Carrier and organizer

Abstract

A handbag adapted to enhance organization for the visually-impaired diabetic, being a one life-product that integrates fashion, healthcare and convenience. The handbag includes a sectional organization, thus segregating medical supplies from personal items. In addition, the handbag provides color contrast, texture contrast, and orientation contrast pockets and pouches for ease in organizing the medical supplies and the personal items stored therein.

Description

BENEFIT CLAIM

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/586,100, filed on 7 Jul. 2004. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/586,100 is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth below.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a carrier and organizer, and relates more specifically to a purse for the visually-impaired diabetic, being a one life-product that integrates fashion, healthcare and convenience.

2. Description of Related Art

Presently, the visually impaired do not have access to one attractive, well organized bag for both personal and medical needs. Instead, they should either carry two or more bags, one stylish, the other(s) for their medical needs, or one rather unstylish or organizationally lacking bag that attempts to provide both a purse and medical carrier in a single, unattractive bag. Yet, toting a plurality of bags is problematic, especially for the visually-impaired, and can cause the loss of personal and/or medical items.

Further, current handbag/medical bag combinations do not enable the user to easily segregate “personal” items from “medical” items, and organize them in the appropriate components of the bag. For instance, the aDorn handbag, a handbag/medical bag manufactured by aDorn Designs, has two main compartments; however, with the aDorn bag, both the regular handbag section and the diabetes supplies organizer are zipper-accessed. By not offering unique access to the separate compartments, the aDorn bag does not provide the visually-impaired diabetic with easy visual or tactile identification of which compartment the user is accessing.

Additionally, current handbag/medical bag combinations employ little to no color contrast, thus making the easy identification of sub-components of the bag difficult for the visually impaired. With such monochromatic bags, the user “sees” only one indistinguishable compartment, even if more than one are provided. For example, the aDorn handbag employs very little color contrast in the diabetes supplies organizer section and no color contrast whatsoever in the regular handbag section. The aDorn handbag section and diabetes section/medical pouch are lined with a shiny gold patterned material that is visually confusing. The fabric (non-mesh) pockets in both sections are constructed of the same shiny gold patterned material. Using plain, non-lustrous and non-patterned material for lining, pockets and bands is best.

Yet, pockets and bands should be in stark color contrast to lining color. The stark color contrast and use of plain fabrics provide a visually-friendly layout for organizing personal and medical items in the appropriate compartment.

The aDorn internal regular handbag section is comprised of three sub-compartments: the main handbag cavity, a cell-phone pocket and zippered lining pocket. All three sub-compartments are constructed of the aforementioned shiny gold patterned fabric. This monochromatic design offers no visual contrast and thus creates no visual or physical sub-compartmentalization of the main handbag cavity. This makes organization of personal items difficult. As stated previously, the user “sees” only one single color compartment in the aDorn handbag section rather than the three sub-compartments provided.

There are two external pockets in matching canvas to the aDorn bag. One pocket is on the external flap of the regular handbag section and utilizes a flap-opening. The second is a zippered pocket on the external flap of the diabetes section/medical pouch receptacle.

Access to the aDorn handbag section is cramped. The shoulder strap is stiff and unwieldy. Rather than being attached to the sides of the aDorn handbag with metal rings as is the presently proposed invention, the strap is part of the canvas bag itself. This makes it difficult to position the strap in a way that is not a visual and physical obstacle to storing, organizing and retrieving personal items in the regular handbag section.

The aDorn diabetes section is designed to be a removable medical pouch which is held in place within the receptacle magnetically. This is convenient for diabetics that have no sight impairment. For the sight-impaired, however, having the removable pouch is problematic in several ways:

• • Creates an easy atmosphere for losing or leaving behind the medical pouch;
  • Pouch can be inverted when placed in magnetic receptacle thus upsetting visual and physical orientation and organization; and
  • When one attempts to use the medical pouch within the magnetic receptacle, the magnetic pull often causes the medical pouch to collapse onto itself or the whole handbag to collapse onto the medical pouch.

The aDorn diabetes section is much too compact with similarly designed sub-compartments to be of use to the visually-impaired diabetic. The sub-compartments can house only a few items and offer little or no differentiation in design to be visually-friendly. If the user places insulin, test strips, a pill case, Flex-pen insulin vials, a monitor, a blood sampler, syringes, replacement needles, lancets and an ice pack in the specifically-designed sub-compartments provided, it is impossible to zip the compartment closed without removing vital supplies.

Further, there are no pockets or bands provided for glucose tabs or an emergency Glucagon injection kit. Every insulin-dependent diabetic must carry glucose tabs for the sudden and disorienting drop in blood glucose levels which are common with insulin injections. Carrying an emergency Glucagon injection kit is vital for insulin-dependent diabetics who suffer extremely low blood glucose levels. The aDorn bag does not provide sub-compartments for these necessary items. The user would need to store glucose tabs and the Glucagon kit in the regular handbag section of the adorn bag, thus mingling personal items and medical items in one compartment. The visually-impaired diabetic needs organization and segregation of personal/medical items into separate and easily identifiable components. Confusion is a common side-effect of low blood glucose levels. Trying to find glucose tabs or the Glucagon kit intermingled with personal items is problematic at best and, with the disorientation of low glucose levels, dangerous at times. As mentioned previously, there is a zippered pocket located on the external flap of the diabetes pouch receptacle. Because of the difficulty of zipping the diabetes section closed within the receptacle when it is housing supplies, this extra pocket is basically useless for storage.

The aDorn diabetes section pockets that are available for a glucose monitor, syringes, replacement needles and lancets are extremely tight making it difficult to store and retrieve the needed medical supplies. The two pockets designed for storage of syringes, lancets and replacement needles are constructed exactly alike of dark mesh with matching zippers. This provides no visual or tactile differentiation. There is no room for cotton balls, alcohol swabs or a tissue pack. Unfortunately, there is no pocket for used supplies. The visually-impaired diabetic needs an identifiable pocket to separate used supplies from fresh (i.e. unused) supplies. The placement of the ice pack pocket is such that it is on the same side as and directly behind a pocket for the glucose log book. This is not optimal even with the water-tight pocket. The log book becomes soggy and can easily tear. The log book pocket is too small for any but the smallest of log books. Visually-impaired diabetics need a pocket that can hold a larger-print, and thus a larger log book.

Therefore, it can be seen that a need yet exists for a superior carrier and organizer for the visually-impaired diabetic, being a one life-product that integrates fashion, healthcare and convenience. It is to such a carrier and organizer that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Briefly described, in its preferred form, the present invention is a stylish combination carrier and diabetes supplies organizer, such as a purse or shoulder bag, all in one convenient bag. Although in a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a useful tool for all diabetics, it is especially helpful to the visually-impaired.

The present carrier and organizer incorporates the use of bold color for accessory sub-compartments that appear in stark contrast against the lining color (i.e., light lining with dark sub-compartments; dark lining with light sub-compartments.) This stark color-contrast for various sub-compartments allows for the handy reception, storage and retrieval of sundry personal and medical items. Additionally, while described mainly in color-contrast compartments, the present invention further comprises a texture contrast and an orientation contrast. The texture contrast is based on the different material used in the sub-compartments, thereby permitting the user to distinguish the compartments by touch. The orientation contrast includes staggering or cascading the sub-compartments, while additionally varying the sub-compartment sizes to enable the user to better distinguish between the sub-compartments of the present invention.

The present invention preferably comprises a handbag section and an organizer section. Each section preferably comprises several sub-compartments, and each section is uniquely accessed. The handbag section utilizes a flap-front access, while the organizer section employs a double-pull zipper access. This allows the user to differentiate between the two sections by touch and/or by sight; thus eliminating the confusion regarding which component one is accessing.

Thus, one object of the present invention is to allow the user to tote one attractive bag for both personal and medical needs rather than tote a plurality of bags. Toting a plurality of bags is problematic, especially for the visually-impaired, and can cause the loss of personal and/or medical items.

Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to segregate “personal” items from “medical” items and organize said items in the appropriate component of the bag.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a color-contrast organization for a handbag, wherein the “together-yet-separate” features of the invention are excellent tools for the visually-impaired diabetic. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness worldwide.

The present invention promotes better diabetes health management, especially for the visually-impaired, by:

• • Integrating health and personal necessities into one lifestyle product;
  • Keeping personal items and diabetes items separately organized;
  • Allowing easy identification and access to each component at all times; and
  • Providing visually-friendly color-blocked arrangement of compartments.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a handbag with a Regular Handbag Section flap in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the handbag with a Diabetes Section flap zipped in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the handbag with the Regular Handbag Section flap in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the handbag with the Diabetes Section flap unzipped and the compartment in first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the handbag with the Diabetes Section flap unzipped and the compartment in second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an external front perspective of built-in wallet of the handbag in closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a detailed illustration of built-in wallet unzipped and in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed illustration of built-in wallet lower level unzipped and in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the handbag with an alternative Diabetes Section in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the handbag with an alternative Diabetes Section in first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the handbag with an alternative Diabetes Section in first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the handbag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, the present invention is a handbag/organizer 60, a carrier and organizer, comprising a handbag section 1 and an organizer section 2. The handbag section 1 will alternatively be referred to herein sometimes as “Regular Handbag Section 1”. Similarly, organizer section 2 will alternatively be referred to herein sometimes as “Diabetes Section 2”.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that references to “handbag”, “shoulder bag”, “bag”, “invention”, “product” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to the invention in total—handbag 60. Further, references of “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” are for sketch-view, compartment and sub-compartment orientation (as described below).

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 6 and 12, the handbag section 1 can comprise a strap 3; a buckle 4; a strap connection system 5, 6, 7, 8; a removable shoulder pad 104; a sealable access 9, 21 and 52; and various internal sub-compartments.

