Abstract:
The apparatus of the present invention 1) holds percussion mallets for transportation or storage, 2) converts any concert music stand or desk into a trap table for holding mallets and small percussion instruments such as tambourines, triangles, and claves thereon, and 3) provides a pocketed surface disposed below the surface of the music desk to hold mallets in an easily accessible manner. The upper portion of the trap bag has a sleeve which slips over the shelf or edge of the music desk, securing the trap bag to the desk. A padded portion rests on the surface of the desk to sustain small percussion instruments and mallets. The stick or mallet holding segment hangs below the desk to contain the mallets in a performance ready posture for the percussionist. When the performance is over, the trap bag is lifted off the edge of the desk and closed for easy transit or storage.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of carrying and storage devices. More particularly, the invention pertains to a carrying case which may be mounted as a padded surface to a music desk, reading stand or other working surface, thereby providing easy access to the items carried. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Until now, carrying cases have been draped over planar, horizontal surfaces, for providing access to the items carried within the case. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,402 to Markey is for a Folding Table Cover For Handbells. The Table Cover comprises a padded cover portion and a detachable apron that extends downwardly from the periphery of the cover portion. The apron provides aesthetic effect, not contributing substantively to the structure of the Table Cover. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,535 issued to Cook discloses a Portable Tool Case. The tool case is composed of at least two panels attached together, each panel having a plurality of pockets thereon. In a first embodiment, the panels are attached to each other along an adjacent edge, thus forming a hinge, whereby the panels may be folded closed, the pocket carrying surface of each panel being disposed adjacent to one another when closed. The Tool Case disclosed in the first embodiment may also be unfolded, into an open position, for draping the case over a horizontal elongated member. In a second embodiment of the Portable Tool Case, the panels each include an upturned lip about each of the unhinged edges for forming an attache type of carrying case. In a third embodiment, the panels form four sides of a box shaped case, having a single open end for being received about a table surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,724 to Gardner discloses a Drumstick Carrier Apparatus and Method. The drumstick carrier is composed of a horizontal seat portion having a downwardly depending skirt extending from the periphery of the seat portion. A plurality of pockets are mounted on the outside of the skirt. The seat portion is intended to be placed on the seat of a drummer&#39;s stool. The Drumstick Carrier may be rolled up for storing and transporting the drumsticks. 
     A Trap Stand Carrier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,922 to Yarnold. The Trap Stand Carrier has an elongated main brace with straps at either end thereof, or alternatively, a length of material attached along one edge thereof to the brace, for securing objects such as a music stand to the brace. A handle is provided on the brace that may be moved along the brace for balancing the load. Additionally, shoulder straps may be provided for mounting the carrier on a person&#39;s shoulder. 
     None of the aforementioned devices appear to work with, or make use of the shelf or upright ledge typically found on the support surface or face of a music desk or book stand. If it is even possible to mount these devices on a typical music desk or book stand, the shelf or upright ledge would prove troublesome, creating an uneven surface on the covered desk top. The devices discussed, generally drape over a substantially planar surface, none are mountable on an edge, whether perpendicular to or planar with the support surface. 
     Percussionists use a wide variety of percussion mallets to extract desired sounds from varied percussion instruments, such as drums, cymbals, and percussion keyboard instruments. Percussionists require a flat surface on which to place these mallets and small percussion instruments during performances for immediate retrieval and application. The common method is to use an expensive trap table made exclusively for this purpose. Because of the cost, most performing ensembles rarely employ more than one trap table. In addition, percussionists must purchase a stick bag to contain their mallets because the trap table is not suitable for transporting the mallets. 
     There is a demonstrated need in the field of music for a bag which can be used to carry and store items, such as percussion mallets, and which converts an ordinary music desk into a trap table, providing easy access to the same items and having a cushioned table top cover which is secured to an edge of the music desk or other supporting surface. Such a bag would prove useful in many other areas where items need to be stored and carried, and easy access provided once the destination has been reached, such as for books, papers and tools. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a carrying case or trap bag which may be mounted to a planar edge or an upright edge of a music desk, book stand or other supporting surface, thereby providing a padded working surface, as well as easy access to the items carried in the trap bag. The trap bag provides an attache style internal compartment, having pockets defined therein, that may be opened or closed. 
     The trap bag is comprised of two halves, each half having an outer surface and an inner surface. A first hinge or fold is formed along the adjacent edges of the halves such that the inner surfaces of each of the halves forms one continuous surface, and likewise, the outer surfaces of each of the halves forms another continuous surface. The trap bag may be folded into a closed position in which the inner surfaces are opposed to each other, or unfolded into an open position. It may be further folded on a line perpendicular to the first fold line, then secured in the folded position for carrying. The inner surface of a lower half carries at least one pocket for receiving the items to be carried or stored. 
     For use as a trap table, the bag may be completely unfolded into an open position and mounted on a music desk. An envelope is formed at the periphery of the upper half on the edge opposite the hinge or fold. The envelope has a slot or opening therein for receiving an edge of the supporting surface. The slot or opening may be oriented for receiving either a planar edge of the supporting surface or an edge formed by an upright ledge formed on the supporting surface, such as on a music desk or book stand. A pair of side walls may be formed around the periphery of the first or second, or both halves, to define a protected internal compartment therein. 
     Additional pockets may be provided on any of the inner or outer surfaces of either half of the bag, as well as on or in the other pockets. Straps and handles may be provided to make the trap bag easier to hold, carry and transport. Conventional closures such as zippers, clasps, buckles, buttons, straps and loop and hook fastener may be provides about the periphery of the halves, or on any of the pockets. 
     A first object of the invention is to provide an easily transportable trap bag for items including but not limited to percussion mallets, books, papers, and tools, having an internal compartment including at least one pocket therein for carrying items and a cover for closing the compartment. 
     A second object of the invention is to provide an attache style trap bag having an internal compartment, and a cover for closing the internal compartment, and also including pockets in the compartment for holding various items placed in the trap bag. 
     A third object of the invention is to provide a trap bag that may be mounted, in an open position, onto the edge of a supporting surface, to provide a cushioned working surface, as well as, easy access to the items carried in the trap bag. 
     A fourth object of the invention is to provide a trap bag that may be used with a working surface that has an upright edge formed thereon. 
     A fifth object is to provide a device for holding percussion mallets in a storage mode, that quickly and easily converts any concert music stand into a trap table, for holding and providing ready access to devices such as mallets and small percussion instruments during a performance. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trap bag mounted to a music desk as a trap table. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a trap bag formed from two panels, the trap bag in the open position. 
     FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the trap bag having a mounting slot form therein, in the open position. 
     FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the trap bag including a peripheral wall and side walls about the upper half thereof. 
     FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the trap bag including side walls about the lower half thereof. 
     FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the trap bag, having a mounting slot therein and a sleeve in register with the mounting slot, the trap bag in the open position. 
     FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the trap bag, including side walls about the upper half thereof. 
     FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the trap bag, including side walls about the lower half thereof. 
     FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the trap bag wherein the sleeve has two openings therein. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the trap bag having a mounting sleeve adjacent the upper edge thereof. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the trap bag having a planar mounting sleeve. 
     FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the trap bag folded in half into the closed position. 
     FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the trap bag folded in quarters into the preferred carrying position. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to FIG. 1, the article, bag or trap bag  10  is mountable on a support surface of a support structure, desk or music desk  12 . In its various configurations, the trap bag  10  may be mounted on a planar edge  14  of the desk  12  or on an upright edge or shelf  16  of the desk  12 . Typical music desks  12  have a shelf  16  integrally formed at the lower edge of the support surface and extending perpendicularly therefrom. The music desk  12  and shelf  16  are indicated by the dashed lines in FIG.  1 . While the preferred embodiments will be discussed in regard to a music desk  12 , the trap bag  10  may be mounted on any support surface having an edge  14 , and likewise may be used for carrying items other than musical instruments and mallets. 
     With general reference to all of the Figures except FIG. 2, the trap bag  10  is preferably formed from a panel  20  of sturdy, flexible material such as canvas. The panel  20  may be of a laminate construction. Preferably, the panel  20  is cushioned and quilted to provide a cushioned trap table surface for the percussionist. In the preferred embodiment, the panel  20  has an upper edge  22 , a lower edge  24 , a first side edge  26  and a second side edge  28  opposed to the first side edge  26 . The panel  20  has an inner surface  30  and an outer surface  32 . The panel  20  is dimensioned such that the length between the upper edge  22  and the lower edge  24  is approximately twice the length of the music desk  12 , and the width between the side edges  26 ,  28  is substantially the width of the music desk  12 . In the case of a typical music desk  12  this results in a panel  20  of 38½×22¼ inches. 
     Preferably, a first fold line  34  is formed parallel to, and between, the upper and lower edges  22 ,  24 , respectively. The first fold line  34  divides the panel  20  into an upper half  40 , between the upper edge  22  and the first fold line  34 , and a lower half  42 , between the lower edge  24  and the first fold line  34 . 
     The trap bag  10  is closed by folding the upper half  40  and lower half  42  together such that the portions of the inner surface  30  divided by the first fold line  34  are adjacent. The trap bag  10  is opened by folding the upper and lower halves  40 ,  42  apart, thereby separating the portions of the inner surface  30  divided by the first fold line  34  from one another. It may be convenient to make the upper half  40  of the panel  20  narrower than the lower half  42  of the panel  20 . This prevents the comers from crimping when the trap bag  10  is closed. 
     An additional, second or quarter fold line  44  may be provided perpendicular to the first fold line  34 . This permits the bag  10  to be folded into a less bulky transport position, so it may be conveniently carried. 
     A first row of pockets  50  is formed on the inner surface  30  of the lower half  42  of the panel  20 , between the lower edge  24  of the panel  20  and the first fold line  34 . The first row of pockets  50  is formed from a first sheet of material  52  which is laid on the inner surface  30 , having a first edge adjacent the lower edge  24  of the panel  20 , and a second and third edge adjacent the respective side edges  26 ,  28  of the panel  20 . The first sheet  52  is sewn about its first, second, and third edges to the respective edges of the lower half  42  of the panel  20 . The pockets  50  are open toward the first fold line  34 . Individual pockets may then be formed by sewing the first sheet to the panel  20  in rows perpendicular to the upper and lower edges  22 ,  24 , respectively. The number of rows, and space between rows may be varied to suit the types of items expected to be carried in the bag  10 . A second row of pockets  60 , may be formed on top of the first row of pockets  50 , in the same manner as the first row  50 . The pockets of the second row  60  should not be as deep as the pockets of the first row  50 , to allow easy access to them items stored in all of the pockets  50 ,  60 . Other rows or pockets may be added, however, too many rows will be found to be ungainly. 
     Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the trap bag  70  may be formed of an upper panel  72  and a lower panel  74 . The upper panel  72  has a hinge edge  76  and an open edge  78  opposed to the hinge edge  76 . The lower panel  74  has a hinge edge  80  and an open edge  82  opposed to the hinge edge  80 . The hinge edges  76 ,  80  are pivotally joined by a flexible hinged connection  86 . The upper panel  72  and lower panel  74  may be pivoted relative to one another between a closed position where the open edges  78 ,  82  are brought together, and an open position in which the open edges  78 ,  82  are relatively spaced apart. The surfaces of the upper panel  72  and lower panel  74  which are adjacent one another in the closed position define the inner surface  88  thereof. The opposed surface defines the outer surface  90  of the panels  72 ,  74 . The remainder of the trap bag  70  may be constructed and used in the same fashion as the single panel trap bag  10 . 
     There are a variety of structures which may be used to mount the trap bag  10  to the planar edge  14  or upright shelf  16  of a support surface or music desk  12 . A number of these variations will now be discussed. 
     With reference to FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C, a first preferred embodiment of the mounting structure comprises an elongated aperture  100  formed in the panel  20 , parallel to and proximate the upper edge  22  thereof. The aperture  100  is dimensioned to receive the upright shelf  16  of a music desk  12  therethrough for mounting the trap bag  10  to the desk  12 . 
     With specific reference to FIG. 3B, a peripheral wall  110  may be provided along the upper edge  22  of the panel  20 , adjacent the aperture  100 . The peripheral wall  110  is preferably formed at a right angle to, and extending vertically from the inner surface  30  of the panel  20 . When the trap bag  10  is mounted to the desk  12 , the wall  110  provides a barrier which prevents percussion mallets and the like from falling off the support surface of the desk  12 . 
     With continuing reference to FIG. 3B, a pair of side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  may also be provided, the side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  formed along the side edges  26 ,  28  of the panel  20 . The side walls  112 ,  114  may be formed on the upper half  40 , extending between the first fold line  34  and the upper edge  22 . In this case, the side walls  112 ,  114  may each be joined to the peripheral wall to form an enclosure. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, side walls  116 ,  118  may be formed on the lower half  42  of the panel  20 , extending between the first fold line  34  and the lower edge  24 , the enclosure being fully defined only when the bag is closed. In either case, the side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  preferably taper toward the first fold line  34 . This provides a trap bag  10  which when closed resembles an attache style trap bag  10 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 4A,  4 B,  4 C, and  4 D, a second preferred embodiment of the mounting structure comprises the elongated aperture  100  of the first preferred embodiment, along with a sleeve  120  formed on the inner surface  30 , which runs parallel to and proximate the upper edge  22  of the panel  20 . The sleeve  120  is preferably formed by an extension of the material forming the upper half  40  of the panel  20  which has been folded over itself in the direction of the first fold line  34 . The sleeve  120  is preferably formed at a right angle to, and extending up, out of the inner surface  30  of the panel  20 . A lateral mounting slot  122  at the edge of the sleeve  120  is aligned with the aperture  100 , such that the shelf  16  of a music desk  12  may be received through the aperture  100  and into the mounting slot  122  of the sleeve  120  thus securing the trap bag  10  to the desk  12 . 
     The sleeve  120  serves as a peripheral wall along the upper edge  22  of the panel  20 . As in the variations of the first preferred embodiment, a pair of side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  may also be provided, the side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  formed along the respective side edges  26 ,  28  of the panel  20 . As shown in FIG. 4B and 4D, the side walls  112 ,  114  may be formed on the upper half  40  of the panel  20 , extending between the first fold line  34  and the upper edge  22 . In this case, the side walls  112 ,  114  may each be joined to the sleeve  120  to form an enclosure. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4C, the side walls  116 ,  118  may be formed on the lower half  42  of the panel  20 , extending between the first fold line  34  and the lower edge  24 , the enclosure being fully defined only when the bag is closed. In either case, the side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  preferably taper toward the first fold line  34 . 
     With reference to FIG. 5, a third preferred embodiment of the mounting structure comprises an envelope  130  formed adjacent to the panel  20  along its upper edge  22 . Preferably, the envelope  130  is formed at a right angle, extending vertically from the inner surface  30  of the panel  20 , to which the envelope  130  is joined. Alternatively, the envelope  130  may be flexibly attached to the upper edge  22  allowing the envelope  130  to assume whatever position its use suggests. The open edge  132  of the envelope  130  is disposed along the upper edge  22  of the panel  20 , and provides a lateral opening  134  in which the shelf  16  or upright ledge is mountingly received. The bottom edge  136  of the envelope  130  may be closed, or may be open to allow shelves  16  of various sizes to be mounted (not shown). As with the other embodiments, side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  may be added to the panel  20 . 
     With reference to FIG. 6, a fourth preferred embodiment of the mounting structure, particularly for mounting on a planar edge  14 , comprises an engaging pocket  140  formed on, and parallel to, the outer surface  32  of the upper half  40  of the panel  20 . The engaging pocket  140  has an open end  142  and a bottom end  144 . The open end  142  is parallel to the upper edge  22  of the panel  20 , and spaced between the upper edge  22  and the first fold line  34 . The engaging pocket  140  is fixed along its side edges to the respective side edges  26 ,  28  of the panel  20 . As above, the bottom end  144  of the engaging pocket  140  may closed, attached to the upper edge  22  of the panel  20 , or it may be left open for mounting the tarp bag  10  at different lengths along the desk  12 . 
     As best seen in FIGS. 4D,  5 ,  6 ,  7 A and  7 B, additional pockets  150  may be formed on the inner surface  30  and the outer surface  32  of the panel  20 . These pockets  150  will all preferably open toward the first fold line  34 . The first and second row of pockets  50 ,  60 , as well as any additional pockets  150 , may be left open or provided with conventional closures such as: snaps, buttons, zippers, buckles, hook and loop fastener material, and ties. 
     With general reference to all of the Figures, means for securing the bag in a closed position may be provided. Such means may include any conventional closures such as: snaps, buttons, zippers, buckles, hook and loop fastener material, and ties. Preferably, the securing means comprises a zipper. A first zipper section  160  is affixed along one of the side edges  26 ,  28  of the lower half  42  of the panel  20  and a second zipper section  162  for mating with the first zipper section  160  is affixed along the other side edge  26 ,  28  of the lower half  42  of the panel  20 . Alternatively, the zipper or other closure may, in a similar manner, be provided on the peripheral wall  110  and side walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  of the panel  20 . 
     To convert the trap bag  10  from use as a trap table to use as a storage and transportation bag, the trap bag  10  is disengaged from the desk  10  on which it is being used. The trap bag  10  is then folded, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, along the first fold line  34  so that the portions of the inner surface  30  on either side of the first fold line  34  are in contact with each other. Next the bag  10  is folded again, this time along a second fold line  44 . The trap bag  10 , now folded in quarters, has only its outer surface  32  exposed. The first zipper section  160  and the second zipper section  162  can be operatively joined, closing the trap bag  10  for easy carrying. 
     With reference to FIGS. 4D,  5 ,  7 A and  7 B, the trap bag  10  may be provided with handles  170 ,  172  as well as a carrying strap  174 . The handles  170 ,  172  and strap  174  are preferably mounted to the outer surface  32 , proximate the first fold line  34  or hinge member. The handles  170 ,  172  and strap  174  may be formed of nylon webbing. The handles  170 ,  172  may be provide with a half twist to make them easier to grasp. The strap  174  may be provided with conventional adjustment means. 
     With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of handles  176 ,  178  may additionally be provided on the inner surface  30  of the panel  20 , proximate the first fold line  34  or hinge member  86 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, each of these handles  176 ,  178  is formed from a piece of webbing. The webbing has a first surface in contact with the inner surface  30  of the panel  20 . The second surface of the webbing has hook fastener material covering one half of it, and loop fastener material covering the other half of the second surface. This permits a handle  176 ,  178  to be formed by placing one half of the second surface of the handle  176 ,  178  in engaging contact with the other half of the second surface, thus engaging the hook and loop fastener material. 
     Trim may be sewn on the various edges to protect the material from fraying and for decorative purposes. 
     In use, the trap bag  10  may be opened, and items such as mallets (not shown) are arranged by the user in the pockets  50 ,  60  based on the size of the item. The trap bag  10  is then closed, secured, and placed in storage, or transported to the desired location. In this way the items are protected within the cushioned trap bag  10 . At the desired location, such as a concert hall, the securing means  160 ,  162  are released, and the trap bag  10  mounted onto the music desk  12  or other supporting apparatus. The aperture  100 , envelope, or sleeve is placed over the planar edge  14  or shelf  16  of the desk  12  or other supporting surface. In the case of a music desk  12  mounted on a music stand, as shown in FIG. 1, the desk  12  is pivoted so it lies in a substantially horizontal plane. The planar edge  14  or shelf  16  of the desk  12  is received within the mounting structure  100 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , the outer surface  32  of the upper half  40  of the panel  20  lays flat, adjacent the surface of the desk  12 . The lower half  42  of the trap bag  10  is suspended from the desk  12  with the inner surface  30  and pockets  50 ,  60  exposed, so that the items in the pockets  50 ,  60  may be easily accessed. Small instruments, mallets and the like may be arrayed on the inner surface  30  for quick access by the user. 
     In compliance with the statutes, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features and process steps. While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in different forms, the specification illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principals of the invention, and the disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments and variations of the invention are possible which employ the same inventive concepts as described above. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited except by the claims which follow.