WO2016160780A1

WO2016160780A1 - Apparatus with terry cloth handle or strap

Info

Publication number: WO2016160780A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/024665
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stacey Blumenfeld
Original assignee: Blume Always, Inc.
Priority date: 2015-03-30
Filing date: 2016-03-29
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Also published as: CN207721382U; EP3277119A4; US20160286926A1; EP3277119A1

Abstract

An apparatus for carrying articles or goods and having a strap formed of a terry cloth material is provided. The terry cloth material may be interwoven with elastic strands such that the terry cloth strap is void of an elastic band. The terry cloth strap arrangements may be used with various types of bags, such as handbags, tote bags, athletic bags, and the like, and may include a single or double strap arrangement.

Description

APPARATUS WITH TERRY CLOTH HANDLE OR STRAP

CROSS-REFERENCE

[01] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser.

No. 14/672,655, filed March 30, 2015, entitled APPARATUS WITH TERRY CLOTH HANDLE OR STRAP. The prior application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[02] This application deals with handbags or other devices or articles used to carry objects or goods, including handbags having one handle or strap, two handles or straps, etc. More specifically, this application deals bags including a terry cloth or terry cloth-like handle or strap.

BACKGROUND

[03] In today's busy world, people are on-the-go more than ever. Accordingly, people are carrying more items with them on a daily basis. For instance, depending on the individual, as people head off to work, or out for the day, they may carry with them items such as a laptop or tablet computing device, change of footwear, snack or lunch, change of clothes (e.g., gym clothes), additional clothing such as a sweater or jacket, and/or baby items such as diapers, bottles, wipes, and the like. All of these items may be carried in one or more bags (e.g., tote bags, backpacks, diaper bags, etc.).

[04] However, carrying even one bag with even some of these items in it can be uncomfortable. That is, conventional straps may rub or irritate the user's hand, shoulder, etc. Further, the rigidity of conventional straps may make the bag awkward to carry when walking (e.g., the bag may not move with the person as they are walking).

SUMMARY

[05] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. The summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the description below.

[06] In light of the above, aspects described herein are directed to an apparatus for carrying goods, such as a bag, that has one or more straps formed of a terry cloth material. The terry cloth material may include an elastic band or may be interwoven with elastic strands to provide stretch in a first direction but limit stretch in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. The terry cloth material may, in some examples, be void of an elastic band. Various types of bags (e.g., handbags, tote bags, back packs, athletic bags, etc.) may be used with the terry cloth strap arrangements described herein. Further, the terry cloth straps described herein may have varying lengths and, in some examples, may have an adjustable length.

[07] These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[08] The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included by way of example, and not by way of limitation with regard to the claimed invention.

[09] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for carrying goods and including two straps formed of a terry cloth material, according to one or more aspects described herein.

[10] FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and further illustrates the two straps formed of a terry cloth material, according to one or more aspects described herein. [11] FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus for carrying goods having two straps formed of a terry cloth material, according to one or more aspects described herein.

[12] FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus for carrying goods having two straps formed of a terry cloth material and further illustrating a void formed by a main body portion of the article, according to one or more aspects described herein.

[13] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate arrangement of an apparatus for carrying goods having one strap formed of a terry cloth material, according to one or more aspects described herein.

[14] FIG. 6 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 and further illustrates the single strap formed of a terry cloth material, according to one or more aspects described herein.

[15] FIG. 7 is a side view of the apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6, according to one or more aspects described herein.

[16] FIG. 8 is a top view of the apparatus of FIGS. 5-7 and further illustrates the single strap formed of a terry cloth material, according to one or more aspects described herein.

[17] FIG. 9 is another alternate arrangement of an apparatus for carrying goods having a single strap formed of a terry cloth material and extending across a void formed by a main body portion of the article, according to one or more aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[18] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose an apparatus for carrying goods or articles and having at least one handle or strap formed of a terry cloth material. The described apparatus may include various types of carrying devices, such as a handbag, tote bag, purse, carry-on bag, messenger- style bag, duffel bag, athletic bag, backpack, and the like. Although various descriptions of the apparatus may refer to the apparatus as a bag or tote bag, any type of bag having at least one strap may be used with the arrangements discussed herein without departing from the invention.

[19] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one example apparatus for carrying articles or goods and having at least one handle or strap. The apparatus 100 shown is in the form of a tote bag. However, as indicated above, various other types of bags may be used without departing from the invention. The tote bag 100 includes a main body portion 102 forming a void 112 configured to receive articles or other goods being carried within the tote bag 100. The tote bag 100 further includes two straps 104a, 104b. Although the arrangement of FIGS. 1-4 includes two straps 104a, 104b, arrangements having a single strap (e.g., only one strap) may also be used, as will be discussed more fully below.

[20] The main body portion 102 may be formed of any of various textile materials, such as cotton, wool, nylon, and the like. In at least some arrangements, the main body portion 102 may be formed of a material different from terry cloth. The main body portion 102 may include a first side panel 106 and an opposite second side panel 108, as well as a bottom panel 114. In some arrangements, the two side panels 106, 108 may be joined along three of four edges forming each side panel (e.g., along two vertical edges and a bottom, horizontal edge of each panel). In other examples, the main body portion 102 may be formed from four side panels, each connected to an abutting side panel, and a bottom panel connected on each of four edges to one of the four side panels. Various other arrangements of the main body portion 102 may be used without departing from the invention. The various panels forming the main body portion may be joined to each other using known methods of attachment, such as stitching, adhesives, and the like.

[21] As discussed above, the main body portion 102 forms or defines a void 112 for receiving articles or goods. Accordingly, the main body portion 102 may be generally open at a top portion or may include a closure system (e.g., zipper, buttons, snap, etc.) to aid in maintaining the articles within the tote bag 100. [22] As discussed above, the tote bag 100 includes two straps 104a, 104b. Although two straps 104a, 104b are shown in FIGS. 1-4, one strap may also be used, as will be discussed more fully herein. Each of the straps 104a, 104b is formed of a material formed of a plurality of loops, such as terry cloth. In some examples, the terry cloth material forming the straps 104a, 104b may be elastic, such that the straps 104a, 104b may stretch. For instance, terry is generally woven having two beams of longitudinal wrap through which the filler is fired. In some arrangements described herein, these beams may be elastic strands, thereby providing a terry material that can stretch without requiring an additional elastic band, such as a continuous elastic band extending through a strap. Accordingly, the terry strap arrangements described herein may, in some examples, be void of an elastic band. These arrangements may be referred to as elasta-terry material. The elastic beams may allow stretch of the terry material in a first direction, such as a longitudinal direction, but may provide considerably less stretch in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The elastic terry strap arrangement may provide a softer, more comfortable feel since a conventional elastic band can be stiff and rough to the touch. In other examples, the terry cloth material may include an elastic band arranged within or extending through the terry cloth material.

[23] In some examples, the entirety of each strap 104a, 104b may be formed of the terry cloth material (e.g., elasta-terry material) and each strap 104a, 104b may be either permanently connected to or non-destructively, removably connected to the main body portion 102. For instance, in arrangements in which the straps 104a, 104b are permanently connected to the main body portion 102, the straps 104a, 104b may be connected via stitching, adhesives, and the like. Each strap 104a, 104b may include two opposite ends 110a, 110b. Each end 110a, 110b may then be connected to the main body portion 102. For instance, ends 110a, 110b of strap 104a may be connected to the first side panel 106, while ends 110a, 110b of strap 104b may be connected to the second side panel 108. [24] In some arrangements, each end 110a, 110b may be connected to an interior region (e.g., an inward (e.g., toward the void 112) facing portion of a side panel 106, 108) of the main body portion 102, an exterior region (e.g., on an exterior or outward facing surface of the side panels 106, 108) of the main body portion 102, between an interior and exterior surface of a side panel 106, 108 forming the main body portion 102, along a top surface of the side panel 106, 108 forming the main body portion 102, or various combinations thereof.

[25] In arrangements in which the straps 104a, 104b are non-destructively, removably connected to the main body portion 102, the straps 104a, 104b may be connected via buckles, buttons, snaps, or various other known connectors.

[26] The terry cloth (e.g.., elasta-terry) straps 104a, 104b may be formed to any suitable length. For instance, the straps 104a, 104b, may be relatively short straps such that the bag 100 may be carried in a hand of a user. In some examples, the length of the straps 104a, 104b may be between four (4) inches and ten (10) inches in length to accommodate carrying in the hand of the user. In other examples, the length of the straps 104a, 104b may be longer to permit the user to carry the bag 100 either in a hand of the user or on a shoulder of the user. In these examples, the straps 104a, 104b may be between ten (10) inches and thirty (30) inches in length. In still other arrangements the straps 104a, 104b may be longer to accommodate cross-body type wearing of the bag. In these examples, the length of the straps 104a, 104b may be between thirty (30) and fifty (50) inches.

[27] Regardless of the length of the straps 104a, 104b, the length may be adjustable to accommodate different carrying arrangements. For instance, a slide fastener may be used to maintain a length of the straps 104a, 104b, and may be adjusted to lengthen or shorted the strap, as desired.

[28] A width of the straps 104a, 104b may also vary depending on, for example, a size of the bag 100 (e.g., smaller bags may have thinner width straps), a purpose of the bag (e.g., a bag intended to carry heavy goods may have a thicker width strap), and the like. In some examples, the width of the straps 104a, 104b may vary between one (1) inch and four (4) inches and, in some arrangements may be between one (1) inch and three (3) inches. Although arrangements shown herein may include one or more straps 104a, 104b have a constant width, straps of varying widths may also be used. For instance, a strap 104a, 104b may taper such that it is wider at ends 110a, 110b and narrower toward the middle (e.g., a point generally midway between end 110a and 110b) of the strap.

[29] The thickness of the straps 104a, 104b may aid in providing cushioning to the user and may vary. Similar to the width, the thickness of the straps 104a, 104b may vary based on size of the bag, purpose of the bag, and the like. A difference in the thickness of the terry cloth may be due to use of different loop types or may be due to thicker or thinner types of terry cloth being used. In some arrangements, the thickness of the straps 104a, 104b may vary between 0.2 and 1.0 inches and, in some examples, may be between 0.25 and 0.5 inches. Similar to the width, a thickness of the straps may vary along a length of the strap such that the strap may have a greater thickness in areas that are likely to contact the body of the wearer.

[30] As discussed herein, the terry cloth straps (e.g., elasta-terry or other elasticized terry cloth straps) may be configured to stretch upon a force being applied and return to the unstretched position when the force is removed. In some examples, a strap 104a, 104b (or any of the straps described herein) may stretch between 10% and 30% of the length of the strap without destruction. In some examples, the strap may stretch between 10% and 15% without destruction.

[31] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an alternate arrangement illustrating an apparatus for carrying articles or goods 200 that includes only one handle or strap 204. Similar to the arrangement discussed above, the apparatus or bag includes a main body portion 202. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 5-8, the apparatus 200 is an athletic equipment bag. However, various other types of bags may be used with a single strap. For instance, a tote bag similar to the arrangements discussed above may be used with a single handle or strap, as will be discussed more fully below. [32] Bag 200 includes a first side panel 206, a second side panel 208 and a connecting panel 205 extending around the bag 200 and connecting the first side panel 206 to the second side panel 208 to define a void formed by the main body portion 202. Although an opening to the void is not shown, a zipper or other closure may be provided along the first side panel 206, second side panel 208, or connecting panel 205 to permit access to the void. Various other closures may be used without departing from the invention.

[33] Similar to the examples discussed above, the single strap 204 may be formed of a terry cloth material. As discussed above, the terry cloth material forming the strap 204 may be elastic, such that the strap 204 may stretch. The elasticity in the strap 204 may arise from the beams of the terry being formed of elastic strands, thereby providing a terry material that can stretch without requiring an additional elastic band (e.g., the terry straps may be void of an elastic band). The elastic beams may allow stretch of the terry material in a first direction, such as a longitudinal direction, but may provide considerably less stretch in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The elastic terry strap arrangement may provide a softer, more comfortable feel since an elastic band can be stiff and rough to the touch.

[34] The handle or strap 204 may be either permanently connected to or removably connected to the main body portion 102. For instance, in arrangements in which the strap 204 is permanently connected to the main body portion 202, the strap 204 may be connected via stitching, adhesives, and the like. The strap 204 may include two opposite ends 210a, 210b that may each be connected to the main body portion 202. In some examples, each end 210a, 210b may be connected to a panel of the main body portion 202, such as connecting panel 205, as shown in FIGS. 5-8. Alternatively, the strap 204 may be connected to first side panel 206 or second side panel 208.

[35] In still other arrangements, rather than each end 210a, 210b of the strap 204 being connected to a single body panel, each end 210a, 210b of the strap 204 may connect to opposite body panels, thereby causing the strap 204 to extend from one side panel, across the void created by the main body portion 202, and to the other side panel. This arrangement may add stability in arrangements having one strap 204 and is discussed more fully below with respect to FIG. 9.

[36] Similar to the arrangements discussed above, each end 210a, 210b may be connected to the main body portion 102 via an interior region (e.g., an inward (e.g., toward the void) facing portion of a panel 205, 206, 208 of the main body portion 202, an exterior region (e.g., on an exterior or outward facing surface of the panels 205, 206, 208) of the main body portion 202, between an interior and exterior surface of a panel forming the main body portion 202, or combinations thereof.

[37] Similar to the bag 100 having two straps described above, the terry cloth strap 204 may be formed to any suitable length. For instance, the strap 204 may be relatively short such that the bag 200 may be carried in a hand of a user. In other examples, the length of the strap 204 may be longer to permit the user to carry the bag 200 either in a hand of the user, on a shoulder of the user, or in a cross-body arrangement. The length of the strap 204 for any of these arrangements may be similar to those discussed above, and may be adjustable, as described with respect to the two strap arrangement.

[38] A width of the strap 204 may vary depending on, for example, a size of the bag 200 (e.g., smaller bags may have thinner width straps), a purpose of the bag (e.g., a bag intended to carry heavy goods may have a thicker width strap), and the like. In some examples, the width of the strap 204 may be between one (1) inch and four (4) inches.

[39] The thickness of the strap 204 may aid in providing cushioning to the user and may vary. Similar to the width, the thickness of the strap 204 may vary based on size of the bag, purpose of the bag, and the like. In some arrangements, the thickness of the straps 104a, 104b may vary between 0.2 and 1.0 inches.

[40] As indicated above, FIG. 9 illustrates yet another alternate arrangement of an apparatus for carrying goods having a strap formed of a terry cloth material. The apparatus 300 is shown as a tote bag, similar to tote bag 100, but various other types of bags may be used without departing from the invention. [41] Similar to the arrangements discussed above, the bag 300 includes a main body portion 302 formed of a plurality of panels 306, 308. The bag 300 further includes a strap 304 having a first end 310a and a second end 310b. Each end 310a, 310b of the strap 304 is connected to a different side panel of the bag 300. That is, end 310a is connected to first side panel 306, while end 310b is connected to second side panel 308. Accordingly, the strap 304 extends from the first side panel 306, across the void 312 formed by the main body portion 302, to the second side panel 308.

[42] The length, width, thickness, or various other configurations of the strap 304 shown in FIG. 9 may be similar to those arrangements discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-8.

[43] The terry cloth strap arrangements described herein may be used with bags of varying types, as discussed above, as well as with bags of varying sizes. For instance, large bags, small bags, etc. may benefit from the advantages of the terry cloth strap arrangements described herein.

[44] The terry cloth handle or strap arrangements provided herein may provide for increased comfort when carrying a bag. For instance, when carrying a bag, whether the bag is carried in the hand of the user, on the shoulder of the user, across the body of the user, etc., conventional straps may irritate the portion of the body on which the bag is carried. That is, a conventional strap held in the hand of a user or on a shoulder of the user may rub the hand or shoulder, thereby causing discomfort when carrying the bag. The terry cloth strap arrangements described herein provide a more comfortable strap that may provide cushioning, as well as a soft surface, for contact with the body part.

[45] Further, the lack of an elastic band within the strap may also increase the comfort for the user. In conventional arrangements, an elastic band may extend through an outer material (e.g., cotton, terry, nylon, etc.). The elastic band is generally stiff and may cause discomfort when, for instance, a hand is wrapped around a strap having an elastic band extending therethrough. Accordingly, use of elastic strands in forming the terry cloth strap arrangements described herein may increase comfort without sacrificing elasticity.

[46] The elasticity of the terry cloth strap arrangements described herein may also increase comfort associated with carrying a bag because the elasticity of the terry cloth strap(s) will provide bounce to the bag as a user is, for instance, walking. Accordingly, as the user is walking with the bag, the bag may bounce, thereby providing a more natural ride of the bag through a user's gait.

[47] Yet another advantage arises upon lifting the bag (and any objects therein).

As a user lifts a bag having the terry cloth strap arrangements described herein, the elasticity in the terry cloth strap(s) will permit the straps to stretch, thereby providing a more gradual lifting experience for the user. This may reduce the risk of strain associated with lifting objects within the bag.

[48] The underwear garment shown above having a sweatband waistband provides several advantages. For instance, as discussed above, the sweatband waistband provides moisture absorption in the midriff region when a user in working out or doing other strenuous activities. In addition, the sweatband waistband provides a soft, comfortable waistband for the user.

[49] In light of the foregoing disclosure and description of various arrangements, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For instance, features described with respect to one arrangement may be used in combination with features described in alternate arrangements, without departing from the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

Claims: What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for carrying goods, comprising:

a main body portion defining a void configured for carrying goods; and at least one strap, the at least one strap being formed of an elasta-terry material having a plurality of elastic strands as a base for a terry cloth material and interwoven with the terry cloth material, the at least one strap being connected to the main body portion.

2. The apparatus for carrying goods of claim 1, wherein the main body portion is formed of a textile material different from elasta-terry.

3. The apparatus for carrying goods of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is void of an elastic band.

4. The apparatus for carrying goods of claim 1, wherein the elasta-terry forms the entirety of the at least one strap.

5. The apparatus for carrying goods of claim 1, wherein the main body portion further includes at least a first side panel, a second side panel, and a bottom panel connecting a first end of the first side panel and a first end of the second side panel.

6. The apparatus for carrying goods of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap includes two straps, each strap being formed of elasta-terry having a plurality of elastic strands as a base for the terry cloth material and interwoven with the terry cloth.

7. The apparatus for carrying goods of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is has a length that is adjustable.

8. A bag, comprising: a first textile panel having a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge;

a second textile panel having a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge of the second textile panel being connected to the first side edge of the first textile panel and the second side edge of the second textile panel being connected to the second side edge of the first textile panel;

a bottom panel connecting the first end of the first textile panel to the first end of the second textile panel;

wherein the first textile panel, second textile panel and bottom panel define a void configured to receive goods, the void having an opening formed by the second end of the first textile panel and the second end of the second textile panel, the opening being opposite the bottom portion; and

a strap formed of a terry cloth material including a plurality of elastic strands forming a base of the terry cloth material and interwoven with the terry cloth material, the strap being connected to the second end of the first textile panel and the second end of the second textile panel.

9. The bag of claim 8, wherein the terry cloth material including the plurality of elastic strands forms the entirety of the strap.

10. The bag of claim 8, wherein the plurality of elastic strands allow stretch in a first direction but limit stretch in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The bag of claim 8, wherein the strap is void of an elastic band.

12. The bag of claim 8, wherein the strap has a length that is adjustable.

13. The bag of claim 8, wherein the strap is removably connected to the first textile panel and the second textile panel.

14. The bag of claim 8, wherein the first textile panel, the second textile panel and the bottom panel are formed of a material different from terry cloth.

15. A bag, comprising:

a main body portion, the main body portion including at least a first side panel, a second side panel and a bottom panel extending between and connecting the first side panel to the second side panel, the main body portion defining a void having an opening at an end opposite the bottom panel and the main body portion being formed of a textile material;

a first strap, the first strap having a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end of the first strap being connected to the first side panel, the first strap being formed of a terry cloth material including a plurality of elastic strands forming a base of the terry cloth material and interwoven with the terry cloth material; and

a second strap, the second strap having a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end of the second strap being connected to the second side panel, the second strap being formed of the terry cloth material including the plurality of elastic strands forming the base of the terry cloth material and interwoven with the terry cloth material.

16. The bag of claim 15, wherein the first strap and the second strap are each void of an elastic band.

17. The bag of claim 16, wherein the first strap and the second strap each have a length that is adjustable.

18. The bag of claim 16, wherein the first strap and the second strap have a length between ten inches and thirty inches.

19. The bag of claim 16, wherein each of the first strap and the second strap has a width between one inch and three inches.

20. The bag of claim 16, wherein each of the first strap and the second strap has a thickness between 0.25 inches and 0.5 inches.