Abstract:
The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel integrated packaging systems having a configuration readily convertible from a bag state to an envelope state and vice versa.

Description:
PRIORITY ENTITLEMENT 
       [0001]    This application is entitled to priority based on Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/369,692 filed on Jul. 31, 2010, which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference. This application and the Provisional Patent Application have at least one common inventor. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to bags and envelopes. More particularly, the invention relates to merchandise handling and shipping and to packaging adaptable and convertible between both a bag state for hand-carry and an envelope state for shipping via postal or common carrier. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is known in the arts to provide open-top bags for the purpose of carrying items acquired when shopping, attending a trade show, or otherwise accumulating a number of items whose aggregate size is smaller than the interior volume of the bag. Such bags are designed for convenient access, usually through an open top, and generally have handles that facilitate hand-carrying the bagged items over relatively short distances. For example, it is common in the tradeshow environment to provide bags for participants to use in accumulating brochures, samples, and other tradeshow information. At the end of the tradeshow, the participant may pack the bag into a larger container, or may transfer the contents from the bag to another container for shipping or travel. In a further example, traveling in the opposite direction, a prospect, customer, or salesperson may be provided with product samples, brochures, or promotional items for use at a particular event or location. Such items are often shipped to the user using conventional packaging, commonly a large envelope. In some cases, a bag intended for use in carrying the items locally may be provided within the envelope. Upon receipt, the shipping envelope is discarded and the bag is used for carrying the items. 
         [0004]    Due to the foregoing and other problems and potential advantages, improved apparatus and systems for both carrying locally and shipping or travelling over longer distances, particularly convertible bag and envelope system designs and apparatus would be a useful contribution to the applicable arts. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with preferred embodiments, the invention provides advances with useful and novel integrated packaging having both bag and envelope characteristics. Preferably, the integrated bag and envelope system according to the invention is constructed of materials adapted from those available in the practice of the applicable arts such as for example, polyethylene, paper, or other synthetic or natural materials familiar in the arts. Variations in the practice of the invention are possible and exemplary preferred embodiments are illustrated and described. All possible variations within the scope of the invention cannot, and need not, be shown. It should be understood that the principles of the invention may be used with various bag and envelope sizes and formats. 
         [0006]    According to one aspect of the invention, in an example of a preferred embodiment, carrying and shipping apparatus includes a body made up of panels of flexible material forming an enclosure. The enclosure has an open side with handles secured to the body in a position for carrying. The handles may also be stowed inside the enclosure. A flap is provided for sealing the enclosure with the handles stowed. 
         [0007]    According to another aspect of the invention, a preferred embodiment of an integrated bag and envelope system includes a body of flexible material forming an enclosure. An opening has two opposing handles secured to the body for carrying in a bag state. The handles are configured such that they may alternatively be stowed within the enclosure. Also included, is a flap adjacent to the opening and configured for sealing the enclosure with the handles in an envelope state. The system is designed for conversion from a bag state, having the handles in an extended position and the flap unsealed, to an envelope state having the handles in a stowed position and the flap sealed. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the invention, in preferred embodiments the above-described system is also adapted for conversion from an envelope state having the handles in a stowed position and the flap sealed, to a bag state having the handles in an extended position and the flap unsealed. 
         [0009]    According to yet other aspects of the invention, preferred embodiments may alternatively also include in addition to the above-mentioned features, an adhesive material for sealing the flap, perforations for unsealing the flap, and/or printing on one or more of the surfaces of the body. 
         [0010]    The invention has advantages including but not limited to providing packaging having the capability of ready transition between a bag state and an envelope state. Further advantages may include, conservation of materials, improved efficiency, and reduced costs. These and other advantageous features and benefits of the invention can be understood by one of ordinary skill in the arts upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention will be more clearly understood from consideration of the description and drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a view of an example of a preferred embodiment of an integrated bag and envelope system, shown in a bag state, in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is another view of an example of a preferred embodiment of the integrated bag and envelope system showing handles in a stowed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is another view of an example of a preferred embodiment of the integrated bag and envelope system, having an adhesive strip, in transition from bag state to envelope state; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an example of a preferred embodiment of the integrated bag and envelope system in an envelope state subsequent to transitioning from a bag state; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an example of a preferred embodiment of the integrated bag and envelope system in transition from an envelope state to a bag state; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an example of a preferred embodiment of the integrated bag and envelope system in a bag state subsequent to transition from an envelope state. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    References in the detailed description correspond to like references in the various drawings unless otherwise noted. Descriptive and directional terms used in the written description such as front, back, top, bottom, upper, side, et cetera, refer to the drawings themselves as laid out on the paper and not to physical limitations of the invention unless specifically noted. The drawings are not to scale, and some features of embodiments shown and discussed are simplified or amplified for illustrating principles and features as well as advantages of the invention. 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    The making and using of various exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed herein. It should be appreciated that the systems and methods exemplify inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. It should be understood that the invention may be practiced in various applications and embodiments without altering the principles of the invention. For purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of functions, components, materials, and systems familiar to those skilled in the applicable arts are not included. In general, the invention provides improved bag means for hand-carrying items locally, and envelope means for shipping the items and/or transporting them over longer distances. The invention is described in the context of representative exemplary embodiments. Although variations in the details of the embodiments are possible, each has advantages over the prior art. 
         [0020]    Referring primarily to  FIG. 1 , an integrated bag and envelope system is provided with a body  10 , preferably made from first and second panels  12 ,  14 , of a suitable material. The body  10  is preferably open on one side  16 , and closed on three sides  18 ,  20 ,  22 . Attached handles  24  are provided at the open side  16 . Preferably, two opposing handles  24  are provided on opposing panels  12 ,  14  of the enclosure defined by the body  10 . Additionally, a flap  26  extends from one of the body panels, e.g., the second panel  14 , preferably extending beyond the opening  28 . Preferably, the flap  26  includes perforations  30  substantially parallel to the edge  32  of the opposing panel  12  approximately aligned with the opening  28 . The handles  24  are configured so that they have an extended position for use in a bag state, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , providing a convenient position useful for holding and/or carrying. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the handles  24  also have a stowed position for use in an envelope state, in which they may be tucked into the interior enclosure  29  of the body  10 , beneath the level of the flap  26 . The handle  24  and flap  26  configuration is such that the flap  26  may be folded over the opening  28  in the body  10  when the handles  24  are in the stowed position. Preferably, the flap  26  includes an adhesive  34  near its edge  36 , opposite the perforations  30 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , an adhesive material  34  covered with a removable protective tape  38  may be used. With the protective tape  38  removed, the adhesive  34  is exposed and adheres upon contact with a surface. With the handles  24  stowed, and the adhesive  34  exposed, the flap  36  may be folded approximately along the perforations  30  whereby the adhesive  34  comes into contact with the outer surface  35  of the opposite panel  12  of the body  10  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Thus, with the flap  26  adhered to the opposite body panel  12 , the body  10  (with handles stowed) provides an envelope, suitable for long term travel and/or shipping, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0021]    This is an example of preferred embodiments, used to illustrate the principles and practice of the invention. The description is not intended to be exclusive or confined to the example shown and described. Many variations are possible within the scope of the invention, such as variations in shape, size, materials, number of panels, or other details of body, flap, adhesive, or handle construction. It is contemplated that the body may be imprinted with shipping information, carrier identification, advertising, decoration, and the like, e.g., as shown at  39  ( FIG. 4 ). The body and/or adhesive may or may not be moisture-proof, waterproof, heat-proof, dust-proof. These are a few examples of features that may be substituted or combined without departure from the scope of the invention. 
         [0022]    Now referring primarily to  FIG. 5 , a further example of the use of the integrated bag and envelope system is shown and described. The body  10  in the envelope state may be opened by tearing along the perforations  30  with the hand or by cutting with a suitable implement (not part of the invention). With access to the interior enclosure  29  of the body  10  obtained, the handles  24  may be pulled out into the extended position for use in the bag state as shown in  FIG. 6  to facilitate convenient holding or carrying. 
         [0023]    The invention provides several advantages in providing a convenient, integrated, package system capable of serving in a carrying capacity or a shipping/travelling capacity. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent to those reasonably skilled in the arts. The preferred embodiments shown and described are representative of the principles of the invention and are not intended to be exclusive of many possible variations. 
         [0024]    The systems and methods of the invention provide one or more advantages including but not limited to: providing packaging with the capability of ready transition between a bag state and an envelope state, conservation of materials, improved efficiency, and reduced costs. While the invention has been described with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, those described herein are not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. For example, variations or combinations of steps or materials in the embodiments shown and described may be used in particular cases without departure from the invention. Although the presently preferred embodiments are described herein in terms of particular examples, modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the arts upon reference to the drawings, description, and claims.