US20090028466A1

US20090028466A1 - Convertible tote bag and seat cover

Info

Publication number: US20090028466A1
Application number: US11/880,827
Authority: US
Inventors: Mary Cathleen Bailey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-23
Filing date: 2007-07-23
Publication date: 2009-01-29

Abstract

There is provided a convertible tote bag and seat cover combination having a tote bag configuration and a seat cover configuration. The convertible tote bag and seat cover includes a first wall section, a second wall section, and a floor section connected to the first wall section and also connected to the second wall section. Attaching means such as snaps, zippers, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners are affixed to attaching regions of the first and second wall sections. The cover configuration is converted to the tote bag configuration by attaching these reciprocal attaching means, and conversely, the tote bag configuration is converted to the seat cover configuration by removing the reciprocal attaching means. Elasticized handles may be positioned on the tote bag, and these handles can be repositioned in the seat cover configuration to serve as straps. The seat cover with straps can thus advantageously be used in recreational functions such as providing a seat cover for a golf car, a seat cover for a boat seat, a cover for a picnic table, a beach towel, a ground cloth, and the like. Thus, the convertible tote bag and seat cover also provides the dual function of carrying recreational items and then providing a cover at the place of recreation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to covers and seat covers. More particularly the present invention relates to a tote bag which can be readily converted from a tote bag configuration to a seat cover configuration and vice versa. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to seat covers adapted for use with golf carts, boat seats, beach towels, and picnic covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational activities and outdoor activities are popular pass times in contemporary life. Golfing, boating, camping, and other sports-related activities are examples of popular recreational activities. Golfing, just to take one example, is a very significant economic factor in American recreation. A Dec. 22, 2002 Report from SRI International, titled Golf Economy Report, states that “The U.S. golf economy is significant, accounting for $62.2 billion worth of goods and services in the year 2000.”
In pursuing recreation, individuals often have a need to transport items from their home location to the place of recreation. Similarly, these individuals have a need to transport items from a car or other means of transport to the final place of recreation. In keeping with the example of golfing, items that may need to be transported include: golf shoes and golf apparel, shower items, refreshments, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and varied golf equipment. A similar example can be illustrated for a day trip to a beach, lake, or camping location or a day spent boating on a lake; an individual may need to transport clothing, sunscreen, refreshments, snacks, and recreational equipment itself (beach toys, fishing gear, etc.) from home or car to the place of recreation.
Of course individuals who pursue recreational interests have been using a variety of means to transport their recreational items. Examples of these means include baskets, shopping bags, duffel bags, and backpacks or knapsacks of a variety of designs. However, this form of transport has one inherent drawback. Baskets and bags, for example, are inherently limited in their functionality. Once items have been removed from them, the bag itself must be folded up and stored out of the way; its function is strictly to provide a means to transport the items to and from the recreation spot. It would be a desirable improvement if the bag itself could be usefully converted into something with a recreation-assisting function.
In a variety of recreational activities, both those mentioned above and others, there is a need to provide a certain degree of sun protection or weather protection to recreational equipment. For example, in the sport of golfing, the seat of a golf cart can become uncomfortably hot when exposed to the sun. It would be desired to provide some means of covering a hot golf cart seat, especially during the summer; however, it is often deemed too much bother or trouble to bring a seat cover for that dedicated purpose. Likewise in the example of boating, boat seats can become intolerably uncomfortable when exposed to full sunlight. There is a clear need to provide a seat cover over such a boat seat. To cite a further example, take the case of a day's recreation spent at a beach, lake, or campsite. It is often desired to have some cover to place on the ground upon which an individual may rest or set other items. A beach towel or ground cover can be used; however, it would be desired to have a simpler device. Further, in all of these examples, it would also be desired to have a cover or device which serves a dual function. Finally, in all of these examples, it would also be desired to be able to use an item that would otherwise go unused as an item with a dual function.
Hence there has been identified a need to provide an improved seat cover or ground cover that can also serve a dual function as a tote bag. Further, there is a need that the improved seat cover be adapted for recreational usage such as with a golf cart seat, a boat seat, or ground cover. Further, there is a need for a combined seat cover and tote bag that can be readily converted between each shape and function. The present invention addresses one or more of these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and by way of example only, there is provided a convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration. The apparatus includes as elements: a first wall section, a second wall section, and a floor section connected to the first wall section at a first foldable boundary, and also connected to the second wall section at a second foldable boundary. The apparatus may also include a plurality of attaching regions including: a first upper attaching region foldably attached to the first wall section at a first upper foldable boundary line; a first lower attaching region foldably attached to the first wall section at a first lower foldable boundary line; a second upper attaching region foldably attached to the second wall section at a second upper foldable boundary line; and a second lower attaching region foldably attached to the second wall section at a second lower foldable boundary line. The apparatus may further include the following attaching means: a first upper attaching means affixed to the first upper attaching region; a first lower attaching means affixed to the first lower attaching region; a second upper attaching means affixed to the second upper attaching region; and a second lower attaching means affixed to the second lower attaching region. In this apparatus, the cover configuration is converted to the tote bag configuration by attaching the first upper attaching means to the second upper attaching means and the first lower attaching means to the second lower attaching means; and the tote bag configuration is converted to the cover configuration by detaching the first upper attaching means from the second upper attaching means and the first lower attaching means from the second lower attaching means. The first wall section and the second wall section may further comprise one or more stiffening panels; further a stiffening panel may be disposed in at least one of the first upper attaching region, first lower attaching region, second upper attaching region, and second lower attaching region. Additionally, the apparatus may include a first trim region affixed to the first wall section and a second trim region affixed to the second wall section. Further, the apparatus may also include handles and/or straps. In one embodiment, handles are affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section, and the handles may be affixed to a handle receiving position or a strap receiving position. A handle fastener may be used to affix the handles. Handles and/or straps may be made of an elastic material. In one embodiment of the apparatus having both handles and straps, handles are affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section, and straps are also affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section. A variety of attaching means may be used with the apparatus including: buttons, snaps, hooks, zippers, and hook and loop-type fasteners. In one embodiment, the first upper attaching means is disposed proximate to the first upper foldable boundary line, the first lower attaching means is disposed proximate to the first lower foldable boundary line, and the second upper attaching means and the second lower attaching means are disposed proximate to the edge. The first wall section, the second wall section, and the floor section may be composed of an inner material connected to an outer material, and the outer material may be a quilted fabric.
In another aspect of the present invention, still by way of example only, there is provided a method for converting a tote bag to a seat cover which method includes the following steps: positioning a first wall section and a second wall section in approximately parallel position and such that the first wall section and the second wall section are approximately normal to a floor section; positioning a second upper attaching region to the outside of a first upper attaching region; positioning a second lower attaching region to the outside of a second upper attaching region; connecting a first upper attaching means affixed to the first upper attaching region to a second upper attaching means affixed to a second upper attaching region; and connecting a first lower attaching means affixed to a first lower attaching region to a second lower attaching means affixed to a second lower attaching region. As a further step a handle may be affixed to the first wall section or the second wall section.
In still a further aspect of the present invention, and again still by way of example only there is provided a method of using a tote bag that can be converted to a seat cover configuration, wherein the method includes the steps of: removing handles from the tote bag; separating a first upper attaching means from a second upper attaching means; separating a first lower attaching means from a second lower attaching means; positioning a first wall section and a second wall section approximately coplanar to the floor section; and attaching the handles to the cover at the strap receiving position. The method may then also include the following steps: affixing the cover to a golf cart seat, affixing the cover to a boat seat, or disposing the cover as a ground cover.
Other independent features and advantages of the convertible tote bag and seat cover will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the convertible tote bag and cover in the cover configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and cover in the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of the convertible tote bag and cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of the convertible tote bag and cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the convertible tote bag and cover in partial conversion from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and cover in the tote bag configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the convertible tote bag and cover in the cover configuration, and showing a configuration of attaching means, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the convertible tote bag and cover in the seat cover configuration disposed on a golf cart seat, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. A partial listing of these reference numbers is as follows:

- 10 tote bag/cover
- 11 first panel
- 12 first wall section
- 13 second wall section
- 14 floor section
- 15 first foldable boundary line
- 16 second foldable boundary line
- 17 first upper attaching region
- 18 first lower attaching region
- 19 second upper attaching region
- 20 second lower attaching region
- 21 first upper foldable boundary line
- 22 first lower foldable boundary line
- 23 second upper foldable boundary line
- 24 second lower foldable boundary line
- 25 first trim region
- 26 second trim region
- 27 first trim boundary
- 28 second trim boundary
- 29 first upper attaching means
- 30 first lower attaching means
- 31 second upper attaching means
- 32 second lower attaching means
- 33 outer edge
- 34 handle
- 35 handle fastener
- 36 handle receiving position
- 37 strap receiving position
- 38 first side wall
- 39 second side wall
- 40 top trim region
- 41 overfold corner

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the convertible tote bag while in the cover or seat cover configuration. Cover 10 includes first panel 11. Comprising first panel 11 are first wall section 12, second wall section 13, and floor section 14. A first foldable boundary line 15 divides first wall section 12 and floor section 14; and second foldable boundary line 16 divides second wall section 13 and floor section 14. First wall section 12 includes first upper attaching region 17 and first lower attaching region 18. Likewise, second wall section 13 includes second upper attaching region 19 and second lower attaching region 20. First upper foldable boundary line 21 divides first wall section 12 and first upper attaching region 17. First lower foldable boundary line 22 divides first wall section 12 and first lower attaching region 18. Second upper foldable boundary line 23 divides second wall section 13 and second upper attaching region 19. Second lower foldable boundary line 24 divides second attaching region 13 and second lower attaching region 20. Optionally, cover 10 may further include first trim region 25 and second trim region 26. When present, first trim region 25 is divided from first wall section 12 by first trim boundary 27, and second trim region 26 is divided from second wall section 13 by second trim boundary 28.
Still referring to FIG. 1, cover 10 preferably includes first upper attaching means 29 disposed on first upper attaching region 17, first lower attaching means 30 disposed on first lower attaching region 18, second upper attaching means 31 disposed on second upper attaching region 19, and second lower attaching means 32 disposed on second lower attaching region 20. FIG. 1 further illustrates the preferred embodiment in which first upper attaching means 29 is disposed proximate to first upper foldable boundary line 21, and first lower attaching means 30 is disposed proximate to first lower foldable boundary line 22. However, second upper attaching means 31 is disposed away from second upper foldable boundary line 23 and proximate to outer edge 33, and similarly second lower attaching means 32 is disposed away from second lower foldable boundary line 24 and proximate to outer edge 33. The significance of this subtle difference in positioning of first attaching means 29 and 30 compared to second attaching means 31 and 32 will become apparent when the conversion from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration, shown in FIG. 2, is explained.
All attaching means 29, 30, 31, and 32 may comprise those various devices known in the art by which fabric or material strips may be joined. In a preferred embodiment attaching means 29, 30, 31, and 32 comprise reciprocal snaps as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, attaching means 29, 30, 31 and 32 may comprise the reciprocal elements of a zipper, buttons, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO® fasteners, and other fasteners known in the art.
Still referring to FIG. 1 cover 10 may include one or more handles 34. Further, handles 34 may include handle fasteners 35 by which handles 34 may be attached to cover 10. It is noted that handle fasteners 35 may include both an element positioned on the handle 34 itself and a reciprocal handle fastener 35 structure positioned on cover 10. Handle fastener 34 may comprise any known fastener such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener, or the like. It is further specifically noted that handle fastener 35 positioned on cover 10 may be placed at more than one receiving position. Preferably there is a handle receiving position 36 and a strap receiving position 37. As explained further herein, the handle receiving position 36 is used with the tote bag configuration and the strap receiving position 37 is used with the cover configuration when handles 34 may function as a strap. In one preferred embodiment handles 34 include an elastic material that allows some degree of stretching of handles 34.
Cover 10 may comprise a variety of materials. Preferred materials include fabrics, and preferably quilted fabrics. In one embodiment, cover 10 comprises an inner facing material and an outer facing material. Materials may be selected in order to provide comfort to a user who would sit or rest on cover 10 when cover is disposed as a seat cover; quilted materials function well for that purpose. Cotton materials are acceptable; however, other materials, particularly weather proof materials, may be disposed, particularly for example, on that surface on which the user does not rest, i.e., the surface that faces the ground or golf seat. In some embodiments cover 10 also includes a stiffening material that aids in providing structure and firmness when in the tote bag configuration. One preferred material is sold commercially under the trade name INNERFUSE® as part of the DRITZ® line of fabrics and materials offered by Prym Consumer USA Inc. Information regarding this material may be obtained on the Internet at www.dritz.com.
In one preferred embodiment cover/seat cover 10 includes three stiffing panels. A first stiffing panel generally corresponds to the area defined by first wall section 12. A second stiffing panel generally corresponds to the area defined by second well section 13, and a third stiffing panel generally corresponds to the area defined by floor section 14. These stiffing panels preferably do not overlie first foldable boundary line 15 or second foldable boundary line 16. Thus the stiffing panels do not interfere with the movement of first wall section 12 or second wall section 13 relative to floor section 14. By limiting the area and extent of a stiffing panel to generally match the area of first wall section 12 and second wall section 13, other pieces attached to first and second wall section 12 and 13, pieces such as first upper attaching region 17, first lower attaching region 18, second upper attaching region 19, second lower attaching region 20, first trim region 25, and second trim region 26, these pieces remain free to move relative to first and second wall sections 12 and 13. Hence it is also preferred that the first and second stiffening panels not pass beyond first upper foldable boundary line 21, first lower foldable boundary line 22, second upper foldable boundary line 23, second lower foldable boundary line 24, first trim boundary 26, and second trim boundary 28. In this embodiment it is also preferred that the stiffing panels be sandwiched between an outer layer and an inner layer of material. Thus the stiffing panels would not be visible to an observer; and the stiffing panels would not otherwise visually interrupt the esthetic appearance of cover/tote bag 10. Where, for example, an outer and inner layer of material are joined in a quilted arrangement, stiffing panels can be secured between the outer and inner layers by the quilting stitching.
A generally preferred method of fabricating a preferred embodiment of the cover/tote bag 10 is now described. A single panel 11 is formed by joining two pieces of material, an inner piece and an outer piece. Panel 11 is generally rectangular in overall shape, in the preferred embodiment, but other shapes are possible. The terms inner and outer represent what surface of material would face the interior (inner piece) portion in the tote bag configuration, and what material would face the exterior (outer piece) portion in the tote bag configuration. For esthetic reasons, the two pieces may be selected of contrasting fabrics, for example a solid covered outer piece (which would be visible to observers in the tote bag configuration) and an inner piece with a preferred design. When trim regions 25 and 26 are present, the trim regions will fold down in the tote bag configuration so as to make the material of the inner piece visible in contrast to the material of the outer piece. The surface displayed in FIG. 1, for example, would represent the inner surface or inner piece; and the outer piece would be joined below that (relative to the surface of the page). As described above, stiffening panels may be interposed between the inner and outer pieces. These materials can be joined together by a desired stitch such as a quilting stitch. Thus, it is largely the placement of stiffening panels that define what constitutes the various previously described sections of cover/tote bag 10. In this manner of construction, one large panel 11, sewn together from and inner and outer piece, also constitutes first wall section 11, second wall section 12, floor section 13, attaching regions 17, 18, 19, and 20, and trim regions 25 and 26. It is not necessary to separately sew each of these individual pieces together; although in alternative embodiments that can be done.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 6, a series of steps to convert from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration will be explained. Beginning with FIG. 3, cover 10 lies in a generally flat or planar position. A user draws first wall section 12 and second wall section 13 upright so that they are positioned in a relatively normal position with respect to floor section 14; floor section remains in its original flat configuration resting, for example, on the ground or working surface. Movement of first wall section 12 and second wall section 13 to the position in FIG. 3 may involve bending or folding cover 10 along first foldable boundary line 15 and second foldable boundary line 16. Stiffening panels or semi-rigid materials (if present) in first wall section 12 and second wall section 13 assist in keeping wall sections 12 and 13 in a generally straight and upright configuration.
Referring next to FIG. 4 attaching regions are brought into proximity so that the tote bag configuration can begin to take shape. In the preferred embodiment, first upper attaching region 17 passes to the inside (toward the inner position of the tote bag structure) relative to second upper attaching region 19. In this way first upper attaching means 29 is brought into proximity with second upper attaching means 31. And, as shown in FIG. 4 where all attaching means 29, 30, 31, and 32 comprise snaps, the lower snaps (the snaps positioned proximate to floor section 14) are secured, so that first upper attaching region 17 is partially secured to second upper attaching region 18. Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, the user performs a similar joining of first lower attaching region 18 to second lower attaching region 20. FIG. 5 next illustrates the situation where the user has continued to further affix first upper attaching means 29 to second upper attaching means 31; i.e., the user has joined an additional row or set of snaps to each other. And finally, in FIG. 6, first upper attaching means 29 has been completely joined to second upper attaching means 31.
Now referring to FIG. 7 it becomes apparent that first upper attaching region 17 and second upper attaching region 19 have been converted to a first side wall 38 of the tote bag configuration. Similarly, first lower attaching region 18 now joined with second lower attaching region 20 forms second side wall 39 in the tote bag configuration. It is noted, however, that first side wall 38 is merely the overlapped structures of upper attaching regions 17 and 19, joined by first upper attaching means 29 and second upper attaching means 31. Similarly, second side wall 39 is the overlapped structure of first lower attaching region 18 and second lower attaching region 20, joined by first lower attaching means 30 and second lower attaching means 32.
The shape and configuration of the convertible tote bag and seat cover 10 allows for the formation of an overfold corner 41 when forming first side wall 38 and second side wall 39. As previously mentioned first upper attaching region 17 passes to the interior side of second upper attaching region 19 when the tote bag configuration is formed. At the lower point of first side wall 38 formed by these attaching regions 17 and 19, the sides can naturally converge at overfold corner 41. Further, the structure of overfold corner 41 can be held in position by the joining of opposing snaps. Further, by positioning the lowest set of snaps (or other fastener) proximate to floor section 14, the joint thus formed helps to form overfold corner 41. Overfold corner 41 can further be understood as the structure that is formed when the lower portions of the opposing attaching regions 17 and 19 come into proximity.
Certain preferred elements in the tote bag configuration are also illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, handles 34 has been affixed and positioned in the handle receiving position 36. Further, tote bag 10 includes first trim region 25 and second trim region 26 which, in the tote bag configuration, are desirably “turned down” so as to provide an attractive top trim region 40 for tote bag 10. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, first side wall 38 and second side wall 39, comprised of the attaching regions 17, 18, 19, and 20) do not include any reinforcing or stiffening materials; and the structure of the tote bag is sufficiently formed through stiffeners in first and second wall sections 12 and 13. However, if desired, it is possible to include stiffeners in any or all of the attaching regions 17-20. Also, it is preferred that
Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated an attaching means 29-32 comprising a series of snaps. FIG. 8 usefully illustrates which pairs of snaps correspond and mate with each other. Further, a preferred order of snapping is indicated in the figure. Thus, as illustrated, the conversion from the cover configuration to the tote bag configuration begins by connecting snaps at the base/lower level of the bag, and continues in an upward direction.
The conversion from the tote bag configuration to the cover/seat cover configuration is the reverse of the previously discussed steps. For example, handles 34 can be removed. Then first upper attaching means 29 can be separated from first lower attaching means 30. If the attaching means 29, 30 are snaps, the snaps are unsnapped; if a zipper, the zipper is unzipped, and so forth with other kinds of attaching means. Next, first lower attaching means 30 is separated from second lower attaching means 32. At this point, first wall section 12 and second wall section 13 are free to move and can be positioned as desired. If, for example, it is desired to use cover 10 as a beach towel or ground cover or table cover, cover 10 can merely be spread or placed in the desired position. When using cover 10 in a seat cover functionality, there is further structure that can be put to advantageous use.
Referring now to FIG. 9, an example of seat cover 10 disposed as a golf cart seat cover is illustrated. Cover 10 has been generally placed so as to cover a desired area of the golf cart seat. Additionally, handles 34 have been repositioned and attached to cover 10 so as to function as straps which hold cover 10 in position over the golf cart seat. Handles/straps 34 are further positioned so as to run under or around the golf cart seat, and in this manner hold cover 10 in position. As shown in FIG. 9 handles 34 have been reaffixed to cover 10 at the strap receiving position 37. In this embodiment, strap receiving position 37 generally positions handles/straps 34 so as to run along opposing edges of cover 10. Note also that the preferred elastic material of handles/straps 34 allows them to stretch under the golf cart seat, thus somewhat pulling handles/straps 34 into tension, which further serves to secure cover 10 in the desired position. While golf cart seats may be designed in various configurations, one popular design, shown in FIG. 9 includes a golf cart seat that can be pulled upward. In this manner, a user can readily position the handles/straps 34 by sliding them under the golf cart seat, and if necessary, the user can pull the golf cart seat up to facilitate positioning of the straps.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to a particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration, comprising:

a first wall section;

a second wall section;

a floor section connected to the first wall section at a first foldable boundary, and also connected to the second wall section at a second foldable boundary;

a first upper attaching region foldably attached to the first wall section at a first upper foldable boundary line;

a first lower attaching region foldably attached to the first wall section at a first lower foldable boundary line;

a second upper attaching region foldably attached to the second wall section at a second upper foldable boundary line;

a second lower attaching region foldably attached to the second wall section at a second lower foldable boundary line;

a first upper attaching means affixed to the first upper attaching region;

a first lower attaching means affixed to the first lower attaching region;

a second upper attaching means affixed to the second upper attaching region;

a second lower attaching means affixed to the second lower attaching region;

wherein the cover configuration is converted to the tote bag configuration by attaching the first upper attaching means to the second upper attaching means and the first lower attaching means to the second lower attaching means; and

wherein the tote bag configuration is converted to the cover configuration by detaching the first upper attaching means from the second upper attaching means and the first lower attaching means from the second lower attaching means.

2. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the first wall section and the second wall section further comprise a stiffening panel.

3. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 further comprising a first trim region affixed to the first wall section and a second trim region affixed to the second wall section.

4. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 further comprising handles affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section.

5. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 4 wherein the handles may be affixed to a handle receiving position and a strap receiving position.

6. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 4 wherein the handles comprise an elastic material.

7. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 4 wherein the handles are affixed by a handle fastener.

8. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 further comprising handles affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section, and also comprising straps affixed to the first wall section and the second wall section.

9. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of buttons, snaps, hooks, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners.

10. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the first upper attaching means is disposed proximate to the first upper foldable boundary line, the first lower attaching means is disposed proximate to the first lower foldable boundary line, and wherein the second upper attaching means and the second lower attaching means are disposed proximate to the edge.

11. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein a stiffening panel is disposed in at least one of the first upper attaching region, first lower attaching region, second upper attaching region, and second lower attaching region.

12. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 1 wherein the first wall section, the second wall section, and the floor section comprise an inner material connected to an outer material.

13. The convertible apparatus having a tote bag configuration and a cover configuration according to claim 12 wherein the outer material comprises a quilted fabric.

14. A method of converting a tote bag to a seat cover comprising the steps of:

positioning a first wall section and a second wall section in approximately parallel position and such that the first wall section and the second wall section are approximately normal to a floor section;

positioning a second upper attaching region to the outside of a first upper attaching region;

positioning a second lower attaching region to the outside of a second upper attaching region;

connecting a first upper attaching means affixed to the first upper attaching region to a second upper attaching means affixed to a second upper attaching region; and

connecting a first lower attaching means affixed to a first lower attaching region to a second lower attaching means affixed to a second lower attaching region.

15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising affixing a handle to the first wall section or the second wall section.

16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the step of connecting a first upper attaching means affixed to the first upper attaching region to a second upper attaching means affixed to a second upper attaching region further comprises first connecting at a position proximate the floor section; and wherein the step of connecting a first lower attaching means affixed to a first lower attaching region to a second lower attaching means affixed to a second lower attaching region further comprises first connecting at a position proximate the floor section.

17. A method of using a tote bag that can be converted to a seat cover configuration, the method comprising the steps of:

removing the handles from the tote bag;

separating the first upper attaching means from the second upper attaching means;

separating the first lower attaching means from the second lower attaching means;

positioning the first wall section and the second wall section approximately coplanar to the floor section; and

attaching the handles to the cover at the strap receiving position.

18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of affixing the cover to a golf cart seat.

19. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of affixing the cover to a boat seat.

20. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of disposing the cover as a ground cover.