U.S. patent application number 12/470447 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for shopping bag system.
Invention is credited to Paige Davis, Amy George, Melissa Nathan.
Application Number | 20090290816 12/470447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41342177 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090290816 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nathan; Melissa ; et
al. |
November 26, 2009 |
Shopping Bag System
Abstract
A system of reusable shopping bags provides an assortment of
reusable and selectively collapsible bags and carriers suitable for
the various types of good a shopper encounters at, for example, a
grocery store. Specific embodiments provide one or more large
insulated freezer bag for frozen goods, one or more grocery bags
for sundries, one or more veggie bag for vegetables and fruits, at
least one carrying case pak, and one or more pod. Some of the bags
are stowable in the freezer bag and in other embodiments component
bags are stowable in the carrying case pak. The freezer and grocery
bags may have adjustable handles and specific embodiments provide a
shoulder cushion pad selectively mountable on the handles. Kits
with instructions allow customized bag systems to be assembled.
Inventors: |
Nathan; Melissa; (Austin,
TX) ; Davis; Paige; (Austin, TX) ; George;
Amy; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MATTHEW E. BURR
620 CONGRESS AVENUE, STE 320
AUSTIN
TX
78701
US
|
Family ID: |
41342177 |
Appl. No.: |
12/470447 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61055195 |
May 22, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/12 ; 383/106;
383/117; 383/37; 383/72; 383/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0086 20130101;
A45C 13/26 20130101; A45C 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/12 ; 383/37;
383/72; 383/86; 383/106; 383/117 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/06 20060101
B65D033/06; B65D 30/00 20060101 B65D030/00; B65D 33/28 20060101
B65D033/28; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 33/04 20060101
B65D033/04; B65D 30/04 20060101 B65D030/04 |
Claims
1. A system of reusable shopping bags, the system comprising: one
or more insulated bags; one or more grocery bags; one or more
veggie bags; and at least one carrying pak, wherein one or more of
each of the insulated bags, the grocery bags, and the veggie bags
simultaneously fit within the carrying pak.
2. The reusable bag system of claim 1, further comprising one or
more pod.
3. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein the carrying pak
further comprises compartments to stow one or more component of the
system.
4. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein the carrying pack is
selectively foldable.
5. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
veggie bags comprises an at least translucent bag material so that
contents in the bag are at least partially visible.
6. The reusable bag system of claim 5, wherein the veggie bag
comprises a mesh bag material.
7. The reusable bag system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the
veggie bags is selectively closable.
8. The reusable bag system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the
veggie bags comprises a drawstring.
9. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein the grocery bag
comprises one or more adjustable handles.
10. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
grocery bags comprises an interior having a wipable surface to
facilitate cleaning.
11. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
insulated bags comprises an interior having a wipable surface to
facilitate cleaning.
12. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein carrying pak
further comprises a flap that selectively closes the pak.
13. The reusable bag system of claim 12, wherein the flap further
comprises a fastener to selectively fasten the flap to the pak.
14. The reusable bag system of claim 1, further comprising one or
more shoulder strap selectively mountable to a handle of at least
one of the system components.
15. The reusable bag system of claim 1, wherein the pak further
comprises an attachment for selecting attaching one or more
pod.
16. A system of reusable shopping bags, the system comprising the
following components: one or more insulated bags having a wipable
internal surface; one or more grocery bags having one or more
handle and a wipable interior surface; and one or more at least
translucent veggie bags, wherein at least one veggie bag has a
drawstring; one or more pod; and at least one carrying pak having
stowage compartments, wherein a system of shopping bags is
assembled from one or more of the components.
17. The system of claim 15, further comprising one or more shoulder
strap selectively mountable to at least one of the handles of one
of the components.
18. A kit for assembling a system of reusable shopping bags, the
kit comprising the following components: one or more insulated
bags; one or more grocery bags; one or more veggie bags; one or
carrying case pak; one or more pod, and a set of instructions that
describes the function and how to use each component, wherein one
or more of each component is selectable to be part of a system of a
plurality of reusable bags.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This disclosure relates to, claims priority from and the
benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/055,195,
filed Apr. 22, 2008, entitled Shopping Bag System, by the same
inventors, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to reusable shopping bags
and more particularly to a system of reusable shopping bags, kits
therefore and methods of manufacture thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Paper or plastic? At one time this question became so
ubiquitous that it became a punch line. Now, however, it has taken
on almost sinister overtones as awareness has grown over the
environmental challenge of millions of non-biodegradable plastic
bags choking our landfills and pantries. Concern over the
environmental impact of so many plastic bags has led some
municipalities or grocers to ban plastic grocery bags. City-based
plastic bag bans are forcing retailers to reduce, recycle, and
provide alternatives. With the recent announcement of a high end
supermarket banning plastic bags and 13 cities proposing plastic
bag bans, competitive pressure challenges retailers to provide
alternatives to plastic bags, and shoppers are demanding more.
Paper bags are not considered a good alternative due to worry about
deforestation and other environmental concerns arising from the
mass production of paper.
[0004] In view of the problems recited above, a suitable
alternative to disposable bags would be useful. An attractive
alternative to disposable shopping bags is bags that can be reused.
Reusable shopping bags have been known for centuries but they have
never really been adequately adapted for use in a big modern
grocery store, for example, where a single weekly trip to the
market for a family can easily fill half a dozen bags. One
deficiency of many reusable bags, for example, is that the bags are
soft-sided so that they do not maintain an upright shape when the
bag is set down on the ground. Another deficiency is that a single
bag is not enough. Although sets of reusable bags have been
described or are available, such sets either do not fit together in
a compact transportable manner or the bags do not have all of the
advantageous features that a shopper might desire. For example,
many reusable bags have a single set of fixed handles to be held by
either the hand or slipped over the shoulder. Alternatively some
bags have two handles with one longer for over the shoulder use and
the other shorter for hand carrying, however such dual handle
arrangements can be annoying or look unfashionable. A reusable bag
with handle straps adaptable to allow hand or shoulder carrying
modes would be useful to provide more than one mode of carrying the
bag. Still another drawback of many reusable bags is that they are
too bulky to conveniently keep about the house or in the car.
[0005] Survey data indicates that 53% of respondents own a reusable
bag; 47% do not but almost 90% of respondents say the primary
reason they do not use a reusable bag every time they shop is
because they forget. Other responses included:
[0006] "They don't seem clean. I don't like carrying them around
the store and I don't like storing them at home"
[0007] "It is hard enough to make shopping lists without trouble of
rounding up bags--and I use a lot of grocery bags as I try to go
only once a week"
[0008] "I need the plastic bags for dog poop and diapers"
[0009] "The cloth bags get dirty and when washed they lose their
shape."
[0010] Bulkiness and comfort seem to be primary factors that people
would like to improve on their reusable bags. Specific responses
include:
[0011] "I would prefer if I could carry them comfortably over my
shoulder. Some of them have shorter type straps."
[0012] "Because it is soft-sided, the groceries sometimes get
smashed, there is no firm bottom"
[0013] "Seems to have little structure. The same reason T don't
like plastic bags. I have kids and need to set down the bags during
the transport from the car to house."
[0014] There is a need, therefore for a system of reusable shopping
bags that provides a plurality of conveniently storable and
reusable bags with a variety of features advantageous for modern
shopping.
SUMMARY
[0015] A system of reusable shopping bags provides an assortment of
reusable and selectively collapsible bags and carriers suitable for
the various types of good a shopper encounters at, for example, a
grocery store. Specific embodiments provide one or more large
insulated bag for frozen goods, one or more grocery bags for
sundries, one or more veggie bag for vegetables and fruits, one or
more pod, and at least one carrying pak to stow the other
components. Grocery bags and veggie bags are stowable in the pak or
the freezer bag, depending on the specific embodiment. The
insulated and grocery bags may have adjustable handles or fixed
handles, depending on the embodiment, and specific embodiments
provide a shoulder cushion pad selectively mountable on the
handles. Kits with instructions allow customized bag systems to be
assembled.
[0016] A preferred system of the present disclosure may provide one
or more of the following types of reusable bags:
[0017] Grocery bag
[0018] Freezer bag or Insulated bag
[0019] Veggie bag
[0020] Pod bag--specific alternative embodiments provide as a
separate item independent of the present system
[0021] A carry pak to hold the other components, depending on the
specific embodiment.
[0022] A preferred system may include the following features:
[0023] 1. Functionality/engineering not currently available in the
market
[0024] 2. Washable/wipeable
[0025] 3. Durable (lasting approximately 1 year)
[0026] 4. Easily portable/collapsible;
[0027] 5. Poses as a free-standing structure
[0028] 6. Short & Long Handles
[0029] 7. Chic/Ultra Hip Design
[0030] 8. Retail Friendly--Kit can be displayed easily and shows
features and functionality in a retail friendly way. Cute and
collapsible--not taking up too much space.
[0031] A preferred grocery system may include one or more of the
following components:
[0032] 1. System Holder/Insulated Bag (1) specific embodiments
provide as a separate item independent of the present system.
[0033] 2. Grocery Bags (2)--a bit smaller than regular brown paper
bag with both short and long handles.
[0034] 3. Produce Bag (1)--one bag divided into 6 compartments for
vegetables (potential mesh dividers). Preferably, the vegetable bag
fits into the wire milk tray inside a typical shopping cart.
[0035] Additional features may include:
[0036] Each component collapses neatly into a self-contained
product and fit precisely into the system holder.
[0037] The components may be simple to handle and should expand and
collapse with minimal effort.
[0038] Each component may be labeled and branded for its given
functionality.
[0039] Each component may have a fastener or be able to travel as a
stand-alone unit.
[0040] All or selected components in the system may fit into the
grocery cart allowing people to actually shop with their
bags--placing refrigerated items into the insulated bags,
vegetables in the vegetable bag, and so forth--while walking the
aisles. This may help the shopper to better organize their items
and help the bagger to keep items separated for easy un-packing at
home. Additionally, shopping bags of the present system are well
adapted for modern supermarkets that provide self-checkout
bays.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] For a more complete understanding of a reusable bag system
of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is
now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of
exemplary freezer bag and grocery bag components of an exemplary
embodiment of a reusable bag system of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 2A is a perspective front exterior view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable freezer bag
of a system of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 2B is a perspective rear exterior view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable freezer bag
of FIG. 2A.
[0045] FIG. 3A is a perspective front exterior view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable freezer bag
of a system of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 3B is a perspective front view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable veggie bag of
a system of the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 3C is a perspective front view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an additional reusable
veggie bag of a system of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 4A is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a
detail of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag system of the
present disclosure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a closed
pod of the system.
[0049] FIG. 4B is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a
detail of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag system of the
present disclosure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a bag in
mid-extraction from a pod of the system.
[0050] FIG. 4C is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a
detail of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag system of the
present disclosure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an
extracted unfurled inside-out pod bag of the present system.
[0051] FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary
freezer bag with exemplary straps of a bag system of the present
disclosure.
[0052] FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustration of detail of an
exemplary freezer bag of FIG. 5A.
[0053] FIG. 5C is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary
alternative embodiment of a freezer bag of FIG. 5A.
[0054] FIG. 6A is a perspective cross-sectional front view
diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a carrying
pak of an alternative embodiment of a shopping bag system of the
present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 6B is a perspective cross-sectional front view
diagrammatic illustration of a detail of the reverse side of the
pak bag of FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of
exemplary freezer bag 110 and grocery bag 120 components of an
exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag system of the present
disclosure. Grocery bag 120 provides adjustable handles 122, and
specific embodiments provide lateral pleats 124 or comparable
functionality so that bag 120 may selectively collapse for
convenient storage within the internal volume of freezer bag 110.
Specific embodiments of freezer bag 110 are sufficiently commodious
as to fit within the volume of a freezer bag 110 at least two
grocery bags 120. Grocery bag 120 is structurally sufficiently
sturdy to maintain a substantially erect and stable posture when
selectively expanded into an open state and put on a supporting
surface such as floor or table or, most usefully, within the bin of
grocery cart where bag 120 maintains an at least partially open
posture for easy access to the reservoir of the internal void. Bag
120 may be fabricated from a polyester microfiber exterior with a
vinyl lining so that the interior surface can be cleaned by wiping
with a cloth or paper towel or the like. A vinyl lining also
provides leak resistance. Specific exemplary embodiments of a kit
or system of bags of the present disclosure provide at least 2
grocery bags 120 for each freezer bag 110.
[0057] FIG. 2A is a perspective front exterior view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable freezer bag
110 of a system of the present disclosure. Main body 112 may be
selectively collapsible for stowage and expandable for holding
contents. Freezer bag 110 provides flat bottom 210 which supports
bag 110 in a substantially upright posture. Front adjustable loop
strap 220a is disposed through apertures 221a,222a. Front strap
leaf 225a leaves out from near the top of the main body 112 to form
slot 227a.
[0058] Similarly, rear loop strap 220b is disposed through rear
apertures (not shown) corresponding to front apertures 221,222, and
extends through slot 227b formed by rear strap leaf 225b and rests
on the top of body 112.
[0059] Turning our attention back to the front, selectively
expandable/collapsible pouch 230 provides pouch flap 240 with
fastener 250.
[0060] FIG. 2B is a perspective rear exterior view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable freezer bag
110 of FIG. 2A. Body 112 is selectively collapsed and pouch flap
240 is wrapped over body 112 and fastened to the rear of bag 110,
securing bag 110 in a closed configuration. Rear loop strap 220b
has been gathered together to form a handle.
[0061] Specific embodiments of freezer bag 110 consist of panels
that define an interior volume within body 112, a front, a top and
a back, as well as having an external pouch 230 for holding other
components of the system such as one or more veggie bags. Specific
embodiments of the panels of freezer bag 110 contain insulation or
insulating material, such as one or more air pockets, insulating
foam or other suitable materials to enhance the maintenance of the
temperature of the contents of bag 110, such as frozen food or
milk.
[0062] FIG. 3A is a perspective front exterior view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable freezer bag
of a system of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a perspective
front view diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of
a reusable veggie bag of a system of the present disclosure. FIG.
3C is a perspective front view diagrammatic illustration of an
exemplary embodiment of an additional reusable veggie bag of a
system of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3A-C taken together
illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a reusable freezer bag with
exemplary veggie bags of a system of the present disclosure, so
FIGS. 3A-C will be described together. Veggies bags 310B, 310C
provide selectively expandable/collapsible body 312B,312C.
Preferred exemplary embodiments provide body 312B,C that is at
least partially see-through so that veggies or other products
contained by body 312B,C are at least partially visible. Mesh is
preferred for body 312B,C to allow any organic contents in the pod
bag to be able to "breathe." However solid bodies may also be
suitable. Any durable and cleanable material such as vinyl,
polyvinyl, plastic, rubber, cotton, hemp, or combinations thereof,
are contemplated as a suitable material from which to fabricate
body 312B,C.
[0063] Drawstrings 316B,C are at least partially housed in hem
314B,C and extend outside of hem 314B,C so that the top of the
veggie bag can be selectively cinched by pulling the drawstring to
close the bag and contain the contents. Other closure means are
contemplated, including ziplock.RTM., Velcro.RTM., laces, snaps,
buttons and so forth. For the purposes simplicity in the present
disclosure, the term drawstring shall refer to any suitable closure
mechanism for the veggie bags of the present system.
[0064] Veggie bags 310B,C fold or roll up for stowage in pouch 230
of freezers bag 110. Alternatively, bags 310B,C may be carried in a
pocket or a purse independently of freezer bag 110. An exemplary
embodiment of a system or kit of the present invention provides at
least one freezer bag 110 and at least one veggie bag 314B,C. Pouch
230 holds at least one veggie bag 310B,C and preferably two or
more.
[0065] FIG. 4A is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a
detail of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag system of the
present disclosure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a closed
pod of the system. FIG. 4B is a perspective view diagrammatic
illustration of a detail of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable
bag system of the present disclosure illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of a bag in mid-extraction from a pod of the system.
FIG. 4C is a perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a detail
of an exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag system of the present
disclosure illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an extracted
unfurled inside-out pod bag of the present system. Describing FIGS.
4A-C together, pod construction 410 of the present system provides
a pocket or pouch 420 sewn or otherwise formed on the exterior of a
bag so that the bag 460 can be folded or inverted into pouch 420.
Fastener or seal 430, such as overlapping flaps of pouch 420 or a
button, snap, zipper, Velcro.RTM. and the like, may be selectively
opened and closed to selectively retain bag 460 or selectively
release 440 bag 460. Pouch 420 may be hidden from view by simply
inverting bag 460 so that pouch 420 is inside it.
[0066] Pod bag 460 provides interior 470 suitable for carrying one
or more food items or other items of contents. Preferred
embodiments provide handle 480. Specific embodiments are configured
with pouch 420 attached to bag 460 such that bag 460 may be
selectively collapsed or stuffed into pod 420 through seal 430.
Clasp 450 attached to pouch 420 for clipping pod 410 to a key
chain, purse, grocery cart and so forth, is provided in specific
embodiments.
[0067] FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary
freezer bag with exemplary straps of a bag system of the present
disclosure. FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustration of detail of
an exemplary freezer bag of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a perspective view
illustration of an exemplary alternative embodiment of a freezer
bag of FIG. 5A.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 5A-C, specific exemplary embodiments of
freezer bag 110 provide loop handles 220a,b threaded through
apertures 221,222 to form front loop moieties 510,520 at front 550
of bag 110, and rear loop moieties 530, 540 at rear 560 of bag 110.
Loop moieties 510,520,530 and 540 may be gathered together to form
adjustable straps or handle 570. For example, handle 570 may be
adjusted short to be hand carried as shown in FIG. 5B or longer as
a shoulder strap as illustrated in FIG. 5C. Alternative embodiments
provide bag components of the present system having substantially
fixed handles.
[0069] Slidable and selectively fastenable shoulder pad 580 is
provided in specific alternative embodiments. Shoulder pad 580 is
integrated into handle 570 is certain embodiments, but may be
provided as a separate, manually attachable component of the
present system in specific alternative embodiments.
[0070] FIG. 6A is a perspective cross-sectional view diagrammatic
illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a carrying pak of an
alternative embodiment of a shopping bag system of the present
disclosure. In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6A, pak 610
proves a convenient carrying case for all the components of a
shopping bag system of the present disclosure, including one more
of the following: veggie bag 310, insulated bag 680 (also called a
"chil" in the embodiment of FIG. 6A), grocery bag 120 (also called
a "gro" in the embodiment of FIG. 6A), and pod 410. Specific
embodiments of pak 610 are foldable or otherwise collapsible for
convenient storage when empty, but also folds to a more compact
size even when containing one or more of the components of the
system. Indeed, certain embodiments fold to a convenient clutch or
purse configuration that can be held without the use of handles
630a,630b or easily placed in a shopping cart or basket. Cover flap
620 with clasp 622 selectively secures pak 610 in a closed
position.
[0071] Pak 610 provides internal pouches or compartments 640 and
650 to selectively house one or more veggie bag 310 and gro bag
120, respectively, for example. One or more chil bag 680 may be
stowed on the internal bottom 660 of pak 610. Specific embodiments
of chil 680 provide one or more handles suitable for mounting
shoulder pad 580 while other embodiments provide a wipable interior
surface for easy cleaning.
[0072] FIG. 6B is a perspective cross-sectional front view
diagrammatic illustration of a detail of the reverse side of the
pak bag of FIG. 6A. One or more pod 410 attaches to pak 610 via
clasp 450 attached to loop 670 of pak 610.
[0073] Survey data confirms that shoppers are looking for an easily
portable and collapsible product that encompasses durability,
volume and style. Most shoppers use between 10-15 plastic bags per
week and want a product that will continue to fulfill this volume
while embracing organization in the grocery shopping experience
(ie. using the specified bags in the cart to facilitate the
shopping and bagging experience). While shoppers expect to buy this
in a variety of outlets, 70% expect to buy this at the grocery
store. Therefore, the showcasing of the product becomes as
important as collapsibility, durability, style and volume.
[0074] While some shoppers may own one or more reusable bags few
have actually sought out a reusable bag. Shoppers may have received
a reusable bag as a gift from a friend, from a conference, or
purchased one at a grocery store. However, many shoppers forget
them and do not realize enough of an importance of the bags to
shift purchasing behavior. Of those shoppers who regularly remember
bags, they do so because they are fashionable, compact and fit in a
purse or are otherwise easy to carry.
[0075] Most shoppers do one big shopping trip during the week
during which they would use all components of the present system,
and do an additional "pick-up" trip during the week where they
might only use one of the bags. Thus modularity (the ability to use
only those components that are needed) as well as compactness is
advantageous.
[0076] Environmental concern (85%), Cost Savings (29%), and Guilt
(24%) ranked as the top reasons to prompt people to buy a reusable
shopping bag.
[0077] Data indicates that if shoppers are just using the bags for
grocery shopping, they are not as concerned with style, but very
concerned with the bulkiness and functionality of the bags.
However, if they are using the bags for other purposes, they are
more concerned with style.
[0078] Shoppers want a bag that moves from the old-school "hippy"
look and feel of the canvas or hemp bag to a more modern feel of a
"hip" bag. Therefore, the compactness of the pod bags, for
instance, so as to fit in a pouch or pod may be advantageous.
[0079] The double handle feature that provides two short handles
that carry like a bag and one long handle that can fit over your
shoulder) gives a shopper the advantageous ability to carry one or
more bags of the present system in different ways depending on
their needs such as holding a child, carrying other things, digging
for car keys and so forth.
[0080] Durability, volume and compactness are also important.
Shoppers like to have everything in its place and appreciated the
organizational structure of the present system such as dedicated
vegetable bags, for example, which enhances that experience. The
flexibility to use the carryall for other shopping experiences (the
mall, drugstore, and the like.) is a further advantage of the
present system. The organizational structure may include the
feature that bags of the present system may have enough structure
to stand on their own for baggers to bag or to have straps that tie
over grocery cart bars for the plastic bags.
[0081] A major concern among users of existing reusable bags is
that because they hold so much, baggers throw goods in to the bags
willy nilly and the milk may end up crushing the eggs. Baggers may
appreciate how each bag has a clear purpose to simplify the bagging
process.
[0082] Even where bags may be bulky, such big bags may be used in
their fully deployed mode in the interior of the shopping cart
during shopping such that the big bags actually facilitate and
enhance the shopping experience. A full cart of weekly grocery
shopping may fit into the various bags of the system.
[0083] Features and specifications for specific exemplary
embodiments of the bags of the present system are summarized in the
following table:
TABLE-US-00001 Element Size Materials Pattern/Style Differentiators
Premium Portfolio Size - For cost Preferrably, an Durable - lasting
1 year System Able to fit purposes, the overall pattern
Wipe-outable/lined, if in women's entire system may be printed on
necessary purses. may be made in all pieces - with SIMPLE to unfold
and fold- Ideally, no the same different color back (with some sort
of larger than material. selections for fastener/velcro to keep 6
in .times. 8 in However, using various closed). folded with
different embodiments. Each component ideal materials is System to
be opened at thickness of contemplated beginning of shopping trip -
1 inch. depending on allowing consumer to sourcing and place items
inside while pricing. shopping. Each component should function on
it's own as a stand alone bag for other things - besides just
grocery shopping Private SAME AS ABOVE The PV product The carrying/
SAME AS ABOVE except: Label should be insulated case Lining can be
cheaper - System comparable to may have the refer to high end the
current high overall printed supermarket bag end supermarket
design. The Durability/lastability bags. other elements may be
shorter may be a single color with a logo printed on it. Component
Size Segment Features Materials Carrying/ Expands to Premium
Functions Lined with insulated material Insulated a size both as
Bag large carrying case enough to and insulated hold a bag frozen
As carrying pizza, 3-5 case, has lean specific cuisine places/
boxes, & separators carton of for all ice cream. components
Collapsed (1-2 veg bags size - and 2-4 Portfolio grocery bags) Size
- Able to fit in women' s purses. Preferrably no larger than 6 in
.times. 8 in folded with ideal thickness of 1 inch. Carrying SAME
AS ABOVE Private Label SAME AS ABOVE SAME AS ABOVE Case/ Insulated
Bag Grocery Ideally: Premium 3 handles (1 Lined with wipeable
material Bag 13.5 in shoulder (more durable) tall strap - 25 in 12
in wide long/1.5 in 7 in depth thick) + 2 handles (1 per side - 11
in long/1.5 in thick) Grocery SAME AS ABOVE Private Label 2 Handles
(1 Lined with similar lining to Bag per side) - high end
supermarket bag refer to high end super- market Bag Vegetable To
fit in the Premium Divided into Mesh material used to divide Bag
top tray (milk 6 bag into 6 quadrants wire basket) compartments of
grocery for 6 cart. different types of vegetables Vegetable SAME AS
ABOVE Private Label SAME AS ABOVE SAME AS ABOVE Bag
[0084] The present disclosure contemplates kits for assembling a
system of reusable shopping bags. An exemplary embodiment of such a
kit consists of a selection of components, for example:
[0085] one or more insulated bags as described herein;
[0086] one or more grocery bags;
[0087] one or more veggie bags;
[0088] one or more pod;
[0089] at least one carrying pak; and
[0090] a set of instructions that describes the function and how to
use each component, wherein one or more of each component is
selectable to be part of a system of a plurality of reusable bags.
Instructions for a kit of the present disclosure may be a printed
document, a tag sewn onto a component of the system or even
available electronically as a webpage, PDF file or other electron
document.
[0091] many modifications and other embodiments of the bag system
of the present disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the
art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended
to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *