Abstract:
This invention presents strap apparatus that is attached to a carrying bag such as a briefcase, computer bag, or golf club bag. In the first embodiment, the strap apparatus is constructed from a single strap that is configured as a closed loop. The closed loop is constrained to the sides of the bag near the top by two constraining means; the closed loop being divided into two strap segments of approximately equal lengths. Depending on how the straps are shouldered, the bag may be worn in a single-strap configuration, a backpack configuration, or a dual-strap configuration. Transitioning from one configuration to the other is easily done by the wearer without having to remove the apparatus from the bag. Furthermore when in the single-strap configuration, the straps stay together and appear to the casual observer as a single-strap as found on an ordinary bag. The appearance of the bag when in the single-strap configuration will not reveal its multimode capability.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/763,998 filed 2006 Feb. 1 by the present inventor. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     None 
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
     None 
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to carrying bags, specifically to carrying bags that have straps with a multimode capability. 
     There exists many strap apparatuses that convert single strap bags to backpacks, or have multimode capabilities. U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,884, B1, Dual Strap System for Conversion of Bags to Backpacks, presents an invention that has a backpack configuration that appears to be similar to the backpack configuration of my invention. A comparison between the two inventions however yields the other invention&#39;s deficiencies. It does not have a single-strap configuration; the user detaches the swivel snap hooks on the single strap that comes with the bag and then attaches the invention to the bag with its own swivel snap hooks. This is much less convenient than my invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,492, B1, Multi-Way Bag, has at least six different configurations, including a single-strap configuration and a backpack configuration. However to convert from one configuration to another, the strap needs to be detached from the bag and then reattached in a different way. Furthermore, the many guides, connectors and slits make the appearance of the bag less than desirable. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,932, Convertible Bag, has both a single-strap configuration and a backpack configuration. However the mechanisms for conversion are rather complex; furthermore if the bag is in a horizontal state when in the backpack configuration, then it must be rotated to a vertical state in the conversion to single-strap configuration. This is an undesirable feature for many types of bags. Finally, the bag itself has hidden compartments that hold the strap, so it is expensive to produce and does not apply to existing bag designs. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,332, Multimode Traveling Bag, has a single-strap configuration, a backpack configuration, and an over-the-head configuration. However it has an entirely different implementation than my invention. It uses a single length of strap, not doubled over to form a loop, rather than my invention, which uses a strap in the shape of a closed loop. Furthermore it does not apply to bags that open at the top, as many traveling bags do. My invention does. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,652, Convertible Backpack, is a bag with a single strap attached by swivel snap hooks. To convert from one configuration to another, either the hooks must be detached and then reattached in a different way; or the bag, if it hangs horizontally in the backpack configuration, will then hang vertically in the single-strap configuration. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,881, Convertible Backpack/Shoulder Bag, has a single strap with a zipper along the length of the strap. When the bag is worn as in the single-strap configuration, the zipper is closed presenting a single strap. To convert to the backpack configuration, the zipper is opened, revealing two straps. Although this is a fine approach to the multimode problem it appears only to apply to bags that are narrower at the top than at the bottom, limiting its use. 
     Eagle Creek used to sell Convertabrief, a briefcase-like bag with backpack straps hidden in a pocket. To convert from a single-strap configuration to the backpack configuration, the hidden straps would be removed from the hidden compartment and reattached using swivel snap hooks. They now sell a product, Convertabrief ES, which also has additional features like wheels and extendable handles. It is an attractive item for the traveler, but like most of the other inventions in the prior art it is difficult to reconfigure. 
     My invention has advantages that these other inventions do not have. Its design makes it easiest of all the inventions for the wearer to switch from one configuration to another. It may be incorporated into to most bags&#39; existing design and does not detract from the appearance of the bag. It is also the only invention that has the dual-strap configuration. It is well suited for large bags like golf club bags, duffel bags, and musical instrument cases where the strap segments may be attached to the position on the bag between the top of the bag and the bottom of the bag. 
     SUMMARY 
     This invention provides a carrying bag with up to three configurations: a single-strap configuration, a backpack configuration and a dual-strap configuration. The richness of the embodiments and the simplicity for the user to switch from one configuration to the other makes it an attractive choice for any bag designer. It is the only invention that offers a dual-strap configuration where the bag is worn in like a single-strap bag; however the two straps emanate from the bag, one going over each shoulder, distributing the weight of the bag. Finally it is a novel design that will facilitate its marketing. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       There are 9 sheets with 23 figures. 
         FIG. 1  shows my invention in the single-strap configuration. 
         FIG. 2  shows the invention in the backpack configuration. 
         FIG. 3  shows the invention in the dual-strap configuration. 
         FIG. 4   a  shows the rotator member in the single-strap configuration with the straps passing through it. 
         FIG. 4   b  shows the cross section of the rotator member. 
         FIG. 5   a L and  5   a R shows the constraining member on the left and right side respectively with the strap passing through it. 
         FIG. 5   b L and  5   b R show the constraining member components for the left and right sides. 
         FIG. 5   c L and  5   c R show the slide member components for the left and right sides. 
         FIG. 5   d L and  5   d R show the swivel snap hook components for the left and right side. 
         FIG. 5   e L and  5   e R show the attachment members for the left and right sides. 
         FIG. 6   a  shows the rivet of the rotator member (second embodiment). 
         FIG. 6   b  shows a top view of the rotator member (second embodiment). 
         FIG. 6   c  shows a bottom view of the rotator member (second embodiment). 
         FIG. 7   a  shows a slide member (second embodiment). 
         FIG. 7   b  show the slide member with strap going through (second embodiment). 
         FIG. 8   a  shows the rotator member (third embodiment). 
         FIG. 8   b  shows a cross section of the rotator (third embodiment). 
         FIG. 8   c  shows the top component of the rotator member (third embodiment). 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           3  Carrying Bag 
           3 L Left side of bag 
           3 R Right side of bag 
           3 T Top of bag 
           3 BT Bottom of bag 
           3 F Front of bag 
           3 B Back of bag 
           4  Strap 
           5 R Constraining member on right side 
           5 L Constraining member on left side 
           7 R Right attachment member 
           7 L Left attachment member 
           9 O First strap segment 
           9 I Second strap segment 
           10  Single loop 
           12  Double loop 
           14 L Left Slide member 
           14 R Right Slide member 
           18  Rotator member 
           19  Strap adjustment mechanism 
           27 L Snap hook component of left swivel snap hook 
           27 R Snap hook component of right swivel snap hook 
           28 L Loop component of left swivel snap hook 
           28 R Loop component of right swivel snap hook 
           29  Swivel snap hook 
           29 L Left swivel snap hook 
           29 R Right swivel snap hook 
           32  Rotator member top component first loop 
           34  Rotator member top component second loop 
           35  Rotator member top component 
           42  Rotator member bottom component first loop 
           44  Rotator member bottom component second loop 
           45  Rotator member bottom component 
           46  Single loop opening 
           48  Strap loop exit point 
           50  Strap second end 
           52  Strap second end attachment place 
           56  Rotator member top component hole 
           57  Rotator member top component protuberance 
           58  Rivet 
           59  Rotator member bottom component protuberance 
           60  Rotator member bottom component hole 
           62  Rivet bottom end 
           64  Rivet top end 
           65  Top strap section 
           66 L Ring on left side 
           66 R Ring on right side 
           67  Bottom strap section 
           68 L Attachment component on left side 
           68 R Attachment component on right side 
           80 R Slide member slide component on right side 
           80 L Slide member slide component on LEFT side 
           82 L Slide member bracket component on left side 
           82 R Slide member bracket component on right side 
           84  Slide member clearance 
           86  Strap section 
           94  Rivet top end extension 
           96  Rotator member top component ridge 
           98  Rotator member top component ridge first end 
           100  Rotator member top component ridge second end 
           102  Slide swivel snap hook member 
           104  Slide swivel snap hook member slide component 
           106  Slide swivel snap hook member side bars 
           108  Slide swivel snap hook member loop 
           110  Slide swivel snap hook snap hook component 
           112  Strap entry point 
           114  Strap exit point 
           118  Rotator member (third embodiment) 
           119  Rotator member top component (third embodiment) 
           120  Rotator member bottom component (third embodiment) 
           122  Rivet (third embodiment) 
           124  Top strap (third embodiment) 
           126  Top strap entry point (third embodiment) 
           128  Top strap exit point (third embodiment) 
           130  Bottom strap (third embodiment) 
           132  Bottom strap entry point (third embodiment) 
           134  Bottom strap exit point (third embodiment) 
           136  Bottom component hole (third embodiment) 
           138  Top component hole (third embodiment) 
       
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
     The following description applies to the first embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment configured in the single-strap configuration. The bag  3  has a right side  3 R, a left side  3 L, a top  3 T, and a bottom  3 B. The first embodiment consists of the bag  3 , a single length of strap  4 , swivel snap hooks  29 L and  29 R, a strap adjustment mechanism  19 , right side constraining member  5 R, left side constraining member  5 L, and a rotator member  18 . The strap adjustment mechanism  19  is constructed from the single loop  10  and a double loop  12  in the conventional manner for straps. The strap is attached to the bag  3  on the left side  3 L and the right side  3 R. 
     The single strap  4  is divided into a first strap segment  90 , which is on the outside and a second strap segment  91 , which is on the inside in the single strap configuration. The two strap segments each extent form the first constraining member to the second constraining member. When the bag is in the single-strap configuration and worn over one shoulder, the two straps appear as a single strap to a casual observer. 
       FIG. 2  shows the first embodiment in the backpack configuration. The rotator member  18  is shown in  FIG. 4   a  and a cross section of the rotator member  18  is shown in  FIG. 4   b.    
       FIG. 3  shows the strap apparatus in the dual-strap configuration. In this configuration the rotator member  18  is disposed close to the right swivel snap hook  28 R. The strap components are separated so that a strap segment can be put on each shoulder, with the bag hanging on a side of the wearer towards the back. 
       FIG. 4   a  shows the rotator member  18 . It is composed of a top component  35 , a bottom component  45  and a rivet  58 . The top component  35  has two loops  32  and  34  to allow the strap to pass through. It has a hole  56  to allow the rivet to pass through. The bottom component  45  has two loops  42  and  44  to allow the strap to pass through. It has a hole  60  (hidden in  FIG. 4   a ) to allow the rivet  58  to pass through. The rivet  58  passes through the hole  60  of the bottom component  45  and the hole  56  of the top component  35 . It is capped on the rivet&#39;s bottom end  62  exiting from the bottom component  45  and on the top end  64  of the rivet exiting the top component  35 . The three components of the swivel loop member  18  are manufactured so the top and bottom components rotate freely about the rivet after the straps are in place but will not separate. It is also manufactured so that the rotator member will not slide freely along the straps on its own by the force of gravity, but can be moved with minimal resistance by the wearer along the straps either to adjust the strap length, or to reconfigure the apparatus in the single-strap configuration, the backpack configuration or the dual-strap configuration. 
     A protuberance  57  occurs on the top component  35  of the rotator member  18  and a second protuberance  59  occurs on the bottom component  45  of the rotator member  18 . They are positioned so that when the strap apparatus is configured in the single-strap configuration, one protuberance will lie directly above the other protuberance. 
       FIG. 4   b  shows a cross section of the rotator member with the straps in place. The rivet  58  passes through the top component  35  of the rotator member and the bottom component  45  of the rotator member through the holes  58  and  60 . The top half strap  65  of the strap apparatus weaves through the top component  35  of the rotator member and the bottom half  67  of the strap apparatus weaves through the bottom component  45  of the rotator member. 
       FIG. 5   a R shows the constraining member  5 R for the right side with the strap constrained on the right side.  FIG. 5   b R shows the components of the constraining member  5 R. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5   b R, the right side constraining member  5 R consists of a right slide member  14 R, a right swivel snap hook  29 R, and a right attachment component  7 R. 
       FIG. 5   c R shows how the slide member  14 R is designed. The slide member  14 R consists of a slide component  80 R and a bracket component  82 R. In its manufacture, the slide component will allow the strap to slide through it with only slight resistance. It will also be snug enough to prevent the strap from twisting in the slide component  80 R as it slides through the slide member  14 R. The bracket component  82 R is designed to keep the slide member positioned so the slide member  14 R does not ride up the strap. 
       FIG. 5   d R shows the structure of the right snap swivel hook  29 R. The right swivel snap hook  29 R is composed of a swivel loop  28 R that accommodate the strap and can rotate freely, and the snap hook  27 R which can be attached and removed from the attachment ring  66 R. 
       FIG. 5   e R shows the structure of the attachment member  7 R. It is constructed with an attachment ring  66 R and an attachment component  68 R. The attachment component  68 R is attached to the right side near the top, and the attachment ring  66 R is attached to the attachment component  68 R. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5   a R, the strap  4  enters through the slide component  80 R of the slide member  14 R, then through the loop  28 R of the swivel snap hook  29 R and then back through the slide component  80 R of slide member  14 R emerging from the slide component  80 R. The bracket component  82 R prevents the slide member  14 R from riding up the strap away from the swivel snap hook. It has sufficient clearance between the strap  4  and the bracket component  82 R so it will not hinder the strap as it slides through the slide component  80 R when switching between the single-strap configuration and the backpack configuration and when adjusting the strap length. 
       FIGS. 5   a L through  5   e L show the details of the constraining member  5 L for the left side with the strap constrained on the left side. The descriptions of these figures are entirely analogous to the right side  FIGS. 5   a R through  5   e R and will not be repeated. 
     The strap apparatus can be attached and unattached to the bag using the two swivel snap hooks  29 R and  29 R and the attachment ring  66 T and  66 L. The left swivel snap hook  29 L is attached to the bag by snapping the left swivel snap hook snap component  27 L of the left swivel snap hook  29 L onto the bag&#39;s left attachment ring  66 L. The right swivel snap hook  29 R is attached to the bag by snapping the right swivel snap hook snap component  27 R of the right swivel snap hook  29 R onto the bag&#39;s right attachment ring  66 R. 
     Operation 
     To change the strap apparatus configuration from single-strap configuration of  FIG. 1  to the backpack configuration of  FIG. 2 , do the following: Referring to  FIG. 1 , first hold the strap apparatus from the rotator member  18  positioned at the highest point of the two strap segments when the bag held with the bottom parallel to the floor, and let the bag hang so the strap is tight. The wearer arranges the strap if necessary so the strap sides aren&#39;t twisted. The wearer&#39;s left hand grabs the first strap segment  9 O to the left of the top point with palm down. The wearer&#39;s right hand grabs the second strap segment  9 I strap with the right hand palm down. Then the wearer lifts the bag holding the strap in the two places indicated. The wearer shakes the strap slightly if necessary. The weight of the bag will cause the strap to slide thorough the slide members  14 L and  14 R and the rotator member  18  until the backpack configuration of  FIG. 2  is obtained. The wearer then puts the strap apparatus with the bag attached on in the standard way backpacks are put on the shoulders with the bag at the back of the wearer.  FIG. 2  shows the strap in the backpack configuration. 
     To convert the strap apparatus from the backpack configuration to single-strap configuration, do the following. Referring to  FIG. 2 , take the backpack off the shoulders and hold in front of the wearer. Grab the rotator member  18  and rotate the top component so the protuberances are aligned. Then lift the rotator member  18  and shake gently until the single-strap configuration of  FIG. 1  is obtained. It may be necessary to adjust the strap so the strap is not twisted. 
     To convert the strap apparatus from the single-strap configuration to the dual-strap configuration, the wearer does the following. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the wearer slides the rotator member  18  along the strap until it is adjacent to the right swivel snap hook  28 R. The direction of the sliding should be away from the strap adjustment mechanism  19 . Then the wearer puts the apparatus on so the bag is on one side towards the wearer&#39;s back; one strap is over the shoulder on the side of the bag, the other strap is over the other shoulder. 
     This completes the description of the first embodiment of this invention. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In the second embodiment of this invention the following two modifications are made. 
     For the first modification of this second embodiment, refer to  FIG. 6   a . The rivet  58  has an extension  94  on its top end. Referring to  FIG. 6   b , the top component  35  of the rotator member  18  has an added ridge  96 . The bottom component  45  does not have a ridge. The ridge is attached permanently to the top component  35  so the rivet can rotate relative to the top component  35  between the ridge ends  98  and  100 . It is constructed so that when the top member is situated in relation to the bottom member so the strap is in backpack configuration, the extension will may not rotate past the ridge end either at  98  or  100 , depending which way the top component  35  is rotated relative to the bottom component  45 . When the strap apparatus is in the single-strap configuration so the bottom component  45  and top component  35  are aligned as shown if the  FIG. 6   b , the extension  94  lies approximately half way between the ridge ends  98  and  100 . 
       FIG. 6   c  shows a bottom view perspective of  FIG. 6   b . The rivet head  62  is attached permanently to the bottom component  45  of the rotator member  18 . Note that the protuberances  57  and  59  of  FIG. 4   a  are missing, since in this modification, the top component  35  and bottom component  45  can only be aligned in one way. With this modification, converting from backpack configuration to single-strap configuration is facilitated. 
       FIG. 7   a  shows the second modification to this second embodiment. The left slide member  14 L and left swivel snap hook  28 L shown in  FIG. 1  are combined into a single swivel snap hook slide member  102  of  FIG. 7   a . The swivel snap hook slide member  102  consists of a slide component  104 , two support components  106 , a loop component  108  and a swivel snap hook  110 . Similarly, the right slide member  14 R and right swivel snap hook  28 L are combined into a swivel snap hook slide member with the same design. 
       FIG. 7   b  shows how the strap loops through the slide swivel snap hook member  102 . Compare to  FIG. 5   b . In  FIG. 7   b , the strap enters through the slide component  104  at entry point  112 , then goes through the loop component  108  of the slide swivel snap hook member  102 , and then back through the slide component  104  emerging  114 . The swivel snap hook component swivels and is used to hook onto the bag loop  55 R. 
     This completes the second embodiment of the invention. 
     Operation 
     The operation of the second embodiment follows that of the first embodiment. 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 8   a  shows the third embodiment of this invention. The only manner in which this embodiment differs from the first embodiment is that the rotator member  118  has a different design from the rotator member  18  of the first embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 8   a , the rotator member  118  has a top component  119 , a bottom component  120  and a rivet  122 . The top component  119  has a flattened tube shape that will allow the top strap  124  to enter one end of the top component  126  and exit the other end  128 . The bottom component has a flattened tube shape that will allow the bottom strap  130  to enter one end of the bottom component  132  and exit the other end  134 . The top component  119  and the bottom component  120  are held together by a rivet  122  that allows the to components to rotate freely relative to each other. 
       FIG. 8   b  shows a cross section of the rotator member  118  of this embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 8   b , the top strap  124  enters  126  the top component  119  and exits  128  the top component  119  at the other end. The bottom strap  130  enters  132  the bottom component  120  and exits  134  the bottom component  130  at the other end. The rivet  122  attaches the two components together but allows them to rotate freely. The rivet passes through the bottom component through a hole  136  its top and through the top component through a hole  138  at its bottom. 
       FIG. 8   c  shows the top component  119  of the rotator member  118  in greater detail. The bottom component  120  is has the same design. 
     This completes the third embodiment of the invention. 
     Operation 
     The operation of the third embodiment follows that of the first embodiment. 
     CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE 
     These are not the only embodiments of my invention. 
     While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. 
     For example,
         Subsets of the three configurations may be implemented such as implementing only the single-strap and dual-strap configurations.   Shoulder pads may be added.   A rope-shaped strap, a chain or any other strap used for carrying bags, may be used as a strap, which is shown in these embodiments as a flat strap.   The components that attach the strap to the bag may be permanently attached to the bag; swivel snap hooks may be replaced by any other detachable connector.   Mechanisms may be added to the strap segments above the bag so the two strap segments stay together for a portion of the straps when in the single-strap configuration, but will release easily when transitioning it to the backpack or dual-strap configuration.   The fasteners are shown in the embodiments as rivets. Any attachment mechanism may be used such as but not limited to rivets, sewing, gluing, or fusion.   In any of the embodiments the strap adjustment mechanisms may be eliminated or included, and if included may have one or two.   Removable or permanent usage guides may be installed on the strap apparatus, temporarily or permanently, to assist the wearer in learning how place the hands when the wearer transitions the strap apparatus from the single-strap configuration to the backpack configuration.       

     Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.