Apparatus for carrying an article

The present invention is an apparatus for substantially containing an article, that includes a surrounding sidewall having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion forms a closure, with the sidewall defining an interior between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the interior is operational to selectively substantially contain the article. Further, the apparatus for substantially containing an article also includes an enclosure adjacent to the second end portion, wherein operationally the surrounding sidewall can be selectably disposed within the enclosure for stowage upon removal of the article from the interior.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for carrying an article or articles. More particularly, the present invention is a packable, reusable bag, which can be conveniently stowed in a small area, such as a purse or backpack. These bags can be used in multiple quantities and in combination with a large clip designed to comfortably carry multiple bags.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

As consumer awareness of the fragility of the planet increases, people are beginning to look at greener or more environmentally beneficial options for all different types of products. Shopping bags were one of the first products that underwent a major overhaul. The original disposable shopping bag was made of paper. Invented in the mid 1800s, the paper bag became a mainstay at grocery stores and other shops as a means for carrying goods if you had not brought another way to carry your purchased items. From the time of invention through the 1980s, paper bags were the main, readily available option for consumers. But in the late 1970s, the paper bag industry had begun to have some competition from the plastics industry.

The competition came in the form of plastic bags, with handles to make carrying them easier than paper. The plastic variety is also more water resistant, tear resistant and lighter weight in comparison with paper bags. Consumers began to make the switch from paper bags that were causing deforestation to plastic bags, and soon the popularity of plastic bags eclipsed paper bags. In response to growing environmental concerns, the plastic bag industry increased the strength of the plastic so as to cut the weight of the plastic used in each bag. However, when billions of plastic bags are used in the United States each year, the amount of plastic generated is enormous.

Both paper and plastic bags can be reused, but generally end up in a landfill. The reuse of the bags for other things around the house also does not curb the generation of new bags. Even if you take these bags back to the store for reuse, neither type is sturdy enough to withstand many uses. Both paper and plastic bags can also be recycled, but the recycling process for both is fairly energy intensive, more so for the paper bags and consumers are currently only recycling approximately 20 percent of the paper bags and only about 1-2 percent of the plastic bags. Most of these bags are ending up in landfills, where not even the paper bag biodegrades due to the anaerobic environment in modern landfills. Plastic bags also have the extra disadvantage of being so lightweight that they can easily fly away or be washed into storm drains. Millions of plastic bags are currently floating in the ocean, wreaking havoc on the wildlife and generally degrading the landscape.

Due to the environmental impacts of both paper and plastic bags, other options have been sought. The most popular viable option is a bag that is reusable over a long period of time. Prior art in the area includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,872 to Caligiuri, which discloses a shopping bag with an attached carrying pouch. The pouch in Caligiuri's '872 invention is designed such that it can operate to hold the two handles of the bag closed, as well as offer padding to the hands of the user, and is further designed to be in the shape of a ball as a means of amusement.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,388, also to Caligiuri, a reusable, closeable lunch bag that can be folded into an attached pouch is taught. When Caligiuri's '388 device is in its folded configuration, there is a handle provided; however, there is no real handle provided when the bag is being utilized for the purpose of carrying things, merely a cuff to make the bag easier to grasp. Caligiuri's '388 device also does not offer a convenient way to use multiples of his bag in unison or simultaneously.

Continuing, another reusable bag is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,743 to Pulido et al. In Pulido et al., a pouch is releasably attached to the reusable bag by a lanyard for compact storage of the bag itself. Pulido et al.'s bag and pouch system could be easily rendered useless if, when the bag and pouch have been detached, one of them gets lost, separated, or similarly if the lanyard gets cut or broken. Another example in the prior art is in U.S. design Pat. No. D547,059 to Keller that discloses a reusable bag with a drawstring closable top portion with a latch retainer affixed to the side of the bag. However, Keller does not have a bag stow/carrying pouch nor does Keller disclose a system for carrying multiple bags.

Handles for carrying multiple bags are another related area in the prior art. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,148 to Bartocci, a soft foam-like grip handle is disclosed. Bartocci's invention employs a longitudinal slot in the top of the handle into which a bag handle, or potentially multiple bag handles, can rest. Bartocci's handle would make it difficult, in the use of multiple bags, to easily remove a specific bag from the handle.

Yet further, another handle apparatus is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,921 to Marley et al. The handle in Marley et al. is ergonomically designed to alleviate the swaying of the shopping bag, making carrying heavy shopping bags less burdensome. Due to the nature of Marley et al.'s invention, wherein each side of the apparatus holds one of the handles of the bag to be carried, it would be awkward to carry more than one heavily loaded bag on the apparatus. Marley et al.'s invention also does not properly secure the bag into the handle, making it possible for the bag to detach from one or both sides of the handle if carried inappropriately.

Looking further in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,859 to Hardin et al. disclosed is a shopping bag carrier that comprises a handle for carrying or pulling two arms for hanging shopping bags, wheels for pulling the cart when it is being pulled, and a telescoping pole which folds out to keep the carrier standing when it can remain stationary.

Still further in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,604 to Axel disclosed is a carabiner-like hook with a grip making it comfortable for carrying multiple articles with a user's hand. The hook in Axel is not disclosed to be combined with any type of bag system.

Several reusable multiple bag systems have been seen in the prior art. One such system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,895 to Lugo. Lugo teaches a set of color-coordinated, reusable shopping bags, which is kept within a carrier case that is designed to be able to attach to a shopping cart. The bags in Luno, once used, must be carefully folded by the user in such a manner that they will fit back into the carrier. Also, Lugo does not teach a means for comfortable and easy carrying of multiple bags, especially useful when these bags are full of heavy articles.

Another reusable multiple bag system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,385 to Ledesma. In Ledesma, a belt fanny type pack is utilized as a storage container for multiple reusable shopping bags. For Ledesma's system to function properly, each of the bags must be folded and rolled up to reinforce the carrying case, requiring a fair amount of effort from the user. Ledesma also does not teach a way to carry the bag or multiple bags efficiently. Further, Ledesma's system is not conducive for separate or spontaneous use of the bags within the system.

The prior art in the field of reusable article carriers emphasizes the need for an article carrying system that can be reused almost indefinitely, making the ongoing use and consumption of paper and plastic bags obsolete. What is needed in the field is a reusable, light, and very small space consuming packable and stowable article carrier which could be used in conjunction with other similar carriers and a carabiner-like hook for carrying multiple carriers together. Such a carrier would allow a user to comfortably carry multiple articles without taxing the environment, and when the user is done with carrying their articles, the carrier would stow into a small and lightweight package to further add to the convenience to the user taking the stowed carrier(s) with them to the store for the purpose of reusing the stowed carrier(s) for carrying articles home from the store.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus for substantially containing an article, that includes a surrounding sidewall having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion forms a closure, with the sidewall defining an interior between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the interior is operational to selectively substantially contain the article. Further, the apparatus for substantially containing an article also includes an enclosure adjacent to the second end portion, wherein operationally the surrounding sidewall can be selectably disposed within the enclosure for stowage upon removal of the article from the interior.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with the enclosure positioned outward for visibility;

FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with the enclosure positioned in its normal location;

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with the enclosure positioned in its normal location and the open loops being shown;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with the enclosure positioned in its normal location and the open loops being shown;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article wherein there is a partial selective disposing of the sidewall within the enclosure for stowage;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article wherein there is a complete selective disposing of the sidewall within the enclosure for stowage;

FIG. 7 shows a view from the aperture portion of the enclosure of the apparatus for substantially containing an article wherein there is a complete selective disposing of the sidewall within the enclosure for stowage as is shown in the perspective view as defined in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a use view for the of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with a user manually grasping the apparatus while carrying articles;

FIG. 9 shows a side elevation view of the handle in the form of a carabiner type ring with the handle being in the closed state;

FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of the handle in the form of a carabiner type ring with the handle being in the open state;

FIG. 11 shows a side elevation view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with the enclosure positioned in its normal location, wherein the handle is shown as being removably engaged to the open loops;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with the enclosure positioned in its normal location, wherein the handle is shown as being removably engaged to the open loops;

FIG. 13 shows a use view for the of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with a user manually grasping the handle that is removably engaged to the open loops of the apparatus while carrying articles;

FIG. 14 shows a use view for the of the apparatus for substantially containing an article with a user manually grasping the handle that is removably engaged to the open loops of a plurality of apparatuses with the articles not shown for drawing clarity; and

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the kit assembly using the handle that is removably engaged to a plurality of apparatuses that are each disposed within their respective enclosure or pouch.

 REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS

  • 30 Apparatus for substantially containing an article 34
  • 31 Alternative embodiment of the apparatus for substantially containing an article 34
  • 34 Article
  • 38 Surrounding sidewall
  • 42 First end portion of surrounding sidewall 38
  • 46 Second end portion of surrounding sidewall 38
  • 50 Closure of first end portion 42
  • 54 Interior between the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 46
  • 58 Selectively substantially contain the article 34
  • 62 Enclosure
  • 63 Aperture in enclosure 62
  • 64 Portion of aperture 63
  • 65 Means for manually selectively placing the aperture 63 in a substantially closed or open state
  • 66 Drawstring type enclosure for the means 65
  • 70 Selectively disposing the sidewall 38 and optional means 90 within the enclosure 62 for stowage
  • 75 Removal of the article 34 from the interior 54
  • 80 Margin termination of the second end portion 46
  • 85 Primary portion of the margin 80
  • 89 User
  • 90 Means for manually grasping on the second end portion 46 by the user 89
  • 93 Portion of margin 80
  • 94 Opposing portion of the margin 80
  • 95 Open loop as the means 90 extending from the portion 93 of the margin 80 to the opposing portion 94 of the margin 80
  • 96 Portion of the open loop 95
  • 100 Grasping of the portion 96 of the open loop 95 by the user 89
  • 105 Handle
  • 110 Grasping handle 105 by the user 89 allow a singular or plurality of apparatuses 30 or 31 and articles 34 to be carried by the user 89
  • 115 Carabiner type ring for the handle 105
  • 116 Removably engagable portion of the carabiner 115
  • 120 First substantially flexible panel
  • 125 First end portion of the first panel 120
  • 130 Second end portion of the first panel 120
  • 135 Third end portion of the first panel 120
  • 140 Fourth end portion of the first panel 120
  • 141 Portion of fourth end portion 140
  • 145 Second substantially flexible panel
  • 150 Affixed structure between the first panel 120 and the second panel 145 along the first
  • 125, second 130, and third 135 end portions
  • 155 Interior environment between the first 120 and second 145 panels
  • 156 Exterior environment
  • 160 Opening adjacent to the fourth end portion 140
  • 161 Portion of opening 160
  • 162 Opposing portion of the opening 160
  • 165 Communication of the opening 160 between the interior environment 155 and the exterior environment 156
  • 170 Disposing the article 34 selectively substantially within the interior 54 interior environment 155
  • 175 Flexible open loop extending from the portion 161 of the opening 160 to an opposing portion of the opening 160
  • 176 Portion of the open loop 175
  • 180 Grasping of the portion 176 of the open loop 175 by the user 89
  • 185 Pouch
  • 190 Passageway of pouch 185
  • 195 Selectively manually disposing to the first panel 120, the second panel 145, and the flexible open loop 175 via communicating through the passageway 190 of the pouch 185 for stowage of the apparatus 30 within the pouch 185 with the article 34 removed from the interior environment 155
  • 200 Portion of passageway 190
  • 205 Affixed portion 200 to portion 141
  • 210 Means for manually selectively placing the aperture 190 in a substantially closed or open state
  • 215 Drawstring type enclosure for the means 210
  • 220 Indicia space
  • 225 Kit
  • 230 Set of instructions for use of the kit 225

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1 shown is a side elevation view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with the enclosure 62 positioned outward for visibility, FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with the enclosure 62 positioned in its normal location, and FIG. 3 shows an end view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with the enclosure 62 positioned in its normal location and the open loops 95 being shown. Continuing, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with the enclosure 62 positioned in its normal location and the open loops 95 being shown, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 wherein there is a partial selective disposing 70 of the sidewall 38 within the enclosure 62 for stowage, and FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 wherein there is a complete selective disposing 70 of the sidewall 38 within the enclosure 62 for stowage.

Further, FIG. 7 shows a view from the aperture 63 portion of the enclosure 62 of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 wherein there is a complete selective disposing 70 of the sidewall 38 within the enclosure 62 for stowage as is shown in the perspective view as defined in FIG. 6. Next, FIG. 8 shows a use view for the of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with a user 89 manually grasping the apparatus 30 while carrying articles 34 and FIG. 9 shows a side elevation view of the handle 105 in the form of a carabiner type ring 115 with the handle 105 being in the closed state. Continuing, FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of the handle 105 in the form of a carabiner type ring 115 with the handle 105 being in the open state and FIG. 11 shows a side elevation view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with the enclosure 62 positioned in its normal location, wherein the handle 105 is shown as being removably engaged 116 to the open loops 95.

Continuing onward, FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with the enclosure 62 positioned in its normal location, wherein the handle 105 is shown as being removably engaged 116 to the open loops 95. Next, FIG. 13 shows a use view for the of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with a user 89 manually grasping the handle 105 that is removably engaged 116 to the open loops 95 of the apparatus 30 while carrying articles 34 and FIG. 14 shows a use view for the of the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 with a user 89 manually grasping the handle 105 that is removably engaged 116 to the open loops 95 of a plurality of apparatuses 30 with the articles 34 not shown for drawing clarity. Further, FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the kit 225 assembly using the handle 105 that is removably engaged to a plurality of apparatuses 30 and/or 31 that are each disposed within their respective enclosure 62 or pouch 185.

Broadly stated, in referring to primarily FIGS. 1 to 7, the present invention is an apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34, that includes a surrounding sidewall 38 having a first end portion 42 and a second end portion 46, wherein the first end portion 42 forms a closure 50, with the sidewall 38 defining an interior 54 between the first end portion 42 and the second end portion 46, wherein the interior 54 is operational to selectively substantially contain 58 the article 34. The closure 50 can be preferably stitched and could optionally include a flat type bottom if desired, in addition the stitching may alternatively be by any other attachment structure that has sufficient strength for up to about 70 pounds and is weatherproof. Also the closure 50 could be homogenous material if desired and meeting the aforementioned requirements. Further, the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 also includes an enclosure 62 adjacent to the second end portion 46, as best shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Furthermore the enclosure 62 being adjacent to the second end portion 46 could be affixed by stitching or any other structure that attach the enclosure 62 to the second end portion 46, or alternatively be homogenous material. Wherein operationally, on the apparatus 30, the surrounding sidewall 38 can be selectably manually disposed 70 within the enclosure 62 for stowage upon removal 75 of the article 34 from the interior 54, as best shown in FIGS. 5 through 8. The articles 34 typically are groceries or any other items purchased at a store, or alternatively the articles 34 could be anything that can be substantially carried in the apparatus 30.

Continuing, on the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34, optionally the second end portion 46 forms a termination in a margin 80 that is adjacent to the aperture 63 in the enclosure 62, as best shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, and in particular FIG. 4. Furthermore, again optionally the margin 80 includes a primary portion 85 that is affixed to a portion 64 of the aperture 63, as best shown in FIG. 4. In continuing on the enclosure 62, the aperture 63 can further comprise a means 65 for manually selectively placing the aperture 63 in a substantially closed or open state. Wherein the aperture 63 closed state is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the aperture 62 open state is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. As a further optional refinement the means 65 is preferably constructed of a drawstring 66 type closure as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, alternatively the means 65 could by any type of structure that would allow for manual placing of the aperture 63 selectively into the aforementioned closed or open states. In the previous described option of the means 65 for the aperture 63, the enclosure 62 could be used for a closable pocket to hold keys, cell phone, PDA's, and the like.

As an option for added user 89 convenience, the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 can further comprise on the second end portion 46 a means 90 for manually grasping the second end portion 46 by a user 89, as best shown in FIG. 8. Continuing, the means 90 for manually grasping by the user 89 is formed by an open loop 95 extending from a portion 93 of the margin 80 to an opposing portion 94 of the margin 80, see FIGS. 1 through 4, wherein operationally the user 89 grasps 100 a portion 96 of the open loop 95, see FIG. 8. Note that the open loop 95 can be used as a singular open loop 95 (not shown in the Figures), or alternatively as a plurality of open loops 95, as shown in FIG. 8. Furthermore, in the previously described stowing operation, as shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, the open loop 95 can also be selectively stowed along with the sidewall 38 to be disposed 70 within the enclosure 62, thus allowing the apparatus 30 to be carried as a compact assembly as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when no articles 34 are to be carried by the user 89.

Continuing, to increase the convenience and comfort for the user 89 the apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 is further optionally sized and configured for the open loop 95 to removably engage a handle 105, with the handle 105 sized and configured to accommodate a plurality of open loops 95, allowing operationally a plurality of apparatuses 30 to substantially contain a plurality of articles 34 with the user 89 only grasping 110 the handle 105, thus helping to allow the user 89 carry a number of articles 34, as best shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, note that the handle 105 could be used with a single apparatus 30 as shown in FIGS. 11 through 13. The handle 105 is preferably a carabiner type ring 115 as best shown in FIG. 9 for the closed state and FIG. 10 for the open state, thus allowing the handle 105 to be removably engagable from the open loop 95. Alternatively, the handle 105 could be any other type of structure that could function to be removably engagable to the open loop 95 while allowing the user 89 to carry the apparatus 30.

A further option can be an indicia space 220 is disposed on the sidewall 38 that can contain advertising, a message, a graphic, or any other message as desired, see FIGS. 1 and 8. As far as materials of construction the sidewall 38 and the optional means 90 in the preferable form of an open loop 95 are both preferably constructed of a poly-nylon fabric that is a 70 denier poly-nylon material, or an alternative material having sufficient strength for up to about 70 pounds, is weatherproof, and can have the sidewall 38 and optional means 90 be selectively disposed 70 within the enclosure 62 for stowage.

As an alternative embodiment that is shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 for the apparatus 31 for substantially containing an article 34, included is a first substantially flexible panel 120 including a first end portion 125, an opposing second end portion 130 to the first end portion 125, a third end portion 135, and an opposing fourth end portion 140 to the third end portion 135. Further included in the alternative embodiment 31 is a second substantially flexible panel 145 that is substantially parallel, matched, and adjacent to the first substantially flexible panel 120, the second substantially flexible panel 145 is affixed to the first panel 120 along the first 125, second 130, and third 135 end portions. The affixed structure 150 between the first 125, second 130, and third 135 end portions is preferably by stitching, however, other affixing methods could be utilized that can meet the strength requirements that the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 to hold up to about 70 pounds of articles, be weatherproof, and flexible. In the alternative embodiment 31, the first 120 and second 145 panels are defining an interior environment 155 therebetween, and an opening 160 adjacent to the fourth end portion 140, the opening 160 communicating 165 between the interior environment 155 and an exterior environment 156 to facilitate the article 34 to be selectively substantially disposed 170 within said interior environment 155.

Further included in the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 is a flexible open loop 175 extending from a portion 161 of the opening 160 to an opposing portion 162 of the opening 160, wherein operationally a user 89 grasps 180 a portion 176 of the open loop 175. Also included in the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 30 is a pouch 185 having a passageway 190, wherein the passageway 190 is disposed adjacent to the fourth end portion 140, wherein operationally the first panel 120, the second panel 145, and the flexible open loop 175 are all selectively manually disposed 195 within the pouch 185 communicating though the passageway 190 for stowage of the apparatus 30 with the article 34 selectively removed from the interior environment 155. As an additional refinement a portion 200 of the passageway 190 is affixed 205 to a portion 141 of the fourth end portion 140, as best shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, wherein preferably the affixed portion is stitched as is known in the sewing arts or can use any other alternative for affixing the passageway 190 to the portion 141 that has sufficient strength for up to about 70 pounds of articles 34, is weatherproof, and flexible.

Continuing, in the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 as an option the passageway 190 further comprises a means 210 for manually selectively placing the passageway 190 in a substantially closed or open state. See FIGS. 1 through 5 for the passageway 190 in the open state and FIGS. 6 through 8 for the passageway 190 in the closed state. The means 210 for manually selectively placing the passageway 190 in the substantially closed or open state is preferably a drawstring type closure 215, as best shown in FIGS. 1 through 7. Additionally, the means 210 can be any other type of structure that can place the passageway 190 into the previously mentioned closed or open states as shown being manually initiated by the user 89.

For the preferred materials of construction in the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 for substantially containing the article 34 which includes the first substantially flexible panel 120, the second substantially flexible panel 145, the flexible open loop 175, and the pouch 185 are all preferably constructed of a poly-nylon fabric. Furthermore, the poly-nylon fabric is preferably a 70 denier poly-nylon material. Note that the aforementioned materials of construction for the first substantially flexible panel 120, the second substantially flexible panel 145, the flexible open loop 175, and the pouch 185 could also be acceptable alternative materials of construction that have the desired strength characteristics in the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 holding up to about 70 pounds of articles 34 and be weatherproof, in addition to being able to complete the previously described selectively manually disposing step 195 of basically the alternative embodiment apparatus 31 within the pouch 185 for stowage.

Continuing, to increase the convenience and comfort for the user 89 the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 for substantially containing an article 34 is further optionally sized and configured for the flexible open loop 175 to removably engage a handle 105, with the handle 105 sized and configured to accommodate a plurality of flexible open loops 175, allowing operationally a plurality of alternative embodiment apparatuses 31 to substantially contain a plurality of articles 34 with the user 89 only grasping 110 the handle 105, thus helping to allow the user 89 carry a number of articles 34, as best shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, note that the handle 105 could be used with a single alternative embodiment apparatus 31 as shown in FIGS. 11 through 13. The handle 105 is preferably a carabiner type ring 115 as best shown in FIG. 9 for the closed state and FIG. 10 for the open state, thus allowing the handle 105 to be removably engagable from the flexible open loop 175. Alternatively, the handle 105 could be any other type of structure that could function to be removably engagable to the flexible open loop 175 while allowing the user 89 to carry the alternative embodiment of the alternative embodiment apparatus 31.

A further option for the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 can be an indicia space 220 that is disposed on the first substantially flexible panel 120 that can contain advertising, a message, a graphic, or any other message as desired, see FIGS. 1 and 8. Furthermore, a kit 225 can be offered with the apparatus 30 or alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 both as previously described that would include a plurality of the apparatuses 30 and/or 31 that also includes at least one of a single handle 105 being preferably in the form of a carabiner 115 as previously described and a set of instructions 230 for stowing each of the apparatus 30 and/or alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 into each of enclosure 62 or pouch 185 and for removably engaging the carabiner type ring 115 to the plurality of open loops 95 and/or 175, with the instructions being of a graphic nature and/or text.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the present invention of an apparatus 30 for substantially containing an article 34 and the alternative embodiment of the apparatus 31 for substantially containing an article 34 have been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiment(s) of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though; that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for substantially containing an article, compromising:

(a) a surrounding sidewall including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said first end portion forms a closure, said sidewall defining an interior between said first end portion and said second end portion, said interior being operational to selectively substantially contain the article; and
(b) an enclosure adjacent to said second end portion, wherein operationally said surrounding sidewall can be selectably disposed within said enclosure for stowage upon removal of the article from said interior.

2. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 1 wherein said second end portion forms a termination in a margin that is adjacent to an aperture in said enclosure.

3. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 2 wherein said margin includes a primary portion that is affixed to a portion of said aperture.

4. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 2 wherein said aperture further comprises a means for manually selectively placing said aperture in a substantially closed or open state.

5. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 4 wherein said means for manually selectively placing said aperture in said substantially closed or open state is a drawstring type closure.

6. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 2 wherein said second end portion further comprises a means for manually grasping by a user.

7. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 6 wherein said means for manually grasping by the user is formed by an open loop extending from a portion of said margin to an opposing portion of said margin, wherein operationally a user grasps a portion of said open loop.

8. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 7 wherein said enclosure is sized and configured to also accommodate stowing said open loop.

9. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 7 wherein said open loop is sized and configured to removably engage a handle, said handle sized and configured to accommodate a plurality of open loops, allowing operationally a plurality of apparatuses to substantially contain a plurality of articles with the user only grasping said handle.

10. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 9 wherein said handle is a carabiner type ring.

11. An apparatus for substantially containing an article, compromising:

(a) a first substantially flexible panel including a first end portion, an opposing second end portion to said first end portion, a third end portion, and an opposing fourth end portion to said third end portion;
(b) a second substantially flexible panel that is substantially parallel, matched, and adjacent to said first substantially flexible panel, said second substantially flexible panel is affixed to said first panel along said first, second, and third end portions, said first and second panels defining an interior environment therebetween, and an opening adjacent to said fourth end portion, said opening communicating between said interior environment and an exterior environment to facilitate the article to be selectively substantially disposed within said interior environment;
(c) a flexible open loop extending from a portion of said opening to an opposing portion of said opening, wherein operationally a user grasps a portion of said open loop; and
(d) a pouch having a passageway, wherein said passageway is disposed adjacent to said fourth end portion, wherein operationally said first panel, said second panel, and said flexible open loop are all selectively manually disposed within said pouch communicating though said passageway for stowage of said apparatus with the article selectively removed from said interior environment.

12. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 11 wherein a portion of said passageway is affixed to a portion of said fourth end portion.

13. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 12 wherein said passageway further comprises a means for manually selectively placing said passageway in a substantially closed or open state.

14. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 13 wherein said means for manually selectively placing said passageway in said substantially closed or open state is a drawstring type closure.

15. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 14 wherein said first substantially flexible panel, said second substantially flexible panel, said flexible open loop, and said pouch are all constructed of a poly-nylon fabric.

16. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 15 wherein said poly-nylon fabric is a 70 denier poly-nylon material.

17. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 16 wherein said flexible open loop is sized and configured to removably engage a handle, said handle sized and configured to accommodate a plurality of open loops, allowing operationally a plurality of apparatuses to substantially contain a plurality of articles with a user only grasping said handle.

18. An apparatus for substantially containing an article according to claim 17 wherein said handle is a carabiner type ring.

19. An apparatus for containing an article according to claim 16 wherein an indicia space is disposed on said first substantially flexible panel.

20. A kit for carrying a plurality of apparatuses for substantially containing a plurality of articles, compromising:

(a) a plurality of apparatuses wherein each apparatus that substantially contains at least one article includes a first substantially flexible panel including a first end portion, an opposing second end portion to said first end portion, a third end portion, and an opposing fourth end portion to said third end portion, a second substantially flexible panel that is substantially parallel, matched, and adjacent to said first substantially flexible panel, said second substantially flexible panel is affixed to said first panel along said first, second, and third end portions, said first and second panels defining an interior environment therebetween, and an opening adjacent to said fourth end portion, said opening communicating between said interior environment and an exterior environment to facilitate the article to be selectively substantially disposed within said interior environment, a flexible open loop extending from a portion of said opening to an opposing portion of said opening, wherein operationally a user grasps a portion of said open loop, and a pouch having a passageway, wherein said passageway is disposed adjacent to said fourth end portion, wherein operationally said first panel, said second panel, and said flexible open loop are all selectively manually disposed within said pouch communicating though said passageway for stowage of said apparatus with the article selectively removed from said interior environment, wherein said first substantially flexible panel, said second substantially flexible panel, said flexible open loop, and said pouch are all constructed of a 70 denier poly-nylon material;
(b) a carabiner type ring that is sized and configured to removably engage a plurality of open loops, allowing operationally said plurality of apparatuses to substantially contain the plurality of articles with a user only grasping said carabiner type ring; and
(c) a set of instructions for stowing each said apparatus into each said pouch and for removably engaging said carabiner type ring to said plurality of open loops.
Patent History
Publication number: 20090268991
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 23, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 29, 2009
Inventor: Rodney Cyr (Centennial, CO)
Application Number: 12/108,450
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Plural (383/37); With Means To Maintain The Securing Element In Closed Configuration (383/74); Including Drawstring-type Securing Element (383/72); Carrier Component Positioned In Aperture In Article (294/158)
International Classification: B65D 30/00 (20060101); B65D 33/28 (20060101); A45F 5/00 (20060101);