WO2005089590A1

WO2005089590A1 - Rucksack

Info

Publication number: WO2005089590A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Stewart Mitchinson
Original assignee: Simon Stewart Mitchinson
Priority date: 2004-03-19
Filing date: 2005-03-15
Publication date: 2005-09-29
Also published as: GB2428372B; EP1734844A1; GB0620892D0; GB2428372A

Abstract

A biodegradable disposable paper rucksack comprises a main body (10, 20) closable by folding or by a lid (16) and supportable on a user's back by continuous or split straps (24) comprising a possible carrying device (28) and cross straps (30). The main body (10) can be directly supported or held by gravity within a nest of straps (88, 90, 92, 94, 96). Split straps (24) can be joined by buckles (36, 40, 42, 44) slots (54) and pegs (50, 52), velcro (58 60), sticky tape (62), string (70) and buttons (68), and string (70) and string (70). Continuous straps (24) can be shortened by fold over portions (72, 74) affixable to themselves. Straps can be affirmed to themselves by means of velcro (58 60), sticky tape (62), glue (64, 82), staples and clips (66). Straps (24) can be affirmed to the main body (10) by means of sticky tape (62), glue (64, 82), sewing, and staples. Straps (24, 97) are strengthened by longitudinal folding and affixing to self. The main body (10) can comprise lifting handles (76, 100).

Description

RUCKSACK

The present invention relates to disposable packages and means for their transport. The invention particularly relates to transport means in the manner of a rucksack or a backpack.

The present invention is intended for use to carry light goods such as, but not limited to, lunch, snacks, picnics, drinks, groceries, clothes or baby accessories, to name but a few possibilities. The invention is designed so that, when use is no longer required, the invention is disposable. For preference, the invention should also be biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

The present invention also seeks to provide a cheaper alternative to other more durable carrying devices, and that the alternative can be made from coloured and/or printed material, thus allowing the user to have a different design or colouration for many different occasions.

The invention is also suitable for being dispensed, economically, by retail outlets to enable the individual to carry their purchases with greater ease than otherwise possible, and also offers the retail outlet the opportunity for advertising.

The invention is not only biodegradable for preference, but can also be made from recycled or recyclable materials. The invention is intended to be environmentally friendly.

It is the custom to use disposable paper or plastic carrier bags having two handles to be carried using the hand. These are dispensed from grocery stores and many other stores, and a hand is required to be used to hold them even if the bag is supported over the shoulder. Rucksacks or backpacks are not per se disposable. The owner is therefore required to carry around an empty bag when use has ceased, or, worse, to throw away a relatively expensive item at end of use.

The present invention consists of a rucksack made from disposable material, the rucksack comprising a disposable bag, and at least one carrying strap, usable to allow an individual to carry the bag upon the individual's back.

The invention provides that the straps can be affixed to the bag, or that the bag can be removably insertable into a reusable or disposable set of disposable set of straps.

The invention further provides that one or more cross straps can be affixed between the carrying straps.

The invention further provides that straps can be of adjustable length.

The invention further provides that the straps can be continuous, and can be adjusted by folding and fixing to themselves by glue, by single sided sticky tape, by double sided sticky tape, by clips, by string passing around a button, by two pieces of string being tied together, by punched tabs being inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots, or by punched tabs having side extensions being inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots.

The invention further provides that the straps can be split, with a first part affixable to a selectable position on a second part.

The invention further provides that the fixing of a first part to a second part can be by glue, by single sided sticky tape, by double sided sticky tape, by clips, by string passing around a button, by two pieces of string being tied together, by punched tabs being inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots, or by punched tabs having side extensions being inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots.

The invention further provides for attachment of other compartments to the main disposable bag.

The invention further provides for attachment of one item to another by stapling or sewing.

The present invention further provides carrying straps designed to fit over the user's shoulders, thus freeing the hands and making the load easier to carry. The invention also provides a combination of carrying straps and carrying tabs and/or handles whereby several modes of carrying are possible, and also, optionally, an integral bag, all of which are cheap enough to be thrown away when no longer required.

The present invention provides that the disposable bag and/or straps can be made from any combination of paper, waxed paper, waterproof paper, waterproof lined paper, water resistant paper, recyclable paper, recycled paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, and textile.

The invention provides a cheap disposable bag which is easy to carry. The present invention seeks to provide a novel method of adjusting and joining carrying and securing straps, to provide novel construction materials and to provide one or more novel methods of joining the disposable components.

The invention provides that the carrying strap or straps can be strengthened by folding and gluing the construction material along its length to form a paper tape. The paper tape can be folded any number of times from either side to achieve the desired strength.

The invention further provides that a carrying handle may be formed by folding over the top of the disposable bag several times.

The invention further provides that the bottom of the disposable bag can be reinforced by way of an additional base. The invention provides that this base can be attached to the bag or remain loose and will lie flat in the bottom in order to provide additional strength.

The invention further provides that a waterproof, water-resilient and/or protective cover can be placed over or wrapped around the disposable bag and/or carrying straps for additional durability and resistance to weather and/or spillage of goods being transported. The cover may partially or completely enclose the rucksack.

The invention further provides that a waterproof or water-resilient insert can be placed within the disposable bag for additional durability and resistance to weather and/or spillage of goods being carried. This insert may partially or completely fit within the disposable bag.

The invention further provides that carrying handles may be created by means of slots cut into the top of the disposable bag.

The invention further provides that these slots may be reinforced by affixing extra material around the slots. The invention further provides that the upper and lower straps, or the upper points and lower points of a continuous strap or straps may be attached to the disposable bag in any location and in any direction on any face on the outside or inside of the disposable bag.

The invention further provides that the upper and lower straps, or the upper points and lower points of a continuous strap or straps may be joined to each other in any location and in any direction on any face on the outside or inside of the disposable bag.

The invention further provides that any length of the carrying strap may be attached to the disposable bag.

The invention further provides that reinforcing tabs may be applied to the joins between the disposable bag and the carrying straps.

The invention further provides that all components of the bag may be constructed from any combination of paper, waxed paper, coated paper, waterproof paper, waterproof lined paper, water resistant paper, water resilient paper, recyclable paper, recycled paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, any biodegradable material (including inter alia paper, fibre, textile and plastic) and any textile.

The invention is further explained by the following description, to be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

Figures 1A to 1C show open, closed and folded aspects of a first form of disposable bag or affixable auxiliary container. Figures 2A and 2B show open and closed views of a second form of disposable bag or affixable auxiliary container.

Figures 3A and 3B show open and closed views of a third form of disposable bag or affixable auxiliary container.

Figures 4A1 to 4B5 show open and closed versions of examples of the many different possible kinds of disposable bag or affixable auxiliary container which can be used with the present invention.

Figures 5A to 5D show examples of different forms of straps which can be used to fix the disposable bag to the back of a user.

Figure 6 shows how the bag is held by the straps on the body of a user.

Figure 7 shows a one-piece strap assembly.

Figure 8 shows how cross straps can be affixed between carrying straps to provide added strength and stability.

Figures 9A to 9C show different uses of one or more diagonal carrying straps.

Figure 10 shows a shoulder strap reinforcement.

Figures 11A to 11C show three views of a first manner for attaching a lower strap to an upper strap, of the type shown in Figures 5C and 5D, by means of a loop through which the strap can be threaded.

Figures 12A and 12B show two ways in which the upper/lower strap can be fixed to the loop. Figures 13A to 13F show a second manner in which the split straps can be joined and adjusted in length using punched tabs and tab accepting slots.

Figure 14 A-K shows some of the many shapes which the punched tab can have.

Figure 15 shows a third manner in which the split straps can be joined and adjusted in length.

Figure 16 shows a fourth manner in which the split straps can be joined and adjusted in length.

Figure 17 shows a fifth manner in which the split straps can be joined and adjusted in length.

No figure 18 is provided in this patent specification.

Figure 19 shows a sixth manner in which the split straps can be joined and adjusted in length.

Figure 20 shows a seventh manner in which the split straps can be joined and adjusted in length.

Figure 21 shows an eighth manner in which the split straps can be joined and adjusted in length.

Figure 22 shows a third manner in which a continuous strap, such as is shown in Figures 5A and 5B, can be adjusted in length by folding and attaching the folded strap to itself.

Figure 23 shows additional loops attached to a bag. Figure 24, 25, 26 and 27 show different ways of attaching different elements together, according to the present invention.

Figure 28 shows an alternative embodiment where a set of reusable or disposable straps can be provided to carry a disposable item.

Figures 29A to 29C show the construction of paper tape for the carrying strap or straps.

Figures 30A to 30C show a method of folding closed the opening of the disposable bag.

Figure 31 shows reinforcing material at the base of the disposable bag. In this figure, the disposable bag is show as transparent.

Figures 32A and 32B show a method of providing additional carrying handles to the disposable bag.

Figures 33A to 33C show a manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag.

Figures 34A to 34C show a second manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag.

Figure 35 shows a third manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag.

Figure 36 shows a fourth manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag.

Figure 37 shows a fifth manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag. Figure 38 shows a sixth manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag.

Figure 39 shows a method of folding a carrying strap to form a right-angled bend.

Figure 40 shows a seventh manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag.

Figure 41 shows an eighth manner in which the carrying straps can be affixed to the disposable bag.

And

Figure 42 shows a method of reinforcing the join between the disposable bag and a carrying strap.

Attention is first drawn to Figures 1A, IB and IC which show projected views of a first embodiment of the rucksack main body. The rucksack main body 10 as a first example, comprises a steady paper bag similar to or even the same as a grocery sack as provided in supermarkets in the United States of America. The rucksack main body can be made from recycled or recyclable paper, and fixed together, as shown in Figure 1A, to form five sides of a cuboid. The rucksack main body 10 is small enough to be carried upon the human back when full.

Figure IB shows the rucksack main body 10 with the top portions 12 folded over to touch one another and envelop the content of the main body 10. Figure IC shows the top portion 12 of the main body 10 folded over to provide closure. As will become apparent from the further description, the main body 10, when in the position shown in Figure IC, can be held in position by means of tape and other closure materials. The images shown in Figures 1A, IB and IC also can represent an individual compartment to be applied, as will become clear, in a rucksack. Also, the images of Figures 1A, IB and IC can represent smaller packs to be held within or upon a main body 10.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A shows an alternative main body 14 having a folding hinged lid 16 which, when closed, as shown in Figure 2B, can be held in place by an adhesive strip 18.

Attention is also drawn to Figures 3A and 3B showing, in Figure 3A, a second alternative main body 20 which, when its top portions 22 are folded together as shown in Figure 3B, provide a general circular prismatic outline.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 4A1 through to 4A5 showing various forms, in cross-sectional outline, that the main body 10 can take, and to Figures 4B1 through to 4B5 which show how the main bodies of Figures 4A1 through to 4A5 can be folded for closure. Figure 4A4 corresponds to Figure 1A and Figure 4B4 corresponds to Figure IC. Figure 4A3 corresponds to Figure 3A and Figure 4B3 corresponds to Figure 3B.

The configuration shown in Figure 4A2 folds to provide a triangular outline as shown in Figure 4B2, a basically hexagonal main body 10 as shown in Figures 4A1 and 4B1, and an essentially octagonal main body 10 is shown in Figures 4A5 and 4B5.

These outlines are just a few of the many outlines which are possible for use in the present invention. Attention is next drawn to Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D showing the manner in which carrying straps can be attached to the main body 10.

Figure 5A shows how two straps 24 can be open ended and fixed, in a manner later to be described, to the main body 10 of the rucksack or backpack at either end. Figure 5B shows how the straps 24 can each be continuous and each being continuously joined to the main body 10. Figure 5C shows how the straps 24 can be attached, each at two points, as illustrated in Figure 5A, but are otherwise split to have their loose ends attached to one another in a manner later to be explained, to make for ease of loading of the backpack or rucksack.

Finally, Figure 5D shows how the continuous loop straps 24 of

Figure 5B may equally be split so that their ends may be attached together around the body in a manner later to be explained.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 6 which shows how the straps 24, in whatever form they are provided, hold the main body 10 onto the human body 26 by means of the straps 24 passing around the upper arms and upper body of the user.

The straps 24 can also be used as a carrying handle for the rucksack or backpack.

Figure 7 shows an alternative form of carrying handles in the form of straps 24 which can be continuous as shown in Figure 5B or separable as shown in Figure 5C and Figure 5D, and integral with a carrying device 28 or integral with a main body 10 of the rucksack.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 8 showing the rucksack or backpack on the human body 26, otherwise as shown in Figure 6, but also comprising cross-straps 30 attachable between the straps 24 for additional strength and/or for additional support or comfort. Cross-straps 30 are attached to the straps 24 and can be opened and closed as will later be explained. The cross-straps 30 are also attachable to the straps 24 in a method which will be later explained. The cross-straps 30 can be added to run across the shoulder and chest or the waist or tummy area. The illustration of Figure 8 shows the use of two cross-straps 30. It is to be appreciated that 1, 3 or any desirable number may also be applied to the straps 24.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 9A, 9B and 9C showing in 9A how a single strap 24' can be attached diagonally across the chest of the user in a first direction, or in a second direction as shown in Figure 9B. Two diagonal straps 24'' can be used, as shown in Figure 9C, to cross the user's chest from side to side on both sides the better to support the main body 10.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 10 showing how a strap 24 in any of the configurations shown in Figures 5, 7 and 9, can be provided with a shoulder strap reinforcement 32 which prevents undue chafing and abrasion of the strap 24 and further assists in the comfort of the user. The shoulder strap reinforcement 32 comprises a loose wide pad of material such as cloth, paper or cardboard, wrapped around the strap 24.

Attention is drawn to Figures 11A, 11B and 11C which show a first method of joining and adjusting the straps 24,30 as shown in Figures 9, 8, 5C and 5D. The same technique can be used for any strap or handle.

Figure 11A shows a front view of the arrangement with an upper strap 34 to which a cardboard or fibre loop 36 is attached. A lower strap 38 is shown, in Figure 11A, not threaded through the loop 36.

Figures 11B and 11C show, respectively, the manner in which the lower strap 38 can be threaded through the loop 36.

Figure 11B shows a front view and Figure 11C shows a view from the side.

The loop 36 comprises a distal slot 40 and a proximal slot 42 separated by a sturdy separator 44. An end 46 of the lower strap 38 is threaded through the distal slot 40 from behind as seen in Figure 11C, over the separator 44 and into the proximal slot 42. The lower strap 38 can then be pulled to adjust the length of the connected strap 24, 34 and 38 and friction of the lower strap 38 in the loop 36 prevents the lower strap 38 from sliding out.

Figures 12A and 12B show two possible methods whereby the upper strap 34 can be attached to the loop 36.

In Figure 12A, the loop 36 further comprises an upper strap slot 48 through which the end of the upper strap 34 is passed from the side of the loop 35 visible in Figure 12A, and attached to the rear of the upper strap 34 by glueing, stapling or sewing. Alternatively, the end of the upper strap 34 may be attached to its rear surface by adhesive tape.

Figure 12B shows another method whereby the upper strap 34 may be fixed to the modified loop (in this case 36'). The modified loop 36' comprises an attachment area 50 to which an end of the upper strap 34 may be affixed by glueing, taping, stapling or sewing.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 13A which shows a further method whereby straps 34,38 can be affixed to each other. The upper strap 34 is provided with a punched tab 50 which is partially punched through the upper strap 34, leaving a substantially horizontal folding line 52 wherefrom the punched tab 50 is folded towards the surface of the upper strap 34 which is to engage the lower strap 38.

The lower strap 38 comprises a plurality of tab accepting slots 54 extending across its breadth and spaced out along its length.

Figure 13B shows a side view of an assembled pair of straps 34,38 according to Figure 13A, showing how the punched tab 50 is fed through a selected one of the tab accepting slots 54 and the upper 34 and the lower 38 straps brought together so that the punched tabs 50 hold the upper strap 34 and the lower strap 38 firmly together.

Figures 13C, 13D, 13E and 13F show side views, similar to Figure 13B, illustrating how the punched tab 50 can be fed into different ones of the plurality of the tab accepting slots 54 to provide a range of length of locked together upper strap 34 and lower straps 38.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 14 showing different shapes of punched tabs 50 which can be used to secure the upper strap 34 to the lower strap 38. In each instance, the horizontal folding line 52 is to the bottom of each of the ten different shapes of tabs shown in examples A-K. Of particular interest are examples I, J and K which also comprise side extensions 56 which can overhang beyond the limits of the tab accepting slot 54 to ensure that the punched tab 50 definitely cannot come out of the tab accepting slot 54. The shape of the punched tab 50 is not limited to the variety of shapes shown in Figure 14 but can comprise many other shapes. In particular, two or more spaced punched tabs 50 can be provided on the upper strap 34 to couple with two or more tab accepting slots 54 in the lower strap 38 to provide more than one point of connection between the upper strap 34 and the lower strap 38 thereby adding to the strength and security of the arrangement.

