UTILITY BAG

Abstract

A utility bag includes a main compartment having a first wall, a second wall, the second wall being transparent or opaque, and a cover that is movable between an open position, in which an interior space of the main compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the interior space of the main compartment is not accessible; and a second compartment having a first wall attached to the first wall of the main compartment, a cover that is movable between an open position, in which an interior space of the second compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the interior space of the second compartment is not accessible, and an opening in the second compartment, an open state of the opening being independent a position of the cover of the second compartment.

Description

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to functional bags. In particular, the disclosure relates to multi-compartment functional bags useful for animal care or for human use as an attachment, for example, to handicap mobility apparatus such as crutches, a walker, and a wheelchair.

BACKGROUND

There is a need for a container or bag that enables efficient and easy animal care. In particular, there is a need for a utility bag that enables easy and efficient carrying of multiple components in separate compartments.

SUMMARY

A multi-compartment utility bag is provided that can be attached to a leash or a handicap mobility apparatus that is configured to contain items useful for walking or working with an animal For example, animal trainers and pet owners may use a utility bag in accordance with embodiments for walking or working with an animal

A multi-compartment utility bag in accordance with embodiments may include a main compartment for storing a first item such as a plastic bag containing dog waste. The bag may be configured to include a second compartment for storing items such as one or more plastic baggies, antiseptic gel, alcohol disinfectant wipes, keys, a mobile electronic device, and the like. The plastic baggies may be, for example, in the form of a roll, and may be configured for containing dog waste. Filled bags may be stored in the main compartment for later disposal at a convenient location and time.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be set forth in the description which follows, and in part may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present disclosed embodiments may become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed embodiments as set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a side diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a front diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a rear diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 shows a top diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a bottom diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in an open configuration;

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosed embodiments may be discussed in detail below. The disclosed embodiments are described with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals are used throughout. While specific implementations may be discussed, it should be understood that this may be done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art may recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.

The disclosed embodiments may concern a utility bag as shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a utility bag 100. The bag 100 includes a first main compartment 102 and a second compartment 105. The second compartment 105 may be attached to the main compartment 102. A bag in accordance with embodiments may include additional compartments beyond the main compartment and the second compartment.

The main compartment 102 may include a first cover 107 for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein, and to mask odor and maintain a sanitary condition of items. The second compartment 105 may include a second cover 109. The second cover 109 may be configured for closing the second compartment 105 to contain materials disposed therein using a secure closure device now known in the art or later developed, such as hook and loop fastener systems, magnetic closure systems, or snap-fit button systems, for example. An interior of the second compartment 105 is separate from an interior of the main compartment 102.

In an embodiment, a portion of the main compartment 102 may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the main compartment 102 may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment 102. The side panels may comprise a transparent or opaque material 115. The material 115 may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque. The transparent or opaque material 115 may enable viewing of temporarily stored unsanitary materials for easy and efficient recognition and disposal of said materials.

The second compartment 105 may define an opening 117. The opening 117 may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment 105 from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment 105 and accessed by way of the opening 117. The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit (not shown) configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment 105. The opening 117 may be substantially circular and fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, or may be lined with stitching or other material to minimize wear, for example.

The main compartment 102 may be enclosed by the first cover 107 and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in FIG. 1. Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment 102 may be used. For example, a magnetic fastening system, a metal mechanical closure device, or a hook and loop fastening system may be used. A leash fastener 118 may be implemented and used to attach to and secure a leash. For example, leash fastener 118 may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, snap-fit button, or buckle fastening system as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the leash fastener 118 may be configured to attach to items other than leashes, such as utility belts, wheelchairs, or hand carried items, for example.

A key chain clasp 121 may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment 105. Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment 105 or maintaining their attachment to the bag 100 may be provided.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a utility bag 200. The bag 200 includes a main compartment 202 and a second compartment 205. The second compartment 205 may be attached to the main compartment 202.

The main compartment 202 may include a first cover 207 for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment 205 may include a second cover 209. The second cover 209 may be configured for closing the second compartment 205 to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment 205 is separate from an interior of the main compartment 202.

In an embodiment, a portion of the main compartment 202 may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment 202. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the main compartment 202 may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment 202. The side panels may comprise a transparent material 215. The transparent material 215 may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque.

The second compartment 205 may define an opening 217. The opening 217 may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment 205 from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment 205 and accessed by way of the opening 217. The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment 205. The opening 217 may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2.

The main compartment 202 may be enclosed by the first cover 207 and fastened using a latch or fastener shown in FIG. 2. Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment 202 may be used. A leash fastener 218 may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, leash fastener 218 may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, snap-fit button, or buckle fastening system as shown in FIG. 2.

A key chain clasp 221 may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment 205. Additional fastening or retaining means now know or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment 205 or maintaining their attachment to the bag 200 may be provided.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a utility bag 300. The bag 300 includes a main compartment 302 and a second compartment 305. The second compartment 305 may be attached to the main compartment 302.

The main compartment 302 may include a first cover 307 for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment 305 may include a second cover 309. The second cover 309 may be configured for closing the second compartment 305 to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment 305 is separate from an interior of the main compartment 302.

A portion of the main compartment 302 may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment 302. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the main compartment 302 may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment 302. The side panels may comprise a transparent material (not shown). The transparent material may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque.

The second compartment 305 may define an opening 317. The opening 317 may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment 305 from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment 305 and accessed by way of the opening 317. The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment 305. The opening 317 may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3.

The main compartment 302 may be enclosed by the first cover 307 and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in FIG. 3. Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment 302 may be used. A leash fastener 318 may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener 318 may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip or buckle fastening system.

A key chain clasp 321 may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment 305. Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment 305 or maintaining their attachment to the bag 300 may be provided.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a utility bag 400. A utility bag 400 may include a main compartment 402 and a cover 407. The cover 407 may be fastened to the main compartment 402 by a fastener or clasp. A key chain or similar utility fastening device 421 may be tethered to the bag 400. A leash fastener 418 may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener 418 may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, snap-fit button, or buckle fastening system.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a bag 500. The bag 500 is in a closed configuration. The bag 500 includes a main compartment 502 and a second compartment 505. The second compartment 505 may be attached to the main compartment 502.

The main compartment 502 may include a first cover 507 for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment 505 may include a second cover 509. The second cover 509 may be configured for closing the second compartment 505 to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment 505 is separate from an interior of the main compartment 502.

A portion of the main compartment 502 may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment 502. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the main compartment 502 may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment 502. The side panels may comprise a transparent material (not shown). The transparent material may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque.

The second compartment 505 may define an opening 517. The opening 517 may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment 505 from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment 505 and accessed by way of the opening 517. The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment 505. The opening 517 may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5.

The main compartment 502 may be enclosed by the first cover 507 and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in FIG. 5. Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment 502 may be used. A leash fastener 518 may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener 518 may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip or buckle fastening system.

A key chain clasp 521 may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment 505. Additional fastening or retaining means now know or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment 505 or maintaining their attachment to the bag 500 may be provided.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a utility bag 600. The bag 600 is in a closed configuration. The utility bag 600 includes a main compartment 602 and a second compartment 605. A key chain clasp 621 may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment 605. Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment 605 or maintaining their attachment to the bag 600 may be provided.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of a utility bag 700. The bag 700 is in an open configuration. The bag 700 includes a main compartment 702 and a second compartment 705. The second compartment 705 may be attached to the main compartment 702.

The main compartment 702 may include a first cover 707 for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment 705 may include a second cover 709. The second cover 709 may be configured for closing the second compartment 705 to contain materials disposed therein.

A portion of the main compartment 702 may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment 702. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the main compartment 702 may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels 715 that define the main compartment 702. The side panels 715 may comprise a transparent material (not shown). The transparent material may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque.

The second compartment 705 may define an opening 717. The opening 717 may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment 705 from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment 705 and accessed by way of the opening 717. The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment 705. The opening 717 may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7.

The main compartment 702 may be enclosed by the first cover 707 and fastened using a latch or fastener. Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment 702 may be used. A leash fastener 718 may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener 718 may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip or buckle fastening system.

A key chain clasp 721 may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment 705. An interior space 731 of the main compartment 702 is separate from an interior space 741 of the second compartment 705. Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment 705 or maintaining their attachment to the bag 700 may be provided. The key chain clasp and tether may be placed inside the second compartment 705 in the interior space 741 thereof The interior space 741 may be configured to contain, for example, clean plastic bags. The interior space 741 may be configured for containing said plastic bags or the like in a configuration that enables removal of a single bag or multiple bags from the interior space 741 of the second compartment 705.

The interior space 741 of the second compartment 705 may be configured to include, define or include pockets, include straps, or have similar retaining structures for securing items in the second compartment 705. For example, the second compartment 705 may include slits or pockets (not shown) for retaining credit cards, bank cards, identification cards, and similar items.

The disclosed embodiments may concern a utility bag as shown in FIG. 8. In particular, FIG. 8 shows a utility bag 800. The bag 800 includes a main compartment 802 and a second compartment 805. The second compartment 805 may be attached to the main compartment 802.

The main compartment 802 may include a first cover 807 for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment 805 may include a second cover 809. The second cover 809 may be configured for closing the second compartment 805 to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment 805 is separate from an interior of the main compartment 802.

A portion of the main compartment 802 may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment 802. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the main compartment 802 may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment 802. The side panels may comprise a transparent material 815. The transparent material 815 may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque.

The second compartment 805 may define an opening 817. The opening 817 may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment 805 from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment 805 and accessed by way of the opening 817. The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment 805. The opening 817 may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8.

The main compartment 802 may be enclosed by the first cover 807 and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in FIG. 8. Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment 802 may be used. A leash fastener may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener 822 may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, a snap-fit button, or a buckle fastening system. The leash fastener 822 comprises a snap-fit button fastening system as shown in FIG. 8.

A key chain clasp 821 may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment 805. Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment 805 or maintaining their attachment to the bag 800 may be provided.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a bag in accordance with another embodiment. In particular, FIG. 9 shows a utility bag 900 in accordance with an embodiment wherein the second compartment 905 may define an opening 917. The opening 917 may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment 905 from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment 905 and accessed by way of the opening 917. The opening shown in FIG. 9 is defined by the second compartment 905 to comprise a slit or button-hole-type opening. In other embodiments, the opening may be substantially circular as shown in FIG. 8, for example, or oval, rectangular shaped, or any other suitable shape. The slit configuration shown in FIG. 9 minimizes the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment 905.

In some embodiments, a pocket (or other type of compartment) can be included in either the main compartment or the second compartment to hold an air freshener. Although the air freshener pocket can be in the main compartment and/or the second compartment, because the main compartment is likely used to hold animal waste, it is desirable to include the air freshener compartment in the main compartment. Particular embodiments include the air freshener pocket located at the apex or fold of the first cover (for example, first cover 107). Particular embodiments include the air freshener pocket made of an air permeable material such as a mesh. Some air freshener pockets are closed at one end to help retain an air freshener while others are open at both ends and, for example, rely on a friction fit between the pocket and the air freshener to keep the air freshener in position. An example of the air freshener pocket is a rectangle of a mesh material that is sewn along two opposite edges to the underside of the first cover (for example, first cover 107) and open at the two other edges. Another example of the air freshener pocket is a rectangle of a mesh material that is sewn along three edges to the underside of the first cover (for example, first cover 107) and open only at the other edge. Either of these two examples can include the rectangle of mesh extending along the length of the apex or fold of the first cover (for example first cover 107) and stopping a short distance (for example ¼ inch to ¾ inch) from the ends of the apex or fold. Particular examples can include the rectangle of mesh extending along the length of the apex or fold of the first cover (for example first cover 107) and stopping ½ inch from the ends of the apex or fold.

Although the above description may contain specific details, they should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurations of the described embodiments of the disclosed embodiments may be part of the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A utility bag, comprising:

a main compartment having a first wall, a second wall, the second wall being transparent or opaque, and a cover that is movable between an open position, in which an interior space of the main compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the interior space of the main compartment is not accessible; and

a second compartment having a first wall attached to the first wall of the main compartment, a cover that is movable between an open position, in which an interior space of the second compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the interior space of the second compartment is not accessible, and an opening in the second compartment, an open state of the opening being independent a position of the cover of the second compartment.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the opening is configured to enable access to the inner space of the second compartment.

3. The bag of claim 2, further comprising a first fastener configured to maintain the cover of the main compartment in the closed position.

4. The bag of claim 3, further comprising a second fastener configured to maintain the cover of the second compartment in the closed position.

5. The bag of claim 4, further comprising a third fastener for attaching keys to the bag, the third fastener being secured to the bag at a position in the inner space of the second compartment.

6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the opening is a substantially circular opening.

7. The bag of claim 5, wherein the opening is a slit.

8. The bag of claim 5, wherein the opening is a substantially rectangular opening.

9. The bag of claim 5, further comprising a fourth fastener configured to attach an animal leash to the bag.

10. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first side and the second side each comprise a transparent or opaque material.

11. The bag a claim 1, wherein the second wall is transparent.

12. The bag of claim 11, wherein the main compartment further comprises a third wall that is located opposite to the second wall, and the third wall is transparent.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the opening is configured to enable access to the inner space of the second compartment.

14. The bag of claim 13, further comprising a first fastener configured to maintain the cover of the main compartment in the closed position.

15. The bag of claim 14, further comprising a second fastener configured to maintain the cover of the second compartment in the closed position.

16. The bag of claim 15, further comprising a third fastener for attaching keys to the bag, the third fastener being secured to the bag at a position in the inner space of the second compartment.

17. The bag of claim 16, wherein the opening is a substantially circular opening.

18. The bag of claim 16, wherein the opening is a slit.

19. The bag of claim 16, wherein the opening is a substantially rectangular opening.

20. The bag of claim 16, further comprising a fourth fastener configured to attach an animal leash to the bag.