CUSTOMIZABLE DEVICE CASES AND BAGS
The present invention relates generally to a system for customizing a device case or bag. Non-limiting examples of device cases include cases for laptops, tablets, and cell phones. Non-limiting examples of bags include purses, briefcases, portfolio, backpacks, satchels, totes, camera, messenger, duffel, athletic, firearm, waist/fanny pack, and travel. More specifically the present disclosure relates to customizable features for the device cases and bags such as removable handles and removable multifunctional pieces. In some embodiments, the multifunctional piece may be a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone holder, an e-reader holder, a tablet holder, a wallet, a purse, a clutch, a card holder, a firearm case, a camera case, and a solar charging station.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/289,177, entitled, “Customizable Tech Accessory and Handbag System for Electronic Devices,” filed on Jan. 29, 2016. The entire contents of the related application are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to a system for customizing a device case or bag. Non-limiting examples of device cases include cases for laptops, tablets, and cell phones. Non-limiting examples of bags include, handbags, purses, briefcases, portfolio, backpacks, satchels, totes, camera, messenger, duffel, athletic, waist/fanny pack, and travel. More specifically the present disclosure relates to customizable features for the device cases and bags such as removable handles and removable multifunctional pieces. In some embodiments, the multifunctional piece may be a mouse pad, card holder, zippered bag, purse/clutch, organizer, or solar panel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTraditional laptop cases, tablet sleeves, cell phone holders, (herein collectively referred to as “cases”) and other bags are either purely functional while lacking in design or an attempt at design is made while limiting functionality. The industry offers basic colors and patterns generally in neoprene fabric and some leather choices. Synthetic and genuine leathers are also available in basic colors. Laptop cases have a combination of handle with accompanying shoulder strap that is removable/fixed, one without the other, or neither. There are no multi-functional, completely interchangeable parts on laptop cases, tablet sleeves, cell phone cases, and handbags currently on the market. Presently, there are a number of solutions for the functionality aspects of the tech accessories and handbag industry, but the solutions fail to meet the needs of the consumer because the products lack innovative design which enables the cases and bags to convert and adapt into multiple products. Still other solutions seek to offer the customization of design, but these solutions are limited once purchased, lacking in interchangeability which makes them unable to fill the void in the industry of a true multi-functional custom designed product with the ability for continuous customization at minimal cost. Additionally, there is little focus on fashion in the customization aspects in the cases offered on the market. Available cases which are customizable aren't also interchangeable, removable, or multi-functional.
It would be desirable to have a system for customization of cases or bags which serves both function and fashion in one product. Furthermore, it would also be desirable that the function and fashion uses of the system are customizable to the likes of the user. This enables the user to create new looks, lifestyle expressions or statements, advertisement and designs without buying an entirely new case or bag for different situations, environments, or occasions. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for a customizable, multi-functional case system for electronic devices as well as customizable, multi-functional bag systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a customizable, multi-functional case or bag system which allows the user to customize the case or bag in order to function as either a handle-held case or bag or as a carrying sleeve, attachê, or portfolio. At the same time, the user may customize the case or bag through the use of a removable multifunctional piece. In one embodiment, the removable multifunctional piece is attached to the outside of the case or bag using an attachable/detachable system such as snaps, magnetic snaps, buttons, buckles, clips, ties, magnets, zippers, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro® fastener), touch fasteners, suction cups, buckles with magnetic snaps, swing locks, turn locks, cinch plate, tuck lock, hooks, clasp hook, spring snap hooks, spring snap, fireman hook, trigger snap, swivel snaps, squeeze clasp, etc. In another embodiment, the removable multifunctional piece is attached to the inside of the case or bag using an attachable/detachable snaps, magnetic snaps, buttons, buckles, clips, ties, magnets, zippers, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro® fastener), touch fasteners, suction cups, buckles with magnetic snaps, swing locks, turn locks, cinch plate, tuck lock, hooks, clasp hook, spring snap hooks, spring snap, fireman hook, trigger snap, swivel snaps, squeeze clasp, etc. The removable multifunctional piece may serve the dual purpose of an interchangeable, detachable fashion element as well as a functional element. Non-limiting fashion elements include customized print, a pattern, a texture, a design, a logo, a trademark, an advertisement, a lifestyle expression, a religious expression, a political expression, and a philosophical expression. The design may be made using various techniques such as beads, stitching/embroidery, rhinestones, embossing, tooling, carving, and the like. The logos or trademarks may be for schools, companies, military branch, religious groups, political groups, government agencies, organizational groups, charities, or sports teams. Non-limiting functional elements include a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone case, a camera bag, an e-reader case, a tablet case, a wallet, a purse/clutch, a card holder, a gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, or a solar charging station.
The core components of the invention include the case or bag may be made from various materials with a main compartment of the case or bag and a zipper or latch fastener; one or more outside pockets; the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece, made from various materials, attached to the front side of the case or bag; and removable handles made from matching or contrasting material attaching/detaching to the case or bag. The general configuration of the system is as follows: case or bag with removable handles fastened for hand holding similar to the way a briefcase is held or, detached, making the case or bag a sleeve, attaché, or portfolio and held in the arm or under the arm like a book. The interchangeable removable multifunctional piece is fastened for a fashion accessory, advertising, lifestyle expression or statement accessory and detached may be utilized as a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone case, a camera bag, an e-reader case, a tablet case, a wallet, a purse/clutch, a card holder, a gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, or a solar charging station if desired, to both the case and bag. The invention is a system which provides interchangeability of function and design in a single product through customization by the user.
The present invention is a customizable, multi-functional case or bag system which may be made from various materials. Non-limiting materials include fabric, leather, canvas, metal, plastic, waterproof parachute, nylon, denim, corduroy, or flame retardant fabrics among other materials. A main compartment with a zipper or latch fastener; one or more side pockets with or without a fastener; interchangeable removable multifunctional piece on the front side also made of various materials—fabric, leather, metal, or plastic, among other material, in different sizes, shapes, and portraiture for customization and; a matching or non-matching removable handles that attach/detach to the case. The removable components of the case are connected by way of using an attachable/detachable system such as snaps, magnetic snaps, buttons, buckles, clips, ties, magnets, zippers, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro® fastener), touch fasteners, suction cups, buckles with magnetic snaps, swing locks, turn locks, cinch plate, tuck lock, hooks, clasp hook, spring snap hooks, spring snap, fireman hook, trigger snap, swivel snaps, squeeze clasp, or other attachment method capable of securing one side to the case and releasing the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece or removable handles. All of which facilitate the functional, customizable and interchangeable system of the invention.
The interchangeable removable multifunctional piece may also be fastened by an attachment method which may be visible or hidden; materials for the removable multifunctional piece may include: genuine or synthetic leather, canvas, waterproof parachute, nylon, denim, corduroy, metal, plastic or flame retardant fabrics, among other materials. All materials used can be customized in a manner such as: embroidery, beadwork, printing, stamping, embossing, or other embellishment such as conchos, nailheads, studs, and rhinestones. Leather material may include snake, alligator, shark, ostrich, crocodile, lizard or other exotic leather as well as domestic leather such as cow, lamb and goat among others. The leathers can be metallic, embossed, or printed and be customized in a manner such as embroidery, acid-washing and various embellishments such as conchos, nailheads, beadwork, stitching, studs and rhinestones. Additionally, the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece may be further customized in different shapes, sizes, and portraiture to completely change the look of the case or bag. The interchangeable removable multifunctional piece may also be applied to many items such as: clothing, firearm cases, backpacks, travel gear, book covers, caps/hats, mobile device cases among other items. The removable handles, itself, may be an option converting the customizable case from an electronic device carrying case into a customizable electronic device sleeve, only. Any type of case, handbag, traveling bag or case, among many other items can be designed to receive a customized removable piece; removable multifunctional piece; or removable handle. Optional pockets may be added to the inside or outside of the case or bag. An optional detachable shoulder strap attaches to a D-ring Tab attached to the front and back inner panels of the case or bag in addition to the handle.
The present invention is unique when compared with other known laptop and tablet cases because the present invention provides a system of interchangeable customization permitting the user to configure, design, and re-design the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece exactly as the user desires. Continuous interchangeability of the removable multifunctional piece allows the product to take on a whole new look creating an entirely new design at minimal cost. Additionally, the dual use of the removable multifunctional piece as a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone case, a camera bag, an e-reader case, a tablet case, a wallet, a purse/clutch, a card holder, a gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, or a solar charging station if desired, along with the removable handles allowing the carrying case to convert to a sleeve, attachê, or portfolio and back again creates a multi-functional product.
The present invention is further unique because of the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece and the removable handles. An additional embodiment may be a The removable multifunctional piece and removable handles provide the versatility of interchangeability and functionality which allows the user to customize their case and bag to their liking and use the removable multifunctional piece, detached, as a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone case, a camera bag, an e-reader case, a tablet case, a wallet, a purse/clutch, a card holder, a gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, or a solar charging station if desired. At the same time with the snap on/snap off function of the removable handles the user can convert a carrying case to a sleeve and back again. The customization system makes two products in one. Further the interchangeable removable multifunctional pieces and removable handles transform the original case or bag into a new functional and creatively expressive product each time a change is made. Any type of bag, case, backpack, handbag, or other items previously disclosed can be designed to receive a customized removable piece like a removable multifunctional piece or removable handle.
Among other things, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for customization of cases and bags.
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide an economical way for continuous customization of one product to meet various needs of the user.
Further still, it is an object of the present invention through its continuous customization to provide multiple functional products in one.
The present invention now will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
The present invention is directed to customizable case and bag systems. In one embodiment, the cases are for electronic devices. In this embodiment, the invention allows the user to customize the case in order to function as either a handle-held case or a carrying sleeve. At the same time, the user may customize the case or bag through the use of an interchangeable removable multifunctional piece. Non-limiting types of cases and bags include backpacks, handbags, purses, briefcases, travel bags, shoulder bags, totes, duffel bags, waist bags, messenger bags, camera cases, firearm cases, satchels, laptop cases, tablet cases, e-reader cases, cell phone cases, and the like. The removable multifunctional piece may serve the dual purpose of a fashion statement or element as well as a utilitarian or functional element. As a fashion statement, the removable multifunctional piece may have a customized print, a pattern, a texture, a design, a logo, a trademark, an advertisement, a lifestyle expression, a religious expression, a political expression, or a philosophical expression. Designs may be made using a number of different techniques such as stitch work, tooling, carving, embroidery, embossing, stamping, beadwork, or rhinestones. Logos and trademarks may be for schools, companies, military branch, religious groups, political groups, government agencies, organizational groups, charities, or sports teams. As a functional element, the removable multifunctional piece may be a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone case, a camera bag, an e-reader case, a tablet case, a wallet, a purse/clutch, a card holder, a gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, or a solar charging station. The core components of the invention include the case or bag made from various materials with a main compartment for storing items such as electronic devices and a fastener to secure the main compartment; optional outside pocket on either side or both sides; the matching or contrasting removable multifunctional piece, made from various materials attached to the front side of the case or bag; and the removable handles made from matching or contrasting material and attaching to the case using various attachment mechanisms. The general configuration is the case with the removable handles fastened for hand holding similar to the way a briefcase is held, or detached, making the case a sleeve and held in the arm like a book. The interchangeable removable multifunctional piece is fastened to the case or bag for a fashion, advertising, or other lifestyle expression or statement and also functions as a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone holder, an e-reader holder, a tablet holder, a wallet, a purse/clutch, a card holder, a gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, or a solar charging station. The invention allows for interchangeability of function (e.g. carrying case to sleeve) and design (e.g. changing the removable multifunctional piece size, shape, and portraiture) in a single product through customization by the user.
Turning to the figures,
In the handbag 10 embodiment, shown in
In the tablet case 21 embodiment shown in
In the briefcase 42 embodiment shown in
In the laptop case 58 embodiment shown in
The removable multifunctional piece has both a visual and utilitarian functions. Non-limiting visual functions include a fashion accessory, an advertisement, a lifestyle expression, a philosophical statement, a religious statement, a political statement, words of encouragement, or a favorite photo. Non-limiting utilitarian functions include a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone case, a camera bag, an e-reader case, a tablet case, a wallet, a purse/clutch, a card holder, a gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, or a solar charging station. A select number of removable multifunctional pieces are shown in
In the most complete embodiment the present invention is made up of the following components: material for the case or bag; removable multifunctional piece; and optionally removable handles. These components may be made of a variety of fabric, leather, canvas, metal, plastic, waterproof parachute, nylon, denim, corduroy, or flame retardant fabrics among other materials. The interchangeable removable multifunctional piece may be in different sizes, shapes and portraiture. A variety of different fasteners such as snaps, magnetic snaps, buttons, buckles, clips, ties, magnets, zippers, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro® fastener), touch fasteners, suction cups, buckles with magnetic snaps, swing locks, turn locks, cinch plate, tuck lock, hooks, clasp hook, spring snap hooks, spring snap, fireman hook, trigger snap, swivel snaps, squeeze clasp, and the like may be used to secure the removable pieces. In one embodiment, a zip fastener secures the main compartment. In another embodiment, a fold over flap or strip may be used to secure the main compartment. In these embodiments, the flap or strip may be secured using a variety of different fasteners such as hook and loop, interface, magnets, buckles, snap buckles, ties, clips, snaps, buttons, suction cups, and the like. These components are related as follows: material for the case; interchangeable removable multifunctional piece cut according to the required measurements for the specific electronic device, laptop, tablet, or cell phone including seam allowances for fixing the fastener to the material of the case or bag. Two identical pieces of the same or contrasting material are cut for a case; one for each removable handle. One piece of material matching or contrasting for the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece. The removable multifunctional piece is cut to the desired size and shape. The removable multifunctional piece is then customized in various manners such as: printing, embroidering, or other embellishment such as needlework, beadwork, conchos, nailheads, studs, tooling, carving, and rhinestones. The fastener is sized to the measurement of the removable multifunctional piece, with one half of the fastening mechanism attached to the case or bag and the other half attached to the removable multifunctional piece. In embodiments using hook and loop fasteners, the hook and loop fastener, is cut to the measurement of the removable multifunctional piece, with the hook side fixed to the case or bag either centered or off-center and the loop side fixed to the removable multifunctional piece with the edges turned. Both the hook and loop fastener pieces are fixed by stitching or other attachment method (e.g. gluing, cementing, bonding, etc.). The removable handles are centered on the front side of the case or bag and in the identical place on the back side. In one embodiment, the removable handles have snap fasteners attached to each end. In another embodiment, the removable handles have fireman hooks or clips attached to each end. The clips may be carabiner, snap clips, and the like. In another embodiment, the removable handles have buckles attached to each end. In other embodiments, the removable handles have a tack button.
Upon completion, the customized interchangeable removable multifunctional piece will have finished stitching around the edges with the loop side of the hook and loop fastener exposed. The case or bag will have the hook side of the hook and loop fastener exposed on the front side, centered or off center, so when the removable multifunctional piece is attached, it is centered or off center. The case or bag and interchangeable removable multifunctional pieces correspond in size by measurements for a laptop, tablet, cell phone or other electronic device. It should be noted the size correspondence of the case or bag to the removable multifunctional piece enables the removable multifunctional piece to be interchangeable with other customized removable multifunctional pieces. It should be further noted, a hook and loop fastener exception is fixing the hook and loop fastener with cement, adhesive or some other method to a material such as metal or plastic where stitching is not practical on the case, bag, or removable multifunctional piece.
Reference numbers 12, 24, 46, and 64 provide an illustration of a Removable Piece in variations—different size, shapes and portraiture. It should be noted, the attachment method for the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece to a case or bag may vary by using snaps, magnetic snaps, buttons, buckles, clips, ties, magnets, zippers, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro® fastener), touch fasteners, suction cups, buckles with magnetic snaps, swing locks, turn locks, cinch plate, tuck lock, hooks, clasp hook, spring snap hooks, spring snap, fireman hook, trigger snap, swivel snaps, squeeze clasp, or other attachment method capable of securing the interchangeable removable multifunctional piece to the case or bag. It should be noted further, the attachment method will differ for a case or bag made out of metal, reference number 46 in
While the present invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Any type of case, bag, backpack or other article can be designed to receive a customized removable piece, removable multifunctional piece, or removable handle. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.
The present invention may be applied, constructed, and utilized in many different arenas, for example, as an accessory or carrying case for mobile devices, hand held firearms, musical instruments, book covers, or calculators. The size and shape of the removable multifunctional piece can vary to make it applicable to many different types of devices. Any type of bag, case, camera case, firearm case, or backpack can be designed to receive a customized removable piece; removable multifunctional piece; or removable handle. Given the creative expression ability through the customization feature of the removable multifunctional piece or removable handles there are unlimited design possibilities. Likewise, the use of various construction materials for the case or bag and removable pieces make the invention ideal for various environments and situations.
Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed and described herein. Therefore, it is understood that the illustrated and described embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments include other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations
Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: to the extent that the term “having,” “includes,” or “wherein” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner without limitation or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.
The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed across multiple locations.
Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
Claims
1. A customizable bag comprising:
- a bag having at least one compartment having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and
- at least one removable multifunctional piece;
- wherein the removable multifunctional piece is attached to the exterior surface of the at least one compartment using an attachment system selected from the group consisting of: a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, a clip, a buckle, or a tie; and
- wherein the removable multifunctional piece is selected from the group consisting of:
- a mouse pad, a closeable pouch, an organizer, a cell phone holder, an e-reader holder, a tablet holder, a wallet, a purse, a clutch, a card holder, gun holder, refrigerator magnet, paperweight, and a solar charging station.
2. The customizable bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one removable handle.
3. The customizable bag of claim 2, wherein the at least one removable handle is attached using a second attachment system selected from the group consisting of: a snap, a hook and loop fastener, and a ring and clip.
4. The customizable bag of claim 3, wherein the at least one removable handle is attached using the snap.
5. The customizable bag of claim 3, wherein the at least one removable handle is attached using the ring and clip.
6. The customizable bag of any one of the previous claims, wherein the removable multifunctional piece further includes a fashion element.
7. The customizable bag of claim 6, wherein the fashion element is selected from the group consisting of: a customized print, a pattern, a texture, a design, a logo, a trademark, an advertisement, a lifestyle expression, a religious expression, a political expression, and a philosophical expression.
8. The customizable bag of claim 7, wherein the design is made using beads, rhinestones, stitching, embroidery, tooling, carving, nail heads, studs, conchos, or embossing.
9. The customizable bag of 7, wherein the logo is for a school, a company, a military branch, a religious group, a political group, a government agency, an organizational group, a charity, or a sports team.
10. The customizable bag of any one of the previous claims, wherein the removable multifunctional piece is attached using the hook and loop fastener.
11. The customizable bag of any one of the previous claims, further comprising at least two removable multifunctional pieces.
12. The customizable bag of claim 11, wherein one of the at least two removable multifunctional pieces is a solar charging station.
13. The customizable bag of any one of the previous claims, wherein the interior surface of the at least one compartment is designed to hold an electronic device selected from the group consisting of: a laptop, a tablet, an e-reader, and a cell phone.
14. The customizable bag of any one of the previous claims, wherein the bag is selected from the group consisting of: a backpack, a handbag, a purse, a briefcase, a travel bag, a shoulder bag, a tote, a duffel bag, a waist bag, a messenger bag, a camera case, a firearm case, a satchel, a laptop case, a tablet case, an e-reader case, and a cell phone case.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 27, 2017
Publication Date: Jan 10, 2019
Applicant: CARRIE BASHAM DESIGN AND CONSSULTING LLC (San Diego, CA)
Inventor: CARRIE D. BASHAM (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 16/073,737