U.S. patent application number 14/583969 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-23 for combination backpack and over-the-shoulder bag.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stanley Shen. Invention is credited to Stanley Shen.
Application Number | 20150108192 14/583969 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49511784 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150108192 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shen; Stanley |
April 23, 2015 |
COMBINATION BACKPACK AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER BAG
Abstract
The present invention relates to bags, including backpacks and
messenger bags. Specifically, the present invention relates to
methods and apparatus for converting a bag between backpack and
over-the-shoulder configurations. A combination bag may comprise a
bag body having a front panel, a back panel, a bottom panel, and an
opening opposite the bottom and a strap, wherein the strap is
fixedly attached to the bag body at a first connection point and
slideably coupled to the bag body at a second connection point,
thereby enabling a wearer to alternate between an over-the-shoulder
and a backpack configuration without requiring that the wearer
disconnect or reconnect the strap.
Inventors: |
Shen; Stanley; (Monrovia,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shen; Stanley |
Monrovia |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49511784 |
Appl. No.: |
14/583969 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13463783 |
May 3, 2012 |
8950643 |
|
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14583969 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/579 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/12 20130101; A45F
3/14 20130101; A45F 3/02 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F
2004/023 20130101; A45F 4/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/579 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A combination bag, comprising: a bag body having a front panel,
a back panel, a bottom panel, and an opening opposite the bottom
panel; a plurality of connection points positioned along the bag
body, each connection point having a securing mechanism; and a
strap, wherein the strap is fixedly attached to the bag body at a
first connection point and slideably coupled to the bag body at a
second connection point, whereby the strap is configured to enable
a wearer to alternate between an over-the-shoulder and a backpack
configuration without disconnecting or reconnecting the strap.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of commonly owned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/463,783, filed on May 3, 2012,
entitled "Combination Backpack and Over-The-Shoulder Bag" by
Stanley Shen, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to bags, including backpacks
and messenger bags. Specifically, the present invention relates to
systems, methods, apparatuses, and strap systems for converting a
bag between backpack and over-the-shoulder configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Traditional, dual-strap backpacks typically comprise a large
carrying bag and two shoulder straps that may be slung over the
shoulders. Each shoulder strap may be attached near an upper and a
lower corner of the bag such that the contour of each strap forms a
rough loop between the strap and the bag through which the wearer
inserts one of his arms. As is known in the art, the straps may be
made from, for example, padded material and nylon webbing. The
padded material increases comfort for the wearer's shoulders when
bearing the weight of the backpack. When worn, the weight of the
backpack is borne by the shoulders, and the backpack is carried on
the wearer's back.
[0004] Over the years, studies have shown that using both shoulder
straps to carry a bag is preferable to using just one (i.e.,
slinging the backpack over a single shoulder) because the weight
load is evenly distributed across the body, thereby making it
easier to carry heavy loads for longer periods. However, over the
course of the last decade, single-strap, over-the-shoulder bags
have grown significantly in popularity, effectively replacing the
more traditional, dual-strap backpack for many adults and
adolescents. These over-the-shoulder bags come in a variety of
styles and formats, including, for example, over-the-shoulder
satchels, messenger bags, shoulder briefcases, sling bags,
"man-bags," purses, and the like. Interestingly, everyday,
over-the-shoulder bags for men have become increasingly popular in
recent years as trendsetters such as footballers David Beckham and
Rio Ferdinand, and actor Brad Pitt are often spotted sporting them.
Their popularity may also be driven by electronic advancements. For
example, some fashion experts predict that the popularity of the
tablet computers, such as the Apple.RTM. iPad, may prompt a further
fad as men search for something to carry them in. For additional
information, see, for example, Is the man-bag burdening us with
back pain? Loaded with laptops and gym kits it's a hefty weight,
Daily Mail Reporter, Feb. 22, 2011.
[0005] As suggested by the title of the Daily Mail Reporter
article, despite being considered stylish and fashionable,
single-strap over-the-shoulder bags can lead to back pain that
typically results from the weight of the bag not being balanced,
thereby forcing the wearer to compensate by leaning to one side or
flexing the spine. For example, as noted by the Daily Mail Reporter
article's Tim Hutchful, a British Chiropractic Association
spokesman, "Man-bags could cause back and shoulder pain from
prolonged stress, this could also impact posture." Thus, compared
with single-strap, over-the-shoulder bags, dual-strap backpacks are
better for the body because the strongest muscles in the body--the
back and the abdominal muscles--evenly support the weight of the
bag. In fact, doctors typically advise patients to carry their bags
on two shoulders rather than use a single-strap, over-the-shoulder
bag or just a single backpack strap.
[0006] To accommodate design trends while providing the wearer with
the ability to reduce back pain by supporting a bag with two
straps, a need exists for an easy-to-use combination bag that can
be converted from a single-strap, over-the-shoulder bag to a
dual-strap backpack. A handful of products on the market enable a
wearer to make such a conversion, but they make the wearer add or
remove straps, thereby complicating and unnecessarily slowing the
transition.
[0007] For example, the Alpha 3-in-1 Backpack/Messenger Bag by
Tumi.RTM. provides a system of handles and straps that allows the
wearer to carry the bag in a variety of ways. Although the
Tumi.RTM. bag provides the wearer with the option of either a
single-strap or dual-strap configuration, the wearer must
disconnect/reconnect the system of straps to make the conversion.
Thus, the wearer cannot easily and efficiently switch between the
over-the-shoulder and backpack configurations because the Tumi.RTM.
bag requires additional straps or components. For additional
information, see Tumi's.RTM. website or Amazon's product page.
[0008] Similarly, BBP Industries offers a system for carrying an
over-the-shoulder messenger in a backpack configuration. The BBP
system, known as the Bak2Pak system, is very similar to Tumi's.RTM.
Alpha 3-in-1 and also requires the wearer to disconnect/reconnect
the system of straps to make the conversion. Thus, the wearer
cannot easily and efficiently switch between the over-the-shoulder
and backpack configurations because the Bak2Pak system, like the
Tumi.RTM. system, requires additional straps or components. For
additional information, see BBP's website.
[0009] Therefore, despite previous attempts, a need exists for a
system, method, apparatus, and/or strap system for efficiently
switching a bag between over-the-shoulder and backpack
configurations without requiring additional straps or components. A
need also exists for a system, method, apparatus, and/or strap
system for efficiently switching a bag between over-the-shoulder
and backpack configurations without making the wearer
disconnect/reconnect the straps or buckles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention addresses the need for efficiently
switching a bag between single-strap, over-the-shoulder, and
dual-strap backpack configurations without requiring additional
straps or components and/or without requiring the wearer
disconnect/reconnect the straps or buckles.
[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a
combination bag comprises: a bag body having a front panel, a back
panel, a bottom panel, and an opening opposite the bottom panel; a
plurality of connection points positioned along the bag body, each
connection point having a securing mechanism; and a strap, wherein
the strap is fixedly attached to the bag body at a first connection
point and slideably coupled to the bag body at a second connection
point, whereby the strap is configured to enable a wearer to
alternate between an over-the-shoulder and a backpack configuration
without disconnecting or reconnecting the strap.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
combination bag comprises a bag body having a front panel, a back
panel, a bottom panel, and an opening opposite the bottom panel; a
plurality of connection points positioned along a periphery of the
bag body, each connection point having a securing mechanism; and a
strap, wherein the strap comprises at least one connector for
attaching an end of the strap to the bag body, wherein the strap is
fixedly attached to a first securing mechanism using said at least
one connector and slideably coupled with a second securing
mechanism, whereby the strap is configured to enable a wearer to
alternate between an over-the-shoulder and a backpack configuration
without disconnecting or reconnecting the strap.
[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a
combination bag comprises: a bag body having a front panel, a back
panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel
opposite the first side panel, and an opening opposite the bottom
panel; four hoops, wherein two hoops are positioned on the first
side panel and two hoops are positioned on the second side panel;
and a strap having a first end, a second end and a strap portion
therebetween, wherein a connector is positioned at each of said
first and second ends and configured to couple with at least one of
said hoops; wherein said strap portion passes through at least one
of said hoops; wherein the strap is configured to enable a wearer
to alternate between an over-the-shoulder and a backpack
configuration without disconnecting or reconnecting the strap.
[0014] In certain aspects, the contour of the strap forms a single
rough loop while in the over-the-shoulder configuration. Similarly,
the contour of the strap forms two rough loops while in the
backpack configuration.
[0015] In certain aspects, the strap may be fixedly attached to the
bag body at the first connection point by connecting a connector
positioned at an end of the strap to a first securing mechanism
positioned on the bag body, and slideably coupled with the bag body
at the second connection point by passing a portion of the strap
through a second securing mechanism positioned on the bag body.
[0016] In certain aspects, the securing mechanism may be a ring, a
hoop, carabiner, or a loop.
[0017] In certain aspects, the strap is adjustable in length and/or
comprises one or more slideably attached padded portions.
[0018] In certain aspects, the bag body and the strap may be
constructed from a material chosen from the group consisting of
leather, polymers, fabric, chains, cables, rope, or combinations
thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way
of example, and not by limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar
elements and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example combination
bag according to a first aspect in an over-the-shoulder
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of the combination bag of FIG. 1 in
the over-the-shoulder configuration;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top angle view of a combination bag of FIG. 1 in
a backpack configuration;
[0023] FIG. 4a is a front view of a combination bag of FIG. 1 in
the backpack configuration;
[0024] FIG. 4b is a front view of a combination bag in a backpack
configuration according to another aspect;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front view of the combination bag of FIG. 1
during transition from the over-the-shoulder configuration to the
backpack configuration;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a first side view of a combination bag of FIG. 1
in the over-the-shoulder configuration;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a second side view of a combination bag of FIG. 1
in the over-the-shoulder configuration;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a top view of a combination bag of FIG. 1 in the
over-the-shoulder configuration;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a combination bag of FIG. 1 in
the over-the-shoulder configuration;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a view of a combination bag of FIG. 1 in the
over-the-shoulder configuration while being used by a wearer;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a view of a combination bag of FIG. 1 in the
backpack configuration while being used by a wearer;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an example
combination bag according to a second aspect in an
over-the-shoulder configuration;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a front view of the combination bag of FIG. 12 in
the over-the-shoulder configuration;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a front view of the combination bag of FIG. 12
during transition from the over-the-shoulder configuration to a
backpack configuration;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a view of a combination bag of FIG. 12 in the
over-the-shoulder configuration while being used by a wearer;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a view of a combination bag of FIG. 12 in the
backpack configuration while being used by a wearer; and
[0037] FIG. 17 is a front view of the combination bag during
transition from an over-the-shoulder configuration to a backpack
configuration according to another aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The present invention is described herein with reference to
one or more exemplary embodiments; however, it should be understood
that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements,
formulations, and elements can be used instead and that some
elements may be omitted altogether. In the following description,
well-known functions or constructions may not be described
extensively because they would obscure the invention in unnecessary
detail.
[0039] A combination bag, as disclosed herein, generally comprises
a compartment that may be sealed off using buckles, straps,
zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO.RTM.), or otherwise,
and a shoulder strap that may be configured to attach to one or
both shoulders. As will be described, the shoulder strap may be
padded at one or more points to increase comfort, typically at
points that make contact with the wearer. Moreover, the shoulder
strap may be adjustable in length to adjust to the size of the
specific wearer.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a combination
bag 100a according to a first aspect of the present invention. FIG.
1 illustrates the combination bag 100a in an over-the-shoulder
configuration. As illustrated, the combination bag 100a generally
comprises a bag body 102 and a strap 104.
[0041] The bag body 102 may be constructed from two or more panels
that define an interior cavity, or major storage compartment,
having an opening. For example, a bag body 102 may include a back
panel configured to lie adjacent to the body of a wearer, a front
panel configured opposite the back panel, a bottom panel opposite
an opening, and a pair of opposed sides substantially nonparallel
to the back panel. However, it is contemplated that a suitable bag
body 102 may also be constructed using fewer panels. For example,
the bag body 102 may be constructed from only a back panel
configured to lie adjacent to the body of a wearer and a front
panel configured opposite the back panel. To form an interior
cavity, the two panels may be sewn or otherwise joined along, for
instance, three sides, with the opening positioned at the fourth
side. Alternatively, one large panel may be folded to form a pocket
where the folded panel may be sewn along two sides. Conversely,
additional panels, such as 5 or more, may be introduced to make a
wide array of bag shapes and styles. Thus, a combination bag 100a
should not be limited only to the type of bag body 102 illustrated
throughout the figures.
[0042] The bag body's 102 opening provides the wearer with access
to the compartment from the exterior of the bag body 102. To reduce
the risk of theft and/or loss of personal property, the opening may
be sealed or closed using known methods. For example, the satchel
type bag body 102 of FIG. 1 provides a flap 114 that may fold over
the opening, thus substantially sealing the opening when closed.
The flap 114 may be locked in the closed position using, for
example, a buckle 106 or other similar means, such as hook-and-loop
fastening material (i.e., VELCRO.RTM.), snaps, magnets, or the
like. In certain aspects, the flap 114 may be locked in the closed
position using knots and hitches.
[0043] In addition to, or in lieu of, the flap 114, a releasable
fastener/closure may extend along the opening such that when the
releasable closure is opened, access may be thereby provided to the
major storage compartment. Thus, the flap 114 may be entirely
omitted in favor of a releasable closure. The releasable closure
may take any of a variety of forms, including a zipper, a slide
fastener, hook-and-loop fastening material (i.e., VELCRO.RTM.),
snaps, magnets, or the like.
[0044] A buckle 106 with a means for adjusting the securing strap
116 length may be used so that a wearer can adjust the tension of
the flap 114 when closed, thereby accommodating, for example,
larger items to be stowed. A quick-release buckle, while not
essential, may function as the buckle 106 and secure the flap 114
when closed. Quick-release buckles are commonly used in camping
equipment and are well known in the art. A benefit of the
quick-release buckle is that it enables a wearer to quickly and
easily separate and reattach flap 114 end from/to the bag body 102.
While a quick-release buckle is shown, other mechanisms are
contemplated; thus, the buckle 106 should not be limited to
quick-release buckles. For example, snaps, clips, magnets (e.g., a
magnetic buckle or magnetic snaps), cam buckles, traditional
buckles, adjustable hinged buckles, or any other latching/buckling
mechanism known in the art of backpack/bag/purse design may serve
the general function of buckle 106. In some aspects, the
combination bag 100a may further include features for bicycling
such as lights, phone holsters, or U-locks.
[0045] The strap 104 may be constructed from either a single length
of material or multiple lengths joined end to end. The distal ends
of the strap 104 may be equipped with a connector 112 for coupling
the distal ends with the bag body 102. The connector 112 may be,
for example, a swivel clasp, a push-gate snap hook, a quick-release
buckle, a lobster claw swivel hook, carbine hook, carabiner, or any
other clasping device known in the art of backpack/bag/purse
design. Alternatively, rather than using a connector 112, the
distal ends of the strap may be configured to be tied to form, for
example, knots and hitches. As will be discussed in greater detail
below, the bag body 102 may be provided with one or more securing
mechanisms, such as hoops or loops, to facilitate connection of the
connector 112 at one or more connection points A, B, C, D.
[0046] The strap 104 may be adjusted lengthwise to facilitate the
size and needs of various wearers and/or applications. For example,
the strap 104 may comprise two connected segments of material,
whether separate or portions of a single length, connected so that
the wearer can adjust the tightness of the shoulder strap but not
easily separate the segments. The strap segments may be connected
using, for example, a strap 104 length adjustment mechanism 118.
The strap 104 length adjustment mechanism 118 may comprise, for
example, one or more strap adjustors, slides, center bar buckles,
adjustable hinged buckles, clasp buckles, slide release buckles,
and so on. In certain aspects, a strap 104 length adjustment
mechanism may be integrated, or coupled, with the connector 112,
thereby permitting the wearer to adjust the length of the strap 104
at the strap's distal ends.
[0047] As illustrated, a carrying handle 110 may be positioned on
the top of the bag body 102 between the strap 104 connection points
A, C to provide a means by which the combination bag 100a can be
carried by hand.
[0048] The bag body 102, strap 104, and handle 110 can all be made
of a wide variety of flexible, durable sheet-like materials, such
as leather, fabric (e.g., canvas), polymers (e.g., polyester,
nylon, ballistic nylon, Cordura 1000 Super Durable Water Resistant
Nylon by Invista, etc.), fabric, or combinations thereof. The
materials may be woven, stamped, molded, or in various other forms.
While a designer may wish to construct the bag body 102, strap 104,
and handle 110 from the same material (e.g., for aesthetics or
uniformity), it is by no means required. Rather, each component may
be made from a different material. In fact, even the panels that
make up the bag body 102 need not be of the same type of material.
For instance, it may be advantageous to construct certain panels
from a stronger material to prevent ripping and/or tearing at
stress points, such as the connection points A, B, C, D. In certain
aspects, the strap 104 may be constructed using chains, cables,
rope or combinations thereof.
[0049] The bag body's 102 inner cavity may further contain a
lining. For example, suede, cotton, silk, canvas, tarp, and/or tarp
shielding may be used to provide an inner lining. Other materials
may include vinyl waterproof tarp lining, which may be used to make
the bag waterproof. When a softer outer material is used, the liner
may provide a support structure for the bag, thus keeping the bag
from falling over on itself.
[0050] A nonessential addition to the strap 104 may be a waist
strap, which may be attached to the bag body 102 at two or more
connection points (e.g., connection points C, D). The waist strap
may help secure the bag body 102 to the wearer's body during use.
Like the other strap 104, the waist strap is preferably adjustable
in length. A quick-release buckle or cam buckle may be preferred to
separably attach the waist strap to the bag body 102 and/or around
the wearer because either can quickly be coupled/decoupled, but
other connectors may be used. When not in use, the waist strap may
be buckled at the two or more connection points and adjusted in
length (e.g., shortened) to be kept out of the way. However, the
waist strap is not essential to the present disclosure.
[0051] As disclosed throughout the figures, but with particular
attention to FIG. 2, the strap 104 may be attached to the bag body
102 at four connection points A, B, C, D positioned along the
periphery of the bag body 102. As taught herein, the periphery may
be generally defined by the perimeter of the front and/or back
panels. Thus, as illustrated, the connection points A, B, C, D may
be positioned on the side panels along the bag body's 102
periphery. Though four connection points A, B, C, D are
illustrated, one of skill in the art would appreciate that
additional connection points may be included to facilitate a
particular application, such as a larger or uniquely shaped bag.
Similarly, fewer connection points (e.g., two) may be used for
smaller bags, such as sling bags, purses, and so on.
[0052] As illustrated, the strap 104 may be connected such that the
strap 104 lies substantially along the periphery of the bag body
(e.g., substantially adjacent to one or more of the bag body's 102
sides). For example, when the combination bag 100a is in the
over-the-shoulder configuration, the strap 104 may lie adjacent to
three of the four sides with the arm loop being positioned on the
fourth side. Similarly, when the combination bag 100a is in the
backpack configuration (e.g., FIGS. 3-4b, and 11), the strap 104
may lie adjacent to two of the four sides, with the arm loops being
positioned on the remaining two sides (e.g., between connection
points A, B and C, D or between connection points A, C and B,
D).
[0053] Although the connection points A, B, C, D are illustrated as
being positioned on only two sides of the bag body 102 (i.e., the
side panels), the connection points A, B, C, D may be repositioned
as desired by the designer. For example, the connection points A,
B, C, D may be positioned on the top (e.g., on the top of the flap
114), bottom, sides, back panel, front panel, corners (e.g., where
two or more panels meet), or a combination thereof.
[0054] To facilitated strap attachment, each connection point A, B,
C, D preferably comprises a securing mechanism. For example, as
illustrated in the figures, a hoop or other loop-like device may be
used as the securing mechanism. In certain aspects, it may be
advantageous to provide a removable securing mechanisms. For
example, a carabiner may be used to function as the securing
mechanism. The hoop, which need not be circular, may be constructed
from a variety of materials including, for example metal, metal
alloys, wood, bone, and/or synthetic materials, such as plastic.
The hoop may be affixed to the bag body 102 using known techniques.
For example, a piece of material may be folded to form a loop
around a portion of the hoop and attached to the bag body using
stitching, fusing, and/or riveting techniques. Alternatively, as
illustrated in FIG. 4b, the hoop may pierce the outer layer (or
layers) of the bag body 102. In this alterative, the material
around the piercing may be reinforced or constructed from a heavy
duty material (e.g., para-aramid synthetic fiber, such as
Kevlar.RTM.). To reduce wear and tear on the bag's material, the
piercing holes may be reinforced using hardware (e.g., a grommet or
eyelet) or by folding and joining (e.g., stitching or fusing) the
material at the edge of the hole to increase the thickness and
durability of the material.
[0055] Although a rigid substantially circular hoop is depicted,
the securing mechanism may also be formed from a soft or flexible
material. For example, the securing mechanism may be constructed
from a piece of securing material, such as nylon webbing or a
material like that used to fabricate the bag body 102, folded over
to form a loop of sufficient size to enable the strap 104 to pass
therethrough. Again, the ends of the securing material may then be
attached to the bag body 102 using known techniques, such as
stitching, fusing, rivets, and so on.
[0056] In certain aspects, one or more slits may be cut into the
bag body's 102 panels at one or more connection points A, B, C, D
to provide a more streamlined look by eliminating the need for
rings or loops. For example, the bag body's 102 outermost layer (or
layers) may be provided with egress and ingress slits for the strap
104 to pass therethrough. Using FIG. 2 as a reference, one slit may
be provided at connection point C, and a second slit may be
provided at connection point D. In operation, the strap 104
ingresses via the slit at connection point C and travels under the
outermost layer (or layers) of the bag and egresses at connection
point D. To reduce wear and tear on the bag's material, the slits
may be reinforced using hardware (e.g., a grommet or eyelet) or by
folding and joining (e.g., stitching or fusing) the material at the
edge of the slit to increase the thickness and durability of the
material.
[0057] To facilitate a quick and easy transition between
over-the-shoulder and backpack configurations, the strap 104 should
not be fixedly attached at every connection point A, B, C, D,
because it would force the wearer to disconnect and/or reconnect
the straps to make the conversion. An example of fixedly attaching
the strap 104 would include, for example, coupling a connector 112,
which may be positioned a distal end of the strap 104, to one or
more hoops or loops positioned at a connection point A, B, C, D on
the bag body 102. Another example of fixedly attaching the strap
104 would include tying the strap 104 to the bag body using
knotting techniques. For instance, when a cable or rope is used as
the strap 104, or portion thereof, the end of the strap 104 may be
tied around one or more hoops or loops to form a knot or secured
using a rope/cable clip.
[0058] Rather, the strap 104 should be slideably coupled to the bag
body 102 at one or more connection points. For example, the
combination bag 100a should be configured such that the strap 104
may pass through the opening of a hoop or loop (i.e., the inner
space defined by a hoop or loop) at one or more connection points
A, B, C, D. Thus, the strap would be secured adjacent to the bag
body 102's surface, but able to travel along, or parallel to, the
bag body 102's surface.
[0059] Moreover, while the strap 102 may be connected at its distal
ends to form a loop and slideably coupled at every connection point
A, B, C, D to prevent the strap 104 at a particular point from
rotating or slipping over time, the strap 104 may be fixedly
attached at one or more connection points (e.g., connection points
A, B) using a connector 112 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11.
According to this aspect, the strap 104 may be fixedly attached to
the bag body 102 at only connection points A and B, while the
remaining connection points C and D are slideably coupled using,
for example, a hoop, a loop, or a slit.
[0060] To increase comfort for the wearer, the strap 104 may
include one or more padded portions 108a, 108b. The padded portions
108a, 108b are preferably slideably attached to the strap 104 in
order to accommodate the wearer whether in over-the-shoulder or
backpack configuration. Providing slideably attached padded
portions 108a, 108b also permits the wearer to alternate shoulders
when in the over-the-shoulder configuration while ensuring
alignment of the padded portions 108a, 108b (e.g., ensuring it is
positioned on the shoulder(s) of the wearer).
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 5, to transition from the
over-the-shoulder configuration of FIG. 2 to the backpack
configuration of FIG. 4, the wearer need only tug the strap portion
between connection points B & D (e.g., via a padded portion
108b), which may be positioned opposite the handle 110, thereby
causing the strap 104 to travel through connection points C, D in
direction B. As the wearer pulls the strap portion positioned
opposite the handle 110, the strap portions on each side of the bag
body 102 (i.e., between connection points A & C and connection
points B & D) form a rough loop between the contour of the
strap 104 and the bag body 102, through which the wearer may insert
one of his arms. The wearer may pull the strap until the strap
portions on each side of the bag body 102 are approximately equal,
thereby forming two shoulder straps. The two shoulder straps may be
slung over the shoulders so that the weight of the backpack is
distributed on the shoulders and the combination bag 100a can be
carried on the back in a manner akin to that of a traditional,
dual-strap backpack. As previously noted, the padded portions 108a,
108b may be slideably attached to the strap 104 so that they may be
adjusted in direction .alpha..3
[0062] The process for transitioning from the backpack
configuration of FIG. 4 to the over-the-shoulder configuration of
FIG. 2 is substantially the same, but performed in reverse. For
example, the wearer need only tug the strap portion between
connection points A & C (e.g., via a padded portion 108a),
which may be positioned near the handle 110, thereby causing the
strap 104 to travel through connection points C, D in a direction
opposite of direction B. As the wearer pulls the strap portion
between connection points A & C, the strap portion on the
bottom side of the bag body 102 (i.e., between connection points B
& D) begins to shorten, thus eliminating the rough loop while
the strap portion on the top side of the bag body 102 (i.e.,
between connection points A & C) forms a larger rough loop
between the contour of the strap 104 and the bag body 102 through
which the wearer may insert one of his arms. The single shoulder
strap may be slung over the shoulder in a manner akin to that of a
traditional, single-strap, over-the-shoulder bag.
[0063] FIGS. 6 and 7 provide side views of the combination bag 100a
of FIG. 1. As illustrated, the strap 104 may be fixedly attached to
the bag body 102 at connection points A, B and slideably coupled to
the bag body 102 at connection points C, D.
[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the combination bag 100a in
the over-the-shoulder configuration. For simplicity, excess strap
104 has been omitted from the figure to avoid obscuring the bag
body 102. FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the combination bag
100a in the over-the-shoulder configuration.
[0065] FIG. 10 provides a view of the combination bag 100a in the
over-the-shoulder configuration while in use by a wearer, and FIG.
11 provides a view of the combination bag 100a in a backpack
configuration while in use by a wearer.
[0066] FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of a
combination bag 100b according to a second aspect of the present
invention. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the combination bag 100b in
an over-the-shoulder configuration. Just like the combination bag
100a of FIGS. 1-11, the combination bag 100b generally comprises a
bag body 102 and a strap 104. However, the combination bag 100b may
be constructed such that the strap 102 may be fixedly attached to
the bag body 102 at only one connection point (e.g., connection
point A). The conversion from over-the-shoulder to the backpack
configuration functions in substantially the same manner as the
combination bag 100a of FIGS. 1 through 11. However, according to
this aspect, the strap 104 may be fixedly attached to the bag body
102 at only connection point A, while the remaining connection
points B, C, and D are slideably coupled using, for example, a
hoop, a loop, or a slit.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 14, to transition from the
over-the-shoulder configuration of FIG. 12 to the backpack
configuration, the wearer need only tug the strap portion between
connection points B & D (e.g., via a padded portion 108b),
which may be positioned opposite the handle 110, thereby causing
the strap 104 to travel through connection points C, D in direction
13. As the wearer pulls the strap portion positioned opposite the
handle 110, the strap portions on each side of the bag body 102
(i.e., between connection points A & C and connection points B
& D) form a rough loop between the contour of the strap 104 and
the bag body 102, through which one of the wearer's arms may be
stuck. The wearer may pull the strap until the strap portions on
each side of the bag body 102 are approximately equal, thereby
forming two shoulder straps. The two shoulder straps may be slung
over the shoulders so that the weight of the backpack is
distributed on the shoulders and the combination bag 100b can be
carried on the back in a manner akin to that of a traditional,
dual-strap backpack. As previously noted, the padded portions 108a,
108b may be slideably attached to the strap 104 so that they may be
adjusted in direction a.
[0068] FIG. 15 provides a view of the combination bag 100b in the
over-the-shoulder configuration while in use by a wearer, and FIG.
16 provides a view of the combination bag 100b in a backpack
configuration while in use by a wearer.
[0069] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 16, once the combination bag
100a, 100b has transitioned from the over-the-shoulder to the
backpack configuration, the bag body 102 has rotated 90 degrees. If
the designer wishes to maintain the same orientation throughout
transition, the strap portions on the sides (i.e., between
connection points A & B and connection points C &
[0070] D) may be pulled and used to form the arm holes as
illustrated in FIG. 17. To increase comfort, padded portions 108c,
108d may be provided on each side for use the during backpack
configuration. As with the bag of FIGS. 1-11, the padded portions
may be slideably attached to the strap 104.
[0071] While the strap 104 may be fixedly attached at two
connection points A, B as illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, fixedly
attaching the strap 104 to the bag body 102 at a single connection
point A as illustrated in FIGS. 12-16 is also possible. However,
when the strap portions on the sides are used to achieve a backpack
configuration, as discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 17, the
strap may be fixedly attached at connection points B, D when two
connection points are desired because fixedly attaching the strap
104 at both connection points A, B could prohibit the adjustment of
the side strap. Similarly, fixedly attaching the strap 104 at
connection points A, C could inhibit the adjustment of the top
strap, thus potentially inhibiting over-the-shoulder use.
Conversely, the strap 104 may be fixedly attached at any of the
connection points when only a single fixedly attached connection
point is desired (e.g., connection point A). Alternatively, the
strap 104 may be slideably coupled at all the connection points
when the strap 104 is connected at its distal ends and configured
to substantially form a loop.
[0072] Although various embodiments have been described with
reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features, and the
like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements
or features, and indeed many other embodiments, modifications, and
variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.
[0073] All U.S. and foreign patent documents, and all articles,
brochures, and all other published documents discussed above are
hereby incorporated by reference into the Detailed Description.
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