BAG WITH PROTECTIVE CASE

Abstract

Bags may include a protective case having a first enclosure and a second enclosure each defining a compartment for storing fragile or expensive items. The protective case may be disposed on the top end of the bag. The first enclosure may be partially or fully disposed within the bag, and the second enclosure may be hingedly connected to the first enclosure and rotatable between an open position and a closed position. Portions of the protective case may include support ribs to provide rigidity to the structure without adding substantial amounts of weight to the bag.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to luggage and baggage. In particular, embodiments relate to bags with protective compartments.

BACKGROUND

Luggage, backpacks, and other baggage may be used by travelers to store and transport items during travel. Some bags may include various pockets and compartments for separating and organizing items. Some bags may be made from flexible materials, rigid materials, or a combination of flexible and rigid materials. The materials construction used for the bags may provide varying degrees of protection for items stored in the bags.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a bag may include a top end, a bottom end, and a body portion. The body portion may define a main compartment disposed between the top end and the bottom end of the bag. In some embodiments, the bag may include a protective case disposed at the top end of the bag. The protective case may include a first enclosure defining a first compartment, where the first enclosure includes a bottom portion, a sidewall extending from the bottom portion, and an opening defined by a first perimeter. In some embodiments, the protective case may include a second enclosure defining a second compartment, where the second enclosure includes a second perimeter having a first edge. The first edge of the second enclosure may be hingedly coupled to the first enclosure, such that the second enclosure may be rotated between an open position and a closed position relative to the first enclosure.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the first enclosure may separate the first compartment from the main compartment. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the first enclosure may include one or more support ribs. In some embodiments, an attachment flap may be coupled to the bottom portion of the first enclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment flap may be disposed in the main compartment and may be coupled to an interior surface of the main compartment.

In some embodiments, the second enclosure may be disposed over the first enclosure when in a closed position. In some embodiments, a zipper may be configured to couple the first perimeter of the first enclosure with the second perimeter of the second enclosure. In some embodiments, the second enclosure may include a substantially rigid member, and the substantially rigid member may be more rigid than the body portion of the bag. In some embodiments, the volume of the first compartment is greater than the volume of the second compartment. In some embodiments, a cover may be disposed over the opening of the first enclosure.

In some embodiments a bag may include a protective case, where the protective case may include a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure may define a first compartment, where the first compartment includes a bottom portion, a sidewall extending from the bottom portion, and a first perimeter. The second enclosure may define a second compartment, where the second compartment includes a second perimeter having a first edge. In some embodiments, the first edge of the second enclosure may be hingedly coupled to the first perimeter, such that when in a closed position, the second enclosure is disposed over the first enclosure.

In some embodiments, the first and second compartments of the protective case may be accessible by a user when in an open position. In some embodiments, a hinge member may be coupled to the first enclosure and to the second enclosure, and the hinge member may be configured to limit the range of rotation of the second enclosure relative to the first enclosure.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion may include one or more support ribs disposed between a top surface of the bottom portion and a bottom surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, a cover may be coupled around the second perimeter of the second enclosure. In some embodiments, the cover may include a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion, and the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion may overlap.

In some embodiments, a second edge of the second enclosure may be disposed opposite the first edge of the second enclosure, and the distance from the volumetric center of the second compartment to the first edge is less than the distance from the volumetric center of the second compartment to the second edge. In some embodiments, the second enclosure may include a first angled portion extending in a first direction and a second angled portion extending in a second direction. In some embodiments, the first angled portion and the second angled portion may form an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the first and second angled portions may intersect at an intersection point. In some embodiments, the intersection point may be closer to the first edge of the second perimeter than to a second edge of the second perimeter disposed opposite the first edge.

Methods of attaching protective cases to bags are also described herein. For example, a method of attaching a protective case to a bag may include inserting a first enclosure into an opening of the bag, where the first enclosure may include a bottom portion, a sidewall, and an attachment flap. In some embodiments, the bottom portion may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and a support rib. The sidewall may be coupled to the bottom portion and extend above the top surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the attachment flap may be coupled to the bottom portion and extend beneath the bottom surface of the bottom portion. In some embodiments, the method may include attaching the attachment flap to an interior surface of the bag.

In some embodiments, the method may include attaching the sidewall to the interior surface of the bag. In some embodiments, the method may include attaching a second attachment flap to the interior surface of the bag. In some embodiments, the attachment flap may be configured to secure the bottom portion of the first enclosure in a substantially fixed position. In some embodiments, the method may include attaching an edge of a second enclosure to the first enclosure, such that the second enclosure may be rotatable relative to the first enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a bag according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interior of a protective case of a bag according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an interior of a bag according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the portion of a bag of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a representative cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bag according to an embodiment.

The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detail description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Luggage, backpacks, and other baggage may be made with soft, flexible materials such as fabric, which may provide for a lightweight, compactable bag. However, since these bags may experience impact, compression, or other potentially damaging forces during travel, shipping, and/or everyday use, these flexible materials may not provide sufficient protection for the contents of the bag.

While a bag made from rigid material may provide greater protection to the contents of the bag, the rigid materials may substantially increase the bag's weight, making the bag more difficult for a user to handle and transport. Further, rigid materials may limit the compactness of the bag and, therefore, may increase the difficulty of storing the bag when not in use. The increased size and weight of a rigid bag may also reduce the profitably of the bag, since significant proportions of a manufacturer's shipping and storage costs may be derived from the bag's size and weight.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide bags with a protective case configured to protect items stored in the protective case. The protective case is substantially rigid, yet lightweight, allowing a user to safely store fragile items without adding unnecessary weight to the bag. The protective case includes compartments for separating and organizing items stored in the case.

Embodiments described herein provide bags that include portions made from flexible materials and that include a protective case defined by a lightweight, substantially rigid enclosure. The protective case may provide protection to fragile or expensive items such as, for example, glasses, ski goggles, electronic devices, or the like without substantially increasing the weight of the bag. Such bags may enhance consumer experience by providing a relatively lightweight bag that is easy to handle and transport while still offering protection to fragile items. Since such bags are relatively lightweight and collapsible, the bags may also reduce shipping and storage costs for their manufacturer.

Bags as described herein may include a protective case having several compartments for separating and/or organizing items stored in the protective case. The protective case may be disposed, for example, on the top end of an elongated bag made from flexible material. The protective case may include a first compartment disposed within, or partially within the main body of the elongated bag, and may include a second compartment disposed on top of the first compartment. Both of the compartments may be formed from rigid material in order to provide protection to the contents of the compartments. The second compartment may be attached to the first compartment along an edge, and may be rotatable, such that a user may access both the first and second compartments when the protective case is in an open position.

Embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, for example, a bag 100 may include a top end 110, a bottom end 120, and a body portion 130 disposed between top end 110 and bottom end 120. A protective case 200 may be disposed at or near top end 110 of bag 100. In some embodiments, protective case 200 may be disposed at bottom end 120 of bag 100 or anywhere along body portion 130 between top and bottom ends 110, 120. In some embodiments, bag 100 may have more than one protective cases 200 disposed at multiple locations on bag 100. For example, a first protective case may be disposed at top end 110 and a second protective case may be disposed at bottom end 120.

Bag 100 may be, for example, a backpack, duffle bag, suitcase, handbag, or other type of bag. In some embodiments, body portion 130 of bag 100 may be made from flexible material. In some embodiments, body portion 130 of bag 100 may be made from fabric such as, for example, cotton, canvas, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or a blend of materials. In some embodiments, body portion 130 of bag 100 may be water resistant or water proof.

In some embodiments, protective case 200 may include a first enclosure 210 and a second enclosure 260. In some embodiments, second enclosure 260 may be hingedly connected to first enclosure 210. Second enclosure 260 may be rotatable between a closed position and an open position relative to first enclosure 210. In a closed position (as shown in FIG. 2, for example), second enclosure 260 may be disposed on top of first enclosure 210, for example, such that access into protective case 200 is prevented. In an open position (as shown in FIG. 3, for example), a user may have access to the interior of protective case 200, for example, to add items or remove items from protective case 200.

First enclosure 210 may define a first compartment 240 where a user may store items. In some embodiments, first enclosure 210 may include a bottom portion 214 and a sidewall 218 that extends from bottom portion 214. Sidewall 218 may be made of fabric, foam, and/or another flexible or rigid martial. First enclosure 210 may also include an opening 230 whereby a user may access first compartment 240. Opening 230 may be defined by a first perimeter 212 and may be generally rectangular in shape (e.g., a rectangle with rounded corners), or it make take other shapes such as, for example, square, circular, ovular, elliptical, or D-shaped, and may or may not be symmetrical about any axis. In some embodiments, first perimeter 212 of first enclosure 210 may be coupled to an opening 140 of bag 100 in order to attach first enclosure 210 to bag 100. In some embodiments, sidewall 218 may be coupled to an interior surface 134 of bag 100.

In some embodiments, a cover 232 may be configured to be disposed over opening 230. Cover 232 may be, for example, made of fabric or mesh fabric. In some embodiments, cover 232 may be removable, partially removable, separable, and/or partially separable such that a user may access first compartment 240 through cover 232. For example, cover 232 may include one or more zippers such that a user may open and close cover 232. In some embodiments, first enclosure 210 may include any number of pockets, clips, dividers, or other elements for organizing, arranging, and/or storing items in first compartment 240.

In some embodiments, bottom portion 214 of first enclosure 210 may be disposed within body portion 130 of bag 100. In some embodiments, bottom portion 214 may separate first compartment 240 from a main compartment 132 of bag 100 defined by body portion 130. Bottom portion 214 may be generally rectangular, however, it make take other shapes as well such as, for example, square, circular, ovular, elliptical, or D-shaped, and may or may not be symmetrical about any axis. In some embodiments, bottom portion 214 may also be generally planar in shape, however, it may also be concave, convex, or may take other forms.

In some embodiments, bottom portion 214 may include one or more support ribs 217 disposed in or coupled to bottom portion 214. Support ribs 217 may be substantially rigid and may extend through bottom portion 214 to provide rigidity to bottom portion 214. In some embodiments, portions of bottom portion 214 other than support ribs 217 may be made from flexible material. By providing a structure comprising flexible material combined with support ribs 217, bottom portion 214 may be substantially rigid without weighing as much as a solid rigid equivalent.

Support ribs 217 may be, for example, substantially straight, cylindrical rods with a circular cross-section. Support ribs 217 may also be curved, however, and may have a cross-section of any shape. In some embodiments, support ribs 217 may be rectangular and flat (i.e., have a planar upper and/or lower surface). Support ribs 217 may be made of plastic, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and/or other materials with a high strength to weight ratio. Support ribs 217 may also be made of metal wire. Support ribs 217 may have sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of bottom portion 214 when a force is applied to top surface 215 and/or to bottom surface 216, thereby providing protection to items stored in first compartment 240. Support ribs 217 may also have sufficient rigidly to maintain the shape of bottom portion 214 while body portion 130 of bag 100 collapses as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 9. In this manner, bottom portion 214 may support top end 110 of body portion 130 and, in doing so, make loading and unloading of main compartment 132 easier for a user.

As exemplified in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, top and bottom surfaces 215, 216 may be substantially parallel to but vertically displaced from each other such that one or more support ribs 217 may be disposed in space between top and bottom surfaces 215, 216. In some embodiments, top and bottom surfaces 215, 216 may comprise fabric, foam, or other flexible and/or lightweight materials. Support ribs 217 may be more rigid than top and bottom surfaces 215, 216. In some embodiments, space between top and bottom surfaces 215, 216 may be filled with material such as, for example, foam or other padding. In some embodiments, support ribs 217 may be disposed on top of top surface 215. In some embodiments, support ribs may be disposed beneath bottom surface 216.

In embodiments where two or more support ribs 217 are included in bottom portion 214, support ribs 217 may be disposed parallel to one another, not parallel to one another, or may overlap or intersect one another. In some embodiments where bottom portion 214 is generally rectangular, for example, two or more support ribs may be disposed parallel to one another and may extend between the two long sides of the rectangle. In some embodiments where bottom portion is generally rectangular, for example, two or more support ribs may be disposed parallel to one another and may extend between the two short sides of the rectangle. In some embodiments, two or more support ribs may overlap or intersect one another and may form an X shape or a grid pattern, for example.

In some embodiments, bottom portion 214 may comprise a solid member, for example, a rigid planar member without any support ribs, and may have sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape when a force is applied to it.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, in some embodiments, one or more attachment flaps 220 may be coupled to bottom portion 214 and may be configured to extend beneath bottom portion 214. Attachment flaps 220 may be made of fabric, for example. In some embodiments, attachment flaps 220 may be attached to interior surface 134 of main compartment 132. As described above, first perimeter 212 may be attached to opening 140 of bag 100, which is above bottom portion 214. Thus, since attachment flaps 220 may be coupled to bag 100 below bottom portion 214, bottom portion 214 may be secured in a substantially fixed position within bag 100. In this manner, first enclosure 210 may maintain its shape and volume when main compartment is filled with items that may push against bottom portion 214.

In some embodiments, attachment flaps 220 may be sized and shaped such that they may share a seam 222 with other elements of bag 100 in order to reduce the number of seams visible on the exterior of bag 100 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In some embodiments, bottom portion 214 may be coupled directly to interior surface 134 without any attachment flaps 220.

In some embodiments, a pocket 224 may be disposed on bottom surface 216 of bottom portion 214. Pocket 224 may be hidden, and may be accessible only through main compartment 132. Pocket 224 may include a zipper configured to close an opening in pocket 224. In some embodiments, the opening of pocket 224 may be configured to blend in with other portions of the bag so that the opening is hidden from view.

With reference to FIG. 3, second enclosure 260 may define a second compartment 290 where a user may store items. In some embodiments, second enclosure 260 may include an opening 284 whereby a user may access second compartment 290. Opening 284 may be defined by a second perimeter 262, where second perimeter 262 has a first edge 264 and a second edge 266 disposed opposite first edge 264. In some embodiments, second perimeter 262 may have substantially the same shape and dimensions as first perimeter 212. Second enclosure 260 may include any number of pockets, clips, dividers, or other elements for organizing, arranging, and/or storing items in second compartment 290.

In some embodiments, a cover 280 may be configured to be disposed over opening 284 and around second perimeter 262. Cover 280 may be, for example, made of fabric, mesh fabric, and/or elastic fabric. Cover 280 may be removable, partially removable, separable, and/or partially separable such that a user may access second compartment 290 through cover 280. For example, cover 280 may include one or more zippers such that a user may open and close cover 280. In some embodiments, cover 280 may be formed, for example, from multiple pieces of fabric, mesh fabric, and/or elastic fabric.

In some embodiments, cover 280 may include a first elastic portion 281 and a second elastic portion 282. First elastic portion 281 may be coupled around only a portion of second perimeter 262. Likewise, second elastic portion 282 may be coupled around only a portion of second perimeter 262. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, first and second elastic portions 281, 282 may be configured to overlap such that the portion of second perimeter 262 not coupled to first elastic portion 281 is coupled to second elastic portion 282, and the portion of second perimeter 262 not coupled to second elastic portion 282 is coupled to first elastic portion 281. Thus, two portions of second perimeter 262 may be coupled to both first and second elastic portions 281, 282 where first and second elastic portions 281, 282 overlap. One or both of first and second elastic portions 281, 282 may be made from stretchable material. The material may be sufficiently stretchable such that least a portion of first and second elastic portions 281, 282 may no longer overlap when pulled apart by a user, and the user may access second compartment 290. In some embodiments, cover 232 may include overlapping elastic portions as described above.

In some embodiments, second enclosure 260 may include a rigid member 270. Rigid member 270 may have sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape when a force is applied to second enclosure 260, thereby providing protection to items stored in second compartment 290. In some embodiments, rigid member 270 may include, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate, plastic, metal, rubber, vinyl, carbon fiber, or other material. In some embodiments, rigid member 270 may include all of second enclosure 260. In some embodiments, rigid member 270 may include only a portion of second enclosure 260. Rigid member 270 may be more rigid than body portion 130 of bag 100.

With reference to FIGS. 5-7, for example, second enclosure 260 may include a first angled portion 272 that extends in a first direction and a second angled portion 274 that extends in a second direction. In some embodiments, the angle between first and second angled portions 272, 274 may be an obtuse angle. For example, in some embodiments, first and second angled portions 272, 274 may form an angle between about 110 degrees and about 160 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between first and second angled portions 272, 274 may be a right angle or an acute angle. First and second angled portions 272, 274 may intersect at an intersection point 276. In some embodiments, intersection point 276 may be closer to first edge 264 of second perimeter 262 than to second edge 266 of second perimeter 262. In some embodiments, intersection point 276 may be closer to second edge 266 of second perimeter 262 than to first edge 264 of second perimeter 262. In some embodiments, intersection point 276 may be equal distance from first edge 264 of second perimeter 262 and second edge 266 of second perimeter 262.

As exemplified in FIG. 7, second compartment 290 may have a volumetric center 292. In some embodiments, the distance (d) from first edge 264 of second perimeter 262 to volumetric center 292 may be less than the distance (D) from second edge 266 of second perimeter 262 to volumetric center 292. In some embodiments, the distance (d) from first edge 264 of second perimeter 262 to volumetric center 292 may be greater than the distance (D) from second edge 266 of second perimeter 262 to volumetric center 292. In some embodiments, the distance (d) from first edge 264 of second perimeter 262 to volumetric center 292 may be equal to the distance (D) from second edge 266 of second perimeter 262 to volumetric center 292.

As described in further detail below, second enclosure 260 may rotate relative to first enclosure 210 about first edge 264. In some embodiments, when intersection point 276 is closer to first edge 264 than to second edge 266, the weight of items stored in second compartment 290 may be disposed, for example, such that it creates a larger moment about edge 264 than if intersection point 276 were closer to second edge 266 than to first edge 264. In this manner, as second enclosure 260 is being rotated relative to first enclosure 210, the weight of items stored in second compartment 290 may create a moment about first edge 264 that is significant enough to bias second enclosure 260 in an open position. Likewise, once second enclosure 260 is in an open position, the weight of items stored in second compartment 290 may bias second enclosure 260 to remain in an open position. Biasing second enclosure 260 in an open position may make loading and unloading first and second compartments 240, 290 easier for a user. Similarly, in some embodiments, when volumetric center 292 is disposed closer to first edge 264 than to second edge 266, the weight of the items stored in second compartment 290 may be disposed such that it creates a larger moment about edge 264 than if volumetric center 292 were disposed closer to second edge 266 than to first edge 264. As before, this may bias second enclosure 260 in an open position, which may make loading and unloading first and second compartments 240, 290 easier for a user.

In some embodiments, the volume of first compartment 240 is greater than the volume of second compartment 290. In some embodiments, the volume of second compartment 290 is greater than the volume of first compartment 240. In some embodiments, the volume of first compartment 240 is equal to the volume of second compartment 290. In some embodiments, the combined volume of first and second compartments 240, 290 is less than the volume of main compartment 132. In some embodiments, the volume of first compartment 240 may be between about 0.5 liters and about 2 liters. In some embodiments, the volume of second compartment 290 may be between about 0.5 liters and about 2 liters. In some embodiments, the volume of main compartment 132 may be between about 20 liters and about 80 liters.

As described above, first enclosure 210 may be rotatably coupled to second enclosure 260. For example, first edge 264 of second enclosure 260 may be hingedly coupled to first enclosure 210 such that second enclosure 260 may rotate relative to first enclosure 210 about first edge 264. In some embodiments, the hinge may be made from fabric, rubber, or another flexible material. In some embodiments, the hinge may be a traditional hinge such as a barrel hinge, made from, for example, metal or plastic. In some embodiments, the hinge may be formed by attaching first edge 264 of second enclosure 260 to first enclosure 210, for example, by stitching or adhesive. When in a closed position, second enclosure 260 may be disposed above first enclosure 210 and first and second perimeters 212, 262 may be aligned with one another such that a user may not access either of first or second compartments 240, 290. In some embodiments, one or more zippers 250 may be configured to couple first perimeter 212 of first enclosure 210 to second perimeter 262 of second enclosure 260. In some embodiments, other means for coupling first and second perimeters 212, 262 may be used such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, buttons or the like. In some embodiments, when first and second perimeters 212, 262 are coupled, a seal may be formed such that protective case 200 is water resistant, water proof, or resistant to environmental conditions such as dirt, mud, rain, snow, or the like.

In some embodiments, one or more hinge members 252 may be coupled to first enclosure 210 and second enclosure 260. Hinge member 252 may be configured to limit the range of rotation of second enclosure 260 relative to first enclosure 210. In some embodiments, the range of rotation may be less than approximately 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the range of rotation may be less than approximately 135 degrees. In some embodiments, the range of rotation may be between 90 and 135 degrees Hinge members 252 may be, for example, straps, chords, or the like. Hinge member 252 may be configured such that the hinge member is disposed inside of protective case 200 when second enclosure 260 is rotated to a closed position.

In order to attach a protective case 200 to a bag 100 according to some embodiments, first enclosure 210 may be inserted into opening 140 of bag 100. In some embodiments, attachment flap 220 may be attached to interior surface 134 of bag 100. In some embodiments, a second attachment flap may be attached to interior surface 134 of bag 100. In some embodiments, sidewall 218 may be attached to interior surface 134 of bag 100. In some embodiments, bottom portion 214 may be attached to interior surface 134. In some embodiments, first edge 264 of second enclosure 260 may be attached to first enclosure 210 such that second enclosure 260 is rotatable relative to first enclosure 210.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present embodiments as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present embodiments and the appended claims in any way.

The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bag, comprising:

a top end;

a bottom end;

a body portion defining a main compartment disposed between the top end and the bottom end; and

a protective case disposed at the top end, the protective case comprising: a first enclosure defining a first compartment, the first enclosure comprising a bottom portion, a sidewall extending from the bottom portion, and a first perimeter defining an opening, and a second enclosure defining a second compartment, the second enclosure comprising a second perimeter having a first edge hingedly coupled to the first enclosure, wherein the second enclosure is rotatable between an open position and a closed position.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the first enclosure separates the first compartment from the main compartment.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the first enclosure comprises one or more support ribs.

4. The bag of claim 1, further comprising an attachment flap coupled to the bottom portion of the first enclosure, wherein the attachment flap is disposed in the main compartment and coupled to an interior surface of the main compartment.

5. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a zipper configured to couple the first perimeter of the first enclosure with the second perimeter of the second enclosure.

6. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a cover configured to be disposed over the opening of the first enclosure.

7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the volume of the first compartment is greater than the volume of the second compartment.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein in the closed position, the second enclosure is disposed over the first enclosure.

9. The bag of claim 1, wherein the second enclosure comprises a substantially rigid member, wherein the substantially rigid member is more rigid than the body portion of the bag.

10. A bag, comprising:

a protective case, comprising: a first enclosure defining a first compartment, the first enclosure comprising a bottom portion, a sidewall extending from the bottom portion, and a first perimeter; and a second enclosure defining a second compartment, the second enclosure comprising a second perimeter having a first edge hingedly coupled to the first perimeter, wherein the second enclosure is disposed over the first enclosure in a closed position.

11. The bag of claim 10, wherein in an open position, the first and second compartments of the protective case are accessible by a user.

12. The bag of claim 10, wherein a second edge of the second enclosure is disposed opposite the first edge, wherein the distance from the volumetric center of the second compartment to the first edge is less than the distance from the volumetric center of the second compartment to the second edge.

13. The bag of claim 10, wherein the second enclosure comprises a first angled portion extending in a first direction and a second angled portion extending in a second direction.

14. The bag of claim 13, wherein the first angled portion and the second angled portion form an obtuse angle.

15. The bag of claim 13, wherein an intersection point of the first angled portion and the second angled portion is closer to the first edge of the second perimeter than a second edge of second perimeter disposed opposite the first edge.

16. The bag of claim 10, further comprising a hinge member coupled to the first enclosure and the second enclosure, wherein the hinge member is configured to limit the range of rotation of the second enclosure relative to the first enclosure.

17. The bag of claim 10, wherein the bottom portion comprises one or more support ribs disposed between a top surface of bottom portion and a bottom surface of bottom portion.

18. The bag of claim 10, wherein a cover is coupled around the second perimeter of the second enclosure, the cover comprising a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion, wherein the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion overlap.

19. A method of attaching a protective case to a bag, comprising:

inserting a first enclosure into an opening of the bag, wherein the first enclosure comprises: a bottom portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a support rib, a sidewall coupled to the bottom portion and extending above the top surface of the bottom portion, and an attachment flap coupled to the bottom portion and extending beneath the bottom surface of the bottom portion; and

attaching the attachment flap to an interior surface of the bag.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the attachment flap is configured to secure the bottom portion of the first enclosure in a substantially fixed position.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching the sidewall to the interior surface of the bag.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching a second attachment flap to the interior surface of the bag.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching an edge of a second enclosure to the first enclosure, wherein the second enclosure is rotatable relative to the first enclosure.