Abstract: A foldable mat has a flat flexible base portion with a margin and has finger tabs integrally molded with the base portion out of a polymeric material. The finger tabs extend upward from the base portion. The finger tabs can be grasped and pulled upward to allow the mat to fold so that the bottom surface halves of the mat fold inward on each other, masking the potentially contaminated bottom surface of the mat from contact with anything else. The mat can then be stored in a folded condition.

Abstract: A garment bag for a collared shirt, the bag comprising a receptacle (52) arranged to receive a first portion of a shirt including the collar (26) and cover (40) arranged to receive the remainder of the said shirt and be rolled up around the receptacle, the receptacle being of greater rigidity than the cover. A method of folding a shirt having a back portion, two front portions, two sleeves and a collar is also disclosed, the method comprising the steps of folding the shirt centrally of the back and between the back and both front portions so that the back lies folded between the front portions, positioning one sleeve along each front portion, protecting the collar and rolling the remainder of the shirt around the protected collar. Preferably the shirt folding method and garment bag are used together.

Abstract: The invention provides a reading stand. The reading stand may comprising a base portion including at least one base portion sidewall, the base portion sidewall being supported by the base portion; and a platform portion forming a support surface to support the document, the platform portion including at least one page holder to retain the document. The reading stand may further include a side support clip extending from the platform portion such that the base portion sidewall is receivable between the platform portion and the side support clip in an assembled position, the side support clip having a protuberance disposed thereon, the protuberance engageable with the base portion sidewall. The assembled position affords side reading.

Abstract: A clothing transport device including a panel having a length defined between a top edge and a bottom edge and a width defined between a first side edge and a second side edge. An interior surface of the panel receives clothing to be transported. A first portion of the panel is defined between the first side edge and the clothing. The first portion is foldable over the clothing. Each of a plurality of closing straps is coupled to the second side edge of the panel. Each of a plurality of closing buckles is coupled to the exterior surface of the panel. A second portion of the panel is defined between the second side edge and the clothing and is folded over the first portion to encase the clothing in the panel. The closing straps releasably engage the closing buckles to secure the second portion over the first portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a reading stand. The reading stand may comprising a base portion including at least one base portion sidewall, the base portion sidewall being supported by the base portion; and a platform portion forming a support surface to support the document, the platform portion including at least one page holder to retain the document. The reading stand may further include a side support clip extending from the platform portion such that the base portion sidewall is receivable between the platform portion and the side support clip in an assembled position, the side support clip having a protuberance disposed thereon, the protuberance engageable with the base portion sidewall. The assembled position affords side reading.

Abstract: An advantageous carry-on bag is now disclosed which accommodates hanging garments, folded garments and accessories. The bag comprises a bottom portion comprising a first bottom area and a flap area. The flap area which zips or otherwise removably secures to the top edge of each of two ends and the front side of the bag. The first bottom areas secured to the bottom edge of the two ends and the front side. When the flap is in a first position extending outwardly from said end bottom edges, it forms an area adapted to receive hanging garments. Upright flaps attached to the side edges of the end sections removably secure to one another to form a wall parallel to the front side section and define a packing area which may receive for example folded garments.

Abstract: A handbag is substantially formed by a fabric piece (2) and closure hardware (11). The fabric piece (2) incorporates two alignments of passing openings (3), where each passing opening (3) is provided with a respective eyelet (4). The fabric piece (2) has its structure composed by an internal covering fabric (5), an internal structure fabric (gusset or similar) (6), and an external covering fabric (7). The fabric piece (2) has two mutually opposed borders (8) having an essentially arched contour. The two border portions (8) are joined by parallel mutually opposed rectilinear border portions (9). The two alignments of passing openings are respectively disposed along each one of the arched borders (8).

Abstract: The laptop computer case includes a storage case section having a recessed portion which enables positioning of the storage case over a telescoping handle assembly incorporated in luggage. One side of the storage case section includes multiple panel sections which may be folded to form a pocket to retain an item such as a laptop computer.

Abstract: A device for holding and drying apparel includes a foldable panel being convertible between an unfolded open arrangement or a folded closed arrangement, said foldable panel having at least one compartment disposed therefrom for receiving at least one item of said apparel, said foldable panel and compartment further including a series of open drying spaces for exposing said apparel to ambient air flow for drying thereof, and at least one support portion for carrying and/or hanging said apparel therefrom.

Abstract: In a suitcase (1) comprising two articulately joined case shells (2, 3), the case shells (2, 3) being closable with a closing means (4) on frame elements arranged at the edges of the case shells (2, 3), it is provided that at least one case shell (2, 3) is at least partly made of a transparent plastic material and a space for receiving a sheet (10) with an illustration thereon is provided behind the transparent part of the case shell (2, 3).

Abstract: A luggage item is convertible from a duffle bag form to a garment bag form by disengaging duffle end panels from the lateral sides of the garment bag and folding those end panels against the inside of the garment bag. Various arrangements of handles and carry straps are disclosed which facilitate transport of the luggage item as a duffle bag or a garment bag.

Abstract: A mat/carrier foldable between a substantially flat configuration and a storage configuration is provided. The mat/carrier comprises a mat/carrier component having a base panel, a plurality of side panels, and at least one intermediate panel intermediate adjacent side panels. A first set of folds separates each panel from its adjacent panels to facilitate re-orientation of each panel relative to its adjacent panels so as to form a container configuration. A second set of folds in at least some of the panels facilitate at least partial collapsing of the mat/carrier component from the container configuration to a smaller container configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection and transportation of cargo includes a planar bottom, four upright sides that are hingedly attached to the planar bottom and a top member that preferably is detachable. The four upright sides includes flexible corners that permit them to fold down on top of the planar bottom. The top is then secured over the collapsed upright sides for storage of the apparatus. To use the apparatus, the upright sides are raised, the cargo is placed on top of the planar bottom intermediate the upright sides, and the top is secured in position over the cargo and the top edges of the upright sides.

Abstract: The invention provides a reading stand. The reading stand may include a base including a base member case. Further, the reading stand may include a reading lid disposed upon the base member case, the reading lid including a reading platform having a front side and a backside; and at least one page holder adjustably mounted on the reading platform so as to assist in retaining a document on the front side of the reading platform. Further, a support member is provided. The support member extends from the backside of the reading platform, and is adapted to engage with the base so as to support the reading lid upon the base. For example, the support member may be in the form of a side support clip that substantially vertically supports the reading lid upon the base for side reading.

Abstract: A combination garment bag and luggage bag includes a relatively rigid outer luggage bag and a relatively flexible inner garment bag. According to one aspect of the invention, the garment bag is secured to the interior of the luggage bag with the aid of a releasable coupling mechanism. According to another aspect of the invention, the interior of the garment bag is provided with a spring expandable hanger bar. The hanger bar expands when the garment bag is removed from the luggage bag. This allows easier access to the contents of the garment bag.

Abstract: This invention is a bag that opens down the center of its length and when filled, easily rolls up into a small package. The topside of the bag comprises two flaps that extend along the whole length of the bag and when these flaps are open, the entire inside of the bag is exposed. Once the items are packed, the flaps are pulled back over the items, and closure is obtained by zipper. At the bottom of the bag is a cylindrical accessory case. This cylindrical bag also provides an excellent cylindrical object to roll the bag around. On both sides of the bag are flaps that are designed such that when the bag is rolled, these flaps will cover the outside ends of the bag and protect the bag.

Abstract: An insert for use with a conventional sports bag for organizing, carrying, drying, and storing sports gear. The insert has mesh pockets, straps for attaching clothing and equipment to the insert, and loops for suspending the insert from a hook. The insert can easily be pulled into a shape that fits into a conventional sports bag. Once inserted into the sports bag, all the pockets on the insert remain fully functional and accessible, with the openings of the large mesh pockets and the full-size mesh pocket being readily accessible from the top of the sports bag.

Abstract: A hanging organizer and storage device includes a semi-rigid pad or pad sections encapsulated in a fabric material with a circumferential wire reinforcement and a hanging hook construction attached to the top edge of the organizer for suspension from a panel or door.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a foldable carrying ease for a notebook computer which has two states an open state wherein the notebook computer can be used on the open case and a closed state wherein the notebook computer can be transported with the computer being protected with padding on all 6 faces of the computer. The computer case is sized closely to the dimensions of the computer to provide a carrying case that is approximates the dimensions of the case plus the thickness of padding.

Abstract: A portable carrying case made of a fabric and having two panels connected by a fold is provided including an arrangement of several strips of hook-fastener material to which various inserts can be attached using corresponding strips of loop-fastener material. One of the panel surfaces has a mesh material layer permanently attached to it to hold elongated objects. The inserts can include single and multi-pocket pouches and a single sheet having fleece on one side, each of which has a strip of loop-fastener material used to fasten to corresponding hook-fastener strips inside the case. The case can be closed with pair of hook-and-loop fastener strips or by a zipper that can enclose three sides of the case. An additional external pouch can be attached onto the outside of the case using a pair of ribbons that are part of the external pouch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially transparent roll-up or fold-up piece of luggage having a plurality of substantially transparent enclosed compartments therein that may be unrolled or unfolded for neat and easy inspection without having to remove the contents of the luggage.

Abstract: Luggage, including a central part formed two mechanically strong, mutually linked half-frames that support two trays defining the central space of the luggage. A connecting frame (40) is mounted between each half-frame and an associated tray and is fitted with a channel (41) within which the tray is affixed by appropriate fasteners. Using the same central parts and connecting frames, a plurality of diverse suitcases or briefcases may be implemented using other trays such as soft trays and as a result manufacturing costs may be lowered.

Abstract: A foldable bag comprising a flexible laminate panel section and a plurality of custom arranged or rearrangeable interior pockets. The bag is foldable to assume a folded closed configuration, an unfolded flat configuration, or a folded open configuration. In the folded open configuration the bag is adapted to be supported by a support structure, such as a chair back, in a configuration in which a plurality of interior pockets are in a substantially upright orientation and readily accessible. At least one pivotable pocket suitable for use as a work surface may be included, together with at least one open configuration retaining unit. Also disclosed are methods of making a foldable bag of the type described above.

Abstract: A carrying case for removably holding an expandable file folder, the carrying case including a body member having opposite end portions, the body member being foldable about a central axis between a substantially flat unfolded position and a folded closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the carrying case includes at least one tab member fixedly attached to each opposite end of the body member, each tab member being positioned and located to operatively engage one of the outer side walls of the expandable file folder when the file folder is positioned therewithin. Each tab member is bendable in a direction away from the body member so as to engage and overlap an edge portion of one of the outer side walls of the expandable file folder for removably holding the file folder within the carrying case such that when the carrying case is opened and closed, the file folder will open and close in unison therewith.

Abstract: It is often necessary to unfold the integral carrying case of a device such as a portable electronic instrument comprising an upper and lower module. However if it is necessary upon unfolding the case to move apart the modules a limited distance while maintaining their relative alignment the common scissor-slider mechanism will not suffice inasmuch as the scissor mechanism does not latch on retraction and rotation. The disclosed invention provides a scissor-slider mechanism that extends without constraint in the usual fashion, but upon retraction and rotation about the slider axis required for folding the scissor-slider mechanism self-latches, keeping the upper and lower modules from separating.

Abstract: A travel bag is disclosed that includes a pair of flaps. The flaps fold with respect to each other to lay flat or can be positioned to lie adjacent with respect to each other as would be used in a travel bag. Each flap also has at least one sub-flap that enables similar orientation with respect to its respective flap. This combination enables the bag to be positioned flat as it would be if hung open, folded in half as a travel/garment bag or folded to one-quarter size as a travel carryon item or even smaller with additional sub-flaps. The bag can also include a series of pockets, at least some of which are in the form of modules, each may contain several receptacles or individual pockets.

Abstract: A design of a composite suitcase having an ‘n’ shape body and a triple-fold extensible member. The triple-fold extensible member being attached to one side of the ‘n’ shape body. On the periphery of the triple-fold extensible member is provided a zipper chain which is complemented by a counter zipper chain furnished on the edge rim of the ‘n’ shape body with an opening provided centrally to the middle fold segment of the triple-fold member, overlapped by a liftable lid. The zipper may be sealed to close such that, once the triple-fold member is folded up, the closure by the zipper pair will form a suitcase completed together with the ‘n’ shape body, whereupon the suitcase may be deployed to store a suit. The suitcase may be opened by opening the lid externally, the opening allowing for the storage of objects therein.

Abstract: A carrying case having first and second sides and sheets of hook and loop fastener material (Velcro) extending along each of the first and second sides. A business article (e.g. a writing pad) having a piece of hook and loop fastener material is detachably connected to the sheet of hook and loop fastener material at one side of the carrying case. A man's or woman's purse having pieces of hook and loop fastener material on the exterior sides thereof is detachably connected to the sheet of hook and loop material at the second side of the carrying case. The purse also has hook and loop fastener material extending along the interior sides. A plurality of personal and business modules (e.g. a key case, eye glasses, business card holder, etc.) having pieces of hook and loop fastener material are selectively organized and detachably connected to the hook and hoop fastener material at the interior sides of the purse so as to be readily visible and accessible to the user.

Abstract: A travel and storage bag includes two side sections releasably fastened to an intermediate center section to form the bag into a travel bag. Unfastening the side sections from the center section allows the center section to be folded and stored, reveals pockets and compartments, and allows the bag to be used as a hanging bag and organizer.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a foldable pocket assembly that is coupled to a cover of a binder along one of the edges of the pocket assembly. The pocket assembly has a first portion and a second portion divided by a fold line. The second portion is foldable along the fold line and adapted to releasably hold in the folded position adjacent to the first portion. Each portions may have a pocket or adapted to hold pencils and pens. As such, the present invention makes more efficient use of the space left between the cover and the papers held in the three ring binder to increase the carrying capacity of the binder. Furthermore, some pockets are not visible so that sensitive items may be more securely held in the hidden pockets.

Abstract: The invention is a binder or portfolio for carrying looseleaf paper, books, school supplies, etc. wherein the binder includes a split gusset that is attached to the front and back covers of the binder. The gusset is secured into the binder in a manner such that it is biased outwardly of the binder when the binder is opened, thereby facilitating insertion or removal of items from the binder.

Abstract: A convertible bag for holding articles therein is arranged to be opened into a reclining mat to provide a sanitary surface for reclining a child thereon. An inner surface of the reclining mat includes a pillow compartment into which a pillow is removably secured. A pair of zippers are used to removably join the top and bottom panels to form the bag. The bag includes a pair of handle straps. The handle straps are attached to the bag to form at least one utility loop useful for attaching baby related paraphernalia such as pacifiers and toys, so they remain within the child's reach and they do not fall onto the floor and get lost. The handle straps preferably further includes a metal snap fasteners for removably attaching the handle straps to the outer surface of the reclining mat to prevent an infant from being strangled by a handle strap while lying on the reclining mat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a case with a variable capacity, comprising a central part (10) which has two stable frame halves (20,30) hinged to one another which serve as supports for a single pair of various size sheet pairs (41,42;51,52) defining the interior of the case, the shells (41,42;51,52) being detachably connected to the frame halves (20,30) of the central part (10), so that shells of different depths may be used together with the same central part. The invention also relates to a set of cases, comprising a central part and two or several pairs of shells.

Abstract: A tamper evident file holder especially suited for use in containing hanging files in a file cabinet drawer. The file holder is normally a full enclosure pouch configured for holding a plurality of files with one access portal such as a zippered closure or the like. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the enclosure is made of a heavy fabric such as leather, vinyl, canvas, nylon or other tear resistant material. The zipper is locked in the closed position by a locking device comprising a disposable element in the form of a plug and stem which must be fractured to permit unlocking the locking device to open the zipper and gain access to the interior of the pouch. By coding each disposable element with a unique and indelible code, one can readily ascertain that the zipper has been unlocked to permit access to the files within the pouch. The pouch is preferably configured with hanger rods to permit hanging the file holder on a standard pair of file cabinet drawer rails.

Abstract: A travel and storage bag is described herein having two side sections releasably fastened to an intermediate center section to form the bag into a travel bag. Unfastening the side sections from of the center section allows the center section to be stored, reveals pockets and compartments, and allows the bag to be used as an organizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detachable organizer with a fastener for securing the organizer closed and/or for securing the organizer to a target surface, such as the interior surface of the closure flap of a flight case or a litigation briefcase. Alternatively, the organizer can be secured to a wall, countertop, desktop or dashboard or the like. For use by aircraft flight crew personnel, the interior of the organizer comprises a plurality of pockets adapted for receiving and securely holding small necessary items, including passport, small pocket calculator, flight log and expense record, pens and/or pencils, mini-flashlight and the FAA-approved folding multipurpose tool unit (e.g., the Leatherman tool). The preferred fastener by which the organizer is secured closed and attached to the target surface is hook-loop material, and preferably the organizer can be reversibly secured to the target surface in the closed or opened configuration.

Abstract: A reusable information carrying folder has a stiffly resiliently flexible plastic cover formed with parallel hinge lines that define a middle panel, first and second side panels on each side of the middle panel and a tab member on a laterally outer edge of the second side panel. The middle, first and second side panels have equal widths and the tab member is relatively narrow. In use, the second side panel folds on the middle panel and the first side panel folds on the second side panel. The tab member is compressed between the first and second side panels. Releasable retainers on an outer face of the second side panel adjacent its hinge line adjacent the middle panel and on an inner race of the first side panel adjacent its lateral outer edge connect together and urge the first side panel toward the second side panel. This compresses the tab member with a mechanical advantage owing to the greater width of the first side panel as compared to the width of the tab member.

Abstract: The invention is a carrying pouch that is shaped and sized to function as a protective pouch, specifically for newspapers, magazines, and other similar articles. The pouch is open at both ends and may be of cardboard, paper, leather or synthetic materials such as Naugahyde, polyvinyl chloride or other plastics. Optional versions include: the use of a spine made of a synthetic sheet with scoring to facilitate the folding of the pouch; interior rollers to facilitate the removal of the newspaper and padded walls for comfort. A securing strap of leather, rubber, elastic or synthetic material may be attached to the cutside of the pouch for additional securing. Advertising indicia, appropriate for the channels of trade that the pouch may be used in, may be displayed on the sides of the pouch.

Abstract: A foldable holding device comprising an outer layer and an inner layer which is fixedly secured to the outer layer. The device is adjustably secured in a folded position by a self-contained adjustable strap assembly interposed between the inner and outer layers, where the strap assembly comprising a strap horizontally interposed between two semi-rigid members. The strap including an elastic and inelastic portion where one end of the elastic strap portion is coupled to the semi-rigid member and the other is coupled to the inelastic strap portion.

Abstract: Personal leather goods (PLG's) such as wallets, billfolds, pocket calendars have a portion which is required to bend repeatedly. This bending causes cracking and extreme wear which adversely affects the looks of the item and reduces its useful life. Disclosed is a mechanical hinge which attaches to leather-like panels of such PLG's. The hinge includes a set of interleaving knuckles of relatively soft material which form an axial bore along the length of the hinge, the bore receiving a thin pintle made of a relatively stiff but resilient material. The pintle is shorter than the axial length of the bore and is held into the bore by end caps, either separately applied or integrally formed with the hinge leaf. The leaves of the hinge have an overall curving shape having a concave side and convex side to permit the panels to which the hinges attached to remain parallel when materials are received between them.

Abstract: Attache cases and business cases in general typically have a portfolio section for organizing papers and a main packing section. Depending on the needs of the user, these portions can be selectively closed off . However, it's best that these sections are relatively accessible depending on whether the case is opened from the vertical position or whether the case is opened from the horizontal position. Accordingly, Applicant has provided a portfolio catch system which, depending on the orientation of the case, holds the portfolio in a closed position where the front of the portfolio is attached to the lid portion of the case, or in the alternative, if the case is opened from the vertical position, the panel is held to the base of the case, thus preventing the contents of the base from spilling and automatically permitting ready access to the contents of the portfolio.

Abstract: An infant care platform utilizing first and second members which are hingedly movable relative to one another. The first and second members are arranged such that the bottom portion of the first member is capable of lying at substantially the same level as a surface of the second member to form a support unit. The first and second members may also close to form a chamber. The support unit first and second members also extend relative to one another to form a larger sized platform.

Abstract: A component carrying case has a plurality of individual storage compartments that are covered by sliding transparent sheets. An interior component box which also contains individual storage compartments with sliding covers lies within the case and is attached to a three-leaf hinge configuration that enables the interior component box to swivel from one side of the case into the other without interfering with the opening or closing of the case.

Abstract: An improved luggage unit which has hollow spaces for receiving pouches in which toilette articles or other articles can be placed. The luggage item has quick release fastening structure on the inner walls for releasably connecting the pouches to the interior of the luggage unit. Thus, the pouches can be readily separated from and placed in the luggage unit and placed at a convenient location for access to the contents of the pouches. Snaps made of webbing are attached to the top of the pouches. Thus, the pouches can be placed adjacent to a horizontal bar, such as a towel rack, and allowed to be suspended from the bar. This is especially important when the bar is close at hand to the location at which the articles are to be used, such as a bathroom having a towel rack near a lavatory.

Abstract: An article holder and carrier includes a box-like container having fabric walls reinforced with soft, shock-absorbing material and adapted to disconnect along an edge between two walls and around three edges of a base panel to unfold to a flat position for access to articles held within the holder and carrier. Access is also provided by a drawstring closure at one end of the article holder and carrier and is further provided by unfolding the base panel at another end. The article holder and carrier includes pockets or other compartments sewn to an inner surface of the fabric walls and base panel with the pockets or compartments being adapted to hold the articles against the fabric walls providing rigidity and support therefor.

Abstract: A portfolio comprising a front cover having a cut-out section, a rear cover hingedly connected to the front cover, and a flexible sheet having a reflective surface, the sheet being attached to the front cover such that the reflective surface is displayed outwardly through the cut-out section to define a mirror.

Abstract: A sheet of plastic material folded at the middle and forming a pair of side panels, with the juncture edge between the panels lowermost and the panels extending upwardly therefrom, forming a tote. The ends and top are open, and the panels can be opened to a flat position. Plastic pocket pieces are secured to the panels, forming large pockets between themselves and the panels, and certain of those pocket pieces have additional pocket pieces secured thereto to form additional and smaller pockets. All of the plastic pieces are clear and all of the contents of the pockets can be seen from either side of the folded tote either in open or folded position. Plastic carrying handles are secured to the free edges of the panels, and a detachable shoulder strap is also provided. Reinforcing fabric strips are secured to the juncture edge and other edges. A large number of items are carried in the tote for small children, and the tote is most useful in travelling.

Abstract: A waterproof equipment carrying bag consisting of an outer unit and an inner unit which when unfolded convert into mats. Additionally the mats can be secured to each other by means of Velcro strips to create a longer mat. Nylon webbing sewn to the covering of the outer unit comprise a carrying handle and provide structural support when in the carrying or bag mode.

Abstract: A portable desk and briefcase includes a bottom member 20 foldably connected to a front member 16 and a back member 18. The opposite edge of member 18 foldably connects top member 38, which in turn is foldably connected to front flap member 42. Side members 26 and 28 are foldably connected to back member 18 along lines 30 and 32, respectively, which are spaced inwardly from the edges of member 18. Upon folding to form a briefcase, the folded side members, being inwardly spaced, support the other members in their folded positions. The side members are held in the folded position by securing means 78, 80. The top and bottom members each carry binders, and the front member carries, a plurality of pockets.

Abstract: A carrying case comprising opposed cover members hinged to a central spine portion. The cover members are adapted to be secured together by a slide fastener to form a closed case or laid open to allow viewing of one or more pages of a folio arrangement supported by a frame member which is secured within the case on the spine portion by self-adhering fastener means of the Velcro type. The folio assembly includes an elongated flat metal or plastic frame member which is adapted to support one or more elongated elastic folio support rods for pivotally supporting the folio pages to be turned in the manner of turning pages of a book. The support rods may be elastically deflected to insert separate folio pages in or remove separate folio pages from the folio assembly frame or the entire folio assembly may be quickly inserted in and removed from the case, as desired.