Abstract:
A reusable multi-access shopping bag apparatus is presented. The invention relates to a reusable, flat fold, multipurpose bag that is usable for carrying groceries, shopping/carrying, restaurant take out, or carrying any other desired type of items. The bag includes one or more flaps with fasteners on one or more of the front wall, back wall or side walls. The multi-access opening provides for direct vertical or horizontal access to items inside the bag.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the invention relates to the field of portable flexible containers. More specifically, the invention relates to a reusable shopping bag apparatus. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    There is no doubt that the manufacture and disposal of single use paper and plastic bags has a profoundly negative effect on our environment. One hundred billion paper and plastic bags go into landfills every year in the U.S. alone. When we are asked to choose between “paper or plastic?”, our enthusiastic answer should be “neither!”. 
         [0005]    Plastic bags contribute to litter and endanger wildlife. They are not biodegradable but photodegradable and this process can take hundreds of years. And though less energy is used in recycling plastic bags, it is frustratingly inconvenient to do so. 
         [0006]    The manufacture of single use paper bags creates tremendous air and water pollution, consumes more fuel and water than even that of paper bags and produces large amounts of solid waste. It takes more energy to recycle paper than plastic and studies have shown that paper doesn&#39;t degrade that much faster than plastic. 
         [0007]    Furthermore, hundreds of cities across America and worldwide have instated ordinances banning altogether or charging for single use bags. One would think that these reasons alone would spur the consumer to remember and use their reusable bags and totes. Alas, it doesn&#39;t seem to be enough as we regularly see shoppers utilizing vendor supplied single use bags. 
         [0008]    This brings us to the subject of the importance of convenience. This invention contains unique features that will add to the ease, comfort and convenience of the shopper thereby motivating them to continually remember and use the multi-access bag system resulting in less pollution, the conservation of natural resources, wildlife preservation and a reduction of waste in landfills. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    One or more embodiments of the invention are directed a reusable multi-access bag apparatus. The invention relates to a reusable, flat fold, multipurpose bag that is usable for carrying groceries, shopping/carrying, restaurant take out, or carrying any other desired type of items. Conventional bags, e.g. shopping bags, tote bags, and carrying bags, only have an opening at the top for placing and removing items. In one or more embodiments of the invention, in addition to the conventional top opening further comprises one or more vertical and, or horizontal multi-access openings on one or more of the front wall, back wall or side walls. In one or more embodiments, the multi-access opening comprises a flap. The multi-access opening provides for direct vertical or horizontal access to items inside the bag thus eliminating having only access to reach down inside for placing and removing the items vertically from the top opening. 
         [0010]    Items can be placed inside the shopping/carrying multi-access bag with the flap either open or closed. In addition to the multi-access flap, one or more embodiments of the invention further comprises a see-through viewing window on the front wall, back wall or side walls in order to view items inside to determine the level at which the multi-access flap can be opened to prevent the contents of the bag from spilling out. 
         [0011]    In one or more embodiments, the flaps are secured by zippers. However, those of skill in the art would appreciate that different types of fasteners may be used for securing the multi-access flap to the bag that would provide secure opening and closing of the flap on the front wall, back wall or side walls of the multi-access bag systems. Also, the opening and closing of the multi-access flap may be collaborated with the see-through viewing window. 
         [0012]    The multi-access flap will make removing items from the multi-access bag more efficient, timely and with less physical effort when compared to only having access from the top opening of a conventional bag system. Users of the multi-access flap bag systems will be more conscientious to remember to bring their bag(s) when shopping, knowing the convenience they receive when returning home to unpack their bag(s). And that this is helping to lessen the amount of vendor supplied paper and plastic bags into the environment while conserving resources. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following Figures wherein: 
           [0014]      FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C  are perspective views of the shopping/carrying multi-access bag according to an aspect of the invention showing two fasteners on the front of the bag for securing the flap closed  1 A, partially opened  1 B and completely opened  1 C, respectively; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C  are perspective views of the shopping/carrying multi-access bag in  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C  with a see-through window incorporated according to an aspect of the invention showing the flap closed  2 A, partially opened  2 B and completely opened  2 C, respectively; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C  are perspective views of the shopping/carrying multi-access bag according to an aspect of the invention showing one fastener on the front of the bag with the flap closed  3 A, partially opened  3 B and completely opened  3 C, respectively; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C  are perspective views of the shopping/carrying multi-access bag according to an aspect of the invention showing two fasteners on the sides of the bag with the flap closed  4 A, partially opened  4 B and completely opened  4 C, respectively; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are perspective views of the shopping/carrying multi-access bag according to an aspect of the invention showing four fasteners on the front, back and sides of the bag with the corner front and side flaps closed  5 A, partially opened  5 B and completely opened  5 C, respectively; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C  are perspective views of the shopping/carrying multi-access bag according to an aspect of the invention where there is no top access or top opening. The access is from two fasteners on the front of the bag with the flap closed  1 A, partially opened  1 B and completely opened  1 C, respectively. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The present invention comprising a reusable multi-access shopping bag apparatus will now be described. In the following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forth in an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the steps or processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention. 
         [0021]    For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiment, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation. 
         [0022]    The term “first”, “second” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 
         [0023]    One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with references to accompanying  FIGS. 1A through 6C . 
         [0024]    The invention relates to reusable shopping/carrying bag systems which offer an efficient method of placing items into the bag systems, being able to view the items in the bag systems and taking items conveniently out of the bag systems. The invention is an improvement to existing conventional collapsible or foldable bag systems that may incorporate, in addition to the existing opening at the top of conventional bags, one or more multi-access flap openings to the front wall, back wall or side walls of the bag. The multi-access flap opening may be vertical or horizontal in configuration. The opening/access will make removing items from the multi-access bag system more efficient, timely and with less physical effort when compared to only having access from the top opening of a conventional bag. The multi-access bag can be filled with the multi-access flap either open or closed. 
         [0025]    In addition to a multi-access flap, one or more embodiments of the multi-access bag may incorporate a see-through window(s) of plastic, mesh, netting or screen material on the front wall, back wall or side walls in order to view items inside to determine the level at which the multi-access flap openings can be opened while preventing spill out of the contents of the bag. The window will also allow for identifying the bag with the desired items that first need to be removed, i.e. frozen and refrigerated items. 
         [0026]    One or more embodiments comprise fasteners for securing the multi-access flap. For instance, fasteners may include, but are not limited to, zipper(s), Velcro, snaps, buttons, pull string, zip lock for the opening and closing of the multi-access bag that would close and secure the multi-access flap openings on the front wall, back wall or side walls of the multi-access bag system. There are multiple ways in which the multi-access flap openings would be collaborated with the viewing window(s). 
         [0027]    The multi-access bag systems can be of varying sizes suitable for carrying or storing items purchased including, but not limited to, groceries, clothing, restaurant take out and personal items. The shopping/carrying bag systems, when stored, may be collapsible or foldable into a flat and space minimizing form. Based on the shopping/carrying bag system features and designs, users will be more conscientious to remember to bring the shopping/carrying bag system when shopping/carrying based on the convenience provided thereby decreasing the number disposable paper and plastic bags disbursed by vendors. 
         [0028]    An additional aspect of the invention is eliminating the top opening of a conventional bag where items are placed in the compartment through the front wall flap opening. This feature is beneficial to either hot or cold food items where heat or cold cannot escape through a top opening sealing the items inside. This vertical/horizontal placement is also helpful that the items placed or taken out are not compromised by potentially tipping and spilling. The fasteners of the flap would have additional interior coverage to assist in helping to keep items hot or cold as desired. Appropriate materials would be utilized in these bags to enhance the hot and cold benefits. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1A  is an illustration of a shopping/carrying bag  100  according in which the present invention is depicted. According to one aspect of the present invention, the shopping/carrying bag may be sized to hold multiple items.  FIG. 1A  is an illustration of shopping/carrying bag  100  comprising opposed front wall  22 , back wall  24 , and opposed side walls  26  and  28  joined with the front wall  22  and back wall  24 , and a bottom wall  30  joined with the front wall  22 , back wall  24  and side walls  26  and  28  that frames a compartment with top opening  32  for storage within. According to one aspect of the present invention, the dimensions of shopping/carrying bag  100  may be 13 inches wide, 15 inches tall, and 6 inches deep, although it is understood that shopping/carrying bag  100  is not limited to these dimensions. 
         [0030]    Shopping/carrying bag  100  further comprises a set of handles  34  attached to either the opposed front and back walls  22  and  24  or side walls  26  and  28 , or possibly constructed within the front wall  22  and side wall  26  and the back wall  24  and the opposed side wall  28  themselves. The set of handles  34  may be provided in different lengths (for example, but not limited to, 8 inches to 20 inches) to offer a choice of lengths to make carrying groceries more efficient and require less effort. According to one aspect of the invention, the shopping/carrying bag may contain two fasteners  38  and  40 , creating a flap  42 , where the fasteners  38  and  40  open from their tops to bottom, such as, but not limited to, zipper(s), Velcro, snaps, buttons, draw pull string or zip lock materials provided on the front  22  wall or a top close flap (not shown) which will allow the shopping/carrying bag to be closed.  FIG. 1A  is an embodiment of the invention comprising flap  42  with two fasteners  38  and  40  which meet at the top of the flap on the front wall  22 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 1B  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  100 , as in  FIG. 1A , with the fasteners  38  and  40  partially opened to place flap  42  in the partially opened position thus allowing partial access to the contents inside the shopping/carrying bag  100 . Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  100  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the partially opened flap  42  to be removed. This relieves the physical access motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  100  opening  32 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 1C  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  100 , as in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , with the fasteners  38  and  40  fully opened to place flap  42  in the fully opened position thus allowing full access to the contents inside the shopping/carrying bag  100 . Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  100  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the fully opened flap  42  to be removed. This relieves the physical motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  100  opening  32 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2A  is an illustration of shopping/carrying bag  200  with similar, but not limited to, dimensions and fastener materials as in shopping/carrying bag  100 .  FIG. 2A  presents an additional feature of the invention where a see-through window  50  is incorporated into the flap  52 . The see-through window may consist of, but not limited to, plastic, mesh, netting or screen materials in the flap  52 . A multitude of alternative designs could be applied where the see-through window  50  could be placed in other areas (not shown) of the front wall  22 . The see-through window allows viewing of the items contained in the shopping/carrying bag  200  which helps to determine what level to open the flap  52  to not allow the contents to spill out. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2B  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  200 , as in  FIG. 2A , with the fasteners  38  and  40  partially opened to place flap  52  with see-through window  50  in the partially opened position to a level that may prevent spill out of the contents of the bag. Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  200  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the partially opened flap  52  to be removed. This relieves the physical access motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  200  opening  32 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 2C  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  200 , as in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , with the fasteners  38  and  40  fully opened to place the flap  52  and see-through window  50  fully opened. Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  200  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the fully opened flap  54  to be removed. This relieves the physical access motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  200  opening  32 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3A  is an illustration of shopping/carrying bag  300  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated,  FIG. 3A  presents an additional feature of the invention where a single fastener  70  secures a flap  60  which begins at the top of the shopping/carrying bag  300 . The flap  60  may contain a see-through window  62 , as in window  52  of shopping/carrying bag  200 , which may consist of, but not limited to, plastic, mesh, netting or screen materials in the flap  60 . A multitude of alternative designs could be applied where the see-through window  62  could be placed in other areas (not shown) of the front wall  22 . The see-through window allows viewing of the items contained in the shopping/carrying bag  300  which helps to determine what level to open the flap  60  to not allow the contents to spill out. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3B  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  300 , as in  FIG. 3A , with the fastener  70  partially opened which places flap  60  in the partially opened position to a level which will not let the contents spill out. Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  300  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the partially opened flap  60  to be removed. This relieves the physical motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  300  opening  32 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3C  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  300 , as in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , with the fastener  70  fully opened which places the flap  60  with see-through window  62  fully opened. Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  300  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the fully opened flap  60  to be removed. This relieves the physical motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  300  opening  32 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4A  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  400  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  presents an additional design/feature of the invention where the side walls  26  and  28  each contain vertical fasteners  82  and  84 , respectively, which open from top of the shopping/carrying bag to near bottom. The additional design/feature may contain a see-through window (not shown) on either one side or both sides of the side walls  26  and  28  that are of the same various materials as in shopping/carrying bag  200  in  FIG. 2A and 300  in  FIG. 3A . A multitude of alternative designs could be applied where the see-through windows could be in other areas (not shown) of the front wall  22  or back wall  24 . The see-through window allows viewing of the items contained in the shopping/carrying bag  400  which helps to determine what level to open a fastener, e.g.  82 , to not allow the contents to spill out. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4B  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  400 , as in  FIG. 4A , with the fasteners  82  and  84  partially opened which places side openings  86  and  88  to a level that may prevent spill out of the contents of the bag. Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  400  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the partial openings for removing items from the bag. This relieves the physical motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  400  top opening  32 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4C  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  400 , as in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , with the fasteners  82  and  84  fully opened fully exposing items in the bag  400 . Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  400  can now be easily be reached and removed through the full opening. This relieves the physical motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  400  top opening  32 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 5A  is an illustration of shopping/carrying bag  500  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  presents an additional design/feature of the invention where the front wall  22 , back wall  28  and side walls  26  and  28  each contain vertical fasteners  86 ,  88 ,  82  and  84 , respectively, which open from top of the shopping/carrying bag to the near bottom. The additional design/feature may contain a see-through window(s) (not shown) on either the front wall  22 , back wall  24  or on side walls  26  and  28  or a combination of windows on the walls  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28  that are of the same various materials as in shopping/carrying bag  200  in  FIG. 2A and 300   FIG. 3A . A multitude of alternative designs could be applied where the see-through windows could be in other areas (not shown) of the front wall  22  or back wall  24 . The see-through window allows viewing of the items contained in the shopping/carrying bag  500  which helps to determine what level to open the fastener  82  to not allow the contents to spill out. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5B  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  500 , as in  FIG. 5A , with the fasteners  82 ,  84 ,  86  and  88  available allowing for choices of which wall fasteners would be opened.  FIG. 5B  is an illustration with the front wall  22  and side wall  26  partially open via the fasteners  86  and  82  to a level such that the contents may not spill out. Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  500  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the partial opening for removing items. This relieves the physical motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  500  top opening  32 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5C  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  500 , as in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , with the fasteners  82  and  86  fully opened which fully exposes carried items in shopping/carrying bag  500 . Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  400  can now be easily be reached and removed through the full opening  92 . This relieves the physical motion of having to reach down inside and back up and out of the shopping/carrying bag  500  top opening  32 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6A  is an illustration of shopping/carrying bag  600  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  is an embodiment similar to the configuration of bag  100  in  FIG. 1A  but with the top of the bag closed. Thus, as illustrated, the multi-access bag in one or more embodiments of the present invention further comprises a top wall  94 . In this configuration, access is only available through a front wall flap  42 . A see-through window (not shown), but shown in  FIG. 2B  may be incorporated into the flap  42 . The see-through window may consist of, but not limited to, plastic, mesh, netting or screen materials in the flap  42 . A multitude of alternative designs could be applied where the see-through window (not shown) could be in other areas (not shown) of the front wall  22 . The see-through window allows viewing of the items contained in the shopping/carrying bag  600  which helps to determine what level to open the flap  42  to prevent spill out of contents of the bag. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6B  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  600 , as in  FIG. 6A , with the fasteners  38  and  40  partially opened thus placing the flap  42  in the partially opened position to a level which will prevent spill out of the contents of the bag. Items inside the shopping/carrying bag  600  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the partially opened flap  42  to be removed. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6C  is an illustration of the shopping/carrying bag  600 , as in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , with the fasteners  38  and  40  fully opened thus placing the flap  42  in the fully opened position. In this position, items inside the shopping/carrying bag  600  can be reached vertically/horizontally through the fully opened flap  46  to be removed. 
         [0048]    While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.