Twinpick Shoulder Bag

Abstract

A shoulder bag has a first pocket having a front and a back panel joined along lower edges and side edges, the first pocket open at upper edges of the front panel and the back panel, the first pocket having a first width and a first height, a second pocket having a second front panel and a second back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the second pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the second front panel and the second back panel, the second pocket having the first width and the first height, and a shoulder region connecting the first back panel of the first pocket and the second back panel of the second pocket. Fabric strips are attached at ends of the strips to regions of the first and second pockets to extend outside the pockets and restrict openings of the pockets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of co-pending application Ser. No. 17/740,619 filed May 10, 2022. All disclosure of the parent application is incorporated at least by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of personal accessories and pertains more particularly to a shoulder bag.

2. Description of Related Art

Purses and shoulder bags are very well known in the art and exist in a broad variety of forms. The present inventor, however, believes there is room for improvement in the art. A shoulder bag of the nature of the twin bag of the present invention is not known, to the inventor's belief, in the current art, and represents a decided improvement over the current state of the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention a shoulder bag is provided, comprising a first pocket having a first front panel and a first back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the first pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the first front panel and the first back panel, the first pocket having a first width and a first height, a second pocket having a second front panel and a second back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the second pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the second front panel and the second back panel, the second pocket having the first width and the first height, one or more third pockets implemented along an upper front portion of the first front panel of the first pocket, by a third back panel joined along an upper edge to the upper edge of the first front panel of the first pocket, and a third front panel joined along a lower edge to a lower edge of the third back panel, lateral edges of the third front panel and third back panel joined, forming the third pockets open along top edges, a shoulder region connecting the first back panel of the first pocket and the second back panel of the second pocket such that, with the shoulder region draped over a user's shoulder, the front pocket is positioned at the front of the user, open upward, and the back panel is positioned at the back of the user, also open upward, and one or more fabric strips joined at one end to a point at or below a bottom edge of the third pockets and at an opposite end to a point on the second front panel of the second pocket below the opening of the second pocket, or inside the second pocket.

In one embodiment there is one fabric strip centered on the width of the shoulder bag. Also, in one embodiment there are two fabric strips, one each offset to each side from the center of the width of the shoulder bag. In one embodiment the fabric strips are of the same fabric as the shoulder bag. In one embodiment the fabric strips are of a different fabric than the shoulder bag. In one embodiment the fabric strips are of an elastic fabric.

In one embodiment the fabric strips are sewn at the ends to the fabric of the shoulder bag. And in one embodiment the fabric strips are removable and re-attachable by being joined to the shoulder bag by being attached with buttons and buttonholes, or by caribiners and loops.

In an alternative embodiment a shoulder bag is provided comprising a first pocket having a first front panel and a first back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the first pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the first front panel and the first back panel, the first pocket having a first width and a first height, a second pocket having a second front panel and a second back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the second pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the second front panel and the second back panel, the second pocket having the first width and the first height, one or more third pockets implemented along an upper front portion of the first front panel of the first pocket, by a third back panel joined along an upper edge to the upper edge of the first front panel of the first pocket, and a third front panel joined along a lower edge to a lower edge of the third back panel, lateral edges of the third front panel and third back panel joined, forming the third pockets open along top edges, a shoulder region connecting the first back panel of the first pocket and the second back panel of the second pocket such that, with the shoulder region draped over a user's shoulder, the front pocket is positioned at the front of the user, open upward, and the back panel is positioned at the back of the user, also open upward, a first fabric strip joined at opposite ends across a width of the second pocket below the opening of the second pocket, attached at ends of the fabric strip to a front, side or back region of the shoulder bag at opposite edges of the second pocket, and a second fabric strip joined at opposite ends across a width of the first pocket below the opening of the third pockets, attached at ends of the fabric strip to a front, side or back region of the shoulder bag at opposite edges of the first pocket.

In one embodiment the fabric strips are of the same fabric as the shoulder bag. Also, in one embodiment the fabric strips are of a different fabric than the shoulder bag. Also, in one embodiment the fabric strips are of an elastic fabric. In one embodiment the fabric strips are sewn at the ends to the fabric of the shoulder bag. And in one embodiment the fabric strips are removable and re-attachable by being joined to the shoulder bag by being attached with buttons and buttonholes, or by caribiners and loops.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Twinpick shoulder bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pattern for a Twinpick shoulder bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of the pattern of FIG. 2 illustrating folds used in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the fold pattern of FIG. 3A with the shoulder region raised to illustrate relationships.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shoulder bag with edges closed by zippers in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shoulder bag with the edges closed by hooks and holes in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pattern for use with thicker fabrics in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a side elevation view of the elements of FIG. 6 illustrating folds and placement of elements to create a shoulder bag from the elements of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B illustrates the elements of FIG. 6 with the shoulder region raised and the elements arranged for pockets vertical.

FIG. 8 illustrates elements for making a shoulder bag with very thick fabric or leather.

FIG. 9A illustrates the elements of FIG. 8 in a side view.

FIG. 9B illustrates the elements of FIG. 8 with the shoulder region raised and draped as over a user's shoulder.

FIG. 10 illustrates a shoulder bag with an added mesh pocket in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of elements to make a leather shoulder bag.

FIG. 12A is a plan view of elements for a shoulder bag made from very thick fabric or leather with a narrowed shoulder region.

FIG. 12B illustrates an alternative to the shapes of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a single piece of fabric showing regions for a bag to be worn like a scarf.

FIG. 14A shows a fold plan for the fabric of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B shows the elements of FIG. 14A with the shoulder region draped and the pockets vertical.

FIG. 15A illustrates a fist step in a plan for making a shoulder region more narrow.

FIG. 15B illustrates a second step in the plan of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C illustrates a third step in the plan of FIG. 15A

FIG. 15D illustrates a fourth step in the plan of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15E is a plan view of a shoulder bag with the shoulder region made narrow by folding and stitching.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a Twinpick shoulder bag with strip attachments in an embodiment of the invention showing the strip attachments sewn to the shoulder bag.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a s Twinpick shoulder bag with strip attachments in a different direction than shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Twinpick shoulder bag 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although not readily apparent from FIG. 1, Twinpick shoulder bag 100 is, in a preferred embodiment, constructed from a single fabric sheet of cloth, as is described below with reference to additional figures.

In this example Twinpick shoulder bag 100 has a large front pocket 101, a large rear pocket 102 and a shoulder support 107. A user carries Twinpick shoulder bag 100 by draping shoulder support 107 over either the left or the right shoulder, with front pocket 101 in the user's front, where access is easy, and rear pocket 102 down the back, where the user may attain access by grasping around the side and pulling forward, or by taking the bag off the user's shoulder.

In the example of FIG. 1 it may be seen that a back panel for each of the front pocket and the back pocket is labeled as element number 106, as it may be apparent from the figure that panel 106 forms both back panels and the shoulder support as well. In this example there are three additional smaller pockets formed across an upper region of front pocket 101, two of which, pockets 103 and 104 are visible in FIG. 1. The three additional smaller pockets have a depth to seam 105. Seam 108 separates pockets 103 and 104.

The single fabric sheet for the Twinpick shoulder bag may be one of a broad variety of fabrics, and in most embodiments is a strong soft fabric, to be able to bunch and fold easily, and to be able to support rather heavy articles in the pockets.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pattern that may be used in a method to construct a Twinpick shoulder bag in an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2 a single fabric sheet 201 is shown with fold lines 209, 210, 211, and 214 211 and 212 are not fold lines, but simply lines of demarcation between the shoulder region and regions 205 and 207. Regions 202 and 203 are each W wide and W/2 long. Regions 204, 205, 206, 207 and 208 are square W×W. Two seam lines 215 and 216 are shown across regions 202 and 203, and the significance of these seam lines is described below.

In this example single fabric sheet 201 has a width W and an overall length L, which is six times width W. This layout ratio is not a limitation, as the ratios may be different in different embodiments. In subsequent operations regions 202, 203, 204 and 205 form a frontside of the Twinpick shoulder bag, region 206 provides the shoulder panel 107 as seen in FIG. 1, and regions 207 and 208 form the backside of the shoulder bag.

FIG. 3A illustrates a folding scheme for forming shoulder bag 100 from single fabric sheet 201. As a first step in this example regions 202, 203 and 204 together are folded to the right (clockwise) around fold line 211. Then region 203 is folded counterclockwise around fold line 210, and region 202 is folded clockwise around fold line 209. This produces the folded aspect shown to the left in FIG. 3A, indicated as the Frontside of the shoulder bag. Region 206 remains stationary, indicated as Shoulder, and region 208 is folded counterclockwise around fold line 214 producing the aspect on the right indicated as Backside.

FIG. 3B illustrates folded single fabric sheet 201 wherein region 206 has been lifted and formed as an arc as it would be when draped over a user's shoulder. The frontside regions 202, 203, 204 and 205 assume a vertical aspect, as do the backside regions 207 and 208. Referring now back to FIG. 1, it may be seen from view 3B that regions 202 and 203 will form small pockets 103 and 104 (and a third pocket not seen in FIG. 1). Regions 204 and 205 will form the front and back panels of large front pocket 101, and regions 207 and 208 will form the large back pocket 102.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that in the partially folded form illustrated in FIG. 3B no pockets are actually formed. It will be apparent that to form front pocket 101 the vertical side edges of regions 204 and 205 must be joined. In the same way, to form back large pocket 102 the vertical side edges of regions 207 and 208 must be joined as well. In the example depicted by FIG. 1 the vertical side edges of regions 204 and 205, and the vertical side edges of regions 207 and 208 may be joined by stitching. That is, the edges may be sewn together. In some embodiments the stitching may be a double line for added strength. Also, in some embodiments a ribbon of cloth may be folded over the edges before the edges are stitched together.

Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3B, to form smaller front pockets 103 and 104, and a third small pocket not shown in FIG. 1, the vertical side edges of regions 202 and 203 must be joined to one another. This may be done as described above for the larger pockets, by sewing. To make three smaller pockets rather than one, referring back to FIG. 2, it is necessary to join regions 202 and 203 along lines 215 and 216 as well as along the edges. In some circumstances the smaller pockets may be stitched at some points to region 204, which is the front face of pocket 101, to prevent the smaller pockets from hanging too loosely from the rest of the shoulder bag. This is not a requirement, but a preference in some circumstances.

The shoulder bag as depicted in FIG. 1 with edges sewn together as described above, provides a shoulder bag that may be difficult to keep clean, as to access the interior surfaces of the pockets it may be necessary to turn the pockets inside out, which may be a clumsy operation. If the edges might be released, cleaning and maintenance might be more easily performed.

In one alternative embodiment edges of regions in forming the shoulder bag in the folding steps described may be provided with zippers. As one example, referring to FIG. 3B, consider the edges of regions 204 and 205 that form large front pocket 101. In one embodiment a zipper may be sewn, beginning at fold line 211, which forms the bottom of pocket 101, with one side of the zipper sewn along an edge of region 204 and the other side of the zipper sewn to the edge of region 205. Another zipper may be similarly sewn to the edges of regions 204 and 205 on the other side of pocket 101. In this embodiment a user may close both zippers to form the pocket and open both zippers to open the pocket such that the inside surfaces may be cleaned and renewed. Generally speaking, in there formation of the shoulder bag, all the edges designated to be sewn together in the description above, may instead be provided with opposite sides of zippers of appropriate length with the closed end of each zipper located at the fold line at the bottom of the pocket to be formed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a shoulder bag 400 constructed from a single fabric sheet wherein zippers have been sewn to edges of regions and the zippers closed to form pockets. Shoulder bag 400 has a large back pocket 402, and a large front pocket 401, as well as smaller front pockets 403 and 404 (a third small front pocket is not seen in FIG. 4). The single fabric sheet for making shoulder bag 400 is the same as for shoulder bag 100, and the region numbers are not changed. A zipper 410 having a pull tab 411 joins edges of regions 204 and 205 on one side, and a potion of a zipper 415 that joins regions 204 and 205 on an opposite side to implement pocket 401 is seen in the figure as well. When these two zippers 410 and 415, are open, region 204 may fall completely open.

Also, on the front side zipper 406 with pull tab 409 closes one side of pocket 403. There need not be a zipper on the opposite side of pocket 403 because, if the bottom fold line 209 is not stitched to region 204, zipper 406 completely opens pocket 403. A zipper 407 with pull tab 408 opens and closes one side of pocket 404, and another zipper not seen closes the other side of pocket 404. Other zippers not seen open and close a third small front pocket. Zipper 412 with pull tab 413 opens and closes one side of large back pocket 402, and another zipper 414 opens and closes the other side of pocket 402. Region 206 still forms the shoulder hanging portion 405.

With all zippers closed shoulder bag 400 is basically the same in form and function as shoulder bag 100 in FIG. 1. With all zippers open all pockets are open and accessible for maintenance and cleaning.

Zippers are not the only way that edges of regions may be joined in a manner that pockets may be fully opened for maintenance and cleaning. FIG. 5 illustrates a Twinpick shoulder bag 500 in which hooks and openings have been implemented to join edges of regions to form pockets that may be opened and closed. In the embodiment depicted by FIG. 5 hooks 507a through 507g are joined to an edge of region 205 while openings, such as reinforced holes, 506a trough 506g are provided along the edge of region 204, such that the holes may be placed over the hooks, much like buttons and button holes to join the two sides. Similar hooks and holes are implemented along edges of regions 204 and 205 on the opposite side regions 204 and 205 such that, with all the holes engaged with hooks pocket 501 is formed and may be completely opened by disengaging the holes and hooks. The same system with holes 509a through 509g and hooks 508a through 508g is implemented along edges of regions 207 and 208 to form pocket 502 in a manner that pocket 502 may also be completely opened by disengaging the holes and hooks.

In another embodiment, similar to that depicted by FIG. 5, cord loops may be sewn to edges of regions rather than making holes, and the loops may be engaged and disengaged with hooks to open and close pockets.

In other embodiments buttons and buttonholes may be implemented. Snaps may also be implemented along edges of regions to snap edges together, and to open pockets by unsnapping the snaps along the edges. The skilled person will understand that there are a variety of ways that the edges of regions may be treated to provide the desirable function of being able to completely open pockets for maintenance and cleaning.

It is not a limitation that edges of regions must be joined in one way. In embodiments of the invention a mixture of closures may be used. One pocket may be formed by edges with zippers, and another by hook and loop-fasteners, and another by stitching, for example.

The single fabric sheet and folding method described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A and 3B is useful for relatively thin fabrics that may be successfully folded along the fold lines described. In some alternative embodiments using thicker fabric a different pattern and process may be used.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pattern in an alternative embodiment using thicker fabric. Using a thicker fabric, folds for large pockets may work well enough, but for the shorter smaller pockets, like pockets 103 and 104 (FIG. 1) the fabric may be too thick to fold properly and to form the small pockets. In this circumstance the pattern is altered as shown in FIG. 6 where region 202 is implemented separate from a single fabric sheet that comprises regions 204, 205, 206, 207 and 208. In this circumstance fold lines 209 and 210 no longer exist. Region 203 is simply eliminated. Region 202 still shows seam lines 215 and 216.

FIG. 7A is a side elevation view of the elements of FIG. 6 illustrating folds and placement of elements to create a shoulder bag from the elements of FIG. 6. Region 204 is folded clockwise about fold line 211. Separated region 202 is shown proximate to and parallel to region 204. Region 208 is folded counterclockwise around fold line 214.

FIG. 7B illustrates the elements of FIG. 7A with the shoulder region 206 raised into an arc as it would be draped over a user's shoulder, which presents the frontside regions and the backside regions in a vertical aspect. Region 202 is shown still proximate to and parallel to region 204.

To finish the process and create a shoulder bag from the circumstance of FIG. 7B it is necessary to join the vertical edges of regions 204 and 205 and the vertical edges of regions 207 and 208. This may be accomplished as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B and FIGS. 4 and 5. The edges may be joined by sewing, by hooks and loops, by snaps and in various ways.

Regarding the smaller pockets, the vertical edges of region 202 must be joined to region 204 and the horizontal lower edge as well, that in previous description was fold line 209. Further, regions 202 and 204 are also joined along lines 215 and 216 to provide three separate small front pockets. Again, the joining may be by any one of the several ways described above. Also, the position of seam lines 215 and 216 may be altered to adjust the relative width of each of the front pockets described. One pocket may be wider than the other two, and all three may be implemented with different width, depending on a user's planned use of the pockets.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a pattern in another alternative embodiment using yet thicker fabric. Using a very thick fabric, folds for large or small pockets may not work. In this circumstance the pattern is altered as shown in FIG. 8 where regions 202, 204 and 208 are separate regions, and regions 205, 206 and 207 are one fabric sheet. There are no fold lines in FIG. 8, as lines 212 and 213 are lines of demarcation between the shoulder region and regions 205 and 207. Region 202 still shows seam lines 215 and 216.

FIG. 9A is a side elevation view of the elements of FIG. 8 illustrating how the elements may be joined. Regions 202, 204 and 208 are separate. Regions 205, 206 and 207 are contiguous. FIG. 9B illustrates the elements of FIG. 9A with shoulder region 206 raised and presented in an arc as would be the case when draped over a user's shoulder. Elements 202, 204 and 208 are shown proximate and parallel to regions 205 and 207.

To complete a shoulder bag from the circumstance illustrated in FIG. 9B the vertical edges of region 204 are joined to the vertical edges of region 205, and the lower horizontal edge of region 204 is joined to the lower horizontal edge of region 205 (this was previously fold line 211. The vertical edges of region 208 are joined to the vertical edges of region 207, and the lower horizontal edge of region 208 is joined to the lower horizontal edge of region 207 (this was fold line 214). Finally the vertical edges of region 202 are joined to the vertical edges of region 204 and the lower horizontal edge of region 202 is joined to region 204. Finally region 202 is joined to region 204 along seam lines 215 and 216 creating three small pockets. As described above the joining may be accomplished in a variety of ways.

As described above Twinpick shoulder bags according to embodiments of the invention may be made of relatively thin, thicker, or very thick fabric. Fabrics may vary in different embodiments also by material, weave and finish. For example, in one embodiment the fabric may be tightly woven and lustrous to provide a shoulder bag for a user to use in shopping in high end enterprises. In another circumstance the fabric may be a canvas fabric for a shoulder bag to be used for heavy objects. There are many possibilities. In some embodiments outside, visible surfaces may be annotated with words, phrases or symbols.

In some embodiments of the invention pocket upper openings may be equipped with closure apparatus, such that the pockets may be closed at certain times and under certain circumstances. In one embodiment a flap may be implemented to fold over a pocket opening and fasten to a front surface just below the openings. The fastening may be accomplished by a snap, a button and a buttonhole, or by hook and loop apparatus. In some embodiments Velcro™ strips may be used. In some embodiments the upper edges of regions forming pockets may be implemented with zippers or with any one of the other closure apparatus described above, such that the pockets may be opened and closed. Magnets may be incorporated as well.

In one embodiment an additional outer pocket may be incorporated attached to one of the larger front or back pockets. FIG. 10 is an illustration of the Twinpick shoulder bag 100 of FIG. 1 with an extra outer pocket 1001 implemented, in this case on the large back pocket. Pocket 1001 in this example is a pocket made of flexible mesh material sewn into a pocket shape. Clips 1002 may be added to the outer surface of the back pocket on opposite sides to hold pocket 1001. In one application a mesh outer pocket may be used to hold damp or wet articles, such as bathing equipment and clothing. In modifications of the added mesh bag, mesh of many different characteristics may be used, and the added pocket may be adjusted in size. There may also be more than one mesh outer pocket in some embodiments.

In another embodiment leather may be used for regions in a pattern to make a shoulder bag. FIG. 11 is a plan view of elements to make a leather shoulder bag. In fabric bags the shoulder region 206 may gather and wrinkle so the width over the shoulder is considerably less than W. If region 206 were leather, however, it would not gather sufficiently to drape over the user's shoulder. Therefore, in the process depicted by FIG. 11 The single panel that comprises regions 202, 203, 204, and 205 is leather, as is the panel comprising regions 207 and 208. Region 206, however, is implemented as a separate square piece of fabric, other than leather, that may gather sufficiently to serve as the shoulder region. Fabric region 206 is joined along left and right edges to region 205 and region 207. Then the steps depicted by FIGS. 3A and 3B may be followed to implement a shoulder bag with pockets of leather, but a shoulder strap of fabric.

Another solution to the shoulder region when using leather or other thick fabrics may be to reshape the shoulder region instead of sewing in a shoulder region of a thinner fabric, as described above. FIG. 12A is a plan view of elements for a shoulder bag made from very thick fabric or leather. In this implementation regions 205, 206 and 207 are a contiguous piece of thick fabric or leather. Shoulder region 206 is cut out as shown along line 1201 to leave a narrow span along one side or the other of region 206. When this arrangement of pieces is joined as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B the shoulder strap is a relatively narrow strap on one side or the other.

FIG. 12B illustrates an alternative to the shapes of FIG. 12A. In the implementation of FIG. 12B two cuts 1202a and 1202b are made, leaving a relatively narrow strap in the center of region 206.

In yet another embodiment a shoulder bag may be created to be worn more like a scarf, with both main pockets in front of the user. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a single piece of fabric 201 showing regions for a bag to be worn like a scarf. The difference is that shoulder region 206 is implemented to be substantially longer than for the shoulder bag of FIG. 4, for example. FIGS. 14A and 14B show the fold plan for the fabric of FIG. 13. When the fabric in this embodiment is all joined according to the plan of FIGS. 14A and 14B the shoulder region is substantially longer than in the previously described embodiments. This difference allows a user to drape the shoulder region 206 around the back of the user's neck with the main pockets hanging down in front, much like a scarf might hang. Both pockets in this embodiment are low in the front, and the length of the shoulder region may be adjusted in the making to determine the height of the pockets in use.

In yet another embodiment a folding process may be implemented to control the width of the shoulder region for shoulder bags that have a shoulder region substantially longer than that shown, for example, in FIG. 2, where the length of the region that forms the shoulder carrying portion is the same as the regions that form the main pockets. Consider for example FIG. 13, wherein the shoulder region 206 has a length that is at least three times the length of regions 204 and 205, or regions 207 and 208.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a backside of a Twinpick shoulder bag made from a single piece of fabric as shown in FIG. 13, wherein the shoulder region is at least three times the length of regions that fashion the main pockets. This is the shoulder bag of FIG. 1 with a shoulder region having extended length. Main pockets 101 and 102 are indicated as implemented on the underside with the pocket openings shown in dotted lines.

In one embodiment of the invention a folding and stitching process is employed on the shoulder region to narrow the shoulder region. A first step is to raise a portion of the shoulder region along a lengthwise centerline as shown in cross section in FIG. 15B. This cross section is taken along section line 15B-15B of FIG. 15A and is accomplished by grasping the fabric at the centerline and raising the fabric up into a peak 1501, as shown. The length of this fold cannot be seen in this cross-section view but is shown in FIG. 15A. This length may vary in different embodiments. After the fold is made as shown in FIG. 15B, sides of the fold are stitched together along a lower line at 1502, for the length of the fold as shown in FIG. 15A.

A next step in this process is to flatten the fold as shown in FIG. 15C. Once this is done the three layers are stitched together in a plurality of places across the fold in the direction of the width. Two lateral stitch lines may be implemented at opposite end of the fold length indicated in FIG. 15A. Lengthwise stitch lines may be made as well along the edges of the folds. FIG. 15D represent a plan view of the resulting shoulder bag with the stitched folds narrowing the width of the shoulder region. The actual stitched folds have a width of W3, while the narrowed shoulder region has a width of W2, less than W1 of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15E illustrates how the shoulder bag with a folded and stitched shoulder region may appear from the front side. Extensions of the folded layers extend into the main pockets 101 and 102.

Another variation that may be implemented in creating Twinpick shoulder bags is to provide a different inside surface and outside surface for pockets. Referring again to FIG. 2, a user constructing a shoulder bag may add another step to those shown by FIG. 2. For example, a thin, waterproof material may be imposed over regions 204 and 205 and joined to those regions by adhesive or by stitching, for example. Then, following the steps depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the regions are folded, and edges are joined. The result is a shoulder bag in which the large front pocket is lined on the inside with waterproof thin plastic. One may use such a shoulder bag for carrying moist or wet articles without moisture soaking into the fabric regions of the shoulder bag. Other materials may be layered onto regions that form the inside surfaces of pockets, for example to prevent damage to fabric from pointed or sharp articles.

In alternative embodiment Twinpick shoulder bags may be constructed for a broad variety of different applications. Shoulder bags may be made in different ways for grocery shopping, for trips to the beach, for pet walking, for sports, for trips to the beach, for hiking, and additionally for a broad variety of purposes.

In practice with finished shoulder bags a need has arisen to restrict opening of the large pockets. Accordingly, fabric strips have been attached in some embodiments to accomplish the needed restriction. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a Twinpick shoulder bag 1600 with strip attachments 1601 and 1602 applied in an embodiment of the invention, showing the strip attachments sewn to the shoulder bag. Front large pocket 1604 is indicated at one end of shoulder bag 1600, analogous to pocket 101 in FIG. 1. Back large pocket 1603 is indicated at an opposite end from pocket 1604 and is analogous to pocket 102 in FIG. 1.

A first narrow fabric strip 1601 is joined to shoulder bag 1600 at one end of the strip to a position about one-half of the length of the back large pocket, and in this illustration is stitched to the outside panel of the pocket by stitching 1606a. First strip 1601 is attached at an opposite end at a position at the bottom of small pocket region 1605 by stitching 1606c. First strip 1601 is positioned off center to one side from a centerline 1607 of the shoulder bag.

A second narrow strip 1602 is joined to shoulder bag 1600 at one end of the strip to a position the same as the first strip and at an opposite end to a position at the bottom of the small pocket as is the first strip and is offset from centerline 1607 in an opposite direction from the first strip. Strip 1602 is sewn by stitches 1606b and 1606d to the shoulder bag.

First and second narrow strips 1601 and 1602 may be of the same fabric as the shoulder bag, may be of a different fabric, may be in different colors from one another and from the shoulder bag, and may in some instances be of elastic fabric.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that when shoulder bag 1600 is draped over a user's shoulder the first and second strips will serve to limit the opening of the large pockets. In one embodiment the end of the strips on the back of the shoulder bag may be stitched or otherwise fastened inside pocket 1603, analogous to pocket 102.

In one embodiment a wider single strip may be applied to shoulder bag 1600 along centerline 1607 rather than the two strips 1601 and 1602. This wider single strip may be stitched at the ends in the positions shown for the strips 1601 and 1602 and may be in one instance attached inside the large rear pocket. The single strip may be of the same fabric as the shoulder bag, may be of a different fabric, may be in different colors from the shoulder bag, and may in some instances be of elastic fabric.

In some embodiments the strips intended to limit opening of the large pockets may be attached to the shoulder bag in a manner to be easily removable and replaceable. In one embodiment there may be a buttonhole on each end of a strip and buttons may be sewn to the panels of the shoulder bag at the positions for attachment. The button method of attachment is not shown in the figures, as the method and necessary elements will be readily apparent to the person with skill in the art. In another circumstance a caribiner may be joined to the attachment points on the shoulder bag or at the ends of the strips, and a loop, either fabric or metal, for engaging the carabiner, may be joined to either the end of the strip(s) or the shoulder bag as needed. These elements will also be readily realized by the skilled person.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a Twinpick shoulder bag 1700 with strips added for restraining opening of pockets in a fashion different than that shown in FIG. 16 and described above in enabling detail. On shoulder bag 1700 two strips 1701 and 1702 are attached to restrain opening of the large pockets, Strip 1701 is applied across the width of the shoulder bag as shown just below the opening of rear large pocket 1703 and sewn to sides of the shoulder bag at points 1706a and 1706c. In some embodiments the strip may be attached to the front panel of pocket 1703 at the edge, at the sides of the pocket, or even just around on the back side. A second strip 1702 is applied just below the opening of the small pockets in the front of the shoulder bag and sewn at points 1706b and 1706d on the sides of the pocket. In some embodiments the second strip may be attached to the front panel of pocket 1753 at the edge, at the sides of large pocket 1704, or even just around on the back side.

First and second strips 1701 and 1702 may be of the same fabric as the shoulder bag, may be of a different fabric, may be in different colors from one another and from the shoulder bag, and may in some instances be of elastic fabric.

In some embodiments strips 1701 and 1702 intended to limit opening of the large pockets may be attached to the shoulder bag in a manner to be easily removable and replaceable. In one embodiment there may be a buttonhole on each end of a strip and buttons may be sewn to the panels of the shoulder bag at the positions for attachment. The button method of attachment is not shown in the figures, as the method and necessary elements will be readily apparent to the person with skill in the art. In another circumstance a caribiner may be joined to the attachment points on the shoulder bag or at the ends of the strips, and a loop, either fabric or metal, for engaging the carabiner, may be joined to either the end of the strip(s) or the shoulder bag as needed. These elements will also be readily realized by the skilled person.

It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the embodiments described above are entirely exemplary, and not limiting to the scope of the invention. Many alterations may be made in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. which is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A shoulder bag, comprising:

a first pocket having a first front panel and a first back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the first pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the first front panel and the first back panel, the first pocket having a first width and a first height;

a second pocket having a second front panel and a second back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the second pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the second front panel and the second back panel, the second pocket having the first width and the first height;

one or more third pockets implemented along an upper front portion of the first front panel of the first pocket, by a third back panel joined along an upper edge to the upper edge of the first front panel of the first pocket, and a third front panel joined along a lower edge to a lower edge of the third back panel, lateral edges of the third front panel and third back panel joined, forming the third pockets open along top edges;

a shoulder region connecting the first back panel of the first pocket and the second back panel of the second pocket such that, with the shoulder region draped over a user's shoulder, the front pocket is positioned at the front of the user, open upward, and the back panel is positioned at the back of the user, also open upward; and

one or more fabric strips joined at one end to a point at or below a bottom edge of the third pockets and at an opposite end to a point on the second front panel of the second pocket below the opening of the second pocket, or inside the second pocket.

2. The shoulder bag of claim 1 comprising one fabric strip centered on the width of the shoulder bag.

3. The shoulder bag of claim 1 comprising two fabric strips, one each offset to each side from the center of the width of the shoulder bag.

4. The shoulder bag of claim 1 wherein the fabric strips are of the same fabric as the shoulder bag.

5. The shoulder bag of claim 1 wherein the fabric strips are of a different fabric than the shoulder bag.

6. The shoulder bag of claim 1 wherein the fabric strips are of an elastic fabric.

7. The shoulder bag of claim 1 wherein the fabric strips are sewn at the ends to the fabric of the shoulder bag.

8. The shoulder bag of claim 1 wherein the fabric strips are removable and re-attachable by being joined to the shoulder bag by being attached with buttons and buttonholes, or by caribiners and loops.

9. A shoulder bag, comprising:

a first pocket having a first front panel and a first back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the first pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the first front panel and the first back panel, the first pocket having a first width and a first height;

a second pocket having a second front panel and a second back panel joined along lower edges and opposite side edges, the second pocket open at adjacent upper edges of the second front panel and the second back panel, the second pocket having the first width and the first height;

one or more third pockets implemented along an upper front portion of the first front panel of the first pocket, by a third back panel joined along an upper edge to the upper edge of the first front panel of the first pocket, and a third front panel joined along a lower edge to a lower edge of the third back panel, lateral edges of the third front panel and third back panel joined, forming the third pockets open along top edges;

a shoulder region connecting the first back panel of the first pocket and the second back panel of the second pocket such that, with the shoulder region draped over a user's shoulder, the front pocket is positioned at the front of the user, open upward, and the back panel is positioned at the back of the user, also open upward;

a first fabric strip joined at opposite ends across a width of the second pocket below the opening of the second pocket, attached at ends of the fabric strip to a front, side or back region of the shoulder bag at opposite edges of the second pocket; and

a second fabric strip joined at opposite ends across a width of the first pocket below the opening of the third pockets, attached at ends of the fabric strip to a front, side or back region of the shoulder bag at opposite edges of the first pocket.

10. The shoulder bag of claim 9 wherein the fabric strips are of the same fabric as the shoulder bag.

11. The shoulder bag of claim 9 wherein the fabric strips are of a different fabric than the shoulder bag.

12. The shoulder bag of claim 9 wherein the fabric strips are of an elastic fabric.

13. The shoulder bag of claim 9 wherein the fabric strips are sewn at the ends to the fabric of the shoulder bag.

14. The shoulder bag of claim 9 wherein the fabric strips are removable and re-attachable by being joined to the shoulder bag by being attached with buttons and buttonholes, or by caribiners and loops.