TRANSFORMABLE SHIPPING BAGS AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A transformable shipping bag includes a front panel and a rear panel that each are formed with a substantially planar sheet of material bounded by an outer circumferential edge, a binding that binds a contiguous first portion of the outer circumferential edges of the front and rear panels to realize an inner volume, said binding resulting in an opening embodying a second portion of the outer circumferential edges, the opening allowing access to the inner volume and a handle configured to be stored within the inner volume while the transformable shipping bag is deployed as a shipping bag, and configured to be detachably attached to the binded front and rear panels of the transformable shipping bag, when the transformable shipping bag is to be deployed as a carry bag or backpack.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a transformable shipping or mailer bag, and a method of using transformable shipping or mailer bag.

Background of the Related Art

Shipping, delivery and mailer bags (or pouches) come in many different shapes and sizes, and are manufactured with various different materials to meet users' various shipping, delivery and mailer needs. There are bubble mailers, insulated mailers, “stay flat” mailers, rigid mailers, poly mailers, to name just a few. Most are intended for single use, and to be torn open. For example, plastic or polypropylene mailer and shipping bags, once sealed are typically torn open at delivery, to access the contents, permanently stretching and permanently deforming the shipping, delivery or mailer bags or pouches (referred to hereinafter collectively as “shipping bags”).

Known shipping bags come in all shapes and colors; they can be rectangular, round, or custom shaped; they can be red, blue, striped, clear, etc. Some might be characterized as “designer shipping bags,” and are quite attractive. Gift shipping bags may express birthday or holiday salutations, designer labels, political sentiment such as American flag shipping bags, or black lives matter (BLM) shipping bags. Known shipping bags, however, no matter how attractive, are intended for single use and throwaway. This is unfortunate, not merely because many conventional shipping bags are attractive, but also wasteful, as many, even if stretched, are still functional as containers.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines containers and packaging as products that are assumed to be discarded the same year the products they contain are purchased—a presumption based in reality. The EPA asserts that containers and packaging make up a major portion of municipal solid waste (MSW), amounting to 82.2 million tons of generation in 2018, or about 28.1 percent of total generation for that year (www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/containers-and-packaging-product-specific-data). While “containers and packaging” as defined by the EPA are not limited to shipping bags, per se, shipping bags are a significant part of it.

Again, this is unfortunate. In principle, any effort that might reduce the number of discarded shipping bags would be helpful. And efforts to that end are not unknown. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,537,956 to John E. McNally entitled COMBINED FOLDING BAG, BRIEF CASE, AND PURSE discloses a bag having an outer pocket, a single piece of material intermediately secured to the outside of the bag above the pocket to afford two flaps, where one of the two flaps is arranged to close the pocket and the other of the two flaps is arranged to be folded over the open top of the bag, and separable fasteners for securing the free ends of the flaps in respect to the bag on opposite sides thereof. A pair of loop-like handles is secured, on to the back and the other to the front of the bag. The bag, however, is does not operate as a mailer as a mailer could not have secured handles extending out of the bag, and leaving openings into the bag when the three top flaps are wrapped around as in FIGS. 5-7. For that matter, the side panel bellows 13, connecting front and back add complexity and weight to the bag, brief case, purse, which is understood to teach away from use as a mailer.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,171 to Jean-Claude Prin entitled CARRIER FOR PACKING AND CARRYING ARTICLES discloses a collapsible carrier made from a single blank of cardboard folded to provide an automatically positioned bottom with front and back faces joined by two extendible side gussets, and a handle means at the top that includes openings in the front and back faces with a flap, integrally formed with one face that folds over the other face and has an opening that registers with the other openings with a tongue that folds into locking arrangement. While apparently useful as a carrier, the side panels and folds therein complicate the design and use of the carrier (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5). The FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 folds are for the side panels are complicated. The carrier is assembled from an unassembled state to an assembled state where the assembled bag functions as a carrier,

U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,461 to Scott L. Smith, et al., discloses a convertible carrying bag/envelope suitable for carrying and shipping printed material and other like items. The bag/envelope provides a handle that is used to carry the bag/envelope, while allowing items to be placed into or removed from the interior of the bag. The bag/envelope also provides an exterior flap that operates to seal the bag, on which delivery indicia is meant to be printed, so that it may be shipped. To prepare the bag for shipping, the handle is folded into the interior of the bag, and the flap is extended across the opening and affixed to the opposite panel using pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the flap. The sequence of FIGS. 1-7 show how the bag is converted from a carrying bag with a handle to a sealed envelope.

While Mr. Smith's creative bag envelope converts from a carrying bag with attached handles to an envelope, where the handles are maintained in the envelope, U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,886 to Nitti discloses a plastic-coated, fabric shipping bag, which after use for shipping an item, may be turned inside out and transformed into a re-usable, plastic-lined, fabric tote bag. Mr. Smith's FIG. 1 shows a front view of the bag 101 and, when pulled inside out, the bag becomes a tote bag 100 with an opening at the top 61.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,011,394 to Hugh Greenwood, et al. discloses a reusable mailer bag that provides an end user with shipping packaging that may be repurposed for use as a carrying bag. The reusable mailer bag includes a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels, and a bottom panel. The panels together define a carrying volume including an opening opposite the bottom panel. A pair of handles are attached to an interior surface of the carrying volume and are configured for positioning entirely within a “carrying” or inner closed volume of the bag during shipping. The pair of handles are configured to extend out of the opening. A flap is attached to the rear panel at a first end and is configured to extend across the opening to close the opening. The flap includes a second end that is securable to the front panel, for example, to a first tape layer. The flap is configured to be removed from the mailer bag after shipping.

The multiple panels of Mr. Greenwood's reusable mailer bag, including front, back, side and bottom panels, add weight and complicate the reusable mailer bag's use as a mailer. For that matter, requiring a seal on the outside of any removable tab makes same less desirable as a mailer, and having the handles fixedly attached would prevent the bag from being used as a backpack

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a reusable or transferable mailer or shipping bag, preferably made of a fabric, by man-made or natural fibers/materials, which is configured such that after its initial use, the mailer or shipping bag may be converted or transformed to a tote or carrying bag, or backpack for at least a second use. The inventive reusable mailer or shipping bag, therefore, likely will not be thrown away but instead reused (converted and transformed) saving not only the cost for a separately purchased mailer/shipping bag, but also saving the cost to the environment when disposable products are made and discarded after the sole intended use.

The invention also provides a method of use of the convertible or transformable shipping bag, which relies upon double face tape located on the inside of open flaps arranged proximate an upper bag opening, preferably over removable (peel away) film. The shipping label is placed on a front panel of removable film. “Tote” handles or a backpack strap are included in the mailer or shipping bag, and arranged within the mailer or shipping bag, and manually attached to or at preferably four (4) grommets, by the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1A presents a front plan view of a round transformable shipping bag of the invention, including a shipping label shown affixed to a double sided, removable sticky tape and a shipping label attached thereto;

FIG. 1B presents a front plan view of the round transformable shipping bag of FIG. 1 with the double sided, removable sticky tape and shipping label removed, and a webbing strap with webbing adjustment clip attached;

FIG. 2 presents a perspective view of a plastic webbing adjustment loop clip;

FIG. 3 presents an exploded view of the plastic webbing adjustment loop clip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 presents a perspective view of the plastic webbing adjustment loop clip of FIG. 2, attached to part of a webbing strap;

FIG. 5A presents a perspective view of a plastic rope clip for attachment, post mailing;

FIG. 5B presents an exploded view of the plastic rope clip of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5c presents a perspective view of a of a plastic rope clip of FIG. 5A, attached to part of a rope handle;

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative clip for attaching a strap to the webbing and grommets of the inventive transformable shipping bag;

FIG. 7 depicts a round webbing clip that functions similarly to the clip depicted in FIGS. 2-5);

FIG. 8 presents a rear plan view of the round transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 9 presents a right side plan view of the round transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a collapsed or pre-use state;

FIG. 10 presents a left side plan view of the round transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in its collapsed or pre-use state, which is a mirror image of the right plan view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 presents a top plan view of the round transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a collapsed or pre-use state;

FIG. 12 presents a bottom plan view of the round transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a collapsed or pre-use state;

FIG. 13 presents a front plan view of the round transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, highlighting a round rope design with rope clips;

FIG. 14 presents a front plan view of an rectangular transformable shipping bag of the invention, with removable label attachment tape attached thereto;

FIG. 15 presents a rear plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 presents a right side plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 14, in a collapsed or pre-use state;

FIG. 17 presents a left side plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 14, in its collapsed or pre-use state, which also is a mirror image of the FIG. 16 view;

FIG. 18 presents a bottom plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 14, highlighting a use state in which the closed bag is loaded;

FIG. 19 presents a top plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 14, in a use state in which the closed bag is loaded;

FIG. 20 presents a front plan view of an oblong transformable shipping bag of the invention;

FIG. 21 presents a rear plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 presents a top plan view plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 20, in an open, use state containing content;

FIG. 23 presents a top plan view plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 20, in a use state containing content;

FIG. 24 presents a right side plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 20, in a use state, partially open and containing content;

FIG. 25 presents a left side plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag depicted in FIG. 20, in a use state, partially open and containing content, which is a mirror image of the right plan view depicted in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 presents a front perspective view of a webbing strap with plastic webbing clips attached at opposing ends;

FIG. 27 presents a front perspective view of a rope strap with plastic rope clips attached at both ends;

FIG. 28 presents a front perspective view of a round transformable shipping bag of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 8, open to highlight a protective film double face tape adhered to an upper portion of an inner surface of the rear panel, to enable sealing; and

FIG. 29 presents an side, frontal perspective view of a rectangular transformable shipping bag of the FIGS. 14 and 15, with double face tape attached for receiving a label, and webbing straps with adjustment clips arranged so that the bag functions as a backpack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “disposed on” another element, it can be directly connected to or disposed on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly disposed on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “above” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, 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 stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.\

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

All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as used herein.

FIG. 1A presents a front plan view of a round transformable shipping bag 100, prior to its transformation from its initial state as a mailer or shipping bag to its transformed state as a carrying (tote) bag, or backpack. The transformable shipping bag 100 includes a front panel 102, and a rear panel 104 (see FIG. 8, highlighting the rear panel). The front and rear panels are formed of man-made cloths or material panels, including but not limited to polyester, nylon or other strong, flexible and durable man-made materials (e.g., Tyvek), including recycled man-made materials, and/or natural cloths or materials panels, including cotton, paper, hemp, flax, and recycled natural materials, without limitation. The front and rear panels preferably are joined at the outer circumferential edges of the panels but for a circumferential edge portion that is not joined, thereby realized an opening. In an embodiment, the opening is an arc length equal to the radius times the central angle in radians, preferably between π/4 to π/2 radians, and most preferably ⅜ π radians. The inventive bag and opening are not limited to any particular size, however, as should be understood by the skilled person. The opening may include a closure mechanism, for example, a zipper like in plastic storage bags, snaps or other functionally similar forms of closure known to the skilled person.

Preferably, the front and back panels are preferably laminated or coated with a film to provide resistance to weather elements, such as, for example, water. For that matter, the film or laminate may be resistant to common adhesive such as those commonly used on shipping labels. Hence, special adhesives or two-sides tapes, such as those manufactured and sold by 3M Co. are used to overcome such adherence problems.

In an embodiment, an outer facing surface of the front panel 102 includes a shipping label 106, preferably formed with an adhesive backing. The shipping label 106 is attached to a sticky outer-facing surface 108a of a removable sticky member 108. The sticky outer-facing surface includes an adhesive coating. The removable sticky member 108 includes a sticky inner-facing surface 108b (not shown in FIG. 1A). The sticky inner-facing surface includes an adhesive coating to adhere the sticky member 108 to the outer surface facing surface of the front panel 102 of the transformable shipping bag 100. The removable sticky member 108 may be removed from the front panel (outer facing surface) 102 during the process of converting the transformable shipping bag 100 to a carrying (tote) bag or backpack, post-mailer use. To that end, the adhesive on the sticky inner-facing surface 108b may be less sticky than the adhesive coating the outer facing surface 108a, to which the shipping label 106 adheres. It is important to be able to remove the removable sticky member 108, with or without having first removed the shipping label 106, from the front panel (surface) 102, preferably without damaging the bag.

The transformable shipping bag 100 also includes a number of metal or plastic grommets 112. The grommets 112 can receive a means for connecting a rope, a band or a strap handle 120 (see FIG. 2) during a process of reconfiguring the transformable shipping bag for use as a carrying (tote) bag or backpack (to be discussed in greater detail below). The transformable shipping bag 100 may also include a plastic bubble-lined protection layer on an inner facing surface of the front and rear panels, providing extra protection for items present in the shipping bag inner volume. The protection layer may be removable and may include, for example, perforations, removable adhesive or similar features that facilitate separation from the panels.

FIG. 1B presents a front plan view of the round transformable shipping bag of FIG. 1A, with the double sided, removable sticky tape 108 and shipping label 106 removed, and with a webbing strap or handle 120 attached (to the outer facing surface of the front panel 102 as shown) using webbing clips 122. The webbing clips 122, which are preferably plastic, are attached to respective ends of the webbing strap or handle 120, in reliance upon connectors 123. The connectors 123 preferably are ring-like and made of metal, and most preferably rectangular ring-like structures. The connectors 123 are arranged at one end of the webbing clips 122, where each is connected to an end of a webbing strap or handle 120.

FIGS. 2-4 depict the webbing clips 122 in detail. Ends of the webbing clips 122, opposite the end to which the connector 123 is attached (where the connector 123 attaches to the webbing straps or handles 120), include a means for connecting the webbing clips 122 to the grommets 112 of the transformable shipping bag 100. In one form, the means for connecting includes a slot 125 cut into the longitudinal loop clip body 121 of the webbing clips 122, along a central axis. The slots realizes a slot finger left 121L and a slot finger right 121R. Throughholes 126 are provided extending completely through both end parts of the slot fingers right and left (121R; 121L), characterizing the slot 125. Throughholes 126 receive retaining pins 124, which are preferably plastic, that securely maintain the webbing/grommets to the webbing strap or handle.

The length of the slot 125 (and fingers 121L, 121R) is sufficient to allow the slot fingers to flex, but not too long as to render the fingers breakable during intended use. The throughhole 126 is provided through both slot fingers, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clip body, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. A second throughhole is provided as shown to receive a portion of connector 123.

In greater detail, a user aligns a portion of the front panel 102 and rear panel 104 (i.e., the webbing) of the transformable shipping bag 100, each including a grommet 112, in the slot 125 and aligns the grommet opening with the throughholes 126, and inserts through the throughholes 126 and grommets, the retaining pins 124, thereby securing the webbing in the slot. The retaining pins 124 are adapted to stay in place once passing through the grommet and both throughholes (through both the front and rear panels (102, 104)), maintaining the webbing clips 112 and webbing (the grommeted front and rear panels). The retaining pins are compressible to reduce the diameter for insertion, and then expand back to the uncompressed radius when squeezing pressure is removed (as will be explained in greater detail below). And the connectors 123 at the opposing ends of the webbing clips 122 detachably connect to the transformable shipping bag (at both sides of the strap of handle 120) to the webbing straps 120.

As explained above, the connectors 123 also receive a portion of the webbing strap or handle 126, such that the bag 100 (as well as alternative embodiments 200, 300, 400; see below), is attached at respective grommets 112, and may be carried by the webbing strap or handle. In embodiments comprising rope handles 130 (see FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C), the rope clips 132 operate functionally similar to the webbing clips 122. A relatively small portion of the body of the transformable shipping bag 100, proximate a grommet 112, is slipped into the slot 125 so that the grommet 112 aligns with the throughholes 126. A retaining pin 124 includes a retaining pin flex slot 124a and a retaining pin flex member 124b (FIG. 3) that are squeezed to allow insertion through one of the throughholes 121, a grommet 112, then through the other throughhole in the other leg and released so that the flex member expands in the throughholes, to prevent the pin from dislodging, thereby securing the grommet and therefore the webbing portion slot. Put another way, passing the pin 124 through the grommet 112 and throughholes 126 and releasing it realizes an arrangement whereby the released pin holds the grommet, and therefore, the transformable shipping bag, to the rope.

FIG. 5A presents a perspective view of a rope clip 132, with pin 124 inserted through throughholes 126 through the fingers 121L and 121R, realized by slot 125. The rope clips, which are preferably plastic include rope throughholes 134a, 134b, through which an end of rope 130 is threaded, and then modified (expanded, knotted, etc.) to prevent the rope end from backing out, once it has passed through. Other that the use of rope 130 instead of webbing strap 120 with webbing strap adjusting clip 128, and the rope clip 132, the transformable bag embodiments 100 and 100′ are structurally and functionally similar. FIG. 5B presents an exploded view of the plastic rope clip 132 (of FIG. 5A). FIG. 5C presents a perspective view of a of a rope clip 132 (of FIG. 5A), attached to part of a rope handle 130.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative clip 136 for connecting a handle, rope or strap to a transformable shipping bag at a grommet 112. Clip 136 includes clip body 137 and “loaded” clasp 138, which upon depressing in against the “loaded” force, and removing the depressing force, the loaded clasp 138, in its relaxed position (no pressing force) will pop back out to its closed, rest position. Connector 123 is connected to the clip body 137 with loaded clasp to connect same to a belt or strap. The body 137 and loaded clasp 137 allows for connection through a grommet 112, thereby attaching a handle.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative round webbing clip 152, that functions similarly to clip 122 (FIGS. 2-4). Round webbing clip 152 includes clip body 151 and removable retaining pin 154. The rope is passed into rope throughhole opening 155, where an internal passage extends into the slot 157 (not expressly shown). The user, once he/she has passed an end of the rope 130 through the opening 155 and slot can tie a knot or otherwise fix the end of the rope so that the rope end has a non-compressible diameter that is larger than the diameter of the passageway and/or opening 155. To secure the clip body 151 to the bag (webbing), the panels or webbing is slipped into the slot 157 formed between the leaves, so that the grommet openings align with the slot throughholes 156 and the retaining pin 154 are squeezed to allow them to pass through the round webbing clip finger throughholes 156 in the leaves or fingers (1511, 151R) of the body 151, and the grommet openings. The retaining pins 154 are squeezed to compress in reliance upon slot 154A, and slid through a first leaf or finger, through the grommet/webbing, through the other leaf of finger and allowed to expand to hold all in place.

While the webbing clips 122, rope clips 132, 152 preferably are made of plastic, they also may be made of metal, or a metal-plastic combination, as long as the slot allows for temporary compression to allow insertion, and expansion once the compressing force is withdrawn.

FIG. 8 presents a rear plan view of the round transformable shipping bag 100 depicted in FIG. 1B, after transformation to a carrying or tote bag. FIG. 9 presents a right side plan view of the round transformable shipping bag 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 8, in a collapsed, pre-use or post-use state as a shipping bag. Retaining pins 124 are shown after being passed through both throughholes 126, the grommet 112 and the fingers of the inner slot 125, as shown.

FIG. 10 presents a left side plan view of the round transformable shipping bag 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 8 and 9, in its collapsed pre-use or post-use state, which is a mirror image of the right plan view of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 presents a top plan view of the round transformable shipping bag 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 8, and 9, in a collapsed, pre-use or post-use state, where FIG. 12 presents a bottom plan view of the round transformable shipping bag 100 in a collapsed, pre-use or post-use state.

FIG. 13 presents a front plan view of a round transformable shipping bag 100′. Transformable shipping bag 100′ is similar to transformable shipping bag 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 8-12, but instead of a webbing strap 120 includes a rope-based design around rope 130 and rope clips 132. The round transformable shipping bag 100′ is depicted in a transformed state, with the removable sticky member 108 and shipping label 106 removed, and the rope handle 130 attached.

A difference between round transformable shipping bag 100′ and round transformable shipping bag 100 (FIGS. 1 and 8-12) is that round transformable shipping bag 100′ includes a rope-like strap of handle 130, and plastic rope clips 132, where shipping bag 100 includes a strap handle 120. As explained above, plastic rope clips (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C) include rope throughholes 134a, 134b, through which an end of rope 130 is threaded, and then modified (expanded, knotted, etc.) to prevent the rope end from backing into opening 134a, and 134b. Other than the use of rope 130 instead of webbing strap 120, with webbing strap adjusting clip 128, and the rope clip 132, the transformable bag embodiments 100 and 100′ are structurally and functionally similar.

FIG. 14 presents a front plan view of an rectangular transformable shipping bag 200 of the invention. Rectangular transformable shipping bag 200 is shown with webbing strap or handle 120, plastic webbing clips 122, webbing strap adjusting clip 128 and removable sticky member 108 arranged to display sticky outer-facing surface 108a (to receive a label such as label 106). FIG. 15 presents a rear plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag 200 depicted in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 presents a right side plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag 200 depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, in a collapsed, pre-use or post-use state.

FIG. 17 presents a left side plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag 200 depicted in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, in its collapsed, pre-use or post-use state. FIG. 17 also is a mirror image of the FIG. 16 view. FIG. 18 presents a bottom plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag 200 depicted in FIGS. 14-17, highlighting a use state in which the closed bag 200 is loaded. FIG. 19 presents a top plan view of the rectangular transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 14-18, in a use state in which the closed bag is loaded. While not depicted, the rectangular transformable shipping bag 200 may also include a rope strap or handle embodiment, and described with respect to round transformable bag 100′ depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 presents a front plan view of an oblong transformable shipping bag 300, of the invention. The oblong transformable shipping bag 300, is structurally and functionally similar to the round transformable bag 100, and the rectangular transformable bag 200, the related structure and function of which was explained above. And while the oblong shape shown appears to be wider at the top, the inventing oblong-shaped transformable shipping bag may be widest at the bottom, or either side, without deviating from the scope or spirit of the invention.

FIG. 21 presents a rear plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag 300, depicted in FIG. 20. FIG. 22 presents a top plan view plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag 300, depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21, in an open, use state containing content that is accessible through opening 140. FIG. 23 presents a top plan view plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag 300 depicted in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, in a use state containing content, but the opening 140 is not shown as the bag is closed. FIG. 24 presents a right side plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag depicted in FIGS. 20, 21, 22 and 23, in a use state, partially open and containing content. FIG. 25 presents a left side plan view of the oblong transformable shipping bag 300 depicted in FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, in a use state, partially open and containing content; the left plan view is a mirror image of the right plan view depicted in FIG. 24.

While not depicted, the oblong transformable shipping bag 300 may also include a rope strap or handle embodiment, and described with respect to round transformable bag 100′ depicted in FIG. 13. The removable sticky member 108 and shipping label 106 are not shown in the figures depicting the oblong transformable bag 300.

FIG. 26 presents a front perspective view of a webbing strap 120′, with webbing clips 122 attached at opposing ends of the strap, but without a web adjustment clip 128. The pins 124 are shown inserted through the throughholes 126, even though a body of the bag 100 and grommets 112 are not shown. FIG. 27 presents a front perspective view of a rope or handle 130, with rope clips 132 attached at both ends of the rope.

FIG. 28 presents a front perspective view of a round transformable shipping bag 100″, in an open state at opening 140, to highlight protective film double face tape 142 adhered to an upper portion of an inner surface of a rear panel, upon which protective tacky film 144 is positioned to enable sealing. The webbing strap 120′ does not include a webbing strap adjustment clip, in this embodiment, but as should be clear to the person of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 29 presents a side, frontal perspective view of a square transformable shipping bag 400 of the invention, with double face removable sticky tape 108, including sticky outer-facing surface 108a, ready for receiving a shipping label 106 (not shown in FIG. 29), and webbing strap 120 with adjustment clip 128, for use as a backpack. While the bag 400 is shown with enclosed content, the opening 240 for receiving the content also is closed, as shown.

• 100 round transformable shipping bag
• 102 front panel of round transformable shipping bag
• 104 rear panel of round transformable shipping bag
• 106 shipping label
• 108 removable sticky member
• 108a sticky outer-facing surface
• 108b sticky inner-facing surface
• 112 grommet
• 120 strap or handle
• 121 longitudinal loop clip body
• 121L slot finger left
• 121R slot finger right
• 122 webbing clip (e.g., plastic)
• 123 connector (e.g., metal rectangular ring-like)
• 124 retaining pin (e.g., plastic)
• 124a retaining pin flex slot
• 124b retaining pin flex member
• 125 slot in one end of retaining pin
• 126 throughholes on slot fingers of webbing clip
• 127 throughhole to receive connector 123
• 128 webbing strap adjusting clip (e.g., plastic)
• 130 rope handle
• 132 rope clip (e.g., plastic)
• 133 rope clip body
• 134 (plastic) rope throughholes
• 134a lateral throughhole
• 134b end throughhole
• 136 alternative clip
• 137 alternative clip body
• 138 loaded clasp
• 140 opening for receiving items
• 142 protective film double face tape
• 144 protective tacky film
• 151 round webbing clip body
• 152 round webbing clip
• 154 retaining pin
• 155a round webbing clip rope throughhole
• 155b round webbing clip rope throughholes
• 156 round webbing clip finger throughholes
• 157 slot
• 200 rectangular transformable shipping bag
• 300 oval transformable shipping bag
• 400 square transformable shipping bag

As will be evident to persons skilled in the art, the foregoing detailed description and figures are presented as examples of the invention, and that variations are contemplated that do not depart from the fair scope of the teachings and descriptions set forth in this disclosure. The foregoing is not intended to limit what has been invented, except to the extent that the following claims so limit that.

Claims

1. A transformable shipping bag, comprising:

a front panel and a rear panel that each comprise a substantially planar sheet of material bounded by an outer circumferential edge;

a binding that binds a contiguous first portion of the outer circumferential edges of the front and rear panels to realize an inner volume, said binding resulting in an opening embodying a second contiguous unbound portion of the outer circumferential edges that allows access to the inner volume; and

a handle configured to be stored within the inner volume while the transformable shipping bag is deployed as a shipping bag, and configured to be detachably attached to the bound front and rear panels of the transformable shipping bag, when the transformable shipping bag is to be deployed as a carry bag or backpack.

2. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, wherein the front and rear panels are round, and wherein a length of the opening is equal to an arc length defined by a radius of the substantially planar sheets of material multiplied by the central angle, angular rays of which define respective ends of the opening, in radians.

3. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, wherein the central angle is 3π/8 radians.

4. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, wherein at the second portion of the circumferential edges defining the opening, a closure mechanism is arranged.

5. The transformable shipping bag of claim 4, wherein, the closure mechanism embodies a zipper-like closure mechanism as used to close in plastic storage bags, snaps or other functionally similar forms of closure known to the skilled person.

6. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, wherein the front and rear panels are fabricated using any of natural cloth, polyester, nylon or other strong, flexible and durable man-made and natural materials.

7. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, wherein the front and rear panels are laminated, or coated with a film, to provide resistance to weather elements, including rain, sleet, snow and/or high humidity

8. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, wherein the binding includes reliance upon any of adhesives, heat welding and electronic welding.

9. The transformable shipping bag of claim 8, wherein the adhesives are common adhesives, and/or uncommon adhesives manufactured to overcome such adherence problems.

10. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, further comprising a removable label attached to either the front or rear panel in reliance upon a removable sticky member comprising an inner-facing surface with an adhesive coating to adhere the sticky member to the panels.

11. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, further comprising:

a webbing clip for detachable connecting the handle to the bound front and back panels.

12. The transformable shipping bag of claim 11, further comprising a number of grommets arranged proximate the bound circumferential edges of the first portion, which pass through and hold the front and rear panels at each grommet location, wherein the grommets are configured to receive the webbing clip.

13. The transformable shipping bag of claim 11, wherein the webbing clip includes a means for connecting to the belt or handle, at one end, and an opposing slotted end for receiving a portion of the bound front and rear panels, including respective grommets, in the slot.

14. The transformable shipping bag of claim 13, wherein the slot defines slot leaves or fingers, and wherein a slot leaf or finger throughhole is included in each of the leaves or fingers that is aligned with an opening of the grommets, and wherein the webbing clip further includes a retaining pin that is provided in the slot leaf or finger throughhole and grommet openings to secure the handle to the bound front and rear panels.

15. The transformable shipping bag of claim 14, wherein the retaining pin is cylindrical and includes a slot extending a full length of the cylindrical retaining pin sufficient to allow the retaining pin to compress to a smaller diameter than a diameter of the grommets, with a compressing force applied, and to expand to a retaining pin diameter that is greater than or equal to a diameter of the grommets, once the compressing force is removed, to securely fix the retaining pin to the webbing clip.

16. The transformable shipping bag of claim 1, further including a plastic bubble-lined protection layer on an inner surface of the front and rear panels, for protecting items present in the shipping bag inner volume.