Device for Positioning Items Within a Purse or Bag

Abstract

A device for the placement and positioning of an item with a clip on it in a bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device, including a rectangular area, a raised edge, several extruded shapes, groves, or ridges, several slots, and cut out areas.

Claims

1. A device that keeps existing items with belt clip attachments on them in the specific place the user so chooses, on a device comprising: a rectangular shaped body of semi-ridged material, that is up to 20 inches wide, up to 20 inches in length, and up to inch thick; a raised edge along the outside boundary of the device which is up to inch high, and up to 3 inches wide; and at least one cut out on at least one of the sides of the rectangle, which is up to 6 inches wide and at least inch deep; wherein a new outside boundary shape is created.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sides of the cut out are straight forming two angles on each side of a flat bottom; wherein a new outside boundary shape is created.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the cut out is a rounded shape with no flat sides or bottom, thus creating a circular shape; wherein a new outside boundary shape is created.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cut out area is a combination of both flat and curved shapes; wherein a new outside boundary shape is created.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein a multitude of extrusions are placed within the boundaries of the raised edge.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein a multitude of groves are placed within the boundaries of the raised edge and are parallel to the raised edge.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein a multitude of ridges are placed within the boundaries of the raised edge and are parallel to the raised edge.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein a multitude of slots are placed within the boundaries of the raised edge and are parallel to the raised edge.

9. The device of claim 2, wherein a slot is cut into the raised outside boundary, the slot is placed within inches of the outside edge of the cut out, is up to inch wide, is at least inch long, and is within 30 degrees of being parallel with the outside edge of the cutout.

10. A process for keeping items with a clip on them or their carrying case in a known and predictable location within a bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device; which comprises the steps of: a) place an overall flat rectangular surface, similar to that as described in claim 1 into a bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device, oriented such that the bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device, can be closed as would be expected in normal use, and such that the thin edge of the rectangular surface is oriented vertically within the bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device, along one of the walls of the bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device, b) place the overall flat rectangular surface, similar to that as described in claim 1 adjacent to any interior wall of the bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device, to lend stability to the overall flat rectangular surface, similar to that as described in claim 1, c) attach an item with the clip on it along the top, angled, or side edges of the overall flat rectangular surface, similar to that as described in claim 1, being sure that the item does not stick up such that it hinders the closing of the bag, purse, backpack, briefcase, or other similar device that the overall flat rectangular surface, similar to that as described in claim 1 has been placed in.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows an axonometric projection of the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1, with dimensions shown for the major parts of the devise as currently embodied.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows an axonometric projection of the current embodiment of the medium sized version of the device.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the medium sized version of the device shown in FIG. 3, with dimensions shown for the major parts of the devise as currently embodied.

[0010] FIG. 5 shows an axonometric projection of the current embodiment of the smallest sized version of the device.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the smallest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 5, with dimensions shown for the major parts of the devise as currently embodied.

[0012] FIG. 7 shows a top view of how an existing belt clip holster can attach to the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the belt clip holster and the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1 with a pistol inserted into the attached holster.

[0014] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1 with the holster attached and the pistol inserted.

[0015] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1 with not only a holster and pistol attached, but also a cell phone holder, and a knife.

[0016] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1 with one possible way to attach an existing paddle style holster and pistol to the device described.

[0017] FIG. 12 shows an axonometric view of a zoomed in portion of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1 showing how an existing belt clip can connect to the extruded structures described in the detail section.

[0018] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1 showing how an existing belt clip can be more permanently and securely attached to the device described.

[0019] FIG. 14 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the largest sized version of the device shown in FIG. 1 showing how an existing belt clip style holster can be attached as show in FIG. 13 and how this works to also allow the pistol to be angled for the users comfort.

[0020] FIG. 15 shows an axonometric view, zoomed in to show how a belt clip is slid into one of the slots on the device shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 16 shows an example of the device shown in FIG. 1 with an existing clip on holster installed on it with a pistol and placed into a large zip up bag. This view shows how the item, a pistol in this case is able to be positioned where the user wants it at all times.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] It is advantageous to define several terms before describing the invention. It should be appreciated that the following definitions are used throughout this application.

Definitions

[0023] Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below, unless specifically indicated.

[0024] For the purposes of the present invention, directional terms such as top, bottom, above, below, left, right, horizontal, vertical, etc. are merely used for convenience in describing the various embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention may be oriented in various ways. For example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 may be flipped over, rotated by 90 in any direction, etc.

[0025] For the purposes of the present invention, the term extrusion refers to a structure that is extended above the surface that surrounds the area of the structure.

[0026] For the purposes of the present invention, the term belt clip or clip refers to a device which is commonly used to attach items onto things such as belts and other structures, most often constructed of two finger like structures that are pressed together in some way to mechanical pinching action.

DESCRIPTION

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the current embodiment of the invention 101 consists of a rectangular shaped area 13.21 by 7.62 inches, in other embodiments it could be as small as 3 by 3 inches or up to 20 by 20 inches, that is inch thick, in other embodiments this could be larger or smaller, with an outside edge 102 that is raised above the rest of the surface.

[0028] The structure that comprises 102 in the current embodiment is inch high and of and inch wide. In other embodiments this structure could be shorter or taller and could also be wider or thinner.

[0029] Also as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the current embodiment of the large version of the invention has a multitude of areas cut into the outside edge. Parts 104 and 106 are two examples of these cutouts.

[0030] In the current embodiment part 104 is cut such that it forms two walls that are angled at 135 degrees to the bottom. The bottom of the cut out area is flat and measures a length of 1.5 inches. While in the current embodiment the bottom is centered within the two walls in other embodiments it could be desirable to have the bottom offset thus forming to distinctly different angles with respect to the walls of the cutout. Also, in other embodiments the bottom portion could be from inch long up to the entire length of the top of the cut out area. In addition, while in the current embodiment the bottom of the cut out is parallel to the outside edges of the rectangle, it is foreseeable in other embodiments for this to be non-parallel and instead create some angle to the outside edge.

[0031] In this embodiment, part 104 with its currently embodied characteristics creates a cutout that is 1.061 inches deep, but could be deeper or shallower depending on the geometry used in other embodiments. It should be noted that the boarder of part 102 is maintained along the entire edge of the cutout comprising part 104.

[0032] Part 106 shows how these cutouts can be changed to create similar but slightly different characteristics. In the current embodiment part 106 is cut such that it forms two walls that are angled at 150 degrees to the bottom, but in other embodiments could be made to create some other angle. The bottom of the cut out area is flat and measures a length of 1.5 inches. While in the current embodiment the bottom is centered within the two walls in other embodiments it could be desirable to have the bottom offset thus forming to distinctly different angles with respect to the walls of the cutout.

[0033] In this embodiment, part 106 with its currently embodied characteristics creates a cutout that is 0.625 inches deep. It should be noted that the boarder of part 102 is maintained along the entire edge of the cutout comprising part 106.

[0034] In other embodiments areas such as parts 104 and 106 could be constructed such that they could have walls that could be angled anywhere from 1 to 180 degrees. Also it is foreseeable that the bottom of parts 104 and 106, which currently measures 1.5 inches, could be increased or decreased to any degree desired, and it should not be construed to be a static measurement across all foreseeable embodiments.

[0035] In other foreseeable embodiments cut outs such as parts 104 and 106 could have curved walls and bottoms, or could be constructed as a combination of both straight and curved surfaces.

[0036] The cutout structures such as parts 104 and 106 are areas where items are attached and situated at the varying heights and angles based on the users preference. The raised structure of part 102 creates the part where the existing clip on the item to be attached can grab on to and thus allow the item to be retained on to the entire outside edge of part 101 without easily slipping off.

[0037] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 in its current embodiment part 103 is an example of a multitude of members that consist of circular extrusions that measure 0.157 inches in diameter and inch in height, it should be noted that this element of the current embodiment is made to the preceding dimensions, in other embodiments they could be larger or smaller. In its current embodiment the multitude of circular extrusions are aligned parallel to the inner side of the raised boarder that constitutes part 102. In the current embodiment the first line of circular extrusions (part 103) is offset from the inside of part 102 by inch and the second line if there is one in the area is offset another inch from the first row. In some areas only one line of circular extrusions may be used and in others none may be used at all. The dimensions of the extrusions could be bigger or smaller in any direction in other embodiments.

[0038] The use of part 103 in the current embodiment is to allow for items that have clips which may have a deeper reach to be able to attach firmly by giving them a structure to slip over and hold onto with less likelihood of them being able to slip upward until the make contact with the inside edge of part 102. These structures increase the utility of the device while not creating an undue hindrance in it use. In other embodiments it is foreseeable that noncircular shapes could be used to accomplish the same task, also it is foreseeable that in other embodiments nonlinear or random placement of these structures could be used.

[0039] Although in the current embodiment extrusions such as part 103 are used to help with the attachment of items for the device, it is also foreseeable that in their place a series of grooves could be used in other embodiments. Also, in other embodiments linear or non-linear ridges could be used. In addition, in other embodiments linear or non-linear slots could be used.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 part 105 is an example of a multitude of similar structures that are placed to both sides of the cutout areas such as part 104 and 106. In its current embodiment the part 105 consists of a slot that is placed inch from the angled edge of the cutout areas such as parts 104 and 106. The slot that constitutes part 105 is 0.16 inches wide and cuts through the entire surface. This slot runs parallel with the edge of the angled walls created in areas such as parts 104 and 106 and terminates at an extended line created by the bottom edge of the cutout structure such as 104 and 106. In other embodiments part 105 could be placed at different distances from the edge of structures such as part 104 and 106 and could also be of differing widths in other embodiments.

[0041] Part 105 is for the user that may want a more permanent placement of an item such as a holster onto the device (part 101). The user does this by slipping the top portion of the existing clipping mechanism on their item into the slot and placing the rest of the clip in place in the same manner as if simply using the cutouts consisting of the areas such as parts 104 and 106.

[0042] Shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is another possible embodiment of the invention. This embodiment (part 201) consists of a rectangular shaped area 6.621 by 6.621 inches, that is inch thick, with an outside edge 202 that is raised above the rest of the surface.

[0043] The structure that comprises 202 in the current embodiment is inch high and of and inch wide. In other embodiments this structure could be shorter or taller and could also be wider or thinner.

[0044] Also as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the current embodiment of the medium size version of the invention has a multitude of areas cut into the outside edge. Parts 204, 206, and 207 are examples of these cutouts.

[0045] In the current embodiment part 204 is cut such that it forms two walls that are angled at 120 degrees to the bottom. The bottom of the cut out area is flat and measures a length of 1.5 inches. While in the current embodiment the bottom is centered within the two walls in other embodiments it could be desirable to have the bottom offset thus forming to distinctly different angles with respect to the walls of the cutout.

[0046] In this embodiment, part 204 with its currently embodied characteristics creates a cutout that is 1.379 inches deep. It should be noted that the boarder of part 202 is maintained along the entire edge of the cutout comprising part 204.

[0047] Part 206 shows how these cutouts can be changed to create similar but slightly different characteristics. In the current embodiment part 206 is cut such that it forms two walls that are angled at 135 degrees to the bottom. The bottom of the cut out area is flat and measures a length of 1.5 inches. While in the current embodiment the bottom is centered within the two walls in other embodiments it could be desirable to have the bottom offset thus forming to distinctly different angles with respect to the walls of the cutout.

[0048] In this embodiment, part 206 with its currently embodied characteristics creates a cutout that is 1.061 inches deep. It should be noted that the boarder of part 202 is maintained along the entire edge of the cutout comprising part 206.

[0049] Part 207 shows how these cutouts can also be arraigned to have multiple different angles on the same device. In the current embodiment part 207 is cut such that it forms two walls that are angled at 150 degrees to the bottom. The bottom of the cut out area is flat and measures a length of 1.5 inches. While in the current embodiment the bottom is centered within the two walls in other embodiments it could be desirable to have the bottom offset thus forming to distinctly different angles with respect to the walls of the cutout.

[0050] In this embodiment, part 207 with its currently embodied characteristics creates a cutout that is 0.89 inches deep. It should be noted that the boarder of part 202 is maintained along the entire edge of the cutout comprising part 207.

[0051] In other embodiments areas such as parts 204, 206, and 207 could be constructed such that they could have walls that could be angled anywhere from 1 to 180 degrees. Also it is foreseeable that the bottom of parts 204, 206, and 207 which currently measures 1.5 inches, could be increased or decreased to any degree desired, and it should not be construed to be a static measurement across all foreseeable embodiments.

[0052] The cutout structures such as parts 204, 206, and 207 are areas where items are attached and situated at the varying heights and angles based on the users preference. The raised structure of part 202 creates the part where the existing clip on the item to be attached can grab on to and thus allow the item to be retained on to the entire part 201 without easily slipping off.

[0053] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 in its current embodiment part 203 is an example of a multitude of members that consist of circular extrusions that measure 0.157 inches in diameter and inch in height. In its current embodiment the multitude of circular extrusions are aligned parallel to the inner side of the raised boarder that constitutes part 202. In the current embodiment the first line of circular extrusions (part 203) is offset from the inside of part 202 by inch and the second line if there is one in the area is offset another inch from the first row. In some areas only one line of circular extrusions may be used and in others none may be used at all.

[0054] The use of part 203 in the current embodiment is to allow for items that have clips which may have a deeper reach to be able to attach firmly by giving them a structure to slip over and hold onto with less likelihood of them being able to slip upward until the make contact with the inside edge of part 202. These structures increase the utility of the device while not creating an undue hindrance in it use. In other embodiments it is foreseeable that noncircular shapes could be used to accomplish the same task, also it is foreseeable that in other embodiments nonlinear or random placement of these structures could be used.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 part 205 is an example of a multitude of similar structures that are placed to both sides of the cutout areas such as part 204, 206, and 207. In its current embodiment the part 205 consists of a slot that is placed inch from the angled edge of the cutout areas such as parts 204, 206, and 207. The slot that constitutes part 205 is 0.16 inches wide and cuts through the entire surface. This slot runs parallel with the edge of the angled walls created in areas such as parts 204, 206, and 207 and terminates at an extended line created by the bottom edge of the cutout structure such as 204, 206, and 207. In other embodiments part 205 could be placed at different distances from the edge of structures such as part 204, 206, and 207 and could also be of differing widths in other embodiments.

[0056] Part 205 is for the user that may want a more permanent placement of an item such as a holster onto the device (part 201). The user does this by slipping the top portion of the existing clipping mechanism on their item into the slot and placing the rest of the clip in place in the same manner as if simply using the cutouts consisting of the areas such as parts 204, 206, and 207.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment of the invention 301 consists of a rectangular shaped area 6.621 by 3.884 inches, that is inch thick, with an outside edge 302 that is raised above the rest of the surface.

[0058] The structure that comprises 302 in the current embodiment is inch high and of and inch wide. In other embodiments this structure could be shorter or taller and could also be wider or thinner.

[0059] Also as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the current embodiment of the large version of the invention has a multitude of areas cut into the outside edge. Part 304 is an example of these cutouts.

[0060] In the current embodiment part 304 is cut such that it forms two walls that are angled at 135 degrees to the bottom. The bottom of the cut out area is flat and measures a length of 1.5 inches. While in the current embodiment the bottom is centered within the two walls in other embodiments it could be desirable to have the bottom offset thus forming to distinctly different angles with respect to the walls of the cutout.

[0061] In this embodiment, part 304 with its currently embodied characteristics creates a cutout that is 1.061 inches deep. It should be noted that the boarder of part 302 is maintained along the entire edge of the cutout comprising part 304.

[0062] As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 in its current embodiment part 303 is an example of a multitude of members that consist of circular extrusions that measure 0.157 inches in diameter and inch in height. In its current embodiment the multitude of circular extrusions are aligned parallel to the inner side of the raised boarder that constitutes part 302. In the current embodiment the first line of circular extrusions (part 303) is offset from the inside of part 302 by inch and the second line if there is one in the area is offset another inch from the first row. In some areas only one line of circular extrusions may be used and in others none may be used at all.

[0063] The use of part 303 in the current embodiment is to allow for items that have clips which may have a deeper reach to be able to attach firmly by giving them a structure to slip over and hold onto with less likelihood of them being able to slip upward until the make contact with the inside edge of part 302. These structures increase the utility of the device while not creating an undue hindrance in it use. In other embodiments it is foreseeable that noncircular shapes could be used to accomplish the same task, also it is foreseeable that in other embodiments nonlinear or random placement of these structures could be used.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 part 305 is an example of a multitude of similar structures that are placed to both sides of the cutout areas such as part 304. In its current embodiment the part 305 consists of a slot that is placed inch from the angled edge of the cutout areas such as parts 304. The slot that constitutes part 305 is 0.16 inches wide and cuts through the entire surface. This slot runs parallel with the edge of the angled walls created in areas such as parts 304 and terminates at an extended line created by the bottom edge of the cutout structure such as 304. In other embodiments part 305 could be placed at different distances from the edge of structures such as part 304 and could also be of differing widths in other embodiments.

[0065] Part 305 is for the user that may want a more permanent placement of an item such as a holster onto the device (part 301). The user does this by slipping the top portion of the existing clipping mechanism on their item into the slot and placing the rest of the clip in place in the same manner as if simply using the cutouts consisting of the areas such as parts 304.

[0066] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, we see a top view of the current embodiment of the largest version of the device (101) from FIGS. 1 and 2, with an existing belt clip style holster attached to it labeled part 401. This figure shows how items with belt loop style clips can be attached to the device and slide down over the extruded structures on the device (103)

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a similar view to FIG. 7 of a top view of the current embodiment of the largest version of the device (101) from FIGS. 1 and 2, with a pistol labeled 403, inserted into the existing holster attached to the belt clip (401).

[0069] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the current embodiment of the largest version of the device (101) from FIGS. 1 and 2, with the belt clip style holster part 402 attached and in clear view, with a pistol (403) inserted into the holster (402).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, we see a top view of the current embodiment of the largest version of the device (101) from FIGS. 1 and 2, with the clip (401) from the holster (402) in view, a pistol (403) installed. Also attached to the device (101) is an existing cell phone holder part 404, and an existing pocketknife with a belt clip part 405 attached to the device (101). It is foreseeable that many other devices with belt clip style attachments could be used with the current embodiment of the device (101), the several currently shown are for illustration purposes only and should not be seen as limiting the scope of items that could be attached to the device (101).

[0071] It should be noted that although the items that are attached to the current embodiment of the largest version of the device (101) in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 are positioned such that they are straight up and down, any of these items can be attached to any part of the outside edge so as to create a situation where the item is on one of the angled surfaces, thus allowing the user to have an item resting at any of the angles available on the device (101).

[0072] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the current embodiment of the largest version of the device (101) from FIGS. 1 and 2, with an existing paddle style holster part 406 attached a pistol inserted into the holster (403).

[0073] FIG. 12 shows a zoomed in axiomatic view of the device depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 (101) with a holster attached with a belt clip (401) attached. This view shows how the belt clip (401) attaches to and is held in place in the current embodiment of the device.

[0074] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the device depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 (101) with a holster attached with a belt clip (401) attached. In this view the belt clip (401) is slid into the slot (105). This configuration allows for the belt clip (401) and holster (402) combination to be more securely and permanently attached to the device (101).

[0075] FIG. 14 show a top view similar to that as shown in FIG. 13 with the addition of an existing pistol (403) having been inserted into the holster (402).

[0076] FIG. 15 shows a zoomed it axiomatic view of the device from FIG. 14. This view shows a zoomed in depiction of how the belt clip (401) is inserted into the slot (105) on the current embodiment of the largest device (101).

[0077] FIG. 16 show an example of how the current embodiment of largest version of the device (101) can be utilized in an existing bag (407), with a holster (402) attached, and a pistol (403) installed. This view shows how the item that a person wishes to attach to the device (101) can be held in place where the user wants at all times, in this instance a pistol (403).

[0078] FIG. 16 also shows how the current embodiment of the device is to be placed inside of the bag, purse, or similar device, with one of the four sides being placed at the bottom and the device stood up vertically and parallel with the opening of the bag, purse, etc.

[0079] It should be noted that although FIGS. 7 thru 16 only show the use of the largest embodiment of the device (101), the other embodiments 201 and 301 work in a similar manner so adding more figures depicting the use of each would be redundant.