INSERT FOR BAG FOR HOLDING AND CHARGING ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON THE GO

An insert for a travel bag is used for travelling with electronic devices and charging them on the go. It is designed for convenience. It holds a traveller's items, including a mobile phone and camera. It helps store the traveller's items safely, conveniently and also helps charge them. It is made of strong material to provide slash resistance, durability and ease of mind during travel.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to bags used to carry items for travel, and specifically to bags that carry travel items and electronic devices.

2. Related Art

People have been travelling for ages. Travel for fun or for business has become a common activity. People of late have been carrying mobile phones with them, often taking their mobile phone chargers with them. Similarly, most travellers carry cameras and camcorders with them on their journey, and they pack additional chargers for those cameras and camcorders. When a person travels abroad, that person often takes power adapters with them, and quite often several different power adapters, one for each electrical device, such as the mobile phone, the camera, the hair dryer, etc. These plethora of chargers, cables, power adapters, one for each electrical device packed by the traveller, add to the complexity of packing for a trip, and add to the total luggage weight.

Often, a traveller unpacks all his electrical devices at the end of a day of travel, and back at the hotel, in order to charge them for the next day of use. This involves locating several different power outlets, one for each electrical device to be charged, and then bringing out the charging cables, hooking them up to the electrical devices, and plugging the other end of the charging cables into power adapters (as necessary) before plugging the power adapters into wall sockets. This rigmarole is repeated in revers order the next day in the morning to repack all those cables, the plurality of power adapters, the wall sockets, and the devices. Often a traveller forgets to repack some of those cables, power adapters and devices, only to realize much later that those items have been left behind at the hotel.

Pickpocketing is a problem in quite a few places where people tend to visit. Pickpockets can be found in several cities and even in rural places all over the world, and losses due to theft are quite devastating to some travellers. For example, a pickpocket may cut open a traveller's bag and steal a purse full of cash and credit cards without the traveller discovering the loss much later. Thieves have been known to slash bags even without the traveller noticing such activities, or realizing that her belongings are being stolen.

People who carry electronic devices have to dump them in their travel bags wherever there is some space available, often scratching them up, and having them damaged due to frequent jostling with other travel items.

There is a need for better bags that are more secure, and more convenient. There is a need for bags that provide the user the ability to easily handle unpacking and repacking at hotels.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art through comparison of such systems with the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1is a perspective block diagram of an insert105for a travel bag/luggage bag that stores travel items, wherein the insert105comprises a plurality of sides (such as two sides—side A141and side B143), wherein the sides comprise pockets/pouches to house electronic devices that need charging. The bag where this insert is used comprises a plurality of walls wherein those constituting the outer walls comprise a slash resistant material layer. Thus, the items inside the luggage bag are not easy to steal by pickpockets and thieves who often try to silently make a cut or tear in the bag without the traveller/user noticing it. The insert105also comprises a first wall/side A141among the plurality of walls along which a first holder107(pocket or pouch, for example) for a powerbank portable charging device is provided, wherein the powerbank portable charging device supplies power from its built-in batteries through a plurality of USB ports (for example) to other electronic devices such as a camera or mobile device.

The insert105also comprises a second holder111for a mobile device, and a third holder109for a camera. The second holder111and third holder109are in proximity to the first holder107, in a configuration that minimizes the distance between them. For example, second holder111and third holder109are each within 2 inches of the first holder107, in one configuration (with the first holder107between the other two holders, for example), making them close enough to connect to their respective devices (that are housed in those holders) to the powerbank portable charging device employing a very short power cable, such as a USB power cable, for example of about 3 inches or so. The very short power cables are attached to the corresponding walls, in a related embodiment, using glue or stitches or guiding channels135.

The insert105for the luggage bag also comprises a USB outlet115on one of the walls (side A141for example) for a power cable connection to the powerbank portable charging device located in the first holder107. The USB outlet115makes it possible to pass a USB power charging cable121out of the bag towards a USB based power outlet, for providing power to the powerbank portable charging device housed in the holder (pocket or pouch)107.

In one configuration, the insert105also comprises a pocket for credit cards, to hold a plurality of credit cards. The pocket in a related embodiment comprises a plurality of slots for credit cards, for housing each credit in its own slot inside the pocket.

In one embodiment, power cables131,129connect an electronic device to the power bank charging device housed in the pocket107by attaching to a nearest power bus127in proximity. Other types of power connections using power cables131and129are also contemplated.

In a related embodiment, the pocket for credit cards comprises walls with an electromagnetic field (EMF) blocking material layer. In another embodiment, the pocket is large enough to house not only credit cards but also small electronic devices, such as a small mobile phone.

In one configuration of the insert105, a first USB power charging cable127/131leading from the first holder107to the second holder111, and a second USB power charging cable127/129leading from the first holder107to the third holder109, are provided. In a related configuration, the first USB power charging cable127/131and the second USB power charging cable127/129are both physically attached to the associated ones of the sides (such as side A141or side B143).

In one embodiment, the holders107,109,111are elastic bands that help secure corresponding devices housed in them. In another embodiment, the holders107,109,111are pockets, and in another related embodiment, the holders107,109,111are pockets with zippers that securely house any electrical or non-electrical devices placed inside.

The insert105now makes it possible toCharge electrical devices on the go, as they are securely housed in pockets in the bag and the powerbank portable charging device provides recharge capabilities even when mobile (in trains, planes, running etc.)Security and safety provided—Slash resistant bags which pickpockets and thieves will find very hard to slash, cut, etc. to steal items insideRFID and credit card safe—EMF protection to make sure identity thieves and credit card thieves do not get hold of digital data in credit cards, passports and identity cardsIn addition, in some embodiments, the pockets are made of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial material, such that bacteria, mold and fungus does not grow in pockets, even in places where humidity is relatively high.

In one embodiment, side B143also comprises one or more pouches, with electrical power cables provided to devices housed in those pouches, the electrical power cables providing power from any power bank charging device housed in the pouch107on side A141of the insert.

The insert105for a bag holds multiple electronic devices, and in one embodiment, the insert comprises a first side141having a first pouch107to house a power bank charger, a second pouch111to house a first electronic device connected to the power bank charger employing a first cable131, and a third pouch109to house a second electronic device connected to the power bank charger employing a second cable129. The insert105also comprises a first guiding channel135that positions the first cable131on the first side141from the first pouch107to the second pouch111, a second guiding channel135that positions the second cable129on the first side141from the first pouch107to the third pouch111.

A power bank charger cable123connects the power bank charger to an external power source when plugged. A plurality of LED lights arranged in a LED display113, wherein each of the plurality of LED lights when lit indicate the active presence of a corresponding ones of the electronic devices in power sharing coupling with the power bank charger. In one related embodiment, of the electronic devices housed in the insert105is a mobile device in the second pouch111, a camera in the third pouch109, or another electronic device (such as an MP3 player, a video console, a tablet device, etc.) coupled to the power bank charger for charging.

In a related embodiment, the insert105wherein the insert is anchored to the bottom of the bag. The first pouch107, the second pouch111and the third pouch109are each zippered pockets with outlets for corresponding connectors and cables.

In another related embodiment, the insert105is configured such that the position and a location of the first pouch107, the second pouch111and the third pouch109are reconfigurable on the first side141.

A bag may employ multiple inserts105if necessary, perhaps in different regions of the bag. In one embodiment, multiple inserts share one single power bank charging device, with a special power cable supplying power from one with the power bank charging device to the other. In one embodiment, instead of a power bank charging device charging all electronic devices simultaneously, electronic devices are charged one at a time based on a priority (that may be user specified or default).

FIG. 2is a perspective block diagram of an insert205for a travel bag/luggage bag that stores travel items, wherein the insert205comprises a plurality of sides, wherein the sides comprise pockets/pouches to house electronic devices that need charging, wherein the electronic devices are connected to a power bank charger device in one of the pockets/pouches by means of power cables that are passed through guiding channels235,237. For example, a power charging cable231passes through a guiding channel235to connect a mobile device in a pocket/pouch211to a power bank charging device housed in a pouch/pocket207. Similarly, a power charging cable233passes through a guiding channel237to connect a camera in a pocket/pouch209to the power bank charging device housed in the pouch/pocket207. Thus a camera in the pocket/pouch209and the mobile device in the pocket/pouch211are both simultaneously charged by a power bank charging device housed on the pouch/pocket207(when those electronic devices are connected respectively to the power bank charging device by their respective power cables). An LED display213with a set of individual LEDs indicates which electronic device is currently being charged by the power bank charging device. In addition, the camera in the pocket/pouch209and the mobile device in the pocket/pouch211are both simultaneously charged on a priority basis (one of them has a higher priority for example) by a power bank charging device housed on the pouch/pocket207, in one related embodiment. Note that priority can be determined based on the available power levels in each of the electronic devices, based on the device types, and based on time of day, for example. Other criteria for establishing charging priorities are also contemplated.

FIG. 3is a perspective diagram of a bag305comprising an outer enclosure member (which has multiple inner regions) including inwardly facing walls defining a compartment, and a removable, second inner member (an insert313) having a first side and a second side the first side comprising a first pouch to house a power bank charger, a second pouch to house a mobile device connected to the power bank charger employing a first cable, and a third pouch to house a camera connected to the power bank charger employing a second cable. The bag305comprises a front region309and a back region307, and the second inner member/insert313is selectively placed/housed in the front region309or the back region307, based on user preference. The bag305comprises attachment means mounted on said inwardly facing walls of a region, and said inner second member providing selective securement of said second member at a plurality of locations within said enclosure member.

In one embodiment, the second member comprises a bottom, wherein the bottom is collapsible, longitudinally, laterally and diagonally.

The first cable and the second cable on the removable, second inner member (insert313) are each disposed on and attached to respective retaining means on the first side of the second inner member such that they are attachable at both ends to respective electronic devices.

In one configuration, the first cable and the second cable are disposed inside guiding channels on the first side of the second inner member such that they are positioned close to the first side while also being attachable at both ends to respective electronic devices. The first cable and the second cable are held in those guiding channels so that they do not get entangled with each other or with the fingers of a user.

In a related configuration, the removable, second inner member313comprises guiding channels through which the first cable and the second cable are disposed on the first side of the second inner member such that they are positioned close to the first side while also being attachable at both ends to respective electronic devices. For example, the ends of the first and second cables comprise USB male and USB female connectors so that they can be plugged into USB based electronic devices—for power charging or for data sharing purposes or for both.

A plurality of LED lights arranged in a LED display341on the second inner member/insert313, provide information to user on which electronic devices (camera, mobile device, etc.) are currently being charged, or are currently present in their respective holders. Each of the plurality of LED lights when lit indicate the active presence of a corresponding electronic device in power sharing coupling with the power bank charger, wherein the corresponding electronic device is the mobile device in the second pouch, the camera in the third pouch, or another electronic device coupled to the power bank charger for charging. In another related configuration, the LED display341is disposed on the outer enclosure member.

Thus the insert/second inner member313provides a multi-pocket additional accessory for a travel bag. In one embodiment, the multi-pocket insert313for the travel bag305comprises a first pocket along the first edge for storing a powerbank charging device, and a second pocket along a second edge in relative proximity to the first pocket, wherein the second pocket is configured to hold a mobile device. It also comprises a third pocket along the third edge in relative proximity to the first pocket, wherein the third pocket is configured to hold one of a camera and a camcorder, and a card holding detachable inner bag is provided wherein the card holding detachable inner bag is configured to hold a plurality of credit cards and identity cards, the card holding detachable inner bag comprising a zippered opening section at the top, and walls made with EMF blocking material. The card holding detachable inner bag comprises slots to hold the credit cards and identity cards, one card per slot.

In one configuration, multi-pocket travel bag305further comprises slash resistant capabilities—the exterior walls/panels each comprising a layer of slash resistant fabric. In another related configuration, the layer of slash resistant fabric comprises one or more layers of Kevlar-based fabric. In yet another configuration, layer of slash resistant fabric comprises one or more of a Nomax aramid fabric, a nylon based fabric, a denier based fabric, or a combination thereof.

The multi-pocket travel bag305comprises, in one configuration, a cable entry slot close to the insert313for passing a cable from an external power outlet or device to the powerbank charging device.

The insert313, in another configuration, is configured to simultaneously hold in their respective pockets the powerbank charging device, the mobile device and the camera or camcorder, even as the powerbank charging device in the first pocket is used to simultaneously charge the mobile device in the second pocket and the camera or camcorder in the third pocket.

In one configuration, the power outlet is connected to the power charging socket of the insert313by means of a charging cable, while the powerbank charging device is electrically connected to the power charging socket inside the bag. In a related configuration, the power charging socket is a USB based socket, to which the powerbank charging device is electrically connected via an appropriate USB cable, to enable connection to an external power outlet or device employing a USB based power charging cable.

A method of charging mobile devices in a travel bag, comprises inserting a bag insert into a travel bag, wherein bag insert comprises a first side having a first pouch to house a power bank charger, a second pouch to house a mobile device connected to the power bank charger employing a first cable, and a third pouch to house a camera connected to the power bank charger employing a second cable. Charging mobile devices also comprises housing a power bank charger in the third pouch, a mobile device in the first pouch connected to the power bank charger by the first cable, and a camera in the second pouch connected to the power bank charger by the second cable.

The method also involves connecting a power bank charger cable to a USB based power outlet at a first end, and to the USB based power connection on the power bank charger at a second end. The USB based power outlet is a wall power socket in one embodiment, a vehicle based power charger outlet in another related embodiment, and a computer with USB power outlet in a different embodiment.

The bag insert comprises a set of LEDs that are lit to indicate the charging of a corresponding electronic device by the power bank charger. The bag insert comprises an audio alert component that beeps when it determines one of the electronic devices have been removed from the bad for a threshold duration. The mobile device and the camera are charged by the power bank charger based on a priority of charging and based on a current charge level determined for each of the mobile device and the camera.

In one related embodiment, a second side of the bag insert provides a third pouch to house an electronic tablet device connected to the power bank charger employing a third cable.

FIG. 4. is a perspective block diagram of another bag405for travel items which provides a first insert441to hold electronic devices that are charged by a power bank charger, and a second insert421which provides pouches for pens and pencils, keyring and a zippered EMF protected pocket for safely storing credit cards and passports. The bag405comprises a body/chamber407comprising at least one openable and closable surface, wherein the body is surrounding one interior compartment that contains the insert441, the one interior compartment having sufficient length to host the insert which houses a powerbank portable charging device, a mobile phone, and a camera in appropriate pockets/pouches.

The insert441comprises at least a first carrying pouch/pocket443for a mobile phone, a second carrying pocket for a camera and an additional carrying pocket for the powerbank portable charging device.

The insert441simultaneously houses the powerbank portable charging device, the mobile phone and the camera in corresponding pockets, while the powerbank portable charging device charges both the mobile phone and the camera simultaneously. The insert441is removable, and can even be moved across different bags such as the bag405. The insert441provides a charging cable slot through which a first charging cable passes, the powerbank portable charging device is connected to the first charging cable and to an external power outlet employing the first charging cable that travels through the charging cable slot.

The bag405is configured such that the first charging cable connects the powerbank portable charging device to the external power outlet, so that the bag simultaneously houses the powerbank portable charging device, the mobile phone and the camera even as the powerbank portable charging device is charged by the external power outlet and the mobile phone and the camera are at the same time charged by the powerbank portable charging device.

The bag405comprises a slash resistant fabric covering the body, wherein the slash resistant fabric resists horizontal, vertical and diagonal slashes made from a slashing device. In one related configuration, the slash resistant fabric comprises one or more layers of Kevlar based fabrics. In another configuration, the slash resistant fabric comprises one or more layers of Kevlar fabric strips that are woven into a mat and serves as a strong slash resistant single layer of fabric.

The insert441also comprises a zippered credit card section445, which is a EMF blocking pocket configured to hold a plurality of credit cards. For example, the zippered credit card section445is made out of an electromagnetic field (EMF) resistant fabric which provides a faraday cage effect to protect credit cards and passports from being remotely accessed/read by unauthorized external readers/devices.

The second insert421provides pouches for pens423and pencils425, keyring and a zippered EMF (sometimes called RFID protection too) protected pocket for safely storing credit cards and passports. The pouches for pens423and pencils425have power connectors and power cables to enable charging electronic pens or pencils that are housed in them, the charging power being supplied by the power bank charger housed in the insert441by means of a connecting power cable that brings power to these pouches.

FIG. 5is a perspective block diagram of an exemplary insert505which provides pouches/pockets513,515for pencils and pens, a keyring511to hold keys, and a zippered EMF protected pocket509for safely storing credit cards and passports.

The zippered EMF protected pocket509comprises a set of credit card holders507for holding one or more credit cards in a faraday cage space provided by the EMF protected pocket509. The insert505in one embodiment holds rechargeable stylus or electronic pens in the pencil pocket513and the pens pocket515, wherein the pencil pocket513and the pen pocket515have a corresponding power cable and power connector providing a power charging capability for charging their respective electronic pens or stylus that are housed in them.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the terms “bag” and “travel bag,” as may be used herein, include bags used by a person, to carry during travel a collection of things to wear and personal devices to use, or a collection electrical devices to conduct one's business with.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the terms “connected” and “electrically connected,” as may be used herein, include direct coupling and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify the charging function but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of USB based power charging of devices, other forms and techniques to charge electrical devices such as mobile phones and cameras are also contemplated.

Although the present invention has also been described in terms of “power bank chargers” or “power bank charging devices”, it must be clear that portable charging devices of all kinds are implied/covered by these terms. In general these terms which are variants of the generic term “Power bank” define devices that serve as an ‘extra battery’ or external charger for your phone or other electronic devices.

The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.