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 releasably 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 including an outer layer, an inner layer and a stiffening member between the outer layer and inner layer of the base panel;   first and second side panels connected to the base panel so as to be 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, wherein:   the first and second side panels each include an outer layer, and inner layer and a lining between the outer layer and inner layer of the respective side panel   a pair of handles attached to the upper edges of respective side panels; and   a securing mechanism for releasably securing the side panels in the folded position.   
     
     
         2 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  wherein each of the side panels each include an outer layer, an inner layer and a lining between the outer layer and inner layer of the side panel. 
     
     
         3 . The coat carrier of  claim 2  wherein the linings of the side panels are spaced from the stiffening member of the base panel to create gaps extending along fold lines between the side panels and the base panel. 
     
     
         4 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  wherein each of the side panels include a stiffening member inserted into a hem along an upper edge of the side panel. 
     
     
         5 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  further comprising a pocket for holding an article disposed on an outer surface of the first or second side panel. 
     
     
         6 . The coat carrier of  claim 1  further comprising a sleeve for holding a computing device disposed on an inner surface of the first or second side panel. 
     
     
         7 . 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. 
     
     
         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 swivel lock configured to engage a grommet on the strap.