Diaper bag with integral but removable moisture resistant pouch

Abstract

Claims

2. The diaper bag of claim 1 and including a closure means for the diaper bag provided at its upper end.

3. The diaper bag of claim 2 wherein the closure means provided at the upper edge is a closure flap.

4. The diaper bag of claim 1 wherein the wet pouch closure means provided along its upper edge comprising a zipper extending approximately along the length of its upper edge.

5. The diaper bag of claim 1 and including a liner provided internally of the diaper bag, securing approximate the side and bottom edges internally of one of the front and back panels, the liner, with the said one of the front and back panels forming a pocket therein, and said pocket capable of accommodating the wet pouch therein, during its usage.

6. The diaper bag of claim 4 wherein the upper edge of the wet pouch secures approximates the upper edges of the liner and the panel to which the liner secures.

7. The diaper bag of claim 4 and including end panels, and a strap extending from the upper end of the end panels, and provided for facilitating carrying of the diaper bag during usage.

8. The diaper bag of claim 6 wherein the strap comprises a shoulder strap.

9. The diaper bag of claim 5 and including at least one further liner provided within the diaper bag, on one of the inner liner or the inner surface of the other wall panel, to provide for additional compartmentalization of the interior of the diaper bag to facilitate the storage and carriage of infant and personal items during usage of the diaper bag.

10. The diaper bag of claim 8 wherein the wet pouch is formed of moisture resistant material, to prevent the migration of any moisture there through when wet diapers are located therein.

11. The diaper bag of claim 9 and wherein the internal liner is formed of moisture resistant material to prevent the migration of any moisture therethrough during usage of the diaper bag.

12. The diaper bag of claim 9 wherein the front and back panels are formed of moisture resistant materials to prevent the migration of any moisture therethrough during usage of the diaper bag.

13. The diaper bag of claim 12 wherein the moisture resistant material comprises a moisture resistant nylon material.

14. The diaper bag of claim 1 and including end panels provided within the bag structure, and secured intermediate the front and back panels of said diaper bag.

15. The diaper bag of claim 14 and including a bottom panel, said bottom panel connecting between the bottom edges of the front and pack panels, and their pair of end panels.

Description

[0001] This nonprovisional patent application claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/574,830, which was filed on May 28, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The subject matter of this invention relates primarily to a diaper bag, but more specifically to a diaper bag that can officially handle wet diapers, within a moisture resistant pouch, that locates and integrates within the bag, but yet can be facially removed, such as when it is filled, and requires disposal of the soiled diapers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A myriad of bags of a variety of types have long been used for holding diapers, whether they be those in preparation for usage, and regardless whether they be the reusable cloth diapers, or even of the disposable type, and at the same time, some diaper bags have included a tethered pouch may hold soiled diapers, for potential disposal. One such diaper bag is shown in U.S. design Pat. No. D346,693, shown as a diaper bag with detachable mothers' bag. This device shows a diaper bag with what appears to be a zipper applied mothers' bag, apparently for use for holding a variety of items within said bag during its usage.

[0004] Another such prior art device is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,714, but primarily shows an infant care bag. This particular care bag includes a primary bag assembly, and at least one detachable formula case assembly, that is detachably securable to the primary bag assembly. The primary bag assembly as shown and described therein includes a diaper bag, but it appears that the diaper bag is for use for holding fresh diapers, that are readily available for usage, rather than one that may collect soiled diapers for either washing, or disposal.

[0005] In addition, another carry bag with pouch is shown in the U.S. Patent to Sutton, under U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,436 This particular item is a purse type of unit. Its pouch is removable and fits within an outer cover. The pouch is of a dry type that cannot itself accommodate wet items. This particular bag is clearly intended for general purse duty, and not necessarily for wet diaper situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention contemplates the formation of a diaper bag, which is unique from the standpoint that it includes a wet bag that is contained within a pocket, generally, within a lining provided within the overall structure of the diaper bag. This generally relates to a diaper bag that integrates a wet bag system within its structure.

[0007] Just to utilize a pocket, within a bag, and into which the soiled diapers may locate, normally presents a problem of sliding the diapers in and out of such a pocket, which makes it rather difficult for usage. Thus, to provide a pouch, even one that may be moisture resistant, within the overall diaper bag, adjacent one of its front or back interior walls, and then provide a further wet bag or pouch that may insert therein, has been found to be much more facile of usage, and provides a very easy method for access into the interior of the pouch, as for locating wet diapers therein, or for entirely removing the pouch for disposal or machine washing of such diapers, as such becomes necessary.

[0008] Thus, there are a variety of circumstances under which the diaper bag of this invention may be fabricated. It can include a separate pouch along the interior wall of the bag, as just explained. Within that pouch, a wet bag may locate. That bag may have fasteners provided along the upper edge, at least on one side, so that it may snap apply to the interior wall of the diaper bag, or to the inner wall of the formed pouch, to assure that the diaper pouch or wet bag may locate securely therein. Or, it may secure upon both lateral upper edges of the wet pouch, and to the interior of the wall and pouch of the diaper bag, to provide secure attachment of the wet pouch therein. Regardless which type of arrangement may be used, as the means for attachment, and whether it be one or more snap clasp, a zipper, or even Velcro, of the hook and pile type, such may allow for ready removal of the diaper pouch, when it becomes ladened with soiled diapers, to provide for its quick and prompt removal, and further processing of the contents, such as for washing. In addition, the diaper pouch itself may be made of a moisture resistant material, so that it may even be turned inside out, and hand or machined wash, to provide for its cleansing, between uses.

[0009] It is further contemplated that where the diaper bag itself may be of lesser size, that the diaper pouch may simply secure at its upper edge along the interior wall of the diaper bag, as through the use of Velcro, snap clasp, or even a zipper attachment, to yet provide for the arrangement of a conveniently disposed diaper pouch within the bag, one that has a zipper or otherwise opening provided at its top, so that it can be opened for the entrance of the soiled diapers therein, and reclosed, as during its usage. Then, when it is ready to be emptied, it simply can be pulled free from its attachment to the upper interior side wall of the diaper bag, for prompt removal, allowing the user to empty the bag for hand or machine washing of the soiled diapers therein, or for disposal of the same, where the throw away type of diaper has been used.

[0010] Initially, in the latter circumstance, if the mother does not have access to a refuge container, for throw away of the disposable type of diaper, they can be collected within the wet pouch, until such time as access to a waste container is available, to allow for emptying of its disposable contents.

[0011] Another unique feature of this invention is the construction of a diaper bag that is of sufficient integrity so as to allow the bag to stand upright, and stay open, as when placed upon a supportive flat surface. The bag will generally be rectangular of configuration, with a front wall, a back wall, both of substantial size, and two integral and opposing short end walls, between the front and back walls. Then, a bottom is sewn or secured therein. A strap may attach across the top of the two opposing end walls. The bottom, side and strap of the bag are cut, in several tapered pieces, to afford a clean style of appearance, and to provide additional stability to the overall construction of the bag. A rectangular shaped flap, may attach at the top of one front or rear side wall of the bag, and can be draped over for covering the opened top of the diaper bag. Such a flap may be secured by any type of closure, as known in the art, to provide for a fastened closure to the diaper bag as when not in usage.

[0012] As an option, the exterior of the bag, along one of its front or back walls, may feature an additional pocket, large enough to hold other essentials, while the inside of the bag may accommodate a variety of other items, either of personal use to the mother, or for holding paraphernalia needed for care of the infant, while in transit. The body and lining of the bag may be interlined with or have fusible or sewn-in interfacing to further add stability. Furthermore, the interior of the bag may feature additional lining that may be reasonably waterproof, so as to render the entire bag leak resistant. But, the particular linings that form the pocket within the bag may likewise be formed of leak resistant wet material, or moisture resistant, so as to prevent any migration of moisture, particularly from the soiled diapers. Then, the wet pouch that locates within the lining forming a pocket as within the overall bag, will likewise be significantly moisture resistant. Its upper edge may be secured, either by a zipper, or other means of attachment, so that once a soiled diaper is placed therein, it can be reasonable sealed from the atmosphere, so as to prevent the migration of any undesirable odor, as known.

[0013] As previously reviewed, the wet pouch that holds the soiled diapers within the lining pocket will secure along its upper edge, to one or both adjacent walls, or upper interior edge of the liner forming the pocket, to provide for its secure location. But, as for example, where Velcro may be utilized, when the wet pouch is removed, the upper edges of the liner and the interior side wall of the bag may be fastened together, through the usage of the same mating Velcro, to provide a pocket that is designed to remain closed, as when not in use, and not interfere with entrance into the main section of the diaper bag, when used for its various purposes.

[0014] The essence the of this invention, though, is to provide the ability to remove the leak resistant wet pouch, from within the lining of the bag, but yet, the wet pouch can be held significantly firm in place, when employed within the bag, during its application. This completely eliminates the provision of any dangling or looseness within the diaper bag, as is done under other circumstances.

[0015] For the formation of the type of bags that will withstand the exposure to the various moisture, rough handling, and the like, and for which the diaper bag of this invention may be subjected, it has been found that a wet pouch that locates within the diaper bag, may be constructed from any form of moisture resistant material, of reasonable strength, to form the bag, with a zipper type style of closure at its top, and such is acceptable in usage. Other types of moisture resistant materials may also be used. In addition, since the wet bag, formed of this material, is capable of resisting the transmission of any moisture or soiling through its walls, it provides the advantage of cleanliness, and a thorough organization for the interior of the remaining portion of the diaper bag, where other useful and available items are stored. Since the wet pouch has a zippered or more fixed type of closure at its upper edge, the user may easily place a soiled diaper into the wet pouch when it is out of the diaper bag. Or, a soiled diaper can just as easily be located within the wet pouch, even as it is held within the liner segment of the diaper bag, during its usage and application. As previously stated, the wet pouch can be easily cleaned, independently of the main diaper bag. Hence, an integrated, but yet removable, wet pouch is the essence of this invention.

[0016] In addition, the same microfiber nylon material can be used for constructing of the entire diaper bag. Furthermore, it may even be desirable to provide a lining for the wet pouch itself, whether it is of a polymer material, to assure that antimoisture migrating characteristics are preserved for the wet pouch. This is just an example of the type of moisture resisting materials that can be used in construction of the various components of this diaper bag, and more specifically of its wet pouch.

[0017] In addition, it may be likely that other compartments may be provided within the remaining opening of the diaper bag, such as for example, for holding a nursing bottle in place, or other paraphernalia, as within the corners of the formed bag.

[0018] It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide a diaper bag, which includes an integrated but yet removable moisture resistant wet pouch.

[0019] Another object of this invention is provide a wet pouch feature, within a diaper bag, which locates within a separate lining within the diaper bag, so as to secure it firmly in place.

[0020] Another object of this invention is to provide a wet pouch that locates firmly within a diaper bag, but yet can be independently removed, and separately cleaned, and dried, before it is reapplied back into the diaper bag for reusability.

[0021] Another object of this invention is to provide the user with a tidy feature for managing wet or soiled articles.

[0022] Still another object of this invention is to provide a diaper bag of standard size model, but yet integrates a wet pouch, to enhance in its effective usage.

[0023] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a diaper bag that is self supporting, when erected upon a flat surface, and includes a collapsed style of cover, that may be very easily opened or closed, as may be necessary as during usage.

[0024] Still another object of this invention is to provide a diaper bag that may include an elongated pocket, even externally, to aid in the conveyance of smaller articles.

[0025] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a diaper bag that may include compartmentalized segments, within its interior, to facilitate the separate conveyance of baby articles.

[0026] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a diaper bag, and its wet pouch that may be formed of select materials, that may be structurally supportive, but yet moisture resistant, to provide for their usage.

[0027] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a wet pouch for use within a diaper bag and which is zipper closed, to provide for its secure closure.

[0028] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a wet pouch which may be applied along its upper margin of the interior wall of a diaper bag, to provide for its securement therein, but readily available for opening and usage, without removal.

[0029] These and other objections may become more apparent to those skilled in the art in review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of the preferred embodiment, in view of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In referring to the drawings,

[0031] FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of a diaper bag of this invention, showing a closure flap applied thereover;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows the diaper bag of FIG. 1 with the cover flap folded into its open configuration, and disclosing the wet pouch of the invention fastened therein;

[0033] FIG. 3 shows the diaper bag of FIG. 2, with the wet pouch being disengaged from its fastening along both of its upper edges, and raised for removal from its diaper bag;

[0034] FIG. 3A shows the wet pouch removed from the diaper bag, as taken along the line 3a-3a of FIG. 3.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows the diaper bag of FIG. 3, in its embodiment without the lateral pockets formed adjacent to the inner liner that holds the wet pouch as aforesaid; and

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a further variation upon the diaper bag of this invention wherein the wet pouch is adhered along the upper edge, along one side to the inner surface of the diaper bag.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, the diaper bag 1 of this invention is readily disclosed. It includes an oversized bag, having a front panel 2, back panel 3, and two end panels 4 and 5. In addition, a bottom panel 6 integrates the panels into a compartment structure. The closure flap, as at 7, attaches a top wall, and allows for fold over of its flap 8 to provide a reasonably prompt means for closing of the bag, after usage. A strap, such as a shoulder strap 9, may be provided looped between the upper edges of the end panels 4 and 5, to provide for convenient carrying. It is just as likely that the diaper bag can be assembled from just a front panel, a back panel, both of which may be stitched or secured together, around all three sides, to form a bag structure, but yet may be sufficiently strong, fabricated from material of greater strength, to have sufficient integrity to stand, when flattened on its bottom and rested upon a supportive surface.

[0038] As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the bag 1 further includes certain internal structure that provides for compartmentalizing of its internal structure. Initially, there is a liner 10 that applies adjacent the interior of the front panel 2, and it may be applied or stitched at approximately its midpoint, to form a couple of compartments 11 and 12, as can be noted. In addition, a liner 13 is provided against the extra liner 14, and if affords further compartments between these two liners, for additional arranged storage of other paraphernalia and personal items within the diaper bag. Provided for locating within the space formed between the extra liner 14, as can also be seen in FIG. 3A, and secured around the interior surface of the back wall 3, provides a further pocket into which the wet pouch 15 can locate, and fit therein.

[0039] What is significant about the wet pouch 15 is that it conveniently fits between the further liner 14, and the back wall 13, and is of the size to provide for its convenient sliding therein, in preparation for its usage. In addition, the wet pouch has a zippered closure, as that of 16, that can be readily zipped open, to provide for the deposit of any soiled diapers therein and immediately closed for containment purposes. But, when the wet pouch 15 becomes full to capacity, or when it is desired to remove it and dispose of its soiled contents, its fastening means provided along its upper edges, along both the front and back edges of the upper edge of the wet pouch 15, can be opened, and the entire bag can be raised up from within its liner, for removal and, when the wet pouch is reintroduced back into its liner 14, it can be fastened by means of a fastening means, such as can be seen at 17 and 18, to both its front and back edges, to secure it in place, during further usage. These fastening means may include any type of snap fasteners, or other types of fasteners, but in the preferred embodiment, it can be seen that Velcro, of the hook and pile type, can be used, to secure the upper edges, on both sides, of the wet bag 15, in place. This makes for a rather semi-permanent installation of the wet pouch, within the diaper bag, during its usage.

[0040] Furthermore, when the wet pouch 15 is removed, the Velcro applied to the upper edge 21, may secure and affix to the Velcro provided at 20, to close the liner 14, so that the remainder of the diaper bag can be used, and its various formed compartments, as previously explained, for further routine application.

[0041] When the diaper bag is not being used, its upper flap 7 and major flap 8 can be folded over, and snapped clasped by means of the fastener 19 into closure.

[0042] As can be seen in FIG. 3, this shows the usage of the diaper bag as at 1. As can be noted, the wet pouch 15 has had its upper edges, through its fasteners 17 and 18 removed from securement along the back upper edge, as at 21, of the inner wall or panel, or from 20 of the back panel 3, as can be noted. In addition, the wet pouch has been removed from the fastening 21 upon that upper inner edge of the extra liner 18, as previously reviewed. At this stage, the Velcro at 20, 21 may be secured together, to provide for routine usage of the interior of the upper bag, as explained. Hence, once the wet pouch 15 has been emptied out of its soiled contents, and perhaps even washed itself, it can be reinserted by sliding down into the opening between the extra liner 14, and the back panel 3, and reapplied upon its upper edges by means of the shown Velcro, to secure it into position for reusage, for holding additional soiled diapers, as may be required. See FIG. 3A. This can simply be done by opening of the zipper 16, as previously explained, to attain access into the wet pouch, for deposit of it soiled contents.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a further modification to the structure of the diaper bag 1 of this invention. As constructed, in this instant, it has the same components as previously described for the bag shown in FIG. 2, with the exception that the liner 13 has been removed. Thus, the bag is simply constructed having the formed liner 10 provided upon the inner surface of the front panel 2, and the extra liner 14, provided its affixed to the back wall 3. In this manner, the wet pouch 15 can be slid therein, have its fastening means, such as the Velcro, secured, to provide for a ridged retention of the wet pouch in place, for ready usage and application, for the purposes as previously described. But, the pouch can be easily removed, once again, in the manner as is explained in FIG. 3, simply by freeing it from its retention through the Velcro attachment, pulled slowly upwardly, for removable of the pouch and its contents.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows yet another variation of upon the structure of the diaper bag 1 of this invention. In this instance, there is no liner 13 provided, nor the extra liner 14, as previously reviewed. In this instance, the wet pouch 15 has fastening means provided along its back upper edge, as can be noted at 22, which may be either a series of horizontally arranged snap fasteners, clasps, or preferably, the Velcro, as noted. Thus, the wet pouch 15 can be secured along its upper edge, along its length thereof as shown, by means of Velcro to the inner surface of the back panel 3, and secured reasonably and structurally firmly in place, to function as a wet pouch, in the manner as previously described. But, when it is desired to remove the wet pouch, which may be ladened with soiled diapers, from the diaper bag, its fastener 22, can be removed, the pouch slid upwardly for removal of its contents. By simply reinserting the pouch back into the diaper bag, and secured by Velcro along its upper edge, it is firmly held in place, and ready for reapplication for holding wet diapers, when disposed of, after usage.

[0045] These are examples of the versatility of the construction and usage of the diaper bag of this invention. The materials from which the diaper bag may be fabricated have already been reviewed, but generally, they may be formed of moisture proof and resistant fabric, and whether that be microfiber nylon material, nylon material that has been treated with the moisture resistant composition, or even have a wax coating applied thereto, or a polymer lining, or any other moisture resistant material, it would tend to provide moisture resistant conditions for the various structural features of the diaper bag, and for which it is desired to prevent the migration of any moisture therethrough, during usage and application of this bag.

[0046] Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided therein, and upon taking of the study of the description of its preferred in embodiment in view of the drawings. Such variations, if within the concept of this development or intended to be encompassed within scope of the invention, and any claims provided herein. The description of the preferred embodiment, and the depiction of the invention in the drawings are set forth for illustrative purposed only.