Abstract:
A device for protecting the underside of a carryall from a surface is disclosed. The device comprises a base and a wall attached along the perimeter of the base and extending upward. The area bounded by the top edge of the wall can be contracted and expanded. The carryall is placed in the device, resting on the base, and the top edge of the wall is contracted to fit snugly around the carryall. The device creates a barrier between the underside of the carryall and undesirable substances on the surface and also helps preserve the carryall.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/334,956, filed May 11, 2016, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the protection of carryalls, and more particularly to a device for protecting the underside of a carryall. 
         [0003]    A carryall is a portable bag for carrying one&#39;s personal or business possessions, such as a purse, handbag, tote, pocketbook, suitcase, luggage, briefcase, duffel, knapsack, satchel, backpack, wristlet, or clutch. A carryall may include one or more handles or straps, or some other way to aid in carrying it. 
         [0004]    Problems can occur when the user seeks to place the carryall on a surface that is unclean, unhygienic, or unsanitary. This situation might arise anywhere, but it most commonly arises outside of the home or in a public environment, such as a sidewalk, restaurant, bus, subway, hospital, theater, park, public restroom, airport, airplane, arena, or event venue, where dirt or other soiling agents, bacteria, viruses, fecal or urinary matter, or other harmful or undesirable substances can get on the carryall. 
         [0005]    At present, a person can keep the underside of the carryall clean by hanging the carryall on the back of a chair, placing the carryall on the person&#39;s lap, or otherwise not placing the carryall on the ground or other dirty surface. These solutions, however, can be inconvenient or unavailable, such as where the back of the chair has rounded corners or where there simply is not a suitable clean surface on which to rest the carryall. 
         [0006]    It can readily be appreciated that there is a need for an improved solution to the problem of protecting the underside of a carryall from harmful or undesirable surface substances. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to various embodiments of the disclosed technology, there is disclosed an exterior protective barrier for the underside or sole/gusset of carryalls, which include handbags, purses, totes, luggage, pocketbooks, wristlets, and clutches. In one embodiment, this outer protective covering is an add-on accessory for personal or business carrying systems that greatly enhances the existing product. The covering is an elegant solution to the dilemma of where to safely and hygienically place a bag in a public setting. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the invention is a protective exterior layer or covering that separates a carryall from the environment, is placed on the underside or sole/gusset, and extends up the sides and around the lower part of the accessory for daily use. Part of the functionality of this add-on item is to enhance existing accessory products by keeping them hygienic, protected, and preserved. The protective device may inhibit harmful germs, bacteria, and debris from attaching to the underside of the accessory, thereby helping the user to keep the accessory sanitary, reducing the need to cleanse the carryall itself from grime, and reducing damaging environmental effects to the carryall. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the protective device forms a barrier for the exterior of a handbag, tote, or carryall and may protect the accessory from harmful contaminates such as  e - coli ,  salmonella , feces matter, urine, and  staphylococcus . These harmful bacteria and viruses are prevalent in hospitals and restrooms, and can cause cross-contamination if the carryall is first placed on the floor then transferred onto a tabletop or counter, or touched by hand. The protective device may decrease the chance of cross-contamination when the device is removed from the carryall after use and then machine washed, disinfected with an anti-bacterial wipe, or disposed in the trash. The protective device may lessen the risk of “bagteria” festering on the carryall and seeping into the fabric. “Bagteria” has been defined as contaminants attached to the bottom of handbags and carryalls. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, the protective device prolongs the life of a carryall by shielding the exterior gusset of the accessory, functioning as a barrier and thereby helping to prevent discoloration, fabric erosion, and fabric peeling. The protective device extends and preserves the life, usefulness, and value of a carryall by guarding against soiling, staining, unsanitary conditions, and limiting wear and tear. The protective barrier may help to keep away soiling agents such as dirt and grime found on the ground and floors. 
         [0011]    The present invention may be embodied in a device for protecting the underside of a carryall from a surface, the device comprising a base having a perimeter; a wall attached along the perimeter of the base and extending upward, the wall having a top edge defining an opening; and means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge of the wall. The device creates a barrier between the carryall and harmful or soiling agents in a public environment such as dirt, grime, oil, debris, bacteria, and so forth, and thereby may prevent the transfer of such agents to any part of the home environment, including countertops, tables, desks, bedding, and floors. It also extends the life and value of carryalls by reducing wear and tear from friction with surfaces. The device provides yet another advantage of preventing fabric erosion, peeling, or discoloration on the underside of the carryall. It also permits the user to rest the carryall in more places that are out of sight, such as tucked under a table or chair by the user&#39;s feet, and thereby prevents theft that may occur when the carryall is left in view, such as hanging on the back of a chair. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the base is a rectangular shape having two long sides and two short sides; each of the two long sides is approximately 8 inches to approximately 17 inches in length; each of the two short sides is approximately 3 inches to approximately 6 inches in length; and the wall is approximately 2 inches to approximately 5 inches in height. 
