Convertible bag

Abstract

A convertible bag includes a bag body having a first face, a second face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, a fastener configured to releasably secure the opposing end portions of the bag body to form a sleeve, a shoulder strap having two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of the bag body, and a waist strap configured to releasably connect the two opposing end portions of the bag body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/010,756, filed on Jan. 11, 2008, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a convertible bag. The bag may be particularly suitable for carrying accessories for the care of a baby or small child.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Standard bags, such as shoulder bags, typically have a large inner compartment and side pockets for storage. This arrangement can be cumbersome, particularly when an item must be found from within the interior of the bag, which can easily become cluttered as additional items are stored therein. It may be necessary to remove such a bag from the shoulder to access particular pockets or to find specific items within the bag. This limits mobility and may require an excessive amount of time to locate stored items. This arrangement may be especially inconvenient for a caregiver trying to quickly find an item such as, e.g., a pacifier, snack, or diaper in the often hectic and frenzied environment that accompanies tending to young children. Also, it may force the caregiver to put the bag down to access items, which can represent an issue from a cleanliness and hygiene perspective. The cumbersome nature of these bags also weighs against the caregiver carrying the bag around while following a mobile toddler, which may result in misplacing the bag along with any items therein. Moreover, typical bags for carrying baby items may be viewed as unstylish and unflattering.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present invention provide a bag that, when closed, takes the form of a bag with a strap for carrying on, e.g., a shoulder or a stroller. The bag may be opened by unfastening a closure mechanism and horizontally unfolding two flaps of a fabric body. When opened, the bag takes the form of an apron or belt with a waist strap and having various pockets easily and quickly accessible by the wearer. While and after converting the bag, e.g., from a messenger bag to a belt, there is no need to put the bag down, which is very beneficial with respect to cleanliness and hygiene. When worn as an apron or belt, the bag allows the wearer to maintain mobility and the use of both arms, which may be especially important if the bag is used by a caregiver to hold baby items and to change a baby's diaper. The bag may have specialized pockets for, e.g., dispensing baby wipes and/or straps for, e.g., attaching a pacifier. The bag may contain a key finder, phone bag, elastic band to store baby cutlery or other items, insulated bottle compartment, etc. The bag may include a detachable changing mat for changing a baby's diaper. When closed, the bag may conceal some or all of the pockets within the interior of the bag, thus allowing a more fashionable appearance.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a bag includes: a bag body having a first face, a second face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion; a fastener arranged to releasably secure the opposing end portions of the bag body to form a sleeve; a shoulder strap having two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of the bag body; and a belt arranged to releasably connect the two opposing end portions of the bag body.

The second face may be outwardly exposed when the sleeve is formed and the first face may be outwardly exposed when the end portions are connected by the belt.

The fastener may be a zipper having a slide with a first tab arranged to be outwardly exposed when the first face is outwardly exposed and a second tab arranged to be outwardly exposed when the second face is outwardly exposed.

The bag may be reversible such that the sleeve may be formed with either the first face or the second face being outwardly exposed.

The bag may include a flap coupled to the top portion and having a closed position in which the flap extends across a top opening of the sleeve and downwardly toward the bottom portion. The ends of the shoulder strap may be disposed on opposite sides of the flap. At least one face of the flap may be formed of the same material as at least one of the first face of the bag body and the second face of the bag body. Further, the flap may be releasable from the bag body.

The bag may include a changing mat releasably coupled to the inside of the flap by a button connection or a hook-and-loop fabric connection. The flap may substantially cover the changing mat when the flap is in the closed position.

The belt of the bag may extend from the top portion of the bag body.

The bag may include a pouch coupled to the shoulder strap. The pouch may be slidable along the shoulder strap.

The bag may include one or more, e.g., a pair, of stroller attachment mechanisms. Each of the stroller attachment mechanisms may include a strap portion and a loop portion releasably secured to the strap portion. The loop portion is releasably secured to the strap portion by a carabiner. The loop portion may include two strips releasably secured by a closure, which may include, e.g., hook-and-loop fabric.

The bag may include a plurality of pockets disposed on the first face and having openings directed toward the top portion of the bag body. At least one of the pockets may further include a dispensing aperture through a lateral surface of at least one of the pockets.

According to another example embodiment of the present invention, a method of converting a bag is provided. The bag may include a bag body having a first face, a second face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The bag may also include a fastener arranged to releasably secure the opposing end portions of the bag body to form a sleeve with the first face facing inwardly, a shoulder strap having two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of the bag body, and a belt arranged to releasably connect the two opposing end portions of the bag body. The method may include releasing the fastener to allow separation of the end portions of the bag body, unfolding the bag body into an open position to outwardly expose the first face, and engaging the belt to releasably secure the bag body in the open position.

Further features and aspects of example embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the appended Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a bag with a fastened closure mechanism.

FIGS. 2a and 2b show the bag of FIG. 1 with an unfastened closure mechanism.

FIGS. 3a to 3c show the bag of FIG. 1 with an opened body.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show the bag of FIG. 1 with fastened strap snaps.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of a bag with a detachable mat.

FIGS. 6a and 6b show the bag of FIG. 5a with the body opened.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the bag of FIG. 5a with the body opened and the mat detached.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show a bag with a closed body and a detachable mat.

FIGS. 9a and 9b show the bag of FIG. 8a with the body opened.

FIG. 10 is a back view of the bag of FIG. 8a, with a top flap folded into a back position.

FIG. 11 shows the detachable mat of FIG. 8a when detached and unrolled.

FIG. 12 is a back view of the bag of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 13 shows a bag with a pacifier strap.

FIG. 14 shows a bag with a waist strap extension.

FIGS. 15a to 15c show a bag with multiple snap elements.

FIG. 16 shows a bag with a phone pouch.

FIG. 17 shows a bag with a carabiner strap.

FIG. 18 shows a bag with a pacifier bag.

FIG. 19 shows a bag with a specialized pocket with a band.

FIG. 20 shows a bag with attachment bands.

FIGS. 21a to 21e show a convertible bag.

FIGS. 22a to 22c show another convertible bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of a bag 5 with a fastened closure mechanism 10. The closure mechanism 10, when fastened, maintains a flexible body 15 in a closed position. The body 15 is generally rectangular, as shown in FIGS. 3a to 3c. Although the closure mechanism 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is a zipper, it should be appreciated that other closure mechanisms may be used, e.g., snaps, buttons, buckles, magnets, latches, and/or hook-and-loop fabric. To be in a closed position, the outer portions of the body are folded horizontally inwardly, such that the body is horizontally closed in on itself to form a sleeve-like, i.e., tubular, structure. When in a closed position, a first face 16 of the body faces outwardly and a second face 17, shown in FIGS. 3a to 3c, faces inwardly. The bag has a-carrying strap 20 attached to an upper part of the body. The carrying strap 20 allows the bag to be carried as a shoulder bag when the body is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the bag may be worn as a shoulder bag, e.g., a messenger bag, with the bag extending below the shoulder on which the strap rests or such that the strap extends across the wearer's body from the shoulder on which the strap rests. The carrying strap may also be placed on a crossbar of a stroller or any other appropriate structure. The carrying strap 20 is stitched directly onto the body 15. It should be appreciated, however, that according to other examples, the carrying strap may be detachable from the body or attached to the body in any other manner, e.g., with a ring.

The bag 5 may be quickly and easily converted from a shoulder bag, e.g., a messenger bag, into an apron by unfastening the closure mechanism 10, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, and horizontally unfolding the body 15. The bag 5, when used as a shoulder bag, may be worn with the closure mechanism 10 facing away from the wearer. In this manner, the wearer may unzip and unfold the bag 5, while it is still supported on the wearer's shoulder. The carrying strap 20 may then be transferred from the wearer's shoulder to the wearer's neck, with the strap extending around the back of the wearer's neck. Alternatively, the carrying strap 20 may be transferred to the wearer's neck before opening the body 15. As another alternative, the carrying strap 20 may be left around the shoulder while converting the bag into a waist belt. This results in a very simple conversion. For example, the wearer may simply shift the bag toward the front of the wearer's body and convert the bag body from the shoulder bag, e.g., messenger bag, into a tool belt or waist belt without removing the strap from the shoulder. After, e.g., changing a baby's diaper, the bag may then be converted back to a shoulder bag, e.g., messenger bag, again without removing the strap from the shoulder. When worn as an apron or a waist belt, the first face 16 of the body 15 would be proximal to the wearer and the second face 17 would be distal to the wearer. This allows a very simple and intuitive unwrapping of the body around the wearer's waist to attach the waist strap and expose the second face 17 of the body.

FIGS. 3a to 3c show the bag of FIG. 1 when opened. Extending from the lateral edges 30, 35 of the body 15, are waist strap elements 40, 42, which may be partially or entirely contained in the interior of the sleeve-like structure of the body 15 when the body 15 is in the closed position. Waist strap elements 40, 42 together form a waist strap when latching elements 43, 47 are coupled. In this example, the latching elements are male and female clip elements that mate to form a releasable clip connection. The waist strap has an adjustable length. It should be appreciated that, according to other examples, the waist strap may be formed from a single waist strap element that extends from one of the lateral edges to the other of the lateral edges and releasably attaches directly to the body. The bag 5 may be worn like an apron, with the carrying strap 20 around the back of the wearer's neck, or like a tool belt, with the bag supported by the waist strap alone, with the carrying strap 20 hanging loosely, tucked or folded into a pocket, or remaining around the wearer's shoulder.

The second face 17 has a plurality of pockets 50, 51, 52, 53. The pockets 50, 51, 52, 53 each open upwardly. It is noted in this regard that items disposed in the pockets will not fall out of the pockets regardless of whether the bag is worn as a shoulder bag or an apron/belt. This is so because the body folds horizontally, maintaining the upward orientation of the pocket openings.

The pockets may be generally sized or may be specially designed to hold or dispense particular items. For example, referring to FIG. 3c, pocket 51 is sized so as to hold commonly sized containers of baby wipes. A pocket strap 55 may secure such a container within the pocket 51 and an opening 56 allows baby wipes to be withdrawn from the container without removing the container from the pocket 51. Other pockets may be used to hold, e.g., diapers, snacks, clothing, and/or pacifiers.

Although the bag 5 only has pockets on one face 17 of the body 15, it should be appreciated that other examples may have pockets on both sides. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the bag may be reversible, such that either face of the body may face outward when the body is in the closed position and either face of the body may be distal to the wearer when the bag is worn as an apron or belt. The closure mechanism may be accessible from either side, e.g., a zipper with tabs on both sides. Such designs may allow a wearer to choose which side to have externally exposed (and thus more accessible) based on current needs or social situation.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show the bag of FIG. 1 with fastened strap snaps that form a snap closure 65. The mating strap snaps are each disposed on the carrying strap 20. When the strap snaps are fastened as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the strap is cinched together at the point of the closure 65, effectively shortening the length of the strap. In other words, the bag does not hang as low when suspended from the carrying strap 20 than it would if the strap snaps were not connected to each other. This may be beneficial, e.g., when the bag is suspended from a stroller. Alternatively, the bag could be supported by securing the snap closure 65 above a support member, in which case the bag would be supported just below the closure 65.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of a bag 105. The bag 105 shares many features in common with the bag 5 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4b. The bag 105, however, has a detachable mat 112 that may be draped over a body 115 when the body is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 5a. The detachable mat 112 may be lifted, as shown in FIG. 5b, to expose the closure mechanism 110, in this case a zipper. The mat 112 has a soft fabric outer surface 113 and stain and liquid resistant fabric on the inner surface 114. In this regard, the detachable mat 112 is suitable for changing a baby's diaper when the mat 112 is detached from the bag 105, as shown in FIG. 7. The fabric on the inner surface 114 is a polymer fabric, but it should be appreciated that the inner surface may be any suitable material, e.g., a solid vinyl sheet. It is further noted that the carrying strap 120 is connected to the body 115 via rings 121 rather than being stitched directly to the body 115. The rings 121 are metal and have a rectangular shape. It should be appreciated, however, that other examples may have rings with different shapes, e.g., semicircular or circular and made from other materials, e.g., plastic.

FIGS. 6a and 6b show the bag of FIG. 5a when opened. The bag has pockets 150, 151, 152, 153 on a second face 117 of the body 115. Pockets 150 and 151 are analogous to the pockets 50 and 51 described above with respect to bag 5. Pocket 152 has a strap 161 to secure items within the pocket. The top portion of strap 161 is attached to the body 115 by stitching. To close the pocket 152, the strap 161 is fed downwardly through a ring 162 and then upwardly so as to double back on itself. The free end of the strap is then attached to another region of the strap, as shown in FIG. 6b, with hook-and-loop fabric. Pocket 153 has a pacifier pocket 154 disposed on its outer surface. The pacifier pocket 154 is appropriately sized to securely hold a typical pacifier. This may make locating the pacifier much easier than if the relatively small pacifier is stored with other items in a larger pocket. The pacifier pocket 154 is shown in FIG. 6b with a pacifier inserted.

FIG. 7 shows the bag 105 of FIG. 5 when opened and with the mat 112 detached. The mat 112 has button elements 170 that mate with button elements 171 on a first face 116 of the body 115 to releasably secure the detachable mat 112 to the body 115.

In contrast to the bag 5 described above, bag 105 has pockets 180, 181 disposed on the first face 116 of the body 115. The openings of pockets 180, 181 are covered by pocket flaps.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show a bag 205. The bag 205 shares many features in common with the bags 5, 105 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 7. The bag 205 has a closure mechanism 210 that releasably secures a body 215 in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, with a first face 216 of the body 215 facing outwardly. The bag 205 has a cover flap 232 that may be folded to vertically hang down the front of the body 215, as shown in FIG. 8a. The cover flap 232 is releasably held in position by mating magnetic elements 233 of the cover flap 232 to magnetic elements 234 disposed on pockets 280, 281. As shown in FIG. 10, the cover flap 232 may be folded back in the opposite direction to hang down the back of the body 215. This may be advantageous when the body 215 is opened so as to use the bag 205 as an apron or a belt. A carrying strap 220 has a buckle 229 that allows the length of the carrying strap to be adjusted.

When folded as shown in FIG. 8a, the cover flap 232 covers and partially hides a detachable mat 212. The mat 212 is attached by mating, referring to FIG. 9b, snap elements 221 to snap elements 222 to form releasable snap connections. In order to use the mat 212 to, e.g., change a baby's diaper, the mat is detached, unrolled, and then unfolded, as shown in FIG. 11. The mat 212 has a solid vinyl inner surface 214. This material makes cleaning and/or sanitizing the inner surface 214 very simple. To reattach the mat 212, the mat is first folded longitudinally in half, and then rolled, starting at a first end 226, toward a second end 227. At the second end 227 of the mat 212 is a roll strap 228 that may secure the mat from unrolling, by wrapping around the outer surface of the rolled portion of the mat 212. An end portion of the roll strap 228 is then releasably attached to another portion of the roll strap 228 by hook-and-loop fabric, as shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bag 205 has pockets 280, 281 disposed on the first face 216 of the body 215. The bag 205 also has a pleated pocket 282 centrally disposed between pockets 280, 281. The pleated pocket 282 has an elastic band at its opening to help prevent items from falling out if, e.g., the bag is inverted. The pleated and elastic nature of the pocket 282 allows the size of the pocket to vary depending on the volume of items stored within the pocket 282. To provide additional storage options, the bag 205 has three pockets 290, 291, 292, of which the middle pocket 292 is zippered. These pockets 290, 291, 292 allow storage in a space in between the first face 216 and the second face 217 of the body 215. The zipper of the middle pocket 292 allows the upwardly directed pocket opening to be closed. It should be appreciated that, according to other examples, the other pockets may be zippered. Alternatively, a zipper may be omitted on all of the pockets. A draw cord 295 with adjustable stops extends across the width of the body 215 in a tubular pocket. The draw cord allows the top portion of the body 215 to be cinched, which allows, e.g., the top portion of the bag to be tightened when the body 215 is closed.

FIG. 13 shows a bag 305 that shares many features in common with the bags 5, 105, 205 described above. The bag 305 is shown with a body 315 in an open position so as to expose a second surface 317. The bag 305 has a pacifier strap 307 that is stitched to an upper part of the second surface 317, so as hang freely from the stitched connection. The pacifier strap 307 has two spaced-apart mating hook-and-loop fabric elements, one disposed at the free end of pacifier strap 307. The free end of the pacifier strap 307 may be fed through the ring of a pacifier, after which the hook-and-loop fabric elements are mated to form a releasable connection. The pacifier strap 307 thus forms a loop that releasably holds the pacifier or other item such as small toys. It should be appreciated that, according to other examples, the strap may be attached at any other location on the bag.

FIG. 14 shows a bag 405 that shares many features with the bags described above. The bag 405 has a male clip element 443 and a female clip element 447 of waist strap elements 440, 442, which are stitched to a body 415. The male clip element 443 and the female clip element 447 may be mated to form a releasable clip connection for joining the waist strap elements 440, 442 to form a waist strap. For larger individuals, e.g., pregnant women, this waist strap may not be large enough. As such, the bag 405 has a waist strap extension 408 having a male clip element 408a and a female clip element 408b. The male clip element 408a may mate with the female clip element 447 whereas the female clip element 408b may mate with the male clip element 443, thus forming an extended waist strap. The waist strap extension 408 has a buckle that allows the length of the waist strap extension 408 to be adjusted.

FIGS. 15a to 15c show a bag 505 similar to those described above. The bag 505, however, has a series of snap elements on each side of a carrying strap 520. The additional snap elements allow greater flexibility in how the carrying strap 520 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 15b, snap elements on common sides of the carrying strap may be releasably mated to form two loops. These loops may be formed around, e.g., a crossbar on a stroller, so as to allow the bag to be securely suspended therefrom. As shown in FIG. 15c, snap elements from opposite sides of the support strap 520 may be releasably mated in a similar manner to that described with regard to carrying strap 20 of bag 5.

FIG. 16 shows a bag 605 similar to those described above, but with a phone pouch 606 releasably attached to a carrying strap 620. The opening of phone pouch 606 is releasably closed via a flap with a fastener. The phone pouch 606 is attached to the carrying strap 620 by two flaps 606a, 606b that releasably mate with each other via hook-and-loop fabric elements that form a hook-and-loop fabric connection. When mated, the flaps 606a, 606b form a loop around the carrying strap 620. Although the phone pouch 606 is removable, it should be appreciated that, according to other examples, the phone pouch may be fixed, e.g., by stitching, to the carrying strap. It should be appreciated that, according to other examples, the phone pouch may be attached at any other location on the bag.

FIG. 17 shows a bag 705 similar to those described above, but with a carabiner strap 703. Carabiner strap 703 is stitched to the bag 705 near an opening of a pocket 781, such that the carabiner strap 703 hangs freely at its end opposite the stitching. At the free end of the carabiner strap 703 is a carabiner 703a that may be used for attaching an item, e.g., a set of keys. Because of the location of the carabiner strap 703, the attached item may be allowed to drop into the pocket 781 and yet be easily retrieved by pulling the carabiner strap 703. The length of the strap 703 may also allow items such as keys to be used without removal from the carabiner 703a.

FIG. 18 shows a bag 805 similar to those described above, but with a pacifier bag 811. The pacifier bag 811 is sized so as to accommodate many commonly sized pacifiers and has a zipper closure. Pacifier bag 811 is stitched directly to a bag body 815 below a pocket 851 that is specialized to allow the dispensing of baby wipes. It should be appreciated that, according to other examples, the bag may be attached to any other location on the bag, such as, e.g., on a pocket. The pacifier bag 811 allows a stored pacifier to be easily located and accessed.

FIG. 19 shows a bag 905 similar to those described above, but with a specialized pocket 953 with a band 955. The band 955 is elastic and stitched to the bag 905 at intermittent locations along the band. In this regard the bands allow baby cutlery to be supported with cutlery handles inserted through the sections of the band 955 that are not stitched, with the non-handle portions (e.g., spoon portion, fork portion, etc.) supported above the elastic band 955. The pocket 953 has a flap 954 that is folded to contact directly over the band 955. The flap 954 may thus prevent any food, etc. on the cutlery from escaping the pocket 953 as well as preventing external contaminants, e.g., dirt, from touching the cutlery. The flap 954 may have an interior surface 954a, facing the band 955 when the flap 954 is closed, that is easily washable and/or sanitizable. For example, the surface 954a may be made of a plastic sheet or a sanitizable fabric. A back surface 953a of the pocket 953, disposed above the band 955, may also be made of such a material. In this regard, the surfaces 954a, 953a may be easily cleaned and/or sanitized to reduce the possibility of contaminants, e.g., germs, being transferred from the pocket 953 to the portions of the cutlery that are, e.g., inserted into a baby's mouth. This may be advantageous with regard to cleanliness and hygiene. Alternatively or additionally, an inwardly facing portion of the pocket 953, disposed and facing oppositely from surface 953a may have a similar surface. In addition to cutlery, the band 955 may hold any other appropriately sized items.

FIG. 20 shows a bag 1005, similar to those described above, but with attachment bands 1002. Attachment bands 1002 are stitched to a carrying strap 1020 of the bag 1005 such that each attachment band 1002 has one end that hangs free. The attachment bands have first snap elements 1003a that attach to second snap elements 1003b of the carrying strap 1020 to form snap connections 1003 when the attachment bands are folded back into a closed position to form loops. The attachment bands 1002 may thus releasably attach the bag 1005 to support members, e.g., bars of a stroller. It should be appreciated that, according to other examples, attachment bands may be attached to any appropriate location on the bag and/or designed so as to form a closed position without being folded. According to other examples, the loops may be stitched closed instead of being releasably closed by a snap connection.

FIGS. 21a to 21d show a bag 1105. The bag 1105 shares many features in common with the bags described above. The bag 1105 has a closure mechanism 1110 that releasably secures a body 1115 in a closed position as a sleeve, as shown in FIG. 21a. The bag 1105 has a cover flap 1132 that may be folded over the top opening of the sleeve to vertically hang down the front of the body 1115. The cover flap 1132 is releasably held in position by mating of snap elements 1133 of the cover flap 1132 to snap elements 1134 disposed on pockets 1180, 1181. Pockets 1180 and 1181 have elastic bands 1189 at their openings to prevent items from inadvertently falling out of the pockets 1180 and 1181.

The closure mechanism 1110 is a zipper which includes a pull having two tabs 1111. This may be especially suitable where the bag 1105 is used in a reversible manner, as one of the two tabs would be outwardly exposed and thus easily accessible, regardless of which face of the bag 1105 is oriented in the outward direction.

The bag 1105 includes a pair of attachment mechanisms for attachment to, e.g., a stroller. Each attachment mechanism includes a strap portion 1140 and a loop portion 1141 releasably secured to the strap portion 1140 via carabiner 1142 that couples to a metal ring. As illustrated, the strap portion 1140 is a continuous strap that also functions to hold the shoulder strap to the bag. The shoulder strap includes a primary strap portion 1147 that is adjustable, includes a shoulder pad 1121, and is coupled to the bag 1105 via metal rings rather than being directly stitched to the bag 1105. The bag 1105 also includes a zippered pouch 1122 that can slide along the length of the shoulder strap.

The loop portion includes two strips releasably secured by hook-and-loop fabric. It should be appreciated, however, that other closure mechanisms may be provided in addition or as an alternative to the hook-and-loop fabric closure.

The bag includes a pocket 1151 similar to, e.g., pockets 51 and 151 described above. Pocket 1151 includes a closure flap 1153 that secures items, e.g., a box of baby wipes, within the pocket 1151 via a closure such as hook-and-loop fabric. Pocket 1151 also includes a pocket flap 1154 that extends downwardly to cover a dispensing aperture through which items such as baby wipes may be dispensed from within the pocket 1151. This flap 1154 may be well-suited for preventing foreign matter, e.g., dirt, from entering the pocket 1151. The flap 1154 may also help prevent items such as baby wipes from prematurely drying out by restraining airflow into the dispensing aperture. When dispensing is desired, the flap 1154 may be lifted upwardly to expose the dispensing aperture.

Pocket 1152 includes a closure strap 1156 that extends across the upwardly facing opening of pocket 1152 and down across the front face of pocket 1152. The strap is secured to the front face of the pocket 1152 via hook-and-loop fabric, although any appropriate fastening mechanism may be provided.

The bag 1105 includes a changing mat 1161 that is held into a rolled position by a hook-and-loop secured strap and releasably attached to the flap 1132 by a snap mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 21c, the bag 1105 includes a flap 1158 that extends into the interior of the pocket 1151 (although it has been pulled out for the sake of illustration in FIG. 21c). Referring to FIG. 21e, which illustrates a cross-section through the pocket 1151, the flap 1158 is used to build an interior pocket 1162 within pocket 1151. To form the interior pocket 1162, the free end of the flap 1158 is releasably coupled to the interior face of the pocket 1151 via closure 1163. Items (e.g., a container of petroleum jelly) stored in the interior pocket 1162 may be prevented from inadvertently falling out of the interior compartment 1162 by coupling the free end of closure flap 1153 to pocket 1151 via closure 1164. Although closures 1163 and 1164 are formed of hook-and-loop fabric, it should be appreciated that any appropriate closure, e.g., one or more buttons, snaps, and/or magnetic closures may be provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 21e, the pocket 1162 is formed adjacent to a container 1165 of baby wipes 1166 that has been placed in the pocket 1151 such that the baby wipes 1166 may be dispensed through the dispensing aperture of the pocket 1151. It should be appreciated, however, that the pocket 1162 may be formed within pocket 1151 even when the lower portion of pocket 1151 is unoccupied. Further, when the pocket 1162 is not needed, the flap 1158 may extend along the back face of the container 1165 (e.g., in the example illustrated, the face opposite the face through which the baby wipes 1166 are dispensed).

FIG. 21d shows the opposite side of the bag body from that shown in FIGS. 21b and 21c. A large middle pocket 1183 is disposed between pockets 1180 and 1181 and includes an elastic band 1188, similar to elastic bands 1189 of pockets 1180 and 1181. The bag 1105 also includes a strap 1191 with a carabiner that may be used, e.g., as a key strap, with the carabiner coupling to a key chain. The end of the strap 1191 along with whatever item is attached to the carabiner may be inserted into the pocket 1183. This allows for the items to be located quickly and with little effort.

The bag 1105 also has two rings 1177 formed of, e.g., metal, that may be used for any appropriate purpose, e.g., for attaching carabiner clips and/or for suspending the bag 1105.

Above pocket 1183 is a zippered opening 1169 for a pocket that extends within the body of the bag 1105 and behind pocket 1183.

FIGS. 22a to 22c show a bag 1205. The bag 1205 shares many features in common with the bags described above. The bag 1205 is smaller in comparison to bag 1105 and includes mat 1267 that is foldable to fit into a pocket, e.g., pocket 1250. As shown in FIG. 22a, the mat 1267 is fully inserted into pocket 1250, whereas the mat 1267 is partially removed from pocket 1250 in FIG. 22b. It should be appreciated that the mat 1267 may be inserted in any appropriate pocket of the bag 1205, provided the pocket has adequate space.

As shown in FIG. 22c, the bag 1205 does not have any pockets on one of its faces.

The bag 1205 has a bag body 1206 having a top portion 1207, a bottom portion 1209, and two opposing end portions 1211 and 1213 extending between the top portion 1207 and the bottom portion 1209. Corresponding zipper elements 1221 and 1222, which are disposed along end portions 1211 and 1213, respectively, form a closure that releasably secures the opposing end portions 1211 and 1213 of the bag body 1206 to form a sleeve.

The bag 1205 has a shoulder strap 1230 having two ends, each of the two end segments 1231 and 1232 that are attached to the bag body 1206 along the top portion 1207 in a spaced-apart relationship. It is note in this regard that the distance along top portion 1207 between the attachment locations is approximately the same as the remaining distance along the top portion 1207. This results in the shoulder strap 1230 being attached at approximately opposite locations around the perimeter of the upper portion of the sleeve that is formed when the zipper joins the end portions 1211 and 1213. This may provide for balanced support of the bag 1205, e.g., on a shoulder, with the sleeve oriented vertically (i.e., with the line running through the open bottom end and the open top end of the sleeve being vertical). It should be appreciated, however, that the spacing of the attachment points of the shoulder strap may be varied.

The bag 1205 includes waist strap elements 1241 and 1242 that releasably couple to form a waist strap connecting the end portions 1211 and 1213. The waist strap together with the bag body 1206 forms a belt that may be worn around a person's waist. The waist strap elements 1241 and 1242 attach to the bag body 1206 at the upper corners of the face shown, i.e., at both the top portion 1207 and the end portions 1211 and 1213. This may be advantageous to allow the weight of the bag to be supported by hanging from the waist strap. It should be appreciated, however, that any appropriate attachment points for the waist strap may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 22c, both the shoulder strap and the waist strap have adjustable lengths as a result of sliding buckle mechanisms. It should be appreciated, however, that other length adjustment mechanisms may be provided or the shoulder strap and/or waist strap may have their lengths set to predetermined values.

It should be appreciated that any connection mechanisms described herein, e.g., clips, snaps, buttons, magnets, and/or hook-and-loop fasteners, may be substituted by each other or any other appropriate connection mechanism.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular examples and embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to those examples and embodiments. Moreover, the features of the particular examples and embodiments may be used in any combination. The present invention therefore includes variations from the various examples and embodiments described herein, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art.

Claims

1. A bag, comprising:

a bag body having a first face, a second face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion;

a fastener configured to releasably secure the opposing end portions of the bag body to each other to form a sleeve;

a shoulder strap having two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of the bag body; and

a waist strap configured to releasably connect the two opposing end portions of the bag body.

2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the second face is outwardly exposed when the sleeve is formed and the first face is outwardly exposed when the end portions are connected by the waist strap.

3. The bag according to claim 2, wherein the fastener is a zipper having a slide with a first tab arranged to be outwardly exposed when the first face is outwardly exposed and a second tab arranged to be outwardly exposed when the second face is outwardly exposed.

4. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the bag is reversible such that the sleeve may be formed with either the first face or the second face being outwardly exposed.

5. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a flap coupled to the top portion and having a closed position in which the flap extends across a top opening of the sleeve and downwardly toward the bottom portion.

6. The bag according to claim 5, wherein the ends of the shoulder strap are disposed on opposite sides of the flap.

7. The bag according to claim 5, wherein at least one face of the flap is formed of the same material as at least one of (a) the first face of the bag body and (b) the second face of the bag body.

8. The bag according to claim 5, wherein the flap is releasable from the bag body.

9. The bag according to claim 5, further comprising a changing mat releasably coupled to at least one of the bag body and the flap.

10. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the changing mat is releasably coupled to the at least one of the bag body and the flap by a strap.

11. The bag according to claim 10, wherein the strap includes at least one of (a) a button connection and (b) hook-and-loop fabric.

12. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the waist strap extends from the top portion of the bag body.

13. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a pouch coupled to the shoulder strap.

14. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the pouch is slidable along the shoulder strap.

15. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of stroller attachment mechanisms.

16. The bag according to claim 15, wherein each of the stroller attachment mechanisms includes a strap portion and a loop portion releasably secured to the strap portion.

17. The bag according to claim 16, wherein the loop portion is releasably secured to the strap portion by a carabiner.

18. The bag according to claim 17, wherein the loop portion includes two strips releasably secured by a closure.

19. The bag according to claim 18, wherein the closure includes hook-and-loop fabric.

20. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pockets disposed on the first face and having openings directed toward the top portion of the bag body.

21. The bag according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the pockets further includes a dispensing aperture through a lateral surface of the at least one of the pockets.

22. A method of converting a bag having a bag body having a first face, a second face, a top portion, a bottom portion, and two opposing end portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, a fastener arranged to releasably secure the opposing end portions of the bag body to each other to form a sleeve with the first face facing inwardly, a shoulder strap having two ends, each of the two ends being attached to the top portion of the bag body, and a waist strap arranged to releasably connect the two opposing end portions of the bag body, comprising:

releasing the fastener to allow separation of the end portions of the bag body;

unfolding the bag body into an open position to outwardly expose the first face; and

engaging the waist strap to releasably secure the bag body in the open position.