Multipurpose Organizer Bag with Configurable Compartments

Abstract

The present invention relates to bag with configurable compartments for separately storing items. The bag is preferably a carry-all type bag having a fastener adhered to the inner walls of the bag. A plurality of dividers having fasteners along their edges are securely positioned inside the bag to create separate compartments. The size and number of compartments can be adjusted by adding/removing the dividers and changing the position of the dividers inside the bag. The dividers have a label to identify the dividers and compartments.

Claims

1. A portable bag comprising: a front wall; a back wall; a bottom wall; a plurality of side walls; a a top panel; a first fastener disposed along at least one of the bottom, front, or plurality of side walls; and a divider having a second fastener, the second fastener connects with the first fastener to create a compartment with the divider and the front, back, bottom and plurality of side walls.

2. The portable bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners are one of a hook and loop fastener, an adhesive, a magnetic fastener, a rib and channel fastener, a snap or a combination thereof.

3. The portable bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.

4. The portable bag as recited in claim 3, wherein the first fastener is a loop fastener and the second fastener is a hook fastener.

5. The portable bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners are provided in a pattern.

6. The portable bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the divider is further comprised of an anti-microbial coating or an anti-fungal coating.

7. The portable bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the divider is impervious to water or moisture.

8. The portable bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the divider is comprised of a mesh material.

9. The portable bag as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least two dividers to create a plurality of different sized compartments within the portable bag.

10. The portable bag as recited in claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of different sized compartments is preconfigured to accommodate a specifically sized item.

11. The portable bag as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel.

12. A gym organizer bag comprising: a bag having an interior space defined by a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a bottom wall and a top panel; at least two dividers that partition the interior space into a plurality of smaller compartments; a label attached to each of the at least two dividers; and a fastening system for fastening the at least two dividers to at least one of the pair of side walls, the pair of end walls, the bottom wall and the top panel.

13. The gym organizer bag as recited in claim 12, wherein the fastener system is comprised of at least one of a hook and loop fastener, an adhesive, a magnetic fastener, a rib and channel fastener, a snap or a combination thereof.

14. The gym organizer bag as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least two dividers are provided with a protective coating.

15. The gym organizer bag as recited in claim 14, wherein the protective coating is one of an anti-microbial coating of an anti-fungal coating.

16. The gym organizer bag as recited in claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of smaller compartments is configured to receive an item of a specific size.

17. The gym organizer bag as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least two dividers are positioned in one of a parallel relationship, a perpendicular relationship or an angled relationship to the pair of side walls.

18. A combination of a portable bag and a plurality of accessories, the combination comprising: a bag having a plurality of interior compartments, wherein at least two of the plurality of compartments are comprised of different sizes; the plurality of compartments formed by at least two dividers; a clothes item, a grooming item and at least one other accessory provided in the plurality of interior compartments; and a fastening system for securing the at least two dividers in an interior of the bag, wherein the fastening system is one of a hook and loop fastener, an adhesive, a magnetic fastener, a rib and channel fastener, a snap or a combination thereof.

19. The combination as recited in claim 18, wherein the at least two dividers are provided with a protective coating and are positioned in one of a parallel relationship, a perpendicular relationship or an angled relationship with respect to a side wall of the bag.

20. The combination as recited in claim 18, wherein the fastening system is a hook and loop fastener system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the portable organizer bag of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable organizer bag not equipped with the dividers in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the portable organizer bag of FIG. 1 with items separately stored in compartments formed by the dividers in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary divider used in the portable organizer bag of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the portable organizer bag with a single divider and two compartments in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0027] The innovation 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 innovation 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 are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not 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.

[0028] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a modified bag that can be used to transport necessities and items in a well-organized manner. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an improved bag that prevents the items kept inside the bag from inadvertently mixing together. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable bag that eliminates the need to use multiple small bags to keep items separate inside the bag. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a modified carry-all bag which provides a sanitary way of transporting athletic apparel and other items and prevents the items from being unintentionally mixed together. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a modified portable bag that allows quick access to items kept inside the bag and, as such, saves time and effort of the user in having to search for the desired item. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved carry-all bag that ensures the dirty clothes and clean clothes are kept separate and prevents transferring of bad odor or stains from dirty to clean clothes. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable bag that is easy to use and ensures the bag is kept neat and organized.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a utility organizer bag. The bag is used for storing items in an orderly manner and the bag includes at least two adjustable, individual compartments for storing items. The compartments are formed by positioning at least one divider inside the bag. The divider may be secured inside the bag using a first set of hook and loop or other suitable fasteners, and the divider can be adjusted inside the bag to change the size of the various compartments. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener can be a magnetic fastener, an adhesive, a series of snap fasteners, or a rib and channel configuration in which the divider slides into the channel to secure the divider in place.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the portable organizer bag of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The carry-all organizer bag 100 of the present embodiment is designed for assisting a user in organizing athletic clothes, accessories such as shoes, personal care items and other belongings. As will be described below in more detail, the portable bag 100 is reconfigurable, in that a plurality of individual sections or compartments are created inside the bag 100 for organizing and storing a number of different items. In addition, the compartments may have a set of different pre-configured spaces to accommodate different items such as shoes, personal care items, water bottles or the like so that the space is not wasted and allows more area for clothing or other bulkier items.

[0031] More specifically, the bag 100 has a pair of side walls 102, 104, a front wall 106, a rear wall 108, a bottom panel 110 and a top panel 112. The side walls 102, 104, the front wall 106 and the rear wall 108 extend upwards from the bottom panel 110 and together with the top panel 112 form a storage compartment having an internal space or volume. The top panel 112 allows access to items stored in the storage volume or space and the top panel 112 is fastened to cover the storage area or space using a fastener 114. The fastener 114 can be one of a zipper, snap button, hook and loop fastener, magnetic fastener, rib and channel fastener and combinations thereof. Although the bag 100 is shown as a soft-sided carry all, such as a duffle bag, it should be understood that the bag 100 should be construed broadly and can encompass any bag including hard-sided luggage, back packs, and other luggage.

[0032] The bag 100 has a plurality of pockets 116 disposed on the exterior surface of one or more walls. The pockets 116 are secured by their own zipper 1160 or any other fastener for increasing storage space and for storing additional items. The bag 100 has a pair of handles 118 with a handle located on each of the front wall 106 and the rear 108 for easily carrying the bag 100 in one's hands or strung over a shoulder. Further, the bag 100 can have a central padded strap handle 120 extending between the side walls 102, 104. The side walls 102, 104 can have one or more pockets 122 for receiving small items such as a key, a cell phone, deodorant, wallet, watch and other items.

[0033] The walls 106, 108 and the bottom panel 110 in one embodiment has a fastener 124 disposed on their inner surfaces. The fastener may be provided in a continuing configuration, running from edge to edge, or provided in a pattern made from a number of spaced apart fastener elements. The fastener 124 is sewn, adhered, or permanently attached inside the bag along the inner surfaces of the walls 106, 108, 110. Alternatively, the fastener 124 can be adhesively bonded, thermally fused or injection molded inside the bag 100. The fastener 124 allows a plurality of dividers shown exemplary through numerals 126a, 126b and having a corresponding fastener (shown in FIG. 4) to be removably placed for creating the separate compartments 128, 130, 132 to organize and store belongings, clothes, personal grooming products and other accessories separately. It should be noted that although only two dividers are shown in the present embodiment, any number of dividers may be provided to create any number of desired compartments and can be removably placed inside the bag 100. The dividers can be spaced apart to create compartments of any suitable size, to customize the bag 100 as per preferences of a user and to organize and store clothes, belongings, and other items. Each compartment is supported by a divider, the inner surfaces of the front wall 106, rear wall 108 and bottom wall 110 along with another divider or a side wall. The dividers may be made from the same material or different materials. Dividers may be made from a mesh material to allow air flow, may be impervious to water, moisture, or air, may be treated with anti-microbial, anti-fungal or other protective coatings to prevent the spread of bacteria, fungus or other undesirable germs or microbes.

[0034] As illustrated, in a deployed position inside the bag 100, a divider is secured to the inner surfaces of the front wall 106, rear wall 108 and the bottom wall 110. The divider has a shape and dimension to fit the interior area of the bag and match the dimension of the bag 100, thereby not impeding the closure and opening of the bag 100. The dividers are stiff, and each divider has a label or other indica 134 (like towel, ball) for uniquely identifying the divider and associated compartment inside the bag 100. The label 134 may be inserted in a pocket 135, or a film may be used to allow the individual to use an erasable marker to change the indica on the label or film pocket 135.

[0035] The bag 100 is made of a weatherproof, tear and impact resistant material such as thermoplastic urethanes, polyurethane, polycarbonates, rubber, leather, latex, canvas, leather, and combinations thereof. Further, the bag 100 can be made of a single material or different parts of the bag 100 can be made from different materials. The bag 100 maintains the shape with the dividers 126a-b positioned inside the bag 100 or without the dividers. The dividers 126a-b can be spaced apart as per desire and preferences of a user allowing the user to store items in an organized manner.

[0036] The bag 100 is described as a portable bag, such as a gym or athletic bag, in the present embodiment and may be used to keep clean and dirty clothes in separate and distinct compartments, for example. However, other uses and shapes of the bag 100, such as using the bag for carrying books by a student, are contemplated in the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the reconfigurable organizer bag shown without the dividers in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the portable bag 200 has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the bag described in FIG. 1, but the first fasteners 202 are positioned on the inner surface 204 of the rear wall 206, inner surface 208 of the front wall 210 and inner surface 212 of the bottom wall 214 in a spaced apart and generally rectangular panel, and are not disposed along the entire inner surfaces of the walls 206, 210, 214.

[0038] The predefined positioning of the fastener 202 allows a user to securely place the dividers along the first fastener 202 to make compartments. The portable bag 200 is useful for people who desire and need compartments of specific size and width. The first fastener 202 is shown in a continuous pattern, whereas the fastener 207 is provided in a pattern with spaced apart fastening agents, such as spaced a distance of 1 to 2 inches apart, on the interior of the bag 100. In addition, the fastener 205 may provide a pre-configured space which is a width of a specific item such as a personal grooming product, brush, shoes or other items and in this way, such items do not occupy more space than is required for such items. The bag 100 is also shown with wheels 211 and 213 to allow the bag to be rolled along behind the individual.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the portable organizer bag 100 of FIG. 1 with items separately stored in compartments formed by the dividers in accordance with the disclosed specification. As illustrated, the first compartment 128 is formed between the side wall 104 and the second divider 126b and is used for storing hand towels 302. The second compartment 130 is formed between the first divider 126a and the second divider 126b and is used for storing clothing 304. The third compartment 132 is formed between the first divider 126a and the side wall 102, and has a dimension that is larger than either of the other spaces and, in this embodiment, is wider than the other two compartments 128, 130. For example, the third compartment can be used for storing a ball 306, thereby allowing the user to store the various items in an organized manner and eliminating the need for the user to sift through the interior of the bag to find items and also to separate clean clothes from unsanitary and dirty hand towels 302. Further, it should be noted that the compartments can be configured to any size by placing the dividers as per requirement of the user, and the width can be customized to accommodate different size items.

[0040] The fasteners of the dividers and the bag enable a secure and sturdy positioning of the dividers inside the bag 100 and therefore eliminate the worry of mixing items, like clean and dirty clothes inside the bag 100. The fasteners can be hook and loop, adhesive, magnetic, rib and channel, snap or combinations thereof.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary divider that may be used in the various embodiments of the organizer bag of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The divider 400 can be used in all embodiments of the organizer bag of the present invention and corresponds to exemplary dividers 126a, 126b shown in other embodiments.

[0042] More specifically, the divider 400 is 1-2 cm thick and has a curved top edge 402 shaped and dimensioned to fit inside an organizer bag. It should be contemplated that the top edge 402 can have any shape like flat, concave, or convex depending on the design and shape of the bag enabling the divider 400 to be placed inside the bag without affecting the space and shape of the bag. The three flat edges 404, 406, 408 have a permanently attached second fastener 410 that allows the divider 400 to secure to the corresponding fastener positioned inside the gym bag.

[0043] The flat edges have lengths as per the dimensions of a bag in which the divider 400 is used and further, it should be noted that, a bag can have a fastener disposed on the inner surfaces of the walls and accordingly, the divider 400 can have a corresponding fastener enabling the divider to be securely and stably placed inside the bag.

[0044] The divider 400 has a replaceable label 412 that can be used to uniquely identify the divider 400 and the contents stored in a compartment created by the divider 400. The label 412 can be erased and replaced with a new label as per requirements of a user or the plastic pocket may have a rewritable surface. The divider used in the present invention can be made of any of the materials such as plastic, metal, rubber, composite material, or the like.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the organizer bag with a single divider and two compartments in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the bag 100 of the FIG. 1 is customized to contain a single divider 126a to form two equal sized or a first dimensioned compartments 502, 504 to separately store dirty clothes 506 in the compartment 502 and clean clothes 508 in the other compartment 504. Any number of the compartments can be formed by placing the dividers in the bag as per requirements of the users.

[0046] The bags of the present invention are portable, easy to carry, and can securely store items in an orderly manner. The bags can also be configured in a wide variety of ways according to the desires of the users. The organizer bags can accommodate any style preference, color, size, or the like to meet requirements of users of all ages and genders.

[0047] The principles embodied in the organizer bags of the present invention can be applied to different types and forms of bags, and bags according to embodiments of the invention need not have the same shape, shapes, or range of configurations as the bags 100, 200.

[0048] 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 “organizer bag”, “portable organizer bag”, “bag”, and “carry all bag with configurable compartments” are interchangeable and refer to the gym organizer bag 100, 200 of the present invention.

[0049] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the gym organizer bag 100, 200 of the present invention can be of any suitable size 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 gym organizer bag 100, 200 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the gym organizer bag 100, 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the gym organizer bag 100, 200 are important design parameters for user convenience, the gym organizer bag 100, 200 be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0050] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0051] 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.