BOTTLE TOTE AND HANDBAG AND METHOD OF CONVERSION

Abstract

The present application relates generally to containers for carrying personal items. More specifically, the present application relates to handbags and bottle totes. A handbag that converts into a bottle tote is disclosed herein. The handbag may convert to a bottle tote for carrying a bottle, such as a bottle of wine. The bottle tote may be converted back to a handbag. Methods of conversion are also disclosed herein.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/599,146, filed Feb. 15, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The disclosure herein relates to a container suited for use as a bottle tote and a handbag that converts as needed from a bottle tote to a handbag and back.

BACKGROUND

Transporting bottles of wine, to BYOB restaurants, social gatherings or picnics, for example, requires a carrier for the bottle. Often these carriers are masculine or bulky. After the bottle of wine is gone, the carrier user is either forced to carry around an empty carrier or throw the carrier away. Carrying around an empty container is annoying and inconvenient. Throwing the carrier away is wasteful.

Carriers generally serve only one function: transporting the bottle. The carrier does not leave room to carry other personal items such as cosmetics, money or cellular telephones. This lack of functionality leaves the user either with no place to store such items or forces the user to carry multiple carriers in addition to the carrier for the bottle.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the invention relates to a convertible bottle tote. The convertible bottle tote comprising a bottle tote body having a proximal end and a distal end, a front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a back panel and a bottom. The first side panel is coupled to the front panel. The second side panel is coupled to the front panel distal to the first side panel. The back panel is coupled to the first side panel and the second side panel. The proximal end has an opening configured for insertion of a bottle into an inner cavity formed by the coupling of front panel, first side panel, back panel and second side panel. The bottom is coupled to each of the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the back panel at the distal end. A first flap is coupled to the bottle tote body. The first flap is configured to attach to the bottle tote body distal to the coupling by a first flap attachment. A second flap is coupled to the bottle tote body. The second flap is configured to attach to the bottle tote body distal to the coupling by a second flap attachment. A back bottom flap is coupled to the distal end of the bottle tote body. The back bottom flap is configured to attach to the bottle tote body distal to the coupling by a back bottom flap attachment. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of bottle tote body. The handle is configured to close or open the opening. The convertible bottle tote is configured to be converted to a handbag by folding the bottle tote body and attaching the first flap to the bottle tote body with the first flap attachment, the second flap to the bottle tote body with the second flap attachment, and the back bottom flap to the bottle tote body by the back bottom flap attachment.

In an aspect, the invention relates to a convertible bottle tote comprising a bottle tote body having a proximal end and a distal end, a panel body and a bottom. The proximal end having an opening configured for insertion of a bottle into an inner cavity formed by the panel body, and the bottom coupled to the panel body. The bottle tote body having a plurality of flaps coupled to the bottle tote body, the flaps configured to attach to the bottle tote body by at least one of a plurality of attachments. The convertible bottle tote is configured to be converted to a handbag by folding the bottle tote body.

In an aspect, the invention relates to a handbag comprising a handbag body and a plurality of flaps coupled at a first flap end to the handbag body, the flaps configured to attach to the handbag body distal to the first flap end by at least one of a plurality of attachments. The handbag is configured to be converted to a bottle tote by unfolding the handbag body.

In an aspect, the invention relates to a method of converting a convertible bottle tote into a handbag comprising providing a convertible bottle tote, folding the convertible bottle tote into a handbag, and securing the handbag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top inside view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment with bottom folding inward and upwards;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment with bottom folding inward and upwards;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a convertible bottle tote embodiment with top folding downwards to line up top edges with edge of lower bottle tote portion;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a wristlet handbag embodiment with open flaps;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of a wristlet handbag embodiment with flaps snapped shut;

FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of a wristlet handbag embodiment with open flaps;

FIG. 13 illustrates a back view of a wristlet handbag embodiment with flaps snapped shut;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top inside view of a wristlet handbag embodiment; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a method of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “a” and “one,” as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B, or C,” means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof.

The disclosure herein relates to a combination convertible bottle tote and handbag. The convertible bottle tote functions to comfortably and securely carry a bottle or more specifically, a bottle of wine. The bottle may be any size. The bottle may be 187 ml to 1.5 L. For example, the bottle may be a 750 ml or 1.5 L bottle of wine. The bottle may be fully contained in the convertible bottle tote or the bottle neck may stick out. The convertible bottle tote transitions into a handbag by folding. The handbag functions to hold a user's personal items. The handbag may be any handbag shape or design. The Handbag may be a wristlet.

Embodiments include a convertible bottle tote 100. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, embodiments of a convertible bottle tote 100 are illustrated. Convertible bottle tote 100 may include a bottle tote body. Bottle tote body may be any shape and may be designed to model the shape of a bottle to be carried. Bottle tote body may be a rectangular prism or cylindrical. Bottle tote body may be any material and may include combinations of materials, such as those found with handbags. For example, bottle tote body may be made from fabrics including but not limited to leather, natural fabrics, cotton, silk, synthetic fabrics, polyester, denim, canvas, rubber, and plastic. Bottle tote body may be one material or the combination of multiple materials.

Bottle tote body may include a proximal end 191 and a distal end 192. Bottle tote body may comprise a front panel 190, a first side panel 320, a second side panel 420, a back panel 240, and a bottom 550. Each of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, back panel 240, and bottom 550 may form the bottle tote body. The first side panel 320 may be coupled to the front panel 190. The second side panel 420 may be coupled to the front panel 190 distal to or opposite the first side panel 320. The back panel 240 may be coupled to both the first side panel 320 and the second side panel 420. The bottom 550 may be coupled to the distal end of each of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, and back panel 240. To couple the pieces together, any method of adjoining may be used. This may include forming bottle tote body from one piece of material. Alternatively, coupling may include forming bottle tote body from multiple pieces and adjoining the multiple pieces together. Adjoining may include sewing, bonding or gluing.

Bottom 550 may be reinforced. Bottom 550 may be reinforced by the presence of a denser thicker and/or more rigid material than bottom 550. Bottom 50 may include multiple layers of fabric and may include plastic or fiber board therebetween to provide additional reinforcements.

Bottle tote body may include an opening 102 at the proximal end 191 configured to allow the insertion of a bottle into an inner cavity 103 formed by the coupling of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, back panel 240 and bottom 550.

Bottle tote body may include a handle 110 coupled to proximal end 191 of bottle tote body. Handle 110 may be configured to close or open opening 102. Handle 110 may close opening 102 to fully contain a bottle in convertible bottle tote 100. Alternatively, handle 110 may close opening 102 such that proximal end 191 of bottle tote body tightens around the neck of a bottle to secure it in place. Handle 110 may be coupled to proximal end 191 of bottle tote body by any method of attachment. Handle 110 may be inserted into at least one grommet 120 located on proximal end 191 of bottle tote body allowing handle 110 to sinch opening 102. At least one grommet 120 may be located on each of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, and back panel 240. Handle 110 may be formed from any suitable material. For example, handle 110 may be formed from a flexible material such as a material including elastic. Handle 110 may be formed from fabrics commonly used for handbags such as those described with respect to bottle tote body. Handle 110 may be a chain or braided leather. Handle 110 may be formed of a material capable of tying such as string or silk. Handle 110 may be formed from ribbon, string, rope or cord.

Bottle tote body may include a first flap 310 coupled to bottle tote body. First flap 310 may be coupled to bottle tote body at any location including any of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240. First flap 310 may be coupled to bottle tote body on first side panel 320. First flap 310 may be coupled to bottle tote body between first side panel 320 and back panel 240. First flap 310 may be configured to attach to bottle tote body by a first flap attachment 311. First flap 310 may attach to bottle tote body at first side panel 320 or back panel 240. First flap attachment 311 may be any attachment or method of attaching. First flap attachment 311 may include but is not limited to a magnet, a snap, a button, a hook, a clasp, or velcro. First flap attachment 311 is understood to include the corresponding or mating attachment on first side panel 320 or back panel 240. For example, if first flap attachment 311 is a magnet, first side panel 320 or back panel 240 may include the corresponding magnet. Alternatively, if first flap attachment 311 is a button, first side panel 320 or back panel 240 may include the corresponding button hole. First flap 310 may be formed from any material capable of folding including those discussed herein. First flap 310 may be formed from the same material as first side panel 320 in order to present a matching product.

Bottle tote body may include a second flap 410 coupled to bottle tote body. Second flap 410 may be coupled to bottle tote body at any location including any of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240. Second flap 410 may be coupled to bottle tote body on second side panel 420. Second flap 410 may be coupled to bottle tote body between second side panel 420 and back panel 240. Second flap 410 may be configured to attach to bottle tote body by a second flap attachment 411. Second flap 410 may attach to bottle tote body at second side panel 420 or back panel 240. Second flap attachment 411 may be any attachment or method of attaching. Second flap attachment 411 may include but is not limited to a magnet, a snap, a button, a hook, a clasp, or velcro. Second flap attachment 411 is understood to include the corresponding or mating attachment on second side panel 420 or back panel 240. For example, if second flap attachment 411 is a magnet, second side panel 420 or back panel 240 may include the corresponding magnet. Alternatively if second flap attachment 411 is a button, second side panel 420 or back panel 240 may include the mating button hole. Second flap 410 may be formed from any material capable of folding as discussed herein. Second flap 410 may be formed from the same material as second side panel 420 in order to present a matching product.

Bottle tote body may include a back bottom flap 170 coupled to distal end 192 of bottle tote body. Back bottom flap 170 may be coupled to any of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, back panel 240, or bottom 550. Back bottom flap 170 may be coupled between bottom 550 and any of front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240. Back bottom flap 170 may be coupled between back panel 240 and bottom 550. Back bottom flap 170 may be configured to attach to bottle tote body by a back bottom flap attachment 171. Back bottom flap 170 may attach to bottle tote body at front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240. Back bottom flap 170 may attach to bottle tote body at front panel 190. Back bottom flap attachment 171 may be any attachment or method of attaching. Back bottom flap attachment 171 may include but is not limited to a magnet, a snap, a button, a hook, a clasp, or velcro. Back bottom flap attachment 171 is understood to include the corresponding or mating attachment on front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240. For example, if back bottom flap attachment 171 is a magnet, front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240 may include the corresponding magnet. Alternatively, if back bottom flap attachment 171 is a button, front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240 may include the mating button hole. Back bottom flap 170 may include back bottom flap closure flap 160. Back bottom flap 170 may attach to bottle tote body via back bottom flap closure flap 160. Back bottom flap closure flap 160 may be formed from any suitable material. Back bottom flap closure flap 160 may be formed from any material capable of folding as discussed herein with respect to bottle tote body. Back bottom flap closure flap 160 may be formed from the same material as front panel 190. Back bottom flap closure flap 160 may be an extension of back bottom flap 170 or back bottom flap closure flap 160 may be coupled to back bottom flap 170 by any method of attaching. For example, back bottom flap closure flap 160 may be sewn, bonded or glued to back bottom flap 170.

Back bottom flap 170 may be formed from any material capable of folding. Back bottom flap 170 may be formed from fabrics commonly used for handbags including those described with respect to bottle tote body. Back bottom flap 170 may be formed from the same material as front panel 190.

Bottle tote body may include at least one pocket 130. Pocket 130 may be located anywhere on bottle tote body. Pocket 130 may be located on front panel 190, first side panel 320, second side panel 420, or back panel 240. Pocket 130 may be a zippered pocket. Alternatively, pocket 130 may close by any method, including but not limited to, a magnet, a snap, a button, a hook, a clasp, or velcro. Pocket 130 may be located on front panel 190. For example, pocket 130 may be located at a spot on front panel 190 that allows it to be used in convertible bottle tote 100 and handbag 200. Pocket 130 may be any size and may be sized to hold personal items such as money and credit cards.

Referring to FIG. 1, the front view of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 is illustrated with front panel 190 of bottle tote body shown with opening 102, handle 110, grommet 120, pocket 130, credit card 140, money 150, back bottom flap closure flap 160, back bottom flap 170, a reinforced front top 180, proximal end 191 and distal end 192. Pocket 130 is shown as a zippered pocket. The zipper may be any zipper capable of providing substantial closure necessary to confine the contents of the pocket. Pocket 130 may be of any suitable size or depth, for example pocket 130 may be of adequate size and depth to hold personal items such as credit card 140 or money 150. Pocket 130 may be the same material as front panel 190 or a different material including those materials described above with respect to bottle tote body.

Reinforced front top 180 may be located near proximal end 191 of front panel 190. Reinforced front top 180 may be reinforced by the presence of a denser and/or harder or more rigid material than front panel 190 including front panel 190 material with a plastic insert, for example. Reinforced front top 180 may be of any suitable size. One or more grommet 120 may be located within reinforced front top 180. Two grommets 120 may be located in reinforced front top 180, as shown in FIG. 1 with two additional grommets 120 (not shown) enabling closure of proximal end 191 using handle 110. Grommet 120 may be made of any suitable material such as rubber, metal or plastic. In an embodiment, handle 110 may pass through two of grommet 120 on front panel 190, as shown and others (not shown).

Back bottom flap closure flap 160 of back bottom flap 170 is shown attached to front panel 190. Back bottom flap closure flap 160 is attached to front panel 190 by back bottom flap attachment 171 (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 2, the back view of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 is illustrated with back panel 240 of bottle tote body shown with opening 102, handle 110, grommet 120, proximal end 191, distal end 192, attachment 210, side O-ring 220, reinforced back top 230, and loop 250.

Reinforced back top 230 may be located near proximal end 191 of back panel 240. Reinforced back top 230 may be reinforced by the presence of a denser thicker and/or more rigid material than back panel 240. Reinforced back top 230 may be of any suitable size. One or more grommets 120 may be located within reinforced back top 230. For example, two grommets 120 may be located in reinforced back top 230, as shown in FIG. 2. Handle 110 may be inserted into grommet 120. Handle 110 may be inserted into two of grommet 120, as shown. Attachment 210 may be located on back panel 240. One or more attachment 210 may be located on back panel 240. Attachment 210 may correspond to any of first flap attachment 311, second flap attachment 411 or back bottom flap attachment 171. For example, three attachment 210 are located on back panel 240, with one attachment 210 below reinforced back top corresponding to back bottom flap attachment 171 and two attachment 210 located near distal end corresponding to first flap attachment 311 and second flap attachment 411, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In an embodiment, bottle tote body may include side O-ring 220. Side O-ring 220 may be coupled to bottle tote body at any position. For example, side O-ring 220 may be coupled to back panel 240. Side O-ring 220 may be coupled to back panel 240 by loop 250. Side O-ring 220 may be formed from any suitable material. Side O-ring 220 may be formed from metal, plastic or rubber. Side O-ring 220 may be any suitable size. For example, side O-ring 220 may be large enough to allow handle 110 to pass through it. Loop 250 may be formed from any suitable material. Loop 250 may be coupled to back panel 240 by any appropriate method of attaching such as by being sewn, bonded or glued to back panel 240.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first side view of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 illustrated with first side panel 320 of bottle tote body with opening 102, handle 110, grommet 120, proximal end 191, distal end 192, and first flap 310. One or more grommet 120 may be located on first side panel 320. For example, two grommets 120 may be located near proximal end 191 of first side panel 320, as shown in FIG. 3. Handle 110 may be inserted into grommet 120. Handle 110 may be inserted into two of grommet 120. First flap 310 is coupled to first side panel 320, as shown in FIG. 3. First flap 310 is shown attached to first side panel 320 via first flap attachment 311 (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 4, a second side view of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 illustrated with second side panel 420 of bottle tote body with opening 102, handle 110, grommet 120, proximal end 191, distal end 192, side O-ring 220, and second flap 410. One or more grommet 120 may be located on second side panel 420. For example, two grommets 120 may be located near proximal end 191 of second side panel 420, as shown in FIG. 4. Handle 110 may be inserted into grommet 120. Handle 110 may be inserted into two of grommet 120, as shown. Handle 110 may gather at second side panel 420, as shown in FIG. 4. Second flap 410 is coupled to second side panel 420, as shown in FIG. 3. Second flap 410 is shown attached to second side panel 420 via second flap attachment 411 (not shown). Side O-ring 220 may be attached to second side panel 420 by loop 250.

Referring to FIG. 5, an inside view of proximal end 191 of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 is illustrated looking into opening 102 to view inner cavity 103 of bottle tote body with handle 110, proximal end 191, distal end 192, first inside pocket 510, second inside pocket 520, lipstick case 530, cell phone 540, inside bottom 550, inside back panel 560, inside front panel 570, inside second side panel 580, inside first side panel 590, proximal end 191 and distal end 192. Inside back panel 560 is the inside portion of back panel 240. As would be known to those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, inside back panel 560 may be the opposite side of back panel 240 and/or inside back panel 560 may also be disposed adjacent to back panel 240. Inside back panel 560 may be formed from fabrics commonly used for handbags as discussed herein. Inside back panel 560 may be a fabric liner or may encapsulate a liner with back panel 240.

Inside front panel 570 is the inside portion of front panel 190, as with inside back panel 560 and back panel 240, inside front panel 570 and front panel 190 may be opposite side or adjacent. For example, a lining, insulation, padding or other material is included as in between inside back panel 560 and back panel 240. Inside front panel 570 may be formed from fabrics commonly used for handbags as discussed herein. Inside front panel 570 may be formed from the same material as front panel 190. Inside front panel 570 may be a fabric liner or may encapsulate a liner with front panel 190.

Inside second side panel 580 is the inside portion of second side panel 420. As with inside back panel 560 and back panel 240, inside second side panel 580 and second side panel 420 may be opposite side or adjacent. For example, a lining, insulation, padding or other material is included as in between inside back panel 560 and back panel 240. Inside second side panel 580 may be formed from fabrics commonly used for handbags as discussed herein. Inside second side panel 580 may be formed from the same material as second side panel 420. Inside second side panel 580 may be a fabric liner or encapsulate a liner with second side panel 420.

Inside first side panel 590 is the inside portion of first side panel 320. As with inside back panel 560 and back panel 240, inside first side panel 590 and first side panel 320 may be opposite side or adjacent. For example, a lining, insulation, padding or other material is included as in between inside back panel 560 and back panel 240. Inside first side panel 590 may be formed from fabrics commonly used for handbags such as those discussed herein. Inside first side panel 590 may be formed from the same material as first side panel 320. Inside first side panel 590 may be a fabric liner or encapsulate a liner with first side panel 320.

Inside bottom 550 may be formed from any suitable material. Inside bottom 550 may be formed from a denser, thicker and/or more rigid material than inside first side panel 590, inside second side panel 580, inside front panel 570, and inside back panel 560. Inside bottom 550 may be attached to each distal end 192 of inside back panel 560, inside front panel 570, inside second side panel 580 and inside first side panel 590 by any suitable method of attaching such as by being sewn, bonded or glued to the each distal end 192 of inside back panel 560, inside front panel 570, inside second side panel 580 and inside first side panel 590.

First inside pocket 510 may be located on inside front panel 570. First inside pocket 510 may be formed from any suitable material. Inside front panel 570 is coupled to inside first side panel 590 and inside second side panel 580 by any suitable attachment method such as by being sewn, bonded or glued to inside first side panel 590 and inside second side panel 580.

Inside back panel 560 is coupled to inside first side panel 590 and inside second side panel 580 by any suitable attachment method such as by being sewn, bonded or glued to inside first side panel 590 and inside second side panel 580. First inside pocket 510 may be formed from the same material as inside front panel 570. First inside pocket 510 may be any suitable size. First inside pocket 510 may be suited to hold lipstick case 530. Alternatively, first inside pocket 510 may be located on any of inside first side panel 590, inside second side panel 580 or inside back panel 560.

Second inside pocket 520 may be located on inside back panel 560. Second inside pocket 520 may be formed from any suitable material. Second inside pocket 520 may be formed from the same material as inside front panel 570. Second inside pocket 520 may be any suitable size. Second inside pocket 520 may be suited to hold cell phone 540. Alternatively, second inside pocket 520 may be located on any of inside first side panel 590, inside second side panel 580 or inside front panel 570.

Handle 110 may cross each of inside first side panel 590, inside second side panel 580, inside front panel 570, and inside back panel 560 and exit through each grommet 120 on each of back panel 240, front panel 190, first side panel 320 and second side panel 420.

Referring to FIG. 6, a bottom view of the distal end of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 is illustrated with outside bottom 610 and back bottom flap 170. Outside bottom 610 is the outside portion of inside bottom 550. Outside bottom 610 may be formed from any suitable material. Outside bottom 610 may be formed from a more dense, thicker or more rigid material than first side panel 320, second side panel 420, front panel 190, and back panel 240. Outside bottom 610 may be attached to each distal end 192 of first side panel 320, second side panel 420, front panel 190, and back panel 240 by any suitable attachment method such as by being sewn, bonded or glued to each distal end 192 of first side panel 320, second side panel 420, front panel 190, and back panel 240. Back bottom flap 170 may be attached to distal end 192 of back panel 240 by any suitable attachment method such as by being sewn, bonded or glued to distal end 192 of back panel 240. Back bottom flap 170 may be attached to distal end 192 of back panel 240 in a manner that allows back bottom flap 170 to fold over outside bottom 610, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Convertible bottle tote 100 may be configured to be converted to a handbag by folding bottle tote body. Folding may include folding back panel 240 distal end 192 over front panel 190 towards proximal end 191, folding back panel 240 proximal end 191 over front panel 190 to meet distal end 192 of back panel 240, to form a handbag body. Folding may include inserting back bottom flap 170 into handle 110, attaching back bottom flap 170 to back panel 240 by back bottom flap attachment 171. Folding may include folding first flap 310 onto back panel 240 and attaching first flap 310 to back panel 240 by first flap attachment 311. Folding may include folding second flap 410 onto back panel 240 and attaching second flap 410 to back panel 240 by second flap attachment 411. Folding may also include passing handle 110 through side O-ring 220 to secure handle 110. Handle 110 may serve as a wristlet handle. An example of conversion from convertible bottle tote to handbag in an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 7-14.

Referring to FIG. 7, the front view of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 is illustrated with front panel 190 of bottle tote body with handle 110, grommet 120, pocket 130, bottom flap attachment 171, proximal end 191, distal end 192, first flap attachment 311, second flap attachment 411, inside first flap 730, inside second flap 740, outside bottom 610, front bottom flap 720 and front bottom closure flap 710. Convertible bottle tote 100 is depicted opened as per conversion from convertible bottle tote 100 to handbag 200 or vice versa. Outside bottom 610 may fold in a manner that allows it to rest on front panel 190, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Front bottom flap 720 is the bottom portion of back bottom flap 170. Front bottom flap 720 may be coupled to distal end 192 of back panel 240 by any suitable method of attachment. Front bottom flap 720 may be sewn, bonded or glued to distal end 192 of back panel 240. Front bottom closure flap 710 is the front portion of back bottom flap closure flap 160. Front bottom closure flap 710 may be coupled to front bottom flap 720 by any suitable method of attachment. Front bottom closure flap 710 may be sewn, bonded or glued to front bottom flap 720. Bottom flap attachment 171 may be attached to front bottom closure flap 710 by any suitable method. Bottom flap attachment 171 attaches back bottom flap closure flap 160 to front panel 190, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Front bottom closure flap 710 may be formed from any suitable material. Front bottom closure flap 710 may be any material capable of folding. Front bottom closure flap 710 may be formed from the same material as back bottom flap closure flap 160. Inside first flap 730 is the inside portion of first flap 310. Inside first flap 730 may be formed from any suitable material. Inside first flap 730 may be formed from the same material as first flap 310. First flap attachment 311 may attach first flap 310 to first side panel 320, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Inside second flap 740 is the inside portion of second flap 410. Inside second flap 740 may be formed from any suitable material. Inside second flap 410 may be formed from the same material as second flap 410. Second flap attachment 411 may attach second flap 410 to second side panel 420, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 8, the front view of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 is illustrated with front panel 190 of bottle tote body with handle 110, grommet 120, pocket 130, bottom flap attachment 171, proximal end 191, distal end 192, proximal end 191, distal end 192, side O-ring 220, back panel 240, loop 250, first flap attachment 311, second flap attachment 411, inside first flap 730, inside second flap 740, front bottom flap 720 and front bottom closure flap 710. FIG. 8 illustrates a second folded position from FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, back panel 240 is folded toward proximal end 191.

Referring to FIG. 9, the front view of an embodiment of convertible bottle tote 100 is illustrated with front panel 190 and back panel 240 of bottle tote body with handle 110, grommet 120, bottom flap attachment 171, proximal end 191, distal end 192, side O-ring 220, back panel 240, first flap attachment 311, second flap attachment 411, inside first flap 730, inside second flap 740, front bottom flap 720 and front bottom closure flap 710. FIG. 9 illustrates a third folded position, with proximal end 191 of back panel 240 folded toward distal end 192 of front panel 190. The third folded position results in the proximal end 191 of back panel 240 touching the distal end 192 of back panel 240. Back panel 240, as folded, covers front panel 190. Front bottom flap 720 covers first flap attachment 311 and second flap attachment 411, on back panel 240, where inside second flap 740 and inside first flap 730 will attach to back panel 240.

Referring to FIG. 10, the front view of an embodiment of handbag 200 is illustrated with handle 110, grommet 120, back bottom flap closure flap 160, back bottom flap 170, attachment 210, back panel 240, first flap attachment 311, second flap attachment 411, inside first flap 730, and inside second flap 740. FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth folded position that results in the transition from convertible bottle tote 100 to handbag 200. In the fourth folded position, back bottom flap 170 is folded towards proximal end 191 and back bottom flap 170 is placed in between handle 110 and back panel 240. First flap attachment 311 on inside first flap 730 and second flap attachment 411 on inside second flap 740 attach to back panel 240 by attachment 210 on back panel 240.

Referring to FIG. 11, the front view of an embodiment of handbag 200 is illustrated with handle 110, back bottom flap 170, side O-ring 220, back panel 240, inside first flap 730, and inside second flap 740. Handbag 200 functions to hold personal items and may be any wristlet or handbag design. Wristlet body is formed from the folding of back panel 240 such that back panel proximal end 191 meets back panel distal end 192. Back bottom flap 170 connects back panel distal end 192 and back panel proximal end 191 by back bottom flap attachment 171. First flap 310 folds over back pane 2401 and forms wristlet bottom. First flap 310 attaches to back panel by first flap attachment 311. Second flap 410 folds over back panel 240 and forms wristlet top. Second flap 410 attaches to back panel 240 by closure second flap attachment 411. Handle 110 stays in place by side O-ring 220 and allows the user to carry wristlet on her wrist.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fifth folded position that results in handbag 200. In the fifth folded position, inside second flap 740 and inside first flap 730 are folded towards back panel 240. Second flap attachment 411 on inside second flap 740 attaches second flap 410 to back panel 240. First flap attachment 311 on inside first flap 730 attaches first flap 310 to back panel 240.

Referring to FIG. 12, the back view of an embodiment of handbag 200 is illustrated with handle 110, back bottom flap attachment 171, front panel 190, attachment 210, side O-ring 220, loop 250, first flap 310, second flap 410, front bottom flap 720 and front bottom closure flap 710. FIG. 12 illustrates second side panel 420 and first panel 320 prior to their folding onto back panel 240, as shown in FIG. 11. Front bottom flap 720 will fold toward front panel 190 to attach back bottom flap closure flap 160 to front panel 190 by back bottom flap attachment 171 and attachment 210.

Referring to FIG. 13, the back view of an embodiment of handbag 200 is illustrated with handle 110, back bottom flap closure flap 160, back bottom flap 170, front panel 190, and loop 250. FIG. 13 illustrates a sixth folded position, with back bottom flap closure flap 160 attached to front panel 190 by back bottom flap attachment 171 and attachment 210. Second flap 410 and first flap 310 have been folded over to attach to back panel 240, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 14, the top inside view of an embodiment of handbag 200 is illustrated with handle 110, pocket 130, back bottom flap 170, front panel 190, side O-ring 220, back panel 240, loop 250, second flap attachment 411, inside first flap 730, and outside reinforced bottom 610. In FIG. 14, first flap 310 is opened and folded toward front panel 190, allowing handbag 200 to open.

Referring to FIG. 15, a method 1500 for transitioning the tote to a handbag is provided. Method 1500 may include folding the tote and securing the handbag by attachment. Conversion of convertible bottle tote 100 to handbag 200 occurs via several folds of convertible bottle tote 100. Back panel 240 distal end 192 is folded over front panel 190, towards front panel 190 proximal end 191. Proximal end 191 of back panel 240 is folded over front panel 190 to meet back panel 240 distal end 192, forming handbag 200 body. Back bottom flap 170 is inserted into handle 110 and secures to back panel 240 by back bottom flap attachment 171 and attachment 210. Second flap 410 and first flap 310 are folded into back panel 240 and attach by first flap attachment 311 with attachment 210 and second flap attachment 411 with attachment 210, completing the conversion.

Any single embodiment herein may be supplemented with one or more elements from any one or more other embodiments herein. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims; the above description; and/or shown in the attached drawings.

Claims

1. A convertible bottle tote comprising:

a bottle tote body having a proximal end and a distal end, a front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a back panel and a bottom, the first side panel coupled to the front panel, the second side panel coupled to the front panel distal to the first side panel, the back panel coupled to the first side panel and the second side panel, the proximal end having an opening configured for insertion of a bottle into an inner cavity formed by the coupling of front panel, first side panel, back panel and second side panel, and the bottom coupled to each of the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the back panel at the distal end;

a first flap coupled to the bottle tote body, the first flap configured to attach to the bottle tote body distal to the coupling by a first flap attachment;

a second flap coupled to the bottle tote body, the second flap configured to attach to the bottle tote body distal to the coupling by a second flap attachment;

a back bottom flap coupled to the distal end of the bottle tote body, the back bottom flap configured to attach to the bottle tote body distal to the coupling by a back bottom flap attachment;

a handle coupled to the proximal end of bottle tote body, the handle configured to control the opening;

wherein the convertible bottle tote is configured to be converted to a handbag by folding the bottle tote body and attaching the first flap to the bottle tote body with the first flap attachment, the second flap to the bottle tote body with the second flap attachment, and the back bottom flap to the bottle tote body by the back bottom flap attachment.

2. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1, wherein folding comprises:

folding the back panel distal end over the front panel towards front panel proximal end;

folding the back panel proximal end over the front panel to meet the back panel distal end, forming a handbag body;

inserting the back bottom flap into the handle;

attaching the back bottom flap to the back panel by the back bottom flap attachment;

folding the first flap onto the back panel and attaching the first flap to the back panel by the first flap attachment; and

folding the second flap onto the back panel and attaching the second flap to the back panel by the second flap attachment.

3. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1 further comprising a side O-ring coupled to the bottle tote body.

4. The convertible bottle tote of claim 3, wherein folding comprises

folding the back panel distal end over the front panel towards front panel proximal end;

folding the back panel proximal end over the front panel to meet the back panel distal end, forming a handbag body;

inserting the back bottom flap into the handle;

attaching the back bottom flap to the back panel by the back bottom flap attachment;

folding the first flap onto the back panel and attaching the first flap to the back panel by the first flap attachment;

folding the second flap onto the back panel and attaching the second flap to the back panel by the second flap attachment; and

passing the handle through the side O-ring.

5. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1, wherein the bottom is reinforced.

6. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the bottle tote body is reinforced.

7. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1 further comprising at least one grommet on the proximal end of the bottle tote body.

8. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1 further comprising at least one pocket on the bottle tote body.

9. The convertible bottle tote of claim 8, wherein the pocket is a zippered pocket.

10. The convertible bottle tote of claim 9, wherein the zippered pocket is located on the front panel.

11. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1, wherein the first flap is coupled to the bottle tote body between the back panel and the first side panel, and the second flap is coupled to the bottle tote body between the back panel and the second side panel.

12. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1, wherein the inner cavity includes an inner lining.

13. The convertible bottle tote of claim 1, wherein the inner cavity includes at least one pocket.

14. A convertible bottle tote comprising:

a bottle tote body having a proximal end and a distal end, a panel body and a bottom, the proximal end having an opening configured for insertion of a bottle into an inner cavity formed by the panel body, and the bottom coupled to the panel body;

a plurality of flaps coupled to the bottle tote body, the flaps configured to attach to the bottle tote body by at least one of a plurality of attachments;

wherein the convertible bottle tote is configured to be converted to a handbag by folding the bottle tote body.

15. The convertible bottle tote of claim 14 further comprising a handle coupled to the proximal end of bottle tote body, the handle configured to close or open the opening.

16. A handbag comprising:

a handbag body;

a plurality of flaps coupled at a first flap end to the handbag body, the flaps configured to attach to the handbag body distal to the first flap end by at least one of a plurality of attachments;

wherein the handbag is configured to be converted to a bottle tote by unfolding the handbag body.

17. A method of converting a convertible bottle tote into a handbag comprising:

providing a convertible bottle tote;

folding the convertible bottle tote into a handbag; and

securing the handbag.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein folding includes folding a distal end of a back panel over a proximal end of a front panel.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein folding includes folding a proximal end of the back panel over the front panel to meet the distal end of the back panel, forming a handbag body.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein folding includes inserting a back bottom flap into a handle.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein folding includes attaching the back bottom flap to the back panel by a back bottom flap attachment.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein folding includes folding a first flap onto the back panel and attaching the first flap to the back panel by a first flap attachment.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein folding includes folding a second flap onto the back panel and attaching the second flap to the back panel by a second flap attachment.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein folding includes passing the handle through a side O-ring.