a
hand bag, and the like can be substituted for the bag. For example,
in an alternate embodiment, the pocket 102 can be affixed to a rear
of a backpack and the at least one strap can include the pair of
straps of the backpack. The bag 100 in a backpack configuration is
illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B.
[0042] FIGS. 3A-3D depict perspective views of the bag 100 in a
backpack configuration, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 3A
depicts a side perspective view of the backpack 300. In the
backpack configuration depicted in FIG. 3A, the bag 100 includes a
backpack 300 with at least one strap (such as a first strap 302A
and a second strap 302B) of the backpack 300. The pocket 102 (as
described earlier along with FIGS. 1A-2C), is affixed to rear of
the backpack 300. The backpack 300 also includes at least one front
pocket 304 including a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sidewalls
(e.g., 306) and a bottom wall joined together to form the at least
one front pocket 304. In an embodiment, at least one front pocket
304 also includes an opening configured to be selectively opened
and selectively closed via a front zipper 308. The pocket 102
constitutes a back pocket disposed at the rear (or back) of the at
least one front pocket 304 and is formed between the rear wall (not
shown) of the at least one front pocket 304 and an outer wall 310.
At least one first end of the at least one strap is attached to the
bag inside the pocket and at least one second end of the at least
one strap is attached to the bag outside the pocket.
[0043] In an embodiment, the pocket 102 in the backpack
configuration as depicted in FIG. 3B, includes a pair of openings
including a right side opening 312A and a left side opening 312B,
each constituting the at least one opening 112 described earlier
along with FIGS. 1A-2C. Each of the right side opening 312A and the
left side opening 312B includes a zipper attached along the edge,
such as a right zipper 114A attached along the right side opening
312A and a left zipper 114B attached along the left side opening
312B. The right zipper 114A includes a pair of sliders including a
first right slider 116A and a second right slider 118A for
selectively closing or opening the right zipper 114A. Similarly,
the left zipper 114B includes a pair of sliders includes a first
left slider 116A and a second left slider 118B for selectively
closing or opening the left zipper 114B. The first right slider
116A and the first left slider 116B operate similar to the first
slider 116 as described earlier along with FIGS. 1A-2C. The second
right slider 118A and the second left slider 118B operate similar
to the second slider 118 described earlier along with FIGS. 1A-2C.
At least one first end (e.g., 314A or 314B) of the at least one
strap (302A or 302B)), is attached to a top edge of the backpack
300 and inside the pocket 102, and is hidden from a direct view,
but is shown in outline form in FIGS. 3A-3G. Each of the first ends
314A and 314B constitutes the first end 106 of the at least one
strap 104 as described along with FIGS. 1A-2C. At least one second
end (e.g., 316A or 316B) is attached to the side wall (walls) of
the backpack 300 outside the pocket 102 and each second end (316A
and 316B) constitutes the second end 108 of the at least one strap
104 as described along with FIGS. 1A-2C.
[0044] In a non-concealed position, the at least one strap (302A-B)
is disposed outside the pocket 102. The right side opening 312A of
the pocket 102 can be selectively and partially closed by sliding
the second right slider 118A towards the first right slider 116A
until being stopped by strap portion of the at least one strap
close to the at least one first end (e.g., 314A), attached to the
bag inside the pocket, thereby partially closing the right side
opening 312A of the pocket 102. Similarly, the left side opening
312B can also be partially closed by sliding the second left slider
118B towards the first left slider 116B until being stopped by
strap portion of the at least one strap close to the at least one
first end (e.g., 314B) attached to the bag outside the pocket,
thereby partially closing the left side opening 312B of the pocket
102.
[0045] FIG. 3C depicts a side perspective view of the backpack 300
with the straps 302A-B being in the concealed position, in
accordance with an embodiment. In the concealed position, the
second right slider 118A and first right slider 116A are slidable
towards one another for selectively closing the right zipper 114A
until being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap
close to the at least one second end 316A, attached to the bag 300
outside the pocket 102, thereby partially closing the right side
opening 312A of the pocket 102 and the second left slider 118B and
first left slider 116B are slidable towards one another for
selectively closing the left zipper 114B until being stopped by the
strap portion of the at least one strap close to the at least one
second end 316B, attached to the bag 300 outside the pocket 102,
thereby partially closing the left side opening 312B of the pocket
102.
[0046] FIG. 3D depicts a rear perspective view of the backpack 300
with the pair of back straps in a non-concealed position, in
accordance with an embodiment. In the non-concealed position, the
second right slider 118A and first right slider 116A are slidable
towards one another for selectively closing the right zipper 114A
until being stopped by the strap portion of the first strap 302A
close to the first end 314A of the first strap 302A attached to the
bag 300 inside the pocket 102, thereby partially closing the right
side opening 312A of the pocket 102. Similarly, the second left
slider 118A and first left slider 116A are slidable towards one
another for selectively closing the left zipper 114B until being
stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap (302A/B)
close to the first end 314B of the second strap 302B attached to
the bag 300 inside the pocket, thereby partially closing the left
side opening 312B of the pocket 102. Notably in several other
embodiments, the second ends 316A and 316B may be attached to the
bag 300 inside the pocket 102 and the first ends 314A and 314B may
be attached to the bag outside the pocket 103 and accordingly the
mechanism of the sliders similar to the mechanism as described
above is applicable by interchanging the first ends by the second
ends and vice versa.
[0047] In several embodiments, the bag 300 may include a single
strap and the mechanism as described above is applicable for the
single strap.
[0048] In an embodiment, the backpack 300 may include two separate
pockets, such as right pocket 102A and a left pocket 102B for
concealing the right strap 302A and the left strap 302B
respectively and separately. The backpack 300 with two separate
pockets 102A and 102B is depicted in FIG. 3E. The backpack 300 of
FIG. 3E includes two pockets 102A and 102B separated by a partition
320 (represented by dotted line), such that a first pocket 102A is
configured to conceal the first strap 302A and a second pocket 102B
is configured to conceal the second strap 302B. The mechanism for
concealing the right strap 302A and the left strap 302B is same as
that described along with FIGS. 3B-3D and is not repeated here for
the sake of brevity.
[0049] FIGS. 3F-3G depict perspective views of the bag 100 in a
backpack configuration with a single large pocket (referred to
hereinafter as "pocket") constituting the at least one pocket 102
in accordance with an embodiment. Similar to the backpack 300
described along with FIGS. 3A-3E, the backpack 300 of FIGS. 3F-3G
also includes at least one strap (such as e.g., straps s 302A and
302B). The pocket 102 (as described earlier along with FIGS.
1A-2C), is affixed to rear of the backpack 300. In an embodiment,
the backpack 300 of FIGS. 3F-3G may also include at least one front
pocket including a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sidewalls and
a bottom wall joined together to form the at least one front
pocket. The pocket 102 constitutes a back pocket disposed at the
rear (or back) of the at least one front pocket and is formed
between the rear wall of the at least one front pocket and an outer
wall. At least one first end (314A/B) of the at least one strap
(302A/B) is attached to the bag 300 inside the pocket 102 and
wherein at least one second end (316A/B) of the at least one strap
(302A/B) is attached to the bag 300 outside the pocket 102. The
pocket 102 includes an opening 112 for concealing the at least one
strap 302A/B within the pocket 102.
[0050] The pocket 102 includes a zipper 114 attached along an edge
of the pocket 102, such that the zipper 114 includes a pair of
right sliders 116A and 118A and a pair of left sliders 116B and
118B for selectively closing or opening the zipper, 114. The pair
of left sliders includes a first left slider 116B and a second left
slider 118B, and the pair of right sliders includes a first right
slider 116A and a second right slider 118A.
[0051] In an embodiment, in the non-concealed position of the pair
of straps, the pair of straps are disposed outside the pocket 102,
wherein the first left slider 116B and the first right slider 116A
are positioned between the right strap 302A and the left strap 302B
for selectively opening the pocket 102 and the second left slider
118B is slidable from the left end 324 of the zipper 114 until
being stopped by a strap portion of the at least one strap close to
the at least one first end 314A/B connected inside the pocket 102,
thereby selectively partially closing the zipper 114 with the at
least one strap 302A/B disposed outside the pocket 102.
[0052] In an embodiment, in the concealed position of the at least
one strap 302A/B is disposed inside the pocket 102, the pocket 102
is selectively and partially closable by sliding the first left
slider 116B and second left slider 118B towards one another until
being stopped by the strap portion of the at least one strap close
to the at least one second end connected to the bag outside the
pocket, and by sliding the first right slider 116A and second right
slider 118B towards one another until being stopped by the strap
portion of the at least one strap close to the at least one second
end 316A/B connected to the bag 300 outside the pocket 102.
[0053] Advantages of the present invention over the other known
techniques include the ability to conceal the straps of the bag
inside the pocket without detaching the straps from the bags and
therefore providing a convenient and hassle-free mechanism for
concealing the straps when not required. Since the present
invention does not require detaching the straps from buckles or
other fastening means for concealing the straps, the present
invention prevents buckles from unnecessarily hanging loosely along
the sides of the bag while the straps are concealed within the
pocket and therefore along the outside of the luggage. The
concealing of the straps within the pocket facilitates better usage
of the bags in tight spaces and other situations where it may be
required to use the bag without the straps.
[0054] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that
others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or
adapt for various applications without departing from the generic
concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should
be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the
disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology
or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description
and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have
been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced
with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *