Apparatus and Method for a Compact Bag-Privacy Pod Convertible

The present invention provides for a compact bag-privacy pod convertible comprising: a base with a circular frame disposed with an opposable first and second string guides on an outward surface; a collapsible and tubular side wall with a circumferential fold line; and a top end with a circular frame larger in circumference than the circular frame of the base, an aperture, a drawstring disposed within a tubular brim edge, said brim edge disposed in any one of a plane above or below the fold line, and configured such that when the drawstring traversed through an eyelet on the tubular brim edge is drawn: the aperture on the top end is closed; the tubular side wall is collapsed such that the top end frame and the base frame are aligned; the drawstring from the top end is guided through the first opposable string guide and fastened to the second opposable string guide with any one of a hooking element, such that the top end folds over the fold line and is adjacent to the base and the guided drawstring serves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to a bag-privacy pod convertible that is fold-able and modular. The convertible may be folded along at least one-fold line to form a modular, easy-to-carry portable bag with a handle/strap. Specifically, the invention relates to an under-base situated, opposable string guide mechanism for allowing foldability and pop-out functionality.

Background of the Related Art

Numerous devices have been previously designed for aiding in providing privacy. However, most of these devices are restricted to conventional use pop-out privacy tents. Such privacy tents do serve the purpose of providing privacy while out on the beach or camping. However, these devices require a significant amount of installation, including frame, poles and connectors. The Stansport XL, GoPlus, and Northwest Territory are all portable camping and bathing tents that do serve the purpose of momentary outdoor privacy—ideal for camping and bathing. However, they all beg the question—is it worth building if we're only using it for a few seconds at a time, and a only a few times at any given moment. They each are comprised of a pin and frame system, which may be further comprised of shock-cord fiberglass poles, connecting hubs, and metal mounting stakes. Installation can take up to 30 minutes—and that's if you are adept at installing things.

The afore mentioned tents also lack versatility of lightweight construction or modularity for travel friendliness or easy carriage. Modular construction of water and weather proof tents with easy conversion to various types of duffel bags, backpacks, camping bags and sleeping-bags would significantly enhance user friendliness for travel, adventure and sports gear users. There is currently a significant void in the market and art for such a modular, portable pop-out privacy tent that has a mixed use of a storage compartment and carriage.

Furthermore, commercially available privacy tents lack an electronic detection means operably coupled to the tent, wherein a sensor and interface means may capture and transmit the data and configure the tent to cause any one of the following: transfer data over a network; interface for analytics; actuate a motor; and, or cause playback of an auditory and or visual cue. This lack of analytics and provisioning relegates the privacy tent to an accessory relic—void of any future enhancements or add-ons allowing the tent to reconfigure to a user's contextual state.

SUMMARY

The present invention fills a void left behind by the current art and market. The present invention provides for a compact bag-privacy pod convertible comprising: a base with a circular frame disposed with an opposable first and second string guides on an outward surface; a collapsible and tubular side wall with a circumferential fold line; and a top end with a circular frame larger in circumference than the circular frame of the base, an aperture, a drawstring disposed within a tubular brim edge, said brim edge disposed in any one of a plane above or below the fold line, and configured such that when the drawstring traversed through an eyelet on the tubular brim edge is drawn: the aperture on the top end is closed; the tubular side wall is collapsed such that the top end frame and the base frame are aligned; the drawstring from the top end is guided through the first opposable string guide and fastened to the second opposable string guide with any one of a hooking element, such that the top end folds over the fold line and is adjacent to the base and the guided drawstring serves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

The present invention is further configured such that when the drawstring is unfastened from the second string guide: the drawstring is unguided from the first string guide; the top end is separated from the base and the tubular side wall is unfolded along the fold line and said wall is expanded; the drawstring is undrawn; the top end is opened forming an aperture; and when inverted and placed over a user, the circular base rests on a head of a user and forms a tubular privacy pod for the user to change clothes in privacy.

In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a hooking element further comprised of any one of, or combination of fixed hooks, zipper, double-sided tape, magnetic strip, adhesive strip, buttons, suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed ring, wrap-around ring, wrap-around flap, buttoned wrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or a tie-string for hooking onto the second string guide disposed on the outward surface of the base.

In another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of rows of modular, expandable storage members attached to an inner surface of the tubular side wall configured to be any one of fixed, removable and or a replaceable. In yet other embodiments, a net compartment, a cut-out compartment for damp material, a hidden compartment, a visible compartment, sectionalized compartment, temperature insulated compartment and or transparent compartment may also be disposed on the inner surface of the tubular side wall.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a bag-privacy pod convertible that may have a zipper line running longitudinally the length of the tubular side wall. Such a zipper may allow a user to more easily access the interior of the pod once fully expanded. In another aspect of the invention, mesh eyelets or a mesh base may be provided for allowing a user to see outside of the pod while changing, and also to allow light and air to enter. The mesh base may additionally prevent a user from feeling claustrophobic while inside the pod. In yet other aspects, the collapsible bag may be adapted with at least one sensor and a control circuit that may be integrated within a home or facility Internet of Things network or a remote server, in order to enable analytics, contextual data, or intelligent automation of a power device integrated on the bag-privacy pod convertible to engage the user. For instance, the bag-pod convertible may have an embedded motion sensor—serving as the above-mentioned monitoring system—which relays user movement data to inform a light source for actuation. Moreover, a RFID tag may be embedded within the base frame, side wall, or top end for relaying movement data in real-time to analyze or to inform any one of a power device for actuation.

Aspects and advantages of this invention may be realized in other applications, aside from the intended application of beach and, or camping products. Other pertinent applications that may exploit the aspects and advantages of this invention are, but not limited to, any bag pop-out or convertible that utilizes the base-situated, opposable string guide mechanism of the bag-pod convertible. Other examples may include a bag-tent convertible; a bag-sleeping bag convertible, etc. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details.

The present inventors have realized that there is a need for an improved portable and modular compact bag-privacy pod convertible. These functions allow for simple, organized, customizable portable storage solutions for the individual, along with a pod that allows for an individual to have privacy while outdoors. All the individual user has to do is to attach or detach the hook from the loop or string guide and guide the string out; unfold and expand the bag into its tube pod form; un-choke the aperture or opening at the top end; and invert and place over one's head, such that the base of the bag form is now resting on the user's head while it is in pod form. Other similar applications may be realized. For instance, this base-opposable string guide mechanism for convertibility may be applied onto a compact bag-sleeping bag convertible. Another example may be a compact bag-shade tent convertible. Essentially, any bag pop-out may utilize the convertibility mechanism.

FIG. 1aillustrates a front perspective view of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. A preferred embodiment comprises of a base11with a circular frame12disposed with an opposable first13aand second string guides13bon an outward surface; a collapsible and tubular side wall14with a circumferential fold line15; and a top end16with a circular frame17larger in circumference than the circular frame12of the base11, an aperture18, a drawstring19adisposed within a tubular brim edge19b,said brim edge19bdisposed in any one of a plane above or below the fold line15, and configured such that when the drawstring19atraversed through an eyelet on the tubular brim edge is drawn: the aperture18on the top end16is closed; the tubular side wall14is collapsed such that the top end16circular frame17frame and the base11frame12are aligned; the drawstring19afrom the top end16is guided through the first opposable string guide13aand fastened to the second opposable string guide13bwith any one of a hooking element13c,such that the top end16folds over the fold line15and is adjacent to the base11and the guided drawstring19aserves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

Furthermore, this embodiment may be further configured such that when the drawstring19ais unfastened from the second string guide13b:the drawstring19ais unguided from the first string guide13a;the top end16is separated from the base11and the tubular side wall14is unfolded along the fold line15and said wall14is expanded; the drawstring19ais undrawn; the top end16is opened forming an aperture18; and when inverted and placed over a user, the circular base11rests on a head of a user and forms a tubular privacy pod for the user to change clothes in privacy.

FIG. 1aillustrates the compact bag-privacy pod convertible in the expanded pod form in accordance with an aspect of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the pod form is configured such that when the drawstring19atraversed through an eyelet on the tubular brim edge is drawn: the aperture18on the top end16is closed; the tubular side wall14is collapsed such that the top end16circular frame17frame and the base11frame12are aligned; the drawstring19afrom the top end16is guided through the first opposable string guide13aand fastened to the second opposable string guide13bwith any one of a hooking element13c,such that the top end16folds over the fold line15and is adjacent to the base11and the guided drawstring19aserves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

In other embodiments, the side wall14may be tubular, rectangular, or any other shape that is conducive for a storage compartment—with pop-out convertibility for additional functionality. Moreover, the side wall14may not be collapsible, but rather just made of a pliant, or semi-pliant material, that allows for easy folding over the fold line15. In yet other embodiments, pliant or semi pliant side wall14may fold over the fold-line15—or simply fold at any choosing of the user—and the top end may fold over and be adjacent to the base for string guidance and hooking for strap formation and easy carriage.

In other embodiments, the side wall14may be made of a collapsible, accordion-like pleats that allow for the circular frame12of the base11to align with the circular frame17of the top end16. This type of accordion-type side wall14with alignment of frames12,17may allow for a more compact storage for easier stow and carriage. Additionally, such an alignment may also be more conducive for string guidance and fastening onto the opposable string guides13a,13band hooking element13c.

In yet other embodiments, the top end16may not further comprise a circular frame17, and may just have an aperture18, for which a user may store items into while in bag form, and may invert and enter into while in pod form for privacy during outdoor changing. The tubular brim edge19bdisposed with the drawstring19a,may be housed circumferentially at any longitudinal point along the side wall14. Preferably, such tubular brim edge19bis housed circumferentially adjacent to the aperture18. However, brim edges19bfurther down the side wall14may still achieve the function of folding the top end16over the base11and guiding/fastening the strings19athrough the opposable string guides13a,13b.

FIG. 1billustrates the compact bag-privacy pod convertible in a bottom-up perspective in accordance with an aspect of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the bag form may be configured such that when the drawstring19ais unfastened from the second string guide13b:the drawstring19ais unguided from the first string guide13a;the top end16is separated from the base11and the tubular side wall14is unfolded along the fold line15and said wall14is expanded; the drawstring19ais undrawn; the top end16is opened forming an aperture18; and when inverted and placed over a user, the base11rests on a head of a user and forms a tubular privacy pod for the user to change clothes in privacy.

In another embodiment, the fastening and unfastening of the drawstring19afrom the second string guide13bmay be by a hooking element13c,such as an s-hook or any other hook that may attach to a complementary loop attached to the second string guide13b.Alternatively, the s-hook or any other hook may attach directly onto the second string guide13b,without the aid of a complementary loop. The terminal end of the drawstring19amay have a terminus, wherein the two string leads terminate into a single point, for easier guidance through the string guides13a,13b.The terminus may be situated at the most terminal end and have a loop embedded for fastening onto the hooking element13c,or may terminate with sufficient distance at the terminal end in order for a native loop to form for fastening onto the hooking element13c.The drawstring19amay also have a choker for allowing the user to draw or un-draw the drawstring from the tubular brim edge19band further open or close the aperture18on the top end16.

Alternatively, the terminal ends of the drawstring19amay not terminate in a terminus, simply terminating in at least two distinct string leads. In such an example, the string leads will then need more precise guiding through the string guides13a,13b.In such an embodiment, the loose terminal string leads will still require an additional loop in order to fasten to the hooking element13c.In yet other alternative embodiments, the loose leads may be tied to the second string guide13b,obviating the need for a formal hooking element13c.

Still in reference toFIG. 1aor1b,the hooking element13cmay be any one of, or a combination of fixed or removable hooks, fasteners, suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed ring, wrap-around ring, wrap-around flap, buttoned wrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or a tie-string. The hooking element13cin a preferred embodiment may hook onto a complementary element affixed to the second string guide13b,or may directly hook onto the second string guide13b.

While not illustrated inFIG. 1aor1b,the compact bag-privacy pod convertible may further embody a plurality of rows of modular, expandable storage members attached to an inner surface of the tubular side wall14configured to be fixed, removable and or a replaceable. This would allow for a user to be able to store items while changing in the privacy pod. Additionally, the items may remain in the storage compartments while the convertible is in an unused, non-upright, collapsed, and, or bag form state. The items from the storage compartments from the inner wall may be easily accessed from the outside as well—whether in any of the above-mentioned states.

Alternatively, the compact bag-privacy pod convertible may further embody a plurality of rows of modular, expandable storage members attached to an outer surface of the tubular side wall14configured to be fixed, removable, and, or replaceable. This particular embodiment would allow for a user to be able to store and access items from the outside. The ideal items for such storage would be small beach or camp-ware items, such as a sun-glass, wallet, keys, etc.

Preferably, the storage compartments may be any one of a net compartment, a cut-out compartment for damp material, a hidden compartment, a visible compartment, sectionalized compartment, temperature insulated compartment and or transparent compartment. This would especially make accessing the said beach and, or camp-ware items more easily. Additionally, the compartments may be specialized for specific items in terms of material and, or dimension. For instance, a compartment for holding a baby's bottle may be comprised of an expandable mesh material and be cylindrical in shape.

The top-end16may, in some embodiments, not have a circular, or any other shaped frame disposed within. The frame-less top end16may just extend from the tubular or rectangular side wall14and terminate with an aperture18. Said top end aperture18may not be larger or smaller in circumference in relation to the base frame12circumference. Preferably, the top end16may be larger in circumference than base frame12, with the tubular or rectangular side walls14tapered in shape. This may allow a camper or beach-goer with the added freedom of movement while changing in the pod, particularly in the arms and mid-section regions. However, in other embodiments, tubular or rectangular side walls14may not be tapered, and instead, just straight-line extended into the terminal edge and the aperture18. Whether a straight-line or a tapered side wall14, some embodiments may additionally be disposed with a zipper running the length of the side wall14. The zipper may run from the terminal edge all the way up to the foot of the base, or to any point substantially close to the base. This may allow for easier ingress and, or egress into and, or out of the pod for a camper or beach-goer.

While also not shown inFIG. 1aor1b,a waterproof and, or stain resistant material, for example, a heavy-duty industrial grade, flexible, light-weight polymeric or non-polymeric polyurethane or poly-vinyl chloride, Cordura nylon, Kodra nylon, 190D nylon, nylon, taffeta, cotton, or canvas fabric material may be used to serve as the coat, or at least, the outer coat of the bag-pod convertible. The outer-coating or external surface of the single coat may be additionally coated with Agion, or any other anti-microbial, to make the bag-pod convertible resistant to the growth of bacteria or other microbes.

In some embodiments, the coating (outer or single) may have a resistance to being wet. This has obvious advantages given the fact that the main application of the bag-pod convertible is for use on the beach. Moreover, if the bag-pod convertible remains dry, there will be an increased likelihood that the bag-pod convertible will not track dirt, sand or dust from the beach or camp-ground.

AsFIG. 1ashows, in some embodiments, at least one pair of eyelets on a portion near the base, such that when inverted over a standing user, the user may view surrounding through the at least one pair of eyelets. Eyelets may be a mesh strip or a pair of holes spaced and dimensioned such that an archetypal human may view his or her surroundings. The compact bag-privacy pod convertible may further comprise at least one mesh-ventilation allowing for the free-exchange of air between both sides of a wall of the pod or the base. If the mesh-ventilation strip is on the base, then a user may not feel as contained or claustrophobic. However, a mesh-ventilation strip may also expose the base and reveal the contents of the bag-pod convertible in the bag form.

Though not shown inFIG. 1aor1b,the compact bag-privacy pod convertible may further comprise an electronic detection means operably coupled to said pod; an interface means for transmitting a data from said electronic detection means to a storage means; a processor for executing instructions stored in memory, wherein when executed, configure the pod to cause any one of the following: transfer data over a network interface for analytics; actuate a motor; and cause playback of an auditory and or visual cue.

Suppose the following scenario, a user unfastens the hooks and expands the bag form into the pod form; enters the up-right pod for changing; and while in the pod, the electronic detection means recognizes occupancy and begins to play an auditory cue for user stimulation, and, or relaxation. The user, while changing, may indulge in the serenades of the slowly breaking ocean waves. This may have a calming effect, for what is usually a frantic and hectic changing experience. Other examples of actuation or playback may be a visual cue on a light-emitting diode strip embedded within the walls14.

In other aspects, the hooking element13cmay be adapted with a monitoring system of a beach or camp-goer. In other aspects, a control circuit embedded in the hooking element13cor the actual fabric of the side walls14or base11may be integrated within a home or facility Internet of Things network or a remote server, in order to enable analytics, contextual data, or intelligent automation of a power device integrated on the bag-pod convertible to engage the beach or camp-goer. For instance, any of the above items may have an embedded accelerometer—serving as the above-mentioned monitoring system—which relays movement data analysis or to inform a power device for actuation if necessary. Moreover, a RFID tag may be embedded within the hooking element13cor the actual fabric of the side walls14or base11, relaying specific user data to analyze or to inform the power device for user-specific actuation.

