US20150196104A1

US20150196104A1 - Customizable container

Info

Publication number: US20150196104A1
Application number: US14/156,455
Authority: US
Inventors: Pedram Vaghefinazari
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-16
Filing date: 2014-01-16
Publication date: 2015-07-16

Abstract

An ergonomically designed container and accessories as attachments for customizing the container based on user's preference are disclosed. The container's body has several holes in it allowing the user to attach different accessories onto their desired place and not be limited to only one assembly configuration. Each accessory is designed to allow for carrying an item securely and separately from other items. In one embodiment, the accessories can be attached to the container using at least one external attachment pin. In another embodiment, an accessory has a portion of the pin described above as a part of the accessory itself eliminating the need for any external pins. The container may be made out of a material that is safe when it comes in contact with foods and consumables. The container is strategically designed to sit upright when placed on the floor without its walls collapsing or its contents falling out.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/430,644 titled CUSTOMIZABLE CONTAINER to Pedram Vaghefinazari that was filed on Jan. 16, 2013.

BACKGROUND

The word “Zanbeel”, with different spelling variations such as Zanbil, Zambil or Zambeel and “
” when written from right to left using Farsi (Persian) alphabets, translates to ‘basket’ in the Persian language. As the meaning applies, in the nineteen sixties and before that, Zanbeel was a popular rubber basket used in several Middle Eastern countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as other countries in Asia. In cities where used almost on a daily basis, Zanbeel intrinsically became a personal accessory that a person (shopper) would carry when visiting the local grocery market/store, bakery, the butcher shop and more. Although Zanbeel became very popular in the areas mentioned previously, with the rapid growth in popularity and increasing consumer use of the plastic bags in the seventies, Zanbeel slowly but surely became more and more forgotten and obsolete by the shoppers.
The environmental activists estimate that between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are used each year worldwide. In 2009, the US International Trade Commission reported that 102 billion plastic bags are used annually in the United States alone. The most critical issue with plastic bags, being made from petroleum and natural gas in the form of Polyethylene, is their negative impact on the environment. Due to the plastic bags' high longevity, it could take centuries for them to completely decompose. As an alternative solution to plastic bags, different environmental advocates and many organizations have pushed for the use of vegetable-based and biodegradable bags instead. However, the problem still exists due to the fact that the degradable bags do not readily decompose in a sealed landfill³and can be a contaminant to plastic recycling operations. Additionally, there has been other solutions introduced to the consumer market, of which the most influential ones have been the use of paper, canvas and other organic materials. Needless to say that paper bags do not last long due to the nature of paper, e.g., low tolerance to moisture, low tolerance of exerted forces and overall low lifespan. Canvas bags also have their own set of problems; besides absorbing dirt, fluid and grease easily, they do not retain their shape when placed on the floor/ground, which is a drawback in usability. Also, when placed on the floor/ground, the walls of the canvas bag collapse, potentially resulting in the items falling out of the bag. Analogously, the handles would collapse when such bags are placed on the floor, which would require the user to kneel down or bend over to grab the handles.

SUMMARY

The goal of the Customizable Container, as provided in this disclosure, is to bring a Zanbeel-like product back to the consumer market, yet this time to make it last a long time. This new container has unique, new and novel characteristics that would give it many more use cases than just a basket used to carry the groceries in. This container is advantageous in the sense that it replaces the continual usage of plastic bags and paper bags, and therefore it readily has a positive impact on the environment. The container is made from a material with specific stiffness properties and is deliberately designed in a strategic way so that it can retain its original shape when placed on the floor/ground, which in fact enhances the usability and user satisfaction. Furthermore, unlike Zanbeel, which was a single piece product (meaning that it was simply a basket with two handles as part of the same injection mold), this new container is designed to have multiple components. For example, Zanbeel was not equipped with any shoulder straps, which was unacceptable for some users. But, the new container is equipped with separate shoulder straps that can be attached to the container. The shoulder strap is one of the several accessories that can be attached to the container. Having multiple accessories not only allows for customization, but it also provides room for designing new accessories in the future that attach to the container. Therefore the possibilities become endless. Customizability and modification are important aspects of a successful product as they allow the user to make changes according to their preferences and liking. Furthermore, the container and its components are designed ergonomically according to the average user body measurements and based on various hand sizes. The accessories, besides providing customizability, are strategically designed to account for some of the items regularly carried by the men and women of the 21st century such as cell phone, car keys, wallet, coffee cup, bottles, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary assembly of a container with handles attached using pins in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary assembly of the container of FIG. 1 with shoulder straps attached using pins in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary assembly of the container of FIG. 1 with several accessories attached to it using pins in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the exemplary assembly of the container of FIG. 1 and accessories in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the exemplary container of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the exemplary container of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary handle in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the exemplary handle of FIG. 6A in accordance with one as embodiment aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary small size pin in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an exemplary large size pin in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an exemplary pin with different size heads in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of an exemplary pin with a drawing on its head in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary shoulder strap in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the exemplary shoulder strap of FIG. 8A in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary rope strap in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary yoga mat holder in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an exemplary pet carrier in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a side view of the exemplary pet carrier of FIG. 11A in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11C is another side view of the exemplary pet carrier of FIG. 11A in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exemplary cell phone and wallet pocket in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B is a side view of an exemplary cell phone and wallet pocket of FIG. 12A in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an exemplary cup holder in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the exemplary cup holder of FIG. 13A with pin as part of the cup holder itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an exemplary bottles rack in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the exemplary bottles rack of FIG. 14A with pins as part of the rack itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the exemplary pet carrier of FIG. 11A with pins as part of the pet carrier itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary cell phone and wallet pocket of FIG. 12A with pins as part of the cellphone and wallet pocket itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary handle with pins as part of the handle itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Generally described, the embodiments shown and described herein relate to an ergonomically constructed and customizable container, its accessories, the attachments and the methods of attaching different accessories to the container's body. The container is customized and accessorized using available accessories based on the user's preference. The customizability allows for changing the container so that the container satisfies the needs and/or desires of the user. Being a customizable container gives the user the tendency of keeping and using the container for a longer period of time as the container can be changed aesthetically and functionally. Analogously, customizability allows the designers, engineers and other interested individuals to design and create new accessories that can be attached to the container based on the provided universal specifications of the container. In other words, the container is a consumer product that allows the consumer to brainstorm and create new accessories for; hence it would promote an emotional connection between the product and the user.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary assembly of a container 100 with handles 102 attached using pins 108 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The container 100 has two parallel side faces 110, two curved side faces 120 and a flat bottom face 112. The two parallel side faces 110 are horizontally longer than the two curved side faces 120. Typically, there is no top portion such that contents can be placed into the container 100. The combination of the side faces 110 and the curved side faces 120 form the container 100 with the container 100 have an interior portion and an exterior portion. Attached on the top portion of the container 100 is a reinforced section 104. The reinforced section 104 can be used to attach the handles 102 using a pin 108, which will be described later.
The container 100 can be made out of a pliable material that is soft enough to feel comfortable and easy against the body when carried by the user. Rubber materials, or the like, can make the container 100. At the same time, the container's material is typically firm enough so that the container 100 would maintain its original shape when it is not under a strong external force. The bottom face 112 can be flat along with the firm material allowing the user to place the container on a flat surface. In one embodiment, the material can be machine washable and maintain its current shape. The capability to sit upright on the floor is a strong advantage over many consumer bags in the market today. For instance, while shopping, the user can place the container on the floor to free up his/her hands to pick up and study items from the shelf before placing them into the container.
The container 100, in the present disclosure and as shown above, can be described as a purse, holder, case, etc. Furthermore, the container 100 can come in a variety of shapes and configuration and is not limited by the container 100 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the curved side faces 120 can be narrower removing the bulkiness of the container 100. While the parallel side faces 110 and two curved side faces 120 have been shown having the same height, they may also come in different irregular heights for different aesthetic reasons. In one embodiment, all four side faces 110, 120 have a rectangular side view. In a second embodiment, the longer faces 110, 120 may have a trapezoidal side view. In a third embodiment, the longer faces 110 may have a side view that entails two curved edges and two parallel horizontal sides.
The body of the container 100 may have several apertures 106, 114 in it in a specific or random pattern or patterns. The apertures 106, 114 may vary in diameter size. Although some of the apertures 106, 114 may have an aesthetic purpose, some others are meant to allow the user to attach different accessories to the container 100. The method of attaching the accessories to the container 100 will be described below. Although it is not meant to limit the design, having multiple apertures 106, 114 gives the user the flexibility to be creative on where on the container 100 to attach different accessories, hence the customizability that was mentioned earlier. Moreover, the apertures 106, 114 may allow for better visibility of the contents in the container, which could be beneficial for both the customer and for the store employees.
In typical embodiments of the present disclosure, the container 100 can have a number of different apertures 106, 114. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the apertures 106, 114 are different. The top apertures 106 can be placed in the reinforced section 104. These apertures 106 are longer as they have to go through the reinforced section 104. Typically, these apertures 106 can be smaller as attachments, such as handles 102, should be tightly secured.
Another set of apertures 114 can be used for the lower portion of the container 100. While provided in this disclosure as having a different length than the apertures 106 in the reinforced section 104, these apertures 114 may have the same length providing the container 100 the same structural integrity. Different patterns for the apertures 106, 114 are often used as shown in FIG. 1.
The container 100 may be made out of a material that is safe when it comes in direct contact with food, produce and other consumable products. Alternatively, the inner part of the container 100 may have a coating that allows for the consumables to be in direct contact of the inside of the container. Some or all of the accessories may have the similar material characteristics. The material or the coating may be an approved material or formula by the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) and therefore safe when it comes in contact with food, human body and/or animals. The material used in making the container 100 can be slightly stretchable so that the apertures 106, 114 can expand allowing for insertion of the pins 108. Additionally, the container's and/or accessories' material may be purposely chosen to be non-allergic against human body and/or pets.
With further reference to FIG. 1, the handles 102 of the container 100 will now be described. The handles 102 typically include two sections 130, 132. A first section 130 faces an exterior of the container 100 while the second section 132 faces an interior of the container 100. Combining these sections 130, 132 can form the handle 102. The bottom portion of the exterior section 130 of the handle 102 can be fitted over the reinforced section 104 facing the outside of the container 100. The bottom portion of the interior section 132 of the handle 102 can also be fitted over the reinforced section 104 facing the interior of the container 100.
The overlap of the bottom sections of the exterior and interior sections 130, 132 of the handle 102 secure the handle 102 to the reinforced section 104 of the container 100. A pin 108 can be fitted through the interior section 132 through the apertures 106 and then through the exterior section 132 to secure the handle 102. This process can be used to secure both handles 102 to the container 100. While shown as only being connected at two sections of the handle 102, the handle can be secured through three or more apertures 106 within the reinforced section 104 of the container 100. In one embodiment, the handles 102 can be extended lower past the reinforced section 104 and placed into the body of the container 100 through the other apertures 114.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary assembly of the container 100 with shoulder straps 202 attached using pins 108 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoulder straps 202 can be larger than the previous handle 102. Handle 102 and shoulder straps 202 can be interchanged for purposes of the present disclosure.
To secure the shoulder straps 202, pins 108 can be inserted through the apertures 106 of the reinforced area 104 or alternatively, below the reinforced area 104 which has already been described. As will be shown below, different types of pins can be used.
With reference now to FIG. 3, an exemplary assembly of a container 100 with several accessories 302, 304 attached to it using pins in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. While the figure provides two different types of handles 102, 202 typically, the user would want to match their handles.
The first attachment 302, which can be a pet carrier, can be placed in an interior of the container 100. The attachment 302 can divide the contents of the container 100. For example, the user would want to separate makeup and bills. While shown as a single piece, the attachment 302 can include a number of sections thereby partitioning the interior of the container 100 to many more partitions.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the container 100, in some embodiments, can include an extended portion 306. The extended portions 306 can be molded onto the container 100, for example, on a side of the container 100. By molding the extended portions 306, a more secure fastener can be provided instead of the pins which will be described later. The extended portions 306 are not intended to be moved. Placement of the extended portions 306 thus can be unique to each container 100.
As will be shown several attachments can be provided. The attachments 304 of FIG. 3 are meant to be one type of attachment that can be connected through the extended portions 306. From the description below, it will become apparent, that different attachments can be secured through different methods (pins or extended portions 306).
In one method of securing the attachments 304 to the container 100, as shown in FIG. 3, the user can fit the apertures of the attachment 304 to the extended portions 306. The user can simply push through the extended portions 306 through the apertures. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a yoga mat or the like can be hug the side of the container 100 and be secured through the extended portions 306 and attachments 304.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the exemplary assembly of the container 100 and accessories in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Accessories and attachments can be interchanged as described in the present disclosure.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary container 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a side view of the exemplary container 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
With reference now to FIG. 6A, a perspective view of an exemplary handle 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. To properly fit the handle 102 over the reinforced section 104 of the container 100, the handle 102 is broken into two sections 130, 132 as described earlier. Section 130 faces outwardly away from the container 100 while section 132 faces inwardly. The handle 102 has a slot 602 formed from the two sections 130, 132. In addition, an aperture 604 can also be defined at the ends of the handle 102 (This can be true of shoulder straps 202). Pins 108 can be placed through the aperture 604 to secure the handle 102.
In one method of securing the handle 102 to the reinforced section 104 of the container 100, the user places the handle 102 over the reinforced section 104 fitting the slot 602 formed from the two sections 130, 132. The slot 602 created by the handle 102 allows for a tight fitting. When a pin is inserted into the aperture 604 of the handle 102 and through the aperture 106, 108 of the container 100, the handle 102 becomes more secure. FIG. 6B is a side view of the exemplary handle 102 in accordance with one as embodiment aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary small size pin in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The pin 108 can include a middle section 702 surrounded by two end sections 704. The pin 108 internally can include threading such that the ends 704 can be removed from one another. The middle section 702 typically includes a smaller radius than the ends 704 of the pin 108. The ends 704 can prevent attachments from becoming detached from the container 100.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an exemplary large size pin 108 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Noticeably, this pin 108 can contain a larger radius for both ends 704 as well as the middle section 702. The larger size pin 108 can be secured through the larger apertures 114 on the base of the container 100 (refer to FIG. 1) while the smaller pins 108 can be used to secure attachments to the reinforced section 104.
Now referring to FIG. 7C, a perspective view of an exemplary pin 108 with different size heads in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. One advantage of this pin 108 versus the others that were previously described could be a more aesthetically pleasing look for the container 100. This pin 108 can include a larger top section 710, a middle section 708, and a smaller bottom section 706. The larger top section 710 of the pin 108 could provide more cover for the apertures 114, 106 of the container 100 such that the user could not see them.
FIG. 7D is a perspective view of an exemplary pin 108 with a drawing on its head in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown on one section 712 a letter “Z” is provided. Alternative characters, icons, symbols, etc. can be used on the section 712. Branding names can also be used on the pin 108.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary shoulder strap 202 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoulder strap 202 can include slots 802 similar to previously described handle 102. In a comparable fastening method, the shoulder strap 202 can be connected to the container 100 through a pin 108 described above. FIG. 8B is a side view of the exemplary shoulder strap 202 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
With reference to FIG. 9, a perspective view of an exemplary rope strap 902 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The rope strap 902 can be connected through a similar method, as described above, to the container 100.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary yoga mat holder in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The yoga mat can be held by the attachment 304 which was described earlier with the attachment 304 being secured by extended portions 306.
Now referring to FIG. 11A, a perspective view of an exemplary pet carrier 302 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Previously, the pet carrier 302 was described as an attachment that could be fit within the interior portion of the container 100. The pet carrier 302 can be removed easily for cleanup. The pet carrier can be secured through pins which were described above. As such, the pins can be used to connect attachments on the exterior of the container 100 as well as the interior. FIG. 11B is a side view of an exemplary pet carrier 302 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11C is another side view of the exemplary pet carrier 302 of FIG. 11A in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exemplary cell phone and wallet pocket 1200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the pocket 1200 can include a number of different apertures for different size pins. The pocket 1200, in accordance with embodiments, can be placed on the inside or outside of the container 100. FIG. 12B is a side view of an exemplary cell phone and wallet pocket 1200 of FIG. 12A in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an exemplary cup holder 1300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The cup holder 1300 can include a number of apertures for securing the holder 1300 to the container 100. FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the exemplary cup holder 1300 of FIG. 13A with a pin as part of the cup holder 1300 itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 14A, a perspective view of an exemplary bottles rack 1400 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The rack 1400 can include a number of circular openings such that different beverages can be held into place. The rack 1400 can be used for beverages such as wine, soda cans, water bottles, etc. FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the exemplary bottles rack 1400 of FIG. 14A with pins as part of the rack 1400 itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the exemplary pet carrier 302 of FIG. 11A with pins as part of the pet carrier 302 itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary cell phone and wallet pocket 1200 of FIG. 12A with pins as part of the cellphone and wallet pocket 1200 itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary handle 102 with pins as part of the handle 102 itself in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
In each of the Figures above with the pins as part of the attachment, the pins can be molded onto the attachment itself. Alternatively, the pins can be placed from a set of pins that are provided for the container 100. When pins are molded onto the attachment, they can be referred to as an extended portion.

How to Carry the Container:

The container 100 may be hand carried, carried on the shoulder, attached to (or carried in/on) a moving object such as a bicycle or a vehicle. Some of the accessories are the pins, the handles 102, the shoulder straps 202, the rope straps 902, the pet carrier 302, the cup holder 1300, the cell phone and wallet pocket 1200, the bottles rack 1400, and the yoga mat holder.

Pin:

The pin is one of the main accessories, both used for aesthetic reasons and as fasteners between other attachment and the container 100. While described in detail above, the following provides additional description of the pins. Each pin can have a cylindrical midsection with two domed or countersunk heads. The two domes or countersunk heads may be identical or different in diameter size depending on what size is required for each accessory or aesthetically desired. The sizes of the domes or countersunk heads are strategically selected based on the expandability of the container's and container's material. The pins' heads are designed to allow the user to insert the pin through the container's holes with moderate amount of force. They are also designed to stay put in place to secure the accessories onto the container.
The cylindrical midsection of the pin can have a radius similar or smaller than the radius of the holes on the container 100. Based on the use case, the midsection is designed to fill in the hole completely for a snug assembly or small movement within the hole. Each pin can be made out of a material identical to or different from the container's material. The pins may have writings, graphics, embossment and/or impressed surfaces on one or both ends for aesthetic reasons and/or as a representation of a trademark or a logo.

How Different Accessories Attach to Container:

The majority of the accessories can be attached to the container 100 by lining up a hole on the accessory with a hole on a section of the container and then by pushing a pin through the holes securing the accessory to the container 100. For some of the accessories, one pin is sufficient as the attachment means between those accessories and the container. Some other accessories require two or more pins. Each pin is configured for insertion through one of the apertures on the container 100 as well as through a hole on an accessory. Every accessory may be different in the way it is attached to the container 100. In the case of some accessories, a pin is first pushed through a hole on the accessory, then pushed through a hole on the container and lastly passed through another hole on the same accessory to secure the accessory onto the container 100. In the case of some other accessories, the pin is pushed through a hole on the container 100 first, then passed through a hole on the accessory to secure the accessory onto the container 100. In the case of a third type of accessories, a pin is first inserted through a hole on the accessory, then pushed through a hole on the container 100 to secure the accessory onto the container 100. In a different embodiment, the pin might be a part of an accessory itself. In that case, there is no need for an external pin as the accessory can be attached to the container 100 by inserting the pin shaped portion of the accessory through a hole on the container and securing the accessory in place.

Handle:

One of the accessories is the handle, used in pair to hand-carry the container. In one design, each handle is designed so that it can be attached to the edge of the container using multiple external pins. In a second design, the handle is designed so that a similar design of almost half of the pin is a part of the handle itself. In the first design, the handle is attached to the container by lining up a hole on the handle with a hole on the edge of the container and then by inserting a pin accessory, as described earlier, through the holes securing the handle onto the container. In the second design, the handle is attached to the container by inserting the pin-shaped part of the handle through a hole on the edge of the container securing the handle onto the container.
Comfort of the user's hand has been cautiously kept in mind in the design of the handles. The handles are ergonomically designed with a smooth and non-sharp contour and four slightly raised ridges along the bottom contour of the handle allowing the user's fingers to sit in the ridges for a better feel and a closer grip. The opening sizes of the ridges, although not limited to, are based on the average user's finger sizes. The thickness of the handles, although not restricted to, is also carefully selected to provide comfort on the grip for an average hand size.
The handles may or may not be made of the same material as the container's material. They may also be made out of two or more different materials to provide the best comfort for the user while carrying heavy items in the container and for economical reason.

Shoulder Strap:

One of the accessories is the shoulder strap, used in pair to carry the container on the shoulder. In one design, shoulder strap is designed so that it can be attached to the edge of the container using multiple external pins. In a second design, the shoulder strap is designed so that a similar design of almost half of the pin is a part of the shoulder strap itself. In the first design, the handle is attached to the container by lining up a hole on the shoulder strap with a hole on the edge of the container and then by inserting a pin accessory through the holes securing the shoulder strap onto the container. In the second design, the shoulder strap is attached to the container by inserting the pin-shaped part of the shoulder strap through a hole on the edge of the container securing the shoulder strap onto the container.
Human ergonomics are taken into account in the design of shoulder straps. The top portions of the shoulder straps are designed to sit comfortably on user's shoulders. Although not limited by design, the widths of the top portions of the shoulder straps are selected so that the two top portions of two shoulder straps sitting next to each other would not exceed the width of the shoulder of an average size user.
Shoulder straps may or may not be made of the same material as the container's material. They may also be made out of two or more different materials to provide the best comfort for the user when carrying items in the container and/or for economical reason.

Cup Holder:

Another accessory is the cup holder. Cup holder, as the name claims, allows the user to store and carry a cup, mug, or any other cylindrical and non-cylindrical object inside the container separate and away from other contents. Cup holder may be attached to the container's body at a location based on the available size pins and the user's preference.
In one design, cup holder is designed so that it can be attached to the container using an external pin accessory. In a second design, the cup holder is designed so that a similar design of almost half of the pin is a part of the cup holder itself. In the first design, the cup holder is attached to the container by lining up a hole on the cup holder with a hole on the container and then by inserting a pin through the holes securing the cup holder onto the container. In the second design, the cup holder is attached to the container by inserting the pin-shaped part of the cup holder through a hole on the container securing the cup holder onto the container.
Although not limited by design, the cup holder is designed to fit an average sized cup to accommodate most of the cups in the market. This measurement is achieved by trial and error using various sizes of cups from well-known franchise coffee shops such as Starbucks coffee, Coffee Bean Coffee and Tea, and Peet's coffee.
Cup holder may or may not be made of the same material as the container's material. It may also be made out of two or more different materials.

Bottles Rack:

Another accessory is the bottles rack. The bottles rack allows the user to place and carry bottles inside the container in a standing position. The bottles rack is a flat platform that has multiple circular cutouts in it. The circular cutouts may be different in diameter size allowing different sizes of bottles to pass through the cutouts. The bottles rack allows the user to carry bottle-shaped or other cylindrical objects in a standing position without minimum, if any, hitting against each other. The bottles rack, like the other accessories, may be attached to the container using its own pin shaped attachment or the accessory pins.
In one design, bottles rack is designed so that it can be attached to the container using an external pin. In a second design, the bottles rack is designed so that a similar design of almost half of the pin is a part of the bottles rack itself. In the first design, the bottles rack is attached to the container by lining up a hole on the bottles rack with a hole on the container and then by inserting a pin accessory through the holes securing the bottles rack onto the container. In the second design, the bottles rack is attached to the container by inserting the pin-shaped part of the bottles rack through a hole on the container securing the bottles rack onto the container. Bottles rack may or may not be made of the same material as the container's material. It may also be made out of two or more different materials.

Bag:

The bag is an accessory of the container that allows separation between one or more items from the rest of the items. Just as an example among many use cases, the user can place their sweaty clothes or dirty shoes in the bag and still be able to use the remaining space in the container to carry other items. The bag may be attached to the container in the same manner as all the other accessories either using the separate pin accessory or using its own pin-shaped attachment. The bag may also have a string that when pulled it would close the bag preventing the items inside from falling out.
In one variation, the bag may be made out of a specific material so that it can contain the moisture inside for better separation between the contents of the bag and the other contents in the container. In a different variation, the bag may be purposely made of a mesh material for better air flow.

Pet Carrier:

One accessory is the pet carrier, which permits the user to carry their small size pet such as a dog or a cat in the container separate from the rest of the items in the container. The pet carrier is a smaller container itself that attaches to the main container. Pet container provides the pet with a contained area on a raised platform so that the pet can bring her head out of the main container when sitting or standing inside the pet carrier. This may not be possible in the main container due to the large size of the container compared to the size of a small or medium pet.
In one design, pet carrier is designed so that it can be attached to the container using an external pin. In a second design, the pet carrier is designed so that a similar design of almost half of the pin is a part of the pet carrier itself. In the first design, the pet carrier is attached to the container by lining up a hole on the pet carrier with a hole on the container and then by inserting a pin through the holes securing the pet carrier onto the container. In the second design, the pet carrier is attached to the container by inserting the pin-shaped part of the pet carrier through a hole on the container securing the pet carrier onto the container. In addition to the pin attachment(s), the pet carrier is equipped with a lip on one edge that sits on one edge of the container for better securing and for quicker installment/uninstallment of the pet carrier on the container.

Cell Phone-and-Wallet Pocket:

One of the accessories is the cell phone-and-wallet pocket, used to carry a cell phone, wallet sized object or multiple small objects in the container separately from the rest of the contents. In one design, cell phone-and-wallet pocket is designed so that it can be attached to the container using one or multiple external pins. In a second design, the cell phone-and-wallet pocket is designed so that a similar design of almost half of the pin is a part of the cell phone-and-wallet pocket itself. In a first design, the cell phone-and-wallet pocket is attached to the container by lining up a hole on the cell phone-and-wallet pocket with a hole on the container and then by inserting a pin through the holes securing the cell phone-and-wallet pocket onto the container. To better secure the cell phone-and-wallet pocket on the container, more than one pin is used in the same manner as the first one. In a second design, the cell phone-and-wallet pocket is attached to the container by inserting the pin-shaped part (or parts) of the cell phone-and-wallet pocket through a hole (or holes) on the container securing the cell phone-and-wallet pocket onto the container.

Yoga Mat Holder:

Another accessory is the cell yoga mat holder, used to carry a rolled yoga mat or a blanket or any other object of similar shape along the side of the container separately from other contents. In one design, yoga mat holder is designed so that it can be attached to the container using external pins. In a second design, the cell yoga mat holder is designed so that a similar design of almost half of the pin is a part of the yoga mat holder itself. In a first design, the yoga mat holder is attached to the container by lining up a hole on the yoga mat holder with a hole on the container and then by inserting a pin through the holes securing one side of the yoga mat holder onto the container. To secure the other side to the container, a second pin is used in the same manner as the first one. In a second design, the yoga mat holder is attached to the container by inserting the pin-shaped parts of the yoga mat holder through holes on the container securing the yoga mat holder onto the container.
It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container comprising:

a storage compartment including an interior portion and an exterior portion;

a plurality of apertures extending through the interior portion to the exterior portion;

a detachable handle having at least one end portion, the end portion including a first segment fitting over the interior portion of the storage compartment and a second segment fitting over the exterior portion of the storage compartment;

at least one pin coupling the at least one end portion of the detachable handle to the storage compartment, the at least one pin placed through the first segment securing the detachable handle to the interior portion, through an aperture of the plurality of apertures in the storage compartment, and through the second segment securing the detachable handle to the exterior portion; and

at least one secondary pin, the at least one secondary pin having a smaller side for securing an attachment and a larger side for securing the attachment to the storage compartment.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the detachable handle comprises a second end portion.

3. The container of claim 1, comprising an extended portion having a shape of the smaller side of the at least one secondary pin for securing an additional attachment.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the extended portion is molded onto the storage compartment.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the additional attachment comprises a cup holder.

6. The container of claim 3, wherein the additional attachment comprises a yoga mat carrier.

7. The container of claim 1, comprising a wine holder fit within the storage compartment.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the wine holder comprises a flat segment shaped to interior portion of the storage compartment and having at least one aperture through the flat segment for securing a wine bottle.

9. The container of claim 1, comprising at least one external strap, the external strap secured to the storage compartment through the at least one pin.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the at least one external strap connected to the storage compartment through fasteners is secured at a bottom portion of the storage compartment at a first end of the at least one external strap and a top portion of the storage compartment at a second end of the at least one external strap.

11. A purse comprising:

a storage compartment having a plurality of apertures;

a first set of pins having a top section, middle section, and bottom section, wherein the top section and bottom section have a same diameter with the middle section having a smaller diameter than the top section and bottom section and fit within the plurality of apertures;

a second set of pins having a top section, middle section, and bottom section, wherein the top section has a diameter larger than the bottom section and the middle section fit within the plurality of apertures;

at least one detachable handle secured to the storage compartment through the first set of pins passed through the plurality of apertures; and

at least one attachment secured to the storage compartment through the second set of pins passed through the plurality of apertures.

12. The purse of claim 11 comprising an extended portion molded onto the storage compartment, the extended portion securing at least one additional attachment.

13. The purse of claim 11, wherein the at least one detachable handle fits over an interior and exterior portion of the storage compartment.

14. The purse of claim 11, wherein the storage compartment comprises two elongated sections and two narrow sections.

15. The purse of claim 14, wherein the two elongated sections comprise the plurality of apertures.

16. The purse of claim 14, wherein the two elongated sections and the two narrow sections comprise the plurality of apertures.

17. The purse of claim 11, wherein the first set of pins and the second set of pins comprise threading allowing the top section to be removed from the bottom section.

18. The purse of claim 11, wherein the at least one attachment secured to the storage compartment through the second set of pins comprises an elongated strap.

19. The purse of claim 18, wherein the elongated strap is secured to the storage compartment through two pins within the second set of pins.

20. A container comprising:

a storage compartment having a plurality of apertures;

an extended portion molded onto the storage compartment;

at least one attachment secured to the storage compartment through the first set of pins, second set of pins or extended portion.