Patent Publication Number: US-2015069104-A1

Title: Loop Strap System for Convertible Bag

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention depicts an innovative strap system that allows bags to be converted into multiple forms (backpack, shoulder bag, crossbody bag, tote bag, and many other modes of carrying). 
     BACKGROUND  
     There are preexisting systems that allow users to carry various items on their body. There is the backpack in which there are two straps that the user wears on their shoulder. The bag part of the backpack is the side adjacent to their back while the straps sit on the tops of their shoulders. In this form, the bag can only be worn in this one configuration. Although the backpack allows for hands-free carrying, the user cannot easily access the contents of the bag. There is also the shoulder bag system. There is one strap in this system that sits on one shoulder of the user. The bag then hangs lower on one side of the body, the side the strap is resting on. Usually the bag is hung near the hip creating the other name by which this configuration is called, the hip bag. The crossbody bag is a variation of the shoulder bag system. In this case, the strap is resting on the opposite shoulder so the strap runs across the body. The bag rests on the opposite side of the strap. This configuration is also hands-free, but is not suitable for carrying items a longer walking distance. Finally, another popular bag configuration is the tote bag. This bag has much shorter straps than the shoulder bag or crossbody bag. The straps rest on top of one shoulder, while the bag itself sits under the arm. 
     There are other systems that have been patented to combine both of these systems. Representing the closest prior art to this loop strap system, other types of bags that claim versatility are disclosed in Candelaria, Paul U.S. Pat. No. 425,698, Li 2,008,043,272, Covell U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,770, Cooper U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,652, Haslam U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,092, and Lee 20,100,200,632. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 425,698 discloses a bag with a strap that is entirely a zipper, the mechanism that allows for the backpack to shoulder bag conversion. This patent does not truly convert from a backpack to a shoulder bag. Its shoulder bag mode is actually just a one strap backpack. This style is cumbersome to the user as the strap not only easily falls off the shoulder, but also makes the load more burdensome for the user as a result of the singular strap. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,770 discloses a multiple use bag that can be converted from a waist pack to a backpack or shoulder bag. However, this patent requires a long and complicated process in order for the conversions to occur. Many fasteners such as zippers and buckles are required to make one transition. The convenience of the idea is subverted by the complications required to actually use its versatility. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,652 discloses a convertible bag that can be converted for wear across both or just one shoulder. The weakness of this design is that the attachment mechanism of the strap to the top of the bag has only one central point. With a heavier load in the bag, there will be excessive stress on this junction creating discomfort to the user and limiting the use to carrying lightweight items. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,092 discloses a handbag that converts to shoulder or saddle bag with the use of buttons. The use of the buttons as fasteners saves less time than the use of Velcro or a zipper in the loop strap system. Also, the attachment of the straps to the bag via buttons creates an extra step in which the straps must be disconnected from the button and then reconnected with each other to form the shoulder bag strap. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 20,100,200,632 discloses a bag with a system that allows the user to carry the bag with one or more portions of the strap. However, this patent does not allow for a visual seamless transition. The backpack mode of this design visualizes as an awkward hybrid of a backpack and a shoulder bag. In addition, the entirety of the bag portion in this mode hangs below the junction of the bottom straps and the bag. This means the bag will be hanging much lower than a regular backpack causing the user discomfort. 
     Using a combination of complicated fasteners or multiple straps, these systems are not efficient and can look awkward as well. The loop system, described below, allows the user to use the bag as a genuine shoulder/crossbody bag, tote bag, or backpack. Other systems do not allow this smooth transition between the two modes. The other systems require much more hassle to convert between different styles, often are very limited in how many styles the bag converts to, and do not offer the user a significant convenience. Many of these systems require external parts, such as extra straps to convert between the configurations, or force the user to learn how to navigate all the different fasteners. The use of the straps in an innovative circular loop system allows the user a seamless conversion, and there are no extra pieces needed for the conversion. The position of the strap in the loop system is also critical. It allows for comfort and a more heavy duty use since it creates an even weight distribution from the left and right shoulders that parallel the left and right sides of the top of the bag where the straps are attached. 
     The preexisting systems do not provide what the loop system provides for the user. There are bags that only have one mode; they can only be used as a backpack or shoulder bag and not both. This is inconvenient for the user when they feel the backpack is not necessary and would like to change bags and vice versa. The loop system is the superior system when comparing other conversion systems. It allows the user to easily and quickly convert between the myriad of different styles since only a single strap is needed for all the carrying methods. Multiple straps are not needed. Besides saving the end user with versatility, the loop system saves costs with its minimal material as well as manufacturing time. The loop system allows efficient versatility and avoids the awkward look of a hybrid between the backpack and the shoulder bag that other systems exhibit. 
     The loop system has many applications with its ability to convert easily and quickly. The hands-free benefit of using the system for a backpack, shoulder/crossbody bag, or tote bag can be used in many scenarios. For example, there is the mail delivery application in which the backpack mode will be used for walking to the destination. At that point, the mailperson can convert quickly to a crossbody bag for accessible mail delivery. Another application is for students. A student can walk to school with the bag in backpack mode and convert to a shoulder/crossbody bag upon arriving. This allows the student easy access to papers and books. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The loop system is a mechanism that can be placed on many designs of bags, larger or small. This way, users can experience this versatility in bags of all sizes, materials, and designs. By allowing variations of the length of the strap, the system can allow all users to use any size bag with this system. The loops on the bag can have many variations. 
     The loop system consists of two loops and a circular strap. The strap is long enough for the backpack mode and will have a buckle to shorten the strap for shoulder bag mode. One end of the strap is harder than the strap material in order to allow the user to easily thread through the loops. Both loops with be placed on the back of the bag. The back of the bag is defined as the side touching the back in backpack mode and the side touching the body in shoulder bag mode. One loop is located on the top of the back side of the bag while the other loop is located on the bottom of the back side. The loops are made out of durable fabric, to prevent the loop from detaching. 
     For backpack mode: The strap, in its linear state, is fed through the left side of the top loop. When it exits the top loop, it is then fed through the right side of the bottom loop. The part of the strap that exits from the bottom loop is connected with the other end of the strap that is presumably still located near the left of the top loop. On the left and the right side of the bag there are now two straps, created by the positioning of the circular strap and the loops. This is where the users will put their arms through for use of backpack mode. 
     For shoulder bag mode: The strap, in its linear state, is threaded through the top loop. It is connected to the other end of the strap creating the circular strap. The strap can then be placed on the shoulder for the shoulder bag or crossbody bag mode. This describes the creation of the shoulder bag mode when the bag is not already in backpack mode. 
     When converting from backpack mode to shoulder bag mode, the user releases the strap at the bottom loop. This creates one long strap, attached to the bag by only the top loop. The strap can then be adjusted in length for the use of a shoulder bag. 
     For both modes, the user can adjust the length of the strap with the buckle placed on the strap. There are also two clasps located on each side of the top loop to ensure that the strap does not slip. 
     The loop system allows versatility in both function and design. The user can swap straps or the actual bag attachment for different color combinations. Replacing the strap or the bag attachment is very simple with the loop system. The user can keep the same strap, but swap the bag attachment for a new look. The loop system can allow the user to change functionality or design aesthetic. The loops can vary from a single, solid loop, a opening loop, or multiple loops. The fastener that closes the loops can also vary. Velcro will be used for the lighter weight models as it is better suited for lighter loads. For a more heavyweight hold, a separating zipper will replace the Velcro on the loop system in the same orientation as the Velcro configuration. The zipper will be able to be unzipped from one end, eventually opening the other end of the zipper completely. 
     The loop system can also come in another form where the top loop is made permanent. The strap will be sewed directly onto the top left and top right of the bag instead of being fed through the top loop. In essence, the top loop is permanently attached. This allows the bag to hold a load of more weight as the distribution of the weight is now on the strap with stress on the parts of the strap sewn onto the bag. The permanent fastening of the top straps can eliminate the fasteners on either side of the previous top loop. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view of the loop strap system in backpack mode on the back panel of a bag. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the loop strap system in shoulder bag mode on the back panel of a bag. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a single, solid loop with openings on both the left and right hand side. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a loop that can be opened across the bottom length 
         FIG. 5  depicts the multiple loop variation where four continuous loops are used. 
         FIG. 6  depicts the multiple loop variation where two continuous loops are used. 
         FIG. 7  depicts the circular strap that does not have any openings. 
         FIG. 8  depicts the circular strap that has the buckle for easy adjustability of strap length. 
         FIG. 9  depicts the “permanent loop” variation where the strap system is sewn into the top of the bag. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a loop that can be opened across the bottom length with a separating zipper. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts the loop strap system in the backpack mode. The drawing details the top loop  1  and the bottom loop  2  in a horizontal organization. The circular strap  3  is threaded through the two loops as follows: through the top left hand corner of the top loop  1  through top loop  1 , into the right side of bottom loop  2 , through bottom loop  2 , and reconnected with the beginning strap end. This creates the circular strap  3  as seem in the drawing. The left side of the, two loops creates one side of the backpack strap while the right side creates the other side of the backpack strap. The fasteners  4  and  5  are snapped on after the circular strap is reconnected. One side of the fastener is located on the strap of the bag while the other side of the fastener s located onto the actual bag, below either side of the loops. 
       FIG. 2  depicts the loop strap system in the shoulder bag mode. The drawing details the top loop  1  and the bottom loop  2  in a horizontal organization again. The circular strap  3  is threaded through only one of the two loops as follows: through the top left hand corner of the top loop  1  through top loop  1 , and reconnected with the beginning strap end. This creates the circular strap  3  as seem in the drawing. The circular strap creates the long shoulder bag strap. The length of the strap can be modified. In  FIG. 8 , there is an added buckle  2  that will allow an easy change in strap length. This is necessary because the length of the strap needed for the shoulder bag is much less than the length of the strap needed for the backpack. As in backpack mode, the fasteners  4  and  5  are snapped on after the circular strap is reconnected. One side of the fastener is located on the strap of the bag while the other side of the fastener s located onto the actual bag, below either side of the loops. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a single, solid loop with openings on both the left and right hand side. This is an embodiment of the loop strap system. The circular strap is unbuckled or detached, freeing one end for threading through the closed loop  1 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a loop that can be opened across the bottom length. This variation allows the user to keep the strap circular at all times. The loop  1  can be opened at  2  a Velcro opening. The circular strap does not have to have the buckle in this case, as the strap can be placed inside the loops because of the Velcro opening  2 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts the multiple loop variation where four continuous loops are used. Each loop  1   2   3   4  could be the same size.  FIG. 6  depicts the multiple loop variation where two continuous loops are used. Each loop  1   2  could be the same size. This allows the user to thread through the loops easily, since there would be a connecting point to prevent any raveling. 
       FIG. 7  depicts the circular strap that does not have any openings. This is the strap that would be used in  FIG. 4 . Since the circular strap has no open end, one side will be placed through the top loop  1  while the other strap will be placed through bottom loop  2 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts the circular strap that has the buckle  2  for easy adjustability of strap length. This strap has the ability to vary strap length. The buckle also validates all the threaded loops,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6 . The end is detachable allowing threading though the loops. 
       FIG. 9  depicts the “permanent loop” variation with loop  1  being the “permanent loop.” This loop is sewn directly onto the bag. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a loop that can be opened across the bottom length. This variation allows the user to keep the strap circular at all times. This loop opens via a separating zipper. 
     The materials for the loop can vary. Heavier weight fabric is preferable because of the strength endured. For  FIG. 4 , the detaching and attaching can be achieved by the use of strong Velcro. The buckle  3  in  FIG. 8  should be metal or plastic.