CARRY BAG

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carry bag. In particular, the invention relates to a reusable carry bag which can be conveniently carried.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Plastic shopping bags are used extensively throughout the world. They can be made from a small amount of material and are therefore cheap, light and easy to manufacture in large quantities. Due to their popularity they are readily available in many sizes and shapes to suit various purposes. Almost all retail outlets that sell products that can be carried by hand, use, or have at some stage used plastic bags to enable their customers to easily transport their goods home. Particularly, supermarkets extensively use plastic bags for packaging of groceries.

Plastic shopping bags are generally not durable and have a limited number of uses, therefore they have commonly become a disposable item. As a result, billions of bags are manufactured every year and many of these end up in landfills. Furthermore, materials commonly used in the manufacture of plastic bags exhibit poor performance in terms of biodegradability. Particularly, traditionally used forms of polyethylene can take 100 years to degrade. Accordingly, the number of waste bags in landfills is growing at an alarming rate, and is attracting increasing attention from environmental groups.

Efforts so far to produce a plastic bag from a more environmentally friendly material have yet to provide a product that has experienced widespread acceptance in the marketplace. A number of stronger, reusable bags made from a variety of materials such as non-woven polypropylene (which has very poor bio-degradability) or cotton have been available for a number of years. Often, these bags are available at the point of sale as an alternative to

plastic bags. These bags are generally larger than plastic shopping bags and consumers must purchase these bags.

Many consumers have purchased reusable bags, but they can be inconvenient for a person to carry around, and as a result people may forget them or prefer not to cany them around.

Consequently, they must purchase new bags when needed. Hence, conscientious consumers may purchase many new bags because they would prefer to purchase a new bag instead of using a disposable plastic bag. Over a period of time, the number of reusable bags purchased by a consumer can increase to a number that may never be used, hence energy and resources used to manufacture the bags may be wasted.

A requirement accordingly exists for a reusable carry bag that can conveniently and easily be carried when not in use, and is therefore available when unexpected situations arise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a carry bag comprising a bag compacted into a block; and restraining means to protect the block from accidental unravelling, wherein the compaction pressure used to compact the block is sufficient to form a block which substantially retains its shape upon removal of the compacting pressure, yet below a level which prevents unravelling of the block by shaking it by hand.

Preferably, the compaction pressure is below a level causing permanent damage to the bag.

Preferably, the bag is made from a resiliently compressible material. More preferably, the bag material comprises cellulosic fibre and polyester. More preferably, the bag comprises between 70%wt and 90%wt cellulosic fibre. More preferably, the cellulosic fibre is rayon.

Preferably, the size of the block which the bag is compacted to is substantially smaller than when folded alone. Preferably, compacting the bag creates an internal vacuum, the

internal vacuum allowing the bag to substantially retain its compacted size without requiring external restraint.

Preferably, the bag is subjected to heated, dry air prior to or during the compaction process.

Preferably, the restraining means substantially encapsulates the bag. Preferably, the restraining means comprises a releasable closure which provides access to the bag. Preferably, the restraining means is a box, plastic shrink wrap or a rigid container.

Preferably, the carry bag further comprises an attachment device. Preferably, the attachment device is connected to the restraining means. Preferably, the attachment device is a key ring or a karabiner.

Preferably, the compacted bag is any one of a sack, a tote or a pouch. Preferably, the compacted bag is compacted into a block having a rectangular or circular shape.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing a carry bag comprising the steps of: compacting a bag with sufficient pressure to form a block which substantially retains its shape upon removal of the compacting pressure, the compaction pressure being below a level which prevents unravelling by hand; and applying a restraining means to the bag to prevent accidental unravelling of the bag.

Preferably, the compaction pressure is below a level causing permanent damage to the bag.

Preferably, the bag is compacted to a level that an internal vacuum is created, and the bag substantially retains its small size without requiring external restraint.

Preferably, the step of compacting the bag into a block comprises the step of loading the bag into a compression chamber and mechanically compressing the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carry bag of one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bag shown in a compacted state;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bag shown in another compacted state;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bag shown in another compacted state; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a bag shown in an un-compacted condition of use;

Figure 6 is a perspective view a bag shown in a partially unwrapped state;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bag of Figure 6, the bag shown in another partially unwrapped condition of use;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bag of Figure 6, the bag shown in another partially unwrapped condition of use;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the bag of Figure 6, the bag shown in a fully unwrapped condition of use;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a container suitable for use with a carry bag of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a carry bag of another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a carry bag of another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a carry bag of another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of multiple carry bags arranged in a sale display case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figure 1, a carry bag 1 includes a compacted bag 2, made from compressible material and a restraining means in the form of a container 3. Compacted bag 2, as sees in

Figure 2, is compacted into a block prior to being encapsulated by container 3. The compaction pressure used to compact bag 2 is sufficient to form a block which substantially retains its shape upon removal of the compacting pressure, yet below a level which prevents unravelling of the block by shaking it by hand.

Prior to being compacted into a block, the compacted bag 2 is placed into a compression chamber of a compression machine (not shown). The compression chamber has a cross sectional shape similar to the final shape of the block, In Figure 2, compacted bag 2 is shown compacted into the form of a three dimensional rectangular shape, although many different shapes are possible. For instance, Figures 3 and 4 show some examples of the different shapes the block could take. A carry bag in accordance with the invention could be in the form of any three dimensional rectangular or circular shape including irregular shapes.

The applicant has discovered a range of compaction levels which allow a bag to be compacted into a block whilst retaining desirable properties. The block is substantially smaller than if it were only folded, advantageously providing a user with a conveniently sized article to carry around. The level of compaction is below a point at which the block strongly retains it compacted shape and becomes difficult to unravel. Advantageously, a user may unravel a bag quickly and easily when required. Within this range of compaction, the compacting pressure does not cause permanent damage to the bag. Over- compaction of bag 2 results in welding of the bag within the compression fixture and general fibre failure. The amount of pressure required to over-compact compacted bag 2 is dependent on the material properties, particularly compressive properties, of the material used to make the bag.

The range of suitable compacting pressures is a function of the material properties of the bag material used. In the embodiment shown, the bag is made from resiliently compressible material which can be compacted and unravelled easily without suffering damage. Materials which are a blend of cellulosic fibre and polyester have been found to work well and a suitable composition range for the cellulosic fibre is between 70%wt and

90%wt of the bag material. A material comprising 82% Rayon and 18% Polyester has been found to provide particularly good results, i.e. good compaction properties allowing carry bag 1 to compact to a small size, yet unravelling easily. Other cellulosic fibres, such as Viscose for example, may also provide good results, as may other material compositions.

In one example, a bag comprising 82% Rayon and 18% Polyester is compacted using a press having a square cross sectional shape of 41mm x 41mm and capable of applying 20ton of force. Applying a compacting force of between lOton and 18ton results in a compacting pressure between 60 mega Pascal and 108 mega Pascal. Such a pressure range provides suitable results without over-compacting the bag. The range of compaction pressures will vary for other materials.

Upon removal of the compacting pressure, the block will expand slightly, however the block will substantially retain its shape for at least a short period of time. The block may continually expand at a very slow rate and if the block were left for a longer period of time, for example longer than 30 minutes, noticeable expansion may occur. Further expansion is arrested by using a restraining means to keep the block from expanding too far from its initial shape.

The restraining means, which is shown in the described embodiment as container 3, also prevents accidental unravelling from occurring. One particular use for carry bag 1 is to keep it in a purse, bag, pocket or vehicle compartment until it is required. In such situations, the carry bag may interact with other articles which could cause the bag to unravel which would be undesirable. The restraining means protects compacted bag 2 and prevents this from happening. Advantageously, carry bag 1 can be easily carried in a persons pocket or stored in a handbag. Container 3 also provides a surface upon which product information, such as material information and a barcode, to be displayed.

