Abstract:
A bag is disclosed for carrying items on the body of a wearer. The bag is carried at a person&#39;s side, between an arm and the torso. The bag has two straps, each of which is configured to encircle a shoulder of a person to allow for secure hands-free carrying of the bag. The strap configuration reduces the likelihood that the bag or its contents will be stolen, and helps the bag stay in place even when a person runs or dances.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/919,810, titled “Cross-Body Handbag,” filed Dec. 22, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    I. The Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to devices and methods for transporting personal items on the body of a person. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handbag designed to be worn in such a way that straps from the handbag encircle both shoulders of a person and the personal items are held between an arm and torso of a person. 
         [0004]    II. The Related Technology 
         [0005]    People today often carry a backpack, purse, satchel or other type of bag or device designed for carrying other things within it. Such bags are designed to be carried by the body on the back, around the waist, over their shoulder, at the side of the torso, in front of the torso, in one hand, and so forth. This allows people to keep their hands or typically at least one hand free for other things, while still allowing them to transport a variety of goods within their bags, such as money, a wallet, sunglasses, cosmetic products, car keys, mobile phones and other electronic devices. 
         [0006]    Because purses and bags often carry valuable items, they are often targets for pickpockets and thieves. Particularly while traveling in some cities and countries, people need to be careful to keep their identification, passport, and similar valuables close to their body or otherwise they will increase the risk of their items being stolen from their person. In these and similar circumstances, it may also be desirable for bags and purses to be designed to be worn under clothing. Some such bags have been designed to be worn as “fanny packs” around a person&#39;s waist, and others are designed to hang from strings around a person&#39;s neck. These bags can be uncomfortable, cause unsightly bulges, and even be readily visible depending on what clothing a person is wearing. A bag which can be worn over or under clothing but that still protects a person&#39;s belongings from pickpockets is desired. Further, it is desired to have a bag that is difficult to remove from a person&#39;s grasp or body. 
         [0007]    Similarly, bags such as purses and backpacks are often difficult to carry while doing things like bicycling, dancing, or running. An improved handbag that permits freedom of movement, minimizes flopping, and prevents the handbag falling off the person is also desired. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Disclosed herein is a new and useful design for a bag and a new and useful method of wearing a bag. The bag disclosed herein includes a container portion configured to be carried at a person&#39;s side, between an arm of the person and a torso of the person. A shoulder strap connected to the container portion forms a first loop configured to encircle a first shoulder of a person. A first end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap or the container portion. The second end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap or the container portion. The cross-body strap forms a second loop configured to encircle a second shoulder of the person. 
         [0009]    When worn, the container portion can be positioned between the arm and torso of the person. The container can include one or more pockets for carrying items. In some embodiments, all or portion of the pockets may have a fastener such as a zipper to open and close the pockets. The bag can be worn by placing a first shoulder through the first loop and the second arm through the second loop. 
         [0010]    The bag is useful for assisting persons in carrying items with them while they go about their daily routine. Because the bag has straps encircling both shoulders, the straps do not easily fall off the person&#39;s shoulders. In addition, the secure attachment makes it difficult for another person to remove the bag from someone&#39;s body by reaching out and pulling it away. The bags and methods disclosed herein may be advantageous for living or traveling in certain countries or cities where pickpocketing and bag theft are frequent occurrences. 
         [0011]    Positioning the bag between the body and the arm also allows the wearer of the device to feel the position of the device without the use of hands. Perceiving the bag under the arm frees up the user&#39;s hands for other uses. In some embodiments, the position of the arm resting completely or partially over the container and blocking access to the container&#39;s compartments increases the difficulty for third party unwanted access to the container. The hands free use and secure attachment to the body allows the bag to be comfortably worn in various activities such as walking, dancing, cycling, running, or riding a motorcycle. 
         [0012]    The bag may be worn under clothing or over clothing. In some embodiments, the bag may have a thin profile, which allows the bag to be worn with little visibility. In addition to all of these valuable features, the bag may have a stylish design that is more desirable than tradition secured bags such as “fanny packs”. 
         [0013]    These and other features of the embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a bag as disclosed in this application. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the bag of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the bag of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates another side view of the bag of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates the bag of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from the front of a person wearing the bag. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates the bag of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from a side of a person wearing the bag. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  illustrates the bag of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from the back of a person wearing the bag. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    I. Introduction 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a handbag  100  as disclosed in this application. The term “handbag” and “bag” includes, but is not limited to a “purse.” The term “handbag,” “bag,” and “purse” do not include “holsters.”  FIGS. 2 through 4  show the bag  100  of  FIG. 1  from different perspectives. The bag  100  comprises a container portion  102 , a shoulder strap  104 , and a cross-body strap  106 . As shown, the container portion  102 , shoulder strap  104 , and cross-body strap  106  may have each comprised a separate unit prior to being attached to each other. The container portion  102 , shoulder strap  104 , and cross-body strap  106  may be fastened together at connector sections  108  and  110  to form the bag  100 . In another embodiment, the container portion  102 , shoulder strap  104 , and cross-body strap  106  may comprise one unit by being made out of one continuous type or piece of material. Such an embodiment would have no connector sections  108  or  110 . 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the shoulder strap  104  and the cross-body strap  106  may comprise unit by being made out of continuous type or piece of material and the container portion  102  may comprise another unit, and the two units may be joined together by connector sections  108 . In another embodiment, the container portion  102  and shoulder strap  104  may comprise one unit, while the cross-body strap  106  comprises another unit, and the two units may be joined together by connector sections  110 . 
         [0025]    The container portion  102  includes one or more pockets. As shown, the container portion  102  includes two pockets, pocket  112  and pocket  114 . As shown, pockets  112  and  114  are configured so that the interior portions (not pictured) of the pockets may be accessed from an exterior surface  116  of the container portion  102 . In another embodiment, pocket  112 , pocket  114 , or pockets  112  and  114  may be configured so that the interior portions (not pictured) of the pockets may be accessed from an interior surface  118  of the container portion  102 . (This interior surface  118  is visible and identified in  FIG. 2 .) In another embodiment, pocket  112 , pocket  114 , or pockets  112  and  114  may be configured so that the interior portions (not pictured) of the pockets may be accessed from an exterior edge surface of the container portion  102 , such as the upper exterior edge  120 . 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, as pictured, the opening  122  of pocket  112  permits access to an interior portion (not pictured) of the pocket  112  that is located below the opening  122 . As pictured, the opening  124  of pocket  114  permits access to an interior portion (not pictured) of the pocket  114  that is located next to the opening  124 . As pictured, the openings  122  and  124  may be located perpendicular to each other on the exterior surface  116  of the bag  100 . They may also be located parallel to each other or in a variety of arrangements on the bag  100 . As pictured, the opening  122  is about five inches long, and the opening  124  is about 5.5 inches long, but the opening lengths may be varied. Additional pockets and openings may be added to the design if desired based on size of the particular embodiment and other fashion considerations. 
         [0027]    Pockets  112  and  114  may be used for carrying variety of goods, such as money, a wallet, sunglasses, cosmetic products, car keys, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. The interior portions (not pictured) of pockets  112  and  114  may be partially or entirely made from a separate material from the material used for the exterior surface  116  and interior surface  118  of the container portion  102 . 
         [0028]    The openings  122  and  124  of pockets  112  and  114  may be opened and closed with zippers, as shown. Other means for opening and closing pockets  112  and  114  may include buttons, snaps, Velcro, magnets, or other means known in the art. Pocket  112 , pocket  114 , or pockets  112  and  114  may also be configured so that no means for opening and closing the pockets is needed. For example, when pocket  112  is located as shown, gravity may sufficiently assist in retaining objects within the pocket, and therefore no closure means may be needed. However, having a closure means may be preferred in order to further ensure the safekeeping of articles placed in pockets  112  and  114 . 
         [0029]    The upper exterior edge  120  of the container portion  102  may be shaped in a manner that complements the underside of the upper arm UA of a person P, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . For example, the upper exterior edge  120  may be substantially V-shaped or U-shaped. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the V-shaped upper exterior edge  120  may be configured so that the vertex of the V is directed toward the floor when a person P wears the bag  100  while standing, as depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 . This may improve the fit and comfort of wearing the bag  100 , especially for persons P with larger arms A, for whom the upper exterior edge  120  of the container portion  102  may rest against or near the underside of their upper arm UA. 
         [0030]    Pockets  112  and  114  may be configured to be ordinarily filled with air, which can be displaced by items placed in the pockets. Preferably, the container portion  102  may be designed to assume a larger size in one or more dimensions when an item or items are placed in the pockets  112  and  114 . 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, if the container portion  102  expands in size as items are placed inside the pockets  112  and  114 , the container portion  102  may be configured so that the exterior surface  116  expands away from the torso T of the person P, while the interior surface  118  retains its shape. For example, the interior surface  118  of the container portion  102  may be designed to be made of a sturdier or harder material than the exterior surface  116 . Similarly, the pockets  112  and  114  of the container portion  102  may be designed so that more fabric or material is included on the portion of the pocket closest to the exterior surface  116  (as opposed to the amount of fabric or material that is on the portion of the pocket closest to the interior surface  118 ). 
         [0032]    The interior surface  118  may also be configured to complement and conform to the size and shape of a torso T of a person P that is located in close proximity to the interior surface  118  when the bag  100  is worn by a person P, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 . 
         [0033]    The container portion  102  may be of varying sizes and shapes. In one embodiment, the container portion  102  may have a height and width that is approximately rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the height may be less than or equal to 20, 15, 12, 10, 8, or 6 inches and/or greater than or equal to 4, 6, 8, or 10 inches, or within a range of any of the foregoing heights. The width of the container portion may be the same or different than the height. The width may be less than or equal to 15, 12, 10, 8, or 6 inches and/or greater than or equal to 2.5, 4, 6, 8, or 10 inches, or within a range of any of the foregoing widths. 
         [0034]    The container has a depth (D) that is generally planar to the surface of the skin of the torso when worn. The depth (d) is important for allowing sufficient space to place items of interest while minimizing the bulk underneath the arm of the person thereby providing adequate comfort. 
         [0035]    The container portion may expand when filled with items and contract when empty. The depth (D) of the container portion when filled to capacity (filled thickness) may be less than or equal to 8, 4, 2, 1.5 or 1 inches and/or greater than 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, or 4 inches and/or within a range of the foregoing. When the bag is empty, the thickness may be less than or equal to 6, 4, 2, or 1 inches and/or greater than 0.075, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 inches, and/or within a range thereof. Smaller sizes may be preferred for children or dolls. 
         [0036]    The bag  100  may be designed so that the depth D of the container portion  102  is narrower near the upper exterior edge  120  as compared to the bottom exterior edge  121 , or that the container portion  102  near the upper exterior edge  120  stays narrower when items are placed in the bag  100 . The container portion  102  preferably has a depth D large enough to hold the item or items that a person P would want to carry in the bag  100 , but is not so deep as to be uncomfortable to be located between the arm A of a person P and the person&#39;s torso T. 
         [0037]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , both ends  126  of the shoulder strap  104  may connect to the container portion  102  at connector sections  108 . As used in this specification, the term “end” means any location near a terminus  111  or  113  of a strap, such as, but not limited to, within 5, 3, or 2 inches from a terminus  111  or  113 . The ends  126  of the shoulder strap  104  may preferably connect to the container portion  102  along or near the upper exterior edge  120  of the container portion  102 . 
         [0038]    One connector section  108  may comprise an anterior connector section  128 . As depicted, at the anterior connector section  128 , the shoulder strap  104  connects to the container portion  102  near the anterior edge  130  of the container portion  102 . The anterior connector section  128  functions by having an end  126  of the shoulder strap  104  loop through a hole  132  in the container portion  102 . In order to connect the shoulder strap  104  to the container portion  102 , the end  126  of the shoulder strap  104  that loops through the hole  132  may loop through the exterior surface  116  side of the hole  132  (as shown) in order that it may then attach to an interior surface  134  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the shoulder strap  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0039]    In another embodiment, not pictured here, the end  126  of the shoulder strap  104  that loops through the hole  132  may loop through the interior surface  118  side of the hole  132  in order that it may then attach to an exterior surface  136  of the shoulder strap  104 . 
         [0040]    The end  126  of the shoulder strap  104  that loops through the hole  132  may be securely attached to the shoulder strap  104  to form a permanent loop. Alternatively, end  126  may be detachable from shoulder strap  104 . Having a detachable shoulder strap  104  may assist with removing the bag  100  from a person P or placing the bag on a person P. The point of attachment  137  of the end  126  of the shoulder strap  104  that loops through the hole  132  to the shoulder strap  104  may be able to be adjusted, in order to increase or decrease the size of the first loop L 1  configured encircle a first shoulder S 1  of a person P. This may allow the fit of the bag  100  to be adjusted, for example, to better fit persons P with larger or smaller arms. This adjustment may be permanent or temporary. However, for theft-avoidance purposes, it may be preferable for the end  126  of the shoulder strap  104  that loops through the hole  132  to be securely and permanently connected to the shoulder strap  104 . 
         [0041]    The circumference of the first loop L 1  may be less than or equal to 35, 30, or 25 inches and/or greater than or equal to 15, 20, or 25 inches or within a range of the foregoing. 
         [0042]    Other types of anterior connector sections  128  may also be used. For example, instead of a hole and loop connection, the anterior connector section  128  may match the posterior connector section  140  as pictured. As pictured, the posterior connector section  140  comprises an end  126  of the shoulder strap  104  that is permanently attached near or at the upper exterior edge  120  of the container portion  102  and near the posterior edge  131  of the container portion  102 . The ends  126  of the shoulder strap  104  may be sewn, glued, zipped, stapled, buttoned, or some combination thereof to the container portion  102 . In another embodiment, the posterior connector section  140  may consist of a hole and loop connection as pictured for the anterior connector portion  128 . 
         [0043]    The bag  100  of  FIGS. 1-7  further comprises a cross-body strap  106 . In one embodiment, as pictured here, the cross-body strap  106  may connect to the shoulder strap  104  at two connector sections  110 . As pictured, the shoulder strap  104  may widen at the connector sections  110 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , one end  141  of the cross-body strap  106  may connect to the shoulder strap  104  at or near the top of a first shoulder S 1  of a person P, at the upper connector section  144 . The other end  141  of the cross-body strap  106  may connect to the shoulder strap  104  at the lower connector section  146 , which may be at a distance approximately half of the way between the upper connector section  144  and the posterior connector section  140 . In one embodiment, the distance between the two connector sections  110  may be less than or equal to 10, 8, 6, 4, or 2 inches and/or greater than or equal to 1, 2, 4, or 8 inches, or within a range of any of the foregoing distances. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shoulder strap  104  has a medial region  105 . The medial region  105  may be the middle 70%, 50% 30%, or 25% of the length of shoulder strap  104 . In some embodiments, the connector sections  110  may be located in the medial region  105  of the shoulder strap  104 . 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, one or both ends  141  of the cross-body strap  106  may be configured to connect directly to the container portion  112 . The ends  141  of the cross-body strap  106  may be sewn, glued, stapled, zipped, buttoned, or some combination thereof to the container portion  102  or the shoulder strap  104 , as appropriate. 
         [0046]    The cross-body strap  106  forms a second loop L 2 . The second loop is configured to encircle a second shoulder S 2  of the person P. The circumference of the second loop L 2  created by the cross-body strap  106  may be less than or equal to 45, 40, 35, or 30 inches and/or greater than 20, 25, or 30 inches, or within a range thereof. The cross-body strap  106  may be adjustable, in order that the size can be adjusted to fit different persons P. It may also be flexible and elastic, which may make it easier to place the bag  100  on the body of a person P, and may also permit for variation in body sizes. 
         [0047]    The shoulder strap  104  and container portion  102  are configured to be worn over a first shoulder, S 1  of a person P. In  FIGS. 5-7 , the shoulder strap  104  and container portion  102  are configured to be worn over a left shoulder of a person P, so the left shoulder is labeled S 1 . In another embodiment, the shoulder strap  104  and container portion  102  may be configured to be worn over the right shoulder of a person P, and in that case, the right shoulder would be considered to be S 1 . The shoulder strap  104  and container portion  102  may also be configured to be worn over either shoulder, rather than being designed with one particular shoulder in mind. As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , the shoulder strap  104  and container portion  102  are configured to be worn over a person&#39;s left shoulder. A mirror image bag (not shown) would be configured to be worn over a person&#39;s right shoulder. 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, a bag  100  may be reversible, so that the exterior surface  116  may also be positioned to face a person&#39;s torso T, and the interior surface  118  positioned to face a person&#39;s arm A. The bag  100  may be worn over or under the clothing of a person P, as desired. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the shoulder strap  104  is placed over the first shoulder S 1  of a person P, and the person&#39;s arm A and shoulder S 1  is positioned through the first loop L 1 , and the container portion  102  is positioned between the person&#39;s left arm LA and left torso LT. 
         [0050]    The cross-body strap  106  may run behind the neck N, around the front of the second shoulder S 2 , under the second shoulder S 2 , and diagonally across the back B, as pictured in  FIGS. 5-7 . Other arrangements for the cross-body strap  106  may also be possible, particularly if the ends  141  of the cross-boxy strap are adjusted so that they connect to the shoulder strap  104  or container portion  102  at different locations than are pictured here. 
         [0051]    Preferably the bag  100  fits closely to the torso T of the person P, and preferably the shoulder strap  104  and cross-body strap  106  are fit so that any movement of the bag  100  is minimized. Ideally, the bag  100  may be comfortable enough and stay in place enough to even be worn while running or dancing. 
         [0052]    The container portion  102  and shoulder strap  104  may be made of leather, imitation leather, acrylic, cotton, vinyl, and/or other natural or artificial materials available in the fashion industry, or blend thereof. The cross-body strap  106  may be made in whole or in part of a non-elastic material or an elastic material such as spandex, in order for it to be expanded to fit over the right shoulder and arm. Other materials may also be used, particularly as trends change and different materials come in and out of fashion. Durable materials such as leather and spandex may be preferable if this bag  100  is desired to reduce the risk of theft. Clear or transparent materials may be preferred for the cross-body strap  106 , in order to make it less visible. 
         [0053]    The present invention also relates to a method of using the bag. The method includes all or a portion of the following acts: (i) providing a bag as described herein; (ii) positioning the first loop of the shoulder strap around the first shoulder of the person; (iii) positioning the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person; and (iv) positioning the container portion under the first shoulder. In some embodiments, the wearer may position the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person with the cross-body strap positioned behind the neck of the wearer and around the front of the second shoulder, under the second shoulder, and diagonally across a back of the person. 
         [0054]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.