Abstract:
A collapsible, multi-use carrying bag having enclosed compartments suitable for transporting articles. The carrying bag includes a discrete upper collapsible compartment combined with a discrete lower collapsible compartment, separated and divided by a common wall, where each respectively has an opening for access thereto. The lower compartment is securely connected to the upper compartment to form a configurable carrying bag. The carrying bag includes at least one compartment having thermal insulative properties. A multitude of carrying arrangements are also provided.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/021,814 filed on Jan. 17, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The following disclosure relates to a carrying bag having enclosed compartments suitable for transporting articles. The carrying bag, which may be formed of flexible weatherproof material, includes a discrete upper collapsible compartment combined with a discrete lower collapsible compartment, separated and divided by a common wall, where each compartment has an opening for access thereto. The lower compartment, being generally aligned with the upper compartment, is also securely connected to the upper compartment to form a carrying bag configurable in various shapes and sizes to accommodate multiple uses. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In one embodiment of the bag, each compartment can be used independently from the other, and either one or both of the compartment may be in an expanded state at any one time. At least one compartment may include a moisture resilient pouch for isolating damp articles, or in the alternative for keeping articles dry. Also, one of the compartments may incorporate thermal insulated panels joined together to form an insulated compartment for storing thermally sensitive items such as foodstuffs, or other consumables therein. A watertight pouch is provided and inserted within the insulated compartment as a thermal source, be it hot or cold, and an additional airtight pouch may be included to hold food, both of the pouches are removable and insertable within the insulated compartment. 
         [0004]    Either or both compartments includes a pocket for storing carrying straps, which may be deployed as a single strap for use as a shoulder bag, or placed about the waist to convert the carrying bag to a waist pack and an additional shoulder strap to provide a backpack arrangement. The bag further includes a plurality of internal and external pockets and fasteners for holding a variety of useful objects. 
         [0005]    In accordance with the following disclosure, a portable ergometrically designed tote like bag, having handles and straps, for carrying articles within, is disclosed. This disclosure is further directed to a method for use of a multi-use carrying bag that may be taken ashore by a cruise passenger or taken to the store to bring home groceries and the like. In one embodiment the versatile bag can be pre-packed with strategic items conveniently integrated within the carrying bag to support and enhance activities that are, by and large, isolated from the home setting. Furthermore, one or more of the compartments may be thermally insulated to control and manage the temperature of consumables, for example drinks, food, film, etc. The bag is designed for convenience, security and optimal use of space and to that end can be configured as a waist pack, backpack, shoulder bag or hand-carried bag. Lastly, the bag may include a generally unobstructed outer surface for advertising and identification purposes. 
         [0006]    Support for the convenience and optimal use of space, is found in the capability of the bag to be transformed into one of four mutually exclusive formats, dependent on the nature of the articles to be transported and the needs of a user. The possible configurations include (i) a fully expanded configuration wherein each of the at least two upper and lower compartments are expanded to permit the storage of items therein, (ii) a first partially collapsed configuration wherein the upper compartment is collapsed and the lower compartment is expanded, (iii) a second partially collapsed configuration wherein the lower compartment is collapsed and the upper compartment is expanded, and (iv) a completely collapsed configuration wherein the upper and lower compartments are both collapsed, thereby compacting the carrying bag so as it may be readily stored or carried within a minimal space. 
         [0007]    Daytrips of various types are among the most common leisure time activities today, be it by bike, car, boat, etc. These excursion can range from a mountain climb to simply a day on the beach, an evening concert, a game, or possibly a shopping trip. Interestingly, the one element that such trips have in common is the fact that you are momentarily separated from the comforts and convenience of the home setting and accordingly must anticipate, pack and transport certain items during such times. Consequently, carrying or tote bags are extensively utilized by travelers as the design, construction and versatility of such bags are especially well suited for this purpose. However, an added element of complexity on some trips, albeit not all, is the necessity to keep consumables either above or below the ambient temperature. In this situation the traditional solution is to take along a cooler as well as a carrying bag, and while this solves the immediate problem, it also limits mobility, especially where the terrain might be difficult to transport a bag and cooler. Accordingly, the instant application describes a carrying bag that is adaptable to the requirements of the activity by having both a collapsible cooler compartment and collapsible article compartment integrated within the same carrying bag. 
         [0008]    These objects, along with the various combinations of features that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific convenience attained by user, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the carrying bag in the fully extended state; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view showing the upper and lower compartments opened as well as accessory options; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3A  is a partial view of  FIG. 2  showing the folding feature of the upper compartment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3B  is a partial view of  FIG. 2  showing the folding feature of the lower compartment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the upper compartment in the collapsed position and the insulated compartment in the expanded position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the alternative use having the upper compartment expanded and the insulated compartment collapsed; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view showing the back strap configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view identifying the shoulder/waist strap feature; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view showing the carrying bag used as a waist pack; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the carrying bag in the fully collapsed position. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    The various embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , a multipurpose collapsible carrying bag embodying various principles and concepts will be described. Support for the convenience and optimal use of space, is found in the capability of the depicted bag to be transformed into one of at least four mutually exclusive formats, dependent on the nature of the articles to be transported and the needs of a user. The possible configurations include: (i) a fully expanded configuration wherein each of the at least two upper and lower compartments are expanded to permit the storage of items therein (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ); (ii) a first partially collapsed configuration wherein the upper compartment is collapsed and the lower compartment is expanded (e.g.,  FIG. 5 ); (iii) a second partially collapsed configuration wherein the lower compartment is collapsed and the upper compartment is expanded (e.g.,  FIGS. 4 ,  8 ); and (iv) a completely collapsed configuration wherein the upper and lower compartments are both collapsed, thereby compacting the carrying bag so as it may be readily stored or carried within a minimal space (e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0021]    The versatile design of the bag provides for the containment of a plurality of items to accommodate the various needs of the traveler. The contents of such a “support kit” is predicated on the physical needs of the traveler, as well as the intended activities, as related to the nature of the environment. Therefore the gear contained within the carrying bag can logically be delineated into one of three categories; consumables, safety/security devices and articles of convenience. It is, accordingly, a general object of the present disclosure to provide a collapsible carrying bag to enable the user to interface and adapt to their surroundings by having necessary commodities readily available. 
         [0022]    In today&#39;s environment traveler&#39;s have become increasingly anxious relative to security when they are away from their home or has left the cruise ship. Therefore, in one embodiment of the bag the safety and comfort of travelers is the objective, and more specifically cruise passengers, when they elect to disembark at a port of call. Accordingly, the carrying bag can be pre-packed to include, but not limited to, one or all of the following security items; air whistle, pepper or similar repellant spray, flashlight, disinfectant, communication device, concealed watertight wallet compartment, as well as a tether for valuables. Furthermore, the multi-use bag would conceivably include provisions that add value and enjoyment to the on-shore excursion, such as an MP-3 player containing a tour dialogue or just simply music. Additionally, in contemplation of specific activities, the bag may also include towels, toiletries, blanket, first aid kit, umbrella, navigational aids, temperature/humidity meter, over-the-counter medicine, hat, poncho, binoculars, local currency, guide books and the like. 
         [0023]    In regard to consumables, travelers are often apprehensive about the health hazards associated with the native food and drinking water. Accordingly, the hotel or a ship&#39;s galley may prepare a “box lunch”, that contains either hot or cold entries, and place them into the bag. Additionally, mesh pockets for bottled water are strategically positioned on the outside of the bag for easy access so as to be used for drinking and/or washing. 
         [0024]    Understanding that storage space is a precious commodity, particularly aboard a ship, the bag may be collapsed down to less than 20% of its fully expanded volume. In the collapsed state, if a thermal source is included, such as a gel pack, it may be removed to further reduce the size—placed in a freezer for subsequent use. Likewise the food storage pouch may be constructed from anti-bacterial cloth and can be removed for cleaning and storing. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the pouch might be sanitized to limit microbial contamination and stowed under hygienic conditions in close proximity to the ship galley and the bag, along with the various articles, could possibly be stored separately on a lower deck. 
         [0025]    Another object of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-9  is to provide a versatile carrying bag that can be configured for transporting groceries. Currently there is a high demand for reusable bags within the grocery business primarily based on environmental and conservation concerns. The disclosed multi-use bag not only affords the shopper an ergonomic carrying bag, but also provides a configuration whereby the cold groceries are contained within an insulated compartment so that the shopper can transport cold or frozen items on a warm day. The thermal medium most often used for a portable coolers is ice. A problem associated with the use of ice, however, is the liquid that results from melting ice, as this water can penetrate into the food and migrate to other articles within the bag. In this respect, it would be desirable if a portable cooler were provided with a waterproof means for cooling stored items with or without using ice. As an alternative to the use of ice, sealed modules containing special heat-transfer materials have been developed. Such heat-transfer materials include mixtures of glycols and water and when sealed in a container are often referred to as a “blue ice™” gel packs. Such glycol mixtures are preferred over the use of conventional ice because the sealed modules have enhanced thermodynamic properties. However, all too often only ice is available, therefore a water tight ice pouch is strategically placed within the compartment. 
         [0026]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , in conjunction with  FIG. 2 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a multi-use or multi-configuration carrying bag having an insulated compartment that is generally designated by reference numeral  100 . In its preferred form, collapsible carrying bag  100  includes two sub-divisions having a partition therebetween. The upper section includes article compartment  130  having interior access through hinged flap  102 , situated on the topside of carrying bag  100 . Flap  102  also includes an integral waterproof document pouch  116  used for carrying articles such as travel documents or other small items of importance. Compartment  130  may also include assorted dividers and pockets  104 , that are configurable, to retain articles of various sizes and shapes. A plurality of foldable wall assemblies further comprise the perimeter or boundary of compartment  130  and are geometrically arranged to enable compartment  130  to fold into itself by having each side and end walls “hinge” along horizontal midpoint fold  118 , in an accordion fashion, as depicted in  FIG. 3   a.  Once folded, as seen in  FIG. 4 , compartment latch strap  138  secures collapsed compartment  130  on both sides of the bag. In this configuration of  FIG. 4 , only insulated compartment  124  is expanded for use, thereby providing a compact cooler having handle  122  for the convenient carrying of food and drinks within an insulated enclosure. In the alternative, where temperature is of no concern, the insulated compartment can be used as an auxiliary compartment of carrying bag  100 , such as a purse or make-up kit, or when only a few small articles are to be carried and readily accessible, for example tools or toiletries. 
         [0027]    Now, referring to both  FIGS. 2 and 3B , the lower section or compartment of multi-use bag  100 , as previously discussed, affords the user a means to isolate consumables from other articles, as well as insulate them from the ambient temperature and thereby protect the consumables from contamination and adverse temperatures. In order to further enhance the utility of carrying bag  100 , food container  106  is removable so as to be pre-packed and placed in a refrigerator, or oven, until the start of the trip. Along with container  106 , yet another removable container, for example thermal pouch  108 , may be used to hold ice or a hot/cold gel pack therein. Pouch  108  is designed to be a selfcontained, water/air tight, heat exchange vessel made from a material having high thermal conductivity. Pouch  108 , when placed within insulated compartment  124 , directly influences the prevailing temperature of compartment  124  until a temperature equilibrium is achieved. Therefore, thermal pack  108  provides a removable thermal mass, either hot or cold, within insulated compartment  124 . The composition of the walls encompassing compartment  124  are constructed from materials specifically designed to reduce the flow of heat by limiting conduction, convection, or both. Examples of such materials include various insulating materials such as glass and plastic fibers, or closed cell foams from polyurethane and polystyrene plastics. Additionally, the surface material of the walls may provide a radiant and/or thermal barrier by using a material that reflects radiant energy and therefore resists the flow of heat into or out of the compartment. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, bag  100  is depicted in  FIG. 4  in the cooler only configuration  103 , whereby the much larger article carrying compartment  130  has been significantly reduced in size by folding it, as in  FIG. 3   a,  into flap  102  and securing in a collapsed position with latch  138 . In a similar manner, as seen in  FIG. 5 , insulated compartment  124  has been minimized in size by folding the four sides into the base of compartment  130 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . In the article only configuration  105  the overall size of bag  100  is more conducive to a smaller person, such as a child. 
         [0029]    From a versatility standpoint multi-use bag  100  provides a carrying means, for most any article in a range of situations and events, independent of the prevailing weather conditions due to the water and temperature proof attributes of the materials used to produce the bag. An additional feature of carrying bag  100  is the variety of ways in which the weight of bag  100  is supported by the traveler. In the case of a cooler configuration  103  depicted in  FIG. 4 , the user has any combination of three options to carry the bag, including strap  120  used as a waist strap, strap  120  used as a shoulder strap and/or carried by handle  122 . Also, in combination with an auxiliary strap  126 , as seen in  FIG. 7 , a bands free carrying method is provided, whereby bag  100  is constrained in both the horizontal and vertical direction, but yet unlike a conventional backpack, is readily accessible. Now, in the fully deployed form, having both compartments expanded, or in the alternative having only the article compartment  130  expanded, the user once again may select from the multitude of carrying configurations. As previously mentioned, the use of handle  122  remains an option, as well the shoulder position, using auxiliary strap  126 . Additionally, strap  120 , is now used in conjunction with auxiliary strap  126 , to allow the user to place bag  100  upon their back, as demonstrated by the configuration depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0030]    Additional advantageous features enhance the utility of the bag  100 . Such features may include a series of external pockets for ready access to traveling incidentals. For example, as best shown in  FIG. 1 , elastic mesh or netting is used to form a bottle holder pocket  114 , thereby providing direct access to a container of drinking/washing fluids, disinfectant, bug spray, sun lotion, and the like. Additionally, other pockets, such as document pocket  128 , may be formed of an additional layer of fabric over the exterior surface of compartments  124  or  130 . The pocket may include a closure, such as a zipper, for attaching the top of the additional layer of fabric to the compartment wall. In like manner internal water impervious pocket  104  provides a space to hold wet articles. Also, various mechanisms, such as clip rings  132 , are incorporated to allow for externally securing accessories articles such as a flashlight, knife, towel or hat, for instance. 
         [0031]    The embodiment illustrated in the figures and subsequently described herein are exemplary only. Those skilled of the art will recognize that numerous modifications may be made to the embodiment, without departing from the inventive concept and intent. For example, different materials may be used for some or all of the compartments. In particular, certain portions of the bag  100  may be formed of rigid plastic or other materials. In addition, various types of clasps and folding geometry may be found to be preferred. Furthermore, different sizes and shapes for the compartments comprising bag  100  may be employed. 
         [0032]    It will be appreciated that various of the disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different configurations for alternative applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.