COLOR-CODING INTERCHANGEABLE POCKET LINER

Abstract

A coded pocket liner system having a first translucent flexible bag of a first predetermined size having a first color-coded indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. The first translucent flexible bag is adapted for insertion into a pouch. A second translucent flexible bag of a second predetermined size includes a second color-coded indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. The second translucent flexible bag is adapted for insertion into the pouch.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The contents of satchels and purses are frequently disorganized, resulting in the difficulty of finding particular items in these pouches.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a coded pocket liner system having a first translucent flexible bag of a first predetermined size having a first color-coded indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. The first translucent flexible bag is adapted for insertion into a pouch. A second translucent flexible bag of a second predetermined size includes a second color-coded indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. The second translucent flexible bag is adapted for insertion into the pouch.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a coded pocket liner system having a first flexible bag of a first predetermined size having first identifying indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. The first flexible bag is adapted for insertion and storage in a pouch and adapted to contain accessories. A second flexible bag of a second predetermined size includes second identifying indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. The second flexible bag is adapted for insertion and storage in the pouch and adapted to contain accessories.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method for identifying the contents of a pouch. A first translucent flexible bag is provided of a first predetermined size having a first indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. A second translucent flexible bag is provided of a second predetermined size having a second identifying indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof. The first and second translucent flexible bags are inserted into a pouch. The contents of the first translucent flexible bag are determined by identifying the first indicium. The contents of the second translucent flexible bag are identified by identifying the second indicium.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a translucent flexible bag for insertion into a pouch;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a pouch with a plurality of translucent flexible bags;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the translucent flexible bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a first side elevational view of the translucent flexible bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the translucent flexible bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a second side elevational view of the translucent flexible bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the translucent flexible bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom elevational view of the translucent flexible bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a translucent flexible bag with magnetic connecting members;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of several translucent flexible bags with differing indicium;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of a pouch having several translucent flexible bags disposed therein, one of which has been withdrawn;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a pouch having several translucent flexible bags, wherein a user is removing the contents of one of the bags;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a pouch having several translucent flexible bags, wherein a user has removed two of the bags;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a system for audibly recording the contents of a flexible bag;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible bag incorporating a recording device; and

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible bag incorporating an illuminating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reference numeral 10 generally designates a coded pocket liner system having a first translucent flexible bag 12 of a first predetermined size having a first indicium 14 and a closure device 16 disposed at an open end 18 thereof. The first translucent flexible bag 12 is adapted for insertion into a pouch 20. A second translucent flexible bag 22 of a second predetermined size includes a second indicium 24 and a closure device 26 disposed at an open end 28 thereof. The second translucent flexible bag 22 is adapted for insertion into the pouch 20.

For purposes of minimizing duplicity in explaining the bag constructions, an explanation of the construction of only the first translucent flexible bag 12 will be provided below. It will be understood that other bags described herein will have similar constructions and will differ only in size and capacity.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the first translucent flexible bag 12 includes a front wall 30 and a rear wall 31. A bottom wall 32 connects with a bottom portion of the front wall 30 of the first translucent flexible bag 12. The bottom wall 32 and front wall 30 of the first and second translucent flexible bags 12, 22 define an interior cavity 34. The bottom wall 32 provides support to the first translucent flexible bag 12 when removed from the pouch 20. A plurality of seams 36 are shown in the first translucent flexible bag 12 adjacent the bottom wall 32, such that the first translucent flexible bag 12 may be folded or rolled into a compacted position. The number of seams 36 may influence the holding capacity of the interior cavity 34. Thus, it is contemplated that seams 36 may be disposed in various positions in the first translucent flexible bag 12 to provide more or less storage volume to the interior cavity 34 of the first translucent flexible bag 12. A top portion 37 of the first translucent flexible bag 12 includes a band 38 that provides additional structural integrity to the open end 18 of the first translucent flexible bag 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8 in the illustrated embodiment, a strap 40 extends through the band 38. The strap 40 is designed to cinch the open ends 18, 28 of the first and second translucent flexible bags 12, 22 to a closed position. A cinching device 42 is provided to maintain the open end 18 of the first translucent flexible bag 12 in the closed position.

In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the band 38 does not include the strap 40, but instead includes first and second magnetic members 42, 44 that are attracted to one another and disposed in the band 38. The first magnetic member 42 is disposed in the band 38 adjacent the front wall 30 and the second magnetic member 44 is disposed in the band 38 adjacent the rear wall 31. The first and second magnetic members 42, 44 maintain contact with each other through the band 38, thus keeping the open end 18 in a closed position until a user forces the first and second magnetic members 42, 44 apart to access the contents of the first translucent flexible bag 12.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, it is contemplated that multiple bags, such as the first, the second, and a third translucent flexible bags 12, 22, 52, as shown in FIG. 10, may be utilized. Each of the bands 38 of the first, second, and third translucent flexible bags 12, 22 52, are shown having a different indicium disposed thereon. It is contemplated that the first indicium 14 may be of a tactile nature, that is, the band 38 of the first translucent flexible bag 12 may include bumps, the second indicium 24 on the band 38 of the second translucent flexible bag 22 may include a star design, and the band 38 of the third translucent flexible bag 52 may include a third indicium 60 with a hatch design, which can be readily determined by a sense of touch from a user. Alternatively, discriminating between the translucent flexible bags 12, 22, 52 may be determined by the color of the band, wherein the small bumps on the band 38 of the first translucent flexible bag 12 designate a first color-coded indicium, the stars of the band 38 on the second translucent flexible bag 22 designate a second color-coded indicium, and the hatching on the band 38 of the third translucent flexible bag 52 designates yet another color-coded indicium. When the translucent flexible bags 12, 22, 52 are secured in the pouch 20, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, the contents 62 of each flexible bag 12, 22, 52 can be readily discerned based on associating that particular flexible bag 12, 22, 52 with a particular accessory or item that is stored within the flexible bag 12, 22, 52. As a result, the contents 62 can be located in the flexible bag 12, 22, 52 and be removed while the flexible bag 12, 22, 52 is still in the pouch 20. Alternatively, the flexible bag 12, 22, 52 can be quickly and easily removed in its entirety from the pouch 20, as shown in FIG. 11. The contents 62 inside the flexible bag 12, 22, 52 may then be removed, as shown in FIG. 12.

Referring now to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, the bag 12 may include a recording device 69 designed for customization by a user. To use the recording device 69, the user actuates a button 72, holding the button 72 down (step 70), and simultaneously records the contents 62 of the flexible bag 12 (step 74). Stated differently, the items the user intends to place in the flexible bag 12 are recorded by the user. The information provided by the user is stored in a small memory device 75. When the contents 62 of the flexible bag 12 have been recorded, the button 72 is released (step 76). At a later time, when the user wishes to discover the contents 62 of the flexible bag 12 without having to look in the flexible bag 12, the user simply actuates the button 72 by pressing and releasing the button 72 quickly (step 78). The button 72 activates the memory device 75, which simultaneously instructs a bag speaker 80 (step 82) to play back the recording originally recorded by the user that states the contents 62 of the flexible bag 12. It is contemplated that the recording device 69 may be present in any of the flexible bags 12, 22, or 52.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 16, a lighting device 89 includes a light bar 90 that is operably connected to a battery source 92. A proximity or touch sensor 94 disposed at the top of the flexible bag 12 is operably connected with the light bar 90, and when the touch sensor 94 is activated by an individual's finger or hand, the touch sensor 94 sends a signal to the light bar 90 to activate, drawing energy from the battery source 92. Accordingly, in a dark room, a user can determine the contents 62 of the flexible bag 12 based on the color of the light bar 90, which is indicative of the contents 62 of the flexible bag 12. In addition, it is contemplated that the light intensity may be sufficient to illuminate the interior of the flexible bag 12 such that a user can readily ascertain the contents 62 of the flexible bag 12. It is contemplated that the lighting device 89 may be present in any of the flexible bags 12, 22, or 52.

A method for identifying the contents of a pouch, such as a satchel or purse, includes providing a first translucent flexible bag of a first predetermined size and having a first indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end of a first translucent flexible bag. A second translucent flexible bag is also provided that has a second predetermined size and a second identifying indicium. A closure device is disposed on an open end of the second translucent flexible bag. The first and second translucent flexible bags are inserted into a pouch and the contents of the first and second translucent flexible bags are determined by first identifying the indicium disposed on or near the open end of each of the first and second translucent flexible bags.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A coded pocket liner system comprising:

a first translucent flexible bag of a first predetermined size having a first color-coded indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof, the first translucent flexible bag adapted for insertion into a pouch; and

a second translucent flexible bag of a second predetermined size having a second color-coded indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof, the second translucent flexible bag adapted for insertion into the pouch.

2. The coded pocket liner system of claim 1, wherein the first and second color-coded indicium are disposed on a band that is adjacent the open end of the first and second translucent flexible bags.

3. The coded pocket liner system of claim 1, further comprising:

a tactile indicium that can be identified by a user by touch.

4. The coded pocket liner system of claim 1, further comprising:

a third translucent flexible bag of a third predetermined size having a third color-coded indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof, the third translucent flexible bag adapted for insertion into the pouch.

5. The coded pocket liner system of claim 1, wherein the closure device includes first and second magnetically attracted members that are adapted to keep each of the first and second translucent flexible bags closed.

6. The coded pocket liner system of claim 1, wherein the closure device includes a drawstring slidably secured to the open end of each of the first and second translucent flexible bags and adapted to keep each of the first and second translucent flexible bags closed.

7. The coded pocket liner system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second translucent flexible bags includes a pleated flexible base to increase holding volume of the bag.

8. A coded pocket liner system comprising:

a first flexible bag of a first predetermined size having first identifying indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof, the first flexible bag adapted for insertion and storage in a pouch and adapted to contain accessories; and

a second flexible bag of a second predetermined size having second identifying indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof, the second flexible bag adapted for insertion and storage in the pouch and adapted to contain accessories.

9. The coded pocket liner system of claim 8, wherein each of the first and second translucent flexible bags are formed from a material that is at least partially translucent.

10. The coded pocket liner system of claim 8, wherein the first and second indicium are disposed on a band that is adjacent the open end of the first and second identifying flexible bags.

11. The coded pocket liner system of claim 9, wherein the closure device includes a drawstring that slidably extends through the band, and which is operable between a cinched position that prevents items from leaving the bag and a relaxed position that allows items to be withdrawn from the bag.

12. The coded pocket liner system of claim 9, wherein the closure device includes first and second magnetically attracted members disposed proximate the band that are adapted to keep each of the first and second translucent flexible bags closed.

13. The coded pocket liner system of claim 8, wherein the first and second identifying indicium are tactile indicium that can be identified by a user by touch.

14. The coded pocket liner system of claim 8, wherein the first and second identifying indicium are color-coded indicium that can be identified by a user by sight.

15. The coded pocket liner system of claim 8, wherein the first identifying indicium is a first audibly prerecorded message and the second identifying indicium is a second audibly prerecorded message.

16. The coded pocket liner system of claim 8, wherein the first and second identifying indicium are operably connected with a light source.

17. A method for identifying the contents of a pouch, the method comprising:

providing a first translucent flexible bag of a first predetermined size having a first indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof;

providing a second translucent flexible bag of a second predetermined size having a second identifying indicium and a closure device disposed at an open end thereof;

inserting the first and second translucent flexible bags into a pouch;

determining the contents of the first translucent flexible bag by identifying the first indicium; and

determining the contents of the second translucent flexible bag by identifying the second indicium.

18. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising:

providing a band adjacent the open end of the first and second translucent flexible bags.

19. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising:

providing a drawstring that is slidably received in the band and which is operable between a cinched position that prevents items from leaving the bag and a relaxed position that allows items to be withdrawn from the bag.

20. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising:

positioning first and second magnetically attracted members on opposite sides of the bag proximate the band, the first and second magnetically attracted members being adapted to keep each of the first and second translucent flexible bags closed.