U.S. patent application number 10/977818 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for multipurpose tote bag.
Invention is credited to Tom Brock, Philip Woods.
Application Number | 20060090975 10/977818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36260531 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060090975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brock; Tom ; et al. |
May 4, 2006 |
Multipurpose tote bag
Abstract
A multipurpose tote bag includes a detachable ground cover
having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between
the upper and the lower ends, and an attaching means positioned
along the upper end. The tote bag also includes a tote member
having a base member, a front portion and an opposed back portion
extending from the base portion, and a pair of opposed side
portions extending from the base portion and disposed between the
front portion and the back portion. Either one of the front portion
or the back portion includes at least one outside pocket member.
The tote bag still also includes an attaching means positioned
along an upper edge of either one of the front portion or the back
portion that is complementary to the ground cover attaching means,
for securing the ground cover to the tote member. The tote bag
further includes a carrying means secured to said tote member, and
a side separating means integral with the side end of the tote
member for separating the side portion in half in order to open up
the tote member.
Inventors: |
Brock; Tom; (Brownstown,
MI) ; Woods; Philip; (Flat Rock, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, GROH, SPRINKLE & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
36260531 |
Appl. No.: |
10/977818 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/2 ;
190/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/20 20130101;
A45C 15/00 20130101; A45F 4/06 20130101; A47C 7/386 20130101; A47C
31/11 20130101; A45F 4/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/002 ;
190/008 |
International
Class: |
A47C 17/82 20060101
A47C017/82; A47C 19/22 20060101 A47C019/22; A45F 4/00 20060101
A45F004/00; A47C 13/00 20060101 A47C013/00 |
Claims
1. A multipurpose tote bag comprising: a detachable ground cover
having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between
said upper and said lower ends, and a ground cover attaching means
positioned along said upper end; a tote member including a base
member, a front portion and an opposed back portion extending from
said base portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending
from said base portion and disposed between said front portion and
said back portion, wherein either one of said front portion or said
back portion includes at least one outside pocket member; a tote
member attaching means positioned along an upper edge of either one
of said front portion or said back portion that is complementary to
said ground cover attaching means, for securing said ground cover
to said tote member; a carrying means attached to said tote member;
and a side separating means integral with said side end of said
tote member for separating said side portion in half in order to
open said tote member.
2. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said ground
cover is generally rectangular and is made from a flexible fabric
material.
3. The multipurpose tote member of claim 2 wherein said ground
cover is made from at least two layers of material joined
together.
4. The multipurpose tote member of claim 3 wherein at least one
layer of material is weatherproof.
5. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said ground
cover attaching means and said tote member attaching means is a
hook-and-loop type fastener.
6. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said front
portion of said tote member includes a padded portion that is
filled with a resilient material.
7. The multipurpose tote member of claim 6 wherein said padded
portion includes an indicia.
8. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said pocket
member is an insulating container means.
9. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said pocket
member is made from an open-weave material.
10. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said pocket
member includes at least one closing means for keeping said pocket
member closed.
11. The multipurpose tote member of claim 10 wherein said pocket
member closing means is a zipper.
12. The multipurpose tote member of claim 10 wherein said pocket
member closing means is a hook-and-loop fastener.
13. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said ground
cover includes an attaching means positioned along a lower end.
14. The multipurpose tote member of claim 13 further comprising a
removable weight means secured to said ground cover attaching
means, wherein said weight means is a tube filled with a weighting
material.
15. The multipurpose tote member of claim 14 wherein said removable
weight means is a tube having an attaching means on an outside
surface of said tube corresponding to said ground cover attaching
means.
16. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 wherein said side
separating means is a zipper.
17. The multipurpose tote member of claim 1 further comprising a
side width adjusting means integral with said side portion of said
tote member.
18. The multipurpose tote member of claim 17 wherein said side
width adjusting means is a tab of hook-and-loop fastener
material.
19. A multipurpose tote bag for transporting items comprising: a
detachable ground cover having an upper end, a lower end and two
side ends disposed between said upper and said lower ends, and a
ground cover attaching means positioned along said upper end and
said lower end, wherein said ground cover is generally rectangular
and is made from a flexible fabric material; a removable weight
means secured to said ground cover attaching means at said lower
end of said ground cover, wherein said weight is a tube filled with
a weighting material; a tote member including a base member, a
front portion and an opposed back portion extending from said base
portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending from said
base portion and disposed between said front portion and said back
portion, wherein either one of said front portion or said back
portion includes at least one outside pocket member, and either one
of said front portion or said back portion includes a padded
portion that is filled with a resilient material; a tote member
attaching means positioned along an upper edge of either one of
said front portion or said back portion that is complementary to
said ground cover attaching means, for securing said ground cover
to said tote member; a carrying means attached to said tote member;
a side separating means integral with said side portion of said
tote member for separating said side portion in half in order to
open said tote member; and a side width adjusting means integral
with a side portion of said tote member for adjusting the width of
said side portion.
20. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said ground
cover is made from at least two layers of material joined
together.
21. The multipurpose tote member of claim 20 wherein at least one
layer of material is weatherproof.
22. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said ground
cover attaching means and said tote member attaching means is a
hook-and-loop type fastener.
23. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said padded
portion includes an indicia.
24. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said pocket
member is an insulating container means.
25. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said pocket
member is made from an elastic, open-weave material.
26. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19, wherein said pocket
member includes at least one closing means for keeping said pocket
member closed.
27. The multipurpose tote member of claim 26 wherein said pocket
member closing means is a zipper.
28. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said side
separating means is a hook-and-loop fastener.
29. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said side
separating means is a zipper.
30. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said side
width adjusting means is a tab of hook-and-loop fastener
material.
31. The multipurpose tote member of claim 19 wherein said carrying
means is a handle having an adjustable length.
32. A multipurpose tote bag used in transporting items and as a
chair cover comprising: a detachable chair cover having an upper
end, a lower end and two side ends disposed between said upper and
said lower ends, and a ground cover attaching means positioned
along said upper end, wherein said chair cover is generally
rectangular and is made from a flexible fabric material; a tote
member including a base member, a front portion and an opposed back
portion extending from said base portion, and a pair of opposed
side portions extending from said base portion and disposed between
said front portion and said back portion to form a central chamber,
wherein said front portion includes a padded portion that is filled
with a resilient material and said back portion includes a
plurality of outside pocket members; a tote member attaching means
positioned along an upper edge of either one of said front portion
or said back portion that is complementary to said ground cover
attaching means, for securing said ground cover to said tote
member; a carrying means secured to said tote member; a side
separating means integral with said side portion of said tote
member for dividing said side portions in half, in order to open
said tote member; and a side width adjusting means integral with a
side edge of said tote member for adjusting the width of said tote
member side portion when said tote member central portion is
positioned over an upper end of a chair.
33. The multipurpose tote member of claim 32 wherein said ground
cover attaching means and said tote member attaching means is a
hook-and-loop type fastener.
34. The multipurpose tote member of claim 32 wherein said pocket
member is an insulating container means.
35. The multipurpose tote member of claim 32 wherein said pocket
member is a pocket member made of an elastic, open-weave material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a tote bag and,
more specifically, to a multipurpose tote bag for carrying and
storing items.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Engaging in a recreational activity, such as going to the
beach, or a sporting event, or a picnic, typically includes a
substantial amount of paraphernalia. For example, these activities
typically require items such as a ground cover, sunscreen, food or
music or the like. At the same time, access to the recreational
activity may be limited to foot traffic, requiring that the
associated paraphernalia be carried a distance.
[0005] Various types of containers are generally available for
carrying items associated with a particular recreational activity,
such as tote bags, or coolers. It is also known to have a container
for a combination of items, such as a combined beach mat and tote
bag. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,219 to Lopes discloses a
combination beach mat and tote bag made of a sheet of fabric that
folds in half and is secured by side zippers to form the tote bag.
While this tote bag works for carrying items, a disadvantage is
that you have to remove all the items you bring with you to use the
tote portion as a ground cover.
[0006] It is also known in the art to provide a protective cloth
with an anchoring means to keep the cloth from being displaced,
i.e. the wind blowing a beach blanket. An example of such a device
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,876 to Graves; U.S. Pat. No.
4,223,056 to DiFronzo; U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,430 to Nicoll or U.S.
Pat. No. 5,206,964 to Wilson. While these devices work in securing
the cloth to the ground, they do not provide additional features.
Thus there is a need in the art for a multifunctional tote bag that
includes a detachable ground cloth that stays in place, a variety
of outer compartments for holding associated recreational items,
and is easy to transport.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention is a multifunctional tote
bag. The multifunctional tote bag includes a detachable ground
cover having an upper end, a lower end and two side ends disposed
between the upper and the lower ends, and an attaching means
positioned along the upper end. The tote bag also includes a tote
member having a base member, a front portion and an opposed back
portion extending from the base portion, and a pair of opposed side
portions extending from the base portion and disposed between the
front portion and the back portion. Either one of the front portion
or the back portion includes at least one outside pocket member.
The tote bag still also includes an attaching means positioned
along an upper edge of either one of the front portion or the back
portion that is complementary to the ground cover attaching means,
for securing the ground cover to the tote member. The tote bag
further includes a carrying means secured to the tote member, and a
side separating means integral with the side end of the tote member
for dividing the side end in half, in order to open up the tote
member.
[0008] One advantage of the present invention is that a
multifunctional tote bag is provided that includes a ground cloth,
outer storage compartments and an adjustable carrying strap for
efficiently transporting and storing items. Another advantage of
the present invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is
provided with a ground cloth that is detachable from the storage
compartment portion. Still another advantage of the present
invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided that can
serve as a cushion. A further advantage of the present invention is
that a multifunctional tote bag is provided that can be utilized in
conjunction with a chair. Still a further advantage of the present
invention is that a multifunctional tote bag is provided having
separate compartments for storing various types of items. Yet still
a further advantage of the present invention is that a
multifunctional tote bag is provided having a ground cover with a
weighting means for holding the ground cover in place.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after
reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front side of a
multifunctional tote bag, according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a back side of a
multifunctional tote bag, according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is another view of the back side of the
multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multifunctional tote bag
of FIG. 1 opened, with the towel attached, according to the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tote member portion of
the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an end view of the multifunctional tote bag of
FIG. 1, according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top view of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG.
1, according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the multifunctional
tote bag similar to FIG. 4, according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the towel for the
multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the multifunctional tote bag of FIG. 1, according to the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, a multifunctional tote bag 10 is
illustrated. It is contemplated that the multifunctional tote bag
10 includes a plurality of features that enhance its use under a
variety of circumstances. In this example, the multifunctional tote
bag 10 is described in conjunction with a trip to a water activity,
such as the beach or the pool. Other recreational uses are also
contemplated, such as a sporting event, or a picnic, or a tailgate
party or the like.
[0021] The multifunctional tote bag 10 includes a detachable ground
cover portion 12. In this example, the ground cover 12 is a
generally rectangular member, and includes an upper end 12a, a
lower end 12b and two sides edges 12c disposed between the upper
and lower ends. The ground cover 12 is preferably made from a
flexible fabric material. Terrycloth is an example of a material
commonly used, since it is absorbent. Alternatively, the ground
cover 12 may include multiple layers of fabric material joined
together, such as an absorbent upper layer 12d, and a non-absorbent
lower layer 12e. The lower layer may be a material such as nylon or
the like that is weatherproof or weather resistant, or is
chemically treated to have these characteristics, against moisture
or wind. The upper layer is a material such as terrycloth.
[0022] The ground cover 12 also includes an attaching means 14
positioned along an end, for a purpose to be described. In this
example, the ground cover attaching means 14 is positioned along
both the upper end 12a and the lower end 12b of the ground cover
12. One type of attaching means 14 is a hook-and-loop fastener
tape, such as that sold under the name Velcro.
[0023] The multipurpose tote bag 10 also includes a tote member 16
that is detachable from the ground cover portion 12. The tote
member 16 is generally rectangular, and extends approximately the
corresponding width of the ground cover 12. The tote member 16
includes a base portion 18 that is generally rectangular. The tote
member 10 also includes two side portions 20 extending upwardly
from each short edge of the base portion. The tote member includes
a front portion 20 and a back portion 24 extending upwardly from
each long edge of the base portion. It should be appreciated that
an indicia 26, such as a logo is the like, may be positioned on
either one of the front portion 22 or back portion 24 or side
portions 20.
[0024] Each side portion 20 includes a separating means 28 for
dividing each of the side portions 20 in half. One example of a
separating means 28 is a zipper. Advantageously, each side portion
20 of the tote member 16 can be unzipped fully to open up the tote
member 16, as shown in FIG. 10. In this way, the tote member 16 can
be laid flat, or can provide access to an item contained within the
tote member 16.
[0025] The upper edges 22a, 24a of the front portion 22 and the
back portion 24 may include an attaching means 30 extending
therealong, such as the previously described hook-and-loop tape.
The upper edges of the tote member 22a, 24a can be sealed together
using the attaching means 30. In addition, the tote member
attaching means 30 is complementary to that of the ground cover
attaching means 14, for securing the ground cover 12 to the tote
member 16, in a manner to be described.
[0026] Preferably, the tote member 16 is also made from a flexible
fabric material, such as the nylon material described with respect
to the lower layer of the ground cover 12.
[0027] Either one of the front portion 22 or the back portion 24 of
the tote member 16 may include various features. One example of a
feature is an integrally formed padded portion 32. In this example,
the padded portion 32 is generally rectangular, and provides an
integral headrest or seat cushion for the user of the multipurpose
tote bag 10. The padded portion 32 includes an outer layer of
material enclosing an inner cushioning layer. Preferably, the inner
cushioning layer is a resilient material, such as foam.
[0028] A back portion 24 of the tote member 16 includes at least
one pocket member 34 integrally formed on an outer surface of the
back portion 24. Similarly, the back portion 24 may include a
pocket member 34 integrally formed on an inner surface of the back
portion. It should be appreciated that the front portion 22 of the
tote member 16 may also include a similar pocket member 34
integrally formed on either the inside or the outside of the front
portion 32.
[0029] In this example, the tote member 16 includes a plurality of
pocket members 34. The pocket members 34 may be configured to hold
different types of items. One example of a pocket member 34 is a
pocket made of an elastic, open-weave material, such as a mesh
material, as shown at 36. Another example of a pocket member 34 is
an insulated pocket member that includes an insulating container
means, as shown at 38. The insulated container means includes a
layer of insulating material. This type of pocket member 34 is
useful in maintaining any item contained therein at a preferred
temperature, such as hot or cold. Still another example of a pocket
member 34 is a pocket member that is made from a waterproof
material, for protecting the contents of the pocket from moisture,
as shown at 40. The pocket members 34 are advantageously
customizable for a wide range of contemplated uses associated with
such a multipurpose tote bag 10. It should be appreciated that the
pocket member opening is conveniently positioned, such as at an
upper end of the pocket, or a lower end, or at both the upper end
lower end, or along a side edge. In addition, the pocket member may
include at least one closing means 42 for securing the pocket
member 34 shut, such as a zipper, a hook-and-loop attachment, a
snap fastener, a button and buttonhole or the like.
[0030] The multipurpose tote bag 10 also includes a carrying means
44 for transporting the tote bag 10. Preferably the carrying means
44 is a handle formed from a piece of narrow material, such as
nylon, securely attached to the tote member 16, such as by sewing.
In this example, there are two handles, each secured to an upper
end 22a, 24a of each of the front portion 22 and the back portion
24. Alternatively, the carrying means 44 is a single strap that is
adjustable in length.
[0031] It should be appreciated that a central storage compartment
is formed between the front portion 22, back portion 24, side
portions 20 and base portion 18 of the tote member 16, as shown at
46. Several uses for the central storage compartment 46 are
contemplated. For example, the central storage compartment 46 can
be used to store the ground cover 12 when not is use.
[0032] The multipurpose tote bag 10 may also include a side width
adjusting means 50 for adjusting the width of the side portions 20.
For example, the side width adjusting means 50 may be a
hook-and-loop fastener tape, such as Velcro.
[0033] Another advantage of the present invention is a detachable
weight member 52 which can be positioned along the lower end of the
ground cover 12, to securely hold the ground cover 12 in place when
in use. The detachable weight member 52 is a tubular member filled
with a material, such as water or sand or the like. An outer
surface of the detachable weight member 52 also includes an
attaching means 54 corresponding to the ground cover attaching
means 14. The addition of the weight member 52 to the ground cover
12 assists in maintaining the ground cover 12 in a desired
location. Likewise, a weight member 52 may be secured to the
attaching means 14 on the upper end of the ground cover 12 to also
hold the ground cover 12 in the desired location. Alternatively,
the tote member 16 is attached to the attaching means 14 at the
upper end of the ground cover 12 using the attaching means to also
retain the ground cover 12 in the desired position.
[0034] It should be appreciated that the multipurpose tote bag 10
may include other features, such as a key loop (not shown), or an
integrally formed cup holder (not shown), or the like, which
enhances the flexibility of the multifunctional tote bag 10 under a
variety of circumstances.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the
multifunctional tote bag 110 has an additional use as a cover for a
chair 148. It should be appreciated that like features have like
reference numbers increased by 100. Advantageously, in this
embodiment the items which accompany the user are easily accessible
to the user. In this embodiment, the central storage compartment
146 of the tote bag 110 is positioned over the upper end of a chair
148, such as a lounge chair, as shown at 170. In this way, the
multipurpose tote bag 110 is utilized both to transport and store
items, and to provide a covering for the chair 148. The fit of the
tote bag 110 over the chair 148 is adjustable using the side width
adjusting means 150. The ground cover 112 is attached to the tote
member 116, and the weight member is attached to the bottom of the
ground cover 112 to hold the ground cover in place. Alternatively,
the padded portion of the tote member 116 can be used as a
headrest.
[0036] The present invention has been described in an illustrative
manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been
used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather
than of limitation.
[0037] Many modifications and variations of the present invention
are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the
scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be
practiced other than as specifically described.
* * * * *