Compacted bag 2 may be compacted using a number of methods. A hydraulic ram, pneumatic ram or similar linear motion device may by used to force the bag into the cavity

of a die or similar tool with a small volume. Also, the bag may be compacted using a vacuum packing method. Prior to, or during the compaction process, the bag may be subjected to heated, dry air for the purpose of removing all moisture. Advantageously, by removing excess air and moisture from the bag, it may be compacted to a smaller size. Furthermore, the bag is less susceptible to the spawning of bacteria, development of odours and staining.

In one embodiment, the bag is made from a material comprising a Rayon and Polyester blend. Rayon is a regenerated cellulosic fibre which can be obtained from wood pulp and cotton. Advantageously, the bag can be partly manufactured from recycled materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of its manufacture.

Compacted bag 2 may be made from a number of different materials for example plastics such as polypropylene or polyester, or natural materials such as cotton, hemp, jute or canvas. Advantageously, these materials can be washed and reused many times. The carry bag according to embodiments of the present invention is particularly effective when utilising a bag made from a compressible material, such as cotton or other natural fibres. This is because the final size of carry bag 1 is a direct factor in how convenient it is and therefore how extensively it will be used.

Once the bag is compacted, bag 2 can be either packaged into the container 3 whilst in the compaction machine, or shortly thereafter. Referring to Figure 10, container 3 in the present embodiment is shown as a box which would preferably be made from recycled cardboard. Container 3 may comprise other materials, such as commercially available transparent plastic shrink wrap, string or waxed paper. Also, some fabrics such as cotton, for example, may also be suitable. The purpose of the container is to protect the bag from moisture ingress or accidental unfolding.

Referring to Figure 5, an uncompacted bag 8 is shown. Bag 8 includes handles 4 and a loop 6. Loop 6 is configured to allow the bag to be used in conventional supermarket bag holders. Bag 8 is manufactured by sewing a sheet of material together. Traditional over

locking techniques can be used to join the bag. It is desirable to minimise the amount of bag material and also sewing to reduce the size of the bag when compacted.

Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, when a carry bag is required, compacted bag 2 is removed from container 3. Compacted bag 2 is unravelled by picking at folds or layers available near a corner or edge of the compacted block until one of the compacted layers starts to break away. Once a loose edge is found, the bag can be shaken until the remaining layers separate and the bag unravels to a state resembling its natural, uncompacted state. Advantageously, a user can unravel a bag using only their hands and without the use of another instrument, thereby adding to the convenience of the carry bag. After unravelling, bag 2 may be wrinkled, however such wrinkles will dissipate when items are placed in the bag. The rate at which this occurs depends on the rigidity of the material used for the bag and the amount of compression used. Alternatively, washing the bag may assist in remove any remaining wrinkles.

Referring to Figures 11, 12 and 13, carry bag 1 may be provided with an attachment device 14, in this case a key ring attached to container 3, to enable the carry bag 1 to be releasable attached to a persons car keys or belt. The attachment device may take many other forms such as a carabiner or other attachment device.

Container 3 also comprises a resealable closure which would allow compacted bag 2 to be replaced with another compacted bag after the original one has been removed and reused without having to purchase a new container. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when container 3 is made from a material more expensive than cardboard because it reduces the cost to a consumer and the amount of raw materials used. Advantageously, a carry bag 1 may always be available.

The carry bag may, or may not have an intermediate packaging layer (not shown) separating container 3 and bag 2. This allows an empty container 3 to be refilled with a newly compacted bag 2 after use.

As shown in Figure 14, carry bag 1 may by displayed for sale in dispenser 9. In particular, replacement compressed bags 2 may be available in this way. Alternatively, dispenser 9 may be the primary point of sale. Due to the compact nature of carry bag 1, the volume of the product is minimised. This is particularly important during transportation and sale, when space is limited.

The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention disclosed.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.