CINCH BAG

A bag (100) for carrying objects may include two or more compartments (105, 110). Access to at least one of the compartments (105) may be selectively closed using a drawstring type closure mechanism. The drawstring type closure mechanism (112) may take the form of one or more flexible members (115, 120). Access to another of the compartments (110) may be selectively allowed and prevented using a securing mechanism, such as a zipper (140) or the like. At least one compartment (105, 110) may be sized to contain a laptop computer or the like. At least one compartment (105, 110) may be defined at least in part using a relatively rigid, rigid, shape retaining, or a shock absorbing material. The drawstring type closure mechanism (112) may be configured to allow a user to utilize the drawstring type closure mechanism (112) to carry the bag (100).

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/515,718, entitled “Cinch Bag” and filed on Aug. 5, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Described herein are bags and the like for carrying objects.

BACKGROUND

Bags and the like are often used to carry various objects in a convenient manner. Some bags, such as cinch sacks, may utilize one or more flexible members to close an opening to the bag and provide an object for a user to engage to facilitate transportation of the bag. Examples of such bags may be found in the following references: U.S. Pat. No. 2,212,390; U.S. Pat. No. 2,635,664; U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,150; U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,354; U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,738; U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,391; U.S. Pat. No. 7,624,777; U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,970; U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,356; U.S. Pat. No. D138,149; U.S. Pat. No. D615,756; U.S. Publication No. 2004/0179756; U.S. Publication No. 2006/0153477; U.S. Publication No. 2010/0284631; and OHIM Registration No. 001836974-002.

Typically, cinch bags provide a relatively lightweight and simple structure that is convenient for carrying objects. However, these bags often include only a single compartment for carrying objects, or provide a main compartment with additional compartments that are too small to carry laptop computers, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like. This may be undesirable when it is desired to carry an article, such as a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like. The computer, electronic tablet, e-book reader, or the like may readily be damaged by other objects a user may generally carry in these bags. For example, the laptop computer, electronic tablet, or e-book reader may be scratched with sharp objects, such as keys, or exposed to spills from a water bottle.

Another potential issue with cinch bags that include only a single compartment, or that include a main compartment along with one or more additional compartments that are too small to contain a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like, is the laptop computer or other electronic object may be buried under other objects that are also placed into the single or main compartment. This may make it difficult for the user to readily access the laptop computer or other electronic object without first undesirably removing, or moving around, at least some of the objects that are contained within the same compartment as the computer or other electronic object.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bag design that provides a relatively lightweight and simple structure, includes a compartment sufficiently large enough to receive a laptop or computer or electronic tablet therein, offers the protection desired for a computer or the like that a user may carry, and/or allows a user to carry the computer or the like along with other objects in a more organized manner.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of a bag for carrying objects may include a main body, a second body, and a drawstring type closure mechanism. The main body may define a main compartment and an opening to the main compartment where the opening can be selectively decreased and increased in size. The second body may be joined to the main body. The second body and the main body may define a second compartment. The second body may be configured to protect objects contained within the second compartment by reducing a transmission of impact forces on the second body to objects contained within the second compartment. The drawstring type closure mechanism may be operatively associated with the main body in such a manner as to allow a user to selectively increase and decrease the size of the opening.

Another embodiment of a bag for carrying objects may include one or more materials and a drawstring type closure mechanism. The one or more materials may define a first compartment, a second compartment, and an opening to at least one of the first and second compartments where the opening can be selectively decreased and increased in size. At least one of the one or more materials may be configured to protect objects contained within the second compartment by reducing a transmission of impact forces on the at least one of the one or more materials to objects contained within the second compartment. The drawstring type closure mechanism may be operatively associated with one or more materials in such a manner as to allow a user to selectively increase and decrease the size of the opening.

Yet another embodiment of a bag for carrying objects may include a main body, a second body, and a drawing type closure mechanism. The second body may be positioned within the main body. The second body and the main body may collectively define a first compartment and a second compartment. The main body may define an opening to the first and second compartments. The opening can be selectively decreased and increased in size. At least one of the first compartment or the second compartment may be sized to receive a laptop computer.

Yet another embodiment of a bag for carrying items may include a main body, a second body, and at least two flexible members. The main body may define a main compartment and an opening to the main compartment where the opening can be selectively decreased and increased in size. The second body may be joined to the main body. The second body and the main body may collectively define a second compartment. The second body may include at least a relatively rigid material. The at least two flexible members may be configured to function as backpack straps and may be operatively associated with the main body to allow a user to selectively decrease the size of the opening utilizing the at least two flexible members.

Still yet another embodiment of a bag for carrying items may include a main body, a second body, and at least two flexible members. The second body may be positioned within the main body. The second body and the main body may collectively define a first compartment and a second compartment. The main body may define an opening to the first and second compartments. The opening can be selectively decreased and increased in size. At least one of the first compartment or the second compartment may be sized to receive a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like. The at least two flexible members may be configured to function as backpack straps and may be operatively associated with the main body to allow a user to selectively decrease the size of the opening utilizing the at least two flexible members.

In some embodiments of the bags, the drawstring type closure mechanism may be configured to function as one or more backpack straps.

In some embodiments of the bags, the second body or other materials forming the bag may include a protective material. The protective material may be selected from at least one of a shock absorbing, relatively rigid, shape retaining, or rigid material, which may include, but not be limited to, plastics, foams, resins, rubbers, or a rubber-like materials. In some embodiments of the bags, the protective material may be substantially co-extensive with a length, width, and depth of the second body.

In some embodiments of the bags, a shape retaining material, which may be a hard or rigid plastic, foam, or resin, may be formed into a predefined shape, and the shape retaining material may resist changes to the predefined shape caused by impact or other external forces. The pre-defined shape may protrude from an outer-facing surface of the main body, or an outer-facing surface of the one or more materials, in a direction away from the main or first compartment. The pre-defined shape may take the form of a shell or a tray-like structure. The pre-defined shape may include a relatively planar or flat base portion that is curved along its perimeter edge to define sidewalls along the perimeter edge that extend at an angle relative to the planar or flat base portion.

In some embodiments of the bags, at least a portion of the main body that defines the second compartment may include a protective material. In further embodiments, the protective material for the main body may provide at least some impact force protection to objects contained within the second compartment.

In some embodiments of the bags, the main body and the second body may include protective materials that encompass the second compartment. In some embodiments of the bags, the at least one of the one or more materials defining the second compartment may take the form of one or more protective materials that encompass the second compartment.

In some embodiments of the bags, the drawstring type closure mechanism may include at least one flexible member configured to function as at least one backpack strap. The at least one flexible member may be a rope or a strap. In some embodiments of the bags, the drawstring type closure mechanism may include at least two flexible members configured to function as backpack straps and operatively associated with the main body to allow a user to selectively decrease the size of the opening utilizing the at least two flexible members. In such embodiments, the at least two flexible members may be either a rope or a strap.

In some embodiments of the bags, the opening to the main or first compartment may also provide access to the second compartment.

In some embodiments of the bags, a securing mechanism may be operatively associated with the main body and the second body, or with the one or more materials, to selectively open and close an opening between the main body and the second body, or an opening to the second compartment defined by the one or more materials. The securing mechanism may include a zipper or a strap. The securing mechanism may be operatively associated with the main or first body and the second body, or the one or more materials, to selectively maintain a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like within either the main, or first, compartment or the second compartment.

In some embodiments of the bags, at least one of the main, or first, and second compartments may be sufficiently large to contain a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like.

In some embodiments of the bags, the second body, or the at least one of the one or more materials, may include a relatively rigid material. In some such embodiments, the second body, or at least one of the one or more materials, may include a fabric. The fabric may cover at least a portion of the relatively rigid material. The relatively rigid material may be formed from a plastic, foam, or resin. In some embodiments of the bags, the relatively rigid material may define a tray-like structure.

In some embodiments of the bags, the drawstring type closure mechanism, or one of the at least two flexible members, may be secured to a connection member. The connection member may extend from the main body or the one or more materials. The connection member may define a hole, and the hole may receive at least a portion of the drawstring type closure mechanism, or the associated flexible member, therethrough.

In some embodiments of the bags, the main body, or the one or more materials, may define a first channel and a second channel. The drawstring type closure mechanism, or the at least two flexible members, may include portions that may be positioned within the first and second channels. In further embodiments, the at least two flexible members may each include portions that are positioned within the first and second channels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front elevation view of a bag.

FIG. 2 shows a rear elevation view of the bag shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows another rear elevation view of the bag shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the bag shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows another top view of the bag shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a bag.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a bag.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of a fourth embodiment of a bag.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a fifth embodiment of a bag.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the fifth embodiment of the bag.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic front elevation view of a bag that is similar to the bags shown in FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic side elevation view of the bag shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a bag that is similar to the bag shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of a bag that is similar to the bags shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 8.

FIG. 15 shows a front elevation view of a bag that is similar to the bags shown in FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 16 shows a rear elevation view of the bag shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a side elevation view of the bag shown in FIG. 15.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a bag for carrying objects. The bag may include two or more compartments. Access to at least one of the compartments may be selectively closed using a drawstring type closure mechanism or the like. The drawstring type closure mechanism may take of the form of one or more flexible members, such as a rope or a strap. In some embodiments, access to another of the compartments may be selectively allowed and prevented using a securing mechanism, such as a zipper or the like. At least one of the compartments may be sized to contain a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like. Such a compartment may be defined at least in part using a protective material, such as a rigid, relatively rigid, shape retaining, and/or a shock absorbing material. The drawstring type closure mechanism may be configured to allow a user to utilize it to carry the bag. For example, in some embodiments, the drawstring type closure mechanism may include one or more flexible members with at least some of the flexible members configured to function like backpack straps to allow the user to carry the bag on the user's back in a manner similar to a user carrying a backpack on the user's back.

FIG. 1 shows a front elevation view of a bag 100, and FIG. 2 shows a rear elevation view of the bag 100. FIGS. 3-5 show other views of the bag 100. FIGS. 6-8 and 11-17 show views of other embodiments of the bag 100. With reference to FIGS. 1-8 and 11-17, the bag 100 may include a main body 125, a second body 130, and a drawstring type closure mechanism 112 that may take the form of one or more flexible members 115, 120. The main body 125 may define a main compartment 105, which may be sufficiently large to contain a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, or an e-book reader, and an opening 135 to the main compartment 105. The opening 135 may be selectively closed using the flexible members 115, 120 or another type of drawstring closure mechanism. The main body 125 and the second body 130 may collectively define a second compartment 110. The second compartment 110 may be selectively accessed via a securing mechanism, such as a zipper 140 or the like.

The main body 125 may define the opening 135 proximate an upper portion 145 of the main body 125. The main body 125 may further define first and second channels 150, 155 proximate the opening 135 to the main compartment 105. The first channel 150 may extend along the width of the bag 100 at the front side 160 of the bag 100, and the second channel 155 may extend along the width of the bag 100 at the rear side 165 of the bag 100. Each channel 150, 155 may be sized to receive portions of the flexible members 115, 120 therein. The channels 150, 155 may be selectively moved towards each other using the flexible members 115, 120 to substantially close the opening 135 to the main compartment 105. The channels 150, 155 may also be selectively moved away from one another to enlarge the opening 135 to the main compartment 105.

In some embodiments, the channels 150, 155 may be formed as an integral piece to the main body 125 by folding a top portion of the material(s) forming the upper portion 145 of the main body 125. An end portion of the top portion of the material(s) forming the upper portion 145 of the main body 125 may be attached to the upper portion 145 of the main body 125 by any suitable connection method (e.g., by sewing, adhering, or mechanical fastening, and so on) to form the first and second channels 150, 155. In some embodiments, the channels 150, 155 may be formed using one or more pieces of material separate from the material(s) forming the upper portion 145 of the main body 125. The separate pieces may be attached to the upper portion 145 of the main body 125 by any suitable connection method (e.g., by sewing, adhering, or mechanical fastening, and so on).

The flexible members 115, 120 may be ropes, straps or the like, and may be formed using any suitable material used for ropes or straps, including, but not limited to, nylon or the like. Each flexible member 115, 120 may extend from a lower portion 170 to an upper portion 145 of the main body 125 and may include a first end portion 175, 190, a second end portion 180, 195 that is distal the first end portion 175, 190, and a mid portion 185, 200 that is located between the first and second end portions 175, 180, 190, 195. Extending each flexible member 115, 120 from an upper portion 145 to a lower portion 170 of the main body 125 allows for each flexible member 115, 120 to function in a manner similar to a backpack strap. In particular, a user may place the user's arms between the flexible members 115, 120 and the main body 125 and position the flexible members 115, 120 on the user's shoulders to carry the bag 100 on the user's back. If the user does not desire to transport the bag 100 on the user's back, the flexible members 115, 120 also provide a convenient object for the user to grasp when carrying the bag 100 by hand.

The mid portion 185, 200 of the each flexible member 115, 120 may be positioned within the first and second channels 150, 155. When positioned within the first and second channels 150, 155, the mid portion 185, 200 of the each flexible member 115, 120 may take the form of a U-shaped structure. In particular, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the first and second channels 150, 155 may each include a first end 205, 215 that is located at first side 225 of the main body 125 and a second end 210, 220 that is located at a second side 230 of the main body 125 that is distal the first side 225 of the main body 125. The mid portion 185 of the first flexible member 115 may enter the first channel 150 at the first end 205 of the first channel 150, extend through the first channel 150 from the first end 205 to a second end 210 of the first channel 150, and exit the first channel 150 at the second end 210 of the first channel 150. After exiting the first channel 150, the mid portion 185 of the first flexible member 115 may be bent into a U-like shape so that it can enter the second channel 155 at the second end 220 of the second channel 155, extend through the second channel 155 from the second end 220 to the first end 215 of the second channel 155, and exit the second channel 155 at the first end 215 of the second channel 155. In a similar manner, the mid portion 200 of the second flexible member 120 may enter the first channel 150 at the second end 210 of the first channel 150, extend through the first channel 150 from the second end 210 to the first end 205 of the first channel 150, and exit the first channel 150 at the first end 205 of the first channel 150. After exiting the first channel 150, the mid portion 200 of the second flexible member 120 may be bent into a U-like shape so that it can enter the second channel 155 at the first end 215 of the second channel 155, extend through the second channel 155 from the first end 215 to the second end 220 of the second channel 155, and exit the second channel 155 at the second end 220 of the second channel 155.

The first and second flexible members 115, 120 or other drawstring type closure mechanism may be utilized to selectively close the opening 135 defined by the main body 125. In particular, the first and second flexible members 115, 120 may be pulled away from the main body 125. As the flexible members 115, 120 are pulled in this manner, the U-shaped segments of the mid portions 185, 200 of the flexible members 115, 120 engage the main body 125 proximate the ends 205, 210, 215, 220 of the first and second channels 150, 155 of the main body 125. Such engagement causes the first and second channels 150, 155 to be moved closer together, which results in a decrease in the size of the opening 135. The size of the opening 135 may be sufficiently decreased to substantially close the opening 135, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3. To enlarge the opening 135, a user may pull apart the first and second channels 150, 155. With reference to FIG. 4, increasing the size of the opening 135 allows for access to the main compartment 105 so that objects can be placed into and removed from the main compartment 105.

The first and second end portions 175, 180, 190, 195 of each flexible member 115, 120 may be secured to the main body 125 proximate the lower portion 170 of the main body 125. The first and second end portions 175, 180, 190, 195 of each flexible member 115, 120 may be secured to the main body 125 via respective connection members 235, 240 that extend from the main body 125. In particular, one connection member 235 may extend from the first side 225 of the main body 125, and the other connection member 240 may extend from the second side 230 of the main body 125. Each connection member 235, 240 may be any desired shape (including but not limited to triangular shaped as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), may be joined to the main body 125 by any suitable connection method (e.g., by sewing, adhering, or mechanical fastening, and so on), and may define a connection member hole 245, 250. A reinforcement member 255, 260, such as a grommet or the like, may encompass each connection member hole 245, 250 to provide resistance to deformation of the connection member holes 245, 250 by the flexible members 115, 120. The first and second ends 175, 180, 190, 195 of the each flexible member 115, 120 may be passed through the connection member hole 245, 250 of its respective connection member 235, 240 and then be joined together by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, joining the ends together to form a knot 265, 270. When joined together as a knot 265, 270, the knot 265, 270 formed may be larger than the respective connection member hole 245, 250 to keep the portions of each flexible member 115, 120 passing through a respective connection member hole 245, 250 from being removed from the respective connection member hole 245, 250.

In some embodiments of the bag 100, other connection methods may be used to secure the first and second end portions 175, 180, 190, 195 of each flexible member 115, 120 to the main body 125. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second ends 175, 180, 190, 195 of the flexible members 115, 120 may be directly connected to the main body 125 via a suitable connection method, such as sewing, adhering, welding, and so on. As another example, in yet other embodiments, the main body 125 may define connection holes and the first and second ends 175, 180, 190, 195 of the flexible members 115, 120 may be associated with these connection holes in a manner similar to the one described above with respect to the connection member holes 245, 250 for the connection members 235, 240.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the second body 130 may be joined to the main body 125 by any suitable connection method, including, but not limited to, by stitching, adhering, mechanically fastening and so on. The main body 125 and the second body 130 may collectively define the second compartment 110. The second compartment 110 may be sized to be sufficiently large to receive a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like therein. The securing mechanism may be positioned around at least a portion or the entirety of a perimeter of the second compartment 110 between the main and second bodies 125, 130. The securing mechanism may be used to selectively create an opening 275 between the main and second bodies 125, 130 and to selectively close this opening 275. The opening 275 may be used to access the second compartment 110.

The securing mechanism may take the form of a zipper 140 or the like. The zipper 140 may include a zipper track 295 that extends along a portion or the entirety of the perimeter of the second compartment 110. The zipper track 295 may include two sets of teeth 300, 305 that may be selectively interlocked. One or more zipper sliders 310, 315 may be movable along the zipper track 295 to selectively interlock and disengage the teeth 300, 305. Specifically, when a zipper slider 310, 315 is moved in a first direction along the zipper track 295, the teeth 300, 305 passing through the zipper slider 310, 315 are interlocked, and when the zipper slider 310, 315 is moved in a second direction along the zipper track 295 that is opposite the first direction, the teeth 300, 305 passing through the zipper slider 310, 315 are disengaged from each other. Further, when the teeth 300, 305 are interlocked along a substantial portion of the zipper track 295, access to the second compartment 110 is prevented. When the teeth 300, 305 are disengaged along a sufficient portion of the zipper track 295, an opening 275 between the main and second bodies 125, 130 is formed that permits access to the second compartment 110. While the securing mechanism is shown and described as being a zipper 140, other structures may be used to selectively create and close an opening 275 between the main and second bodies 125, 130. For example, in some embodiments, the securing mechanism may take the form of a hook and loop fastener system or a snap fastener system.

The second body 130 may be configured to be of a similar size to the main body 125. In such embodiments, the second body 130 may include both a length and a width that are similar to, or slightly less than, a length and a width, respectively, of the main body 125. In other embodiments, the second body 130 may be significantly smaller than the main body 125. In these embodiments, one of the length or the width, or both, may be significantly less than the length and the width, respectively, of the main body 125.

In some embodiments, the second body 130 may be joined to the main body 125 along a portion of a perimeter of the second body 130 through a hinge such that the second body 130 may pivot with respect to the main body 125 along the hinge. In some embodiments, the hinge may be provided along a side portion of the perimeter of the second body 130. In some embodiments, the hinge may be preferably provided along a bottom portion of the perimeter of the second body 130 to prevent the computer or the like included therein from accidental falling.

One or more gussets may be provided that join a portion of the perimeter of the second body 130 to the main body 125. In some embodiments, two wedge-shaped gussets may be provided joining each side perimeter of the second body 130 to the main body 125 with the wedges pointing towards a bottom perimeter of the second body 130 that may be joined to the main body 125 through a hinge as described above. Using gussets to join portions of side perimeters of the second body 130 to the main body 125 may allow a wider access to the second compartment 110 from the top while preventing articles contained therein from falling from the sides. The gussets may extend along a portion or the entirety of the sides of the second compartment 110. The gussets may be formed using elastic or non-elastic materials. The gussets may be formed using material the same as, or different from, those forming the main body 125 and the second body 130. Although a wedge shape is described herein, the gussets may take any suitable shape including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, trapezoid, and so on. The gussets may be formed with or without pleats.

The main body 125 and the second body 130 may be formed using one or more pieces of fabric (e.g., nylon or polyester fabric), natural or synthetic rubber (e.g., neoprene), plastic or other polymers (e.g., ABS or polycarbonate), foam (e.g., EVA foam), or other materials typically used for luggage or the like. The materials used for the main body 125 and second bodies 130 may be similar or different. In some embodiments, the main body 125 and/or the second body 130 may be formed substantially from flexible or relatively flexible materials.

In some embodiments, the materials forming the main body 125 and the second body 130 may be water-proof or water-repellant or treated with a water-proof or water-repellant coating. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the main body 125, such as at least a portion of the main body 125 that defines the second compartment 110, may be formed using a foamed neoprene or other material that provides at least some impact force protection, such as shock absorption, to objects stored in the main or second compartments 105, 110.

The first and second channels 150, 155 defined by the main body 125 may be formed using the same piece(s) of material(s) forming the main body 125 or one or more different pieces of material(s). The material(s) forming the first and second channels 150, 155 may be the same as or different from the type of materials forming the main body 125.

In at least some embodiments, the second body 130 may be configured to protect objects contained within the second compartment 110 by reducing a transmission of impact forces on the second body 130 to objects contained within the second compartment 110. In such embodiments, the second body 130 may be configured to reduce the transmission of impact forces by using shock absorbing, relatively rigid, rigid, shape retaining, and/or other protective materials, such as plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, ABS/polycarbonate, and so on), foam (e.g., an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam), resin, rubber and rubber-like materials, to form at least some portions of the second body 130. In some of these embodiments, the materials utilized to protect the object contained within the second compartment 110 may be substantially co-extensive with a length, width, and depth of the second body 130 so that these protective materials collectively reduce impact forces transmitted to objects in the secondary compartment regardless of which outer facing surface of the second body 130 is impacted by a force. In yet further embodiments, the main body 125 and the second body 130 may include impact or other protective materials that encompass or surround the second compartment 110.

The second body 130 may be configured to reduce the transmission of impact forces by forming at least some of the materials of the second body 130 into a shape that transmits the forces away from the second compartment 110. In some embodiments, the second body 130 may be configured to reduce the transmission of impact forces to objects contained with the second compartment 110 by forming at least some portions of the second body 130 into a pre-defined shape using a shape retaining material, such as a hard or rigid plastic, foam, resin, or combination thereof, that resists changes or deformations caused by impact or other external forces to the predefined shape. In such embodiments, the pre-defined shape may be a shell or tray-like structure. The pre-defined shape may protrude from an outer-facing surface of the main body 125 in a direction away from the main compartment 105.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 14, in some embodiments, the second body 130 may be formed using plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, ABS/polycarbonate, and so on), foam (e.g., an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam), or resin. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 13, in other embodiments, the second body 130 may be formed using fabrics, such as nylon or polyester fabrics, and rubber or rubber like materials, such as neoprene or the like. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8, in yet other embodiments the second body 130 may be formed using a combination of a plastics, foams, resins, fabrics, rubbers, or rubber-like materials.

For embodiments of the second body 130 that utilize a relatively rigid, rigid, shape retaining, and/or shock absorbing material, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 8 and 14, the relatively rigid, rigid, shape retaining, and/or shock absorbing material may be formed into a pre-defined shape, such as a shell or a tray-like structure. In particular, the pre-defined shape may include a relatively planar or flat base portion 335 that is curved along its perimeter edge to define sidewalls 340, 345, 350, 355 along the perimeter edge that extend at an angle relative the planar or flat base portion 335. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 340, 345, 350, 355 may extend substantially transversely away from the planar or flat base portion 335. The relatively rigid, rigid, shape retaining, and/or shock absorbing material may be used to provide a degree of protection to an object placed within the second compartment 110.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8, in some embodiments that utilize a relatively rigid, rigid, shape retaining, and/or shock absorbing material, the second body 130 may further include one or more pieces of fabric, rubber, and/or foam 330 that cover at least a portion, up to the entire portion, of the relatively rigid and/or shock absorbing material. The pieces of fabric, rubber and/or foam 330 may be joined to the relatively rigid, rigid, and/or shock absorbing material by any suitable connection method, including by sewing, adhering or mechanically fastening the fabric, rubber and/or foam to the relatively rigid, rigid, and/or shock absorbing material.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, in some embodiments that utilize a relatively rigid, rigid, shape retaining, and/or shock absorbing material, the material may be formed to define a pattern or the like. The pattern may be used to enhance the structural strength of the material, to increase the shock absorbing capabilities of the material, and/or to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the bag 100. The pattern may be any desired pattern, including, but not limited to, multiple protruding parallel lines 360 as shown in FIG. 6 and multiple protruding circles 365 as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of another embodiment of a bag 100′, and FIG. 10 shows a top view of this bag 100′. The bag 100′ shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is similar to the bags 100 shown in FIGS. 1-8 with one of the differences being that the second body 130′ is positioned within the main body 125′ such that the main body 125′ and the second body 130′ define two compartments 105′, 110′ that are both accessed via the opening 135′ defined by the main body 125′. One of these two compartments 110′ may be sized for receiving a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like. The bag 100′ may further include a securing member 370, such as a strap, that may be used in conjunction with the compartment 110′ sized for the electronic device to maintain the device within this compartment 110′. In particular, the securing member 370 may be fixedly joined to either the main or first body 125′ or the second body 130′ and may be releasably secured to the other body 125′, 130′ proximate an upper portion of the compartment 110′. When an object is placed within this compartment 110′, the strap 370 may be placed over the object and joined to the body 125′, 130′ in a releasable manner to prevent the object from being readily removed from the compartment 110′. The strap 370 may be releasably joined to one of the bodies 125′, 130′ using a hook and loop or a snap fastening system.

There are many potential advantages when the bag 100 includes both the main compartment 105, 105′ and the second compartment 110, 110′. For example, the second compartment 110, 110′ allows a user to carry different objects using the bag 100, 100′ in a more organized manner. More particularly, when a user desires to carry a laptop computer, electronic tablet, an e-book reader, or the like along with other personal objects, such as keys, wallets, phones, water bottles or the like, the user may use the second compartment 110, 110′ to store the laptop computer, electronic tablet, or the like and use the first compartment 105, 105′ to store the other objects. This also allows for easy access to the laptop computer, electronic tablets, or the like.

As another example of an advantage of a bag 100 that includes the main compartment 105, 105′ and the second compartment 110, 110′, the second compartment 110, 110′ may offer added protection to the laptop computer, electronic tablet, or the other objects that are more prone to damage. More particularly, the second compartment 110, 110′ may keep the laptop computer, electronic tablets, or the like from being damages by other objects that a user may store in the first compartment 105, 105′. Such damage may include scratches by sharp objects like keys, or liquid damage by spills from a water bottle or the like.

The second compartment 110, 110′ may also protect the laptop computer, electronic tablets, or the like from potential damage caused by impact forces. In particular, the bodies 125, 125′, 130, 130′ used to form the second compartment 110, 110′ may including foam, padding, a hard or rigid shell, or combinations thereof to prevent or reduce damage to the laptop computer or the like that might be caused by accidental dropping of the bag when a laptop computer is carried therein. Such foam, padding, hard or rigid shells, or combination thereof may also protect the laptop computer or the like from thermal shock. The bodies 125, 125′, 130, 130′ defining the second compartment 110, 110′ may also be formed of materials, or treated with coatings, that are water-proof or water-repellant to provide additional protection.

As described above, the main or first compartment 105, 105′, the second compartment 110, 110′, or both compartments may be sized to be sufficiently large to receive a laptop computer, an electronic tablet, or an e-book reader. Laptop computers contemplated for receipt within at least one of the compartments may include, but are not limited to, netbooks, ultraportable laptops, thin and light laptops, desktop replacement laptops, and luggable laptops. Generally, these laptop computers may include widths that are no less than approximately 13 centimeters (“cm”), depths that are no less than approximately 17 cm, and heights or thicknesses that are no less than approximately 2 cm where width generally refers to the size of the laptop frame from the left side of the keyboard to the right side, depth generally refers to the size of the laptop computer from the front of the laptop to the back panel hinge, and height or thickness generally refers to the size from the bottom of the laptop computer to the back of the display when the laptop computer is closed. Electronic tablets contemplated for receipt within at least one of the compartments may include electronic tablets with screen sizes (diagonally measured) that are generally at least 12 cm, with the electronic tablets often having screens sizes that are greater than approximately 22 cm. The dimensions for an exemplary electronic tablet are approximately 24 cm for its height, 18.5 cm for its width, and 1 cm for its depth. However, receipt within the at least one compartment of other electronic tablets with height, width, and depth dimensions that are greater or less than the dimensions of the exemplary electronic tablet are contemplated. E-book readers contemplated for receipt within at least one of the compartments are generally the same size as the electronic tablets contemplated for receipt within at least one of the compartments.

Generally, the size of the compartment for receiving the laptop computer, the electronic tablet, the e-book reader, or the like will be at least slightly larger (e.g., at least approximately 2 cm, or 5% of the dimension, for at least some of the dimensions) than the size of the electronic device contemplated for receipt therein. Further, the actual size of the compartment sized to receipt the laptop computer, the electronic tablet, the e-book reader, or the like may vary from bag to bag based on the typical size for the type of laptop computer, electronic tablet, e-book reader, or the like that the compartment is designed to contain.

A variety of embodiments and variations of structures and methods are disclosed herein. Where appropriate, common reference numbers and words were used for common structural and method features. However, unique reference numbers and words were sometimes used for similar or the same structural or method elements for descriptive purposes. As such, the use of common or different reference numbers or words for similar or the same structural or method elements is not intended to imply a similarity or difference beyond that described herein.

References to “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back”, “lower,” and “upper,” as well as any other relative positional or directional descriptor are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular embodiment(s) described. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g. attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims. In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic or being connected with another part. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts.

The bags have been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. Therefore, the above description is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, it is intended that all alterations, variations, and modifications of the embodiments are within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A bag for carrying objects, comprising:

a main body that defines a main compartment and an opening to the main compartment where the opening can be selectively decreased and increased in size;
a second body joined to the main body, the second body and the main body defining a second compartment, and the second body having a length and a width that are substantially similar to a length and a width of the main body;
the second body comprising a protective material configured to protect objects contained within the second compartment by reducing a transmission of impact forces on the second body to objects contained within the second compartment, and the protective material comprises a shape retaining material formed into a tray-like structure that includes a relatively planar or flat base portion that is curved along its perimeter edge to define sidewalls along the perimeter edge that extend at an angle relative to the planar or flat base portion, and the sidewalls have a height that is significantly less than either a width or a length of the base portion, and the shape retaining material resists changes to the tray-like structure caused by impact or other external forces; and
a drawstring type closure mechanism operatively associated with the main body in such a manner as to allow a user to selectively increase and decrease the size of the opening.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, wherein the tray-like structure protrudes from an outer-facing surface of the main body in a direction away from the main compartment.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, wherein the shape retaining material comprises at least one of a hard or rigid plastic, foam, or resin.

10. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, wherein the protective material is substantially co-extensive with the length, the width, and a depth of the second body.

11. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the main body that defines the second compartment comprises a protective material that provides at least some impact force protection to objects contained within the second compartment, and the protective materials of the main body and the second body encompass the second compartment.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, wherein the drawstring type closure mechanism comprises at least two flexible members configured to function as backpack straps and operatively associated with the main body to allow a user to selectively decrease the size of the opening utilizing the at least two flexible members.

18. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the at least two flexible members is secured to a connection member that extends from the main body, the connection member defines a hole that receives the associated flexible member therethrough, the main body defines a first channel and a second channel, and the at least two flexible members each include portions that are positioned within the first and second channels.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, further comprising a fabric that covers at least a portion of the protective material.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, further comprising a securing mechanism operatively associated with the main body and the second body to selectively open and close an opening between the main and second bodies.

26. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 25, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a zipper or a strap.

27. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the main and second compartments is sufficiently large to contain a laptop computer.

28. A bag for carrying objects, comprising:

one or more materials defining a first compartment, a second compartment, and an opening to at least one of the first and second compartments where the opening can be selectively decreased and increased in size, and the second compartment having a length and a width that are substantially similar to a length and a width of the first compartment;
at least one of the one or more materials comprising a protective material configured to protect objects contained within the second compartment by reducing a transmission of impact forces on the at least one of the one or more materials to objects contained within the second compartment, and the protective material comprises a shape retaining material formed into a tray-like structure that includes a relatively planar or flat base portion that is curved along its perimeter edge to define sidewalls along the perimeter edge that extend at an angle relative to the planar or flat base portion, and the sidewalls have a height that is significantly less than either a width or a length of the base portion, and the shape retaining material resists changes to the tray-like structure caused by impact or other external forces; and
a drawstring type closure mechanism operatively associated with one or more materials in such a manner as to allow a user to selectively increase and decrease the size of the opening.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 28, wherein the tray-like structure protrudes from an outer-facing surface of the one or more materials in a direction away from the first compartment.

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 28, wherein the shape retaining material comprises at least one of a hard or rigid plastic, foam, or resin.

37. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 28, wherein the protective material encompasses the second compartment.

38. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 28, wherein the drawstring type closure mechanism comprises at least one rope or strap configured to function as at least one backpack strap.

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 28, further comprising a fabric that covers at least a portion of the protective material.

43. (canceled)

44. (canceled)

45. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 28, further comprising a securing mechanism operatively associated with the one or more materials to selectively open and close an opening to the second compartment.

46. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 45, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a zipper or a strap.

47. The bag for carrying objects according to claim 28, wherein at least one of the first and second compartments is sufficiently large to contain a laptop computer.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140216874
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 6, 2012
Publication Date: Aug 7, 2014
Applicant: SAMSONITE IP HOLDINGS S.a r.l. (Luxembourg)
Inventors: Sean B. Farrelly (Somerset, MA), Brendan J. Lippe (East Greenwich, MA)
Application Number: 14/237,217
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Compartmented (190/109); Compartmented (383/38)
International Classification: A45C 11/00 (20060101); B65D 33/00 (20060101);