Patent Publication Number: US-2006006097-A1

Title: Carrier and organizer

Description:
BENEFIT CLAIM  
      The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/586,100, filed on 7 Jul. 2004. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/586,100 is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth below. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates generally to a carrier and organizer, and relates more specifically to a purse for the visually-impaired diabetic, being a one life-product that integrates fashion, healthcare and convenience.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      Presently, the visually impaired do not have access to one attractive, well organized bag for both personal and medical needs. Instead, they should either carry two or more bags, one stylish, the other(s) for their medical needs, or one rather unstylish or organizationally lacking bag that attempts to provide both a purse and medical carrier in a single, unattractive bag. Yet, toting a plurality of bags is problematic, especially for the visually-impaired, and can cause the loss of personal and/or medical items.  
      Further, current handbag/medical bag combinations do not enable the user to easily segregate “personal” items from “medical” items, and organize them in the appropriate components of the bag. For instance, the aDorn handbag, a handbag/medical bag manufactured by aDorn Designs, has two main compartments; however, with the aDorn bag, both the regular handbag section and the diabetes supplies organizer are zipper-accessed. By not offering unique access to the separate compartments, the aDorn bag does not provide the visually-impaired diabetic with easy visual or tactile identification of which compartment the user is accessing.  
      Additionally, current handbag/medical bag combinations employ little to no color contrast, thus making the easy identification of sub-components of the bag difficult for the visually impaired. With such monochromatic bags, the user “sees” only one indistinguishable compartment, even if more than one are provided. For example, the aDorn handbag employs very little color contrast in the diabetes supplies organizer section and no color contrast whatsoever in the regular handbag section. The aDorn handbag section and diabetes section/medical pouch are lined with a shiny gold patterned material that is visually confusing. The fabric (non-mesh) pockets in both sections are constructed of the same shiny gold patterned material. Using plain, non-lustrous and non-patterned material for lining, pockets and bands is best.  
      Yet, pockets and bands should be in stark color contrast to lining color. The stark color contrast and use of plain fabrics provide a visually-friendly layout for organizing personal and medical items in the appropriate compartment.  
      The aDorn internal regular handbag section is comprised of three sub-compartments: the main handbag cavity, a cell-phone pocket and zippered lining pocket. All three sub-compartments are constructed of the aforementioned shiny gold patterned fabric. This monochromatic design offers no visual contrast and thus creates no visual or physical sub-compartmentalization of the main handbag cavity. This makes organization of personal items difficult. As stated previously, the user “sees” only one single color compartment in the aDorn handbag section rather than the three sub-compartments provided.  
      There are two external pockets in matching canvas to the aDorn bag. One pocket is on the external flap of the regular handbag section and utilizes a flap-opening. The second is a zippered pocket on the external flap of the diabetes section/medical pouch receptacle.  
      Access to the aDorn handbag section is cramped. The shoulder strap is stiff and unwieldy. Rather than being attached to the sides of the aDorn handbag with metal rings as is the presently proposed invention, the strap is part of the canvas bag itself. This makes it difficult to position the strap in a way that is not a visual and physical obstacle to storing, organizing and retrieving personal items in the regular handbag section.  
      The aDorn diabetes section is designed to be a removable medical pouch which is held in place within the receptacle magnetically. This is convenient for diabetics that have no sight impairment. For the sight-impaired, however, having the removable pouch is problematic in several ways: 
          Creates an easy atmosphere for losing or leaving behind the medical pouch;     Pouch can be inverted when placed in magnetic receptacle thus upsetting visual and physical orientation and organization; and     When one attempts to use the medical pouch within the magnetic receptacle, the magnetic pull often causes the medical pouch to collapse onto itself or the whole handbag to collapse onto the medical pouch.        

      The aDorn diabetes section is much too compact with similarly designed sub-compartments to be of use to the visually-impaired diabetic. The sub-compartments can house only a few items and offer little or no differentiation in design to be visually-friendly. If the user places insulin, test strips, a pill case, Flex-pen insulin vials, a monitor, a blood sampler, syringes, replacement needles, lancets and an ice pack in the specifically-designed sub-compartments provided, it is impossible to zip the compartment closed without removing vital supplies.  
      Further, there are no pockets or bands provided for glucose tabs or an emergency Glucagon injection kit. Every insulin-dependent diabetic must carry glucose tabs for the sudden and disorienting drop in blood glucose levels which are common with insulin injections. Carrying an emergency Glucagon injection kit is vital for insulin-dependent diabetics who suffer extremely low blood glucose levels. The aDorn bag does not provide sub-compartments for these necessary items. The user would need to store glucose tabs and the Glucagon kit in the regular handbag section of the adorn bag, thus mingling personal items and medical items in one compartment. The visually-impaired diabetic needs organization and segregation of personal/medical items into separate and easily identifiable components. Confusion is a common side-effect of low blood glucose levels. Trying to find glucose tabs or the Glucagon kit intermingled with personal items is problematic at best and, with the disorientation of low glucose levels, dangerous at times. As mentioned previously, there is a zippered pocket located on the external flap of the diabetes pouch receptacle. Because of the difficulty of zipping the diabetes section closed within the receptacle when it is housing supplies, this extra pocket is basically useless for storage.  
      The aDorn diabetes section pockets that are available for a glucose monitor, syringes, replacement needles and lancets are extremely tight making it difficult to store and retrieve the needed medical supplies. The two pockets designed for storage of syringes, lancets and replacement needles are constructed exactly alike of dark mesh with matching zippers. This provides no visual or tactile differentiation. There is no room for cotton balls, alcohol swabs or a tissue pack. Unfortunately, there is no pocket for used supplies. The visually-impaired diabetic needs an identifiable pocket to separate used supplies from fresh (i.e. unused) supplies. The placement of the ice pack pocket is such that it is on the same side as and directly behind a pocket for the glucose log book. This is not optimal even with the water-tight pocket. The log book becomes soggy and can easily tear. The log book pocket is too small for any but the smallest of log books. Visually-impaired diabetics need a pocket that can hold a larger-print, and thus a larger log book.  
      Therefore, it can be seen that a need yet exists for a superior carrier and organizer for the visually-impaired diabetic, being a one life-product that integrates fashion, healthcare and convenience. It is to such a carrier and organizer that the present invention is primarily directed.  
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
      Briefly described, in its preferred form, the present invention is a stylish combination carrier and diabetes supplies organizer, such as a purse or shoulder bag, all in one convenient bag. Although in a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a useful tool for all diabetics, it is especially helpful to the visually-impaired.  
      The present carrier and organizer incorporates the use of bold color for accessory sub-compartments that appear in stark contrast against the lining color (i.e., light lining with dark sub-compartments; dark lining with light sub-compartments.) This stark color-contrast for various sub-compartments allows for the handy reception, storage and retrieval of sundry personal and medical items. Additionally, while described mainly in color-contrast compartments, the present invention further comprises a texture contrast and an orientation contrast. The texture contrast is based on the different material used in the sub-compartments, thereby permitting the user to distinguish the compartments by touch. The orientation contrast includes staggering or cascading the sub-compartments, while additionally varying the sub-compartment sizes to enable the user to better distinguish between the sub-compartments of the present invention.  
      The present invention preferably comprises a handbag section and an organizer section. Each section preferably comprises several sub-compartments, and each section is uniquely accessed. The handbag section utilizes a flap-front access, while the organizer section employs a double-pull zipper access. This allows the user to differentiate between the two sections by touch and/or by sight; thus eliminating the confusion regarding which component one is accessing.  
      Thus, one object of the present invention is to allow the user to tote one attractive bag for both personal and medical needs rather than tote a plurality of bags. Toting a plurality of bags is problematic, especially for the visually-impaired, and can cause the loss of personal and/or medical items.  
      Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to segregate “personal” items from “medical” items and organize said items in the appropriate component of the bag.  
      Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a color-contrast organization for a handbag, wherein the “together-yet-separate” features of the invention are excellent tools for the visually-impaired diabetic. Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness worldwide.  
      The present invention promotes better diabetes health management, especially for the visually-impaired, by: 
          Integrating health and personal necessities into one lifestyle product;     Keeping personal items and diabetes items separately organized;     Allowing easy identification and access to each component at all times; and     Providing visually-friendly color-blocked arrangement of compartments.        

      These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a handbag with a Regular Handbag Section flap in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the handbag with a Diabetes Section flap zipped in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the handbag with the Regular Handbag Section flap in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the handbag with the Diabetes Section flap unzipped and the compartment in first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the handbag with the Diabetes Section flap unzipped and the compartment in second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is an external front perspective of built-in wallet of the handbag in closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a detailed illustration of built-in wallet unzipped and in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a detailed illustration of built-in wallet lower level unzipped and in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the handbag with an alternative Diabetes Section in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the handbag with an alternative Diabetes Section in first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the handbag with an alternative Diabetes Section in first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the handbag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, the present invention is a handbag/organizer  60 , a carrier and organizer, comprising a handbag section  1  and an organizer section  2 . The handbag section  1  will alternatively be referred to herein sometimes as “Regular Handbag Section  1 ”. Similarly, organizer section  2  will alternatively be referred to herein sometimes as “Diabetes Section  2 ”.  
      It will be understood by those of skill in the art that references to “handbag”, “shoulder bag”, “bag”, “invention”, “product” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to the invention in total—handbag  60 . Further, references of “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” are for sketch-view, compartment and sub-compartment orientation (as described below).  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  6  and  12 , the handbag section  1  can comprise a strap  3 ; a buckle  4 ; a strap connection system  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ; a removable shoulder pad  104 ; a sealable access  9 ,  21  and  52 ; and various internal sub-compartments.  
      An adjustable shoulder strap  3  can be provided for carrying the bag  60 . The strap  3  can be looped around metal rings  5  and  6  and riveted to the backside of itself. Identical tabs  7  and  8  are looped around the bottoms of rings  5  and  6 . The tabs  7  and  8  are attached to the side panels  49  and  50  or to the top panel  85  of the handbag  60  using standard techniques. Metal buckle  4  can be attached to strap  3  to allow for adjustment to strap length. Removable shoulder pad  104  can be attached to strap  3  for user comfort.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , the Regular Handbag Section  1  the front component of bag  60  can be comprised of internal sub-compartments ( 14 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19 ,  51 ,  84  and  88 ) for letters, wallet, checkbook, cosmetics, cell-phone, keys, and similar personal items. A preferable embodiment of the purse  60  comprises seven sub-compartments.  
      The Regular Handbag Section  1  can be lined with well-padded, stiff, sturdy and waterproof material  18 . Regular Handbag Section  1  can be accessed by a flap-front  9  magnetic snap closure  21  and  52 . One-half of the magnetic snap  21  can be attached to the underside of flap  9 . The receptacle half of the magnetic snap  52  can be attached to pouch panel  10  or to built-in wallet outer panel  87 .  
      The first compartment of the Regular Handbag Section  1  can be a generally rectangular pouch  51 , useful for carrying letters, receipts and similar documents. The pouch  51  can be created by securely seaming pouch panel  10  to underlying panel  13 . The pouch  51  should be large enough to secure the items, including the previously described personal items. Pouch  51  can be lined with the same lining material  18  used for the entire bag  60 .  
      Regular Handbag Section  1  can be further compartmentalized by a stiff color-contrasting center “free-standing” pocket  15 . Pocket  15  can run the full width of the Regular Handbag Section  1 . Pocket  15  should be large enough to hold personal items such as cosmetics, lotion, sun block, lip balm or other such effects. The left edge, right edge, and bottom of pocket  15  are tightly seamed into bag lining  18 . Pocket  15  can be accessed, for example, by zipper  16  located at the top opening of pocket  15 . Zipper  16  can be matching in color to pocket  15 ; however, pull tab  54  to zipper  16  can be in bold color-contrast to pocket  15  and zipper  16 .  
      While described mainly herein as color-contrast compartments, the present invention can further comprise texture contrast and orientation contrast compartments. The texture contrast compartments or sub-compartments utilize different materials that allow the user to distinguish the compartments or sub-compartments by touch. The orientation contrast compartments or sub-compartments can include staggering or cascading the compartments or sub-compartments, while additionally varying the sub-compartment sizes to enable the user to better distinguish between the compartments or sub-compartments of the present invention. Accordingly, any reference to color-contrast within this description can also include, in an alternative embodiment, texture contrast and orientation contrast.  
      Pocket  15  can be color-contrasting; therefore providing visual, as well as physical, compartmentalization. Visual compartmentalization can be a vital tool for the sight-impaired user, allowing for organized storage of and access to items. With color contrast pocket  15 , the present invention enables the user to “see” individual sub-compartments, for example, sub-compartments  14 ,  15  and  17 ; whereas, with monochromatic bags, the user “sees” only one indistinguishable compartment. For example and not limitation, sub-compartment  14  can be positioned between pouch  51  and pocket  15 ; sub-compartment  15  can be positioned between sub-compartment  14  and sub-compartment  17 ; and sub-compartment  17  can be positioned between sub-compartment  15  and pocket  19 . The user chooses similar items for storage in each sub-compartment; thereby, organizing items for easy retrieval. For example, in one embodiment, the arrangement of personal items can be to store a wallet and a checkbook in sub-compartment  14 , cosmetics and the like in sub-compartment  15 , glasses and collapsible visual-aid cane in sub-compartment  17 . Additionally, pocket  15  can be texture contrasting or orientation contrasting, including staggering or cascading in arrangement.  
      Additional pocket  19  with bold contrast zipper access  20  for small items can be seamed within lining  18  of back panel  94  of the Regular Handbag Section  1 .  
      Pocket  84  can be in stark color contrast to lining  18  and can be attached to back panel  94  of the Regular Handbag Section  1 . Pocket  84  can be created using standard methods and can have a top opening access. Pocket  84  can be large enough to store, for example, a cellular phone.  
      Key retainer  88  can be located on back panel  94  of Regular Handbag Section  1  and can comprise a body  89 , a body half-snap  90  and keyholder mechanism  92 , all of which can be detachable from back panel  94 . Receptacle half-snap  91  can be attached to back panel  94  lining  18 . Key retainer body  89  can be of sturdy material in stark color contrast to lining  18 . Keyholder mechanism  92  can be in the form of a coiled loop and can be attached to retainer body  89  using methods well known in the art.  
      Locating keys or cell-phones in a non-compartmentalized bag can be difficult, even for a person without sight impairment. The present invention provides a specific location for these items so the user knows exactly where they are. No frantic search is required.  
      As can be seen in  FIGS. 6-8 , an alternative embodiment of Regular Handbag Section  1  can comprise the aforementioned seven sub-compartments ( 14 ,  15 ,  17 ,  19 ,  51 ,  84  and  88 ) and can incorporate a built-in wallet  55  by hingedly attaching outer panel  87  onto panel  10  of pouch  51 . In this embodiment, receptacle half-snap  52  can be attached to outer panel  87 , rather than to pouch panel  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Built-in wallet  55  can be accessed by hidden single-pull zipper  61 . When zipped closed, outer panel  87  safely conceals items secured within. When unzipped for use, outer panel  87  can fold out to display upper level  82 , lower level  83  and a plurality of color-blocked sub-compartments. Built-in wallet  55  can be lined with well-padded, stiff, sturdy and waterproof material  18 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , one embodiment of built-in wallet  55  upper level  82  can comprise a series of color-blocked top-access sleeves and pockets, preferably nine (four money sleeves, one zippered pocket, and four coin pockets). The sleeves and pockets can provide for separate storage by denomination of paper currency and coins, and can, as well, provide a zippered pocket for receipts and other such items. The aforementioned sleeves and pockets can be positioned so that top accesses are parallel to top edge of level  82 .  
      Money sleeves  56 ,  57 ,  58 , and  59  can be constructed of four equal-sized panels of suitable material with each consecutive layer in stark color-contrast to the layer beneath. Each sleeve can be provided for an individual denomination of paper currency. Layers of color-blocked panels (sleeves  56 - 59 ) can be attached in a terraced manner. For instance, sleeve  56 , in color-contrast to lining  18 , can be attached on its left, right and bottom edges to lining  18  so that its top-access is very near the top edge of upper level  82 . Additionally, the money sleeve  57  (in stark color-contrast to  56 ) can be placed atop sleeve  56  so that left and right edges are aligned; sleeve  57 , however, can be positioned slightly closer to bottom edge of upper level  82  than sleeve  56 . The left, right, and bottom edges of  57  are attached to left and right edges of  56  with sleeve  57  bottom edge attached to lining  18 . Sleeves  58  and  59  are attached in similar fashion with each sleeve in sharp color contrast to the layer beneath. This staggering, or terraced-effect, of the color-blocked sleeves accentuates color-contrast of the top opening of each sleeve against the layer beneath. Money sleeves  56 - 59 , in an exemplary embodiment, can be large enough to store paper currency. By providing separate storage by denomination, the present invention enables the visually-impaired person to easily organize currency so that the user knows exactly what amount he or she is accessing.  
      Pocket  62  can be a zippered, top-access pocket and can be constructed by attaching together, on left, right and bottom edges, two equal-sized panels of sturdy material using standard methods. Pocket  62  must be sturdy enough to support a plurality of pockets. For instance, coin pockets  63 ,  64 ,  65 , and  66  can be attached to outer panel of pocket  62 . Pocket  62  can be in sharp color-contrast to and layered nearly on top of money sleeve  59  (again in a terraced fashion to accentuate color-contrast). This pocket  62  can be large enough to store receipts and other such items. In this embodiment, pocket  62  with its zippered access can provide a tactile barrier between paper money sleeves  56 - 59  and coin pockets  63 - 66 . The tactile variation of pocket  62  can be a vital sub-compartment orientation tool for the visually-impaired user.  
      Upper level  82  can also comprise of individual top-access coin pockets. In an exemplary embodiment, four coin pockets  63 - 66  provide separate storage of coins by denomination. The coin pockets can  63 - 66  be of suitable materials and constructed in standard pocket formats. Coin pockets  63 - 66  can be in stark color-contrast to and attached to outer panel of pocket  62 . Coin pockets  63 - 66  can be positioned atop the outer panel of pocket  62  in a side-by-side manner, allowing enough space between each pocket to accentuate color-contrast to  62 . In this manner, pocket  62  “frames” each coin pocket visually. Each of the pockets  63 ,  64 ,  65 , and  66  can employ a Velcro® flap top closure  96 ,  97 ,  98  and  99 , respectively. Coins, especially nickels and quarters, can be difficult to distinguish for the visually-impaired. This feature of built-in wallet  55  provides a convenient way to organize coins by type.  
      Pen holder  67  can be of suitable materials and can be attached in fold between upper level  82  and lower level  83 . Position of pen holder  67  can be such that when a pen is secured, said pen is parallel to top and bottom edges of upper level  82  and lower level  83  of built-in wallet  55 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 8 , built-in wallet  55  lower level  83  can comprise a removable checkbook cover  69 , removable checkbook cover sleeve  68  and credit card/identification area  100 .  
      Checkbook cover  69  can be in stark color-contrast to lining  18  and constructed of sturdy material in a design well known in the art. Checkbook cover sleeve  68  can be in stark color-contrast to lining  18 . Sleeve  68  can be made into said lining and can be positioned so that opening is close to pen holder  67  and parallel to top and bottom edges of lower level  83 . The sleeve  68  can be deep enough, tight enough and sturdy enough to secure the back panel of cover  69  and keep a checkbook held firmly in place. When checkbook cover  69  can be stored in sleeve  68 , it can conceal and protect items stored within credit card/identification area  100 .  
      Credit card/identification area  100  can be of stark color-contrast material to lining  18  and can be comprised of a plurality of sleeves  70  (designed to store credit cards, insurance cards and the like) and photo identification card pocket  80  with laminate window  81 . Area  100  can be attached to lower level  83  lining  18  by standard techniques and can be positioned so that checkbook cover  69  conceals said area when stored in sleeve  68 . In one embodiment, credit card sleeves  70  can be positioned on area  100  left side with sleeves opening toward left edge of lower level  83 . In the same embodiment, ID pocket  80  and laminate ID window  81  can be positioned on area  100  right side. ID pocket  80  can employ a top opening parallel with level  83  top and bottom edges.  
      Keeping track of one&#39;s personal finances is important for everyone. For one who is visually impaired, this ordinary task can be tricky and frustrating, at best. In a worst case scenario, one can lose money. Organization is crucial for those visually-impaired. In this embodiment of section  1  with built-in wallet  55 , the present invention provides “intelligent” sub-compartments in a streamlined design, giving the visually-impaired person more control and confidence when it is time to pay via cash, check or charge card.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2, 4 ,  5 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 , the organizer section  2  can comprise a sealable access  11 ,  12 , and various sub-compartments.  
      The Diabetes Section  2  can be accessed with a double-pull zipper  11 . When zipped closed, flap  12  discreetly and chicly conceals and protects the various diabetes supplies secured within compartment  2 . Diabetes Section  2  should be large enough to secure and protect required supplies without crowding when section  2  is zipped closed.  
      The Diabetes Section  2  double-pull zipper  11  should extend far enough on the underside of section  2  so that when unzipped and folded out, flap  12  remains open and bag  60  does not collapse onto itself. When opened for use, Diabetes Section  2  displays specifically-designed sub-compartments in which to secure and make readily accessible necessary diabetes monitoring supplies.  
      Diabetes Section  2  can be lined with well-padded, stiff, sturdy and waterproof material  18  to protect and support the various monitors and accessories within. Lining  18  should be stiff and strong enough to enable compartment  2  to remain upright and stable when the diabetes monitoring equipment is in use and to retain its shape over time with repeated heavy usage.  
      Diabetes Section  2  sub-compartments are in stark color-contrast to lining  18  to act as a visual aid and organizational tool. Two possible embodiments of Diabetes Section  2  are discussed. References such as “a preferred embodiment,” “preferably,” and other such terms will signify the embodiment illustrated by  FIGS. 4 and 5 . All references to “an alternative embodiment,” “alternatively,” and other such terms designate the embodiment illustrated by  FIGS. 9, 10  and  11 . In the absence of embodiment-specific reference, stated feature(s) apply to either embodiment.  
      Area  22  designates numerous layered, stretch-fabric pockets, preferably five, in stark color contrast to lining color  18 . Area  22  can be located on the left side of upper level  39  of Diabetes Section  2 . Area  22  can be comprised of a plurality of pockets. For instance, five individual pockets  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 , and  27  can comprise area  22 . Pockets  23 - 27  are made by attaching three layers of monochromatic stretchy material to lining  18 , with each layer seamed directly atop the left, right, and bottom seams of the previous layer. Pockets  23 - 27  employ top-opening access. All three layers are of equal width with each consecutive layer cut shorter than the previous one. Layer one (pocket  23 ) can be the tallest layer; layer two (pockets  24  and  25 ) can be slightly shorter than layer one; layer three (pockets  26  and  27 ) can be the shortest layer of all three. This layering of varying height fabric (area  22 ) allows the visually-impaired user to “feel” the different pockets more easily. In a preferred embodiment, area  22  can be positioned so that said pockets are separated from Area  53 . In an alternative embodiment, area  22  can be positioned so that area  53  overlaps  22  when in a first position.  
      Pocket  23  (layer one of area  22 ) can be attached to lining  18 . Pocket  23  should be large enough to secure supplies, such as a daily glucose logbook, a memo pad, and the like. Pockets  23  and  47  are designed to hold similar items. This allows the visually-impaired user to store similarly constructed, “visually confusing” items (i.e. logbook, memo pad) in separate, different sub-compartments (i.e. stretch-fabric pocket  23  or clear, flex-plastic sleeve  47 ).  
      Layer two (mid-length layer of area  22 ) can be riveted atop pocket  23 . Pockets  24  and  25  are created with a center seam attaching layer two (pockets  24  and  25 ) to layer one (pocket  23 ). Pockets  24  and  25  are edged with bold, color-contrast material  28  to allow the visually-impaired user to “see” said pockets. Pockets  24  and  25  should be large enough to secure supplies, such as a pill case, a glucose tab vial, a Glucagon Emergency Kit, and the like. If the user requires more room than pockets  24  and  25  allow, pocket  30  can be used for overflow.  
      Layer three (shortest layer of area  22 ) can be riveted atop layers one and two. Pockets  26  and  27  are created with a center seam attaching layer three (pockets  26  and  27 ) to layers two (pockets  24  and  25 ) and one (pocket  23 ). Pockets  26  and  27  are edged with bold, color-contrast material  28  to allow the visually-impaired user to “see” said pockets. Pockets  26  and  27  should be large enough to hold additional supplies, such as packets of artificial sweetener, sugarless mints/gum, antacids, and the like.  
      Pocket  23  does not require bold, color-contrast edging  28  because Pocket  23  can be layered directly onto the color-contrasting lining  18 . Pockets  24  through  27  require bold edging  28  because they are layered against matching fabric.  
      Area  53  can be located on the right side of upper level  39  of the Diabetes Section  2 , and can be comprised of three pockets, pockets  30 ,  46  (a or b) and  47 . In a preferred embodiment, area  53  pockets can be separately constructed in the following order: top pocket  30 , middle pocket  46 a and bottom pocket  47 . Area  53  pockets can be positioned so that the pockets are separated from area  22 . In an alternative embodiment, area  53  pockets can be constructed so that the three pockets are attached to each other in the following order: top pocket  47 , middle pocket  30 , and bottom pocket  46 b. Area  53  pockets can be positioned so that said pockets fold over (overlap) area  22  when in first position.  
      Pocket  30  can be a clear plastic swing-out pocket comprised of two clear plastic panels seamed together in standard pocket format. Pocket  30  can be seamed into lining  18  on the right side alone, allowing the pocket to swing out to the right of the bag  60 . The other three sides of pocket  30  are enclosed, as follows: top and bottom edges of top panel are seamed to coordinating clear plastic bottom panel; left edge can be color-contrast zipper-access  31  to pocket  30 . Pocket  30  should be large enough to hold supplies, such as standard syringes, replacement needles for Flexpen insulin syringes, lancets, cotton balls, alcohol swabs, and the like. Also, pocket  30  may be used for overflow from pockets  24  and  25 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, top pocket  30  swings out to the right of the handbag  60  to allow easy access to pockets  46 a and  47 . In an alternative embodiment, middle pocket  30  is the support pocket with top pocket  47  attached to pocket  30  top panel and bottom pocket  46   b  attached to  30  bottom panel. In this embodiment, all three pockets ( 47 ,  30  and  46   b ) swing out to the right of handbag  60  to allow access to area  22  pockets.  
      In a preferred embodiment, middle pocket  46 a can be a webbed mesh, top-access pocket in stark color-contrast to lining  18 . Pocket  46   a  can be located beneath pocket  30  and can be accessed when  30  swings out to the right of the handbag  60 . Right, left, and bottom edges of pocket  46   a  are aligned and attached to the corresponding edges of pocket  47  and to bag lining  18 . The top edge opening of pocket  46 a can be comprised of thick, tight elastic to keep supplies stored securely within pocket  46   a . Pocket  46   a  does not need color-contrast edging because its placement can be such that it can be in sharp contrast to lining  18 .  
      In an alternative embodiment, bottom pocket  46   b  can be a removable, zipper-access pocket and can be in stark color-contrast to Pocket  30 . Pocket  46   b  can be constructed of two panels of solid (non-mesh) and easy-to-clean material in a standard self-contained pocket format. Pocket  46   b  can allow for zipper access on one side. A velcro strip  102  can be attached to backside of pocket  46   b  and coordinating a velcro strip  103  can be attached to backside of Pocket  30 . Pocket  46   b  can thus be secured within upper level  39  of area  53  by mating the coordinating Velcro strips ( 102  and  103 ). Removable pocket  46   b  conveniently facilitates disposal of trash. Pocket  46   b  does not need color-contrast edging because its placement can be such that it can be in sharp contrast to pocket  30 . Pocket  46   b  can be accessed when area  53  pockets swing out to the right of handbag  60 .  
      In either embodiment, pocket  46   a  or  46   b  should be large enough to hold supplies, such as a small tissue pack, used supplies (e.g. trash) to be kept separate from fresh (ready-to-use) supplies, and the like. It can be difficult for the visually-impaired user to distinguish between fresh (i.e. unused) and used supplies. The present invention preferably provides pocket  46   a  or, alternatively, pocket  46   b  for easy isolation of refuse.  
      Pocket  47  of area  53  can be a clear flex-plastic, top-access pocket (sleeve). Pocket  47  can be created by attaching left, right and bottom edges of a piece of laminate to an underlying surface.  
      In a preferred embodiment, bottom Pocket  47  can be located beneath pockets  30  and  46   a  and attached to lining  18 . Pocket  47  can be accessed when pocket  30  swings out to the right of the bag  60 . Pocket  47  has a bold edging  48  in sharp color-contrast to lining  18 .  
      In an alternative embodiment, top pocket  47  can be attached by its left, right, and bottom edges to Pocket  30  front panel. Bold edging  48  can be in sharp color-contrast to Pocket  30 .  
      In either embodiment, pocket  47  should be large enough to secure any of the following supplies: daily glucose logbook, memo pad or other similar items. Pockets  23  and  47  are designed to hold similar items. This allows the visually-impaired user to store similarly constructed, “visually confusing” items (logbook, memo pad) in separate, different sub-compartments (stretch-fabric pocket  23  or clear, flex-plastic sleeve  47 ).  
      Band  29  can be an elastic band pen holder in stark color-contrast to lining  18 . Band  29  keeps a pen handy for recording blood glucose levels in the daily logbook. Elastic band  29  should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. Band  29  can be positioned so that when the pen is secured, the pen can be parallel to the left and right edges of Diabetes Section  2 , upper level  39 . Right and left edges of band  29  are seamed into lining  18  using conventional methods. Band  29  can be positioned between areas  22  and  53  in a preferred embodiment or, alternatively, between area  53  and the right edge of upper level  39 . This placement of band  29  can be conveniently located between or adjacent to the two possible storage sub-compartments for the glucose daily logbook (pocket  23  of area  22 , or pocket  47  of area  53 ).  
      Bands  33 ,  34 ,  35 , and  36  can be a plurality of elastic bands, preferably four, on lower level  40  of Diabetes Section  2 . In an alternative embodiment, two bands ( 33 ,  34 ) are employed. Bands  33 - 36  are in stark color-contrast to lining  18  and are designed for storage of conventional insulin vials that are currently in use. These bands  33 - 36  and pocket  41   a  (preferably) or  41   b  and  41   c  (alternatively) are not for long-term storage of unopened insulin vials. Unopened, dormant insulin vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between approximately 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees Celsius.) Bands  33 - 36  should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. Bands  33 - 36  should have enough slack and tension to secure insulin vials without slippage or breakage.  
      Bands  33 - 36  are formed by attaching, by conventional means, elastic strips to lining  18 , lower level  40  of Diabetes Section  2 . There should be enough space between the elastic strips and the top and bottom edges of Diabetes Section  2  lower level  40  to allow for easy storage of insulin vials. Each elastic strip can be seamed into lining  18  at the left and right edges of said strip. There can be a wide variety of insulin and insulin-delivery systems. User may require more than one type of insulin and insulin-delivery system. These bands are for storage of conventional (not pre-filled) insulin vials to be used in conjunction with standard syringes stored in pocket  30 . The present invention allows the visually-impaired user to safely store the different kinds of insulin and delivery systems in separate compartments ( 30 ,  33 - 36  and area  41 ).  
      Area  41  can be Pocket  41   a  (in a preferred embodiment), a webbed mesh top-access pocket or, alternatively, pockets  41   b  and  41   c . Pockets  41   b  and  41   c  can be stiff, sturdy (non-mesh) fitted pockets. In either embodiment, area  41  pockets can be in stark color-contrast to lining  18  and can be located on Diabetes Section  2  lower level  40 .  
      Preferably,  41   a  can be large enough for storage of any of the following supplies: Flexpen (pre-filled) insulin syringes, air-pressure injection system or other similar items.  
      Alternatively,  41   b  and  41   c  can each be fitted to store a single Flexpen (pre-filled) insulin syringes only. Bands  33 - 36  and area  41  pockets are not intended for long-term storage of unopened insulin vials. Unopened, dormant insulin vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between approximately 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit or between approximately 2-8 degrees Celsius. As previously stated, there can be a wide variety of insulin and insulin-delivery systems. User may require more than one type of insulin and insulin-delivery system. The present invention allows the visually-impaired user to safely store the different kinds of insulin and delivery systems in separate compartments ( 30 ,  33 - 36  and area  41 ).  
      In a preferred embodiment, left, right and bottom edges of  41   a  (or alternatively,  41   b  and  41   c ) should be seamed into lining  18  with bottom edge of said pocket(s) near bottom edge of lower flap  40 . Preferably, top edge (opening) of  41   a  can be constructed of wide, tight elastic to allow for the firm securing of supplies. As an alternative embodiment, Pockets  41   b  and  41   c  can be constructed of sturdy material and can be form-fitting to pre-filled insulin syringes. The placement of pocket(s)  41   a  or  41   b  and  41   c  can be such that the top opening can be toward the top edge of lower level  40  (center seam of Diabetes Section  2 ). Such placement dictates that area  41  pockets and their contents are upside down when the Diabetes Section  2  is zipped closed. This upside-down placement can be optimal for the visually-impaired user as it inhibits losing supplies. In this placement, if supplies become dislodged from area  41  pockets, they are more likely to remain within the Diabetes Section  2 . If area  41  pockets were placed in the opposite direction (with the opening toward the bottom edge of flap  40 ), dislodged supplies can easily fall to the floor when Diabetes Section  2  is opened for use. Losing, damaging, or misplacing items is a common problem for those of us with visual impairment and can be made worse if the user can be accessing supplies in a dark and/or loud environment, where neither “sees” nor “hears” items falling to the floor. The present invention offers extra security for the safe-keeping of medical necessities.  
      Opening  37  can be a sleeve-opening for the underlying pocket  38  devised to house a gel icepack to keep medical supplies cool, if necessary. Sleeve-opening  37  and pocket  38  are of thick, waterproof fabric in stark color-contrast to lining  18 .  
      Pocket  38  can be located beneath the lining  18  of the insulin storage areas (bands  33 - 36  and pockets  41   a  or  41   b  and  41 c), between said lining  18  and the exterior flap  12  of the Diabetes Section  2 . Sleeve-opening access  37  can be on right edge of the lower flap  40  of the Diabetes Section  2 . Not all insulin requires refrigeration (user should check insulin insert); however, if the environment in which the user conducts daily activities steadily remains above approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius, the user should keep insulin cool with a gel icepack. The present invention allows for such. The use of a gel icepack in pocket  38  can be used to cool currently in-use vials of insulin and does not provide adequate “refrigeration” for long-term storage of unopened insulin. Unopened, dormant insulin vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between approximately  36  -  46  degrees Fahrenheit or approximately 2-8 degrees Celsius.  
      Pocket  42  can be a sturdy, waterproof, rectangular fabric pocket with Velcro-closure top flap  43 . Pocket  42  can be located near bottom edge of Diabetes Section  2  lower flap  40  and can be in stark color-contrast to lining  18 . Pocket  42  can be designed to secure a glucose monitoring device. Velcro®-closure flap  43  can be edged in bold, color-contrast material  44  to allow the user to “see” opening  43  of pocket  42  for easy access to monitor within. The placement of pocket  42  can be such that the Velcro®-closure flap can be toward the top edge of lower level  40  (center seam of Diabetes Section  2 ). Such placement dictates that sub-compartment  42  and its contents are upside down when Diabetes Section  2  can be zipped closed. As stated previously concerning pocket  41 , this placement of  42  can be beneficial to the sight-impaired diabetic. Supplies are more likely to remain within Diabetes Section  2  with pocket  42  Velcro®-closure top flap  43  opening toward the interior of Diabetes Section  2 .  
      Band  32  can be elastic band (loop) designed to secure a blood glucose test strip vial. Elastic band  32  can be in stark, color-contrast to lining  18  and should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and strong enough to withstand repeated heavy usage. Because blood glucose test strips are used in conjunction with the blood glucose monitoring device (stored in pocket  42 ) and the blood-letting device (stored in band  45 ), placement of band  32  can be at the top of pocket  42  and to the top right of band  45 . The right and left edges of band  32  can be riveted to lining  18  so that the test strip vial, when secured in band  32 , can be generally parallel to top edges of Diabetes Section  2  lower level  40  and Velcro®-closure flap  43  to pocket  42 .  
      Band  45  can be an elastic band (loop) designed for storage of blood-letting device. Band  45  can be in stark, color-contrast to lining  18  and should be thick enough (at least 3 cm) and strong enough to withstand repeated heavy usage. Because the blood-letting device can be used in conjunction with the blood glucose test strips (stored in band  32 ) and blood glucose monitoring device (stored in pocket  42 ), placement of band  45  can be at the left side of pocket  42  and to the lower left of band  32 . The right and left edges of band  45  are riveted to lining  18  so that the blood-letting device, when secured in band  45 , is generally parallel to the left edges of Diabetes Section  2  lower level  40  and pocket  42 .  
      While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims.