Reusable Shopping Bag

Abstract

A reusable bag is provided having a defined storage volume for receiving and transporting various items. The bag includes a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels. The panels of the bag are assembled to define the storage volume, having an open top end portion. A bottom wall is attached to the panels to close the bottom end portion of the bag and to define storage volume. The bottom wall is formed from at least two plies of material, with at least one ply of the bottom wall integrally formed with a panel, and the bottom wall having an extension portion wrapping around the bottom wall and secured to one of the panels. In addition, openings may be provided for supporting the bag on the arms of a typical bag support rack.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to bags of the type used for collecting and transporting items, such as products purchased in a grocery or retail store.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During recent times, plastic bags have replaced paper bags in the United States and around the world for transporting groceries and retail products purchased at a store to the home or similar location. In many cases, these disposable plastic bags are T-shirt type bags, having laterally spaced handles integrally formed with the bag and extending upwardly from opposite sides of an open mouth. T-shirt bags are typically retained in stacks and mounted on a rack system within the store. A T-shirt bag rack system allows bags to be supported for loading and to be consecutively removed from the stack. An example of a T-shirt bag construction is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,788. An advantageous T-shirt bag rack system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,378. These prior patents are commonly assigned with the present application and the disclosure therein is herein incorporated by reference.

Although there are many advantages in a retail and grocery store environment to using a system of disposable bags supported on a rack, certain environmental concerns have directed some individuals to utilize reusable or multi-use bags for purposes of carrying groceries and retail items. The reusable bags are typically lightweight and are taken to the store by the consumer and handed to the counter attendant during packing of the purchased items. The reusable bags are sufficiently strong to permit repeated transport of purchased items without damage or breakage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a reusable bag having a defined volume and various elements for supporting the bag on a typical T-shirt bag rack system. The rim of the open end of the bag preferably includes a loop to secure the bag to a central support hook on the rack. Apertures are provided in the side panel of the bag to receive the extending arms of the rack system, such that the arms support the side panels and maintain the bag open during loading. The apertures may direct the rack arms into channels formed within the upper rim of the bag.

In addition to or as an alternate structure, the present invention contemplates a reinforced bottom panel. A two-ply section is preferably provided on the bottom panel of the bag having an extension portion that wraps around the edge of the bottom wall and at least partially extends up one or more of the front, rear, or side panels of the bag. A portion of the bottom wall may further be integrally formed with at least one of the panels.

The present invention further takes the form of a system for loading purchased products or the like within a reusable bag, which is supported on a support rack. In addition, the rack may further include a support for one or more smaller bags. The system would then permit the placement within the smaller bags of products that are desired to be separated from other items, which are then positioned within the relatively larger, reusable bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Without restricting the full scope of the present invention, various preferred forms of the invention and its related articles are illustrated in the following drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of T-shirt bag rack system for supporting a bag, which is outlined in phantom.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a reusable bag as contemplated by the present invention mounted on the rack system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the various constituent parts of the reusable bag embodiment as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a partial assembly of a further embodiment of a reusable bag as contemplated by the present invention.

FIGS. 5 a and 5b show a partial assembly of a portion of a further embodiment of a reusable bag as contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side elevation of a still further embodiment of a reusable bag as contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a reusable bag as contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a series of perspective views of the bag embodiment of FIG. 7 wherein the bag is folded and a display tag is attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there are shown various embodiments of a multi-use or reusable bag. It is contemplated that the reusable bag of the present invention will be positioned on a T-shirt bag rack system. There is shown in FIG. 1 an example of a rack system of the type that may be utilized as part of the contemplated invention. The rack is generally in the form of that shown and described in US Publication No. US 2007/0186515, which is commonly assigned with the present application and which is herein incorporated by reference. The rack is identified by the numeral 12. The position of a bag on the rack is shown in phantom in FIG. 1.

The rack 12 as shown typically supports a series of plastic single-use type bags formed within a stack (not shown). A scale 14 is provided below the bag support surface 16. Arms 18, 20 are provided on opposite sides of the rack 12 and are attached to a supporting framework 22 forming the rear of the rack. The framework 22 is secured to the base 16 and scale 14 to form a substantially rigid structure. A central hook 24 is provided on the framework 22 for support of a bag stack in the typical use of the rack 12. The purpose and function of the central hook 24 may be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,779, which is herein incorporated by reference. An accumulator display 26 is provided on the upper cross member of the support frame 22. The function of the accumulator display 26, which is connected to the scale 14, is described in US 2007/0186515. It is contemplated that the bag of the present invention may take the advantage of the accumulator display 26 portion of the rack 12, when provided.

In FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of a bag 10 of the invention positioned on the rack 12. In addition, a series of separator bags 28 are supported on a side hook 29 on the side of the frame 12. The separator bags 28 are used to retain individual or bulk items and maintain them separate from other items placed in the bag 10. The separator bags 28 can be in the form of a typical produce plastic bag or can be reusable containers having support loops or the like for attachment to the side hook 29.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bag 10 includes handles 30, 32 respectively attached to a rear panel 34 and a front panel 36. Side panels 38, 40 are provided and connect the rear panel 34 and front panel 36, thereby defining an interior volume 42 within the bag 10. The interior volume 42 remains open at the top and is enclosed on the bottom by a bottom panel 44. Along the top edge of the rear panel 34, side panels 38, 40, and front panel 36 is a reinforcement rim 46. The rim 46 is preferably a hem formed from material of the associated panel that is folded over and stitched (or otherwise adhered) to the panel to form a finished edge. A channel is formed by the rim 46, preferably at least along the side panels 38, 40. The channel 46 extends between the rim 46 and the material of the adjacent panels 38, 40.

An opening 52 is provided in the rim 46 portion of the side panel 40 (with a similar opening formed in opposing side panel 38). The openings 52 provide access to the channel formed by the rim 46 and panels 40, 38. Handles 30, 32 extend along the front panel 36 (and rear panel 34) and are preferably stitched (or otherwise attached) to the bag for substantially its entire height. Alternatively, the handles 30, 32 may be stitched to rim portions 46 of the rear and front panels 34, 36. Such a construction is shown in FIG. 7 and would be typically used if the material of the panels is sufficiently strong to withstand the operational stress experienced during carrying of a filled bag by its handles 30, 32. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment of the handles 30, 32 includes additional reinforcement due to extension of the handles 30, 32 along the panels 36, 42. This structure further strengthens the front and rear panels 36, 42 due to the additional material secured to the panel surfaces. Other variations of the handles are possible, including handles formed from a continuous loop that wraps under the bottom of the bag, handles that are integrally formed with the body of the bag, or other forms.

In FIG. 3, the constituent parts of the bag 10 of FIG. 2 are shown. A first panel 10A encompasses the two side panels 38 and 40 of the finished bag, along with the associated hem flaps 54 fold inward against the side panels along line 53 to form the rims 46 on the side panels 38, 40. Extension panels 50 project on opposite sides of the first bottom panel 44A transverse to the extension of the side panels 38 and 40. Openings 52 are formed in the side panels 38, 40, adjacent the hem fold line 53. When the flaps 54 are folded inward to form the rim 46 (shown in FIG. 2), the openings 52 provide access to the channels for receiving the arms 18, 20 of the rack 12.

A second panel 10B incorporates the rear panel 34 and front panel 36, as well as a second bottom panel 44B. Hem flaps 55 are provided on the ends of the front and rear panels 34, 36, opposite the second bottom panel 44B. The hem flaps 55 are similar to flaps 54 and are defined by fold lines 56. Handles 30, 32 are separate members that are attached to the front and rear panels 34, 36 when the bag 10 is assembled. A loop 80 is also added along the rim 46 of the rear panel 34.

Assembly of the first bag panel 10A to the second bag panel 10B is accomplished by overlaying the two bottom panels 44A and 44B, such that the rear panel 34 and the front panel 36 extend transverse to the side panels 38 and 40. The side edges of the various panels are then brought together to form a super imposed seam and adhered by sewing, glue, heat, etc. A reinforcement tape or binding may be applied over the formed seam between the adjacent panels. The extension flaps 50 on the first bag panel 10A are secured to the rear panel 34 and front panel 36, adjacent the bottom panel 44A. Securing the extensions 50 to the panels 34, 36 may be in any manner desired, with a lap seam preferred. The handles 30, 32 may be formed as flattened tubular members with stitching on each side. The handles 30, 32 are attached to the respective front panel 34 and rear panel 36, preferably by stitching. Reinforcement flaps 46 are formed on each panel 34, 36, 38, and 40 by folding the hem flaps 54, 55 and securing them to the panels.

As shown in FIG. 2, an assembled bag 10 is supported on the rack 12. The loop 80 is provided on the rim 46 of the rear panel 34 and is sufficiently long to be positioned over the central hook 24 on the rack 12. The side arms 18, 20 are inserted into the openings 52, such that the arms 18, 20 move into the channel formed in the rim 46 of the side panels 38, 40. In this position, the bag 10 is supported on two sides and in the rear. This support of the bag by the rack 12 stabilizes the flexible side panels and maintains the bag in an open condition for receipt of groceries or other items. An inner flap (not shown) may be provided in the bag 10 that forms a pocket for supporting taller items, such as bottles or bread. The flap is preferably in the form of an elongated loop, attached to the back panel and a side panel.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate construction for a reinforced bottom panel 64. In this construction, a rear panel 60 is attached to a front panel 62 by means of overlapping bottom panels 64 and 66. Extension flaps 68 and 69 are provided adjacent the respective overlapping panels 64 and 66. The extension flaps 68, 69 are secured to the corresponding rear panel 60 and front panel 62. This construction creates a secure, two ply bottom wall for the bag, with the panels 60, 62 replacing the rear panel 34 and front panel 36 in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Alternatively, the panels 60, 62 may serve as replacements for the side panels 38 and 40. The additional bag panels (not shown in FIG. 4.) are secured to the side edges of the illustrated panels 60, 62 to complete the bag construction.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, another bag assembly is illustrated, with bag panels 70 and 72 incorporating bottom panels 74 and 76, respectively. No extension panels are incorporated into this construction. The overlapping bottom panels 74 and 76 are secured together along the bottom edge seams 78. The panels 70 and 72 may be used as replacements for the rear panel 34 and front panel 36 of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, or may be replacements for the side panels 38, 40.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, tabs 48 are added adjacent the opening 52. The tabs 48 are separate portions of T-shaped members 58 having a base portion 58A and a fold portion 58B, which are positioned transverse to one another. The base member 58A is positioned under the hem flap (54) and stitched within the rim 46 at the top of the side panel 38. The fold portion 58B is folded along line 59 and the two portions are adhered (stitched) together. The fold portion 58B extends through the opening 52 to define the tab 48. The fold portion 58B is preferably secured to one edge of the opening 52, with the remainder of the opening reinforced by stitching or the like. The openings 52 provide access into the channel formed by the rim 46 at the top of the side panels 38, 40. The tabs 48 provide a gripping member for enlarging the opening 52 to ease access of the arms 18, 20 (FIG. 1) into the channel of hem 46.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, a further embodiment of a bag assembly is shown having side panels 38, 40, each having an attached skirt portion 90. The skirt portion 90 as illustrated includes an open end 92 facing the rear wall 34 of the bag. The open end 92 has an aperture sized to receive the arms 18, 20 of the rack 12. Preferably, the open end 92 of the skirt portion 90 has a vertical height that is larger than the height of the arms 18, 20, to provide ample space to easily receive the arms 18, 20 as the bag is mounted onto the rack 12.

Each skirt portion 90 includes a top end 94 secured to the upper edge of the side panels 38, 40, an open side end 96 facing the front wall 36 of the bag, and a bottom edge 98 secured to the side panels 38, 40. As shown, the skirt 90 is relatively shorter than the depth of the bag (or the length of the side walls). The open side end 96 permits the arms 18, 20 to be easily inserted into and extended through the skirt 90. The length of the skirt 90 may be varied as desired, including having a length equal to the depth of the bag. The bottom edge 98 is angled to assist in directing the arms 18, 20 through the skirt 90 and projected out of the open side end 96. The skirt 90 preferably includes a flap 93 adjacent the open end 92 that extends away from the side walls 38, 40 of the bag (and away from the seam formed at the joint between the side walls and the rear panel 34). The flaps 93 provide a gripping mechanism for opening the ends 92 of the two skirts 90 and for directing the skirts 90 over the respective arms 18, 20 on the rack.

Preferably, the skirt 90 is formed from the same type of material as the side panels 38, 40. As illustrated, the skirt 90 is attached to the sides adjacent the hem along the upper edge 94. Alternatively, the skirt 90 may be formed by folding over a portion of the side panels 38, 40, creating a hem on the outer surface of the panels 38, 40. The skirt 90 may be attached to the side panels 38, 40 by means of stitching, adhesive or the like.

In FIG. 8, the folding of the bag assembly of FIG. 7 is shown. The bag is divided into a bottom section 100, a middle section 102 and a top section 104. Each section includes a left portion 106 and a right portion 108. To fold the bag, the bottom section 100 is folded on top of the middle section 102 along fold a line in the “A” direction. The folded bottom section 100 and middle section 102 are then folded onto the top section 104 along a further fold line in the “B” direction. The left portions 106 of the folded sections are then folded on top of the right portion 108 along a fold line in the “C” direction. Attachment means 110 is provided on the skirt portion 90 to secure the folded portions 104, 106 together. The attachment means is provided on the extended tabs of the two skirt portions 90, which extend away from the side panels 38, 40. Once the bag is folded, the two skirt portions 90 are positioned adjacent one another, with a portion of the attachment means 110 on each skirt 90 positioned adjacent one another such that they may be secured together. Once the attachment means 110 is secured, the folded bag assembly is maintained in a folded state. The attachment means 110 may be any type known in the industry, such as adhesive strips, buttons, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners and the like. Optionally, a display card 112 may be attached onto the folded bag. The card 112 as illustrated includes an opening through which the attachment means 110 is secured. The card 112 may be used to hang the bag on a display rack in a store and to provide product information. Also, the card 112 may serve as a bottom insert to provide rigidity to the bag.

The reusable bag of the present invention is preferably formed from a non-woven synthetic material, such as PET or polypropylene. A nylon fabric material may be used and may serve to reduce weight and to add strength to the construction. In addition, the nylon may be considered washable in a washing machine, which could be advantageous in extending the life of the bag and reduce bacterial contamination. Other plastic materials, natural materials (such as cotton), or blends thereof may also be used. The plastics may also be virgin material or recycled, as desired. The non-woven fabric for the bag may be spun bonded (incorporating a heat-embossing step), needle punched, spun lace or other process. It is contemplated that the bag of the present invention does not require a rigid bottom reinforcement panel. However, such panels may be incorporated into the bag without departing from the invention.

The bag dimensions are defined by a width, a depth and a height. Typically, the width of the bag is greater than the depth. This relationship contributes in part to the stress concentration on the bag when filled. Once the bag is lifted off a support surface by the handles 30, 32, the load within the interior volume 42 will normally move towards the center of the bag. Further, the bottom of the bag will typically bow outwardly, as will the front and rear panels 34, 36. This reaction is at least in part due to the relative dimensions of the bag, with the width of the front and rear panels 36, 34 being greater than the depth created by the side panels 38, 40. The position of the handles 30, 32 on the front and rear panels 36, 34 of the bag may affect the shift of items within the relatively flexible material of the bag.

The shift of items in the bag and the form of the edges on certain items (such as cans, boxes, etc.) may each cause a stress concentration adjacent the bottom surface of the bag. In addition, the edges of the retained items may create wear points due to friction created when placing the bag on a support surface or the ground. Excessive stress and wear may result in failure points within the bag material. For these reasons, the present invention preferably includes a double walled bottom construction. Further, the double layer of material is preferably wrapped up the front and rear side of the bag and protects the stressed and vulnerable surfaces of the bag. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the extension 50 is shown attached to the front panel 36 of the bag 10. This extension 50 has a height measured from the bottom edge of the bag. Preferably, this height should be in the range of 1.5 to 3 inches. Another measure could be calculated by taking the difference between the bag width and depth and dividing that number by two. Thus, for example, if the bag dimensions have a width equal to 12 inches and a depth equal to 8 inches, the height extension on each side would be equal to 2. These dimensions and dimensional relationships are preferred, but should not be considered limiting, since other variables may lead to a different preferred structure.

Another consideration in creating the bag is the length of the handle. The overall height of the bag, plus the height of the handles, may affect use of the bag. If the handles are long, this permits the user to place the bag over the shoulder, placing the arm through the loop of the handles. However, with a long handle, the person carrying the bag in their hand may end up with the height of the bag and handle exceeding the distance between the floor and the user's hand. Thus, unless the user's arm is bent during carrying, which may be uncomfortable for some users, the bag may drag on the ground causing excessive wear and potential failure during use. Preferably, the handles have an extension height above the top seam on the bag panels of 6 to 12 inches. However, the size of the bag and its intended use may result in different preferred dimensions.

Alternative means for supporting the side panels of the bag on the arms of the rack are contemplated. A series of openings may be positioned along the side panel so that the rack arms may be threaded through the opening to support the bag panels. The openings may be reinforced as desired, such as by button hole-like stitching or grommets. Alternatively, one or more loops may be provided along on the side panels of the bag. Further, attachment structures, including hook and loop type fasteners, may be incorporated into the bag construction to releaseably secure the bag to the rack structures prior to the filling operation.

The present invention creates a system for loading reusable bags on a typical rack used for disposable plastic bags. The preferred reusable bag of the present invention incorporates a number of individual features, including the double walled bottom construction and the channels for receipt of the support arms of the rack. These features, in their various forms, may be incorporated into the bag individually or together as may be desired. In the preferred construction, the elements for supporting the bag on a typical support rack result in an easy-on and easy-off assembly process, whereby the speed of assembly is increased and productivity is enhanced due to at least the ease in loading the bag.

It is contemplated that the various bag embodiments of the present invention can be secured to the rack without removal of existing disposable plastic bags that are supported on the rack. Other features and advantages are contemplated to flow from the particularities of the structures herein provided and other modifications may be accomplished without departing from the features of the present invention as herein described and as claimed below.

Claims

1. A reusable bag having a defined storage volume for receiving and transporting various items comprising: a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels, the panels assembled to define the storage volume, having an open top end portion,a bottom wall attached to the panels to close the bottom end portion of the defined storage volume, the bottom wall formed from at least two plies of material, with at least one ply of the bottom wall having an extension portion wrapping around the bottom wall and secured to another one of the panels.

2. A reusable bag as in claim 1 further comprising means formed as part of the side panel for supporting the bag on the arms of a bag support rack.

3. A reusable bag as in claim 2 wherein the bag supporting means comprises apertures formed in the side panel positioned to receive the extending arms of a rack, such that the arms support the side panel and maintain the bag open during loading.

4. A reusable bag as in claim 3 wherein the apertures direct the rack arms into channels formed within the upper rim of the side panel.

5. A reusable bag as in claim 4 further comprising a tab portion positioned adjacent the apertures for moving the rack arms into the channel.

6. A reusable bag as in claim 1, further comprising a loop for securing the open top end of the bag to a central support hook on the support rack.

7. A reusable bag as in claim 1 further comprising an extension portion that at least partially extends up on and is attached to the side panel of the bag adjacent the bottom wall.

8. A reusable bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bottom wall is integrally formed with at least one of the front, rear or side panels.

9. A reusable bag having a defined storage volume for receiving and transporting various items comprising: a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels, the panels assembled to define the storage volume, having an open top end portion,a bottom wall attached to the panels to close the bottom end portion of the defined storage volume, andmeans formed as part of the side panels for supporting the bag on the arms of a bag support rack.

10. A reusable bag as in claim 9 wherein the supporting means comprises apertures formed in the side panels positioned to receive the extending arms of a rack, such that the arms support the side panels and maintain the bag open during loading.

11. A reusable bag as in claim 10 wherein the apertures direct the rack arms into channels formed within the upper rim of the side panels.

12. A reusable bag as in claim 11 further comprising a tab portion positioned adjacent the apertures for moving the rack arms into the channel.

13. A reusable bag as in claim 9 further comprising a loop for securing the open top end of the bag to a central support hook on the support rack.

14. A reusable bag as in claim 9 further comprising an extension portion that at least partially extends up on and is attached to the panels of the bag adjacent the bottom wall.

15. A reusable bag as in claim 9 wherein the bottom wall is formed from at least two plies of material.

16. A reusable bag as in claim 15, wherein at least one ply of the bottom wall is integrally formed with at least one of the front, rear, or side panels.

17. A reusable bag as in claim 15 wherein the bottom wall comprises an extension portion wrapping around the bottom wall and secured to at least one of the front, rear, or side panels.

18. A reusable bag having a defined storage volume for receiving and transporting various items comprising: a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels, the panels assembled to define the storage volume, having an open top end portion,a bottom wall attached to the panels to close the bottom end portion of the defined storage volume,means for supporting the bag on the extended arms of a bag support rack, andat least one skirt portion attached to one of the side panels having an open end sized and located to receive the extended arms of a bag support rack and for releaseably supporting the bag in an open position on the rack.

19. The reusable bag as in claim 18 further comprising attachment means located on the skirt, the attachment me formed to secure at least a portion of the bag to an adjacent portion of the bag for storage and shipment.