         [0013]    The base or wall or both may be made of a water-resistant and oil-resistant material. In another aspect, the base or wall or both may be made of a disposable material. 
         [0014]    The means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge of the wall may be by positioning an elastic material inside some or all of the top edge of the wall, wherein the top edge of the wall is continuous and unbroken. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge of the wall may be at least one drawstring. 
         [0016]    The device may further comprise a first strip of material having a first end and a second end, and a second strip of material having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first strip adjoins a first portion of the top edge of the wall, and the second end of the first strip adjoins an opposing second portion of the top edge of the wall. Meanwhile, the first end of the second strip adjoins a third portion of the top edge of the wall at or near the first portion of the top edge of the wall, and the second end of the second strip adjoins an opposing fourth portion of the top edge of the wall at or near the second portion of the top edge of the wall. The first strip and the second strip are of approximately equal length, and the second strip extends approximately parallel to the first strip. One or both of the two strips may be made from a water-resistant material or from a disposable material. 
         [0017]    The device may further comprise a means for being secured into a more compact form. 
         [0018]    The device may further comprise a pouch for storage attached to the wall. 
         [0019]    The present invention may also be embodied in a method for protecting a carryall from a surface, the method comprising the step of providing a device; the device having a base having a perimeter; a wall attached along the perimeter of the base and extending upward; the wall having a top edge defining an opening; and means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge of the wall. The method further comprises the steps of expanding the wall of the device; placing the device on the surface; lowering the carryall into the device; and contracting the top edge of the wall of the device until the top edge fits snugly around the carryall. 
         [0020]    A method of protecting a carryall having handles from a surface, comprising the step of providing a device; the device having a base having a perimeter; a wall attached along the perimeter of the base and extending upward; the wall having a top edge defining an opening; and means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge of the wall; a first strip of material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first strip adjoins a first portion of the top edge of the wall and the second end of the first strip adjoins an opposing second portion of the top edge of the wall; a second strip of material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second strip adjoins a third portion of the top edge of the wall at or near the first portion of the top edge of the wall, and the second end of the second strip adjoins an opposing fourth portion of the top edge of the wall at or near the second portion of the top edge of the wall; wherein the first strip and the second strip are of approximately equal length; and wherein the second strip extends approximately parallel to the first strip. The method further comprises the steps of placing the device on the surface; lowering the carryall with handles into the device; and pulling the strips up and over the handles of the carryall. 
         [0021]    Other features and aspects of the disclosed technology will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of any inventions described herein, which are defined solely by the claims attached hereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosed technology. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should be noted that, for clarity and ease of illustration, these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a device for protecting the underside of a carryall, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , with a carryall placed in the device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , wherein the device is holding a carryall and has two strips (only one shown; the other strip is identically configured on the opposing side) joined to the top edge of the device on opposing portions of the top edge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 6A-6E  are a perspective views of the device of  FIG. 1 , showing the device being compacted and secured with a securing means (here, a pouch), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows the device at an initial stage of being compacted.  FIG. 6B  shows a first portion of the device being folded.  FIG. 6C  shows a second portion of the device being folded.  FIG. 6D  shows the device being inserted into a pouch.  FIG. 6E  shows the device inserted into the pouch. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology is limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    The present invention may reside in a device that protects the underside of a carryall. A “carryall” is a portable bag for carrying one&#39;s personal or business possessions, such as a purse, handbag, tote, pocketbook, suitcase, luggage, briefcase, duffel, knapsack, satchel, backpack, wristlet, or clutch, and may include one or more handles or straps, or some other way to aid in carrying it. 
         [0031]    With reference to the drawings, a perspective view of a device  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 , a top plan view of the device  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 , and a bottom plan view of the device is shown in  FIG. 3 . The device  10  comprises a base  12  and a wall  14  having a perimeter  16 . The wall  14  attaches to the base  12  along the perimeter  16  of the base  12 , and extends upward from the perimeter  16  of the base  12 . The base  12  may be a polygonal shape of three or more sides such as a triangle, square, or rectangle, and the sides may be straight or have some curvature. The base  12  may also be a curved shape such as an oval shape or a circular shape. By modifying the base shape and size, the present invention can accommodate a variety of carryall shapes and sizes. 
         [0032]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , the base is a rectangular shape having two long sides  18   a  and  18   c  and two short sides  18   b  and  18   d . Each of the two long sides  18   a  and  18   c  is approximately 8 inches to approximately 17 inches in length. Each of the two short sides  18   b  and  18   d  is approximately 3 inches to approximately 6 inches in length. And the wall  14  is approximately 2 inches to approximately 5 inches in height. 
         [0033]    The base  12  or wall  14  or both may be made of a fabric or other pliable and durable material such as canvas, cotton, or laminated taffeta, which may provide an added benefit of permitting the device  10  to be washed in a washing machine without destroying the device  10 . The fabric or other pliable and durable material may provide an added benefit of making the device  10  suitable for daily use. 
         [0034]    The base  12  or wall  14  or both may also be made of a water-resistant and oil-resistant material such as waxed canvas, oiled canvas, laminated canvas, laminated cotton, coated cotton, coated taffeta, laminated taffeta, leather, coated leather, saffiano leather, waxed leather, oiled leather, coated nylon, laminated nylon, oiled nylon, nylon, polyester, coated polyester, laminated polyester, coated vinyl, laminated vinyl, vinyl, plastic, polyfiber, microfiber, or laminated paper, which may provide an added benefit of permitting the device  10  to be cleaned with a cloth or wipe without destroying the device  10 . The water-resistant and oil-resistant material may provide a further added benefit of making the device  10  suitable for daily use. 
         [0035]    The base  12  or wall  14  or both may be made of a disposable oil-resistant, water-resistant material such as plastic, paper, laminated paper, polypropylene, or polypropylene coated with polyethylene, which provides an added benefit of permitting the user to dispose of the product after each use, thereby promoting hygiene. The disposable material may be an eco-friendly/green material or a recycled material. The disposable material may also provide further added benefits of being lightweight, more compactly packaged, and salable in larger-quantity packages. The disposable material offers the consumer the convenience of on-the-go use. 
         [0036]    The base  12  and wall  14  or both may be made of a high-quality material such as leather, saffiano leather, oiled or coated leather, leatherette, faux leather, coated flannel, coated vinyl, or coated canvass, which provides an added benefit of permitting the device to be manufactured by higher-end manufacturers or sold by higher-end sellers. 
         [0037]    The wall  14  may be made of a single piece of material or a plurality of materials joined together. 
         [0038]    The device  10  comprises a means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge  20  of the wall  14 . In particular embodiments, the wall  14  may be continuous and unbroken all along the top edge  20 , wherein the means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge  20  may be by positioning an elastic material inside some or all of the top edge  20 , or any other appropriate means. 
         [0039]    In particular embodiments, the means for contracting and expanding the opening defined by the top edge  20  may be one or more of a fastener  24 , such as a drawstring, tie, knot, snap, button, magnet, hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro), zipper, buckle, toggle, or hook. 
         [0040]    With reference to the drawings, a perspective view of a device  10  with a carryall placed in the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . The device  10  comprises a base  12  and a wall  14  having a perimeter  16 , wherein the wall  14  attaches to the base  12  along the perimeter  16  of the base  12 , and extends upward from the perimeter  16  of the base  12 . 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the device further comprises a first strip and a second strip  28 , wherein the two strips  28  are of approximately equal length. Each of the first strip  28  and the second strip  28  has a first end  32  and a second end  34 , wherein the first end  32  adjoins a first portion  40  of the top edge  20  of the wall  14 , while the second end  34  of the first strip  28  adjoins an opposing second portion  42  of the top edge  20  of the wall  14 . The second strip  28  extends approximately parallel to the first strip  28 . 
         [0042]    One or both of the two strips  28  and  30  may be made from a water-resistant and oil-resistant material. In another aspect, one or both of the two strips  28  and  30  may be made from a disposable material. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , wherein the device is holding a carryall and has two strips (only one shown; the other strip is identically configured on the opposing side) joined to the top edge of the device on opposing portions of the top edge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0044]    In a particular embodiment, the device  10  may further comprise means  46  for securing the compaction of the device  10 . The securing means may comprise any appropriate means, such as a drawstring, tie, knot, snap, button, magnet, hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro), zipper, buckle, toggle, or hook. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the device  10  is compacted by folding the device  10  three times to form a trifold and then securing the device using a securing means  46 . 
         [0046]    The device  10  may further comprise a pouch  300  for storage attached to the wall  14 . 
         [0047]    The present invention may also be embodied in a method for protecting the underside  102  of a carryall  100  from a surface  200 , comprising expanding the wall  14  of the device  10 ; placing the device  10  on the surface  200 ; lowering the carryall  100  into the device  10 ; and contracting the top edge  20  of the wall  14  of the device  10  until the top edge  20  fits snugly around the carryall  100 . 
         [0048]    The present invention may also be embodied in a method for protecting the underside  102  of a carryall  100  having handles  104  from a surface  200 . In one embodiment, the method comprises expanding the top edge  20  of the wall  14  of the device  10 ; placing the device  10  on the surface  200 ; lowering the carryall  100  using the handles  104  into the device  10 ; and pulling the two strips  28  and  30  up and over the handles  104  of the carryall  100 . 
         [0049]    Although the invention has been disclosed with reference only to presently preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications can be made without departing from the invention. The specification and figures are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. As such, the present invention is defined only by the following claims and recited limitations.