Cross-body handbag

Abstract

A bag is disclosed for carrying items on the body of a wearer. The bag is carried at a person's side, between an arm and the torso. The bag has two straps, each of which is configured to encircle a shoulder of a person to allow for secure hands-free carrying of the bag. The strap configuration reduces the likelihood that the bag or its contents will be stolen, and helps the bag stay in place even when a person runs or dances.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A bag, comprising:
 a container portion configured to be carried at a person's side, between an arm of the person and a torso of the person;   a shoulder strap connected to the container portion and forming a first loop configured encircle a first shoulder of a person; and   a first end of the cross-body strap connected to the shoulder strap or the container portion, the cross-body strap forming a second loop configured to encircle a second shoulder of the person.   
     
     
         2 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the container portion and the shoulder strap form a handbag. 
     
     
         3 . The bag of  claim 2 , wherein the handbag is a purse. 
     
     
         4 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         5 . The bag as in  claim 4 , wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         6 . The bag as in  claim 4 , wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the container portion. 
     
     
         7 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the cross-body strap connects to the container portion. 
     
     
         8 . The bag as in  claim 7 , wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         9 . The bag as in  claim 7 , wherein a second end of the cross-body strap connects to the container portion. 
     
     
         10 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein an upper exterior edge of the container portion is substantially v-shaped or u-shaped. 
     
     
         11 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein one end of the cross-body strap connects to a medial region of the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         12 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein both ends of the cross-body strap connect to a medial region of the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         13 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the bag is configured to be positioned under the first shoulder of the person. 
     
     
         14 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the depth of the container when empty is less than 2 inches. 
     
     
         15 . The bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the shoulder strap connects to the container along a first edge and the container has a second edge opposite the first edge, wherein the depth of the container is greater near the second edge as compared to the first edge. 
     
     
         16 . A method of wearing a bag, comprising:
 providing a bag as in  claim 1 ;   positioning the first loop of the shoulder strap around the first shoulder of the person;   positioning the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person; and   positioning the container portion under the first shoulder.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein positioning the second loop of the cross-body strap around the second shoulder of the person comprises positioning the cross-body strap so that it runs behind a neck of the person, around the front of the second shoulder, under the second shoulder, and diagonally across a back of the person.