Abstract:
A receptacle that is foldable between its open mode for receiving material and a secured mode where its top is double folded and secured with fasteners for maintaining material within the receptacle, or the receptacle is foldable between its open mode and a storage mode when the receptacle is folded to align releasable fasteners and to create a pass-through pocket for receiving accessories. In the storage mode, the receptacle can easily be carried in a pocket or purse until needed to receive undesirable material for disposal. The receptacle can be unfolded from the storage mode to the open mode to receive material.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to utility bags used for motion sickness and disposal of unpleasant matter. More specifically, the present invention relates to a utility receptacle that can be sealed for disposal and can be folded for storage using a common fastener.  
         [0002]     Various types of emesis receptacles used in hospitals and healthcare facilities are known. Such receptacles are sophisticated and expensive. Also, air sickness bags are commonly known. They are provided by airlines for use by passengers that experience the discomfort of air sickness. Once used, they are sealed and typically presented to a flight attendant for disposal.  
         [0003]     Emesis, or contents of the stomach when eliminated by reflux through the esophagus, is a noxious substance whose collection and disposal in institutional settings is an unpleasant reality. In addition to causing more or less unpleasant sensations in those charged with its handling, emesis is or is perceived to be an agent of transmission of potentially harmful biological agents. It may contain bacteria or toxins implicated in food poisoning, and in some patients may also contain blood, with an associated risk of blood-borne pathogens. Therefore there is a demand for products which permit a neat containment of emesis and minimize a possibility of exposure to others.  
         [0004]     Impermeable paper bags or plastic bags known as “air-sickness” bags have been provided with various types of closures. Integral metal twist closures, adhesive strips or tabs, and zip-lock seals are known. While compact and inexpensive, these bags have become increasingly less available as airlines cut back on expenses. Additionally, known air-sickness bags have limited versatility.  
         [0005]     Larger, more robust, rigid plastic containers are known. The containers may be provided with a screw on cap to be installed after use, and internal baffles or splash guards, which also function to limit spillage in an event an uncapped used container is inadvertently laid on a side or upended. These rigid containers, while superior to simple air-sickness bags in preventing spillage, require a significant mount of storage space because of their rigidity and are even less versatile than the simple air-sickness bag.  
         [0006]     The versatility of the air-sickness bag is affected by the means for closing the bag and the typical size of the bag. A variety of fasteners have been used to seal air-sickness bags after use. They range from just folding the open end top of the bag over, or double-folding the top of the bag over to securing the closure using adhesive tape or an integral metal twist closure. Although air-sickness bags are much more compact than institutional emesis containers, they are still larger than what most people are willing to carry in a purse or pocket.  
         [0007]     Certainly, if an air-sickness bag could be made more compact and readily available, many other uses for the bag would become apparent, rendering it much more versatile. Such a versatile bag could be a utility bag with many uses and many applications. For example, a more versatile utility bag could be used for the usual air-sickness, but also for morning sickness, nosebleeds, disposal of feminine hygiene products, as an emergency ice pack, as a bag to deal with hyperventilation, or for the disposal of unpleasant material such as dirty diapers, dog excrement, sticky candy, melting ice cream, soiled tissues, or garbage. It would be advantageous to keep such a utility bag in a car glove compartment, in a carry-on bag, in a diaper bag, in a purse, in a gym bag, in a nightstand, in a first aid kit, on a boat, in an RV, in a kit used for comfort on a cruise, or in a pocket while camping, hiking or at an amusement park.  
         [0008]     Hence, it would be advantageous to have a utility bag that is versatile enough to be stored in a non-conspicuous manner in a number of places making it available for a number of possible uses.  
         [0009]     Further, it would be advantageous to have a utility bag that is inexpensive enough that users could afford to place utility bags in numerous locations for use in the event of need.  
         [0010]     It would also be advantageous to have a utility bag that can be folded to form a pass-through pocket within which various accessories can be disposed, accessories such as a moist towelette package, a packet containing medication or motion sickness pills, a doggie pooper scooper, protective gloves, facial tissues and/or any other small accessory that may assist with the use of the utility bag.  
         [0011]     Additionally, it would be advantageous to have a utility bag that could be contained within a relatively small package as a specific purpose kit including various items used for a particular use such as a pooper scooper, a moist towelette, and protective gloves for a doggie poop disposal kit, or motion sickness pills or patches, a moist towelette, and protective gloves for a flight or cruise kit, or an anchor plate to be attached to a car door, dashboard, or a wall for suspending the utility bag for use as a garbage bag.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be, or are, in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.  
         [0013]     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined, in any suitable manner, in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.  
         [0014]     The present invention provides a foldable receptacle having an open mode for receiving material, a secured mode for maintaining material within the receptacle, and a storage mode. The receptacle has an obverse side, a reverse side, a pair of lateral sides, a bottom, and a closeable open top. When the closeable open top is open, the receptacle is in its open mode. In the open mode, the receptacle can accept material therein.  
         [0015]     By closing the closeable open top, the receptacle can be closed about material to secure the material within the receptacle. When the closeable open top is secured, either permanently or temporarily, in a closed disposition, the receptacle is in its secured mode.  
         [0016]     When folded against itself in a manner described below, the receptacle forms a pass-through pocket. The pass-through pocket can accept various types of accessories to be used in conjunction with the receptacle. The receptacle is in a storage mode when secured in the folded configuration.  
         [0017]     A variety of fasteners can be used to secure the receptacle in either the secure mode or the storage mode. Preferably, the type of fastener used should be a releasable, reusable fastener such as a snap, Velcro®, a zip-lock fastener, a metal twist closure, or any other type of fastener that is releasable and reusable. If the fastener type is a two-part fastener such as a snap, Velcro®, zip-lock fastener, the separate parts of the two-part fastener are disposed at predetermined locations so that the separate parts align when the receptacle is folded to close and secure the top and/or to create a pass-through pocket while the receptacle is in the storage mode.  
         [0018]     In a preferred embodiment, the foldable receptacle is transformed from an open mode to a secured mode by double folding the top. The first fold closes the top of the receptacle, and the second fold seals the top from leakage and aligns the fastener parts for fastening.  
         [0019]     In a further preferred embodiment, the foldable receptacle is transformed from an open mode to a storage mode by multiple folds, including a double-fold of the top and sequential folds of the body of the receptacle. The first fold closes the top of the receptacle, and the second fold seals the top and positions the fastener parts for alignment and fastening. The bottom of the receptacle is folded flat adjacent either the obverse side or reverse side (whichever side accommodates alignment for fastening) of the receptacle and then folded sequentially towards the top of the receptacle until the fastener parts align. The fastener parts are then fastened to secure the receptacle in the storage mode.  
         [0020]     By folding the receptacle in this manner, a pass-through pocket is created. This pass-through pocket may receive therein one or more accessories for use with the receptacle. This pass-through pocket facilitates specific purpose kits wherein accessories can be disposed within the pass-through pocket and the collection of one or more receptacles and accessories can be packaged as a kit.  
         [0021]     To return the receptacle from the storage mode to the open mode, the fastened fasteners are released and the receptacle is unfolded until the top is opened for receiving material into the receptacle.  
         [0022]     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.  
         [0023]     Further, reference to a “first side,” “second side,” “first fold,” “second fold,” or similar language using a numerical reference means only that the “first side” is distinct from the “second side” and the “first fold” is distinct from the “second fold,” etc. In one embodiment, for example, the first side may be the obverse side of the receptacle, while in another embodiment, the first side may be the reverse side of the receptacle. Likewise, where in one embodiment the first fastener part may be the male portion of a snap fastener or the hook portion of a Velcro® fastener, for example, in another embodiment, the first fastener may be the female portion of a snap fastener or the pile portion of a Velcro® fastener.  
         [0024]     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of fasteners, locations of fasteners, folding sequences, accessories, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.  
         [0025]     Although the present invention will be described with reference to an illustrative embodiment shown in the figures and described below, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a number of different applications and embodiments and is not specifically limited in its application to the particular embodiment depicted herein.  
         [0026]     These features and advantages of the present invention, as well as other features and advantages not listed, will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]     In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be 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:  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a reverse side perspective view of an open utility bag;  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is an obverse side perspective view of an open utility bag;  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a reverse side perspective view of a utility bag showing the top of the bag folded over to close the bag;  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a reverse side perspective view of a utility bag showing the top of the bag double folded to seal the bag;  
         [0032]      FIG. 5   a  is a reverse side perspective view of a collapsed bag showing how the bottom of the bag is folded in an initial step towards securing the utility bag in a storage mode;  
         [0033]      FIG. 5   b  is a reverse side perspective view of a collapsed bag showing how the bottom of the bag is folded in a subsequent step towards securing the utility bag in a storage mode;  
         [0034]      FIG. 5   c  is a reverse side perspective view of a collapsed bag showing how the partially folded bag is folded into position for securing the utility bag in a storage mode;  
         [0035]      FIG. 5   d  is a reverse side perspective view of a collapsed, folded bag showing how the top of the bag is folded to close the top of the utility bag in a storage mode;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5   e  is a reverse side perspective view of a collapsed, folded bag showing how the top of the bag is double folded into position for securing the utility bag in a storage mode;  
         [0037]      FIG. 5   f  is a perspective view of a collapsed, folded bag secured in a storage mode;  
         [0038]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of a collapsed, folded bag secured in a storage mode;  
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a partially broken perspective view of a collapsed, folded bag secured in a storage mode showing how the slide-through pocket formed by the folded bag can receive an accessory for storage;  
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of an open utility bag illustrating an accessory used to attach the utility bag to a surface;  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of an open utility bag illustrating how an accessory can be used to attach the utility bag to the dashboard of a car or truck for use as a garbage bag; and,  
         [0042]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a utility bag in the storage mode disposed within a package. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0043]     The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the foldable utility bag of the present invention, as represented in  FIGS. 1 through 9 , is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the utility bag of the present invention is a receptacle  10 . The receptacle  10  has an obverse side  12 , a reverse side  14 , a pair of lateral sides  16 ,  18 , a closable open top or mouth  20 , and a bottom  22 . The receptacle  10  is made of a flexible material such as impermeable paper or fabric, plastic, or any other material that can be folded or collapsed without fluids passing therethrough.  
         [0045]     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the receptacle  10  is illustrated in its open mode where the top  20  is open and ready to receive material (not shown). The receptacle  10  is designed to receive a variety of materials such as vomit due to motion sickness or morning sickness or the flu, blood from a nosebleed, feminine hygiene products, a dirty diaper, dog excrement, sticky candy, melting ice cream, soiled tissues, garbage, or any other type of unpleasant material. More pleasant materials can also be inserted into the receptacle  10 . The receptacle  10  can also be used as a sack lunch bag, an emergency ice pack, a bag to deal with hyperventilation, a sack for first aid supplies, or for any other purpose where a sealable bag could be used. Once the material is deposited into the receptacle  10 , the receptacle  10  can be closed and sealed before disposing of the receptacle  10 .  
         [0046]     A number of fold lines are shown in solid line throughout the figures. These fold lines are positioned to facilitate the folding of the receptacle  10 , and may or may not be printed on the receptacle  10 . However, to facilitate the understanding of the invention, the fold lines are shown on the receptacle  10 , in solid lines. It should be understood that different fold lines could be used when the intended purpose of the receptacle  10  might require that the receptacle be folded differently or when the receptacle might have a dimension that differs from what is illustrated. For example, a taller receptacle  10 , as opposed to a shorter receptacle  10 , may require an additional fold to be aligned for the storage mode.  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lateral sides  16 ,  18  each have an inverted-Y fold  24 ,  26 , respectively. This inverted-Y fold  24 ,  26  is commonly known in the art and facilitates folding of the receptacle  10  into a flat disposition where the bottom  22  is disposed adjacent either the obverse side  12  or the reverse side  14  (see  FIG. 5   b ). This inverted-Y fold configuration is typical of receptacles  10  with rectangular bottoms  22  that are capable of standing erect if the material from which it is made has sufficient rigidity. Of course, the receptacle  10  of the present invention may have a rectangular bottom  22  or any other type of bottom such as a flat sealed bottom  22  (not shown) so long as the receptacle  10  can be folded to perform the functions that will be described hereinafter.  
         [0048]     To close the open top  20  of receptacle  10 , the receptacle  10  is folded along a closing fold  28  that is shown on the reverse side  14  in  FIG. 1  and on the obverse side  12  in  FIG. 2 . By folding along the closing fold  28 , the closable open top  20  is closed. See  FIG. 3  for an illustration of the receptacle  10  as folded along the closing fold  28  line.  
         [0049]     In one embodiment of the invention, a type of fastener is disposed below the closing fold  28  to facilitate the closing of the top  20  of the receptacle. This fastener may be one of a variety of types such as an adhesive, tabs, an integral metal twist closure, or the like. However, for the purposes of illustration, an adhesive strip  30  is shown in  FIG. 1 . This adhesive strip  30  can be either a sticky substance or it can be an adhesive with a protective cover strip that can be removed. When it is desired to permanently close and seal the receptacle  10 , the protective cover strip can be removed and a portion of the receptacle  10  can be secured to the adhesive strip  30 . If it is desired to fold the receptacle  10  into the storage mode rather than permanently seal the receptacle  10 , the protective strip is not removed. Of course, the receptacle  10  need not have an adhesive strip  30  or any other type of fastener, but as an added measure of security in closing permanently the top  20  of the receptacle  10 , some type of fastener is preferred.  
         [0050]     To seal the top  20  of the receptacle  10 , the receptacle  10  is again folded, i.e. double-folded, along a sealing fold  32  that is shown on the reverse side  14  in  FIG. 1  and on the obverse side  12  in  FIG. 2 . By double-folding the top  20  of the receptacle  10  by first folding along the closing fold  28  and then along the sealing fold  32 , the top  20  of the receptacle  10  is sealed such that most contents of the receptacle  10  are retained within the receptacle  10 . See  FIG. 4  for an illustration of the receptacle  10  as folded along the sealing fold  32  line.  
         [0051]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the adhesive strip  30  is disposed between the closing fold  28  and the sealing fold  32 . Additionally, a sealing fastener is provided to secure the closure of the top  20  of the receptacle  10 . This sealing fastener can be of any known type such as integral metal twist closures, adhesive strips or tabs, Velcro®, snaps, and zip-lock seals, however, it is preferred that the sealing fastener be of a releasable and reusable type such as snaps, Velcro®, or a zip lock seal. As will be described below, it is preferred that the receptacle  10  can be alternately placed in the open mode, a secured mode, and a storage mode, and having the sealing fastener be both releasable and reusable facilitates that function.  
         [0052]     The sealing fastener shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is a pair of snaps  34  with the male part  36  of each snap  34  disposed between the closing fold  28  and the top  20  on the obverse side  12  of the receptacle  10 , while the female part  38  of each snap  34  is disposed below the sealing fold  32  on the reverse side  14  of the receptacle  10 . In this manner, when the receptacle  10  is double-folded to seal the top  20  of the receptacle  10 , the male part  36  of each snap  34  aligns with the female part  38  for secure mating engagement. When securely engaged as described, the top  20  of the receptacle  10  is secured and the receptacle  10  is in the secured mode. See  FIG. 4  for an illustration of the receptacle  10  in the secured mode.  
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows the receptacle  10  after the closing fold  28  has been completed. At this stage, a portion of the reverse side  14  has been folded upon itself and the male part  36  of each snap  34  is now positioned substantially parallel with the reverse side  14 . If the user desires to seal the receptacle  10  permanently, the protective cover strip can be removed from the adhesive strip  30  before making the closing fold  28 . By pressing the portion of the reverse side  14  against the revealed adhesive strip  30 , the top  20  will remain permanently in a folded-over, closed disposition. By adhering a portion of the reverse side  14  to the revealed adhesive strip  30 , the adherence will assist against any resistance that the receptacle  10  may have to remaining folded. This closed disposition will keep most contents within the receptacle  10  if the receptacle  10  is mishandled before the sealing fold  32  can be performed.  
         [0054]      FIG. 4  shows the receptacle  10  in the secured mode after the sealing fold  32  has been completed and the male part  36  of each snap  34  is aligned with and connected to the female part  38  of each snap  34  in mating engagement. In the secured mode, the top  20  of the receptacle  10  is securely closed, in a double-folded fashion, preventing the escape of most materials through the top  20  of the receptacle  10 . Once the receptacle  10  is in the secured mode, the receptacle  10  along with any undesirable contents disposed therein can be discarded.  
         [0055]     Although  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a receptacle  10  that utilizes a pair of snaps  34  as the sealing fastener, it should be understood that one skilled in the art could use any number of types or combinations of fasteners to accomplish the same function. For example, the position of the male and female parts  36 ,  38  could be reversed or single snaps  34 , rather than a pair of snaps  34 , could be used. Likewise, the hook portion of a Velcro® fastener could be used on one side of the receptacle  10  while the pile portion could be positioned on the other side. Further, the male portion of a zip-lock seal could be positioned on one side while the female mating portion could be positioned on the other side.  
         [0056]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   f  and  6  show the collapsing and folding of the receptacle  10  into the storage mode, and  FIG. 7  shows how an accessory can be inserted into the slide-through pocket formed when the receptacle is in the storage mode.  
         [0057]     The method for transforming the foldable receptacle  10  from an open mode to a storage mode will now be explained with reference to  FIGS. 1-2  and  5 - 6 . The receptacle  10  is shown in an open mode in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which also shows a collapsed-flat fold  40  and a pocket-forming fold  42  on each of the obverse side  12  and the reverse side  14 . Also shown on the obverse side  12  is an additional fastener part used to secure the receptacle  10  in the storage mode. Obviously, this additional fastener part, referred to herein as the storage fastener  44 , can be any type of fastener so long as it corresponds to and cooperates with the fastener used to close and secure the receptacle  10  in its secure mode. It is preferred that the receptacle  10  can be alternately placed in the open mode, the secured mode, and the storage mode; hence, having the storage fastener  44  be both releasable and reusable facilitates that function.  
         [0058]     In the embodiment shown, and for illustrative purposes, the storage fastener  44  is an additional female part  46  capable of receiving the male part  36  of snap  34  in secure, yet releasable and reusable, mating engagement. However, it should be understood that other fastener configurations can be used to accomplish the functions described herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art might use any number of combinations of fasteners, fastener locations or fastener parts to form a receptacle  10  capable of transformation between an open mode, a secured mode and a storage mode as described herein. Consequently, in the claims appended hereto, fastener locations, fasteners, and fastener parts are referred to with first, second, third, etc. descriptors so that the aspects of the fasteners can be distinguished one from another, yet not unduly restrict the breadth of the invention.  
         [0059]     Turning now to  FIG. 5   a , the receptacle  10  is collapsed in preparation for folding. The inverted-Y folds  24 ,  26  facilitate the collapsing of the receptacle  10  in a fashion commonly known in the art. By collapsing the receptacle  10 , a bottom fold  48  is introduced. This bottom fold  48  enables the bottom  22  to be folded over to align substantially parallel to the obverse and reverse sides  12 ,  14 . Arrow A of  FIG. 5   a , shows how the bottom  22  can be folded over along the bottom fold  48  line to align the bottom  22  substantially parallel to the obverse and reverse sides  12 ,  14 . For exemplary purposes, the receptacle  10  of  FIG. 5   a  shows the collapsed receptacle  10  positioned for folding the bottom  22  against the reverse side  12 . A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the receptacle  10 , with a few minor adjustments of fasteners and fastener locations, could be folded such that the bottom  22  folds against the obverse side  12 .  
         [0060]     In  FIG. 5   b , the bottom  22  has been folded flat against and aligning substantially parallel with the reverse side  14  in preparation for another fold against the reverse side  14 . Arrow B of  FIG. 5   b  shows how the folded-over bottom  22  can be folded over along the collapsed-flat fold  40  line to position the exterior surface  50  of the bottom  22  adjacent the reverse side  14 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 5   c  shows the receptacle  10  with the exterior surface  50  of the bottom  22  folded adjacent the reverse side  14  in preparation for another fold wherein a exterior portion  52  of the obverse side  12  can be folded against the reverse side  14 . Arrow C of  FIG. 5   c  shows how the exterior portion  52  of the obverse side  12  folds over along the pocket-forming fold  42  line to position the exterior portion  52  adjacent the reverse side  14 , and to bring the storage fastener  44  into position as shown in  FIG. 5   d.    
         [0062]     With the storage fastener  44  positioned as shown in  FIG. 5   d , the top  20  of the receptacle  10  can be folded over to close the top or mouth  20  of the receptacle  10 . Since the storage mode is not intended to be a permanent or final mode for the receptacle  10 , the protective cover strip for the adhesive strip  30  is not removed. Of course, it should be understood that an adhesive strip  30  or any other type fastener need not be positioned as the adhesive strip  30  is shown in  FIG. 5   d; however, the adhesive strip  30  is shown for completeness of description of this embodiment of the invention. Arrow D shows how the top  20  is folded over along the closing fold  28  line to close the top  20  of the receptacle  10  and to bring the male part  36  of the snap  34  over to align substantially parallel with the reverse side  14 .    
         [0063]     FIG. Se shows the receptacle  10  where the top  20  is ready to be double-folded along the sealing fold  32  line to align the male part  36  of snap  34  with the additional female part  46  of the storage fastener  44 . Arrow E shows how top  20  of the receptacle  10  is folded to accomplish a double-folding to position the receptacle  10  for engagement in the storage mode. Once aligned, the male part  36  can be secured in releasable and reusable, mating engagement to the additional female part  46  as shown in  FIG. 5   f.    
         [0064]     Of course, it makes no difference whether the bottom  22  or the top  20  of the receptacle  10  is folded over first, so long as the male part  36  of the snap  34  is brought into engaging alignment with the additional female part  46  of the storage fastener  44  for secure, yet releasable and reusable, engagement.  
         [0065]     As illustrated in  FIG. 5   f , the receptacle  10  is in the storage mode. In the storage mode, the size of receptacle  10  is minimized to facilitate storage within a small area such as a pocket or purse. In this configuration, informational indicia  54  is located on an indicia area  55  shown on the obverse side  12  of the receptacle  10  (see  FIG. 2 ) and positioned on the opposite side (not shown) from the side of the securing engagement. Hence, the informational indicia  54  can be prominently displayed in the indicia area  55  for advertising or instructional purposes when the receptacle  10  is in the fully folded storage mode. Additionally, when the receptacle  10  is in the storage mode, a slide-through pocket  56  is formed within which one or more accessories may be stored.  
         [0066]     To return the receptacle  10  to the open mode, the male part  36  is released from the mating engagement with the additional female part  46  and the receptacle  10  is unfolded.  
         [0067]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the receptacle  10  in the storage mode to better illustrate the slide-through pocket  56 . Additionally, the female part  38  is not shown in  FIG. 6  so not to obscure the engaging relationship between male part  36  and the additional female part  46 .  
         [0068]     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , a partial of the receptacle  10  is shown in a perspective view. An accessory  58  may be inserted, as shown by arrow F, into the slide-through pocket  56 . Of course, any type of accessory, sufficiently small in size to be inserted into the slide-through pocket  56  may be used. For example, accessories  58  such as a moist towelette, a packet containing medication or motion sickness pills or patches, a flat doggie pooper scooper, protective gloves (such as latex gloves), facial tissues, an anchor plate (as explained below), or any other small accessory that may assist with the use of the receptacle  10  may be inserted into the slide-through pocket  56 .  
         [0069]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate how the receptacle  10  can be anchored for use as a garbage bag. An anchor member such as an anchor plate  60  is shown with a portion cut away to show a female anchor part  62  for receiving the male part  36  of snap  34 . The anchor plate  60  preferably has an anchor adhesive strip  64  attached to the side opposite from the female anchor part  62  for securing the anchor plate  60  to a surface so that the receptacle  10  can be suspended in the open mode. Of course, the anchor plate  60  need not have an anchor adhesive strip  64 , but the anchor plate  60  should have some structure that facilitates the suspension of the receptacle  10  such as a hook, clip, loop or any other known anchoring structure. The anchor adhesive strip  64  has a protective cover  66  that protects the adhesive from contamination and prevents the anchor plate  60  from inadvertent connection to an undesired surface. The protective cover  66  may be removed to reveal the anchor adhesive strip  64  once the desired location for anchoring is determined.  
         [0070]      FIG. 9  shows the anchor plate  60  secured to the dashboard of a motor vehicle so that the receptacle  10  can be suspended for use as a garbage bag. Of course, the anchor plate  60  can be secured to almost any relatively flat surface such as the side of a nightstand near a sick person or on a wall near a work bench. In this manner, once the receptacle  10  is full of garbage, the receptacle  10  can be released from the anchor plate  60  to be emptied or discarded. If discarded, a replacement receptacle  10  can be secured to and suspended from the anchor plate  60 .  
         [0071]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , one or more receptacles  10  may be disposed within a package  68  when the receptacle  10  is in the storage mode. One or more accessories  58  may also be disposed within the package  68  (not shown). Additionally, a fragrance may be included within the package  68  and/or within the receptacle  10  that will facilitate in masking unpleasant odors frequently accompanying unpleasant materials that may be put into the receptacle  10 . Of course, receptacles  10  need not be folded into the storage mode to be disposed within the package  68 .  
         [0072]     Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention.  
         [0073]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. 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 that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.