Abstract:
The present invention is generally directed to a reusable bag that may include a flexible container with an open top; at least one pocket disposed on an outside surface of the container configured to receive an additional reusable bag. Other aspects of the invention may include a plurality of pockets disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted. Still other aspects of the present invention may include a reusable bag assembly, comprising: a primary reusable bag including a plurality of pockets connected or integral to the container disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted; and one or more secondary reusable bags in a collapsed or folded position and disposed in the pockets.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention is generally directed to a reusable bag comprising individual pockets that store additional reusable bags. 
         [0002]    Reusable bags are quickly becoming commonplace, as more states, counties, and cities have begun to ban the sale of plastic shopping bags, due to the environmental impact of such bags. In ocean-bordering states—such as California and Massachusetts—plastic shopping bags account for a large portion of adverse debris. In California alone, over 267 species of animals have been documented to be adversely affected by plastic marine debris. 
         [0003]    As awareness of the environmental impact of plastic shopping bags grows, and as people have begun to embrace reusable solutions, reusable shopping bags have been introduced. 
         [0004]    Reusable shopping bags come in a variety of formats, from thin collapsible bags to thickly insulated bags. However, the use of each type of bag generally suffers from a similar drawback—inconvenient bulk and prediction of use. Users of reusable bags may be seen lugging large amounts of bags into a grocery store. And often, such users may be seen leaving with carrying either several unused bags, or additional plastic shopping bags (or newly purchased paper or reusable bags). The difficulty lies in predicting the amount of reusable shopping bags that will be needed for a shopping trip. Nearly everyone has had the experience of running into a store for one or two items, only to emerge with several bags of groceries. Alternatively, at times a user may enter a store with the intention of buying multiple items, only to purchase less than expected (often due to availability, prices, and even time constraints in the store). 
         [0005]    Accordingly, it is desirable to have a reusable shopping bag that may carry not only purchased items, but a plurality of additional reusable shopping bags that may be withdrawn and used when needed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Some aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a reusable bag, comprising: a container with a top and a bottom, the contain having an opening at the top and comprised of a flexible material; at least one pocket connected or integral to the container, the pocket being disposed on an outside surface of the container, the pocket configured to receive an additional reusable bag. 
         [0007]    Some aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a reusable bag, comprising: a container with a top and a bottom, the contain having an opening at the top and comprised of a flexible material; a plurality of pockets connected or integral to the container, the pockets being disposed on an outside surface of the container, the plurality of pockets disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted; and at least one connection device to maintain the reusable bag in a folded or compacted position. 
         [0008]    Some aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a reusable bag assembly, comprising: a primary reusable bag comprising a container with a top and a bottom, the contain having an opening at the top and comprised of a flexible material; one or more handles or straps attached to the container; a plurality of pockets connected or integral to the container, the pockets being disposed on an outside surface of the container, the plurality of pockets disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted; and at least one connection device to maintain the reusable bag in a folded or compacted position; and one or more secondary reusable bags in a collapsed or folded position and disposed in the pockets. 
         [0009]    These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements. The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and may aid in understanding the following detailed description. Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will make reference to the following figures, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary front view of a reusable bag with pockets for holding additional reusable bags, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary plane view of a reusable bag with pockets for holding additional reusable bags, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A-3J  depict various pockets and pocket closures that may be used on a reusable bag with pockets for holding additional reusable bags, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary front view of a reusable bag with pockets for holding additional reusable bags, which may be folded along a vertical (y) axis, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary front view of a reusable bag with pockets for holding additional reusable bags that may be folded along a vertical (y) axis and/or a horizontal (x) axis, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts an front plain view of an exemplary purse, bag, or reusable bag that may comprise internal pockets for holding additional reusable bags, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a reusable bag assembly, wherein reusable bags are sized to nest within each other, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0019]    The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. 
         [0020]    As noted above, the use of reusable shopping bags for uses such as but not limited to grocery shopping has become commonplace. However, users often are not sure of aware of the exact number of reusable bags that may be needed during a specific shopping trip. The present invention may allow a user to bring a single reusable bag in to a retailer, merchant, or store. Once that initial bag is filled, a second reusable bag may be removed from a pocket that may be attached to the first reusable bag. Once that bag is filled, a third reusable bag may be removed and filled, and so on. In this manner, not only will a user be prepared with the number of bags needed for a specific shopping trip, but the user will also not need to carry empty and unused bags back from the store, retailer, or merchant. 
         [0021]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a reusable bag  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Reusable bag  100  may comprise a body  110 , which in essence may form a large pocket or open orifice to receive items. Bag  100  may also comprise one or more handles or straps  111 , which may be used to carry the bag  100 . Bag  100  may also comprise one or more pockets  120 . Pockets may be sized to receive one or more reusable shopping bags, which may be folded or collapsed and inserted into pocket(s)  120 . 
         [0022]    Note that the specific design of the outer reusable bag with pockets may vary. With reference to  FIG. 2  the reusable bag may be an insulated bag that may be used to maintain the temperature (or seek to minimize temperature changes) of cold or frozen foods. It is contemplated that the bag may take any number of shape and be any number of sizes. 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIGS. 3A-3J , various types of pockets and/or closures for such pockets may be included on a reusable bag. As noted above, it is contemplated that a reusable bag in accordance with some embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more such pockets. With reference to  FIG. 3A , a pocket body  310  may be sewed, glued, or otherwise attached via  311  to a body of a reusable bag. Note that it is also contemplated that pockets may be formed by having multiple material types sandwiched together, with cut-outs or apertures in an outer layer causing a pocket comprised of an inner layer to protrude through the cut-out or aperture. 
         [0024]    With continued reference to  FIG. 3A , a pocket may also comprise a flap  320  which may be used to enclose the pocket. Flap  320  may be held in a closed position by attachment devices  321  and  322 . Attachment devices may comprise any mechanical, magnetic, or other type of attachment device. For example, attachment device may comprise a snap, loop-and-hook fasteners, magnetic, and/or any other type of device in which element  321  may physically engage with element  322 . 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 3B , a pocket  310  with a flap  320  is illustrated. In  FIG. 3B , flap  320  may be held in a closed position with a button. Specifically, button  323  may be inserted into and through button hole  324  in order to maintain the flap  320  in a closed position. Note that while a traditional button is illustrated, it is also contemplated that other types of button closures may be utilized, for example a small sphere or ball. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 3C , a pocket  310  may be utilized without any closure device at all. 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIG. 3D , a pocket may be comprised of two panels,  310 A and  310 B. Panels  310 A and  310 B may be overlapping each other, but not attached to each other. In this manner, a user may access the pocket by separating panel  310 A and  310 B from each other and inserting a constituent reusable bag into the separation, and into the pocket created by  310 A and  310 B. Note that while  FIG. 3D  illustrates the panels configured in a vertical arrangement, it is contemplated that the panels  310 A and  310 B may be configured horizontally, on an angle, or in any other position. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 3E , a pocket  310  may again be seen, utilizing a zipper  325  to enclose the pocket. With reference to  FIG. 3F , the pocket  310  may comprise a flap  326  that may be tucked into the pocket itself (much like tucking an envelope flap into an envelope) in order to maintain the pocket in a closed position. With reference to  FIG. 3G , a flap  327  may be inserted on top of the pocket  310 , but under an additional element  328 , such as a band, strip, ribbon, etc. In this manner the interior of the pocket may not be impacted by the closure of the flap, but a band, strip, ribbon, etc.  328  may be used to maintain the flap  327  in a closed position. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 3H , it is seen that the pocket may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, the pocket  329  in  FIG. 3H  may be formed from netting (which may, but is not required to, have elastomeric characteristics), with a top band  330 . Top band  330  may be elastomeric and may be utilized to maintain any item inserted into the pocket from inadvertently falling out of the pocket. 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIGS. 3I and 3J , it can be seen that the size of the pocket may be vary. For example, the pockets illustrated in  3 I and  3 J may be used to hold one or more reusable bags.  FIG. 3I  illustrates a pocket comprised of horizontal or substantially horizontal panels  310 C and  310 D, much as described above with regard to  FIG. 3D .  FIG. 3J  illustrates a larger pocket  310  that may be capable of receiving more than one reusable bag, wherein the pocket  310  may comprise a band  340  along the top portion of the pocket  310 . The band may be utilized to keep the opening of the pocket in a substantially closed position, by pulling the outer surface of the pocket against the reusable bag. Band  340  may be comprised of any material, such as fabric, ribbon, etc., and may possess elastomeric characteristics such that the pocket may be pulled open for insertion or removal of a reusable bag, and the band will contract to close the pocket after use. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , discussion of some embodiments of the present invention will now turn away from the specifics of the pockets and to the overall arrangement of the reusable bag. With reference to  FIG. 4 , reusable bag  400  may comprise a body  410 , upon which one or more pockets  410 A,  410 B,  410 C may be attached or formed. It is contemplated that in order to increase the convenience of use, storage, portability, etc. of the reusable bag  400 , it may be folded when not in use. Reusable bag  400  may be folded along the vertical axis shown in the direction of the arrow. Once the bag  400  is folded, it may be maintained in a folded position. For example, straps  430  and  440  may be attached, tied, or otherwise connected. Such connections may be through the use of hook-and-loop closures, snaps, etc. Note that pockets  420 A,  420 B, and  420 C may be positioned so that the protrusions caused by the pockets interlace with each other. In other words, when folded along the axis illustrated in  FIG. 4 , pocket  420 B may be folded into the area between pockets  420 A and  420 C. In this manner, the overall size or bulk of the bag  400  when in a folded position may be reduced. 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a bag  500  may be folded in various directions, either alone or in combination. As with  FIG. 4 , bag  500  may comprise a number of pockets  512 ,  514 ,  515 ,  517 ,  520 ,  522 ,  523 , and  525 . Whether the bag  500  is folded in along the illustrated X or Y axis, each pocket may be folded over an area without a pocket. For example, if bag  500  is folded along the X axis: pocket  512  would fold into area  524 ; pocket  514  would fold into area  526 ; pocket  515  would fold into area  519 ; pocket  517  would fold into area  521 ; pocket  520  would fold into area  516 ; pocket  522  would fold into area  518 ; pocket  523  would fold into area  511 ; and pocket  525  would fold into area  513 . 
         [0033]    Similarly, the bag  500  may be folded along the Y axis, and would similarly nest within itself, with pocket  512  folding into area  513 , pocket  514  folding into area  511 , and so on. In order to maintain the bag  500  in a folded position (folded either along the X axis, Y axis, or both X and Y), bag  500  may comprise connection devices  531 - 534 . In order to allow folding on both an X and a Y axis, connection devices may be capable of engaging any other device, or devices  534  and  532  may comprise one type of connector (for example, a male end or a hook portion) and devices  531  and  533  may comprise a different type of connector (for example, a female receiver or a loop portion). In this manner, the bag  500  may be folded and maintained in a folded position. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , it can be seen that a bag  610  of any type or variety (purse, satchel, reusable shopping bag, etc.) may comprise pockets  620 A,  620 B,  620 C as discussed above, but inside the bag. While this may not be as convenient during shopping trips, it may cause the overarching bag to be more aesthetically pleasing and/or may prevent any potential loss of reusable bags inserted into pockets. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , a different embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed. Reusable bag assembly  700  may comprise a plurality of constituent bags  710 ,  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750 , which may be nested within each other. Each bag may comprise one or more handles  760  which may be folded alongside the bag body when the bags are nested together. Note that only one handle  760  is illustrated in  FIG. 7  in order to better exhibit the nesting attribute of the bags  700 - 750 . 
         [0036]    Note that the reusable bags may be comprised of any number of materials, including but not limited to canvas, pack cloth, nylon, cotton, jute, hemp, nonwoven materials (such as but not limited to polypropylene), polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), silk, and terylene. The outer reusable bag with pockets (the primary reusable bag) may be comprised of a different material than the reusable bags inserted into the pockets (the secondary reusable bags). The primary bag may be comprised of an insulative material, a more rigid material, etc. The secondary reusable bags may be comprised of a material suitable such that the secondary bag may be folded or collapsed into a compact size for insertion into the pockets. 
         [0037]    Note that it is contemplated that reusable bags may take any shape and be any size. 
         [0038]    It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense.