Carrier Assembly, System and Method

Abstract

The present application is directed to a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly suitably includes a base member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining the shape of the carrier assembly; and an exterior member defined by an outer surface and an inner surface, the exterior member being operationally configured to encase the surfaces of the base member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The application relates generally to carriers used to transport items housed therein.

BACKGROUND

There are various carriers, e.g., handbags, purses, and tote type items, in the marketplace that incorporate removable and/or reversible outer covers. However, such items include outer covers configured to wrap around or slip onto an inner foundation from the closed side (or base) of the inner foundation. Such outer covers are subject to being moved out of place by gravity and physical contact. As a result, such outer covers are often attached to the outer surface of the inner foundation via buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, magnets and the like to prevent the cover from slipping off of the inner foundation during use. In addition to adding undesirable weight and bulkiness to the carrier, the above described attachments limit and detract from cover design possibilities.

A carrier is desired that overcomes the above mentioned limitations.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a carrier assembly including (a) a base member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining the shape of the carrier assembly; and (b) an exterior member defined by an outer surface and an inner surface, the exterior member being operationally configured to encase the surfaces of the base member.

The present application is also directed to a carrier system comprising (A) a carrier assembly having (1) a base member including an outer surface and an inner surface, the base member including one or more attachment members, and (2) an exterior member defined by an outer surface and an inner surface, the exterior member being operationally configured to encase the outer surface, inner surface, and the one or more attachment members, the exterior member including one or more first apertures and one or more second apertures there through; and (B) one or more carrying holders; wherein the one or more attachment members are operationally configured to receive the one or more carrying holders in attachment thereto via the one or more first apertures.

The present application is also directed to a method of dictating the outer ornamental appearance of a carrier, comprising the following steps: (A) providing an assembly including (1) a base member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining the shape of the carrier, and (2) a removable exterior member defined by first and second sections, the exterior member having an outer surface and a hollow inner surface accessible via a closeable opening disposed along the exterior member, whereby the exterior member is operationally configured to encase the outer and inner surfaces of the base member and whereby the first and second sections have dissimilar ornamental appearances; (B) choosing an outer ornamental appearance of the carrier according to one of the two ornamental appearances of the first and second sections; (C) assembling the base member and exterior member in a manner effective to provide the outer ornamental appearance chosen by (1) directing the base member through the closeable opening into the exterior member, (2) aligning the inner surface of the chosen section in abutment with the outer surface of the base member, (3) aligning the inner surface of the non-chosen section in abutment with the inner surface of the base member, (4) closing the closeable opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a view of a simplified unassembled carrier assembly of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a view of a simplified unassembled carrier system of the present application.

FIG. 3 is a phantom view of a simplified embodiment of a base member of the carrier assembly described herein.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a simplified embodiment of a base member of the carrier assembly described herein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of another simplified embodiment of a base member of the carrier assembly described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified embodiment of an exterior member of the carrier assembly described herein.

FIG. 7 is a simplified illustration depicting the assembly of an exterior member with a base member.

FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of a simplified embodiment of an assembled carrier assembly of the present application.

FIG. 9 is another perspective front view of a simplified embodiment of an assembled carrier assembly of the present application.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a simplified embodiment of a carrier assembly of the present application including decorative bands disposed along the outer surface of the carrier assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective bottom view of a simplified embodiment of a carrier assembly of the present application.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a simplified embodiment of a carrier assembly of the present application.

FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment of a base member of the present application.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the base member depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the base member depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a non-limiting environmental view of a carrier system of the present application.

DESCRIPTION

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present carrier assembly, system, and method are not limited to particular embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “carrier” refers to a device used by an individual for carrying various items. Suitable carriers may include, but are not necessarily limited to bags, sacks, purses, backpacks, satchels, luggage, pouches, rucksacks, cases, binders, notebook type cases, lunch boxes, and other toteable devices.

In one aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly comprising an inner base member covered by a removable and/or invertible and/or interchangeable and/or machine washable exterior member.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly comprising an inner base member covered by a removable exterior member, the exterior member being operationally configured to maintain its orientation covering the outer surface of the inner base member without the use of fasteners, magnets, zippers or other attachment type mechanisms.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly operationally configured to provide at least three outer surfaces with distinct surface ornamentation on one or more of the outer surfaces.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an inner base member constructed from one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials including one or more rigid or semi-rigid biodegradable materials.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an inner base member constructed from one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials including one or more rigid or semi-rigid plastic and/or recycled and/or biodegradable materials.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an exterior member constructed from one or more flexible and/or resilient materials including one or more flexible and/or resilient biodegradable materials.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an exterior member constructed from one or more flexible and/or resilient materials including one or more flexible and/or resilient textile materials such as fabric and/or recycled and/or biodegradable materials.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an exterior member constructed from one or more materials in one or more particular color schemes and/or patterns and/or designs as desired.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an inner base member constructed from one or more resilient and/or rigid and/or semi-rigid materials.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an inner base member having an outer surface area substantially similar to the inner surface area of an exterior cover member covering the base member during operation of the carrier assembly.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including an inner foundation or base member having a volume of about fifty (50) percent less than the volume of the inner surface of the exterior member attached thereto.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including a removable exterior operationally configured to cover an interior base member, wherein the exterior is effective against slippage from the base due to gravity or other external forces during carrier assembly operation. The exterior is effective against slippage from the interior base member without having to employ any mechanical attachments between the exterior and the base.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including a removable closeable hollow cover operationally configured to envelope the inner surface and outer surface of an inner foundation or base member of the assembly, whereby the inner surface area of the cover is substantially similar to the surface area of the inner surface and outer surface of the inner foundation or base member.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly including a removable closeable hollow cover operationally configured to engulf, swallow up, encase, or otherwise enclose the one or more surfaces of an inner base member housed within the cover.

In another aspect, the application provides a carrier assembly and a carrier system that may be built to scale.

Discussion of the Carrier Assembly, System and Method

The following description of the invention is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims. The invention relates generally to a carrier assembly including a base member encased within an exterior member in a manner whereby the inner surface of the exterior member substantially abuts the inner and outer surfaces of the base member during operation of the carrier assembly.

To better understand the novelty of the invention, reference is hereafter made to the accompanying drawings. With reference to FIG. 1, a simplified carrier assembly 10 is provided including a base member 12 and at least a first exterior member 14 operationally configured to encase the base member 12 in surface to surface abutment therewith. Without limiting the configuration of the base member 12, a suitable base member 12 may include an inner storage surface 16 and an outer surface 18, the base member 12 being operationally configured to provide the structural shape or form of a carrier assembly 10 during operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base member 12 may further include one or more attachment members 20 secured thereto operationally configured to receive one or more carrying holders 22 in either permanent or releasable attachment thereto. Suitable carrying holders 22 may include, but are not necessarily limited to straps, handles, bands, belts, harnesses, leashes, cords, and combinations thereof. A suitable strap may include a releasable shoulder strap or set of shoulder straps, either adjustable or of a fixed length as desired.

The type of releasable carrying holders 22 employed may be determined according to (1) the intended use(s) of a particular carrier assembly 10, and/or (2) aesthetic considerations. Thus, releasable carrying holders 22 may be constructed from one or more materials as desired and according to one or more designs as desired. Suitable carrying holder 22 materials may include, but are not necessarily limited to leather, leather substitutes, exotic skins, rubbers, plastics, composite materials, woods, metals, woven and non-woven textiles, bone, rock/stone, and combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that the carrying holders 22 may be constructed from one or more materials resistant to chipping, tearing, cracking, and deformation as a result of ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as various impacts. In addition, the carrying holders 22 may be constructed from one or more biodegradable and/or recycled materials.

Referring again to the attachment members 20, suitable attachment members 20 may be located on the outer surface 18 of the base member 12 as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the attachment members 20 may include one or more enclosed or ring type devices for receiving hooks 24 and the like in attachment thereto. In FIG. 2, the attachment members 20 are depicted as D-rings operationally configured to receive swivel and/or non-swivel hooks 24 of a shoulder strap 22. Suitable enclosed or ring type devices may include, but are not necessarily limited to strap rings and gate rings as the terms are understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, rings may be provided in one or more shapes, e.g., round, oval, square, D-shaped, triangular, irregular shapes, as desired according to aesthetic and/or functional preferences. Without limiting the invention, suitable attachment members 20 may be constructed from one or more metals, plastics, composite materials, textiles, leather, and combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that the base member 12 may include apertures there through for receiving releasable carrying holders 22. In one example, grommets or eyelets may be inserted into the apertures as desired. Such apertures may be provided as part of original base member 12 construction or formed there through following base member 12 construction.

As desired, attachment members 20 may be permanently or releasably secured directly to the outer surface 18 of the base member 12. In another, the outer surface 18 of the base member 12 may include apertures operationally configured to receive enclosed or ring type devices there through. As shown in the simplified embodiment of FIG. 2, loop members 26 or the like may be included on the outer surface 18 of the base member 12 for receiving enclosed or ring type devices there through. It is further contemplated that other types of attachment members 20 may be employed including, but not necessarily limited to hook and loop fasteners, mechanical snaps, buckle attachments, snap hooks, swivel snap hooks, catches, tie-strings, flap push button catches, flap spring catches, and combinations thereof.

The present carrier assembly 10 may include any desired size and shape, which is determined at least in part by the size and shape of the base member 12. As shown in FIG. 3, a suitable base member 12 may include an open section 28, a closed section 30, and side walls 32 as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of carriers, including a rim 33 disposed between the open section 28 and the closed section 30, i.e., between the inner storage surface 16 and the outer surface 18, as is typical in carrier construction.

For the purpose of this application, the base member 12 may be constructed from one or more materials operationally configured to provide desired functional characteristics of the carrier assembly 10 during operation. For example, the base member 12 may be constructed from one or more rigid materials operationally configured to provide a static or fixed shape of the base member 12 during operation. In another example, the base member 12 may be constructed from one or more resilient semi-rigid materials operationally configured to provide a primary shape of the base member 12 while also being operationally configured to move and/or deform during operation and thereafter return to its primary shape. In still another embodiment, the base member 12 may be constructed from one or more flexible materials. Regardless of the materials of construction ultimately employed, a suitable base member 12 may be constructed from one or more materials resistant to chipping, tearing, cracking, decomposing, and deformation as a result of ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as various impacts.

Suitable rigid materials may include, but are not necessarily limited to metals, plastics, composite materials, wood, cardboard, natural woven grasses, natural woven fibers, and combinations thereof. Suitable semi-rigid materials may include, but are not necessarily limited to leather, leather substitutes, rubbers, plastics, natural woven grasses, natural woven fibers, and combinations thereof. Suitable flexible materials may include, but are not necessarily limited to textile materials such as woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, rubbers, plastics, natural woven grasses, natural woven fibers, and combinations thereof.

Suitable plastics may include, but are not necessarily limited to ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”), polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polylactide, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a plastic base member 12 may be formed via injection blow molding. In another embodiment, a plastic base member 12 may be formed via extrusion blow molding. In still another embodiment, panels and gusset (“gusset panels”) may be assembled as desired. For example, the base member 12 may be provided in three sections for assembly: two side wall sections and a base or bottom section. Suitable gusset panels may be constructed from plastic, carbon fiber, glass fiber, and combinations thereof.

Turning to FIG. 4, the base member 12 may further include one or more supports 34 operationally configured to (1) assist in maintaining the integrity of the base member 12, and/or (2) distribute a load housed within the base member 12, i.e., a load housed within the carrier assembly 10, and/or (3) provide attachment points for the attachment members 20 to the base member 12. Although the supports 34 are not limited to any one material of construction, suitable materials may include, but are not necessarily limited to heavy duty fabrics such as canvas, leather, leather substitutes, rubber, plastic, rugged textiles including nylon webbing, and combinations thereof.

As shown in the simplified embodiment of FIG. 5, the base member 12 may also be provided as a mesh or netted material. Depending on the actual mesh configuration employed, one or more supports 34 may also be included as described above. Suitable materials of construction for a mesh type base member 12 may include, but are not necessarily limited to one or more plastics as described above, one or more composite materials, one or more metal materials, and combinations thereof. Suitably, a plastic mesh base member 12 may be provided at a weight up to about fifty percent less than a solid base member 12 constructed from a like plastic material.

With attention now to FIG. 6, a simplified exterior member 14 may include two opposing like sections or halves (marked “A” and “B”) providing a substantially bilateral symmetrical configuration of the exterior member 14 as shown. In this embodiment, each of the sections A and B are constructed from one or more flexible materials such as one or more textiles that are joined together along a central axis “XX” forming a hollow inner surface of the exterior member 14. Suitably, the sections A and B include a shape substantially similar to the target base member 12 and may be sewn, glued, stapled, taped, or otherwise attached together along the open ends 13 of sections A and B providing the symmetrical arrangement as shown.

In addition, at least one of sections A and B is suitably provided with a closeable end 15. In one embodiment, a closeable end 15 may be operationally configured to open up a distance about equal to the width of the exterior member 14 (see the closeable end 15 of section A in a fully open position). At a minimum, a closeable end 15 is operationally configured to open in a manner effective to receive the base member 12 there through as described in detail below. With reference to FIG. 6, which depicts an exterior member 14 having one closeable end 15 completely closed and the opposing closeable end 15 completely open, the exterior member 14 is provided in a configuration substantially similar to a common pillow case and like articles.

The type of closeable end 15 employed may change according to (1) the intended use(s) of a particular carrier assembly 10, and/or (2) aesthetic considerations. Suitable closeable ends 15 may include, but are not necessarily limited to zippers, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, and combinations thereof that are operationally configured to open and close the closeable ends 15 of the exterior member 14. An example of closeable ends 15 comprising zippers 19 is depicted in FIG. 6. In another embodiment, a closeable end 15 may include an opening or slit defined by overlapping sections of fabric—similar to the opening of a common pillow sham. For the purposes of this application, this type of closeable end 15 may be referred to as a “flap closure” as the phrase is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Without limiting the materials of construction, a suitable sham opening may be constructed from one or more resilient materials operationally configured to be stretched to enlarge the opening of the closeable end 15 and conform to the outer surface 18 of the base member 12 therein.

In one embodiment, sections A and B of the exterior member 14 may be constructed from one or more like materials. In another embodiment, sections A and B may be constructed from one or more dissimilar materials. In another embodiment, sections A and B may be constructed from one or more like materials exhibiting differing ornamental appearances, for example, differing outer surface colors, stitching patterns, design patterns, textures, embellishments, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, sections A and B may be constructed from one or more dissimilar materials exhibiting differing outer surface colors, stitching patterns, design patterns, textures, embellishments, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, sections A and B may be constructed from one or more dissimilar materials exhibiting substantially similar outer surface colors, stitching patterns, design patterns, textures, embellishments, and combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, the exterior member 14 may be constructed from a single textile material devoid of separate sections A and B. It is also contemplated that the exterior member 14 may be constructed from a primary textile material wherein (1) one or more secondary materials are interposed between the textile material, and/or (2) one or more secondary materials are attached to the outer surface 17 of the exterior member 14, wherein the one or more secondary materials may form a particular pattern of the exterior member 14. The exterior member 14 may also include embroidery and/or cutwork as desired.

Still referring to FIG. 6, in an embodiment of the carrier assembly 10 including a base member 12 provided with attachment members 20, the exterior member 14 suitably includes one or more first apertures 40 operationally configured to receive attachment members 20 there through. As discussed below, in an embodiment of the carrier assembly 10 including decorative bands, the exterior member 14 may further include second apertures 42 operationally configured to receive decorative bands there through.

As mentioned above, a suitable exterior member 14 may be constructed from one or more materials effective to provide a hollow closed inner surface. Suitable exterior member 14 materials may include, but are not necessarily limited to woven and nonwoven textiles, leather, and exotic skins and furs. Suitable textiles may include animal textiles, synthetic textiles, plant textiles, and combinations thereof. Suitable animal textiles may include, but are not necessarily limited to wools, silks, and combinations thereof. Suitable synthetic textiles may include, but are not necessarily limited to polyester fibers and derivatives thereof, acrylics, nylons including aramids, spandex, rayon, olefin fibers, polyactide fibers, lurex, rubbers, plastics, and combinations thereof. Suitable plant textiles may include, but are not necessarily limited to cotton, linen, hemp and combinations thereof. In addition, the exterior member 14 materials may exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: washability, foldability, bendability, stretchability, durability, flexibility, lightweight, water-impermeability, and breathability. As such, the one or more materials of construction may be provided in single layers or in multi-layer configurations as desired. The exterior member 14 may also be constructed from one or more materials having (1) one or more ultra-violet light protectable substances applied to thereto, and/or (2) one or more water repellants applied thereto, and/or (3) one or more photochromic dyes applied thereto, and/or (4) one or more thermochromic dyes applied thereto. Also, the inner surface of the exterior member 14 may include a foam lining or otherwise be padded as desired.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 7, one exemplary carrier assembly 10 may be assembled by opening one of the closeable ends 15 (the closeable end 15 of section A as shown) of the exterior member 14 and slipping the exterior member 14 over the open section 28 of the base member 12 according to directional arrows Y-Y encasing the base member 12 therein. Suitably, the surface area of the inner surface of section A, i.e., the inner surface of about half of the exterior member 14, corresponds substantially to the surface area of the outer surface 18 of the base member 12. As such, once section A of the exterior member 14 envelopes the base member 12, the closeable end 15 of section A may be closed or otherwise sealed to encase the closed section 30 of the base member 12 (see the closed orientation of the exterior member 14 in FIGS. 1 and 2). In another non-limiting embodiment, an opened closeable end 15 of section B may be directed over the closed section 30 of the base member 12 (directionally opposite to directional arrows Y-Y). In such embodiment, the closeable end of section B can be closed or otherwise sealed encasing the base member 12 therein. In still another non-limiting embodiment, an exterior member 14 may include a closeable opening at a location along the exterior member 14 other than at either end as described above. In one non-limiting example, a closeable opening that is operationally configured to receive and remove a base member 12 may be disposed along the central axis “XX”.

With reference to FIG. 8, once section A is positioned securely around the base member 12 (forming an outer surface 41 of the carrier assembly 10) section B may be directed or otherwise tucked into the open section 28 of the base member 12 forming an inner surface 43 or a liner of the carrier assembly 10 whereby the inner surface of section B abuts the inner storage surface 16 of the base member 12. Thus, the surface area of the inner surface of section B, i.e., the inner surface of about half of the exterior member 14, corresponds substantially to the surface area of the inner storage surface 16 of the base member 12. As such, the configuration of the exterior member 14 is operationally effective (1) to provide for complete encasement of the entire base member 12, and (2) form a removable outer cover of the carrier assembly 10 without the need to mechanically attach the exterior member 14 to the base member 12.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the central axis XX of the exterior member 14 is suitably operationally configured to form a rim 44 of the carrier assembly 10 at the open section 45. For example, the central axis XX may be operationally configured to fold over the rim 33 of the base member 12, i.e., around the edge of the open section 28 of the base member 12, in a manner effective to provide a snug fit of the exterior member 14 with the base member 12 whereby the inner surface of the exterior member 14 lies in abutment with (1) the inner storage surface 16 and (2) the outer surface 18 of the base member 12 providing a smooth or flat outer surface of the carrier assembly 10. As desired, the central axis XX may include a stitching pattern or other aesthetic quality providing a particular ornamental appearance and/or design to the rim 44.

In addition, the exterior member 14 may also include piping 50 and the like disposed along the outer surface 17 of the exterior member 14 according to the shape of the base member 12 to provide aesthetic and/or outer perimeter qualities to the carrier assembly 10. For example, piping 50 may be disposed along the exterior member 14 in a manner effective to provide piping along the outer edges of the carrier assembly 10. In addition, the exterior member 14 may further include one or more pockets 52 or other attachments as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of carriers. As further understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of carriers, various organizers may be disposed along the interior and/or exterior of the carrier assembly 10. Removable organizers operationally configured to be set within the open section 45 of the carrier assembly 10 may also be employed. One exemplary removable organizer may include zippers or other closeable members operationally configured to seal the content of the organizer within the carrier assembly 10. It is also contemplated that the carrier assembly 10 may be operationally configured to open and close to seal the content of the carrier assembly 10.

For example, the base member 12 may be provided with one or more magnetic devices operationally configured to seal off the open section 45 of the carrier assembly 10. In another embodiment, one or more closeable flap type devices may be sewn onto the exterior member 14 as desired.

With reference to disassembly of the carrier assembly 10, the exterior member 14 may be removed from the base member 12 in reverse order of the assembly steps described above. Ultimately, at least one of the closeable ends 15 is opened to remove the base member 12 out from within the exterior member 14.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a carrier assembly 10 may be provided with more than one base member 12, whereby a plurality of base members 12 may be stacked together. It is also contemplated that more than one exterior member 14 may be incorporated into the carrier assembly 10—adding each successive exterior member 14 to the carrier assembly 10 as described above. In such embodiment, with the addition of each successive exterior member 14, the surface area of the outer surface 41 of the carrier assembly 10 suitably increases, which means that each successive exterior member 14 applied to the carrier assembly 10 has an inner surface area slightly greater than the previous exterior member 14 in abutment therewith—that is, unless the exterior member 14 is constructed from one or more stretchable materials, in which case the inner surface area of a successive exterior member 14 may actually be less than the inner surface area of the previous exterior member 14 when lying in its pre-stretch configuration. In still another non-limiting embodiment, a partial or half exterior member 14 type object, e.g., one of sections A or B alone or a like item, may be applied to or otherwise stacked with either the outer surface 18 or the inner storage surface 16 of the base member 12 thereby thickening the wall of the base member 12 prior to assembling an exterior member 14 with the base member 12. Other sleeves and covers may also be applied to the outer surface 41 of the carrier assembly 10 as desired.

Turning to FIG. 10, in an embodiment including an exterior member 14 having one or more second apertures 42, one or more corresponding decorative bands 55 may be added to the outer surface 41 of the carrier assembly 10 as desired by releasably attaching the decorative bands 55 to the one or more second apertures 42. Suitably, the one or more second apertures 42 disposed along a first side of the carrier assembly 10 are operationally configured to receive a first end of corresponding decorative bands therein as shown. The one or more second apertures 42 may be located at any desired point or points along the outer surface 41. In addition, decorative bands 55 may be removed or changed out to provide aesthetic variety to the carrier assembly 10 as desired by providing decorative bands 55 having differing ornamental appearances, for example, differing outer surface colors, stitching patterns, design patterns, textures, embellishments, and combinations thereof. In addition, decorative bands 55 may be reversible, whereby opposing sides of the decorative bands 55 may include differing ornamental appearances.

Without limiting the invention to a particular mode of operation, the first end of the decorative bands 55 may be releasably secured within the second apertures 42 as desired. For example, the first end of a decorative band 55 may include at least one magnetic device operationally configured to correspond to one or more magnetic devices of the carrier assembly 10 located near the one or more second apertures 42. In another embodiment, the first end of the decorative bands 55 may releasably secure to the inner surface of the exterior member 14 via hook and loop fasteners. In still another embodiment, attachment members 20 may include one or more ring type devices operationally configured to receive the first end of the decorative bands 55 in releasable securement within the second apertures 42. In still another embodiment, one or more adhesive materials may be employed to releasably secure the decorative bands 55 within the second apertures 42. Buttons and/or snaps may also be employed as desired.

It is also contemplated that one or more decorative bands 55 may be applied to the outer surface 41 of a carrier assembly 10 second apertures 42. For example, decorative bands 55 comprising one or more magnetic devices may be applied to the outer surface 41 of a carrier assembly 10 including one or more magnetic devices operationally configured to maintain the decorative bands 55 fixed along the outer surface 41 as desired. The one or more magnetic devices contemplated herein may be provided as part of the base member 12, exterior member 14, or both.

In one embodiment, decorative band(s) 55 may be provided in a length operationally configured to wrap around the carrier assembly 10 whereby one or more second apertures 42 located on the opposing side of the carrier assembly 10 suitably receive a second end of the decorative bands 55 therein in a manner similar as described above with reference to the first end of the decorative bands 55 (see FIG. 10, whereby the opposing sides of the carrier assembly 10 may be mirror images). In another embodiment, decorative bands 55 may be provided in a length operationally configured to releasably attach to the closed end 15 of the exterior member 14 in a manner similar as described above.

In one non-limiting embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11, the closed end 15 may include channels 57 operationally configured to receive decorative bands 55 therein and/or there through. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, including a closed end 15 having a zipper 19 disposed along the center region of the closed end 15, one or more channels 57 may be positioned on one or both sides of the zipper 19 as shown. In another non-limiting embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 12, including a closed end 15 having a zipper 19 along the perimeter of the closed end 15, channels 57 may extend across the center region of the closed end 15 as shown. In this embodiment, the zipper 19 may start and end along the perimeter of the closed end 15 as desired. In one exemplary embodiment, the closeable end 15 may employ a U-shaped zipper 19 running lengthwise along the closeable end 15.

Decorative bands 55 may be constructed from one or more materials as desired. Suitable decorative band 55 materials include, but are not necessarily limited to leather, leather substitutes, metals, plastics, rubbers, textile materials including various woven materials and natural fiber materials, exotic skins, animal furs, beaded jewelry including precious and non-precious metals and gemstones, and combinations thereof. In addition, the decorative bands 55 may include embroidery and/or cutwork as desired. Also, decorative bands 55 may be constructed from stretchable materials. As stated above, the carrier assembly 10 may be built to scale, thus, decorative bands 55 may be built to scale. Without limiting the invention to a particular embodiment, decorative bands 55 to be used with common shoulder totes, handbags and the like, may include a thickness of up to about 5.0 mm (about 0.2 inches), a length up to about 83.82 cm (about 33.0 inches), and a width less than about half the width of a target carrier assembly 10. In one non-limiting example, a typical width for a decorative band 55 used with common totes, handbags and the like as shown in the simplified illustration of FIG. 10 may be about 7.62 cm (about 3.0 inches). As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a second aperture 42 suitably includes a width or size operationally configured to receive a decorative band 55 therein as desired.

It is also contemplated that the exterior member 14 may be fitted with a single second aperture 42 on one or both sides of the exterior member 14 providing a single decorative band 55 design to one or both sides of the carrier assembly 10. For example, second apertures 42 may be centrally located on opposing sides of the carrier assembly 10 to provide for a centrally disposed decorative band 55. In such embodiment, the second aperture 42 and decorative band 55 may include a width up to about the width of the carrier assembly 10. In still another embodiment, the exterior member 14 may include three or more second apertures 42 operationally configured to provide a carrier assembly 10 having three or more decorative bands 55. In an embodiment using channels 57, the number of channels 57 provided suitably equals the number of second apertures 42 of the carrier assembly 10, although the number of channels 57 does not necessarily have to equal the number of second apertures 42.

The invention will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only and not intended to limit the present invention to a particular embodiment.

EXAMPLE 1

In a first non-limiting example, a carrier assembly 10 including a base member 12 as depicted in FIGS. 13-15 is provided. The base member 12 is constructed from plastic via injection blow molding and has the following dimensional properties:

D1: about 31.75 cm (about 12.5 inches)

D2: about 40.01 cm (about 15.75 inches)

D3: about 34.29 cm (about 13.5 inches)

D4:about 17.78 cm (about 7.0 inches).

EXAMPLE 2

In a second non-limiting example, a base member 12 as depicted in FIGS. 13-15 and an exterior member 14 as depicted in FIG. 6 are provided. The exterior member 14 is constructed from nylon fabric. Section A includes a gold colored nylon fabric, and Section B includes a silver colored nylon fabric. The closeable ends 15 incorporate zippers 19 and channels 57 as shown in FIG. 11.

In forming a gold colored exterior of the carrier assembly 10, the base member 12 is set on a support surface with the open section 28 exposed. The closeable end 15 of Section A is zipped open and the exterior member 14 is slid over the open section 28 of the base member 12, thereafter the closeable end 15 of Section A is zipped shut around the opposing closed end of the base member 12.

Section B of the exterior member 14, which extends out beyond the open section 28 of the base member 12 is then pushed within the open section 28 against the inner storage surface 16 forming a silver liner of the carrier assembly 10. Thereafter, a shoulder strap 22 may be secured to the rings 20 as represented by the simplified embodiment of the carrier assembly in FIG. 16.

Later, to form a silver colored exterior of the carrier assembly 10, the exterior member 14 is first removed from the base member 12. Thereafter, the exterior member 14 is assembled to the base member 12 in a manner similar as described above, except that the closeable end 15 of Section B is zipped open and Section B of the exterior member 14 is slid over the open section 28 of the base member 12 enveloping the base member 12 therein, and Section A forms a gold liner of the carrier assembly 10.

EXAMPLE 3

In a third non-limiting example, a carrier assembly 10 including a base member 12 constructed from a semi-rigid plastic is formed via extrusion blow molding. The base member 12 has the following dimensional properties:

D1: about 33.02 cm (about 13.0 inches)

D2: about 43.18 cm (about 17.0 inches)

D3: about 35.56 cm (about 14.0 inches)

D4: about 20.32 cm (about 8.0 inches).

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. The embodiment(s) described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A carrier assembly including:

a base member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining the shape of the carrier assembly; and

an exterior member defined by an outer surface and an inner surface, the exterior member being operationally configured to encase the surfaces of the base member.

2. The carrier assembly of claim 1 wherein the base member includes one or more attachment members secured thereto.

3. The carrier assembly of claim 1 wherein the exterior member includes a hollow inner surface.

4. The carrier assembly of claim 1 wherein the exterior member includes at least one closeable opening.

5. The carrier assembly of claim 3 wherein the exterior member includes at least one closeable opening.

6. The carrier assembly of claim 1 wherein the exterior member includes a substantially bilateral symmetrical configuration of two opposing sections defined by a central axis.

7. The carrier assembly of claim 5 wherein the exterior member includes a substantially bilateral symmetrical configuration of two opposing sections.

8. The carrier assembly of claim 1 whereby the inner surface of the exterior member substantially abuts the inner and outer surfaces of the base member when the base member is encased within the exterior member.

9. The carrier assembly of claim 2 wherein the exterior member includes one or more first apertures operationally configured to receive the one or more attachment members there through.

10. The carrier assembly of claim 6 wherein the two opposing sections of the exterior member are of dissimilar ornamental appearance.

11. The carrier assembly of claim 7 wherein the closeable opening is located at a distal end of the exterior member.

12. The carrier assembly of claim 6 wherein the base member includes a rim disposed between the outer surface and the inner surface of the base member, the rim defining an open section of the base member.

13. The carrier assembly of claim 12 wherein the central axis is operationally configured to form a rim defining an open section of the carrier assembly.

14. The carrier of assembly of claim 1 wherein the exterior member includes at least two closeable openings.

15. A carrier system comprising:

a carrier assembly having (1) a base member including an outer surface and an inner surface, the base member including one or more attachment members, and (2) an exterior member defined by an outer surface and an inner surface, the exterior member being operationally configured to encase the outer surface, inner surface, and the one or more attachment members, the exterior member including one or more first apertures and one or more second apertures there through; and

one or more carrying holders;

wherein the one or more attachment members are operationally configured to receive the one or more carrying holders in attachment thereto via the one or more first apertures.

16. The carrier system of claim 15 further including one or more decorative bands operationally configured to be releasably attached to the outer surface of the exterior member via the one or more second apertures.

17. A method of dictating the outer ornamental appearance of a carrier, comprising the following steps:

providing an assembly including (1) a base member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining the shape of the carrier, and (2) a removable exterior member defined by first and second sections, the exterior member having an outer surface and a hollow inner surface accessible via a closeable opening disposed along the exterior member, whereby the exterior member is operationally configured to encase the outer and inner surfaces of the base member and whereby the first and second sections have dissimilar ornamental appearances;

choosing an outer ornamental appearance of the carrier according to one of the two ornamental appearances of the first and second sections;

assembling the base member and exterior member in a manner effective to provide the outer ornamental appearance chosen by (1) directing the base member through the closeable opening into the exterior member, (2) aligning the inner surface of the chosen section in abutment with the outer surface of the base member, (3) aligning the inner surface of the non-chosen section in abutment with the inner surface of the base member, (4) closing the closeable opening.

18. The method of claim 17 further including changing the outer ornamental appearance of the carrier by disassembling the base member and the exterior member, and (1) directing the base member through the closeable opening into the exterior member, (2) aligning the inner surface of the non-chosen section in abutment with the outer surface of the base member, (3) aligning the inner surface of the chosen section in abutment with the inner surface of the base member, (4) closing the closeable opening.