Integrated bag and envelope system

Abstract

The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel integrated packaging systems having a configuration readily convertible from a bag state to an envelope state and vice versa.

1 . A carrying and shipping apparatus comprising:
 a body comprising panels of flexible material forming an enclosure having an open side;   handles secured to the body in a position favorable for carrying, the handles configured for assuming an extended position and a stowed position;   a flap adjacent to the open side of the body and attached to an opposing panel;   wherein the flap is configured for sealing the enclosure with the handles in the stowed position.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the flap further comprises an adhesive material. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the flap further comprises perforations. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the body further comprises printing. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the body further comprises printed shipping information. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the body further comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the body further comprises paper. 
     
     
         11 . An integrated bag and envelope system comprising:
 a body comprising panels of flexible material forming an enclosure having an opening;   two opposing handles secured to the body in a configuration favorable for carrying, the handles configured for alternative positioning in an extended position and a stowed position;   a flap adjacent to the open side of the body and attached to an opposing panel;   wherein the flap is configured for sealing the enclosure opening with the handles in the envelope position; and   wherein the system is adapted for conversion from a bag state having the handles in the extended position and the flap unsealed, to an envelope state having the handles in the stowed position and the flap sealed.   
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11  wherein the wherein the system is adapted for conversion from an envelope state having the handles in the stowed position and the flap sealed to a bag state having the handles in the extended position and the flap unsealed. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 11  wherein the flap further comprises an adhesive material. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 11  wherein the flap further comprises perforations. 
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 11  wherein the body further comprises printing. 
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 11  wherein the body further comprises printed shipping information. 
     
     
         17 . The system according to  claim 11  wherein the body further comprises paper.