Utility bag with leveling tool sleeve

Abstract

A utility bag with leveling tool sleeve, wherein the sleeve comprises an expandable wall structure for enabling convenient introduction, secure storage, and subsequent extraction of a box or torpedo level therefrom.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Nonprovisional Application is related to, and hereby claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/778,677, entitled “Utility Bag with Leveling Tool Sleeve,” filed on Mar. 3, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to tool bags, and more specifically to a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve for enabling convenient storage and access to a box or torpedo level.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the general construction and carpentry industry, accurate measurement can mean the difference between a well-crafted project and a poor substitute. As such, levels are an indispensable measuring tool utilized to establish a true horizontal (level) or true vertical (plumb) plane, typically by means of a bubble in a liquid-filled tube or vial that shows adjustment to the horizontal or vertical plane by movement of the bubble to the center of the vial. Found in just about every well-equipped tool bag, levels come in wide-variety of shapes and sizes, depending on their intended use. However, the most ubiquitous of such levels is the box or torpedo level, usually characterized by a length of at least eight to nine inches (for small projects), and can be up to two to four feet in length for larger projects, such as building shelves or structural carpentry. Regardless of size of the level, however, transport of a level within a conventional utility or tool bag can often be less than convenient.

That is, although most utility bags provide a number of pockets or compartments disposed either on the exterior or interior sidewalls of the bag, most such pockets or compartments significantly limit the user's overall ability to effectively store and access a torpedo level. Indeed, with most conventional utility bags, the pockets or compartments are dimensionally, positionally or otherwise structurally limited in effectively receiving, securely storing, and permitting subsequent access to a torpedo level.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a utility bag comprising an expandable, sleeve-like pocket or compartment for enabling convenient storage of a box or torpedo level.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve, wherein the sleeve is disposed lengthwise on an exterior wall of the bag, and comprises an expandable wall structure for enabling convenient introduction, secure storage, and subsequent extraction of a box or torpedo level therefrom.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve, comprising a durable outer body and underframe, handles, and an expandable sleeve.

More specifically, the present invention is a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve, wherein the sleeve is preferably disposed lengthwise on an exterior wall of the bag (i.e., parallel with the bottom of the bag), and comprises elasticized and/or pleated expandable sidewalls. The expandable sidewalls of the sleeve, in conjunction with the general elongated structure of the sleeve, preferably effectively accommodate effortless and convenient introduction, secure storage, and subsequent extraction of a box or torpedo level therefrom.

The utility bag of the present invention still further provides a series of open pockets, flap-covered pockets, and other side compartments disposed on the exterior walls of the bag body. Additionally, bungee-straps disposed overtop selected side pockets or compartments are provided for removably-securing loose items therewithin. The bag may further comprise any number or series of interiorly-disposed pockets, compartments and other structures for convenient containment of miscellaneous loose hardware (i.e., drill bits, nails, small hand tools, etc.).

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a utility bag with a leveling tool sleeve.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a utility bag comprising a sleeve disposed lengthwise on an exterior wall of the bag (i.e. parallel with the bottom of the bag).

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention its ability to provide a utility bag comprising a leveling tool sleeve characterized by elasticized and/or pleated expandable sidewalls.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figure, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility bag with leveling tool sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring generally now to FIG. 1, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a utility bag 10, comprising outer body 20, underframe 40, pair of handles 60, leveling tool sleeve 80, and pockets 100.

Generally, outer body 20 is preferably formed or otherwise disposed over underframe 40 to provide bag 10 with a substantially rectangular structural configuration characterized by sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, open mouth 30, and rigid closed bottom or underside 32 (i.e., similar to a utility or tool box). As such, large open mouth 30 enables ease of placement and access to tools contained within bag 10, and rigid underside 32 provides effective and durable support therefor.

