Patent Document

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The disclosure relates to functional bags. In particular, the disclosure relates to multi-compartment functional bags useful for animal care or for human use as an attachment, for example, to handicap mobility apparatus such as crutches, a walker, and a wheelchair. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There is a need for a container or bag that enables efficient and easy animal care. In particular, there is a need for a utility bag that enables easy and efficient carrying of multiple components in separate compartments. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    A multi-compartment utility bag is provided that can be attached to a leash or a handicap mobility apparatus that is configured to contain items useful for walking or working with an animal For example, animal trainers and pet owners may use a utility bag in accordance with embodiments for walking or working with an animal 
         [0004]    A multi-compartment utility bag in accordance with embodiments may include a main compartment for storing a first item such as a plastic bag containing dog waste. The bag may be configured to include a second compartment for storing items such as one or more plastic baggies, antiseptic gel, alcohol disinfectant wipes, keys, a mobile electronic device, and the like. The plastic baggies may be, for example, in the form of a roll, and may be configured for containing dog waste. Filled bags may be stored in the main compartment for later disposal at a convenient location and time. 
         [0005]    Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be set forth in the description which follows, and in part may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present disclosed embodiments may become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed embodiments as set forth herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a side diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a front diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  shows a rear diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a top diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom diagrammatical view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  shows a top perspective view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in an open configuration; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of a utility bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a closed configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Various embodiments of the disclosed embodiments may be discussed in detail below. The disclosed embodiments are described with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals are used throughout. While specific implementations may be discussed, it should be understood that this may be done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art may recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. 
         [0016]    The disclosed embodiments may concern a utility bag as shown in  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 1  shows a utility bag  100 . The bag  100  includes a first main compartment  102  and a second compartment  105 . The second compartment  105  may be attached to the main compartment  102 . A bag in accordance with embodiments may include additional compartments beyond the main compartment and the second compartment. 
         [0017]    The main compartment  102  may include a first cover  107  for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein, and to mask odor and maintain a sanitary condition of items. The second compartment  105  may include a second cover  109 . The second cover  109  may be configured for closing the second compartment  105  to contain materials disposed therein using a secure closure device now known in the art or later developed, such as hook and loop fastener systems, magnetic closure systems, or snap-fit button systems, for example. An interior of the second compartment  105  is separate from an interior of the main compartment  102 . 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, a portion of the main compartment  102  may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment  102 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the main compartment  102  may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment  102 . The side panels may comprise a transparent or opaque material  115 . The material  115  may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque. The transparent or opaque material  115  may enable viewing of temporarily stored unsanitary materials for easy and efficient recognition and disposal of said materials. 
         [0019]    The second compartment  105  may define an opening  117 . The opening  117  may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment  105  from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment  105  and accessed by way of the opening  117 . The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit (not shown) configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment  105 . The opening  117  may be substantially circular and fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or may be lined with stitching or other material to minimize wear, for example. 
         [0020]    The main compartment  102  may be enclosed by the first cover  107  and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in  FIG. 1 . Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment  102  may be used. For example, a magnetic fastening system, a metal mechanical closure device, or a hook and loop fastening system may be used. A leash fastener  118  may be implemented and used to attach to and secure a leash. For example, leash fastener  118  may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, snap-fit button, or buckle fastening system as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the leash fastener  118  may be configured to attach to items other than leashes, such as utility belts, wheelchairs, or hand carried items, for example. 
         [0021]    A key chain clasp  121  may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment  105 . Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment  105  or maintaining their attachment to the bag  100  may be provided. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of a utility bag  200 . The bag  200  includes a main compartment  202  and a second compartment  205 . The second compartment  205  may be attached to the main compartment  202 . 
         [0023]    The main compartment  202  may include a first cover  207  for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment  205  may include a second cover  209 . The second cover  209  may be configured for closing the second compartment  205  to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment  205  is separate from an interior of the main compartment  202 . 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, a portion of the main compartment  202  may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment  202 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the main compartment  202  may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment  202 . The side panels may comprise a transparent material  215 . The transparent material  215  may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque. 
         [0025]    The second compartment  205  may define an opening  217 . The opening  217  may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment  205  from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment  205  and accessed by way of the opening  217 . The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment  205 . The opening  217  may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0026]    The main compartment  202  may be enclosed by the first cover  207  and fastened using a latch or fastener shown in  FIG. 2 . Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment  202  may be used. A leash fastener  218  may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, leash fastener  218  may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, snap-fit button, or buckle fastening system as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0027]    A key chain clasp  221  may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment  205 . Additional fastening or retaining means now know or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment  205  or maintaining their attachment to the bag  200  may be provided. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of a utility bag  300 . The bag  300  includes a main compartment  302  and a second compartment  305 . The second compartment  305  may be attached to the main compartment  302 . 