Various other arrangements are possible. For example, the lower strap 38 can comprise one or more punched tabs 50 and the upper strap can comprise tab accepting slots 54. The upper strap 34 can go below (underneath) the lower strap 38 and the punched tabs 50 can extend in the appropriate direction depending upon whether the punched tabs 50 are provided in the lower strap 38 or the upper strap 34. The punched tab 50 once inserted into the tab accepting slot 54 can be secured in place with a strip of sticky tape, or the punched tab can have a sticky backing to secure it through the tab accepting slot 54 to the appropriate strap 34,38.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 15 showing another manner in which straps 34,38 can be joined. In this example, the upper strap 34 comprises a patch of Velcro¹™' hook material 58 near its end, and the lower strap 38 comprises a plurality of spaced areas of Velcro'™¹ loop material or a single length of Velcro'™¹ loop material. The Velcro'™¹ hook material 58 can be selectably fixed to any one of the plurality of Velcro'™¹ loop material 60 in the lower strap 38. In this example, the lower strap 38 can be swapped with the upper strap 34 and the Velcro'™¹ hook material 58 can be swapped with the Velcro'™¹ loop material 60.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 16 showing an example where the upper strap 34 can be affixed to the lower strap 38 by means of a sticky tape strip 62. The attachment can be done on both sides of the upper strap 34 and the lower strap 38. The upper 34 and lower 38 straps can be swapped so that the upper 34 strap is below (behind) the lower 38 strap. Figure 17 shows another way in which either of the straps 34,38 can be affixed to the other 38,34 by means of a glued strip 64 near its end which is protected by a peel-off tab. When the tab is removed, the strap 34,38 can be affixed to the other strap 38,34.

There is no Figure 18 provided in this patent specification.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 19 which shows that the upper strap 34 is attachable to the lower strap 38 by means of the paper clip device 66 which is applied when the two straps 34,38 are in the correct position, the paper clip 66 holding the two straps 34,38 together.

Figure 20 shows another way in which the two straps 34,38 can be connected, the first of the two straps 34 comprising a length of thread or string 70 and the second of the two straps 38 comprising at least one, and preferably a spaced plurality of cardboard or plastic buttons sewn or glued to the lower strap 38. The string 70 is wrapped around the appropriate button 68. Once again the two straps 34,38 can be swapped and the string 70 and button 68 can also be swapped.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 21, showing yet another way in which straps 34,38 can be attached together, this time comprising two lengths of thread or string 70 taped or glued to the straps 34,38 and simply tied together. One of the straps 34,38 can comprise a space plurality of lengths of string or thread 70 so that the tying together can render the combination of the straps 34,38 the correct length.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 22. As an alternative embodiment of a strap, and of particular relevance to Figures 5A and 5B, a strap 24 can be continuous and adjustable in length to fit the body of the user by means of a fold 72, creating a folded-over portion of the strap 24 which is affixable to the outside of the strap 24 by any of the means hereinbefore described. The strap allows for pre-scoring or pre-folding to assist folding by the user to adjust the length of the strap 24 for appropriate fitting around the user's body.

Additional compartments can be attached, by any of the methods hereinbefore described, to the main body 10 of the rucksack or backpack on any of the surfaces, namely the rear surface, the left side, the right side, the top or the bottom. The attachable compartments can be any of the shapes (and more) shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 or 4.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 23 showing how additional loops 76 can be attached to any surface of the main body 10 of the rucksack or to any surface of an additional compartment by means of sewing, taping or glueing. They may also be attached by means of Velcro'™¹. The additional loops 76 allow for ease of carrying and/or hanging up the rucksack or backpack when not worn across the shoulders. The additional loops 76 can also act as carrying tags which can be affixed in any manner hereinbefore and hereinafter described to the main body 10 of the rucksack or backpack and to any additional compartments.

Attention is drawn to Figure 24 which shows a first method of permanent fixing of handles, straps, belts, flaps, pockets and compartments within the present invention. A first element 78 is attachable to a second element 80 by means of glue 82. The glue 82 may be provided on one 78 the other 80 or both of the elements 78,80.

Figure 25 shows another means of joining a first element 78 to a second element 80 by means of a strip of tape 62 which may also simultaneously be applied to the other side of the two elements 78,80.

Figure 26 shows another means of affixing a first element 78 to a second element 80 by means of double sided sticky tape 84 which is first attached to one or other of the elements 78,80 and then the other or the one of the elements 80,78 are fixed to the double sided sticky tape 84.

Figure 27 shows yet another way in which the first 78 and second 80 elements can be joined, this time using stitching 86 which joins the two elements 80,78 together.

Not shown in the various descriptions is also a method of joining two elements 78,80 by ferrous metal staples which, when disposed of in the ground, quickly rust away and become, therefore, environmentally acceptable waste.

Each of the means of attachment can be applied alone, or in any combination with the other means of attachment. "

Attention is next drawn to Figure 28 which shows a variation on the entire rucksack where a disposable rucksack body 10 is used with re-usable or disposable straps 88 into which the rucksack body 10 is dropped. Shoulder straps can be attached. This embodiment is particularly useful for carrying grocery sacks and the like which are provided by retail outlets. The embodiment shown in Figure 28 is also suitable for carrying boxed items from electrical and mechanical retail or wholesale outlets. The horizontal straps 90 and the vertical straps 92 can be made adjustable to accommodate different sizes and shapes or packages or rucksack main body 10. The front straps 94 of the vertical straps 92 may be folded over the back straps 96 and attached thereto by any of the means hereinbefore described the better to hold the main rucksack body 10 or other item within the re-usable straps 88. The shoulder straps, otherwise shown in the earlier figures, are attached to the back portion of the vertical straps 92 as illustrated elsewhere in this patent specification.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 29A to 29C, which shows the sequence of forming a paper tape carrying handle by folding a length of the material once from each side and gluing flat, doubling the thickness of the paper tape.

Figure 29A shows a length of carrying strap material 97. Figure 29B shows the outer edges of the material 97 being folded inwards. Figure 29C shows the folded paper tape to be used as a carrying strap 24.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 30A to 30C which shows the sequence of folding over the top of the disposable bag 10 to form a carrying handle 98. Figure 30A shows the disposable bag 10 with the top edges pressed together. Figure 30B shows the top of the bag 10 folded over once. Figure 30C shows the top of the bag 10 folded over a second time to form a carrying handle 98. The process of folding over the top of the bag may be repeated until the desired seal and/or carrying handle are obtained.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 31, which shows a reinforcing base 99 in the bottom of the disposable bag 10. (In this figure, the disposable bag 10 is shown as transparent.) The base 99 can be attached to the bag or remain loose and will lie flat in the bottom in order to provide additional strength.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 32A, which shows slots 100 in the top of the disposable bag 10 to be used as carrying handles. Figure 32B shows how the slot 100 can be reinforced by attaching additional material 101 to the bag 10 around the slot.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 33A to 33C, which show three examples of where the bottom straps 24 or bottom of the continuous straps 24 may be attached to the bottom of the disposable bag 10. The invention provides that the carrying straps may be attached to the bottom of the bag 10 in any location.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 34A to 34C, which show three examples of where the upper straps 24 or tops of the continuous straps 24 may be attached to the back of the disposable bag 10 (ie the side furthermost from the body) and show how the straps 24 run over the top of the bag 10. The invention provides that the carrying straps may be attached to the back of the bag 10 in any location.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 35, which shows where the bottom straps 24 or bottom of the continuous straps 24 may be attached to the back of the disposable bag 10 (ie the side furthermost from the body) and shows how the straps 24 run underneath the bottom of the bag 10. The invention provides that the carrying straps may be attached to the back of the bag 10 in any location.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 36, which shows where the upper straps 24 or tops of the continuous straps 24 may be attached to the bottom of the disposable bag 10 and shows how the straps 24 run past the back and over the top of the bag 10. The invention provides that the carrying straps may be attached to the bottom of the bag 10 in any location.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 37, which shows the carrying straps 24 attached to the sides of the disposable bag 10. Attention is next drawn to Figure 38, which shows the carrying straps 24 attached to each other as well as to the disposable bag 10. The invention provides for the carrying straps 24 to be attached to each other and the disposable bag 10 on any face of the disposable bag 10.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 39A to 39C, which show how the carrying strap 24 can be folded to form a right angle. Figure 39A shows a flat carrying strap 24. Figure 39B shows one end of the carrying strap 24 folded underneath itself to form one right angle. Figure 39C shows the other end of carrying strap 24 folded underneath itself to form another right angle.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 40, which shows one example of how the folded carrying straps can be attached to the disposable bag and also one example of how the carrying straps 24 can be attached in any direction on the disposable bag 24. In this case, the carrying straps 24 are attached to the sides of the disposable bag 10. The invention provides that the carrying straps 24 may be attached to the disposable bag 10 on any face and in any direction.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 41, which shows a longer length of carrying strap 24 attached to the disposable bag 10.

Finally, attention is drawn to Figure 42, which shows reinforcing tabs 102 joined to the carrying straps 24 and disposable bag 10. The reinforcing tabs 102 may be any length and width and attached in any direction, partially or completely covering a length of the carrying strap 24.

The items hereinbefore described may be constructed from a variety of materials, which can paper, waxed paper, coated paper, waterproof paper, waterproof lined paper, water resistant paper, water resilient paper, recyclable paper, recycled paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, any biodegradable material (including inter alia paper, fibre, textile and plastic) and any textile.

The invention also comprises any permutation and combination of materials, embodiments and techniques as hereinbefore described.

Claims

1. A rucksack, comprising: a main disposable bag for containing items to be carried; and at least one carrying strap, usable to allow an individual to carry the bag upon the individual's back; said disposable bag being at least one of disposable, biodegradable and recyclable.

2. A rucksack, according to claim 1, comprising a set of reusable disposable straps, said bag being removably insertable into said set of straps.

3. A rucksack, according to claim 1, comprising one or more straps affixed to the bag.

4. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main disposable bag comprises a bottom, reinforced by means of an additional base within said disposable bag.

5. A rucksack, according to claim 4, wherein said additional base is attached to said main disposable bag.

6. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover for covering the main disposable bag, said cover being at least one of: mechanically protective; spill resistant; spill repellant; water-resilient and water proof.

7. A rucksack, according to the previous claim, wherein said cover is also operative to cover said one or more carrying straps .

8. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main disposable bag comprises an insert within said main disposable bag, said insert being at least one of: waterproof; and water-resilient.

9. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more ancillary compartments and means for attaching said one or more ancillary compartments to the outer surface of said main disposable bag.

10. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the carrying straps is split, the said at least one carrying strap comprising: a first side and a second side, with a first part on a first side being affixable to a selectable position of a second part on said second side.

11. A rucksack, according to claim 10, wherein fixing of a first part to a second part comprises at least one of: a buckle; glue; velcro; stapling; single sided sticky tape; double sided sticky tape; clips; string passing around a button; two pieces of string tied together; punched tabs being inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots; and punched tabs having side extensions inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots.

12. A rucksack, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one continuous strap, said at least one continuous strap comprising: folding means operative to fold a loop portion of the continuous strap along the length of the continuous strap; and fixing means, operative to attach the loop portion to the length of the continuous strap to maintain the shortened length of the folded strap.

13. A rucksack, according to claim 12, wherein said fixing means comprises at least one of: velcro; glue; stapling; single sided sticky tape; double sided sticky tape; by clips; string passing around a button; two pieces of string tied together; punched tabs inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots; and punched tabs having side extensions inserted into a selectable one of a plurality of tab accepting slots .

14. A rucksack, according any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one carrying strap is strengthened by folding along the length of each strap and by attaching the construction material along its length to form a plural ply tape.

15. A rucksack, according to claim 14, wherein said construction material is attached to itself in a longitudinal direction by at least one of: gluing; stapling; sewing; and welding.

16. A rucksack, according to claims 14 or 15, wherein said plural ply tape comprises two or more layers of construction material.

17. A rucksack, according to any of claims 14, 15 or 16, wherein said straps comprise construction material folded one or more times from either side.

18. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, constructed from at least one of: paper; waxed paper; coated paper; waterproof paper; waterproof lined paper; water resistant paper; recyclable paper; recycled paper; cardboard; corrugated cardboard; any biodegradable fibrous; and textile.

19. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more carrying grips, for allowing a user to grip, lift and carry the rucksack.

20. A rucksack, according to claim 19, wherein said carrying grip comprises one or more folds of the top of the main disposable bag.

21. A rucksack, according to the last claim 19, wherein said carrying grips comprises at least: one or more handles; and one or more lifting tabs.

22. A rucksack, according to claim 21, wherein said one or more carrying handles comprises a respective one or more slots cut into the top of the main disposable bag.

23. A rucksack, according to claim 22, wherein each slot is reinforced with extra material there-around.

24. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one carrying strap is two or more carrying straps substantially vertically disposed to support the main disposable bag, and further comprising one or more cross straps for affixing between said one or more carrying straps.

25. A rucksack, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more carrying straps is attached to the disposable bag by its inner or outer surface.

26. A rucksack, according claim 25, comprising one or more reinforcing tabs applied to the joins between the disposable bag and the carrying straps.