Abstract:
A reusable garment bag having a first interior compartment, an open bottom, a closed top with an opening sized to allow passage therethrough of hanger tops, a front having a generally vertical slit sealably closed with a zipper, a back having an opening providing access to a second interior compartment segregated from the first interior compartment, a drawstring circumscribing a hem about the open bottom, an elastic strap in the first interior compartment, a handle affixed to the top and bottom, and a strap adapted to secure the two handles together for carrying the garment bag in a folded orientation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to garment bags and, more specifically, to a garment bag for processing apparel by a user. The garment bag of the present invention is used to transport apparel between a user and a cleaning service. The user stores their cleaned apparel from the cleaning service within a zippered compartment of the garment bag and when soiled places the soiled apparel within an open compartment, which is segregated from the zippered compartment, and when desired takes the garment bag with the soiled apparel back to the cleaning service for cleaning and again places cleaned apparel within the zippered compartment thereby forming a cycle for processing apparel. The present invention also provides a front side pocket for placement therein of a desired document, such as a receipt from the cleaners, and further provides a name tag pocket located under the document pocket. 
     The back side of the garment bag has an open compartment serving as a hamper for soiled clothes with a strap and buckle extending between the top end of the garment bag and the open compartment forming latch for keeping the open compartment opening somewhat closed that can be unlatched to deposit soiled clothes therein. Also shown is a hook and loop strap positioned on the bottom portion of the bag and another fastened to the bag carrying handle providing means for securely holding the bag in a folded state when desired and having another handle on the bottom of the bag for carrying the bag in a folded state. 
     The present invention also provides a back side compartment with material that extends approximately from the center to the bag seam leaving a left and right opening for inserting soiled clothes. 
     The present invention further envisions that the soiled clothes compartment can have interior pockets located on the front or back wall of the soiled clothes compartment when the garment bag is used by the clothing rental industry, such as tuxedo and gown rental for the storage of shoes and speciality apparel, such as gown veil. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other garment bags designed for storing apparel. While garment bags may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     Therefore it is felt that a need exists for a garment bag that can be reused for storing cleaned clothes therein and soiled clothes segregated from said cleaned clothes with the alternate provision of additional pockets positioned on either interior wall of the soiled clothes compartment serving the apparel rental industry including uniform, tuxedo and gown rental, which may include footwear or speciality apparel items. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention is a reusable garment bag that is intended for transporting dirty and receiving clean clothes to and from the dry cleaners. The main purpose is to bring to markets product that is customer and service provider friendly. Thereby, bringing a “Green” alternative to the dry cleaning industry. However, what has been discovered during the sample process is that the list of alternative applications is limitless. 
     The basic design appears like a traditional all enclosed garment bag with a bottom-up front zipper access and style. What is unique is the creation of a separate compartment for dirty clothes from the area reserved for receiving clean clothes in. The use of a sturdy yet pliable vinyl gives the visual benefit disposable plastic dry cleaners provide. The vinyl may be transparent or translucent. Then incorporated is a durable and breathable nylon that is already being used in laundry bags. In addition to expandable side “Vented Gussets”. This allows for it to work equally as well with just one or quite a few articles of clothing. The venting helps to enhance the air flow of the bag. The bag is then finished off with some well positioned carry handles, inner elastic strap to hold the bottoms of the clothes during transport and then topped off with a means of securing the hanger necks; much in the way the current wire twist tie would. All of this is obtained within the confines of this “single item”. Without any detachable pieces; thereby, the consumer will not have to worry about forgetting anything. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide an Earth Friendly “Green” reusable garment bag. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag incorporating a “breathable” fabric and well ventilated opening, which is beneficial to the consumer. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag for processing apparel between a user and a cleaning service. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag for processing apparel between an apparel rental agency and a renting user. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag for gathering soiled clothes at home then transporting the same to a cleaning service and receiving said clothes back in the very same bag leaves little room for error. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag that can be used for apparel storage. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a reusable storage bag that can be used for storage of apparel during travel enabling separation of soiled apparel from clean apparel. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag having a compartment for cleaned clothes and a compartment for soiled clothes. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag wherein said compartment for cleaned clothes has a zipper providing easy access by the cleaning service and the user. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag that helps the user by having a definite place to collect the items. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag wherein the compartment for soiled clothes is positioned on the back side of the garment bag and segregated from the cleaned clothes compartment. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag wherein said soiled clothes compartment is an open compartment. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag wherein said soiled clothes compartment has a transverse belt and latch extending thereacross keeping the compartment in a somewhat closed state that can be selectively unlatched to place soiled clothes therein. 
     A yet further of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag having a top end handle and a bottom end handle whereby said garment bag can be ported in a folded or unfolded state. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag wherein said top end handle has a hook and loop strap providing means for securing the top and bottom handles together. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag having a hanger strap for binding a plurality of hangers together. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a strap within the cleaned clothes compartment for securing the bottom portion of longer garments, such as dresses and gowns. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a garment bag having a transparent or translucent pocket for storing a document therein, such as a cleaning receipt. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag providing a pocket for a name tag. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag that can be tri-folded with an exterior strap for securing hanger necks therein. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a reusable garment bag wherein said front zippered compartment is open along the bottom having a hem with a drawstring therein for cinching the bag closed when desired. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide alternate openings to the soiled clothes compartment on either the side or bottom. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a reusable garment bag for processing apparel by a user and a cleaning service. The user stores their cleaned apparel from the cleaning service within a zippered compartment of the garment bag and when soiled places the soiled apparel within an exterior backside open compartment, which is thereby segregated from the zippered compartment, and when desired the user takes the garment bag with the soiled apparel back to the cleaning service for cleaning and again places cleaned apparel within the zippered compartment thereby forming a cycle for processing apparel. The present invention also provides a front side pocket for placement therein of a desired document, such as a receipt from the cleaners and a subjacent pocket for a name tag. 
     Furthermore, the reusable garment bag can be used for apparel storage and for travel. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of the garment bag of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a back view of the garment bag of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the garment bag of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the garment bag of the present invention in use. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the garment bag of the present invention in use. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustrative view of the back side of the garment bag in use. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the garment bag of the present invention in use. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the garment bag in a folded state. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the garment bag in a tri-folded state. 
         FIG. 10  is a back view of an alternate apertured soiled clothes compartment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the garment bag of the present invention having a cinchable open bottom. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the garment bag of the present invention in use having a cinchable open bottom. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Reusable Garment Bag of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 
       10  reusable garment bag of the present invention 
       12  garment bag 
       14  document pocket 
       16  customer information tag 
       18  apparel securing strap 
       20  zipper 
       22  zippered first compartment 
       24  receipt 
       26  access opening 
       28  top carrying handle 
       30  top carrying handle fastener 
       32  open soiled clothes second compartment 
       34  strap 
       36  buckle 
       44  tri-fold handle strap 
       46  bottom handle 
       48  gusset 
       50  vent 
       52  cleaned garment 
       54  hanger hook securing strap 
       56  hanger hook 
       58  soiled clothes 
       60  hook and loop strap 
       62  open bottom of  22   
       64  drawstring 
       66  closed base of  32   
       68  soiled clothes aperture 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the reusable multi-compartmented garment bag of the present invention  10 . The present invention  10  provides a garment bag  12  for processing apparel by a user. The garment bag  12  is used to transport apparel between a user and a cleaning service. The user stores their cleaned apparel from the cleaning service within a zippered  20  compartment  22  of the garment bag  12  and when soiled places the soiled apparel within an open compartment, which is segregated from the first, and when desired takes the garment bag with the soiled apparel back to the cleaning service to be cleaned and again places cleaned apparel within the zippered compartment thereby forming a cycle for processing apparel. The present invention also provides a pocket  14  for placement therein of a desired document, such as a receipt  24  from the cleaners. Optionally provided is a customer name tag pocket  16  and interior apparel securing strap  18 . Further included is a wide access opening  26  formed by multi-hanger carrying handle  28  which is secured by a multi-hanger fastener  30 . 
