BAG WITH ENCLOSED INFLATABLE DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and systems for a bag that has a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment has a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein. A first top wall selectively secured to the first pair and second pair of opposed sidewalls of the first compartment, and a second compartment has a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein. A second top wall is selectively secured to the first pair and second pair of opposed sidewalls of the second compartment, and an inflatable device is contained within the second compartment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/059,098 filed Oct. 21, 2013, and entitled “BAG WITH ENCLOSED INFLATABLE DEVICE,” the contents of which are incorporated in full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a bag, such as a travel bag, that includes an enclosed inflatable device, and more generally relates to a bag that contains an enclosed inflatable device and a self contained inflation device for inflating the inflatable device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present device can also be used by individuals, such as a traveler, that needs to have a readily available and comfortable place to rest. For example, the weary airline traveler that experiences a longer than expected layover at the airport or even a flight cancellation, can utilize the present device to both carry items and provide a readily available and deployable device providing a comfortable place to rest.

Alternatively, a child visiting their grandparents or going on a family vacation can utilize the bag. The bag contains the child's clothes and toiletries, but also serves as a comfortable place to sleep when the enclosed inflatable device is deployed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is a bag that includes a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment has a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein. A top wall is selectively secured to the first pair and second pair of opposed sidewalls of the first compartment. An inflatable device is housed within the bag.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a second compartment for housing the inflatable device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a pair of wheels disposed on the bag.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a zipper for selectively securing the top wall to the first and second pair of opposed sidewalls.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a bag that has a top side, a bottom side, a first side, a second side, a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment has a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein. A first top wall selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the first compartment, and a second compartment has a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein. A second top wall is selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the second compartment, and an inflatable device is contained within the second compartment.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a top side, a bottom side, a first side, a second side, a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment has a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein. A first top wall selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the first compartment, and a second compartment has a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein. A second top wall is selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the second compartment. An inflatable device is contained within the second compartment, and a pump is disposed within the bag.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a bladder disposed within a compartment of the bag and containing a piston for forcing air from the bladder.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a rubber and foldable inflatable device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bag includes a pair of D-rings engaged to the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like method steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bag;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pump assembly and handle assembly disposed within the bag;

FIG. 3 is an internal view of the pump assembly within the bag;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bag and inflatable device;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the bag;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bag;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the bag;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the bag;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the bag indicating the pump assembly contained therein;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bag showing the pump handle in motion;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bag showing handle assembly in motion;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the inflatable device being inflated;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the inflatable device fully inflated;

FIG. 14 is perspective view showing the inflatable device ready for use;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the inflatable device in use;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the inflatable device in use;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment exploded view of the pump assembly and handle assembly disposed within the bag;

FIG. 18 is a cutaway view of the bag and inflatable device;

FIG. 19A is an alternative embodiment of the bag;

FIG. 19B is another alternative embodiment of the bag;

FIG. 19C is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19B;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21C is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a front cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 24A;

FIG. 24C is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 24A; and

FIG. 25 is a front cut-away view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 24A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a bag device is illustrated in FIGS. 1-25 and is shown generally at reference numeral 10. The device 10 comprises a first compartment 12. The first compartment 12 includes a bottom wall 14 that extends to an outer edge 16 and a first pair of opposed sidewalls 18 and second pair of opposed sidewalls 20 that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge 16 of the bottom wall 14 forming a cavity 22 therein. A first top wall 24 is selectively secured to the first pair of opposed sidewalls 18 and the second pair of opposed sidewalls 20 of the first compartment 12.

The bag 10 comprises a second compartment 26. The second compartment 26 includes a bottom wall 28 that extends to an outer edge 30 and a first pair of opposed sidewalls 32 and second pair of opposed sidewalls 34 that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge 30 of the bottom wall 28 forming a cavity 36 therein. A second top wall 38 is selectively secured to the first pair of opposed sidewalls 32 and second pair of opposed sidewalls 34 of the second compartment 26.

An inflatable device 40 is contained within the bag. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the inflatable device 40 is housed within the cavity 36 of the second compartment 26. Preferably, the inflatable device 40 is composed of rubber and foldable. The bag 10 has a top side 42, a bottom side 44, a first side 46, and a second side 48. The first pair 18 and second pair 20 of sidewalls of the first compartment are preferably rigid for forming secure and protective sidewalls. The first pair 32 and second pair 34 of sidewalls of the second compartment are preferably rigid for forming secure and protective sidewalls.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a handle assembly 50 is disposed on the top side 42 of the bag 10. The handle assembly 50 contains a first horizontal bar 52 that is in a telescopic relationship with the bag 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a support member 54 is disposed on the first side 46 and second side 48 of the bag within the cavity 22 of the first compartment 12. The support member 54 is hollow for receiving a vertical portion 56 of the horizontal bar 52 that extends generally downwardly. The vertical portion 56 of the horizontal bar 52 is in a telescopic relationship with the support member 54. The handle assembly 50 also includes a pump handle 58 that is disposed adjacent the horizontal bar 52 and actually rests upon the horizontal bar 52. The pump handle 58 contains at least one downwardly extending member 60 that is received within at least one bore 62 disposed within the horizontal bar 52 of the handle assembly 50. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pump handle 58 preferably contains two downwardly extending members 60 and the horizontal bar 52 contains two bores 62.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a pump assembly 64 is disposed within the bag 10. Specifically, the pump assembly 64 is housed within the first compartment 12, as shown in FIG. 3. However, the pump assembly 64 may be housed within the second compartment 26, between the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 26, or disposed external to the bag 10. A support plate 66 is engaged to the bottom side 44 of the bag 10, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the support plate 66 may be disposed on the external side of the bottom side 44 of the bag 10, or in the alternative, the internal side of the bottom side 44 of the bag 10. The support plate 66 may be secured to the bottom side 44 of the bag with attachment means, such as at least one bolt 68 or the like.

The pump assembly 64 comprises at least one cylinder 70, a piston 72, a support base 74, a nozzle 76, and optionally an air bridge 78. The at least one cylinder 70 is engaged to the support base 74, whereby the support base 74 is engaged to the internal side of the bottom side 44 of the bag 10. The support base 74 is disposed adjacent the support plate 66 and contains spaced apart bores 80 for receiving that at least one bolt 68 of the support plate 66 for providing stability and support. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the support plate 66 is rectangularly shaped with four bores 67 positioned on the four corners of the support plate 66. The support base 74 of the pump assembly 64 contains corresponding bores 80 positioned on the corners of the generally square shaped support base 74 and the bores 80 are placed overtop the bores 67 of the support plate 66 for receiving the bolt 68, forming a selectively secured arrangement.

The support base 74 may contain an air chamber 82 disposed between the support base 74 and cylinder 70. The air chamber. 82 contains an opening 84 for allowing air to be released from the pump assembly 64. The nozzle 76 may be connected directly to the opening 84. Alternatively, when two or more cylinders 70 are utilized, as shown in FIG. 2, an air bridge 78 is connected to the opening 84 of each air chamber 82 for collecting the air. The nozzle 76 is engaged to the air bridge 78 for directing the air away from the pump assembly 64 and engagement to the inflatable device 40.

A piston 72 is disposed within the cylinder 70 and movable in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 10. When the cylinder 70 is moved upward in the vertical direction, air fills the cylinder 70, and afterwards, the piston 72 is moved downward in the vertical direction, the air is forced from the cylinder 70 and through the opening in the air chamber 82. The air optionally passes into an air bridge 78 and through the nozzle 76 for inflating the inflatable device 40, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the inflatable device 40 in the fully inflated position and ready to use.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the downwardly extending member 62 of the pump handle 58 serves as the piston 72 of the pump assembly 64. The pump handle 58 is disposed adjacent the horizontal bar 52 of the handle assembly 50 and is movable separate from the horizontal bar 52. Alternatively, the horizontal bar 52 and pump handle 58 may be moved in unison, as shown in FIG. 11.

The first top wall 24 is selectively secured to the first pair of opposed sidewalls 18 and the second pair of opposed sidewalls 20 of the first compartment 12 by an engagement means 86. A second top wall 38 is selectively secured to the first pair of opposed sidewalls 32 and the second pair of opposed sidewalls 34 of the second compartment 26 by an engagement means 86. As illustrated, the engagement means 86 is a zipper. However, the engagement means 86 may be any device that can selectively secure the first top wall 24 to the first pair of opposed sidewalls 18 and the second pair of opposed sidewalls 20 of the first compartment 12 and the second top wall 38 to the first pair of opposed sidewalls 32 and second pair of opposed sidewalls 34 of the second compartment 26, such as a hook and loop fastener, buttons, and the like.

As illustrated, the bag 10 may include at least one pocket 88 disposed on an external side of the first top wall 24. The at least one pocket 88 is selectively sealable by an engagement means, such as a zipper. The bottom side 44 of the bag 10 may contain at least two wheels 88, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The wheels 88 are spaced-apart and disposed in close proximity to the first side 46 and second side 48 of the bag. As illustrated, the bag 10 contains two wheels 88, but it should be noted that the bag 10 may contain four wheels 88 disposed adjacent to each corner of the bottom side 44 of the bag 10. A side handle 90 may be disposed on the external side of the first side 46 and/or second side 48 of the bag 10.

The inflatable device 40 is composed of rubber and foldable. The inflatable device 40 is foldable for storage within the second compartment 26. When stored, the inflatable device 40 is engaged to the nozzle 76, which provides two functions. The first function serves as to releasably retain the inflatable device 40 to the bag. The second function allows the inflatable device to be inflatable by just separating the second top wall 38 from the first pair of opposed side 46 and second pair of opposed sides 48. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the inflatable device 40 may be detached from the bag 10 and serve as a rescue/safety device. The inflatable device 40 contains two openings as shown in FIG. 4. The inflatable device 40 contains a small opening 96 that allows the nozzle 76 to be selectively secured. Alternatively, a user may manually inflate the inflatable device 40 by blowing into the small opening 96. The large opening 98 is designed to allow air to exit the inflatable device 40. An inflation device 40, such as a vacuum configured to blow air outwards, may be inserted into the large opening 98 for inflating the inflation device 40. Alternatively, a user may manually inflate the inflatable device 40 by blowing into the large opening 98. Each opening contains a releasably secured cap 94.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the bag 10 may contain D-rings 92 affixed to the external side of the bottom side 44 of the bag 10. The D-rings 92 are designed to receive straps that may be releasably attached to the D-rings 92 so that a user may carry the bag 10 on the user's back.

Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 17. A pump assembly 164 is disposed within the bag 110. Specifically, the pump assembly 164 is housed within the second compartment 126, as shown in FIG. 19C.

The pump assembly 164 comprises a piston 172 and a bladder 196. The bladder 196 is positioned within the bag 110, allowing the piston 172 to move longitudinally within the bladder 196. The handle assembly 150 is disposed on the top side 142 of the bag 110. The handle assembly 150 contains a first horizontal bar 152 that is in a telescopic relationship with the bag 110. As illustrated in FIG. 17, a support member 154 is disposed on the first side 146 and second side 148 of the bag. The support member 154 is hollow for receiving a vertical portion 156 of the horizontal bar 152 that extends generally downwardly. The handle assembly 150 also includes a pump handle 158 that is disposed adjacent the horizontal bar 152 and actually rests upon the horizontal bar 152. The pump handle 158 contains at least one downwardly extending member 160 that is received within at least one bore 162 disposed within the horizontal bar 152 of the handle assembly 150. The at least one downwardly extending member 160 is engaged to the piston 172, as illustrated in FIG. 19C. As illustrated in FIG. 19A, the handle assembly 150 may be separate from the handle 151 for transporting the bag 110.

The bladder 196 contains two openings. A first opening disposed on the top portion of the bladder 196 for allowing the downwardly extending member 160 engaged to the piston 172 to translate within the bladder 196, and a second opening disposed on the bottom portion of the bladder 196 for allowing air to exit the bladder 196. A pipe 197 has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is engaged to the second opening and the second end is engaged to the inflatable device 140.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, a support plate 166 is engaged to the bottom side 144 of the bag 110, the support plate 166 may be disposed on the external side of the bottom side 144 of the bag 110, or in the alternative, the internal side of the bottom side 144 of the bag 110. The support plate 166 may be generally rectangularly shaped with four bores 167 positioned on the four corners of the support plate 166 for receiving the bolt 168, forming a selectively secured arrangement.

The piston 172 disposed within the bladder 196 is movable in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 18. When the piston 172 is moved upward in the vertical direction, air fills the bladder 196, and afterwards, the piston 172 is moved downward in the vertical direction, the air is forced from the bladder 196 and through the second opening. The bladder 196 is generally rectangularly shaped as illustrated, but can be any shape to fit within the bag 110. The bladder 196 may be rigid and have a length and width slightly less than the length and width of the bag 110 for securing within the second compartment 126.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the bag 210 contains a pump handle 258 that may contain a telescoping extension portion 295 on each end. As shown in FIG. 20, the pump handle 158 includes a first end and a second end. The first end and second end each contain a telescoping extension portion 295 that extends outward and telescopes within the pump handle 258. When the telescoping extension portion 295 is extended outward, as shown in FIG. 20, the length of the pump handle 258 is increased.

Another exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C. In this exemplary embodiment, the bag 310 contains a pump handle 358 and contains two downwardly extending portions 360 extending perpendicularly downward from the pump handle 358. The downwardly extending portions 360 are received within at least one bore 362 disposed within the horizontal bar 352 and extend within the bag 310 and engaged to the piston 372.

The alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 22 is a combination of the embodiments of FIGS. 20, 21A, 21B and 21C. The bag 410 contains pump handle 458 includes a first end and a second end and may contain a telescoping extension portion 495 on each end. The first end and second end each contain a telescoping extension portion 495 that extends outward and telescopes within the pump handle 458. When the telescoping extension portion 495 is extended outward, the length of the pump handle 458 is increased. The pump handle 458 contains two downwardly extending members 460 extending perpendicularly downward from the pump handle 458. The two downwardly extending members 460 are received within at least one bore 462 disposed within the horizontal bar 452 and extend within the bag 410 and engaged to the piston 472.

The bag 410 contains a piston 472 and a bladder 496. The bladder 496 is positioned within the bag 410, allowing the piston 472 to move longitudinally within the bladder 496. The bladder 496 in this embodiment contains three openings. The first two openings are disposed on the top portion of the bladder 496 for allowing the downwardly extending member 460 that is engaged to the piston 472 to translate within the bladder 496, and a third opening disposed on the bottom portion of the bladder 496 for allowing air to exit the bladder 496. A pipe 497 has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is engaged to the second opening and the second end is engaged to an inflatable device.

Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, and 25. The bag 510 contains pump handle 558 that includes a first end and a second end. The first end and second end each contain a telescoping extension portion 595 that extends outward and telescopes within the pump handle 558. When the telescoping extension portion 595 is extended outward, the length of the pump handle 558 is increased. The pump handle 558 contains at least one downwardly extending member 560 extending perpendicularly downward from the pump handle 558. The downwardly extending member 560 is received within at least one bore 562 disposed within the bag 510. The pump handle 558 is separate from the bag handle 552 in this alternative embodiment.

The bag 510 contains a piston 572 and a bladder 596. The bladder 596 is positioned within the bag 510, allowing the piston 572 to move longitudinally within the bladder 596. The bladder 596 in this embodiment contains two openings. The first opening is disposed on the top portion of the bladder 596 for allowing the downwardly extending member 560 that is engaged to the piston 572 to translate within the bladder 596, and a second opening disposed on the bottom portion of the bladder 596 for allowing air to exit the bladder 596. A pipe 597 has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is engaged to the second opening and the second end is engaged to an inflatable device 540.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A bag, comprising:

a first compartment and a second compartment;

the first compartment having a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein;

a top wall selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the first compartment;

a bladder containing a piston for forcing air through the bladder; and

an inflatable device.

2. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a second compartment for housing the inflatable device.

3. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a pair of wheels disposed on the bag.

4. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a zipper for selectively securing the top wall to the first and the second pair of opposed sidewalls.

5. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a handle disposed on the bag.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first and the second pair of opposed sidewalls are rigid.

7. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a bladder that is generally rectangular.

8. The bag of claim 1, further comprising an opening in the inflatable device with a releasably secured cap for allowing air to be inserted into the inflatable device.

9. The bag of claim 1, further comprising at least two wheels disposed on the bag.

10. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a telescoping handle.

11. A bag, comprising:

a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side;

a first compartment and a second compartment;

the first compartment having a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein;

a first top wall selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the first compartment;

a second compartment having a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein;

a second top wall selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the second compartment;

a bladder disposed within the second compartment and containing a piston for forcing air from the bladder; and

an inflatable device contained within the second compartment.

12. The bag according to claim 11, further comprising at least a pair of wheels disposed on the bottom side.

13. The bag according to claim 11, further comprising a handle disposed on the top side.

14. The bag according to claim 11, further comprising a handle wherein the top portion of the piston protrudes therefrom.

15. The bag according to claim 11, further comprising at least one support member for providing stability and support for the bag.

16. A bag, comprising:

a top side, a bottom side, a first side, and a second side;

a first compartment and a second compartment;

the first compartment having a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein;

a first top wall selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the first compartment;

a second compartment having a bottom wall that extends to an outer edge and a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls that extend generally perpendicularly from the outer edge of the bottom wall forming a cavity therein;

a second top wall selectively secured to the first pair and the second pair of opposed sidewalls of the second compartment;

an inflatable device contained within the second compartment; and

a bladder contained within the second compartment and having a piston disposed therein.

17. The bag according to claim 16, wherein the piston is movable in the vertical direction, causing a displacement of air for inflating the inflatable device, and the piston is operationally engaged to a handle disposed on the top side of the bag.

18. The bag according to claim 16, wherein the inflatable device is a foldable rubber mattress.

19. The bag according to claim 16, wherein the bag contains a handle that is separate from the piston.

20. The bag according to claim 16, further comprising a pair of D-rings engaged to the bag.