More specifically, underframe 40 of bag 10 may comprise any rigid structure, including, without limitation, metal frames, molded metal shells, rigid plastic frames, molded plastic shells (ex., HMW polyethylene shells), molded bio-foam, molded vinyl, vinyl sheeting, metal sheeting, wood sheeting, stiff fiber board, metal mesh, plastic mesh, or the like. In any instance, however, underframe 40 is preferably utilized to reinforce and/or form, in part or in whole, the underlying framework of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, and/or underside 32, over which outer body 20 is formed or disposed.

As generally described hereinabove, outer body 20 is preferably formed or otherwise disposed over underframe 40. However, the selected manufacturing process for securing outer body 20 over or to underframe 40 is largely a function of the fabrics, materials or substrates utilized to form outer body 20. As such, depending upon the selected fabrics, materials or substrates, outer body 20 may be stitched, riveted, and/or integrally formed with, underframe 40. Although a variety of high-grade materials, fabrics, and other substrates may be utilized to form outer body 20, the present invention seeks to endow bag 10 with high strength and rugged durability and, as such, contemplates the manufacture of outer body 20 from, without limitation, nylon (ex., double layered 1000 denier DUPONT CORDURA PLUS nylon, nylon yarn N-56, etc.), DUPONT CORDURA, canvas (ex., heavy duck canvas, No. 8 natural canvas, No. 6 natural canvas, etc.), polyester (ex., heavy-duty water resistant 600 denier RIPSTOP polyester, double-layered 600×300 denier polyester, etc.), SPUNTUFF water resistant material, durable molded bio-foam, molded HMW polyethylene (ribbed or unribbed), leather, saddle leather, split leather, plastic, vinyl, polypropylene fabrics, polyethylene fabrics, polyolefin fabrics, plastic blends, and/or combinations of the foregoing.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the provision of a substantially rigid bag structure, it should be recognized that bag 10 may be manufactured from underframes that enable collapsibility of bag 10, such as, for exemplary purposes only, vinyl wiring, nylon roping, and the like, wherein a soft outer fabric shell would then preferably be selected to function as outer body 20, and wherein similar materials could be utilized to form sleeve 80 (described more fully hereinbelow) to facilitate collapsibility of same.

Preferably disposed proximate to sidewalls 24, 28 are handles 62, 64, respectively, of pair of handles 60, wherein handles 62, 64 are each preferably secured to and extend between sidewalls 22, 26 of bag 10, proximate respective peripheral lips 23, 27 thereof. Handles 62, 64 are preferably formed from a substantially rigid, molded substrate, such as, for exemplary purposes only, anodized aluminum, anodized steel, anodized metals generally, powder-coated aluminum, powder-coated steel, powder-coated metals generally, molded rubber, hardened rubber, plastic, rubber-coated metal, and the like; however, pliable fabrics or other substrates may alternatively be utilized to form handles 62, 64. Handles 62, 64 comprise non-slip, ergonomic rubber gripping pads 62a, 64a, respectively, for facilitating secure grasping and handling of bag 10. Additionally, terminal ends 62b, 64b of handles 62, 64 are preferably riveted 65 or otherwise secured to respective sidewalls 22, 26, and/or respective peripheral lips 23, 27, of bag 10.

Preferably formed or otherwise disposed on exterior surface 22a of sidewall 22, proximate peripheral lip 23 thereof, is sleeve 80, wherein sleeve 80 comprises a relatively elongated body 82 that may run the length of sidewall 22, or be otherwise dimensioned to receive any sized box or torpedo level L. Preferably, sidewalls 82a, 82b of body 82 of sleeve 80 are expandable, elasticized and/or pleated so as to accommodate for the thickness of the level L introduced through mouth 84 of sleeve 80. As such, sidewalls 82a, 82b are preferably formed from elasticized and/or pleated materials, and/or may be formed from pleated fabrics, such as, for exemplary purposes only, nylon, DUPONT CORDURA PLUS nylon, DUPONT CORDURA, canvas, polyester, SPUNTUFF water resistant material, durable molded bio-foam, leather, saddle leather, split leather, plastic, vinyl, polypropylene fabrics, polyethylene fabrics, polyolefin fabrics, plastic blends, and/or combinations of the foregoing. Additionally, mouth 84 of sleeve 80 may be elasticized so as to enable the expansion of same during insertion or introduction of level L therethrough or removal of level L therefrom, and to further enable subsequent retraction of same upon full introduction of level L into sleeve 80; thus, providing secure storage and retention of level L therewithin.

Sidewalls 82c, 82d of sleeve 80 may comprise any rigid structure, including, without limitation, molded bio-foam, molded vinyl, vinyl sheeting, metal sheeting, wood sheeting, stiff fiber board, metal mesh, plastic mesh, or the like. Although sidewalls 82c, 82d are preferably formed from a more rigid material than sidewalls 82a, 82b, the expandable, elasticized and/or pleated materials and fabrics described hereinabove in the manufacture of sidewalls 82a, 82b, may similarly be utilized to form or otherwise manufacture sidewalls 82c, 82d.

Utility bag 10 still further provides a series of pockets 100 disposed over sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, wherein pockets 100 may include, without limitation, open pockets 102, pre-form or heat molded open pockets 104, flap-covered pockets 106, and may still further include collapsible pockets, side compartments, pockets and slots of varying size, securing loops, and the like. Additionally, bungee-straps 108 securely disposed overtop selected pockets 100 are provided for removably-securing loose items therewithin. Bag 10 may further comprise any number or series of interiorly-disposed pockets, compartments and other structures for convenient containment of miscellaneous loose hardware (i.e., drill bits, nails, small hand tools, etc.).

Additionally, preferably disposed about the bottom corner edges of underside 32 of bag 10 are non-slip or rubberized gripping feet 110 for securely maintaining bag 10 in a selected position or location over a floor surface, and to further elevate underside 32 from the floor surface so as to prevent possible soilage thereof.

It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that additional sleeves may be provided along any one or more of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, and in any selected orientation or position.

Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level, said bag comprising:

a sleeve for receiving and retaining the level, wherein said sleeve comprises an expandable wall structure.

2. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said expandable wall structure comprises a pleated wall structure.

3. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said expandable wall structure comprises an elasticized wall structure.

4. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said expandable wall structure comprises an elasticized and pleated wall structure.

5. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is disposed on an exterior surface of said utility bag.

6. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is disposed horizontally on an exterior surface of said utility bag.

7. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said expandable wall structure comprises an elasticized wall structure, and wherein said elasticized wall structure retains the level within said sleeve.

8. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve traverses substantially the entire length of said utility bag.

9. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is disposed within said utility bag.

10. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 9, wherein said sleeve is accessible through a sidewall of said utility bag.

11. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 10, wherein said sleeve is accessible through a sealable opening disposed in said sidewall.

12. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein at least one end of said sleeve is selected from the group consisting of a sealed end and a sealable end.

13. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve comprises a transparent portion whereby a user may visually inspect the contents of the sleeve through the transparent portion.

14. The utility bag for accommodating the receipt of a level of claim 1, wherein said sleeve comprises an open top and a flap for closing said open top, wherein the level is inserted into said sleeve through said open top, and wherein said level is retained within said sleeve by said flap.

15. A utility bag comprising:

a first sleeve configured to receive a box level; and

a second sleeve configured to receive a bullet level.

16. The utility bag of claim 15, wherein said first sleeve comprises an expandable wall structure and wherein said second sleeve comprises an expandable wall structure.

17. The utility bag of claim 15, wherein said first sleeve comprises a mouth on a first end thereof for receiving an end of the box level, whereby the box level may be inserted into said first sleeve, and wherein said second sleeve comprises a mouth on a first end thereof for receiving an end of the bullet level, whereby the bullet level may be inserted into said second sleeve.

18. The utility bag of claim 15, wherein said first sleeve is disposed generally horizontally on a sidewall of said utility bag.

19. The utility bag of claim 15, wherein said first sleeve is disposed within said utility bag, and wherein said first sleeve is accessible through an opening in a sidewall of said utility bag.