Bag With Tablet Holder

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a bag with tablet holder that includes a body defining an inner compartment, a tablet pocket on the body defining a device compartment, a top opening defined by the body providing access to the inner compartment, and a rear opening to the tablet pocket providing access to the device compartment. An access flap extends from an edge of the tablet pocket and is movable between a closed position where it is secured over the pocket, and an open position where the pocket is uncovered and tablet is accessible. The device compartment includes a plurality of retention panels forming a border configured to receive and retain an electronic tablet in the pocket. The tablet can be accessed and used while remaining within the pocket in the bag.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a bag, and, more specifically, to a bag with a tablet holder and a movable access flap that allows a user to view and use the tablet from the exterior of the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld electronic devices, and specifically electronic tablets, e.g., the iPad® (a tablet sold by Apple Inc.), are becoming more commonplace in society, with more people using such devices to manage their everyday tasks and needs. As such, people who may want to frequently access these devices will carry them around so that they are available at all times. In response to this necessity, individualized carrying bags and cases have been developed. However, conventional carrying bags for a tablet require removal of the tablet from their bag for use and return of the tablet to the bag when the use has finished. For a person who checks or utilizes a tablet frequently throughout the day, this can be a very tiresome and repetitive task.

Furthermore, many people already carry bags around with them during their daily activities, be it a handbag, messenger bag, laptop bag, etc. Having to carry a second bag is troublesome and often difficult to manage. As such, people simply place their tablet in the same bag they normally carry, along with their other items, e.g., keys, pens, papers, coins, etc. This can result in the tablet screen being scratched or the tablet itself being damaged.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a bag that overcame one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In preferred embodiments, a bag is provided that includes a body defining a top opening and an inner compartment with the top opening providing access to the inner compartment. A tablet pocket is provided on the body. The tablet pocket has a rear opening and a device compartment for holding a tablet. An access flap extends from an edge of the tablet pocket and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The bag includes attachment means for attaching the access flap to the body to cover the device compartment. A plurality of retention panels are secured within the device compartment and configured to extend about a portion of a perimeter of a tablet. In an alternate embodiment, the bag comprises a body defining a top opening, a first inner compartment and a second inner compartment separated by an internal divider, with the top opening providing access to the first and second inner compartments. An access flap extends from the body and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The bag includes attachment means for attaching the access flap to the body to cover the second inner compartment. A plurality of retention panels are secured within the second inner compartment and configured to extend about a portion of a perimeter of a tablet.

The bag can be used for daily use and also hold a tablet that can be viewed from the exterior of the bag without removing the tablet from the bag.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention and/or of the current embodiments thereof will become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the bag with tablet holder of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1, showing an access flap in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bag of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the bag with tablet holder of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5, showing an access flap in an open position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bag of FIG. 5 taken along line 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a partial-cutaway rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 showing a tablet being inserted into a device compartment;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the bag of FIG. 9 showing an access flap in an open position and a tablet secured by retention panels; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5 showing a tablet being inserted into a device compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a bag 10 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the bag 10 could be a handbag, pocketbook, messenger bag, laptop bag, or any other suitable bag for carrying items. The bag 10, as shown, includes a body 12, a cover flap 14, and a strap 16. A latch mechanism 18 may be provided on the bag 10 such that a first latch portion 20 is provided on the cover flap 14 and a second latch portion 22 is provided on the body 12. The first latch portion 20 and the second latch portion 22 are configured to engage in a mating fashion to secure the cover flap 14 across the body 12 of the bag 10, thus covering a top opening 24 of the body 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, the body 12 defines an inner compartment 26, and is substantially closed except for the top opening 24, which provides access to an inner compartment 26. The body 12 may be any suitable shape and is not limited to one that has a “top,” but instead may be, for example, circular in nature with a portion of the perimeter defining the “top opening.” The top opening 24 may be “open” at all times or may include a zipper, not shown, or other mechanism for closing the top opening 24.

