A simple variation on the plastic/paper grocery store bag: Instead of handles, it has reasonably sturdy long loops. To use, you thread one loop through the other (criss-crossing them to keep the bag shut) and fit one arm through each.
You can't carry quite as much this way -- only one or two bags -- and the cost will be slightly higher (perhaps stores could add a small surcharge). Cyclists without ordinary backpacks, though, would appreciate the choice, and it would be much more comfortable if you've got a long walk. The reuse possibilities are also much greater; if you ever need to walk something a fair distance one-way, this will let you do so without carrying an empty bag on your way home.-- Monkfish, Jan 04 2003 Annoying prior art http://www.google.c...ners&hl=en&ie=UTF-8A theoretical disposable backpack discussed as a marketing project. There are differences. [Monkfish, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004] it's almost a good idea ...until I start thinking about my 1 gallon of milk on my back sweating slowly ..braking slowly...-- leftnut, Jan 04 2003 On a recent trip to the corner grocery on foot, I had a similar idea about a lightweight, folding backpack frame that could support 2 or 3 standard plastic grocery sacks.
I think I like the [Monkfish] version better since it wouldn't require any forethought on my part.-- half, Jan 04 2003 I suspect that the grocers will have to go to at least a three mil plastic, instead of the 1 mil they currently use to provide a bag that can be carried this way over a substantial distance . But overcoming that expense, this seems like a practical idea, even if it was offered as an additional charge alternative at the check out counter. I think you've come up with a winner [monkfish], especially for shoppers in inner-urban areas.-- jurist, Jan 05 2003 This is a very good idea. I've been porting groceries home in a backpack for years now (being car deprived). It's *much* easier and more comfortable than carrying all of them by hand. Grocery backpacks supplied by stores would be dandy, but as [jurist] says they would have to be much more sturdy than the usual plastic. A dollor or two surcharge would be reasonable (and encourage people to recycle).-- madradish, Jan 05 2003 Alternately, a Segway-enabled bucket that balances on your head would be beneficial to your back and posture.-- FarmerJohn, Jan 05 2003 Very good idea. A regular bag seems like it could almost do this... well, so you might think until you actually try it, once. Seems like it wouldn't be too hard to do.
I like the Segway enhancement idea. Additional possible improvements would be inclusion of a REAL anti-gravity device, and maybe giving it secondary uses by making it out of cat's tongue.-- rowlycat, Jan 06 2003 random, halfbakery