WO2005053456A1

WO2005053456A1 - Carry bag

Info

Publication number: WO2005053456A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/001696
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anne Katherine Macnaughton; Stuart Alexander Macnaughton
Original assignee: Samac Investments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-12-02
Filing date: 2004-12-02
Publication date: 2005-06-16

Abstract

A carry bag with a pocket into which the bag can be compressed for self storage. The pocket can be formed in a variety of ways on the bag. One surface of the pocket is preferably part of a larger existing surface of the bag.

Description

CARRY BAG

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a re-useable carry bag, especially suitable for shopping but not restricted to this application. The invention further relates to fabric, cloth or synthetic carry bags designed for reuse and that may be packed in a compact, safe and unobtrusive fashion for easy and accessible storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disposable plastic shopping bags have become virtually ubiquitous in retail outlets throughout the developed world. Contemporaneously, disposable plastic shopping bags have become equally prevalent in the litter stream of most developed countries. Plastic bags as litter create a visual pollution problem and are particularly dangerous to aquatic wild life. Australians consume approximately 6.9 billion plastic carry bags each year. This equates to just under one bag per person per day. Plastic bags are Australia's highest volume "add on" packaging designed as a single use or disposable product and are not essential to product integrity. Approximately 53% of plastic bags are distributed from supermarket outlets whilst 47% come from other retail outlets such as fast food shops, liquor shops and general merchandising stores. The bags are usually formed from high- density polyethylene or HDPE and while disposable have a very low level of degradability. They may last in the environment for hundreds of years. More stylish or "boutique" style bags are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This use of plastics in plastic bags equates to roughly 2% of total plastics produced in Australia each year (or over 36,850 tonnes). Plastic bags are prone to inadvertent littering due to their lightness and capacity to balloon and travel with winds. Such events may occur from disposal routes such as litterbins and landfills and from animal interference with rubbish bins as well as unintentional release by individuals. Negligent or intentional littering also occurs and is highly prevalent in recreational areas such as beaches, national parks, major business spots and sporting venues. Some attempts have been made to minimise or reduce the use of plastic shopping bags. The Irish Government appears to have had some success with the introduction of a plastic bag levy to reduce use. Some merchandisers have undertaken active steps to encourage more wide spread use of alternative multi-use bags by their customers. While many people have expressed an interest in avoiding the use of disposable bags and adopting more environmentally sensitive approaches, there are some administrative hurdles that arise consistently in relation to reusable bags. The first and perhaps most pressing problem arises in having the organisational skills to access reusable bags when required. The typical material bag is resistant to neat packing, either in a bag or a vehicle. Bags tend to spread out, especially 2- dimensionally, and their handles and general body length are prone to entanglement with other items that may be stored in the same area. This may be a particular problem if the bag is stored in a bag where the level of organisation is often compromised by the amount of other items present. The most space effective means for storing them usually involves suspension on one or more pegs where they will adopt an extended and downward position. Such pegs, however, are rarely available in a vehicle and are more commonly found in cupboards thereby increasing the risk that the bags will be overlooked at commencement of a shopping expedition. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved shopping bag, or at least to provide a useful alternative to existing bags. In one aspect the invention consists in a bag adapted for compact self storing, including : a load holding sack portion, one or more handles attached to or near an open end of the load holding sack portion, a pocket positioned on the bag; wherein the sack portion and handles may be urged into the pocket and contained therein for storage. Preferably the pocket has two parallel surfaces, one of which is formed by a surface of either the sack portion or a handle The pocket may be positioned inwardly on one of the handles.

Alternatively, the pocket may be positioned outwardly on one of the handles or on the sack portion. The carry bag may be approximately 570 mm long by 310 mm wide. It is preferably formed with two opposing spaced handles and an internal recess between them. The carry bag may have a stitched fold as a bottommost structure. Preferably the carry bag has side gussets. The side gussets may be formed of material which extends into and preferably all around an under side of the handles. The carry bag may be formed from one or more of cotton, nylon, canvas, or polyester. Preferably it is formed from a tear proof polyester such as Siltec. The carry bag may have one or more loops positioned on one or both of the handles. Preferably, the loops are formed with a soft perimeter and may be formed from the same material as the sack and/or handle or handles. The loops may be formed as a rigid or semi-rigid loop designed to maintain its aperture substantially open. The loops are adapted to locate on one or more prongs and thereby hold the carry bag into position for loading. Preferably, the carry bag has four loops arranged in two aligned pairs, each of the pair on a respective one of the handles. The handles are preferably loop handles. The pocket may be formed of similar material to the remainder of the carry bag. The pocket may be positioned towards a topmost inner region of a handle. The pocket may include a flap for covering an inlet aperture for receiving the rest of the carry bag during storage. The flap may retain the carry bag in the pocket. The flap may retain the carry bag compressively. The pocket may further include a handle. The handle may be dimensioned to retain the flap into position by compression. Alternatively, the handle may be dimensioned to provide clearance of the rest of the pocket with a resulting aperture for carrying by hand or location of a peg. The pocket may be positioned outwardly on a handle of a shoulder bag. The handle may be a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap may have release means for reversibly releasing the strap. The release means may comprise a hook and loop fastener (Nelcro^®), buckle, clip or other suitable arrangement. The pocket may be positioned on a rear surface of a shoulder bag. The pocket may be dimensioned to carry a device such as a mobile phone, radio, CD player, MP3 player, wallet or other device. The pocket may have a closure flap for use when the bag is worn or applied to carry a load. In a further aspect, the invention may reside in a plurality of carry bags formed according to the above description and releasably engaged to a retention device. The retention device may be a safety pin like device or a loop with a pivotally mounted section to provide access to the wall of the loop for positioning a handle formed on the pocket. The handle of one or more bags may be connected to a belt or clothes connector such as a dog clip. In yet another aspect, the invention may reside in a set of carry bags as described above and individually identifiable by colours, numbers or other indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front view of a carry bag of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the carry bag of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of a representative bag with dimensions; Figure 4 is a front view of a bag with side gussets shown in hidden detail; Figure 5 is an internal view of the bag of Figure 1 with side gussets shown; Figures 6a, b,c are direct views of a pocket; Figure 7 is a close up view of the pocket of Figure 6a; Figure 8 is a front view of the carry bag when stuffed in the pocket; Figure 9 is a rear view of the arrangement of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows bag pattern for manufacturing; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a carry bag of the present invention in the form of a shoulder bag; Figure 12 is a rear view of a further embodiment of a shoulder bag; Figure 13 is a rear view of another embodiment of a shoulder bag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Figure 1 there is seen a first embodiment of a carry bag 10 of the present invention. The carry bag 10 has a sack portion 11 which is designed to expand from a collapsed position and to receive and contain goods to be carried in the bag. The sack portion is supported by two handles 12, 13 which are formed integrally with the sack portion. The handles 12, 13 each support a loop 14, 15. The loops may be formed of any suitable material and in fact may be formed of the same material as the bag itself. A ribbon material may be used for easy compression in packing. However, the loops may be formed of a stiff plastic or a semi-rigid material to maintain the loops in an open position. They are designed for engagement with cooperating prongs formed in a checkout for example in a supermarket. Four such loops may be applied to facilitate an open mouth into the sack portion of the carry bag during packing. The loops may also be used for easy storage or for display of the bags when sold. The bottom edge 16 of the bag 10 is preferably formed by a folded material edge which has reinforced stitching 17 along the fold. The stitching may also secure side gussets in the bag. Stitching 18 is apparent in the handle 12 and is positioned to fix a pocket in position underneath the outer layer of the handle 12. This will be discussed further below. A rear view of the carry bag of Figure 1 is seen in Figure 2. The stitching

17 is again apparent in this view. This folded material edge at the bottom of the bag results in a very strong structure. There is no seam but rather continuous material. Stitching of the folded edge provides reinforcing to the strength of the base thereby providing a strong and supportive construction. This also provides some benefits in manufacture as the pattern may be cut from a substantially continuous piece of material to form the sack portion. Folding of the material avoids the requirement for a seam. The folded edge may be reinforced with stitching to increase its holding capacity. Representative dimensions are shown in Figure 3 wherein the length of the side 19 is approximately 510 millimetres. The handles may be approximately 90 millimetres across their top edge 20. The width 16 is preferably around 310 mm. The scooped centre or central recess may descend approximately 170 mm. It should be understood that these measurements are by way of example only and are preferred because they substantially duplicate the size of bags with which the consumer is already familiar. These bags are generally selected for their capacity to hold material of fairly significant volume while being compact enough to transport denser products without over loading a user. Figure 4 is a view designed to highlight the side gussets 22, 23 which are shown in hidden detail and are formed to enhance expansion of the sack. They will be typically formed as a N shaped indentation, and in front view, may provide a shadow effect 24, 25 indicating the depth and separation. The gussets 22, 23 extend up the full length of the handles 12, 13. The gussets may extend inwardly approximately 90 mm and form the N shaped indentation. The position of a pocket 26 is apparent in the inside view of Figure 5. The pocket is positioned in the handle 12 and has an overlocked stitched edge around 3 sides providing an open and downwardly directed mouth 27. Overlocking of the edge is preferred to provide a strong and aesthetically smooth finish. It is preferred rather than essential. The overlocking is performed outside a row of normal stitching 28 which may be used to tack the pocket in position. While the expression pocket is used, it should be understood to extend to all variations of a collapsible chamber designed to receive the rest of the carry bag. The pocket may be formed as a pouch, a sack, a chamber, a sleeve or other recess. While it is preferred to have three sides closed and only one entry and it may also be possible to have a through sleeve or single cylinder to receive the rest of the bag. As is apparent in this view, the gussets are stitched and overlocked 30 again to provide strength and smoothness of finish. A closer view of the pocket is seen on Figure 6a. The edge of the central scoop 21 is also finished with an overlock pattern thereby providing a comfortable fit and feel for a user's hand when in use. Referring to Figure 5, when locating the carry bag 10 for storage, certain processes are performed. The carry bag 10 is stuffed into the pocket 26 through the open mouth 27 commencing adjacent the open mouth and simply stuffed into the pocket 26. The preferred method involves an initial inversion of the pocket 26 or turning it inside out commencing a stuffing action with the fingers and thumbs. The rest of the carry bag is then forced into the stuffed sack until completely enveloped, at which stage the flap 33 is located over the mouth 27 of the inverted pocket and the handle 37 is positioned above and over the flap. The flap preferably extends less than halfway down the pocket but should be long enough to adequately cover the pocket mouth and retain the compressed sack in position. Figures 6b and 6c show alternative versions of the bag with the pocket located in the handle. These bags are shown inside out. In Figure 6b stitching 29 attaches the bottom of the pocket to the same seam which joins the ends of the handle together. In Figure 6c the pocket is in the same location but stitched independently of the bag seams. An internal view of the pocket 26 is seen in Figure 7 prior to attachment to the carry bag. The pocket 26 has a folded edge 33 which is designed to form a flap 34 for the pocket. The flap 34 is terminated in a stitched rolled hem 35 for a neat external finish on the pocket flap. The edges 36 are finished with an overlocked edge. A handle 37 is provided for easy display or arrangement of the device. The stowed carry bag is, when packed, contained in a small compact pocket which is sealed at the top. A representative example is shown in Figure 8 wherein the pocket 26 when complete is approximately 100 mm long, 38 x approximately 70 mm wide 39. Again, these dimensions are by way of example only and should not be viewed as restrictive. A rear view of the packed pocket of Figure 8 is seen in Figure 9 with the flap 34 folded over to seal the aperture. The handle may be loose and formed for easy carriage by a hand or for hanging from a peg. A plurality of the bags may be fixed to a retention device such as a clip. The clip may be a large safety pin, a snap shackle or a ring device with releasable catch. A single bag may be fixed releasably to a dog chain clip adapted for attachment to a belt or belt loop. The dimensions of the packed pocket are such that it is easy to carry or store in an item such as a handbag, a backpack or in the boot of a car. One carry bag may be used to hold and transport a variety of the useable carry bags for subsequent filling after or during a shopping outing. Locating the pocket on the handle provides a number of advantages including an extra layer of material to soften the impact on a user's hand. The carry bag may be formed from any suitable material including cotton, hemp, nylon, polyester, particularly tear proof polyester or canvas. A particularly preferred material is Siltec which is 100% polyester fabric. It is crush resistant therefore providing a relatively smooth and expanded bag when deployed ready for use. In an alternative material, significant mechanical stretch characteristics may be of some additional benefit. The pocket is designed to only use one extra piece of material with its other side being formed by a gusset layer of the bag. The presence of the handle on the pocket provides a convenient means for displaying or storing the device on a hook if desired. The over flap provided in a preferred embodiment results in a neat finish to the stowed carry bag and a confining structure to resist unwanted release of the stowed bag. Positioning of the pocket in the handle region also avoids in intrusion into the carrying chamber formed by the sack portion. This prevents entanglement with goods and also does not interfere with the capacity of the sack portion. Positioning in the handle region also avoids wear and tear on the pocket during use. Figure 10 shows a doubled material 40 laid out with a pattern or template 41 for the sack and handles and a pattern or template 42 for the pocket. A further pattern or template 43 is provided for the loops and handle for the pocket. The pattern or template may be formed from any suitable material such as paper or plastic and is preferably reusable. It is preferable to have the components machine cut and assembled in a manner well known in the clothing industry. If the pattern is orientated correctly for multiple bag production, material wastage may be effectively minimised. The folded edge 44 provides the bottom line of the sack portion. An alternative embodiment is displayed as a shoulder bag 45 in Figure 11.

A single handle or shoulder strap 47 is provided for location around a wearer's neck. The strap47 may have a reversible engagement such as a Nelcro^® overlap 48. The pocket or stuff pocket 49 is positioned outwardly on the loop 47 The pocket 49 is dimensioned to receive the bag 45 but also is a size to carry a mobile phone, wallet, keys, radio or similar when worn. The pocket 49 may include a closure flap or tie (not shown) to close its aperture 50 and retain any carried item. This closure flap is additional to the flap positioned internally in the pocket 49 for retaining the bag in the pocket when compressed. The loading aperture 52 of the bag is also apparent. For storage, the carry bag is stuffed into the pocket 49 in the same manner as discussed above. A twin strap or twin handle bag 54 is shown in Figure 12 with a stuff pocket or pocket 56 positioned rearwardly on the sack portion 57. Twin handles 58, 59 may be worn as shoulder straps and goods loaded through load aperture or opening 60. In Figure 13, a drawstring top 61 is provided in the bag 62 to allow secure retention of the load. The inventor has provided a carry bag with great versatility and re- useability. A number of the problems represented by the use of plastic bags and deficiencies in the prior art are overcome by the present invention which provides a sustainable and low impact means of carrying goods such as groceries. Clearly, the present bag may also be used for recreational gear such as swimming costumes, goggles, wet towels or other sporting equipment. The preferred material provides a waterproof and mould resistant carry bag which may be easily and hygienically cleaned. The environmental advantages may be enhanced through the use of advertising, promotional or educational indicia on the carry bag, both the sack portion and the pocket. Colourful outer casings may permit the stored bags to be easily located as well as making them attractive. A set of bags may be provided in a colour coded array. A user may then distribute set goods to a set colour. This may avoid cross contamination from a bag carrying, for example, frozen meats, to fresh produce in a subsequent use. Further, caustic or toxic chemicals may be consistently carried in a designated coloured bag, such as red, to again minimise risk. This approach may emulate the high safety levels which are currently one of the particular advantages of single use plastic bags. Other indicia, such as numbers or representative graphic elements (eg. chicken, vegetables, dairy products), may be used to code the members of the set. Drainage slits may be formed in the bags, preferably in the lower regions, to allow easy washing if made from waterproof material. Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Those of skill in the art will therefore appreciate that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A bag adapted for compact self storing, including : a load holding sack portion, one or more handles attached to or near an open end of the load holding sack portion, and a pocket positioned on the bag; wherein the sack portion and handles may be urged into the pocket and contained therein for storage.

2. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the pocket has two parallel surfaces, one of which is formed by a surface of either the sack portion or a handle.

3. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the pocket is positioned on a handle.

4. A bag according to claim 1 wherein one edge of the pocket is included in the stitching of a longer seam in the sack or a handle.

5. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the pocket is positioned on an inside surface of the sack or handle.

6. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the volume of the pocket is just sufficient to contain the material of the bag.