The cover flap 14 is connected to the body 12 at a first end, and is releasably secured to the body 12 at a second end by the latch mechanism 18. When the first latch portion 20 and the second latch portion 22 are not engaged, the cover flap 14 can be moved to uncover or cover the top opening 24, making the inner compartment 26 either accessible or inaccessible. When the cover flap 14 is moved to cover the top opening 24, the first latch portion 20 may be engaged with the second latch portion 22, securing the cover flap 14 in a position covering the top opening 24 and making the inner compartment 26 inaccessible. The latch mechanism 18 may be any type of latch mechanism known in the art. For example, the latch mechanism 18 may be magnetic, snap-fit, lock-fit, hook and loop closure, etc. Of course, the bags discussed herein do not require a cover flap and/or a latch mechanism.

If the bag 10 includes the strap 16, the strap 16 may be secured to the body 12 and positioned so that first and second ends of the strap 16 extend from opposite sides of the bag 10. The strap 16 may be any type of strap that is customary or known in the art, and may include multiple adjustable components. Additionally, the strap 16 may be releasably attached to the body 12.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag 10 of the present invention showing a tablet pocket 30 on a side of the bag 10. The tablet pocket 30 includes a rear opening 32 and a cover such as an access flap 40. The rear opening 32 may include a zipper 42 for securely closing the rear opening 32. Other closure mechanisms besides a zipper can be used, for example, a series of snap-fits, buttons, a hook and loop fastener, etc.

The access flap 40 extends from the body 12 along a bottom edge. The access flap 40 covers a device compartment 50 and can be opened to provide access to a tablet in the tablet pocket 30. The access flap 40 can be attached to the body 12, over the tablet pocket 30 by one or more fastening mechanism such as by a first securing mechanism (e.g., a zipper) 44 and a second securing mechanism (e.g., a zipper) 46 parallel and opposite to the first zipper 44. The first and second zippers 44, 46 are configured to secure the access flap 40 to the body 12. As shown in FIG. 2, when the first zipper 44 and the second zipper 46 are closed, the access flap 40 is tightly secured to the body 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, the bag 10 is shown with the first and second zippers 44, 46 opened, and the access flap 40 moved away from the bag 10, e.g., in an open position. The access flap 40 may include one or more male snap buttons 56 to engage one or more female snap buttons 58 located on the body 12. This permits a top portion of the access flap 40 to be secured to the body 12 along with the sides, which are secured by the first and second zippers 44, 46. When the access flap 40 is in the open position, an open window 48 is exposed and access is provided to a device compartment 50 within the tablet pocket 30. The device compartment 50 is accessible both through the open window 48 and through the rear opening 32 when the zipper 42 is opened. The device compartment 50 includes a plurality of retention panels 52 that are secured about their periphery to an internal tablet pocket wall 54. The plurality of retention panels 52 serve to retain the tablet and form a border configured to extend over perimeter edges of a standard tablet, such as an iPad, allowing the tablet to be inserted between the plurality of retention panels 52 and the internal tablet pocket wall 54 so that the tablet screen can be viewed and accessed through the window 48. Although three retention panels 52 are shown in FIG. 3, more or less panels can be used. Additionally, the open window 48 can be configured so that a portion, e.g., the top portion, overlaps a part of the tablet perimeter, further retaining the tablet within the device compartment 50. Moreover, the retention panels 52 may include specific features corresponding to design features of tablets. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a semi-circle is removed from one of the plurality of retention panels 52 allowing the “home” button of an iPad to be accessed by a user, while an oval is removed from another one of the plurality of retention panels 52 allowing an iPad camera to operate while it is secured by the retention panels 52. Additionally, the retention panels 52 may be formed of a molded leather that provides added rigidity, structure, and shape to the retention panels 52. The retention panels 52 may be formed to have a concave shape such that they extend outwardly from the internal tablet pocket wall 54 that they are secured to, and can cup around the edges of a tablet. As such, the retention panels 52 are shaped to receive and hold a tablet around edges thereof.

Additionally, the access flap 40 may include internal padding to provide cushioning for a tablet when it is secured within the device compartment 50. Such padding can provide a level of protection for the tablet so that it is not easily damaged in the bag 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, another embodiment of the bag 110 of the present invention is shown. FIG. 5 is a front view of the bag 110, which, as shown, includes a body 112, a cover flap 114, and a strap 116. A latch mechanism 118 may be provided on the bag 110 such that a first latch portion 120 is provided on the cover flap 114 and a second latch portion 122 is provided on the body 112. The first latch portion 120 and the second latch portion 122 are configured to engage in a mating fashion to secure the cover flap 114 across the body 112 of the bag 110, thus covering a top opening 124 (FIG. 8) of the body 112.

As shown in FIG. 8, the body 112 defines a first inner compartment 126, and a second inner compartment 128 that are substantially closed except for the top opening 124, which provides access to the first and second inner compartments 126, 128. The first and second inner compartments 126, 128 are separated by an internal divider 130. As discussed with reference to the first embodiment, the body 112 may be any suitable shape and is not limited to one that has a “top,” but instead may be, for example, circular in nature with a portion of the perimeter defining the “top opening.” The top opening 124 may be “open” at all times or may include a zipper, not shown, or other mechanism for closing the top opening 124.

The cover flap 114 functions similar to the cover flap 14 discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-4. To reiterate, the cover flap 114 is connected to the body 112 at a first end, and is releasably secured to the body 112 at a second end by the latch mechanism 118. When the first latch portion 120 and the second latch portion 122 are not engaged, the cover flap 114 can be moved to uncover or cover the top opening 124, making the first and second inner compartments 126, 128 either accessible or inaccessible. When the cover flap 114 is moved to cover the top opening 124 the first latch portion 120 may be engaged with the second latch portion 122, which is then rotated, securing the cover flap 114 in a position covering the top opening 124 and making the first and second inner compartments 126, 128 inaccessible through the top opening 124. The latch mechanism 118 may be any type of latch mechanism known in the art. For example, the latch mechanism 118 may be magnetic, snap-fit, lock-fit, hook and loop fasteners, etc. Of course, the bag 110 discussed herein does not require a cover flap 114 and/or a latch mechanism 118.

If the bag 110 includes the strap 116, the strap 116 may be secured to the cover flap 114 and positioned so that first and second ends of the strap 116 extend from opposite ends of the cover flap 114. The strap 116 may be any type of strap that is customary or known in the art, and may include multiple adjustable components. Additionally, the strap 116 may be releasably attached to the cover flap 114, or may be configured identical to the strap 16 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, e.g., extending from opposite ends of the bag 110. Similarly, the strap 16 of FIGS. 1-4 may be configured identical to the strap 116 described herein with reference to FIGS. 5-8.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the bag 110 of the present invention illustrating an access flap 140 on a side of the bag 110. The access flap 140 extends from the body 112 along a bottom edge. The access flap 140 covers the second inner compartment 128 and can be opened to provide access to a tablet in the second inner compartment 128. The access flap 140 can be attached to the body 112 by one or more fastening mechanisms, such as a first securing mechanism (e.g., a zipper) 144 and a second securing mechanism (e.g., a second zipper) 146 parallel and opposite to the first zipper 144. The first and second zippers 144, 146 are configured to secure the access flap 140 to the body 112. As shown in FIG. 5, when the first zipper 144 and the second zipper 146 are closed, the access flap 140 is tightly secured to the body 112.

Referring to FIG. 7, the bag 110 is shown with the first and second zippers 144, 146 opened, and the access flap 140 moved away from the bag 110, e.g., in an open position. The access flap 140 may additionally include one or more male snap buttons 156 to engage one or more female snap buttons 158 located on the body 112. This permits a top portion of the access flap 140 to be secured to the body 112 along with the sides, which are secured by the first and second zippers 144, 146. When the access flap 140 is in the open position, an open window 148 is exposed and access is provided to the second inner compartment 128. The second inner compartment 128 is accessible both through the top opening 124 and through the open window 148 when the access flap 140 is unzipped. The second inner compartment 128 includes a plurality of retention panels 152 that are secured about their periphery to a wall of the internal divider 130 adjacent the second inner compartment 128. The plurality of retention panels 152 form a border configured to extend over perimeter edges of a standard tablet, such as an iPad, allowing the tablet to be inserted between the plurality of retention panels 152 and the internal divider 130 so that the tablet screen can be viewed and accessed through the open window 148. While three retention panels 152 are shown in FIG. 7, more or less panels can be used. Further, the retention panels 152 may be formed of a molded leather that provides added rigidity, structure, and shape to the retention panels 152. The retention panels 152 may be formed to have a concave shape such that they extend outwardly from the internal divider 130 that they are secured to, and can cup around the edges of a tablet. As such, the retention panels 152 are shaped to receive and hold a tablet around edges thereof.

Additionally, the access flap 140 may include internal padding to provide cushioning for a tablet when it is secured within the second inner compartment 128. Such padding can provide a level of protection for the tablet so that it is not easily damaged in the bag 110.

Further, the retention panels 152 may include specific features corresponding to design features of tablets. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a semi-circle shape is removed from one of the plurality of retention panels 152 that allows the “home” button of an iPad to be accessed by a user.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a tablet being inserted into the bag 10. In use, the bag 10 of FIGS. 1-4 will function for its intended purpose, e.g., as a hand bag, a pocketbook, a messenger bag, a laptop bag, etc. As such, a user can place the strap 16 across his or her shoulder to carry the bag 10. The user can unlock the latch mechanism 18 and place any items he or she wishes to carry within the inner compartment 26. The user can then close the latch mechanism 18, thus covering the top opening 24. Alternatively, the bag 10 may not have a cover flap 14, instead the top opening 24 could include a zipper which closes the top opening 24, securing a user's items within the inner compartment 26.

The user can then unzip the zipper 42 of the tablet pocket 30 providing access to the device compartment 50. At this point, the user can slide their tablet through the rear opening 32, into the device compartment 50, and between the plurality of retention panels 52 and the internal tablet pocket wall 54, with the tablet screen facing away from the internal tablet pocket wall 54. The rear opening zipper 42 could then be closed, securing the tablet within the tablet pocket 30. Alternatively, for a user to secure their tablet within the bag 110 of FIGS. 5-8, as shown in FIG. 11, he or she would simply unlock the latch mechanism 118 and insert the tablet through the top opening 124 of the bag 110 into the second inner compartment 128, and between the plurality of retention panels 152 and the internal divider 130, with the tablet screen facing away from the internal divider 130. The path and direction of insertion is further illustrated by arrow A of FIG. 8. The user can then close the latch mechanism 118, thus covering the top opening 124.

When the user needs to use the tablet, they can simply unsnap the one or more male snap buttons 56, 156 from the one or more female snap buttons 58, 158 and unzip the first zipper 44, 144 and the second zipper 46, 146. This will allow the access flap 40, 140 to be moved away from the bag 10, 110, thus exposing the window 48, 148, providing access to the tablet that is secured by the plurality of retention panels 52, 152 within the device compartment 50 or second inner compartment 128. The user can then use the tablet for whatever purpose required, whether it be getting directions, checking their schedule, browsing the internet, etc., while the tablet is retained within the device compartment 50 or the second inner compartment 128. When the user is finished using the tablet he or she can simply zip the first zipper 44, 144 and the second zipper 46, 146, and snap the one or more male snap buttons 56, 156 and the one or more female snap buttons 58, 158 together, closing the access flap 40, 140 and securing the tablet within the device compartment 50 or second inner compartment 128, away from outside tampering. The bag 10, 110 can then be used as it normally would be for daily activities. The access flap 40, 140 can be configured in various ways and can connect with the bag 10, 110, over the device compartment 50 or the second inner compartment 128, in any way known in the art. Any other cover that can open to provide access to a tablet in a tablet pocket on a bag is within the scope of the present invention. Any suitable materials known in the art can be used for the bag and the components thereof.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bag with tablet holder, comprising:

a body defining a top opening and an inner compartment, the top opening providing access to the inner compartment;

a tablet pocket on the body having a rear opening, and a device compartment, the rear opening providing access to the device compartment;

a cover extending from an edge of the tablet pocket and movable between a closed position and an open position;

attachment means for attaching the cover to the body; and

a plurality of retention panels secured within the device compartment and configured to extend about a portion of a perimeter of a tablet.

2. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment means provides for the cover to move between a closed position and an open position.

3. The bag with tablet holder of claim 2, wherein when the cover is in the open position, a window to the device compartment is exposed and the device compartment is accessible through the window, and when the cover is in the closed position, the window is covered and the device compartment is not accessible through the window.

4. The bag with tablet holder of claim 2, further comprising a first latch portion on a cover flap of the bag and a second latch portion on the body, wherein the first latch portion and the second latch portion are configured to releasably engage.

5. The bag with tablet holder of claim 4, wherein the latch mechanism is comprised of any one of hook and loop fasteners, magnets, snap buttons, or a buckle.

6. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the attachment means includes any one of zippers, magnets, buttons, or hook and loop fastener.

7. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, further comprising one or more male snap buttons provided on an interior of the cover and one or more female snap buttons provided on an exterior of the tablet pocket, wherein the one or more male snap buttons and the one or more female snap buttons are configured for mating and releasably securing the cover with the tablet pocket.

8. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the cover includes padding.

9. The bag with tablet holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retention panels are formed from molded leather.

10. A bag with tablet holder, comprising:

a body defining a top opening, a first inner compartment and a second inner compartment separated by an internal divider, the top opening providing access to the first inner compartment and the second inner compartment;

an access flap extending from the body and movable between a closed position and an open position; and

attachment means for attaching the access flap to the body; and

a plurality of retention panels secured within the second inner compartment and configured to extend about a portion of a perimeter of a tablet.

11. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the access flap is movable between a first position whereby the access flap is closed and a second position whereby the access flap is open.

12. The bag with tablet holder of claim 11, wherein when the access flap is in the open position, a window to the device compartment is exposed and the device compartment is accessible through the window, and when the access flap is in the closed position, the window is covered by the access flap and the device compartment is not accessible through the window.

13. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, further comprising a locking mechanism including a first latch portion provided on a cover flap of the bag and a second latch portion provided on the body, wherein the first latch portion and the second latch portion are configured to releasably engage.

14. The bag with tablet holder of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism is comprised of any one of hook and loop fasteners, magnets, snap buttons, or a buckle.

15. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the attachment means includes any one of zippers, magnets, buttons, or hook and loop fastener.

16. with tablet holder of claim 10, further comprising one or more male snap buttons provided on an interior of the access flap and one or more female snap buttons provided on an exterior of the body, wherein the one or more male snap buttons and the one or more female snap buttons are configured for mating and releasably securing the access flap with the body.

17. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the access flap includes padding.

18. The bag with tablet holder of claim 10, wherein the plurality of retention panels are formed from molded leather.

19. A method of storing an electronic tablet in a handbag and using a tablet comprising:

inserting an electronic tablet into a tablet pocket of a bag;

closing the tablet pocket to retain the tablet in the pocket;

opening an access flap to expose a tablet in the tablet pocket;

utilizing a tablet in the tablet pocket from the exterior of the pocket without removing a tablet from the pocket;

closing the access flap after using a tablet; and

using the bag to transport a tablet.