Bag Having an Integrated Garment and Suit Compartment

Abstract

A bag arrangement may include a first side panel; a second side panel opposite the first side panel; a front panel extending between the first side panel and the second side panel; a bottom panel extending between the front panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; and a suit panel extending from the bottom panel to the front panel and between the first side panel and the second side panel. The suit panel may be detachably mounted to the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel. When the suit panel is mounted to the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel, the bag arrangement defines a first storage space. The suit panel may include a suiter fold configured to extend from an interior surface of the suit panel. The suiter fold may define a second storage space. When the suit panel is unmounted from the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the front panel, and the bottom panel are configured to maintain the same arrangement as when the bag arrangement defines the first storage space.

Claims

1. A bag arrangement for carrying suit garments, the arrangement comprising: a first side panel; a second side panel opposite the first side panel; a front panel extending between the first side panel and the second side panel; a bottom panel extending between the front panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; and a suit panel extending from the bottom panel to the front panel and between the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein the suit panel is detachably mounted to the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel, wherein, when the suit panel is mounted to the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel, the bag arrangement defines a first storage space, wherein the suit panel comprises a suiter fold configured to extend from an interior surface of the suit panel, the suiter fold defining a second storage space, and wherein, when the suit panel is unmounted from the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the front panel, and the bottom panel are configured to maintain the same arrangement as when the bag arrangement defines the first storage space.

2. The bag arrangement of claim 1, wherein the suiter fold is configured to be at least partially folded and retained against the interior surface of the suit panel when the bag arrangement defines the first storage space.

3. The bag arrangement of claim 2, wherein a zipper is configured to mount the suit panel to the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel, the zipper extending from a first corner, defined by the suit panel and the first side panel, across the front panel, and to a second corner, defined by the suit panel and the second side panel.

4. A bag comprising: a plurality of panels, wherein, in a first position, the plurality of panels are configured to define a first storage space, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels comprises a suiter fold, the suiter fold defining a second storage space, wherein, in a second position, the suiter fold is configured to extend from the at least one panel, and wherein, in the second position, the plurality of panels not containing the suiter fold are configured to maintain the configuration that defines the first storage space, defining a partially defined first storage space.

5. The bag of claim 4, wherein the plurality of panels comprises: a top panel; a front panel; a bottom compartment panel; and at least two side panels, wherein the top panel comprises the suiter fold.

6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the suiter fold extends along an interior surface of the top panel in the first position.

7. The bag of claim 6, wherein the suiter fold is at least partially folded over itself along the interior surface of the top panel in the first position.

8. The bag of claim 7, wherein at least one attachment means retains the suiter fold at least partially folded over in the first position.

9. The bag of claim 8, wherein the at least one attachment means is a Fidlock snap.

10. The bag of claim 5, wherein the suiter fold extends at least partially across the partially defined first storage space in the second position.

11. The bag of claim 4, wherein the suiter fold comprises at least one opening to access the second storage space.

12. The bag of claim 11, wherein the at least one opening comprises a zipper.

13. The bag of claim 5, wherein, in the first position, an opening for the first storage space extends about the top panel, the at least two side panels, and the front panel.

14. The bag of claim 13, wherein the opening comprises a zipper.

15. The bag of claim 14, wherein the zipper extends from a first corner, defined by the top panel and a first side panel, to a second corner, defined by the top panel and a second side panel, and wherein the second side panel opposes the first side panel.

16. The bag of claim 5, wherein the bottom compartment panel comprises bottom compartment walls and a bottom panel, the bottom compartment walls and the bottom panel defining a third storage space.

17. The bag of claim 16, wherein a main compartment floor panel extends between the bottom compartment walls and is configured to separate the first storage space from the third storage space.

18. The bag of claim 17, wherein the main compartment floor panel comprises a pocket configured to slidingly receive items therein.

19. The bag of claim 18, wherein at least one of the at least two side panels comprises a zipper configured to open the at least one of the at least two side panels to access the pocket.

20. The bag of claim 5, wherein at least one of the least two side panels comprises a shoe tunnel extending therefrom.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a top panel opened;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a suiter fold partially opened;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with the suiter fold completely opened;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a bottom compartment opened;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a first compartment of a side panel opened;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a second compartment of a side panel opened;

[0038] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a shoe tunnel opened in a side panel;

[0040] FIG. 10 a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a vent opened in a side panel; and

[0041] FIG. 11 is a back view of the bag of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0042] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as it is oriented in the figures. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary aspects of the disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0043] As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements.

[0044] The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to. As used herein, “at least one of” is synonymous with “one or more of”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes one or more of A alone; or one or more B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A and one or more of B; or one or more of A and one or more of C; or one or more of B and one or more of C; or one or more of all of A, B, and C.

[0045] The term “includes” is synonymous with “comprises”.

[0046] The present disclosure is directed to, in general, a bag 10 defining interior storage spaces 32, 54, 64 while also having a suit compartment 48 capable of holding suits and formal garments in order to avoid unnecessary folding of those garments. The bag may be a duffle bag, gym bag, carry-on bag, or any other suitable bag. Certain aspects of the components of each are illustrated in FIGS. 1-11.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1-11, the bag 10 includes a first side panel 12, a second side panel 14, a front panel 16, a bottom panel 18, and a suit panel 20. The suit panel 20 includes a handle 21 for carrying the bag 10. The first side panel 12 opposes the second side panel 14, with the front panel 16, the bottom panel 18, and the suit panel 20 extending between and connecting the first side panel 12 and second side panel 14. The front panel 16 extends upward from one side of the bottom panel 18, and the suit panel 20 extends upward from an opposing side of the bottom panel 18. The front panel 16 and suit panel 20 meet at a point below the tops of the first side panel 12 and the second side panel 14 nearest the side of the bottom panel 18 from which the front panel 16 extends. As shown, the front panel 16 is substantially U-shaped, receiving the suit panel 20 within the U. In some embodiments, approximately one inch of the front panel 16 may extend between the suit panel 20 and the other panels 12, 14, 18 of the bag 10. In other words, the front panel 16 may have a length of one inch between the suit panel 20 and each of the first side panel 12, the second side panel 14, and the bottom panel 18. While this means a strip of fabric of the front panel 16 extends between the suit panel 20 and the first and second side panels 12, 14, these strips of the front panel 16 will be considered to be part of the suit panel 20 in order to describe the bag 10 in greater detail.

[0048] The front panel 16 and suit panel 20 are connected via a zipper 22 extending from a first corner 24, defined between the first side panel 12, the bottom panel 18, and the suit panel 20, and a second corner 26, defined between the second side panel 14, the bottom panel 18, and the suit panel 20. Either of the first corner 24 or the second corner 26 may have a zipper tunnel for placement of the zipper 22 when not in use. Zipper tunnels may be used in various locations to hold any of the zippers discussed throughout this disclosure. For consistency, a third corner 28 is located opposite the second corner 26 across the second side panel 14 and is defined between the second side panel 14, the front panel 16, and the bottom panel 18. A fourth corner 30 is located opposite the first corner 24 across the first side panel 12 and is defined between the first side panel 12, the front panel 16, and the bottom panel 18. The zipper 22 extends about and over the first side panel 12, extending downward to meet the front panel 16. The zipper 22 then extends along the length of the front panel 16, nearly traversing the entire front side of the bag 10. After extending along the front panel 16, the zipper 22 then extends about and over the second side panel 14 until it terminates in the second corner 26. A first storage compartment 32 is defined between interior surfaces of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and accessed via the zipper 22. The first storage compartment 32 can hold clothes, shoes, or other items within the bag 10.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows the suit panel 20 unzipped from the other panels of the bag 10, exposing the first storage compartment 32. Extending from an inner surface 34 of the suit panel 20 is a suiter fold 36. As shown, the suiter fold 36 is folded over itself along the inner surface 34. As a result, a first portion 37 of the suiter fold 36 is connected to the inner surface 34, and a second portion 39 of the suiter fold 36 is not. To keep the suiter fold 36 folded over itself, attachment means 35 may be used. As shown, an example of attachment means 35 can be snap locks. Tabs 35A have a first connecting portion and extend from the inner surface 34 of the suit panel 20 to connect with corresponding connecting portions 35B located on the second portion 39 of the suiter fold 36. The suiter fold 36 ultimately allows for formal clothes or garments to be held within the bag 10 along with clothes and shoes that fit within the first compartment 32.

[0050] FIGS. 2-4 show the process of unfolding the suiter fold 36 from the inner surface 34 of the suit panel 20. FIG. 3 shows another example of an attachment means 38 that keeps the suiter fold 36 folded over itself and held together against the inner surface 34. The attachment means 38 can be snaps, such as Fidlock snaps, Velcro®, ties or other means to connect the suiter fold 36 to itself. As shown, the attachment means 38 are in corresponding corners of the suiter fold 36, but other attachment arrangements may be used. In another embodiment, attachment means 38 may be a snap, like attachment means 35. In this embodiment (not shown), tabs may extend from a first suiter panel 40 and a second suiter panel 42 and connect to corresponding snap features located on the second portion 39. When the attachment means 38 are undone, the first suiter panel 40 and the second suiter panel 42 are exposed. The first suiter panel 40 and the second suiter panel 42 are connected via a zipper 44 and cover half of the surface area of the suiter fold 36. The zipper 44 extends along the entire lengths of the suiter panels 40, 42 and is water resistant along with the suiter panels 40, 42 to protect the clothing or other items held by the zipper 44 and suiter panels 40, 42. The length of the suiter fold 36 and the lengths of the first and second suiter panels 40, 42 extend over and beyond the first storage compartment 32 when the suiter fold 36 is at least partially unfolded, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0051] When the zipper 44 is undone, as shown in FIG. 4, a back panel 46 of the suiter fold 36 is exposed. The back panel 46 is at least partially connected to the inner surface 34 of the suit panel 20. Along with the first suiter panel 40 and the second suiter panel 42, the back panel 46 defines a second storage compartment 48. The second storage compartment 48 is configured to hold formal garments, such as suits, dresses, and dress shirts, therein so as to avoid excessive folding of these garments as would be required if these garments were kept in the first storage compartment 32. The back panel 46 includes a hook 50 or other attachment means so that clothes hangers for the garments held within the second storage compartment 48 can be supported. The back panel also includes containment straps 51 extending across the back panel 46 between the suiter panels 40, 42. The containment straps 51 may include buckles 53 or other attachment means so that clothes may be arranged within the second storage compartment 48 and held by the containment straps. The containment straps 51 may also include some padding, such as tubular foam, in order to protect delicate clothing held within the second storage compartment 48.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, when the suit panel 20 and suiter fold 36 are unzipped and in various stages of unfolding, the additional panels 12, 14, 16, 18 of the bag 10 substantially maintain their original shape. This means that the suiter fold 36 can be undone, allowing a user to access garments placed within the second storage compartment 48 while the shape and structure of the first storage compartment 32 can remain at least partially defined by the first side panel 12, the second side panel 14, the front panel 16, and the bottom panel 18. This allows for the first storage compartment 32 to be used simultaneously with the suiter second storage compartment 48.

[0053] Additional features of the bag 10 will now be described.

[0054] The bottom panel 18 is connected to the first side panel 12, the second side panel 14, and the front panel 16 via a zipper 52. As shown in FIG. 5, the zipper 52 extends from the first corner 24, across the first side panel 12, to the fourth corner 30. Then the zipper 52 extends between the first panel 16 and the bottom panel 18 to the third corner 28 and then across the second side panel 14 to the second corner 26, where the zipper 52 terminates. Upon being unzipped, the bottom panel 18 is partially separated from the other components of the bag 10. The bottom panel 18 can define a third storage compartment 54 between the sidewalls of the bottom panel. The third storage compartment 54 can be a space located within the bottom panel 18, with sidewalls of the bottom panel 18 defining the boundaries of the third storage compartment 54. When the zipper 52 is closed, the third storage space is additionally defined by a floor panel 56. The floor panel 56 extends between the first side panel 12, the second side panel 14, the front panel 16, and the suit panel 20. The floor panel 56 may also define the first storage compartment 32, essentially acting as a divider between the first storage compartment 32 and the third storage compartment 54. The inside of the bottom panel 18 and the bottom of the floor panel 56 are made of waterproof fabric, with the zipper 52 also being waterproof. This makes the third storage compartment 54 waterproof so that wet clothes and/or wet shoes can be stored in the bag 10 along with other clothes in a way that prevents the other clothes from becoming wet.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7 the first side panel 12 is connected to the front panel 16 and the suit panel 20 via a zipper 60. The zipper 60 extends along the outer perimeter of first side panel 12 between the first corner 24 and the fourth corner 30. When unzipped, the zipper 60 allows the first side panel 12 to be pulled open, creating a side opening 62, which allows access to the first storage compartment 32. A laptop compartment 64 may be located on a top surface of the floor panel 56 and be accessed via the side opening. The laptop compartment 64 can receive a laptop or other electronic device therein for storage. It is also contemplated that the laptop compartment 64 may be a shoe compartment that provides a compact space for shoes such as flip flops or slides to be neatly stored in a separate area. This compartment may also be located on the opposing side of the floor panel 56 within the third storage compartment 54.

[0056] The first side panel 12 also includes a side zipper 66 that extends in a semicircular, semiovular, or semisquare nature about the first side panel 12. The side zipper 66 permits access to a side compartment 68 located entirely within the first side panel 12 that can be used for storing various items. When the side zipper 66 is unzipped, a gusset 67 extends between the first side panel 12 proximate the side zipper 66 and the portion of the first side panel 69 that opens to permit access to the side compartment 68. The gusset 67 can extend upwards a desired distance to help retain items in the side compartment 68. In one embodiment, the gusset 67 extends approximately two inches between the portion 69 and the first side panel 12. An inner side of the portion 69 may also include a pocket 71 for holding a water bottle therein. The pocket 71 can be designed to fit snugly around the water bottle to ensure that the water bottle is not jostled when held within the pocket 71 and less likely to spill. The pocket 71 may also be made of water proof material and include a water proof zipper 73.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1, 8, and 9 the second side panel 14 is connected to the front panel 16 and the suit panel 20 via a zipper 70. The zipper 70 extends along the outer perimeter of the second side panel 14 between the second corner 26 and the third corner 28. When unzipped, the zipper 70 allows the second side panel 14 to be pulled open, allowing a user access to a shoe tunnel 72. The shoe tunnel 72 defines a cavity 74 for storing a user's shoes in the bag 10. The shoe tunnel 72 extends partially into the first storage compartment 32, but the fabric of the shoe tunnel 72 acts as a divider between the first storage compartment 32 and the cavity 74, so that any shoes in the cavity 74 are separated from any clothes within the first storage compartment 32. When not in use, the shoe tunnel 72 may be folded or rolled within the first storage compartment 32 in order to later be expanded when it is uses. The second side panel 14 also includes a vent zipper 76 extending in a semicircular, semiovular, or semisquare nature about the second side panel 14. The vent zipper 76 permits access to a mesh vent 78 that is connected to the shoe tunnel 72 and cavity 74. When shoes are placed in the cavity 74, the vent zipper 66 may be opened to allow air to flow through the mesh vent 78, thus circulating fresh between the space outside the bag 10 and the cavity 74. This may reduce the pungency of any smells emanating from shoes kept in the cavity 74 during use.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the bag 10 has additional compartments 80, 82, 84, defined by mesh pouches, extending along the suiter fold 36 and the front panel 16 within the first storage compartment 32. A first mesh compartment 80 and a second mesh compartment 82 are located along the suiter fold 36 proximate the location where the suiter fold 36 is folded over itself. In other words, the first and second mesh compartments 80, 82 are located along the second part 39 of the suiter fold 36 nearest the first part 37. The first mesh compartment 80 extends across a first half of the suiter fold 36, and the second mesh compartment 82 extends across the other half. The first mesh compartment 80 is accessed by a zipper 86, and the second mesh compartment 82 is accessed by a zipper 88. It is also contemplated that other attachment means, such as buttons, clips, or Velcro® can be used for the zippers 86, 88. A third mesh compartment 84 can extend along the front panel 16 opposing the first and second mesh compartments 80, 82 across the first storage compartment 32. A zipper 90 or other attachment means can also be used to access the third mesh compartment 84.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 11, the bottom panel 18 of the bag 10 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. A support structure 92 includes support straps 94, 96 connected together via a support bridge 98, which is sewn or otherwise attached to the bottom panel 18 across a length thereof. The support straps 94, 96 extend from the support bridge 98 located proximate one end of the bottom panel 18 and extend to the opposing end of the bottom panel 18. Each of the support straps 94, 96 can include clips 100 that connect to fastening loops 102, which extend from the bottom panel 18 proximate the second 26 and third corners 28. The fastening loops 102 can be tucked into pockets (not shown) within the bottom panel 18 when not in use. In this fashion the support structure 92 is secured at three points across the bottom panel: along the connection between the support bridge 98 and the bottom panel 18 and at the connections made between the clips 100 and fastening loops 102. The support straps 94, 96 and support bridge 98 can be worn around a user's shoulders and arms to transport the bag 10 like a backpack, with one arm extending through the first support strap 94, the other arm 96 extending through the second support strap 96, and the support bridge 98 extending across the tops of the shoulders. The lengths of the support straps 94, 96 can also be adjusted using typical length-adjusting means.

[0060] The support structure 92 can be kept in a pocket 104 when not in use. The pocket 100 is defined in the bottom panel 18 and accessed via a zipper 106. When not in use, the clips 100 can be unfastened from the fastening loops 102, allowing the support straps 94, 96 to be rolled, folded or bent in the direction of the pocket 104 in order to be slidingly received therein. The bottom panel 18 may also have a handle 108 extending from one side to also allow a user to carry the bag 10 in that manner. The handle 108 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the bottom panel 18 or attached to a portion of the bag 10 near the bottom panel 18 to allow a user to carry the bag 10.

[0061] While various aspects of the bag 10 were provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these aspects without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other aspect. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims, and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.