US20210196017A1

US20210196017A1 - Portable Storage Unit

Info

Publication number: US20210196017A1
Application number: US17/201,250
Authority: US
Inventors: Elsada Gloria Goodison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-10
Filing date: 2021-03-15
Publication date: 2021-07-01

Abstract

A storage bag includes an enclosed space, a first zipper and a second zipper. The enclosed space is at least partially surrounded by a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a bottom wall. The first zipper is movable between the front wall and the left side wall from a top of the front wall to a bottom of the front wall and is further movable between the left side wall and the bottom wall. The second zipper is movable between the front wall and the right side wall from the top of the front wall to the bottom of the front wall and is further movable between the right side wall and the bottom wall. Each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall is substantially flat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims priority to or the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/215,576, filed on Dec. 10, 2018 and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, which claims priority to or the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/596,862, filed on Dec. 10, 2017 and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to personal storage units with compartmentalized storage. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a personal storage unit with compartments such as a handbag or a storage bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The structure and usage of handbags, luggage and other portable personal containers for carrying articles is an established practice. Handbags are commonly constructed with one or more interior compartments configured to retain cosmetics, accessories, toiletries, and other items for ready access by the user.
In some of these handbags, however, access to the interior compartments are provided through the primary entryway of the container. In conventional handbags, for example, this primary entryway is at the top of the container and all access to the various interior compartments is through this one opening. Furthermore, interior compartments of such a known handbag may be divided into vertical pockets of varying depth, which are each accessed from the top through the primary opening of the handbag. The disadvantages of this configuration become obvious when one considers the fact that smaller items such as cosmetics, keys, change and writing implements, which are most often carried, tend to remain at the bottom of the vertical compartments or even bottom of the container itself.
Whether it is to enhance the appearance of a user's wardrobe or to securely carry personal items, bags, and in particular, handbags, of varying shapes and sizes are considered by many people to be an essential component of their wardrobe. There have been a variety of improvements made to the aesthetic as well as functional aspects of handbags over the years. One such improvement includes making different components of the handbag removable and/or interchangeable. For example, a handbag has been made with interchangeable decorative panels, removable inner bags, and interchangeable flaps. One example of an early handbag in which an expansive interior storage area is provided is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,665,728 to Hyman, which is incorporated herein by reference. In such a handbag, items are often distributed randomly throughout the interior compartment, which may make quick access to any specifically desired item or items somewhat difficult.
Handbags constructed with separated compartments are also known. In such handbags, individual items may be stored in specific areas to make all items stored equally and easily accessible. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,502 to Sylvia, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an organizer handbag having a first-half member and a second-half member that are cooperatively and hingedly, openable contenting a plurality of internal storage compartments on the inner surfaces of the first half member and the second-half member whereby quick and easy access to small items stored within the plurality of internal storage compartments may be possible. An inner pouch is contained within the primary storage compartment and is removable for convenient carrying thereof. Again, half members are openable only between first and second halves and are not interchangeable with other like half members to provide customizability. Furthermore, compartments on the inner surfaces limit themselves to affixed components.
There are many examples where aesthetics are interchangeable to satisfy a range of fashion objectives in the use of a handbag. It is already known from numerous patents that these fashion possibilities may be achieved using decorative interchangeable panels attached to the handbag primary panel or panels, some of these patents being exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,627,885 issued to S. L. Cassell for “Lady's Handbag” on Feb. 10, 1953 (which is incorporated herein by reference), U.S. Pat. No. 2,000,538 issued to M. H. Resnick for “Hand Bag and Reversible Cover therefore” on May 7, 1935 (which is incorporated herein by reference), U.S. Pat. No. 2,131,382 issued to R. Lobel for “Handbag” on Sep. 27, 1938 (which is incorporated herein by reference), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,182,701 issued to A. Ginsburg for “Multiple Face Handbag” on May 11, 1965 (which is incorporated herein by reference), to mention but a few. The use of decorative panels may limit the shape of handbag to one size and can be misplaced if a user stores out of sight.
In conventional art, panels of a handbag may be reversible. An example, U.S Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0202325 to Rihena (which is incorporated herein by reference), discloses a reversible handbag having a front, back, bottom, first side, and second side panels configured together to form a handbag with the bottom panel permanently joined to the bottom side of the front, back, first side, and second side panels. Panels of the handbag are limited to one shape and configuration due to the panels being permanently attached. It would be desirable to provide a handbag or other personal carrying container that provides a user with releasable panels wherein inner storage is easily accessible. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide customizability for panel interchange. For example, like panels of various shapes, panels of various sizes, panels of like models, and the like would be desirable for panel interchange, exchange, or reversal, thereby providing a user with a customizable organizer handbag. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a handbag wherein at least one of the storage areas within the handbag is concealed or hidden from persons other than the user of the handbag so that items of value may be secreted therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays a perspective view of an example embodiment of the storage unit;

FIG. 2 provides a view into an interior of the example storage unit from FIG. 1 with attached pockets and with a front wall detached from sidewalls;

FIGS. 3A-3B provide a plan view of the example storage unit from FIG. 1 with the front wall from the side walls and the side walls detached from a bottom wall;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a part of one example wall of the example storage unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a second side view of a part of an alternative example wall in the example storage unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A-6B provide a plan view of the example storage unit from FIGS. 3A-3B with alternative attachment means;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate example pouches as may be used with the example storage unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate alternative example zippered pouches as may be used with the example storage unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates a disassembled, plan view of a second embodiment of the storage unit;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the storage unit;

FIG. 11 illustrates a disassembled, plan view of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in a separated format;

FIG. 12 shows multiple embodiments of side walls for the storage unit;

FIG. 13 shows a disassembled, plan view of a fourth embodiment of the storage unit;

FIG. 14 shows a front right perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the storage unit;

FIG. 15 shows a front left perspective view of the storage unit from FIG. 14 where zippers are moved to a bottom of a front wall;

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the storage unit from FIG. 14 where the zippers are moved to a rear of a bottom wall;

FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 show plan views of the storage unit from FIG. 16 with pouches attached to the interior of the walls using a variety of attachment means;

FIGS. 20A-20C show close-up views of different manners in which pouches are attached to the interior of the walls;

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the example storage unit and an example zipper that is part of a zipper connection;

FIG. 22 shows a magnetic board on which pouches attachable to the storage unit may be secured; and

FIGS. 23A-23C show a sixth embodiment of the storage unit where a main panel is formed in a loop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a storage bag comprises an enclosed space, a first zipper, and a second zipper. The enclosed space is at least partially surrounded by a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a bottom wall. The front wall and the back wall face one another. The left side wall and the right side wall face one another. The first zipper is movable between the front wall and the left side wall from a top of the front wall to a bottom of the front wall and is further movable between the left side wall and the bottom wall. The second zipper is movable between the front wall and the right side wall from the top of the front wall to the bottom of the front wall and is further movable between the right side wall and the bottom wall. Each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall is substantially flat when surrounding the enclosed space.
In another embodiment, a storage bag assembly comprises a space, a first zipper, a second zipper. The space is at least partially enclosed by a main panel, a first left side panel, and a first right side panel. The first left side panel and the first right side panel face one another. The first zipper is movable between the main panel and the first left side panel. The second zipper is movable between the main panel and the first right side panel. The storage bag assembly comprises a second left side panel and a second right side panel. The second left side panel and the second right side panel are differently shaped from the first left side panel and the first right side panel. The first left side panel and the first right side panel are configured to be interchangeable with the second left side panel and the second right side panel respectively.
In yet another embodiment, a storage bag comprises a space at least partially enclosed by a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a bottom wall. The front wall and the back wall face one another, and the left side wall and the right side wall face one another. The bottom wall is substantially rectangular and is connected by way of zipper connection to each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall and the right side wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Stated generally, a portable storage unit with selectable modular interchangeable containers that may be releasably attached to the unit is described herein. In an example embodiment, a user may select one or more containers for use with the portable storage unit. The selected containers may be arranged on the inside and/or on the outside of the example portable storage unit by the user as he or she desires, and rearranged as the occasion or need arises. The containers may vary in size, shape, color, material, transparency, closure/non-closure, and/or in other ways and/or features. For example, a user may choose an opaque, closeable container for storing valuables such as jewelry. Even if a thief gains access to see inside the unit, the valuables will not be visible to the thief unless the thief takes the extra time to open the container. As another example, a user may choose a container with a transparent front wall so the user may readily see what is stored within. As yet an additional example, the user may choose a container that is or may be marked with text and/or graphics identifying its contents so the user may readily understand what the container holds. Even though the user may choose to add or exchange a container(s) on the portable storage unit, an alternate embodiment of the storage unit may provide one or more containers for a unit with the containers being attached without the releasability feature. Supplementary containers may be made available to the user to choose from to customize his or her personal storage unit.
This example embodiment of a portable storage unit described in the previous paragraph may include one or more walls, panels, and/or bottom that may be released completely or in part from the remainder of the unit. For example, a wall may be released from other walls of an example unit so as to allow easy access to the containers inside the unit including the exchange of containers. As another example, a wall may be completely released from the remainder of the unit so the released wall with its containers may be taken away for use as a separate item. When use of the separated item is finished, advantageously, it may be reattached to the remainder of the example unit. Moreover, the walls and/or bottom of a unit may be reversible. As an example, in using his or her personal storage unit, a user may find it advantageous to have containers displayed on the outside of one of the walls even though original the same containers were contained within the unit. Alternatively, a user may find that he prefers to display the inside of a wall as the outside of that wall because the inside may have text or graphics or design elements that make for a pleasing outer display. The inner surfaces of the walls may have interiors that are treated or equipped with features so as to be waterproof. Moreover, the inner surfaces of the walls may be treated or equipped with layers such that pouches may be releasably attached via magnetic force. For example, the wall may include a magnetic element while the pouch may have a metallic element or vice versa. Alternatively, both the wall and the pouch may include a magnetic element. Further, the walls and/or bottom of a unit may be interchangeable. A user may find it to his or her advantage to change a right side wall for a left sidewall because the respective components on the walls may differ and be more conducive to use when the side walls are exchanged. The example embodiment described in the previous two paragraphs is closeable at its top to at least block easy viewing of the interior of the unit and/or for other reasons. The example embodiment includes a handle for easy carrying of the unit. The example embodiment also includes feet to raise the unit above a surface upon which it may be placed to keep the unit clear of grime on the surface and/or for other reasons.
The example embodiments are generally described and pictured herein as attaching (whether releasably or not) along outer edges of a wall or bottom or container. Attachment of the elements of an embodiment may be carried out in other manners.
The invention, however, should not be limited to the example embodiment described generally above or any other embodiments described herein. This detailed description provides various examples of embodiments of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects and features of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. This discussion should not be construed as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. People skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims.
In terms of nomenclature herein, the singular includes the plural, the masculine includes the feminine and/or neutral, a person includes a corporation, a partnership, any other organization of people or persons (and/or the like), and an embodiment, in whole or in part, may be an apparatus, a device, a kit, a method, and/or a system, unless otherwise noted. Generally the terms “and” and “or” may be interchangeable unless otherwise noted or understood from context. Moreover, like numerals indicate like elements throughout the figures
FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment 20 of the storage unit. Particularly, FIG. 1 shows a portable storage unit in the form of a handbag 20. Advantageously, handbag 20 appears in FIG. 1 to be a conventional item, and handbag 20 may include conventional elements and features of a standard handbag or storage unit. For example, handbag 20 includes a housing 22 that may include framing for the handbag.
Nonetheless, the storage unit should not be limited to a “handbag” because a handbag is only one of the ways the portable storage unit may be implemented. The term “portable storage unit” as used herein refers to any type of device that a user may use to store items and to transport the items using the device. The transport of the portable storage unit may be made in any common manner such as by carrying the unit in one or both hands, by carrying the unit on the body, by pushing or pulling the unit such as a suitcase may be rolled, and/or in other manners.
The term “handbag” as used in reference to the example embodiment 20 may include a structured box-style portable storage unit with well-defined walls and an open top such as shown in FIG. 1. As noted, the box-style of the portable storage unit may be achieved by a housing 22 that may be bolstered by framing. The principles of the storage unit, however, are applicable to any portable storage unit that may be carried, held, pushed or pulled, and/or supported by an individual, including: a backpack, a bag, a box, a barrel bag, a bucket bag, a carryall, a clutch, a container, a cross body bag, a duffel, a handbag, a hold all, a pocketbook, a pouch, a purse, a sac or sack, a satchel, a shopper bag, a shoulder bag, and/or the like. Thus, while the various example implementations of the disclosed storage unit described herein are mostly depicted in the figures as a structured handbag, the storage unit is not to be so limited. Rather, the portable storage unit encompasses a wide range of devices having various sizes, shapes, features, and functional purposes.
As previously explained, the handbag 20 shown in FIG. 1 is a box-style bag that includes a housing 22 having a front wall 24 and an opposing back wall 26 (not shown in FIG. 1). The term “panel” may be used interchangeably herein with the term “wall.” Between the front wall 24 and the back wall 26 on either side of the handbag 20 are a left side wall 28 and a right side wall 30 (not shown in FIG. 1). In this embodiment 20, the front wall 24 and the back wall 26 are about the same size and the same generally rectangular shape. Likewise, in this embodiment, the left side wall 28 and the right side wall 30 are about the same size and the same generally rectangular shape. Other embodiments may vary. Together, the front wall 24, back wall 26, and side walls 28, 30 are releasably connected to define an outer perimeter of the handbag 20.
Advantageously, as noted, the walls 24, 26, 28, and 30 of the example handbag 20 releasably connect to define an outer perimeter of the handbag 20. The connections or attachments of the walls 24, 26, 28, and 30 defining the outer perimeter of the handbag 20 may be “releasable” in that the attachments between walls may be undone and then redone repeatedly. The connections of the walls may be provided by means of, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop attachments, snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, straps, cord, ties, strings, magnets, and/or the like, in whole or in part.
The example handbag 20 includes a generally rectangular bottom 32 (not shown in FIG. 1) that connects around its outer boundary to the bottoms of the front wall 24, the back wall 26, the left side wall 28, and the right side wall 30. Advantageously, the bottom 32 may releasably connect or attach to one or more of the walls 24, 26, 28, and 30. A releasable connection or attachment may be achieved by use of one or more zippers, hook and loop attachments, snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, straps, cord, ties, strings, magnets, and/or the like, in whole or in part.
In the example embodiment 20 shown in FIG. 1, a pair of handles 34 a, 34 b allows a user to conveniently carry the handbag 20. One of the handles 34 a is connected in proximity to the top or upper edge of front wall 24, and the other handle 34 b is connected in proximity to the top or upper edge of back wall 26. Other embodiments may vary with respect to a handle(s). For example, an alternative embodiment may include a handle only on one of the walls 24, 26. Alternatively, a handle may be attached on one end to the front wall 24 and the other end of the handle may be attached to the back wall 26. As another example, a strap such as a shoulder strap or cross-body strap may be included instead of or in addition to a handle(s). The alternatives may be positioned differently from what is shown in FIG. 1 as will be known to those skilled in the art. Whether a standard handle or a strap, the means for carrying the portable storage unit 20 may be detachable in some embodiments, and non-detachable in others. Moreover, whether a handle or a strap, the means for carrying the portable storage unit 20 may be adjustable for length, width, etc. As an example, a telescoping handle may be attached to a portable storage unit in case the unit has wheels and the telescoping handle would be convenient for rolling the unit along a surface such as a floor.
As shown in FIG. 1, the example handbag 20 provides a top opening 36 into the interior of the handbag 20. Advantageously, the handles 34 a, 34 b may be pulled apart to widen the top opening 36 into the interior of the handbag 20. A user may at least partially close the top opening 36 by grasping the handles 34 a, 34 b together. Alternatively, the handles 34 a, 34 b may be releasably attached to each other by means of hook and eye closure and/or otherwise to at least partially close the top opening 36 into the handbag without the user having to grasp the handles 34 a, 34 b for closures purposes. As another alternative, the top opening 36 into the interior of the handbag 20 may be releasably secured at least in part in some manner such as an attachment or connection between the front wall 24 and the back wall 26 of the handbag 20, and/or the side walls 28, 30 of the handbag 20. For example, a zipper may connect the tops of the front wall 24 and the back wall 26. Other embodiments may vary such as use of a flap, drawstring, snap, button, buckle, hook, hook and eye closure, magnet device, or the like.
Another advantage of the example embodiment 20 of the storage unit is the handbag 20 may be stood on its feet on a surface. By the use of such feet, the bottom 32 of the handbag 20 does not directly rest on or touch (at least whole or in part) the surface upon which the handbag 20 is standing by its feet. The embodiment 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes four feet 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, and 38 d (only two feet 38 a, 38 b are shown in FIG. 1) attached to the bottom 32 of the handbag 20 and positioned respectively near the corners of the outside bottom 32.
Instead of feet, or in addition thereto, the example embodiment 20 may include one or more wheels on the outside of its bottom 32 and/or in other location(s). The wheels may be used to roll the unit 20 along a surface.
FIG. 2 looks into part of the inside of the example embodiment 20. Particularly, the release of the front wall 24 from the rest of the portable storage unit 20 reveals part of the interior of the unit 20. In this embodiment 20, the front wall 24 is releasably attached, respectively, to three other elements of the unit 20 by zippers 40, 42, and 44. In fact, all of the releasable attachments of the walls 24, 26, 28, 30 and bottom 32 are made by zippers in this embodiment.
Other means of releasable attachment may be used in other embodiments. Moreover, the means of releasable attachment in an embodiment need not be uniform as in the exclusive use of zippers in example embodiment 20. Other embodiments may employ a mix of means of releasable attachment, which may include buttons, cords, drawstrings, hook and eye mechanisms, magnets, snaps, tape, VELCRO® hook and eye closure, and/or the like.
Referring again to the example embodiment 20, the right side of the front wall 24 is releasably attached to the right side of right side wall 30 by zipper 40. The left side of the front wall 24 is releasably attached to the left side of the left side wall 28 by zipper 42. The bottom side of the front wall 24 is releasably attached to the front side of the bottom by zipper 44. FIG. 2 shows that zipper 40 and zipper 42 have been completely undone or unzipped so the front wall 24 is completely opened from the unit 20. In this embodiment 20, the zippers 40, 42, and 44 run the length of their respective walls. Other embodiments may vary. As a result of the zippers 40, 42 being completely unzipped, the front panel 24 opens away from the unit 20 and lies flat and parallel to (but still releasably attached to) the bottom 32 of the unit 20. Note, the front panel 24 may be partially released on one or both sides in various ways by unzipping one or both of the zippers 40, 42 in part. To pull the front wall 24, completely away from the unit 20, the zipper 44 releasably attaching the front wall 24 to the bottom 32 of the example portable storage unit 20 may be completely unzipped.
FIGS. 3A-3B also illustrates example portable storage unit 20, but in a different configuration from that seen in FIG. 2. In FIGS. 3A-3B, the example portable storage unit 20 is shown as lying flat. This flat position may be advantageous for adding, removing, and/or substituting container(s) on the unit 20. It is made to lie flat by releasing the attachments of the front panel 24 from the right and left side walls 22 and 28 as done in FIG. 2 plus releasing the right and left side walls 22 and 28 from the bottom 32. Rather than lying flat, the unit 20 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B may be held or hung in the shown flat configuration by the handle 34 b. The configuration shown in FIGS. 3A-3B is not the only way to make the unit 20 lie flat as those of skill in the art will understand. Other configurations are possible.
The arrows in FIG. 3B illustrate how the zippers will move relative to the walls once the edges of neighboring walls are brought together to be connected by way of zipper connection. Moreover, the short arrows at the top of FIG. 3B indicate the directions in which the zippers will need to move to detach the side walls from the rear wall. Furthermore, the transversely extending arrows on the bottom wall in FIG. 3B indicate the directions in which the zippers will need to move to detach the bottom wall from the rear wall and from the front wall.
FIGS. 3A-3B show all of the ten containers 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 70, and 72 attached to the interior of the example portable storage unit 20. Not previously seen in FIG. 2, the containers 70, 72 are shown in FIGS. 3A-3B as attached to the left side wall 28 of the example unit 20.
Besides the front wall 24 open configuration of the example unit 20 shown in FIG. 2 and the flat configuration shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, other configurations of the example unit 20 are possible. Advantageously, a user may make use of the releasable attachments of the four walls 24, 26, 28, and 30 and bottom 32 to configure the example unit 20 in convenient ways for different purposes and/or a purpose particularly useful to the user. For example, a user may completely dissemble the example unit 20 into its constituent walls 24, 26, 28 and 30 and bottom 32 into separate elements, or dissemble or reassemble the elements 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 into something less than the whole example unit 20. In this manner, a user may take out one or more walls of containers as needed and reassemble as appropriate.
Now referring again to FIG. 2, as noted, it allows a look into the interior of the example portable storage unit 20. The look into the inside of the example embodiment 20 reveals containers attached to the inside walls of the unit 20. Containers according to the storage unit may be attached or releasably attached, but in FIG. 2, all of the containers are attached.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the front wall 24 of the storage unit. The side view shows containers 50, 52, and 54 attached, respectively, to the inside of a front wall 49 by a releasable attachment means 51, 53, 55. In this example unit shown in FIG. 4, the releasable attachment means 51, 53, 55 are Velcro® attachments (hook and eye attachments), but containers in a portable unit may be releasably attached by other means of attachment. In addition, the means of releasable attachment of the containers in an embodiment need not be uniform as in the exclusive use of Velcro® attachments or other attachments. Other embodiments may employ a mix of means of releasable attachment, which may include buttons, cords, drawstrings, hook and eye mechanisms, magnets, snaps, tape, VELCRO® hook and eye closure, and/or the like.
Rather than being releasably attached, one or more containers in an embodiment of the storage unit may be simply attached to the portable storage unit. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates that three containers 57, 59, 61 are attached to an element 63, which in turn, may be attached to or connected to the interior of a wall 65 of an alternative portable storage unit. The element 63 to which the three containers 57, 59, 61 may be attached may be anything suitable such as a lining used with the alternative unit. Area between 63 and 65 is an enclosed space which can be a visible pocket or concealed pocket. Other variations are possible.
