Abstract:
The present invention allows for a multi-use tote lunch bag which addresses the object of easy accessability, securing food items, keeping food items either warm or cool, protecting food items and liquids, compactness, and the ability to convert the tote lunch bag for other uses.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/238,859 filed on Oct. 7, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of portable food containers for carrying or transporting food and beverages which are convenient to use and protect the contents therein.  
           [0004]    2. Description of Prior Art  
           [0005]    In a fast moving society, the need to have portable containers to carry food and the like is growing in importance. Given today&#39;s push towards healthier foods, the need to transport particular and personally prepared foods is on the rise. While portable containers for carrying food items have been known for many years in the prior art, such inventions do not address all of the problems associated with transporting perishables. Many lunch bags found in the prior art suffer from being either too small, and therefore limited in the amount of perishables that can be carried, or too bulky and large, thereby making transportation more cumbersome and less desirable.  
           [0006]    Another problem not addressed in the prior art is the need for a lunch bag which protects and keeps perishables in place, while at the same time providing easy accessability to the items contained therein. This is particularly useful when the user is in transit or in a hurry. Two other desirable attributes include the ability to keep perishables either warm or cool. Finally, the ability to convert a lunch bag for other uses is also desirable.  
           [0007]    The prior art addresses some of the above concerns, but not all. For example, in Campbell, U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,091 a transportable lunch bag is described. However, while this reference addresses the issue of compactness, nothing is claimed with respect to accessability and the securing of food items. In addition, this reference makes no provision for a lunch bag to be converted for other uses. This reference is also relatively small, and therefore limited in the amount of perishables that can be carried.  
           [0008]    In Christman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,445, abingo tote bag is described. While this reference addresses the issue of carrying a beverage container and providing accessability to bingo items, it makes no claim with respect to a food container or the securing or insulation of items therein. Although this reference indicates that a bingo player may place snacks inside the tote bag, no provision is made for carrying or transporting perishable items.  
           [0009]    Likewise, in Giampapa, U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,179, which relates to a multi-use container that can be used for shipping, as a picnic basket, or configured into a mat for eating upon, addresses some issues regarding portability and accessibility. Giampapa, however, fails to address the problems of securing food and beverage items during transportation. In addition, it makes no claims to insulating items. Moreover, Giampapa comprises a container designed to be converted for shipping making it too bulky and large, for convenient, less cumbersome day-to-day transportation.  
           [0010]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an apparatus that overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The present invention allows for a multi-use tote lunch bag which addresses the object of easy accessability, securing food items, keeping food items either warm or cool, protecting items, compactness, and the ability to convert the tote lunch bag for other uses.  
           [0012]    The tote lunch bag provides for a tote bag comprising a means for opening and closing thereof and a carrying means affixed to the tote bag. The tote bag further comprises a means for securing and transporting an insulated lunch case and liquid carrying container, as well as compartments that may be used for securing and transporting eating utensils and accessories, condiments, papers or work-related supplies, wallets, keys or other personal belongings.  
           [0013]    The insulated lunch case comprises a means for storing, securing, and transporting food items and protecting perishables. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lunch case would comprise four walls, with each wall consisting of an outer wall and an inner wall with a layer of an insulating material placed there between.  
           [0014]    The insulated liquid carrying container comprises a means for storing, securing, and transporting liquid items and protecting perishables. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid carrying container would typically form a cylindrical shape, and include a means for insulating the liquid contents, such as an outer wall and inner wall with the inner wall comprising an insular material.  
           [0015]    A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-use tote lunch bag having advantages not taught by the prior art.  
           [0016]    Another objective is to provide such a tote lunch bag that conveniently and securely transports perishable items, eating utensils, accessories, as well as personal items, while making the items easily accessible.  
           [0017]    A further objective is to provide such a tote lunch bag that is convertible for other uses such as a means of transporting personal belongings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the preceding general description and the following detailed description, explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0019]    In the drawings:  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the multi-use tote lunch bag. This Figure also illustrates the thermos and the lunch case which fit into the multi-purpose tote lunch bag.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the multi-purpose tote lunch bag with the thermos and lunch case positioned inside.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the lunch case illustrating its mesh pack pockets, hot/cold pack holder and utensil holder. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    Embodiments consistent with the present invention address the need for an efficient method to transport perishables, such as food items. A multi-purpose tote lunch bag ( 1 ) is described. In order to carry and protect both liquid and solid perishables, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-purpose tote lunch bag ( 1 ) comprises a tote bag ( 1 ), a liquid carrying container ( 100 ), and a lunch case ( 200 ).  
         [0024]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 2 , a tote bag can be constructed of fabric, vinyl, leather, or other suitable material, having the components attached together by sewing, double-stitching, adhesively, or the like. The fabric may be treated with a stain-resistant product for protecting the tote bag from stains.  
         [0025]    The tote bag ( 1 ) has a plurality of walls ( 2 ) and ( 3 ). The walls ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) have a bottom portion ( 4 ), an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The walls ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) in combination with the bottom portion ( 4 ) form a container or bag ( 1 ) having one open end and having an interior area wherein the lunch case ( 200 ) and liquid carrying container ( 100 ) may be inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the tote bag may be opened or closed thereby providing a means to, for example, secure the items therein. For example, the top portion of the walls ( 2 ) may have a fastener ( 70 ) including a first attachable connector engaging with a second attachable connector such as snaps, a zipper, fibrous adhesive patches, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion ( 4 ) would have a rectangular shape for forming a rectangularly shaped tote bag ( 1 ).  
         [0026]    The tote bag provides a means for being carried, which in a preferred embodiment, consists of a pair of handles ( 10   a ) and ( 10   b ) preferably attached to the upper portion of the tote bag ( 1 ) to permit convenient carrying. In a preferred embodiment, the carrying handle ( 10   a ) and ( 10   b ) is a pair of shoulder straps, with each attached in at least two locations to the tote walls ( 2 ) by means of sewing, double-stitching, adhesively, or the like.  
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, the walls ( 2 ) may be formed of two pieces of fabric, thereby creating side pockets ( 20   a ) and ( 20   b ) comprised of a means for opening and closing the side pockets ( 20   a ) and ( 20   b ). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side pockets ( 20   a ) and ( 20   b ) would extend horizontally the length of the tote bag ( 1 ). The side pockets ( 20   a ) and ( 20   b ) may be used for storing or transporting documents, work-related supplies, or personal belongings.  
         [0028]    In a preferred embodiment, at least one panel of fabric may be attached to the exterior of at least one wall ( 2 ) of the tote bag ( 1 ) forming an external pocket ( 35 ). This external pocket ( 35 ) may be attached to the first wall by sewing, double-stitching, adhesively, or the like.  
         [0029]    In a preferred embodiment, a securing strap ( 50 ) is attached to the interior of the tote bag ( 1 ). The securing strap ( 50 ) may be attached to the tote bag ( 1 ) by sewing, double-stitching, adhesively, or the like. The securing strap ( 50 ) provides for the insertion, holding and securing of the liquid carrying container ( 100 ), or other like items. In a preferred embodiment, the securing strap ( 50 ) will form a cylindrical shape to provide for the insertion, holding and securing of items. In a preferred embodiment, the securing strap ( 50 ) has a fastener including a first mating connection engagable with a second mating connection, such as snaps, a zipper, fibrous adhesive patches, or the like, to provide a means for wrapping the securing strap ( 50 ) around the liquid carrying container ( 100 ) or other like items, and securing said item. In an alternative embodiment, the securing strap ( 50 ) may be attached to the tote bag ( 1 ) to form a single, unitary strap comprising no fasteners.  
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the tote bag ( 1 ) comprises an internal pocket ( 60 ). The internal pocket ( 60 ) in a preferred embodiment, provides a means for opening or closing the internal pocket ( 60 ). The means for opening or closing the internal pocket ( 60 ) may be achieved with a fastener including a first mating connection engagable with a second mating connection, such as snaps, a zipper, fibrous adhesive patches, or the like. The internal pocket ( 60 ) may be used to hold paper money, coins, lipstick, personal identification, credit cards, condiments, or other like items.  
         [0031]    The interior compartment area of the tote bag ( 1 ) is comprised so that the lunch case ( 200 ) may be positioned inside the tote bag ( 1 ). In a preferred embodiment, the top portion of the lunch case ( 200 ) contains a carrying means in the form of a single top handle ( 205 ) attached to the top portion of the lunch case ( 200 ). This single top handle ( 205 ) also provides a means for lifting open the lunch case ( 200 ).  
