Patent ID: 12185820

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples of the present technology are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the present technology. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more aspects. Further, it is to be understood that functionality that is described as being carried out by certain system components may be performed by more or fewer components than shown.

Turning now to the figures,FIGS.1-6illustrate various views of an example bag and a display board disposed therein.

FIG.1shows a perspective view of an example bag100in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. Bag100can include a housing structure110, a display board120, a display shell140, board securing mechanism(s)150, and strap portions180a,180b(collectively straps180).

Housing structure110can be made of a resilient material that permits carrying various objects in bag100. For example, housing structure110can be made of strong fabrics (e.g., a “soft-shell” bag), hard plastics (e.g., a “hard-shell” bag), nylon, canvas, leather, denim, etc. Although shown as a backpack, housing structure110can take any suitable shape or form to carry objects. For example, housing structure110can be shaped to be a briefcase, a suitcase, a messenger bag, a purse, a duffel, etc.

Display shell140can be made of a rigid material that protects contents within bag100. For example, a hard plastic, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, and other materials. Additionally, display shell140may be a transparent shell operable to permit visibility of one or more objects disposed therein (e.g., a display board120and ornamental accessories160disposed thereon.

Board securing mechanism150removably secures display board120in bag100. More specifically, board securing mechanism150removably secures display board120within a cavity defined by display shell140and housing structure110.

FIG.2shows an exploded view of an example bag100in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

Housing structure110can further include a first fastening mechanism112, a cavity114, a second fastening mechanism116, a hinge mechanism142.

First fastening mechanism112can transition between an open position and a closed position to allow access to first cavity114. It is considered that first fastening mechanism112can also be replaced with other fastening mechanisms including, but not limited to, button and loop, buckles, magnets, etc.

Cavity114can provide a storage area for various objects, such as books, electronics, stationary, etc. Cavity114can be defined by housing structure110. In some embodiments, cavity114can further be defined by display shell140.

Second fastening mechanism116can be disposed along at least one wall of housing structure110. Additionally, second fastening mechanism116is operable to permit access to second cavity portion144. More specifically, second fastening mechanism116can transition between an open position and a closed position to allow access to display board120. It is considered that second fastening mechanism116can also be replaced with other fastening mechanisms including, but not limited to, button and loop, buckles, magnets, etc.

Hinge mechanism142allows axial rotation along an axis defined along a length of hinge mechanism142, such that display shell140can rotate between an open configuration and a closed configuration to control access to display board120. In the open configuration, display shell140is positioned to allow access to display board120. In the closed configuration, display shell140is positioned to prevent access to display board120, while permitting visibility of display board120and ornamental accessories160disposed thereon.

Board securing mechanism(s)150can be attached onto housing structure110. Board securing mechanism(s)150are operable to removably secure display board120to housing structure110. Board securing mechanism(s)150can include a securing surface152, fasteners154, apertures155, channels156, and abutment surfaces158.

Securing surface152provides a surface to secure board securing mechanism(s)150to housing structure110. Additionally, securing surface152can include a surface for apertures155, through which fasteners154can secure board securing mechanism(s)150to housing structure110. Although described as fasteners154and apertures155, it is to be understood that other methods of securing board securing mechanism(s)150to housing structure110can be used. For example, board securing mechanism(s)150can be secured to housing structure using complementary male and female buttons, zippers, rivets, sliding locks, friction fit (e.g., disposed in a complementarily sized recess of housing structure110), co-molding, etc. In some embodiments, board securing mechanism(s)150can be integral with housing structure110.

Channels156is operable to receive and guide ridges126of display board120into board securing mechanism150. Channels156can be complementary to guides126to ensure smooth movement of guides126along channels156as display board120is installed into board securing mechanism150.

Abutment surfaces158are operable to abut against an abutment shoulder124of display board120to properly position and removably secure display board120in board securing mechanism150.

In some embodiments, display board120can divide cavity114into a first cavity portion114and a second cavity portion144. First cavity portion114can defined by housing structure110and display board120. Second cavity portion144can be defined by housing structure110, display board120, and display shell140.

Although not shown, it is further contemplated that display board120can be a general L-shaped display board, such that the length of display board120extends in a similar manner as the display board120shown inFIG.2(e.g., a “vertical” portion of the L-shape). However, the L-shaped display board may extend in depth towards and under the cavity, such that the L-shaped display board can define first cavity portion114along at least two walls (e.g., a “horizontal” or “lower” portion of the L-shape). Additionally, it is further contemplated that display shell140can be longer in length to additionally allow access to the lower portion of the L-shaped display board. For example, hinge mechanism142can be moved to a rear surface of housing structure110(e.g., the surface with the straps), such that display shell140can axially rotate and moderate access to both the length of display board120and the depth of display board120.

FIG.3shows a perspective view of an example display board120in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. Display board120can be composed of a semi-rigid material, such that the material provides enough rigidity to maintain its structure but is flexible enough to not break or shatter from light pressure or impacts. Display board120can include a plurality of attachment points122, abutment shoulder124, and guides126.

Attachment points122may be apertures operable to receive attachments (e.g., ornamental accessory160). Attachment points122may be of a predetermined size, shape, and/or pattern, such that attachment points122can receive and removably secure a complementary structure fitting the predetermined size, shape, and/or pattern. For example,FIG.3illustrates attachment points122as a pattern of cross-shaped apertures, which are configured to receive and removably secure attachments with cross-shaped protrusions (e.g., via a friction fit). However, it is to be understood that attachment points122can be of any size, shape, and/or pattern along with a complementary structure. It is also contemplated that attachment points122can be attachment protrusions configured to be inserted into complementary apertures on attachments.

Abutment shoulders124are operable to abut against abutment surfaces158of board securing mechanism150. More specifically, abutment shoulders124provide a stopping position for display board120as display board120is inserted into board securing mechanism150.

Guides126may be a projection extending along at least a portion of a length of display board120. Guides126can be inserted into channels156of board securing mechanism(s)150to guide display board120for proper positioning and securement of display board120by board securing mechanism(s)150.

FIG.4shows a front view of an example bag100in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically,FIG.4shows bag100and display shell140in a closed configuration, such that display board120is secured to board securing mechanism150and display shell140prevents access to display board120while permitting visibility of display board120and ornamental accessories160disposed thereon.

As discussed above, board securing mechanism(s)150are secured to housing structure110. As shown inFIG.4, board securing mechanism(s)150can receive and secure display board120thereto. When display board120is secured to board securing mechanism(s)150, display board120is thereby secured to housing structure110.

FIG.5shows a rear view of an example bag100in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As discussed above, bag100can include straps180(illustrated as first strap portions180aand second strap portions180b) and a hanging loop182.

Straps180can also include a first strap portion180aand a second strap portion180b. First strap portion180aand second strap portion180bare couplable to each other (e.g., via buckles186and188). In some embodiments, strap portions180a,180bcan include an extension184that can be used to adjust an overall length of straps180. In some embodiments, strap portions180a,180bcan individually be adjusted to adjust the overall length of straps180. Although described as buckles186and188, it is to be understood that other types of fasteners can be used to couple strap portions180a,180bincluding, but not limited to, clasps, catches, magnets, buttons, etc.

Hanging loop182is operable to hang bag100on a hook or other similar object. Hanging loop182can be disposed on an upper surface of housing structure110to permit upright hanging of bag100. Hanging loop182can be made of similar or the same materials as housing structure110.

FIG.6shows a side view of an example bag100in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. More specifically,FIG.6illustrates bag100in a closed configuration, such that display shell140is closed against housing structure110, while permitting visibility through display shell140to view display board120and ornamental accessories160attached on display board120. Additionally, abutment shoulder124of display board120abuts against abutment surface158when properly installed.

As further shown inFIG.6, ornamental accessories160can be attached onto display board120via an attachment162. Attachment162can include a protrusion shape that is complementary to attachment points122(as illustrated inFIG.2). Thus, attachment162can attach (e.g., via a friction fit securement) to attachment points122and secure ornamental accessories160to display board120.

The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the present technology. It is understood therefore that the present technology is not limited to the particular embodiments which are described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present technology.

Illustrative examples of the disclosure include:

Aspect 1: A bag comprising: a housing structure of the bag forming a cavity in the bag; a display board removably secured to a board securing mechanism, wherein the board securing mechanism is disposed in the cavity in the bag; and a display shell attached to the housing structure by a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism is operable to transition the display shell between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the display shell is positioned to allow access to the display board, and wherein in the closed configuration the display shell is positioned to prevent access to the display board.

Aspect 2: The bag of Aspect 1, wherein the display board divides the cavity into a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, wherein the first cavity portion is defined by the housing structure, the display board, and the display shell, and wherein the bag further comprises: a second fastening mechanism along at least one wall of the housing structure, wherein the second fastening mechanism is operable to permit access to the second cavity portion, wherein the second cavity portion is defined by the housing structure and the display board.

Aspect 3: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 2, wherein the display shell is transparent.

Aspect 4: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 3, wherein the display board includes a plurality of attachment points disposed thereon, wherein the plurality of attachment points are configured to receive and secure an ornamental accessory to the display board.

Aspect 5: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 4, further comprising: a hinge mechanism disposed on the housing structure, the hinge mechanism configured to rotate the display shell between the open configuration and the closed configuration by axial rotation along an axis defined along a length of the hinge mechanism.

