MODULAR ARRANGEMENT FOR A CONVERTIBLE BAG

Abstract

A convertible bag includes a body including an exterior portion and an interior portion defining a storage area therebetween. An opening is formed in the exterior portion providing access to the storage area. A storage module is at least partially received within the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag. One or more caddies are at least partially received within and removably secured to the storage module. The one or more caddies define one or more exterior surfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interior region of the one or more caddies configured to receive and retain at least one item. At least one retention mechanism releasably engages a portion of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a convertible bag and more particularly to a modular arrangement for use in combination with the convertible bag.

BACKGROUND

Bags, such as diaper bags, messenger bags, computer bags, backpacks, purses and the like, include an interior region for storing items with an exterior including a handle, grip and/or one or more straps that may be used by a person to carry the bag and its contents. Frequently, bags are designed to serve multiple purposes and include one or more configurations to allow the bag to be carried based upon need and purpose.

For example, the bag may be configured as a messenger bag with a strap releasably connected or fixedly connected to portions of the bag to allow a person to place the bag over their shoulder. Alternatively, the bag may include one or more generally vertical straps that are arranged to be placed over each of the person's shoulders to position the bag adjacent the person's back for a backpack configuration or arrangement.

The interior portion or storage area of a bag may be configured for specific purposes as well. Many bags include a pouch or other receiving area sized to receive larger items, such as a wallet, notebook, computer, tablet, phone or the like and one or more pockets provided in the pouch sized to retain smaller items such as coins, keys, cosmetics and the like. It is common that bags may be created for a single purpose. Thus, a person may have multiple bags each configured for a unique purpose that may not be adjustable to perform other carrying functions.

SUMMARY

A convertible bag includes a body including an exterior portion and an interior portion having a first panel, an opposing panel, a bottom panel extending between and cooperating with the first and second panels, a front panel extending between the first and second panels and an opposing back panel. The interior portion of the body defines a storage area therebetween. An opening is formed in the exterior portion of the body of the bag that provides access to the storage area.

A storage module is at least partially received within the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag. The storage module includes a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, and a back wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls and back wall cooperating to define an opening therebetween that cooperates with the opening in the exterior portion of the body.

One or more caddies are at least partially received within and removably secured to the storage module. The one or more caddies define one or more exterior surfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interior region of the caddies configured to receive and retain at least one item.

At least one retention mechanism includes a first portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a second portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

The storage module may include a bottom wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, and the back wall and a front wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between the first and second sidewalls. The storage module may include at least one channel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing and at least one divider at least partially received and supported by the at least one channel. The at least one divider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of the housing of the storage module to divide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and a second storage area.

The at least one retention mechanism includes a body extending between the first and second portions, a first arm extending from the first portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the housing of the storage module, and a second arm extending from the second portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the one or more caddies. The at least one retention mechanism may include a first fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the housing of the storage module and a second fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the one or more caddies. The second fastening member is configured to at least partially engage the first fastening member to removably secure the one or more caddies adjacent the housing of the storage module.

The convertible bag may include one or more compartments disposed on at least one surface of the exterior portion of the body of the bag. The one or more compartments may include an auxiliary pouch including a housing having a first side cooperating with the front panel of the bag, an opposing second side, an interior storage area defined between the first and second sides and a closure arrangement provided on each of the first and second sides cooperating to seal the interior storage area.

The one or more caddies may include a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and an opening disposed opposite the bottom formed between the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls. The one or more caddies may be formed of rigid polymeric materials or may be formed of pliable synthetic materials.

The one or more caddies may include a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and a top at least partially enclosing the storage compartment disposed opposite the bottom. The storage compartment may be configured to receive and retain perishable items therein.

In another embodiment, a storage arrangement for use in an interior portion of a convertible bag includes a storage module including a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, and a back wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls and back wall cooperate to define an opening therebetween that cooperates with the opening in the exterior portion of the body. One or more caddies are at least partially received within and removably secured to the storage module.

The one or more caddies define one or more exterior surfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interior region of the caddy configured to receive and retain at least one item. At least one retention mechanism includes a first portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a second portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

The storage module includes a bottom wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls and the back wall and a front wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between the first and second sidewalls. The storage module includes at least one channel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing; and at least one divider at least partially received and supported by the at least one channel. The at least one divider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of the housing of the storage module to divide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and a second storage area.

The one or more caddies include a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and an opening disposed opposite the bottom formed between the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls.

Alternatively, the one or more caddies include a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and a top at least partially enclosing the storage compartment disposed opposite the bottom, wherein the storage compartment is configured to receive and retain perishable items therein.

In another embodiment, a convertible bag includes a body including an exterior portion and an interior portion having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a bottom wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a front extending between the first and second sidewalls and an opposing back wall. The interior portion of the body defines a storage area therebetween.

One or more compartments are disposed on at least one surface of the exterior portion of the body of the bag. The one or more compartments include an auxiliary pouch including a housing having a first side cooperating with the front wall of the bag, an opposing second side, an interior storage area defined between the first and second sides and a closure arrangement provided on each of the first and second sides cooperating to seal the interior storage area.

An opening is formed in the exterior portion of the body of the bag that provides access to the storage area. A storage module is at least partially received within the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag. The storage module includes a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a back wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls and the back wall and a front wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between the first and second sidewalls,

The first and second sidewalls, front wall and back wall define an opening therebetween that cooperates with the opening in the exterior portion of the body. At least one retention mechanism includes a first portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a second portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

The storage module may include at least one channel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing and at least one divider at least partially received and supported by the at least one channel. The at least one divider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of the housing of the storage module to divide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and a second storage area.

The at least one retention mechanism includes a body extending between the first and second portions, a first arm extending from the first portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the housing of the storage module, and a second arm extending from the second portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the one or more caddies.

Alternatively, the at least one retention mechanism includes a first fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the housing of the storage module and a second fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the one or more caddies. The second fastening member is configured to at least partially engage the first fastening member to removably secure the one or more caddies adjacent the housing of the storage module.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiment(s) and best mode(s) for carrying out the described disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of at least one configuration of the convertible bag, according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the convertible bag shown with the bag in a closed position;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the convertible bag shown in an open position displaying the bag interior;

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the convertible bag;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an auxiliary section of the convertible bag;

FIG. 5A is a top view of the auxiliary section of the convertible bag shown in a closed position;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the auxiliary section of the convertible bag in an open position displaying the bag interior;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular arrangement sized to be at least partially received within the convertible bag in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a first housing configuration of the modular arrangement receiving at least one divider and one or more caddies that may be releasably secured to the housing;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second housing configuration of the modular arrangement receiving at least one divider and one or more caddies that may be releasably secured to the housing;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fastening member configured for use in the modular arrangement;

FIGS. 10A-10C are side sectional views of the fastening member mated to a portion of the one or more caddies;

FIGS. 11A-11B are side sectional views illustrating the fastening member releasably securing the one or more caddies to a portion of the housing of the modular arrangement;

FIGS. 12A-12D are views of an alternative fastening member releasably securing the one or more caddies to a portion of the housing of the modular arrangement;

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of a diaper caddy for use in the convertible bag illustrated in a stored position;

FIG. 13B is a rear perspective view of the diaper caddy for use in the convertible bag illustrated in the stored position;

FIG. 13C is a top plan view of the diaper caddy in the stored position;

FIG. 13D is a side sectional view of a changing pad receiving area in a side surface of the diaper caddy;

FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of a diaper caddy for use in the convertible bag illustrated in a deployed position;

FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the diaper caddy in the deployed position;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a changing pad at least partially received in the receiving area in a side surface of the diaper caddy;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the changing pad illustrated in a stored position;

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the changing pad illustrated in a deployed position;

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of a cooler caddy for use in the convertible bag illustrated in a stored position;

FIG. 16B is a rear plan view of the cooler caddy;

FIG. 16C is a top plan view of the cooler caddy for use in the convertible bag illustrated in a deployed position;

FIG. 16D is a front perspective view of the cooler caddy illustrating an upper portion in a deployed position exposing an interior region of the caddy; and

FIG. 16E is a perspective view of the cooler caddy illustrating an upper portion in a deployed position exposing an interior region of the caddy and at least one pocket formed therein to receive a cooling element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. The elements shown in the Figures are not to scale or proportion. Accordingly, the particular dimensions and applications provided in the drawings presented herein are not to be considered limiting.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several Figures, an example convertible bag 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The bag 10 is shown as a diaper bag, however, any bag is contemplated, including, but not be limited to, diaper bags, backpacks, messenger bags, travel bags, briefcases, purses, duffle bags, garment bags, handbags, totes, computer bags, camera bags, roller bags, luggage or the like.

The bag 10 generally includes a body 12 including an exterior portion 14 and an interior portion 16 therein. The exterior portion 14 of the bag 10 may be constructed from cotton, polymeric materials, leather, nylon or other synthetic materials. The interior portion 16 of the bag 10 may also be constructed from natural materials such as cotton, leather, suede and the like or man-made materials such as polymeric materials, nylon, rubber or other synthetic materials. The materials used to construct the exterior portion 14 and interior portion 16 of the body 12 of the bag 10 may further include decorative patterns, a combination of materials, use of a variety of textures and other decorative features.

With references to the Figures, the body 12 of the bag 10 may be constructed in a variety of geometries and configurations. In one exemplary embodiment, the body 12 of the bag 10 includes a first side wall or panel 18 and an opposing second side wall or panel 20. The first and second panels 18, 20 may extend generally vertically relative to a bottom panel or wall 22 extending between and cooperating with first and second side panels 18, 20. The body 12 of the bag 10 further defines a forward or front panel or wall 24 extending between the first and second panels 18, 20 and an opposing back or rear panel or wall 26. The panels 18, 20, bottom panel 22, and front and rear panels 24, 26 combine to define a storage area in the interior portion 16 of the bag 10 therebetween.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, one or more compartments 28 may be incorporated in at least one surface of the exterior portion 14 of the bag 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the bag 10 includes a first compartment 28 provided on the exterior portion of the first panel 18 and an opposing second compartment 30 provided on the exterior portion of the second panel 20. Compartments 28, 30 may include openings 32 provided in a top surface sized to receive and removably secure items such as a sunglass case, phone, liquid bottle or the like. Alternatively, the interior of the compartments 28, 30 may be enclosed to secure items therein. Compartments 28, 30 may further include a pocket (not shown) that is accessible through a fastening arrangement, such as a zipper 34 or the like. In one non-limiting example, the pocket may be sized to receive a package of disposable wipes therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A, 4 and 5A-5B, the one or more compartments may include an auxiliary pouch 36 disposed proximate to the front panel 24 of the body 12 of the bag 10. The auxiliary pouch 36 may be formed as part of the body 12 of the bag 10 or may be coupled to be removably secured to the bag 10 by fasteners such as zippers, magnetic type fasteners, snap fasteners, and hook and loop fasteners among others. Alternatively, the auxiliary pouch 36 may be integrally formed into the front panel 24 of the bag 10.

The auxiliary pouch 36 includes an interior storage area 38 accessible through an opening 40 in a portion of the pouch 36. A closure arrangement 39 cooperates with the first and second sides 48, 50 of the pouch 36. It is understood that the opening 40 may be sealed to enclose the interior storage area 38 of the pouch using a closure arrangement such as a zipper 39 or the like. The interior storage area 38 of the pouch 36 includes one or more pockets 42 formed therein that are configured to receive and store items therein, such as writing utensils, portable electronics, identification cards and the like.

The auxiliary pouch 36 includes a housing 44 having a first side 48 that cooperates with and may be removably securable to the front panel 24 of the bag 10 and an opposing second side 50. The second side 50 of the housing 44 may be adjustably connected to the first side 48 by at least one support 52 extending between the first side 48 and second side 50 to limit the travel of the second side 50 away from the first side 48.

The interior storage area 38 and one or more pockets 42 of the auxiliary pouch 36 may be constructed of natural materials such as cotton, leather, suede and the like or man-made materials such as polymeric materials, nylon, rubber or other synthetic materials. An exterior surface 54 of the second side 50 of the housing 44 may further include one or more sleeves or pockets 56 therein. As with the one or more pockets 42 in the interior portion 16 of the pouch 36 of the bag 10, the sleeves 56 are sized to receive and secure items therein and may further include pockets 46 inside of the sleeve 56.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 3, one arrangement for the convertible bag 10 includes one or more straps 58 attached to one or more areas of the exterior portion 14 of the body 12 of the bag 10. The one or more straps 58 are may be arranged and configurable to allow the bag 10 to be transported by a user, including, but not limited to, a handle, a backpack style strap, a double strap, a shoulder strap, a single over the shoulder strap, or the like.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 3, the one or more straps 58 are arranged in a backpack style configuration and include a first strap 58 and a corresponding second strap 60, wherein each of the straps 58, 60 extend generally vertically from and are connectable to an upper surface of the back panel 26 and a lower surface of the back panel 26. The straps 58, 60 may each include a sleeve 61 sized to retain items therein. The two straps 58, 60 may be slung over the shoulders of a user to distribute the weight of the bag on the shoulders of the user to carry the bag 10 like a dual-strap backpack.

The bag 10 may additionally include one or more rings 62 disposed on the exterior portion 14 of the body 12 of the bag 10. As shown in the Figures, the one or more rings 62 may be disposed on the first and second panels 18, 20 of the bag or may disposed on alternative portions of the bag 10, including a top panel or flap 64. The one or more rings 62 may be configured as connection points to releasably secure items such as keys, containers and the like.

Alternatively, the one or more rings 62 may be positioned on the bag 10 to be coupled with a connector extending from one or more ends of a strap. The strap may be coupled by the connector, cable clip or be tied or secured to the rings 62 to form a knot such that the strap may be positioned over the user's shoulder such that the bag 10 hangs adjacent to the user's side, lower back, or stomach in a messenger bag or diaper bag arrangement.

A handle 66 may be provided on an exterior portion 14 of the bag 10, such as the back panel 26 or the top panel 64 to allow the bag 10 to be carried by the user by grasping the handle 66. As with the bag 10, the handle may be formed of a variety of materials that may be similar or dissimilar to the materials used for the exterior portion 14 of the bag 10. A retaining member 68 may extend at least partially across the back panel 26 of the bag 10 in a generally horizontal direction. The retaining member 68 may include opposing ends secured to the back panel, thereby creating an opening (not shown) between an inner portion of the retaining member 68 and the back panel 26 to allow a retractable handle of a suitcase or other item to extend therethrough to secure the bag 10 to the suitcase handle or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the bag 10 includes an opening 70 formed in the exterior portion 14 of the body 12 of the bag 10. The opening 70 cooperating with and provides access to the storage area in the interior portion 16 of the bag 10. In one embodiment, the opening 70 is defined by an upper edge 72 of the first panel 18, an upper edge 74 of the front panel 24, an upper edge 76 of the second panel 20 and an upper edge 78 of the back panel 26.

A cover or flap 64 may be removably secured to at least one surface of the body 12 of the bag 10, such as the exterior portion 14 and/or the interior portion 16 of the bag 10. Flap 64 extends from the exterior portion 14 of the bag 10 to at least partially cover or enclose the opening 70 in the body 12 of the bag 10. It is understood that the opening 70 may be provided in other areas of the exterior portion 14 of the body 12 of the bag 10 to provide access to the storage area of the interior portion 16 of the body 12. For example, the opening 70 may be provide in the front panel 24 of the body 12 of the bag 10.

The flap 64 may be secured to the bag 10 by a fastening arrangement, generally referenced by numeral 80. In one non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, one or more of the upper edges 72, 74, 76, 78 of the bag 10 include a first fastening member 82 that releasably engages and secures a second fastening member 84. It is contemplated that the first and second fastening members 82, 84 may be formed to corresponding mating and receiving surfaces to ensure interconnection between the fastening members 82, 84.

The first and second fastening members 82, 84 include mating portions of a fastening arrangement that may be actuated to position and secure the flap 64 adjacent the upper edges 72, 74, 76, 78 of the bag 10 to at least partially enclose the interior portion 16 therein. While a fastening arrangement such as a zipper, is illustrated, it is understood that other closure arrangements, such as a hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, male/female connectors, magnets and the like may also be used to position and secure the flap 64 adjacent the bag 10 between at least an open or detached configuration and at least one attached or closed configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the storage area of the interior portion 16 of the bag 10 is described in greater detail. One or more rings or connectors 86 may be disposed on one or more inner portions 88 of the first panel 18, second panel 20, bottom panel 22, front panel 24 and/or back panel 26 of the interior portion 16 of the body 12. The interior portion 16 of the bag 10 may include one or more pockets 90 formed therein and sized to receive items. One or more of the inner portions 88 of the panels 18, 20 or front and rear panels 24, 26 may further include a pocket (not shown) that is accessible through a fastening arrangement, such as a zipper 92 or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-11, a first non-limiting example of a storage module for use with the convertible bag 10 of the disclosure is described in greater detail. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bag 10 may be formed in various shapes, dimensions and configurations while accomplishing the purposes of this disclosure. In FIG. 6, the bag 10 may be formed as a tote bag that includes a body 12 having an exterior portion 14 including a first panel 18, an opposing second panel 20, a bottom panel 22 extending between the first and second panels 18, 20 and a front panel 24 and opposing back panel 26 extending between the first and second panels 18, 20 to define and interior portion 16 of the bag 10 therebetween.

The storage module 100 illustrated in FIG. 6 may include a housing 102 sized to be at least partially received and retained within the storage area of the interior portion 16 of the body 12 of the bag 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the housing 102 is sized and shaped to cooperate with the panels 18, 20, bottom panel 22 and front and real panels 24, 26 of the body 12 of the bag 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 102 may be cuboid or three-dimensional rectangular prism in shape and include a first sidewall 104, an opposing second sidewall 106, a front or forward wall 108 extending between the generally vertical portions of the first and second sidewalls 104, 106, a rear wall 110 extending between opposing generally vertical portions of the first and second sidewalls 104, 106 from the forward wall 108 and a bottom wall 112 cooperating with lower portions of the walls 104, 106, 108 and 110. In another embodiment, the housing 102 may be formed without a bottom wall 112. In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the housing 102 of the storage module 100 may be formed in a different geometry for use with alternative shaped bags 10.

An opening 114 is provided in housing 102 that cooperates with the opening 70 in the interior portion 16 of the bag 10. The opening 114 may defined by an upper edge 116 of the first sidewall 104, an upper edge 118 of the second sidewall 106, and one or more of an upper edge 120 of the forward wall 108 and an upper edge 122 of the rear wall 110. One or more caddies 124 may be removably secured within the housing 102 as will be described in greater detail below. The one or more caddies 124 may be configured to receive and retain items such as bottles shown in the Figure and the like.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 7, a first storage module configuration is described and illustrated. In this arrangement, the storage module 100 includes a storage area within an inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 defined between the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 of the housing 102. The walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 may be fabricated of a semi-rigid or rigid material, such as a polymer, metal, cardboard, or the like to provide structural support to the bag and support the one or more caddies 124 therein. However, it is also appreciated that one or more of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 may be fabricated of a pliable material as to solely provide one or more mounting surfaces for one or more caddies to be described in greater detail below. Further, the housing 102 may be formed with walls combined with pliable material and/or one or more rigid or semi-rigid walls to achieve the results of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 may be fabricated from a polymeric material to provide a rigid wall member. At least one channel 138 may be formed in one or more surfaces 136 of the inner periphery 134 of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 housing 102. The at least one channel 138 may include a plurality of spaced apart channels 138 provided in the one or more surfaces 136 of the back or rear wall 110 in a generally vertical direction and perpendicular to the upper edge 122 of the rear wall 110.

The at least one channel 138 may be sized to receive and removably engage a divider 140 inserted therethrough. The divider 140 may extend at least partially through the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of the storage module 100 to divide the inner periphery 134 into at least a first storage area 130 and a second storage area 132. It is appreciated that multiple dividers 140 may be inserted into the channels 138 to create multiple storage areas 130, 132, 133 as shown in FIG. 8.

The channels 138 may be formed on the inner periphery 134 of one or more of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 of the housing 102 and cooperate to removably engage the dividers 140. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bottom wall 112 may include one or more channels 138′ extending generally horizontally on the bottom wall 112 that are positioned to align with the channels 138 on the back or rear wall 110 of the housing 102. Further, the forward wall 108 may include a plurality of spaced apart channels 138″ provided in the one or more surfaces 136 in a generally vertical direction and perpendicular to the upper edge 120 of the forward wall 108 that align with channels 138 on the rear wall 110 and channels 138′ on the bottom wall 112 to receive the divider 140 therein. It is appreciated that channels 138, 138′ and 138″ may be provided in any of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 of the housing 102 in various quantities, positions and configurations to accommodate the design requirements of the storage module 100.

The one or more caddies 124 may be sized to be at least partially received and stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102. In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the one or more caddies may include a caddy 142 configured to retain and enclose at least one item therein. The one or more caddies may be formed of rigid or semi-rigid polymeric materials to provide structural support for items stored therein.

The caddy 142 defines one or more exterior surfaces. The exterior surfaces of the caddy may include at least a front wall 144, an opposing back wall 146, a first sidewall 148, a second sidewall 150 opposite the first sidewall 148, a bottom 152 attached to the walls 144, 146, 148 and 150 and/or a top 154. It is appreciated that the caddy may include one or multiple of the surfaces defined herein. The exterior surfaces of the caddy cooperate to define an interior region of the caddy therebetween.

The caddy 142 includes a fastening arrangement 156 such as a zipper or the like that, when deployed, encloses storage compartment (not shown) in the interior region of the caddy between the walls 144, 146, 148, 150, bottom 152 and top 154. The storage compartment may be insulated to cool and protect perishables stored therein or may be used to retain other non-perishable objects therein. As described above, the caddy 142 may be sized to be received and stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of the storage module 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, one embodiment of at least one retention mechanism 160 for use with the storage module 100 is illustrated and disclosed. The at least one retention mechanism 160 is configured to releasably engage a portion of the housing 102 of the storage module 100 and a portion of the one or more caddies 124 to removably secure the caddies 124 relative to the housing 102 in the storage area of the interior portion 16 of the body 12 of the bag 10.

The at least one retention mechanism 160 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a body 162 having a first or upper portion 164 and a second or lower portion 166. A first arm 168 extends from the first or upper portion 164 of the body 162 of the mechanism 160 and is spaced apart from the body 162 by an opening 170 disposed therebetween. In one non-limiting example, a locking member or projection 172 may be disposed on or adjacent a distal end 174 of the first arm 168. The projection 172 may be disposed on the first arm 168 adjacent the opening 170.

A second arm 176 extends from the second or lower portion 166 of the body 162. The second arm 176 is spaced apart from the body 162 to create an opening 178 therebetween. As shown in FIG. 9, the second arm 176 may be disposed on an opposing side of the body 162 of the retention mechanism 160 from the first arm 168, thereby creating a generally S-shaped arrangement. The distal end 180 of the second arm 176 may incorporate an engagement surface 182 that is disposed adjacent the opening 178.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C, the interconnectivity of the at least one retention mechanism 160 to a portion of the one or more caddies 124 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 10A, the second arm 176 extending from the second or lower portion 166 of the retention mechanism 160 is shown proximate a portion 184 of the caddy 124. The portion 184 of the caddy 124 includes an aperture 186 formed therein that is sized to receive the second arm 176 of the retention mechanism 160. The inner surface 188 of the portion 184 of the caddy 124 may additionally include a mating surface 190 that may receive engage a portion of the engagement surface 182 on the second arm 176.

Referring now to FIG. 10B, the second arm is inserted through the aperture 186 to position the engagement surface 182 proximate the mating surface 190. In this arrangement, the opening 178 between the body 162 and second arm 176 of the retention mechanism is sized to receive the portion 184 of the caddy 124 therebetween. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10C, the engagement surface 182 of the second arm 176 is sized and shaped to releasably engage the mating surface 190 to secure the retention mechanism 160 to the caddy 124.

It is understood that the portion 184 may be a section of any one or more of the walls 144, 146, 148, 150, 152 and/or 154 of the caddy 124. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the retention mechanism 160 may be removably secured to a portion of the first sidewall 148 of the caddy 142. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the retention mechanism 160 may be removably secured to a back wall 146 of the caddy 142.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B, one non-limiting embodiment for connection of the upper portion of the retention mechanism 160 to the housing 102 of the storage module 100, and thereby, the one or more caddies 124, is illustrated and disclosed. FIG. 11A illustrates a retention mechanism 160 with the lower portion 166 and second arm 176 releasably secured to the caddy 124. The upper portion 164 extending from the body 162 of the retention mechanism is positioned proximate an upper edge of the housing 102.

For reference purposes only, the rear wall 110 of the housing 102 will be described herein. However, it is appreciated that the arrangement for connecting the retention mechanism 160 to the housing 102 may be implemented with any of the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 of the housing 102. The opening 170 between the body 162 and first arm 168 is sized to receive and cooperate with the rear wall 110 of the housing 102.

In one non-limiting example of the disclosure, an outer surface 192 of the rear wall 110 may include at least one receiving area 194 disposed proximate the upper edge 122 of the rear wall 110. The at least one receiving area 194 may be sized to releasably engage the locking member or projection 172 extending from the distal end 174 of the first arm 168. As is shown in FIG. 11B, the projection 172 engages the at least one receiving area 194, thereby positioning the first arm 168 adjacent the outer surface 192 and the body 162 of the retention mechanism adjacent an inner surface 196 of the rear wall 110 to secure the caddy 124 to the housing 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12D, yet another embodiment of the at least one retention mechanism for releasably securing the one or more caddies 124 to the housing 102 of the storage module 100 is described. It is also contemplated that the retention mechanisms described herein may be used to releasably secure the one or more caddies 124 to a portion of the interior portion 16 of the bag 10 as will be described in greater detail below.

A first fastening member 204 cooperates with and extends from a portion 202 of the housing 102 of the storage module 100. A second fastening member 206 cooperates with and extends from a portion of the one or more caddies 124. The second fastening member 206 may be configured to at least partially engage the first fastening member 204 to removably secure the one or more caddies 124 adjacent the housing 102 of the storage module 100.

In one non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, the first fastening member 204 may be a mechanical fastener such as a female or receiving clip member while a second fastening member 206 extending from a portion of the one or more caddies 124 may be a mechanical fastener such as a male or engagement clip as shown in FIG. 12B. While a mechanical clip fastening arrangement is shown in the FIG. 12, it is understood that alternative fastening arrangements may be used to accomplish the objectives of the disclosure. For example, alternative fastening arrangements may include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, mechanical button snap fasteners, male/female magnetic fasteners and the like.

A pocket 208 may be formed on the interior of the housing 102 that is configured to at least partially receive the first fastening member 204 when the member 204 is not in use to releasably engage the second fastening member 206 to secure the one or more caddies 124 adjacent the housing 102. Referring now to FIGS. 12C and 12D, the one or more caddies 124 is shown positioned proximate the housing 102 of the storage module 100. In this position, the first fastening member 204 receives and secures the second fastening member 206 to secure the caddy 124 to the housing 102. In one embodiment, the first fastening member 204 is adjustable such that the first fastening member 204 is positioned adjacent the portion 202 such that the member 204 is generally flush with the portion 202 to minimize the distance between the caddy 124 and housing 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, another embodiment of the one or more caddies for use in the storage module 100 of the convertible bag 10 is provided. The caddy 210 may be sized to be at least partially received and stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of the storage module 100. In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13D and 14A-15B, the one or more caddies 124 may include a caddy 210 configured to retain and enclose items therein and is adjustable between at least a closed or stored position as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D and a second or deployed position as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

The caddy 210 includes a front wall 212, an opposing back wall 214, a first sidewall 216, a second sidewall 218 opposite the first sidewall 216 and a bottom 220 attached to the walls 212, 214, 216 and 218. The caddy 210 may be constructed from pliable or semi-rigid cotton, polymeric materials, leather, nylon or other synthetic materials and may further include decorative patterns, a combination of materials, use of a variety of textures and other decorative features.

As best shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A, the front wall 212 may include a recess 222 provided therein that is sized to receive and support a removable package dispenser 224, such as a disposable wipe dispenser or the like. A strap 226 includes a first segment 228 having a first end 230 disposed on an upper portion of the exterior or interior of the front wall 212 and a second end terminating at a first fastening member 234.

A second segment 236 includes a first end 238 disposed on an upper portion of the inner surface of the back wall 214 and a second end 240 terminating in a second fastening member 242 configured to releasably engage the first fastening member 234. One or more of the segments 228, 236 of strap 226 may be adjustable in length. The strap 226 may act as a handle for a user to carry the caddy 210. Alternatively, the strap 226 may provide a barrier to retain items stored within a storage area 244 formed within the caddy 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 13B, 13D and 15A, the back or rear wall 214 of the caddy may include a retention mechanism 246 extending from an exterior portion of the back wall 214. The retention mechanism 246 may be generally U-shaped and include a first portion 248 mounted to the exterior portion of the back wall 214, an opposing second portion 250 and a channel 252 formed between the first and second portions 248, 250 of the retention mechanism 246. The channel 252 is sized to receive a portion of the housing 102 of the storage module 100 such that the second portion 250 engages the housing 102 to secure the caddy 210 in position in the storage module 100.

A compartment or sleeve 254 is formed in a recess between the exterior surface of the back wall 214 and the interior surface of the back wall 214 and storage area 244 of the caddy. The sleeve 254 cooperates with an opening 256 provided in an upper edge of the back wall 214 may be sized to receive a changing pad 258 and/as shown in FIGS. 15A-15C. The changing pad 258 may be compacted to be stored in a pouch 260. The pouch 260 may be integrally formed or connected to the changing pad 258 or may be a separate item from the changing pad 258. Alternatively, the pouch 260 may include a zipper 262 or other fastener that is used to seal clean or soiled materials, such as diapers or wipes, in the interior or the pouch 260.

The exterior surface of the back wall 214 of the caddy 210 may further include one or more sleeves or pockets 264 therein. The pocket 264 is sized to receive and secure items therein and may further include a zipper 266 to enclose the items within the pocket 264. The storage area 244 may also include a pocket 268 sized to receive and secure items therein with a zipper 270 to enclose the items within the pocket 268.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14B, the caddy 210 is illustrated in a second or deployed position. The first and second sidewalls 216, 218 each include a forward portion 272 cooperating with the front wall 212 and rear portion 274 cooperating with the back wall 214 that are secured to each other by a zipper 276 or other fastening arrangement. The forward and rear portions 272, 274 of the first and second sidewalls 216, 218 store sidewalls 278, 280 of the storage area 244 in a compacted position.

When the zipper 276 is uncoupled, the front and back walls 212, 214 may be moved away from each other, thereby allowing the sidewalls 278, 280 of the storage area 244 to extend to a fully deployed position and increase the volume of the storage area 244 of the caddy 210. One or both of the first and second segments 228, 236 of the strap 226 may be lengthened as shown in FIG. 14A to allow the strap 226 to be used as a handle for the caddy 210. A mesh pocket 282 may also be provided in one or more of the exterior surfaces of the sidewalls 278, 280 to provide additional storage space when the caddy 210 is positioned in the second or deployed position.

The caddy 142 includes a fastening arrangement 156 such as a zipper or the like that, when deployed encloses a storage compartment (not shown) between the walls 144, 146, 148, 150, bottom 152 and top 154. The storage compartment may be insulated to cool and protect perishables stored therein or may be used to retain other non-perishable objects therein. As described above, the caddy 142 may be sized to be received and stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of the storage module 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16E, yet another embodiment of the one or more caddies for use in the storage module of the convertible bag is disclosed. As described above with other embodiments of the one or more caddies, caddy 290 may be sized to be at least partially received and stored within the inner periphery 134 of the housing 102 of the storage module 100. The caddy 290 includes a body 300 having a front wall 292, an opposing back wall 294, a first sidewall 296, a second sidewall 298 opposite the first sidewall 296, and a bottom attached to the walls 292, 294, 296 and 298 and a top 302.

As is shown in FIG. 16A, the caddy 290 may include a lower compartment 304 and an upper compartment 306. The upper compartment 306 may be pivotally adjusted relative to the lower compartment 304 at the fastening arrangement 316 as shown in FIG. 16E. The lower compartment 304 shown in FIG. 16C may include an insulated storage area 308 having an interior compartment 310 accessible through an opening 312 and sized to receive a cooling pack or the like. The interior storage area 308 of the lower compartment 304 further includes one or more pockets 314 formed therein that are configured to receive and store items therein. The lower compartment 304 is enclosable by a fastening arrangement 316.

A strap 318 includes a first end 320 disposed on an upper portion of the exterior of the first sidewall 296 and a second end 322 disposed on an upper portion of exterior of the second sidewall 298. The back or rear wall 294 of the caddy 290 may include a retention mechanism 324 extending from an exterior portion of the back wall 214. The retention mechanism 324 may be generally U-shaped and configured to engage the housing 102 to secure the caddy 290 in position in the storage module 100.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16C, an adjustably positionable pocket 326 is disposed on at least one of the sidewalls 296, 298. The pocket 326 is adjustable between a first position shown in FIG. 16A wherein the pocket 326 is placed proximate the sidewalls 296, 298 and at least one second position wherein the pocket 326 is moved generally vertically relative to the caddy 290. The pocket may include a zipper 328 or other fastener that is used to retain materials in the interior or the pocket 326. The caddy 290 may be constructed from cotton, polymeric materials, leather, nylon or other synthetic materials and may further include decorative patterns, a combination of materials, use of a variety of textures and other decorative features.

The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment may be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A convertible bag comprising:

a body including an exterior portion and an interior portion having a first panel, an opposing second panel, a bottom panel extending between and cooperating with the first and second panels, a front panel extending between the first and second panels and an opposing back panel, wherein the interior portion of the body defines a storage area therebetween;

an opening formed in the exterior portion of the body of the bag providing access to the storage area;

a storage module at least partially received within the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag, the storage module including a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, and a back wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls and back wall cooperating to define an opening therebetween that cooperates with the opening in the exterior portion of the body;

one or more caddies at least partially received within and removably secured to the storage module, the one or more caddies defining one or more exterior surfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interior region of the one or more caddies configured to receive and retain at least one item; and

at least one retention mechanism including a first portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a second portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one or more caddies of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

2. The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the storage module further comprises a bottom panel extending between and cooperating with the first and second panels and the back panel and a front panel disposed opposite the back panel and extending between the first and second panels.

3. The convertible bag of claim 2 wherein the storage module further comprises:

at least one channel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing; and

at least one divider at least partially received and supported by the at least one channel,

wherein the at least one divider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of the storage module housing to divide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and a second storage area.

4. The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the at least one retention mechanism further comprises:

a body extending between the first and second portions;

a first arm extending from the first portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the housing of the storage module; and

a second arm extending from the second portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the one or more caddies.

5. The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the at least one retention mechanism further comprises:

a first fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the housing of the storage module; and

a second fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the one or more caddies,

wherein the second fastening member is configured to at least partially engage the first fastening member to removably secure the one or more caddies adjacent the housing of the storage module.

6. The convertible bag of claim 1 further comprising one or more compartments disposed on at least one surface of the exterior portion of the body of the bag.

7. The convertible bag of claim 6 wherein the one or more compartments further comprise an auxiliary pouch including a housing having a first side cooperating with the front panel of the bag, an opposing second side, an interior storage area defined between the first and second sides and a closure arrangement provided on each of the first and second sides cooperating to seal the interior storage area.

8. The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the one or more caddies further comprises a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and an opening disposed opposite the bottom formed between the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls.

9. The convertible bag of claim 8 wherein the one or more caddies is formed of rigid polymeric materials.

10. The convertible bag of claim 8 wherein the one or more caddies is formed of pliable synthetic materials.

11. The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the one or more caddies further comprises a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and a top at least partially enclosing the storage compartment disposed opposite the bottom, wherein the storage compartment is configured to receive and retain perishable items therein.

12. A storage arrangement for use in an interior portion of a convertible bag comprising:

a storage module including a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, and a back wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls and back wall cooperating to define an opening therebetween that cooperates with an opening in an exterior portion of the convertible bag;

one or more caddies at least partially received within and removably secured to the storage module, the one or more caddies defining one or more exterior surfaces and a storage compartment defined in an interior region of the one or more caddies configured to receive and retain at least one item; and

at least one retention mechanism includes a first portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a second portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in a storage area of an interior portion of the convertible bag.

13. The storage arrangement of claim 12 wherein the storage module further comprises a bottom wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls and the back wall and a front wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between the first and second sidewalls.

14. The storage arrangement of claim 13 wherein the storage module further comprises:

at least one channel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing; and

at least one divider at least partially received and supported by the at least one channel,

wherein the at least one divider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of the storage module housing to divide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and a second storage area.

15. The storage arrangement of claim 12 wherein the one or more caddies further comprises a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and an opening disposed opposite the bottom formed between the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls.

16. The storage arrangement of claim 12 wherein the one or more caddies further comprises a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a back wall opposing the front wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom cooperating with the opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing front and back walls and a top at least partially enclosing the storage compartment disposed opposite the bottom, wherein the storage compartment is configured to receive and retain perishable items therein.

17. A convertible bag comprising:

a body including an exterior portion and an interior portion having a first panel, an opposing second panel, a bottom panel extending between and cooperating with the first and second panels, a front panel extending between the first and second panels and an opposing back panel, wherein the interior portion of the body defines a storage area therebetween;

one or more compartments disposed on at least one surface of the exterior portion of the body of the bag, wherein the one or more compartments includes an auxiliary pouch including a housing having a first side cooperating with the front panel of the bag, an opposing second side, an interior storage area defined between the first and second sides and a closure arrangement provided on each of the first and second sides cooperating to seal the interior storage area;

an opening formed in the exterior portion of the body of the bag providing access to the storage area;

a storage module at least partially received within the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag, the storage module including a housing having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a back wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls, a bottom wall extending between and cooperating with the first and second sidewalls and the back wall and a front wall disposed opposite the back wall and extending between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls, front wall and back wall define an opening therebetween that cooperates with the opening in the exterior portion of the body; and

at least one retention mechanism including a first portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the storage module housing and a second portion configured to releasably engage a portion of one or more caddies to removably secure the one or more caddies to the storage module in the storage area of the interior portion of the body of the bag.

18. The convertible bag of claim 17 wherein the storage module further comprises:

at least one channel formed in one or more surfaces of an inner periphery of the storage module housing; and

at least one divider at least partially received and supported by the at least one channel,

wherein the at least one divider extends at least partially through the inner periphery of the storage module housing to divide the inner periphery into at least a first storage area and a second storage area.

19. The convertible bag of claim 17 wherein the at least one retention mechanism further comprises:

a body extending between the first and second portions;

a first arm extending from the first portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the housing of the storage module; and

a second arm extending from the second portion and spaced apart from the body to define an opening therebetween sized to receive the portion of the one or more caddies.

20. The convertible bag of claim 17 wherein the at least one retention mechanism further comprises:

a first fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the housing of the storage module; and

a second fastening member cooperating with and extending from a portion of the one or more caddies,

wherein the second fastening member is configured to at least partially engage the first fastening member to removably secure the one or more caddies adjacent the housing of the storage module.