Collapsible bag

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for carrying articles capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration. The apparatus comprises a first wall, a second wall, and a bag receiving portion, wherein edges of the first wall and the second wall are substantially joined together to form a bag. A flap is disposed on a portion of a front surface of the first wall for forming a pocket. A first zipper track and a second zipper track are disposed proximal to a portion of an outer edge of the flap for at least one of selectively attaching and detaching a portion of the flap from the front surface. When the bag is not in use, the first wall and the second wall are contracted into a compressed state and an outer surface of the flap and a portion of the first wall defines a container adapted for receiving and concealing the bag from view by a user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a collapsible bag for carrying articles. More particularly, the invention relates to a bag that collapses into a smaller configuration.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are a variety of bags that are convertible from one configuration to another. These bags are made from materials such as nylon or cloth. For example, there are related art bags that convert from a briefcase configuration to a backpack configuration. However, related art convertible bags suffer many drawbacks. For example, when the related art bags are converted to a smaller configuration, handles may be exposed from a previous configuration. These handles may dangle, become entangled, and cause inconvenience to a user carrying the converted bag. One related art convertible bag includes a reel-like device to withdraw the handles inside the bag. The reel-like device, however, increases bag costs and prevents a larger-sized bag, upon conversion, from achieving a smaller volume than would be possible without the reel-like device.

In another example, a relatively small related art bag, such as a lunch bag or a shopping bag, may be inwardly folded for conversion into a smaller configuration for storage into a pouch. However, if a larger related art convertible bag is folded, a user may find the converted bag bulky and have great difficultly carrying the bag upon conversion into the smaller configuration.

Related art convertible bags may use a mechanical device, such as a zipper, to achieve a bag having at least two configurations. In one configuration, the related art bag is un-zipped and unfolded to realize a larger surface area bag. In another configuration, the related art bag is zipped to convert the bag to a smaller surface area configuration. Other zipper related art bags provide multiple compartments, such as form fitting slots or pockets, for storing articles of various shapes and sizes. However, the related art bags using the zipper are bulky, even upon conversion to a smaller size. Accordingly, a user is inconvenienced when transporting bag.

Thus, there is a need for an improved apparatus and method for converting a bag from one configuration to another configuration to increase a user's ability for transporting the bag, decrease storage volume occupied by the bag upon conversion into a smaller configuration, and provide other advantages over related art convertible bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for carrying articles capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration. The apparatus comprises a first wall, a second wall, and a bag receiving portion, wherein edges of the first wall and the second wall are substantially joined together to form a bag. A flap is provided on a portion of a front surface of the first wall for forming a pocket. A first zipper track and a second zipper track are disposed proximal to a portion of an outer edge of the flap for at least one of selectively attaching and detaching a portion of the flap from the front surface.

The first zipper track preferably is substantially parallel to the second zipper track. In the same embodiment, when the bag is not in use, the first wall and the second wall are contracted into a compressed state and an outer surface of the flap and a portion of the first wall define a container adapted for receiving and concealing the bag from view by a user.

A method is disclosed for carrying articles capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration. The method comprises providing a bag having a first wall, a second wall, and a receiving portion and substantially joining together adjacent edges of the first wall and the second wall to form a bag for inserting the carrying articles. The method further comprises disposing a flap on a front surface of the first wall opposite to a portion of an outer surface of the first wall for forming a pocket. The method further comprises disposing a first zipper track substantially parallel to a second zipper track proximally to a portion of an outer edge of the flap for at least one of selectively attaching the flap to and detaching the flap from the front surface. The method further comprises receiving the first wall and the second wall in a compressed state in the pocket.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiments disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible bag in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial interior view of a pocket of the collapsible bag, depicting the collapsible bag being partially secured within the pocket, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pocket containing the collapsible bag in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the pocket being zipped-up in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible bag in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket, containing the collapsible bag, being zipped-up in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible bag in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket, containing the collapsible bag, being zipped-up in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for securing a collapsible bag, in a compressed state, in accordance with at least one of the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to creating a collapsible bag for carrying articles. More particularly, the invention relates to a bag that collapses from a first configuration to a second configuration to realize a smaller volume than when the bag is in use.

Although the invention is illustrated with respect to a collapsible bag, it is contemplated that the invention may be utilized wherever there is a desire for efficiently compacting containers used for transporting articles, such as consumer products, personal products, or groceries, from one location to another while minimizing the volume that the bag occupies upon completing the transporting the articles. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible bag in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a collapsible bag 100 comprises a first wall 106, a second wall 107 and a bag receiving portion 130. The first wall 106 and the second wall 107 are substantially joined together along edges 108, 109 to form the bag. The bag receiving portion 130 is disposed, for example, proximally to an edge portion 104 along an upper portion of the first wall 106 and the second wall 107, see FIG. 2. A carrying handle 125, for example a drawstring, may be utilized for closing the bag receiving portion 130 or carrying the collapsible bag 100. A flap 105 is disposed, for example, on the first wall 106. A first zipper track 115 is disposed, for example, proximal to an edge of the flap 105. A second zipper track 120 is disposed on, for example, a lip 125 that is protruded from and attached to a portion of the first wall 106.

The collapsible bag 100, as shown in, is in a non-compressed state. The flap 105, the lip 125, and a portion of the first wall 106 form a pocket 110. First and second zipper tracks 115, 120 respectively provide an access point for opening and closing the pocket 110. A zipper slider 140 joins the first zipper track 115 and the second zipper track 120. The first zipper track 115 and the second zipper track 120 are preferably substantially parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the collapsible bag 100 is in a first configuration, having the greatest capacity for holding articles, such as consumer products, personal items, or goods, such as groceries.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial interior view of a pocket of the collapsible bag, depicting the collapsible bag being partially secured within the pocket, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the receiving portion 130 is opened and the first wall 106 and the second wall 107 are outwardly stretched. The pocket 110 is opened so that its interior surface 210 is exposed. More specifically, the flap 105 has its outer surface 101, see FIG. 1, turned inside out for receiving the collapsible bag 100. The interior surface 210 and a portion of the first wall 106 will contain the collapsible bag 100 in a compressed state, for example, when the first wall 106 and the second wall 107 are in a minimum volume state. An optional attaching feature, such as a hook 206 attached to pocket by a strap 205, provides for connecting the pocket 110 to, for example, a user's belt loop or other surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pocket containing the collapsible bag in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the pocket being zipped-up in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first wall 106 and the second wall 107 are compressed to a minimum volume state, in this example, by compressing the first wall 106 and the second wall 107 to fit within the area defined by the flap 105. The zipper slider 140 slides along the first zipper track 115 and the second zipper track 120 to close the pocket 110, thereby securing the collapsible container 100 inside the pocket 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible bag in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, a collapsible bag 500 comprises a first sidewall 545 and a second sidewall 555 interconnected by a bottom wall 565, a front wall 540, a rear wall 560, and a top wall 550. The collapsible bag 500, in this configuration, has the greatest capacity for holding articles, such as consumer products, personal items, or goods, such as groceries. First handles, e.g. shoulder straps, 505a, 505b, for example connected to the rear wall 560, are utilized for transporting the collapsible bag 500. A second handle 510, for example connected to the top wall 550, may also be used for transporting the collapsible bag 500.

A lip 560 provides protection of a first zipper track 605 and a second zipper track 606, as shown in FIG. 6. Referring back to FIG. 5, a receiving portion 521, defined by a third zipper track 515 and a fourth zipper track 520, is shown in a closed state. The receiving portion 521, functionally similar to the receiving portion 130, opens to receive or remove articles. Hook 805 may be utilized for carrying the collapsible bag in a compressed state (see FIG. 1).

Functioning similar to the receiving portion 130 as shown in FIG. 2, the receiving portion 521 opens when the third and fourth zipper tracks 515, 520 are unzipped. Afterwards, the collapsible bag 500, in this example, compresses to fit into a volume defined by the flap 570 and a portion of the front wall 540, overlapping with the flap 570.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket, containing the collapsible bag, being zipped-up in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, zipper slider 607 connects the first zipper track 605 to the second zipper track 606 for coupling the flap 570 and a portion of the front wall 540 to conceal the collapsible bag 500 inside the pocket 530.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible bag in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, a collapsible bag 700 comprises a first sidewall 795 and a second sidewall 770 interconnected by a bottom wall 780, a front wall 760, and a rear wall 790. First handles 705a, 705b, for example connected proximal to the front wall 760 and rear wall 790 respectively are utilized for transporting the collapsible bag 700. A pocket 710, defined by the first zipper track 715 and the second zipper track 716 stores the collapsible bag 700 in a compressed state. The receiving opening 720 receives goods of the collapsible bag 700. As shown in FIG. 7, the collapsible bag 700, in the first configuration, has the greatest capacity for holding articles, such as consumer products, personal items, or goods, such as groceries. The collapsible bag 700, in this example, is compressed to fit into a volume defined by the flap 702 and a portion of the front wall 760, overlapped by the flap 702.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket, containing the collapsible bag, being zipped-up in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, zipper slider 730 connects the first zipper track 715 to the second zipper track 716 for coupling the flap 702 and a portion of the front wall 760 for concealing the collapsible bag 700 inside the pocket 710.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for securing a collapsible bag, in a compressed state, in accordance with the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the method comprises providing a bag having a first wall, a second wall, and a receiving portion, and substantially joining together adjacent edges of the first wall and the second wall to form a bag for inserting the carrying articles (S10). The method further comprises disposing a flap on a front surface of the first wall opposite to a portion of an outer surface of the first wall for forming a pocket (S20).

The method may further comprise disposing a first zipper track substantially parallel to a second zipper track proximally to a portion of an outer edge of the flap for at least one of selectively attaching the flap to and detaching the flap from the front surface (S30); and receiving the first wall and the second wall in a compressed state in the pocket (S40).

The present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, the first and the second zipper tracks, and the zipper slider described above may be equivalently replaced using hook-and-loop fasteners, hooks, coupling fasteners, latches, or other similar connection type apparatuses. In yet another example, the first wall, the second wall, and the flap have a monolithic construction, e.g. unified construction whereby the first wall, the second wall, and the flap are formed from one continuous section of material.

It should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for carrying articles capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration, the apparatus comprising:

a first wall, a second wall, and a bag receiving portion, wherein edges of the first wall and the second wall are substantially joined together to form a bag;

a flap disposed on a portion of a front surface of the first wall for forming a pocket; and

a first zipper track and a second zipper track disposed proximal to a portion of an outer edge of the flap for at least one of selectively attaching and detaching a portion of the flap and the front surface,

wherein when the bag is not in use, the first wall and the second wall are contracted into a compressed state and an outer surface of the flap and a portion of the first wall defines a container adapted for receiving and concealing the bag from view by a user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag receiving portion is disposed proximal to an edge of the first wall and the second wall for inserting the carrying articles.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first zipper track is substantially parallel to the second zipper track.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a zipper slider that slides along the first zipper track and the second zipper track for securing the bag within the pocket.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a drawstring being attached along the bag receiving portion for providing access to an inside compartment of the bag.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a securing hook attached proximately to a lower surface of the pocket for providing a carrying means when the bag is in the compressed state.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bag is a drawstring type bag.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressed state is when the bag is being stored for use in a smaller volume configuration than when the bag is in use.

9. An apparatus, for carrying articles, capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration, the apparatus comprising:

a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the walls coupled together to form a bag for inserting the carrying articles;

a pocket attached to a front surface of the front wall;

a first zipper track being substantially parallel to a second zipper track and the first zipper track and the second zipper track are disposed proximal to opposing portions of an outer edge of the pocket,

wherein the first zipper track and the second zipper track perform at least one of selectively attaching to and detaching from at least one section of the pocket from the front wall; and

a third zipper track and a fourth zipper track being detachably connected and disposed on the bag for inserting and removing carrying articles, and placing the bag in a compressed state,

wherein if interior walls of the pocket are exposed to a user and outer surfaces of the pocket receive the bag, in a compressed state, then the pocket conceals and secures the top wall, the bottom wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall from view by a user.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a first zipper slider for coupling the first zipper track and second zipper track to secure the bag within the pocket.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a second zipper slider for coupling the third zipper track and the fourth zipper track.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising at least one strap attached to the rear wall for carrying the bag in a non-compressed state.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressed state is when the bag is being stored for use in a smaller configuration than when the bag is in use.

14. A method for carrying articles capable of collapsing into a smaller configuration, the method comprising:

providing a bag having a first wall, a second wall, and a receiving portion;

substantially joining together adjacent edges of the first wall and the second wall to form a bag for inserting the carrying articles;

disposing a flap on a front surface of the first wall opposite to a portion of an outer surface of the first wall for forming a pocket;

disposing a first zipper track substantially parallel to a second zipper track proximally to a portion of an outer edge of the flap for at least one of selectively attaching the flap to and detaching the flap from the front surface; and

receiving the first wall and the second wall in a compressed state within the pocket.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

outwardly exposing an inner surface of the flap and the portion of the outer surface of the first wall, and

compressing the first wall and the second wall to fit within an area defined by the inner surface of the flap and a portion of an inner surface of the first wall.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising sliding a zipper slider along the first zipper track and the second zipper track for concealing and securing the bag within the pocket.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising attaching a securing hook proximal to a lower surface of the pocket to provide a bag carrying means when the bag is in a compressed state.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the bag is a backpack type bag.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the compressed state is when the bag is being stored.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the flap have a monolithic construction.

21. The method of claim 9, wherein the top wall, the bottom wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the pocket have a monolithic construction.