For instance, suppose the following scenario, a user unfastens the hooks and expands the bag form into the pod form; enters the up-right pod for changing; and while in the pod, the RFID tag recognizes occupancy of a specific user and begins to play a user-specified or requested auditory cue. The user, while changing, may now indulge in the serenades of country-side birds chirping, as previously queued by the user. In yet other embodiments, the array of electronic detection means may configure the pod to provide play-back or actuate that is specific to a user, as well as be contextual to a specific user. Let's suppose it is a particular hot day, then perhaps the auditory cue shall be for a serenade of rainfall in the jungle, as queued by the user, as well as accounting for the particularly hot weather and time of day.

Now in reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a top down perspective diagram of a bag convertible in accordance with an aspect of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a bag convertible comprises of a base20with a circular frame21disposed with a pair of opposable first string guide22and second string guide23on an outward surface, a collapsible and tubular side wall24.

Further yet, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drawstring27from the top end25is guided through the first opposable string guide22and fastened to the second opposable string guide23with any one of a hooking element26, such that the top end25folds over the fold line (not shown) and is adjacent to the base20and the guided drawstring27serves as a shoulder strap for carriage.

Further yet, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to expand the tube, the drawstring27is unfastened from the second string guide23, further unguided from the first string guide22, thus enabling the top end25being separated from the base20and the tubular side wall24. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the expanded tubular side wall24, when inverted and placed over a user, the circular base20rests on a head of a user and forms a tubular privacy pod for the user to change clothes in privacy.

In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening and unfastening and or the expansion and collapsing of the drawstring27from the second string guide23may be by a hooking element26, such as an s-hook or any other hook that may attach to a complementary loop attached to the second string guide23. Alternatively, the s-hook or any other hook may attach directly onto the second string guide23, without the aid of a complementary loop. The terminal end of the drawstring27may have a terminus, wherein the two string leads terminate into a single point, for easier guidance through the string guides22,23. The terminus may be situated at the most terminal end and have a loop embedded for fastening onto the hooking element26, or may terminate with sufficient distance at the terminal end in order for a native loop to form for fastening onto the hooking element26. The drawstring27may also have a choker for allowing the user to draw or un-draw the drawstring from the tubular brim edge21and further open or close at the top end25.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the base20outer surface may further comprise of a handle for carriage by a user or holding by a second user, while a first user is standing inside of the pod. Additionally, the tubular wall24of the collapsible pod, may further comprise of, or a combination of, but not limited to a, a zippered or snap-closed D-shaped door, inverted U-shaped door, or single zippered or snap-closed line running the length of any one of a side of an expanded privacy pod convertible.

FIG. 3is a fragmentary sectional perspective diagram of guidance and affixing elements of a bag-privacy pod convertible in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Now with reference toFIG. 3a, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drawstring30from the top end may be guided through the first opposable string guide31and fastened to the second opposable string guide (not shown) with any one of a hooking element33, such that the top end32folds over the fold line (not shown) and is adjacent to the base34and the guided drawstring30serves as a shoulder strap for carriage. In another embodiment of the invention, the drawstrings30may attach to a common point before hooking onto the hooking element33to form a closed loop.

Now with reference toFIG. 3b, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a hooking element33, such as an s-hook or any other hook may attach to a complementary loop which would further get attached to the second string guide (not shown) for the expansion and collapsible feature or the fastening and unfastening of the collapsible bag. Additionally, the material used for the drawstrings33may be strong, abrasion resistance, affordable and easy to use. Hence, the materials used to make the drawstrings33may be any one of, or a combination of, but not limited to nylon, polypropylene, polyester and or natural fibers.

Additionally, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the hooking element may be further comprised of any one of, or combination of, but not limited to, fixed hooks, zipper, double-sided tape, magnetic strip, adhesive strip, buttons, suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed ring, wrap-around ring, wrap-around flap, buttoned wrap-around flap, c-hook, s-hook and or a tie-string. Further yet, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, fastening to the hooking element33may be achieved by, but not limited to, an industrial quality zipper, magnetic strips, standard zipper, buttons, Velcro, Snap-on attachment, clips, chains, rings, etc.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, plurality of storage compartments—modular, adjustable, and expandable may be placed at the base end34of the collapsible bag. The storage member compartments may be of different shapes and sizes. The storage compartments may be, any one of or a combination of, but not limited to, hidden, visible and or netted. Other compartments may be grouped with others, or may be individual. Furthermore, the storage compartments may be, but not limited to be, composed of any one of, or a combination of, expandable (polyvinyl, polyethylene, spandex, nylon, spandex/nylon, etc.) or non-expandable and firm material—matching the material of the back end34.

In continuing reference to the storage compartments, the compartments may be dimensioned to fit standard objects befitting a collapsible bag. Alternatively, compartments may be specific to the unique collapsible bag and use. Still referring to the storage compartments, they may be individually attached and removed from the back end34using—but not limited to—a heavy-duty double sided tape or Velcro sufficiently adhesive enough to support the weight of its contents. Other embodiments may include attaching or removing the storage compartments by way of snap-attachments, buttons, zippers, chains, clips, etc. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the storage member compartments may be stitched to the back end34, thereby relegating the storage compartments to being stationary and non-modular.

In a preferred embodiment, a hooking element33is adapted to be attachable and detachable to a plurality of surfaces by any one of, or a combination of, removable or fixed hooks, suction cups, D-rings, clips, chains, snap-closed ring, sliding snap-closed rings, wrap-around rings, wrap-around flaps, buttoned wrap-around flaps, c-hooks, s-hooks, fixed hooks, zippers, double-sided tape, adhesive fastener, magnetic fastener, textile fastener, and or a tie-string.

In continuing reference to the hooking elements33, it may be disposed in any one of, or a combination of, but not limited to, the top, side or bottom ends of the back-panel frame34, top end (not show) and or side wall of the tube (not shown). In other aspects, a control circuit embedded in the hooking element33or the actual fabric of the panels may be integrated within a home or facility Internet of Things network or a remote server, in order to enable analytics, contextual data, or intelligent automation of a power device integrated on the collapsible bag to engage for entertainment of the user.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the storage compartments may be any one of or a combination of, but not limited to be bellowed, un-bellowed, sectionalized and un-sectionalized. Alternatively, the storage members may be transparent to allow the user to view the components or other items in the compartments. For example, the transparency will allow for easy viewing and storage of various items including, but not limited to, an iPad, tablet, video console, gaming device etc.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the storage compartments may comprise of a cooling or heating pad to store components that require refrigeration or calefaction. Furthermore, in an alternate embodiment, the sidewall (not shown), top end32and bottom end34may be comprised of varying colors, shapes, patterns and styles including but, not limited to animated characters, sports teams, college teams, company logos, school and university logos etc.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the sidewall (not shown), top end32, bottom end34and or the storage compartments may be equipped with any one or a combination of an USB drive, or an AC/DC power adaptor. Alternatively, in another embodiment the sidewall (not shown), top end32, bottom end34and or the storage compartments may be equipped with any one of or a combination of a wireless communication technology for interfacing a mobile device, for example, Wi-Fi connectivity, infrared, or Bluetooth means, or with another system's (for example, a mobile device, tablet etc.) underlying service or product.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sidewall (not shown), top end32, bottom end34and or the storage compartments may be equipped with any one of or a combination of sensors embedded in the compartments and configured to monitor and sense user's position, movement, and environment.

Now in reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4illustrates a method flow diagram of the pop-out and pop-in of the compact bag-privacy pod convertible in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The method of converting the compact bag into a privacy pod comprises the following steps: (step 1) unfastening the drawstring from the loop on a second string guide, or the second string guide itself41; (step 2) un-guiding the drawstring from a first string guide42; (step 3) separating the top end from the base43; (step 4) unfolding a side wall44; (step 5) expanding the side wall to form a hollow columnar pod for ingressing and, or egressing into, and, or out of the said pod via an aperture on the top end, such that the base rests on a head of the user during a moment of privacy45; (step 6) repeating the previous steps in reverse order to fold back into the bag form, or perform zero additional steps and remain in the pod form46.

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “one variation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “couple”, “coupled”, “coupling”, or any variation thereof, as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. Specifically, this term may be used to define tow elements joined by a bolted fastener, a latch, a hook, or any other reasonably readily removable fastening device.