U.S. patent application number 11/975557 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for shopping cart engageable tote bag.
Invention is credited to Terry Kinskey, Matthew Williams.
Application Number | 20090101253 11/975557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40562249 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090101253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kinskey; Terry ; et
al. |
April 23, 2009 |
Shopping cart engageable tote bag
Abstract
A reusable shopping bag, wherein environmentally beneficial
avoidance of disposable shopping receptacles is enabled, wherein
temporary securing to essentially any type of shopping cart is
facilitated by the specially configured hangers defined coincident
with a pair of engageable jaws, in order to effectively line the
cargo compartment of a cart in order to prevent the passage of
small articles therethrough, and wherein the jaws provide
structural reinforcement and a general locking of the bag opening
edge, requiring a multi-directional application of force in order
for unlock and full access to bag contents.
Inventors: |
Kinskey; Terry; (Alpharetta,
GA) ; Williams; Matthew; (Lighthouse Point,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
CUMBERLAND CENTER II, 3100 CUMBERLAND BLVD , SUITE 1400
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
40562249 |
Appl. No.: |
11/975557 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 13/1046 20130101; A45C 3/04 20130101; A45C 13/126
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/107 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/00 20060101
A45C003/00 |
Claims
1. A tote bag, comprising: a lockable jaw, wherein each member of
said lockable jaw further comprises a shopping cart engagement
port.
2. The tote bag of claim 1, wherein each said shopping cart
engagement port is adapted for engagement with a plurality of
differently dimensioned shopping-cart components.
3. The tote bag of claim 1, wherein said tote bag further comprises
two elasticized side walls, wherein each said elasticized side wall
is defined between said members of said lockable jaw.
4. A reusable shopping bag, comprising: an expandable liner for a
shopping cart; means for removably securing said liner to the rails
of a shopping-cart cargo area, wherein said means for removably
securing said liner can receive and engage a first shopping cart
rail of a first dimension for a first use, and can receive and
engage a second shopping cart rail of a second dimension for a
second use; and means for carrying said bag.
5. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, wherein said means for
removably securing said liner to the shopping cart is a
multi-functional jaw that further enables interlocking closure of
said bag.
6. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, wherein said reusable
shopping bag further comprises a plurality of elongated support
members for at least partial structural definition of a bag
opening.
7. The reusable shopping bag of claim 5, wherein said interlocking
closure of said jaw requires rotational and slidable movement of
two jaw members relative to each other.
8. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, wherein said means for
carrying said bag comprises flexible, tote-style handles.
9. The reusable shopping bag of claim 5, wherein a first jaw member
of said jaw further comprises a receiving aperture and a second jaw
member of said jaw further comprises a male locking member
configured to cooperatively-engage with said receiving
aperture.
10. The reusable shopping bag of claim 5, wherein said
multi-functional jaw further comprises a pair of opposing grip
wells.
11. The reusable shopping bag of claim 5, wherein said
multi-functional jaw is configured with a step-like profile adapted
for accommodation of the first dimension of shopping cart rail and
also for accommodation of the second dimension of shopping cart
rail.
12. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, wherein said expandable
liner further comprises at least one wall having an elasticized
portion.
13. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, wherein each said
expandable liner further comprises at least one wall having a
drawstring portion.
14. The reusable shopping bag of claim 8, wherein said means for
carrying further comprises a grip zone.
15. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, wherein said expandable
liner further comprises at least one logo display zone defined on
an exterior surface thereof.
16. The reusable shopping bag of claim 5, wherein said
multi-functional jaw further comprises at least one logo display
zone defined on an external surface thereof.
17. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, wherein said expandable
liner further comprises one or more interior compartments.
18. The reusable shopping bag of claim 4, further comprising a
reinforcing frame.
19. A method of collecting and transporting articles utilizing a
shopping cart, comprising the steps of: obtaining a tote bag, said
tote bag further comprising two expandable sidewalls, two generally
fixed-length sidewalls, a bottom, two flexible straps, and a
dual-member interlocking handle with cart-receiving areas defined
therein; expanding said two expandable sidewalls across the cargo
area of the shopping cart; engaging said cart-receiving areas of
each said member of said dual-member interlocking handle with rails
of the shopping cart; collecting and transporting articles within
said tote bag; disengaging said cart-receiving areas of each said
member of said dual-member interlocking handle from the rails of
the shopping cart; and removing said tote bag from the cargo area
of the shopping cart for subsequent transport.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:
interlocking said members of said dual-member interlocking handle
such that said fixed-length sidewalls are secured together.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to shopping totes,
and more specifically to a tote bag with a multi-functional jaw
that facilitates engagement with essentially any shopping cart,
that provides supportive shape definition for the bag, and that
enables interlocking closure to prohibit accidental loss of bag
contents during transport.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Millions of shopping carts are utilized each day by
consumers in retail establishments. While many of these carts are
similarly manufactured and configured, several general types exist:
traditional-style, deep-compartment metal; traditional-style,
deep-compartment plastic; and modern-style, shallow-compartment
metal. Each style generally includes a push handle, an area for
child seating, and a cargo compartment.
[0003] Many new entrants have been introduced wherein the child
seating area is generally removed from the cargo compartment and is
highly stylized, such as in the form of a truck cab, in order to
render the shopping experience more enjoyable for the child.
Further shopping cart styles include those for handicap assistance,
such as rechargeable scooters. These carts position the cargo
compartment in front of the handlebar and seat area, and typically
form the cargo compartment according to traditional shopping-cart
fabrication with steel or plastic.
[0004] Irrespective of the overall cart style, however, and of the
well-appreciated advantages of such a wheeled shopping assistant,
the grid-like construction of the walls and floor of a shopping
cart's cargo compartment remain essentially standard, whether metal
or plastic, wherein each disadvantageously allows unintended
passage of small items and goods therethrough. This can result in a
lost purchase for the retailer, as well as a lost item desired by
the consumer, wherein such loss frequently remains undiscovered
until after departure from the store.
[0005] Occasionally, a retailer may provide disposable receptacles,
such as plastic or paper bags, or reusable baskets and/or portable
bins for retaining small articles within a shopping cart. These can
be effective in preventing accidental loss of small goods; however,
especially in the case of baskets and/or portable bins, the benefit
ceases upon arrival at the checkout, wherein the baskets or bins
must be surrendered prior to departure from the store. And, relying
on small disposable plastic or paper bags is not necessarily
economically pleasant for the retailer, nor friendly for an
improved environment.
[0006] A trend toward reusable shopping bags has been gaining
momentum as a result of the foregoing disadvantages, wherein
consumers purchase select store bags during a first shopping
venture, subsequently returning to shop with the purchased bag(s).
Some such bags are equipped with handles that allow for hanged
suspension about the support arms of a basketless shopping cart
frame, wherein the reusable bag functions as the cart cargo
compartment for retaining articles therein. Others are equipped
with hook and loop fastener in order to allow for some measure of
closure of the opening. However, each is disadvantageous in view of
the present invention.
[0007] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
reusable shopping bag that enables environmentally beneficial
avoidance of disposable shopping receptacles, that is capable of
temporarily securing to essentially any type of shopping cart,
effectively lining same and preventing the passage of small
articles therethrough, and that facilitates secure upper-edge
closure to inhibit unauthorized opening by straight pulling force,
but instead requires a multi-directional application of force in
order for release of closure mechanism for access to contents,
thereby avoiding the above-referenced disadvantages associated with
conventional shopping cart and bag configurations.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets
the recognized need for such an invention by providing a tote bag
with a multi-functional jaw that facilitates engagement with
essentially any shopping cart, that provides supportive shape
definition for the bag, and that enables interlocking closure to
prevent accidental loss of bag contents during transport.
[0009] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred form is a reusable shopping bag,
wherein environmentally-beneficial avoidance of disposable shopping
receptacles is enabled, wherein temporary securing to essentially
any type of shopping cart is facilitated by the specially
configured hangers defined coincident with a pair of engageable
jaws, in order to effectively line at least a portion of the cargo
compartment of a cart in order to prevent the passage of small
articles therethrough, and wherein the jaws provide structural
reinforcement and a general locking of the perimeter of the bag
opening, requiring a multi-directional application of force in
order for release of the locked perimeter and full access to bag
contents.
[0010] More specifically, the present invention is a shopping-cart
engageable tote bag comprising substantially rigid jaw members
formed or otherwise disposed along a reinforcing member extending
generally along the upper edge of a perimeter of the bag opening,
wherein elasticized expansion regions are defined between the
reinforcing jaw members in order to facilitate full, open mouth
access into the interior space of the tote bag, and full extension
across the width of a shopping-cart cargo compartment. Flexible
tote-style handles are further included in order to provide for
increased options for supportive transport.
[0011] Preferably, the reinforcing jaw members extend in elongate
fashion along opposing sides of the tote bag, proximate the
peripheral lip of the mouth of the bag, thereby providing
structural definition and support to the opening. The reinforcing
jaw members further include a pair of opposingly-disposed,
selectively-interlocking handles, preferably centrally formed
therewithin, wherein the interior configuration of the handles is
adapted to perform the interlocking jaw mechanism for selectively
opening and closing the bag. Preferably, the interior configuration
of the handles that provides for the interlocking jaw mechanism
results from a cooperative-engagement relationship between the
handles, wherein one handle defines a receiving aperture and the
other handle defines an arcuately configured male locking member.
The cooperatively-engaged handles are engaged via rotation and
clearance of the male locking member through the receiving
aperture, and subsequent slide-lock interaction, such that the
handles effectively interlock, and require slidable rotation in
order to be disassociated.
[0012] The exterior configuration of the handles is adapted for
gripping during locking/unlocking, and for carrying, as desired,
wherein opposingly positioned grip wells extend downwardly, away
from the bag opening, such that the fingers of a user may
comfortably fit between the grip well and the outer surface of the
tote bag. The profile of the handles is further adapted for
engagement with the upper edge of a shopping-cart cargo
compartment, wherein a step-like profile facilitates accommodation
and secure engagement of both metal and plastic cart rails
therein.
[0013] The tote bag is thus preferably configured such that the
expansion of the elasticized regions via application of pulling
forces to the handles, at least in an unlocked configuration, and
thus to the reinforcing jaw members, enables the formation of an
open basket liner, wherein the secure, yet removable, fastening of
the handle profiles to opposing edges of a shopping-cart cargo
compartment secure the liner in a position for filling. Upon
completion of shopping selections, the handles may be quickly and
easily removed from the shopping-cart cargo compartment, the
elasticized regions may be allowed to retract, and wherein the
reinforcing jaws may be interlocked for generally secure transport
of the articles retained therein.
[0014] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to provide a tote bag with interlocking
handles.
[0015] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to provide a tote bag adaptable for use as a
shopping-cart liner for both metal and plastic shopping carts.
[0016] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention
its ability to provide a utility bag comprising a first pair of
handles that enables interlocking closure of the bag opening, and a
second pair of handles that enables shoulder or hand carriage or
support of the bag.
[0017] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention
is its ability to provide a tote bag comprising a first pair of
flexible handles and a second pair of rigid handles.
[0018] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention
is its ability to expand to essentially line at least a portion of
the interior compartment of a shopping cart cargo area, while
retaining its ability to retract to a traditionally configured tote
bag for transport.
[0019] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art from
the following detailed description of the preferred and selected
embodiments and claims when read in light of the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like
reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like
elements throughout, and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tote bag according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown open;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of a tote bag according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, shown closed;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a handle element of the
tote bag illustrated in FIG. 2, showing an exemplary plastic
shopping-cart rail engaged therein;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another handle element
of the tote bag illustrated in FIG. 2, showing an exemplary metal
shopping-cart rail engaged therein;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the handles of the tote
bag illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the handles in a locked
configuration;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tote bag according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown being carried
by a user;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tote bag according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown being
installed on a shopping-cart cargo area;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tote bag according to an
alternate embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 9 is a partial cut-away view of the tote bag of FIG. 8,
showing the alternate drawstring configuration thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[0030] In describing the preferred and selected alternate
embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9,
specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The
invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific
terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
[0031] Referring generally now to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention
in its preferred embodiment is a shopping cart engageable tote bag
10, comprising outer body 20, straps 60 and multi-functional jaw
80. Generally, outer body 20 may be formed to provide bag 10 with a
substantially rectangular three-dimensional configuration,
characterized by soft, flexible sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28, open
mouth 30, and preferably soft, flexible closed bottom or underside
32. As such, a variety of materials, fabrics, and/or other
substrates may be utilized to form outer body 20, such as, without
limitation, nylon, canvas, polyester, plastic, vinyl, leather,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, and/or combinations of
these materials or any other materials with suitable lightweight,
flexibility, and/or durability.
[0032] Opposingly-positioned sidewalls 22 and 26 are preferably
elasticized at least proximate open mouth 30, wherein expansion of
each sidewall 22 and 26 facilitates the definition of elongate
portions of the preferred rectangular configuration of bag 10. As
such, fully enlarged definition of open mouth 30 enables easy
placement of and access to articles within bag 10, such as during
use as a shopping cart liner, as more fully described hereinbelow.
It should be understood that sidewalls 22 and 26 could also or
alternately include pleats and/or a drawstring 203 (as seen in
FIGS. 8-9), or the like, wherein other means of facilitated
expandability are intended, in addition to, or in lieu of
elastic.
[0033] In the configuration of FIG. 1, multi-functional jaw 80 may
define the shape of at least a portion of the upper edge of each
opposing sidewall 24 and 28, preferably disposed proximate open
mouth 30. As depicted, and according to the preferred
configuration, multi-functional jaw 80 may be secured to bag 10 via
respective retention loops 34a,b and 36a,b. As such, depending upon
the selected fabric(s), material(s) or substrate(s) used, outer
body 20 may be stitched, riveted, integrally formed with, welded,
adhered or otherwise fastened or secured to retention loops 34a,b
and 36a,b.
[0034] Handles may be secured to and extend from sidewalls 24, 28
of bag 10, such as proximate respective peripheral lips 23, 27,
respectively, preferably, comprising a pair of flexible, tote-style
straps 60. Preferably, handles 62, 64 are formed from a pliable,
high-load capacity, durable fabric, such as, for exemplary purposes
only, polypropylene, nylon, fabric-covered mesh, or the like;
however, substantially rigid substrates may alternatively be
utilized to form handles 62, 64. Handles 62, 64 further preferably
comprise grip zone 66, centrally defined in each handle 62, 64, and
may be formed via folded and sewn engagement of a central length
portion of each respective handle 62, 64, to facilitate secure
grasping, handling, carriage, or support of bag 10. It is
understood that handles 62, 64 may be formed with
alternately-configured grip zones 66, such as via inclusion of a
grip-enhancing coating, a rigid or semi-rigid structural component,
or, alternately, handles 62, 64 may be devoid of defined grip zone
66. Preferably, respective terminal ends 62a-62b, 64a-64b of
handles 62, 64 are stitched, riveted, welded, adhered, or otherwise
secured to respective sidewalls 24, 28, and/or respective
peripheral lips 23, 27, of bag 10. Handles 62, 64 are preferably
utilized for convenient tote-style carriage of bag 10.
[0035] Handles 82, 84 are preferably disposed proximate to
sidewalls 22, 26, respectively, wherein handles 82, 84 may each
preferably be centrally defined, and integrally formed with, an
elongated reinforcing member 86. Such a configuration facilitates
operable installation of multi-function jaw 80 with bag 10 via
retention loops 34a,b and 36a,b, wherein elongated reinforcing
members 86 serve to structurally define the shape of two opposing
edges of open mouth 30, preferably between two elasticized, and
otherwise conformable and generally unstructured edges thereof.
Preferably, multi-functional jaw 80, and thus handles 82, 84, are
formed from a substantially rigid substrate, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, plastic, rubber, wood, metal, or the like, and/or
combinations thereof.
[0036] Handles 82, 84 preferably comprise grip wells 88, 90,
respectively, for facilitating secure grasping, handling, carriage,
or support thereof, for carrying of bag 10, wherein
opposingly-positioned grip wells 88, 90 define concave areas
opening downwardly, i.e. away from the mouth 30 of bag 10, such
that fingers of a user may comfortably fit between the grip well
88, 90 and outer surface 21 of the tote bag. Handles 82, 84 further
facilitate gripping during locking/unlocking of bag 10, as
discussed further hereinbelow.
[0037] Thus, as a part of multi-functional jaw 80, handles 82, 84
also preferably function as cooperative members, adapted for
selectively-interlockable engagement. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, male
jaw member 92 is preferably defined coincident with handle 82, and
female jaw member 94 is preferably defined coincident with handle
84. Female jaw member 94 preferably has receiving aperture 96
defined therein, and male jaw member 92 preferably has arcuately
configured male locking member 98, wherein male locking member 98
and female receiving aperture 96 are cooperatively-engageable via
insertion, rotation and clearance of male locking member 98 into
female receiving aperture 96. Preferably, the structural
relationship of male locking member 98 and female receiving
aperture 96 is such that, following rotational engagement, as
described, subsequent slide-lock interaction of male locking member
98 with female receiving aperture 96 effectively locks jaw 80, such
that male jaw member 92 and female jaw member 94 may not be
separated by pulling forces. That is, in order to unlock jaw 80,
purposeful application of upward force on handle 82, coincident
with purposeful application of downward force on handle 84 (both
directional movements gauged relative to the upright positioning of
bag 10) to induce relative sliding movement, is required.
[0038] Yet another advantageous feature of multi-functional jaw 80
is the preferred profile of handles 82, 84, adapted for engagement
with a shopping-cart cargo compartment, effectively facilitating
use of handles 82, 84 as hangers to support/suspend bag 10 within a
shopping-cart cargo compartment, as desired. Referring to FIGS.
3-5, a step-like profile is preferably defined within handles 82,
84, preferably proximate and between male locking member 98 and
female locking member 96, and their respective grip wells 88 and
90, wherein first engageable region 100 is preferably a generally
rectangular shaped profile of a first peripheral dimension, and
wherein second engageable region 102 is preferably a generally
rectangular shaped profile of a second peripheral dimension that is
greater than the first peripheral dimension. This preferred profile
is configured to facilitate accommodation of a small shopping cart
rail, such as metal cart M, within first engageable region 100
(depicted in FIG. 4), or alternately, accommodation of a large
shopping cart rail, such as plastic cart P, within second
engageable region 102 (depicted in FIG. 2). Further, the preferred
profile may be tapered, wherein a "pinch-like" or grasping effect
may be realized to enhance installation.
[0039] As is represented in FIG. 7, bag 10 is thus preferably
configured such that expansion of sidewalls 22 and 26, such as via
application of separating forces to unlocked handles 82, 84,
enables the formation of an open basket-liner, wherein the secure,
yet removable, engagement of either first engageable region 100 or
second engageable region 102 to opposing edges of a shopping cart
cargo compartment, attach bag 10 in position as a cart liner for
filling. Upon completion of shopping selections, handles 82, 84 may
quickly and easily be removed from the cart cargo compartment via
upward lifting forces, whereafter multi-functional jaw 80 may be
lockingly self-engaged for generally secure transport of the
articles, either by hand support and carriage via jaw 80, or by
hand or shoulder support and carriage via straps 60.
[0040] It should be recognized that bag 10, as preferably
configured, and as depicted, further comprises two zones
particularly suited for logo, design, or image display, wherein
first display zone 150 may be defined on outer surface 21 of
sidewalls 24, 28 of bag 10, and wherein second display zone 152 may
be preferably defined on outer surface 154 of handles 82, 84.
[0041] It is contemplated in that an alternate embodiment, bag 10
may comprise a contoured, padded, and/or slip-resistant detail or
feature for strap 60 to further facilitate hands-free mobility of
bag 10.
[0042] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that
compartment bag 10 may comprise one or more interior or exterior
pockets and/or compartments.
[0043] It is further contemplated in another alternate embodiment
that bag 10 may be formed without straps 60.
[0044] It is further contemplated in another alternate embodiment
that the three-dimensional configuration of fully-expanded bag 10
may be essentially any shape, including but not limited to,
cylindrical, cubical, spheroidal, or any other shape, as desired.
Additionally, flexible or resilient reinforcement wire or framing
may be included to further reinforce bag 10.
[0045] It is still further contemplated in another alternate
embodiment that sidewalls 22 and 26 may be formed without elastic
features, wherein, for example, accordion-folds, snap folds,
zippered expansion compartments, or the like could alternately be
utilized.
[0046] It is further contemplated, in another alternate embodiment,
that sidewalls 22 and 26 could be formed with expansible regions
200, such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein drawstring 203 could
extend through tunnel 201 such that selective deployment of locking
member 202 could limit or release the expanded length of each
sidewall 22 and 26.
[0047] It is further contemplated in another alternate embodiment
that handles 82, 84 could be separable from elongated reinforcing
members 86, wherein any suitable attachment means could be
incorporated therebetween, or wherein bag 10 could be formed
without elongated reinforcing members 86, resulting in a
structurally undefined mouth opening 30.
[0048] Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate
embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those
skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only,
and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications
may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly,
the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following
claims.
* * * * *