Patent Publication Number: US-2005121121-A1

Title: Multi-functional carrying bag

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a multi-functional carrying bag having multiple storage compartments for storing of monetary items, and various personal accessories and articles, such as eyeglasses, a cell phone, credit cards, a wallet, a mirror, a date planner, a key chain, a pen holder, coins and paper currency, a pager, a flashlight and the like.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Carrying bags, tote bags, activity bags, utility bags and the like are well known in the art and are continually being changed, modified and adapted to meet the changing needs of users. Such carrying bags are used daily by individuals traveling to school, work, office, beaches, parks, vacations, business trips, etc., taking along various accessories, personal articles and toiletries, out of necessity, for convenience, or for comfort, in order to have these necessary items for travel. Keeping them organized can be a nuisance but a necessity for “peace of mind”, in order for the user to know where the essential articles are being stored. Thus, the journey itself is often made unpleasant by the task of transporting disorganized, different sized, multiple articles, which are not stored within a predetermined storage compartment of the carrying bag.  
      There remains a need for a multi-functional carrying bag having multiple storage compartments for storing and holding the necessary personal articles and accessories the user needs when traveling. Further, it would be desirable to have a carrying bag with multiple pockets and storage areas shaped for holding specific articles and accessories of different sizes in a secure manner and that allows ease of accessibility.  
     DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART  
      Activity bags, purses, tote bags, utility bags, carrying bags, multipocket carrying cases, mobile computing bags and the like having multiple compartments and having various designs, configurations, structures and materials of construction have been generally disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,769 to FRANCO et al. discloses an activity bag system having an outer carrying bag with multiple interchangeable inner containers carried one at a time within the outer carrying bag. The activity bag system also includes a container storage cover for each inner container which also serves as a partition for the outer carrying bag. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, structure and configuration of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,874 to CHARTIER discloses a convertible purse and tote bag being in the form of a small, flat purse or wallet, having internal compartments with closeable openings adapted for holding and carrying a variety of small personal articles, such as keys, change, passports and the like. The flat purse also includes a larger tote bag attached to the purse in a flat, folded condition and contained entirely within one of the compartments. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, structure and configuration of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,215 to MACIEOWITZ discloses a utility bag having a recessed compartment and a carrier bag having a self-supporting smaller bag. The smaller bag is used for accessories and has a closeable opening which is readily accessible to a user through the mouth of the carrier bag. The smaller bag acts a security purse because it is essentially invisible. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, structure and configuration of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,504 to FARMER discloses a carrying bag formed of flexible material having an upper compartment and a lower compartment separated by a dividing wall. The carrying bag includes a zippered closure extending around three sides of the bag which allows access to the lower compartment and permits the upper compartment to be pivoted away from the lower compartment. The lower compartment includes a unitary, divided tray for storing of articles therein. A detachable article, such as a wearable pouch, is also included to one side of the bag by means of quick-release clip locks. The pouch includes a pocket for storing a strap assembly which may be deployed around the waist of a user in order to convert the pouch to a fanny pack. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, structure and configuration of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,336 to KING discloses a lightweight, flexible and machine washable convertible organizer tote bag that has three basic carrying portions, a central U-shaped or sling compartment and two side storage panels on either side of the tote bag. The bag also readily converts from its tote bag conformation to a seat cover for use on chairs, chaises, and the like. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, structure and configuration of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,477 to TRUMMER discloses a mobile computer carrying bag for receiving a portable personal computer. The carrying bag is configurable to be carried in a briefcase mode, a shoulder bag mode and a backpack mode. The carrying bag includes other interior compartments for holding accessories and appliances within the carrying bag. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design, structure and configuration of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention.  
      None of the aforementioned prior art patents disclose or teach the features shown in the design, configuration and structure of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention having a plurality of storage compartments for holding and/or storing accessories, such items being a cell phone, eyeglasses, a wallet, a notebook, a key chain having keys thereon, a mirror, a calculator, a ballpoint pen, credit cards and the like.  
      Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a unique and novel multi-functional carrying bag having center, front, rear and side storage compartments for holding and storing of a variety of accessories, personal articles, toiletries and cosmetics.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional carrying bag having a zippered center storage compartment with a center interior storage pouch for storing and holding coins and paper currency.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional carrying bag having a pair of zippered upper and lower front storage compartments, wherein the upper front storage compartment is used for holding credit cards and a mirror within a card holder member, a pen within a pen holder and a removable keychain ring for holding keys; and wherein the lower front storage compartment is used for holding a wallet and a calculator.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional carrying bag having a zippered rear storage compartment used for storing and holding an address book/notebook and/or date planner.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional carrying bag having a pair of side storage compartments, wherein one of the side storage compartments includes a removable eyeglass zippered pouch for holding sunglasses or eyeglasses therein; and wherein the other side storage compartment is used for storing and holding a cell phone, a beeper or other appropriate accessories therein.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a unique and novel multi-functional carrying bag that is easy to use that allows for ease of accessibility and is made from flexible and cleanable materials for extended use.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional carrying bag that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-functional carrying bag including a center storage compartment for forming a center interior storage space therein; the top wall having an opening for access to the center interior storage space. The carrying bag further includes an upper front storage compartment for forming an upper interior storage space and a lower front storage compartment for forming a lower interior storage space therein. The carrying bag also includes a rear storage compartment for forming a rear interior storage space therein; a first side storage compartment for forming a first side interior storage space therein; and a second side storage compartment for forming a second side interior storage space therein. The rear wall of the upper front storage compartment forms the front wall of the center storage compartment. The top wall of the lower front storage compartment forms the bottom wall of the center storage compartment; and the rear wall of the lower front storage compartment forms a part of the rear wall of the rear storage compartment. A part of the rear wall of the rear storage compartment forms a part of the rear wall of the center storage compartment. The interior wall of each of the first and second side storage compartments forms the opposing side walls of the center storage compartment. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the carrying bag in a closed configuration;  
       FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the carrying bag in an opened configuration;  
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing the carrying bag in a closed configuration;  
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing the carrying bag in an opened configuration;  
       FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing the carrying bag in a closed configuration;  
       FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing the carrying bag in an opened configuration;  
       FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing a bottom panel, a left side panel and a front panel having two storage compartments therein;  
       FIG. 8  is an exploded top perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing multiple accessories being stored in corresponding storage compartments;  
       FIG. 9  is an exploded front perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing multiple accessories being stored in corresponding storage compartments;  
       FIG. 10  is an exploded rear perspective view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention showing multiple accessories being stored in corresponding storage compartments;  
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention taken along lines  11 - 11  in the direction of the arrows showing the multiple storage compartments within the carrying bag;  
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention taken along lines  12 - 12  in the direction of the arrows showing a first side storage compartment and magnetic bar elements of a magnetic closure member for closing the side storage compartment within the carrying bag; and  
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the multi-functional carrying bag of the present invention taken along lines  13 - 13  in the direction of the arrows showing a second side storage compartment and magnetic bar elements of a magnetic closure member for closing the side storage compartment within the carrying bag. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      A multi-functional carrying bag  10  having multiple storage compartments, pouches and pockets is represented in detail by  FIGS. 1 through 13  of the patent drawings. The multiple storage compartments, pouches, sleeves and pockets of carrying bag  10  are used for storing and holding various accessories, personal articles, cosmetics or toiletries, such as eyeglasses or sunglasses  14  within an eyeglass case  15 ; a wallet  16 ; a day planner, an address book or notebook  18 ; a key chain  20  having keys  22  thereon; a ballpoint pen  24 ; paper currency  28  or coins  30 ; a credit card  32 ; a calculator  34 ; a cosmetic case or lipstick case  36 ; a mini-flashlight  38 ; and the like. The multi-functional carrying bag can be used by men or women throughout the year for traveling to work, school and/or vacations for transporting the aforementioned various personal accessories, personal articles, cosmetics or toiletries in an organized manner.  
      The carrying bag  10  includes a flexible and pliable main bag body  40  having a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in FIGS.  1 , 3 , 5  and  7  of the drawings. The main bag body  40  includes a center body section  42 ; a front body section  44 ; a rear body section  46 ; a left side body section  48 ; a right side body section  50 ; and a bottom body section  52 . The center body section  42 , as shown in  FIG. 1, 2  and  8 , includes a center storage compartment  60  having a top zipper member  62  thereon.  
      The center storage compartment  60 , as shown in  FIGS. 2, 8  and  11 , includes a front wall  64 , a rear wall  66 , side walls  68  and  70 , a top wall  71  and a bottom wall  72  for forming a center interior storage space  74  therein. The rear wall  66 , a shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , includes an inner storage pouch  76  having a pouch zipper member  78  thereon. The inner storage pouch  76  includes a pouch receiving space  79  therein. The center interior storage space  74  of the center storage compartment  60  can typically hold and store larger or bulkier personal items, accessories, cosmetics or toiletries, such as a paperback book, a cosmetic traveling case, etc. The inner storage pouch  76  can be used for storing and holding the user&#39;s paper currency  28  and coins  30  therein, as shown in  FIG. 8  of the drawings.  
      The front body section  44 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 ,  8 ,  9  and  11  of the drawings, includes an upper front storage compartment  80  having an upper front zipper member  82  thereon and a lower front storage compartment  110  having a lower front zipper member  112  thereon. The upper front storage compartment  80 , as shown in  FIGS. 2, 4 ,  8 ,  9  and  11 , includes a top wall  83 , a front wall  84 , a rear wall  86 , a left expandable side wall  88 , a right expandable side wall  90 , and a bottom wall  91  for forming an upper interior storage space  92  therein. The rear wall  86 , as shown in  FIGS. 2, 8 , and  11 , includes a card sleeve member  94  having a plurality of sleeve receiving slots  96   a  to  96   d  for receiving one or more credit cards  32  therein. The rear wall  86  also includes a pen holder sleeve  98  having a sleeve opening  100  for holding the ballpoint pen  24  therethrough. The rear wall  86  further includes a holding strap  102  with a key O-ring  104  attached thereto for attaching and holding the key chain  20  having keys  22  thereon. The right folding or expandable side wall  90 , as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 8 , includes a mirror holding strap  106  having a first end  107   a  and a second end  107   b  and a mirror frame  108  thereon. The first end  107   a  of the mirror holding strap  106  is fixedly attached to a centrally-located position  109  on the right expandable side wall  90  and the second end  107   b  of the mirror holding strap  106  is attached to the mirror frame  108  having the mirror  26  therein. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mirror  26  with mirror frame  108  is received and held within one of the sleeve receiving slots  96   d  of the card sleeve member  94  for storage when not in use.  
      The lower front storage compartment  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1, 3 ,  4 ,  9  and  11 , includes a top wall  114 , a front wall  115 , a bottom wall  116 , a left side wall  118 , a right side wall  120  and a rear wall  122  for forming a lower interior storage space  124  therein. The lower interior storage space  124  of the lower front storage compartment  110  is used for holding a wallet  16  or checkbook case and the like, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9  of the drawings. The bottom wall  116 , as depicted in  FIG. 9 , includes a sleeve pouch  126  having a sleeve opening  128  therethrough for receiving a calculator  34  therein.  
      The rear body section  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 2, 3 ,  5 ,  6   8 ,  10  and  11  of the drawings, includes a rear storage compartment  130  having a rear zipper member  132  thereon. The rear storage compartment  130 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5, 6  and  10 , includes a front wall  134 , a top wall  136 , a rear wall  138 , a left side wall  140 , a right side wall  142  and a bottom wall  144  for forming a rear interior storage space  146  therein. The rear interior storage space  146  is used for holding a day planner  18 , a notebook, an address book, a paperback novel and the like therein. The rear interior storage space  146  of the rear storage compartment  130  can also hold and store larger or bulkier personal items, accessories, cosmetics and toiletries, such as a small tool kit, a first aid kit, sewing kit, etc.  
      The left side body section  48 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  8 ,  10  and  12  of the drawings, includes a first side storage compartment  150  having a first magnetic closure member  152  thereon. The first side storage compartment  150  includes an exterior side wall  154 , an interior wall  156 , a front side wall  158 , a rear side wall  160  and a bottom side wall  162  for forming a first side interior storage space  164  therein. The first magnetic closure member  152  includes a first magnetic bar  155  sewn within an upper section  154   s  of the exterior side wall  154  and a second magnetic bar  157  sewn within an upper section  156   s  of the interior wall  156  of the first side storage compartment  150 , as depicted in  FIGS. 6, 8  and  9  of the drawings. The exterior side wall  154  further includes a first belt holding loop  166  also being sewn within the upper section  154   s  of the exterior side wall  154 . The first belt holding loop  166  is used for attaching to a first belt buckle member  168  having a tine component  169  thereon, as depicted in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The first side interior storage space  164  is used for holding an electronic accessory such as a cell phone  12 , a beeper, a PDA unit, a pocket camera and the like, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  of the drawings.  
      The right side body section  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 ,  7  through  9  and  13  of the drawings, includes a second side storage compartment  170  having a second magnetic closure member  172  thereon. The second side storage compartment  170  includes an exterior side wall  174 , an interior wall  176 , a front side wall  178 , a rear side wall  180  and a bottom side wall  182  for forming a second side interior storage space  184  therein. The second magnetic closure member  172  includes a first magnetic bar  175  sewn within an upper section  174   s  of the exterior side wall  174  and a second magnetic bar  177  sewn within an upper section  176   s  of the interior wall  176  of the second side storage compartment  170 , as shown in  FIG. 4  of the drawings. The exterior side wall  174  further includes a second belt holding loop  186  also being sewn within the upper section  174   s  of the exterior side wall  174 . The second belt holding loop  186  is used for attaching to a second belt buckle member  188  having a tine component  189  thereon, as depicted in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The second side interior storage space  184  is used for holding of an eyeglass case  15  having eyeglasses or sunglasses  14  therein.  
      The bottom body section  52 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , includes a bottom wall  54  having a plurality of foot members  56   a,    56   b,    56   c  and  56   d  thereon. The bottom wall  54  is made of a semi-rigid material for providing the carrying case  10  structural integrity.  
      The first and second belt buckle members  168  and  188  are detachably connected to an adjustable carrying strap  190 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings. The adjustable carrying strap  190  includes a first end  192  and a second end  194 . The first end  192  of carrying strap  190  includes a plurality of tine openings  196  for receiving the tine component  169  therein for adjusting the first belt buckle member  168  to a given strap length L 1  by the user. The second end  194  of carrying strap  190  also includes a plurality of tine openings  198  for receiving the tine component  189  therein for adjusting the second belt buckle member  188  to a given strap length L 2  by the user.  
      The carrying bag  10  can be made from materials such as leather, faux leather, flexible plastics and woven fabrics, etc. The carrying bag  10  can vary in size with regard to height, width and length depending on the need of the user.  
     ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
      Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-functional carrying bag having center, top, front, rear and side storage compartments for holding and storing of a variety of accessories, personal articles, toiletries and cosmetics.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-functional carrying bag having a zippered center storage compartment with a center interior storage pouch for storing and holding coins and paper currency.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-functional carrying bag having a pair of zippered upper and lower front storage compartments, wherein the upper front storage compartment is used for holding credit cards and a mirror within a card holder member, a pen within a pen holder and a removable keychain ring for holding keys; and wherein the lower front storage compartment is used for holding a wallet and a calculator.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-functional carrying bag having a zippered rear storage compartment used for storing and holding an address book/notebook and/or date planner.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-functional carrying bag having a pair of side storage compartments, wherein one of the side storage compartments includes a removable eyeglass zippered pouch for holding sunglasses or eyeglasses therein; and wherein the other side storage compartment is used for storing and holding a cell phone, a beeper or other appropriate accessories therein.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-functional carrying bag that is easy to use that allows for ease of accessibility and is made from flexible and cleanable materials for extended use.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a multi-functional carrying bag that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer.  
      A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.