         [0029]    The main compartment  302  may include a first cover  307  for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment  305  may include a second cover  309 . The second cover  309  may be configured for closing the second compartment  305  to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment  305  is separate from an interior of the main compartment  302 . 
         [0030]    A portion of the main compartment  302  may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment  302 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the main compartment  302  may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment  302 . The side panels may comprise a transparent material (not shown). The transparent material may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque. 
         [0031]    The second compartment  305  may define an opening  317 . The opening  317  may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment  305  from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment  305  and accessed by way of the opening  317 . The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment  305 . The opening  317  may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0032]    The main compartment  302  may be enclosed by the first cover  307  and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in  FIG. 3 . Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment  302  may be used. A leash fastener  318  may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener  318  may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip or buckle fastening system. 
         [0033]    A key chain clasp  321  may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment  305 . Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment  305  or maintaining their attachment to the bag  300  may be provided. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a rear view of a utility bag  400 . A utility bag  400  may include a main compartment  402  and a cover  407 . The cover  407  may be fastened to the main compartment  402  by a fastener or clasp. A key chain or similar utility fastening device  421  may be tethered to the bag  400 . A leash fastener  418  may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener  418  may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, snap-fit button, or buckle fastening system. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of a bag  500 . The bag  500  is in a closed configuration. The bag  500  includes a main compartment  502  and a second compartment  505 . The second compartment  505  may be attached to the main compartment  502 . 
         [0036]    The main compartment  502  may include a first cover  507  for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment  505  may include a second cover  509 . The second cover  509  may be configured for closing the second compartment  505  to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment  505  is separate from an interior of the main compartment  502 . 
         [0037]    A portion of the main compartment  502  may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment  502 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the main compartment  502  may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment  502 . The side panels may comprise a transparent material (not shown). The transparent material may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque. 
         [0038]    The second compartment  505  may define an opening  517 . The opening  517  may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment  505  from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment  505  and accessed by way of the opening  517 . The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment  505 . The opening  517  may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0039]    The main compartment  502  may be enclosed by the first cover  507  and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in  FIG. 5 . Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment  502  may be used. A leash fastener  518  may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener  518  may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip or buckle fastening system. 
         [0040]    A key chain clasp  521  may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment  505 . Additional fastening or retaining means now know or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment  505  or maintaining their attachment to the bag  500  may be provided. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of a utility bag  600 . The bag  600  is in a closed configuration. The utility bag  600  includes a main compartment  602  and a second compartment  605 . A key chain clasp  621  may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment  605 . Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment  605  or maintaining their attachment to the bag  600  may be provided. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of a utility bag  700 . The bag  700  is in an open configuration. The bag  700  includes a main compartment  702  and a second compartment  705 . The second compartment  705  may be attached to the main compartment  702 . 
         [0043]    The main compartment  702  may include a first cover  707  for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment  705  may include a second cover  709 . The second cover  709  may be configured for closing the second compartment  705  to contain materials disposed therein. 
         [0044]    A portion of the main compartment  702  may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment  702 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the main compartment  702  may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels  715  that define the main compartment  702 . The side panels  715  may comprise a transparent material (not shown). The transparent material may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque. 
         [0045]    The second compartment  705  may define an opening  717 . The opening  717  may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment  705  from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment  705  and accessed by way of the opening  717 . The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment  705 . The opening  717  may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0046]    The main compartment  702  may be enclosed by the first cover  707  and fastened using a latch or fastener. Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment  702  may be used. A leash fastener  718  may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener  718  may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip or buckle fastening system. 
         [0047]    A key chain clasp  721  may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment  705 . An interior space  731  of the main compartment  702  is separate from an interior space  741  of the second compartment  705 . Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment  705  or maintaining their attachment to the bag  700  may be provided. The key chain clasp and tether may be placed inside the second compartment  705  in the interior space  741  thereof The interior space  741  may be configured to contain, for example, clean plastic bags. The interior space  741  may be configured for containing said plastic bags or the like in a configuration that enables removal of a single bag or multiple bags from the interior space  741  of the second compartment  705 . 
         [0048]    The interior space  741  of the second compartment  705  may be configured to include, define or include pockets, include straps, or have similar retaining structures for securing items in the second compartment  705 . For example, the second compartment  705  may include slits or pockets (not shown) for retaining credit cards, bank cards, identification cards, and similar items. 
         [0049]    The disclosed embodiments may concern a utility bag as shown in  FIG. 8 . In particular,  FIG. 8  shows a utility bag  800 . The bag  800  includes a main compartment  802  and a second compartment  805 . The second compartment  805  may be attached to the main compartment  802 . 
         [0050]    The main compartment  802  may include a first cover  807  for closing the main compartment to contain materials disposed therein. The second compartment  805  may include a second cover  809 . The second cover  809  may be configured for closing the second compartment  805  to contain materials disposed therein. An interior of the second compartment  805  is separate from an interior of the main compartment  802 . 
         [0051]    A portion of the main compartment  802  may be transparent or opaque for enabling viewing of contents contained within the main compartment  802 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the main compartment  802  may include a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels that define the main compartment  802 . The side panels may comprise a transparent material  815 . The transparent material  815  may comprise a known polymer or composite that is understood to be transparent or opaque. 
         [0052]    The second compartment  805  may define an opening  817 . The opening  817  may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment  805  from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment  805  and accessed by way of the opening  817 . The opening may be a circular, oval, or rectangular shaped opening, or any other suitable shape. For example, the opening may be a slit configured to minimize the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment  805 . The opening  817  may be fitted with a grommet in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0053]    The main compartment  802  may be enclosed by the first cover  807  and fastened using a latch or fastener as shown in  FIG. 8 . Any latch or fastener means that is now known or later developed and may be implemented to enable and maintain closure of the main compartment  802  may be used. A leash fastener may also be implemented as shown for attaching to, for example, a pet leash or the like. For example, the leash fastener  822  may comprise any now known or later developed fastening system useful for attaching to a leash, including a hook and loop fastening system, a magnetic fastening system, and a snap-fit clip, a snap-fit button, or a buckle fastening system. The leash fastener  822  comprises a snap-fit button fastening system as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0054]    A key chain clasp  821  may be provided and attached to an interior of the second compartment  805 . Additional fastening or retaining means now known or later developed for holding devices within the second compartment  805  or maintaining their attachment to the bag  800  may be provided. 
         [0055]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a bag in accordance with another embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 9  shows a utility bag  900  in accordance with an embodiment wherein the second compartment  905  may define an opening  917 . The opening  917  may be configured for drawing contents such as clean plastic bags out of the second compartment  905  from within. For example, plastic bags may be stored in the second compartment  905  and accessed by way of the opening  917 . The opening shown in  FIG. 9  is defined by the second compartment  905  to comprise a slit or button-hole-type opening. In other embodiments, the opening may be substantially circular as shown in  FIG. 8 , for example, or oval, rectangular shaped, or any other suitable shape. The slit configuration shown in  FIG. 9  minimizes the potential for objects to escape the interior of the second compartment  905 . 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, a pocket (or other type of compartment) can be included in either the main compartment or the second compartment to hold an air freshener. Although the air freshener pocket can be in the main compartment and/or the second compartment, because the main compartment is likely used to hold animal waste, it is desirable to include the air freshener compartment in the main compartment. Particular embodiments include the air freshener pocket located at the apex or fold of the first cover (for example, first cover  107 ). Particular embodiments include the air freshener pocket made of an air permeable material such as a mesh. Some air freshener pockets are closed at one end to help retain an air freshener while others are open at both ends and, for example, rely on a friction fit between the pocket and the air freshener to keep the air freshener in position. An example of the air freshener pocket is a rectangle of a mesh material that is sewn along two opposite edges to the underside of the first cover (for example, first cover  107 ) and open at the two other edges. Another example of the air freshener pocket is a rectangle of a mesh material that is sewn along three edges to the underside of the first cover (for example, first cover  107 ) and open only at the other edge. Either of these two examples can include the rectangle of mesh extending along the length of the apex or fold of the first cover (for example first cover  107 ) and stopping a short distance (for example ¼ inch to ¾ inch) from the ends of the apex or fold. Particular examples can include the rectangle of mesh extending along the length of the apex or fold of the first cover (for example first cover  107 ) and stopping ½ inch from the ends of the apex or fold. 
         [0057]    Although the above description may contain specific details, they should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurations of the described embodiments of the disclosed embodiments may be part of the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Technology Category: a