TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In general , the present invention relates to the structure of carry bags , such as backpacks , book bags and handbags , that are carried by children and adults . More particularly, the present invention relates to carry bags with removable acces sories that are des igned to selectively attach to, and detach from, the carry bag .

BACKGROUND ART

There are many types of carry bags that are carried by children and adults . For example, children often carry backpacks to s chool . Adults carry a wide variety of handbags , shoulder bags , satchels , and backpacks in many shapes and sizes . Since the carry bag i s vis ible when carried, the carry bag has become subject to fashion . Accordingly, fashion-minded individuals want the carry bag itsel f to be fashionable and the carry bag must fit into the overall fashion ensemble of the individual carrying the bag . It is for this reason that fashion- minded individuals often match the carry bag with other acces sories , such as a belt or a hair band . In order to match accessories with a carry bag, accessories that complement the carry bag must be located and purchased. This is not always a simple task. Many carry bags have complex fashion themes and/or color schemes. Accordingly, finding complementary accessories becomes difficult. This is especially true for children since the amount of fashionable accessories available in the children's market is highly limited.

The present invention is a carry bag system where fashion accessories are temporarily attached to the carry bag. The full assembly is then sold as a complete set. The fashion accessories remain visible when attached to the carry bag. However, the fashion accessories complement the fashion theme of the carry bag and appear to be design elements integrated into the carry bag. When the fashion accessories are removed from the carry bag, the fashion accessories can be worn by the owner of the bag. Since the fashion accessories are specifically designed to complement the fashion theme of the carry bag, the accessories and carry bag complete a fully fashion coordinated ensemble.

The details of the present invention carry bag system are described and claimed below. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a fashion coordinated carry bag assembly that includes a main bag and a pocket extension. The pocket extension can be a separate smaller bag or an integrated extension of the main bag. The main bag and the pocket extension both have access openings. Straps are disposed at one or both of the access openings . The straps are used to secure fashion accessories to the carry bag assembly. The fashion accessories have decorative elements that remain visible when the fashion accessories are attached to the carry bad assembly. Accordingly, when the fashion accessories are attached to the carry bag assembly, the decorative elements appear to be part of the overall carry bag assembly .

Other fashion accessories, such as belts, hair clips, hair bands and hats can also be attached to the carry bag assembly at different points. The fashion theme of the fashion accessories match that of the overall carry bag. Accordingly, each fashion accessory appears to be part of the carry bag when attached to the carry bag. When the fashion accessories are detached from the carry bag assembly, each fashion accessory can be worn separately, therein creating a fashion coordinated ensemble . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of a carry bag assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a carry bag assembly;

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a third exemplary embodiment of a carry bag assembly;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the third exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4; and FIG . 6 shows an exploded view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a carry bag as sembly .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Although the present invention carry bag system can be embodied in many ways , only a few exemplary embodiments are illustrated . The exemplary embodiments are being shown for the purposes of explanation and description . The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to set forth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention . The illustrated embodiments , however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims .

Referring to Fig . 1 and Fig . 2 , a first as sembly 10 is shown that includes a carry bag 12 and a plurality of fashion acces sories 14 . In the shown embodiment , the carry bag 12 i s formed as a backpack . The carry bag 12 has exterior surfaces 16 that may contain graphics , designs , color schemes , and/or other features in a particular fashion theme . As will be explained, the carry bag 12 is specifically designed to both hold and display one or more of the fashion acces sories 14 . The fashion acces sories 14 have the same fashion theme as the carry bag 12 and/or complement s the fashion theme of the carry bag 12 . The fashion acces sories 14 illustrated show a headband 50 and a decorative belt 104 . However, other fashion acces sories , such as costume jewelry, hair clips , hats , and/or wrist bands can also be included .

The carry bag 12 has a main bag 20 that defines a large compartment . The main bag 20 has a front surface 22 , a rear surface 24 , a top surface 28 , a bottom surface

29 and side surfaces 26 join the f ront surface 22 to the rear surface 24 . The top surface 28 has an acces s opening

30 with a zippered closure 32 for selectively acces sing the main bag 20 .

Shoulder straps 34 are attached to the rear surface 24 of the main bag 20 . In thi s manner, the rear surface 24 of the main bag 20 will lay against a wearer' s back when the shoulder straps 34 are used to wear the carry bag 12 .

A pocket extension 36 is provided on the front surface 22 of the main bag 20 . The pocket extension 36 is smaller than the main bag 20 and can be either attached to the main bag 20 or separate and distinct from the main bag 20 . The pocket extension 36 has a f ront surface 37 and a top surface 39 . The presence of the top surface 39 on the pocket extension 36 forms a ledge 38 where the top surface 39 meets the front surface 22 of the main bag 20 . An acces s opening 41 is formed in the top surface 39 of the pocket extension 36 . The acces s opening 41 provides acces s to the interior compartment 42 within the pocket extension 36 . The acces s opening 41 can be an open slot or can contain a closure , such as the z ipper closure 43 illustrated .

Two retention straps 40 are contained within the pocket extension 36 . Each retention strap 40 has a first end 44 that is sewn to the pocket extension 36 within the interior compartment 42 . Likewise, each retention strap 40 has a free end 4 6 that includes a snap or other mechanical fastener 48 . Mating fasteners 49 are mounted within the interior compartment 42 . In this manner, the free ends 46 of the retention straps 40 can be connected to the mating fasteners 49 . This forms the retention straps 40 into loops that can be large enough to extend out of the pocket extens ion 36 .

The fashion acces sories 14 include one or more headbands 50 . The headbands 50 have a curved band of plastic 52 and decorative elements 54 . The curved band of plastic 52 can stretch to some degree so that the headband 50 can be comfortably worn on a wearer' s head . The acces s opening 41 on the top surface 39 of the pocket extension 36 i s sized to accommodate the curved band of plastic 52 on the headband 50 . The curved band of plastic 52 extends into the pocket extension 36 while the fashion features remain outside the pocket extension 36. In this position, the decorative elements 54 appear to be part of the top surface 39 of the pocket extension 36. The retention straps 40 hold the headband 50 in this position and prevent the headband 50 from inadvertently falling out of the pocket extension 36. The retention straps 40 pass around the headband 50 and the free ends 46 of the retention straps 40 are connected to the mating fasteners 49 inside the pocket extension 36. To remove the headband 50, a user detaches the free ends 46 of the retention straps 40 to free the headband 50. The curved band of plastic 52 is then pulled out of the pocket extension 36.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, both ends 44, 46 of the retention strap 40 are attached inside the pocket extension 36. However, this need not be the case. Referring to Fig. 3, an alternate embodiment of an assembly 60 is shown that has a different pocket extension 62. In this assembly 60, the pocket extension 62 has an open top 64. The open top 64 can be prevented from fully opening by the use of two retention straps 66. In this assembly 60, the retention straps 66 are decorative and are made from the same material as is the pocket extension 62. Each retention strap 66 has a first end (not shown) that is sewn into place. A second free end 68 can extend beyond the open top 64 and can overlap the front surface 69 of the pocket extension 62 . The f ree ends 68 can selectively attach to the f ront surface 69 of the pocket extension 62 with mechanical fasteners 67 . The retention straps 66 can be looped over the headband 50 , therein holding or retaining the headband 50 in the pocket extension 62 .

The use of the retention straps to hold a headband within a pocket extension can also be used to attach a headband 50 to a slot pocket . Referring to Fig . 4 , an as sembly 70 is shown where a carry bag 72 has a f ront surface 74 and a rear surface 76 . The rear surface 76 is es sentially flat . A pocket 78 is provided on the rear surface 76 . The pocket 78 is flat and i s acces sible through a slot opening 80 . The pocket 78 can be opened wide enough to receive the curved band of plastic 52 f rom the headband 50 . Retention straps 82 are provided within the pocket 78 just below the slot opening 80 . The retention straps 82 have free ends 84 that can be looped around the headband 50 , therein holding the headband 50 in place . Once anchored in place, the decorative elements 54 of the headband 50 extend from the s lot opening 80 and appear to be a decoration that is integrated into the rear surface 76 and/or the top surface 94 of the carry bag 72 .

Referring to Fig . 5 in con junction with Fig . 4 , it can be seen that a second set of retention straps 86 can be used at alternate locations on the carry bag 72 to retain other fashion accessories. In the shown embodiment, a hat accessory 88 is shown. The hat accessory 88 has a foldable cap 90 and decorative features 92 that extend from the foldable cap 90. Additionally, in the shown embodiment, the front surface 74 of the carry bag 72 has a convex shape. The carry bag 72 has a top surface 94 with an access opening 96. The retention straps 86 are disposed within the carry bag 72 just below the access opening 96. The retention straps 86 each have a first end that is sewn in place and an opposite free end 100.

The cap 90 of the hat accessory 88 can be folded against the convex front surface 74 of the carry bag 72. Once in this position, the retention straps 86 can be looped around the decorative features 92, therein joining the hat accessory 88 to the carry bag 72.

Returning to the assembly 10 of Fig. 1, it will be understood that mechanical fasteners 102 can be provided on the side surfaces 26 of the carry bag 12. The mechanical fasteners 102 can be used to attach other fashion accessories 14 to the carry bag 12. The fashion accessories 14 can also include one or more belts 104. Each belt 104 can contain decorative elements 108. In the illustrated embodiment, only one belt 104 is shown. The belt 104 can be sized to fit the waist of a wearer. The belt 104 is wrapped around the carry bag 12. Smaller belts can be wrapped around the carry bag 12 above the pocket extension 36. As such, the ledge 38 between the main bag 20 and the pocket extension 36 will prevent the belt 104 from falling. Larger belts 46 can be wrapped around the main bag 20 and the pocket extension 36, as is shown. The belt 104 can have loops, holes, or mating connectors 110 that engage the mechanical fasteners 102 on the side surfaces 26 of the carry bag 12. This connects the belt 104 to the carry bag 12. This prevents the belt 104 from inadvertently slipping and provides the appearance that the belt 104 is a structural part of the carry bag 72.

In embodiments in which the pocket extension 36 is removable from the first assembly 10, the pocket extension 36 may include loops attached to its rear surface (not illustrated) . The belt 104 may removably attach the pocket extension 36 to the carry bag 12 through the loops on the rear face of the pocket extension 36. The free ends of belt 104 can be removably fastened to mechanical fasteners 102.

The mechanical fasteners 102 on the side surfaces 26 of the carry bag 72 can be used to connect other accessories in addition to, or in place of, the pocket extension 36. Referring to Fig. 6, an alternate assembly 112 is shown. In this embodiment, there is a main bag 114 . The main bag 114 has a f ront surface 116 and side surfaces 118 . Mechanical fasteners 120 are present on the side surfaces 118 . A second and di stinct extension bag 122 is provided . The extension bag 122 has a rear surface 124 and s ide surfaces 126 . Connector strips 128 extend from the side surfaces 126 or the rear surface 124 of the extension bag 122 . The connector straps 128 have grommet holes or mating fasteners 130 that interconnect with the mechanical fasteners 120 on the side surfaces 126 of the main bag 114 . This joins the extension bag 122 to the main bag 114 , wherein the rear surface 124 of the extension bag 122 abuts against the front surface 116 of the main bag 114 . When connected in thi s manner, the extension bag 122 appears to be an integral part of the main bag 114 .

However, the extens ion bag 122 can be selectively detached from the main bag 114 . The connector straps 128 can then be connected to a shoulder strap or belt that is stored in or on the main bag 114 . In this manner, the main bag 114 can be carried alone, the extension bag 122 can be carried alone, or the two bags 114 , 122 can be carried together as an as sembly .

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments . Features from dif ferent embodiments can be mixed and matched in manners not illustrated . All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims .