TOTE APPARATUS

- Balanced Day Bags Inc.

A tote apparatus to enable a user to carry at least one article. The tote apparatus includes a handle portion and one or more receptacle portions secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining one or more pockets located between the receptacle portion(s) and the handle portion. The tote apparatus also includes one or more divider elements for at least partially dividing the pocket into two or more compartments. The divider element extends between an inner side thereof secured or releasably attachable to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof releasably attachable or secured to the receptacle portion.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a tote apparatus for carrying one or more articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the prior art, various types of disposable trays are known for carrying cups of beverages (e.g., coffee) and other containers for beverages (e.g., small bottles). The trays typically are provided by the restaurants, typically coffee shops or fast food restaurants, that provide the beverages.

However, the known disposable trays have a number of disadvantages. First, when cups of coffee or other drinks containers are in the tray, it typically has to be supported by both of the user's hands. This tends to be awkward, for instance, where the user requires a hand to be free for opening doors. Second, the disposable tray is generally not reused, so it results in waste and, ultimately, the cost of providing the tray is passed on to the consumer.

Various reusable bags are known for use in carrying groceries, and reusable bags that are designed to hold specific products are also known. However, such reusable bags are not formed to hold cups of beverages or small bottles upright.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a tote apparatus for carrying containers for beverages that overcomes or mitigates one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

In its broad aspect, the invention provides a tote apparatus to enable a user to carry one or more articles. The tote apparatus includes a handle portion having an aperture in which a part of a hand of the user is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus, and one or more receptacle portions secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining one or more pockets located between the receptacle portion and the handle portion. The tote apparatus also includes one or more divider elements for at least partially dividing the pocket into two or more compartments. The divider element extends between an inner side thereof secured to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof releasably attachable to the receptacle portion.

In another aspect, the divider element is movable between a first position, in which the outer side thereof is releasably attached to the receptacle portion and the two compartments are at least partially defined by the divider element therebetween, and a second position, in which the outer side thereof is unattached to the receptacle portion to at least partially open the pocket.

In another of its aspects, the divider element includes a gusset portion at least partially defining the inner side of the divider element, for at least partially supporting the article when the divider element is in the first position and the article is positioned in a selected one of the two compartments defined thereby.

In another of its aspects, the invention provides a tote apparatus to enable a user to carry the articles. The tote apparatus includes a handle portion including an aperture in which a part of a hand of the user is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus. In addition, the tote apparatus includes one or more receptacle portions secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining one or more pockets located between the receptacle portion and the handle portion. Also, the tote apparatus includes one or more divider elements for at least partially dividing the pocket into two or more compartments. Each of the divider elements extends between an inner side thereof, releasably attachable to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof, secured to the receptacle portion.

In yet another of its aspects, the invention provides a tote apparatus to enable a user to carry at least one article in which the tote apparatus includes a handle portion, one or more receptacle portions secured to the handle portion, and one or more divider elements for at least partially dividing the pocket into two or more compartments. Each of the divider elements extends between an inner side thereof, releasably attachable to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof, releasably attachable to the receptacle portion.

In yet another of its aspects, the invention provides a tote apparatus for carrying at least one article. The tote apparatus includes a handle portion and one or more receptacle portions secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining one or more pockets located between the receptacle portion and the handle portion. The tote apparatus also includes one or more divider elements for at least partially dividing the pocket into two or more compartments, and one or more divider elements extending between an inner side thereof secured to the handle portion and an outer side thereof releasably attachable to the receptacle portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a tote apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 1, without articles positioned therein;

FIG. 4A is a top view of a pocket at least partially defined by a receptacle portion in which a divider element is unattached at its outer side and positioned substantially parallel to a handle portion;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 3 rolled into a storage condition;

FIG. 7A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the tote apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a top view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 7A in which one of the divider elements is unattached at its inner side and positioned substantially parallel to the handle portion;

FIG. 8A is a top view of another alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a top view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 8A in which one of the divider elements is unattached at its outer side and positioned substantially parallel to the handle portion;

FIG. 8C is a top view of the tote apparatus of FIG. 8A in which one of the divider elements is unattached and removed, to open a pocket; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart schematically illustrating an embodiment of a method of the invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the attached drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding elements throughout. Reference is first made to FIGS. 1-6 to describe an embodiment of a tote apparatus of the invention referred to generally by the numeral 20. The tote apparatus 20 is for enabling a user (not shown) to carry one or more articles 22. In one embodiment, the tote apparatus 20 preferably includes a handle portion 24 with an aperture 30 therein in which at least a hand or a part thereof (not shown) of the user is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus 20 and the article(s) 22 therein. The tote apparatus 20 preferably also includes one or more receptacle portions 32 secured to the handle portion 24, for at least partially defining one or more pockets 34 between the receptacle portion 32 and the handle portion 24. It is also preferred that the tote apparatus 20 includes one or more divider elements 36 for at least partially dividing the pocket(s) 34 into two or more compartments 38, 40 as will be described. Preferably, the divider element 36 extends between an inner side 42 thereof secured to the handle portion 24, and an outer side 24 thereof releasably attachable to the receptacle portion 32.

As will also be described, the tote apparatus 20 preferably is at least partly made of any suitable cloth material or materials, or any other suitable flexible material. The tote apparatus 20 preferably is made of lightweight, durable materials, so that it is reusable. Those skilled in the art would be aware of suitable cloth or synthetic or composite materials.

It has been found that a polyester material is a suitable material. Specifically, 420D polyester has been found to be suitable. Preferably, to make the receptacle portion 32 and the handle portion 24, panels of the material(s) (e.g., nylon) are stitched or otherwise secured together around their edges. A relatively thin layer of an insulation material (not shown) (i.e., to provide thermal insulation) may be positioned between the layers of materials before they are stitched together. The insulation material may also serve to at least partially stiffen or strengthen the receptacle portion 32 and the handle portion 24.

Those skilled in the art would be aware of suitable insulation materials. It has been found that a polyethylene foam is suitable. Specifically, EPE polyethylene foaming material has been found to be a suitable insulation material.

The tote apparatus 20 preferably is kept in a storage condition (FIG. 6), in which the tote apparatus 20 is rolled up and/or compressed so that it occupies a relatively small volume. When the user wishes to use the tote apparatus 20, it is unrolled and manually opened into an operational condition (FIG. 3).

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the inner side 42 of the divider element 36 may be secured to the handle portion 24 by any suitable means, and in any suitable manner. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, in one embodiment, each of the divider elements 36 preferably is stitched, along its inner side 42, to the handle portion 24. It is also preferred that each of the divider elements 36 includes a reinforcement element 46 (e.g., piping) along an inner edge 48 at the inner side 42. Preferably, stitches 50 along the reinforcement element 46 secure the inner side 42 to the handle portion 24 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, it is preferred that the stitches 50 securing the inner sides 42 of both of the divider elements 36 to the handle portion 24 are offset from each other.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the handle portion 24 preferably extends between first and second ends 26, 28. When the tote apparatus 20 is in the operational condition, the receptacle portion 32 is defined by a floor 52, end walls 54, 56, and a side wall 58 connecting the floor 52 and the end walls 54, 56 to at least partially define the pocket 34 (FIGS. 1, 4B). Preferably, the floor 52 is secured to the second end 28 of the handle portion 24 by any suitable means, e.g., stitching. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aperture 30 preferably is formed in the handle portion 24 proximal to the first end 26 thereof.

It is also preferred that the outer sides 44 of the divider elements 36 are releasably attachable to the receptacle portion 32. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the outer side 44 may be releasably attachable to the receptacle portion 32 by any suitable means, and in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the outer side 44 preferably includes a strip “S1” of a fabric hook-and-loop fastener, and another, cooperating strip “S2” of the fabric hook-and-loop fastener is secured to the receptacle portion 32 (FIG. 4A). As is known in the art, the strips “S1” and “S2” cooperate to releasably attach the outer side 44 of the divider element 36 to the outer wall 58 of the receptacle portion 32.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4A, each divider element 36 preferably is movable between a first position (FIG. 3), in which the outer side 44 thereof is releasably attached to the receptacle portion 32 and the two compartments 38, 40 are at least partially defined by the divider element 36 therebetween, and a second position (FIG. 4A), in which the outer side 44 thereof is unattached to the receptacle portion 32 to at least partially open the pocket 34. In one embodiment, when the divider element 36 is in the second position, the divider element 36 preferably is located substantially parallel to the handle portion 24.

As is known in the art, the strips “S1” and “S2” cooperate with each other, to temporarily (or releasably) attach the outer side 44 of the divider element 36 to the outer side wall 58 of the receptacle portion 32. When the strips “S1”, “S2” are engaged with each other (FIG. 3), the divider element 36 is relatively securely held in the first position. When the divider 36 is in the first position, the divider at least partially defines the two compartments 38, 40 in the pocket 34. As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, after the strips “S1”, “S2” are disengaged from each other, the divider element 36 is pivotable from the first position to the second position, to open the pocket 34. The movement of the divider element 36 from the first position to the second position is schematically indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 4B.

Those skilled in the art would be aware that various arrangements of the receptacle portion 32 are possible. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the receptacle portion 32 preferably has two parts 60, 62, each of the parts 60, 62 being positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion 32 to at least partially define the pocket 34 in each part 60, 62 respectively. It is also preferred that the tote apparatus 20 includes two divider elements, each of the divider elements being at least partially positioned in a selected one of the two pockets (FIG. 3) respectively positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion 24.

For clarity of illustration, the divider elements associated with the two parts 60, 62 are identified in FIG. 3 as 36a and 36b respectively. Similarly, the pockets in the parts 60, 62 are identified in FIG. 3 as 34a and 34b respectively. Also, in FIG. 3, the compartments in the part 60 are identified as 38a and 40a, and the compartments in the part 62 are identified as 38b and 40b.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, each of the compartments 38 is sized and formed to receive the article 22 therein so that the divider element 36 and the part of the receptacle portion 32 at least partially defining the compartment 38 in which the article is received, and the part of the handle portion 24 adjacent thereto hold the article 22 securely therein, engage the sides of the article 22 in a sliding fit. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for instance, where the article 22 is a disposable coffee cup, the article 22 preferably is held upright in the compartment 38 by the parts of the tote apparatus 20 that define that compartment.

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the article 22 preferably fits in the compartment 38 in a relatively close fit, i.e., there is generally no slack material in the divider element 36 or the parts of the receptacle portion 32 and the handle portion 24 defining the compartment 38, when the article 22 is positioned therein. The tote apparatus 20 preferably is formed and sized so that predetermined articles (e.g., coffee cups provided by a preselected vendor) will fit properly into the compartments. Because of the article's relatively tight fit in the compartment, the article 22 is held substantially upright in the compartment, and the user can easily carry the tote apparatus with a part of one hand through the aperture and one or more articles therein without spilling or upsetting the article(s) 22. This is so even if there is only a single article 22 carried in the tote apparatus 20.

In one embodiment, it is preferred that each divider element 36 has a gusset portion 64 at least partially defining the inner side 44 of the divider element 36, for at least partially supporting the article 22 when the divider element 36 is in the first position and the article 22 is positioned in a selected one of the two compartments 38, 40 defined thereby. This is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The purpose of the gusset portion 64 is to assist in holding the article 22 relatively stable in the compartment 38, 40.

As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the gusset portion 64 is particularly effective where the article is a larger size of article, e.g., a larger size of coffee cup. The larger article, when positioned substantially upright in one of the compartments, typically extends above the receptacle portion 32 to a significant extent, because it is taller than a smaller size of article. (Typically, a larger size of cup is taller than a smaller size of coffee cup (i.e., not necessarily broader at the base).) It will be understood that, in these circumstances, the gusset portion 64 provides lateral support to the larger article at its upper end, thereby providing additional stability to the larger article.

In use, the user opens the tote apparatus 20 to the operational condition and, if the user wishes to have all four compartments 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b defined, the user positions the divider elements 36a, 36b accordingly, i.e., as shown in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the divider element 36a at least partially defines the compartments 38a, 40a in the pocket 34a, and the divider element 36b at least partially defines the compartments 38b, 40b in the pocket 34b.

The user then positions one or more articles 22 (e.g., disposable coffee cups, with coffee therein) in the compartments 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b respectively. As noted above, because the compartments are sized to receive the articles 22 in a relatively tight fit, the articles 22 are held substantially upright, and the loaded tote apparatus 20 is easily carried by the user by one hand only.

Alternatively, the user may wish to carry an oversize article (not shown), i.e., an article that does not fit into one of the compartments 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b. (It will be understood that, for the purposes hereof, an “oversize article” is one which does not fit conveniently into the compartment.) The oversize article may be, for example, a sandwich, a muffin, a doughnut, or other food items that are commonly sold, suitably packaged, at coffee shops and fast food restaurants. In this situation, for example, if the user wishes to carry oversize articles in one pocket, the user preferably positions one of the divider elements 36 in the second position, as shown in FIG. 4A. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, when the divider element 36 is located adjacent to the handle portion 24, the pocket 34 is open, and one or more of the oversize articles are receivable therein.

In FIG. 4B, as an example, the tote apparatus 20 is shown in the operational condition with one divider element in the first position, and the other divider element in the second position. In this arrangement, one or more oversize articles may fit into the pocket 34 opened by the divider element 36 moved to the second position, and coffee cups or other articles 22 are positionable in the compartments at least partially defined by the other divider element 36.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the user may position the divider elements as needed, depending on the articles to be carried. For example, the user may position one of the divider elements in the first position, and the other divider element in the second position, if the user wishes to carry one or two coffee cups in one part 62 and one or more oversize articles in the other part 60 respectively (FIG. 4B). Similarly, it will be understood that the user may position both of the divider elements 36a, 36b along the handle portion 24, to open the pockets on both sides of the handle portion 24.

Those skilled in the art would appreciate that many variations are possible. For instance, the tote apparatus 20 may include two or more divider elements on opposite sides of the handle portion 24 (not shown).

An alternative embodiment of a tote apparatus 120 of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In one embodiment, the tote apparatus 120 preferably includes a handle portion 124 extending between first and second ends 126, 128 thereof, the handle portion 124 having an aperture 130 in which a part of a hand of the user (not shown) is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus 120. Preferably, the tote apparatus 120 also includes one or more receptacle portions 132 secured to the handle portion 124, for at least partially defining one or more pockets 134 located between the receptacle portion 132 and the handle portion 124. It is also preferred that the tote apparatus 120 includes one or more divider elements 136 for at least partially dividing the pocket 134 into two or more compartments 138, 140. Preferably, each of the divider elements 136 extends between an inner side 142 thereof, releasably attachable to the handle portion 124, and an outer side 144 thereof, secured to the receptacle portion 132.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the outer side 144 of the divider element 136 is secured to an outer side wall 158 of the receptacle portion 132. Preferably, the outer side 144 is secured to the outer wall 158 by stitching (FIG. 7B).

It is also preferred that the inner side 142 is releasably attached to the handle portion 124 by any suitable means. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the means for releasable attachment preferably are a strip “2S1” of a fabric hook-and-loop fastener secured to the inner side 142 of the divider element 136, and a corresponding strip “2S2” of the fabric hook-and-loop fastener secured to the handle portion 124 (FIG. 7B). As is known in the art, the strips “2S1” and “2S2” cooperate to releasably attach the inner side 142 of the divider element 136 to the handle portion 124.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is preferred that each divider element 136 is movable between a first position (FIG. 7A), in which the inner side 142 thereof is releasably attached to the handle portion 124 and the two compartments 138, 140 are at least partially defined by the divider element 136 therebetween, and a second position (FIG. 7B), in which the inner side 142 thereof is unattached to the handle portion 124, to at least partially open the pocket 134. When the divider element 136 is in the first position, it at least partially defines the compartments 138, 140 in the pocket 134. In one embodiment, the divider element 136 is in the second position, and the divider element 136 is located substantially parallel to the handle portion 124. When the divider element 136 is in the second position, the pocket 134 is open, so that an oversize article is receivable therein.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the divider element 136 is in the second position, the divider element 136 preferably is positioned along the side wall 158, and substantially parallel thereto. Pivoting movement of the divider element 136 is schematically represented by arrow “B” in FIG. 7B.

It will be understood that, for clarity of illustration, only one divider element is shown in the second position in FIG. 7B, and the other divider element 136 is shown in the first position. It will be appreciated that either of the divider elements 136, or both of them, or neither of them, may be positioned in the second position, as needed from time to time.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is also preferred that each divider element 136 has a gusset portion 164 at least partially defining the inner side 142 of the divider element 136, for at least partially supporting the article 22 when the divider element 136 is in the first position and the article 22 is positioned in a selected one of the two compartments 138, 140 defined thereby. As described above, the gusset portion 164 provides additional lateral support above the receptacle portion. This can be important, where the article 22 is relatively tall.

Preferably, and as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the receptacle portion 132 has two parts 160, 162 (FIG. 7A), each of the parts 160, 162 being positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion 124 to at least partially define the pockets 134 in the parts 160, 162 respectively.

Another alternative embodiment of the tote apparatus 220 of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. Preferably, the tote apparatus 220 includes a handle portion 224 extending between first and second ends 226, 228 thereof, the handle portion 224 having an aperture 230 in which a part of a hand of the user (not shown) is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus 220. Preferably, the tote apparatus also includes one or more receptacle portions 232 secured to the handle portion 224, for at least partially defining one or more pockets 234 located between the receptacle portion 232 and the handle portion 224. It is also preferred that the tote apparatus 220 includes one or more divider elements 236 for at least partially dividing the pocket 234 into at least two compartments 238, 240 (FIG. 8A). Each of the divider elements 236 extends between an inner side 242 thereof, releasably attachable to the handle portion 224, and an outer side 244 thereof, releasably attachable to the receptacle portion 232.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8A-8C, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the outer and inner sides 244, 242 of each of the dividers 236 are releasably attachable to an outer wall 258 of the receptacle portion 232 and to the handle portion 224 respectively.

Preferably, the releasable attachment of the inner side 242 to the handle portion 224, and the releasable attachment of the outer side 244 to the receptacle portion 232 (i.e., preferably to the outer wall 258), are accomplished using any suitable means. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the means for releasable attachment preferably are a strip “3S1” of a fabric hook-and-loop fastener secured to the inner side 242 of the divider element 236, and a corresponding strip “3S2” of the fabric hook-and-loop fastener secured to the handle portion 224. As is known in the art, the strips “3S1” and “3S2” cooperate to releasably attach the inner side of the divider element 236 to the handle portion 224.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8B and 8C, in one embodiment, it is also preferred that the tote apparatus 220 includes a strip “3S3” of a fabric hook-and-loop fastener secured to the outer side 244 of the divider element 236, and a corresponding strip “3S4” of the fabric hook-and-loop fastener secured to the outer wall 258 of the receptacle portion 232. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the strips “3S3” and “3S4” cooperate to releasably attach the outer side 244 of the divider element 236 to the outer wall 258.

Preferably, each of the divider elements 236 is movable between a first position (FIG. 8A), in which the inner and outer sides 242, 244 thereof are releasably attached to the handle portion 224 and the receptacle portion 232 respectively and the two compartments 238 are at least partially defined by the divider element 236 therebetween, and a second position (FIG. 8B), in which a selected one of the inner side 242 and the outer side 244 thereof is unattached to a selected one of the handle portion 224 and the receptacle portion 232 to at least partially open the pocket 234.

For clarity of illustration, the divider elements are identified as 236a and 236b in FIGS. 8B and 8C. As an example, in FIG. 8B, the divider element 236a is shown as remaining attached to the handle portion 224, having been moved (as schematically indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 8B) to the second position. In this situation, the outer side 244 of the divider element 236 is released from the releasable attachment means (e.g., one part of the fabric hook-and-loop fastener) secured to the outer wall 258. The pocket 234a is open, for receiving the oversize article.

It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the inner side 242 of the divider element 236 may be released from the handle portion 224, while the outer side 244 remains attached to the outer wall 258. In this situation (not shown), the divider element may be moved to a position adjacent to the outer wall 258, to open the pocket.

It is also preferred that each of the divider elements is detachable from the receptacle portion 232 and the handle portion 224, to at least partially open the pocket 234 (FIG. 8C). In this arrangement, the removed divider element (not shown in FIG. 8C) preferably is positioned apart from the receptacle portion 232 and the handle portion 224.

In one embodiment, each divider element 236 also has a gusset portion 264 at least partially defining the inner side 242 of the divider element 236, for at least partially supporting the article 22 when the divider element 236 is in the first position and the article is positioned in a selected one of the two compartments 238, 240 defined thereby.

Preferably, the receptacle portion 232 has two parts 260, 262, each of the parts 260, 262 being positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion 224 to at least partially define two pockets 234 in each said part respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 8A, it is preferred that the tote apparatus 220 includes two divider elements, and each of the divider elements is at least partially positioned in one of the two pockets respectively positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion 224.

In one embodiment of a method 370 of the invention, the invention includes the steps of, first, providing a tote apparatus 20, as described above (FIG. 9, step 372). In the next step, the receptacle portion 32 is at least partially expanded (step 374). Finally, one or more of the divider elements 36 are positioned for receiving one or more articles 22 in the receptacle portion (step 376).

As described above, the receptacle portion 32 at least partially defines one or more pockets 34. Each of the divider elements 36 is positionable to divide one of the pockets into two compartments, and as described above, the divider elements 36 are also positionable to open the pockets respectively.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention as described above. The foregoing descriptions are exemplary, and their scope should not be limited to the preferred versions provided therein.

Claims

1. A tote apparatus to enable a user to carry at least one article, the tote apparatus comprising:

a handle portion comprising an aperture in which a part of a hand of the user is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus;
at least one receptacle portion secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining at least one pocket located between said at least one receptacle portion and the handle portion;
at least one divider element for at least partially dividing said at least one pocket into at least two compartments;
said at least one divider element extending between an inner side thereof secured to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof releasably attachable to said at least one receptacle portion;
said at least one divider element being movable between a first position, in which the outer side thereof is releasably attached to said at least one receptacle portion and said at least two compartments are at least partially defined by said at least one divider element therebetween, and a second position, in which the outer side thereof is unattached to said at least one receptacle portion, to at least partially open said at least one pocket; and
said at least one divider element comprising a gusset portion at least partially defining the inner side of said at least one divider element, for providing lateral support, when said at least one divider element is in the first position, to said at least one article at an upper end thereof extending above a selected one of said at least two compartments in which said at least one article is positioned.

2. (canceled)

3. A tote apparatus according to claim 1 in which, when said at least one divider element is in the second position, said at least one divider element is located substantially parallel to the handle portion.

4. (canceled)

5. A tote apparatus according to claim 1 in which said at least one receptacle portion comprises two parts, each of said parts being positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion to at least partially define said at least one pocket in each said part respectively.

6. A tote apparatus according to claim 5 comprising two divider elements, each of said divider elements being at least partially positioned in a selected one of the two pockets respectively positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion.

7. A tote apparatus to enable a user to carry at least one article, the tote apparatus comprising:

a handle portion comprising an aperture in which a part of a hand of the user is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus;
at least one receptacle portion secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining at least one pocket located between said at least one receptacle portion and the handle portion;
at least one divider element for at least partially dividing said at least one pocket into at least two compartments;
said at least one divider element extending between an inner side thereof that is releasably attachable to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof, secured to said at least one receptacle portion;
said at least one divider element being movable between a first position, in which the outer side thereof is releasably attached to the handle portion and said at least two compartments are at least partially defined by said at least one divider element therebetween, and a second position, in which the outer side thereof is unattached to the handle portion, to at least partially open said at least one pocket; and
said at least one divider element comprising a gusset portion at least partially defining the inner side of said at least one divider element, for providing lateral support, when said at least one divider element is in the first position, to said at least one article at an upper end thereof extending above a selected one of said at least two compartments in which said at least one article is positioned.

8. (canceled)

9. A tote apparatus according to claim 7 in which, when said at least one divider element is in the second position, said at least one divider element is located substantially parallel to the handle portion.

10. (canceled)

11. A tote apparatus according to claim 7 in which said at least one receptacle portion comprises two parts, each of said parts being positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion to at least partially define said at least one pocket in each said part respectively.

12. A tote apparatus to enable a user to carry at least one article, the tote apparatus comprising:

a handle portion comprising an aperture in which a part of a hand of the user is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus;
at least one receptacle portion secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining at least one pocket located between said at least one receptacle portion and the handle portion;
at least one divider element for at least partially dividing said at least one pocket into at least two compartments;
said at least one divider element extending between an inner side thereof that is releasably attachable to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof, releasably attachable to said at least one receptacle portion;
said at least one divider element is movable between a first position, in which the inner and outer sides thereof are releasably attached to the handle portion and said at least one receptacle portion respectively and said at least two compartments are at least partially defined by said at least one divider element therebetween, and a second position, in which a selected one of the inner side and the outer side thereof is unattached to a selected one of the handle portion and said at least one receptacle portion to at least partially open said at least one pocket; and
said at least one divider element comprises a gusset portion at least partially defining the inner side of said at least one divider element, for providing lateral support, when said at least one divider element is in the first position, to said at least one article at an upper end extending above a selected one of said at least two compartments in which said at least one article is positioned.

13. (canceled)

14. A tote apparatus according to claim 12 in which said at least one divider element is detachable from said at least one receptacle portion and the handle portion, to at least partially open said at least one pocket.

15. (canceled)

16. A tote apparatus according to claim 12 in which said at least one receptacle portion comprises two parts, each of said parts being positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion to at least partially define said at least one pocket in each said part respectively.

17. A tote apparatus according to claim 16 comprising two divider elements, each of said divider elements being at least partially positioned in one of the two pockets respectively positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion.

18. A method of carrying at least one article, comprising:

(a) providing a tote apparatus, comprising: a handle portion comprising an aperture in which a part of a hand of the user is receivable, to enable the user to carry the tote apparatus; at least one receptacle portion secured to the handle portion, for at least partially defining at least one pocket between said at least one receptacle portion and the handle portion; at least one divider element for at least partially dividing said at least one pocket into at least two compartments; said at least one divider element extending between an inner side thereof secured to the handle portion, and an outer side thereof releasably attachable to said at least one receptacle portion; said at least one divider element comprising a gusset portion at least partially defining the inner side thereof;
(b) at least partially expanding the receptacle portion, to at least partially open said at least one pocket;
(c) moving said at least one divider element to a position in which the outer side is releasable attached to said at least one receptacle portion and said at least two compartments are at least partially defined by said at least one divider element therebetween;
(d) positioning said at least one article in a selected one of said at least two compartments; and
(e) laterally supporting a part of said at least one article extending above the selected one of said at least two compartments with the gusset portion.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. A tote apparatus according to claim 6 in which:

each of the divider elements comprises a reinforcement element along the inner side thereof;
each of the divider elements is secured at the inner side thereof to the handle portion by a plurality of stitches along the reinforcement portion; and
the stitches along the respective reinforcement portions secured to the opposite sides of the handle portion are offset from each other respectively.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140124550
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 7, 2012
Publication Date: May 8, 2014
Applicant: Balanced Day Bags Inc. (London)
Inventors: Kathi Blackwell (London), Lynn Petcoff (London)
Application Number: 13/670,689
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Plural Receiver Pockets Formed By Strip Attached To Backing At Spaced Points (224/223)
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101);