Aspect 6: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 5, wherein the bag is a suitcase.

Aspect 7: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 5, wherein the bag is a backpack.

Aspect 8: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 7, wherein the securing mechanism includes: at least one securing surface operable to secure the securing mechanism to the housing structure; and at least one channel operable to receive and secure the display board.

Aspect 9: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 8, wherein the display board includes at least one guide, and wherein the at least one channel is operable to receive the at least one guide of the display board.

Aspect 10: The bag of any of Aspect 1 to 9, wherein the securing mechanism further includes an abutment surface, and wherein the display board further includes an abutment shoulder, and wherein the abutment shoulder abuts the abutment surface when the display board is received and secured by the securing mechanism.

Aspect 11: A backpack comprising: a housing structure of the backpack forming a cavity in the backpack; a display board removably secured to a board securing mechanism, wherein the board securing mechanism is disposed in the cavity in the backpack; and a display shell attached to the housing structure by a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism is operable to transition the display shell between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the display shell is positioned to allow access to the display board, and wherein in the closed configuration the display shell is positioned to prevent access to the display board.

Aspect 12: The backpack of Aspect 11, wherein the display board divides the cavity into a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, wherein the first cavity portion is defined by the housing structure, the display board, and the display shell, and wherein the backpack further comprises: a second fastening mechanism along at least one wall of the housing structure, wherein the second fastening mechanism is operable to permit access to the second cavity portion, wherein the second cavity portion is defined by the housing structure and the display board.

Aspect 13: The backpack of any of Aspect 11 to 12, wherein the display shell is transparent.

Aspect 14: The backpack of any of Aspect 11 to 13, wherein the display board includes a plurality of attachment points disposed thereon, wherein the plurality of attachment points are configured to receive and secure an ornamental accessory to the display board.

Aspect 15: The backpack of any of Aspect 11 to 14, further comprising: a hinge mechanism disposed on the housing structure, the hinge mechanism configured to rotate the display shell between the open configuration and the closed configuration by axial rotation along an axis defined along a length of the hinge mechanism.

Aspect 16: The backpack of any of Aspect 1 to 15, wherein the securing mechanism includes: at least one securing surface operable to secure the securing mechanism to the housing structure; and at least one channel operable to receive and secure the display board.

Aspect 17: The backpack of any of Aspect 11 to 16, wherein the display board includes at least one guide, and wherein the at least one channel is operable to receive the at least one guide of the display board.

Aspect 18: The backpack of any of Aspect 11 to 17, wherein the securing mechanism further includes an abutment surface, and wherein the display board further includes an abutment shoulder, and wherein the abutment shoulder abuts the abutment surface when the display board is received and secured by the securing mechanism.

Aspect 19: A container comprising: a housing structure of the container forming a cavity in the container; a display board removably secured to a board securing mechanism, wherein the board securing mechanism is disposed in the cavity in the container; and a display shell attached to the housing structure by a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism is operable to transition the display shell between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the display shell is positioned to allow access to the display board, and wherein in the closed configuration the display shell is positioned to prevent access to the display board.

Aspect 20: The container of Aspect 19, wherein the display board divides the cavity into a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, wherein the first cavity portion is defined by the housing structure, the display board, and the display shell, and wherein the container further comprises: a second fastening mechanism along at least one wall of the housing structure, wherein the second fastening mechanism is operable to permit access to the second cavity portion, wherein the second cavity portion is defined by the housing structure and the display board.

Aspect 21: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 20, wherein the display shell is transparent.

Aspect 22: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 21, wherein the display board includes a plurality of attachment points disposed thereon, wherein the plurality of attachment points are configured to receive and secure an ornamental accessory to the display board.

Aspect 23: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 22, further comprising: a hinge mechanism disposed on the housing structure, the hinge mechanism configured to rotate the display shell between the open configuration and the closed configuration by axial rotation along an axis defined along a length of the hinge mechanism.

Aspect 24: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 23, wherein the container is a suitcase.

Aspect 25: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 23, wherein the container is a backpack.

Aspect 26: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 25, wherein the securing mechanism includes: at least one securing surface operable to secure the securing mechanism to the housing structure; and at least one channel operable to receive and secure the display board.

Aspect 27: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 26, wherein the display board includes at least one guide, and wherein the at least one channel is operable to receive the at least one guide of the display board.

Aspect 28: The container of any of Aspect 19 to 27, wherein the securing mechanism further includes an abutment surface, and wherein the display board further includes an abutment shoulder, and wherein the abutment shoulder abuts the abutment surface when the display board is received and secured by the securing mechanism.