Abstract:
A shopping bag system includes several different types of shopping bags for carrying different types of products, such as different types of groceries. For example, insulated bags, tall bags, medium bags, and wide bags may be provided, each customized to accommodate types of items for transport. Each bag is collapsible, easily stored in any one of the other bags, labeled (on the front and on the side as an index label in the stored position), and easily identified and selected for use in the packing and transport of similar types of items. The bags are then efficiently carried into the ideal location of the home for unloading in an organized and efficient manner.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/149,148, filed Feb. 2, 2009 in the name of Tonja Weed and follow up U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/239,264, filed Sep. 2, 2009, in the name of Tonja Weed, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to shopping bags used to simultaneously transport different types of items. The present invention specifically relates to a shopping bag system comprising a plurality of different types of bags. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    While grocery store products are displayed in an organized fashion and grocery lists are usually written in an organized fashion, the end result of the grocery experience is typically a disorganized collection of grocery bags that are randomly packed and therefore must be randomly unpacked. This leads to either multiple trips around the house and kitchen to place goods, or a total unpacking and reorganizing of objects before they can be placed efficiently. This current system also increases the risk of food spoilage as temperature sensitive items are hidden among nonperishable items until they are discovered at the end of the task, which may be delayed for various reasons. Furthermore, grocery bags (paper, plastic or reusable) are typically uniform in size and character despite an actual wide range of products bought at the grocery store. 
         [0004]    What is desired is an organized and efficient system that removes the chaos from unpacking grocery bags. Such a system organizes the bought items as they are being packed into labeled and customized bags at the grocery store, so that the items can more efficiently be carried from the car into the house and then be placed directly at the ideal location for final unpacking. 
         [0005]    This system is useful for persons who buy the majority of their groceries once every 7-14 days. This is typical for the modern family in a suburban household, where coupons, car transportation, and busy lifestyle promote buying in bulk. In fact, this grocery system encourages this type of shopping because it provides a more organized and efficient way to transport and unload groceries, which can be the worst part of the grocery shopping experience for the many shoppers who buy in bulk. Fewer trips to the grocery store and the use of this reusable grocery bag system also promote responsible environmental awareness and stewardship. 
         [0006]    Prior art concerning grocery bag systems have been concerned with bag portability, or ease of carrying multiple bags into a shopping area, as well as aesthetics of the bags. Examples can be found in U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0199107 to Nicholson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,385 to Ledesma; U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,895 to Lugo; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,860 to Brennan. 
         [0007]    In addition, there is a history of individual bags designed for transport of individual items. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 560,469 to Butts and Griggs; U.S. Pat. No. 2,473,429 to Hinman; U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,826 to Adams; U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,445 to Christman; U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,202 to Magid; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,595 to Mittelman. However, there has not been a system of bags designed to accommodate specific groups of grocery items. 
         [0008]    The goal of the invention is to organize and efficiently transport the items from the shopping center to the specific areas of the home in which the items are stored for later use. Specifically, multiple bags are labeled and customized to accommodate different groups of items. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to a system for organizing and holding articles, comprising a plurality of shopping bags, wherein each shopping bag comprises a storage compartment including first and second front and back pliable end panels connected to opposing third and fourth pliable side panels, wherein each of the panels has a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the plurality of panels are connected at bottom edges to a pliable base panel, and a bag identifier including bag identification indicia; and a storage bag suitable for storing the plurality of shopping bags. 
         [0010]    The present invention is further directed to a shopping bag for organizing and holding articles. The shopping bag includes a storage compartment which has first and second front and back pliable end panels connected to opposing third and fourth pliable side panels, wherein each of the panels has a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the plurality of panels are connected at bottom edges to a pliable base panel. The panels include a fold line approximately midway between the top and bottom edges to allow folding of the shopping bag. The shopping bag further includes a bag identifier. 
         [0011]    The present invention is also directed to a shopping bag system which comprises a plurality of shopping bags of different sizes and shapes and a storage bag. Each of the shopping bags include a storage compartment with first and second front and back pliable end panels connected to opposing third and fourth pliable side panels, wherein each of the panels has a top edge and a bottom edge, and wherein the plurality of panels are connected at bottom edges to a pliable base panel. Each panel may also include a fold line approximately midway between the top and bottom edges of the panels to allow folding of the shopping bag. The shopping bag also has a bag identifier selected from the group consisting of identifying labels, identifying index tags and identifying indicia on the bag. The shopping bags also preferably include a carrying handle dependant from the top edge of at least two panels and may include a divider for placement of fragile articles, wherein the divider is secured to the upper edges of the panels. Finally, the shopping bag may include a support board to assist in the integrity of the folded shopping bag. 
         [0012]    The bagging system of the present invention identifies groups of grocery items and then attempts to tailor the design of each of the bags to the unique features of the particular groups of items. 
         [0013]    The present invention provides a unique reusable shopping bag system that is useful for people who are shopping once every 7-14 days for the majority of their grocery needs. A grocery bag system in accordance with the present invention includes several different sizes and types of bags incorporated together into a labeled system, so that the consumer has the benefit of being able to keep different shopping items organized. 
         [0014]    A shopping bag system in accordance with the present invention may be adapted and used for any type of shopping, but is particularly adapted for grocery shopping. The ability to keep different grocery items separated in a single bag system provides many advantages. For example, using a bag system in accordance with the present invention, it is easier to keep food kosher, to keep frozen foods from melting as well as perishable foods cold, and to keep fragile items from being crushed. Also, as the bagger at the grocery store follows the bag labels to direct item packing, the items are more efficiently fitted into the provided, customized bags. 
         [0015]    A shopping bag system in accordance with the present invention includes multiple collapsible bags, any of which can be the bag into which the other bags are folded and stored. In addition, for the grocery bagger to easily review and choose the proper bag within the chosen storage bag, each individual bag can have labels or tags at the edges, so that in the storage position, each bag has an index tab. Alternatively, the fabric of the individual bags may pictorially correspond with the items for which it is intended. In this way, written labels may be omitted. 
         [0016]    This invention&#39;s unique concern is the organization and efficiency of a bag system as it pertains to the items being carried. This system assumes the consumer will carry multiple bags into a grocery or other type shopping activity, and furthers that activity by giving immediate gratification with the shopping experience by providing an organized and efficient system that is superior to the disorganization and inefficiency of traditional disposable or reusable bags. This system is also uniquely concerned with the ease of use of such a system by the grocery bagger, in cases where the consumer uses a traditional checkout lane. Without such a system, the consumer must constantly direct the bagger as to how items should be organized and efficiently packed. However, with this unique system, the bagger can be self directed to review and appropriately choose the proper bag for the corresponding items 
         [0017]    Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a front plan view of one bag, termed a “tall” bag of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a front plan view of the bag of  FIG. 1A  illustrated in folded, upright configuration for storage. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  is a front plan view of a second “wide” bag of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  is a front plan view of the bag of  FIG. 2A  illustrated in folded, upright configuration for storage. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  is a front plan view of a third embodiment of a “small” bag of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  is a front plan view of the bag of  FIG. 3A  illustrated in an inverted, upright configuration for storage. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the “tall” bag of  FIG. 1A  shown in use as a storage bag to hold other bags in the system of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front plan view of the “wide” bag of  FIG. 2A  shown in use to store other bags in the system of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 6  A-C are perspective views of the “small” bag, also illustrated in  FIG. 3A , as used to store other bags in the system of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 7  A-D are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the “tall” bag illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0028]      FIGS. 8  A-D are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the “wide” bag illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0029]      FIGS. 9  A-E are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the “small” bag illustrated in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0030]      FIGS. 10  A-F illustrate various front plan views of yet another embodiment of the bags of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    An exemplary shopping bag system in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail now. Although the present invention will be described in detail with reference specifically to a shopping bag system for grocery shopping, it should be understood that a shopping bag system in accordance with the present invention may be adapted to any other shopping or transportation situation where it is desired to keep different types of items separated within a single bag system. 
         [0032]    With reference to the drawings and particularly  FIGS. 1A-3B , the shopping bag system  5  in accordance with the present invention comprises multiple bags  10 ,  12 ,  14  of different types combined together into a single system  5 . Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A and  3 A, the system  5  in accordance with the present invention includes varying numbers of bags generally consisting of three general types: a tall bag type  10 , a shorter, wide bag type  12 , and a small bag type  14 . It should be understood that the shopping bag system  5  in accordance with the present invention may include different and/or additional bag types in different sizes, numbers, and/or combinations from those illustrated and described herein. These approximate sizes are determined by size of product packaging as well as weight. For a grocery bag system, a preferred goal weight for each bag would be approximately 20 lbs. or less. 
         [0033]    An example of an exemplary bag system  5  of the present invention may consist of eleven bags comprising two tall bags  10 , four wide bags  12 , and five small bags  14 . 
         [0034]    All of the bags  10 ,  12  and  14  forming the system may be made of any appropriate material known to the art, such as designer fabric, canvas, nylon, or polypropylene. As will be seen with reference to  FIG. 9A , the bags may include insulating material and plastic lining. Preferably, the material selected for the bags is lightweight, washable, and collapsible with minimal bulk. Strength and durability and suitability for the particular items to be transported in a particular bag in the system also should be considered in selecting the appropriate material. 
         [0035]    Each of the bags  10 ,  12  and  14  in the system may include carrying straps or handles  20 ,  22  and  24  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A and  3 A. The carrying straps are preferably made of canvas, nylon weave, or other appropriate sturdy and washable material, and may be attached to the body of the bag in any appropriate manner, e.g., by sewing. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , an attachment ring  26  or similar fastener may be provided to hook the straps  20 ,  22  and  24  of the storage bags  10 ,  12 ,  14  to a grocery cart (not illustrated). This keeps the entire system  5  in plain view but out of the way of the consumer. Alternatively, handles may be omitted for one or more bags. This may be preferred by the consumer for fragile items, as a visual reminder to carefully carry those bags without a handle. 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7D ,  8 D and  9 D, the bag system  5  may also include slipcovers  30 ,  32  or  34 . The slipcovers  30 ,  32  and  34  may be utilized not only as a way to keep the bags  10 ,  12 ,  14  clean and promote longevity of the bag system, but they allow decoration of the bags  10 ,  12 , and  14  for personal taste and variety through the changing seasons and holidays. Alternatively, a blank canvas slipcover could be used for personal expression with fabric appropriate paint or photographs which can be transferred onto the slipcovers  30 ,  32  and  34  by a variety of print methods. 
         [0037]    It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a bag system  5  available with a coordinated color palette of fabrics. For example, the “summer” color palette may be of vibrant bold colors, “autumn” may consist of neutral colors, “spring” may include pastel colors, and “classic” may entail black and white fabric patterns. Additional color palettes or fabric choices may be utilized for the shopping bag system. Of importance to the present invention is the concept of using fabric combinations to identify the bag system  5  for easy use and access. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 7A , the tall bag  10  is preferably a four sided structure including a front panel  40 , rear panel  42 , two side panels  44  and  46 , and a connected bottom panel  48 . The interior  50  is accessed through the opening  52 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 8A , the medium or wide bag  12  includes a front panel  54 , a rear panel  56 , two side panels  58 ,  60  and a bottom panel  62 . The interior  64  of the bag  12  is accessed through the opening at  66 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 9C , the small bag  14  includes a front panel  70 , a rear panel  72 , two side panels  74 ,  76  and a bottom panel  78 . The interior  80  of bag  14  is accessed through the opening  82 . 
         [0041]    Each bag  10 ,  12 ,  14  includes a label  16  which identifies types of objects the bag is intended to hold. Additionally, each bag includes an index tab  18  which is identical in wording to the label  16 . When bags are in the storage position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1B ,  2 B and  3 B, the index tabs  16  allow for rapid identification of each of the bags. Suggested labels could include, but are not limited to: Bread, Eggs, and Flowers; Paper Goods; Cleaning Supplies; Fresh Produce; Cereals/Boxed Goods; Pantry; Meats; Dairy; Frozen; Canned Goods; and Personal Items. 
         [0042]    Alternatively, each bag or slipcover fabric may itself pictorially represent and identify the items that are to be placed inside the bag. In such a situation, the labels and index tabs may be omitted, but the idea of organizing the items into corresponding bags is the same. 
         [0043]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 1A  to illustrate the tall bag  10 . As the title of the bag  10  suggests, this is the tallest or largest bag in the system  5 . Suggested dimensions of the bag  10  are 14 inch width, 20 inch height, and 9 inch depth. The handles  20  are typically 10-12 inches in height from the bag opening  52  to allow the bag  10  to be carried on the shoulder. Illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 7A  is a horizontal fold line  13  approximately midway down the front panel. This fold line  13  continues circumferentially to the rear panel  42  and side panels  44 ,  46  to allow folding of the bag  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the bag  10  can assume a folded position with edge  15  as the base of the bag  10 . The label  16  and index tab  18  identify the type of objects for which the bag is intended. This larger size bag  10  is designed for breads, paper goods, and cereal items as these are bulky and lighter weight objects. Further modifications of this bag, such as to accommodate fragile items like eggs and flowers, will be described in detail in accordance with  FIGS. 7A-7D . 
         [0044]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 2A , which illustrates the wide bag  12 . Bag  12  has different dimensions than bag  10 . Suitable non-limiting appropriate dimensions include 14 inch width at the base, 19 inch width at the opening, 15 inch height, and 5 inch depth. The handles  22  can range from 7 inches in height for carrying heavier cleaning supplies, to 10 to 12 inches in height for medium weight pantry items or fresh produce which can be carried on the shoulder. As with bag  10 , bag  12  also includes a fold line  23  at the midpoint of the front panel  54 , rear panel  56  and side panels  58 ,  60  as illustrated in  FIG. 8A . Bag  12  is illustrated in  FIG. 2B  in its folded form, standing upright on edge  25 . The label  16  and index tab  18  identify the types of objects for which the bag is intended and are positioned for easy observation. Further modifications to the wide bag  12  will be described in detail in accordance with  FIGS. 8A-8D . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3A  illustrates the small bag  14  having non-limiting approximate dimensions of 12 inch width, 14 inch height and 7 inch depth. The handles  24  are approximately 7 inches in height from the bag opening or edge  35 . As with the other bags, there is a label  16  and index tab  18  identifying the types of objects for which the bag is intended, such as, Meats; Dairy; Frozen; Canned Goods; and Personal Items. Due to the size of bag  14 , it may not be necessary to fold this bag for proper storage placement. Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the small bag  14  is simply flattened, similar to a grocery bag, and then inverted for storage with edge  35  at the base. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the small bag  14  is also suitable to be a storage bag for the other bags in the system  5 . In addition, the label  16  and tab  18  are prominently displayed in the storage position. Further modifications to bag  14  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9E . 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B ,  2 B, and  3 B, each of the bags  10 ,  12  and  14  are collapsed and/or folded for storage. It is within the scope of the present invention to use any bag for the storage bag. Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the tall bag  10  is open and used as a storage bag. As illustrated primarily in phantom, a second tall folded bag  10  is placed in the interior  50  of the tall bag  10  such that the edge  15  rests on the bottom panel  48  and the identification label  18  is prominently displayed in the opening  52  of the “storage” tall bag  10  for easy identification and access. Likewise, folded wide bag  12  and inverted small bag  14  are illustrated in the storage position, resting on edges  25  and  35 , upon panel  48  and with identification labels  18  displayed in the opening  52  of the storage tall bag  10  for rapid and easy selection of desired bag. 
         [0047]    Reference is made to  FIG. 5 , which shows in two dimensions, the wide bag  12  as the storage bag for including one or more of the collapsed and folded tall bag  10 , wide bag  12 , and small bag  14 . All these collapsed bags are shown in phantom with the index tabs  18  prominently displayed at the opening  66 . 
         [0048]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, which illustrate the small bag  12  as the storage bag for each of the other bags  10 ,  12 , and  14 . As long as the bags are placed in the storage bag with the index tab  18  in the opening of the storage bag, the system is ready for rapid use. If the consumer has more bags than will fit into the chosen storage bag, another remaining bag can be used as a second storage bag. As illustrated in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, the “storage” small bag  14  does not have to include handles. This is an option for the design system or for particular bags if they are used to carry fragile items. A bag without handles would be a visual and effectual reminder to carefully carry these type bags. In the current system being illustrated, however, the non-illustrated handles of the storage small bag  14  are omitted only to showcase the phantom bags. In this manner,  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C further illustrate how the handles  20 ,  22 ,  24  of bags  10 ,  12 ,  14  are positioned in the storage bag  10  interior  80 , away from the opening  82 . This provides an unobstructed view of the index labels, which are positioned at the opening  82 . 
         [0049]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 7A  which illustrates an unmodified tall bag  10 , which is appropriate for paper good items.  FIG. 7C  illustrates bag  10  with modifications for bread, eggs and flower items. As illustrated, an egg carton  81  and a flower arrangement  83  are secured by a divider  84  of netting or fabric which is fastened against the inside of the panels  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  of bag  10  by snap buttons  86 , hook and loop fasteners or the like. As a result of the non continuous fastening of the divider  84  to the panels of the bag  10 , there are spaces provided between the divider  84  and the panels. For example, a triangular space  88  illustrated by the arrow  90  is provided between panels  40  and  44  and the divider  84 , allowing placement of flowers  83  to rest in an upright position. Additionally, the divider may be used to suspend an egg carton  81  or other highly fragile items in the manner of a hammock. 
         [0050]    Reference is made to  FIG. 7B  for a top plan view of the divider  84  as it is attached to the panels  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  by attachment mechanisms  86 . 
         [0051]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 7D  to illustrate a modification applicable to any of the bags  10 ,  12  and  14 , but specifically now described for bag  10 . The modification is a slipcover  30  designed to cover the bag  10  and secure the slipcover  30  to the bag  10  by means of snap buttons,  92 ,  93  or the like when the bag  10  is telescoped into the slipcover  30 . It is within the scope to use other fastener types, such as buttons or hook and loop fasteners. In addition, the slipcover  30  may include a label  16  and an index tab  18  for easy identification. 
         [0052]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 8A  which illustrates wide bag  12 . When the handles  22  are long as in  FIG. 8A , the bag is appropriate for shoulder carrying medium weight items such as boxed pantry items or fresh produce. Alternatively, the handles  22  may be shorter, as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , for heavier items, such as cleaning supplies. Further, the bag  12  may include a top cover  94  secured across the opening  66  with fasteners  96 . The fasteners  96  are similar in design to the other fasteners described herein. Thus, this cover  94  can be used to prevent spillage of contents, especially those items prone to roll away from the bag  12  if the bag is inadvertently tipped on its side.  FIG. 8C  illustrates a top plan view of the bag with the top cover modifications. Although the top cover  94  is described and illustrated with reference to the wide bag  12 , it is within the scope of the system to provide such a cover  94  to the other type bags  10  and  14 . 
         [0053]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 8D  for a frontal perspective of the slipcover design  32  of the bag  12  with fasteners  98  for secure placement of the slipcover  32  over bag  12 . As with the other slipcover designs, the slipcover  32  also includes the identification label  16  and the index tabs  18 . 
         [0054]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 9A  which is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment to the small bag  14 , which includes an insulation insert  100 . The insert  100  allows different units of the modified bag  14  to be cleaned separately and more thoroughly. The insert  100  has fasteners  102  located along the upper rim  105  to secure the insert lid  104  to the rim  105  of the insert  100 . It is within the scope to use hook and loop, snap or other button like fasteners to secure the insulator insert  100  and the lid  104  for proper closure. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the insulator  100  includes an attached lid  104 , preferably with downwardly depending flaps  106  and a fastening mechanism  108  for sealing the lid  104  with the insulator  100  at positions  102 . The insulator  100  is designed to be use for perishable and frozen foods. 
         [0055]    As illustrated by arrows  107  in  FIGS. 9A and 9C , the insulator  100  is placed within the small bag  14 . As illustrated with arrows  109  in  FIG. 9D , the slipcover  34  may be placed over the small bag  14  for protection and secured with fasteners  110 . As with the slipcover  32 , this slipcover  34  also includes the identification label  16  and the index tab  18 . 
         [0056]    An alternative and optional design of the lid  104  is illustrated in  FIG. 9E . In this case, a flap  112  of material which matches the slipcover  34  is secured to the lid  104  with fastening units  114 . 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 C, and  10 E, each of the bags  10 ,  12  and  14  may require a support board  120 ,  122  or  124  to add integrity to the folded bag and to enable the bag to be properly folded and placed within the storage bag such that the index tabs  18  are kept at a proper height for easy and rapid identification. The support board  120 ,  122  and  124  is typically made of a lightweight hard material, such as plastic, polypropylene or cardboard. Preferably, the support board  120 ,  122  and  124  will be made of a material which is washable or, alternatively, removable for washing. If the support board is removable, the bags  10 ,  12  and  14  will require pockets  126 ,  128 ,  130  with openings  127 ,  129 ,  131  to remove the support board. Preferably, each of the openings  127 ,  129 ,  131  will have some form of closure apparatus  132 , such as a hook and loop fastener or a snap button to keep the support board intact when the board is in use.  FIGS. 10B ,  10 D and  10 F illustrate each of the bags  10 ,  12  and  14  in their folded configuration with the support board. 
         [0058]    Not illustrated, but now described are further modifications. The insulation insert could be permanently fixated, such as by sewing it into place. The insulation insert could have one or multiple dividers, such as to keep milk in place. The bags “Canned Goods” or “Personal Items” or “Pantry” could have removable or permanent plastic lining for protection and cleaning if containers with liquids break en route. The labels  16  and index tabs  18  could be left blank to allow the consumer to self label and utilize the bags for other purposes or to customize the bags to their shopping needs. Additional bags could be for “Beverages,” “School Supplies,” “Seasonal Items,” “Baby,” or “Pet Supplies,” just to name a few. 
         [0059]    It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.