U.S. patent application number 11/880827 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for convertible tote bag and seat cover.
Invention is credited to Mary Cathleen Bailey.
Application Number | 20090028466 11/880827 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40295419 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090028466 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bailey; Mary Cathleen |
January 29, 2009 |
Convertible tote bag and seat cover
Abstract
There is provided a convertible tote bag and seat cover
combination having a tote bag configuration and a seat cover
configuration. The convertible tote bag and seat cover includes a
first wall section, a second wall section, and a floor section
connected to the first wall section and also connected to the
second wall section. Attaching means such as snaps, zippers,
buttons, or hook and loop fasteners are affixed to attaching
regions of the first and second wall sections. The cover
configuration is converted to the tote bag configuration by
attaching these reciprocal attaching means, and conversely, the
tote bag configuration is converted to the seat cover configuration
by removing the reciprocal attaching means. Elasticized handles may
be positioned on the tote bag, and these handles can be
repositioned in the seat cover configuration to serve as straps.
The seat cover with straps can thus advantageously be used in
recreational functions such as providing a seat cover for a golf
car, a seat cover for a boat seat, a cover for a picnic table, a
beach towel, a ground cloth, and the like. Thus, the convertible
tote bag and seat cover also provides the dual function of carrying
recreational items and then providing a cover at the place of
recreation.
Inventors: |
Bailey; Mary Cathleen;
(Canton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GALLAGHER & KENNEDY, P. A.
2575 E. CAMELBACK RD. #1100
PHOENIX
AZ
85016
US
|
Family ID: |
40295419 |
Appl. No.: |
11/880827 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/4 ;
297/219.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2004/026 20130101;
A45F 4/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/4 ;
297/219.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00 |
Claims
1. A convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration, comprising: a first wall section; a second
wall section; a floor section connected to the first wall section
at a first foldable boundary, and also connected to the second wall
section at a second foldable boundary; a first upper attaching
region foldably attached to the first wall section at a first upper
foldable boundary line; a first lower attaching region foldably
attached to the first wall section at a first lower foldable
boundary line; a second upper attaching region foldably attached to
the second wall section at a second upper foldable boundary line; a
second lower attaching region foldably attached to the second wall
section at a second lower foldable boundary line; a first upper
attaching means affixed to the first upper attaching region; a
first lower attaching means affixed to the first lower attaching
region; a second upper attaching means affixed to the second upper
attaching region; a second lower attaching means affixed to the
second lower attaching region; wherein the cover configuration is
converted to the tote bag configuration by attaching the first
upper attaching means to the second upper attaching means and the
first lower attaching means to the second lower attaching means;
and wherein the tote bag configuration is converted to the cover
configuration by detaching the first upper attaching means from the
second upper attaching means and the first lower attaching means
from the second lower attaching means.
2. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the first wall
section and the second wall section further comprise a stiffening
panel.
3. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 further comprising a first
trim region affixed to the first wall section and a second trim
region affixed to the second wall section.
4. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 further comprising handles
affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section.
5. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 4 wherein the handles may be
affixed to a handle receiving position and a strap receiving
position.
6. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 4 wherein the handles
comprise an elastic material.
7. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 4 wherein the handles are
affixed by a handle fastener.
8. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 further comprising handles
affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section, and
also comprising straps affixed to the first wall section and the
second wall section.
9. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the attachment
means is selected from the group consisting of buttons, snaps,
hooks, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners.
10. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the first upper
attaching means is disposed proximate to the first upper foldable
boundary line, the first lower attaching means is disposed
proximate to the first lower foldable boundary line, and wherein
the second upper attaching means and the second lower attaching
means are disposed proximate to the edge.
11. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein a stiffening panel
is disposed in at least one of the first upper attaching region,
first lower attaching region, second upper attaching region, and
second lower attaching region.
12. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the first wall
section, the second wall section, and the floor section comprise an
inner material connected to an outer material.
13. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a
cover configuration according to claim 12 wherein the outer
material comprises a quilted fabric.
14. A method of converting a tote bag to a seat cover comprising
the steps of: positioning a first wall section and a second wall
section in approximately parallel position and such that the first
wall section and the second wall section are approximately normal
to a floor section; positioning a second upper attaching region to
the outside of a first upper attaching region; positioning a second
lower attaching region to the outside of a second upper attaching
region; connecting a first upper attaching means affixed to the
first upper attaching region to a second upper attaching means
affixed to a second upper attaching region; and connecting a first
lower attaching means affixed to a first lower attaching region to
a second lower attaching means affixed to a second lower attaching
region.
15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising affixing a
handle to the first wall section or the second wall section.
16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the step of connecting
a first upper attaching means affixed to the first upper attaching
region to a second upper attaching means affixed to a second upper
attaching region further comprises first connecting at a position
proximate the floor section; and wherein the step of connecting a
first lower attaching means affixed to a first lower attaching
region to a second lower attaching means affixed to a second lower
attaching region further comprises first connecting at a position
proximate the floor section.
17. A method of using a tote bag that can be converted to a seat
cover configuration, the method comprising the steps of: removing
the handles from the tote bag; separating the first upper attaching
means from the second upper attaching means; separating the first
lower attaching means from the second lower attaching means;
positioning the first wall section and the second wall section
approximately coplanar to the floor section; and attaching the
handles to the cover at the strap receiving position.
18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of
affixing the cover to a golf cart seat.
19. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of
affixing the cover to a boat seat.
20. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of
disposing the cover as a ground cover.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to covers and seat covers.
More particularly the present invention relates to a tote bag which
can be readily converted from a tote bag configuration to a seat
cover configuration and vice versa. Still more particularly, the
present invention relates to seat covers adapted for use with golf
carts, boat seats, beach towels, and picnic covers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Recreational activities and outdoor activities are popular
pass times in contemporary life. Golfing, boating, camping, and
other sports-related activities are examples of popular
recreational activities. Golfing, just to take one example, is a
very significant economic factor in American recreation. A Dec. 22,
2002 Report from SRI International, titled Golf Economy Report,
states that "The U.S. golf economy is significant, accounting for
$62.2 billion worth of goods and services in the year 2000."
[0003] In pursuing recreation, individuals often have a need to
transport items from their home location to the place of
recreation. Similarly, these individuals have a need to transport
items from a car or other means of transport to the final place of
recreation. In keeping with the example of golfing, items that may
need to be transported include: golf shoes and golf apparel, shower
items, refreshments, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and varied golf
equipment. A similar example can be illustrated for a day trip to a
beach, lake, or camping location or a day spent boating on a lake;
an individual may need to transport clothing, sunscreen,
refreshments, snacks, and recreational equipment itself (beach
toys, fishing gear, etc.) from home or car to the place of
recreation.
[0004] Of course individuals who pursue recreational interests have
been using a variety of means to transport their recreational
items. Examples of these means include baskets, shopping bags,
duffel bags, and backpacks or knapsacks of a variety of designs.
However, this form of transport has one inherent drawback. Baskets
and bags, for example, are inherently limited in their
functionality. Once items have been removed from them, the bag
itself must be folded up and stored out of the way; its function is
strictly to provide a means to transport the items to and from the
recreation spot. It would be a desirable improvement if the bag
itself could be usefully converted into something with a
recreation-assisting function.
[0005] In a variety of recreational activities, both those
mentioned above and others, there is a need to provide a certain
degree of sun protection or weather protection to recreational
equipment. For example, in the sport of golfing, the seat of a golf
cart can become uncomfortably hot when exposed to the sun. It would
be desired to provide some means of covering a hot golf cart seat,
especially during the summer; however, it is often deemed too much
bother or trouble to bring a seat cover for that dedicated purpose.
Likewise in the example of boating, boat seats can become
intolerably uncomfortable when exposed to full sunlight. There is a
clear need to provide a seat cover over such a boat seat. To cite a
further example, take the case of a day's recreation spent at a
beach, lake, or campsite. It is often desired to have some cover to
place on the ground upon which an individual may rest or set other
items. A beach towel or ground cover can be used; however, it would
be desired to have a simpler device. Further, in all of these
examples, it would also be desired to have a cover or device which
serves a dual function. Finally, in all of these examples, it would
also be desired to be able to use an item that would otherwise go
unused as an item with a dual function.
[0006] Hence there has been identified a need to provide an
improved seat cover or ground cover that can also serve a dual
function as a tote bag. Further, there is a need that the improved
seat cover be adapted for recreational usage such as with a golf
cart seat, a boat seat, or ground cover. Further, there is a need
for a combined seat cover and tote bag that can be readily
converted between each shape and function. The present invention
addresses one or more of these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and
by way of example only, there is provided a convertible apparatus
having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration. The
apparatus includes as elements: a first wall section, a second wall
section, and a floor section connected to the first wall section at
a first foldable boundary, and also connected to the second wall
section at a second foldable boundary. The apparatus may also
include a plurality of attaching regions including: a first upper
attaching region foldably attached to the first wall section at a
first upper foldable boundary line; a first lower attaching region
foldably attached to the first wall section at a first lower
foldable boundary line; a second upper attaching region foldably
attached to the second wall section at a second upper foldable
boundary line; and a second lower attaching region foldably
attached to the second wall section at a second lower foldable
boundary line. The apparatus may further include the following
attaching means: a first upper attaching means affixed to the first
upper attaching region; a first lower attaching means affixed to
the first lower attaching region; a second upper attaching means
affixed to the second upper attaching region; and a second lower
attaching means affixed to the second lower attaching region. In
this apparatus, the cover configuration is converted to the tote
bag configuration by attaching the first upper attaching means to
the second upper attaching means and the first lower attaching
means to the second lower attaching means; and the tote bag
configuration is converted to the cover configuration by detaching
the first upper attaching means from the second upper attaching
means and the first lower attaching means from the second lower
attaching means. The first wall section and the second wall section
may further comprise one or more stiffening panels; further a
stiffening panel may be disposed in at least one of the first upper
attaching region, first lower attaching region, second upper
attaching region, and second lower attaching region. Additionally,
the apparatus may include a first trim region affixed to the first
wall section and a second trim region affixed to the second wall
section. Further, the apparatus may also include handles and/or
straps. In one embodiment, handles are affixed to the first wall
section and the second wall section, and the handles may be affixed
to a handle receiving position or a strap receiving position. A
handle fastener may be used to affix the handles. Handles and/or
straps may be made of an elastic material. In one embodiment of the
apparatus having both handles and straps, handles are affixed to
the first wall section and the second wall section, and straps are
also affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section.
A variety of attaching means may be used with the apparatus
including: buttons, snaps, hooks, zippers, and hook and loop-type
fasteners. In one embodiment, the first upper attaching means is
disposed proximate to the first upper foldable boundary line, the
first lower attaching means is disposed proximate to the first
lower foldable boundary line, and the second upper attaching means
and the second lower attaching means are disposed proximate to the
edge. The first wall section, the second wall section, and the
floor section may be composed of an inner material connected to an
outer material, and the outer material may be a quilted fabric.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, still by way of
example only, there is provided a method for converting a tote bag
to a seat cover which method includes the following steps:
positioning a first wall section and a second wall section in
approximately parallel position and such that the first wall
section and the second wall section are approximately normal to a
floor section; positioning a second upper attaching region to the
outside of a first upper attaching region; positioning a second
lower attaching region to the outside of a second upper attaching
region; connecting a first upper attaching means affixed to the
first upper attaching region to a second upper attaching means
affixed to a second upper attaching region; and connecting a first
lower attaching means affixed to a first lower attaching region to
a second lower attaching means affixed to a second lower attaching
region. As a further step a handle may be affixed to the first wall
section or the second wall section.
[0009] In still a further aspect of the present invention, and
again still by way of example only there is provided a method of
using a tote bag that can be converted to a seat cover
configuration, wherein the method includes the steps of: removing
handles from the tote bag; separating a first upper attaching means
from a second upper attaching means; separating a first lower
attaching means from a second lower attaching means; positioning a
first wall section and a second wall section approximately coplanar
to the floor section; and attaching the handles to the cover at the
strap receiving position. The method may then also include the
following steps: affixing the cover to a golf cart seat, affixing
the cover to a boat seat, or disposing the cover as a ground
cover.
[0010] Other independent features and advantages of the convertible
tote bag and seat cover will become apparent from the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top view of the convertible tote bag and cover
in the cover configuration, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and
cover in the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and
cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to the
tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of the convertible tote
bag and cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to
the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of the convertible tote
bag and cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to
the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the convertible tote
bag and cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to
the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and
cover in the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a top view of the convertible tote bag and cover
in the cover configuration, and showing a configuration of
attaching means, according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and
cover in the seat cover configuration disposed on a golf cart seat,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0020] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. A
partial listing of these reference numbers is as follows: [0021] 10
tote bag/cover [0022] 11 first panel [0023] 12 first wall section
[0024] 13 second wall section [0025] 14 floor section [0026] 15
first foldable boundary line [0027] 16 second foldable boundary
line [0028] 17 first upper attaching region [0029] 18 first lower
attaching region [0030] 19 second upper attaching region [0031] 20
second lower attaching region [0032] 21 first upper foldable
boundary line [0033] 22 first lower foldable boundary line [0034]
23 second upper foldable boundary line [0035] 24 second lower
foldable boundary line [0036] 25 first trim region [0037] 26 second
trim region [0038] 27 first trim boundary [0039] 28 second trim
boundary [0040] 29 first upper attaching means [0041] 30 first
lower attaching means [0042] 31 second upper attaching means [0043]
32 second lower attaching means [0044] 33 outer edge [0045] 34
handle [0046] 35 handle fastener [0047] 36 handle receiving
position [0048] 37 strap receiving position [0049] 38 first side
wall [0050] 39 second side wall [0051] 40 top trim region [0052] 41
overfold corner
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0053] The following detailed description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the
following detailed description of the invention. Reference will now
be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred
embodiment of the convertible tote bag while in the cover or seat
cover configuration. Cover 10 includes first panel 11. Comprising
first panel 11 are first wall section 12, second wall section 13,
and floor section 14. A first foldable boundary line 15 divides
first wall section 12 and floor section 14; and second foldable
boundary line 16 divides second wall section 13 and floor section
14. First wall section 12 includes first upper attaching region 17
and first lower attaching region 18. Likewise, second wall section
13 includes second upper attaching region 19 and second lower
attaching region 20. First upper foldable boundary line 21 divides
first wall section 12 and first upper attaching region 17. First
lower foldable boundary line 22 divides first wall section 12 and
first lower attaching region 18. Second upper foldable boundary
line 23 divides second wall section 13 and second upper attaching
region 19. Second lower foldable boundary line 24 divides second
attaching region 13 and second lower attaching region 20.
Optionally, cover 10 may further include first trim region 25 and
second trim region 26. When present, first trim region 25 is
divided from first wall section 12 by first trim boundary 27, and
second trim region 26 is divided from second wall section 13 by
second trim boundary 28.
[0055] Still referring to FIG. 1, cover 10 preferably includes
first upper attaching means 29 disposed on first upper attaching
region 17, first lower attaching means 30 disposed on first lower
attaching region 18, second upper attaching means 31 disposed on
second upper attaching region 19, and second lower attaching means
32 disposed on second lower attaching region 20. FIG. 1 further
illustrates the preferred embodiment in which first upper attaching
means 29 is disposed proximate to first upper foldable boundary
line 21, and first lower attaching means 30 is disposed proximate
to first lower foldable boundary line 22. However, second upper
attaching means 31 is disposed away from second upper foldable
boundary line 23 and proximate to outer edge 33, and similarly
second lower attaching means 32 is disposed away from second lower
foldable boundary line 24 and proximate to outer edge 33. The
significance of this subtle difference in positioning of first
attaching means 29 and 30 compared to second attaching means 31 and
32 will become apparent when the conversion from the cover
configuration to the tote bag configuration, shown in FIG. 2, is
explained.
[0056] All attaching means 29, 30, 31, and 32 may comprise those
various devices known in the art by which fabric or material strips
may be joined. In a preferred embodiment attaching means 29, 30,
31, and 32 comprise reciprocal snaps as illustrated in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, attaching means 29, 30, 31 and 32 may comprise the
reciprocal elements of a zipper, buttons, hook and loop fasteners
such as VELCRO.RTM. fasteners, and other fasteners known in the
art.
[0057] Still referring to FIG. 1 cover 10 may include one or more
handles 34. Further, handles 34 may include handle fasteners 35 by
which handles 34 may be attached to cover 10. It is noted that
handle fasteners 35 may include both an element positioned on the
handle 34 itself and a reciprocal handle fastener 35 structure
positioned on cover 10. Handle fastener 34 may comprise any known
fastener such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener, or the
like. It is further specifically noted that handle fastener 35
positioned on cover 10 may be placed at more than one receiving
position. Preferably there is a handle receiving position 36 and a
strap receiving position 37. As explained further herein, the
handle receiving position 36 is used with the tote bag
configuration and the strap receiving position 37 is used with the
cover configuration when handles 34 may function as a strap. In one
preferred embodiment handles 34 include an elastic material that
allows some degree of stretching of handles 34.
[0058] Cover 10 may comprise a variety of materials. Preferred
materials include fabrics, and preferably quilted fabrics. In one
embodiment, cover 10 comprises an inner facing material and an
outer facing material. Materials may be selected in order to
provide comfort to a user who would sit or rest on cover 10 when
cover is disposed as a seat cover; quilted materials function well
for that purpose. Cotton materials are acceptable; however, other
materials, particularly weather proof materials, may be disposed,
particularly for example, on that surface on which the user does
not rest, i.e., the surface that faces the ground or golf seat. In
some embodiments cover 10 also includes a stiffening material that
aids in providing structure and firmness when in the tote bag
configuration. One preferred material is sold commercially under
the trade name INNERFUSE.RTM. as part of the DRITZ.RTM. line of
fabrics and materials offered by Prym Consumer USA Inc. Information
regarding this material may be obtained on the Internet at
www.dritz.com.
[0059] In one preferred embodiment cover/seat cover 10 includes
three stiffing panels. A first stiffing panel generally corresponds
to the area defined by first wall section 12. A second stiffing
panel generally corresponds to the area defined by second well
section 13, and a third stiffing panel generally corresponds to the
area defined by floor section 14. These stiffing panels preferably
do not overlie first foldable boundary line 15 or second foldable
boundary line 16. Thus the stiffing panels do not interfere with
the movement of first wall section 12 or second wall section 13
relative to floor section 14. By limiting the area and extent of a
stiffing panel to generally match the area of first wall section 12
and second wall section 13, other pieces attached to first and
second wall section 12 and 13, pieces such as first upper attaching
region 17, first lower attaching region 18, second upper attaching
region 19, second lower attaching region 20, first trim region 25,
and second trim region 26, these pieces remain free to move
relative to first and second wall sections 12 and 13. Hence it is
also preferred that the first and second stiffening panels not pass
beyond first upper foldable boundary line 21, first lower foldable
boundary line 22, second upper foldable boundary line 23, second
lower foldable boundary line 24, first trim boundary 26, and second
trim boundary 28. In this embodiment it is also preferred that the
stiffing panels be sandwiched between an outer layer and an inner
layer of material. Thus the stiffing panels would not be visible to
an observer; and the stiffing panels would not otherwise visually
interrupt the esthetic appearance of cover/tote bag 10. Where, for
example, an outer and inner layer of material are joined in a
quilted arrangement, stiffing panels can be secured between the
outer and inner layers by the quilting stitching.
[0060] A generally preferred method of fabricating a preferred
embodiment of the cover/tote bag 10 is now described. A single
panel 11 is formed by joining two pieces of material, an inner
piece and an outer piece. Panel 11 is generally rectangular in
overall shape, in the preferred embodiment, but other shapes are
possible. The terms inner and outer represent what surface of
material would face the interior (inner piece) portion in the tote
bag configuration, and what material would face the exterior (outer
piece) portion in the tote bag configuration. For esthetic reasons,
the two pieces may be selected of contrasting fabrics, for example
a solid covered outer piece (which would be visible to observers in
the tote bag configuration) and an inner piece with a preferred
design. When trim regions 25 and 26 are present, the trim regions
will fold down in the tote bag configuration so as to make the
material of the inner piece visible in contrast to the material of
the outer piece. The surface displayed in FIG. 1, for example,
would represent the inner surface or inner piece; and the outer
piece would be joined below that (relative to the surface of the
page). As described above, stiffening panels may be interposed
between the inner and outer pieces. These materials can be joined
together by a desired stitch such as a quilting stitch. Thus, it is
largely the placement of stiffening panels that define what
constitutes the various previously described sections of cover/tote
bag 10. In this manner of construction, one large panel 11, sewn
together from and inner and outer piece, also constitutes first
wall section 11, second wall section 12, floor section 13,
attaching regions 17, 18, 19, and 20, and trim regions 25 and 26.
It is not necessary to separately sew each of these individual
pieces together; although in alternative embodiments that can be
done.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 6, a series of steps to
convert from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration
will be explained. Beginning with FIG. 3, cover 10 lies in a
generally flat or planar position. A user draws first wall section
12 and second wall section 13 upright so that they are positioned
in a relatively normal position with respect to floor section 14;
floor section remains in its original flat configuration resting,
for example, on the ground or working surface. Movement of first
wall section 12 and second wall section 13 to the position in FIG.
3 may involve bending or folding cover 10 along first foldable
boundary line 15 and second foldable boundary line 16. Stiffening
panels or semi-rigid materials (if present) in first wall section
12 and second wall section 13 assist in keeping wall sections 12
and 13 in a generally straight and upright configuration.
[0062] Referring next to FIG. 4 attaching regions are brought into
proximity so that the tote bag configuration can begin to take
shape. In the preferred embodiment, first upper attaching region 17
passes to the inside (toward the inner position of the tote bag
structure) relative to second upper attaching region 19. In this
way first upper attaching means 29 is brought into proximity with
second upper attaching means 31. And, as shown in FIG. 4 where all
attaching means 29, 30, 31, and 32 comprise snaps, the lower snaps
(the snaps positioned proximate to floor section 14) are secured,
so that first upper attaching region 17 is partially secured to
second upper attaching region 18. Although not illustrated in FIG.
4, the user performs a similar joining of first lower attaching
region 18 to second lower attaching region 20. FIG. 5 next
illustrates the situation where the user has continued to further
affix first upper attaching means 29 to second upper attaching
means 31; i.e., the user has joined an additional row or set of
snaps to each other. And finally, in FIG. 6, first upper attaching
means 29 has been completely joined to second upper attaching means
31.
[0063] Now referring to FIG. 7 it becomes apparent that first upper
attaching region 17 and second upper attaching region 19 have been
converted to a first side wall 38 of the tote bag configuration.
Similarly, first lower attaching region 18 now joined with second
lower attaching region 20 forms second side wall 39 in the tote bag
configuration. It is noted, however, that first side wall 38 is
merely the overlapped structures of upper attaching regions 17 and
19, joined by first upper attaching means 29 and second upper
attaching means 31. Similarly, second side wall 39 is the
overlapped structure of first lower attaching region 18 and second
lower attaching region 20, joined by first lower attaching means 30
and second lower attaching means 32.
[0064] The shape and configuration of the convertible tote bag and
seat cover 10 allows for the formation of an overfold corner 41
when forming first side wall 38 and second side wall 39. As
previously mentioned first upper attaching region 17 passes to the
interior side of second upper attaching region 19 when the tote bag
configuration is formed. At the lower point of first side wall 38
formed by these attaching regions 17 and 19, the sides can
naturally converge at overfold corner 41. Further, the structure of
overfold corner 41 can be held in position by the joining of
opposing snaps. Further, by positioning the lowest set of snaps (or
other fastener) proximate to floor section 14, the joint thus
formed helps to form overfold corner 41. Overfold corner 41 can
further be understood as the structure that is formed when the
lower portions of the opposing attaching regions 17 and 19 come
into proximity.
[0065] Certain preferred elements in the tote bag configuration are
also illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, handles 34 has been
affixed and positioned in the handle receiving position 36.
Further, tote bag 10 includes first trim region 25 and second trim
region 26 which, in the tote bag configuration, are desirably
"turned down" so as to provide an attractive top trim region 40 for
tote bag 10. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, first side
wall 38 and second side wall 39, comprised of the attaching regions
17, 18, 19, and 20) do not include any reinforcing or stiffening
materials; and the structure of the tote bag is sufficiently formed
through stiffeners in first and second wall sections 12 and 13.
However, if desired, it is possible to include stiffeners in any or
all of the attaching regions 17-20. Also, it is preferred that
[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated an attaching means
29-32 comprising a series of snaps. FIG. 8 usefully illustrates
which pairs of snaps correspond and mate with each other. Further,
a preferred order of snapping is indicated in the figure. Thus, as
illustrated, the conversion from the cover configuration to the
tote bag configuration begins by connecting snaps at the base/lower
level of the bag, and continues in an upward direction.
[0067] The conversion from the tote bag configuration to the
cover/seat cover configuration is the reverse of the previously
discussed steps. For example, handles 34 can be removed. Then first
upper attaching means 29 can be separated from first lower
attaching means 30. If the attaching means 29, 30 are snaps, the
snaps are unsnapped; if a zipper, the zipper is unzipped, and so
forth with other kinds of attaching means. Next, first lower
attaching means 30 is separated from second lower attaching means
32. At this point, first wall section 12 and second wall section 13
are free to move and can be positioned as desired. If, for example,
it is desired to use cover 10 as a beach towel or ground cover or
table cover, cover 10 can merely be spread or placed in the desired
position. When using cover 10 in a seat cover functionality, there
is further structure that can be put to advantageous use.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 9, an example of seat cover 10
disposed as a golf cart seat cover is illustrated. Cover 10 has
been generally placed so as to cover a desired area of the golf
cart seat. Additionally, handles 34 have been repositioned and
attached to cover 10 so as to function as straps which hold cover
10 in position over the golf cart seat. Handles/straps 34 are
further positioned so as to run under or around the golf cart seat,
and in this manner hold cover 10 in position. As shown in FIG. 9
handles 34 have been reaffixed to cover 10 at the strap receiving
position 37. In this embodiment, strap receiving position 37
generally positions handles/straps 34 so as to run along opposing
edges of cover 10. Note also that the preferred elastic material of
handles/straps 34 allows them to stretch under the golf cart seat,
thus somewhat pulling handles/straps 34 into tension, which further
serves to secure cover 10 in the desired position. While golf cart
seats may be designed in various configurations, one popular
design, shown in FIG. 9 includes a golf cart seat that can be
pulled upward. In this manner, a user can readily position the
handles/straps 34 by sliding them under the golf cart seat, and if
necessary, the user can pull the golf cart seat up to facilitate
positioning of the straps.
[0069] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to a
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *
References