Compartment system

Abstract

A compartment system with flexible volumes of space for use within a bag. The compartment system includes a primary compartment and a secondary compartment defined by the inner lining of the bag. The primary compartment is disposed adjacent the secondary compartment such that the sum of the volume of the primary compartment and the secondary compartment remains constant. The total volume of the primary and secondary compartment is approximately the volume of the bag. Increasing the volume of the secondary compartment space simultaneously decreases the volume of the primary compartment space such that the bag maintains a consistent exterior appearance. Access to the secondary compartment is via a compartment access flap disposed on one of the sides of the bag. The secondary compartment can be any size, shape or orientation. More than one secondary compartment can be used.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to compartmentalized bags, in particular to handbags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of compartmentalized carrying devices such as luggage, sports bags, hand bags, and beach bags are known in the art. Compartmentalized bags allow for items to be carried simultaneously, yet separately, without the need to use more than one bag. Compartmentalized bags allow for increased organization. Numerous compartmentalized bags known in the art comprise of compartments exterior to a main central compartment which affect the overall appearance of the bag depending on how much is placed in the compartments. Other compartmentalized bags contain compartments within the main central compartment which are separated by a lining to delineate the compartmentalized space. Such compartmentalization, however, often does not effectively use the compartmentalized space when the space is not being used.

Compartmentalized bags can be used to carry electronic equipment where individual components may need to be insulated, to carry items such as beverages which need to be upright, or to carry items where for sanitary purposes separation of items is desirable, such as a wet umbrella or a pair of shoes. Women often carry a secondary pair of shoes to change into, but prefer that the pair of shoes be separated from make-up, lunch, or other items in the bag.

Compartmentalized hand bags such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,171,011 and 5,209,279 have a secondary compartment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,011 discloses a handbag with a compartment for an umbrella adjacent to the bottom surface of the handbag. Access to the umbrella is via a zippered side flap. U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,279 discloses a handbag with an upper and lower compartment. The lower compartment is detachable and can be carried separately. While such prior art bags allow for the capacity to carry objects simultaneously and separately without the need to handle additional baggage, prior art compartmentalized bags, do not efficiently make use of compartmentalized space when the compartment is not in use.

The present inventor has recognized the need for a compartment system which makes effective use of space by being easily convertible from one volume of space to two compartmental volumes.

The present inventor has recognized the need for a compartment system that can be adaptable to various shapes and types of bags. The present inventor has recognized a need for a compartment system that is capable of carrying various objects, such as shoes and umbrellas.

The present inventor has recognized the need for a versatile compartment system that is easy to use and does not impact the overall appearance of the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a compartment system with flexible volumes of space for use within a bag. In one embodiment, the compartment system comprises a primary compartment and a secondary compartment defined by the inner lining of the bag. The primary compartment is disposed adjacent a secondary compartment such that the sum of the volume of the primary component and the secondary compartment remains constant. Increasing volume of the secondary compartment space simultaneously decreases the volume of the primary compartment space such that the bag maintains a consistent exterior appearance. Access to the secondary compartment is via a compartment access flap disposed on a side of the bag. In another embodiment, access to the secondary compartment maybe provided on two sides of the bag, such as two opposite sides. The secondary compartment can be any size, shape or orientation.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a handbag utilizing one exemplary embodiment of the compartment system.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the handbag of FIG. 1, with the compartment access flap in an open position.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the handbag of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the handbag of FIG. 1A illustrating contents in the secondary compartment.

FIG. 1E is a side view of the handbag of FIG. 1A illustrating contents in the secondary compartment.

FIG. 2A is a cross section view of the handbag of FIG. 1C taken from line 2A-2A.

FIG. 2B is a cross section view of the handbag of FIG. 1D taken along line 2B-2B.

FIG. 2C illustrates the handbag of FIG. 2B with the secondary compartment extended.

FIG. 2D illustrates an alternative embodiment of the handbag of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the compartment system.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the compartment system of FIG. 3A with the secondary compartment at least partially extended.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view an alternate embodiment of the compartment system with more than one secondary compartment.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the compartment system in FIG. 4A with objects in the secondary compartments.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a bag using the compartment system wherein the secondary compartment system contains an object which causes an upright orientation of the secondary compartment.

FIG. 6A is perspective view another embodiment of the compartment system wherein access to the secondary compartment is from the bottom surface.

FIG. 6B is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the compartment system wherein the compartment access flaps can be used decoratively.

FIG. 6C a perspective view of another embodiment of the compartment system wherein the secondary compartment is disposed along the side of the handbag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

FIG. 1A illustrates a handbag 10 with one embodiment of the compartment system. The handbag 10 comprises a front wall 30, a back wall 20, side walls 40, 50, and bottom wall 75 which define the overall shape of the handbag 10. The bag further comprises a gripping mechanism 15 and a closing mechanism 17. While a handbag is shown in the drawings, the compartment system may be provided in other types of bags, such as backpacks, luggage, sports bags, computer bags, or beach bags.

The exterior walls 20, 30, 40, 50 can be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to leather, polyvinylchloride (PVC), synthetic or natural fabric material, or a combination thereof. The exterior walls of the bag can be made with a PVC crocodile pattern. One or more walls may be made from a unitary piece of material and separated by a seam or edge.

The gripping mechanism 15 can be a handle, a shoulder strap, and the like, or any other mechanism which allows the user to hold the handbag 10. The gripping mechanism can be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to leather, polyvinylchloride, synthetic or natural fabric material, or a combination thereof. The gripping mechanism can be made of a faux grain leather.

The closing mechanism 17 allows the handbag to be closed such that contents do not fall out and to prevent unwanted access to the contents. The closing mechanism may be a zipper, or a magnetic strip which allows the opening of the handbag to snap shut. Alternatively, the closing mechanism can be a snap button, or any other suitable mechanism. The closing mechanism may also have a lock to prevent opening by unauthorized people.

The handbag 10 may contain additional features such as an external pocket, zipper or a flap closure which overhangs the top of the handbag at the closing mechanism. Other features commonly found in bags and known to one skilled in the art can also be used.

The handbag 10 further comprises a compartment access flap or door 60 which opens and closes along a flap hinge 65 located along a seam line where the bottom surface 75 and side wall 40 intersect. The compartment access flap 60 opens and closes via a zipper 70. FIG. 1B illustrates the compartment access flap 60 in its open position to reveal an inner lining 90 which defines the secondary compartment space 200 and which is adjacent to a lining 80 of the first compartment space 100 (FIG. 2A). While the door 60 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to comprise a portion of a side 43, in another embodiment the door may be size differently. For example, the door may extend from the first edge 43a to the oppose second edge 43b, or may extend some predefined distance therebetween. In another example, the door may extend from the bottom edge 43d to the opposite top edge or point 43c, or may extend some predefined distance therebetween. Therefore, in various embodiments the door may be provided in various sizes.

FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 1E illustrate side views of the handbag 10 without and with contents in the secondary compartment 200. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are cross sectional views of the handbag 10 of FIGS. 1C and 1D respectively. The interior of the handbag 10 comprises the lining 80 which defines a primary compartment 100 with a bottom surface 101. The lining 90 for a secondary compartment is disposed beneath the bottom surface 101 and is preferably connected to lining 80. Lining 90 can be attached to lining 80 along seam lines 96 which run along the length of the front and back walls 20, 30, and side walls 40, 50. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the lining 90 is in its resting state when the secondary compartment is not in use. In its resting or compressed state, the side walls 97 of the lining 90 are folded or crumpled onto itself. The lining 90 comprises a bottom surface 91 which may be secured to the bottom surface 75 of the bag. The bottom surface may be secured by sewing a portion of the bottom surface 91 of the lining 90 to the bottom surface 75 of the bag, or by the use of VELCRO, snap buttons, or any other suitable mechanism.

FIG. 2B illustrates the handbag 10 when objects 95, such as tennis shoes, are placed in a secondary compartment 200. When objects 95 are placed in the secondary compartment, the bottom surface 101 of the primary compartment 100 is raised such that the volume of the primary compartment 100 decreases to make room for the secondary compartment 200 within the handbag 10. Side walls 97 are extended as needed to allow the secondary compartment to just fit the objects 95. Because the side walls 97 are extended only as needed, the secondary compartment will not take up more space than needed by the objects 95 in the secondary compartment. Thus, it is possible that portions of the side wall 97 not fully extended will still remain folded or crumpled on top of each other at a second compression or crumple zone 92. FIG. 2C illustrates a fully extended side wall 97, and thus the lining is not compressed within the second crumple zone for the secondary compartment.

The linings 80, 90 are at least partially deformable. In order to achieve deformability the linings may be made out of pliable material. The volumes of each compartment 100, 200 are infinitely variable within a range of volumes defined at the maximum total by the volume of the bag 10. The sum of the volumes both compartments 100, 200 is less than the volume of the bag 10. In one embodiment, the pliable material of either or both linings 80, 90 comprises a flexible nylon so that it will conform or fall around, by the weight of gravity, at least a portion of the object contained within the second compartment.

The secondary compartment may be divided into more than one compartment, such as shown in FIG. 2D. In FIG. 2D the secondary compartment 200 is divided into an upper compartment 202 and a lower compartment 203. The upper and lower compartments are separated by a secondary compartment dividing wall 204. The compartments are shown in their most expanded state in FIG. 2D. The upper compartment allows a user to carry an object such as an umbrella above and separated from the lower compartment where shoes or other objects may be placed. The secondary compartment dividing wall 204 may extend along the entire width (the width is shown by direction W in FIG. 1D) of the secondary compartment or it may extend along some portion less than the entire width, such as only half of the width.

When the secondary compartment 200 is expanded, the side walls 97 are extended upwards and the bottom surface 101 of the primary compartment 100 is raised. When the bottom surface 101 of the primary compartment 100 is raised, portions of the side wall 85 of the primary component that are now displaced by the extended side walls 97 are folded, compressed, or crumpled within a first compression or crumple zone 82 at the bottom of the primary compartment 100. The more the secondary compartment 200 is expanded towards the top of the handbag, the greater degree the side walls 85 are crumpled or folded at the bottom of the primary compartment 100.

The volume that the secondary compartment 200 can occupy and which is defined by a top wall 98, the side walls 97 and bottom wall 91 of the secondary compartment can range up to a volume about equal to that of the primary compartment. In other words, in one embodiment, the secondary compartment may be expandable to fill the volume of the entire bag. In another embodiment, the secondary compartment may be expandable to file a predefined volume less than the entire bag, such as half or one quarter of the bag. In each case the primary compartment volume will be reduced corresponding to the expansion of the secondary compartment.

The secondary compartment may extend from a first side 43 of the bag to a second side 44 of the bag in the direction W as shown in FIG. 1E. In one embodiment, the secondary compartment has sufficient volume to expand and extend in the direction H when filled with an object from the top 41 to the bottom 44 of the bag.

While the door 60 is shown in the first side 43, in another embodiment it may be located on the second side. In another embodiment, the bag may have a first door on the first side 43 and a second door on the second side, where each door provides access to the secondary compartment 200 and the compartment extends from the first side to the second side. In another embodiment it may be located on a front side 30 or a rear side 20. Therefore, in alternative embodiments, access to the secondary compartment may be provided via one or more sides of the bag as well as the bottom 75. The side walls 85 of the lining 80 may be secured to the inner surface of the front 30 and back 20 walls of the handbag 10. The side walls 85 of the lining 80 may be secured at a location above the height of the side walls 97 in their fully extended position, so as not to interfere with the extension of the secondary compartment 90. In alternate embodiments, the side walls 85 of the lining 80 may not be secured to the inner surface of the handbag 10. Instead, the lining and/or the inner surface of the handbag 10 can be made of a material that allows the lining to remain in position against the side walls to prevent unnecessary additional bunching of the inner lining.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an underlying concept of the compartment system 300 which is more clearly detailed using an alternate embodiment for rectangular shaped handbags. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the inner lining which defines the separate compartments. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, primary compartment 100a has a height “l” which in its fully extended position, equals a height “h” of the handbag. When the secondary compartment 200a expands, such that it is at a height “r”, the length “l” of the primary compartment decreases such that the sum of the heights “l” and “r” equal the height “h” of the handbag. Likewise, the primary compartment has a width “t” which in its fully extended position equals a width “w” of the handbag. When the secondary compartment expands such that the width of the secondary compartment is “s”, the width “t” of the primary compartment decreases such that the sum of the widths “s” and “t” equal the width “w” of the handbag. A similar concept applies for the depth dimension of the handbag. By adjusting the relative height, width and depth of the compartments, the volumes of the compartments are accordingly adjusted. Increasing volume of the secondary compartment space increasingly decreases the volume of the primary compartment space such that the bag maintains a consistent exterior appearance.

In an alternate embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the compartment system 400 comprises more than two compartments. The compartment system comprises a primary compartment 100b, and two secondary compartments 200b, 200c laterally adjacent to each other. The portions of the bottom surface 101b of the primary compartment 100b can be elevated by the contents in either, or both, of the secondary compartments 200b, 200c. The secondary compartments 200b, 200c in FIG. 4A are extended to their full height, resulting in the accumulation of folds or crumples in the crumple zone 82b in the primary compartment 100b. The secondary compartments 200b, 200c are adjacent each other along a plane 220 defined by seams k, wherein each secondary compartment 200b, 200c not fully extended laterally has a crumple zone 282 on either side of the plane 220, to account for the potentially extendable material which can extend from one secondary compartment 200b, 200c into another.

In one embodiment, the primary compartment 100b may be secured to the inner surface of the handbag along seam lines a, b, c, d. Primary compartment 100b may be secured to secondary compartments 200b, 200c along seam lines a′, b′, c′, d′, while secondary compartments 200b may be secured to the bottom surface 75b along seam lines e, f, g, h, i, j. The secondary, compartments 200b, 200c may be further attached to each other if desired, by sewing along seam lines k. Other seam lines for attaching the primary compartment 100b to the secondary compartments 200b, 200c, and for attaching any of the compartments to an inner surface of the handbag are possible to achieve the desired effect of the compartment system. However, in another embodiment the compartment are not attached to one another.

FIG. 4B illustrates the use of the dual secondary compartments 200b, 200c while maintaining constant the sum of the volume of both compartments. FIG. 4B illustrates a compartment 200c with roller skates 95b requiring more volume than a compartment 200b with water bottles 95a. Thus, the flexible compartment volume of secondary compartment 200c extends into the other secondary compartment 200b. The secondary compartment 200b into which secondary compartment 200c extends comprises a crumple zone for the portion of the secondary compartment 200b which is folded or crumpled onto itself to make room for the extension of secondary compartment 200c. Also illustrated in FIG. 4B are the crumple zones 82b reflecting the bottom surface of the primary compartment being pushed upwards and having residual material fold onto itself. Side compartment doors (not shown) are provided for accessing each of the compartments 200b, 200c.

The size and shape of the secondary compartment is defined by the lining of the secondary compartment. As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the secondary 200 compartment can extend along the bottom surface 75 of the handbag 10. However, the secondary compartment 200 can also extend vertically as illustrated in FIG. 5. While the door 60 comprises less than the entire height of the side 40 of the bag, in bag may be configured using doors of different heights. In one embodiment the door may extend along substantially the entire height of the side 40.

FIGS. 6A-to-6C illustrates other embodiments of the compartment system 15. The same reference numerals denote similar parts. The compartment system may comprise a secondary compartment 200 wherein access to the secondary compartment is located on the bottom surface of the handbag, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B illustrates the versatility of the compartment system in that it can be adapted for use in purses or handbags of different shapes. The compartment access flaps can further be used decoratively, or as panels which protect the edges of the handbag. FIG. 6C illustrates that the secondary compartment 200 can be disposed such that it extends from a wall of the handbag and into the primary compartment 100 without extending along the bottom surface 75.

It will be recognized that the bag may comprise multiple internal and external areas, where at least one internal area of the bag comprises the first and second compartments 100, 200. In another embodiment, the system may be provided without a lining for the first compartment, whereby the bag defines a portion of the boundaries of the first compartment and a portion of the lining of the second compartment defines the boundary between the first and second compartments.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

1. An internal compartment system for separating contents within a bag having predetermined dimensions to define the volume of the bag comprising:

at least one internal area;

a first variable sized compartment within the internal area;

a second variable sized compartment defined by a second flexible lining within the internal area; the second lining is adjacent to the frist compartment; the second compartment has a collapsed state and an expanded state;

a first opening connected to the first compartment and a second opening connected to the second compartment.

2. The compartment system of claim 1, wherein the volume of the second compartment is infinitely variable within a predefined range.

3. The compartment system of claim 1, wherein the first compartment has a first volume and the second compartment has a second volume, the first and second volumes are infinitely variable in relation to the other so long as the sum of the first and second volumes do not exceed the volume of the interior area.

4. The compartment system of claim 1, wherein the second lining has a surface area along a portion of the lining that is adjacent to the first compartment, the second lining is deformable along the surface area to accommodate an object within the second volume of space.

5. The compartment system of claim 1, wherein the sum of the volume of the first compartment and the volume of the second compartment remains substantially constant as the size of the compartments are varied.

6. The compartment system of claim 1, wherein the sum of the volume of the first compartment and the volume of the second compartment is substantially equal to the volume of the bag.

7. The compartment system of claim 1, wherein the second lining is moveable so that the second compartment extends into a portion of the space previously occupied by the first compartment, and the volume of the first compartment is substantially correspondingly reduced when the volume of the second compartment is expanded.

8. The compartment system of claim 1, comprising: at least a second and third compartments which defines at least a second and third volume of space respectively within the internal area.

9. A method of appropriating space within a bag, the bag having at least one internal area, where the internal area has a first compartment and a second compartment, comprising the steps of:

providing said the first compartment with a first volume of space;

reducing the volume of the first compartment by a first amount by placing an item within the second compartment to increase the volume of the second compartment where the volume of the second compartment is increased by a volume substantially corresponding to the first amount.

10. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of reducing is further defined in that a portion of the volume of the first compartment displaced by the extension of the second compartment into the space previously occupied by the first compartment.

11. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:

increasing the first compartment to its initial volume when an item in the second volume of space is removed.

12. A bag comprising:

at least one interior area;

a first compartment defining a first volume of space within the interior area,

a second compartment within the interior area; the second compartment separate from the first compartment;

at least one pliable separator defining the boundary between the first and second compartments, wherein the separator is movable to vary the first volume in relation to a second volume of space of the second compartment;

a first opening connected to the first volume of space and a second opening connected to the second volume of space.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first compartment has a first compression zone for collapsing at least a portion of the first compartment, and the second compartment has a second compression zone for collapsing at least a portion of the second compartment.

14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the internal area comprises an expansion area of space, the expansion area comprises the first volume of space or the second volume of space or a combination of at least a portion of the first and second volumes of space depending on the location of the separator.

15. The bag of claim 12, wherein the second compartment has a volume that is infinitely variable within a predefined range by moving the separator.

16. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first and second volumes of space are infinitely variable in relation to the other so long as the sum of the first and second volumes do not exceed the volume of the interior area.

17. The bag of claim 12, wherein the second compartment is defined by a liner; the separator comprises at least a portion of the liner.

18. The bag of claim 12, wherein the second compartment has a collapsed state, when the second compartment is in a collapsed state, the first compartment or one or more other compartments occupy substantially all of the interior area.

19. The bag of claim 12, wherein the separator has a surface area and is configured to deform at any point along that surface area.

20. The bag of claim 12, wherein the second compartment is collapsible and has a collapsed state in which the second compartment is collapsed upon itself.