Compact foldable shopping bag

Abstract

An expandable, foldable compact shopping bag that includes a decorative outer face that converts into a pocket that holds further expandable, foldable compact shopping bags. The bag decor can match any other article of clothing or bags used by the consumer. The bag can include a thermal layer for the transport of perishable foodstuffs or made of an anti-microbial material. The bag is secured shut when folded through attachment means, such as magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, hook and loop systems and the like.

Description

REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the priority of provisional application 60 / 190,979, filed Sep. 3, 2008 entitled COMPACT FOLDABLE SHOPPING BAG by Mona Van Diepen.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to the field of reusable shopping bags, and particularly toward a compact, stylish, reusable, foldable, retractable, expandable bag that can include a thermal protective layer and further includes a pocket for the housing of further compact reusable bags, the entire device then being capable of being carried in a purse, backpack, luggage, murse (“man purse) or other larger carrier item with the outer design of the shopping bag when in the folded position having a stylish look that can be coordinated to match the carrier item.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]More and more commonly consumers, while shopping, are choosing to utilize re-usable bags to carry home their groceries or other pu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that an attachment means that allows the bag to remain folded when in the first folded position by attaching the first end of the outer surface to the second end of the outer surface.

[0011]The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the interior bag further comprises one or more handles attached to the interior bag to allow for ease in carrying the bag when in use in the second expanded position.

Problems solved by technology

The use of reusable bags by consumers has been on the increase, but current available bags and systems have some inherent drawbacks.

The primary drawback is the likelihood that the consumer will not remember to bring the bag with him or her while shopping.

When the shopper does remember, there is also the likelihood that there is no convenient way to carry multiple bags.

The carrying along in a convenient place of more than one reusable bags, such as in a handbag or a car, is not easy to do when the quantity of bags results in a bulky and cumbersome package.

In the prior art, there exists foldable bags that fit into the purse or bag of a consumer, but these foldable bags are singular and are not part of a system that includes more than one bag.

More often than not, one bag is not sufficient for the shopping excursion.

None of these, however, includes an outer bag that is also is compact and foldable, nor do any of these prior art patents include a thermal layer and none of them are designed to be stylish and to match the outer carrying container.

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