U.S. patent application number 11/502077 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for baggage item with internal zippered expansion assembly.
Invention is credited to Aaron Gorga.
Application Number | 20070045071 11/502077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37802490 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gorga; Aaron |
March 1, 2007 |
Baggage item with internal zippered expansion assembly
Abstract
An expandable baggage item without rigid support elements that
is accessible for actuation from inside the storage
compartment.
Inventors: |
Gorga; Aaron; (St. Louis,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICK W. RASCHE;ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE, SUITE 2600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63102-2740
US
|
Family ID: |
37802490 |
Appl. No.: |
11/502077 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60708159 |
Aug 15, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/103 ;
190/903 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0027
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/103 ;
190/903 |
International
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20060101
A45C007/00 |
Claims
1. An expandable baggage item for carrying of items by hand, the
baggage item comprising: a body defining a storage compartment; and
an expansion assembly coupled to the body, the expansion assembly
comprising a gusset and a zipper, the zipper operable to release
the gusset to expand the body from a contracted position to an
expanded position; wherein the zipper is accessible for actuation
from inside the storage compartment.
2. The baggage item of claim 1, further comprising a closure
element selectively postionable relative to the body between an
opened position and a closed position, and wherein the zipper is
concealed from view from an exterior of the baggage when the
closure element is in the closed position.
3. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the body is soft-sided.
4. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the zipper extends around
an interior periphery of the storage compartment.
5. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first
frame and a second frame collectively providing the bag with a
predetermined shape, and the expansion assembly is operatively
connected between the first frame and the second frame.
6. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first
frame defining a first portion of the storage compartment and a
second frame defining a second portion of the storage compartment,
the first portion of the storage compartment being larger than the
second portion.
7. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the body defines a luggage
item.
8. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the luggage item is
selected from the group of a suitcase, a duffel bag, a backpack,
and a briefcase.
9. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the zipper is operable to
retract the gusset and return the body to the contracted position
when the expanded position is not needed.
10. The baggage item of claim 1, wherein the expansion assembly is
substantially devoid of rigid mechanical supports.
11. The baggage item of claim 1, further comprising at least one
wheel coupled to the body.
12. A piece of baggage comprising: a first frame and a second frame
collectively defining a storage compartment adapted to be carried
by a user, the first and second frames being movable relative to
one another between an expanded position and a contracted position;
a flexible gusset interconnecting the two frames; and a zipper
operable to selectively release the gusset for relative movement of
the first and second frames to the expanded position, the gusset
defining a portion of the storage compartment when the frames are
moved to the expanded position; wherein the zipper is located in an
interior portion of the first and second frames.
13. The baggage of claim 12, wherein the gusset includes an
interior surface and an exterior surface when the baggage item is
expanded, the exterior surface hiding the zipper from external
view.
14. The baggage of claim 12, wherein the first and second frames
are soft-sided.
15. The baggage of claim 12, wherein the first and second frames
are different sizes.
16. The baggage of claim 12, wherein the first and second frames
define one of a suitcase, a duffel bag, a backpack, and a
briefcase.
17. The baggage of claim 12, wherein the zipper is operable to
retract the gusset to move the first and second frames to a
contracted position.
18. The baggage of claim 12, further comprising at least one wheel
connected to one of the first and second frames.
19. An expandable luggage item comprising: a body defining an
interior luggage compartment and an exterior surface surrounding
the luggage compartment; at least one carrying handle coupled to
the body; and an expansion assembly located interior to the body,
the expansion assembly comprising a releasable fabric panel
configured to vary an internal volume of the storage compartment
without rigid mechanical elements.
20. The luggage item of claim 19, wherein the panel comprises a
gusset and a zipper, the zipper operable to release the gusset to
expand the body from a contracted position to an expanded position
having a greater capacity for storage.
21. The luggage item of claim 19, wherein the zipper is accessible
for actuation from inside the storage compartment.
22. The luggage item of claim 19, wherein the body is
soft-sided.
23. The luggage item of claim 19, wherein the body comprises first
and second frames, and the zipper expansion assembly extends
between the first and second frames.
24. The luggage item of claim 19, wherein the body defines one of a
suitcase, a duffel bag, a backpack, and a briefcase.
25. An expandable baggage item for carrying of items by hand, the
baggage item comprising: a body defining a storage compartment; and
an expansion assembly coupled to the body, the expansion assembly
comprising a gusset and an actuation element, the actuation element
operable to selectively release or maintain the gusset to expand or
contract the storage compartment, respectively, without aid of
rigid mechanical supports and mechanisms; wherein the closure
element is accessible for actuation from inside the storage
compartment.
26. The baggage item of claim 25 wherein the actuation element
comprises a zipper.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/708,159 filed Aug. 15, 2005, the complete
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to baggage items, and more
particularly to expandable baggage items.
[0003] Bags, cases and luggage items are widely used to carry a
variety of items of a traveler from place to place. Some types of
baggage items are expandable to allow the traveler additional room
for packing items in the bag while needed, while otherwise
providing a bag of reduced size when the bag is not expanded. Known
expandable bags are prone to damage as the bags are handled in use,
are prone to premature wear and failure, and can be expensive to
produce. Additionally, known expansion mechanisms can be bulky and
complicated to use, and can be unsightly to some users. It would be
desirable to provide a lower cost, more convenient, and more
attractive expandable baggage item that overcomes these and other
disadvantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one exemplary embodiment, an expandable baggage
item for carrying of items by hand is provided. The baggage item
comprises a body defining a storage compartment and an expansion
assembly coupled to the body. The expansion assembly comprises a
gusset and a zipper. The zipper is operable to release the gusset
to expand the body from a contracted position to an expanded
position, and the zipper is accessible for actuation from inside
the storage compartment in an exemplary embodiment.
[0005] Optionally, a closure element is selectively postionable
relative to the body between an opened position and a closed
position, and the zipper is concealed from view from an exterior of
the baggage when the closure element is in the closed position. The
body may be soft-sided, and the zipper may extend around an
interior periphery of the storage compartment. The body may
comprise a first frame and a second frame collectively providing
the bag with a predetermined shape, and the expansion assembly may
be operatively connected between the first frame and the second
frame. A first frame may define a first portion of the storage
compartment and a second frame may define a second portion of the
storage compartment, with the first portion of the storage
compartment being larger than the second portion. The body may
define a luggage item selected from the group of a suitcase, a
duffel bag, a backpack, and a briefcase. The zipper may be operable
to retract the gusset and return the body to the contracted
position when the expanded position is not needed. The expansion
assembly may be substantially devoid of rigid mechanical supports,
and at least one wheel may be coupled to the body.
[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, a piece of
baggage comprises a first frame and a second frame collectively
defining a storage compartment adapted to be carried by a user. The
first and second frames are movable relative to one another between
an expanded position and a contracted position, and a flexible
gusset interconnects the two frames. A zipper is operable to
selectively release the gusset for relative movement of the first
and second frames to the expanded position, and the gusset defines
a portion of the storage compartment when the frames are moved to
the expanded position. The zipper is located in an interior portion
of the first and second frames.
[0007] Optionally, the gusset includes an interior surface and an
exterior surface when the baggage item is expanded, and the
exterior surface hides the zipper from external view. The first and
second frames may be soft-sided, and the first and second frames
may be different sizes. The first and second frames may define one
of a suitcase, a duffel bag, and a briefcase. The zipper may be
operable to retract the gusset to move the first and second frames
to a contracted position, and a wheel may be coupled to the
body.
[0008] In still another exemplary embodiment, an expandable luggage
item comprises a body defining an interior luggage compartment and
an exterior surface surrounding the luggage compartment; at least
one carrying handle coupled to the body; and an expansion assembly
located interior to the body. The expansion assembly comprises a
releasable fabric panel configured to vary an internal volume of
the storage compartment without rigid mechanical elements.
[0009] Optionally, the panel may comprise a gusset and a zipper,
and the zipper may be operable to release the gusset to expand the
body from a contracted position to an expanded position having a
greater capacity for storage. The zipper may be accessible for
actuation from inside the storage compartment. The body may be
soft-sided, and the body may comprise first and second frames, with
the zipper expansion assembly extending between the first and
second frames. The body may define one of a suitcase, a duffel bag,
a backpack and a brief case.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, an expandable baggage item for
carrying of items by hand is provided. The baggage item comprises a
body defining a storage compartment and an expansion assembly
coupled to the body. The expansion assembly comprising a gusset and
an actuation element. The actuation element is operable to
selectively release or maintain the gusset to expand or contract
the storage compartment, respectively, without aid of rigid
mechanical supports and mechanisms. The closure element is
accessible for actuation from inside the storage compartment.
[0011] Optionally, the actuation element comprises a zipper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary baggage
item formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the luggage item shown in
FIG. 1 and having an internal expansion assembly in a closed or
contracted position.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates the internal expansion assembly for the
baggage item shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein FIG. 3A schematically
illustrates the expansion assembly in side elevation and in the
contracted position, and FIG. 3B illustrates the assembly in a
front elevation viewed from the interior of the baggage item and in
the contracted position.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates the expansion assembly in an opened or
expanded position, wherein FIG. 4A schematically illustrates the
expansion assembly in side elevation and FIG. 4B illustrates the
assembly in front elevation viewed from the interior of the baggage
item.
[0016] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the expansion assembly in
perspective view and in an intermediate position.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates the expansion assembly installed to the
baggage item in perspective view, wherein FIG. 6A shows the
expansion assembly in the contracted position viewed from the
interior of the bag, and FIG. 6B shows the expansion assembly in
the contracted position viewed from an exterior of the bag.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates the expansion assembly installed to the
baggage item in perspective view, wherein FIG. 7A shows the
expansion assembly in the expanded position viewed from the
interior of the bag, and FIG. 7B shows the expansion assembly in
the expanded position viewed from an exterior of the bag
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a conventional expandable baggage item,
wherein in FIG. 8A the baggage item is shown is in a contracted
position and wherein in FIG. 8B the baggage item is shown in an
expanded position.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates another conventional luggage item having
an expansion mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention, as described in relation to exemplary
embodiments set forth below, provides an expansion assembly for
baggage items, and particularly for luggage items, that overcomes
difficulties and disadvantages in the art associated with existing
expandable baggage items. In order to fully appreciate the present
invention, the disclosure herein will be segmented into different
segments, wherein Part I introduces conventional baggage items and
problems in the art; and Part II discloses exemplary embodiments of
the invention.
I. Introduction to the Invention
[0022] A variety of expansion techniques for luggage and baggage
items, including but not limited to garment bags and suitcases, are
known. One popular type of conventional expandable bag 200 is shown
in FIGS. 8A and 8B that includes a zipper 202 on the outer or
exterior surface 204 of the bag 200 that, when un-zipped, releases
an expansion section of material 206 (FIG. 8B). While such zipper
expansion systems are convenient, they are not without
disadvantages. For example, the teeth of the zipper 202 are
generally exposed on the exterior surfaces 204 of the bag 200 and
are vulnerable to snags, impact, and damage as the bag 200 is
handled in use. The external zipper expansion system can also be
aesthetically unappealing to at least some users, because excess
fabric is often left to gather at the top of the case as shown in
FIG. 8B if the case or bag contains an insufficient amount of
clothes, for example, to expand the bag 200 to its full
capacity.
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates another known bag 210 having an expansion
system in the form of a mechanical mechanism 212 located internal
to the bag 210. Typical mechanical expansion mechanisms of this
type, as shown in FIG. 9, may include, for example, two rigid
support plates 214, 216 and a gusset 218. The plates 214, 216 are
movable relative to one another to extend or retract the gusset 218
and provide a bag or case of a variable volume. A locking mechanism
or mechanisms are typically provided to securely maintain the
plates 214, 216 in expanded or collapsed positions. Additional
support members may also be provided to facilitate packing of the
bag 210.
[0024] To some extent, such a mechanical mechanism 212 in the bag
210 solves external snagging and impact issues, as well as
aesthetic appearance issues, because the mechanical system is
generally concealed within the bag when not expanded, but known
mechanical expansion mechanisms can present other issues. The
mechanisms may include a large number of parts and may be intricate
to fabricate, install and use. The rigid plates and supports of
such mechanisms also introduce additional weight to the
construction of the bag. The added cost, weight and complexity of
mechanical mechanism and systems can be significant and undesirable
to some users.
[0025] Also, when the mechanical expansion mechanisms are used,
uneven pressure applied to the perimeter of the case or bag may
result in instability of the bag, as well as unsightly and
undesirable gaps forming on one or more faces of the bag.
Mechanical expansion mechanisms are also subject to breakage during
handling of the case or bag is use, and may present reliability
issues for users that frequently operate the mechanism to use the
bag in each of the extended and contracted positions.
II. Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, an exemplary expandable baggage
item 50 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the type of which may benefit
from the expansion assembly of the present invention as described
hereinbelow. The baggage item 50 includes a body 52 defining a
compartment 54 (FIG. 2) with one or more points of access for
receiving personal effects and items of a traveler, such as
clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. that one may need for a trip away
from home. The compartment 54 may, as desired, be subdivided into
smaller compartments in a further, and or alternative embodiment.
That is, the compartment 54 may be considered a primary storage
compartment, with secondary storage compartments also being
provided through segmenting of the compartment 54 into smaller
portions, or alternatively by being provided elsewhere in the
construction of the bag.
[0027] A closure element 55 (shown in an opened position in FIG. 2
and a closed position in FIG. 1) is selectively positionable
relatively to the body 52 in a known manner for packing and
unpacking of the storage compartment 54 with items. The closure
element 55 may comprise a fabric panel hingedly attached to the
body 52 along one edge thereof as shown in FIG. 2, and a zipper 56,
for example, is accessible from an exterior of the body 52 to open
or close the closure member 55. Other closure members and actuation
elements therefore may likewise be used in other alternative
embodiments of the invention, including but not limited to foldable
panels and hook and loop fasteners.
[0028] The body 52 may, for example, be sized and dimensioned
appropriately for transport in an aircraft or vehicle and for being
carried by hand via a carrying handle 53, and may include one or
more wheels 57 on a lower edge thereof that allow the body to be
rolled along a surface when desired. Accordingly, a towing handle
and extendable telescoping supports, for example, may also be
provided and coupled to the body 52 as desired for towing the bag
50 by hand along a surface via the wheels 57.
[0029] While the body 52 in an illustrative embodiment defines a
substantially rectangular luggage bag in the form of an upright
suitcase as shown in FIG. 1, it is understood that the body 52 may
alternatively assume various alternative shapes and styles the
different types of baggage and luggage items, including but not
limited to other types of suitcases, backpacks, briefcases, duffel
bags and the like. Additionally carrying handles, straps, shoulder
straps, and the like may be provided as appropriate for different
types of bags.
[0030] Exterior surfaces of the body 52 may include fabric panels
and the like to form a soft-sided construction in an exemplary
embodiment, as opposed to comparatively rigid, hard-shelled
constructions that have also been conventionally used to fabricate
baggage items. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 52 is defined
at least in part by a first frame 58, sometimes referred to as a
back frame, and a second frame 60, sometimes referred to as a front
frame, each defining a portion of the bag 50. The frames 58, 60 are
fabricated from known materials and impart, for example, a
freestanding rectangular shape and form to the bag 50. The frames
58, 60 may be fabricated in a thin walled, cellular structure,
sometimes referred to as a honeycomb structure, for weight
reduction purposes. Additionally, the frames 58, 60 may be wrapped
with fabrics, linings and the like to match remaining portions of
the bag 50 on the interior and the exterior. In alternative
embodiments, the bag may be configured as a collapsible bag and one
or both of the frames may be omitted.
[0031] The first frame 58 defines a first portion or volume of the
storage compartment 54, and the second frame 60 defines a second
portion or volume of the compartment 54. As shown in the exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 the first frame 58 is larger than the
second frame 60, although the second frame 60 may be of equal or
greater size than the first frame 58 in an alternative
embodiment.
[0032] An expansion assembly 62 interconnects the back frame 58 and
the front frame 60 and may be actuated to move the frames 58, 60
between a closed or contracted position (FIGS. 2, 3 and 6) having a
storage capacity approximately equal to the interior volume of the
first frame 58 and the interior volume of the second frame 60, and
an opened or expanded position (FIGS. 4 and 7) having a greater
storage capacity as explained below. That is, when moved to the
expanded position, the storage compartment 54 has an increased
storage capacity relative to the contracted position.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the expansion assembly 62 is located
interior to the storage compartment 54. Also, as shown in FIG. 1,
the expansion assembly 62 is generally concealed or hidden from
view on the exterior of the bag 50 when the closure element 55 is
closed. As such, the expansion assembly 62 is not exposed on the
exterior surfaces of the bag 50, but rather is exposed only on
interior portions of the storage compartment 54. This is
specifically contrasted to the conventional expandable bag shown in
FIG. 8 having the externally mounted expansion system. The lack of
exposure of the assembly 62 on outer portions of the bag 50 in the
present invention eliminates potential snags of the assembly 62
with other items and surfaces during use, transport and handling,
as well as isolates the expansion assembly 62 on exterior surfaces
of the bag 50 when the assembly is in the closed position. The
expansion assembly 62 is therefore protected by virtue of its
location internal to, rather than external, the body 52 of the bag
50.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2-7, the expansion assembly 62 includes an
expansion gusset 64 and an actuation element in the form of a
zipper 66 that extends around an inner periphery of the storage
compartment 54. The expansion gusset 64 may be fabricated from, for
example, a flexible and non-rigid material, such as a fabric panel
and the like that is stitched, sewn, or otherwise attached to the
respective frames 58, 60.
[0035] The expansion assembly 62 is implemented in one embodiment
by sewing a center section of the expansion gusset 64 to one side
of the zipper 66 located on the inside of the bag 50. The other
side of the zipper 66 is sewn in a fixed location on the inside of
the bag 50. Consequently, the zipper 66 is accessible for actuation
from inside the storage compartment, while the exterior of the
expansion assembly 62 is zipperless insofar as the expansion
assembly is concerned. Stated another way, the zipper 66 is located
on an interior side or surface of the gusset 64 (to the right in
FIGS. 3A and 4A), and not on an exterior surface of the gusset 64
(to the left in FIGS. 3A and 4A) so that when the baggage item is
expanded, the exterior surface hides the zipper 66 from external
view and provides at least some degree of protection to the
zipper.
[0036] The zipper 66 is operable to release the gusset 64 when
unzipped for extension to the extended position (FIG. 4A), or
alternatively to draw the gusset 64 to the contracted position
shown in FIG. 3A when zipped closed. When the zipper 66 is
unzipped, the front frame 60 may be lifted and separated from the
back frame 58 as shown in FIG. 7A to an amount approximately equal
to the width of the gusset 64 extending between the frames 58 and
60 (approximately 3 inches in one embodiment) to expand the storage
capacity of the compartment 54 That is, when the frames 58 and 60
are separated from one another, the expansion gusset 64 defines a
third portion or volume of the compartment 54 that is independent
of the first and second portions of the compartment 54 defined by
the frames 58 and 60. The available storage capacity of the
compartment 54 in the expanded position is therefore the sum of the
first, second, and third portions defined by the frames 58, 60 and
the gusset 64, respectively.
[0037] When the zipper 66 is zipped closed as shown in FIGS. 3 and
6, however, the gusset 64 is drawn back to the closed position,
thereby pulling or drawing the frames 58, 60 back toward one
another to the contracted position wherein the gusset 64 fails to
define any substantial portion of the compartment 54. When the
zipper 66 is zipped to close the expansion assembly 62, the fabric
of the gusset 64 is drawn into the bag 50 and is held firmly
against the frames 58 or 60 or another other rigid member giving
shape to the bag 50. This action has the effect of drawing together
the two portions or frames 58, 60 of the bag 50 and holding them
firmly in place when the expanded position of the bag 50 is not
needed and the contracted position of the bag provides a sufficient
storage capacity for use. As such, the zipper 66 naturally secures
the material of the gusset 64 when closed and pulls the frames 58,
60 back together.
