U.S. patent application number 09/733619 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-13 for foldable wheeled carrying bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Coleman Company, Inc. A Delaware Corporation. Invention is credited to Klamm, Randy L..
Application Number | 20020070086 09/733619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24948405 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020070086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klamm, Randy L. |
June 13, 2002 |
FOLDABLE WHEELED CARRYING BAG
Abstract
A lightweight, wheeled bag that is foldable into a compact
configuration. A back panel of the bag is semi-rigid, and supports
a retractable handle and wheels. The wheeled bag includes side,
front, bottom, and top panels that are made of a soft, lightweight
material. In a stored configuration of the wheeled bag, the soft
panels fold into a stacked, compact arrangement against the back
panel. The wheeled bag includes a hinged, semi-rigid panel that
aligns against one of the side panels when the wheeled bag is in
the stored configuration. When the wheeled bag is folded outward to
an expanded configuration, the hinged, semi-rigid panel folds
against the inside surface of the bottom panel. The side panels
preferably each include a reinforcement. The reinforcements and the
hinged, semi-rigid panel support the bag in an expanded position in
which the bag is supportable upon the wheels and the bottom
panel.
Inventors: |
Klamm, Randy L.; (Evergreen,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michalik & Wylie, PLLC
Suite 103
14645 Bel-Red Road
Bellevue
WA
98007
US
|
Assignee: |
The Coleman Company, Inc. A
Delaware Corporation
3600 N. Hydraulic
Wichita
KS
67219
|
Family ID: |
24948405 |
Appl. No.: |
09/733619 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
190/115; 383/121.1; 383/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0077 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.00A ;
383/121.1; 190/115; 383/2 |
International
Class: |
A45C 007/00; B65D
030/16; A45C 013/26 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bag comprising: a soft bottom panel having a front edge spaced
from a back edge; a semi-rigid back panel attached to the back edge
of the soft bottom panel; first and second side panels attached to
the back panel and the bottom panel and foldable toward the back
panel; a front panel removably attached to at least one of the
first and second side panels; at least one wheel attached to the
back panel; and a semi-rigid panel; the bag reconfigurable between:
a first configuration where the semi-rigid panel is adjacent the
soft bottom panel; and a second configuration where the semi-rigid
panel is spaced from the bottom panel and the first and second side
panels are folded toward the back panel.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid panel is hinged to a
bottom edge of the first side panel.
3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the semi-rigid panel extends to
adjacent the second side panel.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first side panel comprises a
soft material.
5. The bag of claim 4, wherein the first panel comprises a
reinforcement that, in the first configuration, limits upward and
downward movement of the front edge of the soft bottom panel.
6. The bag of claim 4, wherein the first panel comprises a
reinforcement that extends from a front, lower corner of the first
side panel to an upper, rear corner of the side panel.
7. The bag of claim 6, further comprising a top panel attached to
the first and second side panels.
8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the front panel is removably
attachable to the first and second side panels and the top panel,
and is attached to the soft bottom panel.
9. The bag of claim 8, wherein the front panel is attachable to the
first and second side panels and the top panel by a zipper.
10. The bag of claim 7, wherein the front panel and the second side
panel each comprise a soft material.
11. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a closure mechanism
configured to secure the bag in the second configuration.
12. The bag of claim 11, wherein the closure mechanism comprises
straps having buckles thereon.
13. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for
securing the semi-rigid panel in the first configuration.
14. The bag of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism comprises
hook and loop connectors.
15. The bag of claim 1, further comprising an extendible handle
attached to the back panel.
16. A bag comprising: a soft bottom panel having a front edge
spaced from a back edge; a semi-rigid back panel attached to the
back edge of the soft bottom panel; first and second soft side
panels attached to the back panel and the bottom panel; a first
reinforcement extending from a front, lower corner of the first
side panel to an upper, rear corner of the side panel; a soft top
panel attached to the back panel and the first and second side
panels; and a front panel attached to the soft bottom panel and
removably attachable to the first side panel, the second side
panel, and the top panel.
17. The bag of claim 16, further comprising at least one wheel
attached to the back panel.
18. The bag of claim 16, further comprising an extendible handle
attached to the back panel.
