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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
SLIPLOCK LINK ATTACHMENT SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2010/099505
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Systems and devices are provided for coupling at least two bags together. The systems and devices provide flexibility to mate multiple bags or accessories together while facilitating transportation of the bags or accessories. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the elongated member is positioned in a hollow packaging; a bag having an opening on one side to receive the hollow packaging containing the elongated member; and a flexible member attached to the second end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member can be used to create a loop.

Inventors:
CRANDALL KEVIN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2010/025691
Publication Date:
September 02, 2010
Filing Date:
February 26, 2010
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
DAYMEN PHOTO MARKETING LP (US)
CRANDALL KEVIN (US)
International Classes:
A45C13/00
Foreign References:
US6536568B12003-03-25
US5497818A1996-03-12
US7188810B12007-03-13
US6141841A2000-11-07
FR2789856A12000-08-25
US5762169A1998-06-09
US5547052A1996-08-20
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BECKER, Robert, D. et al. (1001 Page Mill RoadBuilding, Palo Alto CA, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims:

1. An apparatus for coupling at least two bags comprising: a plane having a first surface and a second surface; a hollow packaging located on the first surface of the plane, wherein the hollow packaging has a first end, which is sealed and a second end, which is not sealed; a first elongated member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first elongated member is positioned in a hollow packaging; a flexible member attached to the second end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member can be used to create a loop; and a second plane located in proximity to the first plane, the second plane having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface has an opening configured to receive the flexible member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first elongated member is constructed from multiple elements.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first elongated member is telescoping.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first elongated member is fixed in the hollow package.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second hollow packaging located on the first surface of the plane, wherein the second hollow packaging has a first end, which is sealed and a second end, which is not sealed; a second elongated member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first elongated member is positioned in a hollow packaging; and a flexible member attached to the second end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member can be used to create a loop.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second end of the second elongated member protrudes in a different direction than the second end of the first elongated member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end of the hollow packaging is not sealed and the first end of the first elongated member protrudes out the second end of the hollow packaging in an opposite direction of the first end of the first elongated member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first elongated member protrudes parallel to the hollow packaging.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is a reinforced bar.

10. A bag configured for coupling to a second bag comprising: a plane having a first surface and a second surface, the plane couple to a surface of the bag a hollow packaging located on the first surface of the plane, wherein the hollow packaging has a first end, which is sealed and a second end, which is not sealed; a first elongated member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first elongated member is positioned in a hollow packaging; and a flexible member attached to the second end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member can be used to create a loop.

11. An apparatus for coupling at least two bags comprising: a plane having a first surface and a second surface; a first elongated member coupled to the first surface of the plane; a flexible member attached to an end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member can be used to create a loop; and a second plane located in proximity to the first plane, the second plane having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface has an opening configured to receive the flexible member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first elongated member is coupled to the first surface of the plane at an end opposite the flexible member.

Description:
SLIPLOCK LINK ATTACHMENT SYSTEM RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/155,847 filed February 26, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to bags and cases holding electronic equipment or other valuables. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved devices to expand bags, cases or accessories including the devices to attach or couple two or more bags, cases and accessories.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Bags, satchels, purses, softcases, backpacks, side packs, hip packs, fanny packs, messenger bags and bags in general may be used for storing and or transporting electronic equipment or other valuables. However, such bags and cases are limited in their storage capability by their size. Consumers desire to purchase the appropriate bag or case for the product that is being contained within the bag or case so that the item fits properly and is not susceptible to damage. However, consumers may sometimes need to transport or store multiple items. When a consumer needs to store or transport multiple items the consumer is left with the option of buying an oversized bag to store multiple items, where the bag may not properly hold each item, or carry multiple separate bags. Embodiments of the present invention provide novel devices that allow the use of separate bags specifically designed for the items they contain to be linked or coupled together such that carrying the bags is more comfortable than carrying each bag individually.

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device for attaching at least two bags is provided. The device includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the elongated member is positioned in a hollow packaging; a bag having an opening on one side to receive the hollow packaging containing the elongated member; and a flexible member attached to the second end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member can be used to create a loop. [0005] In another embodiment, a device for coupling at least two bags is provided. The device includes a plane with multiple surfaces, a hollow packaging located on one surface of the plane, wherein the hollow packaging has a first end, which is sealed and a second end, which is not sealed, a first elongated member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first elongated member is positioned in the hollow packaging, a flexible member attached to the second end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member is used to create a loop, and a second separate plane located in proximity to the plane, the second plane with multiple surfaces wherein at least one of the surfaces has an opening configured to receive the flexible member. [0006] In another embodiment, a device for coupling at least two bags is provided. The device includes a plane with two surfaces, a first elongated member coupled to one surface with a flexible member attached to an end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member can be used to create a loop; and another plane located in proximity to the first plane, the second plane having two surfaces, wherein one surface has an opening configured to receive the flexible member.

[0007] Other and further features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following descriptions of the various embodiments. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the following embodiments are provided for illustrative and exemplary purposes only, and that numerous combinations and modification of the elements of the various embodiments of the present invention are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

[0009] For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIGURE 1 is a front view of an attachment device in accordance with one embodiment; and [0011] FIGURE 2 is a diagram depicting the device of FIG. 1 in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as systems, or devices. Moreover, the embodiments should not be interpreted as limited to bags or cases, such is merely provided for ease of understanding. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0013] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. [0014] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. [0015] In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator, and is equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." The term "coupled" implies that the elements may be directly connected together or may be coupled through one or more intervening elements. [0016] Further, throughout the specification the term bag may be used, however, this is not intended to be used in a limiting sense and bags include but are not limited to satchels, purses, softcases, backpacks, side packs, hip packs, fanny packs, messenger bags and bags in general for storing and or transporting items.

[0017] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in coupling or linking at least two items together, including, but not limited to, two bags, a bag and an accessory, two accessories, or multiples of any number of bags and/or accessories. [0018] Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to add or subtract bags or accessories to other bags or accessories. Embodiments of the present invention may include devices which are separate from any bag or case as well as devices that are integral to bags or cases. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention contemplate that attachment device may couple to another or conversely an attachment device may couple to a loop, tab or other fastening device.

[0019] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front view of an attachment device 100. The device 100 includes a plane, which herein is referenced to be a pocket or bag 110. This reference is not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention moreover, although a plane may be interpreted to connote a rectangular or quadrilateral flat surface, it is not used herein with such limitation, but merely to describe an element having at least two surfaces of any shape regular or irregular. The bag 110 may be constructed out of any textile material; it may alternatively be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products, or other moldable, pliable or malleable substances. The bag 110 has a hollow package or sleeve 120 in which an elongated member 130 may be placed. The elongated member 130 may be constructed of the same material as the bag or it may be constructed from a different material. The hollow sleeve 120 is closed or sealed at one end 122 and open or unsealed at another end 124 in which the elongated member 130 is placed. Although the sleeve 120 is depicted as being aligned horizontally on the bag 110, this is not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention, and the sleeve may be in any alignment or position on the bag 110. The bag 110 may be integral to a larger bag or case or may be separate and attached to a larger bag or case. If the bag 110 is separate, the bag 110 has a means for attaching to another bag or case (not shown). [0020] The elongated member 130 may be constructed of a material that is rigid or flexible. Non limiting examples of materials include fiberglass, metallic substances, synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and hook and loop fastener fabrics. Furthermore, the elongated member 130 may be constructed of a single element or multiple elements. If constructed from multiple elements, the elongated member 130 may be constructed such that it is telescoping. If the elongated member is contained within the sleeve, the elongated member 130 is sized such that it fits in the sleeve 120 of the bag 110. The elongated member 130 preferably rests in the sleeve 120 such that it does not rotated or move about, i.e., preferably the elongated member 130 fits snuggly in the sleeve. More preferable, the elongated member 130 is fixed in the sleeve 120 so that it may not be removed, i.e., the elongated member 130 may be secured to an inner surface of the sleeve 120. The elongated member is preferably 7.5 cm long and 5.5 cm wide. The dimensions preferably fall within the following ranges 5.5 - 9.5 cm long and 3.5-7.5 cm wide. These dimensions are not however a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. The elongated member may be any length so desired to couple one or more bags, the width may also be adjusted to accommodate heavy items. Furthermore although described as having a length and width, this is not intended to be a limitation on the geometry of the elongated member. The elongated member is contemplated as having any shape cross section including but not limited to rectangular, square, circular, and elliptical. The elongated member 130 has a first end 140 and a second end 150. If the elongated member 130 is fixed in the sleeve 120, the first end 140 is fixed in place in the sleeve. At the second end 150, the elongated member has a means for coupling 160. The means for coupling may be a hook, a flexible material that makes a loop, a snap, a button, a buckle, a magnetic connector, or any other mechanism that enables a connection or coupling. In addition to achieving an attachment, the coupling, the coupling means is affixed to prevent the tongue from reversing direction and slipping out. [0021] FIG. 2 depicts a coupling between a first attachment device 220, and another device 230. In FIG 2, a first device 220 having a first pocket 222, an elongated member 224 and a coupling means 226 is attached a second device 230 wherein the second device 230 is located in close proximity to the first device 220. As used herein the actual distance of close proximity may vary but generally is determined by the length of the elongated member. In one embodiment the first device is separated from the second device and the elongated member is between 1" and 24" in length. In another embodiment, the second device is adjacent to the first device. The second device 230 has an element 232 which facilitates the coupling of the first attachment device 220 to the second device 230. In the instant non-limiting embodiment, the elongated member 224 has a flexible means for coupling such as a belt and the element 232 is a belt loop. As shown, the attachment device 220 enables attaching bags side-by-side.

[0022] In another embodiment, an attachment system is comprised of a reinforced bar in a horizontal pocket, and a corresponding loop on a mating bag. In the system, the reinforced bar is set into the horizontal pocket such that the reinforced bar slides out to meet a loop on the mating bag. The reinforced bar may be comprised of fabric composite materials, metal, rubber, elastomer, or any other substance which provides strength and support to enable the bags to be couple in a secure configuration. While such a system may be preferably used with pouches, it is equally applicable to shoulder bags, backpacks, cases, and accessory items. [0023] The system further provides a solution for the attachment of accessories or bags to each other in a way that is comfortable, economical, and flexible. This novel system provides for mating like sized or non like sized bags to each other side -by side, as opposed to in the conventional way - stacking. Furthermore, the system provides for mating accessories with bags or with other accessories. Embodiments of the systems provide for a side-by-side coupling which results in the bags being more comfortable to carry and transport. Furthermore, such a configuration reduces the likelihood of disturbing items contained in the bags. [0024] In one embodiment, a fiberglass rod is sewn into a sleeve, which is in turn sewn into a three sided pocket which opens horizontally. In this embodiment, the construction is such that the rod assembly, laying parallel to the pocket, slides outward from the horizontal pocket, with the extension limited by a fabric tether.

[0025] An attachment device may be located on any surface of a bag. Preferably the attachment device is located on the back side of a pouch, bag, case, backpack, or any other carrying device. Preferably, the attachment device is integrated with the carrying device so that the rod or other elongated member protrudes beyond the edge of the bag itself. As the rod is protruding, the mating bag is attached, for example by threading the hook/loop coupling means on the end of the rod of the attachment device through a loop on the mating carrying device. This hook/loop end is in turned doubled back, creating a secure attachment point. When the two carry devices are connected in this way, a user can carry the bag have the attachment device via handles, shoulder straps, belt loops, or any number of ways, while the two bags are attached to each other. While described as two bags being attached to one another, the number of bags is not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention and it is contemplated within the scope of the embodiments that an unlimited number of bags or accessories may be attached to each other.

[0026] In another embodiment, the elongated member protrudes from more than one location for example, either side of the attachment device so that multiple items may be attached. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated member has a means for connecting on both ends.

Alternatively, there may be multiple elongated members in a single device so that multiple items may be attached at multiple locations.

[0027] In one embodiment the elongated member protrudes from both a mating bag and a primary bag. With two elongated members, the bags may be mated by attaching the means for connection on the elongated members to one another, alternatively, each bag may have a loop and the elongated members from each bag may connect as described above. This latter arrangement provides a reinforced connection that may increase the strength of the connection between the bags, such strength may be beneficial for example when security of the bags is important or when the bags contain heavier items. Moreover, it may be beneficial to have elongated members on all bags or accessories to further provide flexibility to the system by not limiting which bags or accessories may be mated with one another.

[0028] In one embodiment, the elongated member protrudes in a direction other than parallel to the bag or accessory. In a further embodiment multiple elongated members protrude in multiple directions.

[0029] In one embodiment the elongated member varies in length and such length is adjustable such as through a telescoping means, through the ability to combine multiple elongated members together or by enabling the elongated member to be replaced with an elongated member of an alternate length.

[0030] In one embodiment the link rod is not set in a bag or pocket but instead is a plate that attaches to a bag or accessory. In one embodiment the link system is a self contained unit that may be attached and detached from bags or accessories by any means known to one skilled in the art.

[0031] In one embodiment the link system is scaled to an appropriate size so that it may be used on bags or accessories of any size, for example to connect a lens cap or a large duffle. Enlarging the link system may be necessary to ensure it had sufficient strength to hold the mating bags or accessories together. Alternatively, proportions of the link system may be altered to achieve optimal performance. The figures disclosed herein are not intended to be a limitation on the shape, size, dimensions, or portions of the link system and numerous shapes, sizes, proportions and dimensions are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] The cross section of the elongated member may vary, for example, the cross section may be round, oval, square or any other cross section. Furthermore, the elongated member may be flat having minimal cross section. The elongated member may be hollow or solid.

[0033] In one embodiment the link system utilizes elastic components to achieve different deployments.

[0034] In one embodiment, the rod in the system swivels instead of slide. By enabling the rod to swivel, the location of the mating bag is more flexible. Furthermore, if the rod swivels, it may also prevent the mating bags or accessories from coming loose or disconnecting if a force is exerted on one of the bags in a direction different from the other or from which the rod protrudes.

[0035] In one embodiment an existing pocket is implemented. In such an embodiment, the system deploys from standard pocket, and the elongated member is constructed such that it attached to the existing pocket, for example the elongated member could be an "L" shape or any other shape that would facilitate connecting the elongated member to the pocket or a modification kit may be provided to attach an elongated member to the pocket.

[0036] In one embodiment the attachment system deploys from the front, top, bottom, and/or back of a product.

[0037] In another embodiment, the elongated element is coupled to the bag directly. The elongated member may be rotatably coupled with a mechanism that enables the elongated member to rotate about its point of attachment to the bag to 360 degrees as well as rotate up to 90 degrees from its point of attachment. In this configuration the elongated member may be attached at an end. Alternatively, the elongated member may be rotatable attached at any position along the length of the elongated member if there is no need for the elongated member to rotate away from the surface.

[0038] As noted previously the forgoing descriptions of the specific embodiments are 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 view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments thereof as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalents.