Straps Containing Alignment Elements for Use with Carrying Devices

Abstract

New and non-obvious systems and devices are provided for permitting decoration of the straps of carrying devices. These systems and devices contain alignment elements that allow for a user to optionally associate accessories with the devices. When no accessory is associated with the device, the alignment element is not visible on the front side of the strap.

1 . A carrying device comprising:
 (a) a bag; and   (b) a strap, wherein said strap is attached to said bag, wherein the strap comprises at least one alignment element, wherein said alignment element is not visible from a front side of the strap.   
     
     
         2 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein said bag is a tote bag or a backpack. 
     
     
         3 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein said strap comprises a plurality of alignment elements. 
     
     
         4 . The carrying device of  claim 3 , wherein the alignment elements are parallel to each other. 
     
     
         5 . The carrying device of  claim 4 , wherein there are at least three alignment elements. 
     
     
         6 . The carrying device of  claim 5 , wherein the at least three alignment elements are evenly spaced. 
     
     
         7 . The carrying device of  claim 4 , wherein the alignment element is only visible on the rear side of the strap. 
     
     
         8 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the strap is a first strap and the carrying device further comprises a second strap, wherein the second strap comprises at least one alignment element, wherein said alignment element of the second strap is not visible from a front side of the second strap. 
     
     
         9 . The carrying device of  claim 8 , wherein the first strap and the second strap each comprise at least three alignment elements. 
     
     
         10 . The carrying device of  claim 9 , wherein the at least three alignment elements are evenly spaced. 
     
     
         11 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment element spans less than the width of a rear side of the strap. 
     
     
         12 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment element comprises a depression. 
     
     
         13 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the strap is compressible beneath the alignment element. 
     
     
         14 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the strap is a shoulder strap. 
     
     
         15 . The carrying device of  claim 6 , wherein the first strap and the second strap are both shoulder straps. 
     
     
         16 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment element is substantially parallel to the width of the strap. 
     
     
         17 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment element does not span the thickness of the strap. 
     
     
         18 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the strap has an absence of holes. 
     
     
         19 . The carrying device of  claim 12 , wherein the strap is a shoulder strap. 
     
     
         20 . The carrying device of  claim 18  wherein the first strap and the second strap are both shoulder straps.