FIGS. 6A-6B provide additional details of an alternative attachment means that may be used with the example unit 20. The embodiment in FIGS. 6A-6B is different from the embodiment in FIGS. 1-3 in that it has detachable containers. The arrows in FIG. 6B illustrate how the zippers will move relative to the walls once the edges of neighboring walls are brought together to be connected by way of zipper connection. Moreover, the short arrows at the top of FIG. 6B indicate the directions in which the zippers will need to move to detach the side walls from the rear wall. Furthermore, the transversely extending arrows drawn on the bottom wall in FIG. 3B indicate the directions in which the zippers will need to move to detach the bottom wall from the rear wall and from the front wall. The containers 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 70, and 72 and their locations within the example unit 20 are discussed specifically below.
With regard to FIGS. 6A-6B, the user's attention is drawn to the fact that all of the containers 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 70, and 72 are releasably attached to this alternative version of example unit 20 by a Velcro® attachment means that, in each case, is disposed behind the respective container and runs the entire width of the container for secure, releasable attached. The Velcro attachment mechanisms 46′, 48′, 50′, 52′, 54′, 56′, 58′, 60′, 70′ and 72′ are shown in phantom in FIGS. 6A-6B.
In FIG. 2, the eight containers 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60 are shown attached inside the example portable storage unit 20. Other embodiments may have fewer or more containers (attached and/or releasably attached). Each of the containers 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 56, 58, and 60 is a zippered pouch. A pouch herein, is constructed in more or less a conventional manner having a front wall and opposing back wall stitched along marginal edges having at least one fastener closure to access enclosed space therein. Pouch construction is not limited to any specific shape, size, walls, and/or the like.
FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of a zippered pouch 67 that includes some depth as indicated by the drawing. In addition, the pouch 67 is marked with the text “HAIR” to indicate to the user its contents. FIG. 7B illustrates a pouch is attachable and detachable via snap closures, and is also shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 7C shows a wallet that is attachable and detachable via magnetic backings or snap closures.
FIG. 8A illustrates a zippered pouch 69 that is relatively flat unlike zippered pouch 67 shown in FIG. 7A. Pouch 69 may be more suitable for the storage of flat objects such as combs or flat items like credit cards or currency. FIG. 8B illustrates a pouch that is attachable and detachable via Velcro, and is also shown in FIG. 17.
One or more other types of containers may be used in other embodiments. Moreover, the containers in an embodiment need not be uniform as in the exclusive use of zippered pouches as in example embodiment 20. Other embodiments may employ a mix of containers. A container may be a pocket, as noted, which may be constructed in more or less a conventional manner having at least a front wall sewn alongside at least two marginal edges of at least one unit wall leaving an access into an enclosure space therein. Non-detachable pouches may be sewn into the portable storage unit and/or adhesive may be affixed to a pocket facing. A pocket may be divided into having more than one pocket leaving more than one enclosed space therein. The enclosed space may be used for one or multiple items for storage or to hold specific individual items like a make up brush, pen, cell phone, bottle, and the like. A pocket generally is open topped, but may be constructed in other ways and may include a fastener and or closure.
An example of the use of a relatively flat pocket in an embodiment is an envelope with a transparent area so that an identification may be slipped into the envelope container and the identification may be viewed through the transparent area.
Other types besides a pocket or a pocket include a bag, a basket, a box, an envelope, a pocket, a pouch, a sack and/or the like. A container may be open on one or more sides or area. A container may have a mechanism such as a flap or a cover to allow closure of that container. A container may be of any size or shape that works within the embodiment. A container may be made of any appropriate material or mix of materials. A container may include one or more features such as having a transparent area or window, or having a magnetic area for the attachment of items such as metal combs, or having a snap attachment for the attachment of an item to the container. A container may display text and/or graphics. A container may provide a surface where the user may mark the container with text and/or graphics. Other features for use with containers will occur to those skilled in the art.
As noted above, the containers in an embodiment of the storage unit need not be uniform in size. The containers 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 70, and 72 of the example portable unit 20 demonstrate that the containers of an embodiment need not be all of the same size. The containers 50, 52, 54 on the inside of the front panel 24 apparently are generally uniformly sized with respect to each other, but not with respect to the other containers shown in FIG. 2. Advantageously, the three containers 50, 52, 54 take up substantially the entire area of the inside of the front panel 24. The space provided by the inside of the front panel 24 is maximized for use as support for the containers 50, 52, 54. Nonetheless, in other embodiments, the containers of a panel do not necessarily have to cover substantially the entire inner surface of a wall. Nor do all of the containers on a wall necessarily have to be of the same size. For example, a user may decide to remove containers 50 and 52 from the inside of the front wall 24 of the example unit 20. In place of container 50, the user may substitute a smaller, differently shaped container, and the user may decide not to replace container 52 with anything. In this manner, the user may customize his or her personal storage unit to his or her needs or desires.
FIG. 2 shows additional containers besides the containers 50, 52, 54 shown on the inside of the front panel 24. Two containers 46, 48 are shown as zippered pouches attached to the inside of the right side wall 30. The two containers 46, 48 are about the same size and are stacked on the inside of the wall 30 with the container 46 above the other container 48. Together containers 46, 48 take up substantially the entire surface of the inside of the right side wall panel 30. As previously noted, other embodiments may include different configurations of containers, more in number, or less, and even include no container.
FIG. 2 also shows even more additional containers 56, 58, 60. Container 56 is a zippered pouch releasably attached to the bottom 32. Container 56 takes up substantially the entire area of the inside of the bottom 32. Two containers 58, 60 are shown as zippered pouches attached to the inside of the back wall 26. The two containers 58, 60 are about the same size and are stacked on the inside of the back wall 32 with the container 60 above the other container 58. Together containers 58, 60 take up substantially the entire surface of the inside of back wall 24. As previously noted, other embodiments may include different configurations of containers, more in number, or less, and even include no container.
FIGS. 2 and 3 do not show the mechanisms for the releasable attachment of the containers 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 70, and 72 of the example embodiment 20. The reader is advised to review FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 for the manner of releasable attachment and/or attachments of the example embodiment 20. There is another feature of the example embodiment 20 that was not shown in FIG. 1, but may be seen in FIG. 2. That feature is the means for closing the example portable storage unit 20. A two part magnet closure 62 a, 62 b is used in unit 20 to draw the front wall 24 to the back wall 30
