Lunch carrier with interchangeable graphics

Abstract

A lunch and interchangeable graphic carrier includes a container, a divider, a first zipper, a second zipper and a plurality of graphics. The container has a first half portion with a first side edge and a second half portion with a second side edge. The divider has a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of the first and second zippers has a fastening track, a complementary fastening and a track linking the fastening track to the complementary fastening track. The first zipper mechanically couples the first side edge of the container to the first side edge of the divider to form a first compartment. The second side edge of the container mechanically couples to the second side edge of the divider to form a second compartment. The second zipper mechanically couples to the second side edge of the container to allow access to the second compartment. A plurality of removable graphics or illustrations disposed in the second compartment. The second side edge of the container is transparent and the graphic or illustration is viewed from outside the container.

Description

[0001] This Non-provisional Patent Application seeks to claim the benefits of the Provisional Patent Application filed Jul. 3, 2002 under Application No. 60/393,299.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a carrying bag and amusement device and more particularly a food carrier with interchangeable graphics.

[0003] As a child ages, his/her interests may change over time often resulting in parents purchasing many different theme-based amusement devices. The child may also have simultaneous interests in multiple amusement themes. Children also have a desire to create artwork or draw pictures and display the pictures to others. Children also have a desire to exchange or trade pictures depicting their favorite animals, automobiles or athletes. The invention intends to provide the flexibility for satisfying these many interests while providing a useful method for carrying food or other personal items.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,779 teaches a combination lunch and book carrier which includes a container, a divider, a first zipper, a second zipper, a book with a back, a fastening strip and a complementary fastening strip. The container has a first half portion with a first side edge and a second half portion with a second side edge. The divider has a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of the first and second zippers has a fastening track, a complementary fastening track and a track linking the fastening track to the complementary fastening track. The first zipper mechanically couples the first side edge of the container to the first side edge of the divider to form a first compartment. The second zipper mechanically couples the second side edge of the container to the second side edge of the divider to form a second compartment. The fastening strips are mechanically coupled to the back of the book and the container adjacent to the second compartment. The book is disposed in the second compartment and detachably coupled to the container.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,417 teaches a lunch box having a simulative exterior configuration and an interactive figure. The lunch box has an exterior configuration which is simulative of a selected motif. An exteriorly accessible compartment further carries both the selected motif. An interactive figure is positioned in the exteriorly accessible compartment and is costumed to cooperate with and to interact with the exterior motif of the lunch box.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,611 teaches a device for decorating a carrying box which includes representational members carried within the box selectively deployable through openings therein. In the retracted position, only a gripping tab projects from the opening and the fanciful representational graphic component is deployed by pulling the visible tab. A plurality of matched pairs of graphic components are stored within the box, each pair bearing a portion of an identifiable form. Matched pairs are projected out opposing sides of the box conveying the impression of a continuity within the box of the form represented by the visible portions. A lock is provided for retaining the graphics in both the deployed and retracted positions.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No 6,491,165 teaches a flexible packaging bag which contains a plurality of articles. Each of the articles has a component which is desirably visible to a user, purchaser, or the like. The flexible packaging bag includes a window in one of its walls that has a periphery substantially framing the graphic that is desired to be seen. A visual cue can be provided in another wall such that it is visually associated with the window in order to draw the attention of the user, purchaser, or the like to the graphic of the visible article. An accessory window is also provided in the flexible packaging bag so that the number of remaining articles can be easily determined visually.

[0008] The inventor incorporates the teachings of the above-cited patents into this specification.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is generally directed to a combination food carrier and amusement device which includes a container. The container has a first half portion with a first side edge and a second half portion with a second side edge.

[0010] In a first, separate aspect of the present invention, the container is a food carrier and also includes a divider, a first zipper and a second zipper.

[0011] The divider has a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of the first and second zippers has a fastening track, a complementary fastening track and a track linking the fastening track to the complementary fastening track. The first zipper mechanically couples the first side edge of the container to the first side edge of the divider to form a first compartment. The second zipper mechanically couples to the second side edge of the container to allow exterior access to the second compartment.

[0012] In a second, separate aspect of the present invention, the container is a food and graphic carrier. At least one graphic is disposed in the second compartment and is removable from the container.

[0013] In a third, separate aspect of the present invention, the container is a food and drawing pad carrier. A drawing pad is disposed in the second compartment and is removable from the container.

[0014] In a fourth, separate aspect of the present invention, the plurality of graphics are bound together. The bound graphics are disposed in the second compartment and are removable from the binding and from the container.

[0015] In a fifth, separate aspect of the present invention, the container is a food and photograph carrier. At least one photograph is disposed in the second compartment and is removable from the container.

[0016] In a sixth, separate aspect of the present invention, the second side edge of the container enclosing the graphic or illustration is transparent. The graphic or illustration is viewed from outside the container.

[0017] Other aspects and many of the attendant advantages will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawing in which like reference symbols designate like parts throughout the figures.

[0018] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a lunch and graphic carrier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the lunch and graphic carrier of FIG. 1 which is opened in order to expose a first compartment thereof.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a lunch and graphic carrier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lunch and graphic carrier of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 2 a lunch and graphic carrier 10 includes a container 11, a divider 12, a first zipper 13 and a second zipper 14. The container 11 has a first half portion with a first side edge 18 and a second half portion with a second side edge 19. The divider 12 has a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of the first and second zipper 13 and 14 has a fastening track, a complementary fastening track and a track linking the fastening track to the complementary fastening track. The first zipper 13 mechanically couples the first side edge of the container 11 to the first side edge of the divider 12 to form a first compartment 15. A lunch may be stored in the first compartment 15.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4 the second zipper 14 mechanically couples the second side edge of the container 11 to allow exterior access to the second compartment 16. The lunch and graphic carrier 10 also includes a graphic 17. The graphic is disposed in the container 11 adjacent to the first compartment 15. The graphic 17 is disposed in the second compartment 16 and is removable from the container 11.

[0025] From the foregoing it can be seen that a lunch and interchangeable graphic carrier has been described. It should be noted that the sketches are not drawn to scale and that distance of and between the figures are not to be considered significant.

[0026] Accordingly it is intended that the foregoing disclosure and showing made in the drawing shall be considered only as an illustration of the principle of the present invention.

Claims

1. A combination food and graphic carrier comprising:

a. A container having a first half portion with a first side edge and a second half portion with a second side edge;

b. A divider with a first side edge and second side edge;

c. A first zipper having a fastening track, a complementary fastening track and a track linking said fastening track to said complementary fastening track, said first zipper mechanically couples said first side edge of said container to said first side edge of said divider to form a first compartment;

d. The said second side edge of said container mechanically couples to said second side of said divider to form a second compartment;

e. A second zipper having a fastening track, a complementary fastening track and a track linking said fastening track to said complementary fastening track, said second zipper mechanically couples to said second side edge of said container to allow exterior access to said second compartment;

f. A plurality of removable graphics or illustrations disposed in said second compartment.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein a drawing pad is disposed in said second compartment.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein said plurality of said graphics are bound together.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein said plurality of said graphics are composed of laminated paper.

5. The plurality of graphics of claim 3 wherein said plurality of graphics are removable from said binding.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein said plurality of graphics are photographs.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein said second side of said second compartment is transparent.