Abstract:
An bag with a top, a bottom and sides, wherein at least one side is convertible to a washable diaper changing surface. The diaper changing surface includes a flap that is movable from a closed state to an open state providing a portion of the diaper changing surface, and in the closed state sequesters soiled surfaces and items to prevent contamination of the remainder of the bag. The bag includes a number of pockets, sleeves and other cavities having visual indicators responsive to pocket contents, that indicate at a glance whether the pocket contains an item, or is empty.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Non-Provisional Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/976,312 filed Apr. 7, 2014 and titled: “Diaper Bag and Methods Therefor.” 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to pocketed bags and satchels including backpacks, diaper bags and the like, and more particularly to a integrated diaper changing system having means for indicating the contents status of plural pockets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Diaper bags of various kinds are long known in the art. Some of these bags incorporate transparent pockets so that the contents of the pockets are visible without opening the pockets for inspection. Despite transparent pockets, it is the case with busy travelers or parents having small children that essential items intended for transport or travel are often missed when packing because of the numerous items required. In addition, with conventional diaper bags, when changing a baby diaper, a mat which is separable from the diaper bag must be employed. 
     Although the aforementioned bags are suitable for their intended use, the problem of overlooked or redundant items persists. 
     It would be desirable to provide a means for quickly assessing whether essential items have been packed without having to individually count the items or directly visually inspect each pocket&#39;s contents. 
     It would be further desirable to provide the foregoing assessment means via a change in a symbol that indicates at a glance the instant status of a group of pockets; i.e., which pockets are filled or empty. 
     It would be especially desirable to provide the foregoing assessment means in the form of a binary visual indicator indicating either empty or full status of a pocket wherein the indicator changes from one state to another when contents are inserted or removed from the pocket. 
     It would be even further desirable to provide at least the foregoing features with an integrated diaper changing system. 
     Textual information can be employed along with the binary visual indicator in order to indicate the intended contents of a particular pocket; e.g., the words “phone”, “diapers”, “wipes”, etc., can be used alongside the visual indicator. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is an integrated diaper changing system that permits instant assessment of a pocketed bag&#39;s contents by way of pockets having a transformative visual symbol wherein the symbol possesses a first state that indicates an empty pocket and a second state that indicates a filled pocket. The visual symbol is transformed by removing an article from a pocket or inserting an article into a pocket. Each pocket possesses a translucent front facing surface having a first visual indicator, a back surface with a second visual indicator and a contents space between the front facing surface and the back surface. Because the back surface is visible through the front facing surface, when the pocket is empty, the first and second indicators combine to form a third indicator that indicates an absence of pocket contents. The system of the invention further incorporates a bag body comprising a floor, a back inner wall and two upright inner side panels. A folding portion comprised of panels forms the back, top and front faces of the bag when closed, and when open, extends from the bag floor to form a fluid impermeable baby mat for changing diapers. The folding portion defining a mat has a flap transversely attached midway along the mat. The flap is affixable to the mat in two positions, (1) closed, toward the distal end of the mat, and (2) open, toward the bag body. Magnetic clasps reversibly affix the flap to the mat in either position. In the open position, the mat may be used to change a diaper. After changing the diaper, the flap is moved to the closed position whereby it sequesters any mess, and isolates and protects the interior of the bag from same. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, at least one pocket of a pocketed bag possesses a visual indicator that transforms from one state to another when contents are placed in the pocket or removed therefrom. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, at least one pocket of a pocketed bag possesses a transformative visual indicator along with a textual cue  119  for the intended pocket contents. 
     in yet another aspect of the present invention, a pocketed bag includes ergonomic shoulder straps that are attached to a top of the bag body at an angle of between 25° and 35° relative to the straps and the seamed connection to the bag. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of one embodiment according to the present invention showing parts of a pocket construction; 
         FIG. 2  is a angular view of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 1 ); 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a bag having multiple pockets with visual indicators; 
         FIG. 4  is plan view of a pocket undergoing sequential transformation when an article is inserted in the pocket. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective exterior view of one embodiment according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of one embodiment according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective side view of one embodiment according to the present invention with folding flap  224  in closed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective side view of one embodiment according to the present invention with folding flap  224  in open position; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective side view of another embodiment according to the present invention with folding flap  224  in closed position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing the folding flap of the embodiment of ( FIG. 9 ) in an open position for facilitating a diaper change; 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of diaper bag bottom with elastic banding for retention of diapers/miscellaneous items; 
         FIG. 12  is a back view of a prior art bag with typical shoulder straps that twist when spread apart; 
         FIG. 13  is back view of one embodiment according to the present invention that includes shoulder straps joined at an angle to the bag top which permits the straps to spread apart when being worn without twisting; 
         FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in ( FIG. 13 ); 
         FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic view showing a prior art shoulder strap configuration; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic view showing increased shoulder contacting area resulting from the shoulder strap configuration of ( FIG. 13 ). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference Listing 
     
         
           100  bag 
           110  pocket 
           112  pocket back 
           114  pocket front 
           116  stitching 
           118  visual indicator 
           118   a  first indicator symbol 
           118   b  second indicator symbol 
           119  textual indicator 
           120  combined indicator symbol 
           122  article 
           224  flap 
           224   a  magnetic catch 
           226  floor 
           228  side 
           232  top side 
           233  front side wall 
           234  front flap 
           235  back side 
           236  bag edges 
           238  folding portion edges 
           240  diaper changing surface 
           242  shoulder straps 
           244  inside edge shoulder straps 
           246  outside edge shoulder straps 
       
    
     Definitions 
     In the following description, the term “bag” refers to any travel bag, satchel, diaper bag or other container for transporting plural articles. The term “indicator” refers to a visual indicator that is symbolic, pictorial, or iconic. The term “textual indicator” refers to descriptive text. The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , a travel bag  100  includes a plurality of pockets  110 , each having a transforming visual indicator that indicates at a glance which pockets are without contents. The pockets have a front  114 , a back  112  and a space therebetween for the retention of articles. The front face of the pocket has a first indicator  118   a  thereon and the back face has a second indicator  118   b  thereon. When the front face is directly adjacent the back face, the indicators combine to create a third indicator  120  that indicates the pocket is empty. Preferably, the third indicator is an “X.” When the pocket is filled, only the first indicator is visible. Preferably, the first indicator is a check mark symbol. 
       FIG. 1  is a group showing in plan view, a first indicator  118   a , second indicator  118   b  and a combined indicator  120 . 
       FIG. 2  is a group showing in isometric view, a first indicator, second indicator and a combined indicator. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view showing a bag with four pockets. With the exception of the top left pocket, all pockets are empty. By means of the visual indicators, empty pockets can be ascertained at a single glance. This is especially advantageous when packing quickly. 
       FIG. 4  is a group showing a sequential transformation of a combined indicator  120  which when separated into its constituent parts by the insertion of an article  122  into the pocket, shows only the first indicator  118   a  indicating that the pocket is filled. 
     The pocket front  114  can be plastic, netting, or any suitably clear or translucent material such that the pocket back and any indicia thereon is visible when viewed through the pocket front. The pocket back can be part of a bag or a separate element. While in the embodiment depicted, stitching is used to join the pocket front to the back, other suitable methods and materials for forming pocket elements will be appreciated by those having skill in the art and can be employed without departing from the intended invention. Although in the embodiment depicted, a “check” symbol combines with an “slant” symbol to create an “X” symbol, other transformative symbols are conceivable that would indicate pocket content status. The visual indicators can be applied by printing, embossing or any suitable method. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-11 , a diaper bag  100  incorporating the aforementioned features includes a bag body having a floor  226 , sides  228 , and a folding portion that in a closed position, forms the bag back  235 , top side  232  and front flap  234 , and in an open position extends from the bag floor providing a diaper changing surface  240 . As best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the folding portion includes a flap  224  transverse the diaper changing surface that is movable from a closed position ( FIG. 7 ) to an open position ( FIG. 8 ) for diaper changing, and back to a closed position after diaper changing is concluded. This has the advantage of protecting the remainder of the bag and bag contents from contamination and facilitates easy cleaning of the diaper changing surface. The diaper cleaning flap and surface is fluid impermeable. Any readily disinfectable plastic, vinyl or polymeric fabric may be used. Magnetic catches  224   a  which may be ceramic magnetic discs that may be affixed to the surface or sewn into the flap and bag lining enable the flap to retain an open or closed position. When the diaper changing surface is not in use, edges of folding portion  236  are zipped to the edges  238  of the bag sides  228  whereby the folding portion forms the top and front flap of the closed bag. 
     As best shown by the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8  and  FIGS. 9 and 10 , any number of pockets or sleeves in any configuration for article retention may be added to any side of the bag. The folding panels of the bag may also include any number and configuration of pockets, slots or pouches while still providing a relatively flat changing surface. As best shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , each pocket may be labeled with its contents, e.g., diaper wipes, cream, bottles, toys, blankets or extra clothing. Other items such as cell phones, keys, tablets, etc., may be accommodated by additional pockets that may be labeled or unlabeled. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a prior art bag with shoulder straps being connected to the bag in such a way to cause twisting of the shoulder straps when the bag is worn, such that the outside edges  246  are pivoted upward and the inside edges  244  of the straps are pivoted downward against a wearer&#39;s shoulders causing pain an discomfort due to uneven weight distribution.  FIGS. 13 and 14  depict one embodiment of the bag wherein the shoulder straps  242  are attached to bag top  232  at an angle between 25° and 35° relative to the straps and the seamed connection to the bag.  FIGS. 15 and 16  depict diagrammatically how the contacting regions of shoulder straps  242  differ between the typical prior art configuration ( FIG. 12 ) and certain embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13, 14 and 16 , the straps lay flat against the shoulder for better weight distribution and comfort. 
     Overlapping or woven elastic cording may be added to any side of the bag for purposes of retaining odd shaped miscellaneous articles. 
     A bag carrying strap can be attached anywhere on the bag body. 
     It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. Accordingly, it is intended that this disclosure encompass any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.