Abstract:
An expandable shopping bag system is provided with a pouch capable of unfolding to a shopping bag. The first pair of opposing sides and the bottom of the shopping bag have a first set of expansion panels, allowing the bag to expand and provide additional volume. A shopping bag kit is provided with an outer bag and a plurality of inner bags, wherein the inner bags are collapsible for storage within the outer bag when not in use. The inner bags form a coordinated design when the plurality of inner bags are placed adjacent to one another. An expandable shopping bag system is provided with a bag having a bottom with a fastener. A first and second pair of opposing sides extend from the bottom to form a storage compartment. The bottom folds about the sides creating a packet.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/103,120 filed Oct. 6, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to reusable shopping bag systems and kits. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    The widespread and temporary use of shopping bags is responsible for the consumption of valuable natural resources while causing considerable problems with disposal, decomposition, and recycling. Because most shopping bags are designed for short-term or single use only, the production and manufacture of paper and plastic bags is a significant and wasteful use of resources. The manufacture of paper bags generates significantly more air and water pollutants than the production of plastic bags, but it takes far less energy to recycle these paper products. Even so, the rate of recycling of either type of bag is extremely low and, consequently, most shopping bags end up in landfills where it can take them centuries to degrade. In addition, millions of trees are cut down every year to produce billions of paper bags for use in the United States alone. The use of reusable shopping bags effectively assists in the conservation of natural resources, wildlife preservation, and the reduction of pollution. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are perspective views of an expandable shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention showing the bag prior to and after expansion, respectively; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a sectioned shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another sectioned shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of an expandible pouch according to an aspect of the present invention in a closed configuration; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 5   b  and  5   c  are perspective views of the pouch of  FIG. 5   a  in an open shopping bag configuration prior to and after expansion, respectively; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are perspective views of an insulated shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention in a closed and open configuration, respectively; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a hipster shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are perspective views of a tote pouch according to an aspect of the present invention in a closed and open configuration, respectively; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are perspective views of a backpack according to an aspect of the present invention in a closed and open configuration, respectively; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  are perspective views of a duffel bag according to an aspect of the present invention in a closed and open configuration, respectively; and 
           [0017]      FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  are perspective views of a keychain shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention in a closed and open configuration, respectively; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  are perspective views of a shopping bag according to an aspect of the present invention in a closed and open configuration, respectively; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13   a  is a perspective view of a shopping bag system according to an aspect of the present embodiment; and 
           [0020]      FIGS. 13   b  and  13   c  are perspective views of a diaper pad bag system in a closed and open configuration, respectively, according to an aspect of the present embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
         [0022]    The present invention relates to a reusable shopping bag system which offers a convenient and individually expressive means for carrying and storing items, thereby assisting in the conservation and preservation of the ecology. The present invention includes collapsible or foldable bag systems that may incorporate an outer bag along with multiple inner bags of varying sizes suitable for carrying or storing items of purchase including, but not limited to, groceries, clothing, and personal items. The shopping bag systems, when stored, may be collapsible or foldable into a convenient and transportable form. The bags, which can be taken out and used as needed, offer shoppers a simple, convenient, and stylish means to preserve the world&#39;s natural resources. 
         [0023]    With reference first to  FIG. 1 , a shopping bag according to the present invention is depicted and generally designated with reference numeral  10 . According to one aspect of the present invention, shopping bag  10  may be sized to hold approximately 2 to 3 plastic grocery bags worth of items. Shopping bag  10  includes opposed side walls  12 ,  14 , opposed end walls  16 ,  18  joined with the side walls  12 ,  14 , and a bottom wall  20  joined with the side and end walls  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  to define a storage compartment  22  therein. According to one aspect of the present invention, the dimensions of shopping bag  10  may be 13.5 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 7 inches deep, although it is understood that shopping bag  10  is not limited to these dimensions. 
         [0024]    Shopping bag  10  may include one or more sets of handles  24 ,  26 , attached to either opposed side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18 , or possibly formed within side or end walls  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  themselves. According to one aspect of the present invention, two sets of handles  24 ,  26  may be provided in different lengths (for example, but not limited to, 8.5 inches and 24 inches) to offer a choice of lengths to make carrying groceries comfortable and easy. Of course, other handle configurations are also possible. Shopping bag  10  may contain fasteners such as, but not limited to, a zipper, draw-string, hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO®) material, or snaps, provided on side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18 , or a top close flap (not shown) which allow the shopping bag  10  to be closed. 
         [0025]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , an expandable shopping bag  110  according to the present invention is depicted, wherein elements corresponding to those of shopping bag  10  are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “1” prefix. In addition to the features described above with respect to shopping bag  10 , side walls  112 ,  114  or end walls  116 ,  118  (as depicted herein) may include expansion panels  130  which may be revealed via zippers  132  or other fasteners (e.g., buttons, snaps, etc.) to allow the shopping bag  110  to expand and provide additional volume to the storage compartment  122 . According to one aspect of the present invention, the dimensions of shopping bag  110  may be 13.5 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 7 inches deep before expansion ( FIG. 2   a ), and may be 22.5 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 7 inches deep after expansion ( FIG. 2   b ), although it is understood that shopping bag  110  is not limited to these dimensions. When expanded, shopping bag  110  may be sized to hold approximately 3 to 5 plastic grocery bags worth of items. Of course, shopping bag  110  is not limited to expanding along the dimension depicted in  FIG. 2   b , but could alternatively expand to increase the height of shopping bag  110  or even expand multiple times. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate sectioned shopping bags  210  according to the present invention, wherein elements corresponding to those of shopping bags  10 ,  110  are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “2” prefix. In addition to the features described above with respect to shopping bags  10 ,  110 , shopping bag  210  includes interior dividers  240  for subdividing the storage compartment  222  into a plurality of sub-compartments  242 . According to one aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , shopping bag  210  may have dimensions of 13.5 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 7 inches deep, with dividers  240  that create three sub-compartments  242  measuring 4.5 inches wide by 7 inches deep. According to another aspect of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 4 , shopping bag  210  may have dimensions of 9 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and 7 inches deep, with dividers  240  that create four sub-compartments  242  measuring 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep. Of course, a different number of sub-compartments  242  or different dimensions for shopping bag  210  or sub-compartments  242  could be used, where sub-compartments  242  may be equal or varying in size. 
         [0027]    Dividers  240  may have dimensions so as to extend partially or fully along the height of side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18 . Dividers  240  be fixed in position or alternatively be removable. According to another aspect of the present invention, dividers  240  may be reconfigurable to accommodate items of different sizes, or adjustable so as to be capable of folding flush with the side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18  if not needed. With dividers  240 , shopping bag  210  offers containment for items and/or breakables that generally need to stand upright or be kept separate such as, but are not limited to, milk, juice, wine, eggs, and light bulbs. Such dividers  240  may also provide added strength or may allow the shopping bag  210  to be self-standing. 
         [0028]    According to one aspect of the present invention, shopping bags  10 ,  110 , and  210  may be constructed of polyester with a polyurethane coating. Of course, shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  are not limited to construction from these materials, and other materials which may be reusable, flexible, foldable/collapsible, durable, washable, and/or waterproof, such as a synthetic polymeric textile or a textile which is a blend of natural and synthetic polymeric fibers, are also contemplated herein. These materials may further be treated with waterproofing chemicals to aid in the protection of the shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  according to the present invention. 
         [0029]    A plurality of bags such as, but not limited to, shopping bags  10 ,  110 , and  210  described above, may be arranged to be contained within outer bags to create a shopping bag system. Several outer bags according to the present invention are detailed below, wherein the outer bags themselves may also be used to carry shopping items. 
         [0030]    An expandable pouch  310  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c,  wherein elements similar to shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “3” prefix.  FIG. 5   a  depicts pouch  310  in a closed configuration, wherein the walls  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320  which create storage compartment  322  are folded, compacted, and secured with a strap or fastener, such as an elastic band  350 . In this closed configuration, pouch  310  may be worn around a shopper&#39;s wrist via use of a wristlet strap  352  with dimensions such as, but not limited to, 5 inches in length. Another option is attachment of the pouch  310  via a clip or caribiner  354  onto other items such as, but not limited to, a shopping cart, purse, diaper bag, stroller, or belt loop. It is understood that wristlet  352  and caribiner  354  can have any attachment location on pouch  310  and are not limited to the configuration depicted herein. According to one aspect of the present invention, in its closed configuration pouch  310  may be provided in a small size, for example, 11 inches by 6.5 inches, or in a large size, for example, 13.5 inches by 7 inches. Of course, pouch  310  is not limited to these dimensions. Advantageously, pouch  310  may be of a size suitable for storage in a purse, diaper bag, or other tote for storage until it is needed. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 5   b , elastic band  350  may be removed to convert pouch  310  to an open configuration where it takes the form of a shopping bag. Side walls  312 ,  314  or end walls  316 ,  318  may include expansion panels  330  as described above with respect to shopping bag  110 . According to one aspect of the present invention, the dimensions of the small size pouch  310  in this open configuration may be 11 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 4 inches deep before expansion ( FIG. 5   b ), and may be 11 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 10 inches deep after expansion ( FIG. 5   c ), and the dimensions of the large size pouch  310  may be 13.5 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 7 inches deep before expansion ( FIG. 5   b ), and may be 13.5 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 13 inches deep after expansion ( FIG. 5   c ). The small size pouch  310  may hold 2-3 plastic grocery bags worth of items in its open configuration ( FIG. 5   b ), and 3-5 plastic grocery bags worth of items in its expanded configuration ( FIG. 5   c ), with the large size pouch  310  capable of holding a correspondingly greater volume of items. Again, it is understood that pouch  310  is not limited to these dimensions, and that pouch  310  is not limited to expanding along the dimension depicted in  FIG. 5   c , but could alternatively expand to increase the height of walls  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318  or even expand multiple times. In its open shopping bag configuration, pouch  310  may be designed to be self-standing. 
         [0032]    In addition, storage compartment  322  of pouch  310  may have one or more interior pouches or pockets (not shown) that may be sized to receive one or more of shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210 . As such, shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  may be stored within pouch  310  so they can be removed as necessary by a shopper and used to store and carry shopping items. Interior pockets or pouches may also be used to contain or accommodate items such as, but not limited to, a cell phone, coupons, a pad of paper, a pen or pencil, a grocery list, wallet, or others. Of course, pockets could also be provided on an exterior of pouch  310 . Referring again to  FIG. 5   a , pouch  310  may include a front storage pocket  356 , again for carrying bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  or any other items, such as those mentioned above. According to one aspect of the present invention, front storage pocket  356  may have dimensions of 8.5 inches by 4 inches with a 1 inch gusset for the small size pouch  310 , and 11 inches by 5 inches with a 1.5 inch gusset for the large size pouch  310 , where it is understood that these dimensions are merely exemplary. Access to front storage pocket  356  may be gained via a zipper  358  or any other fastener, and front storage compartment  356  may also include an auxiliary pocket  360  for even further storage. 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , an expandable, insulated pouch  410  is illustrated, wherein elements similar to shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  and pouch  310  are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “4” prefix.  FIG. 6   a  depicts pouch  410  in a closed configuration, wherein pouch  410  may have dimensions such as, but not limited to, 13.5 inches by 7 inches. In its open, shopping bag configuration ( FIG. 6   b ), pouch  410  may have dimensions such as, but not limited to, 13.5 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 7 inches deep. Pouch  410  also includes a top flap  462  which may be secured to walls  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418 , such as via a zipper  464  or any other fastener, to enclose storage compartment  422 . One or more of walls  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418 , and  420  and top flap  462  may be constructed from an insulating material such that pouch  410  in its open configuration is capable of keeping items warm or cold. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  shows another outer, hipster bag  510  according to the present invention, which may be configured to hold a plurality of shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  as described above. Again, elements similar to the preceding shopping bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  and pouches  310 ,  410  are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “5” prefix. Hipster bag  510  may have dimensions of 9.5 inches in length, 7 inches in height, and 4.5 inches in depth, but of course is not limited thereto. A front storage pocket  556 , as with pouches  310  and  410 , can be used for storage of bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  and other items. Hipster bag  510  includes a strap  570  to allow for hands-free shopping, wherein strap  570  may be adjustable and/or detachable. Although not shown, strap  570  could also contain a clip for keys, a pocket for a cell phone, or other storage/organizing features. 
         [0035]    An expandable tote pouch  610  according to the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  in its closed and open configurations, respectively, wherein elements similar to the shopping bags and pouches described above are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “6” prefix. Although not limited to these dimensions, pouch  610  may have dimensions of 13 inches by 7.5 inches in its closed configuration ( FIG. 8   a ) and 13 inches wide by 16 inches tall by 7 inches deep in its open, shopping bag configuration ( FIG. 8   b ). 
         [0036]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  illustrate an expandable backpack pouch  710  having dimensions, for example, but not limited to, 12 inches by 6.5 inches by 3.5 inches in its closed, pouch configuration ( FIG. 9   a ) and dimensions of 12 inches by 22 inches by 9 inches in its open, backpack configuration ( FIG. 9   b ).  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  illustrate an expandable duffel bag pouch  810  having dimensions, for example, but not limited to, 8.5 inches by 6.5 inches in its closed, pouch configuration ( FIG. 10   a ) and dimensions of 22 inches by 17 inches by 12 inches in its open, duffel bag configuration ( FIG. 10   b ).  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  illustrate an expandable keychain pouch  910  having dimensions, for example, but not limited to, 3 inches by 4.5 inches in its closed, pouch configuration ( FIG. 11   a ) and dimensions of 13.5 inches by 16 inches by 7 inches in its open, shopping bag configuration ( FIG. 11   b ). As above, elements of pouches  710  and  810  similar to the shopping bags and pouches described above are given like reference numerals with the addition of a “7” or “8” prefix, respectively. Of note are loops  872  provided on duffel bag  810  which may receive an additional strap if desired, and key ring  974  provided on keychain pouch  910  to allow pouch  910  to hang conveniently off of a shopper&#39;s keychain. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  illustrate an expandable pouch  1010 , wherein elements similar to shopping bags and pouches described above are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “10” prefix.  FIG. 10   a  depicts pouch  1010  in a closed configuration, wherein the walls  1012 ,  1014 ,  1016 ,  1018  which create storage compartment  1022  are folded, compacted, and secured within the folded bottom  1020  of the pouch  1010 . A strap or fastener, such as a zipper  1076  may be located along the bottom  1020  of the bag in the open configuration, as in  FIG. 10   b . When the pouch  1010  is in the closed configuration the fastener  1076  may be used to retain and enclose the walls  1012 ,  1014 ,  1016 ,  1018  within the folded bottom  1020 . The pouch  1010  in the closed configuration may resemble a pocketbook, packet, folder, or the like, and is capable of being stored in a backpack, attache case, or the like. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 13   a ,  13   b , and  13   c  illustrate a metro bag  1110  and auxiliary pouch  1178  for a diaper pad  1180  or the like, wherein elements similar to shopping bags and pouches described above are designated with like reference numerals with the addition of a “11” prefix. Referring to  FIG. 13   a , pouch  1110  may include a front storage pocket  1156 . Access to front storage compartment  1156  may be gained via a zipper  1158  or any other fastener, and front storage compartment  1156  may also include an auxiliary pocket  1160  for even further storage. Pouch  1110  may also include a second auxiliary pocket  1182  for storage of auxiliary pouch  1178 . Auxiliary pouch  1178  may allow for storage of a diaper pad  1180  or for carrying bags  10 ,  110 ,  210  or any other items, such as those mentioned above. The diaper pad  1180  folds into a closed configuration for storage into the auxiliary pouch  1178  as shown in  FIG. 13   b . The diaper pad  1180  may be unfolded for use as shown in  FIG. 13   c . The diaper pad  1180  may be connected to the auxiliary pouch  1178  by a drawstring  1184  or other attachment system. The drawstring  1184  may also act to enclose auxiliary pouch  1178 . 
         [0039]    In accordance with the present invention, the shopping bags and pouches described herein may be available in a multitude of colors and designs, wherein these designs may be thematic and/or coordinated. Such designs may include, but are not limited to, holiday designs, sports designs, pet designs, job-specific designs, personal family photographs, and coordinated fabrics and colors. The designs may be such that, when the shopping bags are arranged next to one another, a coordinated design or pattern is created. 
         [0040]    It is understood that the shopping bags and pouches according to the present invention are not limited to the shapes or dimensions shown and described herein, and that any of the components and features described herein for any shopping bag/pouch according to the present invention may be interchangeably employed in any of the other shopping bags/pouches according to the present invention. 
         [0041]    While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.