Abstract: A collapsible, soft-sided, insulated cooler or other container having a top, a sidewall having a sidewall top connected to the rim of the top and a bottom connected at a sidewall bottom, opposite the top. The top includes a zipper or other closure that extends from a first point to a second point on the rim of the top in a line along a radial segment, traversing a central region of the top. The sidewall comprises an inner layer, an outer shell and an insulating material disposed therebetween. The sidewall further includes a spring wire that extends between the bottom and top of the container that biases the cooler to a fully expanded configuration for use and that is compressible for storage by pressing down on the top.

Abstract: This invention provides a case system that removably stores a laptop computer so that it can be removed normally through the top of the case when needed, but also through a flap formed in the side of the case while residing upon a tray with retention lips on at least three sides. The case can be a briefcase, messenger bag or backpack, among other styles. The tray edge facing the top opening is free of any lip or raised obstruction to allow laptop removal from the case through a conventional top flap. The tray is withdrawn/slid from the side of the case unzipping and opening the side flap. The tray is tethered to the case interior so that it extends only slightly beyond the adjacent edge of the case. In this manner, the tray/laptop is prevented from excess rotational movement (e.g. jackknifing) with respect to the case. The tray is free of any x-ray opaque structures or materials, thereby allowing an unobstructed scan to be performed on the laptop.

Abstract: This invention provides a combination note pad and credential holder having a neck cord or lanyard that passes through a loop in the notepad to allow the item to be worn about the neck at a desired level, typically at chest height. The notepad can include a back cover that supports a writing pad and a hinged front cover, joined to the back cover and selectively opened to access the writing pad. A small pen can be removably attached to a loop between the covers along a side of the writing pad. The bottom edge of the notepad includes a fastener assembly for removably attaching a credential sleeve with a clear window for displaying the user's credential document(s). The sleeve has an open side that allows the documents to be slid thereinto. The fastener assembly can comprise one or more sets of interengaging snaps, look-and-loop members or a zipper-like structure. When not needed, the sleeve can be removed or flipped into a position behind the back cover, out of view.

Abstract: This invention provides a padfolio, portfolio, case, bag or other business accessory that carries, on an exterior surface, a pocket flap that is typically open at the top edge and joined at a bottom edge. It has a size sufficient to completely cover a predetermined range of conventional documents (or other items), and in one embodiment, has side walls that taper from a wider bottom that may be longer than the predetermined documents to a narrower top that is typically shorter than the predetermined documents so that the side edges of the predetermined documents are at least partially visible to evidence their presence in the pocket. A narrow elastic strip joins each of the opposing side edges to the exterior surface at a location along the exterior surface that is outboard of opposing edges of the predetermined documents so that they may slide into the pocket free of interference for the joint between the elastic strips and the exterior surface.

Abstract: This invention provides an apron having at least one beverage pocket specifically designed for holding beverage containers at a convenient location for easy access by the user. The pocket includes a reinforced outer rim, formed from a durable polymer ring or gusset in an illustrative embodiment. In one implementation, the pocket is located along the lower end of a side wing of the apron so that it is generally below and within easy reach of the wearer's right (or left) hand. The ring/gusset secures an appropriately sized inner beverage pocket pouch that has a depth and perimeter size sufficient to house an average-sized beverage container. The depth of is arranged so that the top of an average container either protrudes slightly, or is completely recessed within the pouch. The pouch may be constructed from one or more layers of insulating material to allow the drink to retain its heat or coolness and preventing transfer of heat/cold to the wearer's body.

Abstract: This invention provides a padfolio, portfolio or other foldable business accessory that is organized with three hinged leaves (including two main leaves and one overriding leaf that folds over the main leaves when closed together) that may be unfolded and laid flat to expose various internal elements within an overall interior. The elements are organized so that a notepad is provided in a center leaf, while one of the opposing side leaves include a raised clock base having a well or recess for securing a clock having a folding stand that can be raised into an angled, standing position from a flat position. One main leaf also includes a support base that removably supports a personal digital assistant (PDA), that is normally secured flat against the leaf, but that can be hinged upwardly into at least one adjustable angled position whereby the PDA is tilted for easier viewing whilst working in another area of the padfolio, such as the notepad. In this manner, it is more accessible and easier to use.

Abstract: This invention provides a structured luggage system that allows for maximum versatility in luggage piece dimensions and using two luggage pieces. Each of the two luggage pieces can be converted from a full-height luggage piece to an approximately half-height piece with relative ease. The lower or main piece includes conventional wheels and a retractable/extendible handle for easy transport. The upper or secondary piece is adapted to stack on and be secured to the extended handle and (in full-height configuration) offer a secondary grip for added stability adjacent to the handle grip. The lower piece includes an inner central septum that can be sealed or opened to selectively define either a two-compartment piece or large, single compartment piece. Each compartment includes easily removable stiffeners in corresponding side pockets. By removing the upper compartment stiffeners, the pocket can be collapsed into a thickened top that includes the septum as the thickened top's inside face.

Abstract: A padfolio having, along at least one cover's interior, a raised, substantially rigid tray structure that defines plurality of compartments with dividing walls therebetween is provided. The surface of the tray structure is covered in a fastener material that removably interengages with an opposing fastener material that is applied to a set of pockets, pouches, electronic devices, pen holders, clocks, calculators and other items. In one embodiment, the fastener material consists of a loop material formed along the tray and a hook material attached to an underside of each of the various attachable items. In this manner, the pockets, pouches or other items can be freely or variably placed anywhere along the loop surface, in any of the compartments, at a wide variety of locations therein. A pen holder for the padfolio or other business accessory is constructed from a flexible material that defines a barrel with a top slot formed between a pair of opposing side walls and a base.

Abstract: A pouch for a padfolio or other business accessory that encloses a PDA or other electronic device with an extraction or ejection strap having a pull-tab exposed on the top face of the pouch is provided. The pull-tab is connected to an outer free end of the strap, and the strap extends around the bottom of the device within the interior of the pocket. The strap is secured to an opposing bottom face interior of the pouch. When the tab is pulled, the strap engages the bottom of the device and urges the device upwardly out of the opening so that it can be grasped easily at its top end, which now extends from the opening. The top face of the pouch, as well as the side walls, can be sized so that the device is fully enclosed by the pouch for better security. The slot on the top face of the pouch from which the strap and pull-tab extend can be reinforced with a gusset formed from a durable material, such as soft polyvinylchloride (PVC).

Abstract: A digital clock mounted within a flap overlying the spine of a notepad on a notepad cover is provided. A raised bezel or surround constructed from a soft, pliable material, such as soft polyvinylchloride (PVC), covers a portion of the clock chip, exposing its digital readout. Detents or holes may be provided for inserting pens or other blunt instruments for setting the clock. A port is provided in the flap to access the underside of the clock chip, and can be covered, along the underside of the flap, with a piece of elastic material. By moving the elastic material aside, access to the battery of the clock chip is provided.