BAG, TOTE, AND BACKPACK WITH CHANNEL-ANCHORED DRAWSTRINGS

Abstract

A drawstring bag comprising (i) a flexible container, which has at least one wall, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel comprising at least two openings, (ii) a first drawstring, the ends of which are anchored at or near the first opening, (iii) a second drawstring, the ends of which are anchored at or near the second opening, and (iv) optionally, grips adjacent to the first and second openings; a tote comprising the drawstring bag and at least one handle and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener; a backpack comprising the drawstring bag, first and second points of attachment at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the closed bottom end of the container through which the drawstrings pass, and, optionally, at least one handle and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener, and/or drawstring length adjusters; and a method of stabilizing a drawstring in a flexible container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a bag, a tote, and a backpack, all of which employ channel-anchored drawstrings.

BACKGROUND

A typical drawstring bag is a bag with a drawstring closure. Along the top edge of each of the front and back walls of the bag is a channel. One drawstring, for example, is drawn from right to left through the channel along the top edge of the back wall and from left to right through the channel along the top edge of the front wall, and, when the bag is a backpack, the ends of the drawstring are attached, usually by a knot, to the lower right corner of the bag. Another drawstring, for example, is drawn from left to right through the channel along the top edge of the front wall and from right to left through the channel along the top edge of the back wall, and, when the bag is a backpack, the ends of the drawstring are attached, usually by a knot (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 for various configurations of knots), to the lower left corner of the bag. The drawstring between the top of the backpack and the lower corner of the backpack forms a shoulder loop. Thus, a shoulder loop is formed on each side of the backpack.

The typical drawstring backpack, however, suffers from disadvantages. When a configuration of knot as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is employed in attaching each of the drawstrings to a lower corner of the bag, the shoulder loops become uneven upon repeated opening and closing of the bag. This requires the user to adjust periodically the shoulder loops. When a configuration of knot as shown in FIG. 3 is employed in attaching each of the drawstrings to a lower corner of the bag, the knots eventually move upon repeated opening and closing of the bag. When a knot comes to rest on the shoulder of a user, the knot can cause discomfort. The user must periodically adjust the shoulder loops so that knots no longer rest on the shoulders of the user. In the event that the knot moves to the opening of the channel or the point of attachment at a corner of the bag, the knot can get stuck and cause the shoulder loops to become uneven upon repeated opening and closing of the bag. Irrespective of the configuration of knot employed in attaching each of the drawstrings to a lower corner of the bag, the lack of a way of opening a closed bag without the user placing his fingers/hand between the drawn front and back walls of the bag contributes to the unevenness of the shoulder loops and the traveling of the knots. Uneven shoulder loops and traveling knots that get stuck at the opening of the channel or the point of attachment at a corner of the bag cause unnecessary stress to the bag, thereby accelerating wear and tear. Typical drawstring bags also suffer from uneven loops, traveling knots, and the lack of a way of opening a closed bag.

Although it is generally understood by users of typical drawstring backpacks that such backpacks are not intended for carrying heavy loads, users occasionally find themselves faced with carrying a heavy load. Given that typical drawstring backpacks employ knots to attach the shoulder loops to the bag, the drawstring can only be as large as that which can still be knotted. Thus, another disadvantage attendant the typical drawstring backpack is that the thinness of the shoulder loops results in the loops digging into the shoulders of the user when carrying a heavy load in the backpack.

In view of the above, there is a need for a drawstring bag, in particular a drawstring backpack, which does not suffer from the disadvantages of typical drawstring bags and backpacks. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide such a drawstring bag, as well as a drawstring tote, and a drawstring backpack. This and other objects and advantages, as well as inventive features, will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein.

SUMMARY

A drawstring bag is provided. The drawstring bag comprises a flexible container, a first channel-anchored drawstring, a second channel-anchored drawstring, and, optionally, grips. The flexible container has at least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two openings. The first drawstring has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near a first opening of the channel and the second end passes through the channel to a second opening of the channel, where it extends outwardly to form a first loop and then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the first opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near the first opening. The second drawstring has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the container at or near the second opening and the second end passes through the channel to the first opening, where it extends outwardly to form a second loop, which is equal in length to the first loop, and then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the second opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near the second opening. Optionally, a grip is present and adjacent to the first opening of the channel and another grip is present and adjacent to the second opening of the channel.

A tote is also provided. The tote comprises a drawstring bag as described above and further comprises at least one handle, such as a first handle and a second handle, and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener. The first and second handles are attached to a surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel such that the first and second handles are directly opposite each other, either both attached to the exterior surface of the at least one wall or both attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall, and optionally padded. The drawstring bag can be carried by either the first handle and the second handle or, when the opener is closed, by the strap as a tote. The closed bottom of the tote can be flat. The at least one wall of the tote can comprise a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls, in which case the channel runs along the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open top end of the container, the first opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the container, and the second opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the container. The tote can further comprise a bottom support panel, which optionally is removable. The tote can further comprise at least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag. At least one pocket can be made from netting. The tote can further comprise a wallet or an identification holder, either of which is tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, an attachment sleeve or an attachment strap, and/or an attacher for a key holder and, optionally, a key holder.

A backpack is also provided. The backpack comprises a drawstring bag as described above, wherein the drawstrings are long enough to form shoulder loops, a first point of attachment, and a second point of attachment. The first point of attachment and the second point of attachment are located along the edge of the at least one wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container and are at least substantially vertically aligned with the first and second openings, respectively, of the channel. In this case, the first drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the second opening of the channel to form the first loop, passes through the second point of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of the channel to the first opening, and the second drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the first opening of the channel to form the second loop, passes through the first point of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of the channel to the second opening. The backpack can further comprise at least one handle, such as a first handle and a second handle, and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener. The first and second handles are attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel such that the first and second handles are directly opposite each other and optionally padded. The backpack can be carried either by the first handle and the second handle or, when the opener is closed, by the strap as a tote or, optionally, the backpack can be turned inside out and then carried by either the first handle and the second handle or the strap as a tote. The closed bottom of the backpack can be flat. The at least one wall can comprise a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls, in which case the channel runs along the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open top, the first opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the container, the second opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the container, and the first point of attachment and the second point of attachment are located along the edge of the back wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container. The backpack can further comprise a bottom support panel, which optionally is removable. The backpack can further comprise at least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag. At least one pocket can be made from netting. The backpack can further comprise a port for earphone access, a wallet or an identification holder, either of which is tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, an attachment sleeve or an attachment strap, and/or an attacher for a key holder and, optionally, a key holder. The backpack can comprise removable pads for the shoulder straps. The backpack can comprise a drawstring length adjuster at or near where each of the first and second drawstrings is anchored. The drawstring length adjuster can be movably attached to the grip.

A method of stabilizing a drawstring having a first end and a second end in a flexible container having at least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two openings, is also provided. The method comprises anchoring the first end and the second end of the drawstring by attachment to the at least one wall of the container at or near an opening of the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a drawing of a prior art drawstring bag showing one configuration of knot.

FIG. 2 (PRIOR ART) is a drawing of a prior art drawstring bag showing another configuration of knot.

FIG. 3 (PRIOR ART) is a drawing of a prior art drawstring bag showing yet another configuration of knot.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a drawstring bag in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5a is a drawing of a tote in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5b is a drawing of an alternative configuration of a tote in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6a is a drawing of an open backpack with handles extended in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6b is a drawing of an open backpack with handles extended and an alternative configuration of the grip 61.

FIG. 6c is a drawing of an open backpack with handles extended and drawstrings anchored with a drawstring length adjuster on the inside and a grip.

FIG. 6d is a drawing of an open backpack with handles extended and drawstrings anchored with a drawstring length adjuster on the outside and a grip.

FIG. 6e is a drawing of an open backpack with handles extended and drawstrings anchored with a traveling drawstring length adjuster movably attached to a grip.

FIG. 6f is a drawing of a partially deconstructed side view of the area of the traveling drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6e.

FIG. 6g is another drawing of a partially deconstructed side view of the area of the traveling drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6e, wherein the arrows show that the drawstring length adjuster can move in both directions along the grip.

FIG. 6h is a drawing of an open backpack with handles extended and drawstrings anchored with a drawstring length adjuster on the outside.

FIG. 6i is a close-up view of the area of the drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6h.

FIG. 6j is a drawing of a partially deconstructed view of the area of the drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6h.

FIG. 6k is a drawing of a closed backpack with a strap comprising elongated grips connected by a closed opener.

FIG. 6l is a close-up view of the area of the strap comprising elongated grips delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6k with the opener in an open position.

FIG. 7a is a drawing of a closed backpack in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7b is a drawing of an alternative configuration of the point of attachment 31 in FIG. 7a.

FIG. 7c is a drawing of another alternative configuration of the point of attachment 31 in FIG. 7a.

FIG. 7d is a drawing of yet another alternative configuration of the point of attachment 31 in FIG. 7a.

FIG. 8a is a drawing of the open backpack of FIG. 6a turned inside out with handles extended.

FIG. 8b is a drawing of an open backpack turned inside out with an alternative configuration of handles extended.

FIG. 8c is a drawing of an open backpack turned inside out with an alternative configuration of handles extended.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of an open backpack with sidewalls, handles extended, an alternative configuration of the grip 61, and an alternative configuration of the point of attachment 31.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of the open backpack of FIG. 9 turned inside out with handles extended.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of the channel-anchored drawstrings, grips, and points of attachment of the open backpack of FIG. 6a in the absence of the at least one wall and channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is predicated, at least in part, on the discovery that a drawstring can be stabilized such that periodic adjustments of loops, in particular shoulder loops, of drawstring bags, totes, and backpacks can be reduced, e.g., substantially minimized and, perhaps, even eliminated, and that knots, in particular traveling knots, in the drawstrings of bags, totes, and backpacks can be avoided by anchoring the drawstrings at the open top of the bag, e.g., at or near the openings of the channel through which the drawstrings are drawn. The present disclosure is further predicated, at least in part, on the discovery that placement of grips to open a closed drawstring at the top of the bag, e.g., at the openings of the channel through which the drawstrings are drawn, helps to stabilize the drawstring so as to reduce, e.g., minimize substantially and, perhaps, even eliminate, the need for periodic adjustment of the loops. The avoidance of knots also allows the use of a heavier drawstring, which reduces discomfort of the drawstring when worn as a shoulder loop of a drawstring backpack, particularly when the backpack is filled with a heavy load. In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure provides a bag, a tote, and a backpack, all of which employ channel-anchored drawstrings. The following terms are relevant to the present disclosure:

(a) “Backpack” is used herein to refer to a bag, a sack, a pouch, a pack, and the like that can be worn, but not necessarily worn, on a back, such as a back of a person. The bag can be worn on one shoulder or an arm or carried by hand, if so desired. Alternative terms used to describe a backpack include, but are not limited to, a backbag, a backsack, a backpouch, a rucksack, and a knapsack. Use of the term “backpack” herein is intended to encompass any and all such alternative terms.

(b) “Channel” is used herein to refer to a structure along the edge of the open top of a bag, tote, or backpack through which the drawstrings are drawn to close the top. The channel can be an enclosed sleeve, such as exemplified in the drawings herein, a series of rings, a series of tubes, a series of loops, a combination of any of the foregoing, and the like provided that the drawstring can be drawn, preferably with ease, through the channel to close the top. In this regard, the channel can be made from any suitable material, such as the material from which the at least one wall is made, e.g., fabric as described further herein, plastic, metal, or the like. If the channel is made from the material from which the at least one wall is made, the upper edge of the wall can be turned down and secured, such as by stitching, adhesive, or fasteners, for example. The channel comprises at least two openings through which the drawstrings are drawn to form loops, such as shoulder loops, such as exemplified in the drawings herein. Depending on the structure, the channel can comprise three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12 or more, such as four, six, eight, 10, or 12, openings. Preferably, the drawstrings are drawn through openings that are equidistant apart.

(c) “Drawstring” is used herein to refer to a string, a cord, and the like that can be drawn to close the top on a bag, a tote, or a backpack. If desired, a rope, a cable, or a chain can be used as a drawstring. The drawstring can have any suitably shaped cross-section, such as round, rectangular, or oval; desirably, the cross-sectional shape and composition of the drawstring do not adversely affect the opening and closing of the top of the bag, the tote, or the backpack and the comfort of the drawstring when the backpack is worn on one or both shoulders. Alternative terms used to describe a drawstring include a drawcord and the like. Both ends of the drawstring are anchored at or near an opening in the channel in accordance with the present disclosure. While a knot may be tolerated if it is located on a part of the drawstring that is not drawn through the channel (as described in (b) above) or a point of attachment (as described in (g) below) and, in the case of a backpack, not located in the shoulder region of the loop, preferably and desirably, the drawstring is knotless.

(d) “Drawstring length adjuster” is used herein to refer to any mechanism that can adjust the length of the drawstring. While an adjuster can be used in any embodiment, it is most likely to be used in the backpack embodiment to adjust the length of the drawstrings, so as to adjust the length of the shoulder loops for a more custom fit to the user of the backpack. Preferably, the adjuster is positioned to anchor the drawstring at or near the open top of the bag, e.g., such as adjacent to the openings of the channel through which the drawstrings are drawn. When an adjuster is used, the drawstring is passed through the adjusting mechanism and temporarily locked until more adjustments are needed. The adjuster can be attached to the inside or the outside of the at least one wall of the container where the drawstring is anchored. The adjuster can be attached to the at least one wall of the container together with or separate from the grip, if included. When the adjuster is attached to the outside of the at least one wall, the drawstring length adjuster or one or both loops/ends (as described herein) of the drawstring, alone or in further combination with the drawstring length adjuster, can be used as a grip, in which case the grip shown as (61) in the figures herein can be absent. Alternatively, the adjuster can be attached to the at least one wall of the container via the grip itself. For example, a grip, which comprises a loop, one end of which is attached to the outside of the at least one wall and the other end of which is attached to the inside of the at least one wall, can be employed. The adjuster then can be attached to the loop, thereby allowing it to travel from one side of the at least one wall to the other side of the at least one wall, so that the excess length of the drawstring and the adjuster, itself, can be on the inside or outside of the container, depending on user preference. Examples of mechanisms that can be used as adjusters include, but are not limited to, a cord clamp, a cord cinch, a cord clinch, a cord stopper (e.g., a two-holed cord stopper), a double-holed locking toggle, and a cord lock, such as those available from Universal Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (UMX), Walnut, Calif., Jo-Ann Super Stores, and globalsource.com. See, also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,403 for an example of a double cord clinch. A cam buckle, which can be flat or round and which is preferably flat, also can be used. Preferably, the drawstring length adjuster comprises a double-cord stopper with a slot that can be used to attach the adjuster to the at least one wall of the container. The adjuster can be made of metal, zinc-alloy, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, plastic, and the like.

(e) “Grip” is used herein to refer to a tab, a loop, a hoop, a handle, and the like that can be gripped to open a closed drawstring bag, tote, or backpack. The grip can be made from any suitable material, such as fabric, plastic, metal, or the like. The grip can comprise a loop, one end of which is attached to the outside of the at least one wall and the other end of which is attached to the inside of the at least one wall.

(f) “Attacher for a key holder” is used herein to refer to any mechanism that can attach a key holder, e.g., a key ring, to the drawstring bag, tote, or backpack. Examples include a spring ring clasp, a D-ring, a lobster claw clasp, a bolt snap, a snap hook, a gate hook, a carabiner key hook, and the like, such as those available from UMX. If a key holder, such as a key ring, is included, the attachment between the key holder and the attacher can be mated, e.g., a magnetic snap, a hook and look fastener, and the like, can be employed.

(g) “Point of attachment” is used herein to refer to the place along the edge of the at least one wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container where a drawstring movably attaches, either directly or indirectly. Preferably, the points of attachment are transverse and at least substantially vertically aligned with the openings of the channel. The point of attachment can comprise a grommet, a loop(s), a ring(s), a tube(s), a hole reinforced along its edge with thread, alone or in further combination with interfacing, or the like, or any combination thereof, provided that the diameter of the opening of the grommet, loop, ring, tube, and/or hole, is sufficient to allow a drawstring to pass, preferably, easily, through its opening. If desired, the drawstring can be removably attached to the point of attachment, such as by a swivel hook, which can comprise a spring ring clasp, a lobster claw clasp, a bolt snap, a snap hook, a gate hook, a carabiner hook, and the like. For example, the drawstring can be looped through the bottom loop of the swivel hook and the hook, itself, can be attached to the point of attachment. Alternatively, the bottom loop of the swivel hook can be attached to the point of attachment and the hook, itself, can be attached to the drawstring. This sort of attachment allows the drawstrings to be detached from the bottom of the bag and stored inside of the backpack, for example, such as when carried as a tote, if desired.

(h) “Tote” is used herein to refer to a bag with at least one handle. A tote is typically carried by hand, although if the at least one handle is long enough, the tote can be carried on an arm or worn over one shoulder. If a tote has a shoulder strap, the strap can be used to carry the tote over one shoulder or cross-body.

The above terminology is provided for the purpose of describing particular embodiments. The terminology is not intended to be limiting.

The drawstring bag comprises a flexible container, a first channel-anchored drawstring, a second channel-anchored drawstring, and, optionally, grips. The flexible container has at least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two openings. The flexible container can be made from any suitable material, dependent, at least in part, on the particular end use. For example, if the drawstring bag is to be used to store shoes, a breathable fabric, with or without an antimicrobial finish, can be desirable. If, on the other hand, the drawstring bag is to be used to store wet clothing, a waterproof fabric, with or without a mildew-resistant finish, can be desirable. If the drawstring bag is to be used as a laundry bag, a durable fabric can be desirable. Thus, the flexible container can be made from polyester (e.g., ripstop polyester), nylon (e.g., nylon mesh, poly nylon mesh, ripstop nylon, and ballistic nylon), cotton, Dacron, and the like, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) fabric laminate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fabric laminate, canvas (e.g., 24 ounce canvas, such as 24 ounce batterproof canvas), Dacron sailcloth, laminate sailcloth, duck fabric, ticking, muslin, leather, and suede, among others. The flexible container can have one continuous wall, a front wall and a back wall, such as with a fold on one side and a seam on the other side or with seams on both sides, or a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls, among others. The closed bottom can result from the folding or seaming of the at least one continuous wall at the bottom edge. Alternatively, the closed bottom can be a separate wall of any shape, such as a square, a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or an octagon, which is attached to the at least one continuous wall. Likewise, the open top can have any shape and need not mirror the shape of the closed bottom. Preferably, the shape of the open top does not adversely affect the drawing of the drawstring through the channel to close the top.

The first drawstring has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near a first opening of the channel and the second end passes through the channel to a second opening of the channel, where it extends outwardly to form a first loop and then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the first opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near the first opening. The second drawstring has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the container at or near the second opening and the second end passes through the channel to the first opening, where it extends outwardly to form a second loop, which is equal in length to the first loop, and then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the second opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near the second opening. The drawstring can be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, a string, a cord (e.g., twisted or woven), a rope, a strap, a cable, or a chain and the like that can be drawn to close the top on a bag, a tote, or a backpack. The drawstring can be made of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, manila, sisal, cotton, leather, and the like. A heavier cord, which is more comfortable when worn on the shoulders, can be preferred in the backpack. The drawstrings can be attached to the inside or outside of the container, e.g., by stitches, by adhesive, or by a plastic or metal fastener (e.g., a rivet or a D-ring).

If present, a grip is adjacent to the first opening of the channel, and another grip is adjacent to the second opening of the channel. The grip can be a tab, a loop, a hoop, a strap, a webbing, a handle, or the like that can be gripped to open a closed bag, tote, or backpack. The grip can be made from any suitable material, such as fabric (e.g., nylon (e.g., nylon mesh fabric, poly nylon mesh, and ballistic nylon), TPE fabric laminate, TPU fabric laminate, polyester, cotton (e.g., cotton canvas), and acrylic), leather, plastic (e.g., polypropylene), metal, or the like. The grip can be oriented in any suitable direction, such as an upward direction (see, e.g., FIG. 6a) or a downward direction (see, e.g., FIG. 6b). Such grips are preferably present, since they can be gripped to open a closed bag, tote, or backpack and help to minimize substantially and, perhaps, even eliminate the need for periodic adjustment of the loops. The ends of a drawstring can be placed between the grip and the exterior surface of the at least one wall for attachment; alternatively, the ends of a drawstring can be placed on the interior surface of the at least one wall directly behind the grip for attachment. In doing so, the grip and the drawstring are attached to the at least one wall at the same place and can be attached to the at least one wall at the same time.

An example of a drawstring bag in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a side view of the drawstring bag (10) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), and one configuration of grips (61). The dimensions and overall shape of the drawstring bag will depend, at least in part, on its end use. Such dimensions and shapes are known to those in the art.

The tote comprises a drawstring bag as described above and at least one handle, such as a first handle and a second handle, and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener. The first and second handles are attached to the surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel such that the first and second handles are directly opposite each other, either both attached to the exterior surface of the at least one wall or both attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall, and optionally padded. The handles can be collapsible (e.g., due to the nature of the fabric used to construct the handles or due to the use of hinges) or retractable. The handles can be, but do not have to be, attached to or part of strapping (or the like) that goes down one wall, around the bottom of the tote and up the other wall (see, e.g., FIGS. 5a and 5b (in further combination with partial front, back and side wall reinforcement and full bottom reinforcement), thereby providing added strength and stability to the tote. Alternatively, the handles can be, but do not have to be, attached to or part of strapping (or the like) that goes around the container near the top of the container (see, e.g., handles in backpacks of FIGS. 8b and 8c), alone (see, e.g., FIG. 8b) or in further combination with strapping or other reinforcing material that goes down one side, around the bottom of the tote, and up the other side (see, e.g., FIG. 8c (in further combination with partial front and back reinforcement)). Thus, the handles can be strapping, webbing and the like, and can be made from any suitable material, such as nylon (e.g., nylon mesh fabric, poly nylon mesh, and ballistic nylon), TPE fabric laminate, TPU fabric laminate, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, acrylic, and the like, including blends thereof, and can be twisted (like rope) or woven (like webbing or strapping). If desired, the handles can be made from leather, plastic or wood, such as bamboo, and then attached to the at least one wall using one of the other materials, directly or indirectly, such as by use of a D-ring or similar component, which provides a point at which the handle can collapse. The attachment of the handles to the at least one wall can be reinforced, such as by the use of stitching, fasteners, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the tote can comprise a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener (see, e.g., the elongated grips in the backpack of FIGS. 6k and 6l). When the opener is closed, the tote can be carried by the strap.

The closed bottom of the tote can be flat. The at least one wall of the tote can comprise a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls (or more as described above), in which case the channel runs along the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open top end of the container, the first opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the container, and the second opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the container. The tote can further comprise a bottom support panel, which optionally is removable. The tote can further comprise at least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag. One pocket can be made from netting and can have elastic or a drawstring cinch along the open edge. The tote can further comprise a wallet or an identification holder, either of which is tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, a sleeve, such as on the back wall of the tote, or a strap, such as on the back wall of the tote or on the top of the tote, for attachment to a handle on a piece of luggage or a bicycle, for example, and/or an attacher for a key holder and, optionally, a key holder.

Examples of totes in accordance with the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. FIGS. 5a and 5b are side views of the totes (11) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), one configuration of grips (61), and handles (71). The tote of FIG. 5b differs from that of FIG. 5a in the configuration of the bottom and sides of the tote. Those in the art will appreciate that the dimensions and overall shape of the tote can vary.

The backpack comprises a drawstring bag as described, wherein the drawstrings are long enough to form shoulder loops, a first point of attachment, and a second point of attachment. The first point of attachment and the second point of attachment are located along the edge of the at least one wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container and preferably are at least substantially vertically aligned with the first opening and the second opening, respectively, of the channel. In this case, the first drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the second opening of the channel to form the first loop, passes through the second point of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of the channel to the first opening, and the second drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the first opening of the channel to form the second loop, passes through the first point of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of the channel to the second opening.

The backpack can further comprise at least one handle, such as a first handle and a second handle, and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener, as described above. The first and second handles are attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel such that the first and second handles are directly opposite each other and optionally padded. The handles can be collapsible (e.g., due to the nature of the fabric used to construct the handles or due to the use of hinges) or retractable. The handles can be, but do not have to be, attached to or part of strapping (or the like) that, for example, goes down one wall, around the bottom of the tote and up the other wall (see, e.g., FIGS. 6a-e and 6h), thereby providing added strength and stability to the tote. Alternatively, the handles can be, but do not have to be, attached to or part of strapping (or the like) that, for example, goes around the container near the top of the container (see, e.g., FIGS. 8b and 8c), alone (see, e.g., FIG. 8b) or in further combination with strapping or other reinforcing material that, for example, goes down one side, around the bottom of the tote, and up the other side seam (see, e.g., FIG. 8c (in further combination with partial front and back reinforcement)). Thus, the handles can be made from any suitable material, such as nylon, polyester, or cotton, and the like, including blends thereof, and can be twisted (like rope) or woven (like strapping or webbing). If desired, the handles can be made from leather, plastic or wood, such as bamboo, and then attached to the at least one wall using one of the other materials, directly or indirectly, such as by use of a D-ring or similar component, which provides a point at which the handles can collapse. The attachment of the handles to the at least one wall can be reinforced, such as by the use of stitching, adhesive, fasteners, and the like. The backpack can be carried by the first handle and the second handle as a tote or, optionally, the backpack can be turned inside out and then carried by the first handle and the second handle as a tote. Additionally or alternatively, the backpack can comprise a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener (see, e.g., FIGS. 6k and 6l). When the opener is closed, the backpack can be carried by the strap.

The closed bottom of the backpack can be flat. The at least one wall can comprise a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls (or more as described above), in which case the channel runs along the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open top end of the container, the first opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the container, the second opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the container, and the first point of attachment and the second point of attachment are located along the edge of the back wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container, wherein the first point of attachment is preferably at least substantially vertically aligned with the first opening and the second point of attachment is preferably at least substantially vertically aligned with the second opening. The points of attachment can be reinforced using methods known in the art, such as interfacing, a gusset (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6a, which can be triangular or any other suitable shape, such as U-shaped). The backpack can further comprise a bottom support panel, which optionally is removable.

The backpack can further comprise at least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag. The pocket can be closed in accordance with methods known in the art, such as a zipper, a snap, a hook and loop closure, and the like. One pocket can be made from netting and can have elastic or a drawstring cinch along the open edge. The backpack can further comprise a port for earphone access, a wallet or identification holder, either of which is tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, an attachment sleeve, such as on the back wall of the backpack, or an attachment strap, such as on the back wall of the backpack or on the top of the backpack, for attachment to a handle on a piece of luggage or a bicycle, for example, and/or an attacher for a key holder and, optionally, a key holder. The backpack can comprise removable pads for the shoulder straps. The backpack can comprise a drawstring length adjuster where each of the first and second drawstrings is anchored (see, e.g., FIGS. 6c, 6d, and 6h-6j). The drawstring length adjuster can be movably attached to a grip (see, e.g., FIGS. 6e-6g).

An example of a backpack in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 6a-11. FIGS. 6a-6e are drawings of a side view of an open backpack (12) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), which are long enough to form shoulder loops, grips (61), and handles (71), which are attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall. In FIG. 6a, the grip comprises a loop that is attached to the at least one wall in an upward orientation, whereas in FIG. 6b, the grip comprises a loop that is attached to the at least one wall in a downward orientation. FIG. 6c shows a drawstring length adjuster (24) attached to the inside of the at least one wall, whereas FIG. 6d shows a drawstring length adjuster (24) attached to the outside of the at least one wall. The drawstring length adjuster can be used to anchor the drawstring to the wall of the container. When a drawstring length adjuster (24) is used, the drawstring preferably comprises a modification of its ends (63), such as a knot or an end cap to prevent fraying, the passing of the end of the drawstring out of the drawstring length adjuster, and the like. If desired, a single end cap can be used to cover both ends of the drawstring. When the drawstring length adjuster (24) is attached to the outside of the at least one wall, the drawstring length adjuster (24) or one or both ends of the drawstring, alone or in further combination with the drawstring length adjuster (24), can be used as a grip, in which case the grip (61) can be absent. In this regard, the modification of the end of the drawstring (63) can have features that make it more grip-like, such as a rubber or plastic modification (63) with a textured surface and an ergonomic shape for ease of gripping by the thumb and forefinger, for example. FIG. 6e is a drawing of an open backpack (12) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), grips (61), traveling drawstring length adjusters (24) attached to the grips (61), and modifications of the ends (63) of the drawstring. FIG. 6f is a drawing of a partially deconstructed side view of the area of the traveling drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6e showing the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), the grips (61), the traveling drawstring length adjusters (24) attached to the grips (61), and the modifications of the ends (63) of the drawstring. FIG. 6g is another drawing of a partially deconstructed side view of the area of the traveling drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6e showing the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), the grips (61), the traveling drawstring length adjusters (24) attached to the grips (61), and the modifications of the ends (63) of the drawstring, wherein the arrows indicate the ability of the drawstring length adjuster to move (in both directions) along the grip. FIG. 6h is a drawing of an open backpack (12) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), which are long enough to form shoulder loops, drawstring length adjusters (24), grips (61), and handles (71), which are attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall and extended. In this embodiment, the grips (61) are formed when the ends of the drawstrings are attached to the at least one wall and the lengths of the drawstrings (41) are shortened with the drawstring length adjusters (24), whereupon loops are formed by the excess lengths of the drawstrings that then can be used as grips. FIG. 6i is a close-up view of the area of the drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6h showing the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), the drawstring length adjuster (24), and the grip (61). FIG. 6j is a drawing of a partially deconstructed view of the area of the drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6h showing the opening of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), the drawstring length adjuster (24), and the grip (61). FIG. 6k is a drawing of a closed backpack (12) showing the at least one wall (21), channels (22), openings of the channel (23), drawstrings (41), points of attachment (31), and a strap comprising elongated grips (61) connected by an opener. FIG. 6l is a close-up view of the area of the elongated grips delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6k showing the elongated grips (61) and the openings of the channel (23). FIG. 7a is a drawing of a side view of a closed backpack (12) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), which are long enough to form shoulder loops, and one configuration of grips (61). FIGS. 7b-7d are drawings of alternative configurations of the points of attachment (31) in FIG. 7a showing the points of attachment (31) and the drawstrings (41). FIG. 8a is a drawing of the open backpack (12) of FIG. 6a turned inside out with handles (71) extended showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), and the drawstrings (41). FIGS. 8b and 8c are drawings of an open backpack (12) turned inside out showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings to the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), and alternative configurations of handles (71) extended. FIG. 9 is a drawing of an open backpack (12), in which the at least one wall (21) comprises sidewalls and the handles (71) are extended, showing the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), which are long enough to form shoulder loops, one configuration of grips (61), and one configuration of the point of attachment (31). FIG. 10 is a drawing of the open backpack (12) of FIG. 9 turned inside out with handles (71) extended. FIG. 11 is a drawing of the channel-anchored drawstrings (41), grips (61), and points of attachment (31) of the open backpack of FIG. 6a in the absence of the at least one wall and channels. Those in the art will appreciate that the dimensions and overall shape of the backpack can vary.

If desired, the backpack can comprise more than one compartment, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more compartments. Compartments can be created by an organizer (see, e.g., U.S. Design Pat. No. 524,544 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,909), which can be removably attached to one or more walls, or by attachment of dividers to the interior surfaces of at least two walls. Dividers can be removably attached to at least two walls, or fixedly attached to one wall and then removably attached to one or more other walls. Dividers can be removably attached by hook and loop (e.g., Velcro®), snaps (e.g., ball and socket (including covered and uncovered, sew and no sew (e.g., attached with cleats), metal, plastic and nylon, and ranging in size from fine to heavy as appropriate for use), and magnetic), hook and eye closures, button and loop closures, and the like. Dividers that are removably attached to at least two sidewalls can be stored with the backpack, such as in one or more pockets in one or more sidewalls, if desired. Internal walls that are fixedly attached to one wall (i.e., the “fixed wall”) and removably attached to one or more other walls can be removably attached to the fixed sidewall for storage when not in use.

The bag, tote, and backpack described herein can be manufactured in accordance with any suitable method known in the art. Such methods include sewing, gluing, and the use of fasteners, such as rivets, grommets, and the like. An example of a method of making a backpack is set forth in the Example.

In view of the above, a method of stabilizing a drawstring having a first end and a second end in a flexible container having at least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two openings, is provided. The method comprises anchoring the first end and the second end of the drawstring by attachment to the wall of the container at or near an opening of the channel, whereupon the drawstring in the flexible container is stabilized.

The following example serves to illustrate the present disclosure. It is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention in any way.

EXAMPLE

This example describes the construction of the backpack as shown in FIG. 6a.

A rectangle of flexible material was cut. An open-ended channel was constructed along each of the shorter ends of the rectangle by folding the top edge of the fabric down and sewing along the folded-down, cut edge. The width of the channel was large enough to allow two drawstrings to pass by each other in the channel. Strapping was sewn on one side of the material to form a handle at each of the shorter ends of the rectangle. The rectangle was then folded in half so that the channels were facing each other and the strapping, which formed the handles, was on the inside. Then, the sides were sewn up from the fold to the base of the channel, thereby forming a container with an open top and a closed bottom. Each of the bottom corners was then sewn with a slanted line, as a hypotenuse to form a right triangle with each corner being the right angle, and a grommet was positioned inside each of the triangles, thereby transferring stress to a sewn seam, rather than the grommet. Shoulder loops were formed by stringing and anchoring two drawstrings. One drawstring was looped through the left bottom grommet, and then one end of the drawstring was threaded through one channel from left to right, while the other end was threaded through the other channel from left to right, and both ends of the drawstring were anchored near the opening of the channel on the right side. The other drawstring was looped through the right bottom grommet, and then one end of the drawstring was threaded through one channel from right to left, while the other end was threaded through the other channel from right to left, and both ends of the drawstring were anchored near the opening of the channel on the left side. Grips were attached on the outside of the bag where the ends of the drawstrings were anchored.

All patents, patent application publications, and other publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those in the art to which the disclosure pertains. All such publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The invention illustratively described herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element(s) or limitation(s), which is/are not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, each instance herein of any of the terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. Likewise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to “the method” includes one or more methods and/or steps of the type, which are described herein and/or which will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure.

The terms and expressions, which have been employed, are used as terms of description and not of limitation. In this regard, where certain terms are defined in one place and are otherwise defined, described, or discussed elsewhere in the “Detailed Description,” all such definitions, descriptions, and discussions are intended to be attributed to such terms. There also is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof.

It is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed invention. Thus, it should be understood that, although the present invention has been specifically disclosed in the context of preferred embodiments and optional features, those skilled in the art may resort to modifications and variations of the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drawstring bag comprising:

(i) a flexible container having at least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two openings,

(ii) a first anchored drawstring having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near a first opening of the channel and the second end passes through the channel to a second opening of the channel, where it extends outwardly to form a first loop and then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the first opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near the first opening,

(iii) a second anchored drawstring having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the container at or near the second opening and the second end passes through the channel to the first opening, where it extends outwardly to form a second loop, which is equal in length to the first loop, and then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the second opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near the second opening, and

(iv) optionally, a grip adjacent to the first opening of the channel and a grip adjacent to the second opening of the channel.

2. The drawstring bag of claim 1, which further comprises:

(v) at least one handle, and/or

(vi) a strap comprising elongated grips and an opener, which connects the elongated grips,

wherein the drawstring bag can be carried by the at least one handle or, when the opener is closed, by the strap as a tote.

3. The tote of claim 2, wherein the at least one handle comprises:

a first handle, which is attached to a surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel, and a second handle, which is attached to the same surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel,

wherein the first handle and the second handle are directly opposite each other, either both attached to the exterior surface of the at least one wall or both attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall, and optionally padded, and/or

the strap comprising elongated grips and an opener,

whereupon, the drawstring bag can be carried by either the first handle and the second handle or, when the opener is closed, the strap as a tote.

4. The tote of claim 2, wherein the closed bottom is flat, the at least one wall comprises a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls, the channel runs along the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open top end of the container, the first opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the container, and the second opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the container.

5. The tote of claim 4, which further comprises a bottom support panel, which optionally is removable.

6. The tote of claim 2, which further comprises at least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag.

7. The tote of claim 6, wherein at least one pocket is made from netting.

8. The tote of claim 2, which further comprises (vii) a wallet or an identification holder, either of which is tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, (viii) an attachment sleeve or an attachment strap, and/or (ix) an attacher for a key holder and, optionally, a key holder.

9. The drawstring bag of claim 1, which further comprises:

(v) a first point of attachment and a second point of attachment, which are located along the edge of the at least one wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container and at least substantially vertically aligned with the first opening and the second opening, respectively, of the channel, in which case the first drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the second opening of the channel to form the first loop, passes through the second point of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of the channel to the first opening, and the second drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the first opening of the channel to form the second loop, passes through the first point of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of the channel to the second opening.

10. The drawstring bag of claim 9, which is a backpack and wherein the loops are shoulder loops.

11. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises:

(vi) at least one handle, and/or

(vii) a strap comprising elongated grips and an opener, which connects the elongated grips,

wherein the backpack can be carried by the at least one handle or, when the opener is closed, by the strap as a tote.

12. The backpack of claim 11, wherein the at least one handle comprises:

a first handle, which is attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel, and a second handle, which is attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel,

wherein the first handle and the second handle are directly opposite each other and optionally padded, and/or

the strap comprising elongated grips and an opener,

whereupon, the backpack can be carried by either the first handle and the second handle or, when the opener is closed, the strap as a tote or, optionally, the backpack can be turned inside out and then carried by either the first handle and the second handle or the strap as a tote.

13. The backpack of claim 10, wherein the closed bottom is flat, the at least one wall comprises a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls, the channel runs along the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open top end of the container, the first opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the container, the second opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the container, and the first point of attachment and the second point of attachment are located along the edge of the back wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container, wherein the first point of attachment is at least substantially vertically aligned with the first opening and the second point of attachment is at least substantially vertically aligned with the second opening.

14. The backpack of claim 13, which further comprises a bottom support panel, which optionally is removable.

15. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises at least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag.

16. The backpack of claim 15, wherein at least one pocket is made from netting.

17. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises (vi) a wallet or an identification holder, either of which is tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, (vii) a port for earphone access, (viii) an attachment sleeve or an attachment strap, and/or (ix) an attacher for a key holder and, optionally, a key holder.

18. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises removable shoulder pads.

19. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises a drawstring length adjuster at or near where each of the first and second drawstrings is anchored.

20. The backpack of claim 19, wherein the drawstring length adjuster is movably attached to the grip.

21. A method of stabilizing a drawstring having a first end and a second end in a flexible container having at least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two openings, which method comprises anchoring the first end and the second end of the drawstring by attachment to the at least one wall of the container at or near an opening of the channel, whereupon the drawstring in the flexible container is stabilized.