An adjustable shoulder strap 3 can be provided for carrying the bag 60. The strap 3 can be looped around metal rings 5 and 6 and riveted to the backside of itself. Identical tabs 7 and 8 are looped around the bottoms of rings 5 and 6. The tabs 7 and 8 are attached to the side panels 49 and 50 or to the top panel 85 of the handbag 60 using standard techniques. Metal buckle 4 can be attached to strap 3 to allow for adjustment to strap length. Removable shoulder pad 104 can be attached to strap 3 for user comfort.

As shown in FIG. 3, the Regular Handbag Section 1 the front component of bag 60 can be comprised of internal sub-compartments (14, 15, 17, 19, 51, 84 and 88) for letters, wallet, checkbook, cosmetics, cell-phone, keys, and similar personal items. A preferable embodiment of the purse 60 comprises seven sub-compartments.

The Regular Handbag Section 1 can be lined with well-padded, stiff, sturdy and waterproof material 18. Regular Handbag Section 1 can be accessed by a flap-front 9 magnetic snap closure 21 and 52. One-half of the magnetic snap 21 can be attached to the underside of flap 9. The receptacle half of the magnetic snap 52 can be attached to pouch panel 10 or to built-in wallet outer panel 87.

The first compartment of the Regular Handbag Section 1 can be a generally rectangular pouch 51, useful for carrying letters, receipts and similar documents. The pouch 51 can be created by securely seaming pouch panel 10 to underlying panel 13. The pouch 51 should be large enough to secure the items, including the previously described personal items. Pouch 51 can be lined with the same lining material 18 used for the entire bag 60.

Regular Handbag Section 1 can be further compartmentalized by a stiff color-contrasting center “free-standing” pocket 15. Pocket 15 can run the full width of the Regular Handbag Section 1. Pocket 15 should be large enough to hold personal items such as cosmetics, lotion, sun block, lip balm or other such effects. The left edge, right edge, and bottom of pocket 15 are tightly seamed into bag lining 18. Pocket 15 can be accessed, for example, by zipper 16 located at the top opening of pocket 15. Zipper 16 can be matching in color to pocket 15; however, pull tab 54 to zipper 16 can be in bold color-contrast to pocket 15 and zipper 16.

While described mainly herein as color-contrast compartments, the present invention can further comprise texture contrast and orientation contrast compartments. The texture contrast compartments or sub-compartments utilize different materials that allow the user to distinguish the compartments or sub-compartments by touch. The orientation contrast compartments or sub-compartments can include staggering or cascading the compartments or sub-compartments, while additionally varying the sub-compartment sizes to enable the user to better distinguish between the compartments or sub-compartments of the present invention. Accordingly, any reference to color-contrast within this description can also include, in an alternative embodiment, texture contrast and orientation contrast.

Pocket 15 can be color-contrasting; therefore providing visual, as well as physical, compartmentalization. Visual compartmentalization can be a vital tool for the sight-impaired user, allowing for organized storage of and access to items. With color contrast pocket 15, the present invention enables the user to “see” individual sub-compartments, for example, sub-compartments 14, 15 and 17; whereas, with monochromatic bags, the user “sees” only one indistinguishable compartment. For example and not limitation, sub-compartment 14 can be positioned between pouch 51 and pocket 15; sub-compartment 15 can be positioned between sub-compartment 14 and sub-compartment 17; and sub-compartment 17 can be positioned between sub-compartment 15 and pocket 19. The user chooses similar items for storage in each sub-compartment; thereby, organizing items for easy retrieval. For example, in one embodiment, the arrangement of personal items can be to store a wallet and a checkbook in sub-compartment 14, cosmetics and the like in sub-compartment 15, glasses and collapsible visual-aid cane in sub-compartment 17. Additionally, pocket 15 can be texture contrasting or orientation contrasting, including staggering or cascading in arrangement.

Additional pocket 19 with bold contrast zipper access 20 for small items can be seamed within lining 18 of back panel 94 of the Regular Handbag Section 1.

Pocket 84 can be in stark color contrast to lining 18 and can be attached to back panel 94 of the Regular Handbag Section 1. Pocket 84 can be created using standard methods and can have a top opening access. Pocket 84 can be large enough to store, for example, a cellular phone.

Key retainer 88 can be located on back panel 94 of Regular Handbag Section 1 and can comprise a body 89, a body half-snap 90 and keyholder mechanism 92, all of which can be detachable from back panel 94. Receptacle half-snap 91 can be attached to back panel 94 lining 18. Key retainer body 89 can be of sturdy material in stark color contrast to lining 18. Keyholder mechanism 92 can be in the form of a coiled loop and can be attached to retainer body 89 using methods well known in the art.

Locating keys or cell-phones in a non-compartmentalized bag can be difficult, even for a person without sight impairment. The present invention provides a specific location for these items so the user knows exactly where they are. No frantic search is required.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6-8, an alternative embodiment of Regular Handbag Section 1 can comprise the aforementioned seven sub-compartments (14, 15, 17, 19, 51, 84 and 88) and can incorporate a built-in wallet 55 by hingedly attaching outer panel 87 onto panel 10 of pouch 51. In this embodiment, receptacle half-snap 52 can be attached to outer panel 87, rather than to pouch panel 10 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Built-in wallet 55 can be accessed by hidden single-pull zipper 61. When zipped closed, outer panel 87 safely conceals items secured within. When unzipped for use, outer panel 87 can fold out to display upper level 82, lower level 83 and a plurality of color-blocked sub-compartments. Built-in wallet 55 can be lined with well-padded, stiff, sturdy and waterproof material 18.

As shown in FIG. 7, one embodiment of built-in wallet 55 upper level 82 can comprise a series of color-blocked top-access sleeves and pockets, preferably nine (four money sleeves, one zippered pocket, and four coin pockets). The sleeves and pockets can provide for separate storage by denomination of paper currency and coins, and can, as well, provide a zippered pocket for receipts and other such items. The aforementioned sleeves and pockets can be positioned so that top accesses are parallel to top edge of level 82.

Money sleeves 56, 57, 58, and 59 can be constructed of four equal-sized panels of suitable material with each consecutive layer in stark color-contrast to the layer beneath. Each sleeve can be provided for an individual denomination of paper currency. Layers of color-blocked panels (sleeves 56-59) can be attached in a terraced manner. For instance, sleeve 56, in color-contrast to lining 18, can be attached on its left, right and bottom edges to lining 18 so that its top-access is very near the top edge of upper level 82. Additionally, the money sleeve 57 (in stark color-contrast to 56) can be placed atop sleeve 56 so that left and right edges are aligned; sleeve 57, however, can be positioned slightly closer to bottom edge of upper level 82 than sleeve 56. The left, right, and bottom edges of 57 are attached to left and right edges of 56 with sleeve 57 bottom edge attached to lining 18. Sleeves 58 and 59 are attached in similar fashion with each sleeve in sharp color contrast to the layer beneath. This staggering, or terraced-effect, of the color-blocked sleeves accentuates color-contrast of the top opening of each sleeve against the layer beneath. Money sleeves 56-59, in an exemplary embodiment, can be large enough to store paper currency. By providing separate storage by denomination, the present invention enables the visually-impaired person to easily organize currency so that the user knows exactly what amount he or she is accessing.

Pocket 62 can be a zippered, top-access pocket and can be constructed by attaching together, on left, right and bottom edges, two equal-sized panels of sturdy material using standard methods. Pocket 62 must be sturdy enough to support a plurality of pockets. For instance, coin pockets 63, 64, 65, and 66 can be attached to outer panel of pocket 62. Pocket 62 can be in sharp color-contrast to and layered nearly on top of money sleeve 59 (again in a terraced fashion to accentuate color-contrast). This pocket 62 can be large enough to store receipts and other such items. In this embodiment, pocket 62 with its zippered access can provide a tactile barrier between paper money sleeves 56-59 and coin pockets 63-66. The tactile variation of pocket 62 can be a vital sub-compartment orientation tool for the visually-impaired user.

Upper level 82 can also comprise of individual top-access coin pockets. In an exemplary embodiment, four coin pockets 63-66 provide separate storage of coins by denomination. The coin pockets can 63-66 be of suitable materials and constructed in standard pocket formats. Coin pockets 63-66 can be in stark color-contrast to and attached to outer panel of pocket 62. Coin pockets 63-66 can be positioned atop the outer panel of pocket 62 in a side-by-side manner, allowing enough space between each pocket to accentuate color-contrast to 62. In this manner, pocket 62 “frames” each coin pocket visually. Each of the pockets 63, 64, 65, and 66 can employ a Velcro® flap top closure 96, 97, 98 and 99, respectively. Coins, especially nickels and quarters, can be difficult to distinguish for the visually-impaired. This feature of built-in wallet 55 provides a convenient way to organize coins by type.

Pen holder 67 can be of suitable materials and can be attached in fold between upper level 82 and lower level 83. Position of pen holder 67 can be such that when a pen is secured, said pen is parallel to top and bottom edges of upper level 82 and lower level 83 of built-in wallet 55.

As shown in FIG. 8, built-in wallet 55 lower level 83 can comprise a removable checkbook cover 69, removable checkbook cover sleeve 68 and credit card/identification area 100.

Checkbook cover 69 can be in stark color-contrast to lining 18 and constructed of sturdy material in a design well known in the art. Checkbook cover sleeve 68 can be in stark color-contrast to lining 18. Sleeve 68 can be made into said lining and can be positioned so that opening is close to pen holder 67 and parallel to top and bottom edges of lower level 83. The sleeve 68 can be deep enough, tight enough and sturdy enough to secure the back panel of cover 69 and keep a checkbook held firmly in place. When checkbook cover 69 can be stored in sleeve 68, it can conceal and protect items stored within credit card/identification area 100.

Credit card/identification area 100 can be of stark color-contrast material to lining 18 and can be comprised of a plurality of sleeves 70 (designed to store credit cards, insurance cards and the like) and photo identification card pocket 80 with laminate window 81. Area 100 can be attached to lower level 83 lining 18 by standard techniques and can be positioned so that checkbook cover 69 conceals said area when stored in sleeve 68. In one embodiment, credit card sleeves 70 can be positioned on area 100 left side with sleeves opening toward left edge of lower level 83. In the same embodiment, ID pocket 80 and laminate ID window 81 can be positioned on area 100 right side. ID pocket 80 can employ a top opening parallel with level 83 top and bottom edges.

Keeping track of one's personal finances is important for everyone. For one who is visually impaired, this ordinary task can be tricky and frustrating, at best. In a worst case scenario, one can lose money. Organization is crucial for those visually-impaired. In this embodiment of section 1 with built-in wallet 55, the present invention provides “intelligent” sub-compartments in a streamlined design, giving the visually-impaired person more control and confidence when it is time to pay via cash, check or charge card.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11, the organizer section 2 can comprise a sealable access 11, 12, and various sub-compartments.

The Diabetes Section 2 can be accessed with a double-pull zipper 11. When zipped closed, flap 12 discreetly and chicly conceals and protects the various diabetes supplies secured within compartment 2. Diabetes Section 2 should be large enough to secure and protect required supplies without crowding when section 2 is zipped closed.

The Diabetes Section 2 double-pull zipper 11 should extend far enough on the underside of section 2 so that when unzipped and folded out, flap 12 remains open and bag 60 does not collapse onto itself. When opened for use, Diabetes Section 2 displays specifically-designed sub-compartments in which to secure and make readily accessible necessary diabetes monitoring supplies.

Diabetes Section 2 can be lined with well-padded, stiff, sturdy and waterproof material 18 to protect and support the various monitors and accessories within. Lining 18 should be stiff and strong enough to enable compartment 2 to remain upright and stable when the diabetes monitoring equipment is in use and to retain its shape over time with repeated heavy usage.

Diabetes Section 2 sub-compartments are in stark color-contrast to lining 18 to act as a visual aid and organizational tool. Two possible embodiments of Diabetes Section 2 are discussed. References such as “a preferred embodiment,” “preferably,” and other such terms will signify the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 4 and 5. All references to “an alternative embodiment,” “alternatively,” and other such terms designate the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. In the absence of embodiment-specific reference, stated feature(s) apply to either embodiment.

Area 22 designates numerous layered, stretch-fabric pockets, preferably five, in stark color contrast to lining color 18. Area 22 can be located on the left side of upper level 39 of Diabetes Section 2. Area 22 can be comprised of a plurality of pockets. For instance, five individual pockets 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 can comprise area 22. Pockets 23-27 are made by attaching three layers of monochromatic stretchy material to lining 18, with each layer seamed directly atop the left, right, and bottom seams of the previous layer. Pockets 23-27 employ top-opening access. All three layers are of equal width with each consecutive layer cut shorter than the previous one. Layer one (pocket 23) can be the tallest layer; layer two (pockets 24 and 25) can be slightly shorter than layer one; layer three (pockets 26 and 27) can be the shortest layer of all three. This layering of varying height fabric (area 22) allows the visually-impaired user to “feel” the different pockets more easily. In a preferred embodiment, area 22 can be positioned so that said pockets are separated from Area 53. In an alternative embodiment, area 22 can be positioned so that area 53 overlaps 22 when in a first position.

Pocket 23 (layer one of area 22) can be attached to lining 18. Pocket 23 should be large enough to secure supplies, such as a daily glucose logbook, a memo pad, and the like. Pockets 23 and 47 are designed to hold similar items. This allows the visually-impaired user to store similarly constructed, “visually confusing” items (i.e. logbook, memo pad) in separate, different sub-compartments (i.e. stretch-fabric pocket 23 or clear, flex-plastic sleeve 47).

Layer two (mid-length layer of area 22) can be riveted atop pocket 23. Pockets 24 and 25 are created with a center seam attaching layer two (pockets 24 and 25) to layer one (pocket 23). Pockets 24 and 25 are edged with bold, color-contrast material 28 to allow the visually-impaired user to “see” said pockets. Pockets 24 and 25 should be large enough to secure supplies, such as a pill case, a glucose tab vial, a Glucagon Emergency Kit, and the like. If the user requires more room than pockets 24 and 25 allow, pocket 30 can be used for overflow.

Layer three (shortest layer of area 22) can be riveted atop layers one and two. Pockets 26 and 27 are created with a center seam attaching layer three (pockets 26 and 27) to layers two (pockets 24 and 25) and one (pocket 23). Pockets 26 and 27 are edged with bold, color-contrast material 28 to allow the visually-impaired user to “see” said pockets. Pockets 26 and 27 should be large enough to hold additional supplies, such as packets of artificial sweetener, sugarless mints/gum, antacids, and the like.

Pocket 23 does not require bold, color-contrast edging 28 because Pocket 23 can be layered directly onto the color-contrasting lining 18. Pockets 24 through 27 require bold edging 28 because they are layered against matching fabric.

Area 53 can be located on the right side of upper level 39 of the Diabetes Section 2, and can be comprised of three pockets, pockets 30, 46 (a or b) and 47. In a preferred embodiment, area 53 pockets can be separately constructed in the following order: top pocket 30, middle pocket 46a and bottom pocket 47. Area 53 pockets can be positioned so that the pockets are separated from area 22. In an alternative embodiment, area 53 pockets can be constructed so that the three pockets are attached to each other in the following order: top pocket 47, middle pocket 30, and bottom pocket 46b. Area 53 pockets can be positioned so that said pockets fold over (overlap) area 22 when in first position.

Pocket 30 can be a clear plastic swing-out pocket comprised of two clear plastic panels seamed together in standard pocket format. Pocket 30 can be seamed into lining 18 on the right side alone, allowing the pocket to swing out to the right of the bag 60. The other three sides of pocket 30 are enclosed, as follows: top and bottom edges of top panel are seamed to coordinating clear plastic bottom panel; left edge can be color-contrast zipper-access 31 to pocket 30. Pocket 30 should be large enough to hold supplies, such as standard syringes, replacement needles for Flexpen insulin syringes, lancets, cotton balls, alcohol swabs, and the like. Also, pocket 30 may be used for overflow from pockets 24 and 25.

In a preferred embodiment, top pocket 30 swings out to the right of the handbag 60 to allow easy access to pockets 46a and 47. In an alternative embodiment, middle pocket 30 is the support pocket with top pocket 47 attached to pocket 30 top panel and bottom pocket 46b attached to 30 bottom panel. In this embodiment, all three pockets (47, 30 and 46b) swing out to the right of handbag 60 to allow access to area 22 pockets.

In a preferred embodiment, middle pocket 46a can be a webbed mesh, top-access pocket in stark color-contrast to lining 18. Pocket 46a can be located beneath pocket 30 and can be accessed when 30 swings out to the right of the handbag 60. Right, left, and bottom edges of pocket 46a are aligned and attached to the corresponding edges of pocket 47 and to bag lining 18. The top edge opening of pocket 46a can be comprised of thick, tight elastic to keep supplies stored securely within pocket 46a. Pocket 46a does not need color-contrast edging because its placement can be such that it can be in sharp contrast to lining 18.

In an alternative embodiment, bottom pocket 46b can be a removable, zipper-access pocket and can be in stark color-contrast to Pocket 30. Pocket 46b can be constructed of two panels of solid (non-mesh) and easy-to-clean material in a standard self-contained pocket format. Pocket 46b can allow for zipper access on one side. A velcro strip 102 can be attached to backside of pocket 46b and coordinating a velcro strip 103 can be attached to backside of Pocket 30. Pocket 46b can thus be secured within upper level 39 of area 53 by mating the coordinating Velcro strips (102 and 103). Removable pocket 46b conveniently facilitates disposal of trash. Pocket 46b does not need color-contrast edging because its placement can be such that it can be in sharp contrast to pocket 30. Pocket 46b can be accessed when area 53 pockets swing out to the right of handbag 60.

In either embodiment, pocket 46a or 46b should be large enough to hold supplies, such as a small tissue pack, used supplies (e.g. trash) to be kept separate from fresh (ready-to-use) supplies, and the like. It can be difficult for the visually-impaired user to distinguish between fresh (i.e. unused) and used supplies. The present invention preferably provides pocket 46a or, alternatively, pocket 46b for easy isolation of refuse.

Pocket 47 of area 53 can be a clear flex-plastic, top-access pocket (sleeve). Pocket 47 can be created by attaching left, right and bottom edges of a piece of laminate to an underlying surface.

In a preferred embodiment, bottom Pocket 47 can be located beneath pockets 30 and 46a and attached to lining 18. Pocket 47 can be accessed when pocket 30 swings out to the right of the bag 60. Pocket 47 has a bold edging 48 in sharp color-contrast to lining 18.

In an alternative embodiment, top pocket 47 can be attached by its left, right, and bottom edges to Pocket 30 front panel. Bold edging 48 can be in sharp color-contrast to Pocket 30.

In either embodiment, pocket 47 should be large enough to secure any of the following supplies: daily glucose logbook, memo pad or other similar items. Pockets 23 and 47 are designed to hold similar items. This allows the visually-impaired user to store similarly constructed, “visually confusing” items (logbook, memo pad) in separate, different sub-compartments (stretch-fabric pocket 23 or clear, flex-plastic sleeve 47).

Band 29 can be an elastic band pen holder in stark color-contrast to lining 18. Band 29 keeps a pen handy for recording blood glucose levels in the daily logbook. Elastic band 29 should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. Band 29 can be positioned so that when the pen is secured, the pen can be parallel to the left and right edges of Diabetes Section 2, upper level 39. Right and left edges of band 29 are seamed into lining 18 using conventional methods. Band 29 can be positioned between areas 22 and 53 in a preferred embodiment or, alternatively, between area 53 and the right edge of upper level 39. This placement of band 29 can be conveniently located between or adjacent to the two possible storage sub-compartments for the glucose daily logbook (pocket 23 of area 22, or pocket 47 of area 53).

Bands 33, 34, 35, and 36 can be a plurality of elastic bands, preferably four, on lower level 40 of Diabetes Section 2. In an alternative embodiment, two bands (33, 34) are employed. Bands 33-36 are in stark color-contrast to lining 18 and are designed for storage of conventional insulin vials that are currently in use. These bands 33-36 and pocket 41a (preferably) or 41b and 41c (alternatively) are not for long-term storage of unopened insulin vials. Unopened, dormant insulin vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between approximately 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees Celsius.) Bands 33-36 should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. Bands 33-36 should have enough slack and tension to secure insulin vials without slippage or breakage.

Bands 33-36 are formed by attaching, by conventional means, elastic strips to lining 18, lower level 40 of Diabetes Section 2. There should be enough space between the elastic strips and the top and bottom edges of Diabetes Section 2 lower level 40 to allow for easy storage of insulin vials. Each elastic strip can be seamed into lining 18 at the left and right edges of said strip. There can be a wide variety of insulin and insulin-delivery systems. User may require more than one type of insulin and insulin-delivery system. These bands are for storage of conventional (not pre-filled) insulin vials to be used in conjunction with standard syringes stored in pocket 30. The present invention allows the visually-impaired user to safely store the different kinds of insulin and delivery systems in separate compartments (30, 33-36 and area 41).

Area 41 can be Pocket 41a (in a preferred embodiment), a webbed mesh top-access pocket or, alternatively, pockets 41b and 41c. Pockets 41b and 41c can be stiff, sturdy (non-mesh) fitted pockets. In either embodiment, area 41 pockets can be in stark color-contrast to lining 18 and can be located on Diabetes Section 2 lower level 40.

Preferably, 41a can be large enough for storage of any of the following supplies: Flexpen (pre-filled) insulin syringes, air-pressure injection system or other similar items.

Alternatively, 41b and 41c can each be fitted to store a single Flexpen (pre-filled) insulin syringes only. Bands 33-36 and area 41 pockets are not intended for long-term storage of unopened insulin vials. Unopened, dormant insulin vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between approximately 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit or between approximately 2-8 degrees Celsius. As previously stated, there can be a wide variety of insulin and insulin-delivery systems. User may require more than one type of insulin and insulin-delivery system. The present invention allows the visually-impaired user to safely store the different kinds of insulin and delivery systems in separate compartments (30, 33-36 and area 41).

In a preferred embodiment, left, right and bottom edges of 41a (or alternatively, 41b and 41c) should be seamed into lining 18 with bottom edge of said pocket(s) near bottom edge of lower flap 40. Preferably, top edge (opening) of 41a can be constructed of wide, tight elastic to allow for the firm securing of supplies. As an alternative embodiment, Pockets 41b and 41c can be constructed of sturdy material and can be form-fitting to pre-filled insulin syringes. The placement of pocket(s) 41a or 41b and 41c can be such that the top opening can be toward the top edge of lower level 40 (center seam of Diabetes Section 2). Such placement dictates that area 41 pockets and their contents are upside down when the Diabetes Section 2 is zipped closed. This upside-down placement can be optimal for the visually-impaired user as it inhibits losing supplies. In this placement, if supplies become dislodged from area 41 pockets, they are more likely to remain within the Diabetes Section 2. If area 41 pockets were placed in the opposite direction (with the opening toward the bottom edge of flap 40), dislodged supplies can easily fall to the floor when Diabetes Section 2 is opened for use. Losing, damaging, or misplacing items is a common problem for those of us with visual impairment and can be made worse if the user can be accessing supplies in a dark and/or loud environment, where neither “sees” nor “hears” items falling to the floor. The present invention offers extra security for the safe-keeping of medical necessities.

Opening 37 can be a sleeve-opening for the underlying pocket 38 devised to house a gel icepack to keep medical supplies cool, if necessary. Sleeve-opening 37 and pocket 38 are of thick, waterproof fabric in stark color-contrast to lining 18.

Pocket 38 can be located beneath the lining 18 of the insulin storage areas (bands 33-36 and pockets 41a or 41b and 41c), between said lining 18 and the exterior flap 12 of the Diabetes Section 2. Sleeve-opening access 37 can be on right edge of the lower flap 40 of the Diabetes Section 2. Not all insulin requires refrigeration (user should check insulin insert); however, if the environment in which the user conducts daily activities steadily remains above approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius, the user should keep insulin cool with a gel icepack. The present invention allows for such. The use of a gel icepack in pocket 38 can be used to cool currently in-use vials of insulin and does not provide adequate “refrigeration” for long-term storage of unopened insulin. Unopened, dormant insulin vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between approximately 36 - 46 degrees Fahrenheit or approximately 2-8 degrees Celsius.

Pocket 42 can be a sturdy, waterproof, rectangular fabric pocket with Velcro-closure top flap 43. Pocket 42 can be located near bottom edge of Diabetes Section 2 lower flap 40 and can be in stark color-contrast to lining 18. Pocket 42 can be designed to secure a glucose monitoring device. Velcro®-closure flap 43 can be edged in bold, color-contrast material 44 to allow the user to “see” opening 43 of pocket 42 for easy access to monitor within. The placement of pocket 42 can be such that the Velcro®-closure flap can be toward the top edge of lower level 40 (center seam of Diabetes Section 2). Such placement dictates that sub-compartment 42 and its contents are upside down when Diabetes Section 2 can be zipped closed. As stated previously concerning pocket 41, this placement of 42 can be beneficial to the sight-impaired diabetic. Supplies are more likely to remain within Diabetes Section 2 with pocket 42 Velcro®-closure top flap 43 opening toward the interior of Diabetes Section 2.

Band 32 can be elastic band (loop) designed to secure a blood glucose test strip vial. Elastic band 32 can be in stark, color-contrast to lining 18 and should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and strong enough to withstand repeated heavy usage. Because blood glucose test strips are used in conjunction with the blood glucose monitoring device (stored in pocket 42) and the blood-letting device (stored in band 45), placement of band 32 can be at the top of pocket 42 and to the top right of band 45. The right and left edges of band 32 can be riveted to lining 18 so that the test strip vial, when secured in band 32, can be generally parallel to top edges of Diabetes Section 2 lower level 40 and Velcro®-closure flap 43 to pocket 42.

Band 45 can be an elastic band (loop) designed for storage of blood-letting device. Band 45 can be in stark, color-contrast to lining 18 and should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and strong enough to withstand repeated heavy usage. Because the blood-letting device can be used in conjunction with the blood glucose test strips (stored in band 32) and blood glucose monitoring device (stored in pocket 42), placement of band 45 can be at the left side of pocket 42 and to the lower left of band 32. The right and left edges of band 45 are riveted to lining 18 so that the blood-letting device, when secured in band 45, is generally parallel to the left edges of Diabetes Section 2 lower level 40 and pocket 42.

While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A handbag comprising:

a regular handbag section adapted to hold personal items;

a diabetes section adapted to hold medical supplies;

wherein the regular handbag section and diabetes section enable segregation of medical supplies and personal items; and

wherein the regular handbag section and the diabetes section are adapted to provide color-contrast organization.

2. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the regular handbag section and the diabetes section comprise a lining of a stiff, waterproof material to maintain structure and protect the handbag.

3. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising a wallet built into the regular handbag section of the handbag.

4. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the wallet further comprises a plurality of color contrasting sleeves adapted to a carry a checkbook, a plurality of cash, and a plurality charge cards.

5. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a waterproof section adapted to receive a plurality of syringes and at least one cold pack.

6. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a plurality of color-contrast bands for securing a plurality of vials.

7. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a pocket adapted to receive used medical supplies for easy isolation of refuse.

8. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a swing out pocket seamed to the diabetes section adapted to secure a plurality of syringes.

9. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a plurality of color-contrasting pockets adapted to secure a plurality of medical supplies for organization.

10. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a pocket adapted to receive a Glucose monitoring device.

11. A carrier adapted to improve organization for visually-impaired persons, the carrier comprising:

a handbag section adapted to hold personal items, wherein the handbag section comprises a plurality of sub-compartments having texture contrasted areas enabling touch coordination of personal items; and

an organizer section adapted to hold medical supplies, wherein the organizer section comprises a plurality of sub-compartments having texture contrasted areas enabling touch coordination of medical items.

12. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the handbag section and the organizer section further comprise a plurality of color-contrasted pouches enabling a visual contrast of each of the color-contrasted pouches of the plurality of color-contrasted pouches.

13. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising a wallet built into the regular handbag section of the handbag, wherein the wallet further comprises a plurality of color contrasting sleeves adapted to a carry a checkbook, a plurality of cash, and a plurality charge cards.

14. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a waterproof section adapted to receive a plurality of syringes and at least one cold pack.

15. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a plurality of color-contrast bands for securing a plurality of vials.

16. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a pocket adapted to receive used medical supplies for easy isolation of refuse.

17. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the diabetes section further comprises a plurality of color-contrasting pockets adapted to secure a plurality of medical supplies for organization.

18. A method of carrying and organizing items comprising:

providing a carrier having at least two sections;

segregating medical supplies from personal items; and

organizing medical supplies and personal items by colors of a plurality of sub-compartments.

19. The method of carrying and organizing of claim 18, further comprising the step of organizing medical supplies and personal items by texture of the plurality of sub-compartments.

20. The method of carrying and organizing of claim 18, further comprising the step of organizing medical supplies and personal items by orientation of the plurality of sub-compartments.