Novel Containers

Abstract

Improved carrying containers are provided which overcome shortcomings of traditional tote type containers as well as traditional carry bag, backpack, sack bag, and messenger bag containers. Containers having a main seam defining upper and lower portions of the sides forming the containers. The upper portion is foldable about the main seam such that it can superpose over the lower portion. Handles for a user are provided generally interior to the container, which handles are exposed for use when such folding occurs. The upper portion may be unfolded and cinched closed with a captive cord or via employment of one or more straps. The unfolded container may be employed as a carry bag, backpack, sack bag, or messenger bag configuration with improved comfort, convenience and security.

1 . A carrying container comprising a bag having a substantially closed bottom and an open top defined by an upper margin to at least four enclosing sides;
 the at least four sides extending from the closed bottom to the upper margin defining the open top;   a main seam substantially parallel to the closed bottom and the upper margin, when all the at least four sides are straight;   the main seam defining upper and lower portions of the at least four sides of the container, each of said portions having a dimension which, taken together, totals a distance from said bottom to the upper margin; the upper portion of the at least four sides being adapted for folding outwardly and downwardly as regards to the lower portion of the at least four sides;   the container further comprising at least two handles affixed to an inside of non-adjoining sides of the at least four sides at or adjacent to the main seam,   the dimension of the upper portions of the at least four sides comprising less than or about 45% of the distance from said bottom to the upper margin.   
     
     
         2 . The carrying container of  claim 1  further comprising draw cord generally disposed within a cord run proximate the upper margin. 
     
     
         3 . The carrying container of  claim 1  further comprising at least one strap cooperating with at least one of the at least four sides for carrying the container on the shoulder or back of a user. 
     
     
         4 . The carrying container of  claim 3  wherein the at least one strap is affixed to the container through at least one strap access. 
     
     
         5 . The carrying container of  claim 4  wherein the at least one strap is knotted at one or more ends to retain the one or more ends within the at least one strap access. 
     
     
         6 . The carrying contain of  claim 4  wherein the at least one strap is clamped, sewn or fitted with an occlusive fixture to effect retention of the at least one strap in the at least one strap access. 
     
     
         7 . The carrying container of  claim 1  wherein the dimension of the upper portion of the at least four sides is from about 45% to about 25% of the distance from said bottom to the upper margin. 
     
     
         8 . The carrying container of  claim 1  wherein the dimension of the upper portion of the at least four sides is from about 40% to about 30% of the distance from said bottom to the upper margin. 
     
     
         9 . The carrying container of  claim 1  wherein the main seam is welted or reinforced. 
     
     
         10 . The carrying container of  claim 1  wherein the main seam is formed by sewing. 
     
     
         11 . The carrying container of  claim 1  wherein the main seam is formed ultrasonically. 
     
     
         12 . The carrying container of  claim 4  wherein a continuous strap runs from a location near the closed bottom of the container through a strap run proximate the upper margin of the at least four sides to a second location near the closed bottom of the container such that tensioning the strap cinches the open top of the container while providing for suspension of the container over one or both shoulders of a user. 
     
     
         13 . The carrying container of  claim 1  wherein the at least two handles are adapted for being exposed when the upper portion of the sides of the container are folded as regards to the lower portion. 
     
     
         14 . The carrying container of  claim 13  wherein the at least two handles are adapted for being resolved to the inside of the container when all of the four sides are straight, thereby locating the handles out of the way of external objects. 
     
     
         15 . The carrying container of  claim 14  wherein the at least four sides are configured such that the folding of the upper portion as regards to the lower portion occurs generally at the main seam.