Abstract:
The convertible tote bag of the present invention comprises a container of any width, depth and length that can be either closed or open at the top, with or without exterior or interior pockets, with two carrying straps of adjustable size that are permanently attached on one end on opposite sides of the bag diagonally across from each other. The convertible tote bag can be carried in the hand or on the shoulder when the end of each strap that is not permanently attached to the bag is selectively attached to the attachment mechanism on the same side of the bag. In this invention there are two ways for the convertible tote bag to be worn as a backpack. One way to wear the convertible tote bag as a backpack is to thread the ends of each strap that are not permanently attached to the bag through the rings or apertures attached to the top of the opposite bag wall and extend the straps down the back wall to selectively attach to the attachment mechanisms permanently affixed on the lower part of the back wall of the bag. A second way to wear the convertible tote bag as a backpack is to selectively attach the end of each strap that is not permanently attached to the bag to the attachment mechanism on the opposite side of the bag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a Continuation-In-Part of patent application Ser. No. 09/896,477 filed Jun. 29, 2001, now abandoned which is a Continuation-In-Part of patent application Ser. No. 09/493,884 filed Jan. 28, 2000, now abandoned which is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/117,512, filed Jan. 28, 1999 now abandoned; all are herein incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention relates to convertible bags. In particular, the invention relates to convertible bags with interchangeable handles. 
   DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART 
   Tote bags of varying width, depth and length, both closed and open on top, are well known and popular items in the women&#39;s accessory market and also in the premium and ad specialty market, where they are distributed to men as well as women. These tote bags, which can be wider than both a woman&#39;s and a man&#39;s back, can become very heavy once filled to capacity. When carried on one side of the body, either in the hand or on the shoulder, these heavy tote bags shift the posture of the user out of proper alignment. It is important for the user to be able to wear the tote bag on his or her back to maintain proper posture. 
   Various bags having detachable and interchangeable components are known in the prior art and provide for many configurations of the components. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 1,189,480 to Pomper teaches improvements to shopping bags. There is no mechanism in this invention for the shopping bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 1,370,636 to Dwyer teaches a convertible satchel with a detachable carrying strap. This carrying strap is completely removable from the satchel and can therefore be lost easily. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,696 to Kase teaches rigid foundation handbags with interchangeable outer components. Pliable fabric cannot be used with this invention. The handles are not adjustable in length. A bag with an open top cannot be used with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,119 to Viol teaches a tote bag of the shoulder type which is quickly and easily convertible into an infant&#39;s seat of the breeches-buoy type. In this invention, the tote bag converts to an infant&#39;s seat being adapted to be carried by hand, or to be attached to the seat of an automobile or mounted on a conventional chair to convert it to an infant&#39;s highchair. There is no mechanism in this invention for the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,346,155 to Oechsle teaches a carrier for books and small articles. The usefulness of this carrier when worn as a backpack is limited by the width of the container in this invention. With a container whose width is greater than the width of the wearer&#39;s back, the looped strap arrangement will fall off the wearer&#39;s shoulders. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,613 to Droeger teaches an article of luggage which can be carried by the handles as a satchel or on the back as a backpack. A bag with an open top cannot be used with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,716 to Jackson et al. teaches a bag that can be used as a pannier on a cycle or a backpack. This invention does not teach a bag that can be carried as a tote bag. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,212 to Luc Courchesne a portable utility bag adapted to vary its volume that can be used as a handbag, shoulder bag or backpack. A bag with an open top cannot be used with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,092 to Haslam teaches a bag with a carrying strap arrangement that cooperates to convert the bag to and from handbag and shoulder bag, backpack, and saddle bag. The usefulness of the backpack in this invention is limited by the width of the bag. A very wide bag such as a tote bag would fall off the wearer&#39;s back when worn as a backpack according to the teaching of this patent. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,102 to Norton teaches a specially adapted sport bag that can be utilized as either a waist-, shoulder-, or backpack. In order for this bag to function as a backpack, the bag must be of the type that is closed at the top opening. A bag with an open top would not work with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,480 to Strobel teaches a bag having the dual purposes of hanging on the back of a chair and being held in the hand. This invention does not teach the use of the bag as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,274 to Freistadt teaches a convertible handbag and backpack which includes a bag body to which a pair of carrying straps are secured. The criss-crossed position in which the carrying straps are placed when this bag is to be carried in the user&#39;s hand make for a very uncomfortable handle in which the edges of the criss-crossed straps press into the wearer&#39;s hand. In addition, the length of these straps is not adjustable, making it necessary to either have short strap lengths that will not fit on large backs over heavy clothing or to have long strap lengths that will make the bag touch the floor when carried in the hand of a short person. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,570 to Rushing et al teaches a multi-use handbag having a main storage body, at least one handle and at least one locking flap secured to one or more corners of the main storage area to an engagement member disposed along the lateral side of the handbag. The handles in this patent are completely removable, making it possible for them to be lost. In addition, the length of these handles is not adjustable. As a result, if short handles are used they will not fit on large backs over heavy clothing, and if long handles are used the bag will touch the floor when carried in the hand of a short person. According to the teachings of this patent, a very wide bag such as a tote bag would fall off the wearer&#39;s back when the handles are attached to the corners of the bag so that it may be worn as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,656 to Derfler teaches a shoulder bag that, once closed, will remain closed even if substantial weight is carried in the bag. This patent does not teach the art of using this bag as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,111 to Lanouette et al. teaches an improved sports accessory bag with straps which are convertible for use either with a bar on stationary exercise apparatus or for use as a portable accessory bag. This patent does not teach the art of using this bag as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,332 to Kliot teaches a multimode traveling bag which can be carried as a hand carrying bag, a backpack, shoulder bag or over the head bag. In order that this invention be worn as a backpack, permanently attached backpack straps must be fixed to the bag. These backpack straps cannot be removed and therefore detract from the value of the bag as a standard bag. In addition, in order for these backpack straps to function properly, the bag must be of the type that is closed at the top opening. A bag with an open top would not work with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,652 to Cooper teaches a convertible backpack that can be worn as a shoulder bag. This invention has separate handles permanently affixed to each side of the bag so that is may be carried as a satchel. A bag with an open top would not work with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,448 to Tsai teaches a raincoat concealing backpack. This patent does not teach the art of using this backpack as a shoulder bag or satchel to be carried in the hand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,893 to Heggeland teaches a flexible tote strap for luggage and other portable articles. This patent does not teach the art of using this tote strap to wear luggage as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,354 to Mentken teaches a low cost backpack. This patent does not teach the art of using this backpack as a shoulder bag or satchel to be carried in the hand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,390 to Goryl teaches a bait bag that can be inflated and fastened to the waist of the fisherman so as to act as a buoyancy aid. This patent does not teach the art of using this bag as a backpack. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,702 to Cassidy, IV, teaches a multi-purpose bag. A bag with an open top would not work with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,738 to Norris teaches a combination container that can concurrently be used as a ballistic shield. A bag with an open top would not work with this invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,493 to Iijima et al. teaches a multi-way bag and a length-adjustable strap for carrying the bag. This adjustable strap is detachable from the bag at both ends and can thus be easily lost. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,461 B1 to Martz teaches a portable animal carrier that can be worn as a backpack, a shoulder bag or tote bag. A bag with an open top would not work with this invention. The criss-crossed position in which the carrying straps are placed when this bag is to be carried in the user&#39;s hand make for a very uncomfortable handle in which the edges of the crisscrossed straps press into the wearer&#39;s hand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,884 to Johnson teaches a dual strap system by which a utility bag can be converted into a backpack. The dual strap system is detachable from the bag at both ends and can thus be easily lost. 
   German Patent No. 808 759 does not teach the art of converting a satchel to a backpack. 
   French Patent No. 968,005 to Alkan teaches a satchel with handles that converts to a day book. This invention does not teach the art of converting the satchel to a backpack. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The convertible tote bag of the present invention comprises a container of any width, depth and length that can be either closed or open at the top, with or without exterior or interior pockets, with two carrying straps of adjustable size that are permanently attached on one end on opposite sides of the bag diagonally across from each other. The convertible tote bag can be carried in the hand or on the shoulder when the end of each strap that is not permanently attached to the bag is selectively attached to the attachment mechanism on the same side of the bag. In this invention there are two ways for the convertible tote bag to be worn as a backpack. One way to wear the convertible tote bag as a backpack is to thread the ends of each strap that are not permanently attached to the bag through the rings or apertures attached to the top of the opposite bag wall and extend the straps down the back wall to selectively attach to the attachment mechanisms permanently affixed on the lower part of the back wall of the bag. A second way to wear the convertible tote bag as a backpack is to selectively attach the end of each strap that is not permanently attached to the bag to the attachment mechanism on the opposite side of the bag. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a view of the first embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 2  is a view of the first embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 3  is a view of the second embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack 
       FIG. 4  is a view of the third embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 5  is a view of the fourth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 6  is a view of the fifth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 7  is a view of the fifth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 8  is a view of the sixth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 9  is a view of the seventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 10  is a view of the seventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 11  is a view of the eighth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 12  is a view of the ninth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 13  is a view of the tenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 14  is a view of the eleventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 15  is a view of the eleventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 16  is a view of the twelfth embodiment of the convertible tote back assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 17  is a view of the twelfth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 18  is a view of the thirteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 19  is a view of the thirteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 20  is a view of the fourteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 21  is a view of the fourteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 22  is a view of the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 23  is a view of the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 24  is a view of a small sized single D-ring with attachment strap. 
       FIG. 25  is a view of a large sized single D-ring with attachment strap. 
       FIG. 26  is a view of a closed side release buckle with attachment straps. 
       FIG. 27  is a view of an opened side release buckle with attachment straps. 
       FIG. 28  is a view of grommet in an attachment strap. 
       FIG. 29  is a view of a button loop and button with attachment straps. 
       FIG. 30  is a view of a ladderloc with attachment straps. 
       FIG. 31  is a first view of a cam with attachment straps. 
       FIG. 32  is a second view of a cam with attachment straps. 
       FIG. 33  is a view of the sixteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 34  is a view of the sixteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 35  is a view of the eighteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 36  is a view of the nineteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a bag. 
       FIG. 37  is a view of the twentieth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 38  is a view of the twenty-first embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
       FIG. 39  is a view of the eleventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a velcro closure at the top and an outside pocket on the front. 
       FIG. 40  is a view of the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a flap closure at the top of the tote bag. 
       FIG. 41  is a view of the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a drawstring closure at the top of the tote bag. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. Any known latching mechanisms and removable attaching means used for bags, handbags, tote bags and backpacks including, but not limited to all those described in both the catalog “The Cutting Edge” by ITW Nexus and the catalog by ITW Waterbury Buckle, are hereby incorporated by reference. The full range of designs used in the art of making tote bags as well as the full range of methods used for closing the top of the tote bag can be used with the present invention, including latching and attachment mechanisms used in the art for closing flaps and internal or external pockets. The tote bag may be constructed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, any fabric material, plastic, leather, or synthetic material. 
   With reference to the first embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 1 , the front  10  of the open tote bag has a ring  100  and strap of material  102  permanently attached to the inside top of the front  10  of the bag in which a selectively attachable mechanism  24  is attached. The selectively attachable mechanism shown in  FIG. 1  is a swivelhook, but all kinds of snaphooks can be used in its place in all the embodiments that show the use of the swivelhook. The handle  21  is permanently attached to the top of the inside of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  18  located towards the opposite side of the top of the front of the tote bag  10  from the ring  100  and strap of material  102 . This handle  21  is placed through a slider  22  as well as the selectively attachable mechanism  24  so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. The back of the tote bag  14  has a ring  100 ′ and strap of material  102 ′ permanently attached to the inside top of the back  14  of the bag in which a selectively attachable mechanism  24  is attached. The handle  20  is permanently attached to the top of the inside of the back of the tote bag  14  at position  40  located towards the opposite side of the top of the back of the tote bag  14  from the ring  100 ′ and strap of material  102 ′. This handle  20  is placed through a slider  22 ′ as well as the selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Ring  100  and strap of material  102  located on the front  10  of the tote bag is located opposite permanent attachment of the handle  40  on the back of the tote bag  14 . Permanent attachment of the handle  18  on the front of the top of the tote bag  10  is located opposite ring  100 ′ and straps of material  102 ′ located on the top of the back of the tote bag  14 . 
   In addition there is a ring  104 ′ with a strap of material  106 ′ permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag underneath the ring  100 ′ and strap of material  102 ′ permanently attached to the inside top of the back  14  of the bag, and another ring  104  with a strap of material  106  permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag underneath permanent attachment  40  of handle  20  at the inside top of the back  14  of the tote bag. In the first embodiment, ring  100  and ring  100 ′ can be of any shape but must be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside. Ring  104  and ring  104 ′ can be of any shape and must only be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ to latch into.  FIG. 1  shows the first embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 2  shows the first embodiment of the present invention assembled as a backpack. In the first embodiment, the swivelhook attachment mechanism  24 ′ and the slider  22 ′ on handle  20  permanently attached to the top of the inside of the back  14  of the tote bag at position  40  extend over the top of the bag, thread inside ring  100 , then extend back over the top of the tote bag down the back  14  of the bag to the point where the swivelhook  24 ′ latches into ring  104  permanently attached to the bottom of the bag with strap of material  106 . The swivelhook attachment mechanism  24  and the slider  22  on handle  21 , permanently attached to the top of the inside of the front  10  of the tote bag at position  18 , extend over the top of the bag, thread inside ring  100 ′ permanently attached to the top of the inside of the back  14  of the tote bag, and then extend freely down the back  14  of the bag to the point where swivelhook  24  latches into ring  104 ′ permanently attached to the bottom of the bag with strap of material  106 . The two handles thus positioned form two loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   The first embodiment can also be worn as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     FIG. 3  shows the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment also shows an open bag, and is the same as the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  with two differences. First, ring  104  with strap of material  106  and ring  104 ′ with strap of material  106 ′ are replaced with grommets  120  and  122 , respectively. Grommets  120  and  122  are permanently affixed to the top of the bag in the same position as ring  104  and ring  104 ′, and must be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside. Second, grommet  114  permanently affixed in strap of material  116  is permanently affixed in the position on the back  14  of the tote bag at the bottom where ring  104  with strap of material  106  is permanently affixed in the first embodiment, and grommet  114 ′ permanently affixed in strap of material  116 ′ is permanently affixed in the position of ring  104 ′ with strap of material  106 ′ in the first embodiment.  FIG. 3  shows the second embodiment assembled as a backpack in the same manner as the first embodiment in  FIG. 1 , where the two handles are positioned to form two loops that selectively attach to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag, thus allowing the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   The second embodiment can also be worn as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as shown in  FIG. 15 . The second embodiment can be worn as a tote bag, either carried in the hand or on the shoulder, by arranging the straps as shown in  FIG. 1  for the first embodiment. 
     FIG. 4  shows the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  except that grommets  120  and  122  are replaced with smaller grommets  26  and  42 , respectively, and rings  200  and  200 ′, which are large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside, are permanently affixed through them.  FIG. 4  shows the third embodiment assembled as a backpack in the same manner as the first embodiment in  FIG. 1 , where the two handles are positioned to form two loops that selectively attach to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag, thus allowing the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   The third embodiment can also be worn as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as shown in  FIG. 15 . The third embodiment can be worn as a tote bag, either carried in the hand or on the shoulder, by arranging the straps as shown in  FIG. 1  for the first embodiment. 
     FIG. 5  shows the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment shows an open bag. It is the same as the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  with the exception that in the fourth embodiment strap of material  28  permanently attaches ring  100  to the top of the front of the bag  10  at position  202  in place of strap of material  102  and is permanently attached to the outside of the front  10  of the bag from position  202  down the outside of the front  10  of the bag, across the outside of the bottom of the bag, and up the outside of the back  14  of the bag where ring  104  is threaded through it and permanently attached to the back of the bag  14  close to the bottom of the bag with stitching through the strap of material  28  at positions  203  and  204  on the bottom and the top sides of the ring  104 . Strap of material  28  is permanently attached to the outside of the back  14  of the bag up to the top opening where it is permanently attached at position  240 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to become handle  20 . The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  240  to position  202  is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  240  to swivel hook  24 ′ is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). Strap of material  28 ′ permanently attaches ring  100 ′ to the top of the back  14  of the bag at position  202 ′ in place of strap of material  102 ′ and is permanently attached to the outside of the back  14  of the bag from position  202 ′ down the outside of the back  14  of the bag where ring  104 ′ is threaded trough it and permanently attached to the back  14  of the bag close to the bottom of the bag with stitching through the strap of material  28 ′ at positions  203 ′ and  204 ′ on the bottom and the top sides of the ring  104 ′. Strap of material  28 ′ is permanently attached across the outside of the bottom of the bag and up the outside of the front  10  of the bag where it is permanently attached to the top of the outside of the front  10  of the bag at position  218 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to become handle  21 . The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  218  to position  202 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  218  to swivel hook  24  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). These straps of material can be made of a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, fabric, webbing, leather, plastic or various synthetic fabrics.  FIG. 5  shows the fourth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
   The fourth embodiment can be assembled as a backpack in the same manner as the first embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 . When the fourth embodiment is assembled as a backpack, the swivelhook attachment mechanism  24 ′ and the slider  22 ′ on handle  20 , an extension of strap of material  28  permanently attached to the outside of the back  14  of the tote bag to position  240 , extend over the top of the bag, thread inside ring  100 , then extend back over the top of the tote bag down the back  14  of the bag to the point where the swivelhook  24 ′ latches into ring  104 , threaded through strap of material  28  and permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of bag at points  203  and  204 . The swivelhook attachment mechanism  24  and the slider  22  on handle  21 , an extension of strap of material  28 ′ permanently attached to the outside of the front  10  of the tote bag to position  218 , extend over the top of the bag, thread inside ring  100 ′ permanently attached to the top of the back  14  of the tote bag, and then extend freely down the back  14  of the bag to the point where swivelhook  24  latches into ring  104 ′, threaded through strap of material  28 ′ and permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag at points  203 ′ and  204 ′. The two handles thus positioned form two loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   The fourth embodiment can also be worn as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     FIG. 6  shows the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment shows a closable tote bag where the zipper  16  is permanently attached to top closure sections  34  and  44 , permanently attached to each other at points  275  and  276 , and permanently attached to the top of the front  10 , back  14 , and sides  12  of the tote bag by seam  250 . The front  10  of the closable tote bag has a ring  100  and strap of material  102  permanently attached to the top of the front  10  of the bag between the inside of the top of the front  10  and top closure section  44 . Selectively attachable mechanism  24  is attached to ring  100 . The selectively attachable mechanism shown in  FIG. 6  is a swivelhook, but all kinds of snaphooks can be used in its place in all the embodiments that show the use of the swivelhook. The handle  21  is permanently attached to the top of the front  10  of the tote bag between the inside of the top of the front  10  and top closure section  44  at position  18  located towards the opposite side of the top of the front  10  of the tote bag from the ring  100  and strap of material  102 . This handle  21  is placed through a slider  22  as well as the selectively attachable mechanism  24  so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. The back  14  of the tote bag has a ring  100 ′ and strap of material  102 ′ permanently attached to the inside top of the back  14  of the bag between the inside of the top of the back  14  and top closure section  34 . Selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ is attached to ring  100 ′. The handle  20  is permanently attached to the top of the inside of the back  14  of the tote bag between the inside of the top of the back  14  and top closure section  34  at position  40  located towards the opposite side of the top of the back  14  of the tote bag from ring  100 ′ and strap of material  102 ′. This handle  20  is placed through a slider  22 ′ as well as the selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Ring  100  and strap of material  102  located on the front  10  of the tote bag are located opposite permanent attachment of the handle  40  on the back of the tote bag  14 . Permanent attachment of the handle  18  on the front of the top of the tote bag  10  is located opposite ring  100 ′ and strap of material  102 ′ located on the top of the back of the tote bag  14 . Ring  100  and ring  100 ′ can be of any shape but must be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside. 
   In addition there is a ring  104 ′ with a strap of material  106 ′ permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag underneath the ring  100 ′ and strap of material  102 ′ permanently attached to the inside top of the back  14  of the bag, and another ring  104  with a strap of material  106  permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag underneath permanent attachment  40  of handle  20  at the inside top of the back  14  of the tote bag. In the fifth embodiment, ring  100  and ring  100 ′ can be of any shape but must be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside. Ring  104  and ring  104 ′ can be of any shape and must only be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ to latch into.  FIG. 6  shows the fifth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 7  shows the fifth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a backpack. In the fifth embodiment, the swivelhook attachment mechanism  24 ′ and the slider  22 ′ on handle  20 , permanently attached to the top of the inside of the back of the tote bag  14  between the inside of the top of the back  14  and top closure section  34  at position  40 , extend over the top of the closable bag, thread inside ring  100 , and then extend back over the top of the closable tote bag down the back  14  of the bag to the point where the swivelhook  24 ′ latches into ring  104  permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag with strap of material  106 . The swivelhook attachment mechanism  24  and the slider  22  on handle  21 , permanently attached to the top of the inside of the front  10  of the tote bag between the inside of the front  10  and top closure section  44  at position  18 , extend over the top of the closable bag, thread inside ring  100 ′ permanently attached to the top of the inside of the back  14  of the closable tote bag, and then extend freely down the back  14  of the bag to the point where swivelhook  24  latches into ring  104 ′ permanently attached to the bottom of the bag with strap of material  106 . The two handles thus positioned form two loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. Ring  100  and ring  100 ′ can be of any shape but must be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside. 
   The fifth embodiment can also be worn as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     FIG. 8  shows the sixth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a backpack. The sixth embodiment shows a closable bag. It is the same as the fifth embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  with the exception that in the sixth embodiment strap of material  28  permanently attaches ring  100  to the top of the front of the bag  10  between the inside of the front  10  of the top of the bag and top closure section  44  at position  202  and is permanently attached to the outside of the front  10  of the bag from position  202  down the outside of the front  10  of the bag, across the outside of the bottom of the bag, and up the outside of the back of the bag  14  where ring  104  is threaded through it and permanently attached to the back of the bag  14  close to the bottom of the back  14  of bag with stitching through the strap of material  28  at positions  203  and  204  on the bottom and the top sides of the ring  104 . Strap of material  28  is permanently attached to the outside of the back of the bag  14  up to the top where it is permanently attached at position  240 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the back  14  of the bag to become handle  20 . The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  240  to position  202  is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  240  to swivel hook  24 ′ is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). Strap of material  28 ′ permanently attaches ring  100 ′ to the top of the back  14  of the bag between the inside of the back  14  of the bag and top closure section  34  at position  202 ′ and is permanently attached to the outside of the back of the bag  14  from position  202 ′ down the outside of the back of the bag where ring  104 ′ is threaded through it and permanently attached to the back  14  of the bag close to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag with stitching through the strap of material  28 ′ at positions  203 ′ and  204 ′ on the bottom and the top sides of the ring  104 ′. Strap of material  28 ′ is permanently attached across the outside of the bottom of the bag and up the outside of the front  10  of the bag where it is permanently attached to the top of the outside of the front  10  of the bag at position  218 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to become handle  21 . The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  218  to position  202 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  218  to swivel hook  24  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). These straps of material car be made of a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, fabric, webbing, leather, plastic or various synthetic fabrics. Ring  100  and ring  100 ′ can be of any shape but must be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside.  FIG. 8  shows the sixth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
   The sixth embodiment can be assembled as a backpack in the same manner as the fifth embodiment as shown in  FIG. 7 , where the two handles are positioned to form two loops that selectively attach to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag, thus allowing the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   The sixth embodiment can also be worn as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     FIG. 9  shows the seventh embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag.  FIG. 9  shows the seventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag as a closable bag in which the outside of the front  10  of the tote bag has a ring  200  permanently attached through a grommet  26  placed in the unattached end portion  30  of a strap of material  28 . Strap of material  28  is permanently attached to the outside of the front of the bag  10  from position  29  down the outside of the front  10  of the bag, across the outside of the bottom of the bag, and up the outside of the back  14  of the bag to position  41 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the outside of the back of the bag to become the handle  20 . The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to the end of the strap of material  28  beyond position  29  is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the straps of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to swivel hook  24 ′ is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). This strap of material can be made of a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, fabric, webbing, leather, plastic or various synthetic fabrics. Attached in the ring  200  on the front  10  of the tote bag is a selectively attachable mechanism  24 . The handle  21  is an extension of a strap of material  28 ′ that is permanently attached to the top of the front  10  of the tote bag at position  29 ′ located towards the opposite side of the top of the outside of the front  10  of the tote bag from the grommet  26 . Above position  29 ′, the handle  21  extends freely front the top of the bag. This handle  21  is placed through a slider  22  so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Below position  29 ′, the strap of material  28 ′ is permanently attached to the outside of the front  10  of the bag, across the outside of the bottom of the bag, and up the outside of the back  14  of the bag to position  41 ′. Above position  41 ′, the strip of material extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to form section  30 ′, in which grommet  42  is permanently affixed. The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  29 ′ to the end of the strap of material  28 ′ beyond position  41 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  29 ′ to swivel hook  24  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). Ring  200 ′ is permanently affixed through grommet  42 . Selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ is attached to grommet  42 . The handle  20  to which selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ is attached is permanently attached to the top of the outside of the back of the tote bag at position  41  located towards the opposite side of the top of the back  14  of the tote bag from grommet  42  with ring  200 ′ permanently affixed through it. This handle  20  is placed through a slider  22 ′ so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Grommet  26  with ring  200  permanently affixed through it located on the front  10  of the tote bag is located opposite permanent attachment  41  of the handle  20  on the back  14  of the tote bag. Permanent attachment of the handle  29 ′ on the front  10  of the top of the outside of the tote bag is located opposite the grommet  42  located on the top of the outside of the back  14  of the tote bag. The zipper  16  is permanently attached to front  10 , sides  12  and back at the top of the bag. Ring  200  and ring  200 ′ can be of any shape but must be large enough for the swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and the slider mechanisms  22  and  22 ′ to thread through inside. Other means of forming the body of the bag are, of course, possible.  FIG. 9  shows the second embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 10  shows the seventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. In  FIG. 10  attachment mechanism  24 ′ of the handle  20  permanently affixed to the back of the tote bag  14  at position  41  extends over the top of the closable bag, threads inside ring  200 ′, and then extends back over the top of the closable bag and down the back  14  of the bag to the point where the swivelhook  24 ′ selectively attaches to ring  104  permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag. Attachment mechanism  24  of the handle  21  permanently affixed to the front  10  of the bag to position  29 ′ extends over the top of the closable bag, threads through ring  200 ′, and then extends down the back  14  of the closable tote bag to the point where swivelhook  24  selectively attaches to ring  104 ′ permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag. This arrangement of the handles makes loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   In place of rings  200  and  200 ′ permanently threaded through grommets  26  and  42  permanently attached to the ends  30  and  30 ′ of straps of material  28  and  28 ′, respectively, rings  100  and  100 ′ can be permanently attached to the ends  30  and  30 ′ of straps of material  28  and  28 ′. Rings  100  and  100 ′ must be large enough for swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and sliders  22  and  22 ′ to thread through. The convertible tote bag can then be worn as a backpack in the same manner as described with rings  200  and  200 ′. 
   The seventh embodiment of the present invention can also be worn as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     FIG. 11  shows the eighth embodiment of the present invention as a closable bag assembled as a backpack. The zipper  16  is permanently attached to top closure sections  34  and  44  which are respectively attached to the upward extension  32  of the back of the tote bag  14  and the upward extension  36  of the front  10  of the tote bag. In the eighth embodiment, strap of material  116 ′ with grommet  114 ′ permanently affixed in it is permanently affixed in the position on the back  14  of the tote bag at the bottom of the tote bag underneath the grommet  42  permanently affixed to the upward extension  32  of top of the back  14  of the bag with ring  200 ′ permanently threaded through it, and another strap of material  116  with grommet  114  permanently affixed in it is permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag underneath permanent attachment  40  of handle  20  at the inside top of the upward extension  32  of the back  14  of the bag. Ring  200  is permanently threaded through grommet  26 , which is permanently affixed to the upward extension  36  of the top of the front  10  of the bag. 
   In the eighth embodiment, the swivelhook attachment mechanism  24 ′ and the slider  22 ′ on handle  20  permanently attached to upward extension  32  at the top of the inside of the back  14  of the closable tote bag at position  40  extend over the top of the bag, thread inside ring  200 , then extend back over the top of the closable tote bag down the back  14  of the bag to the point where the swivelhook  24 ′ latches into grommet  114  permanently attached to strap of material  116 , which in permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14 . The swivelhook attachment mechanism  24  and the slider  22  on handle  21 , permanently attached to the upward extension  36  at the top of the inside of the front  10  of the tote bag at position  18 , extend over the top of the closable bag, thread inside ring  200 ′ permanently attached through the grommet  42  permanently attached to the top of the upward extension  32  of the back  14  of the tote bag, and then extend freely down the back  14  of the bag to the point where swivelhook  24  latches into grommet  114 ′ permanently attached to strap of material  116 ′ which is permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag. The two handles are positioned to form two loops that selectively attach to the bottom of the back  14  of the closable tote bag, thus allowing the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   The eighth embodiment can be worn as a tote bag, either carried in the hand or on the shoulder, by arranging the straps as shown in  FIG. 18  and can be assembled as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as show in  FIG. 19 . 
     FIG. 12  shows the ninth embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a flap closure  14   a  that is an extension of the back  14  of the bag that extends over the top of the bag and over the front  10  behind the end  30  of strap of material  28  to the position  29  where strap of material  28  is no longer permanently attached to the front of the bag  10 , and behind handle  21  that is an extension of strap of material  28 ′ that is permanently attached to the front  10  of the bag to position  29 ′. Flap closure  14   a  is secured by a latch bag closure  140 . The flap closure  14   a  can be selectively secured with the full range of closures know in the art of making bags, including, but not limited to, latches, hook and loop tape, button loops and buttons, and side release buckles. In  FIG. 12 , attachment mechanism  24 ′ of the handle  20  permanently affixed to the back of the tote bag  14  at position  41  extends over the top of the closable bag, threads inside ring  100 , and then extends back over the top of the closable bag and down the back  14  of the closable tote bag to the point where the swivelhook  24 ′ selectively attaches to ring  104  permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag. The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to the end of the strap of material  28  beyond position  29  is considered the further end of the strap numbered). The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to swivel hook  24 ′ is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). Attachment mechanism  24  of the handle  21  that is an extension of strap of fabric  28 ′ permanently affixed to the front  10  of the bag to position  29 ′, extends over the top of the closable bag, threads through ring  100 ′, and then extends down the back  14  of the closable tote bag to the point where swivelhook  24  selectively attaches to ring  104 ′ permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag. The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  29 ′ to the end of the strap of material  28 ′ beyond position  41 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  29 ′ to swivel hook  24  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). This arrangement of the handles makes loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   Rings  100  and  100 ′ are permanently attached to the ends  30  and  30 ′ of straps of material  28  and  28 ′, respectively. Rings  100  and  100 ′ must be large enough for swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and sliders  22  and  22 ′ to thread through. 
   The ninth embodiment can be worn as a tote bag, either carried in the hand or on the shoulder, by arranging the straps as shown in  FIG. 40  and can be assembled as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as show in  FIG. 23 . 
   This type of top closure can be used with all the embodiments of the present invention in which straps of material are permanently attached part of the way up the front and back of the tote bag, then extending freely from the bag. It could replace the zipper in those embodiments that use zippers. 
     FIG. 13  shows the tenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a drawstring closure  132 . The drawstring  138  extends through the opening  136  in the drawstring closure  132  at the top of the front  10  of tote bag. The length of the drawstring can be adjusted by the use of cord closure  134 . In  FIG. 13 , attachment mechanism  24 ′ of the handle  20  permanently affixed to the back of the tote bag  14  to position  41  extends over the top of the closable bag, threads inside ring  100 , and then extends back over the top of the closable bag and down the back  14  of the closable tote bag to the point where the swivelhook  24 ′ selectively attaches to ring  104  permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag. The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to the end of the strap of material  28  beyond position  29  is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to swivel hook  24 ′ is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). Attachment mechanism  24  of the handle  21  that is an extension of strap of fabric  28 ′ permanently affixed to the front  10  of the bag to position  29 ′, extends over the top of the closable bag, threads through ring  100 ′, and then extends down the back  14  of the closable tote bag to the point where swivelhook  24  selectively attaches to ring  104 ′ permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the bag. The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  29 ′ to the end of the straw of material  28 ′ beyond position  41 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment pint  29 ′ to swivel hook  24  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). This arrangement of the handles makes loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
   Rings  100  and  100 ′ are permanently attached to the ends  30  and  30 ′ of straps of material  28  and  28 ′, respectively. Rings  100  and  100 ′ must be large enough for swivelhooks  24  and  24 ′ and sliders  22  and  22 ′ to thread through. 
   The tenth embodiment can be worn as a tote bag, either carried in the hand or on the shoulder, by arranging the straps as shown in  FIG. 41  and can be assembled as a backpack by arranging the straps to make loops as show in  FIG. 23 . 
   This type of top closure can be used with all the embodiments of the present invention in which straps of material are permanently attached part of the way up the front and back of the tote bag, then extending freely from the bag. It could replace the zipper in those embodiments that use zippers. 
     FIG. 14  shows the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In the eleventh embodiment, the front of the tote bag  10  has a grommet  26  in which a selectively attachable mechanism  24  is attached. The selectively attachable mechanism shown in  FIG. 14  is a swivelhook, but all kinds of snaphooks can be used in its place in all the embodiments that show the use of the swivelhook. The handle  21  is permanently attached to the top of the inside of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  18  located towards the opposite side of the top of the front of the tote bag  10  from the grommet  26 . This handle  21  is placed through a slider  22  as well as the selectively attachable mechanism  24  so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. The back of the tote bag  14  has a grommet  42  in which a selectively attachable mechanism  24  is attached. The handle  20  is permanently attached to the top of the inside of the back of the tote bag  14  at position  40  located towards the opposite side of the top of the back of the tote bag  14  from the grommet  42 . This handle  20  is placed through a slider  22 ′ as well as the selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Grommet  26  located on the front  10  of the tote bag is located opposite permanent attachment of the handle  40  on the back of the tote bag  14 . Permanent attachment of the handle  18  on the front of the top of the tote bag  10  is located opposite the grommet  40  located on the top of the back of the tote bag  14 .  FIG. 14  shows the first embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 15  shows the eleventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag in which the attachment mechanism  24  of the handle  21  permanently affixed to the front of the tote bag  10  at position  18  selectively attached to the grommet  42  at the top of the back  14  of the tote bag, and it shows the attachment mechanism  24 ′ of the handle  20  permanently affixed to the back of the tote bag  14  at position  40  selectively attached to the grommet  26  at the top of the front  10  of the tote bag. This arrangement of the handles makes loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
     FIG. 16  shows the twelfth embodiment of the convertible tote bag as a closable bag in which the outside of the front of the tote bag  10  has a grommet  26  in the unattached end portion  30  of a strap of material  28 . Strap of material  28  is permanently attached to the outside of the front of the bag  10  from position  29  down the outside of the front of the bag, across the outside of the bottom of the bag, and up the outside of the back of the bag to position  41 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to become the handle  20 . The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to the end of the strap of material  28  beyond position  29  is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  41  to swivel hook  24 ′ is considered the free end of the strap unnumbered). This strap of material can be made of a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, fabric, webbing, leather, plastic or various synthetic fabrics. Attached in the grommet  26  on the front of the tote bag  10  is a selectively attachable mechanism  24 . The handle  21  is an extension of a strap of material  28 ′ that is permanently attached to the top of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  29 ′ located towards the opposite side of the top of the outside of the front of the tote bag  10  from the grommet  26 . Above position  29 ′, the handle  21  extends freely from the top of the bag. This handle  21  is placed through a slider  22  so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Below position  29 ′, the strap of material  28 ′ is permanently attached to the outside of the front of the bag  10 , across the outside of the bottom of the bag, and up the outside of the back of the bag to position  41 ′. Above position  41 ′, the strip of material extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to form section  30 ′, in which grommet  42  is permanently affixed. Selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ is attached to grommet  42 . The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  29 ′ to the end of the strap of material  28 ′ beyond position  41 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  29 ′ to swivel hook  24  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). The handle  20  to which selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ is attached is permanently attached to the top of the outside of the back of the tote bag at position  41  located towards the opposite side of the top of the back of the tote bag from the grommet  42 . This handle  20  is placed through a slider  22 ′ so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Grommet  26  located on the front  10  of the tote bag is located opposite permanent attachment  41  of the handle  20  on the back of the tote bag. Permanent attachment of the handle  29 ′ on the front of the top of the outside of the tote bag  10  is located opposite the grommet  42  located on the top of the outside of the back of the tote bag. The zipper  16  is permanently attached to front  10 , sides  12  and back at the top of the bag. Other means of forming the body of the bag are, of course, possible.  FIG. 16  shows the twelfth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 17  shows the twelfth embodiment of the convertible tote bag in which the attachment mechanism  24  of the handle  21  permanently affixed to the front of the tote bag  10  at position  29 ′ is selectively attached to the grommet  42  at the top of the back of the tote bag, and it shows the attachment mechanism  24 ′ of the handle  20  permanently affixed to the back of the tote bag at position  41  selectively attached to the grommet  26  at the top of the front  10  of the tote bag. This arrangement of the handles makes loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
     FIG. 18  shows the thirteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag as a closable bag in which there is a grommet  26  in the upward extension  36  of the front of the tote bag  10 . Attached in the grommet  26  is a selectively attachable mechanism  24  which is attached to the handle  21 . Handle  21  is permanently attached to the end portion  36  of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  18  located towards the opposite side of the top of the front of the tote bag  10  from the grommet  26 . This handle  21  is placed through a slider  22  so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. The back of the tote bag  14  has a grommet  42  in the upward extension  32  of the back of the bag  14  in which a selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ is attached. Selectively attachable mechanism  24 ′ is attached to the handle  20 , which is permanently attached to the end portion  32  of the back of the tote bag  14  at position  40  located towards the opposite side of the top of the back of the tote bag  14  from the grommet  42 . This handle  20  is placed through a slider  22 ′ so that the length of the handle can be adjusted. Grommet  26  located on the upward extension  36  of the front of the tote bag  10  is located opposite permanent attachment of the handle  40  on the upward extension  32  of the back of the tote bag  14 . Permanent attachment of the handle  18  on the end portion  36  of the front of the top of the tote bag  10  is located opposite the grommet  42  located on the end portion  32  of the back of the tote bag  14 . The zipper  16  is permanently attached to sections  34  and  44  which are respectively attached to the upward extension  32  of the back of the tote bag  14  and the upward extension  36  of the front  10  of the tote bag.  FIG. 5  shows the third embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 19  shows the attachment mechanism  24  of the handle  21  permanently affixed to the upward extension  36  of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  18  selectively attached to the grommet  42  at the upward extension  32  of the top of the back  14  of the tote bag, and it shows the attachment mechanism  24 ′ of the handle  20  permanently affixed to the upward extension  32  of the back of the tote bag  14  at position  40  selectively attached to the grommet  26  at the upward extension  36  of the front of the tote bag  10 .  FIG. 19  shows the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention with an arrangement of the handles that make loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
     FIG. 20  shows the fourteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag in which the front of the tote bag  10  has a strap  70  permanently attached to the top of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  72 . This strap is used to selectively attach the D-rings  51  permanently affixed to the handle  21  that is permanently attached to the top of the front of the tote bag  10  at location  18 ′. The back of the tote bag  14  has a strap  60  permanently attached to the top of the back of the tote bag  14  at position  62 . This strap is used to selectively attach the D-rings  50  permanently affixed to the handle  20  that is permanently attached to the top of the back of the tote bag  14  at position  40 ′. Straps  60  and  70  allow for the length of the handles to be adjustable. In place of D-rings  50  and  51  in all of the embodiments that display them, a full range of ladderlocs and cams can be used as the attachment mechanism.  FIG. 17  shows the detail of the ladderloc.  FIG. 18  shows the detail of the cam.  FIG. 19  shows the detail of an alternate placement of the cam in which handle  20  has a free end instead of D-rings  50  and strap  60  is replaced with strap of material  84  attached to the cam  82 . Strap of material  84  is permanently attached to the top of the bag at  62 . This same arrangement is used to replace the second D-ring  51  and strap of material  70 .  FIG. 20  shows the fourteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 21  shows the fourteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag in which the front of the tote bag  10  has a strap  70  permanently attached to the top of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  72 . This strap is used to selectively attach the D-rings  50  permanently affixed to the handle  20  that is permanently attached to the top of the back of the tote bag  14  at location  40 ′. The back of the tote bag  14  has a strap  60  permanently attached to the top of the back of the tote bag  14  at position  62 . This strap is used to selectively attach the D-rings  51  permanently affixed to the handle  21  that is permanently attached to the top of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  18 ′.  FIG. 21  shows the fourteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag assembled as a backpack. 
     FIG. 22  shows the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag as a closable bag in which the front of the tote bag  10  has an unattached segment  70 ′ of the end portion of a strap of material  28 ′ permanently attached to the front of the bag  10  ending at attachment  74 . Strap of material  28 ′ is permanently attached under the bag and on the back of the bag to position  41 ′, at which point it extends freely from the top of the bag to become the handle  20 . The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  41 ′ to the D-rings  50  attached at the end of the strap of material  28 ′ is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  41 ′ to the end of unattached segment  70 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). Segment  70 ′ is used to selectively attach the D-rings  51  permanently affixed to the handle  21  that is permanently attached to the top of the front of the tote bag  10  at position  78  located towards the opposite side of the top of the front of the tote bag  10  from the position  74 . The back of the tote bag has a handle  20  to which D-rings  50  are permanently attached. An unattached segment of the strap of material  60 ′ is used to selectively attach the D-rings  50  affixed to the handle  20 . The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  78  to the D-rings  51  attached at the end of the strap of material  28  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  78  to the end of unattached segment  60 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). Straps  60 ′ and  70 ′ allow for the length of the handles to be adjustable. The zipper  16  is permanently attached to front  10 , sides  12  and back at the top of the bag.  FIG. 22  shows the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 23  shows the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag in which the unattached segment of the strap of material  60 ′ on the back of the tote bag is selectively attached to the handle  21  that is an unattached extension of the strap of material  28  permanently affixed to the back  14 , bottom and front of the bag  10  to the position  78 . The unattached segment of the strap of material  70 ′ on the front of the tote bag  10  is selectively attached to the handle  20  that is an unattached extension of the strap of material  28 ′ permanently affixed to the front  10 , bottom and back of the bag. Straps  60 ′ and  70 ′ allow for the length of the handles to be adjustable.  FIG. 23  shows the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag with an arrangement of the handles that makes loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
     FIG. 33  shows the sixteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag of the present invention. In the sixteenth embodiment, the swivelhook attachment mechanism  24  of the first embodiment is replaced by the male segment  92  of the side release buckle  90 . Male segment  92  is attached to handle  21  of the tote bag with slide mechanism  22  that allows the length of the handle to be adjusted. Female segment  94  of the side release buckle  90  is permanently attached with strap of material  96  to the inside of the top of the side  10  of the tote bag at the position of grommet  26  in the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the same type of side release buckle  90  with strap of material  96  is used to replace swivelhook attachment mechanism  24 ′ and grommet  42  of the first embodiment. The side release buckle  90  with strap of material  96  can be used to replace the swivelhook attachment mechanism and grommet in all the embodiments of the present invention in which the grommet is used.  FIG. 33  shows the sixteenth embodiment assembled as a tote bag. 
     FIG. 34  shows the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention in which the male segment  92  of the side release buckle is selectively attached to the female segment  94 ′ permanently attached to the inside top of the back of the side of the bag  14 , and male segment  92 ′ of the side release buckle is selectively attached to the female segment  94  permanently attached to the inside top of the front of the side of the bag  10 . This arrangement of the handles makes loops that allow the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack.  FIG. 34  shows the sixteenth embodiment assembled as a backpack. 
   The seventeenth embodiment of the present invention replaces the swivelhook attachment mechanism  24  of the first embodiment with the button loop  108  permanently attached to handle  21  as detailed in  FIG. 29 . The button  110  replaces the grommet  26  of the first embodiment. In the seventeenth embodiment, the button  110  can be attached directly to the outside of the top of the side  10  of the tote bag or it can be permanently attached to a strap of material  112  that is permanently attached to the same location. In the seventeenth embodiment, the same type of button loop  108  and button  110  is used to replace swivelhook attachment mechanism  24 ′ and grommet  42 , respectively, of the first embodiment. The button loop  108  and button  110 , where button  110  is attached directly to the bag or to material strap  112 , can be used to replace the swivelhook attachment mechanism and grommet in all the embodiments of the present invention in which the swivelhook and grommet are used. 
     FIG. 35  shows the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention in which the grommet  26  of the eleventh embodiment is replaced by a ring  100  and a strap of material  102 . Ring  100  is permanently attached with strap of material  102  to the inside of the top of the side  10  of the tote bag at the position of grommet  26  in the eleventh embodiment. In the eighteenth embodiment, the same type of ring  100  with strap of material  102  is used to replace swivelhook attachment mechanism  24 ′ and grommet  42  of the eleventh embodiment. The ring  100  with strap of material  102  can be used to replace the grommets in all the embodiments of the present invention in which the grommet is used.  FIG. 35  shows the eighteenth embodiment assembled as a tote bag. As with the previous embodiments, the eighteenth embodiment can also be assembled as a backpack by interchanging the selective attachment of the handles via the swivelhook attachment mechanisms  24  and  24 ′ in the rings  100  and  100 ′. 
     FIG. 36  shows the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention as an open bag in which strap of material  28  permanently attaches ring  100  to the top of the front of the bag  10  at position  202  and is permanently attached to the outside of the front  10  of the bag from position  202  down the outside of the front  10  of the bag, across the outside of the bottom of the bag, and up the outside of the back  14  of the bag where it is permanently attached at position  240 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to become handle  20 . The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  240  to position  202  is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28  from permanent attachment point  240  to swivel hook  24 ′ is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). Strap of material  28 ′ permanently attaches ring  100 ′ to the top of the back  14  of the bag at position  202 ′ and is permanently attached to the outside of the back  14  of the bag from position  202 ′ down the outside of the back  14  of the bag, across the outside of the bottom of the bag and up the outside of the front  10  of the bag where it is permanently attached to the top of the outside of the front  10  of the bag at position  240 , at which point it extends freely from the top of the outside of the bag to become handle  21 . The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  218  to position  202 ′ is considered the further end of the strap (unnumbered). The section of the strap of material  28 ′ from permanent attachment point  218  to swivel hook  24  is considered the free end of the strap (unnumbered). These strap of material can be made of a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to, fabric, webbing, leather, plastic or various synthetic fabrics.  FIG. 36  shows the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention assembled as a tote bag. 
   The nineteenth embodiment can be assembled as a backpack in the same manner as the eleventh embodiment as shown in  FIG. 15 , where the two handles are positioned to form two loops that selectively attach to the opposite sides of the tote bag, thus allowing the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. 
     FIG. 37  shows the twentieth embodiment of the present invention of the present invention assembled as a backpack in a different manner than the thirteenth embodiment, although the twentieth embodiment can be assembled as a backpack in the same manner as the thirteenth embodiment as well. The twentieth embodiment is the same as the thirteenth embodiment shown in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19  with two differences. First, grommets  26  and  42  are replaced with buttons  110  and  110 ′. Second, button  110 ′″ is permanently affixed in the position on the back  14  of the tote bag at the bottom of the tote bag underneath the button  110 ′ permanently attached to the outside of the upward extension of the top of the bag  32 , and another button  110 ″ is permanently attached to the bottom of the back  10  of the tote bag underneath permanent attachment  40  of handle  20  at the inside of the top of the upward extension  32  of the back  14  tote bag. Button loop  108 ′ on handle  21  is selectively attached to button  110 ′″ and button loop  108  on handle  20  is selectively attached to button  110 ″. The two handles are positioned to form two loops that selectively attach to the bottom of the back  10  of the tote bag, thus allowing the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. The combination of replacing grommets  26  and  42  in all the embodiments of the invention that have closed tops and that use grommets with buttons  110  and  110 ′, respectively, combined with the addition of buttons  110 ″ and  110 ′″ in all these embodiments makes it possible for all these embodiments to be worn as backpacks with the handles forming two loops that attach to the bottom of the tote bag. 
   Instead of button loops  108  and  108 ′ and slider  22 ′ and  22  on handles  20  and  21 , handles  20  and  21  can have a series of button holes permanently affixed in them. These button holes can be used to selectively attach handles  20  and  21  to buttons  110  and  110 ′ or  110 ″ and  110 ′″. 
     FIG. 38  shows the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 38  shows the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention assembled as a backpack in a different manner than the thirteenth embodiment, although the twenty-first embodiment can be assembled as a backpack in the same manner as the thirteenth embodiment as well. The twenty-first embodiment is the same as the thirteenth embodiment shown in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19  with one difference. In the twelfth embodiment, strap of material  116 ′ with grommet  114 ′ permanently affixed in it is permanently affixed in the position on the back  14  of the tote bag at the bottom of the tote bag underneath the grommet  42  permanently affixed to the upward extension  32  of top of the back bag  14 , and another strap of material  116  with grommet  114  permanently affixed in it is permanently attached to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag underneath permanent attachment  40  of handle  20  at the inside top of the upward extension  32  of the back of the tote bag  36 . Swivelhook attachment  24  on handle  21  is selectively attached to grommet  114 ′ and swivelhook attachment  24 ′ on handle  20  is selectively attached to grommet  114 ′. The two handles are positioned to form two loops that selectively attach to the bottom of the back  14  of the tote bag, thus allowing the handles to be worn over the shoulders and the tote bag to be worn as a backpack. The permanent attachment of grommets  114  and  114 ′ at the bottom of the tote bag in all the embodiments of the invention that have closed tops and use swivelhook or snaphook attachment mechanisms at the end of handles  20  and  21  makes it possible for all these embodiments to be worn as backpacks with the handles forming two loops that attach to the bottom of the tote bag. 
   The permanent attachment of two of the devices for cooperating with the element which releasably attaches handles  20  and  21  in all the embodiments of the invention that have closed tops makes it possible for all these embodiments to be worn as backpacks with the handles forming two loops that attach to the bottom of the tote bag. 
     FIG. 39  is a view of the eleventh embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a hook and loop closure at the top and an outside pocket on the front. Hook adhering material  124  extends along the inside top edge of the back  14  permanently affixed between grommet  42  and permanent attachment  40  of handle  20 . Loop adhering material  126  extends along the inside top edge of the front  10  permanently affixed between grommet  26  and permanent attachment  18  of handle  21 . This type of top closure can be used to make all the embodiments of the present invention with open tops into closable tops. It can replace a zipper in those embodiments with closable tops that are shown with a zipper. Pocket  128  is shown permanently attached to the outside front  10  of the convertible tote bag of the present invention. Pocket  128  can also be permanently attached to the inside of the back  14  of the convertible tote bag. It can be closed with a the full range of closures know in the art of making bags, including, but not limited to, latches, hook and loop tape, button loops and buttons, and side release buckles. Pocket  128  can be used with all of the embodiments of the present invention, permanently affixed to either the outside or the inside of the convertible tote bag. 
     FIG. 40  is a view of the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a flap closure  14   a  at the top of the tote bag secured by a standard latch bag closure  140 . The flap closure can be selectively secured with a the full range of closures know in the art of making bags, including, but not limited to, latches, hook and loop tape, button loops and buttons, and side release buckles. In this view, the flap closure  14   a  is an extension of the back of the back that extends over the top of the bag inside strap of material  70 ′ and handle  21  to the position where strap of material  70 ′ is permanently attached  74  to the front of the bag  10  and handle  21  is permanently attached to the front of the bag  78 . This type of top closure can be used with all the embodiments of the present invention in which straps of material are permanently attached part of the way up the front and back of the tote bag, then extending freely from the bag. It would replace the zipper in those embodiments that use a zipper. 
     FIG. 41  is a view of the fifteenth embodiment of the convertible tote bag with a drawstring closure  132 . The drawstring  138  extends through the opening  136  in the drawstring closure  132  at the top of the tote bag. The length of the drawstring can be adjusted by the use of cord closure  134 . This type of closure can be used with all the embodiments of the present invention. It would replace the zipper in those embodiments that use a zipper.