BAG WITH INTEGRATED TOY

An integrated bag and toy product is provided. The product may include a body that may define a storage cavity. The product may include a bag body that may include a strap secured to the body at a fixed location. The product may be manipulateable between a stored position in which the bag body and the strap may be received within the storage cavity and a deployed position in which the bag body and the strap may extend outside of the storage cavity.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/406,630 filed on Sep. 14, 2022 titled “BAG WITH INTEGRATED TOY” (Attorney Docket No. P294132.US.01), which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

This application is related to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/853,306 and titled “BAG WITH INTEGRATED TOY” (Attorney Docket No. P294131.US.01), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The described examples relate generally to reusable bags.

BACKGROUND

Reusable bags are used to transport items, such as groceries and retail products, and are often used in replace of disposable bags, such as plastic or paper grocery bags. Various types of reusable bags, such as laminated grocery bags, are constructed so as to be sufficiently strong to permit repeated transport of items without tearing or damage. Reusable bags can help to alleviate some environmental concerns by reducing the output rate of plastic waste as the bags may be reused multiple times as compared to single use disposable bags.

While many consumers may wish to use reusable bags, such bags are typically stored within a user's house, car, or other personal areas and the storage may be inconvenient or undesirable for a user. For example, typical reusable grocery bags are bulky and not easily foldable. Further, a user may require multiple reusable grocery bags to transport a large quantity of items. As such, requiring a user to transport multiple reusable bags that are empty, but still bulky and non-compressible, may cause the user hesitancy in adopting reusable bags. Additionally, it is a challenge for users to keep track of multiple bags that are not easily stored. Therefore, it is important to have a reusable bag that can be easily stored and accessed.

The information included in this Background section of the specification is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the present disclosure is to be bound.

SUMMARY

In a first example, a reusable bag is disclosed. The reusable bag includes a body. The body defines a storage cavity. The reusable bag includes a bag body. The bag body includes a strap secured to the body at a fixed location. The reusable bag may be manipulateable between a stored position in which the bag body and the strap are received within the storage cavity and a deployed position in which the bag body and the strap extend outside of the storage cavity.

In a second example, a product is disclosed. The product includes a toy body. The toy body defines a storage cavity. The product includes a bag. The bag includes a strap coupled with the toy body. The bag may be manipulateable between a stored position in which the bag is positioned within the storage cavity and a deployed position where the bag is positioned outside of the storage cavity. The product may include one or more concealing members. The one or more concealing members may be disposed at an entrance of the storage cavity. The one or more concealing members may secure the bag in the stored position and at least partially conceal the entrance of the storage cavity.

In a third example, a method of operating a toy and bag assembly is disclosed. The method includes removing a bag from a storage cavity defined by a body of a plush toy. The method includes coupling a first concealing member with a second concealing member. A strap of the bag may be positioned between an entrance of the storage cavity and the second concealing member. The body may be perched on a shoulder of a user during use.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an integrated bag and toy product in a stored position;

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in a transitional position;

FIG. 5 depicts another bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 6 depicts another bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 8 depicts another bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in a deployed position;

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 11 depicts another front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product received by a user;

FIG. 14 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a toy and bag assembly;

FIG. 15 depicts an isometric view of an integrated bag and toy product in a stored position;

FIG. 16 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 20 depicts a top view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 21 depicts a bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 22 depicts another bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in a transitional position;

FIG. 23 depicts another bottom plan view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 24 depicts another bottom plan view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 25 depicts another bottom plan view of the integrated bag and toy product in a deployed position;

FIG. 26 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 27 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 28 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 29 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 30 depicts an isometric view of an integrated bag and toy product in a stored position;

FIG. 31 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 32 depicts a rear view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 33 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 34 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 35 depicts a top view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 36 depicts a bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in the stored position;

FIG. 37 depicts another bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product in a transitional position;

FIG. 38 depicts another bottom plan view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 39 depicts another bottom plan view of the integrated bag and toy product in the transitional position;

FIG. 40 depicts another bottom plan view of the integrated bag and toy product in a deployed position;

FIG. 41 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 42 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position;

FIG. 43 depicts a side view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position; and

FIG. 44 depicts a front view of the integrated bag and toy product in the deployed position.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to an integrated bag and toy product configurable between positions. The product may include a reusable bag that may be stored easily within an integrated storage compartment, which may be in the form of a toy or character. The bag may be coupled to the toy to prevent inadvertent detachment both in the collapsed and expanded or deployed positions. Further, the toy may be configured to be seated in a visible area on the user when the bag is in use, e.g., the toy may be coupled to a strap or handle of the bag in a middle area such that the toy may be “perched” or seated on a user's shoulder when the bag is worn by the user. The integrated product may allow both a fun, aesthetically pleasing, and convenient storage for the bag when not in use and may also provide dual functionality as the toy may function as a toy when the bag is stored therein. Such characteristics may assist in encouraging users to adopt reusable bags as the bags may be easily stored and may provide a benefit to the user, even in the stored configuration.

In various examples, the toy may define a storage compartment for the bag. In some embodiments, the bag may be stored such that it is not visible or is substantially not visible in at least one position. For example, the bag may be stored within the storage compartment and one or more flaps may be used to cover the entry to the storage compartment as to substantially (if not fully) conceal the bag. In this manner, the integrated bag and toy product has a different appearance and use in one position than the integrated bag and toy product has in another position. Such configurations allow the product to have two different uses, e.g., one as a toy where the bag is not visible and one as a bag (where the toy may define a fun and aesthetically pleasing aspect).

In many embodiments, the bag is coupled to the toy to prevent the bag from becoming inadvertently disconnected from the toy during use or as it is removed from the storage cavity. In one example, the bag may include a handle or strap and the toy may be secured to the handle or strap, such that the bag may be removed from the storage cavity but still remained coupled to the toy. In one example, the bag may be secured in both the stored configuration in the storage cavity and when deployed for use.

In some instances, the toy may also be configured to be anchored in a displayable location when the user is wearing the bag. For example, the handle or strap may be configured to be received around a user's shoulder and the toy may be configured to be secured to a middle portion of the handle or strap or other location likely to be seated on a middle area of a user's shoulder when the strap is received on the shoulder. In this manner, the toy may be “perched” or otherwise visible as the user wears the bag. This positioning may also help to keep the toy out of the way and avoid interfering with use (e.g., does not accidentally drop into the bag compartment or interfere with access to the bag compartment). Traditional reusable bags such as backpacks and purses may include attachable features such as charms or clipart. However, these attachable features are not typically secured on the strap at a set location and/or visible during use. For example, often charms may slide around on a strap and may settle in a position during use that is dictated by gravity rather than a securement.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an integrated bag and toy product 105 in a stored position 100. The integrated bag and toy product 105 includes a toy 108. In one example, the toy 108 is a plush toy. For example, the toy 108 may be a soft fabric stuffed with stuffing, such as a cotton or a similar material to generate a “plush” or soft body feel. The toy 108 may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the toy 108 may be or may include rubber, plastic, foam, or a similar material. In other embodiments, the toy 108 may have a hard body feel. For example, the toy 108 may not include stuffing. The toy 108 may be a character that resembles a human or animal. For example, the toy 108 may include facial features, as discussed herein. The toy 108 does not have to be a character. For example, the toy 108 may resemble an automobile or similar inanimate object.

The toy 108 includes a body 110 that may define the shape of the toy and a housing or compartment for the bag. The body 110 may have a geometric or freeform shape that may be configured to be representative of a character (e.g., animal). For example, the body 110 may have a cylindrical, oblong, rectangular, or other shape. The size and/or shape of the body 110 may be proportional or otherwise related to the size of the bag, e.g., as the bag increases in size, the body may similarly increase in size. However, in some embodiments, the body 110 may be configured to be relatively or substantially small (e.g., less than 8 inches in width and/or height) in order to comfortably be perched on a user's shoulder. The body 110 may be made of or otherwise include a rigid material, semi-rigid material, an elastic material, or a combination of various types of materials (e.g., different materials may be coupled together to define the body 110). For example, the body 110 may be formed of an outer material 625 and an inner material 630 that are different, as depicted in FIG. 6. The body 110 may be made of an elastic material or malleable plastic including one of or a combination of polyurethane, nylon, lycra or spandex, polyester, rubber, latex, wool, or a similar material. The body 110 may stretch. For example, the body 110 may stretch with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100. In other embodiments, the body 110 may not be configured to stretch, e.g., may be formed of a more rigid material that resists deformation. In some embodiments, the body 110 may include one or more pieces of material with a fill material 635 or stuffing positioned there between, where the shape of the body 110 is defined by the fill material 635 as constrained by the pieces of material, as depicted in FIG. 6. It should be understood that in many embodiments, the body 110 shape may be slightly variable as the stuffing moves within the interior cavities (e.g., between the two material layers).

The body 110 may be symmetrical, especially for certain character appearances, or in other embodiments, the body 110 may be asymmetrical. The body 110 may define a top surface configured to face away from a user's shoulder when in the perched position (discussed in more detail) and a bottom surface configured to be supported on the user's shoulder in the perched position. Additionally, the body 110 may include one more sidewalls, which may include a rear and front wall or rear and front portions. In some embodiments, the various walls may be configured to be representative of character features (e.g., formed as protrusions or shapes that may be representative of facial features or appendages) and/or the walls may include stitching or applied materials that may be configured to be representative of facial or other character features (see, e.g., the design features discussed below).

The integrated bag and toy product 105 may include at least one appendage 115, e.g., the appendages 115 may be attached to the body 110 to simulate an animal or human character. The appendages 115 may be securely attached to the body 110. For example, the appendages 115 may be sewn onto the body 110 or be formed integrally with a portion of the body 110. In other examples, the appendages 115 may be removably attached to the body 110, e.g., the appendages 115 may be magnetically coupled with the body 110, or attached to the body 110 via a hook and loop system. The appendages 115 may include ears 115a, feet 115b, and a tail 115c or otherwise be representative of a desired character or animal (e.g., fins, tentacles, etc.). The appendages 115 may include other characteristics that simulate an animal or human character not specifically referenced, such as hair, fur, arms, hands, horns, wings, or legs. To that end, the appendages 115 may be positioned at various locations on the toy 108 and the depiction of any particular embodiment is meant as illustrative only. It should be noted that although the discussion is with respect to appendages, it should be understood that other types of attachment features, e.g., protrusions, may be coupled to the body that may not be in the form of an “appendage” for a character and may take other forms, such as accessories or the like.

The integrated bag and toy product 105 may include at least one design element 120 or aesthetic features. The design element 120 may be coupled or formed with the body 110 or other portion of the toy 108, e.g., the design elements 120 may be attached to the body 110 to simulate a character (e.g., animal, human, mythical, etc.). The design elements 120 may be securely attached to the body 110. For example, the design elements 120 may be sewn onto the body 110 or be stitching on the body 110. The design elements 120 may be removably attached to the body 110. For example, the design elements 120 may be magnetically coupled with the body 110 or attached to the body 110 via a hook and loop system. In one example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the design elements 120 may include eyes 120a, a nose 120b, a mouth 120c, ears 102d and/or other characteristics or accessories that simulate an animal, a human, or a mythical character not specifically referenced, such as a halo, wings, tentacles, fins, jewelry, wrinkles, whiskers, gills, hair, fur, hands, feet, etc. As can be appreciated, the positioning, features, and coupling of the design elements 120 may be varied based on the desired aesthetic appearance of the toy 108.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a storage cavity 510 may be defined by or included with the integrated bag and toy product 105. For example, the body 110 may be hollow or substantially hollow and/or include defined compartments therein. The storage cavity 510 may be defined as a pouch, compartment, or recessed area within the body 110. For example, the body 110 may be formed of the outer material 625 and the inner material 630, as discussed above, and the storage cavity 510 may be defined by the inner material 630 where the body 110 is defined by the fill material 635 or stuffing positioned between the inner material 630 and outer material 625. In these examples, the interior material or storage cavity material may form an interior surface of the body 110 and may optionally be coupled to the outer material 625 that defines the body 110.

The storage cavity 510 may be formed in other manners, e.g., defined by a rigid material that forms the body 110. The storage cavity 510 may define more than 50% of the internal area of the body 110. For example, the storage cavity 510 may define a compartment or substantial area within the body 110 sufficiently large enough to receive a bag 505, such as when the bag 505 is in the stored position 100.

The storage cavity 510 may stretch. For example, the storage cavity 510 may stretch to receive the bag 505, e.g., the interior material defining the storage cavity 510 may be defined from a flexible material and/or the fill material 635 for the body 110 may allow for the cavity to push towards the outer material 625 of the body 110. With the bag 505 in the stored position 100, the bag 505 may contribute to the size of the body 110, e.g. the body 110 may expand larger when the bag 505 is received therein and the storage cavity 510 and/or body 110 may stretch to accommodate the additional volume of the bag 505 such that the fill material 635 and the bag 505 contribute to the overall volume of the body 110. The storage cavity 510 does not have to stretch. For example, the volume of the storage cavity 510 may be sized to receive the bag 505 without expanding. In some embodiments, depending on the desired size of the bag 505, the storage cavity 510 may have a diameter greater than or equal to about 1 inch and less than or equal to about 12 inches. For example, the diameter of the storage cavity 510 may be about 4 inches. The storage cavity 510 may have a depth greater than or equal to about 1 inch and less than or equal to about 12 inches. For example, the depth of the storage cavity 510 may be about 2 inches. The storage cavity 510 may include lining (e.g., the inner material 630) that is the same as or different from the material of the body 110.

The storage cavity 510 may include or define an opening or entrance 620. The entrance 620 may be formed at or on an outer surface of the body 110. For example, the entrance 620 may be formed on a bottom portion of the body 110 (e.g., in an operation orientation of the integrated bag and toy product 105). The entrance 620 may be defined by the perimeter of the storage cavity 510 adjacent to the body 110, e.g., with the body 110 formed of an outer material 625 and an inner material 630 and the storage cavity 510 defined by the inner material 630, as discussed above, and the entrance 620 may be defined by the connection between the outer material 625 and the inner material 630 (e.g., by a seam line, stitching, or other coupling mechanism). The entrance 620 may include or define a diameter, e.g., a distance across the body 110. The diameter of the entrance 620 may be the distance across the body 110 from a front portion to a rear portion, from a first side portion to a second side portion, or the like. The distance from the front portion to the rear portion of the body 110 may be greater than, less than, or equal to the distance from the first side portion to the second side portion of the body 110. The diameter of the entrance 620 may be variable. For example, the diameter of the entrance 620 may change to facilitate a user in storing, accessing, or removing the bag 505. In some instances, the entrance 620 may be a separate element, e.g., a strip of fabric that circles around the storage cavity 510.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the integrated bag and toy product 105 may include one or more concealing members 315. The one or more concealing members 315 may also be referred to herein as one or more containment members 315 or flaps. For example, the members 315 may be configured to conceal and/or contain certain features of the integrated bag and toy product 105. As such, the one or more concealing members 315 may form a portion of the body 110, e.g., the one or more concealing members 315 may be an integral part of the body 110 and configured to form a portion of the bottom surface of the body 110. In some instances, the one or more concealing members 315 may be coupled to or formed with the body 110, e.g., via magnets, a hook and loop system, or the like. In this example, the one or more concealing members 315 may include portions of material similar to or the same as the material of the body 110 and may be coupled to the body 110. In some instances, the one or more concealing members 315 may also be the appendages 115, e.g., the feet 115b may be configured to conceal and/or contain certain features of the integrated bag and toy product 105.

The one or more concealing members 315 may be located anywhere on the integrated bag and toy product 105 but generally may be located so as to conceal and/or contain the storage cavity 510 and/or the bag 505 in one or more configurations. For example, the one or more concealing members 315 may be located on a bottom portion of the body 110 and may be positioned adjacent to the storage cavity 510, such as adjacent to the entrance 620 thereof. The one or more concealing members 315 may be disposed at the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510, such as by being attached at the interface of the inner material 630 and outer material 625 of the body 110. The one or more concealing members 315 do not need to be disposed at the entrance 620. For example, the one or more concealing members 315 need only be positioned to conceal the entrance 620 or a portion thereof, e.g., the one or more concealing members 315 may be anchored to sides of the body 110 and sufficiently long to wrap around the body 110 and at least partially cover the entrance 620.

In one embodiment, the one or more concealing members 315 may be a single flap on the body 110. The one or more concealing members 315 may include a first concealing member 310 and a second concealing member 305, e.g., a two-flap system where the flaps act to cooperate together to conceal the storage cavity 510 and/or entrance 620 to the storage cavity 510. For example, the first concealing member 310 and the second concealing member 305 may be located opposite each other at the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 and configured to engage with each other so as to cover the storage cavity 510. The first concealing member 310 and the second concealing member 305 may include a shape that may correspond to a portion of the body 110, e.g., the bottom surface of the body 110. For example, the shape of the first concealing member 310 and the second concealing member 305 may be follow the perimeter of the storage cavity 510, e.g., with the first concealing member 310 engaged with the second concealing member 305, the coupled members 310, 305 form the shape of the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510. The first concealing member 310 and the second concealing member 305 may be the same shape but do not have to be, e.g., the first concealing member 310 may be larger or smaller than the second concealing member 305.

The one or more concealing members 315 may have other configurations, e.g., the body 110 may include a stretchable material with sufficient stuffing to collapse around and “seal” or substantially close the entrance 620 to the storage cavity 510, but be sufficiently flexible to deform and open when needed to allow a user 1305 to access the storage cavity 510.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the integrated bag and toy product 105 in a transitional position 400. The first concealing member 310 includes a surface 405. The second concealing member 305 includes a top surface 410 and a bottom surface 615. The surfaces 405, 410, 615 may be the same material as the body 110. For example, the surfaces 405, 410, 615 may be a synthetic material such as polyester, cotton, or other types of materials or combinations of material. The surfaces 405, 410, 615 do not have to be the same material as the body 110 or as each other. For example, the material of the top surface 410 may be different than the material of the bottom surface 615.

The one or more concealing members 315 may include at least one attachment region to at least partially conceal the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510. The surface 405 may include a first attachment region 415. The top surface 410 may include a second attachment region 420. The first and second attachment regions 415, 420 may engage with each other to at least partially close the storage cavity 510. The first concealing member 310 may overlap the second concealing member 305, or visa-versa. For example, the first concealing member 310 may overlap the second concealing member 305 with the first attachment region 415 to correspond with the second attachment region 420. The first concealing member 310 does not have to overlap the second concealing member 305.

The first and second attachment regions 415, 420 may include or define hooks, loops, a button, a hole to receive a button, snaps, a north or south pole magnet, a zipper, or a similar coupling mechanism. For example, the first and second attachment regions 415, 420 may be a hook and loop system where the first attachment region 415 includes a plurality of loops and the second attachment region 420 includes a plurality of hooks. The first and second attachment regions 415, 420 may each include a corresponding plurality of hooks or loops. For example, the first attachment region 415 may include a plurality of hooks or loops and the second attachment region 420 may include a plurality of the other of hooks or loops. The first and second attachment regions 415, 420 do not have to be a hook and loop system, e.g., the first and second attachment regions 415, 420 may be a button system. For example, the first attachment region 415 may include a button and the second attachment region 420 may define a hole to receive the button.

To assemble the toy 108 portion of the product 105, the outer material 625 forming the body 110 may be decorated with the desired design elements 120 or the like and optionally one or more appendages 115 may be coupled thereto. The inner material 630 may then be partially connected to the outer material 625 and the fill material 635, such as stuffing, may be positioned between the inner material 630 and outer material 625. The interface may then be formed, e.g., the edges of the inner material 630 and the outer material 625 may be coupled together to capture the fill material 635 there between. The storage cavity may then be defined by the fill material 635 and inner material 630 as a recessed portion or other area within the body 110. The first and second concealing members 310, 305 may then be coupled to the body 110, such as adjacent to the interface or entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510. In some examples, the interface itself may act to couple the first and second concealing members 310, 305 to the body 110.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, the bag 505 is shown. FIG. 5 depicts the bag 505 within the storage cavity 510 and FIG. 11 depicts the bag 505 fully out of the storage cavity 510. The toy 108 may be larger than the bag 505. In other examples, the bag 505 may be larger than the toy 108 in the expanded state. For example, a cross-section of the bag 505 may be between about two times and ten times greater than a cross-section of the toy 108 when in the “use” position, e.g., in the expanded position depicted in FIG. 11. However, because the bag 505 is compressible or flexible, the bag 505 may compress to a small volume in order to be able to be fully contained within the body 110 as depicted in FIGS. 1-3. The bag 505 may be interchangeably referred to herein as a reusable bag 505 or container. The integrated bag and toy product 105 may include multiple bags 505. The bag 505 includes a bag body 1105. The bag body 1105 may be or may include a non-woven fabric, laminated, cotton, jute, plastic, canvas, nylon, paper, or a similar material. The bag body 1105 may be insulated, water proof, or water resistant. For example, the bag body 1105 may include a lining that is a different material than the outer material 625. The bag body 1105 may define an interior cavity to store items such as groceries, personal items, or retail items. In various implementations, the bag 505 is configured to receive one or more items and be sufficiently flexible to be received or stored within the body 110.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the integrated bag and toy product 105 includes at least one strap 605, e.g., the bag 505 may include the strap 605. The strap 605 may be referred to herein as a handle 605. The integrated bag and toy product 105 may include multiple bags 505 each with a strap 605. The bag 505 may include multiple straps 605, e.g., the bag 505 may include two handles 605. The strap 605 defines a shoulder portion 610. For example, the shoulder portion 610 may be a middle portion of the strap 605.

The strap 605 includes a bottom surface 705 and a top surface 710. The strap 605 may include padding such as foam. For example, the bottom surface 705 of the strap 605 may be padded. The strap 605 may include a non-slip material such as rubber. For example, the shoulder portion 610 of the bottom surface 705 of the strap 605 may be padded with flexible silicone. The strap 605 may be or may include material that is the same as or different from the material of the body 110. The strap 605 may be or may include material that is the same as or different from the material of the bag body 1105.

The strap 605 may have a length sufficient to allow the strap 605 to be positioned on an arm 1315 or a shoulder 1310 of a user 1305, as depicted in FIG. 13. For example, the strap 605 may be between 8 to 40 inches long from end to end, such that the “loop” formed by the strap 605 as connected to the bag body 1105 may fit over the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305. In one example, the shoulder portion 610 may be received by the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305, as depicted in FIG. 13. For example, the shoulder portion 610 of the strap 605 may be configured to be positioned over the arm 1315 or received around the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305. The strap 605 may be received by different portions of the user 1305, e.g., the handle 605 may be received by a forearm of the user 1305. The strap 605 may have a width sufficient to allow the strap 605 to be positioned on or otherwise received by an appendage of the user, such as the arm 1315 or the shoulder 1310. For example, the strap 605 may be between 1 to 6 inches wide. In another example, the width of the bag body 1105 may be between about two times and five times greater than the width of the strap 605. The width of the strap 605 may be equal to or smaller than a width of the body 110, whereas the length of the strap 605 may be greater than a length and width of the body 110. For example, a cross-section of the strap 605 and the bag 505 may be between about two times and twenty times greater than a cross-section of the toy 108. In these examples, the toy 108 may extend across the width of the strap 605 while perched on the user 1305, e.g., the width of the body 110 of the toy 108 may be greater than the width of the strap 605 with the width of the strap 605 extending between two sidewalls of the body 110, e.g., that at least partially define the storage cavity 510.

With reference to FIG. 5 among others, the toy 108 and the bag 505 may be coupled. The toy 108 and the bag 505 may be permanently secured together. For example, the toy 108 and the bag 505 may be sewn together. The toy 108 and the bag 505 do not have to be permanently secured together, e.g., the toy 108 and the bag 505 may be temporarily attached. For example, the toy 108 and the bag 505 may removably attachable via a hook and loop system or a similar system such as magnets.

The toy 108 and the bag 505 may be coupled together at any location on either the toy 108 or the bag 505. For example, the bag 505 may be coupled with features of the toy 108, e.g., the bag 505 may be coupled with the body 110. The toy 108 and the bag 505 may be permanently coupled, e.g., sewn together, or temporarily coupled, e.g., via a hook and loop system. The bag 505 may be coupled with the first concealing member 310 or the second concealing member 305 of the body 110. For example in FIG. 5 among others, the bag 505 is coupled with the second concealing member 305, e.g., the bag 505 may be sewn to the bottom surface 615 of the second concealing member 305. The bag 505 may be coupled with other areas or features of the body 110, e.g., the bag 505 may be coupled with an interior wall or entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510. Features of the bag 505 may be coupled with the toy 108 and/or features of the toy 108. For example, the strap 605 may be coupled with the toy 108. The strap 605 may be coupled with the body 110, e.g., the bag 505 may be coupled with the body 110 via the strap 605. The strap 605 may be coupled with the one or more concealing members 315 of the body 110, e.g., with the second concealing member 305. For example, the strap 605 may be sewn to the bottom surface 615 of the second concealing member 305, as depicted in FIG. 6.

Features or portions of the strap 605 may be coupled with the toy 108 and/or features of the toy 108. For example, the bottom surface 705 of the strap 605 may be attached to the body 110, e.g., the bottom surface 705 of the strap 605 may be coupled with the second concealing member 305. The body 110 of the toy 108 may be coupled with the strap 605 at a specific location, e.g., the shoulder portion 610. As such, the toy 108 may be configured to be secured to the shoulder portion 610 of the strap 605 and to be seated on a middle area of the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305 with the strap 605 received by the shoulder 1310. For example, the strap 605 may be coupled with the second concealing member 305 of the body 110 at the shoulder portion 610. For example, the bottom surface 705 of the strap 605 may be attached to the bottom surface 615 of the second concealing member 305 at the shoulder portion 610 of the strap 605, e.g., via adhesive, stitching, or the like. The strap 605 of the bag 505 may be removably attached to the toy 108, e.g., via a hook and loop system, magnets, or the like.

FIGS. 1-3 depict the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100. The stored position 100 is defined by the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 at least partially concealed by the one or more concealing members 315 with the bag 505 at least partially received by the storage cavity 510. For example with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100, the bag 505 is contained in the storage cavity 510. The one or more concealing members 315 at least partially conceal the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510. For example, the first concealing member 310 and the second concealing member 305 may couple together or otherwise cooperate to conceal or cover the entrance 620 to the storage cavity 510. The storage cavity 510 may not be visible from an exterior perspective of the integrated bag and toy product 105 with the toy 108 and the bag 505 in the stored position 100 (e.g., volume of the bag 505 is compressed so as to be positioned within the storage cavity 510).

The bag 505 may be secured in the storage cavity 510 by the one or more concealing members 315. For example, the first and second concealing members 310, 305 may be in engagement with each other to prohibit inadvertent removal of the bag 505 from the storage cavity 510. The one or more concealing members 315 do not have secure the bag 505 in the storage cavity 510 because the bag 505 may be made of or include flexible material and may easily deform and remain in a compressed and/or folded configuration. For example, the bag 505 may be configured to remain in the storage cavity 510 regardless of whether the first and second concealing members 310, 305 are present. The first and second concealing members 310, 305 may not be included or may only be configured to cover the storage cavity 510 and thus may not prevent removal of the bag 505.

With the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100, the bag 505 may not be visible. As such, only the toy 108 may be visible. Thus, with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100, the user 1305 may play with the toy 108 as a plaything without function. For example, with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100, the integrated bag and toy product 105 may act simply as a toy such as a stuffed animal, figurine, or inanimate object (like an automobile).

FIGS. 4-8 depict views of the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the transitional position 400. The transitional position 400 is defined by the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 not concealed by the one or more concealing members 315. For example with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the transitional position 400, the first and second concealing members 310, 305 are not in engagement with each other. The bag 505 may be received by the storage cavity 510 in the transitional position 400, as depicted in FIG. 4 among others. The bag 505 does not have to be received by the storage cavity 510 in the transitional position 400, as depicted in FIG. 6 among others.

In the event that the user 1305 wishes to use the bag 505 feature of the integrated bag and toy product 105, the user 1305 may engage the integrated bag and toy product 105 to cause the transition from the stored position 100 to the transitional position 400. The user 1305 may uncouple the one or more concealing members 315 to reveal the storage cavity 510 and the bag 505 stored within, e.g., access the storage cavity 510 and bag 505. For example as depicted in FIG. 4, the first concealing member 310 may be uncoupled from the second concealing member 305. The user 1305 may then begin to remove the bag 505 from the storage cavity 510. For example as depicted in FIG. 5, the second concealing member 305 may be pulled outward and away from the storage cavity 510 to uncover the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510. The user 1305 may then remove the bag 505 from the storage cavity 510. For example as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bag 505 may be removed from the toy 108 to reveal the storage cavity 510. The user 1305 may then begin to couple or recouple the one or more concealing members 315. For example as depicted in FIG. 5, the second concealing member 305 may be positioned over the storage cavity 510 with the strap 605 positioned flat over the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 and between the storage cavity 510 and the second concealing member 305. The user 1305 may then couple or recouple the one or more concealing members 315, as depicted in FIG. 9 and discussed below.

FIGS. 9-12 depict the integrated bag and toy product 105 in a deployed position 900 or fully expanded position. The deployed position 900 is defined by the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 at least partially concealed by the one or more concealing members 315 with the bag 505 outside of the storage cavity 510. For example with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900, the bag 505 is not in the storage cavity 510 and the first and second concealing members 310, 305 may be in engagement with each other. For example, the first concealing 310 member may overlap the second concealing member 305 in the stored position 100 and the deployed position 900. The one or more concealing members 315 may secure the toy 108 in place with respect to the strap 605. This configuration allows the toy 108 to be seated on the top surface 710 of the strap 605, or another set location of the strap 605, with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900 because the first concealing 310 member and the second concealing member 305 anchor the toy 108 to the strap 605. In this way, the body 110 of the toy 108 may be coupled with the strap 605 so as to be anchored on a surface, such as on the user 1305 during use. The one or more concealing members 315 may provide padding or otherwise act as a pad or cushion positioned between the surface, e.g., the user 1305, and the body 110. In this way, the one or more concealing members 315 may provide comfort to the user 1305. For example, the bag 505 may include or hold items that increase the weight of the bag 505 and the one or more concealing members 315 may provide a cushion that compensates or otherwise alleviates discomfort associated with the weight of the items. In these examples, the body 110 and the one or more concealing members 315 may define the bottom surface of the toy 108 and the bottom surface may be in contact with the user 1305, such as the shoulder 1310.

Additionally, the integrated bag and toy product 105 may be structured such that the toy 108 may be secured to the strap 605 directly. For example, the body 110 may be fixed to the shoulder portion 610 of the strap 605 with or without the one or more concealing members 315 fixed to the strap 605. For example, at least one portion of the strap 605 may be secured to, e.g., stitched or sewn to, the bottom portion of the body 110, such as adjacent or otherwise near the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510. In this example, the toy 108 may be secured to the strap 605 to prevent movement of the toy 108 relative to the strap 605 and may be positioned in a perched position on the user 1305 regardless of the one or more concealing members 315.

With the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900, the strap 605 is positioned substantially flat between the one or more concealing members 315 and the storage cavity 510. For example, the first concealing member 310 may overlap the second concealing member 305 in the deployed position 900 with the strap 605 positioned between the bottom surface 615 of the second concealing member 305 and the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 of the body 110. For example, the first concealing member 310 may overlap the second concealing member 305 in the deployed position 900 with at least part of the shoulder portion 610 of the strap 605 positioned between the second concealing member 305 and the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 of the body 110. In these example, the one or more concealing members 315 may at least partially conceal the storage cavity 510, which may provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the toy 108. With the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900, the bottom surface 705 of the strap 605 may face or otherwise engage with the one or more concealing members 315 and the top surface 710 of the strap 605 may face or otherwise engage with the storage cavity 510.

The user 1305 may couple or recouple the one or more concealing members 315 as discussed above. The user 1305 may manipulate the bag 505 between the stored position 100 and the deployed position 900. For example, the user 1305 may pull on the bag 505 to expand it from the stored position 100 to the transitional position 400 to the deployed position 900. The toy 108 and the bag 505 may be coupled in the stored position 100, the transitional position 400, and the deployed position 900. For example, the strap 605 of the bag 505 may be permanently affixed to the body 110 such that the strap 605 is coupled with the body 110 in the stored position 100, the transitional position 400, and the deployed position 900.

With the bag 505 manipulateable between the stored position 100 and the deployed position 900, the bag 505 may define a variable volume, e.g., at least a first volume in the stored position 100 and a second volume in the deployed position 900. The bag 505 may be deformed to change between the first volume and the second volume, e.g., via the user 1305. For example, the bag 505 may be compressed and folded with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100, and the bag 505 may be expanded with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900. In this example, the first volume of the bag 505 may be less with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100 than the second volume of the bag 505 with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900 since the bag 505 may be compressed to less than the size of the body 110 in the stored position 100 and may be expanded to a size greater than the body 110 in the deployed position 900.

Additionally, the body 110 may define a variable volume, e.g., at least a first volume in the stored position 100 and a second volume in the deployed position 900. The body 110 may be deformed to change between the first volume and the second volume, e.g., via the user 1305. For example, the bag 505 and the fill material 635 may contribute to and partially define the volume of the body 110 with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100, and the fill material 635 may contribute to and partially define the volume of the body 110 with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900. In this example, the first volume of the body 110 may be greater with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the stored position 100 than the second volume of the body 110 with the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900 since the bag 505 may not be contributing to the second volume.

FIG. 13 depicts the integrated bag and toy product 105 received by the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305. For example, the integrated bag and toy product 105 is in the deployed position 900 and the toy 108 is perched on the shoulder 1310 (e.g., positioned on a top surface of the shoulder 1310). With the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the deployed position 900, the strap 605 may be positioned over the arm 1315, the shoulder 1310, or another portion of the user 1305 such that the body 110 of the toy 108 is anchored in a displayable location on the user 1305. For example, the shoulder portion 610 of the strap 605 may be positioned over the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305 and the body 110 of the toy 108 may be perched on the shoulder 1310 with the strap 605 between the body 110 and the shoulder 1310. Thus, the shoulder portion 610 may not be in direct contact with the user 1305. In this example, the one or more concealing members 315 may be in direct contact with the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305 such that the one or more concealing members 315 are between the shoulder 1310 and the strap 605. The shoulder portion 610 may be in direct contact with the user 1305, e.g., with the toy 108 not including one or more concealing members 315. In another example, the handle 605 may be received by a forearm of the user 1305 such that the toy 108 may be perched on the forearm with the handle 605 between the body 110 and the forearm.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method 1400 of operating a toy and bag assembly, such as the integrated bag and toy product 105. The method 1400 includes removing the bag 505 from the storage cavity 510 defined by the body 110 of the toy 108 (Act 1405). The body 110 includes the one or more concealing members 315. As such, Act 1405 may include uncoupling the first and second concealing members 310, 305 before removing the bag 505. The first and second concealing members 310, 305 may be a hook and loop system. For example, the first concealing member 310 may include the first attachment region 415 on the surface 405 and the second concealing member 305 may include the second attachment region 420 on the top surface 410. The first and second attachment regions 415, 420 may include a plurality of hooks or loops with the first attachment region 415 to correspond with the second attachment region 420. For example, the first concealing member 310 may overlap the second concealing member 305 and the first attachment region 415 may include a plurality of loops to engage with the second attachment region 420 including a plurality of hooks.

The method 1400 includes coupling the first concealing member 310 with the second concealing member 305 (Act 1410). In Act 1410, the strap 605 of the bag 505 is positioned between the entrance 620 of the storage cavity 510 and the second concealing member 305. The strap 605 defines the shoulder portion 610 that may be positioned over the arm 1315 or the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305. The body 110 of the toy 108 may be coupled with the strap 605 at the shoulder portion 610. As such, the body 110 may be perched on the shoulder 1310 of the user 1305 during use.

Method 1400 may include inserting the bag 505 into the storage cavity 510. Since the body 110 includes the one or more concealing members 315, Method 1400 may include uncoupling the first and second concealing members 310, 305 before inserting the bag 505. The storage cavity 510 may stretch. For example, the storage cavity 510 may stretch as the bag 505 is inserted. The storage cavity 510 does not have to stretch. The storage cavity 510 may have a diameter greater than or equal to about 1 inch and less than or equal to about 12 inches. The storage cavity 510 may have a depth greater than or equal to about 1 inch and less than or equal to about 12 inches.

Method 1400 may include coupling, or recoupling, the first concealing member 310 with the second concealing member 305. For example, the bag 505 may be positioned in the storage cavity 510 of the body 110 and coupling the first and second concealing members 310, 305 secures the bag 505 in the storage cavity 510 (i.e., in the stored position 100).

FIGS. 15-44 depict alternative body 110 designs of the integrated bag and toy product 105 in the positions 100, 400, 900. In FIGS. 15-44, the shape of the toy 108 may different than the shape of the toy 108 in FIGS. 1-13. For example in FIGS. 1-13, the shape of the body 110 of the toy 108 may be oblong, whereas in FIGS. 15-44 the shape of the body 110 of the toy 108 may be round. The shape of the toy 108 may be any shape, e.g., the shapes of the body 110 in FIGS. 1-44 are not the only shapes the body 110 may be. For example, the shape of the body 110 of the toy 108 may be conical, cylindrical, cubical, etc. The shape of the toy 108 may be a combination of shapes, e.g., the body 110 may include spherical and cubical aspects. For example, the shape of the toy 108 may resemble an automobile and include cuboid and spherical aspects (i.e., an automobile body with wheels).

It should be noted that any of the features in the various examples provided herein may be interchangeable and/or replaceable with any other example. As such, the discussion of any component or element with respect to a particular example is meant as illustrative only.

The terms “about” and “substantially” herein are to be construed as +/−10%, unless stated otherwise. Every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b” or, equivalently, “greater than about a and less than about b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order, unless stated otherwise. It is to be understood that any terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the examples of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the present disclosure unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation but those skilled in the art will recognize the steps and operation may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Thus, changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reusable bag product comprising:

a body defining a storage cavity; and
a bag body comprising a strap, wherein: the strap is secured to the body at a fixed location; and the reusable bag product is manipulateable between a stored position in which the bag body and the strap are received within the storage cavity and a deployed position in which the bag body and the strap extend outside of the storage cavity.

2. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein the strap is a shoulder strap configured to be received around a shoulder of a user with the reusable bag product in the deployed position and the body is positioned on the shoulder of the user during use.

3. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein the strap is secured to the body in the stored position and in the deployed position.

4. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein the body comprises:

one or more concealing members disposed at an entrance of the storage cavity, the one or more concealing members are configured to secure the bag body in the stored position and to at least partially conceal the entrance of the storage cavity.

5. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein:

the body includes a first concealing member and a second concealing member, the second concealing member having a bottom surface;
the strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, the strap defining a shoulder portion; and
the bottom surface of the shoulder portion of the strap is attached to the bottom surface of the second concealing member at the fixed location.

6. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein:

the body includes a first concealing member and a second concealing member configured for engagement with each other; and
in the deployed position, the first concealing member and the second concealing member are in engagement and anchor around the strap to secure the body on a shoulder portion of the strap.

7. The reusable bag product of claim 6, wherein the body is configured to be perched on a shoulder of a user with the body secured on the shoulder portion of the strap.

8. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein the body comprises:

a first concealing member including a surface, the surface having a first attachment region; and
a second concealing member including a top surface, the top surface having a second attachment region;
the first concealing member coupled with the second concealing member at the first attachment region and the second attachment region.

9. The reusable bag product of claim 8, wherein the first attachment region and the second attachment region are coupled together via a hook and loop system.

10. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an elastic material and is configured to stretch with the bag body in the stored position.

11. The reusable bag product of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises:

an outer surface;
an interior surface; and
a fill material received between the outer surface and the interior surface, wherein the storage cavity is defined by the interior surface of the body.

12. A product comprising:

a toy body defining a storage cavity;
a bag comprising a strap, wherein the strap is coupled to the toy body, the bag manipulateable between a stored position in which the bag is positioned within the storage cavity and a deployed position in which the bag is positioned outside of the storage cavity; and
one or more concealing members disposed at an entrance of the storage cavity, the one or more concealing members are configured to secure the bag in the stored position and to at least partially conceal the entrance of the storage cavity.

13. The product of claim 12, wherein the strap remains coupled to the toy body at the same location in the stored position and in the deployed position.

14. The product of claim 12, wherein the strap is a shoulder strap that defines a shoulder portion configured to be received around a shoulder of a user, the toy body coupled with the strap at the shoulder portion so as to be positioned on the shoulder of the user during use.

15. The product of claim 12, wherein:

the strap defines a shoulder portion; and
the body is coupled with the strap at the shoulder portion in the stored position and in the deployed position.

16. The product of claim 12, wherein:

the one or more concealing members include a first concealing member and a second concealing member, the second concealing member having a bottom surface;
the strap having a top surface and a bottom surface, the strap defining a shoulder portion; and
the bottom surface of the strap is attached to the bottom surface of the second concealing member at the shoulder portion of the strap.

17. The product of claim 12, wherein:

the one or more concealing members includes a first concealing member and a second concealing member;
the first concealing member and the second concealing member are flaps and couple together to conceal the storage cavity.

18. The product of claim 12, wherein the bag defines a portion of a volume of the toy body with the bag in the stored position.

19. The product of claim 12, wherein the toy body comprises a first material defining an outer surface of the toy body and a second material defining an interior surface of the toy body, wherein the storage cavity is defined by the interior surface.

20. The product of claim 19, wherein the toy body further comprises a fill material positioned between the first material and the second material, wherein the deployed position, the fill material defines a volume of the toy body and in the stored position, the fill material and the bag define the volume of the toy body.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240081497
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 29, 2023
Publication Date: Mar 14, 2024
Inventors: Ramy A. BADIE (High Ridge, MO), Alexander W. BRAUN (Westminster, CO), Michelle V. VAN HOESEN (Boulder, CO), Audrey M. JUNG (Tustin, CA), Michael T. LY (Firestone, CO), Joshua GUERRERO (Englewood, CO)
Application Number: 18/239,556
Classifications
International Classification: A45C 7/00 (20060101); A45C 13/10 (20060101); A45C 13/30 (20060101); A45C 15/00 (20060101); A63H 3/00 (20060101); A63H 3/02 (20060101);