Diaper bag and carrying device

Abstract

In one embodiment, a brad for carrying items comprises a bag body having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side. The bag has a rain compartment, and the top end defines an opening into the main compartment. The top end of the bag body is curved to facilitate the holding of a curved pillow. A carrying strap is coupled to the bag body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of bags, and in particular to bags that are used to hold baby items, among others. More specifically, the invention relates to so-called diaper bags that may be used to carry various items used in caring for babies.

Diaper bags have been in widespread use for a number of years. Modern diaper bags often have various compartments for holding items. For example, some have lined compartments for holding diapers, baby wipes and the like. Other compartments may be used for storing books, toys, snacks and the like.

Many such diaper bags are rectangular in shape. While acceptable for some uses, such a configuration can make the diaper bag unsuitable for carrying other types of items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hence, this invention relates generally to bags that may be used to carry a wide variety of items. Such bags may be constructed of a bag body having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side. The bag body further includes a main compartment that extends from the bottom end to the top end. The top end has an opening leading into the main compartment. Further, the top end of the bag body is curved. In this way, a curved pillow having a curved medial region and two curved arms may be placed into the main compartment, with the medial region conforming to the shape of the top end. Of course, the pillow could be inserted into the main compartment in other orientations as well. For example, the two curved arms could be adjacent the top end. The bag may further include one or more carrying straps or handles to carry the bag.

In one aspect, the bag body may further include a pair of connecting sides that extend between the front side and the back side. The connecting sides may also be curved to conform to the shape of the curved arms of the pillow body. In another aspect, the carrying straps may be coupled to the bag body near where the top end meets the connecting sides.

The bag body may also include a fastener, such as a sipper, clasp, or the like to close the opening. If one or more handles are used, they may extend above the curved top end.

The bag may also include a variety of pockets, such as a pocket on the front side, on the back side, on the connecting sides and/or within the main compartment. One or more of the pockets may also include one ore more sub-pockets. These may be fashioned to hold specific types of items. For example, the main compartment or pockets may be configured to hold items such as a baby changing pad, storage devices, bottles, toys, food, diapers, wipes, clothing and the like.

When specifically designed for holding a curved pillow, the bag may have a height in the range from about 10 inches to about 20 inches, and may curved downward to the connecting sides that have a height in the range from about 5 inches to about 11 inches. The top end may also have a radius of curvature of about 7 inches to about 13 inches. Also, the bottom end may have a length in the range from about 15 inches to about 25 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bag and exemplary items that may be held in the bag according to he invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1 with a front pocket opened.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1 when worn by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides bags that may be used to hold a variety of items. The bags may be particularly useful in carrying baby related items, although other items may be held as well. Examples of items that may be held include diapers, wipes, napkins, bibs, toys, snacks, drinks, books, clothing, pacifiers, and the like. One particular item that may be carried is a support pillow. Examples of support pillows that may be carried are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,261,134, 5,661,861, 6,038,720, 6,055,687, 6,434,770, 6,532,612, 6,321,403, 6,279,185, 6,453,493, and 6,523,200, and copending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/046,377 filed Oct. 26, 2001; 09/884,742 filed Jun. 18, 2001; 09/802097 filed Mar. 8, 2001; 10,426,067, filed Apr. 28, 2003 (Atty. Dkt. No. 17242-010700), ______, filed on the same date as the present application (entitled “Multi-use Pillow and Methods”, attorney docket no. 017242-010900), and ______, filed on the same date as the present application (entitled “Support Pillow for Small Infants”, attorney docket no. 017242-011000), the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. However, it will be appreciated that other pillows may be stored as well. In one embodiment, the bag may be configured to have a shape that generally conforms to the pillow so that the bag is somewhat form fitting. This serves to accommodate the shape of the pillow without using excess space.

The bag may also include a variety of internal and external pockets for storing various items. These pockets may be subdivided or include sub-pockets to facilitate holding specific types of items. For example, pockets may be used to hold bottles, food, drinks, pacifiers, wet or damp items, toys, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a bag 10 will be described. Bag 10 comprises a bag body 12 having a bottom end 14, a top end 16, a front side 18, a back side 20 (see FIG. 3) and a pair of connecting sides 22 and 24. Bag body 12 may be constructed of a wide variety of materials, such as nylon, fabrics (such as cotton, denim and polyester), leather and the like. Also, bag body 12 may be constructed of a combination of materials. For example, bag body 12 may have its interior or any pockets lined with a waterproof material.

Bag body 12 also includes an opening 26 that provides access into an interior 28. Opening is formed in top end 16 and conveniently includes a zipper 30 that may be used to close opening 26. Other types of fasteners that may be used include snaps, buttons, hooks, straps, buckles, a hook and loop fastener material, a magnetic snap and the like.

Interior 28 may be used to hold a wide variety of items. By way of example, shown in FIG. 1 is a pillow 32, a changing pad 34 and a purse 36. However, a variety of other items may be stored as well as described herein. Pillow 32 comprises a pillow body 38 having a curved medial region 40 and two curved arms 42 and 44 extending from medial region 40. Pillow 32 may be constructed in a manner similar to and have similar sizes as those described in the patents incorporated herein by reference. As one example, medial region 40 may have a length in the range of about 12 inches to about 25 inches, and arms 42 and 44 may have a length in the range from about 7 inches to about 15 inches. The medial region 40 and arms 42 and 44 define a well 46 having a distance across of about 3 inches to about 12 inches. The thickness of pillow 32 may be in the range from about 3 inches to about 8 inches. The pillow 32 may be constructed of a variety of materials (including being inflatable) and may be generally flexible while still being firm.

When placed into interior 28 in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, medial region 40 is adjacent top end 16 and sides 22 and 24 are generally curved to conform to the shape and size of pillow 32. For example, top end 16 may have a height in the range from about 10 inches to about 20 inches and sides 22 and 24 may have a height in the range from about 5 inches to about 11 inches. Top end 16 may also have a radius of curvature of about 7 inches to about 13 inches. Bottom end 14 may have a distance in the range from about 15 inches to about 25 inches and a width in the range from about 3 inches to about 12 inches.

Pillow 32 may be placed into interior 28 in essentially any orientation. For example, medial region 40 may be placed adjacent bottom end 14 or against one of sides 22 or 24. If needed, pillow 32 may be squeezed or manipulated to help position it within interior 28. By having a bag body 12 closely confirm to the shape of pillow 32, the overall dimensions of bag body 12 may be minimized while also providing significant storage space for other items. Also, various pockets may also be included to provide additional storage space.

Changing pad 34 may comprise a padded member or may be a piece of fabric upon which a baby may be placed when changing a diaper or clothing. Pad 34 may conveniently be folded to help it fit within interior 28. Pad 34 may also be constructed of fabrics used to construct bag body 12.

Purse 36 defines an interior that may be accessible from its top end. Purse 36 may be used to hold a variety of items that may be used in taking care of a baby, such as wipes napkins, diapers and the like. Purse 36 may also be constructed of a transparent material.

To carry bag 10, it may include a carrying strap 50 that may conveniently be worn over a user's shoulder as shown in FIG. 4. The length of strap 50 may be adjustable by using an adjustment buckle (see FIG. 4). Strap 50 may be connected to a buckle 54 located on bag body using clasps 56 so that it may be removed. However, other connecting mechanisms may be used as well.

Bag 10 may also include a pair of handles 60 and 62 (see FIG. 3) that are connected to bag body 12 and extend upward past top end 16. This permits bag 10 to be carried by hand simply by grasping handles 60 and 62.

Front side 18 includes a front pocket 64 that may optionally include a flap 66. As best shown in FIG. 2, pocket 64 includes a zipper 68 that provides access into an interior 70, although other fasteners may be used. When opened, the front of pocket 64 may be folded down as shown by the arrow. Flap 66 may also have a fastener material 72 that permits it to be secured to the front of pocket 64. In this way, zipper 68 may be kept open, with flap 66 serving to close or cover the interior 70. A variety of fasteners may be used including a hook and loop material, a magnetic snap, other snaps and the like.

Included within interior 70 is a key attachment device that permits a key ring to be held within interior 70. Interior 70 also includes a set of sub-pockets 74, 76 and 78. These may be used to hold a variety of items as selected by the user. Sub-pocket 74 may include a flap 80 that may be lifted to provide access into the interior of sub-pocket 74. A fastening material may be used to hold flap 80 closed.

Sub-pocket 76 may be constructed of a mesh, string or other breathable material. An elastic band 82 may be used to help hold items in sub-pocket 76. Sub-pocket 78 may be constructed of essentially any material and permits items to be slipped into its top end.

Bag 10 also includes side pockets 84 and 86 that may be constructed of a mesh or other material similar to sub-pocket 76. An elastic material 88 may also be placed at the top end of pockets 84 and 86 to help hold items in pockets 84 and 86. Side pockets 84 and 86 are especially useful in holding items such as bottles, glasses, sipper cups and the like.

As best shown in FIG. 3, bag 10 may also include a back pocket 90 that extends across the length of the back side 20. A fastener material 92 may be used to help hold pocket 90 closed. Other fasteners may be used as well, including magnetic snaps, ties, and the like. Also, although not shown, pocket 90 may be subdivided into multiple pockets. Pocket 90 is especially useful for holding large thin items, such as books, paper and the like, as well as items that need to be easily accessed.

The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bag for carrying items, the bag comprising:

a bag body having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side, wherein the bag body further defines a main compartment that extends from the bottom end to the top end, wherein the top end defines an opening that provides access to the main compartment, wherein at least the top end of the bag body is curved so that the main compartment is adapted to hold a curved pillow having a medial region and two extending arms, with the medial region of the pillow conforming closely to the shape of the top end of the bag body; and

at least one carrying strap coupled to the bag body for carrying the bag.

2. A bag as in claim 1, wherein the bag body further includes a pair of connecting sides that extend between the front side and the back side, wherein the connecting sides are curved and are adapted to conform to the shape of the extending arms of the curved pillow.

3. A bag as in claim 2, wherein the carrying strap has a pair of ends and wherein the ends of the straps are coupled to the bag body near where the top side intersects with the connecting sides.

4. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a fastener to close the opening.

5. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising at least one handle that is coupled to the bag body.

6. A bag as in claim 5, wherein the handle is coupled to the front side and extends above the top end.

7. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a front pocket that is coupled to the front side of the bag body.

8. A bag as n claim 7, wherein the front pocket includes a plurality of sub-pockets.

9. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a side pocket that is coupled to one of the connecting sides.

10. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising a rear pocket that is coupled to the rear side of the bag body.

11. A bag as in claim 1, further comprising at least one peripheral item stored within the bag body, wherein the peripheral item is selected from a group consisting of changing pads, storage devices and toys.

12. A bag as in claim 2, wherein the bag body has a height in the range from about 10 inches to about 20 inches and curves downward to the connecting sides that each have a height in the range from about 5 inches to about 11 inches.

13. A bag as in claim 1, wherein the curved top end has a radius of curvature in the range from about 7 inches to about 13 inches.

14. A bag as in claim 1, wherein the bottom end has a length in the range from about 15 inches to about 25 inches.

15. A system for carrying items, the system comprising

a bag body having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side, wherein the bag body further defines a main compartment that extends from the bottom end to the top end, wherein the top end defines an opening that provides access to the main compartment, wherein at least the top end of the bag body is curved;

at least one carrying strap coupled to the bag body for carrying the bag; and

a pillow stored within the main compartment, wherein the pillow comprises a curved pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms extending from the medial region, and wherein the medial region closely conforms to the shape of the curved top end of the bag body.

16. A system as in claim 15, wherein the bag body further includes a pair of connecting sides that extend between the front side and the back side, wherein the connecting sides are curved and are adapted to conform to the shape of the extending arms of the curved pillow.

17. A system as in claim 16, wherein the carrying strap has a pair of ends and wherein the ends of the straps are coupled to the bag body near where the top side intersects with the connecting sides.

18. A system as in claim 15, further comprising a fastener to close the opening.

19. A system as in claim 15, further comprising at least one handle that is coupled to the bag body.

20. A system as in claim 19, wherein the handle is coupled to the front side and extends above the top end.

21. A system as in claim 15, further comprising a front pocket that is coupled to the front side of the bag body.

22. A system as in claim 21, wherein the front pocket includes a plurality of sub-pockets.

23. A system as in claim 15, further comprising a side pocket that is coupled to one of the connecting sides.

24. A system as in claim 15, further comprising at least one peripheral item stored within the bag body, wherein the peripheral item is selected from a group consisting of changing pads, storage devices and toys.

25. A system as in claim 16, wherein the bag body has a height in the range from about 10 inches to about 20 inches and curves downward to the connecting sides that each have a height in the range from about 5 inches to about 11 inches.

26. A system as in claim 15, wherein the curved top end has a radius of curvature in the range from about 7 inches to about 13 inches.

27. A system as in claim 15, wherein the bottom end has a length in the range from about 15 inches to about 25 inches.

28. A system as in claim 15, wherein the medial region has a length in the range from about 12 inches to about 25 inches, and wherein the arms have a length in the range from about 7 inches to about 15 inches.

29. A method for carrying a pillow, the method comprising:

providing a bag comprising a bag body having a top end, a bottom end, a front side and a back side, wherein the bag body further defines a main compartment that extends from the bottom end to the top end, wherein the top end defines an opening that provides access to the main compartment, wherein at least the top end of the bag body is curved, and at least one carrying strap coupled to the bag body for carrying the bag;

providing a pillow comprising a curved pillow body having a medial region and two curved arms extending from the medial region;

squeezing the arms toward each other and pushing the pillow into the main compartment; and

closing the opening, with the medial region closely conforming to the shape of the top end of the bag body.

30. A method as in claim 29, further comprising removing the pillow from the bag and supporting a baby with the pillow.