Abstract:
A multi-purpose carrier is provided for carrying one or more loose articles. The carrier comprises a sack and one or more carrying features for carrying the sack. The sack is convertible into different configurations for carrying items. In one embodiment, the sack may be configured for use as a tall shopping bag or a smaller shoulder bag. The sack may also have a drawstring operable to close the bag and for carrying the bag as a tote bag.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to carrying bags and more particularly to a versatile bag that may be converted for multiple uses and carrying positions.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    In the present state of the art, individuals have countless options for carrying loose items. Backpacks, dufflebags, purses, tote bags, and shopping bags all offer different advantages and are frequently manufactured with a specific purpose in mind. As bags have become more specialized, they have become more limited in function. In some instances, functional limitations are not important to consumers, especially when style and appearance are considered. In these instances, the consumer is willing to buy and use different bags for different occasions.  
           [0003]    Various functional attributes may be considered when selecting a bag, including: the size of a bag, the strength of the bag, the means in which it can be carried, and the durability of the bag. These attributes may be important to individuals engaged in everyday tasks, such as carrying gifts, groceries or library books. In these instances, different loads will vary in size and weight, and the individual is not assured to have a suitable bag at hand. Bags may be too small or too large for a particular load, or they may be too flimsy. Bags may also be limited for one carrying position, which may be a problem if the load is particularly heavy, or if the individual can not comfortably handle the bag in that position. Based on these practical considerations, it is desirable to have a carrier with sufficient strength and storage capacity to hold a number of different-sized articles. In addition, it is desirable to have a versatile carrier that can be adjusted for different carrying positions.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    In light of the foregoing, an improved carrier bag is provided. The carrier is easily convertible for use as a large shopping bag, a large tote bag or a smaller shoulder bag. Since the carrier can be converted into different configurations, the carrier is versatile enough to carry a variety of different sized loads. The carrier may be formed of a woven or extruded material that is durable enough for reuse. In addition, the bottom of the carrier may be constructed to form a rectangular base that conforms to the rectangular geometry of boxes, flat bottomed bags and other items. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]    The foregoing summary as well as the following description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the figures in which:  
         [0006]    [0006]FIG. 1 is a front view of a convertible carrier in accordance with the present invention, said carrier being configured for use as a large carry-all bag or shopping bag;  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 2 is a front view of the carrier in FIG. 1, wherein the carrier is inverted for use as a shoulder bag;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 3 is a top view of the convertible carrier in FIG. 1;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the convertible carrier in FIG. 1; and  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the convertible carrier in FIG. 2. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0011]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 5  in general, and to FIGS.  1 - 2  specifically, a carrier  10  is shown in accordance with the present invention. The carrier comprises a tubular sack  12  having an open top end  20 , a closed bottom end  30  and a strap  40  for holding the carrier. Sack  12  is easily convertible into multiple configurations suitable for carrying items having different sizes and weights. The sack  12  may be configured as a large carry-all bag or shopping bag, or alternatively as a smaller shoulder bag. In addition, the sack may be closed and carried by a drawstring.  
         [0012]    The open top end  20  is adjustable to different positions relative to the strap  40  to provide a versatile carrier. When the top end  20  is extended, the sack is configured for carrying a relatively large volume of items similar to a laundry bag. When the top end  20  is everted into the sack  12 , the vertical dimension of the carrier is significantly reduced to accommodate a smaller load. Top end  20  is adapted to easily fold down inside the sack  12  to allow the carrier  10  to be converted from a large shopping bag to a smaller shoulder bag. A drawstring  24  in top end  20  is operable to open and close the top end and provide an alternate handle when the top end is closed.  
         [0013]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 2 , carrier  10  will be described in more detail. The sack  12  is comprised of a tubular flexible sheet material, which may be formed of woven or extruded material such as a textile fabric, synthetic material or a plastic. For example, sack  12  may be formed of a ten-ounce cotton duck material. Sack  12  may also formed of a material with waterproofing or a water repellent material to keep the contents of the sack dry when the sack is exposed to moist or wet conditions. The sheet material may be closed by a side seam  23  that extends longitudinally along the side of the sack  12  to form a tubular shape, as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0014]    Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, sack  12  has a top end  20  and a permanently closed bottom end  30 . Open top end  20  has a peripheral edge  22  that defines an opening  21 . Sack  12  also comprises an interior side  13  disposed inside carrier  10  and an exterior side  15  disposed on the outside of the carrier. Bottom end  30  comprises a generally rectangular bottom side  32 . The tubular sides of sack  12  generally conform to the rectangular shape of bottom side  32  so as to maintain a uniformly rectangular cross section.  
         [0015]    A fold line  14  divides the sack into an upper segment  16  and a lower segment  18 . Fold line  14  is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a single dashed line. The axial length of the upper segment  16  is less than the axial length of lower segment  18 . A pair of opposed straps  40  are attached to the exterior side  15  of sack  12  on the lower segment  18 . Each strap  40  comprises an elongated material having a pair of terminal ends  42 . Terminal ends  42  are secured on the lower segment  18  of sack  12  at points that are equidistant from bottom end  30 . In addition, terminal ends  42  in each pair are spaced apart from one another at a distance less than the width of said side. Each pair of terminal ends  42  is preferably secured to a long side of rectangular sack  12  in a symmetrical arrangement. In particular, terminal ends  42  are preferably secured to sack  12  such that the straps form a generally parabolic or U-shaped configuration. A variety of fasteners and methods of securement may be used to secure terminal ends  42  to sack  12 , including but not limited to rivets, sewing, snaps, velcro or an adhesive.  
         [0016]    Upper segment  16  is adjustable between two general positions: an extended position and in inverted position. In the extended position, shown in FIG. 1, upper segment  16  is disposed above lower segment  18  such that the peripheral edge  22  is disposed above fold line  14 . Terminal ends  42  on straps  40  are secured to sack  12  immediately below folding line  14 . Preferably, the axial height of upper segment  16  is less than half the length of each strap  40 . As such, a segment of each strap  40  may be raised above the peripheral edge  22  so as to form a handle portion  45  and an arc-shaped opening  46  between the handle  45  and the peripheral edge, as shown in FIG. 1. The length of strap  40  and its positioning on lower segment  18  may be selected to form the desired size handle  45  and opening  46 . In FIG. 1, the length of strap  40  permits an opening  46  for a hand so that carrier  10  can be lifted and carried like a shopping bag. When the upper segment  16  is unfolded in the extended position, the carrier  10  is preferably of sufficient size to completely hold one large loaded shopping bag.  
         [0017]    In the inverted position, shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, upper segment  16  is folded along fold line  14  and disposed inside sack  12 . More specifically, upper segment  16  is folded inwardly and downwardly into the sack such that the upper segment and peripheral edge  22  are disposed inside sack  12  below the fold line  14 . In this position, the vertical dimension of the carrier  10  is significantly reduced in comparison to the vertical dimension of the carrier in the extended position. A substantially large section of each strap can be raised above the upper and lower segments  16 ,  18 , forming an enlarged opening  46 . As stated earlier, the length of strap  40  and its position on lower segment  18  may be selected to form a handle  45  and opening  46  having a desired size. In FIG. 2, the length of strap  40  permits an opening  46  for a hand, arm or shoulder so that carrier  10  can be lifted and carried as a tote bag or shoulder bag.  
         [0018]    Straps  40  may be constructed from a variety of common materials known in the art, such as synthetic, plastic, nylon, fiberglass or woven textile fabric. Thus far, straps  40  have been illustrated and described as an elongated strip of material having a fixed length. It may be desirable, however, to have a strap on carrier  10  that allows individuals to change the length of the strap to accommodate their height, shoulder thickness, the bulk of their clothing or other factors that affect the use of the shoulder straps. Therefore, carrier  10  may include straps having either a fixed length or an adjustable length. Straps  40  may be adjustable by means of any conventional coupling device known in the art, such as a buckle.  
         [0019]    When the upper segment  16  is folded into the inverted position, fold line  14  forms a perimeter for an opening  48  in the sack  12 , as shown in FIG. 2. Opening  48  may be slightly smaller than the opening  21  formed when the upper segment  16  is in the extended position because the thickness of the upper segment decreases the inside dimensions of the sack. Preferably, the cross section of upper segment  16  is no larger than the cross section of lower segment  18 . In this way, upper segment  16  can be easily folded inwardly into sack  12 , and the inverted upper segment will not form significant folds that substantially reduce the interior dimensions of the sack.  
         [0020]    Bottom end  30  has a generally rectangular bottom side  32  configured to conform with department store boxes, paper shopping bags and other objects having rectangular configurations. Bottom side  32  has an interior bottom face  34 , shown in FIG. 3, and an exterior bottom face  36 , shown in FIG. 4. The bottom end  30  may be closed to form a generally rectangular shape using any conventional manufacturing technique. Referring to FIG. 5, the terminal edges of the fabric sheet are overlapped and stitched together on the inside of the bag, such that the exterior bottom face  36  forms a substantially smooth and continuous surface. Preferably, the seam allowance, or the amount of cut fabric extending within the interior of the sack  12 , is less than one half inch in length. In this way, the amount of excess fabric that bunches up on the interior bottom face  34  is reduced, and objects can be placed into the bottom of sack  12  in a stable position against the interior bottom face  34 . Referring to FIG. 4, the bottom end  30  is shown with a main seam  33  that bisects the bottom side  32 . A pair of cross seams  35  are formed at the ends of main seam  33  and extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the main seam. This configuration of seams provides a generally rectangular contour on bottom end  30 .  
         [0021]    Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, top end  20  may include a drawstring  24  operable to substantially close the top end of sack  12  when the upper segment  16  is unfolded in the extended position. Drawstring  24  extends outwardly from peripheral edge  22  and may be contained in a closed conduit  25  formed in the open top end  20 . Fabric at the top end  20  may be folded inwardly into sack  12  and top-stitched onto the inside of the sack to form the conduit. A slit or notch  28  may be cut into the side of the folded top end  20  to form an aperture  29  through which the drawstring  24  can be reached. Alternatively, a small segment of side seam  23  may be left open or unstitched to form an aperture in the folded top end  20 , providing access to the drawstring  24 . Drawstring  24  may be formed of any woven or non-woven chord material. Drawstring  24  is operable to close the opening  21  as tension is applied to the exposed section of the drawstring  24 . More specifically, drawstring  24  is operable to contract the size of the opening  21  when the exposed section of the drawstring is pulled outwardly from the top edge  20  of the sack  12 . As opening  21  is contracted or closed, an increasingly longer section of the drawstring  24  is exposed out of the slit  28  in top end  20 . This exposed section of drawstring  24  forms an alternate handle for supporting the sack  12  when the opening  21  is contracted or closed.  
         [0022]    An external pocket  50  may be attached to the sack exterior  15  for holding additional items. Pocket  50  may include a pouch section  52  and closure tab  54  configured to open and close the pocket. Pocket  50  may be formed of a woven or extruded material in the form of fabric, synthetic materials or plastic. The pouch  52  may be formed from a piece of material attached to the exterior  15  of sack  12  on all but one side, said unattached side being left open to form an opening for the pocket. The pouch material may be secured to the exterior  15  of sack  12  by sewing, lamination, rivets, snaps, velcro or other conventional fastening methods. Closure tab  54  may cooperate with pouch material  52  to secure the pocket  50  in a closed position. More specifically, tab  54  may cooperate with the pouch  52  to close the pocket by a snap, a zipper, a button, velcro or other conventional fastener. Pocket  50  may be configured in one of several shapes. In FIG. 1, pocket  50  is shown having a generally rectangular pouch  52  sewn to the exterior  15  of sack  12 . An arcuate closure flap  52  extends over the pouch to maintain the pocket  50  in a closed position.  
         [0023]    The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation. There is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized, therefore, that various modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention incorporates variations that fall within the scope of the following claims.