CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/135,945 filed May 24, 2005 entitled “Easel Back Storage and Carrying Case” for which priority is claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a luggage item such as a toiletry kit, a cosmetic kit, a tool storage bag, a tool carrying bag, a computer case, and other types of luggage items wherein the item incorporates a feature for maintaining the item in a standing position for access to the contents of the item.
There are many types of luggage items which workers, travelers and the like find useful in the conduct of their work and leisure activities. Often it is desirable to position these items on a surface, such as a desk, wardrobe, workbench or floor in an upright manner to facilitate ease of access to the contents of the item. However, many soft-sided items are difficult to maintain in such an orientation and thus their utility is diminished to some extent. It is with this background that the current invention was conceived.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention relates to a self-standing bag or luggage item construction wherein one of the panels forming the bag, and more particularly a backing panel, is generally rigid or semi-rigid. Affixed to this rigid or semi-rigid panel is a supporting leg which is hinged to the backing panel and is also attached thereto by a gusset or connecting leg which limits the angle that can be formed between the support leg and the backing panel. The gusset or connecting leg is typically foldable and a retention mechanism or device is utilized to maintain the support leg in a folded condition, flat against the backing panel. Various types of retention mechanisms such as magnets, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, zippers and the like may be utilized. In one embodiment the support leg folds outwardly from a generally transverse seam extending generally horizontally on the backing panel. In another embodiment the support leg folds inwardly and outwardly along a generally vertical seam or hinge connection from or adjacent the lateral side of the backing panel and in this embodiment, two support legs are preferred.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a self-standing bag construction.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-standing bag construction wherein a support leg is hinged to the back side of a generally rigid backing panel for the bag and wherein the hinge construction and support leg enable positioning of the support leg in a folded condition flush with the backing panel and an unfolded condition projecting outwardly from the backing panel as a support.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a support leg for a self-standing bag construction which includes various means or mechanisms for maintaining the support leg in a flush condition tightly against the backing panel when not being utilized as a support.
Another object of the invention is to provide a support leg for a bag construction which enables the bag to be self-standing and wherein the support leg that provides the self-standing feature is rugged and easy to use.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a toiletry kit which incorporates the self-standing feature of the invention wherein the toiletry kit is depicted having the support leg in its operative position for supporting the kit;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the kit of FIG. 1 wherein the support leg is in an intermediate position of extension relative to a backing panel;
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the kit of FIG. 1 with the support leg in its inwardly folded condition or position;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a computer case incorporating a support leg positioned in the support position;
FIG. 5 is a back side view of the case of FIG. 4 wherein the support leg is in the folded or flush condition;
FIG. 6 is a front side view of the case of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the case of FIG. 4 wherein the front panel of the case has been opened and the case is supported by the support leg and thus maintained in the supported configuration of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a case which employs a zipper to maintain the support leg folded against the back side panel of a case;
FIG. 7B is an isometric cut away view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7C is a further embodiment wherein hook and loop fasteners are depicted in an isometric view for use to maintain a support panel on a backing panel;
FIG. 7D is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 7C;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the invention wherein a support leg is incorporated in a tool carrying case in the extended or support position;
FIG. 9 is the tool bag of FIG. 8 wherein the support leg is partially folded to its flush position;
FIG. 10 is an isometric back side view of the tool carrying case of FIG. 8 with the support leg in the folded position;
FIG. 11 is an isometric back side view of the tool bag of FIG. 8 in a back side view illustrating the support leg in its support position;
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a bag comprised of first and second planar members supported by a handle wherein each of the planar members includes ancillary pockets on the outside face thereof and one of the planar members comprises a support leg;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the bag of FIG. 12 wherein the planar members are in the support position;
FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the bag of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a toiletry kit utilizing support legs attached to a back side panel thereof in an alternative arrangement and in the folded or flush condition;
FIG. 16 is the kit of FIG. 15 in an isometric view wherein the support legs are in a partially folded condition;
FIG. 17 is the kit of FIG. 16 an isometric view wherein the support legs are in the fully outwardly folded condition for support of the kit on a table or planar surface;
FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an alternative construction of an embodiment of the invention as viewed from the back side thereof wherein the embodiment is in the form of a backpack;
FIG. 19 is a front isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a further exploded front isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a further isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 as viewed from the front side thereof;
FIG. 22 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 in the closed position as viewed from the front side thereof;
FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 as it would be carried by an individual;
FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the invention in the form of a valise or business case;
FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 in a partially folded configuration;
FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 25 in a fully folded condition;
FIG. 27 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 24;
FIG. 28 is a partial exploded isometric view illustrating the fastening mechanism associated with the embodiment of FIG. 24; and
FIG. 29 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 illustrating the manner in which the fastening mechanism is arranged for the embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, there is depicted a toiletry kit comprised of a generally rigid or semi-rigid backing panel 30 which has generally flat planar configuration, but may have an arcuate configuration in an upper section 32. Thus, a lower section 34 is a generally flat planar shape, but may be slightly arcuate. The lower section 34 of the backing panel 30 is a generally rigid panel member. It may comprise a polyethylene board encapsulated or sewn to or into fabric material, for example. Numerous types of constructions may be utilized to form the backing panel 30. The backing panel 30 includes a front side upon which a storage container, and in this embodiment a toiletry kit 36, is affixed or incorporated. The backing panel 30 includes a back side 38 and further includes a generally transverse seam or horizontal line 40, a lower edge 42, a first lateral side 44 and a second lateral side 46. A support leg 48 is hinged to the backing panel 30 along the margin or seam 40 and is attached thereto by a connecting leg 50 which is comprised of a first section or linking member 52 and a second section or linking member 54. Leg 48 may be positioned to form an acute angle with backing panel 30 to support the panel 30 and kit 36 upright on a table, etc. The linking members 52 and 54 define a gusset or connector which is foldable about a center hinge seam 56 and edges 42 and 51. The sections or parts 52 and 54 are generally of equal size and configuration so that they may be folded as depicted in FIG. 2 to the condition ultimately depicted in FIG. 3 wherein the support leg 48 is flush with the backing panel 30.
To maintain the support leg 48 in its flush condition, various types of fasteners may be used. For example, a strap having hook and loop elements; namely, a strap 60 with Velcro fasteners may be utilized. Alternatively, snaps, buckles and the like may be utilized. Another embodiment comprises placement of magnetic material such as a magnetic pad 62 for cooperation with a metal plate 63 in the backing panel or member 30 or vice versa to retain the support leg 48 in its flush or flat folded condition.
The toiletry kit 36 includes a zipper opening 64 for access to the interior contents of the kit. Typically, the zipper opening 64 is adjacent top edge or top side of the backing panel 30.
Other flaps and openings may also be provided.
FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a computer case 70 includes a backing panel 72. A support leg 74 with connecting gusset sections 76 and 78 is provided on the back side of the backing panel 72. The computer case 70 includes a front cover 80 which may be attached by a zipper 82 as a fastener and may be opened to the position shown in FIG. 7 as the support leg 74 is maintained as depicted, for example, in FIG. 4. Again, a magnet 84 may be provided to interact with a metal plate, for example, a plate 86 to maintain the support leg 74 in the closed or flush position. Hook and loop fasteners may be substituted for the magnetic material 84 and plate 86 by way of example. Other fastener mechanisms may also be utilized. Typically, the backing panel 72 may include a handle 88 attached at its upper end for carrying of the case.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B there is depicted a bag 200 including a back side panel 202 with a transverse or horizontal hinge 204 for attachment of a pivoting support leg 206. The support leg 206 is connected to the back panel 202 by a leg 208 which may be a flexible fabric material or may be a connecting leg of the type depicted for previously described embodiments.
