Disposable convertible backpack tote
A device for carrying items that functions as a tote bag and is convertible into a securely held backpack or a shoulder sling. A user may utilize closed loop drawstrings as armhole loops and perforatedly attached straps for securing the tote around the user's waist.
This application claims priority from the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/737,278, entitled “Disposable Convertible Backpack Tote.”
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates, in general, to devices for carrying items and, more particularly, to a disposable device that functions as a “tote” type bag and is convertible into a securely held backpack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPlastic bags, that is bags formed of thermoplastic synthetic resin film, for example polyethylene, have come into common usage as produce bags, grocery bags, general and specialty merchandise bags, and the like. Such bags are produced in a variety of configurations and constructions with one of the most widely known forms of bag being what is usually generally referred to in the industry as a T-shirt bag.
Attendees at conventions, tradeshows, and similar events may collect a substantial amount of literature samples and other items provided by vendors displaying their goods and services at the event. Each trade sponsor may have a separate hand-held bag for its literature or giveaway items, and the convention goer may end up with several different bags all carried by the straps, loops or handles of the bag, all in one hand.
Yet further, visitors to amusement parks, theme parks, national parks, museums, sporting events, water parks, or other similar tourist attractions may be inundated with things to carry or tote around. The least of which may likely include handheld bags for souvenirs, paper products or literature, extra clothing (swim wear, jacket, etc.), or the like.
Plastic bag manufacturers have explored various avenues for carrying these bags. Some bags, for instance, have incorporated loop handles, while others have slits or cut-out holes. Additionally, some have wood, metal, or other material incorporated to create a handle.
Some of the disposable plastic bags that are currently available allow users to hold the bag with their hands and wear the bags on their backs. However, some of these bag designs involve elaborate, intricately interwoven corded rope systems that attach at the top, the bottom, the left side, and the right side of the bag. As a result, a user may not be able to simply or easily convert from handheld usage to shoulder “sling” tote to backpack usage without tangling the ropes, drawing the bag into a new configuration from its original flat shape, or requiring instructions for usage.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis application discloses a new disposable convertible bag that functions as a hand-held tote and is convertible into a “sling” type tote, worn on either shoulder, and into a securely held backpack. Embodiments of the invention may employ one or more of the following features disclosed herein either singly or in combination. These embodiments may facilitate the emerging technologies discussed in the background above, as well as the technologies yet to come.
Embodiments of the invention may provide a disposable plastic or similar material bag with at least two closed loop drawstrings incorporated within at least one hem at the top of the bag. The tote may be carried in the user's hand utilizing the drawstrings in several different manners. In one example, the drawstrings may be pulled together from the top center notch of the tote providing a handle of approximately one half of the total length of each drawstring. In another example, the user may pull both drawstrings from the end notches only, and hold the tote in his hand in this orientation.
Additionally, the user may pull each of the drawstrings in opposing lateral directions, such that the full length of each of the closed loop drawstrings are exposed through either end notch and utilize the resulting loops as armholes, with one arm going through both loops. The tote is then worn slung over either of the user's shoulders. Further, the user may also project each arm through a respective loop, one on each side, with the open top end of the tote resting upon the user's back in a back-pack fashion.
An embodiment of the invention may provide attached plastic straps across the bottom of the tote bag, parallel to the closed bottom end. The attached straps are located one per side and perforatedly detachable. The user may detach the perforated straps and tie both ends around his waist to secure the tote while in use as a backpack. The user may further tighten or loosen his waist straps according to his preferences.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn order that the invention may be more readily understood, particular embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
These figures are intended to be exemplary of the present invention, and not limiting thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning to the figures, wherein like numerals denote like components throughout the several views,
In one embodiment, as further represented by
In the present example, as shown in
Referring now to
The tote 10 may also be slung over the user's shoulder with each drawstring 22, 24 pulled in an opposing lateral direction, such that substantially the full length of each of the closed loop drawstrings are exposed through either end notch 26, 27. The resulting loops 32, 34 are utilized as armholes in the present example, with one arm going through both loops 32, 34, as shown in
Referring now to
In addition, as shown in
Each tote 10 may have a logo or design on either or both sides 12 that allows manufacturers or licensees to advertise. Similarly, the tote 10 may be manufactured in various sizes and shapes, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Further, this backpack tote 10 can be re-used as a user of the tote 10 saw fit.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope, spirit and intent of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims
1. A disposable convertible tote for carrying items, comprising:
- a tote with at least two sides, and an open top end and a closed bottom end;
- at least one hem provided on each of said sides defining said open top end, and said each at least one hem having two ends and a center;
- end notches at said each end of said each hem and center notches at said center of each of said at least one hems; and
- two or more closed loop drawstrings within said at least one hem having circumferences which at least frame said open top end.
2. The disposable tote of claim 1, further comprising
- a strap attached on each side of said tote, having first and second ends; and
- said strap oriented parallel to and in close proximity with said closed bottom end, and perforated near said first or second strap end such that when each of said straps are perforatedly detached, the said strap ends are oriented for tying around a user's waist.
3. A method of carrying a tote, the method comprising:
- providing a tote, wherein the tote comprises an enclosure having a plurality of sides connected at a closed bottom end and an open top end, a plurality of closed-loop drawstrings running through the open top end, and a strap oriented on each side of said tote, wherein each of said straps are perforatedly attached;
- pulling each of the strings to provide first and second pulled strings;
- placing the first pulled string over a first shoulder; and
- placing the second pulled string over a second shoulder.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 16, 2006
Publication Date: May 17, 2007
Inventor: Dale Bardes (Rabbit Hash, KY)
Application Number: 11/600,467
International Classification: A45C 15/00 (20060101); A45F 4/00 (20060101); A45F 3/04 (20060101); A45F 3/02 (20060101);