Convertible Utility Bag with Extendable Trays

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a field of luggage bags, and particularly, relates to convertible utility bag with extendable trays that allows for the easy and secure carrying of various devices and equipment together. More specifically, the bag includes a base having a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, thereby defining an interior volume. The bag has a hinged lid that is configured to removably secure to the base via a fastener. The bag also includes a plurality of trays which are disposed in the interior volume of the bag. The trays are preferably hingedly adjustable, such that a user may extend or retract the trays as desired. The utility bag with extendable trays is configured to enable a user to safely and easily store a plurality of items while retaining comfort and convenience.

Claims

1. A utility bag, comprising; an outer layer of material constructed from a durable material, the outer layer being formed into a bag and the bag is divisible into multiple sections and the multiple sections including at least first, second and third sections, with each of the sections having a different area or volume; one of the first, second or third sections having a base area and first and second extensible trays, the base has two transversely extending side walls and two longitudinally extending side walls; and each of the first and second extensible trays having a plurality of sections divisible by removable dividers and each of the plurality of sections having different sized compartments and each of the first and second extensible trays fit are sized and configured so as to fit within the base area.

2. A utility bag as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second extensible trays have a pair of transversely extending sidewalls and a pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls.

3. A utility bag as recited in claim 2, wherein the first and second extensible trays are moveable via a plurality of hinges and the hinges have a length equal to at least two times a wide of the sidewalls of each of the first and second trays.

4. A utility bag as recited in claim 2, wherein the transversely extending sidewalls of each of the first and second extensible trays is about half of a length of the transversely extending sidewalls of the base.

5. A utility bag as recited in claim 2, wherein each of the sidewalls of each of the first and second extensible trays and the base have a thickness that is equal.

6. A utility bag as recited in claim 2, wherein the base has a substantially quadrate shape.

7. A utility bag as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the dividers has a height equal to a height of the sidewalls of the first and second extensible trays.

8. A utility bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the dividers are inserted into position via a series of slots within the dividers and sidewalls.

9. A utility bag as recited in claim 8, wherein the slots are disposed at regular intervals along the dividers and sidewalls.

10. A utility bag as recited in claim 9, wherein the dividers and the slots allow formation of various sized compartments or spaces within each of the first and second extensible trays.

11. A utility bag as recited in claim 10, wherein the compartments have shapes of squares, rectangles and triangles.

12. A utility bag as recited in claim 10, wherein the compartments are sized and configured to hold specific items.

13. A utility bag as recited in claim 10, wherein at least some of the compartments are provided with retention aids including adhesive or magnets.

14. A utility bag as recited in claim 10, wherein at least some of the compartments are provided with padding, shielding or combinations thereof.

15. A utility bag as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second and third sections are provided with pockets.

16. A utility bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the utility bag ranges from 15 to 25 inches long, 10 to 14 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches in height, and has a weight range from 680 g/24 oz to 1600 g/56 oz.

17. An adaptable utility bag, comprising; a bag having first, second and third sections, with each section sized and configured to hold different items and the bag having a size ranging from 15 to 25 inches long, 10 to 14 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches in height, and has a weight range from 680 g/24 oz to 1600 g/56 oz; the third section having a base area for holding a plurality of items and first and second extensible trays, the first and second extensible trays moving from a first closed position to a second raised position via a plurality of hinges when the base area is exposed; each of the base area and first and second extensible trays having sidewalls and first and second transversely extending sidewalls and first and second longitudinally extending sidewalls, with each of the transversely extending sidewalls having a length that is less than a length of each of the longitudinally extending sidewalls; each of the first and second extensible trays have an area defined by the sidewalls and the area of the first and second extensible trays is less than the area of the base area; and each of the areas of the first and second extensible trays is further divided into compartments by a plurality of dividers and each of the plurality of dividers are placed in slots in the sidewalls and dividers to create compartments of different sizes.

18. An adaptable utility bag, as recited in claim 17, wherein at least some of the compartments are provided with adhesive or magnets to hold items in the compartments.

19. An adaptable utility bag, as recited in claim 17, wherein the dividers are removable and repositionable so that the compartments can be reconfigured to accommodate different sized items.

20. A method of using an adaptable utility bag, comprising the steps of; providing an adaptable utility bag having first, second and third sections, with each section sized and configured to hold different items and the bag having a size ranging from 15 to 25 inches long, 10 to 14 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches in height, and has a weight range from 680 g/24 oz to 1600 g/56 oz, the third section having a base area for holding a plurality of items and first and second extensible trays, each of the first and second extensible trays having a plurality of compartment formed by a plurality of dividers; extending at least one of the first and second extensible trays from a first closed position to a second raised position via a plurality of hinges when the base area is exposed positioning the dividers to create different compartment sizes to accommodate different sized items; inserting items into each of the compartments; moving the at least one of the first and second extensible trays from the second raised portion to the first closed position such that each of the first and second extensible trays are within are area of the base; and closing the adaptable utility bag.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible utility bag with extendable trays in an open and extended position of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the extendable trays and base of the bag in an open position of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the extendable trays with base of the bag of the present invention wherein said trays are in an extended position in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the extendable trays with base of the bag of the present invention with trays in a retracted position in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of a user carrying the convertible utility bag with extendable trays in a closed position on their back of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the convertible utility bag with extendable trays in a closed position of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The invention is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention nor do they limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0023] As noted above, existing luggage and other bags are well known in the art for keeping required items secured while traveling for leisure or going out for work. Such bags typically have limited space and few partitions/compartments to keep required items, which often clutter the bag and can further damage any delicate items contained within the bag. Further, existing bags typically do not have adjustable partitions to fulfil the differing needs of every user in regards to the type of differing items being stored. Accordingly, and as also noted supra, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility bag or luggage having a unique design, spacious inner-structure, extendable and reconfigurable tray structures, multiple partitions or compartments, and an easy access design. The convertible utility bag with extendable trays of the present invention satisfies all of the above referenced needs and more.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible utility bag 100 with extendable trays 109/110 in an open and extended position. More specifically, the device 100 comprises a base 101, having a plurality of sidewalls 102, two extending in the transverse direction and two extending in the longitudinal direction that extend upwardly from the base, thereby defining an interior volume 103 in the form of a cuboid or quadrate space. The sidewalls 102 are generally equal in length and thickness, that is each of the transverse and longitudinally extending sidewalls are equal so as to form a generally quadrate shape.

[0025] The device 100 includes a hinged lid 104 which is connected to the base 101 of the bag 100 via a fastener such as, but not limited to, a plastic lock strap 105. Other fasteners may of course be used such as snaps, pins, clasps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, combinations thereof and the like. The plastic lock strap 105 enables the hinged lid 104 to be opened to an extended position which does not fall down completely on the other side of the base 101. The plastic lock strap 105 thereby creates an angle, around 45 degrees between the hinged lid 104 and the base 101 such that a user can easily access the equipment and items stored in the interior volume 103 of the bag 100. The lock strap 105 allows the hinged lid 104 to be moved upward and outward away from the base 101 of the bag. The first layer compartment may further comprise one or more fasteners.

[0026] In the embodiment of the present invention 100 depicted in FIG. 1, the hinged lid 104 is removably and preferably secured via a zip fastener or zipper 106 (one having cooperating and engaging teeth), wherein the hinged lid 104 and an upper end of the base 101 have a zipper lining 107 disposed along a perimeter or edges thereof of the base 101 and lid 104. A plurality of elastic pockets 114 is further disposed on an interior surface of the hinged lid 104, such that each pocket 114 may receive an item or items 120 therein, such as and not limited to personal items, combs, electronic equipment, makeup brushes, trimmers, pencils, pens, or any other suitable item 120 that a user may wish to carry. Pockets 114 may also be removable and repositionable so that the user can reconfigure the interior compartment of the bag. The pockets 114 may be attached by hook and loop type fasteners, clasps, snaps, magnets, combinations thereof of other suitable fastening devices. It is contemplated that the device 100 may also include one or more hidden zipper pocket(s) (not shown) for concealing items such as money, credit cards, debit cards, coins, jewelry, wallets, confidential documents, other valuables, etc. The bag 100 also has a first extendable tray 109 and a second extendable tray 110 which are attached to the base 101 via a series of hinges 112. Further, the extendable trays 109 and 110 of the bag 100 may be selectively extended via the hinges 112 such that each tray 109, 110 is usable at a level and stable position. The hinges 112 are generally of a length equal to at least two times and up to four times the width of the sidewalls 112 to provide enough space between the upper trays 109 and 110 and base 101.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the extendable trays 109/110 with base 101 of the convertible utility bag device 100 in an open position. As shown, each of the trays are sized and configured to be of substantially equal size, but it should be understood that the trays may be of different sizes to accommodate different items and storage configurations. Each of trays 109 and 110 have transversely and longitudinally extending sidewalls with the transversely extending sidewalls having length that is less than the longitudinally extending sidewalls. In one embodiment, the transversely extending sidewalls have a length that is less than half the length of the longitudinally extending sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls of the trays 109 and 110 also have a height. The sidewalls of the base also have a height and the sidewalls of the trays have a height less than the height of the sidewalls of the base.

[0028] A first extendable tray 109 and a second extendable tray 110 are initially disposed in the interior volume 103 of the bag 100, and upon actuation, the trays 109, 110 are hingedly adjustable upwardly and outwardly, such that a user may extend or retract the trays 109/110 as desired. The first tray 109 and the second tray 110 both include a plurality of adjustable dividers 1091/1101. The adjustable dividers 1091/1101 can be used to configure an interior space of the trays 109 and 110, as per the requirements of the user and in respect to the specific items a user wishes to store and accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes of items. The dividers have a height at least equal to the height of the sidewalls of the trays 109 and 110. In an another embodiment, the height of the dividers may be less than the sidewalls of the trays. Additionally, the adjustable dividers 1091/1101 are removable and aid in expanding different partitions or compartments of the trays 109 and 110 as may be required to store larger items.

[0029] The dividers 1091/1101 as shown in FIG. 2 have a series of generally equally spaced slots into which the dividers are inserted and held in position. The slots 1093 can be positioned at any incremental arrangement to form standard sized spaces that may for example fit standard items, such as pens, pencils, toothbrushes, or the like. In addition, the spaces created by the dividers may also contain indicia 1097 indicating the item to be retained in pre-configured spaces. For example, there can be a series of regularly arranged square boxes 1094 and rectangular boxes 1095 in each tray. One tray could have, for example, all square boxes and another all rectangular boxes. Other shapes are available such as a triangle 1096 in which the dividers are inserted into the slots to form the triangle configuration. The size of the compartments 1094, 1095 and 1096 may be of any size and may be of a variety of sizes or all in a standard configuration of equally sized and spaced boxes.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the device 100, the extendable trays 109/110 may also be lined with EVA-foam padded material (or any other material of the like) designed to help protect tools and equipment from any impacts that may occur during transport. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that ABS plastic partitions (or other suitable plastic) with slots therein may be used to configure and lock each partition. In addition, anti-static liners or bags may be included to prevent electrostatic discharge thereby ruining the electronic items, or shielding films to prevent damaging radiation or radio frequency waves from interfering with the electronic devices. The compartments may also have a slightly tacky or adhesive material 1098 to prevent the items from sliding during transport and to hold the items in position. In addition, a magnet 1099, claps, or the like can be used to retain certain items in their respective compartments. The inner partitions such as 1101 and 1091 may also be padded with foam, adding an extra layer of security. In addition, the trays 109/110 may have a plurality removable and adjustable partitions which enable a user to organize tools and equipment in various ways by rearranging the partitions to suit the user's needs. The partitions fit within slots 1093 in the walls and may appear at regular intervals or predetermined spaced intervals to allow a user to determine the type, size and number of boxes or compartments that a user wishes to retain for his or her backpack.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the extendable trays 109/110 with base 101 of the integrated utility bag 100 of the present invention with the trays 109/110 in an extended position, upwardly and outwardly from the base 101. The extendable trays 109/110 are attached to sidewalls 102 of the base 101 via hinges 112 and the adjacent hinges 112 connect the first tray 109 and the second tray 110 to the base 101. The hinges 112 are connected to the sidewalls of the base 101 and trays 109, 110 by screws, rivets, fasteners or the like. The adjacent hinge 112 structure enables a user to extend the trays 109/110 to a certain level or height above and to the side of the base 101, which enables a user to access the contents of the device 100 more readily.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the device 100, a pair of pivotally adjustable trays 109 and 110 are disposed in the interior volume of the bag 100, with each of the trays 109 and 110 further including a first bracket 1092 and a second bracket 1102 disposed on an opposing end thereof; a pair of adjacent hinges 112 are disposed on the bracket 1092 and 1102 in such that a user may selectively extend each tray 109 and/or 110 via the hinges 112 such that each tray 109 and/or 110 is usable in a level position. When in an extended position, the hinges may include a locking feature (not shown) so that the trays remain in a stable and secure position. The user 130 may also selectively retract each tray 109 and/or 110 such that the trays 109 and/or 110 can be folded and secured solely within the respective interior volume 103 area of the device 100. A hook and loop fastener 113 is disposed on an exterior end of each bracket 1092 and 1102, and the hook and loop fastener 113 removably secures the trays 109 and/or 110 to the interior end of the sidewalls 102, such that the user may selectively store and remove the trays 109 and/or 110 from the interior volume as desired. Similarly, FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the extendable trays 109 and 110 with base 101 of integrated utility bag 100 of the present invention. The first tray 109 and the second tray 110 are shown in a retracted position and that the trays fit solely within the perimeter of the bag 100 and within the respective volume area.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view showing a user 130 carrying the convertible utility bag 100 with extendable trays 109/110 in a dosed position and fully concealed and contained within the bag 100. The device 100 is comprised of one or more front compartments 115 disposed on the exterior surface of the lid 104, and the front compartment or compartments are configured to receive an item 120 therein. In the shown embodiment, the front compartment 115 has a zip fastener 116, wherein a perimeter of the front compartment 115 includes a zipper lining 117 disposed thereon, such that a user 130 may open or close the zipper lining 117 as desired. It is contemplated that the zip fastener 116 can alternatively be comprised of a differing fastening means in differing embodiments of the device 100, such as but not limited to hook and loop or snap, button, clasp, magnets or other suitable fastening means. In the shown embodiment of the device 100 displayed in FIG. 5, a handle 118 is disposed on a longitudinal end of the base 101, such that the user 130 may grasp the bag 100 via the handle 118. One or more shoulder straps 119 are also preferably further disposed on an end of the base 101 opposite from the lid 104 end, such that the user 130 may utilize the device 100 via the shoulder straps 119. Further, the device 100 may include a back pocket for setting on a trolley. The utility bag 100 with extendable trays 109 and 110 of the present invention is configured to enable a user 130 to safely and easily store a plurality of different sized items 120 therein, such that comfort and convenience is provided thereto. The front compartment 115 may also be utilized to store or keep large bottles, a large blow dryer and other similar items of the like and without limitation. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention 100 depicted in FIG. 5, a plurality of fabric layers is disposed on one end of the base 101, wherein each fabric layer is in a mesh configuration, such that comfort and support is provided to the user when the bag 101 is worn about the user's shoulders.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the convertible utility bag 100 with extendable trays 109/110 in a closed position. Here, the three layers 141/142/143 of the device 100 become fully apparent, wherein the three layers 141/142/143 are comprised of a front layer 141 which can be used for accommodating a large bottle for liquid storage and large blow dryer or any similar devices of the like without limitation, a first layer 142 with large storage capacity, and a second layer 143 with extendable trays 109/110 which is further comprised of a plurality of adjustable dividers 1091/1101 for storing various beauty and grooming tools, equipment and other similar products without limitation. Nonetheless, more or less layers may also be used. A USB ready built-in power supply unit 144 also comprises one side surface 102 of the device 100 that can be used to power lighting and charge applicable devices. In differing embodiments of the device 100, the USB power supply unit 144 may be equipped with a lithium battery (not shown) with a suitable power capacity such as, but not limited to, 5000 mAh.

[0035] Additional features can also be added to the convertible utility bag 100 of the present invention in differing embodiments to satisfy a variety of users 130. For example, the structural components inherent in the design of the utility bag 100 with extendable trays 110 permits the addition of side handles (not shown). A decorative strip (not shown) may also comprise the device 100 and be added to enhance the aesthetic look of the device 100. An identification tag receptacle (not shown) may also comprise the device 100 and be positioned along the decorative strip or elsewhere on the utility bag 100 which may be comprised of a paper sheet, plastic sheet or display having information about the owner of the bag 100. Similarly, the convertible utility bag 100 with extendable trays 110 may also include feet or stands (both not shown) attached to the exterior of the bottom side 101 for added stability when the bag 100 is stood in an upright position on the ground.

[0036] The convertible utility bag 100 with extendable trays 109 and 110 of the present invention can be used by working professionals, for personal use, grooming and beauty professionals and for other similar applications without limitation. The device 100 is designed to store and protect various tools and equipment when traveling. The utility bag 100 of the present invention is also comprised of extendable trays 109/110 to organize various items 120 such as grooming tools, electronic accessories, shaving kits, equipment, stationary items, travel kits, etc. of the like and without limitation.

[0037] In the most preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that the utility bag 100 with extendable trays 109 and 110 of the present invention, is manufactured from waterproof fabric and materials such as but not limited to 1680D ballistic nylon waterproof exterior and 420D nylon waterproof interior lining. In other embodiments of the device 100, the integrated utility bag 100 may include a plastic hard exterior cover. The device 100 of the present invention may also be constructed in various sizes and colors to accommodate all user needs and preferences as well as different sized users. Similarly, the device 100 may be comprised of embodiments of various dimensions such as but not limited to: 15 to 25 inches long, 10 to 14 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches in height. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the size is contemplated to be 20 inches long, 12 inches wide and 7.5 inches in height. Additionally, the weight of the bag 100 may range from 680 g/24 oz to 1600 g/56 oz.

[0038] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “bag”, “utility bag”, “convertible bag”, “convertible utility bag”, “integrated bag”, “backpack” and “luggage bag” are interchangeable and refer to the bag 100 of the present invention.

[0039] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the convertible utility bag 100 of the present invention and its various structural components can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the convertible utility bag 100 and its various components, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the convertible utility bag 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. The convertible utility bag 100 and its components may be any shape or size that ensures security, convenience and optimal space utilization during use and/or that suits the need and/or preference of users.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.