CROSS-BODY HANDBAG

Abstract

A bag is disclosed for carrying items on the body of a wearer. The bag is carried at a person's side, between an arm and the torso. The bag has two straps, each of which is configured to encircle a shoulder of a person to allow for secure hands-free carrying of the bag. The strap configuration reduces the likelihood that the bag or its contents will be stolen, and helps the bag stay in place even when a person runs or dances.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/919,810, titled “Cross-Body Handbag,” filed Dec. 22, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

I. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices and methods for transporting personal items on the body of a person. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handbag designed to be worn in such a way that straps from the handbag encircle both shoulders of a person and the personal items are held between an arm and torso of a person.

II. The Related Technology

People today often carry a backpack, purse, satchel or other type of bag or device designed for carrying other things within it. Such bags are designed to be carried by the body on the back, around the waist, over their shoulder, at the side of the torso, in front of the torso, in one hand, and so forth. This allows people to keep their hands or typically at least one hand free for other things, while still allowing them to transport a variety of goods within their bags, such as money, a wallet, sunglasses, cosmetic products, car keys, mobile phones and other electronic devices.

Because purses and bags often carry valuable items, they are often targets for pickpockets and thieves. Particularly while traveling in some cities and countries, people need to be careful to keep their identification, passport, and similar valuables close to their body or otherwise they will increase the risk of their items being stolen from their person. In these and similar circumstances, it may also be desirable for bags and purses to be designed to be worn under clothing. Some such bags have been designed to be worn as “fanny packs” around a person's waist, and others are designed to hang from strings around a person's neck. These bags can be uncomfortable, cause unsightly bulges, and even be readily visible depending on what clothing a person is wearing. A bag which can be worn over or under clothing but that still protects a person's belongings from pickpockets is desired. Further, it is desired to have a bag that is difficult to remove from a person's grasp or body.

Similarly, bags such as purses and backpacks are often difficult to carry while doing things like bicycling, dancing, or running. An improved handbag that permits freedom of movement, minimizes flopping, and prevents the handbag falling off the person is also desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a new and useful design for a bag and a new and useful method of wearing a bag. The bag disclosed herein includes a container portion configured to be carried at a person's side, between an arm of the person and a torso of the person. A shoulder strap connected to the container portion forms a first loop configured to encircle a first shoulder of a person. A first end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap or the container portion. The second end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap or the container portion. The cross-body strap forms a second loop configured to encircle a second shoulder of the person.

When worn, the container portion can be positioned between the arm and torso of the person. The container can include one or more pockets for carrying items. In some embodiments, all or portion of the pockets may have a fastener such as a zipper to open and close the pockets. The bag can be worn by placing a first shoulder through the first loop and the second arm through the second loop.

The bag is useful for assisting persons in carrying items with them while they go about their daily routine. Because the bag has straps encircling both shoulders, the straps do not easily fall off the person's shoulders. In addition, the secure attachment makes it difficult for another person to remove the bag from someone's body by reaching out and pulling it away. The bags and methods disclosed herein may be advantageous for living or traveling in certain countries or cities where pickpocketing and bag theft are frequent occurrences.

Positioning the bag between the body and the arm also allows the wearer of the device to feel the position of the device without the use of hands. Perceiving the bag under the arm frees up the user's hands for other uses. In some embodiments, the position of the arm resting completely or partially over the container and blocking access to the container's compartments increases the difficulty for third party unwanted access to the container. The hands free use and secure attachment to the body allows the bag to be comfortably worn in various activities such as walking, dancing, cycling, running, or riding a motorcycle.

The bag may be worn under clothing or over clothing. In some embodiments, the bag may have a thin profile, which allows the bag to be worn with little visibility. In addition to all of these valuable features, the bag may have a stylish design that is more desirable than tradition secured bags such as “fanny packs”.

These and other features of the embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a bag as disclosed in this application.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates another side view of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1, as viewed from the front of a person wearing the bag.

FIG. 6 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1, as viewed from a side of a person wearing the bag.

FIG. 7 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1, as viewed from the back of a person wearing the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Introduction

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a handbag 100 as disclosed in this application. The term “handbag” and “bag” includes, but is not limited to a “purse.” The term “handbag,” “bag,” and “purse” do not include “holsters.” FIGS. 2 through 4 show the bag 100 of FIG. 1 from different perspectives. The bag 100 comprises a container portion 102, a shoulder strap 104, and a cross-body strap 106. As shown, the container portion 102, shoulder strap 104, and cross-body strap 106 may have each comprised a separate unit prior to being attached to each other. The container portion 102, shoulder strap 104, and cross-body strap 106 may be fastened together at connector sections 108 and 110 to form the bag 100. In another embodiment, the container portion 102, shoulder strap 104, and cross-body strap 106 may comprise one unit by being made out of one continuous type or piece of material. Such an embodiment would have no connector sections 108 or 110.

In another embodiment, the shoulder strap 104 and the cross-body strap 106 may comprise unit by being made out of continuous type or piece of material and the container portion 102 may comprise another unit, and the two units may be joined together by connector sections 108. In another embodiment, the container portion 102 and shoulder strap 104 may comprise one unit, while the cross-body strap 106 comprises another unit, and the two units may be joined together by connector sections 110.

The container portion 102 includes one or more pockets. As shown, the container portion 102 includes two pockets, pocket 112 and pocket 114. As shown, pockets 112 and 114 are configured so that the interior portions (not pictured) of the pockets may be accessed from an exterior surface 116 of the container portion 102. In another embodiment, pocket 112, pocket 114, or pockets 112 and 114 may be configured so that the interior portions (not pictured) of the pockets may be accessed from an interior surface 118 of the container portion 102. (This interior surface 118 is visible and identified in FIG. 2.) In another embodiment, pocket 112, pocket 114, or pockets 112 and 114 may be configured so that the interior portions (not pictured) of the pockets may be accessed from an exterior edge surface of the container portion 102, such as the upper exterior edge 120.

In one embodiment, as pictured, the opening 122 of pocket 112 permits access to an interior portion (not pictured) of the pocket 112 that is located below the opening 122. As pictured, the opening 124 of pocket 114 permits access to an interior portion (not pictured) of the pocket 114 that is located next to the opening 124. As pictured, the openings 122 and 124 may be located perpendicular to each other on the exterior surface 116 of the bag 100. They may also be located parallel to each other or in a variety of arrangements on the bag 100. As pictured, the opening 122 is about five inches long, and the opening 124 is about 5.5 inches long, but the opening lengths may be varied. Additional pockets and openings may be added to the design if desired based on size of the particular embodiment and other fashion considerations.

Pockets 112 and 114 may be used for carrying variety of goods, such as money, a wallet, sunglasses, cosmetic products, car keys, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. The interior portions (not pictured) of pockets 112 and 114 may be partially or entirely made from a separate material from the material used for the exterior surface 116 and interior surface 118 of the container portion 102.

The openings 122 and 124 of pockets 112 and 114 may be opened and closed with zippers, as shown. Other means for opening and closing pockets 112 and 114 may include buttons, snaps, Velcro, magnets, or other means known in the art. Pocket 112, pocket 114, or pockets 112 and 114 may also be configured so that no means for opening and closing the pockets is needed. For example, when pocket 112 is located as shown, gravity may sufficiently assist in retaining objects within the pocket, and therefore no closure means may be needed. However, having a closure means may be preferred in order to further ensure the safekeeping of articles placed in pockets 112 and 114.

The upper exterior edge 120 of the container portion 102 may be shaped in a manner that complements the underside of the upper arm UA of a person P, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5. For example, the upper exterior edge 120 may be substantially V-shaped or U-shaped. As shown in FIG. 1, the V-shaped upper exterior edge 120 may be configured so that the vertex of the V is directed toward the floor when a person P wears the bag 100 while standing, as depicted in FIGS. 5-7. This may improve the fit and comfort of wearing the bag 100, especially for persons P with larger arms A, for whom the upper exterior edge 120 of the container portion 102 may rest against or near the underside of their upper arm UA.

Pockets 112 and 114 may be configured to be ordinarily filled with air, which can be displaced by items placed in the pockets. Preferably, the container portion 102 may be designed to assume a larger size in one or more dimensions when an item or items are placed in the pockets 112 and 114.

In one embodiment, if the container portion 102 expands in size as items are placed inside the pockets 112 and 114, the container portion 102 may be configured so that the exterior surface 116 expands away from the torso T of the person P, while the interior surface 118 retains its shape. For example, the interior surface 118 of the container portion 102 may be designed to be made of a sturdier or harder material than the exterior surface 116. Similarly, the pockets 112 and 114 of the container portion 102 may be designed so that more fabric or material is included on the portion of the pocket closest to the exterior surface 116 (as opposed to the amount of fabric or material that is on the portion of the pocket closest to the interior surface 118).

The interior surface 118 may also be configured to complement and conform to the size and shape of a torso T of a person P that is located in close proximity to the interior surface 118 when the bag 100 is worn by a person P, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7.

The container portion 102 may be of varying sizes and shapes. In one embodiment, the container portion 102 may have a height and width that is approximately rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the height may be less than or equal to 20, 15, 12, 10, 8, or 6 inches and/or greater than or equal to 4, 6, 8, or 10 inches, or within a range of any of the foregoing heights. The width of the container portion may be the same or different than the height. The width may be less than or equal to 15, 12, 10, 8, or 6 inches and/or greater than or equal to 2.5, 4, 6, 8, or 10 inches, or within a range of any of the foregoing widths.

The container has a depth (D) that is generally planar to the surface of the skin of the torso when worn. The depth (d) is important for allowing sufficient space to place items of interest while minimizing the bulk underneath the arm of the person thereby providing adequate comfort.

The container portion may expand when filled with items and contract when empty. The depth (D) of the container portion when filled to capacity (filled thickness) may be less than or equal to 8, 4, 2, 1.5 or 1 inches and/or greater than 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, or 4 inches and/or within a range of the foregoing. When the bag is empty, the thickness may be less than or equal to 6, 4, 2, or 1 inches and/or greater than 0.075, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 inches, and/or within a range thereof. Smaller sizes may be preferred for children or dolls.

The bag 100 may be designed so that the depth D of the container portion 102 is narrower near the upper exterior edge 120 as compared to the bottom exterior edge 121, or that the container portion 102 near the upper exterior edge 120 stays narrower when items are placed in the bag 100. The container portion 102 preferably has a depth D large enough to hold the item or items that a person P would want to carry in the bag 100, but is not so deep as to be uncomfortable to be located between the arm A of a person P and the person's torso T.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, both ends 126 of the shoulder strap 104 may connect to the container portion 102 at connector sections 108. As used in this specification, the term “end” means any location near a terminus 111 or 113 of a strap, such as, but not limited to, within 5, 3, or 2 inches from a terminus 111 or 113. The ends 126 of the shoulder strap 104 may preferably connect to the container portion 102 along or near the upper exterior edge 120 of the container portion 102.

One connector section 108 may comprise an anterior connector section 128. As depicted, at the anterior connector section 128, the shoulder strap 104 connects to the container portion 102 near the anterior edge 130 of the container portion 102. The anterior connector section 128 functions by having an end 126 of the shoulder strap 104 loop through a hole 132 in the container portion 102. In order to connect the shoulder strap 104 to the container portion 102, the end 126 of the shoulder strap 104 that loops through the hole 132 may loop through the exterior surface 116 side of the hole 132 (as shown) in order that it may then attach to an interior surface 134 (shown in FIG. 2) of the shoulder strap 104, as shown in FIGS. 1-6.

In another embodiment, not pictured here, the end 126 of the shoulder strap 104 that loops through the hole 132 may loop through the interior surface 118 side of the hole 132 in order that it may then attach to an exterior surface 136 of the shoulder strap 104.

The end 126 of the shoulder strap 104 that loops through the hole 132 may be securely attached to the shoulder strap 104 to form a permanent loop. Alternatively, end 126 may be detachable from shoulder strap 104. Having a detachable shoulder strap 104 may assist with removing the bag 100 from a person P or placing the bag on a person P. The point of attachment 137 of the end 126 of the shoulder strap 104 that loops through the hole 132 to the shoulder strap 104 may be able to be adjusted, in order to increase or decrease the size of the first loop L1 configured encircle a first shoulder S1 of a person P. This may allow the fit of the bag 100 to be adjusted, for example, to better fit persons P with larger or smaller arms. This adjustment may be permanent or temporary. However, for theft-avoidance purposes, it may be preferable for the end 126 of the shoulder strap 104 that loops through the hole 132 to be securely and permanently connected to the shoulder strap 104.

The circumference of the first loop L1 may be less than or equal to 35, 30, or 25 inches and/or greater than or equal to 15, 20, or 25 inches or within a range of the foregoing.

Other types of anterior connector sections 128 may also be used. For example, instead of a hole and loop connection, the anterior connector section 128 may match the posterior connector section 140 as pictured. As pictured, the posterior connector section 140 comprises an end 126 of the shoulder strap 104 that is permanently attached near or at the upper exterior edge 120 of the container portion 102 and near the posterior edge 131 of the container portion 102. The ends 126 of the shoulder strap 104 may be sewn, glued, zipped, stapled, buttoned, or some combination thereof to the container portion 102. In another embodiment, the posterior connector section 140 may consist of a hole and loop connection as pictured for the anterior connector portion 128.

The bag 100 of FIGS. 1-7 further comprises a cross-body strap 106. In one embodiment, as pictured here, the cross-body strap 106 may connect to the shoulder strap 104 at two connector sections 110. As pictured, the shoulder strap 104 may widen at the connector sections 110. As shown in FIG. 6, one end 141 of the cross-body strap 106 may connect to the shoulder strap 104 at or near the top of a first shoulder S1 of a person P, at the upper connector section 144. The other end 141 of the cross-body strap 106 may connect to the shoulder strap 104 at the lower connector section 146, which may be at a distance approximately half of the way between the upper connector section 144 and the posterior connector section 140. In one embodiment, the distance between the two connector sections 110 may be less than or equal to 10, 8, 6, 4, or 2 inches and/or greater than or equal to 1, 2, 4, or 8 inches, or within a range of any of the foregoing distances.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoulder strap 104 has a medial region 105. The medial region 105 may be the middle 70%, 50% 30%, or 25% of the length of shoulder strap 104. In some embodiments, the connector sections 110 may be located in the medial region 105 of the shoulder strap 104.

In another embodiment, one or both ends 141 of the cross-body strap 106 may be configured to connect directly to the container portion 112. The ends 141 of the cross-body strap 106 may be sewn, glued, stapled, zipped, buttoned, or some combination thereof to the container portion 102 or the shoulder strap 104, as appropriate.

The cross-body strap 106 forms a second loop L2. The second loop is configured to encircle a second shoulder S2 of the person P. The circumference of the second loop L2 created by the cross-body strap 106 may be less than or equal to 45, 40, 35, or 30 inches and/or greater than 20, 25, or 30 inches, or within a range thereof. The cross-body strap 106 may be adjustable, in order that the size can be adjusted to fit different persons P. It may also be flexible and elastic, which may make it easier to place the bag 100 on the body of a person P, and may also permit for variation in body sizes.

The shoulder strap 104 and container portion 102 are configured to be worn over a first shoulder, S1 of a person P. In FIGS. 5-7, the shoulder strap 104 and container portion 102 are configured to be worn over a left shoulder of a person P, so the left shoulder is labeled S1. In another embodiment, the shoulder strap 104 and container portion 102 may be configured to be worn over the right shoulder of a person P, and in that case, the right shoulder would be considered to be S1. The shoulder strap 104 and container portion 102 may also be configured to be worn over either shoulder, rather than being designed with one particular shoulder in mind. As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the shoulder strap 104 and container portion 102 are configured to be worn over a person's left shoulder. A mirror image bag (not shown) would be configured to be worn over a person's right shoulder.

In another embodiment, a bag 100 may be reversible, so that the exterior surface 116 may also be positioned to face a person's torso T, and the interior surface 118 positioned to face a person's arm A. The bag 100 may be worn over or under the clothing of a person P, as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the shoulder strap 104 is placed over the first shoulder S1 of a person P, and the person's arm A and shoulder S1 is positioned through the first loop L1, and the container portion 102 is positioned between the person's left arm LA and left torso LT.

The cross-body strap 106 may run behind the neck N, around the front of the second shoulder S2, under the second shoulder S2, and diagonally across the back B, as pictured in FIGS. 5-7. Other arrangements for the cross-body strap 106 may also be possible, particularly if the ends 141 of the cross-boxy strap are adjusted so that they connect to the shoulder strap 104 or container portion 102 at different locations than are pictured here.

Preferably the bag 100 fits closely to the torso T of the person P, and preferably the shoulder strap 104 and cross-body strap 106 are fit so that any movement of the bag 100 is minimized. Ideally, the bag 100 may be comfortable enough and stay in place enough to even be worn while running or dancing.

The container portion 102 and shoulder strap 104 may be made of leather, imitation leather, acrylic, cotton, vinyl, and/or other natural or artificial materials available in the fashion industry, or blend thereof. The cross-body strap 106 may be made in whole or in part of a non-elastic material or an elastic material such as spandex, in order for it to be expanded to fit over the right shoulder and arm. Other materials may also be used, particularly as trends change and different materials come in and out of fashion. Durable materials such as leather and spandex may be preferable if this bag 100 is desired to reduce the risk of theft. Clear or transparent materials may be preferred for the cross-body strap 106, in order to make it less visible.

The present invention also relates to a method of using the bag. The method includes all or a portion of the following acts: (i) providing a bag as described herein; (ii) positioning the first loop of the shoulder strap around the first shoulder of the person; (iii) positioning the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person; and (iv) positioning the container portion under the first shoulder. In some embodiments, the wearer may position the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person with the cross-body strap positioned behind the neck of the wearer and around the front of the second shoulder, under the second shoulder, and diagonally across a back of the person.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A bag, comprising:

a container portion configured to be carried at a person's side, between an arm of the person and a torso of the person;

a shoulder strap connected to the container portion and forming a first loop configured encircle a first shoulder of a person; and

a first end of the cross-body strap connected to the shoulder strap or the container portion, the cross-body strap forming a second loop configured to encircle a second shoulder of the person.

2. The bag as in claim 1, wherein the container portion and the shoulder strap form a handbag.

3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the handbag is a purse.

4. The bag as in claim 1, wherein the first end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap.

5. The bag as in claim 4, wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap.

6. The bag as in claim 4, wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the container portion.

7. The bag as in claim 1, wherein the first end of the cross-body strap connects to the container portion.

8. The bag as in claim 7, wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap.

9. The bag as in claim 7, wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the container portion.

10. The bag as in claim 1, wherein an upper exterior edge of the container portion is substantially v-shaped or u-shaped.

11. The bag as in claim 1, wherein one end of the cross-body strap connects to a medial region of the shoulder strap.

12. The bag as in claim 1, wherein both ends of the cross-body strap connect to a medial region of the shoulder strap.

13. The bag as in claim 1, wherein the bag is configured to be positioned under the first shoulder of the person.

14. The bag as in claim 1, wherein the depth of the container when empty is less than 2 inches.

15. The bag as in claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap connects to the container along a first edge and the container has a second edge opposite the first edge, wherein the depth of the container is greater near the second edge as compared to the first edge.

16. A method of wearing a bag, comprising:

providing a bag as in claim 1;

positioning the first loop of the shoulder strap around the first shoulder of the person;

positioning the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person; and

positioning the container portion under the first shoulder.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person comprises positioning the cross-body strap so that it runs behind a neck of the person, around the front of the second shoulder, under the second shoulder, and diagonally across a back of the person.