Reusable bag

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to a reusable bag that may include a flexible container with an open top; at least one pocket disposed on an outside surface of the container configured to receive an additional reusable bag. Other aspects of the invention may include a plurality of pockets disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted. Still other aspects of the present invention may include a reusable bag assembly, comprising: a primary reusable bag including a plurality of pockets connected or integral to the container disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted; and one or more secondary reusable bags in a collapsed or folded position and disposed in the pockets.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reusable bag, comprising:
 a container with a top and a bottom, the contain having an opening at the top and comprised of a flexible material;   at least one pocket connected or integral to the container, the pocket being disposed on an outside surface of the container, the pocket configured to receive an additional reusable bag.   
     
     
         2 . The reusable bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a connection device that connects portions of the reusable bag to itself in order to maintain the reusable bag in a folded or compacted position.   
     
     
         3 . The reusable bag of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of pockets, wherein the pockets are configured such that when the reusable bag is folded the pockets intermesh with other pockets, thereby reducing the thickness of the reusable bag when folded or compacted. 
     
     
         4 . The reusable bag of  claim 1 , wherein the pockets comprise an additional material attached to the container. 
     
     
         5 . The reusable bag of  claim 1 , wherein the pockets comprise a device to close the pockets. 
     
     
         6 . The reusable bag of  claim 5 , wherein the device to close the pockets comprises a flap that folds over the pocket opening. 
     
     
         7 . The reusable bag of  claim 6 , wherein the flap connects to the pocket. 
     
     
         8 . The reusable bag of  claim 1 , wherein the pockets are formed from at least two overlapping panels that are attached to the container, and wherein the pocket is accessed by separating the at least two panels. 
     
     
         9 . The reusable bag of  claim 8 , wherein the panels are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. 
     
     
         10 . A reusable bag, comprising:
 a container with a top and a bottom, the contain having an opening at the top and comprised of a flexible material;   a plurality of pockets connected or integral to the container, the pockets being disposed on an outside surface of the container, the plurality of pockets disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted; and   at least one connection device to maintain the reusable bag in a folded or compacted position.   
     
     
         11 . The reusable bag of  claim 10 , wherein the connection device is selected from the group consisting of: snaps, ties, hook-and-loop, elastic bands, zippers, magnetic attachments, and mechanical connections. 
     
     
         12 . The reusable bag of  claim 10 , wherein the pockets are formed from at least two overlapping panels that are attached to the container, and wherein the pocket is accessed by separating the at least two panels. 
     
     
         13 . The reusable bag of  claim 12 , where in the panels are disposed in a substantially horizontal direction. 
     
     
         14 . The reusable bag of  claim 10 , further comprising at least one handle or strap. 
     
     
         15 . A reusable bag assembly, comprising:
 a primary reusable bag comprising:
 a container with a top and a bottom, the contain having an opening at the top and comprised of a flexible material; 
 one or more handles or straps attached to the container; 
 a plurality of pockets connected or integral to the container, the pockets being disposed on an outside surface of the container, the plurality of pockets disposed such that when the bag is folded or compacted, the pockets intermesh thereby reducing the thickness when the reusable bag is folded or compacted; and 
 at least one connection device to maintain the reusable bag in a folded or compacted position; and 
   one or more secondary reusable bags in a collapsed or folded position and disposed in the pockets.   
     
     
         16 . The reusable bag assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the primary bag is comprised of an insulating material. 
     
     
         17 . The reusable bag assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the secondary reusable bags are comprised of recycled polyethylene terephthalate.