       FIG. 2  is a back view of the garment bag of the present invention  10 . Shown is a back view of the garment bag  12  having an open soiled clothes compartment  32  serving as a hamper for soiled clothes with a strap  34  and buckle  36  extending between the top end of the garment bag and the open compartment forming latch for keeping the open compartment  32  opening somewhat closed that can be unlatched to deposit soiled clothes therein. Included is a bottom handle  46  on the bottom of the bag for carrying the bag in a folded state. Also shown is a tri-fold hanger strap  44 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the garment bag of the present invention  10 . Shown is a side view of the garment bag  12  having a zippered first compartment  22  and a second segregated open compartment  32 . The sides have gussets  48  to provide expandability to accommodate more garments and includes vents  50  for the first compartment  22 . 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  in use. Shown is the zipper  20  of the first compartment  22  open to receive cleaned garments  52  therein. Also shown is the optional apparel securing strap  18 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  in use. Shown is cleaned apparel  52  from the cleaning service stored within a zippered compartment  22  of the garment bag and when soiled will be placed within an open back side compartment, which is segregated from the first, and when desired the user takes the garment bag with the soiled apparel back to the cleaning service to be cleaned and again places cleaned apparel within the zippered compartment thereby forming a cycle for processing apparel. The present invention also provides a pocket  14  for placement therein of a desired document, such as a receipt  24  from the cleaners. The hanger tops  56  are held together by twist tie hanger top securing straps  54 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustrative view of the back side of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  in use. Shown are soiled clothes  58  placed within the open back second compartment  32  serving as a hamper for soiled clothes, which are segregated from the clean clothes within the zippered compartment. When desired the user takes the garment bag  12  with the soiled apparel  58  back to the cleaning service to be cleaned and again places cleaned apparel within the zippered compartment thereby forming a cycle for processing apparel. The second compartment is partially closed when the straps  34  and buckles  36  are fastened. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  in use. Shown is a side view of the garment bag  12  having a zippered first compartment  22  and a second segregated open compartment  32  with soiled clothes  58  therein. Also shown is a strap  34  and buckle  36  keeping the second compartment  32  closed. The garment bag  12  further provides a top end handle  28  and a bottom end handle  46  providing means for carrying the garment bag in an unfolded or folded state with the top handle having a hook and loop strap  60  for securing the two handles together while in a folded state. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  in a folded state. Shown is a side view of the garment bag in a folded state having soiled clothes therein. The garment bag further provides a top end handle  28  and a bottom end handle  46  providing means for carrying the garment bag in a folded state with the top handle  28  having a hook and loop strap  60  for securing the two handles together while in the folded state. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  in a tri-folded state. Shown is a side view of the garment bag in a tri-folded state with clean hangered garments  52  having a hook and loop strap  60  for securing hanger hooks  56  to the body of the bag  12 . 
       FIG. 10  is a back view of an alternate apertured soiled clothes compartment  32  of the present invention  10 . Shown is a back view of the garment bag  12  wherein the open soiled clothes compartment  32  extends and is secured approximate the center of the top hem with left and right apertures  68  for depositing soiled clothes  58  therein. 
       FIG. 11  is a front view of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  having a cinchable open bottom  62 . The present invention provides a garment bag having an open bottom  62  for the zippered cleaned clothes compartment  22  with the open back side soiled clothes compartment closed along the base  66 . The open bottom  62  provides an alternate opening for the cleaning service by providing for the bag to be slipped over the cleaned clothes from top to bottom without having to open the front zipper. Wherethen the cleaned clothes compartment is preferably cinched closed from the back side with a drawstring  64 . Such a design would be advantageous when the cleaned clothes  52  are hanging from a stanchion hook. 
       FIG. 12  is a front view of the garment bag  12  of the present invention  10  in use having a cinchable open bottom  62 . The present invention  10  envisions a garment bag  12  having a front compartment  22  with access for inserting cleaned clothes by opening the zipper  20  and/or by having an open bottom  62  with a draw string  64  preferably cinchable from the back side forming closure. The open cinchable bottom provides an alternate opening for the cleaning service by providing for the bag to be slipped over the cleaned clothes  52  from top to bottom without having to open the front zipper, wherethen the cleaned clothes compartment  22  is closed by means of the drawstring  64 . 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.