19. The bag of claim 16, further comprising a semi-rigid panel
reconfigurable between: a first configuration where the semi-rigid
panel is adjacent the soft bottom panel; and a second configuration
where the semi-rigid panel is spaced from the bottom panel.
20. The bag of claim 19, wherein the semi-rigid panel is hinged to
a bottom edge of the first side panel.
21. The bag of claim 20, wherein the semi-rigid panel extends to
adjacent the second side panel.
22. The bag of claim 16, wherein the front panel is attachable to
the first and second side panels and the top panel by a zipper.
23. The bag of claim 16, wherein the bag reconfigurable to a stored
configuration where the first and second side panels are folded
toward the back panel.
24. The bag of claim 23, further comprising a closure mechanism
configured to secure the bag in the stored configuration.
25. The bag of claim 24, wherein the closure mechanism comprises
straps having buckles thereon.
26. A bag comprising: a soft bottom panel having a front edge
spaced from a back edge; a semi-rigid back panel attached to the
back edge of the soft bottom panel; first and second soft side
panels attached to the back panel and the bottom panel; a top panel
attached to the back panel and the first and second side panels; a
first reinforcement in the first soft side panel, extending from a
front, lower corner of the first side panel to an upper, rear
corner of the side panel; a second reinforcement in the second soft
side panel, extending from a front, lower corner of the second side
panel to an upper, rear corner of the side panel; a front panel
attached to the soft bottom panel and removably attachable to the
first side panel, the second side panel, and the top panel; at
least one wheel attached to the back panel and arranged so that the
at least one wheel engages a surface upon which the bottom panel is
resting; and a semi-rigid panel hinged to the bottom panel so that
it may be moved toward and away from the bottom panel.
27. The bag of claim 26, wherein the bag comprises two wheels
attached to the back panel.
28. The bag of claim 26, further comprising an extendible handle
attached to the back panel.
29. The bag of claim 26, wherein the semi-rigid panel is hinged to
a bottom edge of the first side panel.
30. The bag of claim 29, wherein the semi-rigid panel extends to
adjacent the second side panel.
31. The bag of claim 26, wherein the front panel is attachable to
the first and second side panels and the top panel by a zipper.
32. The bag of claim 26, wherein the bag reconfigurable to a stored
configuration where the first and second side panels are folded
toward the back panel.
33. The bag of claim 32, further comprising a closure mechanism
configured to secure the bag in the stored configuration.
34. The bag of claim 33, wherein the closure mechanism comprises
straps having buckles thereon.
35. The bag of claim 26, further comprising a locking mechanism for
securing the semi-rigid panel against the bottom panel.
36. The bag of claim 35, wherein the locking mechanism comprises
hook and loop connectors.
37. A bag comprising: a soft bottom panel having a front edge
spaced from a back edge; a semi-rigid back panel attached to the
back edge of the soft bottom panel; first and second soft side
panels attached to the back panel and the bottom panel; a top panel
attached to the back panel and the first and second side panels; a
front panel attached to the soft bottom panel and removably
attachable to the first side panel, the second side panel, and the
top panel; at least one wheel attached to the semi-rigid back
panel; and a reinforcing structure that is configurable between a
first configuration in which the reinforcing structure supports the
bag in an expanded position in which the bag is supportable upon
the at least one wheel and the bottom panel, and a second
configuration in which the bag is foldable to a compact
arrangement.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to luggage, and more
particularly to luggage having wheels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wheeled articles of luggage, such as carrying cases, have
become quite popular, especially for use while traveling. The most
popular type of wheeled carrying luggage includes wheels on a lower
side and a retractable handle. The handle is extended and is used
for towing of the case with the wheels engaged against the ground.
Placing the weight of the luggage on the wheels permits a traveler
to roll the luggage from one location to another, instead of having
to carry the luggage, relieving the burden typically placed on the
shoulders, back, and arms of the traveler.
[0003] Typically, wheeled carrying bags are made of rigid sidewalls
and a heavy reinforcing bottom panel. The rigid construction of the
sidewalls holds open the walls of the luggage, permitting easy
packing of the inside compartments of the luggage. The rigid bottom
panel and sidewalls stabilize the luggage during towing. In
addition, the bottom panel often provides an attachment location
and support for the wheels.
[0004] While the prior art wheeled carrying bags work for their
intended purpose, a significant drawback to these prior art wheeled
carrying bags is that, due to the materials used in the rigid
frames of the bags, the bags tend to be relatively heavy. In
addition, the rigid nature of the bags makes their storage
difficult, because the hard-sided bags require as much storage
space when they are empty as they do when they are full.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a lightweight, wheeled bag
that is foldable into a compact configuration. A back panel of the
bag is semi-rigid or stiff, and supports a retractable handle and
wheels. The wheeled bag includes side, front, bottom, and top
panels that are made of a soft, lightweight material. In a stored
configuration of the wheeled bag, the soft panels fold into a
stacked, compact arrangement against the back panel.
[0006] The wheeled bag includes a hinged, semi-rigid panel that
aligns against one of the side panels when the wheeled bag is in
the stored configuration. When the wheeled bag is folded outward to
an expanded configuration, the hinged, semi-rigid panel folds
against the inside surface of the bottom panel of the wheeled bag.
The hinged semi-rigid panel provides support for the bottom of the
wheeled bag when the wheeled bag is in the expanded configuration.
This support permits the wheeled bag to rest on the bottom panel
when the wheeled bag is in the expanded configuration. In addition,
the support aids in holding the wheeled bag open when the wheeled
bag is in the expanded configuration.
[0007] The side panels of the wheeled bag preferably each include a
reinforcement, such as a metal stay contained within webbing. The
reinforcements are arranged so that they do not impede folding of
the side panels into the stored configuration. In addition, the
reinforcements work together with the hinged, semi-rigid panel to
help hold open the side, top and bottom panels when the wheeled bag
is in the expanded configuration. This feature provides easy
packing of the inside compartment, or compartments, of the wheeled
bag.
[0008] Other advantages will become apparent from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings,
in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top, right perspective view of a wheeled bag
made in accordance with the present invention, shown in an expanded
configuration;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the wheeled bag of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is top, right perspective view of the wheeled bag of
FIG. 1, similar the perspective view of FIG. 1, with a front panel
of the wheeled bag opened, and a hinged panel shown as being
removed from the bottom panel of the wheeled bag;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a beginning stage of folding of the wheeled bag
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a further stage of folding of the wheeled bag
of FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 6 shows the wheeled bag of FIG. 1 in a stored
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows a wheeled bag 20 incorporating the present invention. Briefly
described, the wheeled bag 20 includes a reinforcing structure that
holds the bag open in an expanded configuration (FIG. 1). The
reinforcing structure may be manipulated so that the wheeled bag 20
may be folded to a compact, storage configuration (FIG. 6).
[0016] The wheeled bag 20 includes a front panel 22 that is
attached to a bottom panel 24 (FIG. 2), and is removably attached
to a top panel 26 and right and left side panels 28, 30 by a zipper
25. As is further described below, the front panel 22, the top
panel 26, the bottom panel 24, and the right and left panels 28, 30
are preferably formed of a soft, lightweight material, such as a
fabric (e.g., canvas, nylon, or the like). The top panel 26, the
bottom panel 24, and the right and left panels 28, 30 are attached
to a back panel 32 (FIG. 2). The back panel 32 is preferably formed
of a semi-rigid material, such as plastic, pressboard, cardboard,
or the like.
[0017] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the back panel 32 includes a
semi-rigid structure 34, onto which is attached a handle receptacle
36 and wheels 38. The semi-rigid structure 34 of the back panel 32
is preferably formed of a semi-rigid material, such as plastic,
cardboard, pressboard, or the like. However, as described below,
the semi-rigid structure may alternatively be formed of a rigid
material. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the semi-rigid
structure 34 is encased in a fabric. If desired, padding (not
shown) may be provided between the fabric 35 and the outside of the
semi-rigid structure 34 to provide comfort for a user, or on the
inside to protect items within the wheeled bag 20. The semi-rigid
structure 34 extends the length and width of the back panel 32.
[0018] The handle receptacle 36 is configured to receive an
extendible handle 40, which may be extended and used to pull or
guide the wheeled bag 20 such as is known in the art. The handle
receptacle 36 is attached to the inside of the semi-rigid structure
34 by rivets, glue, screws, or another suitable attachment. A
cutout 41 at the top, center of the semi-rigid structure 34 permits
easy access to the extendible handle 40.
[0019] A pair of skid bars 42, 44 extend along the back side of the
back panel 32. The skid bars 42, 44 may be used to drag the wheeled
bag 20 over obstacles, such as stairs or the like. The skid bars
42, 44 are preferably attached to the semi-rigid structure 34 in a
suitable manner, e.g., using glue, rivets, screws, or other
conventional fasteners. Alternatively, the semi-rigid structure may
be formed integrally with the skid bars 42, 44. This alternate
configuration may require that the fabric 35 not extend over the
entire surface of the back panel.
[0020] The wheels 38 are attached to lower ends of the skid bars
42, 44. The wheels 38 are configured and arranged so that the
wheels come into contact with the ground when the wheeled bag 20 is
placed on the ground. Feet 48 are included on the opposite ends of
the skid bars so that the wheeled bag may be laid on its back and
supported by the wheels 38 and the feet.
[0021] Returning now to FIG. 1, the front panel 22 may include one
or more pouches 50 (two are shown in the embodiment in the
drawings) on its front side for storage of quickly-accessible
items. Additional pouches, straps, or containers may be provided at
the different locations on the wheeled bag 20 so that a user may
attach or store other items (e.g., additional baggage, a laptop
computer, or a cup) on the outside of the wheeled bag 20.
[0022] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the front panel 22 preferably
hinges down and away from the rest of the wheeled bag 20 when the
zipper 25 is unzipped. This feature allows convenient access to the
inner compartment or compartments of the wheeled bag 20.
[0023] The top panel 26 includes a flap 54 that extends over the
extendible handle 40 when the extendible handle is retracted. The
flap 54 may be closed by hook and loop material or other closing
mechanisms, e.g., a zipper. The top panel 26 also includes a handle
56 extending along its top edge. The handle 56 permits a user to
carry the wheeled bag 20 while the extendible handle 40 is in a
retracted position. The handle 56 may be formed of webbing or any
other suitable material.
[0024] The right and left side panels 28, 30 include upper and
lower cinching straps 58, 60. The cinching straps 58, 60 may be
loosened so that a coat or other item may be hung in one or more of
the straps. As is further described below, the cinching straps 58,
60 are also used to hold the wheeled bag 20 in the stored
configuration. The cinching straps include buckles 61 (e.g.,
plastic, male/female snap-in buckles). The buckles 61 for the
cinching straps 58, 60 on the right side of the wheeled bag 20 are
located adjacent the back panel 32, with the female connector
closest to the back panel. The buckles on the cinching straps 58,
60 on the left side of the wheeled bag 20 are located adjacent the
front of the wheeled bag, with the female connector closest to the
front of the bag. The function of this arrangement is described
below.
[0025] The right and left side panels 28, 30 include
reinforcements, for example in the form of metal stays 62, 64. As
further described below, the reinforcements aid in holding the side
panels 28, 30 in an outward position when the wheeled bag 20 is in
the extended configuration. The respective metal stay 62, 64 for
each of the side panels 28, 30, extends from an upper, back corner
of the respective panel to the lower, front corner of the panel.
The metal stay 62, 64 preferably extends to adjacent to these
corners, so as to provide the maximum support for the panels. The
metal stays 62, 64 are preferably encased within the fabric or
other material that forms the side panels 28, 30. If desired, the
metal stays 62, 64 may be encased in webbing 66, 68 (FIG. 3) or
another material so as to reduce the chance that the stays might
penetrate the panels.
[0026] The wheeled bag 20 includes a hinged, semi-rigid panel 78
(FIG. 3) attached along one edge to the bottom, inside edge of the
right side panel 28. The hinged panel 78 is rotatable about its
connection so that it may align against the right side panel 28,
and may hinge downward to extend against the inside surface of the
bottom panel 24. Hook and loop fasteners 82, 84 may be provided to
hold the hinged panel into position against the bottom panel
24.
[0027] The metal stays 62, 64, the hinged panel 78, and the
semi-rigid structure 34 of the back panel 32 work together to hold
open the wheeled bag 20 when the wheeled bag is in the expanded
configuration, permitting easy access to and packing of the inside
compartments of the bag. In addition, these structural components
permit the wheeled bag 20 to stand on its own when in the expanded
configuration. In summary, the hinged panel 78 provides support and
structure for the bottom panel 24. The semi-rigid structure 34 of
the back panel 32 provides support for the back of the wheeled bag
20, helping to maintain the back of the wheeled bag in a
substantially upright position. The metal stays 62, 64 bias the
side panels into an upright position and help to keep the top panel
26 from collapsing.
[0028] The semi-rigid structure 34 of the back panel 32 provides
the anchor of the support for the wheeled bag 20. The stays 62, 64
and the hinged panel immobilize the side and bottom panels using
the stationary semi-rigid structure 34 of the back panel 32.
[0029] The hinged panel 78 essentially locks the position of the
bottom panel. To this end, the hinged panel 78 prevents lateral
movement of the bottom panel 24 through its hinged relationship
with the right side panel 28, connection via the hook and loop
connectors 82, 84, and the rigidity of the hinged panel.
Preferably, to minimize lateral movement of the bottom panel 24,
the hinged panel 78 abuts against the front edge of the back panel
32, and the hinged panel 78 is of sufficient length to abut against
the left side panel 30 of the wheeled bag 20. Thus, by connecting
the hinged panel 78 to the bottom panel 24 via the hook and loop
connectors 82, 84, the bottom panel is supported and held in
position. This feature not only aids in holding the panels opened
when the wheeled bag 20 is in the extended configuration, but also
permits the wheeled bag to rest against the bottom panel 24 when
the wheeled bag 20 is in the extended configuration, without the
bottom panel collapsing.
[0030] As described above, the stays 62, 64 preferably extend to
adjacent the front, bottom edges of the side panels 28, 30. With
the semi-rigid structure 34 supporting the back panel 32 and the
hinged panel 78 supporting the bottom panel 24, the stays 62, 64
lend diagonal support for the side panels 28, 30. The diagonal
support provided by the stays 62, 64 helps to maintain the side
panels outward, and align the side panels with the outer edges of
the back and bottom panels, when the wheeled bag 20 is in the
extended configuration. The stays also support the locked position
of the bottom panel 24 and hinged panel 78 by limiting upward or
downward movement of the front edge of the two panels. Upward or
downward movement of the rear edge of the two panels is limited by
the connection of the bottom panel 24 to the back panel 32, and the
rigidity of the hinged panel 78.
[0031] The stays 62, 64 provide lateral support for the side panels
28, 30, which places the top panel 26 in slight tension, preventing
collapse of the top panel 26 when the wheeled bag 20 is in the
extended configuration. To aid in preventing collapse, the side
panels 28, 30 are tapered in their length. This feature permits the
top panel to have a narrow dimension, assuring that the front
(unsupported) section of the top panel 26 is not spaced too far
from the stays 62, 64.
[0032] In addition, the stays 62, 64, along with the structural
support 34 of the back panel 32, provide a triangular support that
separately, and together with the bottom panel 24, provide support
for standing of the wheeled bag. That is, the base of the triangle
is formed at the lower edge of each of the side panels 28, 30, and
the apex is formed at the juncture of the respective stay 62, 64
and the back panel 32. The weight of the material forward of the
back panel is sufficient to bias the wheeled bag 20 forward, so
that the lower portion of the triangles formed by the stays 62, 64
and the back panel serves as a sufficient base to prevent tipping
of the wheeled bag. The bottom panel 24, reinforced by the hinged
panel 78, causes the base to be more substantial, further
preventing tipping of the wheeled bag.
[0033] Thus, the hinged panel 78, the stays 62, 64, and the
structural support 34 provide a framework that supports the wheeled
bag 20 in the extended configuration. The support not only holds
open the side, top, and bottom panels 28, 30, 26, and 24, but also
permits the wheeled bag 20 to stand on its own (i.e., on the bottom
panel and the wheels 38). It can be understood that the support
provided by the hinged panel 78, the stays 62, 64, and the
structural support 34 is dependent upon the material used for these
components. That is, the more rigid the components, the more
structure the components provide. However, applicant has found that
a semi-rigid material is sufficient to provide the features of the
structural support 34. By not using rigid materials for this
component, the wheeled bag is less stiff, and the overall weight of
the wheeled bag is less. In addition, the handle receptacle 36 and
the skid plates 42, 44 aid in stiffening and supporting the
structural support 34. However, as used herein, the use of
"semi-rigid," to describe the structural support 34 is meant to
cover materials that are either semi-rigid or rigid.
[0034] Applicants have also found that a semi-rigid material is
sufficient for the hinged panel 78. Likewise, as used herein, the
use of "semi-rigid," to describe the hinged panel 78 is meant to
cover materials that are either semi-rigid or rigid.
[0035] Because the stays 62, 64 are thin and relatively lengthy, it
is preferred that the stays be made of a more rigid material, such
as steel, fiberglass rods, or aluminum. However, the stays 62, 64
may also be made of a semi-rigid material.
[0036] As stated above, the front, side, bottom, and top panels are
preferably formed of a soft material, such as canvas or another
fabric. The soft material aids in folding of the bag, and permits
the wheeled bag to be lightweight. Prior art wheeled luggage did
not utilize soft panels because soft materials do not provide the
structure necessary for a wheeled bag to stand on its own and for
the wheeled bag to remain open so that a user may have unimpeded
access to the internal compartments of the wheeled bag. In
accordance with one aspect of the present invention, one or more of
the front, side, bottom, and top panels, or part of those panels,
may not be soft. For example, the side panels may be made of a
semi-rigid material that incorporates the features of the metal
stays 62, 64 and the side panels. If such side panels are utilized,
it is preferred that they be constructed so that the side panels
may be folded into the center in the stored configuration, for
example by hinging the side panels to the back panel.
[0037] The folding process for the wheeled bag 20 is shown in FIGS.
3-6. First, while the front panel 22 is zipped out, the hook and
loop connecters 82, 84 for the hinged panel 78 are released, and
the hinged panel is folded upward against the right side panel 28.
The beginning of the folding process for the hinged panel 78 is
shown in FIG. 3, and the hinged panel is shown (in phantom) against
the right side panel in FIG. 4. The front panel 22 is then
preferably zipped closed, although closure is not necessary for
folding the wheeled bag 20 into the stored configuration.
[0038] The center portion of the front panel 22 is then pressed
forward (FIG. 4), and the right side panel 28 and left side panel
30 are folded against the front of the front panel (FIGS. 5 and 6).
The buckles 61 for the cinching straps 58, 609 are released, and
the male portions of the buckles on the left side of the wheeled
bag are slid along their respective straps (i.e., adjusted to the
proper length), and are inserted into the female portion of the
buckles on the right side (FIG. 6). Pulling down on the loose ends
of the straps may then tighten the fastened buckles.
[0039] It can be understood that the wheeled bag 20 may be held in
the stored configuration in a variety of different ways other than
the arrangement of the cinch straps 58, 60 described herein. In
addition to changing the location or number of the cinch straps 58,
60, different closures may be used, including, but not limited to,
snaps, drawstrings, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, clips, and
bungee cords. In addition, a closure for the wheeled bag 20 may not
be provided, in which case the user may fold the wheeled bag
together and place the folded wheeled bag into a container such as
a knapsack.
[0040] Alternative embodiments of the wheeled bag 20 are
contemplated. For example, the hinged panel 78 may fold down from
the left side of the wheeled bag, or even from the back. In
addition, reinforcements (e.g., metal stays) for the side panels
28, 30 may be provided that are configured to extend through
substantially all of the side panels, instead of a diagonal strip
of the panels. However, the hinged panel 78, the stays 62, 64, and
the structural support 34 are preferably arranged so that they
minimally impede folding of the side panels into the stored
configuration, yet provide sufficient support so that the wheeled
bag may stand on its own and the panels may be held outward when
the wheeled bag is in the stored configuration.
[0041] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims. For example, while the embodiment of the wheeled
bag 20 shown in the drawings is generally box-shaped, the concepts
of the present invention may be utilized in a bag having many
different configurations. For example, the front panel 22 may
extend to the upper part of the back panel, effectively eliminating
the need for a top panel 26. However, in such an embodiment, the
edge formed at the top of the modified wheeled bag may be
interpreted as a top panel. Other components may be similarly
eliminated, so that the functions of the eliminated components are
incorporated into other components.
* * * * *