Special receptacle or package – Combined or convertible – Packaged assemblage or kit
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-04
2001-10-09
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
Combined or convertible
Packaged assemblage or kit
C150S106000, C190S109000, C383S040000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298993
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCES
There are no applications related to this application filed in this or any foreign country.
BACKGROUND
A number of diaper bags are known. Most attempt to address the issue of carrying the numerous items that may assist those involved in the diaper changing process, such as food, clothing and toys. However, the increasing number of disposable items sold for child care has complicated matters, and as a result parents look for progressively more flexible bags, able to carry a particular desired mix of products. As a result, a number of bags have been developed, each having a different structure addressing the similar problems. However, no one bag is viewed by the public as a single solution to the problem of storage and transport of diapers and accessories.
The primary problem with most diaper bags is difficulty in supporting the bag during use. Where the bag is poorly supported, access to the compartments is compromised. Also, in many changing locations, there is no clean and clear surface upon which to rest the diaper bag, and any such surface must be used for the baby.
Most diaper bags are soft-sided, and due to lack of support, tend to collapse when opened. In the collapsed state, the diaper bag assumes the shape of its contents, collectively. This is not conducive to rapid and convenient assess of the various compartments which may be available.
A second problem with most diaper bags is the lack of flexibility; i.e. a lack of storage compartments in adequate number, size and configuration, and lack of the extra features which interact synergistically with the storage features of the diaper bag.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for diaper organizer bag that provides a means to support the diaper bag during periods of use, a number of compartments that are easily accessed and conveniently appointed, and a variety of additional features that interact synergistically with the first two, providing in combination a diaper bag conferring superior convenience, service and utility.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to an apparatus that satisfies the above needs. A novel diaper bag is disclosed that provides a support assembly which convenient access to the bad during use, a number of compartments that are easily accessed and conveniently appointed, in combination with a variety of additional features that interact synergistically, providing in combination a diaper bag conferring superior convenience, service and utility.
The diaper bag of the present invention provides some or all of the following structures.
(A) A six-sided enclosure includes a front, back, top, bottom and side panels. A zipper allows the front panel to be detached from the side and top panels, allowing access to the interior of the enclosure. A handle strap allows the enclosure to be carried in the manner of a shoulder bag; while front and back handles allow the enclosure to be carried in the manner of a handbag.
(B) In a preferred embodiment, two back panel interior compartments are carried by the back panel, and are accessible from the interior of the enclosure. Preferably, each back panel interior compartments is made of mesh to provide ventilation and visibility, and includes a zipper to allow the contents to be secured in place.
(C) In a preferred embodiment, a full-width front zippered pocket is defined between an inside front panel and the front panel, and is accessible from the interior of the enclosure.
(D) At least two, and preferably four, pleated front panel pockets are defined between the inside front panel and a pleated mesh body attached to the inside front panel. The pleated front pockets are accessible from the interior of the enclosure and are secured by an elastic closure attached to the inside front panel.
(E) In an unfolded state, a changing pad having a water resistant cover and an insulative core is sized for supporting a baby during the diaper changing process. In a folded state, the changing pad is sized for transport within the interior of the enclosure, adjacent to the bottom panel.
(F) A flip-out compartment array is attached to an upper edge of the front panel. A preferred version of the flip-out compartment array includes a full-width inner compartment and two half-width outer compartments. The flip-out compartment array is carried within the enclosure when it is closed and the front panel is secured to the side and top panels. However, when the enclosure is opened, the flip-out compartment may easily be moved from the interior of the enclosure for more convenient access.
(G) A preferred support assembly includes a hook and a fastener connected by a chain. The fastener attaches to a tab on the flip-out compartment array, while the hook is sized to fit over the top of a door, toilet stall or other available supporting structure. Webbing present between the front and side panels keeps the back panel generally horizontal while the front panel and flip-out compartment are vertical.
(H) One or more base interior compartments are attached to the base panel of the enclosure.
(I) A front external compartment and a back external compartment are formed by an opaque plastic panel and a clear plastic panel carried by the front and back panels, respectively. These compartments provide added convenience because they can be accessed without opening the enclosure.
(J) A tethered compartment is attached to an interior point within the enclosure by a line. When the enclosure is opened, the tethered compartment may easily be completely removed from the enclosure for ease of access. When the enclosure is closed, the tethered compartment will not be left behind, due to the tether line.
It is therefore a primary advantage of the present invention to provide a novel diaper bag having a support assembly which holds the diaper bag open during use so that a combination of compartments, storage spaces, fasteners and handles can provide, in overall combination, greater convenience, capacity and versatility than known diaper bags.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel diaper bag having the combination of flip-out compartment array and a tethered compartment which allow far greater access to these storage areas than in conventional diaper bags, which do not allow removal of the storage compartments from the bag, even when open.
A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel diaper bag having a combination of compartments which, when the enclosure portion of the bag is in the open state, are more readily accessible and better distributed for ease of removal and storage of items than are compartments of conventional diaper bags.
Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification and the accompanying drawings.
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Bui Luan K.
Thompson David S.
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