EP3135151B1

EP3135151B1 - Bag provided with a strap

Info

Publication number: EP3135151B1
Application number: EP16184856.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Vens
Original assignee: Curana Invest BVBA
Current assignee: Curana Invest BVBA
Priority date: 2015-08-24
Filing date: 2016-08-19
Publication date: 2019-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-19
Also published as: BE1023376B1; BE1023376A1; EP3135151A1

Description

The present invention relates to a bag provided with a strap for carrying the bag and provided with first and second attachment means for attaching the strap to the bag at two respective locations, in which the second attachment means comprise a first folding member which is attached to the bag and in which a portion of the strap is movable for folding the strap.
Bags, such as school bags, bicycle bags, baskets, briefcases, handbags, rucksacks, etc. are usually provided with one or more straps or belts by means of which the bag can be worn. When the bag is provided with a short strap, the strap serves as a handle. When the bag is provided with a slightly longer strap, the strap usually serves as a shoulder strap.
In certain circumstances, a handle is desired, while in other circumstances, a shoulder strap is preferable. Therefore, there are already bags which are provided with a folding strap which is convertible between a folded state, in which the strap is relatively short, and an unfolded state, in which the strap is relatively long. An example thereof is illustrated in US 5119910 . Here, the strap is convertible between two states:

a first state, in which the strap is long, serves as a shoulder strap and is unfolded;
a second state, in which the strap is short, serves as a handle and is folded three times.

In the second state, the strap is folded three times. Consequently, the strap, i.e. the handle, has a certain thickness. Many people regard grasping such a thick handle as being unpleasant and impractical, as a result of which the functionality of the strap as a handle is low. The appearance of such a triple-folded handle is not very aesthetic either. An additional drawback is the fact that the conversion from one state to the other and vice versa is complicated and takes a lot of time.
US 5,415,332 describes a bag with a strap, wherein this strap is easily convertible between a handle, a shorter or a longer shoulder strap and two shoulder straps, with which the bag can be worn as a backpack. In the state in which the strap is shortened, long loose parts of the strap extend next to the bag. When the bag is worn with the handle, these loose parts are bothersome. Moreover, these parts of the strap make it difficult to shorten/lengthen the strap, given these parts can become twisted or can attach to other elements of the bag.
In the alternative embodiment of Figures 4 to 6 of US 5,415,332 A , the strap is no longer provided to form shoulder straps as a backpack and strap guide elements hold the parts of the strap closer to the bag when it is carried with the handle.
In the further alternative embodiment of Figure 7 of US 5,415,332 A , a velcro closure is proposed for holding together of the double folded portion of the strap. Such a velcro closure, however, makes it difficult to shorten/lengthen the strap. Such a solution is also not suitable for carrying larger weights.
The proposed alternative to this Velcro closure, namely the pin-hole connection in Figure 9 of US 5,415,332 A , makes the shortening/lengthening of the strap more cumbersome.
In WO 03/075705 A1 is described a bag in which the strap is convertible between a shorter and a longer strap. The parts of the strap extending adjacent the bag are kept compactly next to the bag. However, the solution which keeps these parts of the strap compactly next to bag is relatively complex.
It is therefore an object of the invention to produce a bag which is provided with a strap, in which the strap can be shortened or lengthened in a simple manner by folding, so that the strap can serve both as a handle or short shoulder strap and as a long shoulder strap, in which the shortening/lengthening of the strap can be effected quickly, in which case the strap maintains good functionality at all times and the appearance of the strap is considered to be more aesthetic.
This object is achieved by providing a bag provided with a strap for carrying the bag and provided with first and second attachment means for attaching the strap to the bag at two respective locations, in which the second attachment means comprise a first folding member which is attached to the bag and in which a portion of the strap is arranged so as to be movable for folding the strap, with the second attachment means comprising a first connecting element and a second connecting element which is coupleable to this first connecting element, in which:

the first connecting element is attached to the bag and is situated at a distance from the first folding member and the first attachment means,
the strap is provided with the second connecting element,
viewed along the strap from the first attachment means to the first folding member, the first folding member is always situated between the second connecting element and the first attachment means,
the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is convertible from an unfolded state, in which this portion extends mainly between the first folding member and the first attachment means and the connecting elements are detached from each other, to a folded state, in which this portion extends substantially folded between the coupled connecting elements and the first folding member, by moving this portion through the first folding member and coupling the connecting elements to each other.

The portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member can then be converted from the folded state back to the unfolded state by detaching the coupled connecting elements from each other and moving this portion through the folding member until the portion is situated mainly between the first folding member and the first attachment means.
The folded state of the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is referred to as the folded state for short below. The unfolded state of the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is referred to as the unfolded state for short below. The portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is referred to as the portion for short below.
Here, an embodiment is possible where the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means is always unfolded. This part is graspable, as a result of which that which is grasped and/or worn across the shoulder is always unfolded and therefore not excessively thick. This bag provided with a strap is thus functional and practical in use. In the folded state, the portion is folded and virtually does not extend between the first and the second attachment means, as a result of which the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means is shorter and can serve as a handle and/or as a short shoulder strap. In the unfolded state, the portion will also mainly extend between the first and the second attachment means, as a result of which the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means is longer and can serve as a long shoulder strap. Here, the shortening and lengthening of the part of the strap which extends between the first and second attachment means virtually corresponds to at least twice the distance between the first folding member and the first connecting element.
When, in the folded state, the part of the strap is grasped which extends between the first and the second attachment means, the attention is not focussed to the portion which is folded, as a result of which the appearance of such a bag provided with a strap can be made more aesthetic. Due to the fact that not the entire strap is folded, the conversion between the aforementioned states requires less time and the conversion is not very complicated. All one has to do is to move the portion through the first folding member and connect the connecting elements to each other or disconnect them.
In a preferred embodiment, the first attachment means are situated at the location of a first side of the bag, the second attachment means are situated at the location of a second side of the bag situated opposite the first side, the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means is substantially situated at the location of the top side of the bag and the first folding member is situated above the first connecting element. A bag is often designed in such a manner that it has a front side, a rear side, two sides, a top side and a bottom side. The bag is then generally worn next to the body in such a way that the rear side is situated virtually against the body of the individual and the one side faces to the front while the other side faces to the rear. In the folded state, the portion is situated virtually completely and folded between the first folding member and the coupled connecting elements. Since the first folding member and the first connecting element are situated at the location of a side of the bag, this means that the portion is then situated virtually against this side of the bag. When the bag is then worn in such a manner that this side faces to the rear, the appearance of the bag is not adversely affected by the portion of the strap which is folded. In addition, all this can be carried out in a tight manner, so that the portion is situated (almost) against this side. The height of the bag, and thus the height of the side, will determine the degree of shortening of the strap that is possible. The maximum degree of shortening is at least virtually double the height of the side. This is due to the fact that the folding member can be attached to this side at a location which is as high as possible and that the first connecting element can be attached to this side at a location which is as low as possible. The portion is then substantially folded between the folding member and the connecting elements, as a result of which the part which is situated between the first and the second attachment means can be shortened and lengthened again by at least double the distance between the first folding member and the first connecting element. By folding, it is even possible to shorten/lengthen the strap to a sufficient degree with a bag which has a small height.
In addition, due to this arrangement, the conversion between these two states is simple. In order to shorten the strap, it suffices to pull down the second connecting element and to connect the connecting elements to each other. In order to lengthen the strap, it suffices to detach the connecting elements from each other and to pass the portion through the first folding member.
Preferably, the first folding member is a ring. The term ring is understood to be an object with an opening. The portion is then movable through this opening. The ring does not necessarily have to be round. Thus, the shape of the ring may be oval, quadrangular, or D-shaped (D ring), etc. The strap is then arranged so as to be movable through the ring. A ring can be produced in a simple and easy manner. In addition, rings are often used with bags, as a result of which they do not hamper the appearance of the bag.
In a specific embodiment, the strap comprises a strap end which is connected to the first folding member and the second connecting element is situated between the strap end and the first folding member and the second connecting element is movable with respect to the strap. Here, the strap is fitted once through the opening of the ring. The strap end is connected to the ring and the second connecting element is always situated between the ring and the strap end. Preferably, this connecting element cannot move beyond the opening of the ring, as a result of which the strap will also always pass through the opening of the ring. In the unfolded state, it is no longer necessary in this case to provide additional second attachment means to ensure that the strap remains connected to the bag. This is due to the fact that the strap end is connected to the first folding member. The second connecting element is movable with respect to the ring, so that it can move towards and away from the first connecting element and so that the portion can unfold virtually completely. This specific embodiment is not complicated and allows a swift conversion from the folded to the unfolded state and vice versa. In the folded state, the portion is folded twice.
Furthermore preferably, the second attachment means comprise a ring which extends around the strap, is movable with respect to the strap and is situated between the strap end and the first folding member, with the second connecting element being connected to this ring. By means of a ring, it is simple to make the second connecting element movable with respect to the strap. If the first folding member is also a ring, then it is in addition possible to ensure a uniform appearance. An alternative is, for example, a clasp which extends partly around the strap, with the second connecting element being connected to this clasp.
In another specific embodiment, the second attachment means comprise a second folding member through which a portion of the strap is arranged so as to be movable for folding the strap, in which, viewed along the strap from the first attachment means to the first folding member, the first folding member is situated between the second folding member and the first attachment means and in which, in the folded state, the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is folded at least three times. In this case, the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means may be shortened/lengthened at least three times the distance between the first folding member and the first connecting element. If a strap is desired which can serve both as a long shoulder strap and as a handle, this specific embodiment is highly suitable. In addition, the second attachment means may comprise a third folding member or even a fourth folding member, etc., so that the portion is folded four times or even five times, etc. in the folded state.
Furthermore preferably, the first folding member and the second folding member are each a ring and the strap comprises a strap end, in which case the strap is fitted twice through the first folding member, the second folding member is connected to the strap end, the strap is fitted once through the second folding member and the second connecting element is connected to the second folding member. Rings are producible in a simple manner and do not interfere with the appearance of the bag. Also, this is not a complicated embodiment. In this case, it suffices to pull on the second connecting element and to connect the second connecting element to the first connecting element to go from the unfolded state to the folded state. As a result thereof, a quick conversion from the folded to the unfolded state and vice versa is possible.
In a preferred embodiment, the strap, in the folded state of the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member, is tensioned between the first and the second attachment means. If the part which extends between the first and the second attachment means is to be used as a handle in the folded state, then it is often not desirable for this part to hang loose. A taut handle is regarded by many people as being aesthetic and is also an additional advantage if the bag is a bicycle bag. During cycling, it is desirable for the strap not to hang loose, since the strap should not be able to move between the chain and the gearwheel or between the spokes of the wheels.
In a highly preferred embodiment, the connecting elements comprise click-fit elements for coupling the connecting elements to each other. Connecting click-fit elements is simple. There are also sufficient embodiments of click-fit elements which can readily be released when this is desired. Alternative embodiments are, for example, connecting elements which comprise magnets and/or hook and loop fastener.
Preferably, the bag is of such a rigid design between the first folding member and the first connecting element that the distance between the first folding member and the first connecting element remains constant. As a result thereof, it is possible to pull the strap taut between the first folding member and the coupled connecting elements in the folded state. Furthermore preferably, the bag is designed to be stiff so that the strap can also be pulled taut between the first and the second attachment means in the folded state. In the folded state, the appearance of the bag is therefore taut.
In a specific embodiment, the first attachment means are provided to attach the strap to the bag in one single position. The attachment of the strap is then effected in 1 position by the first attachment means, as a result of which the length of the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means is only determined by the second attachment means. Thus, the state of the portion will determine said length. In an alternative embodiment, the first attachment means may be provided to attach the strap to the bag at a specific number of positions. Thus, the first attachment means may comprise several connecting elements which are attached to the bag at a distance from each other, in which the strap comprises a connecting element corresponding to these connecting elements, in which case it is possible to choose to which connecting element, which is attached to the bag, the connecting element of the strap is to be attached.
In a specific embodiment, the first attachment means comprise a folding member, through which a second portion of the strap is arranged so as to be movable for folding the strap and the first attachment means comprise a first connecting element and a second connecting element coupleable to this first connecting element, in which

this first connecting element is attached to the bag and is situated at a distance from the last-mentioned folding member and the second attachment means,
the strap is provided with the last-mentioned second connecting element,
viewed along the strap from the second attachment means to the last-mentioned folding member, this folding member is always situated between the last-mentioned second connecting element and the second attachment means,
the second portion of the strap is convertible from an unfolded state, in which this second portion extends mainly between the last-mentioned folding member and the second attachment means and the last-mentioned connecting elements are detached from each other, to a folded state, in which this second portion extends substantially folded between the last-mentioned coupled connecting elements and the last-mentioned folding member, by moving this second portion through the last-mentioned folding member and coupling the last-mentioned connecting elements to each other.

In this case, the first-mentioned portion and the second portion of the strap are foldable, as a result of which the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means can be lengthened/shortened further. In this case, the strap is, for example, a strap with two strap ends, with these two portions each comprising a strap end, respectively.
In its folded state, the second portion is substantially situated between the last-mentioned coupled connecting elements and the last-mentioned folding member and is at least folded twice. However, the first attachment means may also comprise additional folding members, so that the second portion is folded at least three times in its folded state. Preferably, the first attachment means and the second attachment means are of identical design, so that the connection of the strap to the bag can be designed to be symmetrical. However, the latter is not compulsory.
The preferred, specific or alternative embodiments described above for the second attachment means and the first-mentioned portion also apply to the first attachment means and the second portion of the strap which is arranged so as to be movable through the last-mentioned folding member.
With this last specific embodiment, the part of the strap which extends between the first and the second attachment means can assume at least four lengths:

a first long length, in which both portions are in their unfolded state,
a second short length, in which both portions are in their folded state,
a third medium length, in which the first-mentioned portion is in the unfolded state and the second portion is in the folded state and,
a fourth medium length, in which the first-mentioned portion is in the folded state and the second portion is in the unfolded state.

When both attachment means are identical and symmetrical, the third length corresponds to the fourth length.
In the following description, bags according to the present invention are described in more detail. This description serves only to explain the characteristic features of the invention further and can therefore not be seen as a limitation of the scope of protection for the present invention defined in the claims of this patent application or of the area of application thereof.
Reference numerals are used in this description to refer to the attached figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a bag provided with a strap according to the invention, in which the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is in the folded state;
Fig. 2 shows a front view of the bag provided with a strap illustrated in Fig. 1, during the conversion from the folded state to the unfolded state, of the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member;
Fig. 3 shows a front view of the bag provided with a strap illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, in which the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is in the unfolded state;
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the bag provided with a strap illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, in which the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is in the folded state;
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the bag provided with a strap illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, in which the portion of the strap which is movable through the first folding member is in the unfolded state;
Fig. 6 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a bag provided with a strap according to the invention, in which the portions of the strap which are each movable through a respective first folding member are in the folded state;
Fig. 7 shows a front view of the bag provided with a strap illustrated in Fig. 6, in which said one portion of the strap is in the unfolded state and said other portion of the strap is in the folded state;
Fig. 8 shows a front view of the bag provided with a strap illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, in which the portions of the strap which are each movable through a respective first folding member are in the unfolded state.

The figures illustrate two possible embodiments. Other embodiments are also possible, of course.
The bag (1) provided with a strap (2) which is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 is provided with first and second attachment means to attach the strap (2) at two respective locations to the bag (1). It also comprises a flap (15) for closing the bag (1). The first attachment means are rivets (16) which are situated at the location of the left-hand side (6) of the bag (1) and the second attachment means are situated at the location of the right-hand side (7) of the bag (1), so that the first attachment means attach the strap (2) to the left-hand side (6) of the bag (1) and the second attachment means attach the strap (2) to the right-hand side (7) of the bag (1).
The second attachment means comprise a first folding member (3) which is attached to the right-hand side (7) of the bag (1) and through which a portion (2a) of the strap (2) is arranged so as to be movable for folding the strap (2). Furthermore, the second attachment means comprise a first connecting element (4) and a second connecting element (5) which is coupleable to this first connecting element (4). These connecting elements (4, 5) are both click-fit elements. The first connecting element (4) is attached to the right-hand side (7) of the bag (1) and is situated at a distance from and below the first folding member (3). The first folding member (3) is attached at the top right-hand side (7) of the bag (1), while the first connecting element (4) is attached at the bottom right-hand side (7) of the bag (1). As can be seen in Figs. 1 to 5, the first folding member (3) is attached to the bag (1) by means of a strap end of a decorative part (12) of the strap (2) and the first connecting element (4) is also attached to the bag (1) by means of this decorative part (12) of the strap (2). Obviously, embodiments are also possible which do not use the strap (2) to attach the first folding member (3) and the first connecting element (4) to the bag (1).
Furthermore, the strap (2) is provided with the second connecting element (5) and the first folding member (3), viewed along the strap (2) from the first attachment means to the first folding member (3), is always situated between the second connecting element (5) and the first attachment means. The portion (2a) of the strap (2) which is movable through the first folding member (3) is convertible from an unfolded state, in which this portion (2a) extends mainly between the first folding member (3) and the first attachment means and the connecting elements (4, 5) are detached from each other, to a folded state, in which this portion (2a) extends substantially folded between the coupled connecting elements (4, 5) and the first folding member (3), by moving this portion (2a) through the first folding member (3) and coupling the connecting elements (4, 5) to each other.
The part of the strap (2) which extends between the first and the second attachment means is situated substantially at the location of the top side (8) of the bag (1). This part is always unfolded. It is also this part which is configured to be grasped.
The second attachment means comprise a second folding member (10) through which a portion of the strap (2) is arranged so as to be movable for folding the strap (2), in which, viewed along the strap (2) from the first attachment means to the first folding member (3), the first folding member (3) is situated between the second folding member (10) and the first attachment means. The second folding member (10) is also a ring. The strap (2) comprises a strap end (9) which is connected to the second folding member (10). To this end, the strap end (9) forms a loop around the second folding member (10). Furthermore, the strap (2) is fitted twice through the first folding member (3) and the strap (2) is fitted once through the second folding member (10). This is clearly visible in Figs. 4 and 5. Here the second connecting element (5) is connected to the second folding member (10) by means of a piece of cloth (14). Due to these two folding members (3, 10), this portion (2a) is folded three times in the folded state of the portion (2a) of the strap (2) which is movable through the first folding member (3).
Viewed along the strap (2) from the first attachment means to the first folding member (3), the strap successively passes through the first folding member (3), through the second folding member (10) and back through the first folding member (3). The first attachment means secure the strap (2) on the left-hand side (6) of the bag (1) at one fixed position. The bag (1) is of a rigid design.
Here, the part of the strap (2) which extends between the first and the second attachment means may assume two lengths. A first long length, when said portion (2a) of the strap (2) is in the unfolded state, and a second short length, when said portion (2a) of the strap (2) is in the folded state. With the first long length, the strap (2) serves as a shoulder strap and in the second short length, the strap (2) serves as a handle. The conversion between the states takes place as follows.
The folded state is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4. During the conversion from the folded state to the unfolded state, the coupled connecting elements (4, 5) are detached from each other first. This is illustrated in Fig. 2. By then pulling the part of the strap (2) which extends between the first and the second attachment means upwards, said portion (2a) is moved through the first folding member (3) and comes to lie virtually completely between the first attachment means and the second attachment means. Only the strap end (9) and the part of the strap (2) which is situated at the location of the strap end (9) does not extend between the first and the second attachment means. This is visible in Figs. 3 and 5.
The conversion from the unfolded state to the folded state of said portion (2a) of the strap (2) is also simple. To this end, the piece of cloth (14) which comprises the second connecting element (5) is pulled down. As a result thereof, said portion (2a) is pulled through the first folding member (3). When the second connecting element (5) then comes near to the first connecting element (4), the connecting elements (4, 5) are simply coupled to each other.
In the folded state, the strap (2) is held taut between the first and second attachment means and between the first folding member (3) and the coupled connecting elements (4, 5). As a result thereof, such bags (1) are suitable for use as bicycle bags. Since the part which extends between the first and the second attachment means is taut, the flap (15) is held closed as well.
The bag (1) provided with a strap (2), which is illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, is provided with first and second attachment means to attach the strap (2) to the bag (1) at two respective locations. The first attachment means are situated at the location of the left-hand side (6) of the bag (1) and the second attachment means are situated at the location of the right-hand side (7) of the bag (1), so that the first attachment means secure the strap (2) on the left-hand side (6) of the bag (1) and the second attachment means secure the strap (2) on the right-hand side (7) of the bag (1).
The first and the second attachment means each comprise a first folding member (3, 30) which is attached the left-hand side (6) and the right-hand side (7) of the bag (1), respectively. In order to fold the strap (2), a first portion (2a) of the strap is arranged so as to be movable through the first folding member (3) of the second attachment means and a second portion (2b) of the strap (2) is arranged so as to be movable through the first folding member (30) of the first attachment means. Furthermore, both attachment means each comprise a first connecting element (4, 40) and a second connecting element (5, 50) which is coupleable to this first connecting element (4, 40). These connecting elements (4, 5, 40, 50) are click-fit elements. The first connecting element (40) of the first attachment means is attached to the left-hand side (6) of the bag (1) and the first connecting element (4) of the second attachment means is attached to the right-hand side (7) the bag (1). Both first connecting elements (4, 40) are situated at a distance from and below their respective first folding member (3, 30). Each first folding member (3, 30) is attached at the top of the bag (1) while each first connecting element (4, 40) is attached at the bottom of the bag (1). As can be seen in Figs. 6 to 7, each first folding member (3, 30) is connected to the bag by means of a strap end of a decorative strap (13), which is stitched onto the bag (1), and each first connecting element (4, 40) is also connected to the bag (1) by means of this decorative strap (13).
Furthermore, the strap (2) is provided with both second connecting elements (5, 50). Viewed along the strap (2) from the first attachment means to the first folding member (3) of the second attachment means, this last-mentioned first folding member (3) is always situated between the second connecting element (5) of the second attachment means and the first attachment means. Viewed along the strap (2) from the second attachment means to the first folding member (3) of the first attachment means, this last-mentioned first folding member (3) is always situated between the second connecting element (5) of the first attachment means and the second attachment means.
The first and the second portion (2a, 2b) of the strap (2) are each convertible from an unfolded state, in which each portion (2a, 2b) extends mainly between both first folding members (3, 30) and the respective connecting elements (40, 50) are detached from each other, to a folded state, in which each portion (2a, 2b) is folded and extends substantially between the respective coupled connecting elements (4, 5, 40, 50) and the respective first folding member (3, 30), by moving each portion (2a, 2b) through its respective first folding member (3, 30) and coupling the respective connecting elements (4, 5, 40, 50) to each other.
The strap (2) comprises two strap ends (9, 90) which are connected to the respective first folding member (3, 30) of the respective attachment means. Each second connecting element (5, 50) is situated between the respective strap end (9, 90) and the respective first folding member (3, 30). Both attachment means each comprise a ring (11, 110) which extends around the strap (2) and is movable with respect to the strap (2), in which case the respective second connecting element (5, 50) is connected to this ring (11, 110) by means of a piece of cloth (14, 140), so that each second connecting element (5, 50) is also movable with respect to the strap (2). In the folded states of both portions (2a, 2b) of the strap (2), both portions (2a, 2b) are folded twice.
Viewed along the strap (2) from the first attachment means to the first folding member (3) of the second attachment means, the strap successively passes through the first folding member (3) and the ring (11) of the second attachment means. Viewed along the strap (2) from the second attachment means to the first folding member (30) of the first attachment means, the strap successively passes through the first folding member (30) and the ring (110) of the first attachment means.
The part of the strap (2) which extends between the first and the second attachment means, i.e. between the first folding members (3, 30), is situated substantially at the location of the top side (8) of the bag (1). This part is always unfolded. It is also this part that is configured to be grasped. The bag (1) is virtually completely rigid.
In this case, the strap (2) may assume three lengths, namely a long length, when said first and second portions (2a, 2b) of the strap (2) are both in the unfolded state, a medium length, when the first portion (2a) is in the unfolded state and the second portion (2b) is in the folded state or vice versa, and a short length, when both said portions (2a, 2b) are in the folded state. With the long length, the strap (2) serves as a long shoulder strap and with the short length, the strap (2) mainly serves as a handle. The conversion from the folded state to the unfolded state with each of said portions (2a, 2b) takes place as follows. For the sake of simplicity, only the conversion of the first portion (2a) is shown, as this corresponds to the conversion of the second portion (2b).
The folded state is illustrated in Fig. 6. During the conversion to the unfolded state, the coupled connecting elements (4, 5) are first detached from each other. By then pulling the part of the strap (2) which extends between the first and the second attachment means upwards, said first portion (2a) is moved through the first folding member (3) and comes to lie virtually completely between the first folding members (3, 30). Only the strap end (9) and the part of the strap (2) which is situated at the location of the strap end (9) do not extend between the first folding members (3, 30).
The conversion from the unfolded state to the folded state of said first portion (2a) of the strap (2) is also simple. To this end, the piece of cloth (14) which comprises the second connecting element (5) is pulled down. As a result thereof, the first portion (2a) is pulled through the first folding member (3). When the second connecting element (5) then comes near the first connecting element (4), the connecting elements (4, 5) are simply coupled to each other.
With the short length of the strap (2), the strap (2) is taut. As a result thereof, such bags (1) may be used as bicycle bags, as the strap (2) does not hang loose.

Claims

Bag (1) provided with a strap (2) for carrying the bag (1) and provided with first and second attachment means for attaching the strap (2) to the bag (1) at two respective locations, in which the second attachment means comprise a first folding member (3) which is attached to the bag (1) and in which a portion (2a) of the strap (2) is movable for folding the strap (2) wherein the second attachment means comprises a first connecting element (4) and a second connecting element (5) which is coupleable to this first connecting element (4), in which
• the first connecting element (4) is attached to the bag (1) and is situated at a distance from the first folding member (3) and the first attachment means,

• the strap (2) is provided with the second connecting element (5),

• the portion (2a) of the strap (2) which is arranged in the first folding member (3) so as to be movable for folding the strap is convertible from an unfolded state, in which this portion (2a) extends mainly between the first folding member (3) and the first attachment means and the connecting elements (4, 5) are detached from each other, to a folded state, in which this portion (2a) extends substantially folded between the coupled connecting elements (4, 5) and the first folding member (3).
characterized in that, viewed along the strap (2) from the first attachment means to the first folding member (3), the first folding member (3) is always situated between the second connecting element (5) and the first attachment means, and in that the portion (2a) of the strap (2) which is arranged in the first folding member (3) so as to be movable for folding the strap is convertible from the unfolded state to the folded state by moving this portion (2a) through the first folding member (3) and coupling the connecting elements (4, 5) to each other.
Bag (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first attachment means are situated at the location of a first side (6) of the bag (1), the second attachment means are situated at the location of a second side (7) of the bag (1) situated opposite the first side (6), the part of the strap (2) which extends between the first and the second attachment means is substantially situated at the location of the top side (8) of the bag (1) and the first folding member (3) is situated above the first connecting element (4).
Bag (1) according to Claim 1 of 2, characterized in that the first folding member (3) is a ring.
Bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strap (2) comprises a strap end (9) which is connected to the first folding member (3), and in that the second connecting element (5) is situated between the strap end (9) and the first folding member (3) and is movable with respect to the strap (2).
Bag (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the second attachment means comprise a ring (11) which extends around the strap (2), is movable with respect to the strap (2) and is situated between the strap end (9) and the first folding member (3), in which the second connecting element (5) is connected to this ring (11).
Bag (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second attachment means comprise a second folding member (10) through which a portion of the strap (2) is arranged so as to be movable for folding the strap (2), in which, viewed along the strap (2) from the first attachment means to the first folding member (3), the first folding member (3) is situated between the second folding member (10) and the first attachment means, and in that, in the folded state, the portion (2a) of the strap (2) which is movable through the first folding member (3) is folded at least three times.
Bag (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the first folding member (3) and the second folding member (10) are each a ring and the strap (2) comprises a strap end (9), in which the strap (2) is fitted twice through the first folding member (3), the second folding member (10) is connected to the strap end (9), the strap (2) is fitted once through the second folding member (10) and in that the second connecting element (5) is connected to the second folding member (10).
Bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the folded state of the portion (2a) of the strap (2) which is movable through the first folding member (3), the strap (2) is tensioned between the first and the second attachment means.
Bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting elements (4, 5) comprise click-fit elements for coupling the connecting elements (4, 5) to each other.
Bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bag (1) is of such a rigid design between the first folding member (3) and the first connecting element (4) that the distance between the first folding member (3) and the first connecting element (4) remains constant.
Bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first attachment means are provided to attach the strap (2) to the bag (1) in one single position.
Bag (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first attachment means comprise a folding member (30), through which a second portion (2b) of the strap (2) is arranged so as to be movable for folding the strap (2) and the first attachment means comprise a first connecting element (40) and a second connecting element (50) coupleable to this first connecting element (40), in which
• this first connecting element (40) is attached to the bag (1) and is situated at a distance from the last-mentioned folding member (30) and the second attachment means,

• the strap (2) is provided with the last-mentioned second connecting element (50),

• viewed along the strap (2) from the second attachment means to the last-mentioned folding member (30), this folding member (30) is always situated between the last-mentioned second connecting element (50) and the second attachment means,

• the second portion (2b) of the strap (2) is convertible from an unfolded state, in which this second portion (2b) extends mainly between the last-mentioned folding member (30) and the second attachment means and the last-mentioned connecting elements (40, 50) are detached from each other, to a folded state, in which this second portion (2b) extends substantially folded between the last-mentioned coupled connecting elements (40, 50) and the last-mentioned folding member (30), by moving this second portion (2b) through the last-mentioned folding member (30) and coupling the last-mentioned connecting elements (40, 50) to each other.