Patent Publication Number: US-2013233901-A1

Title: Transporter convertible bag

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/609,749, entitled “Safety Vest, Belt Pouch, Convertible bag,” that was filed on Mar. 12, 2012. The disclosure of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/609,749 is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     U.S. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS N.A. 
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This invention relates generally to bags used for carrying items and more particularly relates to a bag that can be easily carried as either a backpack or a single strap bag. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Various backpacks and bags are commonly available for the carrying of items. Different types of bags offer varying advantages and disadvantages. Backpacks allow users to carry larger loads for longer periods of times. Single strap bags, such as common shoulder bags, allow easier access to the bag&#39;s contents and can be more stylish. Thus, a bag that allows a user to carry it in either configuration is advantageous. However, existing convertible bags require swapping out straps, removing straps, adjusting straps or allowing straps to hang free when the bag is carried in the single strap configuration. 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Disclosed is a bag that allows for easy conversion between a single contact position (SCP) (e.g., over-the-shoulder or handheld) carry configuration and a double contact position (DCP) (e.g., backpack) carrying configuration. The DCP straps are connected directly to the SCP strap so that the DCP straps remain flush against the bag while the bag is being carried in the SCP mode. The bag itself can be flexible, malleable, pliable, or firm and made out of any material capable of maintaining a given form including, but not limited to, any fabric, plastic, rubber or other natural or synthetic material. An advantage of the disclosed subject matter is that the transition between SCP and DCP configurations can be accomplished without the need for changing strap locations. Another advantage of the disclosed subject matter is that there are no loose hanging straps when the bag is carried in the SCP configuration. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and descriptions provided. The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front isometric view of an embodiment. This view depicts a closing mechanism that allows access to the storage compartment of the convertible bag. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a back isometric view of the embodiment illustrating the manner in which the single and backpack straps are attached. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a user wearing the embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the disclosure, including a folding section. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the front of an embodiment with a folding section extended. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the back of an embodiment with a folding section extended. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  depicts the front view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Convertible bag  101  has a front wall  102 , a back wall  103  and a bottom wall  104 . Single strap  105  and backpack straps  106  together form a convertible strapping mechanism. Optionally, front wall  102  and back wall  103  are formed from a single sheet of fabric and are sewn together along the vertical edges of the convertible bag. Optionally, a second material can be used to cover bottom corners  107 . Alternatively, a covering made from a different material from walls  102 ,  103  and  104  can be sewn covering the entire lower portion of convertible bag  101 . 
     A closing mechanism  108  is installed horizontally within the front wall, towards the top of convertible bag  101  to allow access to the storage compartment of convertible bag  101 . Optionally, closing mechanism  108  can be any suitable means, including but not limited to zippers, hook and loop material, clasps, or snaps. 
       FIG. 2  depicts the back of the embodiment and the configuration of the straps. One end of backpack straps  106  are sewn in between front wall  102  and back wall  103  along the top horizontal edge of convertible bag  101  at attachment points  201 . The second end of backpack straps  106  are sewn to the lower portion of back wall  103  at attachment points  202 . One end of handle strap  105  is sewn to one of backpack straps  106  at connection point  203  and the other end of handle strap  105  is sewn to the other backpack strap  106 . A distance L t  is defined as the distance between connection point  203  and attachment point  201 . A distance L b  is defined as the distance between attachment point  202  and the top of convertible bag  101 . A distance L tot  is defined as the total length of a backpack strap  106 , as measured from attachment point  202  to attachment point  201 . Optionally, the length L t  is approximately one fourth of the distance L tot . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates convertible bag  101  being worn by a user utilizing backpack straps  106 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a second embodiment of the disclosure in which there is a folding section  401  of convertible bag  402 . Fastening mechanisms  403  attach to fastening receivers  404  to secure folding section  401  so that convertible bag  402  can be carried. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the front of convertible bag  402  with folding section  401  extended. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the back of convertible bag  402  with folding section  401 . 
     The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived of by the Applicant. In exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, the Applicant desire all patent rights afforded by the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims include all modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or equivalents thereof.