Coat Carrier

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a coat carrier for conveniently carrying a coat when the coat is not being worn by the user. The coat carrier comprises a base panel and two side panels pivotally connected to the base panel. The side panels are movable between an open position for loading a coat into the coat carrier and a folded position forming a carrying case with open ends configured so that the coat extends outwardly from the open ends of the coat carrier when the coat is loaded into the coat carrier. A pair of handles are attached to the upper edges of respective side panels. A closure mechanism is provided for releaseably securing the side panels in the folded position when the coat carrier is in use to carry a coat.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A coat carrier comprising:
 a base panel;   first and second side panels pivotally connected to the base panel, the side panels being movable between an open position for loading a coat into the coat carrier and a folded position forming a carrying case with open ends configured so that the coat extends outwardly from the open ends of the coat carrier when the coat is loaded into the coat carrier;   a pair of handles attached to the upper edges of respective side panels; and   a securing mechanism for releaseably securing the side panels in the folded position.   
     
     
         2 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  further comprising a pocket disposed on an outer surface of the first or second side panel. 
     
     
         3 . The coat carrier of  claim 2  wherein the pocket is configured to receive a phone. 
     
     
         4 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  further comprising a sleeve for a computing device disposed on an inner surface of the first or second side panel. 
     
     
         5 . The coat carrier of  claim 4  wherein the sleeve is configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer. 
     
     
         6 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  further comprising one or more luggage straps secured to an outer surface of the first or second side panel and configured for engagement with a baggage handle. 
     
     
         7 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  wherein the securing mechanism comprises a series of mating snap fasteners disposed respectively along the upper edges of the first and second side panels. 
     
     
         8 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  wherein the securing mechanism comprises:
 a securing strap attached to one of the first or second side panels; and 
 a strap fastener secured to the other of the first and second side panels for engagement with the strap. 
 
     
     
         9 . The coat carrier of  claim 8  wherein the strap fastener comprises a snap fastener, a button fastener or a buckle. 
     
     
         10 . A coat carrier comprising:
 a base panel;   first and second side panels hingedly connected to the base panel, the side panels being movable between an open position for loading a coat into the coat carrier and a folded position forming a carrying case with open ends configured so that the coat extends outwardly from the open ends of the coat carrier when the coat is loaded into the coat carrier;   a pair of handles attached to the upper edges of respective side panels;   a closure mechanism for releaseably securing the side panels in the folded position;   a pocket disposed on an outer surface of the first or second side panel configured to receive a phone;   a sleeve disposed on an inner surface of the first or second side panel configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer; and   one or more luggage straps secured to an outer surface of the first or second side panel and configured for engagement with a baggage handle.   
     
     
         11 . The coat carrier of  claim 10  wherein the closure mechanism comprises a series of mating snap fasteners disposed respectively along the upper edges of the first and second side panels. 
     
     
         12 . The coat carrier of  claim 10  wherein the closure mechanism comprises:
 a securing strap attached to one of the first or second side panels; and 
 a strap fastener secured to the other of the first and second side panels for engagement with the strap. 
 
     
     
         13 . The coat carrier of  claim 12  wherein the strap fastener comprises a snap fastener, a button fastener or a buckle. 
     
     
         14 . A foldable, open ended coat carrier for carrying a coat, comprising:
 a base panel a first panel;   first and second side panels hinged to and extending from opposing sides of the base panel and configured to move between an open position for loading a coat into the coat carrier and a folded position forming a carrying case with open ends for carrying the coat; and   a handle secured to each panel;   wherein, in use:
 the first and second panels are disposed in back-to-back relationship with the coat lying therebetween and supported at least in part at least by the base panel; and 
 the coat extends through one or both of the open ends of the carrier. 
   
     
     
         15 . The foldable, open ended coat carrier of  claim 14  further comprising a pocket secured on an outer surface of the first or second side panels. 
     
     
         16 . The coat carrier of  claim 14  further comprising a sleeve for a computing device disposed on an inner surface of the first or second side panel. 
     
     
         17 . The coat carrier of  claim 14  further comprising one or more luggage straps secured to an outer surface of the first or second side panel and configured for engagement with a baggage handle. 
     
     
         18 . The coat carrier of  claim 14  further comprising a securing mechanism for releaseably securing the side panels in the folded position. 
     
     
         19 . The foldable open ended coat carrier of  claim 14  wherein in the coat carrying position, the coat carrier assumes a generally U-shaped configuration.