Reconfigurable bag for carrying items

Abstract

A bag for carrying items includes a bag having an interior compartment and an exterior surface. An aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the bag with a closure panel releasably secured to the aperture when the bag is in a first configuration. A primary pocket is secured around a peripheral edge thereof to the aperture and to the closure panel, and extends into the interior compartment to form an interior pocket when the bag is in the first configuration. The primary pocket extends outwardly from the bag and is in communication with and expands the volume of the interior compartment when the bag is in a second configuration. The closure panel forms a portion of the primary pocket when the bag is in the second configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to a bag for carrying items, and, in particular, to a bag for carrying items that is reconfigurable to different volumes for different uses. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Bags for carrying items are well known. Such bags include, for example, backpacks, book bags, duffel bags, suitcases, and tote bags. These bags typically contain a main interior compartment, and may include additional internal and / or external pockets. At times, a user will need to carry more items than their bag is designed to carry, causing the user to bring an additional bag or carry some items by hand. Some known bags are expandable, allowing the carrying capacity of the bag to be increased. [0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,215 to Sawai discloses a gusseted suitcase having a body and a pair of gussets secured to the bottom of the body. The gussets are secured to the body by way of fasteners. When the fasteners are opened, the gussets unfold to increas...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect, a bag for carrying items has an interior compartment and an exterior surface. An aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the bag. A closure panel is releasably secured to the aperture when the bag is in a first configuration. A primary pocket is secured around a peripheral edge thereof to the aperture and to the closure panel. The primary pocket extends into the interior compartment to form an interior pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag when the bag is in the first configuration. The primary pocket extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the bag and is in communication with and expands the volume of the interior compartment when the bag is in a second configuration. The closure panel forms a portion of the primary pocket when the bag is in the second configuration.

[0010] Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a bag having a pocket accessible from an exterior of the bag in a first configuration and accessible from an interior compartment of the bag in a second configuration. In particular, such a bag provides increased utility, providing multiple sizes and pocket configurations for the bag. This is highly advantageous since the needs of users of such a bag can vary substantially from time to time. For example, at certain times a user will have a need to carry more items than their bag can accommodate.

Problems solved by technology

Sawai is limiting in the amount that its expandable gussets can expand the volume of the suitcase.

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