Abstract:
A foldable sheet for compartmentalizing containers is disclosed. The sheet comprises a plurality of panels and a flap and is capable of being transformed into a folded configuration. The foldable sheet is adaptable to multiple types of bags and containers, and is collapsible, stable, and is capable of being easily configured into various configurations for dividing, separating, and protecting bag contents. Fastening systems disposed on the sheet engage with corresponding fastening components disposed within a container such that the sheet is removably attached to the container. When in a folded configuration, the sheet divides the container into two or more compartments.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/004,526, filed on May 29, 2014 and entitled “BAG SYSTEM.” The contents of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to containers, and more specifically to systems for dividing contents of and creating separate compartments in a container. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There is a growing awareness amongst consumers that certain human activities can have a negative impact on the environment. This awareness is causing many consumers to base their purchasing decisions on environmental factors. Indeed, a growing number of state and local governments are enacting legislations to encourage recycling and to ban disposable products such as plastic bags in supermarkets. Environmentalists point out that many disposable bags are not biodegradable and may pose a danger to wildlife, which, in essence, also affects our food chain. To many consumers, reusable bags are an environmentally sound alternative to disposable bags, a trend reflected by the increasing demand for reusable bags. However, many reusable bags suffer from a lack of dividers which may cause contents to roll around, resulting in delicate items getting crushed and disparate items becoming mixed. Therefore, there is a need for practical, economical, and environmentally-friendly ways to separate items within reusable bags. There is also a need for a bag system that is user-friendly and that allows hands-free usage. Moreover, there is a need for a bag system that is adaptable to multiple types of bags and containers, and that is collapsible, stable, and is capable of being easily configured into various configurations for dividing, separating, and protecting bag contents. 
         [0004]    The above discussion is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0006]    In one aspect of the present invention, a foldable sheet for compartmentalizing a container is provided. The foldable sheet comprises a plurality of panels and a flap wherein the panels are interconnected and arranged substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction. Each panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and the plurality of panels comprises a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a fourth panel. The first panel is connected to the second panel along a first fold line, the third panel is connected to the second panel along a second fold line, the fourth panel is connected to the third panel along a third fold line, and the flap is connected to the fourth panel along a fourth fold line. In addition, the outer surface of one of the panels has one or more fastening components disposed thereon which are configured to engage with corresponding fastening components disposed within a container. Furthermore, the plurality of panels are capable of folding along the first, second, third, and fourth fold lines such that the foldable sheet can be transformed into a folded configuration that resembles a box wherein the first panel and third panel are substantially parallel to each other, the second panel and fourth panel are substantially parallel to each other, and the flap overlaps with and is substantially parallel to the first panel. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the invention, a foldable sheet for compartmentalizing containers is provided. The foldable sheet comprises a plurality of panels and a flap wherein the panels are interconnected and arranged substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction and each panel has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of one of the panels has one or more fastening components disposed thereon configured to engage with corresponding fastening components disposed within a container. In addition, the plurality of panels capable of folding along a plurality of fold lines such that the foldable sheet can be transformed into a folded configuration that resembles a box. 
         [0008]    In yet another aspect of the invention, a compartmentalized container system is provided. The system comprises a container and one or more interconnected panels disposed within the container configured to divide the container into two or more compartments. The system also comprises a first fastening system configured to attach the one or more interconnected panels to the container. The system further comprises a second fastening system configured to removably store one or more of the interconnected panels such that the container is divided into fewer number of compartments. 
         [0009]    These and other aspects, embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The foregoing aspects and the attendant advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of an exemplary foldable sheet in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the exemplary sheet of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , partially folded; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded side perspective view of an exemplary foldable sheet capable of receiving inserts in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of an exemplary bag in an extended position in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the exemplary sheet of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in a fully folded position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an exploded side perspective view of the sheet of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in a partially folded position in the process of being lowered into the bag of  FIG. 4  wherein the bag is in an assembled position; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the exemplary sheet and bag system of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of two folded sheets of  FIG. 5  stacked vertically inside the bag of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a foldable sheet in a folded position having openings on the top panel inside the bag of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a foldable sheet in a folded position having straps; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of two folded sheets of  FIG. 10  stacked vertically inside a bag; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a plurality of folded sheets of  FIG. 5  stacked inside a box; and 
           [0023]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are side perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a bag having a suspension system and containing a folded sheet therein. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    Reference symbols or names are used in the figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein. Reference symbols common to more than one figure indicate like components, aspects or features shown therein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The subject matter of aspects of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of any patent issuing from this description. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different elements or combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. 
         [0026]    Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are directed to dividers that can be disposed inside a bag for the purpose of separating the contents inside the bag. Other embodiments are directed to bag systems having a bag and dividers therein. The aforementioned bag or bag system can be any type of bag such as, without limitation, shopping bag, tote bag, paper bag, department store bag, novelty bag, quilted bag, handbag, and the like. In other embodiments, the bag or bag system can be any type of container capable of receiving dividers therein such as, without limitation, basket, suitcase, backpack, luggage, banker&#39;s box, drawer, storage box, crate, bins, trunk, footlocker, chest, cooler, and the like. The bag or bag system can be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, canvas, cotton, woven synthetic fiber, rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, plastic, waterproof material (or coated for water resistance), bamboo, jute, and/or paper. 
         [0027]    With reference now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of an exemplary foldable sheet  100 , in an extended or unfolded position, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Exemplary sheet  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  comprises four interconnecting portions or panels  110 - 140  and one flap  150  arranged substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis  104 , and arranged substantially parallel to a vertical axis  102 . In this exemplary embodiment, the panels comprise a first panel  110 , a second panel  120 , a third panel  130 , and a fourth panel  140 . Other embodiments of sheet  100  in accordance with the present invention may comprise fewer or more than four panels and/or one flap. In exemplary sheet  100 , panels  110 - 140  are identical in length and width. However, in other embodiments of sheet  100 , one or more of panels  110 - 140  may have a different length and/or width compared to those of other panels, and flap  150  may also be of various lengths and or widths. In exemplary sheet  100 , edges of panels  110 - 140  proximate to end  114  are substantially flush with each other. In addition, edges of panels  110 - 140  proximate to end  112  are substantially flush with each other. In other embodiments of sheet  100 , one or more edges of panels  110 - 140  proximate to  114  are not flush with one or more adjacent edges. Similarly in other embodiments of sheet  100 , one or more edges of panels  110 - 140  proximate to end  112  are not flush with one or more adjacent edges. In the exemplary sheet  100 , each of the panels  110 - 140  and flap  150  is substantially rectangular. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, one or more of sheet  100 , panels  110 - 140 , and flap  150  may be a different shape including, without limitation, square, elliptical, or circular. 
         [0028]    Exemplary embodiment of sheet  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  is a single piece of cardboard with four fold lines  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c , and  116   d  that are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis  104 , and substantially parallel to the transverse axis  102 . Other embodiments of sheet  100  can be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, bamboo, canvas, leather and/or hemp. 
         [0029]    Turning briefly to  FIG. 3  which depicts an alternative embodiment sheet  300  which is similar to sheet  100  of  FIG. 1A  except that each of the panels  110 - 140  and flap  150  has a pocket  310 . Each pocket  310  is capable of receiving a rigid insert  315 . Insert  315  may be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, cardboard, bamboo, aluminum, rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), polypropylene and/or plastic. In other embodiments, each panel may comprise a plurality of pockets  310 . Alternatively, each pocket  310  may receive a plurality of inserts  315 . Inserts  315  are preferably substantially stiff, but may also be rigid yet bendable. Sheet  300  may be constructed from one or more materials such as, without limitation, cotton, polyester, jute, hemp, and the like. Sheet  300  may be of various colors, designs, and fabrics, and may also be of various colors, designs and fabrics to match the bag in which the sheet  300  is inserted. Inserts  315  may be removable from the pockets  310 . The inserts  315  may also be permanently disposed within the pockets  310 , such as by stitching the pockets  310  closed. In embodiments wherein the inserts  315  are removable, the sheet  300  may be washable, wherein the inserts  315  are re-inserted within the pockets  310  after washing. In these embodiments, the pockets  310  may have extra material that may be inserted or tucked into the interior of the pockets to hold the inserts in place, or the pocket may have fasteners disposed on its inner or outer surface such as but not limited to Velcro®, buttons, or snaps to keep the inserts in place within the pockets. 
         [0030]    Referring back to  FIG. 1A , exemplary sheet  100  is one continuous piece of material divided into different panels by fold lines  116   a  through  116   d . The fold lines comprise a first fold line  116   a , a second fold line  116   b , a third fold line  116   c , and a fourth fold line  116   d . The first panel  110  is connected to the second panel  120  along the first fold line  116   a . The third panel  130  is connected to the second panel  120  along the second fold line  116   b . The fourth panel  140  is connected to the third panel along the third fold line  116   c . The flap  150  is connected to the fourth panel  140  along the fourth fold line  116   d . There are several known ways in the art to create fold lines, including but not limited to through stamping, perforations, scoring, creasing, or through use of material(s) that would allow bending or flexing of the panels, or folding of the panel(s) onto adjacent panel(s). Other embodiments of the sheet may comprise one or more of panels  110 - 140  removably attached (such as through use of snaps, Velcro®, male and female components, or other fastening means) to one or more adjacent panels. Other embodiments of the sheet may also comprise a flap that is removably attached to the fourth panel  140 . Other embodiments may comprise fewer or more fold lines than those shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0031]    In exemplary sheet  100  shown in  FIG. 1A , flap  150  is fixedly coupled to the center of the fourth panel  140 &#39;s edge proximate to end  108 . In alternative embodiments, flap  150  is removably attached to the fourth panel  140 . In other embodiments, flap  150 &#39;s perimeter edge overlaps with the fourth panel  140 &#39;s edge proximate to end  108 . In yet other embodiments, flap  150  is coupled about the upper edge or lower edge of the fourth panel  140  proximate to end  108 . In still other embodiments, a plurality of flaps  150  are coupled to the fourth panel  140 , or to the panel adjacent to the flaps. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , this depicts the outer surface of sheet  100  of  FIG. 1A , opposite the surface depicted in  FIG. 1A . Fastening components  111  and  113  are disposed on the outer surface of the first panel  110 . Fastening components  131  and  133  are disposed on the outer surface of panel  130 . Fastening components  141  and  143  are disposed on the outer surface of the fourth panel  140 . Aforementioned fastening components function to engage with their corresponding fastening component counterparts disposed on the inner surface of bag  200  (see  FIG. 4 ) to hold sheet  100  steady while in a folded position, further described below with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In other embodiments of sheet  100 , fewer than two fastening components are disposed on one or more of panels  110 ,  130 , and/or  140 . Alternatively, more than two fastening components are disposed on one or more of panels  110 ,  130 , and/or  140 . In still other embodiments of sheet  100 , one or more fastening components may be disposed on panel  120  and/or flap  150 . Fastening components may be constructed from one or more materials suitable for attaching to sheet  100 , such as, without limitation, adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, or the like. In one suitable embodiment, fastening components comprise mechanical fastening components, such as Velcro®. Other suitable mechanical fastening components include, without limitation, male and/or female mating components, buckles, buttons and loops, snaps, or the like. Fastening components may be one or more shape including, without limitation, square, circle, triangle, and the like, and may be made from a variety of materials including metal, plastic and/or fabric. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , this figure depicts exemplary sheet  100  in a semi-folded position. The first panel  110  and the third panel  130  are folded toward each other about fold lines  116   a  and  116   b  which, respectively, transversely separate panels  110  and  120 , and panels  120  and  130 . The fourth panel  140  and the third panel  130  fold toward each other about fold line  116   d  which transversely separates panels  140  and  130 . At the end of the folding process, exemplary sheet  100  will be in a folded position substantially similar to sheet  100  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0034]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , this figure depicts the inner surface of an exemplary bag  200  in an extended or unassembled position. Bag  200  has front panel  210 , back panel  230 , first side panel  220 , second side panel  240 , and bottom panel  250 . Fastening components  211  and  213  are disposed on the inner surface of front panel  210 . Fastening components  231 ,  233 ,  241 , and  243  are disposed on the inner surface of back panel  230 . Fastening components  211 ,  213 ,  231 ,  233 ,  241 , and  243  are sized and oriented to engage with their corresponding fastening component counterparts disposed on the outer surface of sheet  100  (i.e.  111 ,  113 ,  131 ,  133 ,  141 ,  143 , respectively), discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 5 . Fastening components function to secure sheet  100  to bag  200  to help prevent sheet  100  from shifting or collapsing whilst disposed within bag  200 . In other embodiments of bag  200 , there can be fewer or more fastening components on panels  210  and/or  230 . In some embodiments, there are one or more fastening components on panels  220 ,  240 , and/or  250 . The number, location and configuration of fastening components may be varied in securing sheet  100  to bag  200 . Fastening components may be one or more shapes including, without limitation, square, circle, and/or triangle. Fastening components may be one or more of, without limitation, Velcro®, hook and loop, magnet, snap-fit, buttons, paper twist, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more panels of the sheet  100  may be permanently affixed (such as but not limited to by stitching, stapling, or gluing) to the interior portion of the bag  200 , so that the sheet may be unfolded into its use configuration and folded into its storage configuration (and vice-versa) without removing it from the bag  200 . For instance, sheet  100  may be stitched onto the interior portion of bag  200  where fastening components  111  and  113  and corresponding fastening components  211  and  213 , are located. Sheet  100  may also be stitched onto the interior portion of bag  200  where fastening components  131  and  133  and corresponding fastening components  231  and  233 , are located. The sheet  100  may be permanently affixed to the bag  200  (such as by stitching) on any location (such as the  116   c  fold line), so that the sheet may be unfolded into its use configuration or folded into its storage configuration (and vice-versa) without having to remove the sheet  100  from the bag  200 . 
         [0035]    Bag  200  can be assembled into a use position substantially similar to the one shown in  FIG. 6 . Bag  200  may be any type of bag such as, without limitation, shopping bag, tote bag, paper bag, department store bag, novelty bag, handbag, and the like. Bag  200  may be constructed from one or more material such as, without limitation, paper, cloth, canvas, leather, bamboo, jute, and/or plastic. In alternative embodiments, bag  200  may be a container such as, without limitation, banker&#39;s box, luggage, backpack, and the like. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  depicts exemplary sheet  100  of  FIG. 2  in a folded position which substantially resembles a box having openings at the two opposing longitudinal ends  106  and  108 . A negative space is created by the folded panels  110 - 114 . In other embodiments, there can be additional panels to cover the longitudinal ends  106  and  108  thereby fully enclosing the aforementioned negative space inside folded sheet  100 . In other embodiments, panel  120  has a fold line to facilitate folding of the sheet  100  when it is positioned within the bag  200 , when the bag  200  is folded flat for storage, packing or shipping. The fold line runs substantially parallel to the left and right edges of the panel that is flush with the bottom of the bag, such as panel  120 . When the sheet  100  is in a folded configuration inside the folded bag  200 , it is flush with the bag  200 , and thus the bag  200  incorporating the sheet  100  takes up less storage space. In other embodiments, the sheet  100  is adapted for insertion (whether permanently or removably affixed) into various commercially available bags such as but not limited to shopping bags, tote bags, paper bags, department store bags, novelty bags, and handbags. 
         [0037]    Briefly turning to  FIG. 6 , this figure depicts an exploded view of a bag-sheet system comprising a sheet  100  of  FIG. 1  in a semi-folded configuration and bag  200  of  FIG. 4  in an assembled or use position. Sheet  100  is disposed inside bag  200  and removably attached to bag  200  via fastening components previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As also discussed above, in other embodiments of the present invention, sheet  100  is disposed within bag  200  wherein sheet  100  is permanently attached to bag  200 . Permanent attachment can be via one or more of fastening methods such as, without limitation, stitching, sewing, stapling, gluing, and the like. 
         [0038]    Now with reference to both  FIGS. 4 and 5 , when folded sheet  100  is disposed inside assembled bag  200  (assembled as shown in  FIG. 6 ), fastening components  111  and  113  are sized and oriented to engage with fastening components  211  and  213 , respectively. In addition, fastening components  131  and  133  (not shown) engage with fastening components  231  and  233 , respectively. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment, fastening component  111  comprises hook fasteners and fastening component  211  comprises complementary loop fasteners such that when engaged fastening components  111  and  211  attach to each other until pulled apart with force. As discussed previously, other embodiments of the invention may deploy one or more other types of fasteners such as, without limitation, snap-fit, button, magnet, glue, and the like. Once the fasteners engage, panels  110  and  130  will stay in place against panels  210  and  230 , respectively, such that panels  110 ,  130 ,  210 , and  230  remain in place and panel  110  is substantially parallel to panel  130 , and panel  120  is substantially parallel to panel  140  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0039]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the last step of converting sheet  100  into a fully folded position involves lowering the fourth panel  140  down until it is flat and substantially parallel to the second panel  120  and flap  150  is tucked into the space between first panel  110  and panel  210 , such that the flap  150  overlaps with and is substantially parallel to the first panel  110 . For example,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict a fully folded sheet  100  of  FIG. 6  disposed within bag  200  of  FIG. 6  thereby creating two compartments within bag  200  such that items can be placed both under and on top of panel  140 . Referring back to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , exemplary sheet  100  has a looped pull-string  510  disposed on panel  140  to facilitate lifting of the fourth panel  140 . In other embodiments, instead of a loop, element  510  may be a hole for inserting one&#39;s finger (such as the example shown in  FIG. 9A ), a knob suitable for gripping with fingers, a handle, or any other type of device suitable for performing the task of lifting panel  140  upwards. Examples of looped pull strings include but are not limited to rope, twisted paper, die cut, ribbons, and yarn. 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 7A  which depicts a side perspective view of bag  200  with a folded sheet  100  therein. In the exemplary embodiment, panel  140  is lifted up and stowed against the inner surface of panel  230  of bag  200 . Panel  140  is kept in an upright position by engaging fastening components  141  and  143  that are disposed on the outer surface of panel  140  of sheet  100  with fastening components  241  and  243 , respectively, that are disposed on the inner surface of panel  230  of box  200 . In other embodiments, panel  140  may be held up by tucking flap  150  underneath seam  251  of panel  230  of bag  200 . Seam  251  runs along the upper perimeter of bag  200  adjacent panels  210 - 240 . Some embodiments deploy both fastening and tucking methods for holding flap  150  and by extension panel  140  upright and in place. In other embodiments, flap  150  may be folded against panel  140  and panel  140  may then be tucked underneath seam  251 . By tucking flap  150  underneath the seam  251 , bag  200  is converted into a regular bag without compartments. Alternatively, as discussed below, if two or more folded sheets  100  are stacked on top of each other within a bag, tucking flap  150  underneath the seam  251  opens up the top portion of the bag  200 . 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , these figures depict stacking a plurality of folded sheets  100  of  FIG. 5  in the folded position inside a bag  800 , with the top sheet  100  creating a top lid for the bag. Bag  800  is similar to bag  200  shown in  FIG. 6  except for additional fastening components that function to engage with corresponding fastening components disposed on one or more stacked sheets  100  of  FIG. 5 . For instance, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8A , the bottom sheet  100  is in a folded position and is coupled to the inside surfaces of bag  800  via fastening components as shown. Specifically fastening components  113  and  213  engage and fastening components  111  and  211  engage to hold bottom sheet  100  against bag  800 . Another sheet  100  in the folded position is stacked on top of the bottom sheet  100 . The top sheet  100  is coupled to the inside surfaces of bag  800  via fastening components as shown. Specifically fastening components  113  and  813  engage and fastening components  111  and  811  engage to hold top sheet  100  against bag  800 . In other embodiments, a plurality of folded sheets  100  may be on the top and/or on the bottom oriented side by side wherein the plurality of folded sheets  100  are coupled to each other via fastening components. In some embodiments, there may be more than two levels of stacked sheet  100  in the folded position disposed inside bag  800 . Fastening components may be, without limitation, one or more of hook and loop, double-sided tape, magnet, snap-fit, and the like. The plurality of folded sheets  100  as shown in  FIGS. 8A  and  8 B may be fastened onto the bag  800  using various fastening configurations as discussed above.  FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8A  and shows contents inside bag  800  separated by panels of the top and bottom sheets  100 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict an embodiment of the present invention wherein folded sheet  900  configured to hold cups or bowl-shaped containers are disposed inside bag  200 . Similar to sheet  100  of  FIG. 5 , sheet  900  comprises interconnecting panels capable of being folded into a box-like configuration. Sheet  900  is removably coupled to bag  200  via fastening components. Specifically, fastening components  911  and  913  disposed on a side panel of sheet  900  engage with corresponding fastening components  211  and  213 , respectively, disposed on an inside wall of bag  200 . There are also fastening components disposed on the opposing outer panel and inside wall of sheet  900  and bag  200 , respectively, not shown in the exemplary drawing. In other embodiments, there are no fastening components disposed on any of the panels. There are openings  941  disposed on the upper panel  940  of sheet  900  sized and oriented to accommodate cup or bowl-shaped containers  945 . Other embodiments comprise one or more openings  941  on one or more panels of sheet  900  (e.g., side panel, flap, etc.). Containers  945  may include, without limitation, coffee cups, mugs, bowls, plates, glasses, and the like. In alternative embodiments, openings  941  may also accommodate other objects, including, without limitation, fruit and vegetables, and fragile objects such as eggs, brittle objects such as vases or glass bottles, and other objects where separation and/or restriction of movement is desired. In addition, there is an opening  954  on the top panel  940  of sheet  900  proximate to the edge, sized and oriented to receive a finger to facilitate lifting the top panel of sheet  900 . Other embodiments comprise other methods for raising the top panel of sheet  900  such as, without limitation, pull-string, handle, knob, two or more openings sized to accommodate multiple fingers, and the like. Alternative embodiments comprise a plurality of openings  954  and/or disposed on one or more panels of sheet  900  (e.g., side panel, flap, etc.).  FIG. 9B  depicts a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 9A  showing the contours of bag  200 , sheet  900 , and two exemplary containers  945  disposed inside openings  941 . Other embodiments comprise fewer or more than two openings  941  wherein one or more opening  941  are sized differently to accommodate containers  945  of different types and/or sizes. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of an exemplary foldable sheet  1000  in a folded position having a strap  1060  attached thereto. Similar to sheet  100 , sheet  1000  comprises interconnecting panels  1010 - 1040  and flap  1050  capable of being folded into a box-like configuration. There is a fastening component  1051  disposed on the inside of flap  1050  (shown by dotted line). There is a corresponding fastening component  1052  disposed on the outside of panel  1010 . Fastening components  1051  and  1052  engage to couple flap  1050  to panel  1010 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , flap  1050  is removably attached to panel  1010  via the fastening components  1051  and  1052 . The fastening component can be any device such as, without limitation, hook and loop, snap-fit, button, magnet, and the like. In other embodiments, flap  1050  is permanently attached to panel  1010  by a method such as, without limitation, gluing, stitching, sewing, and the like. An item  1080  such as, for instance, a casserole dish, can be inserted into folded sheet  1000  through opening  1090 . Strap  1060  is fixedly attached to the bottom panel  1020  of sheet  1000  by a method such as, without limitation, gluing, stitching, sewing, and the like. In other embodiments, strap  1060  is removably attached to either the outer surface or inner surface of bottom panel  1020  by a fastening component such as, without limitation, a button, a knot, a hook and loop system, and the like. Strap  1060  runs across the length of the sheet and has two looped ends  1061  and  1062 . Strap  1060  may comprise one or more straps and portions of the strap may split off into two or more straps. When the user pulls on both looped ends  1061  and  1062 , the strap  1060  becomes taut thereby forming a barrier across opening  1090  which produces the effect of preventing item  1080  from sliding out of opening  1090 . The structure and volume of item  1080  prevents side panels  1030  and  1010  from collapsing completely because the sides of item  1080  proximate to panels  1030  and  1010  effectively prop up panels  1030  and  1010 . Item  1080  can be any type of object such as, with limitation, oven tray, pizza box, glass dish, pan, baking dish, and the like. In other embodiments, sheet  1000  can be covered in an insulating material suitable for transporting food items such as, without limitation, quilt, foil, thermal fabric, and the like. Alternatively, similar to sheet  300 , sheet  1000  can be constructed from a soft material comprising one or more pockets in which rigid inserts are disposed. In operation, folded sheet  1000  with content  1080  therein can be carried by the user via strap  1060 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 11  depicts a plurality of folded sheets  1000  with contents  1080  therein stacked together inside a bag  1100 . Bag  1100  can be any container such as, without limitation, a quilted bag, duffle bag, canvas bag, and the like. The bag may further include drawstrings, straps or a flap. 
         [0045]      FIG. 12  shows a plurality of folded sheets  100  of  FIG. 5  disposed inside a box  1200 . Box  1200  can be any box such as, without limitation, banker&#39;s box, moving box, crate, shoe box, and the like. The exemplary embodiment shows two levels of sheets  100  in folded positions stacked vertically and horizontally. There is a large sheet  100  on the bottom and two smaller folded sheets  100  stacked on top of the large sheet  100 . The folded sheets  100  are removably attached to box  1200  via fastening components  1210 . In the exemplary embodiment, fastening components  1210  are double-sided tapes wherein both sides are coated with adhesives, which may be attached to portions of the outer sheet and/or interior of the box. Fastening components  1210  are initially only attached to the outer surface of the panels of sheets  100  as shown. Specifically, one side of fastening component  1210  is attached to sheet  100  and the other side of fastening component  1210  is covered by a removable liner. When placed inside box  1200 , the user removes the removable liner thereby causing fastening components  1210  to come in contact with and become removably attached to the inner surface of box  1200 . In some embodiments, additional fastening components  1210  are disposed on one or more of the folded sheets  100  for the purpose of attaching to adjacent sheets  100 . For instance, additional fastening components  1210  can be disposed on the side panel of the one of the top sheets  100  proximate to the side panel of the other top sheet  100  thereby causing the two side panels to attach. In some embodiments, fastening components permanently attach sheet  100  to box  1200  or sheets  100  to each other. Fastening components  1210  may include, without limitation, one or more adhesive strips, including double-sided adhesive strips, in various widths, lengths and sizes. Other suitable fastening components  1210  may include, without limitation, hook and loop, glue, snap-fit, and the like. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  depict bag  1300  having a folded sheet  100  of  FIG. 5  therein and a suspension system  1310  disposed thereon. Suspension system  1310  comprises a fastening system  1320  proximate to bag  1300  and a grip  1330  distal to bag  1300 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 13A , bag  1300  is similar to bag  200  shown in  FIG. 6  and fastening system  1320  is a drawstring. Other embodiments use another type of fastening system such as, without limitation, zipper, hook and loop, magnet, snap-fit, knots, and the like. Pulling on the drawstring fastening system  1320  folds and compresses the opening  1340  of bag  1300  until opening  1340  is substantially closed. In the exemplary embodiment, the drawstring is one continuous string with a loop at the distal end capable of attaching to a hook. In some embodiments, grip  1330  can be any device such as, without limitation, hook (including multi-prong hooks), hanger, loop, and the like. In alternative embodiments, fastening system  1320  is connected to an extension such as a string, wire, or the like, having a hook at the end for attaching to rails, racks, or the like.  FIG. 13B  shows bag  1300  carrying items  1350 . Items  1350  can be any item such as, without limitation, clothing, costume, shoes, makeup, props, and the like. The fastening system  1320  can be unfastened when item  1350  inside folded sheet  100  needs to be extracted. To extract content  1350 , the user may lift panel  140  to an upright position as shown by dotted lines. Alternatively, the user may first extract the folded sheet  100  from within bag  1300 , then extract item  1350  from within sheet  100 . 
         [0047]    The methods and systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. For example, components of each system and/or steps of each method may be used and/or practiced independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. In addition, each component and/or step may also be used and/or practiced with other assemblies and methods. 
         [0048]    Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described, various modifications, alterations, alternative constructions, and equivalents are also encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0049]    The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that additions, subtractions, deletions, and other modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.