Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TOTE BAG
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001]
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 17/093,173,
filed
November 9, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 15/903,867,
filed February 23,
2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/463,308,
filed February 24,
2017.
FIELD
[0002]
The present disclosure relates generally to non-rigid and portable tote bags
or packs
useful for carrying or transporting various items by hand-carrying or placing
the tote over the
shoulder via tote straps or handles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A
tote or carry bag can be a means for an individual to carry or transport
various items
to include large or bulky objects. Tote bags may in certain instances be
easier to carry than luggage
and can be made of sturdy cloth, leather, heavy canvas, plastics, etc. A tote
bag may have an
unsecured opening and can include large parallel shoulder straps attached to
the sides of the bag.
SUMMARY
[0004]
This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relating to
this
invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the
Detailed Description. This
Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the
invention.
[0005]
In one aspect, an example tote bag may provide an individual with an easily
portable
bag that can be extremely durable, water resistant, anti-microbial, and easily
cleaned by flushing
with water from a hose or other means. Other aspects of the disclosure herein
may relate to tote
bags and methods of making tote bags having one or more of (1) an outer shell
defining a sidewall,
(2) an inner bottom liner, (3) a storage compai ____________________________
intent formed by the outer shell and the inner bottom
liner, (4) an opening configured to allow access to the storage compartment,
and (4) a semi-rigid
base configured to keep the tote bag upright with or without contents in the
storage compai intent.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
[0006] In another aspect, an example bag may include a shell defining a
sidewall, an upper
portion, a rim, an opening, a front, a back, and a lower portion, the upper
portion may define an
upper circumference of the bag, the lower portion may define a lower
circumference of the bag,
wherein the opening may be configured to allow access to a storage
compartment. In some
examples, the bag may further include a plurality of carry straps, a semi-
rigid base defining a
bottom of the bag, wherein the shell and the semi-rigid base form the storage
compartment, and
the semi-rigid base may be configured to maintain the bag upright. In other
examples, the bag
may include a first internal divider panel attached to the sidewall and
configured to transition from
a first position to a second position, wherein the first position may be a
stowed configuration and
the second position may be an extended configuration. In other examples, the
bag may include at
least one inner pocket attached to an upper portion of the sidewall, and a top
binding configured
to surround the rim and a top of the inner pocket may be attached to the upper
portion of the
sidewall.
[0007] In other examples, the bag may include a second internal divider
panel attached to the
sidewall and configured to transition from the first position to the second
position and the first
internal divider panel may be positioned opposite the second internal divider
panel. In other
examples, the first internal divider panel and the second internal divider
panel may be flush with
the sidewall in the first position. In yet another example, the bag may
further include a second
inner pocket attached to an upper portion of the sidewall and positioned
opposite the at least one
inner pocket. In still other examples, the bag may include a closure device
configured to
substantially close the opening of the bag, and a portion of the closure
device may be positioned
under the top binding. In some examples, the closure device may include a
clasp configured to
engage a loop of material positioned opposite the clasp. In another example,
the bag may include
a first upper material configured to surround an upper outer circumference of
an exterior of the
bag, and a top portion of the first upper material may positioned under the
top binding. In other
examples, the bag may include a second upper material configured to surround
an upper inner
circumference of an interior of the bag, and a top portion of the first upper
material may be
positioned under the top binding. In some examples, an upper portion of the at
least one inner
pocket may be positioned under the second upper material and/or under the top
binding. In yet
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
other examples, the first and second upper material may be secured to the
sidewall with stitching
and the top binding may comprise nylon. In one example, the shell may also
include a bottom
material configured to wrap around a bottom perimeter of the shell and a
portion of the semi-rigid
base.
[0008]
In yet another aspect an example bag may include a shell defining a sidewall,
an upper
portion, a rim, an opening, a front, a back, and a lower portion, the upper
portion may define an
upper circumference of the bag, the lower portion may define a lower
circumference of the bag,
wherein the opening maybe configured to allow access to a storage compaiiment.
In other
examples, the bag may include a plurality of carry straps, a semi-rigid base
defining a bottom of
the bag, wherein the shell and the semi-rigid base may form the storage
compaiiment, and the
semi-rigid base may be configured to maintain the bag upright. In some
examples, the bag may
include a first internal divider panel attached to the sidewall and configured
to transition from a
first position to a second position, wherein the first position is a stowed
configuration and the
second position is in an extended configuration. In yet another example, the
bag may also include
a second internal divider panel attached to the sidewall opposite the first
internal divider panel and
configured to transition from the first position to the second position,
wherein the first internal
divider panel and the second internal divider panel are flush with the
sidewall in the first position.
In another example, the bag may include a pair of inner pockets attached to an
upper portion of
the sidewall, and a top binding configured to surround the rim and a top of
the pair of inner pockets
attached to the upper portion of the sidewall.
[0009]
In other aspects, an example bag may include a shell defining a sidewall, an
upper
portion, a rim, an opening, a front, a back, and a lower portion, the upper
portion may define an
upper circumference of the bag, the lower portion may define a lower
circumference of the bag,
and the opening may be configured to allow access to a storage compai ______
intent. In other examples,
the bag may include a pair of upper straps, a pair of lower straps engaged
with the pair of upper
straps, a semi-rigid base that may define a bottom of the bag. The shell and
the semi-rigid base
may form the storage compartment, and the semi-rigid base may be configured to
maintain the bag
upright. In another example, the bag may include a top binding configured to
surround the rim
and a top of the inner pocket attached to the upper portion of the sidewall,
first and second upper
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
materials, and an insert affixed to the storage compaitment. In other aspects,
the insert may also
include a first internal divider panel attached to the sidewall and configured
to transition from a
first position to a second position, wherein the first position is a stowed
configuration and the
second position is in an extended configuration. In yet other examples, the
insert may include a
second internal divider panel attached to the sidewall opposite the first
internal divider panel and
configured to transition from the first position to the second position. In
some examples, the insert
may be removable. In other examples, the insert may be attached to the
sidewall.
[0010] In other examples, the bag may also include a pair of inner pockets
attached to an upper
portion of the insert, and a top portion of the inner pockets may be
positioned under the top
binding. In some examples, the first internal divider panel and the second
internal divider panel
may be flush with the sidewall in the first position. In other examples, the
pair of upper straps
may be configured as shoulder carry straps and the pair of lower straps may be
configured as hand
carry straps. In some examples, a first upper material may be configured to
surround an upper
outer circumference of an exterior of the bag, and a top portion of the first
upper material may
positioned under the top binding. In yet another example, a second upper
material may be
configured to surround an upper circumference of the insert, and a top portion
of the second upper
material may be positioned under the top binding. In some examples, a height
of the first upper
material may be the same as a height of the second upper material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed
Description, will be better
understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which like
reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various
views in which that
reference number appears.
[0012] Fig. 1 shows a right front perspective view of an example tote bag
in accordance with
an aspect of the disclosure.
[0013] Fig. 2A shows a right front perspective view of an example tote bag
of Fig. 1 without
the straps.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
[0014] Fig. 2B shows a bottom perspective view of the example tote bag of
Fig. 1.
[0015] Fig. 3 shows another right front perspective view of an example tote
bag of Fig. 1.
[0016] Figs. 4A-B show a bottom perspective view of the example tote bag of
Fig. 1 and
illustrate a schematic of an enlarged portion of a cross-sectional view of the
semi-rigid base.
[0017] Fig. 5A shows a transparent front-perspective view of the example
tote bag of Fig. 1
showing the placement of the inner pocket 212 on the interior of the tote bag.
Fig. 5B illustrates
an enlarged view of the inner pocket with a zipper.
[0018] Fig. 6A shows a front view of another exemplary tote bag.
[0019] Fig. 6B shows a side perspective view of the example tote bag of
Fig. 6A.
[0020] Figs. 7A-B show a front view of another exemplary tote bag and
illustrate a schematic
of an enlarged portion of the bag.
[0021] Fig. 8A shows an alternate front perspective view an exemplary hand
strap for the
example tote bag of Figs. 7A-B.
[0022] Fig. 8B shows a schematic exploded view of an exemplary hand strap
for the example
tote bag of Fig. 8A.
[0023] Fig. 8C shows a cross-sectional view of the strap construction of
Fig. 8B.
[0024] Fig. 8D is an expanded cross-sectional view of an alternative strap
construction.
[0025] Fig. 9 illustrates another schematic of an example tote bag
including proposed
dimensions of on particular embodiment.
[0026] Fig. 10 shows a schematic exploded front-view of the exemplary tote
bag of Fig. 9.
[0027] Fig. 11A shows an alternative bottom view of another exemplary tote
bag.
[0028] Fig. 11B illustrates a schematic of an enlarged portion of a cross-
sectional view of the
semi-rigid base of Fig. 11A.
[0029] Figs. 12A-B show a front view of another exemplary tote bag and
illustrate a schematic
of an enlarged portion of the bag including the MOLLE loops.
[0030] Figs. 13A-B show a front view of another exemplary tote bag and
illustrate a schematic
of an enlarged portion of the bag including the hand straps.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
[0031] Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the example
tote bag of Figs. 12A-
B. Fig. 14B-1 illustrates a front view of the tote bag with a view of the
placement of the pocket
on the interior of the tote bag and Fig. 14B-2 depicts the dimensions of the
interior pocket of the
tote bag. Fig. 14C is another cross-sectional view of the interior of the
example tote bag of Figs.
12A-B.
[0032] Figs. 15-21 show various perspective views of another example tote
bag.
[0033] Fig. 22 shows a top front-perspective and interior view of an
alternative example tote
bag in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.
[0034] Fig. 23 shows a top rear-perspective and interior view of an example
tote bag of Fig.
22.
[0035] Fig. 24 shows an enlarged view of an exemplary closure device on the
interior of the
example tote bag of Fig. 23.
[0036] Fig. 25 shows a close-up view of the closure device of Fig. 24.
[0037] Fig. 26 shows an enlarged view of the exemplary closure device on
the interior of the
tote bag of Fig. 22.
[0038] Fig. 27 shows an enlarged view of the exemplary closure device of
the tote bag of Fig.
22.
[0039] Fig. 28 shows a top front-perspective view of the example tote bag
of Fig, 22 with the
closure device securing the opening of the tote bag.
[0040] Fig. 29 shows an enlarged view of the closure device Fig. 28.
[0041] Fig. 30 shows a top-interior view of an alternative example tote bag
in accordance with
an aspect of the disclosure.
[0042] Fig. 31 shows a top-interior view of an internal divider of an
alternative example tote
bag in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.
[0043] Fig. 32 shows a top-interior view of an alternative example tote bag
with two internal
dividers in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.
[0044] Fig. 33 shows another top-interior view of the example tote bag of
Fig. 32 with one
internal divider in an extended position and a second internal divider in a
stowed position.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
[0045]
Fig. 34 illustrates a top cross-sectional schematic of an alternative example
tote bag
organizer insert with two internal dividers in accordance with an aspect of
the disclosure.
[0046]
Figs. 35A-B illustrates front and rear views, respectively, of a removable
organizer
insert for an alternative example tote bag in accordance with an aspect of the
disclosure.
[0047]
Figs. 36A-D are schematics of alternative internal organizer inserts for the
storage
compaiiment of an alternative example tote bag in accordance with an aspect of
the disclosure.
[0048]
Figs. 37A-B are schematics of alternative internal pockets for the interior of
an
alternative example tote bag in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.
[0049]
Fig. 38 is a schematic of the base of an example tote bag in accordance with
an aspect
of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050]
In the following description of the various examples and components of this
disclosure,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and
in which are shown
by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which
aspects of the
disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and
environments may be
utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the
specifically
described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0051]
Also, while the terms "front," "frontside," "back," "backside," "top," "base,"
"bottom,"
"side," "opposite," "forward," and "rearward" and the like may be used in this
specification to
describe various example features and elements, these terms are used herein as
a matter of
convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures
and/or the orientations
in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring
a specific three
dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the
scope of the claims.
[0052]
Figs. 1-3 depict an exemplary tote bag that can be configured to carry or
contain various
items. The tote bag can generally include an outer shell 216, shoulder straps
218, hand straps 210,
a base 215, an opening, and a storage compaiiment 504. As shown in Figs. 1 and
2A the outer
shell 216 forms a storage compaiiment 504 for receiving the desired contents
therein. Fig. 2B
depicts a semi-rigid base 215 that is configured to keep the tote bag upright
with or without
contents in the storage compai _____________________________________________
intent 504. The semi-rigid base can be configured to be in the shape
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
of an oval, ellipsoid, rectangle, circle, square, etc. As shown in Fig. 1,
various handles, straps, and
webs (e.g. 218, 210) and MOLLE loops, and stitching seams or bar tacks (e.g.
224, 222) can also
be included on the tote bag for carrying, holding, or securing the tote bag,
or for securing other
items to the tote bag. Figs. 1 and 2A also depict a pocket 212 attached to the
interior of the storage
compartment 504 formed by the outer shell 216. Also shown in Figs. 1 and 2A is
a single seam
217 wherein the outer shell is fused or connected to form a single solitary
component.
[0053] The tote bag can be configured to include an opening to be closed
with a zipper or a
waterproof zipper. In such a configuration, the tote bag is substantially
water resistant and can
keep desired contents dry for an extended period of time during wet
conditions. It is also
contemplated that the opening can include various sealing devices in addition
to a waterproof
zipper, for example, Velcro, buttons, snaps, buckles, zippers, excess material
that is folded
multiple times to form a seal such as a roll-down seal, seals, metal or
plastic clamps and
combinations thereof could be used to seal the opening. In one example, the
tote bag can also be
designed to maintain water inside the storage compartment 504, and the tote
bag can be configured
to be water "resistant" from the outside in. In other words, the tote bag can
be formed "water
tight" inside the outer shell 216 and bottom inner liner 219, and configured
to transport water or
other liquid. In another example, the tote bag storage compartment is
configured to include drain
holes, wherein the drain holes penetrate the outer shell, and wherein the
drain holes allow fluid to
drain out of the storage compartment. Such a configuration allows a user to
easily wash or rinse
out the tote bag storage compartment with a hose, power washer, or other
cleaning device, and the
water is allowed to drain out of the tote bag.
[0054] Fig. 2A also depicts reinforcing patches 220, which in certain
examples can be welded
or fused to the outer shell 216 and the straps 218, which can in certain
examples can be connected
to the outer shell by binding the straps to the patches 220. In one example,
the binding material
can be nylon. The outer shell and the inner liner can be manufactured from
materials that are
antimicrobial or anti-fungal. The tote bag can also be manufactured from
materials that are water
resistant or water proof to keep the contents stored therein substantially
dry.
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
[0055]
Fig. 3 depicts a front right view of an exemplary tote bag. The tote bag
includes
shoulder straps 218 and hand straps 210. Also depicted is a top binding 503
and bottom tape fabric
502. Also visible is the single outer shell seam 217, outer top tape fabric
501a and inner top tape
fabric 501b. Straps 218 further include MOLLE loops 224 and stitching seams
222. However,
the MOLLE loops 224 do not necessarily need to be MOLLE and could be
configured differently
in different shapes and sizes depending on their desired usage. The straps 218
and MOLLE loops
224 can be stitched to outer shell reinforcing patch 220 and the reinforcing
patch 220 is welded to
the outer shell 216.
[0056]
Figs. 4A-B depict a bottom view of the tote bag and illustrates a schematic of
an
enlarged portion of a cross-sectional view of the construction of the semi-
rigid base. As shown in
Figs. 4A-B, the tote bag may include a base 215 and a 1PU coated nylon bottom
tape fabric 221
that is welded to the outer shell 216 and the base outer shell 226. The bottom
inner liner 219 is
also welded to the outer shell 216. The welds 227 are depicted in Figs. 4A-B.
In addition, a
compression molded EVA with TPU coated nylon laminate 225 and a PE foam base
223 are
layered in between the bottom inner liner 219 and the base outer shell 226.
The base 215 can
provide structural integrity and support to the tote bag when the tote bag is
placed onto a surface
and keeps the bag upright with or without contents inside the storage
compartment.
[0057]
In one particular example, a portion of the base can be formed by injection
molding.
Additionally, in one example, the foam base 223, which can be formed from EVA
foam, can be
secured to the bottom of inner bottom liner 219 by lamination or by polymer
welding (e.g. RF
welding), stitching, or adhesives. The base outer shell 226 can be secured to
the compression
molded EVA 225 by polymer welding (e.g. RF welding), stitching, or adhesives.
Similarly, the
compression molded EVA 225 can be secured to the foam base 223 by polymer
welding (e.g. RF
welding), stitching, or adhesives.
[0058]
In one example, as shown in Figs. 5A-B, the tote bag includes a storage
compartment
504 that includes a first pocket 212. The first pocket 212 may be welded to
the inside of the tote
bag inside the storage compai ______________________________________________
intent. In one example, the first pocket 212 includes a zipper 228, a
zipper slider 229, and a paracord puller 230 with a heat shrinking tube. The
pull may also be
formed of a cloth, string, or rope. The puller may also be a metal, alloy,
composite, ceramic, or
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
plastic, along with other suitable materials. In another example, the zipper
228 is waterproof, and
first pocket is configured to be waterproof when the zipper is closed. In one
particular example,
the waterproof zipper can be constructed with plastic or other non-metallic
teeth to prevent injury
when retrieving items from the first pocket 212. It is contemplated that the
first pocket can include
various sealing devices in addition to a waterproof zipper, for example, hook
and loop, buttons,
snaps, buckles, zippers, excess material that is folded multiple times to form
a seal such as a roll-
down seal, seals, metal or plastic clamps and combinations thereof. The pocket
may also be
constructed of a transparent material such that the user can see the contents
inside the pocket
without opening the zipper. In yet another embodiment, the tote bag includes a
second pocket
directly opposite the first pocket, inside the storage compartment of the tote
bag. The second
pocket may be welded to the storage compaiiment and the second pocket may also
be constructed
of a transparent material to see the contents inside the pocket. Both the
first and the second pockets
may be constructed of a mesh material that allows a user to easily visualize
the contents of the
pocket. Both the first and second pocket may be secured or attached to the
storage compaiiment
504 by using any other method disclosed herein or any known method, e.g.,
polymer welding,
stitching, or other adhesive.
[0059]
Various materials may be used to construct the components of the disclosed
tote bag.
In one particular embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2A, 2B, 3, 4, and 5, the tote
bag components are
constructed of the respective materials outlined in Table 1 below. In one
example, the tote bag is
generally foldable or collapsible down to the semi-rigid base for easy storage
and transport.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
TABLE 1
MATERIALS
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION LOCATION COLOR NOTES
212 First pocket 1680D Nylon with double sided BODY MEDIUM 420D TEXTURE ON
TPU, Opaque, Two Color GREY / BOTH SIDES
SEA
FOAM
502 Bottom 1680D Nylon with double sided BODY DARK 420D TEXTURE ON
tape fabric TPU, Opaque, One Color GREY EXTERIOR
SURFACE
210 Hand strap 1680D Nylon Uncoated BODY BLACK
220 Patch or 1680D Nylon with double sided BODY DARK 420D TEXTURE ON
logo TPU, Opaque, One Color GREY EXTERIOR
SURFACE
503 Top 420D Nylon TOP BINDING BLACK
binding
TAPES
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION LOCATION COLOR
228 Zipper #8 RC ZIPPER INSIDE ORG. BLACK
POCKET
229 Zipper #8 RC ZIPPER SLIDER INSIDE ORG. BLACK
slider POCKET
230 Zipper PARA-CORD PULLER WITH INSIDE ORG. BLACK
puller HEAT SHRINK TUBE POCKET
INSULATION AND FILLERS
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION LOCATION COLOR
226 Base outer 3MM EVA, (WITH 1680D COMPRESSION DARK
shell NYLON LAMINATE) MOLDED GREY
BASE
223 Foam base 3MM PE SPONGE FOAM BASE WHITE
WEBBINGS
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION LOCATION COLOR
218 Shoulder 50MM X 1.5MM NYLON HANDLES BLACK
strap WEBBING AND TAPE
210 Hand strap 25MM X 2MM NYLON HANDLES BLACK
WEBBING
224 MOLLE 25MM X 1MM NYLON HITCHPOINT BLACK
loop WEBBING GRID
11
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-07-13
[0060] In one example, as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, the tote bag includes
shoulder straps 218
and hand straps 210. The shoulder straps may also include MOLLE loops 224.
Additionally, as
shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, webbing formed as MOLLE loops 224 can be sewn onto
the straps 218
and 210 on the front and back of the tote bag. The MOLLE loops 224 can be used
to attach items
(e.g., carabineers, dry bags) to the tote bag. The hand straps 210 can also
provide the user with
another option for securing the tote bag to a structure.
[0061] In another example, the shoulder strap 218, hand strap 210, and
MOLLE loops 224 can
be constructed of nylon webbing. Other materials may include polypropylene,
neoprene,
polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastics, rubber, or rope.
The shoulder strap
218 and hand strap 210 can be attached to the outer shell 216 by stitching,
adhesive, or polymer
welding. Further, as shown in Fig. 6A, the shoulder strap may include webbing
seams 505 that
are hidden behind the straps. In addition, Fig. 6B shows a perspective from a
user facing a single
pocket seam 217 on the left side of the tote bag and the seam 217 is only
located on one side of
the tote bag. Also shown on Figs. 6A and 6B are top binding 503, bottom tape
fabric 502, outer
top tape fabric 501a, and the base 215. The various seams, stitching and
binding patterns are also
shown on the example tote bag in Figs. 6A and 6B.
[0062] In one example, as shown in Figs. 7A-B, the tote bag includes
shoulder straps 218 and
hand straps 210. The shoulder straps are attached to reinforcing patch 220 and
the patch 220 is
welded to the outer shell. In one example, the reinforcing patch 220, as
depicted in Figs. 7A-B,
extends upwards and below the top binding 503. The reinforcing patch 220 can
include a .25cm,
0.5cm, .75cm, 1.0cm, 1.5cm, 1.75cm, or 2.0cm weld around a perimeter of the
patch.
[0063] In another example, as shown in Figs. 8A-8C, the tote bag includes
shoulder straps 218
and hand straps 210. The straps are constructed by binding three materials or
sections of nylon
webbing together that include the outer shoulder strap 218, bound to the hand
strap 210 facing
toward the inside of the tote bag, and a middle hand strap reinforcement layer
211. In another
example, as shown in Fig. 8C, the shoulder strap 218 is at least a 50mm x
1.5mm nylon webbing,
the hand strap reinforcement layer 211 is at least a 25mm x 2mm nylon webbing,
and the hand
strap 210 is uncoated nylon. See Table 1. In another example, as shown in Fig.
8D, an alternative
hand strap 210 construction includes an internal rigid or semi-rigid support
rod 301 to thicken and
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
strengthen the hand straps 210 attached to the shoulder straps 218. In the
expanded cross-section
view, one or two rods 301 are contained within a layer of webbing 303 forming
the hand strap 210.
In another example, the rods 301 are contained within a layer of webbing 303
surrounded by
another layer of webbing 302 forming the hand strap 210. In another example,
stitching 304 sewn
between the rods separate the rods 301. The rod 301 may be constructed of
foam, polypropylene,
neoprene, polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastics,
rubber, wood, metal, or
rope. In yet another example, hand strap 210 is secured by stitching,
adhesive, or polymer welding
to tabs 305 which are secured to shoulder strap 218 by stitching, adhesive, or
polymer welding.
[0064] In yet another example, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the tote bag may
consist of various
dimensions. In one example, the shoulder straps are configured to remain above
a horizontal plane
of the base when the tote bag is carried by the hand straps. In another
example, the hand straps
210 may each include a first vertical portion 601, a second horizontal section
602, and a third
vertical portion 603 to form a U-shape, and in one example, at least the first
vertical portion and
the second vertical portion are attached to the shoulder straps 218. In
another example, the
shoulder straps 218 may define a first length 604 above the opening of the
tote bag, and the hand
straps 210 may be positioned below a midpoint along the first length of the
shoulder straps 218.
In still another example, the shoulder straps 218 define an upper handle 606
and the hand straps
210 define a lower handle and wherein a distance between the upper handle and
the lower handle
is a second length 605, the second length being less than the first length. In
this example, the
second length 605 may be less than a height of the bag 607. In yet another
example, the length
604 of the shoulder straps 218 is less than a height of the bag 607. In still
another example, the
shoulder strap 218 is at least 70% of a bag height. In one particular example,
the tote bag includes
a width and a height, wherein the width is at least 65% of the bag height. The
outer shell 216 may
include a certain design 232 such as a logo or name that can be attached,
molded, or embossed
directly into the material.
[0065] Additionally, as depicted in Figs. 11A and 11B, the bottom portion
of the tote bag can
include a base 215, which adds to the structural integrity of the tote bag.
The base 215 may also
provide additional protection around the bottom of the tote bag. In one
example, a portion of the
base 215 can be formed from EVA foam 225. The base 215 may include a certain
design such as
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
a logo or name that can be molded or embossed directly into the material. The
base 215 may also
include base outer shell 226 constructed of 1680D nylon with single side PU or
other suitable
material. Additionally, the bottom tape fabric 502 may be a nylon, wherein the
nylon is a double-
sided and at least one color TPU. See Table 1.
[0066] In yet other examples, as shown in Figs. 12-14A-C, the tote bag may
consist of various
dimensions. In other examples, the storage compaitment 504 has a capacity of
at least 20L. In
still other examples, the tote bag includes a storage compattment with 5L,
10L, 15L, 20L, 25L,
30L, 35L, 40L, 45L, or 50L capacities. In other examples, as shown in Figs.
14A and 14C, the
tote bag includes an interior or exterior closure device 235a and 235b
attached to inner top tape
fabric 501b. The closure device 235a and 235b may be constructed of a metal,
alloy, composite,
ceramic, plastic, or other suitable materials.
[0067] As shown in Figs. 13A-B, the hand straps 210 each include a first
vertical portion, a
second horizontal section, and a third vertical portion to form a U-shape and
wherein at least the
first vertical portion and the second vertical portion are attached to the
shoulder straps 218. The
tote bag also includes shoulder strap 218, a top binding 503 over the top tape
fabric 501a and 50 lb.
Also integrated on the shoulder strap 218 and on the front of the outer shell
216 are MOLLE loops
224. The various bindings or stitching is shown in the expanded views of Figs.
12A-B and 13A-
B. This includes stitching or bar tacks 222 as well as back tacks 231 and
hidden web seams 505.
The outer shell 216 can be configured to support one or more optional handles
or straps (e.g. 210,
218). In this regard, the outer shell 216 can also include multiple
reinforcement areas or patches
220 that are configured to assist in structurally supporting the optional
handles or straps (e.g. 210,
218). The handles or straps (e.g. 210, 218) and other attachments can be
stitched using threads
222, however these threads 222 do not, in one example, extend through the
outer shell 216 into the
storage compaitment. Rather, the threads are sewn to the patches 220, and the
patches 220 can be
RF welded to the outer shell 216. However, the handles or straps can be
attached to the patch 220
and/or attached to the outer shell 216 using any other method disclosed herein
or any known
method, e.g., polymer welding, stitching, or other adhesive.
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
[0068] In another example, the tote bag can include two straps or carry
handles 210 that are
connected to the frontside of outer shell 216 of the tote bag and the backside
of outer shell 216 of
the tote bag. In one particular example, shoulder straps 218 can include
additional padding to
facilitate carrying tote bag over the shoulder. The hand straps or handles 210
provide the user with
another option for grasping and carrying the tote bag in such a manner that
the shoulder straps 218
will not extend below the bottom of a horizontal plane of the base 215 of the
tote bag (e.g. the
bottom of the bag).
[0069] Hand straps 210 may also incorporate rings, carabineers, or other
attachment devices.
The devices can be secured to the hand straps or carry handles 210 and by
stitching, adhesive, or
polymer welding and can be used to help secure or tie down the tote bag to
another structure such
as a vehicle, vessel, camping equipment, and the like or various objects such
as keys, water bottle
bottles, additional straps, bottle openers, tools, other personal items, and
the like. The hand straps
may also be attached to each other by incorporating various sealing or
connecting devices, for
example, hook and loop, buttons, snaps, buckles, or zippers, seals, metal or
plastic clamps, and
combinations thereof.
[0070] Additionally, as shown in Figs. 13A-B, webbing formed as loops or
MOLLE loops 224
can be sewn onto the shoulder straps 218, that also forms the hand straps 210,
on the back of the
tote bag. Again, the MOLLE loops 224 can be used to attach items (e.g.,
carabineers, dry bags) to
the tote bag. The hand straps 210 can also provide the user with another
option for securing the
tote bag to a structure.
[0071] In one example, the hand straps 210 and shoulder straps 218 and
MOLLE loops 224
can be constructed of nylon webbing. Other materials may include
polypropylene, neoprene,
polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar, cotton fabric, leather, plastics, rubber, or rope.
The hand straps 210
and shoulder straps 218 can be attached to the outer shell 216 or the
reinforcement patches 220 by
stitching, adhesive, or polymer welding. The MOLLE loops 224 can be configured
to receive
many types of items or a corresponding group of hooks, which can be placed
onto the surface
anywhere on various items, such as fishing lures, keys, bottle openers, card
holders, tools, other
personal items, and the like. In still another example, the outer shell 216
includes a patch or logo
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
232 that can include a logo, company name, personalization, or other
customization. The patch or
logo 232 can be washable and UV resistant to prevent discoloration.
[0072] In a particular example, the polymer welding technique includes both
external and
internal methods. External or thermal methods can include hot gas welding, hot
wedge welding,
hot plate welding, infrared welding and laser welding. Internal methods may
include mechanical
and electromagnetic welds. Mechanical methods may include spine welding, stir
welding,
vibration welding, and ultrasonic welding. Electromagnetic methods may include
resistance,
implant, electrofusion welding, induction welding, dielectric welding, RF
(Radio Frequency)
welding, and microwave welding. The welding can be conducted in a flat or
horizontal plane to
maximize the effectiveness of the polymer welding to the construction
materials. As a result, a
rugged watertight seam can be created that prevents water or fluids from
escaping from or into the
storage compat intent 504.
[0073] In one particular example, the outer shell 216 and bottom inner
liner 219 can be
constructed from double laminated TPU nylon fabric. Nylon fabric can be used
as a base material
for the bottom inner liner 219 and the outer shell 216 and can be coated with
a TPU laminate on
each side of the fabric. The TPU nylon fabric used in one particular example
is 0.1 to 1.0
millimeters thick, is waterproof, and has an antimicrobial additive that meets
all Food and Drug
Administration requirements. However, it is contemplated that the fabrics used
to construct the
tote bag incorporate antimicrobial materials to create a mildew-free
environment that is food
contact surface safe. In one specific example, the nylon can be 840d nylon
with TPU. Alternative
materials used to manufacture the inner bottom liner 219 and outer shell 216
include PVC, TPU
coated nylon, coated fabrics, and other weldable and waterproof fabrics. See
Table 1.
[0074] The foam base 223 can be manufactured from an NBR/PVC blend or any
other suitable
blend. In addition, the tote bag may also include the compression molded EVA
225 with a TPU
coated nylon laminate 226 layer. The compression molded EVA 225 may be
substituted with
foam, plastic, metal or other material. In one example, the base 215 is at
least 6mm thick.
Additionally, as shown in Figs. 4A-B and Table 1, the compression molded EVA
225 and foam
base 223 can each be 3mm thick. Although the base outer shell 226 is laminated
to the
compression molded EVA 225, in an alternative example, the base outer shell
226 can be attached
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
to the bottom of the compression molded EVA 225 by co-molding, polymer
welding, adhesive, or
any known methods.
[0075] Figs. 15-21 show an alternative example of a tote bag, which may
have the same
construction and functionality described above, but can have a different shape
or configuration. In
one example, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the tote bag may have a trapezoid
shape or
configuration. In still other examples, the tote bag may be tapered from the
top of the bag to the
bottom of the bag. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 15, 18, and 19, the tote
bag can be provided
with snaps 233 for securing each set of straps (i.e. 210, 218) to each other.
This facilitates the ease
of carrying the bag by the lower handles. As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the
outer shell 216 may
include a certain design or patch 232 such as a logo or name that can be
attached, molded, or
embossed directly into the material, and may be removable (i.e. from a hook
and loop patch 234).
The design or patch may be attached by welding, stitching, adhesive, or
secured by other methods.
The design or patch 232 may be attached, for example, by hook and loop,
buttons, snaps, buckles,
zippers, seals, metal or plastic clamps, and combinations thereof so that it
may be removed. The
tote bag may have a design or patch 232 on a single side of the bag on the
outer shell 216 or on
both sides of the tote bag as shown in Figs. 16 and 17. In still other
examples, the design or patch
may be permanently affixed to one or both sides of the tote bag. In other
examples, the design or
patch may be in a removable configuration on one or both sides of the tote
bag. In yet other
examples, one side of the tote bag includes a permanently affixed design or
patch and the other
side may include a removable design or patch. In other examples, the design or
patch 232 may be
configured to include a pocket that allows a user to insert a luggage label,
business card, or
identification tag that includes personal or other contact information such as
name, address, email
address, phone numbers, etc.
[0076] In another example, a method of forming a tote bag may include
forming a tote bag by
forming an outer shell, placing a bottom inner liner into the outer shell, and
securing the bottom
inner liner to the outer shell thereby forming a storage compartment. The
method can also include
forming a semi-rigid base that is constructed from a compression molded EVA, a
PE foam base,
and a base outer shell constructed of a TPU coated nylon laminate that covers
the semi-rigid base.
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
The method can also include securing the base outer shell to the outer shell
and binding several
straps to the outer shell.
[0077]
The method can also include a binding material that is nylon and the binding
material
is stitched to an outer shell/reinforcing patch and the patch is then welded
to the outer shell. The
method can also include forming an inner bottom liner that is welded to the
outer shell, and the
outer shell and the base outer shell are welded to a bottom tape fabric.
[0078]
The method can also include forming the insulating layer at least partly of a
first
rectangle and a second rectangle and forming the first rectangle of a larger
area than the second
rectangle. The method can also include securing the bottom inner liner to the
lower outer shell by
a weld. The method can also include forming a first pocket, that includes a
zipper, that is welded
to the outer shell inside the storage compaiiment and forming a second pocket
that is welded to
the outer shell inside the storage compai intent opposite the first pocket.
[0079]
An example method may include forming an outer shell with a single vertical
seam.
Another example method includes attaching or securing straps to multiple
reinforcing patches that
are then welded to the outer shell. The method can also include attaching
multiple MOLLE loops
to the straps. The method can also include forming straps by binding three
nylon strap components
together and then binding the straps to the plurality of patches welded to the
outer shell. The
method can also include forming portions of the semi-rigid base by injection
molding.
[0080]
Figs. 22 and 23 depict an alternative example tote bag, which may have the
same
construction and functionality described above, but may have an alternative
interior configuration.
The tote bag may include storage compaiiment 504 that may also include a first
pocket 212a and/or
a second pocket 212b. The first pocket 212a may be welded to the inside of the
tote bag wall
inside the storage compai __________________________________________________
intent. It is contemplated that the first pocket can include various sealing
devices in addition to a waterproof zipper, for example, hook and loop,
buttons, snaps, buckles,
zippers, excess material that is folded multiple times to form a seal such as
a roll-down seal, seals,
metal or plastic clamps and combinations thereof. The pocket 212a may also be
constructed of a
transparent material such that the user can see the contents inside the pocket
without opening the
zipper. The first pocket 212a may also be constructed of a mesh material that
allows a user to
easily visualize the contents of the pocket. The first pocket 212a may be
secured or attached to
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
the inner wall of the storage compartment 504 by using any other method
disclosed herein or any
known method, e.g., polymer welding, stitching, adhesive, or combinations
thereof. In other
examples, a top portion of inner pocket 212a may be positioned under inner top
tape fabric 501b
and/or under the top binding 503. Inner top tape fabric 501b may have a height
equal to a height
of outer top tap fabric 501 surrounding an upper circumference of the outer
shell and the opening
of the tote bag. In some examples, second pocket 212b may be welded to the
inside wall of the
tote bag wall inside the storage compartment 504. It is contemplated that the
second pocket 212b
may also include various sealing devices in addition to a waterproof zipper,
for example, hook and
loop, buttons, snaps, buckles, zippers, excess material that is folded
multiple times to form a seal
such as a roll-down seal, seals, metal or plastic clamps and combinations
thereof. The pocket 212b
may also be constructed of a transparent material such that the user can see
the contents inside the
pocket without opening the zipper. The second pocket 212a may be constructed
of a mesh material
that allows a user to easily visualize the contents of the pocket. The second
pocket 212b may be
secured or attached to the interior wall forming the storage compaitment 504
by using any other
method disclosed herein or any known method, e.g., polymer welding, stitching,
adhesive, or
combinations thereof. In other examples, a top portion of inner pocket 212b
may be positioned
under inner top tape fabric 501b and/or under the top binding 503.
[0081] As also shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the tote bag may include at least
one divider or
partition 401. In some examples, the divider 401 may be collapsible. In other
examples, the
divider 401 may include a pull tab 403 to assist a user in deploying the
divider 401 from a stowed
or collapsed position to an open or extended position. In some examples, the
tote bag may include
a pair of collapsible dividers 401 that may be positioned on the sides or
sidewalls of the bag. In
the stowed or collapsed position, the dividers 401 may fit flush with the
interior sides/walls of the
tote bag. The pull tab 403 may also fit flush against the inner top tape
fabric 501b.
[0082] As further shown in Figs. 22 and 23 the tote bag may include top
binding 503 that may
be positioned over the top of outer tape fabric 501a and/or inner top tape
fabric 501b. Top binding
503 may be secured to the outer shell and/or outer top tape fabric 501a, and
or inner top tape fabric
501b by stitching, polymer welding, adhesive, or combinations thereof. The
tote bag may include
closure device 235a positioned opposite a front side of the bag and on the
interior wall of the
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
storage compartment. Closure device 235b may be positioned opposite closure
device 235a on
the interior wall of the storage compartment. In some examples, the closure
device 235a and or
235b may be attached to the inner top tape fabric 501b. In other examples, a
top portion of closure
device 235a and/or 235b may be positioned and/or attached under the top
binding 503. In yet other
examples, the closure device 235a and or 235b may be sandwiched between inner
top tape fabric
501b and top binding 503. In another example, the closure device 235a and/or
235b may be
secured to the top binding 503 and/or the inner top tape fabric 501b by
stitching, adhesive, weld,
or other mechanical means or combinations thereof. In certain examples, the
closure device 235a
and/or 235b may be a loop of fabric, a loop of webbing, a MOLLE loop, or may
be constructed of
a metal, alloy, composite, ceramic, plastic, polymer, or other suitable
materials, or combinations
thereof.
[0083] In another example embodiment, as shown in Figs. 24-27, closure
device 235a and
235b may include a clasp configured to engage a loop of material positioned
opposite the clasp.
As shown in Fig. 24, the closure device 235b may be engaged with an additional
loop of webbing
or other material 236. The loop of webbing 236 may be engaged with the top
binding 503. The
webbing 236 may be attached to the top binding 503 and/or the inner top tape
fabric 501b by
stitching, adhesive, weld, or other mechanical means. Closure device 235b may
also comprise a
metal, plastic, wooden, polymer, ceramic, or other composite clasp. The clasp
235b may be
integrally formed with the loop of webbing 236. In some examples, the closure
device 235b may
be positioned above the zipper 228, zipper slider 229, and puller 230 of the
pockets 212a and 212b.
As shown in Figs. 26 and 27, closure 235a may comprise a loop of webbing,
MOLLE loop, or
other material configured to engage the clasp 235b to substantially close the
opening of the bag to
prevent the contents within the storage compaiiment 504 from escaping. The
closure 235a may
include an additional stitching 237 to create a first opening 239a and a
second opening 239b. The
openings 239a and/or 239b may be configured to engage the closure device 235b.
[0084] As shown in Figs. 28 and 29, the clasp 235b removably engages the
loop of material
235a to substantially secure and closed the opening of the bag. Closure device
235a and 235b,
when in the engaged position, may reduce a width of the opening at the
position of closure device
235a and 235b from of at least, greater than, less than, equal to, or any
number in between about
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
0.5 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, 3.0 cm, 3.5 cm, 4.0 cm, 4.5 cm, 5.0
cm, 5.5 cm, 6.0 cm,
6.5 cm, 7.5 cm, to 8.0 cm. This configuration is advantageous as it allows the
opening to be
secured to prevent items from falling out of the bag, yet allow an individual
to retrieve an object
retained by the divider(s)/partition(s) 401. It is also contemplated that the
closure device can
include a zipper, snap, button, threads, draw string, and combinations
thereof.
[0085] As shown in Fig. 30, the tote bag may include a plurality of
articulating dividers or
partitions 401. The divider 401 may be configured to follow the contour of the
sides of the outer
shell and storage compaiiment 504. The dividers 401 may be attached to the
inner sidewall of the
shell by stitching, weld, adhesive, or combinations thereof. A top and a
bottom of the divider 401
may remain unattached allowing a user to pull tab 403, as shown in Fig. 31, to
extend the divider
401 from the stored or collapsed position to an extended position.
[0086] As shown in Fig. 32, the divider(s) 401 may remain in the deployed
or extended
position after a user pulls or forces the divider 401 into an extended
position. The dividers 401
may be extended such that the storage compaiiment is divided into a plurality
of sections to
separate individual contents or groups of items from each other inside the
storage compartment.
For example, Fig. 33 illustrates a first divider 401 in the extended position
creating two sections
within the storage compai intent 504 of the bag.
[0087] The divider 401 and pull tab 403 may be constructed of nylon with
single or double
sided TPU, uncoated nylon, EVA, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the
pull tab 403
may be constructed of nylon webbing or a loop of nylon webbing. In other
examples, the divider
401 and/or the pull tab 403 may be TPU on one side and PU on the other side.
In other examples,
a portion of the divider 401 or a portion of the pull tab 403 may be molded
with a portion or side
constructed of single side TPU and welded to the interior shell or attached or
welded to the divider.
The pull tab 403 may be integral with the divider 401 or formed as a separate
component and
attached to the top of the divider 401. In other examples, the pull tab 403
may be attached to the
divider 401 by lamination or by polymer welding (e.g. RF welding), stitching,
or adhesives. In
some examples, the pull tab 403 may be attached to an interior top portion of
the divider 401 as
shown in Fig. 33. In other examples, the divider 401 may include a
reinforcement layer or fold
404 along the top border of the divider 401 to increase the strength,
durability, and rigidity of the
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
divider 401. When the divider 401 is in the stowed or collapsed position, the
reinforcement layer
404 may be seated beneath a bottom of the inner top tape fabric 501b. In other
examples, the
reinforcement layer 404, or a top of the divider 401, may be positioned in
contact with a bottom
of the inner top tape fabric 501b forming a smooth seam (i.e., the components
do not overlap).
Pull tab 403 may also include a ridge or fold on a top border of the pull tab
403 to aid a user's
dexterity when attempting to extend or collapse the divider 401. The ridge or
fold may also aid a
user in finding the pull tab 403 without visual contact (i.e., by feeling
only). Tab 403 may also be
shaped like an isosceles trapezoid, trapezoid, square, oval, ellipsoid,
rectangle, circle, or crescent
to aid an individual's dexterity when manipulating the divider 401. As shown
in Fig. 33, divider
401 may include sides that are attached to the shell proximate sides of the
inner pockets 212. In
some examples, divider 401 may be attached to the sidewall by lamination,
polymer welding (e.g.
RF welding), stitching, adhesive, Velcro, buttons, snaps, buckles, zippers, or
other mechanical
means. In some examples, the dividers may be detachable. In other examples,
the divider 401
may share a seam, stitch, or weld with a side of the inner pocket 212. In
other examples, the sides
of the dividers 401 may form the sides of the inner pockets 212a and/or 212b.
[0088]
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 34, an insert 400 may be
configured to
be removably attached to the interior storage compartment 504 of the tote bag
disclosed herein.
The insert 400 may be attached to the storage compartment by lamination,
polymer welding (e.g.
RF welding), stitching, adhesive, Velcro, buttons, snaps, buckles, zippers, or
other mechanical
means. In some examples, the insert 400 is configured to fit into the storage
compartment 504
without physical attachment to the bag. Insert 400 may include a removable
bottom 407. In some
examples, bottom 407 may be foldable. In certain examples, insert 400 is
foldable. The
components of insert 400 may be constructed of nylon with single or double
sided TPU, uncoated
nylon, EVA, cotton, wool, leather, burlap, synthetic textile, foam,
polypropylene, neoprene,
polyester, Dyneema, Kevlar or combinations thereof. Insert 400 may include end
panels 405,
dividers 401, and a bottom 407 (see Fig. 38). Dividers 401 may function the
same as, and may be
constructed in the same manner as, the dividers previously discussed. Bottom
407 may be
removable from the insert 400 and may provide additional supporting structure
to the insert 400.
Insert 400 may also include at least one internal pocket 412a/412b as also
shown in Figs. 37A-
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
37B. Internal pockets 412a and 412b may include the same components and may be
constructed
in the same manner as inner pocket 212a and 212b previously discussed.
[0089] Figs. 35A and 35B illustrate front and back views of insert 400. The
internal pockets
412a and 412b are positioned on the front and back panels 406 and may be
constructed and have
the same features as pockets 212a and 212b. Front and back panels 406 may be
engaged with end
panels 405. Panels 406 may be attached to end panels 405 by lamination,
polymer welding (e.g.
RF welding), stitching, adhesive, Velcro, buttons, snaps, buckles, zippers, or
other mechanical
means. In some examples, end panels 405 may be attached directly to the sides
of pockets 412a
and 412b by lamination, polymer welding (e.g. RF welding), stitching,
adhesive, Velcro, buttons,
snaps, buckles, zippers, or other mechanical means.
[0090] As also shown in Figs. 35A, 35B, 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D, insert tabs
409 may be
attached to end panels 405. Insert tabs 409 may be attached to end panels 405
by lamination,
polymer welding (e.g. RF welding), stitching, adhesive, or combinations
thereof. Insert tabs 409
may comprise handles, straps, webbing, MOLLE loops, stitching seams or bar for
carrying,
holding, manipulating, or securing the insert 400, or for the carriage of
items such as rings,
carabineers, or other attachment devices.
[0091] The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying
drawings with
reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure,
however, is to provide
examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to
limit the scope of the
invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous
variations and
modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing
from the scope of
the present invention.
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-07-13