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative way of releasably attaching one or more walls and a bottom to form an alternative portable storage unit 80. Like the portable storage unit 20 first described in connection with FIG. 1, the alternative portable storage unit 80 includes four walls and a bottom. However, the back wall 82 is connected along its bottom side to back side of the bottom 84, and the front side of the bottom 84 is connected to the bottom side of the front wall 86. The connections are not “releasable attachments” as shown in connection with the portable storage unit 20 first described in FIG. 1.
An advantage presented by the alternative portable storage unit 80 is that its right side wall 88 and/or left side wall 90 may be partially or completely removed from the unit 80. The alternative portable storage unit 80 includes two zippers 92, 94 so the right side wall 88 and/or left side wall 90 may be partially or completely removed. Instead of one or both zippers 92, 94, an alternate means of releasably attaching the right side wall 88 and/or left side wall 90 may be used. Moreover, the elements of the embodiment 80 may exchanged, interchanged, and/or reversed. For example, right side wall 88 and left side wall 90 may be switched, or right side wall 88 may be reversed so what was formerly the inside is now the outside of the right side wall 88.
Specifically, with respect to the releasability of the right side wall 88 with respect to the alternative portable storage unit 80, one half of the zipper 92 is disposed along the respective right sides of the connected back wall 82, bottom 84, and front wall 86. A zipper pull is disposed on this half of the zipper 92, but may be disposed on the other half of the zipper 92. The other half of the zipper 92 is located around the sides and bottom of the right side wall 88. When the zipper 92 is zipped or unzipped, the zipper pull moves from a top side of either the back wall 82 or the front wall 86 (depending on how the zipper 92 is configured for operation), down to the bottom of that wall, and pivots around the corner created by the right side wall 88 and the connected bottom 84 and back wall 82 or front wall 86. The zipper pull continues its movement along the bottom of the right side wall 88 connecting it to the right side of the bottom 84 until the zipper pull reaches the other corner created by the right side wall 88 and the connected bottom 84 and back wall 82 or front wall 86. The zipper pull pivots the other corner and moves from the bottom side of either the front wall 86 or the back wall 82 (depending on how the zipper 92 is configured for operation), and up to the top of that wall. Advantageously, a user may partially or completely unzip or zip the right side wall 88 with respect to the remainder of the alternative portable storage unit 80 by operating the single zipper that connects the right side wall 88. The left side wall 90 may be releasably attached with respect to the alternative portable storage unit 80 in the same general manner as the right side wall 88 is releasably attached, but with the use of its own single zipper 94.
FIG. 9 shows alternative portable storage unit 80 with its right side wall 88 and left side wall 90 completely detached (or released) from the remaining elements of the unit 80. The back wall 82, bottom 84, and front wall 86 are shown as lying flat connected to each other, but separated from the right side wall 88 and the left side wall 90. The alternative portable storage unit 80 is shown without any containers, and unit 80 as well as other embodiments of the storage unit may be used without any containers. Nonetheless, one or more containers may be added to the alternative portable storage unit 80. The depiction of the alternative portable storage unit 80 in FIG. 9 as having the separated right and left side walls 88, 90 and the connected back wall 82, bottom 84, and front wall 86 lying flat shows a position of the unit 80 that may be convenient for adding, removing, or substituting a container(s).
An alternative embodiment 100 of the storage unit is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 compares to FIG. 1 in showing an example embodiment 100 from the outside and in perspective. The example portable storage unit 100 is shaped more or less like a tubular duffle bag. It is wider than it is high and has a round cross section.
The handles 102 a, 102 b are disposed along the wide side of the unit 100. FIG. 11 compares to FIGS. 3A-3B in showing the example embodiment 100 with a view to the interior of the unit 100. Advantageously, the right and left sides 104, 106 of the unit 100 are shown in FIG. 11 as detached from the main body 108 of the example unit 100. The right and left sides 104, 106 are generally circular and are shown as separated from the main body 108. Previous to detachment, the right and left sides 104, 106 were releasably attached to the main body 108. The means of releasable attachment in this embodiment are zippers 110, 112. Other types of releasable attachment such as mentioned previously may be used.
FIG. 11 also shows containers 114, 116 attached, respectively, to the right and left sides 104, 106 of the example unit 100. The containers 114, 116 are zippered pockets such as may be used for the storage of items such as a driver's license, cash, a mobile unit, etc. The containers 114, 116 cover, respectively, the entire inside surfaces of the right and left sides 104, 106, but other embodiments may vary by having no containers, or by having more containers. Moreover, the containers in other embodiments may be of different types, sizes, etc. In the separated configuration, the user may find it advantageous to add, remove, and/or substitute containers from the right and left sides 104, 106 of the example unit 100.
FIG. 11 also shows that when the right and left sides 104, 106 are detached from the main body 108, it may lie flat (or be hung flat) from handle 102 a to handle 102 b. In this flat configuration, the user may find it advantageous to add, remove, and/or substitute containers from the main body 108 of the example unit 100. FIG. 11 does not show any containers attached to the main body, but attachment of one or more containers is an option according to the example embodiment 100. Advantageously, this embodiment may allow a user to switch the main body 108 for one or more other elements so the user may change the shape of the unit to something other than a tubular or cylindrical duffel bag. The same ability to switch out elements may apply to the right and left sides 104, 106. Embodiments in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 may be about the same size. The main bodies 80 and 100 may interchange with each other, the right side panels 88 and 104 may interchange with each other, and the left side walls 90 and 106 may interchange with each other. Further, the elements of this unit may allow for reversibility.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 9-11, the zippers may be movable along the lateral edges of the main body or panel and such that they move from one edge of the main body or panel to the other opposite edge of the main body or panel.
FIG. 12 shows alternative embodiments of the side walls which may be interchangeable with the side walls used in the embodiments of FIGS. 9-11. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows how a rectangular shaped side wall may be interchanged with a triangular shaped side wall while attaching the interchanged side wall to the same main body or main panel of the portable storage unit. The portable storage unit may be provided with at least two sets of differently shaped side walls all of which are releasably attachable to and detachable from the main body or panel of the portable storage unit such that the user may interchange between different sets of side walls as desired. For example, the portable storage unit may be provided with three sets of side walls including rectangular side walls, triangular side walls, and oval side walls, for example. Oval side walls may be circular shaped in some embodiments.
FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the portable storage unit where each of the front wall, the left side wall, the right side wall and the back wall may be releasably attached to the bottom wall by way of zipper connection. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the front wall, the left side wall, the right side wall and the back wall may include lateral flaps 1302 with features allowing neighboring or adjacent walls to be releasably attached to one another by various attachment means. In the present embodiment, the attachment means is a snap closure which includes male and female members which include magnets. In a modified embodiment, the lateral flaps may instead be equipped with elements of zipper connections instead elements of snap closures.
FIGS. 14-19 show embodiments of the portable storage unit that is similar in shape to the embodiment in FIG. 11 but has a different zipper configuration. The arrows in FIGS. 16-19 illustrate how the zippers will move relative to the walls once the edges of neighboring walls are brought together to be connected by way of zipper connection. In FIGS. 14-19, a first zipper is provided to be movable between the front wall and the left side wall and further movable between the left side wall and the bottom wall. Moreover, a second zipper is provided to be movable between the front wall and the right side wall, and further movable between the right side wall and the bottom wall. FIG. 14 shows the first zipper and the second zipper in the zipped up positions while FIG. 15 shows the first and second zippers unzipped to the bottom of the front wall. FIGS. 16-19 show the first and second zipper unzipped to the rear of the bottom wall. As shown in FIG. 15, the interior of the portable storage unit can be accessed more easily by moving the first and second zippers to the bottom of the front wall and lowering/releasing the front wall.
FIGS. 16-19 also illustrate a variety of arrangements for the pouches. The pouches may be a zippered pocket, a buttoned pocket (FIG. 19), etc. and may be transparent to allow the stored contents to be viewable without opening. The pouches may be releasably attachable to the inner surfaces of the portable storage unit by magnet (FIGS. 18 and 19), snap fit, Velcro® (FIG. 17), other attachment means, or a combination thereof. The example embodiment in FIG. 19 shows side walls that are embodied with pockets that are a non-detachable part of the inner surface. The inner surfaces of the portable storage unit may be treated or covered with layers so as to be impermeable or waterproof. Moreover, the inner surfaces of the walls of the portable storage unit may be treated or equipped with layers such that pouches may be releasably attached via magnetic force. For example, the wall may include a magnetic element while the pouch may have a metallic element or vice versa. Alternatively, both the wall and the pouch may include a magnetic element.
FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate example manners of attaching pouches to the interior of the walls with snap closures 2000. FIG. 20A shows the interior of front or rear wall equipped with first elements of snap closures. Second elements of the snap closures may be present on one or more pouches. FIG. 20B shows one pouch 2002 being releasably attached to the inner surface of the wall while FIG. 20C shows an alternative configuration where a plurality (e.g., three) of smaller sized pouches 2004 are releasably attached to the inner surface of the wall. The snap closures may be embodied in a variety of mechanisms including magnet, snap fit, or a combination thereof.
FIG. 21 shows an external side view of an example storage unit and an example embodiment of the zipper. The storage unit may include a main panel 2100 and side panels 2102, and zipper path 2108 may extend along the interface of the main panel and a side panel, as shown in FIG. 21. A position of a pull 2106 of the zipper 2104 may be reversible with respect to a slider of the zipper such that one can manipulate the pull from either side of the slider. The walls may include appropriate bindings to conceal the elements of the zipper connection from view.
FIG. 22 shows an example embodiment of a board to secure and/or store various types of pouches. The board may include a decorative boarder 2200 and an attachment board 2202. Since a variety of pouches may be provided with the portable storage unit but the portable storage unit may not have the capacity to accommodate all of the pouches at the same time, the board may allow the owner of the portable storage unit to easily and conveniently store the unused pouches. The pouches may be secured to the board via mechanisms similar to those used to secure the pouches onto the portable storage unit. As such, the pouches may be connected to the board via magnets, snap fit, Velcro®, or a combination thereof. The pouches may be zippered pockets.
FIG. 23A shows an alternative embodiment of the portable storage unit 2300.
The example portage storage unit may include a main panel 2302 which forms a loop and provides a shoulder strap and a handle (FIG. 23A). The left and right side panels 2304, of which only one is shown in these figures, may further enclose the inner space of the storage unit. The side panels may be releasably attached to the main panel by way of zipper connection, and may further include flaps 2306 (FIG. 23C) that include features allows the side panels to be releasably secured to the main panel by way of snap closure. If such snap closure mechanism is used, the main panel may also include corresponding features as shown in FIGS. 23B and 23C.
In any of the aforementioned embodiments, at least one container may be releasably attached to any of the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, the side walls, the main panel, and the side panels. Moreover, the inner surfaces of any of the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, the side walls, the main panel, and the side panels may be treated or covered with one or more layers so as to be waterproof. Furthermore, the inner surfaces of the walls/panels may be treated or equipped with layers such that pouches may be releasably attached via magnetic force. For example, the wall/panel may include a magnetic element while the pouch may have a metallic element or vice versa.
Alternatively, both the wall/panel and the pouch may include a magnetic element.
The example embodiments of the invention were chosen and described above in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions including various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated. The examples provided herein are not intended as limitations of the present invention. Uses with other types of apparatus, devices, items, methods, and/or systems may be appropriate. Other embodiments will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A storage bag comprising:

an enclosed space at least partially surrounded by a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a bottom wall, the front wall and the back wall facing one another, the left side wall and the right side wall facing one another;

a first zipper that is movable between the front wall and the left side wall from a top of the front wall to a bottom of the front wall and that is further movable between the left side wall and the bottom wall; and

a second zipper that is movable between the front wall and the right side wall from the top of the front wall to the bottom of the front wall and that is further movable between the right side wall and the bottom wall,

wherein each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall is substantially flat when surrounding the enclosed space.

2. The storage bag according to claim 1, wherein at least one container is releasably attached to at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall.

3. The storage bag according to claim 2, wherein the at least one container is a zippered pocket.

4. The storage bag according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall allows the at least one container to be releasably attached thereto via magnetic force.

5. The storage bag according to claim 1, wherein each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall is impermeable.

6. A storage bag assembly comprising:

a space at least partially enclosed by a main panel, a first left side panel, and a first right side panel, the first left side panel and the first right side panel facing one another;

a first zipper that is movable between the main panel and the first left side panel;

a second zipper that is movable between the main panel and the first right side panel; and

a second left side panel and a second right side panel, the second left side panel and the second right side panel being differently shaped from the first left side panel and the first right side panel,

wherein the first left side panel and the first right side panel are configured to be interchangeable with the second left side panel and the second right side panel respectively.

7. The storage bag assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first zipper is movable from one edge of the main panel to an opposite edge of the main panel such that the left side panel is releasable from the storage bag, and wherein the second zipper is movable from the one edge of the main panel to the opposite edge of the main panel such that the right side panel is releasable from the storage bag.

8. The storage bag assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first left side panel and the first right side panel have identical rectangular shapes, and the second left side panel and the second right side panel have identical triangular shapes.

9. The storage bag assembly according to claim 8, further including a third left side panel and a third right side panel having identical oval shapes, and wherein the third left side panel and the third right side panel are configured to be interchangeable with the first left side panel and the first right side panel respectively.

10. The storage bag assembly according to claim 6, wherein each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall is impermeable.

11. The storage bag assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least one container is releasably attached to at least one of the main panel, the left side panel and the right side panel.

12. The storage bag according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall allows the at least one container to be releasably attached thereto via magnetic force.

13. The storage bag assembly according to claim 6, wherein the left side panel or the right side panel is formed to include a zippered pocket.

14. A storage bag comprising:

a space at least partially enclosed by a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a bottom wall, the front wall and the back wall facing one another, the left side wall and the right side wall facing one another,

wherein the bottom wall is substantially rectangular and is connected by way of zipper connection to each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall and the right side wall.

15. The storage bag according to claim 14, wherein neighboring ones of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall and the right side wall are connected to one another by way of zipper connection.

16. The storage bag according to claim 14, wherein neighboring ones of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall and the right side wall are connected to one another by way of one or more snap closures.

17. The storage bag according to claim 14, wherein at least one container is releasably attached to at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall.

18. The storage bag according to claim 17, wherein the at least one container is a zippered pocket.

19. The storage bag according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall allows the at least one container to be releasably attached thereto via magnetic force.

20. The storage bag according to claim 14, wherein each of the front wall, the back wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom wall is impermeable.