Bag with a grip

Abstract

An auxiliary member is fixed to a bag, and a grip is attached to the bag perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. An end of the grip is latched to an opening provided in the auxiliary member. A medical study shows that strain on the hand is mitigated since the grip is maintained perpendicular while the bag is being carried.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to bags and, more particularly, to a bag provided with a grip.

2. Description of the Related Art

Bags with a novel design are put into the market on a daily basis. Some are made with a combined benefit of a sophisticated design and robustness. Some are designed to have a sufficient strength and to be remarkably lightweight at the same time. Some have a higher storage capacity than they appear. There are various points of appeal to the user's taste. For example, the patent document No. 1 discloses a bag provided with a belt-like pair of handles that enable the bag to be grasped easily.

[Patent Document No. 1]

Japanese Patent No. 3024118

While people's choice on a bag may of course depend on the design, the aspect of functionality is equally or more important than the design, since a bag is after all for practical use. In the related art, the functionality of a bag, including storage capacity and ease with which the user can take out stored articles has been the focus of attention. Recently, however, more significance is placed on aspects of how the needs of human health are catered to, with increasing acceptance of the concept of ergonomics. Polling opinions from heavy bag users has revealed to us that a lot of people complain about pain in their wrist. Many people carrying a relatively heavy bag daily suffer more or less from tendovaginitis of the hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been done in the aforementioned background and its object is to provide a bag that helps prevent people from suffering tendovaginitis. Another object is to provide a bag that caters to human health and is also unique in its design.

The bag according to the present invention is provided with a grip, handle, strap or pull, wherein the grip or the like is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, -and a portion of the grip is detachable from the bag. The longitudinal direction of the bag is substantially equivalent to the direction of walk by the user carrying the bag. Normally, a grip is provided by a direction be parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. According to the invention, however, the grip is provided 90° rotated. This also results in novel design. With this structure, however, the grip remains bridged over a mouth of the bag that opens. By moving a portion of the grip out of the way, the operability is secured. By attaching the grip in the aforementioned orientation, the wrist will be beneficially affected, as will be described later.

An end of the grip may be fixed to the bag, the other end of the grip may be provided with a latching means, and an annular or otherwise configured member which is engaged with the latching member may be provided at a position in the bag corresponding to the latching means. When the latching means and the counterpart member are engaged, the other end supports the bag. When the bag is opened or the like, the members are disengaged.

The grip may have two ends thereof associated with a side of the bag and one end thereof associated with the other side of the bag so as to present a T-shaped or Y-shaped configuration, and at least the one end is detachable from the bag.

The grip may be fixed to joints provided on respective sides of the bag, and at least one of the joints may be detachable from the bag.

The grip may have two ends for one side of the bag and other two ends for the other side of the bag so as to present an X-shaped or H-shaped configuration, and at least the two ends associated with one of the sides may be detachable from the bag.

Another mode of practicing the present invention is also a bag provided with a grip, wherein the grip is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, and a bag opening and closing mechanism is provided at a location where the grip does not interrupt an action of opening or closing the bag. Examples of the opening and closing mechanism include buttons, hooks and. fasteners. The grip of the bag according to this aspect is also oriented to help prevent tendovaginitis. The practical aspect expected of a bag is maintained since the action of opening or closing the bag is not interrupted. Novelty in design is also to be appreciated.

The grip may be retractably embedded in the bag as in a travel bag. The grip may be provided with a lock mechanism which prevents the bag from being opened undesirably.

Still another mode of practicing the present invention is also a bag in which the grip is fixed to the bag by a mechanism which stabilizes the grip in at least two orientations, one substantially perpendicular to and one substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. In other words, the orientation of the grip is changed by approximately 90 degrees. The substantially perpendicular orientation helps mitigate strain on the wrist. The substantially parallel orientation approaches the ordinary design and enables the use of an opening and closing means generally available, to open the bag.

The mechanism may be forced by a spring or the like provided, for example, in the interior of the bag, in a direction which brings the grip in intimate contact with the bag, and, the grip is supported so as to be rotatable between the two orientations when the user pulls the grip against the force. This structure provides advanced operability in that the orientation of the grip can be easily modified.

Yet another mode of practicing the present invention is also a bag in which the grip is attached to the bag by a mounting unit provided with a bearing cavity, and the grip is rotatable around the bearing cavity. With this, the grip is rotated in association with the movement of the bag being carried, preventing a force from being concentrated on a restricted portion of the wrist and mitigating strain on the wrist accordingly.

Another mode of practicing the present invention is also a bag provided with a grip, in which the grip is attached to the bag so as to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag by a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The grip, the first connecting member, the second connecting member and the bag are connected to each other by a fulcrum mechanism. When the user walks holding the grip, the bag is movable back and forth in association with the walk. With this, even if the grip is substantially parallel with the length of the bag, stress on a restricted portion of the wrist is relieved, and strain on the wrist is mitigated.

Still another mode of practicing the present invention is also a bag provided with a grip, in which the grip is attached to the bag forming an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. Since the grip is held maintaining an angle that approaches a natural angle formed by the palm with respect to the median line of a human body when a person lowers the hand, comfort felt by the user when carrying the bag is ensured. Arranging the grip at an angle of approximately 45 degrees provides various other beneficial effects, which will be described later.

The bag may be for right-handed users, and the grip may be provided to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag, from the viewpoint of the user carrying the bag. The orientation of the grip may be determined depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. The grip may be attached to the bag forming an angle of approximately 45 degrees clockwise with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag, from the viewpoint of the user, so as to provide a bag for left-handed users. Since it is possible to produce bags for right-handed users and for left-handed users, the user's needs are appropriately met. The grip may be attached to the bag by a mounting mechanism fixed to each of the sides along the longitudinal direction of the bag, and ease of action of opening or closing the bag may be secured by allowing the grip to be rotatable around the mounting mechanisms to reach a rest position lateral to the sides of the bag when the bag is opened or closed, by ensuring that the length of the grip is larger than the length of a route that connects the mounting mechanisms passing vertices of one of the short edges on rectangular top surface of the bag.

Yet another mode of practicing the present invention is also a bag provided with a grip, comprising a plurality of mounting members fixed to both sides of the bag, wherein the ends of the grip are detachably attached to a selected group of the plurality of mounting members. The user may select positions of attaching the grip so that the bag can be carried most comfortably.

The positions of fixing the selected group of the plurality of mounting members to the respective sides of the bag may be determined to ensure that the grip is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag when the grip is attached to the bag. The positions of fixing the selected group of the plurality of mounting members to the respective sides of the bag may also be determined to ensure that the grip is provided so as to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag when the grip is attached to the bag.

By attaching the grip to the bag using a selection of mounting members that allows the grip to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, a beneficial effect of preventing tendovaginitis is expected. With a selection that allows the grip to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees, comfort felt when carrying the bag is ensured.

In any of the bags described above, a relatively small projection may be formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding the grip is thrust. In this case, acupressure effect due to the small projection is expected.

In any of the bags described above, it is preferable that free and independent movement from the bag main body is preserved and the back and forth movement of the bag be not largely interrupted when the grip is held by the user. With this, adverse effects on the wrist are further mitigated. Arbitrary combinations of the constituting elements described above also constitute additional modes of practicing the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bag according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the bag according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a grip of FIG. 2 according to a variation.

FIG. 5 shows the grip of FIG. 2 according to another variation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 1 according to a variation.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bag according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a holder used in a grip of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the grip of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 7 according to a variation.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 7 according to another variation.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 7 according to still another variation.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 7 according to yet another variation.

FIG. 14 shows how grips of FIG. 13 are used.

FIG. 15 shows an example of how the grips of FIG. 13 are used.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bag according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show how the bag of FIG. 16 is opened.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 16 according to a variation.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 16 according to another variation.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bag according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a top view of a grip of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows the grip of FIG. 20 according to a variation.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the grip of FIG. 20 according to a variation.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show how the grip of FIG. 23 is operated.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a bag according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25B shows a structure of a grip of the bag of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 26A is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 25A according to a variation, and FIG. 26B is a sectional view showing a structure of the grip of FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27A is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 25A according to another variation, and FIG. 27B is a sectional view showing a structure of the grip of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the bag of FIG. 25A according to still another variation.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bag according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows how the bag according to the sixth embodiment is used.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the bag according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a bag according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 32B and 32C show how the bag according to the seventh embodiment is used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

People with tendovaginitis are seen carrying a bag for a relatively long time. This means that bags are not optimally designed for the hand or wrist of people. The inventor of the present invention has acquired a knowledge revealing that there is a relationship between a grip, handle, pull or strap of a bag and tendovaginitis.

The type of tendovaginitis most often observed is known as De Quervain's disease. De Quervain's disease affects people when an excessive stress is applied to a compartment which the abductor pollicis longus muscle tendon and the extensor pollicis brevis muscle tendon go through. According to the related-art grip of a bag, i.e. the grip provided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of a bag, substantially the entirety of load of a bag is borne by the aforementioned compartment. It is now revealed that a significant load is placed on the compartment especially when the bag is swung back and forth as the user walks, and this load is a primary cause of tendovaginitis caused from carrying a bag.

Our experiments have shown that, in order to avoid tendovaginitis, the grip of a bag should be changed to a type that allows dorsal flexion of hand joint, called dilatation in medical terminology, when the user carries the bag. With such a grip, the load from the bag is successfully distributed among four compartments located in the hand so that the stress on the aforementioned compartment is significantly reduced. It is revealed that the required structure of the grip should allow an extensive movement independent of the bag in a direction twisted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag, including, especially the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Our experiments have shown that, according to the grip of this structure, the load placed on the aforementioned compartment is reduced to ⅕, so that a significantly high effect of preventing tendovaginitis is expected. Our experiments have also shown that, by producing a structure in which the grip is allowed to move freely with respect to the bag, i.e. a structure in which the bag is allowed to move back and forth as the user holding the grip is walking, for example, the aforementioned stress is canceled by the movement, even if the grip is provided substantially in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view.

This bag is designed to store small articles. A grip 14 is provided in the upper part of a leather bag 10. A fastener 15, an opening and closing mechanism for storing and retrieving articles in and from the bag, is also provided. The grip 14 is formed of leather or the like with a substantial thickness, wrapped around a metal or resin core rod. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an annular support member 12 formed of leather or the like and having an opening 18 is attached by a bolt 16 to the near side of the bag 10. A near end 20 of the grip 14 is latched in the opening 18. In FIG. 1, a distal end of the grip 14 is fixed to the bag 10.

FIG. 3 shows the bag of FIG. 1 viewed in the opposite direction. Referring to FIG. 3, a grip fixing member 22 formed of leather or the like is fixed to the near side by a bolt 24. The grip fixing member 22 causes the neighborhood of the near end of the grip to be fixedly attached to the bag 10. The end 26 of the grip 14 is formed to be larger than the rest parts of the grip 14 so that the grip 14 and the grip fixing member 22 are prevented from coming apart. However, a portion of the grip fixing member 22 that houses the grip is provided with some allowance that enables rotation of a shaft portion of the grip 14, as indicated by the arrow in the figure.

When a user carries the bag with the above structure, the end 20 of the grip 14 is hooked to the opening 18 of the support member 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. With this, the user is capable of holding the bag by grabbing the grip 14. Since the grip 14 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, strain on the wrist is satisfactorily small.

When the bag is opened or closed, the end 20 of the grip 14 is disengaged from the opening 18. The shaft portion of the grip 14 housed in the grip fixing member 22 is rotated so that the grip 14 is guided to a position that does not interrupt an action of opening or closing of the fastener 15. While the grip 14 is described as being capable of rotating side to side as shown, the end 20 may be configured to be rotatable upwards in FIG. 1, instead of rotating side to side. In this case, the end of the grip 14 fixed by the grip fixing member 22 may be configured as a ball, and the grip fixing member 22 may be formed as a hollow bearing.

FIG. 4 shows another structure of the grip 14. The end 20 of the grip 14 bent outward and is latched to the opening 18 of the support member 12. With this structure, detachment from the support member 12 is easy. The structure of FIG. 2 or the structure of FIG. 4 may be chosen from the viewpoint of design.

FIG. 5 shows how the grip 14 may be configured to provide an acupressure effect. A small projection 28 is provided to face downward. The small projection 28 is configured so as to project from the surface of the grip 14 by several millimeters. The small projection 28 may be formed of resin, lumber or metal rounded at the tip, and is fixed to the grip 14 by a known method such as screwing. The small projection 28 may be provided in the second and subsequent embodiments described later.

The position of the small projection 28 is adjusted so as to be thrust against an acupressure point called “Rokyu” when the user grabs the grip 14. The Rokyu point is located at a cross section on the palm where the center lines of the middle finger and the index finger, and the upper cross striation in the palm meet. Giving a stimulus to this point is said to be effective in alleviating heart diseases, frustration, insomnia, strain on worry, etc.

The position of the small projection 28 may not be fixed. A groove similar to a curtain rail may be formed on the underside of the grip 14 to fit the small projection 28 therein without providing much allowance. When the small projection 28 is not necessary, it may be pulled toward the end of the grip 14 along the groove.

Described above is a structure and function of the bag according to the first embodiment. The grip 14 is described, by referring to FIG. 3, as being rotatable around the vertical axis thereof. By eliminating a core rod of the grip 14 to make the grip 14 flexible, the grip 14 may not need to be configured to be rotatable and the grip fixing member 22 may fix the grip 14 completely. In this case, the grip 14 may be bent in an appropriate direction when the bag is opened or closed.

When the core rod of the grip 14 is rigid, a hinge mechanism may be provided at a substantial right-angle corner in the middle of the grip 14 so that the right-angle portion could extend straight. In this case, the grip 14 may be extended when the bag is opened or closed so as not to interrupt the opening or closing action. The variation described above is also useful in the following embodiments and corresponding variations to the embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bag according to a variation of the first embodiment. While the grip 14 is latched to the support member 12 in FIG. 1, the bag of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that a film 202 is stretched in the opening 18 of the support member 12, and an end of a flexible grip 200 formed of leather or the like is attached to the film 202 by a hook 204. The film 202 may be formed of leather or cloth, for example. The hook may be a special hook, such as a “German Hook” which attains both strong joint and usability. The “German Hook” is utilized for, for example, setting a hood to a convertible type Porsche car. When the upper part is pulled, the German hook is disengaged. When the upper part is thrust, the German hook is engaged. The other end of the grip 200 is fixed to the upper part of the side of the bag 10 not shown. Since the grip 200 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, strain on the wrist is satisfactorily small. By canceling engagement with the hook 204 when opening or closing the bag, the opening or closing action is uninterrupted. The grip 14 according to the structure of FIG. 1 is latched to the support member 12 and a rocking motion is allowed while the bag is being carried. In contrast, a rocking motion of the handle 200 of the bag of FIG. 6 is prevented while the bag is being carried, adding a unique touch to the user's experience of grasping the grip 200, which is not experienced with the bag of FIG. 1. By forming the film 202 of leather or cloth produced from a different material or attaching thereto a different pattern, as compared to those of the bag 10, the design will be more sophisticated. The grip 200 may be formed of a non-flexible material such as resin or metal. In this case, consideration should be given to flexion and location of the grip 200.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bag according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This bag is so-called a Boston bag. The bag 10 is made of leather and is provided with a grip 30 presenting a T- or Y-shaped configuration in a top view. Referring to FIG. 7, the grip 30 terminates distally in two ends (hereinafter, referred to as two distal ends). The distal ends are secured to the bag 10 at respective locations not shown by screws or the like. Proximally, the grip 30 terminates in an end 32 (hereinafter, referred to as the proximal-end 32). The proximal end 32 is attached to the upper part of the near side of the bag by a hook 34. The hook 34 may be a German hook. The location of T- or Y-shaped branching of the grip 30 is formed to be satisfactorily near the two distal ends than the proximal end 32. Therefore, when the user grabs the center of the grip 30, the portion held by the user is located between the branch and the proximal end 32. The portion is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a holder that provides added strength or hardness to the grip 30. While the grip 30 is described by referring to FIG. 7 as being formed of leather, the holder of FIG. 8A may be used such that a rod-shaped leather member is introduced into a cross bar portion 40 of the letter T. Subsequently, another rod-shaped leather member is introduced into a vertical bar portion. The leather members are then secured in their places. This results in the T-shaped configuration of the grip 30 as shown in FIG. 8B. The three ends of the grip 30 or the proximal one end thereof are detachably secured to the respective sides of the bag 10 by screws or hooks. When the three ends are detachably secured by hooks or the like, the grip 30 itself is detachable from the bag 10. Therefore, The user is allowed a choice of the grip 30 from several configurations and designs prepared and can use the bag with the replaceable grip 30. The user can enjoy enhanced convenience and sophistication of design, since a choice of the grip 30 is allowed depending on the use of the bag or the taste.

In the bag of FIG. 7, a member having the function of a key (not shown) may be used to secure the proximal end 32 to the bag 10 at the lower center of the near side. By providing that member at a position where the proximal end 32 will be located when the entirety of the grip 30 is brought to contact with the bag 10, the grip 30 is retracted to an overall compact size, requiring a relatively small space to store the bag itself. The member also serves the purpose of a lock that prevents the bag from being opened unexpectedly, or opened or closed by an unauthorized person.

As shown in FIG. 9, the grip 30 may be structured such that a substantially Y-shaped characteristic configuration provided with a notch portion 36 cuts downward into the branch section of the letter Y from inside a space bounded by the branch, at an angle sharper than an ordinary Y-configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the notch 36 forms an increasingly sharper angle in proportion to the depth. With this structure, the user carrying the bag by letting his or her fingers into the space bounded by the letter Y may have the fingers naturally introduced into the edge of the notch 36, by placing the fingers in the vicinity of the notch 36. In this way, intimacy of contact felt by the fingers holding the grip 30 is-enhanced, enabling the user to grab the grip 30 comfortably.

Since the grip 30 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag according to the second embodiment, beneficial effects similar to those of the first embodiment are provided. Since the proximal end 32 is detachable from the hook 34, the action of opening or closing the bag is uninterrupted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bag according to a variation of the second embodiment. The bag is designed such that the user directly grabs a grip 100. An embracement member 102 embraces the grip 100 for comfortable grasp of the bag. Substantially U-shaped joints 104 and 106 connect the grip 100 and the bag 10. The joint 104 is attached to the upper part of the near side of the bag 10 by hooks 108. Like the hook 204 of

FIG. 6 mentioned above, the hooks 108 may be German hooks. The other joint 106 is secured to the upper part of the side of the bag 10 not shown by screws or the like. In an alternative approach, the joint 106 may be attached to the bag 10 by a hook.

The joints 104 and 106 are attached to the bag 10 so as to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. The grip 100 is attached to the joints so as to be substantially perpendicular to the joints. This results in the grip 100 being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag so that the beneficial effects similar to those of the first embodiment are provided. Since the joint 104 is detachable by the hooks 108, the action of opening or closing the bag is uninterrupted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a grip of a bag according to another variation of the second embodiment. Two grips 110 and 112 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag are attached to the bag 10 so as to be substantially parallel with each other and at some distance from each other. The grips 110 and 112 are bundled by the embracement member 102, presenting a substantially H-shaped configuration in a top view. One end of the grip 110 and one end of the grip 112 are attached to the upper part of the near side of the bag 10 by the hooks 108. The other ends are attached by screws or hooks to the upper part of the side of the bag 10 not shown.

With this, the grips 110 and 112 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag so that the beneficial effects similar to those of the first embodiment are provided. Since the ends of the grips 110 and 112 are detachable from the hooks 108, the action of opening or closing the bag is uninterrupted.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bag according to another variation of the second embodiment. A description will be given of those aspects of the structure of FIG. 12 different from those of FIG. 11. In the structure of FIG. 12, the two grips 110 and 112 are attached to the bag so as to be parallel with each other at a smaller interval than that of FIG. 11. Another difference is that a detachable wrap-around member 114 may be used to bundle the two grips of FIG. 12, instead of the embracement member 102 bundling the grips 110 and 112 in FIG. 11. An added advantage from the structure of FIG. 12 is that, since the grips 110 and 112 are detachable from the hooks 108, the user is given an option of carrying the bag with only one grip by removing one of the grips, when the contents of the bag are lightweight. Accordingly, the user can enjoy an added variety of usage patterns.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bag according to another variation of the second embodiment. The bag is provided with grips 120 and 122 substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. The grip 120 is attached to the upper part of the side of the bag 10 not shown by a hook 124. The other grip 122 is attached to the upper part of the near side of the bag 10. The grip 120 is provided with a wrap-around member 126. Thus, the grips 120 and 122 are attached to the bag 10 in a detachable manner. Referring to FIG. 13, the left end of the near-side grip 122 will be referred to as a first end, the right end thereof will be referred to as a second end. The left end of the opposite grip 120 will be referred to as a third end and the right end there of will be referred to as a fourth end. As shown in the figure, the user can open or close the bag uninterrupted, as long as the ends of the opposite grip 120 are attached to the side of the bag 10 not shown, and the ends of the near-side grip 122 are attached to the near side. The user can carry the bag with the grips maintained substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag 10, as described below.

FIG. 14 shows how the grips of the bag shown in FIG. 13 are positioned while the bag is being carried. When the user carries the bag of FIG. 13, the user removes the first end or the second end of the near-side grip 122 by the hook 124, and removes the third end or the fourth end of the opposite grip 120 by the hook 124. The end of the near-side grip 122 thus removed is attached to the hook 124 to which the end of the opposite grip 120 had been attached. Similarly, the end of the opposite grip 120 is attached to the end of hook 124 to which the end of the near-side grip 122 had been attached. Subsequently, by bundling the grips 120 and 122 by the wrap-around member 126, the bag can be carried with the grips maintained substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, as shown. In this way, the beneficial effects similar to those of the first embodiment are provided.

In this case, by replacing places of the evenly numbered ends of the grips 120 and 122 each other or by replacing places of the oddly numbered ends thereof each other, the grips in a top view exhibit a X-shaped cross section bundled by the wrap-around member 126. By replacing places of the evenly numbered end of the opposite grip 120 and the oddly numbered end of the near-side grip 122 each other, or by replacing places of the oddly numbered end of the opposite grip 120 and the evenly numbered end of the near-side grip 122 each other, the grips 120 and 122 are maintained parallel with each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag. In a top view, the grips are bundled by the wrap-around member 126, presenting an H-shaped configuration. In any method, it is possible to carry the bag maintaining the grips 120 and 122 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag. The user of the bag may select how the brings 120 and 122 are attached to the bag, in accordance with the design taste and the preferred touch of the grips 120 and 122. FIG. 15 is a top view of the grips having their places changed such that the opposite grip 120 and the near-side grip 122 form an intersection.

Referring back to FIG. 13, the bag may further be provided with another type grip 128 at the front in a view in which the bag 10 is viewed along the longitudinal direction thereof. The grip 128 is detachable from the bag 10. When the bag is opened or closed, the action of opening or closing the bag is not interrupted by removing the grip 128. The bag can be carried with the face supporting the grip 128 facing upward, adding to a variation of patterns in which the bag can be used. The grip 128 may be provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of carrying the bag. In this pattern of carrying the bag, the beneficial effects similar to those of the first embodiment are provided. The grip 128 may be fixed to the bag 10. In this case, the position at which the grip 128 is attached should be considered in relation to the position of an opening and closing mechanism such as a fastener.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bag according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A so-called business bag is illustrated here. A grip 50 is stitched on the upper part of the bag 10, bridging the sides of the bag. This bag does not open or close along the longitudinal direction of the bag. Instead, the bag opens along fastener lines 52, 54 and 56 substantially forming a ∩ configuration. The bag 10 is provided with a valley fold portion 58 that falls over toward the viewer. The fastener lines may be provided such that the left line 52 is extended to a symmetrical line 55 toward the opposite side of the bag, as shown in FIG. 17A, instead of transiting to the center line 54. In this case, the bag opens such that a left ⅓ portion 57 is rotated leftward, as shown in FIG. 17B. In FIG. 17B, the right ⅓ portion can also be opened or closed. However, only one of the portions may open.

As shown in FIG. 18, the fastener line may run through the center of the top, front and back faces of the bag 10, in a view in which the bag 10 is viewed along the longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, the fastener line 130 runs through the center of each of the faces, except that, where grips 132 and 134 are provided to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, the line 130 is curved in a U-shaped configuration so as to avoid the grips 132 and 134. With this, the action of opening or closing the bag is uninterrupted. The grips 132 and 134 may be formed of a material such as resin or metal with a predetermined hardness, and may be adhesively attached to the top of the bag 10. In the illustration, two grips are provided. However, there may be only one grip.

In an alternative approach, a fastener line 140 may start at a top left corner of the top face of the bag 10, runs across the near side of the bag 10 at a distance of approximately ⅓ of the entirety height from the top edge, forming a substantially V-shaped configuration, and extends to a top right corner of the top face of the bag. In this case, approximately the top ⅓ portion of the bag opens upward. In this example, the grip 144 is provided with an embracement member 142, and is latched by a latching member 148 to an anchor portion 146 fixed to the bag 10. In an alternative approach, the grip may be structured like the grip 50 of FIG. 16 or the grip 132 of FIG. 18, as described above.

According to the third embodiment, strain on the hand is reduced. Since the bag opening and closing mechanism is provided at a location not interrupted by the grips 50, 132, 134 and 144, proper operability is ensured. Also, the bag as a whole presents a novel design.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bag according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a top view of a grip thereof. In this figure, a so-called travel bag with rollers is illustrated. The top of the bag 10 is provided with a T-shaped grip 60 in a top view. Referring to FIG. 20, two far ends, i.e. the distal ends, are fixed to the bag 10 at respective locations not shown. Referring also to FIG. 20, a near end 64, i.e. the proximal end 64, is let through the interior of the bag 10 and slidably supported by two support members 63. The grip 60 as a whole is slidable up and down with respect to the bag 10. The method of fixing the grip 60 my be similar to that of the known travel bag.

As shown in FIG. 21, the grip 60 is formed by combining a cross bar portion 66 and a vertical bar portion 68, forming a T-shaped configuration. When opening the bag, these portions are disengaged from each other. Referring to FIG. 21, a lock mechanism 62 for locking the two portions when combined is provided. By locking the cross bar portion 66 and the vertical bar portion 68 when it is not necessary to open the bag, instead of merely combining the two, not only unexpected disengagement is prevented but also the purpose a key is served.

The bag of FIG. 20 is also provided with a second grip 70 used when the bag is rotated 90° leftward and carried without using the rollers. The grip 70 is fixed to the bag 10 by a support mechanism 72 that stabilizes itself in two orientations including the perpendicular orientation and the parallel orientation with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. The support mechanism 72 is forced by a spring inside the bag in a direction that allows the grip 70 and the bag 10 to be in intimate contact with each other. The support mechanism 72 is secured to the bag such that, when the user pulls the grip 70 against this force, the grip 70 is rotatable between the two orientations mentioned above. When the grip 70 is aligned with the two orientations, the grip 70 is settled in its position such that the bottom thereof is fitted in a shallow groove portion provided in the bag 10. The grip 70 may be configured such that, when the grip 70 is aligned with the two orientations, the grip 70 is tightly secured in its place not only by a spring force but also by an auxiliary member such as a screw that can be rotated by the hand.

FIG. 22 shows a variation of the fourth embodiment, where a proximal end 80 of the T-shaped grip 60 is not introduced into the interior of the bag but is latched by a latching attachment 82 on the outer face of the bag. In this case, a member forming the proximal end 80 may be disengaged from the latching attachment 82 when the latching is not required.

According to the fourth embodiment, the T-shaped grip 60 enables the user to carry the bag using the rollers without a heavy strain on the hand. When the rollers not used and the bag is lifted for carriage, the user is also capable of carrying the bag without a heavy strain on the hand, by rotating the second grip 70.

The second grip 70 of FIG. 20 has in bottom a relatively extensive face contact with the bag 10. Alternatively, the second grip 70 may be in point contact with the bag 10. FIG. 23 shows a bag provided with a grip which is in point contact with the bag and rotatable by 90° between the orientation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag and the orientation substantially parallel therewith. Referring to FIG. 23, a rotatable grip 150 is fixed to the bag 10 by a mounting unit 152 so as to be in point contact with the bag 10. The mounting unit 152 has a structure similar to that of the support mechanism 72 mentioned above. FIGS. 24A and 24B show how the grip 150 is rotated 90°. The user can orient the grip 150 to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, as shown in FIG. 24A, or substantially parallel therewith, as shown in FIG. 24B. When the user wishes to carry the bag with relatively less strain on the hand, the user may carry the bag by switching the grip 150 to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a bag according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. A so-called atache case for business use is illustrated here. Amounting unit 160 is provided on top of the bag 10, fitting a grip part 162 to the bag 10. The grip part 162 is comprised of a first connecting member 164, a grip 166, a second connecting member 168, a first fulcrum mechanism 170, a second fulcrum mechanism 172, a third fulcrum mechanism 174 and a fourth fulcrum mechanism 176. The grip 166 is provided to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. The grip 166, the first connecting member 164 and the second connecting member 168 are hard enough not to be liable to deform manually. For example, these members may be formed of a resin or a metal.

FIG. 25B shows a structure of the grip part 162. The grip 166 is connected to the first connecting member 164 and the second connecting member 168 by the first support mechanism 170 and the second support mechanism 172, respectively. The first connecting member 164 is connected to the mounting unit 160 by the third support mechanism 174, and the second connecting member 168 is connected to the mounting unit 160 by the fourth support mechanism. When the user carries the bag, the bag 10 moves back and forth in association with the walk, due to relative movement involving the first connecting member 164, the grip 166, the second connecting member 168 and the mounting unit 160. While the grip 166 is provided to be substantially parallel with the length of the bag, the back and forth movement of the bag 10 cancels stress on a restricted portion of the wrist. In comparison with the related-art bag in which the grip is completely fixed to the bag, stress of the wrist is significantly reduced. The support mechanism may be a hinge, or a combination of ball spindle and a hollow ball bearing.

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a bag according to a variation of the fifth embodiment. A grip 190 is attached to the bag 10 by a mounting unit 192 so as to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. FIG. 26B shows a section of the mounting unit 192 viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag. The mounting unit 192 and the grip 190 are connected at a bearing cavity 194.

With this, the grip 190 is allowed to rotate around the bearing cavity 194. Accordingly, the bag 10 is allowed to move back and forth as the user carrying the bag walks. Therefore, despite the fact that the grip 190 is substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag, the movement helps cancel stress on a restricted portion of the user's wrist so that strain on the wrist is reduced.

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of a grip of a bag according to another variation of the fifth embodiment. The grip 190 is attached to the bag 10 by the mounting unit 192 so as to substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag. FIG. 27B is a section of the mounting unit 192 viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag. The structure of the bearing cavity 194 connecting the grip 190 and the mounting unit 192 is similar to that described with reference to FIG. 26B. In this example, by providing the grip so as to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag, strain on the wrist is mitigated in a similar manner as in the first embodiment. Further, since the grip 190 is rotatable, there is an added effect of reducing strain on the wrist due to the back and forth movement in association with the walk.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a bag according to still another variation of the fifth embodiment. The grip part 162 of FIG. 25A is attached to the center of top face of the bag 10. In this example, two grips 210 and 212 are attached to the respective sides of the-bag 10 by fulcrum mechanisms 218 via a first connecting member 214 and a second connecting member 216, respectively. The fulcrum mechanisms 218 are attached to the respective sides of the bag 10 at a predetermined distance from the top edges of the sides. As shown in the figure, the near-side grip 210 is connected to the first connecting member 214 by another fulcrum mechanism 220. The first connecting member 214 is connected to the fulcrum mechanism 218 fixed to the upper part of the near side of the bag 10. Similarly, the opposite grip 212 is connected to the second connecting member 216 by another fulcrum mechanism 222. The second connecting member 216 is connected to the fulcrum mechanism 218 fixed to the upper part of the side of the bag 10 not shown. The bag 10 is formed, for example, of leather or cloth characterized by flexibility so that the bag 10 is deformed in accordance with the movement of the grips 210 and 212 when the bag is being used. Accordingly, the user carrying the bag can grasp the two grips 210 and 212 together. When the user carries the bag, the bag 10 moves back and forth in association with the walk, due to relative movement involving the grips 210 and 212, the first connecting member 214 and the second connecting member 216. Accordingly, the beneficial effects similar to those of the bag of FIG. 25A are provided. The bag 10 may be formed of a metal or a resin which are not liable to deform. In this case, the first connecting member 214 and the second connecting member 216 may be bent or obliquely attached to bag at predetermined angles so that the grips 210 and 212 are in close proximity to each other.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bag according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, a leather lady's bag of a size capable of storing A4-sized documents in a vertical orientation is illustrated. A grip 300 is attached to the bag 10. A near end of the grip 300 is attached to a first ring 302. The ring 302 is fixed to the bag 10 via a first fixing member 304 fixed to a top left of the near side of the bag 10. Similarly, at a top right portion of the opposite side, the opposite end of the grip 300 is attached to the bag 10 by a second ring 306 and a second fixing member 308 indicated by the dotted lines.

By attaching the ends of the grip 300 to the top left of the near side and to the top right of the opposite side, respectively, the grip 300 is settled in a position forming a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. In the illustrated example, the first and second fixing members are designed to be fixed to the bag 10 so that the grip 300 forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. As shown, the grip 300 is attached to the bag 10 forming an angle of approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the direction, indicated by the arrow, of carrying the bag, from the viewpoint of the user carrying the bag.

When a person looks down at his or her right hand in a natural posture, the palm in a top view is normally somewhat inclined counterclockwise with respect to the direction looking straight ahead. By providing the grip 300 with an angle of approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise in a top view with respect to the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, as mentioned above, the user is capable of holding the grip 300 maintaining the angle inherent with the right hand. Putting it differently, a bag comfortable for the user to carry is obtained since the user can hold the grip 300 effortlessly. The back and forth movement of the human arms when in walk is not completely parallel with the direction of movement but is somewhat oblique thereto. By attaching the grip 300 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag, the back and forth movement of the bag being carried will be in conformity with the back and forth movement of the arms. Therefore, as compared to the related-art bag in which the grip is attached to the bag so as to be substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag, natural movement is facilitated by, for example, preventing the bag in a back and forth movement from being bumped into the body.

By ensuring that the grip 300 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag, intimacy of contact between the bag 10 and the body, occurring when the user carries the bag by hanging the grip 300 from the arm or the shoulder instead of holding the grip 300, is enhanced in comparison with the related-art bag. Accordingly, the bag can be held in a stable manner. An additional benefit envisaged is that the bag is prevented from interrupting other people in a tight space such as a crowded vehicle room. By forming the bag to be vertically elongated as shown in the figure, the bag 10 is advantageously prevented from protruding outside the width of the user's body. Therefore, it is preferable that the bag be formed accordingly.

As indicated by the description given above, the bag as illustrated is primarily adapted for grasp with the user's right hand and is therefore suitably used by right-handed users. In FIG. 29, by providing the first and second ring, and the first and second fixing member the other way round at the upper part of the bag 10, the grip 300 forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees clockwise with respect to the direction indicated by the arrow. In this case, the bag is adapted for grasp with the user's left hand and is therefore suitably used by left-handed users. By selectively attaching the grip 300 to the right or to left of the bag, the bag can be formed to suit right-hand users or for left-handed users. The angle formed by the grip 300 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag is preferably approximately 45 degrees. However, any angle between 0 and 90 degrees will serve the purpose.

The bag according to the sixth embodiment is provided with a pocket 310 at the near side of the bag 10. As shown, the pocket 310 is formed by stitching a leather member covering the majority of the near side of the bag 10 to the side of the bag 10. The first fixing member 304 is located so that a portion thereof stitched to the bag 10 is behind the pocket 310. With this, not only articles can be stored in the pocket 310, but also the stitched portion of the first fixing member 304 is prevented from being entangled with the body of the user carrying the bag since the stitched portion is not exposed. By forming the ends of the grip 300, the first fixing member 304 and the second fixing member 308 to have a unique outline as shown, visual interest of symmetry is emphasized and design impact is enhanced. The bag is further provided with a fastener 312 at a bag mouth. A fastener extension member 314 formed of leather or cloth similar to the bag 10 is provided at the right edge of the top face of the bag 10 as an extension from the fastener 312. The fastener extension member 314 enables the fastener 312 to extend longer than the length of the top face of the bag 10. Therefore, the mouth of the bag 10 is enlarged so that articles can be taken in and out of the bag easily.

A first buckle mechanism 316 is provided in the grip 300. The first buckle mechanism 316 is comprised of a pin part and a plurality of eyelets. By selecting one of the eyelets through which the pin part passes and engaging the two with each other, the user can adjust the length of the grip 300 to suit the user's taste. Additionally, the bag according to the sixth embodiment is provided with an auxiliary belt 320 that passes through a holding member 318 fixed to the left edge of the near side of the bag 10 and is provided to embrace the circumference of the bag 10. The auxiliary belt 320 is provided with a second buckle mechanism 322. By engaging the pin part of the first buckle mechanism 316 with the eyelet of the second buckle mechanism 322 and engaging the eyelet of the first buckle mechanism 316 with the pin part of the second buckle mechanism 322, the grip 300 and the auxiliary belt 320 are combined to produce an elongated grip. With this, the bag according to the sixth embodiment can be used as a shoulder bag, enabling the user to enjoy advanced flexibility in use. The elongated grip formed by the grip 300 and the auxiliary belt 320 continues to maintain a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. Therefore, intimacy of contact with the body is improved as compared to a related-art bag provided with a shoulder belt parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. Stability of the bag being carried is consequently ensured. In this embodiment, a length of about 75 cm is assumed as an appropriate length of the auxiliary belt 320. However, the belt may be of a different length.

In the bag of the sixth embodiment, the grip 300 may be rotated rightward and downward around the first ring and the second ring so that the grip 300 is guided to a rest position that does not interrupt the action of opening or closing the bag. FIG. 30 shows the grip 300 guided to the rest position. Referring back to FIG. 29, a description will now be given of a structure to enable the guidance. Point A in FIG. 29 is where the grip 300 is attached to the ring 302 when the grip 300 is guided to the rest position. Point B is a vertex at the top right of the near side of the bag 10. Point C is a vertex at the top right of the back side of the bag 10. Point D is where the grip 300 is attached to the second ring 306 when the grip 300 is guided to the rest position.

The grip 300 is designed such that the length thereof, adjusted by the first buckle mechanism 316 to be shortest, is slightly longer than a sum of the length of a chain line AB, a direct distance between points B and C, and the length of a chain line CD, i.e. the length of a route, which runs on the surface of the bag 10 and which connects the first ring 302 and the second ring 306 via the vertices of the shorter, lateral edge on the right. Accordingly, the grip 300 can be guided to the rest position without being entangled by the vertices of the bag, i.e. the points B and C. In this example, it is assumed that difference between the length of the grip 300 adjusted to be shortest and a sum of the length of the chain line AB, the direct distance between points B and C and the length of the chain line CD is small. By thus ensuring that the grip 300 is not excessively long, extra allowance is prevented from being formed when the grip 300 is guided to the rest position and the grip 300 is stabilized. Another reason for preventing excessive length is that the grip 300 is preferably not excessively long when the user carries the bag by holding the grip 300 by the hand. As mentioned above, the bag according to the sixth embodiment may be used as a shoulder bag, using the auxiliary belt 320. In an alternative approach, the grip 300 itself may be formed to be relatively long so that the use of the bag as a shoulder is facilitated. In any case, the grip 300 needs to be only sufficiently long not to interrupt the action of opening or closing the bag with the rotation around the rings. As mentioned already, the bag according to the sixth embodiment is assumed to be of a size that allows unfolded A4-sized documents to be stored in a vertical orientation. However, the bag may be of a different size. Bags with a variety of sizes and configurations may be produced in accordance with the user's taste. In any case, regardless of the various configurations that the bag 10 may assume, the structure of the grip 300 as mentioned above provides beneficial effects correspondingly.

Details of the non-longitudinal direction side faces of the bag according to the sixth embodiment are worked out to allow articles to be taken in and out of the bag easily. A detailed description will follow. FIG. 31 is an enlarged view showing the bag 10 of FIG. 29 viewed from top left of the figure, showing the fastener 312 being opened. In FIG. 31, those elements that need not be referred to herein are eliminated from the illustration. The lateral face of the bag 10, shown as a near side in FIG. 31, is provided, at both the right and left sides, with accordion parts 324 folded in a valley fold toward the interior of the bag 10. With this, flexibility in the action of opening or closing the bag 10 is improved and the bag can open sufficiently widely to allow articles to be taken in and out of the bag easily. Atop face 326 of the bag 10 is formed of a material such as a flexible leather or a cloth. The top face 326 is fixed to the longitudinal sides of the bag 10, and is not adhesively attached to the non-longitudinal sides. For this reason, the accordion parts 324 is operated independent of the top face 326. The top face 326 does not interrupt the action of opening bag 10 widely. Since the top face 326 is formed of a flexible material as mentioned above, the convenience with which articles are taken in and out of the bag is not lost. The other lateral face of the bag 10 not shown is similarly structured.

FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a bag according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. A group of hooks are fixed to the upper part of the near side of the bag 10. More specifically, the group comprises a first hook 410, a second hook 412, a third hook 414, a fourth hook 416, a fifth hook 418, a sixth hook 420, a seventh hook 422, and an eighth hook 424. Each of pairs of the first hook 410 and the fourth hook 416, the second hook 412 and the third hook 414, the fifth hook 418 and the seventh hook 422, and the sixth hook 420 and the eighth hook 424 is located such that hooks in respective pairs are symmetrically located at the front face of the bag 10. Further, hooks not shown are provided at positions corresponding to those of the first through eighth hooks at the upper part of the opposite side of the bag 10.

The feature of the bag according to the seventh embodiment is that the user is capable of selecting any desired hook provided on the bag 10, and engaging the selected hook with a hook provided at one of four ends in which a grip 400 terminates, so that the grip 400 is attached to the bag in a way that the user feels most comfortable carrying the bag. The grip 400 is provided with an embracement member 402 made of, for example, rubber or cloth to facilitate easy grasp. A description will now be given of examples of attaching the grip 400 according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 32B shows a state in which the grip 400 is attached to the bag 10 such that the four ends of the grip 400 are engaged with the second hook 412, the third hook 414 and the hooks provided at corresponding positions on the opposite side of the bag 10. With this, the grip 400 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bag. In this case, as in the case of the first embodiment, strain on the wrist of the user carrying the bag is significantly reduced.

FIG. 32C shows the grip 400 is attached to the bag 10 to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. In this case, the grip 400 is attached to the bag 10 such that the four ends of the grip 400 are engaged with the fifth hook 418, the sixth hook 420, the hook provided at a position on the opposite side of the bag 10 corresponding to the position of the seventh hook 422, and the hook provided at a position on the opposite side of the bag 10 corresponding to the position of the eighth hook 424. The position of the hooks and the length of the grip 400 are designed such that the grip 400 when attached presents an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag. In this way, the beneficial effects similar to those of the sixth embodiment are provided.

In this example, the fifth hook 418, the sixth hook 420 and the two hooks at positions on the opposite side of the bag 10 corresponding to the positions of the seventh hook 422 and the eighth hook 424 are used. However, a combination of the hooks is not limited to this. For example, the grip 400 may be attached to the bag 10 such that the first hook 410, the second hook 412, and the two hooks at positions on the opposite side of the bag 10 corresponding to the positions of the third hook 414 and the fourth hook 416 are used. In this case, too, the grip 400 forms an angle closer to 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag 10, than a generally available grip provided substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag. Therefore, a natural action of grasping the grip is enabled.

While the hook group according to the seventh embodiment comprises eight hooks on a single side of the bag 10, the number of hooks is not limited to this. The larger the number of hooks, the more extensive the choice for the user in attaching a grip. The grip 400 need not have four ends. The bag according to the seventh embodiment may be structured such that a grip with two ends is selectively attached to hook positions that enable the user to carry the bag-comfortably.

The embodiments described above are only illustrative in nature. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, bolt or screw fixation in the embodiments may be replaced by adhesive attachment. The grip or the bag may not necessarily be formed of leather. A material such as cloth or vinyl may be chosen depending on the desired usage or design.

While the grip 50 of FIG. 16 is fixedly attached to the bag 10, the grip 50 may be detachable using a fastener or another mechanism. The bag may be used as a diddle bag without the grip 50, adding to the variety of design and usage.

In the embodiments, bags for storing small articles or travel bags are taken as examples. The inventive structures as illustrated in the embodiments may also be applied to a variety of types of bags.

According to the present invention, bags in which strain on the hand is reduced are provided. Moreover, bags with novel design are provided.

Claims

1. A bag provided with a grip, wherein said grip is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the bag, and a portion of said grip is detachable from the bag.

2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein an end of said grip is fixed to the bag, the other end of said grip is provided with a latching means, and a member to be engaged with said latching means is provided at a position in the bag corresponding to said latching means.

3. The bag according to claim 1, wherein said grip has two ends thereof associated with a side of the bag and one end thereof associated with the other side of the bag so as to present a T-shaped or Y-shaped configuration, and wherein at least the one end is detachable from the bag.

4. The bag according to claim 1, wherein both ends of said grip are fixed to joints provided on respective sides of the bag, and at least one of the joints is detachable from the bag.

5. The bag according to claim 1, wherein said grip has two ends for one side of the bag and has other two ends for the other side of the bag so as to present an X-shaped or H-shaped configuration, and at least the two ends associated with one of the sides are detachable from the bag.

6. A bag provided with a grip, wherein said grip is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the bag, and a bag opening and closing mechanism is provided at a location where said grip does not interrupt an action of opening or closing the bag.

7. The bag according to claim 6, wherein said grip is retractably embedded in the bag.

8. The bag according to claim 6, wherein said grip is provided with a lock mechanism which prevents the bag from being opened undesirably.

9. A bag provided with a grip, wherein said grip is fixed to the bag by a mechanism which stabilizes said grip in at least two orientations, one substantially perpendicular to and one substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bag.

10. The bag according to claim 9, wherein said mechanism is forced in a direction which brings said grip in intimate contact with the bag, and, said grip is supported so as to be rotatable between said two orientations when a user pulls said grip against the force.

11. A bag provided with a grip, wherein said grip is attached to the bag by a mounting unit provided with a bearing cavity, and said grip is rotatable around said bearing cavity.

12. A bag provided with a grip, wherein said grip is attached to the bag so as to be substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the bag by a first connecting member and a second connecting member, wherein said grip, said first connecting member, said second connecting member and the bag are connected to each other by a fulcrum mechanism, and, when a user walks holding said grip, the bag is movable back and forth in association with walk.

13. A bag provided with a grip, wherein said grip is attached to the bag forming an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the bag.

14. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the bag is for right-handed users, and said grip is provided to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bag, from a viewpoint of a user carrying the bag.

15. The bag according to claim 13, wherein said grip is attached to the bag by a mounting mechanism fixed to the sides along the longitudinal direction of the bag, and wherein ease of action of opening or closing the bag is secured by allowing said grip to be rotatable around said mounting mechanisms to reach a rest position lateral to sides of the bag when the bag is opened or closed, by ensuring that length of said grip is larger than length of a route that connects said mounting mechanisms passing vertices of one of short edges on a rectangular top surface of the bag.

16. The bag according to claim 14, wherein said grip is attached to the bag by a mounting mechanism fixed to the sides along the longitudinal direction of the bag, and wherein ease of action of opening or closing the bag is secured by allowing said grip to be rotatable around said mounting mechanisms to reach a rest position lateral to sides of the bag when the bag is opened or closed, by ensuring that length of said grip is larger than length of a route that connects said mounting mechanisms passing vertices of one of short edges on a rectangular top surface of the bag.

17. A bag provided with a grip, comprising a plurality of mounting members fixed to both sides of the bag, wherein ends of said grip are detachably attached to a selected group of said plurality of mounting members.

18. The bag according to claim 17, wherein positions of fixing the selected group of said plurality of mounting members to the respective sides of the bag are determined to ensure that said grip is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the bag when said grip is attached to the bag.

19. The bag according to claim 17, wherein positions of fixing the selected group of said plurality of mounting members to the respective sides of the bag are determined to ensure that said grip is provided so as to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the bag when said grip is attached to the bag.

20. The bag according to claim 1, wherein a relatively small projection is formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding said grip is thrust.

21. The bag according to claim 6, wherein a relatively small projection is formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding said grip is thrust.

22. The bag according to claim 9, wherein a relatively small projection is formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding said grip is thrust.

23. The bag according to claim 11, wherein a relatively small projection is formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding said grip is thrust.

24. The bag according to claim 12, wherein a relatively small projection is formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding said grip is thrust.

25. The bag according to claim 13, wherein a relatively small projection is formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding said grip is thrust.

26. The bag according to claim 17, wherein a relatively small projection is formed at a location against which the center of palm of a user holding said grip is thrust.