Interchangeable bag liner

Abstract

A unique tapered and expanding sectional liner that allows the liner to fit different size bags, with each section having its own attachment means is provided. The interchangeable liner includes a liner body having a closed bottom and an open top end for receiving items inside. In one embodiment, the liner body comprises three sections: a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section. Each time a section of the liner body is folded over, the resulting size of the liner decreases, allowing it to be used in smaller and smaller bags.

Description

PRIOR FILING

This application emanates from a previously filed application 60/983,253 filed on Oct. 29, 2007

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to interchangeable bag liners for use with purses, diaper bags, and the like for quickly transferring items from one bag to another. More particularly, the invention relates to a unique tapered and expanding sectional liner that allows the liner to fit different size bags, with each section having its own attachment means

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carrying devices such as diaper bags, purses, backpacks, and the like (hereinafter “bags”), are in everyday use for containing and carrying articles. These bags are available in a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes. Often one type of bag is suitable for one occasion and not for others. For example, purses are available in a variety of styles and sizes that are deemed appropriate for one occasion but not for another. A small hand-held clasp bag is typically appropriate for evening dress occasions, whereas a pocketbook having a strap handle is considered more appropriate for ordinary daily use. A larger bag, such as a diaper bag, may be particularly useful when traveling with children. Backpacks are a great solution for carrying books and supplies. Therefore, it is not unusual for someone to use numerous bags of various sizes, shapes, and styles for use depending on the particular occasion.

While the occasion may dictate which bag someone chooses, the personal items held in the bag may typically remain the same. Many people carry a core set of personal items with them at all times, such as a wallet, keys, cell phone, and/or other personal articles particular to the individual. When changing bags, those personal items are moved from bag to bag, which can be a somewhat time consuming activity to ensure that no items get left behind. While making sure the core set of personal items get transferred, certain other items may purposefully be left behind, like books when transferring from a backpack to an everyday bag, or diapers when transferring from a diaper bag to a purse.

As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Patent and Patent Application Nos. 20060266452, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,086,437, 7,028,730, 20060021684, 20030128897, 20030102063, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,543,499, 6,394,157, 6,237,660, 6,186,201, 6,003,573, 5,911,262, 5,894,975, 5,207,254, 4,883,675, 4,180,111, 4,177,909, 2,672,903; the background art is replete with myriad and diverse bags with interchangeable liners. While all of the aforementioned patents constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a unique tapered and expanding sectional liner that allows the liner to fit different size bags, with each section having its own attachment means.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for expanding sectional liner that allows the liner to fit different size bags. There is a further need in the art for a liner that is tapered to fit the constrained width of many smaller bags. There is a further need in the art for a liner that has attachment means for each individually sized section of the liner. It is to the provision of such that the present invention is directed.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein, or from which a claim for benefit of priority has been made, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved interchangeable bag liner is provided. The interchangeable bag liner allows women to switch between bags, such as to and from a diaper bag and stylish handbags without leaving their valuables behind in one bag or the other. The interchangeable bag liner features a segmented (sectional) design that can attach quickly and easily into an assortment of styles of bags. The unique tapered design allows use in bags ranging from diaper bag to evening bag to tote bag. When the liner is affixed to the top of the bag, a further feature includes a flap to conceal the fact that it is removable. In a further embodiment, a coordinating fixed liner may be used in each bag specially designed to receive the interchangeable liner. Preferably, Velcro® strips, magnets, snaps or similar attachment means is used to secure the liner. Moreover, flexible wire is provided to help the liner maintain its shape.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the interchangeable liner comprises a flexible liner body having a closed bottom and an open top end for receiving items. In one embodiment, the liner body comprises three sections: a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section and the liner body is tapered from the top section down to the middle section down to the bottom section. Each section is capable of being folded over its adjacent section, thereby decreasing the size of the liner with each fold. A three section liner would be reduced to approximately ⅔ its size when the first section is folded over and again to approximately ⅓ its size when the second section is folded over.

Each section has an attachment means for attaching the liner to a bag. When fully expanded for use with large bags, all three sections are exposed and the attachment means along the outer perimeter edge of the top section attaches the liner to the bag. For a smaller bag, the top section is folded over the middle section and the attachment means now exposed along the outer perimeter edge of the middle section attaches the liner to the bag. Finally, for an even smaller bag, the top and middle sections are folded over the bottom section, the attachment means now exposed along the outer perimeter edge of the bottom section attaches the liner to the bag. Each time the liner is folded over, the resulting size of the liner decreases, allowing it to be used in smaller and smaller bags. Other embodiments of the invention may comprise two or more sections wherein each section is foldable over its adjacent section as described previously.

An important target market of the interchangeable bag liner includes moms who need to pass off a diaper bag to a caregiver (e.g., a nanny), daycare provider, etc. She will be able to place the liner in a variety of styles and sizes of style appropriate bags. If a mom is dropping her child off for daycare in the morning, she can pull out the liner with her personal items and put it in the shell handbag she will be using for the day. When she picks up the child in the afternoon, and she has to stop at the grocery store, she can pull the liner with all her essential items out of the shell handbag and put it back in the diaper bag. Therefore, she is only carrying one bag into the grocery store (it has both baby and mom essentials in it). If she is dropping the child off with the babysitter for an evening out—the liner pulls out and can be placed in a small evening bag. If she is dropping off the child with the nanny to go out for a Saturday of antiquing, this same liner can be pulled out and placed in a large casual tote for the day. One liner keeps all “Mom's stuff” together all the time—not left behind with the child or care provider at the bottom of the diaper bag.

Other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of interchangeable bag liner.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of interchangeable bag liner with a first section folded over.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of interchangeable bag liner with a first and second section both folded over.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of interchangeable bag liner and an associated handbag.

FIG. 5 is an example of a removable flap to hide the interchangeable bag liner within a bag.

FIG. 6 is an example of a permanent liner used with the interchangeable bag liner within a bag.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiment. Moreover, while the subject invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with a preferred embodiment. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiment without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating several embodiments of the invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, the figures show an interchangeable liner 10. The interchangeable liner 10 comprises a liner body 12 having a closed bottom 14 and an open top end 16 for receiving items inside. The liner 10 comprises an interior surface 13a and an exterior surface 13b. In one embodiment, the liner body 12 comprises three sections: a top section 12a, a middle section 12b, and a bottom section 12c. The liner body 12 is preferably tapered from the top section 12a down to the middle section 12b down to the bottom section 12c. Each section is capable of being folded over its adjacent section along a fold line 15, thereby decreasing the size of the liner accordingly. Preferably, each section is folded over the outside of the section adjacent thereto, although inward folding is also contemplated herein and adjustments to the location of the various attachment means may be made to accomplish the features of the invention.

In order to attach the liner 10 to a bag 30, each section 12a, 12b, 12c has its own attachment means 18 for attaching the liner 10 to a bag. The each attachment means would be located just above its respective fold line 15, so that when folded over along the fold line, the attachment means would be exposed. The attachment means may comprise Velcro® strips, snaps, hooks, zippers, or other suitable attachment device. Each bag would also comprise the mating attachment means 19 to the liner. For example, if Velcro® strips are used, the liner would comprise one or more Velcro® strips along its outer periphery and the bag into which the liner 10 is inserted would comprise one or more mating Velcro® strips along its inner periphery. The mating attachments 19 for the various bags may be sewn into the bag or secured to the inner periphery of the bag in any suitable fashion. Additional liner attachment means 18 may be suitably placed along the exterior surface 13b of the liner 10, such as at or near each fold line. The additional liner attachment means 18 could provide secondary attachment points when the liner is fully expanded in its various configurations, with mating attachment means 19 in the bag.

In an alternate embodiment, a permanent bag liner 20 with a mating attachment 19 may be secured inside the bag. Then the interchangeable liner 10 can be removeably attached to the permanent bag liner 20 with the liner attachment means 18 (18a, 18b, or 18c depending on how the liner 10 is folded).

When fully expanded for use with large bags, all three sections 12a, 12b, 12c are extended and the attachment means 18a along (all or part of) the outer perimeter edge of the top section 12a attaches the liner 10 to the bag. For a smaller bag, the top section 12a is folded over the middle section 12b along the fold line 15 and the attachment means 18b, now exposed along (all or part of) the outer perimeter edge of the middle section 12b, attaches the liner 10 to the bag. Finally, for an even smaller bag, the top and middle sections 12a, 12b are double-folded along the fold line 15 over the bottom section 12c, and the attachment means 18c, now exposed along (all or part of) the outer perimeter edge of the bottom section 12c, attaches the liner 10 to the bag. For each fold, the interior surface 13a of the liner 10 becomes exposed.

Each time a section of the liner body is folded over, the resulting size of the liner 10 decreases, allowing it to be used in smaller and smaller bags. Since smaller bags are usually both shorter in height and narrower in width, a taper provides a better proportional fit. The liner 10 may be provided without a taper in an alternate embodiment if a narrow width is not required.

Other embodiments of the invention may comprise two or more sections wherein each section is foldable over its adjacent section, exposing its attachment means, as described previously.

The liner body 12 is preferably constructed of a flexible material or fabric such as cotton, nylon, or stain resistant micro fiber fabric. One or more sections may utilize reinforcing wire or band 22 (or similar rigid reinforcement means) for stability and form, or be made of a semi-rigid or stiff material to better keep its shape. Wires 22 may be located along one or more of the circumference of the fold lines, such as adjacent or part of the Velcro strip attachment means 18a, 18b, 18c. Reinforcing wires 22 may be located along the circumference of the bottom 14 and/or the top 16. Vertical reinforcing wires 22 may also be placed in suitable positions as known in the art. Alternately, each section 12a, 12b, and 12c may be made of semi-rigid material or semi-reinforced material or include reinforcing inserts and be attached to the other section along a flexible fold line, wherein the fold line is adjacent to the attachment means 18a, 18b, 18c, etc.

The liner body 12 may be comprised of any suitable shape, including conical or tapered. In its simplest form, the liner body may comprise two sheets of fabric seemed along the sides and bottom forming a pocket-like shape. The liner may be non-tapered or tapered and may be sectioned in two or more sections, where each section has its own attachment means. Alternately, a three-dimensional construction may be used where the sides are seemed along a formed bottom piece. The bottom piece may be flexible or rigid. The 3D liner may be non-tapered (e.g., cylindrical shaped) or tapered (e.g., conical or cone shaped). It may also be constructed to include three or more sides (triangular, rectangular, etc.).

In one particular embodiment, as an example, the bottom section 12c measures approximately 10″ in width, 5″ in height and 5.5″ in depth. It may further include one or more zippered or similar closeable compartments along the interior surface, preferably two with one on each side. It may further be separated into two open compartments on the inside with a small protective pocket between them. A reinforcing wire/filament may be embedded along the top circumference of the bottom section 12c to help maintain its shape.

The middle section 12b of this embodiment, for example, measures approximately 11″ in width near the top of the section and tapers to 10″ near the bottom of the section, 5″ in height and 6″ in depth near the top of the section and tapers to 5.5″ near the bottom of the section. The bottom of middle section 12b is attached to the top of the bottom section 12c along its fold line 15. It may also be reinforced at the top and contain an embedded filament to reinforce but not force the shape of the liner 10.

The top section 12a of this embodiment, for example, measures approximately 15″ in width near the top of the section and tapers to 11″ near the bottom of the section, 5″ in height and 7″ in depth near the top of the section and tapers to 6″ near the bottom of the section. The bottom of top section 12a is attached to the top of the middle section 12b along its fold line 15. It may also be reinforced at the top and contain an embedded filament to reinforce but not force the shape of the liner 10.

An overlapping flap 25 in the handbag may be used to discretely cover the connection location and create a finished look. The flap 25 may be attached at or near the attachment means 19.

It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and application of the subject invention are possible and contemplated. It should be understood that the invention has application far beyond the exemplary embodiments presented and described herein, and as such is not to be limited to those embodiments. In addition, the invention is not limited to the particularly physical configuration, but instead is adaptable. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention.

Claims

1. An interchangeable bag liner, a liner body (12) having a closed bottom (14) and an open top end (16) for receiving items inside comprising;

a. a liner body (12) comprising three sections: a top section (12a), a middle section (12b), and a bottom section (12c);

b. attachment means (18) for attaching the liner to a bag

c. reinforcing wires (22) located along the circumference of the bottom (14) and/or the top (16)

2. An interchangeable bag liner according to claim 1, wherein; the liner is constructed of a flexible material or fabric such as cotton, nylon, or stain resistant micro fiber fabric

3. An interchangeable bag liner according to claim 1, wherein the liner body (12) is preferably tapered from the top section (12a) down to the middle section (12b) down to is the bottom section (12c).

4. An interchangeable bag liner according to claim 1 wherein; all three sections (12a), (12b), (12c) are extended and the attachment means (18a) along (all or part of) the outer perimeter edge of the top section (12a) attaches the liner (10) to the bag.

5. An interchangeable bag liner according to claim 1 wherein; a permanent bag liner (20) with a mating attachment (19) may be secured inside the bag allowing the interchangeable liner (10) can be removeably attached to the permanent bag liner (20) with the liner attachment means (18) (18a, 18b, or 18c depending on how the liner 10 is folded).

6. An interchangeable bag liner according to claim 1 wherein; the liner body (12) may be comprised of any suitable shape, including conical or tapered.

7. An interchangeable bag liner according to claim 1 wherein; an overlapping flap (25) in the handbag may be used to discretely cover the connection location and create a finished look allowing the flap (25) to be attached at or near the attachment means (19).