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US20040144821A1 - Bag including a contour panel - Google Patents

Bag including a contour panel Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040144821A1
US20040144821A1 US10/717,215 US71721503A US2004144821A1 US 20040144821 A1 US20040144821 A1 US 20040144821A1 US 71721503 A US71721503 A US 71721503A US 2004144821 A1 US2004144821 A1 US 2004144821A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
bag
contour panel
accordance
contour
panel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/717,215
Inventor
Steve Gelphman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Acco Brands Inc
Original Assignee
Acco Brands Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Acco Brands Inc filed Critical Acco Brands Inc
Priority to US10/717,215 priority Critical patent/US20040144821A1/en
Assigned to ACCO BRANDS, INC. reassignment ACCO BRANDS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GELPHMAN, STEVE
Publication of US20040144821A1 publication Critical patent/US20040144821A1/en
Assigned to CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION, ACCO BRANDS USA LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BOONE INTERNATIONAL, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION GENERAL BINDING CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION, BOONE INTERNATIONAL, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, GENERAL BINDING CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/02—Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of one strap passing over the shoulder
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/04—Frames
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/04—Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
    • A45F3/08—Carrying-frames; Frames combined with sacks

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to bags or carrying cases, and more particularly, to a bag or carrying case that includes a contour panel to thereby allow the bag to fit the contour of or “hug” a person's body.
  • the present invention provides a bag that includes a curved contour panel along a side of the bag.
  • the contour panel allows the bag to curve against a person's body, thus helping pull the center of gravity of the bag closer to the center of the body of the person.
  • a bag for carrying various articles in accordance with the present invention includes a body and a strap coupled to the body for engaging a user's body above their arms.
  • a contour panel is provided adjacent a side of the body. The contour panel is positioned such that it is between any articles within the bag. Furthermore, the contour panel is configured such that it is curved towards the user.
  • the contour panel is within the body.
  • the contour panel is contained within a sleeve within the body.
  • the contour panel is contained within a wall that defines the body.
  • the contour panel is coupled to an outer wall of the body.
  • the contour panel includes a plurality of through-holes defined therein.
  • the contour panel includes a plurality of cavities defined therein.
  • the contour panel includes padding on at least a portion of a side adjacent to the user.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag including a contour panel in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a contour panel in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of a contour panel in accordance to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2C is a sectional view of a contour panel in accordance with the present invention as seen from the plane indicated by line 2 C- 2 C;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a contour panel including padding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the contour panel illustrated in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating a large male and a small female and the effect of a heavily loaded carrying case on the ninetieth percentile of men and the tenth percentile of women.
  • the figures illustrate a contour panel 10 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the panel is placed within the side of a bag 11 , either in the bag or within a bag wall 12 , for example a pocket or sleeve defined within the bag wall.
  • the panel is coupled to the bag wall in some way.
  • the bag is carried such that it curves around the person's hip.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example of bag 11 including contour panel 10 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the bag includes a body 20 and a strap 21 coupled thereto for carrying the bag over a shoulder 22 above a user's arm
  • the contour panel is made of a rigid plastic and thus, offers protection against hard, bulky or sharp accessories and other computer peripheral devices that are often carried within briefcases and computer bags. This helps prevent such devices from poking the user.
  • a person holds the bag such that the contour panel is against their body, preferably adjacent to their hip.
  • the contour panel will “hug” the person's body due to its convex curvature, thereby moving the center of gravity of the bag closer to the center of gravity of the person.
  • By moving the center of gravity of the bag closer to the center of the person carrying the bag, shoulder, back and neck fatigue and discomfort may be minimized.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a large male and a small female and the effect of a heavily loaded carrying case on the 90 th percentile man and the 10 th percentile woman, the two extremes in human body-types.
  • An example of dimensions for a contour panel in accordance with the present invention included a length L of approximately 14 inches.
  • the outer wall has a radius R 1 of approximately 17.0 inches while the inner wall has a radius R 2 of 16.8 inches.
  • Top corners have radiuses R 3 of approximately 1.5 inches while the bottom corners have radiuses R 4 of approximately 0.5 inches.
  • An example thickness T for the contour panel is approximately 0.2 inches while an example height H is approximately 9.5 inches.
  • an example diameter for the through-holes is approximately 0.5 inches.
  • An example of a number of holes is approximately 51, with each hole being spaced, for example, approximately 1.25 inches from each other from center to center, with each row being approximately 1.25 inches from each other.
  • contour panel 10 may also include ridges 30 defined therein. These ridges further help reduce the weight of the contour panel, which is desirable since bags, especially those including heavier articles contained therein, already have a fairly high weight.
  • the contour panel also includes a plurality of through-holes 31 . This also helps keep the weight of the panel to a minimum.
  • through-holes 31 may be replaced with cavities, i.e., holes that do not extend all the way through the contour panel in order to achieve an overall weight reduction.
  • some type of soft foam or padding 40 is provided on the side of the contour panel that is placed adjacent the user. This provides extra cushioning and comfort for the user.
  • An example is illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • cushioning on the panel may be alternately placed or incorporated into the outer wall of a bag or carrying case in order to achieve the same cushioning effect.

Landscapes

  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)

Abstract

A bag for carrying various articles includes a contour panel that is curved towards the user. The bag includes a body and a strap coupled to the body for engaging a users body above the user's arms. The contour panel is adjacent a side of the body and is positioned such that it is between any articles within the bag and the user.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/427,644, filed Nov. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.[0001]
    • STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
  • NOT APPLICABLE [0002]
    • REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK.
  • NOT APPLICABLE [0003]
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0004]
  • The present invention pertains to bags or carrying cases, and more particularly, to a bag or carrying case that includes a contour panel to thereby allow the bag to fit the contour of or “hug” a person's body. [0005]
  • 2. Description of the Prior Art [0006]
  • People carry many things in today's society, including, for example, brief cases, backpacks, laptop computer bags, etc. Often, these bags are carried by the person with a single strap over the shoulder. The bags are generally flat along their sides and, therefore, tend to be pushed away from a person's body and hence, the person's center of gravity. This is not good for the person's posture and health. Additionally, especially with heavier bags, it can be uncomfortable for the person. [0007]
    • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention provides a bag that includes a curved contour panel along a side of the bag. The contour panel allows the bag to curve against a person's body, thus helping pull the center of gravity of the bag closer to the center of the body of the person. [0008]
  • More particularly, a bag for carrying various articles in accordance with the present invention includes a body and a strap coupled to the body for engaging a user's body above their arms. A contour panel is provided adjacent a side of the body. The contour panel is positioned such that it is between any articles within the bag. Furthermore, the contour panel is configured such that it is curved towards the user. [0009]
  • In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the contour panel is within the body. [0010]
  • In accordance with another aspect of the present, the contour panel is contained within a sleeve within the body. [0011]
  • In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the contour panel is contained within a wall that defines the body. [0012]
  • In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the contour panel is coupled to an outer wall of the body. [0013]
  • In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the contour panel includes a plurality of through-holes defined therein. [0014]
  • In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the contour panel includes a plurality of cavities defined therein. [0015]
  • In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the contour panel includes padding on at least a portion of a side adjacent to the user. [0016]
  • Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in view of the following detailed description of preferred exemplary embodiments. [0017]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag including a contour panel in accordance with the present invention; [0018]
  • FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a contour panel in accordance with the present invention; [0019]
  • FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of a contour panel in accordance to the present invention; [0020]
  • FIG. 2C is a sectional view of a contour panel in accordance with the present invention as seen from the plane indicated by line [0021] 2C-2C;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a contour panel including padding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0022]
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the contour panel illustrated in FIG. 3; and [0023]
  • FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating a large male and a small female and the effect of a heavily loaded carrying case on the ninetieth percentile of men and the tenth percentile of women.[0024]
    • DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • The figures illustrate a [0025] contour panel 10 in accordance with the present invention. The panel is placed within the side of a bag 11, either in the bag or within a bag wall 12, for example a pocket or sleeve defined within the bag wall. Preferably, the panel is coupled to the bag wall in some way. Thus, when a person carries the bag, that side of the bag curves around the person's body and facilitates proper posture and alignment of the person's spine. Preferably, the bag is carried such that it curves around the person's hip.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example of bag [0026] 11 including contour panel 10 in accordance with the present invention. The bag includes a body 20 and a strap 21 coupled thereto for carrying the bag over a shoulder 22 above a user's arm
  • Preferably, the contour panel is made of a rigid plastic and thus, offers protection against hard, bulky or sharp accessories and other computer peripheral devices that are often carried within briefcases and computer bags. This helps prevent such devices from poking the user. [0027]
  • Thus, in use a person holds the bag such that the contour panel is against their body, preferably adjacent to their hip. The contour panel will “hug” the person's body due to its convex curvature, thereby moving the center of gravity of the bag closer to the center of gravity of the person. By moving the center of gravity of the bag closer to the center of the person carrying the bag, shoulder, back and neck fatigue and discomfort may be minimized. [0028]
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a large male and a small female and the effect of a heavily loaded carrying case on the 90[0029] th percentile man and the 10th percentile woman, the two extremes in human body-types.
  • An example of dimensions for a contour panel in accordance with the present invention included a length L of approximately 14 inches. The outer wall has a radius R[0030] 1 of approximately 17.0 inches while the inner wall has a radius R2 of 16.8 inches. Top corners have radiuses R3 of approximately 1.5 inches while the bottom corners have radiuses R4 of approximately 0.5 inches. An example thickness T for the contour panel is approximately 0.2 inches while an example height H is approximately 9.5 inches. In an embodiment that includes through-holes, an example diameter for the through-holes is approximately 0.5 inches. An example of a number of holes is approximately 51, with each hole being spaced, for example, approximately 1.25 inches from each other from center to center, with each row being approximately 1.25 inches from each other. These exemplary dimensions are for a briefcase or computer laptop-type carrying bag. Those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions may be varied depending upon the size of the bag. Additionally, the amount of curvature may be altered to fit different sized people.
  • As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, [0031] contour panel 10 may also include ridges 30 defined therein. These ridges further help reduce the weight of the contour panel, which is desirable since bags, especially those including heavier articles contained therein, already have a fairly high weight. Preferably, the contour panel also includes a plurality of through-holes 31. This also helps keep the weight of the panel to a minimum. Those skilled in the art will understand that through-holes 31 may be replaced with cavities, i.e., holes that do not extend all the way through the contour panel in order to achieve an overall weight reduction.
  • Preferably, some type of soft foam or padding [0032] 40 is provided on the side of the contour panel that is placed adjacent the user. This provides extra cushioning and comfort for the user. An example is illustrated in FIG. 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that cushioning on the panel may be alternately placed or incorporated into the outer wall of a bag or carrying case in order to achieve the same cushioning effect.
  • The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. [0033]

Claims (8)

What is claimed is:
1. A bag for carrying various articles, the bag comprising:
a. a body;
b. a strap coupled to the body for engaging a user's body above their arms; and
c. a contour panel adjacent a side of the body, the contour panel being positioned such that it is between any articles within the bag and being configured such that it is curved towards the user.
2. A bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein the contour panel is within the body.
3. A bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein the contour panel is contained within a sleeve within the body.
4. A bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein the contour panel is contained with a wall that defines the body.
5. A bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein the contour panel is coupled to an outer wall of the body.
6. A bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein the contour panel includes a plurality of through-holes defined therein.
7. A bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein the contour panel includes a plurality of cavities defined therein.
8. A bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein the contour panel includes padding on at least a portion of a side adjacent the user.
US10/717,215 2002-11-18 2003-11-18 Bag including a contour panel Abandoned US20040144821A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/717,215 US20040144821A1 (en) 2002-11-18 2003-11-18 Bag including a contour panel

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US42764402P 2002-11-18 2002-11-18
US10/717,215 US20040144821A1 (en) 2002-11-18 2003-11-18 Bag including a contour panel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040144821A1 true US20040144821A1 (en) 2004-07-29

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/717,215 Abandoned US20040144821A1 (en) 2002-11-18 2003-11-18 Bag including a contour panel

Country Status (3)

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US (1) US20040144821A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003294398A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004045337A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD573344S1 (en) * 2006-06-22 2008-07-22 Stanley Settleger Wraparound shaped duffle bag
US20090184014A1 (en) * 2008-01-19 2009-07-23 Seung Sup Lee Storage Device
US20110284607A1 (en) * 2010-05-24 2011-11-24 Hart Robert D Apparatus and method for storing and transporting electronic devices
US10687606B1 (en) 2018-12-03 2020-06-23 Edward L. NICKS, III Multi-purpose seat organizer
USD955781S1 (en) * 2020-02-17 2022-06-28 Frog, Pro Di Casali Fabio Holder
USD1020423S1 (en) * 2021-05-28 2024-04-02 C. Connor Crook Storage panel for tools and tool holders

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4286697A (en) * 1980-01-02 1981-09-01 Engineered Products, Inc. Body-attachable bag for carrying cameras or the like
US4750654A (en) * 1984-12-20 1988-06-14 Sacs Millet Sa Back pack with reinforced front panel
US4883207A (en) * 1988-08-03 1989-11-28 Mcarthur Patrick D Versatile sports pack
US5010988A (en) * 1990-03-19 1991-04-30 Lauren Brown Expandable shock protected carrying case
US5224637A (en) * 1991-08-30 1993-07-06 Colombo Margaret A Waist-mounted infant carrier
US5320262A (en) * 1992-11-03 1994-06-14 Mountain Equipment, Inc. Internal frame pack and support device therefor
US5366126A (en) * 1990-08-10 1994-11-22 Ulrich Dausien Knapsack with reinforcing element
US5492256A (en) * 1995-02-01 1996-02-20 Ive; Ronald A. Infant hip carrier with storage capability
US5641101A (en) * 1996-01-30 1997-06-24 Lucky Industry Company, Ltd. Waist bag usable as a baby holder
US5769295A (en) * 1996-11-22 1998-06-23 Alves; Kasidy W. Back pack holder
US6279707B1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-08-28 Travel Caddy, Inc. Contoured carrying case and luggage

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4286697A (en) * 1980-01-02 1981-09-01 Engineered Products, Inc. Body-attachable bag for carrying cameras or the like
US4750654A (en) * 1984-12-20 1988-06-14 Sacs Millet Sa Back pack with reinforced front panel
US4883207A (en) * 1988-08-03 1989-11-28 Mcarthur Patrick D Versatile sports pack
US5010988A (en) * 1990-03-19 1991-04-30 Lauren Brown Expandable shock protected carrying case
US5366126A (en) * 1990-08-10 1994-11-22 Ulrich Dausien Knapsack with reinforcing element
US5224637A (en) * 1991-08-30 1993-07-06 Colombo Margaret A Waist-mounted infant carrier
US5320262A (en) * 1992-11-03 1994-06-14 Mountain Equipment, Inc. Internal frame pack and support device therefor
US5492256A (en) * 1995-02-01 1996-02-20 Ive; Ronald A. Infant hip carrier with storage capability
US5641101A (en) * 1996-01-30 1997-06-24 Lucky Industry Company, Ltd. Waist bag usable as a baby holder
US5769295A (en) * 1996-11-22 1998-06-23 Alves; Kasidy W. Back pack holder
US6279707B1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-08-28 Travel Caddy, Inc. Contoured carrying case and luggage

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD573344S1 (en) * 2006-06-22 2008-07-22 Stanley Settleger Wraparound shaped duffle bag
US20090184014A1 (en) * 2008-01-19 2009-07-23 Seung Sup Lee Storage Device
US8028832B2 (en) * 2008-01-19 2011-10-04 Bbp Industries, Llc Storage device
US20110284607A1 (en) * 2010-05-24 2011-11-24 Hart Robert D Apparatus and method for storing and transporting electronic devices
US8789731B2 (en) * 2010-05-24 2014-07-29 Robert D. Hart Apparatus and method for storing and transporting electronic devices
US10687606B1 (en) 2018-12-03 2020-06-23 Edward L. NICKS, III Multi-purpose seat organizer
USD955781S1 (en) * 2020-02-17 2022-06-28 Frog, Pro Di Casali Fabio Holder
USD1020423S1 (en) * 2021-05-28 2024-04-02 C. Connor Crook Storage panel for tools and tool holders

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2004045337A1 (en) 2004-06-03
AU2003294398A1 (en) 2004-06-15

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ACCO BRANDS, INC., ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GELPHMAN, STEVE;REEL/FRAME:014498/0901

Effective date: 20040325

AS Assignment

Owner name: CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, I

Free format text: PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION;ACCO BRANDS USA LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BOONE INTERNATIONAL, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION GENERAL BINDING CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION;BOONE INTERNATIONAL, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016914/0813

Effective date: 20050817

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION