Flex bag

Abstract

The invention provides a sturdy, reusable shopping bag manufactured of 100% recycled materials providing a sturdier and more resilient alternative to traditional reusable shopping bags. Woven in a similar manner as macrame, the Flex Bag comprises a wide, stretchable weave to accommodate items placed within an elongated and extra large cylindrical shaped storage compartment. Woven into the design of the bag are two sturdy handles, with each handle featuring two, ten inch “slings” which connect the handles to the bag. The convenient draw string style strap located at the top of the Flex Bag enables the user to easily hold the handles together, securing groceries and other goods during travel. Ergonomically designed shoulder straps make the task of carrying groceries and other goods comfortable and easy.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/458,993 filed Dec. 3, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Flex Bag.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of shopping and carrying bags and more specifically to the field of reusable shopping bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for reusable shopping and carrying bags. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,860 to Timothy P. Brennan describes a reusable shopping bag assembly comprising flexible woven material and a plurality of compartments within the primary bag for storing for carrying auxiliary bags for use, as needed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,743 to Annette C. Pulido and Barbara Frank describes a reusable utility bag system having a multiple purpose reusable and collapsible utility or shopping bag releasably attached by a lanyard to a pocket-sized carrier into which the bag folds for storage when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. D547,059 to Andrew V. Keller describes a reusable bag having a drawstring closure at the top perimeter and a clip for attachment.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved reusable woven shopping bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the improved shopping bag of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Taking a trip to the grocery store is a regular occurrence for most consumers. Whether quickly stopping in to purchase a TV dinner and snack foods, or spending an entire Saturday afternoon loading a cart up with enough food to feed one's family for the week, grocery stores provide consumers with thousands of food and household items to meet their individual needs. Ranging from the small, privately owned “Mom & Pop” stores found in neighborhoods and small towns, the midsize supermarkets found in virtually every local community, and the increasingly popular “Super-centers” springing up in busy metropolitan areas and rural areas alike, grocery stores and supermarkets are visited by millions of consumers daily. Upon purchasing groceries, goods are typically packed in plastic grocery bags to be transported home by the consumer. Unfortunately, plastic grocery bags have proven to be hazardous to the environment, thus many conscientious consumers are opting for reusable grocery bags as a means of transporting groceries from the store, to their car and to the home. Extremely practical, these bags can be used repeatedly, thus reducing the amount of bags which clog landfills and wreak havoc on the environment. Perhaps the only drawback associated with reusable bags is that they can be less than sturdy. Typically manufactured of lightweight fabric material, reusable shopping bags can become torn and frayed and the handles of the bag can be pulled loose and break over time.

Having recognized the vast practicality and environmentally friendly nature of reusable grocery bags, the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Flex Bag, was developed. Simply stated, the Flex Bag is a sturdy, reusable shopping bag manufactured of 100% recycled materials. The expandable Flex Bag provides a sturdier and more resilient alternative to traditional reusable shopping bags. The Flex Bag is produced in sizes small, medium and large. The Flex Bag is manufactured primarily of a recycled plastic fiber material, or other recycled material. Woven in a similar manner as macrame, the Flex Bag comprises a wide, stretchable weave which gently “gives” to accommodate items placed within. The Flex Bag further comprises an elongated and extra large cylindrical shaped storage compartment. Woven into the design of the bag are two sturdy handles, with each handle featuring two, ten inch “slings” which connect the handles to the bag. The Flex Bag is produced in a myriad of attractive colors, as well as a host of neutral hues.

The convenient draw string style strap located at the top of the Flex Bag enables the user to easily hold the handles together, securing groceries and other goods during travel.

The Flex Bag is a cleverly designed product invention which provides consumers a simple and efficient means of transporting heavy groceries. A practical, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper or plastic shopping bags, the Flex Bag easily bears the weight of groceries and other purchased goods, allowing the user to transport their goods in a more comfortable and expeditious manner. Boasting beaded, ergonomically designed shoulder straps which make the task of carrying groceries and other goods comfortable and easy, use of the Flex Bag eliminates the painful cuts and tender fingers, hands and arms.

Ideal for use when transporting groceries, the versatile Flex Bag can be utilized at the local mall or outlet park, enabling consumers to carry a variety of packaged goods, with ease. Eliminating the need for paper or plastic grocery bags as well as traditional reusable bags that can quickly deteriorate and are discarded after use, clogging landfills and causing harm to the environment, the Flex Bag can be reused for years of conscientious shopping.

Very compact in size and lightweight, the Flex Bag fits easily in any pocket, purse, briefcase or backpack and the straps attached to the handles can be used to fold the Flex Bag into a small compact unit while not in use, making it convenient to store and carry. The ends of the straps have Velcro™ attached to the ends of each strap to secure the straps when traveling when the bag is full or to fold and secure the bag in compact form when not in use. The Flex Bag can also be conveniently stored in a vehicle glove compartment or trunk, providing ready access on demand. Durably constructed of quality materials, this innovative accessory will withstand years of repeated use. Affordably priced, the Flex Bag will be well received by the general consumer populace.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. An improved sturdy macrame woven reusable shopping bag device, manufactured of 100% comprising a wide, stretchable weave which gently “gives” to accommodate items placed within an elongated and extra large cylindrical shaped storage compartment.

2. The shopping bag device of claim 1, produced in sizes small, medium and large.

3. The shopping bag device of claim 1 further comprising two sturdy handles, with each handle featuring two, ten inch “slings” which connect the handles to the bag and wherein the handles are woven into the bag.

4. The shopping bag device of claim 3 where the ends of the straps have Velcro™ fasteners attached to the ends of the straps.

5. The shopping bag device of claim 1 produced in a myriad of attractive colors, as well as a host of neutral hues.

6. The shopping bag device of claim 1 further comprising a draw string located at the top of the bag to hold the handles together, and to hold the contents of the bag secure during travel.