Leg 208 in the embodiment of FIG. 7B is comprised of a first section 210 and a second section 212 which are each flexible or alternatively reinforced so that they may pivot about hinge seems 214, 216 and 218. The support leg 206 may thus be moved to the position illustrated in FIG. 7A where it provides support for the bag 200. Alternatively, leg 206 may be folded flush or flat against the back panel 202 and retained thereon by a zipper 220 which extends are the periphery of the support leg panel 206. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the back side panel 206 extends transversely across the entire back side panel 202. This enhances the ability of the support leg 206 to support the bag 200. The zipper 220 extends around the entire periphery of the support leg 206. Alternatively, multiple zippers may extend only partially about the periphery of the support leg 206.
FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate another alternative arrangement of a support leg. In FIGS. 7C and 7D a support leg 225 is attached to a back side panel 227 along a hinge connection 229.
The back side panel 227 forms a part of the bag 231. The support leg 225 is also connected to the back side panel 227 by connecting leg segments 237 and 239 which are hinged together and which connect respectively to the back side panel 227 and the support leg 225. Hook and loop fastener sections 233 and 235 are provided respectively on the back side panel 227 and the connecting leg sector 237 so that when the support leg 225 is folded against the back side panel 227, the hook and loop fastener sections 233 and 235 will cooperate to maintain the folded support leg 225 in position on the back side panel 227. To further facilitate the maintenance of the support leg 225 in a position flat against the back side panel 227 reference is directed to FIG. 7D wherein the connecting leg sections 237 and 239 include additional sectors of hook and loop fasteners. For example, sectors 241 on connecting leg section 237 and sectors 243 on connecting leg section 239. Thus, when the sectors 237 and 239 are folded about hinge connection 245, the hook and loop fastener elements or sectors 241 and 243 will be connected and facilitate retention of the support leg 225 in a folded condition. In this manner, the support leg 225 will be maintained flat against the backing panel or back panel 227, but may be easily pivoted outwardly therefrom by disengagement of the hook and loop fasteners. The support leg 225 may extend to the bottom of the back side panel 227 or may extend beyond the bottom edge of the back side panel. However, in a preferred embodiment leg 225 is maintained within the profile of the back side panel 227. This will result in the tilting of the bag at an angle relative to vertical when the bag is supported by the support leg 225. Thus, if the container or bag is on a flat surface, it will be tilted slightly away from the user thereby facilitating access to the contents of the container or bag when opened.
FIGS. 8-11 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Here a backing panel 90 cooperates with a support leg 92 which folds against the back side of the backing panel 90 and which is attached to the back panel 90 by means of a gusset construction comprised of a first section 94 and a second section 96 which are of equal width to the support leg 92. In this embodiment, it is to be noted that the support leg 92 extends substantially across the entire width of the backing panel 90. The width of the support leg may be varied depending upon the item which defines the container or storage container involved in the bag construction. The storage container 98 in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-11 comprises a tool case which includes side pockets and the like wherein tools may be stored. Thus, in order to improve the balance of the bag construction of FIGS. 8-11, the support leg 92 extends across substantially the entire width of the backing panel 90. Variations in width may be utilized to accommodate the particular bag construction involved. The support leg 92 may be folded against the back side of the backing 90 about the connection seam or junction 100 as depicted in FIG. 10. In the preferred embodiments, the backing panel 90 is a generally rigid or semi-rigid item, again, as described with respect to the previous embodiments, to thereby provide a means for support of the bag construction upon a generally planar surface.
FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a first generally rectangular panel 106 is hinged to a second generally rectangular panel 108 about a hinge connection 110. A handle 112 is provided and pockets, such as pockets 114 and 116, are provided on opposite sides of the panels. The panels 106 and 108 are connected by a two-part gusset 120 and 122 which folds about a seam or hinge connection 124 as depicted in FIG. 12 so that the bag construction may be easily transported by means of a handle 112. Again, one of the panels 106 and/or 108 serves as a support leg and in this embodiment, each of the panels 106 and 108 are utilized to include storage pockets 114 and 116 on the outside surfaces thereof.
FIGS. 15-17 disclose an alternative embodiment as incorporated with a toiletry kit or cosmetic kit. Referring to these figures, a first flap or support leg 130 and a second flap or support leg 132 are connected by a flexible hinge respectively to a first lateral side 134 and a second lateral side 136 of back panel 138. The support legs 130 and 132 each include a bottom edge 131 and 133, respectively, which serve to support the kit 140. Thus, the support legs 130 and 132 are preferably rigid or semi-rigid and the lower edges or sides 131 and 133 are shaped so that the kit 140 will be adequately supported. Flexible gussets 142 and 144 connect respectively the support legs 130 and 132 to the backing panel 138 as depicted in FIG. 17. Again, various types of fasteners may be utilized to maintain the support legs 130 and 132 in the flush condition of FIG. 15. For example, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, buckles and the like may be utilized.
FIGS. 18-23 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention as incorporated in a backpack. Thus, the backpack embodiment includes a backside panel 200 which is generally rigid or semi-rigid and which is hinged along a top margin or top edge 202 to a container section 204 of the backpack. The container section 204 includes a back side panel 206 which is generally rigid or semi-rigid and which is joined at its lower or bottom side or bottom end 208 by means of a web 210 or gusset 210 to the bottom side or bottom margin of the back side panel 200. The gusset or web 210 may typically be comprised of a flexible material and is sized so that the panels 200 and 206 may be arranged in an acute angle one with respect to the other so as to support the backpack in an upright position when not being carried on the back of a person.
The backpack construction further includes a first back carry strap 216 and a second back carry strap 218. The back straps 216 and 218 are formed from a padded flexible material and fit within a pocket 220 defined along the upper margin or upper edge 202 of the panel 200. The straps 216 and 218 are connected by means of a buckle element 222 and 224, respectively, to attachment straps 226 and 228, respectively, joined along the bottom margin 212 of the back panel 200 along the opposite side edges thereof. The back panel 200 includes an auxiliary pocket 230 which provides for access thereto by means of a zipper opening 232.
The straps 216 and 218 may be detached via release of the buckles 222 and 224 so as to fitted into the pocket 220. A peripheral zipper mechanism 236 comprises a fastener which attaches the back panel 200 to the periphery of the panel 206. The zipper mechanism 236 thus may extend about the entire periphery of the panels 200 and 206 to enclose and attach the panels together and to simultaneously close the pocket into which the straps 216 and 218 are positioned.
FIGS. 24-29 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention for a business case or valise. In this embodiment, first and second pouches 300 and 302 are mounted on generally planar back sides or mounting sides 304 and 306, respectively. A connecting web or arrangement 310 is comprised of first and second sections 312 and 314. The sections 312 and 314 as depicted in FIG. 27 the separate sections 312 and 314 each include magnets 320 and 322 which are incorporated in the sections. Thus, by way of example, as depicted in FIG. 28, a magnet member 330 is encapsulated in a semi-hard or rigid board or element 332 in a circular opening 334. A sheet or cover 336 is fitted against a first side thereof. A second sheet or cover 338 is fitted against the opposite side thereof. The sheets 336 and 338 may be adhesive sheets so as to hold the magnet 330 in position. Fabric material such as fabric 340 and another fabric layer 342 may then be sewn over the assembly as depicted in FIG. 28 and thereby provide the magnet construction which holds the case or valise in the folded condition, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 26. FIG. 29 illustrates in detail the arrangement of the magnets in the separate sections forming the web.
The concepts represented by the various embodiments may be incorporated with bag constructions of multiple types. The types of bag constructions thus described are merely exemplary and are not considered a limiting feature of the invention. The size, shape and arrangement of the support leg and the connecting gusset from the leg are also exemplary. Most of the support legs are attached at their lower ends to the lower edge or lower side of the backing panel. However, the support legs may be attached at an intermediate section to the backing panel. Gussets may be formed from flexible or rigid materials. The means for maintaining the support legs attached to their backing panel may be varied as discussed herein above. Thus, while there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
