MODULAR BAG STRUCTURE

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DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a bag having a capacity that can be modified responsive to the needs of the user.

Description of the prior art

Various types are known of bags having a configuration that can be modified by assembling bag parts, in order to vary their capacity. For example bag parts can be combined to each other for example by hook-loop fasteners, clip fasteners, metal eyelets or snap hooks. Other known systems use zippers.

In most cases, however, for increasing the capacity, a removable auxiliary part of the bag is provided. This additional part, even if it varies the usability of the bag, influences remarkably its aesthetic and functional features, since is applied in side positions that are not much practical or of difficult access. Furthermore, the process of transformation, i.e. the addition of such auxiliary parts, is complex and not easy for an user.

In particular, the bags of known type whose configuration can be varied do not allow changing their inner space in such a way that it can be turned from a briefcase or laptop bag into a school bag or a shopping bag as well as into a sports bag.

In fact, in the prior art the bag capacity can be varied normally by adding auxiliary spaces by means of external compartments or by enlarging their central portions i.e. by accordion-like portions that have a zipper. An example is disclosed in US6568852.

Other types of bags, in particular travel rigid suitcases, as described in

CA2683481 , provide the connection of additional parts by a zipper and an inner support element that is used as a reference for connecting its parts. The connection of the many support elements is however not much practical as well as it increases the costs of the bag.

These types of bags are commonly used as traditional bags maintaining a substantially always equal configuration. The same occurs for the chromatic aspect, which cannot be varied as desired, but it remains the same. The features of these bags, furthermore, cannot easily modified in order to be adapted to an unisex use.

Summary of the invention

It is a feature of the invention to provide a bag structure that is such that a user can assemble it to achieve a predetermined capacity according to at least two different configurations, and, in particular, in a various number of configurations.

It is a particular feature of the invention to provide a bag structure that is such that a user can assemble it in two configurations wherein an is a briefcase and another has a sensibly higher capacity such as a laptop bag, a school bag, a shopping bag, a sports bag.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a bag structure that can be easily and quickly mounted from a disassembled configuration of minimum encumbrance to an assembled configuration.

It is another feature of the invention, to provide a bag structure that in a desired configuration in which it can be assembled, it cannot disassemble or open accidentally.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a bag structure that has a variable capacity and possibility can be assembled/disassembled quickly from a configuration with lower capacity to a configuration with higher capacity and vice-versa.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a bag structure that has a minimum encumbrance when in a disassembled configuration and can be shrunk and easily transported.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a bag structure that is handy in order to be carried easily like another bag of identical capacity.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a bag structure that is such that a user can assemble it to achieve a desired chromatic configuration.

It is another feature of the invention to provide a bag structure that is easily obtainable both with not expensive material and with valuable material.

It is a particular feature of the invention to provide a bag structure that once purchased for one or more configurations, it can be extended by purchasing in a second moment modular additional portions. These and other objects are achieved by a bag structure comprising:

- a first side element having a first side boundary edge, to said first side boundary edge a first side zipper tape connected for all its length;

- a second side element having a second side boundary edge, to said second side boundary edge a second side zipper tape connected for all its length;

- at least one side slider engaged with said first side zipper tape;

- at least one side engagement point made on said second side zipper tape; - wherein said slider is engageable with said second side zipper tape starting from said side engagement point, such that said slider can slide round along both said first and second side zipper tape for all their length until reaching again said side engagement point obtaining an integral union of said first and second side zipper tape, thus obtaining said bag consisting of said first and second side elements united to each other.

This way, a bag is obtained having as side walls the two side elements, which are united by the zipper for all their perimeter. In case the two side elements are plane panels, thus a bag is obtained like an envelope bag, for example a briefcase.

Advantageously, the first and second side elements have a handle, so that after the union of the two side elements, the resulting bag can be carried like a normal briefcase.

Furthermore, each side element can comprise a respective portion of loop tape and internal/external pockets, for objects of small dimension, mobile phone holder, etc.

The shape of the side elements can be any desirable shape; to plane sheet, of square, rectangular, oval, circular, or fancy shape. Or a not plane sheet, for example rounded shape. The side elements may also have several walls, for example having shape of half parallelepiped, frustum of pyramid, hemisphere or semi-ellipsoid, or also accordion-like shape.

The two side elements can also have different shape, provided they have side boundary edge with a shape coincident to each other in order to be zipped to each other.

The space between the two coupled side elements is all available as space for use as a bag.

Advantageously, said bag structure provides a first annular strip element having a first strip boundary edge and a second strip boundary edge,

- wherein to said first strip boundary edge a first zipper tape of a strip zipper is connected for all its length and to said second strip boundary edge a second strip zipper tape is connected for all its length,

- said first strip zipper tape comprising a strip engagement point and said second strip zipper tape comprising a strip slider,

- wherein said first side slider is engageable with said first strip zipper tape starting from said strip engagement point, and - wherein said strip slider is engageable with said second side zipper tape starting from said side engagement point,

- such that

- said side slider can slide round along both said first strip zipper tape and said first side zipper tape for all their length until reaching again said strip engagement point, and

- said strip slider can slide round along both said second strip zipper tape and said second side zipper tape and for all the length of said second strip zipper tape until reaching again said side engagement point, - an integral union is achieved of said first strip zipper tape and said first side zipper tape and of said second side zipper tape and said second strip zipper tape, thus obtaining said bag consisting of said first side element, of said annular strip element and of said second side element united to each other.

This way, with respect to the bag consisting only of two side elements united to each other, by adding the annular strip element between the two side elements, with the easy action on the zippers of the respective boundary edges, a bag is obtained of higher capacity. For example, starting from an envelope-like briefcase of the first embodiment a laptop bag or overnight bag in the second embodiment. With an annular strip element of a appropriate size it is possible to obtain a bag of desired capacity. Advantageously, said bag structure provides a plurality of annular strip elements each having:

- a first strip boundary edge to which, for all its length, a respective first strip zipper tape is connected, and

- a second strip boundary edge to which for all its length a second strip zipper tape is connected,

- said first strip zipper tape comprising a respective strip engagement point and said second strip zipper tape comprising a respective strip slider,

- so chat a first annular strip element is connected to said first side element and a last annular strip element is connected to said second side element, and intermediate annular strip elements are connected to each other in turn starting from said first annular strip element up to said last annular strip element.

This way, with a set of annular strip elements it is possible to provide a bag of desired capacity, simply by adding or removing an element, with the easy action on the zippers of the respective boundary edges. This can be useful also on a journey, when a higher or lower capacity of the bag responsive to the amount of objects to carry is required.

Furthermore, by arranging set of annular strip elements or side elements of different colour, it is possible to provide bags of a desired colour, or combinations of colours, as preferred by the user. This way, bags can be made that chromatically fit with the colours of the clothes or shoes or accessories, or preferred combinations of colours, such as colours of flags or of sports teams.

In particular, each strip zipper tape or side zipper tape that is associated with a slider comprises a respective retainer box, whereas each strip zipper tape or side zipper tape that is associated with an engagement point comprises an engagement pin. This way, it is possible to provide the engagement of the respective zipper, moving said slider against said retainer box, and engaging the engagement pin in the slider up to reaching the retainer box, and then moving the slider to close the zipper.

Advantageously, a stop point is provided near said side engagement point or said strip engagement point. This way, the slider, after having closed all the zipper, ends its stroke without disengaging from the zipper just at the engagement point, closing perfectly the chains of the zipper about the boundary edges of the respective coupled side and annular strip elements, without leaving free spaces of access into the bag. Instead, in order to access into the bag it is enough to disengage only partially the zipper. The stop point can provide an slightly forced engagement with the slider to obtain a steady engagement that cannot be opened accidentally. In any case, an accidental opening of the zipper is not allowed unless dragging the slider and pulling it in a direction for opening the zipper, in such a way that during the use of the bag the zippers of the many elements of the bag do not open.

In particular, said or each annular strip element has a width set between 1 and 20cm, in particular between 5 and 10cm. This length is optimal to obtain gradually bags of different size increasing or decreasing the capacity for a volume that is equal to the width of the strip multiplied by the cross sectional area of the strip.

Preferably, is provided a central annular strip element that has a substantially tubular shape with a width set between 10 and 50 cm. This way, it is possible to pass quickly from a bag or briefcase to a larger bag, such as a suitcase or sports bag, up to reaching a very long size, such as a golf bag .

Alternatively, or in addition, the annular strip elements and/or central tubular elements can provide hooks, buckles or eyelets for fastening handles or shoulder belts, for carrying easily the bag.

The central annular strip element can also comprise a handle, a shoulder belt and/or internal/external pockets. The handle, in this case, allow an easy transportation of the bag when it is of large size, such as suitcases or sports bag.

Concerning the type of zipper, it can be of a desired known type, with chains of teeth, a wire helical zipper, with rails, of metal or plastic material.

Advantageously, said zipper tapes have fixed number of teeth for unit of length, in order to ensure precision of connection and to avoid that creases are formed.

Furthermore, said zipper tapes can be of fluid tight type, such that the bag has good waterproof properties.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be made clearer with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which: figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a bag structure, according to the invention, comprising a first and a second side elements that can be connected to each other by a zipper; - figure 2 shows the step of engagement between two zipper tapes that are present on the first and the second side elements of the bag structure of Fig. 1 ;

- figure 2A shows an enlarged view of the zipper of Fig. 2; figure 3 shows a perspective view of the bag structure of Fig. 1 in an assembled configuration;

- figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the bag structure, according to the invention, in which is provided a annular strip element arranged between the first and the second side elements; - figures 5 and 5A show two steps of engagement of the zipper respectively between a first edge of the annular strip element and the first side element and between the other edge of the strip and the second side element; - figure 6 shows a perspective view of the bag structure of Fig. 4 in an assembled configuration; figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the bag structure, according to the invention, in which in addition to that of Fig. 6 a second annular strip element is provided consecutive to the first annular strip element;

- figure 8 shows the step of engagement of the zipper respectively between the first and the second annular strip element;

- figure 9 shows a perspective view of the bag structure of Fig. 7 in an assembled configuration; figure 10 shows a perspective view of a bag structure comprising three annular strip elements connected to each other in series and arranged between the first and the second side elements; figure 1 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the bag structure, according to the invention, in which a tubular strip element is provided arranged between the first and the second side elements; figure 12 shows a perspective view of the bag structure of Fig. 10 in an assembled configuration; - figure 13 shows a perspective view of the bag structure of Fig. 10 in an exemplary embodiment in which on the tubular strip element an external pocket is provided assembled to it by a zipper mechanism;

- figure 14 shows a perspective view of the bag structure, according to a further configuration in which two annular strip elements are provided located at the side elements of the bag connected to a central tubular strip element; figure 15 shows a perspective view of the bag structure, in the configuration of Fig. 6, comprising an external pocket that is releasably connected by a zipper on the first side element, the external pocket comprises in turn an annular strip element and a side element;

- figure 16 shows a perspective view of the bag structure, in the configuration of Fig. 6, comprising an loop tape element made on the side element useful for carrying pullovers or other objects;

- figure 17 shows a perspective view of the bag structure, with an alternative side element in this case with rounded shape;

- figures from 18 to 22 show other types of side elements respectively with accordion-like, oval, box-like, pyramidal and frustum of pyramid shape.

Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments With reference to Fig. 1 , a bag structure comprises a first side element

1 with a first side boundary edge 1a, to which a first side zipper tape 1b is connected for all its length. The bag structure comprises furthermore, a second side element 2 with a second side boundary edge 2a, to which a second side zipper tape 2b is connected for all its length.

Furthermore, a side slider 3 is provided slidably engaged with first side zipper tape 2b and a side engagement point 4 is made on second side zipper tape 1 b.

As shown in Fig. 2 and 2A, side slider 3 is engageable with second side zipper tape 2b starting from side engagement point 4, such that slider 3 can slide round along both first side zipper tape 1b and second side zipper tape 2b for all their length until reaching again side engagement point 4, thus obtaining an integral union of first side zipper tape 1 b and second side zipper tape 2b, and thus obtaining a bag 100 consisting of first side element 1 and second side element 2 united to each other, as shown in Fig. 3.

The space 60 between two side elements 1/2 coupled to each other is all available for use as a bag space. In this case, bag 100 has as side walls two side elements 1/2, united by the zipper 1 b/2b for all their boundary edge. The shape of envelope bag thus formed, is adapted for example as briefcase or laptop bag.

As shown always in Fig. 3, first side element 1 and second side element

2 comprise each a handle 50, so that after the union of two side elements 1/2 the resulting bag can be carried like a normal briefcase. In particular, the shape and the size of the handles 50 can be adjustable in such a way that is suitable for forming a shoulder belt of a desired length by means of buckles 51 ;

Figure 4 shows the bag structure 101 that provides a first annular strip element 5 with a first strip boundary edge 5c and a second strip boundary edge 5d. In particular, to first strip boundary edge 5c a first strip zipper tape 5a is connected for all its length, and to second strip boundary edge 5d a second strip zipper tape 5b is connected for all its length,. First strip zipper tape 5a comprises a strip engagement point 4a and second strip zipper tape 5b comprises a strip slider 3a. This way, as shown in Fig. 5, first side slider 3 is engageable with first strip zipper tape 5a starting from strip engagement point 4a, whereas strip slider 3a is engageable with first side zipper tape 1 b (Fig.5A) starting from side engagement point 4.

This way, side slider 3 extends along both first strip zipper tape 5a and second side zipper tape 2b, for all their length, for reaching again strip engagement point 4a, whereas strip slider 3a extends along both second strip zipper tape 5b and first side zipper tape 1 b, for all their length, for reaching again side engagement point 4, in order to obtain an integral union of first strip zipper tape 5a with second side zipper tape 1 b and of first side zipper tape 2b with second strip zipper tape 5b.

This way, a bag is formed consisting of first side element 1 , by annular strip element 5 and by second side element 2 united to each other, as shown in Fig. 6.

This way, with respect to the bag consisting only two side elements 1/2 united to each other, by adding annular strip element 5 between two side elements 1/2, by the easy fastening action on zippers 3/3a of the respective boundary edges, a bag is obtained of higher capacity. For example, starting from an envelope-like briefcase, as shown in Fig. 3, a large laptop bag or overnight bag as shown in Fig. 6 can be obtained. With an annular strip element 5 of a appropriate size, as shown, then it is possible to obtain a bag of desired capacity. As shown in Figs, from 7 to 10, the bag structure provides a plurality of annular strip elements 5/575" each with a first strip boundary edge 5c to which a respective first strip zipper tape 5a/5a'/5a" is connected for all its length, and a second strip boundary edge 5d to which a second strip zipper tape 5b/5b'/5b" is connected for all its length.

In particular, (Fig.10), first strip zipper tape 5a/5a75a" comprises a respective strip engagement point 4a/4a'/4a" and second strip zipper tape 5b/5b75b" comprises a respective strip slider 3a/3a73a" so that a first annular strip element 5 is connected to second side element 2 and a last annular strip element 5" is connected to first side element 1 , and intermediate annular strip elements 5/575" can be connected to each other in turn starting from the first annular strip element 5 up to the last annular strip element 5". A similar discussion is valid for Figs. 7-9. This way, with a set of annular strip elements 5/575" it is possible to provide a bag of desired capacity simply by adding or removing an element (for example Fig. 10 - Fig. 9), with the easy action on zippers 3a/3a73a" of the respective boundary edges. This can be useful also on a journey, when a higher or lower capacity of the bag could be necessary responsive to the amount of objects to carry. Furthermore, when annular strip elements or side elements 1/2 of different colour are available, it is possible to provide bags of one colour, or combinations of colours, as desired by the user. This way, bags can be made in chromatic intonation with the clothes or shoes or accessories of the user, or preferred combinations of colours can be obtained, as colours of flags or of sports teams.

Concerning the material, the many side elements or annular strip elements can be made of leather, imitation leather, fabric, plastic material, natural material such as wicker, straw, composite materials, etc. For example, a possible material is the following: a layer of cotton (3%) on which a layer is spread of the following substances: PVC 88%, polyester 6, polyurethane 3%.

From a structural viewpoint, as shown in the above described figures, each strip zipper tape 5b/5b75b'710b or side zipper tape 2b that is associated with a slider 3/3a/3a73a" comprises a respective retainer box 7, whereas each strip zipper tape 5a/5a75a'71 Oa or side zipper tape 1b that is associated with an engagement point 4/4a/4a74a" comprises an engagement pin 8. This way, it is possible to begin the engagement of the respective zipper, moving the slider against the retainer box 7, and putting engagement pin 8 in the slider up to reaching the retainer box 7, and then moving the slider to close the zipper. Furthermore, a stop point is provided 6 near side engagement point 4 or of strip engagement point 4a/4a74a". This way, the slider, after having closed all the zipper, ends its stroke without disengaging from the zipper just at engagement point 4, closing perfectly the turn about the boundary edges of the respective side elements 1/2 or annular strip elements 5/575" coupled to each other, without leaving free spaces for gaining access into the bag. Instead, to get access into the bag it is enough to disengage even only one part of the zipper.

In particular, each annular strip element 5 has a width L set between 1 and 20cm, in particular between 5 and 10cm. This length L is optimal to obtain gradually bags of different size increasing or decreasing the capacity for a volume that is equal to the width of the annular strip element multiplied by the cross sectional area of the annular strip element.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12 a central annular strip element 10 is provided with substantially tubular shape having a width L1 set between 10 and 50 cm. Tubular strip element 10 comprises respective zipper tapes 10a/10b for connection with side elements 1 or 2 and that are equipped respectively with an engagement point 12a and a slider 11a, as well as a retainer box 7 and engagement pin 8. This way, it is possible to turn the bag quickly from an envelope bag or briefcase to a larger bag, such as suitcase or sports bag, as well as a golf bag.

Figure 13 shows an exemplary embodiment in which on tubular strip element 10 an external pocket is provided 20 with an annular strip element 15 that is assembled to it by a same zipper mechanism as described above. Figure 14 shows the bag structure in which two annular strip elements are provided 5/5' located at the ends of the bag connected to a central tubular strip element 10;

Figure 15 shows an external pocket 30 comprising an annular strip element 35 of reduced size applied to side element 1. In Fig. 16, side element 1 comprises instead a loop tape element 40 useful for carrying pullovers or other objects. Furthermore, each side element 1/2 can comprise inner compartments not shown, such as purse elements, mobile phone holders, glasses cases, etc. In particular, the annular strip elements 5 or tubular strip element 10, can provide hooks, buckles or eyelets not shown for fastening in a removable way other types of handles or shoulder belts with respect to those shown, to allow an easy transportation of the bag according to the types of use. In particular also central annular strip element 5 can comprise handles

50 (Fig. 14), shoulder belts and/or external pockets (Fig. 13) or internal pockets not shown. The handle, in this case, allows an easy transportation of the bag when it is of large size, such as a suitcase or a sports bag.

Concerning the type of zipper, it can be of a desired known type, with teeth chain stringer tape, with wire helical single piece stringer, with a profiled interlocking member, of metal or plastic material. In case of zippers with teeth chain, which allow a maximum safety of connection, they are advantageously of known type with a fixed number of teeth for unit of length, in order to ensure precision of connection and avoid that creases are formed. They can also of known fluid tight type, to allow good waterproof properties.

As shown in Figs, from 17 to 22, the shape of the side elements 1/2 can be any desired shape; a plane sheet as shown in the previous figures, or a square, rectangular, oval, circular (Fig.19), or fancy shape. Or even a not plane sheet, for example rounded shape, as shown in Fig. 17. The side elements 1/2 may also have several walls, for example having shape of half parallelepiped (Fig.20), of frustum of pyramid (Fig. 21 or 22), of hemisphere or semi-ellipsoid (Fig.19), or also accordion-like shape (Fig.18).

Also, two side elements 1/2 can have different shape to each other, provided they have the boundary edge coincident to each other in order to be zipped to each other.

Such kind of bag has the object of combining in a single article functions that normally are fulfilled by different products, and has the aim of stimulating the interaction of the user with the object, giving the possibility of adapting the model, choosing a combination that is suitable to meet the preferences and the needs of the user, encouraging furthermore the exchange of the parts with owners of a same model.

In conclusion, the bag structure, according to the invention, is adapted to be used at the same time as a briefcase, school bag, laptop bag, or as a normal shopping bag, with the additional possibility of lengthening the handles into a shoulder belt, and it can be used independently by men and women.

Owing to its variable features the bag structure allows to carry out functions for which normally different articles should be used, thus saving space, when space is critical when different products have to be used that meet singularly each function, and also saving money, owing to its various versions with the possibility of changing among different shapes by changing only a part of the article.

The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.