Portable pouch with detachable harness for carrying and storing of bags and goods.

Abstract

The present invention relates to portable storage and carrying of empty reusable bags and hands-free transportation of loaded bags or other items.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In contemporary grocery shopping, shoppers use a wide variety of brick-and-mortar shopping alternatives: grocery stores, wholesale clubs, farmer's markets, convenience stores, hypermarkets and alike. In addition there is ample range of shopping needs which vary on bases of household size as well as shopping cycle: weekly, monthly, restock or quick “in-between” shopping. This poses a challenge for the shopper to be adequately prepared for carrying their purchases. Often shoppers bring too few or too many bags sometimes none. If no totes were brought to the store, shopper will end up buying reusable bags, paper bags or plastic ones. If on a weekly shopping for the family of two or more, shopper often ends up with multitude of bags he/she won't be able to carry easily, not in one trip anyways. For many shoppers such circumstance makes bringing goods home quite challenging even stressful at times, especially the last stretch from the car to the kitchen table.

But it only gets worse. Given that time is a very expensive commodity these days and goods can last longer in the fridge, people successfully reducing the amount of shopping trips during one grocery cycle. This often substantially increases the amount of purchased goods and consequently the load to be carried even for single person household.

The biggest challenge, as we pointed out earlier, is to transfer purchased goods from the car to the final destination, and that is where majority of shoppers try to make it in one trip. Due to poorly designed handles of plastic bags, commonly used by the supermarkets, where the entire weight of the bag is resting on a small portion of the palm it is causing discomfort. In case with the paper bags, where load capacity is very limited to 6-8 lb. anything over that weight, shopper will be forced to carry such bag using both hands or risking torn handles.

It is worth adding here that club stores like Costco or Sam's club do not offer single-use bags at all, forcing the shopper to use carton boxes that are even more difficult to carry. The reusable bags offered for purchase in stores are extremely bulky, not particularly neat and occupy a lot of space in the shopper's vehicle or home.

It is also important to mention the growing environmental concerns, the need to substitute plastic bags by biodegradable or reusable totes. Some US states are implementing complete bans on the use of plastic shopping bags. More and more individuals think responsibly and try to minimize their ecologic footprint. Intune with public devotion recently enforced by EPA regulations were designed to dramatically reduce use of plastic bags, previously offered by retailers at no cost. As a result majority of nationwide retail establishments were forced to phase out use of plastic bags, offering paper or pricey reusable totes. That left shopper with few options: spending extra cash on reusable bags sold at the point of sale on every shopping trip or buy several clunky bags and have them handy. First option is too expensive, wasteful and environmentally irresponsible, second one is cumbersome, space consuming and oftentimes difficult to habit.

In view of the above, a growing need to overcome such problems exists, and to provide system that aims at the optimization of storage, transportation and carrying of reusable bags so that more people do use them, even if ecology is not their first concern—and save time and physical effort while doing it.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments discussed further in detail, present invention consisting of: a pouch chiefly cylindrical in shape constituting a hollow sleeve, with opposing distal ends comprising access ports for loading and unloading of reusable bags. On the pouch's outer surface incorporated an attachment port providing for attachment of a carrying strap assembly. A carrying harness comprised of a shoulder strap, one end of which constitutes a loop for securing a hook or a carabiner for cargo engagement, another loop on said end of said shoulder strap securing a length adjusting buckle that provides for making a loop on the strap. The other end may be passed through pouch's attachment port, than through length adjusting buckle to constitute a webbing loop. Attached to the loop another hook or carabiner providing for another point for load engagement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the drawing of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the drawing of the the portable pouch with detachable harness for carrying and storing of bags and goods, with one attachment terminal at use and a user 100 wearing said system.

FIG. 2 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the drawing of a view of the portable pouch with detachable harness for carrying and storing of bags and goods engaging bags with two attachment terminals, and a user 100 wearing said system.

FIG. 3 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective drawing of a view of the Velcro detachable portable system in detail with the detachable shoulder piece detached from the pouch, heaving its storing compartment for shoulder strap open.

FIG. 4 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective presented drawing of an opposite side of the Velcro detachable system depicted with the view of the portable system in detail with the detachable shoulder piece detached from the pouch, heaving its storing compartment for shoulder belt open.

FIG. 5 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the general view of the system with two load engagement terminals, without shoulder piece, pouch being engaged with the harness by retention webbing and secured position of the pouch on the shoulder strap loop by slide preventing webbing.

FIG. 6 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the general view of the Velcro detachable system where shoulder strap is folded and stowed within the shoulder piece. The shoulder piece being attached to the pouch.

FIG. 7 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the general view of opposite side of the system resented on FIG. 6 where shoulder strap is folded and stowed within the shoulder piece. The shoulder piece being attached to the pouch.

FIG. 8 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the general view of the system presented in FIG. 6, where shoulder strap is folded and stowed within the shoulder piece, shoulder piece is detached form the pouch.

FIG. 9 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the view of standalone pouch depicted with both dispensing/loading ports undone. Crammed reusable bags inside and outside of the cavity.

FIG. 10 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the view of standalone, pouch with strap retention webbing, depicted with both access ports undone. Crammed reusable bags inside and outside of the cavity.

FIG. 11 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in perspective the view of a reusable bag in its crammed and spread-out form.

FIG. 12 displays the system used as receptacle while being pinched by the drawer of the kitchen cabinet. Whereas cargo engagement terminal lowered into the open drawer and then said drawer pushed in closed with the load engagement terminal inside the drawer while the rest of the system hanging outside upward, conveniently exposing one of the dispensing/loading ports for user to deposit used bags into the pouch for storage and transportation. Also user will be able to have the system always handy, at easily noticeable place such as kitchen cabinet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As it is used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As it is used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other steps, features, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all the terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted in the context of relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing this invention, various steps and techniques will be disclosed. All of them have individual purpose and benefit, and each of them can also be used in conjunction with any or all of the other parts or techniques of this invention. Therefore, to promote clarity in the description, we will avoid repeating every possible combination of individual steps. Nonetheless, the claims and specifications should be read having in mind that such combinations are entirely within the scope of this invention and the claims.

New method and apparatus for organization, transportation and storage of shopping bags as well as carrying of purchased goods will be disclosed herein.

Disclosures in the following paragraphs have to be considered as exemplification of the invention, and not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments illustrated or described herein.

The system is designed to store, carry and organize reusable shopping bags, but in no way it is limited to carrying, organizing and transporting only reusable or recycled (plastic) shopping bags. In other embodiments the harness 345 (FIG. 2) as a stand-alone member or in conjunction with portable carrier pouch 200 can assist in transportation of other cargo, not related to shopping, specifically goods or object that can structurally and physically be handled by the system.

Using appended drawings, the description of the present invention is as follows. FIG. 1. For the general understanding of one of the possible ways of the using of the system, the system on the FIG. 1. The system presented in perspective while being carried by the user 100. According to one or more embodiments of present invention user 100 on the FIG. 1. is depicted wearing the system while using one engagement terminal 500, heaving shoulder strap looped around user 100's shoulder, with its both ends terminating at the buckle and the load-engagement terminal. FIG. 1 also depicts a view of the pouch 200 united with the shoulder piece 300 resting on top of the user's 100 shoulder. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations of carrying method and variation of system use and its physical placement exist and shall be encompassed in accordance with one or more embodiments of present invention.

Another way the system intended to be used is for carrying two or more bags using both engagement terminals as depicted on the next drawing FIG. 2. Here both engagement terminals 500 and 501 were used by the user 100 for carrying divided cargo 600. As it can be seen on the FIG. 2 the load is divided between two engagement terminals 500 and 501 and the system is worn over the shoulder of the user 100. While using both load engagement terminals the loop of the shoulder belt 400 flattens, both sides of the loop united comprising single webbing sling with engagement terminals 500 and 501 at its distal ends. While system is worn by the user 100 as depicted on FIG. 2, over her shoulder, loaded bag or bags 600 engaged with one (aka. frontal) terminal may be placed in front of the user 100 the other load of one or more bags hooked up with another (aka. Rear) engagement terminal can be places on the user's back side. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that there are many carrying methods and variations thereof based on users personal preferences and perceived comfort of the wearer in accordance with one or more embodiments of present invention.

As depicted in the FIG. 3 the harness 345 heaving Velcro coupling, is detached from the pouch 200 and illustrated with shoulder strap 400 spread out, the shoulder piece 300 undone, with its shoulder piece's wrapping flap 302 wide open with its lower side hinged permanently alongside its length to a sleeve 301 which keeps shoulder piece attached to the shoulder strap 301 that keeps the slider 300 adjacent to the strap 400 and capable of moving about its loop. Top surface of the sleeve 305 has a plane designed to accommodate folded shoulder strap. Shoulder strap 400 may comprise a man-made synthetic or natural materials, can be soft or rigid, stretchy of stiff, designed to provide non-slip capabilities, be of any width length based on variation in application or design. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the shoulder strap design may vary in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

When the cover 302 is lowered on top of the surface 305 (FIG. 3), the compartment for stowing shoulder strap 400 is formed. The shoulder strap 400 may be folded prior to be stowed completely. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the shoulder piece and its respective parts design may vary in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

In order to stow the harness 345 together with load engagement terminals 500 501, as exhibited on the FIG. 6, the user will have shoulder piece 300 open, fold the strap 400 on top of the surface 305 (FIG. 3), will then pull the cover 302 by the pull-up strap 304 and attach the cover 302 to the pouch 200. In order to secure the cover 302 in place, the cover 302 lands with its Velcro surface onto the reciprocating Velcro surface 206 (FIG. 2) located on the body of the carrier pouch 200. This describes the procedure of stowing strap 400 away into multipurpose shoulder piece 300, while entire harness assembly 345 is attached to the portable carrier pouch 200.

It will be apparent to skilled in the art that the harness assembly 345 can be used with or without shoulder piece 300. Harness 345 can be utilized in variety of ways: over the shoulder with the load in front of the user or on his back, around the back of the neck with both loads in front of the wearer. Said harness may be used as an integral part of the pouch 200 as well as standalone member assisting its user in carrying goods or objects related or unrelated to shopping process. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations of system wearing can be possible according to one or more embodiments of present invention.

As best seen on the FIG. 3, the soft insert 303 may be a pliable soft pad, integrated within the shoulder piece's wrapping flap 302 and designed for added comfort, weight distribution over wider area as well as minimization of the friction between the strap 400 and the user's shoulder. Soft insert 303 can be made of numerous different materials including but not limited to silicon, polyurethane, latex, cotton in any combination or shape. In yet other embodiments, its outer shell 302 (wrapping flap) can be made of man-made materials such as any synthetic fabric, silicone, rubber or polyurethane as well as natural materials such as leather, cotton, wool. Said casing may be also covered with anti-slide material to minimize slipping off the user's shoulder. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations of the materials can be used according to different variations of the design.

In present embodiment, the multipurpose shoulder piece 300 as part of the entire harness thereof attached to the carrier pouch 200 by means of a Velcro. In other embodiments, those respective parts can be coupled using wide variety of attachment designs such as hook and loop or snap buttons In yet other embodiments the harness assembly 345 may be designed to be attached with a zipper, buttons, clips, simple webbing or designed to be permanently attached to the body of the carrier pouch 200. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations of the described attachment can be devised in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the shoulder piece can be omitted entirely. As it can be best seen on FIG. 5. Using simple shoulder strap 400 retention webbing 307 the shoulder strap 400 is secured to the body of the pouch 200. With the assistance of the slide preventive webbing 402 the pouch 200 prevented from sliding around the shoulder strap. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many attachment variations may be devised in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As best can be seen on FIG. 6 the system is designed with simplicity and neatness in mind, whereas shoulder strap 400 if not in use can be neatly stowed away inside the shoulder piece's cavity and secured on the outer shell of the pouch 200 until next shopping trip. Given the easy detachability of the harness assembly 345 from the pouch body 200 as best can be seen on FIG. 8, the pouch 200 may be used independently. And neatly stowed away making rest of the assembly readily available for use without the harness 400.

The load engaging terminals 500 and 501 as it is depicted in FIG. 3 in present embodiment is flat, light weight bar bent or precast in a hook-like shape and sewn within distal part of a shoulder strap 400 or, as depicted on said figure, load engagement terminal 501 free sliding along the shoulder strap 400 both capable of sustaining weights in excess of 100 pounds. In no way described features, attachment method or properties of the engagement terminal 500 and 501 are limited to description expressed herein. Any material capable of providing secure link between the cargo and the harness 345 may be utilized including but not limited to: a carabiner, a rope, a loop and hook unit, or a sling made of webbing. In yet another embodiment it can be made in shape of a hook of precast material such as a variety of lightweight metals, stainless steel, plastics, wood or composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass etc. in any proportion or composition. One with ordinary skill in the art will be capable of recognizing many possible variations of the design of the hook 500 and its attachment to the strap 400 in accordance with different embodiments.

Aside from described one or two load engagement terminals in accordance with one or more embodiments of present invention, it shall be obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art that any amount of engagement devises such as carabiners hooks or any other variety of cargo engaging devices can be slide or clipped on the shoulder strap 400 for carrying any special or general cargo. One with ordinary skill in the art will recognize many possible variations of the construction of the harness 345 and its variations of the attachments designed in accordance with various embodiments.

In continuation of the description of the portable pouch with detachable harness for carrying and storing of bags and goods, the strap 400 may be of different length, width or materials and may be easily adjusted, using the buckle 401 to accommodate users of specific stature size or body type. In other embodiments, length-adjusting buckle 401 might be omitted completely or substituted by any other suitable apparatus used to adjust and secure the length of the shoulder strap 400. One with ordinary skills in the art shall recognize variation of shoulder strap, length adjusting buckle design and composition thereof in accordance with one or more embodiments of present invention

FIG. 7 displays the flip side of the configuration of the system displayed depicted in FIG. 6, with the strap 400 gathered and stowed away inside the multipurpose slider 300, while the harness assembly 345 is attached to the pouch 200.

Otherwise, as displayed on FIG. 8, the strap 400 can be folded and stowed separately from the pouch 200. To achieve this configuration, the user firstly folds the strap 400 on top of the surface 301 FIG. 2; secondly, wraps the cover 302 FIG. 2 all the way around the folded strap 400 and the sleeve 301 FIG. 2, securely attaching the cover 302 against the reciprocating Velcro on the hub 306 FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 displays in perspective the portable pouch 200 designed to organize, store and transport plurality of reusable shopping bags 600. The portable pouch carrier 200 is predominantly cylindrical in shape with both ends 201 and 202 comprising loading/unloading ports for the shopping bags 600. In this particular embodiment, both openings are made of lighter-weight synthetic fabric while the body of the pouch 200 is made of heavier-weight nylon. In other embodiments, material properties of the access ports can greatly vary: man-made or natural, lighter or heavier. Any particular quality of fabric or combination of fabrics may depend on one or more embodiments of the present invention. The size of the pouch 200 and its dispensing/loading ports can be predetermined by the number and volume of the bags it is designed to carry. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the shape, size and material used in the design of the pouch 200 may vary significantly in accordance with design variations of the present invention.

FIG. 10 displays yet another embodiment of the system whereas pouch 200 with shoulder strap retention webbing 307 instead of Velcro enabled attachment with hand carrying strap 308.

In order to operate (control) the ports 201 and 202 FIG. 9 with the rope-like rubber cords 205, the sleeves 203 were formed at the distal ends of both ports. Said sleeves circumvent the opening of both ports and have access holes 208. Said access hole is intended for the rope-style rubber string 205, which enters the sleeve 203 through the hole 208 and passes within the sleeve 203 around the opening. The rope-style rubber string 205 is designed to operate in combination with the spring-loaded lock 204 to regulate the access to the cavity of the pouch 200. In this particular embodiment, the described system for controlling the access to the cavity of the pouch 200 on both sides is designed to be closed by simply pulling on the rope-style rubber cord loop 205 while firmly holding spring-loaded lock 204 in place until the desirable rate of aperture is achieved. In order to open the ports 201 and 202 to a desirable degree, the user can depress the spring-loaded button on the spring-loaded lock 204 and/or simply pull the lock 204 outward until the desirable grade of aperture is achieved. It will be obvious for those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations of designs of the access ports 201 and 202 may be devised according to one or more variations of the present invention. Materials, fabrics and geometrical configurations of said access ports too may vary according to one or more variations of one ore more embodiments of present invention.

Both openings 201 and 202 FIG. 9 can be used independently. For instance, while loading the reusable bags 600 or any other suitable for use with the system bags, reusable bags or plastic bags into the cavity of the pouch 200, one of the ports needs to be closed while the other one needs to be wide open to accept shopping bags that are being loaded. For fast discharge of the portable carrier 200, the user may utilize any or both ports 201 and 202 as desired by user. On the FIG. 9, all shopping bags displayed are being crammed into the shape of a ball, which is most practical form for depositing bags inside the cavity of the pouch 200. Being made of light-weight durable synthetic material, the shopping bags 600 can be easily crammed into small ball-like shape to be easily stuffed into pouch 200.

As it is best seen on the FIG. 9, on the body of the pouch 200 there is a square-shaped item 207 being permanently attached to the external surface of the pouch 200. This compartment is designed for keeping loyalty cards and/or receipts related to the shopping process. Said compartment is comprised of a see-through flexible plastic attached permanently to the pouch with the slit on one side providing access. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the shape, size and material used in the design of the compartment 207 may vary in accordance with design variations of the present invention.

Another utility pocket 208 as best can be seen on the body of pouch 200 FIG. 5 designed for storing receipts, coupons and/or user's other items of personal use. Shape, materials configurations and size of said pocket may vary in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a reusable bag 600 and its spread-out version 601. For the present invention, we have used the most common shopping bag design utilized worldwide for grocery shopping. Presented drawings are for suggestive purposes only and shall in no way limit use of any other designs of shopping bags, any variations in sizes fabrics and compositions thereof.

FIGS. 12 and 13 displays the portable pouch with detachable harness for carrying and storing of bags and goods used as receptacle while being affixed to the drawer of the kitchen cabinet. Whereas harness 345 with the load engagement terminals used as an anchor while inside of the enclosed space such as but not limited to drawer shelving or cabinets Engagement terminal introduced into the open cabinet or drawer then its door pushed in closed with the load engagement terminal left inside the drawer while the rest of the system remaining outside hanging upward, conveniently exposing one of the dispensing/loading ports for user to deposit used bags into the cavity of the pouch for storage and transportation. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize different variation of present embodiment where variety of cabinet doors, shelf doors, dishwashers as well as any other furniture or fixture capable of affixing the system in place. It will be obvious to one with ordinary skills in the art that many different load engagement terminal designs can be developed in accordance with one or more embodiments of present invention. Among many benefits of affixing the system in upward position to existing furniture or machines in the area of grocery unloading is that user will always have said system in site and will remember to pick it up once it is full stuffed with shopping bags and take it to the next shopping trip or just move it over to the car in order to be ready for the next grocery.

Claims

1. A portable pouch with detachable harness for carrying and storing of bags and goods:

A pouch, chiefly cylindrical in shape forming a hollow cavity, with two dispensing/loading ports on distal ends of the pouch:

The both dispensing/loading ports comprising cord sleeve at each distal ends of said pouch circumventing said ends, within each said cord sleeve the cord forming a loop, extra length of said cord loop disposed through the hole in said sleeve then passed through the cord lock, as to facilitate operation and control the rate of aperture of the access to the cavity. Body of the pouch and access ports made of flexible fabric and/or gusset and configured to receive one or plurality of crumbled shopping bags for storage and transportation.

Two retention webbings on the outer shell of said pouch for attachment of said pouch to the harness, comprising two fabric loops on opposing sides of said pouch aligned to conduct a harness's shoulder strap.

A detachable harness comprising of a shoulder strap, a length adjusting buckle secured to said strap and two load engagement terminal secured to said strap, allowing said user to engage cargo using one or two load engagement terminals, wherein the harness configured to be worn by a user over one shoulder, two shoulders, around neck and keeping bags on the back or front of wearer's body.

The portable pouch with detachable harness for carrying and storing of bags and goods of claim one further comprising:

2. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 wherein utility fabric loop for carabiner, exposed on one of the distal ends of said pouch,

3. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 wherein loyalty card compartment comprising: see-through flexible plastic, attached permanently to the outer shell of pouch body with one side providing an access to the compartment

4. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 wherein receipts and/or miscellanea pocket affixed on the outer shell of said pouch, made of flexible fabric.

5. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 wherein affixed on the surface of said strap a slide preventing webbing, to confine one of the retention webbing and prevent said pouch from sliding about said shoulder strap.

6. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 wherein Hand carrying strap for carrying pouch without harness, permanently attached to the outer shell of the pouch made of soft webbing.

6. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 wherein shoulder strap is designed to have silicone thread or variety of man-made materials for minimizing slipping of the harness from the user's shoulder.

7. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 may be designed to have one or two load engagement terminals, Velcro attached Shoulder piece/storage compartment, a shoulder protector and a shoulder piece sleeve for said strap as one multifunctional piece, comprising:

Two compartments sharing a common divider. First said compartment is formed as said sleeve around shoulder strap; second said compartment comprising soft shoulder protector lowered and secured on top of common divider between said sleeve and second compartment, whereas space for stowing folded shoulder strap is formed. When said shoulder strap is unfolded and in use, the second said cavity is closed and used as soft shoulder protector.

8. The method for affixing the system to furniture or electrical appliances around the kitchen. Whereas one of the load engagement terminals is lowered in the open void of the kitchen furniture or appliances, or gets hooked on door's top side than door gets closed with the load engagement terminal remaining inside the void or hooked on the top side of the door's edge while rest of the system hanging outside on the frontal surface, on the stretch of webbing after the load engagement terminal. The pouch being affixed by the retention webbing to the shoulder strap keeps pouch up and close to the edge of the door or drawer, also making it vertically aligned with its loading/dispensing port exposed for stuffing the pouch with reusable bags, leaving them stored at a prominent, convenient place.

9. The portable pouch with detachable harness of claim 1 wherein at least one load engagement terminal on said harness may be of specific shape so that user will be able to hook it on the cabinet doors, drawers without impeding furniture's functionality.