         [0032]    As shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , in a preferred embodiment, the lunch case ( 200 ) is provided with an additional means of carrying in the form of a single handle ( 210 ) attached to at least two of the side portions of the lunch case ( 200 ). The side handle ( 210 ) may be attached to each of the side walls of the lunch case ( 200 ) either by stitching, adhesively, buckle fasteners, snaps, or the like.  
         [0033]    The lunch case ( 200 ) may provide a means to be opened or closed. As shown in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the top portion of the lunch case ( 200 ) may comprise a conventional zipper ( 220 ) disposed across the top of the lunch case for opening or closing the lunch case ( 200 ) and for removing or inserting items as well as the hot/cold pack ( 225 ). In this preferred embodiment, the closure of the lunch case ( 200 ) by means of the zipper ( 220 ) creates a seal providing for maintenance of the temperature of the items contained therein.  
         [0034]    As further shown in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the lunch case ( 200 ) is an open-top type, flexible, and insulated construction and comprising a plurality of walls. In a preferred embodiment, the lunch case ( 200 ) comprises an inner liner filled with an insulating material disposed between the outer wall of the lunch case ( 200 ) and the liner. This insulating material protects the items placed in the lunch case ( 200 ) from exposure to external environmental conditions. The insulating material may be formed of a light-weight polymeric material, such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam. In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall of the lunch case ( 200 ) may be formed of a fabric, vinyl, cloth, or plastic material, while the interior liner is made of a waterproof material, such as a flexible plastic film or a rubber-treated fabric.  
         [0035]    The lunch case ( 200 ) provides a means for containing a hot/cold pack ( 225 ). In a preferred embodiment, the interior of the top portion of the lunch case ( 200 ) comprises a pocket for the removal and insertion of the hot/cold pack ( 225 ). The hot/cold pack pocket ( 215 ) may be formed of cloth, fabric, plastic material, or mesh material and may provide a means for opening and closing the hot/cold pack pocket with a conventional zipper ( 235 ). In this preferred embodiment, the hot/cold pack pocket secures the hot/cold pack ( 225 ) to the inner surface of the top portion of the lunch case ( 200 ).  
         [0036]    On the interior of the lunch case ( 200 ), there is a utensil holder ( 230 ). In a preferred embodiment, the utensil holder ( 230 ) is comprised of one panel of material attached to the interior of the lunch case ( 200 ) thereby forming a flap ( 250 ) with an additional strip of material ( 260 ), preferably elastic, attached to the flap ( 250 ) preferably by means of intermittent stitching in spaced-apart relation to one another for forming slots between the flap ( 250 ) and the strip ( 260 ). The slots may be used to secure eating utensils. The flap ( 250 ) may be attached to the lunch case ( 200 ) by means of sewing, double-stitching, adhesively, or the like.  
         [0037]    In a preferred embodiment, attached to the exterior of the lunch case ( 200 ) is one panel which may be comprised of fabric or mesh material creating an external pouch ( 240 ). The external pouch ( 240 ) may be used for storing, securing, or transporting napkins, papers, condiments, and the like.  
         [0038]    The lunch case ( 200 ) provides, among other things, a means for transporting perishables. In a preferred embodiment, the lunch case ( 200 ) provides a perishable item container ( 270 ) and ( 280 ) for holding perishables inside the lunch case ( 200 ) to be transported. Said perishable item container ( 270 ) and ( 280 ) also provides a dining facilitation means. In a preferred embodiment, the lunch case ( 200 ) provides one perishable item container ( 270 ), preferably shaped to the dimensions of the lunch case ( 200 ) that may be placed inside the lunch case ( 200 ). In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the lunch case ( 200 ) provides two additional perishable containers ( 280 ), each preferably comprising approximately one half the size of the large perishable item container ( 270 ), which smaller perishable containers ( 280 ) may fit on top of the larger perishable item container ( 270 ) inside the lunch case ( 200 ). As shown in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the perishable item containers ( 270 ) and ( 280 ) are constructed of a plastic material and provide a lid for securing, protecting, and retaining the perishable items.  
         [0039]    While the present invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto.