Convertible Patents (Class 190/1)
  • Patent number: 4792024
    Abstract: A changing caddy is described for carrying the items necessary to change an infant and providing a changing pad. The changing caddy includes a basket having a generally upstanding U-shaped handle attached to a generally rectangular body having four sides, and a pad having at least one moisture resistant surface. The pad has a plurality of fold lines for causing the pad to assume the contour of the outside configuration of the basket when folded. The pad has first and second sides and first and second ends, and connectors are provided on end plates attached to the ends for removably attaching the first and second ends together adjacent to said handle and for removably attaching the first and second sides to the ends of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Morton, Daniel J. D'Arcy, Merry S. Riehm
  • Patent number: 4781277
    Abstract: A nappy or diaper changing bag is made from a soft quilted plastic material and comprises two closable storage compartments connected at their undersides by a mat on which the baby being changed is placed. Foldable end flaps support the baby's head and legs, respectively. Nappies or diapers and ointments can be stored in the compartments and feeding bottles in wells provided in the end of one of the compartments. During transportation of the bag, the flaps are folded over the mat and one compartment is placed over the other compartment and held in place by fastenings. Handles attached to the lower part of the bag enable it to be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Hooi H. Lim
  • Patent number: 4771871
    Abstract: A suitcase or luggage equipped with a self-contained convertible wheeled carrier is disclosed for carrying personal articles therein, when positioned in a conventional suitcase mode, while simultaneously having the mobile facility to carry additional luggage and/or other articles thereon, when converted to an additional luggage carrying mode. The suitcase includes two article holding compartments which are pivotally hinged relative to one another, and locking means for locking one compartment at a fixed angular distance from the other compartment when it is desired to convert the suitcase to an additional luggage carrying position. The suitcase futher includes child carrying means, which is collapsible and concealably hidden when not in use, for carrying a small child therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Rudolf Lambracht
  • Patent number: 4763763
    Abstract: A convertible carrying handle and shoulder strap for hand luggage has bails fixed to a top wall of a peripheral frame of the luggage and through which straps are slidable, the straps being attached at one of their ends to a handle positioned between the bails and having fastener members at their free ends for attachment to side walls of the peripheral frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: B.D.S., Luggage Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard D. Sadow
  • Patent number: 4738545
    Abstract: A combination mat and carry bag unit includes a sheet of pliable material defining a mat of size to accommodate a person thereon for use as an exercise mat, beach mat or the like. The sheet has a drawstring casing extending about its periphery. The casing has two openings therein on opposite sides of the mat and a drawstring is received in the drawstring casing and is of size to extend continuously about the periphery of the sheet when it defines a mat. The drawstring is slidably received in the drawstring casing so that when portions of the drawstring are pulled out of the drawstring casing through the two openings, the periphery of the sheet forms gathers adjacent the casing to permit the periphery to reduce in size whereby the unit forms a carrying bag. Those portions of the drawstring which are pulled out of the casing are secured together adjacent the openings to form a handle for the carrying bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Marta Westgor
  • Patent number: 4723300
    Abstract: A convertible tote bag for holding articles therein. The bag includes a front and rear panel which are connected together along their side edges by a pair of zippers. When the zippers are unzipped, the panels can be folded flat, thereby exposing a moisture absorbing pad on which a baby can be placed for diapering. The moisture absorbent pad is releasably secured to the panels. Interposed between the pad and the panels is a releasably secured moisture impervious barrier layer to protect the panels from being wet or soiled. The barrier layer and the pad can be readily removed to enable each to be cleaned. The bag also inlcudes a pair of carrying handles and at least one exterior pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Rosalind B. Aranow
  • Patent number: 4712673
    Abstract: A combination food carrier and amusement device comprising first and second panels having a removable bag member and a book secured to the inner surfaces thereof. The first and second panels are provided with removable handle portions which enable the device to transport food items retained in a bag member. The bag member and the handle portions are disposable so that the device remains as a unique amusement device and book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Western Publishing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Moore
  • Patent number: 4679242
    Abstract: A variable volume insulated container is manufactured from a flexible cover and a laminated insulator. The laminate is constructed of at least one layer of air bubbles encapsulated between sheets of heat reflecting thin flexible material. The bubble layers provide excellent insulative qualities. The insulated container is designed to fold inwardly accordion style along the side and bottom panels, thereby collapsing into an insulative and comfortable cushion. The flexability of the insulated container permits it to be partially collapsed along the side panels to efficiently insulate a partial cargo. The insulator is appropriately notched so that the insulator does not bunch in the corners when in the collapsed mode. The invention includes an insulated container having side and bottom walls which fold outwardly to collapse into a flat seat, and the insulator thereof is notched to prevent bunching when the seat is unfolded to the container mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventor: Peter B. Brockhaus
  • Patent number: 4671393
    Abstract: A waterproof equipment carrying bag consisting of an outer unit and an inner unit which when unfolded convert into mats. Additionally the mats can be secured to each other by means of Velcro strips to create a longer mat. Nylon webbing sewn to the covering of the outer unit comprise a carrying handle and provide structural support when in the carrying or bag mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Robert D. Rainey
  • Patent number: 4639958
    Abstract: There is provided an article for use by persons lying on the ground at the sea or like locations.The device serves as a head rest for the reposing person and as a sun shade. When not in use as stated, the device serves as a carrying bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventor: Reuben Lerner
  • Patent number: 4632241
    Abstract: A bag which is portable and adapted to be opened and erected on a display stand on which materials including fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like may be displayed to a prospective customer. The materials are attached to the bag on a support bar by means of tab members which allow for easy removal or insertion of the materials into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: F. Schumacher & Co.
    Inventors: C. Duncan Brough, Thomas W. Carroll
  • Patent number: 4606070
    Abstract: A combined wind screen and carrying bag is formed from an elongated sheet attached to stakes at opposite ends thereof, the sheet having pockets opening towards said stakes, formed by a seam intermediate the stakes, such that the entire screen can be folded along the seams and articles carried in the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Inventor: Robert A. Schachter
  • Patent number: 4566130
    Abstract: A diapering station formed of a single piece of material is divided by fold lines into three successive sections to cushion an infant on a support surface and store infant accessories for diaper changing. The diapering station is converted into a carrying bag for infant accessories by folding the two end sections inwardly, one over the other along the fold lines, onto the middle section, enabling the bag to be conveniently carried by a combination handle and back pack strap. A waterproof, removable pouch on the middle section of the station provides a clean surface for the infant's bottom and stores dirty diapers for subsequent washing. An inwardly opening pocket formed in one of the end sections of the station stores clean diapers, and storage of infant assessories such as bottles and food jars is provided in additional pockets formed in the other end section of the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Inventor: Fredrica Coates
  • Patent number: 4535878
    Abstract: A pillow-tote bag (A) is illustrated for use at the lake or beach for carrying accessory devices and for providing a face and head rest for a person either in a prone or a supine position. The bag device (A) includes a pillow panel (10) and a pocket panel (12). The pillow panel (10) advantageously includes a bifurcated pillow (B) having a first pillow cushion (20) and a second pillow cushion (22). The pillow cushions are bifurcated for access to an air mask (36) so that a person may breathe comfortably in a supine position. The bifurcated pillows may be joined together and the air mask closed to provide a cradle (48) and unitary pillows for supporting the head when a person is lying in a supine position. A spine member (16) maintains the bag device in a non-sagging configuration when used as a tote. Pockets (60) carried in the pocket panel (12) are maintained in a straight configuration due to the non-sagging configuration of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Inventor: Norma S. Grahl
  • Patent number: 4516668
    Abstract: A combination knock-down handbag and mat which is formed of a blank of sheet material of a predetermined length and width which is peculiarly seamed and secured so that in the assembled or folded position, the blank forms a handbag and in the unfolded position the blank defines a mat, e.g. a beach mat. To form the mat, which can be subsequently formed into a handbag, one end of the blank is initially reversely folded onto a portion of the blank and secured thereto to define one or more open end pockets. A handle is secured to the open end of the pocket. To convert the mat into a handbag the remainder or extended portion of the blank is reversely folded in accordian fashion to the size and shape of the reversely folded portion. The opposed end portions of the folded blank thus folded are then folded relative to the central portion thereof. With the blank so folded, the central pocket thus formed is turned inside out to define the handbag in the final folded position of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Inventor: Rose M. Grayek
  • Patent number: 4489815
    Abstract: This invention relates to dual purpose tote bags in which one purpose is to provide a carrying bag or box and the other is to provide for a semi-rigid surface, which can be used for carrying and, holding food and for providing a table-like surface during picnics and outings. Prior devices have never fully satisfied the second purpose, their surfaces being too soft and pliable, this leading to problems in fulfilling the first purpose also in that the bag would not provide a semi-rigid internal space for carrying a payload. This invention teaches a new construction and a new method for converting from one purpose to the other.The new construction is both internal; employing three layers, the center layer being of semi-rigid material and, external; in the arrangement of the panels of the three-layered material.The new method of folding employs a stepwise folding of the flat panels into a box-like shape, suitable for maintaining a semi-rigid internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Inventors: Isidro A. Martinez, Beatriz Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 4468810
    Abstract: A carrying bag convertible to a flat mat includes a rectangular body member of flexible foldable material and an arrangement of fold lines and fasteners which enables the body member to be used alternately as a flat mat or a relatively compact, compartmented carrying bag, the arrangement further allowing selective joining of a plurality of such body members, when in the flat mat configuration, to establish an integral, extended flat mat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: The Mat-Pack, Inc.
    Inventor: Raffaela Longo
  • Patent number: 4423834
    Abstract: A structure useable as a backpack or as a cape finds particular utility when worn by a stuffed bear. The backpack/cape structure includes a generally rectangular piece of fabric having top, bottom, and side edges. Side flaps extend outwardly from the side edges along substantially the entire length of the side edges. A top flap extends from the top edge. The article includes a pair of straps which support it on the back of the bear. As a cape the top flap folds over the top edge of the fabric and the fabric and side flaps are substantially unfolded. To transform the structure into a backpack, the side flaps are folded inwardly over the outer surface of the fabric and then the structure is folded upwardly placing the bottom edge under the downwardly folded top flap. The inwardly folded flaps include Velcro fastening strips so that when the structure is folded upwardly the Velcro strips engage to secure the upper and lower portions of the side flaps together to form a pouch-like backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Inventor: Anne K. Rush
  • Patent number: 4412604
    Abstract: A combination luggage case, stand to remove contents without stooping over, a table with an extension that can be used as an ironing board or a display table. It has an open topped compartment and a hinged cover for the compartment. Foldable supporting structure includes a fork shaped support for one end and a nose panel for a support in position when opened parallel to the fork shaped support on the other end, thereby forming a stand to remove the contents or to be used as a table. The second position is made by raising the nose to be horizontal and parallel to the floor and supported by an auxiliary leg structure on the nose panel and the case, thus forming an extension table or to be used as an ironing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Inventors: Harry A. Bell, Howard A. Bell, Harry W. Bell
  • Patent number: 4343464
    Abstract: A playground structure includes a container for containing a playing medium with a substantially rigid cover having a slide thereon with the cover hinged to the container and including a plurality of further hinged panels for alternately folded covering of the container and unfolding into a playground shelter and slide. Ladders at the end of the slide and alongside the slide for providing access to the slide from ground level and from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Inventor: Curtis R. Dose
  • Patent number: 4322905
    Abstract: A portable display unit for display of advertising material or other informational or decorative material on changeable display cards and for storage of other display cards. The display unit includes a rectangular box-like housing convertible between a collapsed or closed and portable configuration and an erect or a display configuration supported on a stand. At least one wall of the housing is comprised as a removable panel to expose a picture type frame surrounding a viewing area to be filled by the display card to be viewed. A retractable handle is provided for transport of the unit from place to place in the collapsed or closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Inventor: Robert A. Kruse
  • Patent number: 4273221
    Abstract: The following disclosure shows a combination valise and backrest having a compartment for carrying articles such as those articles used at the beach. The valise has two triangularly shaped end panels and a base. Overlying the edge of the end panels and affixed thereto are a pair of front and rear walls or side panels. Both of the walls or side panels are secured by means of an upper brace in the form of a rod that is supported across the upper portions of the triangular end panels which accommodate the rods in an overcenter slot configuration. The walls or side panels are comprised in part of a piece of sheet material which can be extended in connected relationship as a part thereof. The sheet of material forms a seat that can be unfolded from the side walls or panels in extended relationship for seating purposes. At the same time, the wall or side panel provides a backrest that is held in place by the weight of one sitting on the extended sheet connected to the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventor: Mary K. Poag
  • Patent number: 4206835
    Abstract: A flexible garment bag and a carrying case are constructed to enable their separable connection to one another so that the assembly may be carried as a compact unit. The garment bag comprises first and second panels of flexible material connected to one another at their edges, the first panel having a longitudinally extending opening provided with a closure. The carrying case comprises a bottom wall, side walls, end walls and a top wall, the top wall having a handle secured thereto. The carrying case has a length substantially equal to the width of the garment bag, and the garment bag has a length sufficient to substantially cover the bottom wall and the side walls of the carrying case in the assembled relationship of the garment bag and carrying case. Connector means is secured to the carrying case, and longitudinally spaced connector means are secured to the second panel to extend from each end of the garment bag for separable connection to the connector means secured to the carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: York Luggage Corporation
    Inventor: Harry G. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 4180112
    Abstract: A beach or like bag which can be used to accommodate articles to be carried and can be opened out to provide a shield to give protection from, for example, the sun or wind. The bag has side panels joined along their sides and bottom and open at the top and carrying handles attached to the side panels. Releasable closure means are provided for one side and the bottom of the side panels. The other side is stiffened. A triangular flap has two of its edges joined to respective bottom edges of the side panels. An L-shaped reinforcing member reinforces each edge of the side panels which has the releasable closure means, the L-shaped members also stiffening parts of the third edge of the triangular flap. When the closure means are closed the bag functions as a bag. When they are released the bag can be opened out with the side panels forming upright shields and the triangular flap providing a cover extending between the two upright shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Inventor: Thomas Bovet
  • Patent number: 4157134
    Abstract: A combination bag and float wherein the bag has a pair of generally semi-circular floatation elements containing foamed plastic hinged to its bottom. The elements have an outer reflective surface and handles. Adhesive means such as mating Velcro bands secure the inner surface of the elements to the outside of the bag. A strap is secured to the upper ends of the bag for carrying the assembly and is adjustable about the waist of the user when the floatation elements are opened to use. The bag serves as a rudder and stabilizer. Preferably, the bag and its floatation elements have a coating of fluorescent material to allow seeing same from a distance and at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1979
    Inventor: Charles Stoll