[0038] When the zipper 66 is again un-zipped, the bag 50 may then
be expanded to increase or expand the storage capacity of the
compartment 54 relative to the contracted position. The amount of
increased storage capacity is dependent upon the amount or
dimensions of material used in the gusset 64.
[0039] The expansion assembly 62 is located at an interior location
within the bag 50, and is substantially devoid of rigid and movable
mechanical plates and associated mechanical mechanisms and supports
that are prone to reliability issues in use. This is specifically
contrasted to the conventional bag 210 shown in FIG. 9. Because
mechanical mechanisms and rigid elements are not used, the
expansion assembly 62 provides a comparatively lower cost and
lightweight construction compared to, for example, the bag 210
shown in FIG. 9, yet nonetheless highly reliable expansion assembly
in operation.
[0040] The construction of the expansion assembly 62 also offers a
more tailored appearance on the inside of the bag 50, because the
excess material of the gusset 64 is held tightly in place when out
of use. This system is also as light weight as, for example, the
conventional bag 200 shown in FIG. 8, but offers a similar look and
appearance as heavier and more expensive bags having mechanical
expansion mechanisms, such as the bag 210 shown in FIG. 9 for
example.
[0041] Additionally, while embodiments of the expansion assembly 62
have thus far been described with a zipper 62 as the actuation
element, it is understood that other known detachable actuation
elements may likewise be employed in alternative embodiments,
including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and
other known fasteners in the art with like effect and benefit to
the zipper 62 described above.
[0042] While the expansion assembly 62 has so far been described in
the context of a primary storage compartment 54 of a luggage item
such as a suitcase, it is contemplated that the expansion assembly
may likewise be used in other portions of a bag, and more than one
expansion assembly may be used in different portions of the same
bag. For example, in a duffel bag embodiment, the expansion
assembly may be utilized on each opposing end of the bag in the
same or separate compartments from the primary storage compartment
of the duffel bag.
[0043] As another example, the expansion assembly 62 may be
utilized in one or more pockets defining an additional storage
compartment separate and apart from the primary storage compartment
54. In such an embodiment, the bag may be provided with multiple
expandable compartments while providing similar benefits to the
embodiments described above.
[0044] The expansion assembly 62 may further find application in
other types of bags, such as, for example, sports equipment
carriers and golf bags wherein temporary increased storage capacity
may be desirable.
[0045] The expansion assembly 62 may also be beneficial, for
example, in soft-sided lunch box constructions, purses, and tote
bags. Additionally, electronic equipment carriers for cell phones,
portable music players and systems, personal digital assistant
devices, notebook computers, etc., may benefit from the expansion
assembly 62 to provide increased room for packaging of accessories
and the like for some outings or excursions but not others.
Further, storage bags and packages for electronic media including
compact disks, digital video disks, video games, etc. may utilize
the expansion assembly 62 to provide additional storage of content
for a long trip, for example, versus a shorter one. As still
another example, toy bags and packages may utilize the expansion
assembly 62 to accommodate entertainment items of various sizes in
a single bag for various day trips and excursions. Infant care
bags, diaper bags, and the like may also benefit from the expansion
assembly 62 to accommodate additional items for extended trips when
needed.
[0046] The versatility and advantages of the invention is believed
to be amply demonstrated in the aforementioned examples and
embodiments. It is to be understood that the foregoing examples and
potential applications of the invention are set forth for
illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the
invention to any of the disclosed embodiments or examples. The
benefits and advantages of the invention are believed to accrue to
any application wherein expandable bags are beneficial. The
invention is not intended to be limited solely to the embodiments
and applications described specifically herein.
[0047] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *