U.S. patent application number 11/427047 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-06 for base support member for travel bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to West Coast Trends, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey C. Herold.
Application Number | 20110000591 11/427047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324743 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110000591 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Herold; Jeffrey C. |
January 6, 2011 |
BASE SUPPORT MEMBER FOR TRAVEL BAG
Abstract
A base support to support a bag can include a bottom, a back,
and a pair of side portions each coupled to the back at curved
joints. A plurality of reinforcement ribs can be configured along
the bottom, back, and side portions to resist bending. The base
support is formed from a single piece of material without corners
and/or seams. The base support back portion, bottom portion, and
side portions blend smoothly into one another and the base support
is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the travel
bag.
Inventors: |
Herold; Jeffrey C.;
(Huntington Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOESTNER BERTANI LLP
2192 Martin St.
Suite 150
Irvine
CA
92612
US
|
Assignee: |
West Coast Trends, Inc.
17811 Jamestown Lane
Huntington Beach
CA
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20060237108 A1 |
October 26, 2006 |
|
|
Family ID: |
46324743 |
Appl. No.: |
11/427047 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10678992 |
Oct 2, 2003 |
7188714 |
|
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11427047 |
Jun 28, 2006 |
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08847554 |
Apr 24, 1997 |
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10678992 |
Oct 2, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
150/159 ;
206/315.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 55/60 20151001;
A63B 55/57 20151001; A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/159 ;
206/315.3 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/02 20060101
B65D065/02; A63B 55/00 20060101 A63B055/00 |
Claims
1. A base support to support a bag, comprising: a bottom, a back,
and a pair of side portions each coupled to the back at curved
joints; and a plurality of reinforcement ribs configured along the
bottom, back, and side portions to resist bending; wherein the base
support is formed from a single piece of material without corners
and/or seams.
2. The base support of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
wheel wells coupled to the bottom.
3. The base support of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
reinforcement ribs are configured along a longitudinal direction
and a transverse direction.
4. The base support of claim 2 wherein the plurality of wheel wells
are coupled to the plurality of reinforcement ribs.
5. The base support of claim 1 further comprising a stand pad
extending downwardly from the bottom to form a three point stand in
combination with a pair of wheels coupled to the bottom.
6. The base support of claim 1 further comprising a surface relief
pattern coupled to an exterior of the back to support indicia of
text or design.
7. The base support of claim 1 wherein at least some of the
plurality of reinforcement ribs are integral to the single piece of
material.
8. The base support of claim 1 wherein the base support is
fabricated using a thermoform molding process.
9. The base support of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
wheel wells integrally formed in the bottom.
10. The base support of claim 1 wherein a ridge of a wheel well is
formed integrally with at least one of the plurality of
reinforcement ribs.
11. The base support of claim 1 further comprising the bag attached
to the base support, wherein the bag includes a top portion that is
tapered relative to the rest of the bag.
12. The base support of claim 11 further comprising a padded
section in the top portion.
13. The base support of claim 11 further comprising a strap
employed about the top portion so objects in the bag cannot move
easily.
14. The base support of claim 1 further comprising the bag attached
to the base support, webbing affixed to the exterior surface of the
bag, and adjustment means coupled to the webbing to allow a user to
cinch contents in the bag.
15. The base support of claim 1 further comprising the bag attached
to the base support, webbing affixed to the exterior surface of the
bag, and a zipper operable to open and close the bag, wherein the
webbing is configured to relieve pressure on the zipper during
opening and closing.
16. The base support of claim 1 further comprising the bag attached
to the base support, and webbing affixed to the exterior surface of
the bag and to the base support.
17. The base support of claim 1 further comprising the bag attached
to the base support, and webbing affixed to the exterior surface of
the bag, and a fastener to couple the bag and the webbing to the
base support.
18. A base support for a travel bag comprising: a back portion, a
bottom portion, and side portions, wherein the back, bottom, and
side portions of the base support blend smoothly into one another
and the base support is configured to accommodate at least a
portion of the travel bag.
19. The base support of claim 18 further comprising: reinforcement
ribs, wherein the reinforcement ribs are operable to strengthen the
base support against bending.
20. The base support of claim 18 further comprising: reinforcement
ribs integrally formed in the base support.
21. The base support of claim 18 further comprising: wheel wells
integrally formed in the base support, wherein the wheel wells are
positioned between the back and bottom portions.
22. The base support of claim 19 further comprising a wheel well
formed integrally with at least one of the reinforcement ribs.
23. The base support of claim 18 further comprising the bag
attached to the base support.
24. The base support of claim 23 further comprising at least one of
the group comprising: padding in at least a portion of the bag, a
top portion of the bag that is tapered relative to the rest of the
bag, a strap employed about the top portion so objects in the bag
cannot move easily, webbing affixed to the exterior surface of the
bag, adjustment means coupled to the webbing to allow a user to
cinch contents in the bag, a zipper operable to open and close the
bag wherein the webbing is configured to relieve pressure on the
zipper during opening and closing, and a fastener to couple the bag
and the webbing to the base support.
25. The base support of claim 18 further comprising: one or more
pads positioned on bottom of base support, wherein the pads are
spaced a suitable distance from wheels in the base support to
contact the ground and stabilize the base support in a standing
position.
26. The base support of claim 25 wherein the pads are tapered so
that base support tilts back slightly when placed in a standing
position.
27. The base support of claim 25 wherein the pads are positioned on
reinforcement ribs wherein the reinforcement ribs add strength to
the base support.
28. The base support of claim 27 wherein a wheel well is integrated
into one of the reinforcement ribs.
29. A base support for a travel bag comprising: a bottom portion;
at least one wheel attached to the base support; at least one pad
spaced a suitable distance from the at least one wheel, wherein the
at least one pad is tapered from front to back and configured to
contact the ground and stabilize the base support to prevent the
base support from tipping forward when placed in a standing
position.
30. The base support of claim 29 wherein the at least on pad is
attached to attached to the base support.
31. The base support of claim 29 wherein the at least on pad is
formed integral to the base support.
32. The base support of claim 29 further comprising a reinforcement
rib, wherein the at least one pad is configured on the
reinforcement rib.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The frequent traveler is well aware of need for high quality
travel bags. Transit systems tend to be quite taxing on baggage of
low quality. Bags get stuck, tom, ripped or snagged on equipment
such as doors, escalators, conveyors, carts, handrails, armrests,
among others. As travel bags tend to be heavy when loaded, they may
be equipped with wheels to facilitate transport across smooth
floors. Wheels are typically mounted into the bottom of such bags.
An additional feature may include a handle. Handles are sometimes
retractable into the bag such that the bag occupies a smaller space
and allows for convenient storage.
[0002] Some bags are designed for very heavy loads. Commonly known
as "duffel" bags, a flexible material forms an enclosure into which
objects may be packed. For example, a bag designed to carry
sporting equipment may be made of strong canvas and reinforced at
the seams with webbing or alternative durable materials. These bags
may be particularly suited for carrying large and bulky objects
which cause increased wear on the bags.
[0003] Perhaps the most sophisticated experts with regard to travel
bags include airline personnel. Flight attendants and pilots often
tote a wheeled bag through airports and hotel lobbies. The bag is
typically made of durable canvas or similar cloth material with a
retractable handle. The bag is pulled behind the user while the
bottom is supported on two wheels in contact with the floor. The
wheels are preferably quite small and are sometimes built into the
bag at wheel wells which are riveted to the canvas bottom. These
bags are conveniently designed to fit the compartments of
airplanes. They are durable in design, but tend to support a load
of only a few tens of pounds. As such, the material used to form
the bags is generally only mildly resistant to high friction loads.
The corners of these bags are generally made of soft materials,
which tend to get caught on various objects including sharp
metallic objects such as those of which a conveyor might be
comprised. The metallic objects tend to tear and destroy the bags.
Additionally, the wheels are sometimes subject to very high impact
force and may easily break away from the canvas bag to which they
are attached. These travel bags may be dragged up or down
stairs.
[0004] Designers have included ribs made of plastic which run in a
longitudinal direction down the back of the bag. These ribs may
help allow the bag to be dragged over a bumpy surface such as
stairs. However, the ribs are usually attached to the soft material
of the bag by rivet or adhesives. Objects may operate to tear the
ribs from the bag when they engage the ends of the ribs.
[0005] Most travel luggage can be classified as either "soft"
luggage or "hard" luggage. Soft luggage is lightweight and more
easily made compact for storage; while hard luggage tends to be
more bulky. However, hard luggage is quite strong and may stand up
to extreme conditions that act to wear or damage the luggage. Soft
luggage is more easily destroyed by conditions to which it may be
exposed in normal use. It would be desirable to provide luggage
that benefits from the advantages offered by each of these types of
luggage, without having the problems associated with either.
SUMMARY
[0006] In some embodiments, a base support to support a bag
includes a bottom, a back, and a pair of side portions each coupled
to the back at curved joints. A plurality of reinforcement ribs are
configured along the bottom, back, and side portions to resist
bending. The base support is formed from a single piece of material
without corners and/or seams.
[0007] In other embodiments, a base support for a travel bag
includes a back portion, a bottom portion, and side portions. The
back, bottom, and side portions of the base support blend smoothly
into one another and the base support is configured to accommodate
at least a portion of the travel bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of
embodiments of the present invention will become better understood
with regard to the following description, appended claims and
drawings where:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a combination of a bag and a base member
that form an embodiment of a travel bag;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a front side view of a travel bag of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a detailed drawing of a base element of the travel
bag of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a base
support that includes one or more pads positioned on bottom of the
base support.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the base support of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a base
support that includes pads positioned on reinforcement ribs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Travel bags of the invention are particularly characterized
by having two primary members which are configured and arranged to
cooperate together as a single unit. Accordingly, such travel bags
are comprised of a base member and a bag member. The base member is
affixed to the bag member at one end to protect the bag, provide
support thereto, and provide a support for wheels which aid
transporting the travel bag. The base member is formed of a rigid
durable material such as hard plastic, while the bag is formed of a
flexible material such as Nylon.TM. Cordura.TM. fabric. The base
and bag members are shaped as complements such that the bag may be
matingly received into a partially enclosed cavity formed by the
base. The bag may be firmly affixed to the base to form a
combination.
[0016] A travel bag is therefore comprised of two primary elements:
a base and a bag member. The bag member may have additional
features which include, among others, webbing reinforcements,
handles, accessory pockets, a "D"-ring, indicia, and padding. The
base member may have additional features which include, among
others, reinforcement ribs, wheel wells, three or more point stand,
identifying indicia, wheels, curved joints, etc.
[0017] With reference to drawing FIG. 1, which shows a back side of
a travel bag, one may appreciate a more complete understanding of
embodiments of the invention. A plastic base member 101 is affixed
to a bag member 102. In some embodiments, the main body of the bag
is formed from a single piece of material which has been wrapped
about an axis in a substantially cylindrical shape. It is noted
that the bag may be formed with multiple pieces of material joined
together to form a single piece of material.
[0018] Perpendicular to the axis, the bag member has a top section
103 and a bottom section 104. The bag may additionally have a
tapered portion 105 at the top of the main body. The base 101 forms
a partially enclosed cavity. The back portion 106 of the base meets
a side portion 107 and a bottom portion 108 at curved joints.
Rivets 109 may be used to hold the bag and base members together.
To improve strength, the base portion may additionally include
reinforcing ribs 110 while the bag may incorporate reinforcing
longitudinal webbing 111 and circumferential webbing 112.
[0019] A handle 113 may be formed and affixed by rivets 114 to the
top section of the bag. Other suitable fasteners may be used in
addition to or instead of rivets. Two strips of longitudinal
webbing on the back of the bag may come together to form a loop 115
which may be grabbed together with the handle. Two wheels 116 may
be coupled to the bottom of the base member as shown.
[0020] FIG. 2 is shows how the front side of a travel bag of the
invention may look. Two strips of longitudinal webbing 201 may run
down the body portion from the top section to the bottom section on
either side of a zipper opening 202. Two handles 203 may be affixed
to the webbing as shown. A strip of circumferential webbing may
form a complete or closed loop and be fastened at two piece buckle
204. A rectangular accessory pocket 205 may be formed of a single
layer of material having a pleated 206 arrangement. The pocket may
have three of its edges 207 held flush to the surface of the body
portion of the bag under longitudinal and circumferential webbing.
Additionally, the pocket may have a zippered opening 208 which is
arranged in close proximity to the longitudinal webbing for
strength. Finally, a "D"-ring 209 accessory may be attached to the
top section of the bag.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of base
member 301 in detail before it is attached to a bag. Reinforcement
ribs 302 may extend both longitudinally and laterally to add
strength against flexing. The periphery of the base member is
defined by a lip 303 which is continuous and without corners. The
figure illustrates a hidden line 304 (broken) to further detail the
peripheral lip. Indicia 305 may be formed in surface relief
pattern. A pad element 306 disposed on the bottom of the base
element forms part of a three point stand. A transverse axis 307
along the joint between the base back and bottom-provides alignment
for wheels which may be coupled and set into wheel wells 308.
[0022] The base member may be described further in detail as
follows. It may be formed in a molding process with a single flat
sheet of high impact resistant plastic for example. The material
may be drilled to accommodate rivets or other types of fasteners.
Other suitable means of fastening or attaching the travel bag to
the base member may be used. The sheet of suitable thickness, for
example between approximately 1/8 inches and 1/4 inches in
thickness, can be shaped while heated. Sometimes called
"thermoform", the shaping process allows a complex shape to be
realized from a simple extruded plastic source material. The
complex shape easily supports many features important to the
function of bags, some of which include: seamless joints;
reinforcement ribs; wheel wells; bag standing pad; relief pattern
indicia; among others.
[0023] Because corners and seams tend to become damaged as a result
of stresses which may be incident thereon, it is useful to provide
a base member which takes a form without seams and corners.
Accordingly, the back, bottom and side portions of the base member
blend smoothly into one another by way of gently curved joints. The
plastic material from which the base is made is bent to form the
joint which may have a minimum radius of about 2 centimeters at any
curve. In this way, a nice transition is formed which allows the
base to be free from corners and seams.
[0024] Reinforcement ribs can run across both or either the length
and width of the three portions, the back, bottom and or sides may
be integrally formed into the plastic. A simple ridge rising above
the surface of the plastic blank material from which the base is
made can form a reinforcement rib. Ribs so formed give strength to
the base member against bending. For example, the back portion lies
substantially in a single plane. By pulling at two opposing edges
while pushing in the middle, one tends to bend the piece out of its
natural plane. However, ribs formed into the section as described
tend to resist such bending and increase the overall strength of
the piece.
[0025] Reinforcement ribs of the art tend to be separate elements
which are screwed to or otherwise fastened to a planar element.
These require extra labor and materials to fabricate. In addition,
they may fail more easily than a rib which is an integral part of
the device itself which cannot be separated from the base as it is
part thereof.
[0026] Thermoform processes are also particularly useful for
forming wheel wells into the single piece base member. A ridge
which protrudes from the surface on either side of a trough form a
single wheel well which supports an axle positioned transversely
with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rib and trough.
Each ridge can be formed of two thicknesses of base material. Two
of such wheel wells may be formed about a single transverse
axis.
[0027] In addition, the ridge of a wheel well may be integrated
together with a reinforcement rib which runs substantially the
length of a base portion such as the back. In this way, strong
forces incident on the wheels get absorbed by the rib and
distributed over a maximal surface region of the base.
[0028] Another feature of the base member includes one or more
standing pad elements. In order to provide the bag with means of
standing upright, a three or more point stand can be formed by a
simple bump pad in the surface which extends downwardly from the
bottom portion. In some embodiments, a single pad is arranged
symmetrically between the wheels but displaced from their axis
cooperates with the wheels as the third point of a three point
stand. The wheels form each of the other two points. The wheels
being free to roll tend to cause the stand to be unstable and free
to move. However, the third point provides high friction contact
with a floor on which it sets thereby preventing advancement of the
bag via the wheels.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of base
support 400 that includes one or more pads 402 positioned on bottom
404 of base support 400. Pads 402 are generally spaced a suitable
distance from wheels 406 to contact the ground and stabilize base
support 400 in a standing position. Pads 402 can also be tapered
from front to back, as indicated by tapered pads 403 in FIG. 5, so
that base support tilts back slightly when placed in a standing
position. A tilted orientation can help prevent a travel bag
attached to base support 400 from tipping over. This is especially
true when the travel bag 102 (FIG. 1) is heavily loaded in areas
that extend outside of base support 400. Pads 403 can be attached
to or formed integrally in base support 400.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of base
support 600 that includes pads 602 attached or formed integral to
reinforcement ribs 604. Ribs 604 can be integrated in base support
600 to provide additional strength to the structure of base support
600. In the embodiment shown, wheel wells 606 are integrated in
ribs 604, however, ribs 604 can be configured without wheel wells
606.
[0031] Finally, another feature that can be included in the
thermo-formed base member is a surface relief pattern. The pattern
may support indicia of text or design which may carry a trademark
for identification purposes or possibly aesthetic design.
[0032] The bag member may be described in detail as follows. It may
be formed by sewing together several sections of flexible cloth
material. The bag member can be comprised of three sections. A top
section, a bottom section and a body section sewn together to form
an enclosure. The body section can be comprised of a single,
continuous piece of material without seams. Two edges form mating
edges and are joined together as the single piece body is rolled
about a longitudinal axis to form a cylindrical shape. The upper
portion of the body may be tapered in some versions. So formed, the
top and bottom sections may be positioned orthogonal to the
cylindrical axis and sewn to the bottom and top edges respectively
of the body section thus forming an enclosure.
[0033] The bag member includes an opening along its length which
may be secured by a zipper or Velcro.RTM. type fasteners. As such
the edges of the single piece may be joined together as mates in
accordance with the fastener type. For this disclosure, the opening
is said to be on the "front side" of the bag member.
[0034] The bottom of the bag member, at its backside, may be
fastened to the base member. This may be accomplished with rivet
and/or other suitable fasteners, which may be additionally
supported by adhesives or sewing. A small hole may be drilled or
punched through the flexible material of the bag and through the
rigid material of the base at corresponding positions. A rivet or
other suitable fastener can be used to hold the bag firmly to the
base.
[0035] Travel bags of the invention may be used to carry sporting
equipment such as golf gear. Since golf is a highly visible sport
covered extensively by the media, sponsors of the sport enjoy
having their names and trademarks prominently displayed on
equipment. Therefore, the sides of the bag may support the
application of indicia such as a silk-screened logo. Alternatively,
a logo may be sewn, embroidered, or otherwise affixed to the sides
of the bag.
[0036] In order that one may be able to move and manipulate the
travel bag, specialized handles are arranged. These handles are
placed in the front of the bag and the top section of the bag. The
handles may be a simple strap affixed at two ends to the bag. A
plurality of fasteners such as rivets may be used in conjunction
with sewing and/or adhesives to form a bond.
[0037] On the front of the bag, two handles, one on either side of
the zippered opening and parallel thereto, operate together. They
are positioned so that they may easily be grabbed together as one.
A single handle, again a strap fastened at two ends, forms a top
handle. The top handle is particularly useful for pulling the bag
along on its wheels whereby the bag follows behind a person pulling
it.
[0038] Travel bags of the art have sometimes provided large boxy
pockets sewn to the outside surface of the bag. These are generally
used to store bulky items such as shoes.
[0039] These pockets tend to become caught upon sharp objects and
be tom away from the bag. To remedy this problem, travel bags of
the invention provide a new pocket design. A pleated arrangement
allows pocket edges to be sewn flush to the outside surface of the
bag. The pleats allow the pocket to expand outward while allowing
the edges to remain attached flush the pocket may be simple
rectangular with four edges. A zipper opening may be formed near on
edge, preferably a longer edge. To create a balanced bag, two
pockets may be formed. One each being sewn to the bag symmetrically
placed about the bag opening forms a balanced bag.
[0040] A special taper and padding arrangement may be configured to
restrain objects in the top of the bag. It is sometimes desirable
to prevent objects from freely moving about inside the bag
enclosure. The objects may tend to bang together and perhaps may be
damaged from such banging. Therefore, to provide restraint for
items in the top of the bag, the top is formed with a taper. The
girth of the bag is wider everywhere in comparison to the top-most
portion of the bag. In addition, a padding is affixed onto the
inner surface of the bag. Finally, a strap is employed about the
taper section to cinch down on the objects and padding to form
secure containment whereby objects will not easily move about the
top section of the bag.
[0041] Because travel bags may be subject to extreme stress due to
over packing, travel bags of the invention include a specialized
system of webbing. Webbing is affixed, by sewing or gluing for
example, to the exterior surface of the bag member. Webbing is
arranged in two general configurations. For strength along the
length of the bag, longitudinal strips may be attached. For
strength against radial expansion, or strength to resist bursting,
webbing is provided about an axial configuration.
[0042] A strap may form a closed loop when two ends are coupled by
a buckle having mating portions. Such closed loop configuration may
additionally be provided an adjustment means so that the straps may
be cinched down after a bag has been packed thus holding contents
securely in place. In the longitudinal direction or about the
length of the bag, a webbing may be attached at the top section of
the bag running across the body and having a second end affixed at
the bottom section of the bag. Two strips placed on the front side
of the bag on either side of a zipper which otherwise vulnerable to
bursting pressure.
[0043] Two handles may be formed to cooperate with longitudinal
webbing pieces each attached to either piece of the webbing. When
the handles are brought together and held or joined as one, the bag
may be grabbed so that the weight of its contents act on the
webbing but not on the zipper. The handles ends may directly be
fastened to the webbing via rugged fasteners such as rivets. Strong
forces pulling on the handles are transmitted along the length of
the bag via the webbing.
[0044] Two longitudinal strips may additionally be affixed to the
surface of the back at the backside. These two webbing strips may
form a loop at the top portion. The loop may be held or joined to a
handle. The top handle may be affixed on its two ends to the top
section of the bag. When the loop and top handle are grabbed
together, strong pulling forces are transmitted along the webbing
and provide relief to the bag which may otherwise suffer from
vigorous pulling on the handle.
[0045] Webbing may be arranged about the circumference of the bag
at any or at various places. Circumferential webbing forms a closed
loop configuration which may be opened via a buckle. Buckles
attached to the webbing may be placed at the zippered opening and
opened and closed to allow easy access to the enclosed portion of
the bag. Circumferential webbing is arranged to provide strength
against bursting and adds support to the bag opening. As great
stress tends to break zippers on some bags, the circumferential
reinforcement is designed to resist bursting pressure at the
zipper. The buckled straps will hold tight the load in the bag and
allow the zipper to operate to open and close the bag without being
damaged from heavily loaded bags. Additionally, the webbing which
forms a closed loop may be arranged to hold down the edges of an
accessory pocket.
[0046] The webbing not only cooperates with the bag member, but it
additionally cooperates with the base member. To further transmit
pulling forces to the strongest portion of the travel bag, the
webbing strips may be riveted to the base. Webbing is first
attached to the bag member and then the bag and webbing assembly is
attached to the base member. A hole may be punched through the
center of the webbing, through the bag material, and through the
base member. A rivet binds the three together to form a very strong
joint. A plurality of such rivet joints may be formed at various
places where the bag, webbing and base may be collocated.
[0047] Webbing may also be arranged to cooperate with the accessory
pockets. The edges of the pockets sewn to the surface of the body
section of the bag, may be covered and additionally secured by
webbing. Particularly along the edge of the pocket closest to the
bag zipper opening. Additionally, the two edges lateral edges of
the pockets may be sewn under axial webbing straps. With three of
four edges sewn under webbing, the pockets may be stuffed quite
full and still withstand the load. Additionally, they will be
protected at their edges from objects which tend to tear and damage
pockets sewn to the outside of typical travel bags.
[0048] The accessory pockets have openings which may be closed with
zippers. The zippers may be placed in close proximity to the
webbing so that most of the load is taken by the webbing. A zipper
placed from about 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches allows full access to
the pockets while providing security for the pocket.
[0049] Finally the webbing is arranged to cooperate with a `D`-ring
at the top of the bag. A `D`-ring affixed to the webbing provides a
strong element from which to hang or clip objects to. A garment bag
may lay secure and substantially flat onto the front of the travel
bag if it is clipped to the `D`-ring.
[0050] While the present disclosure describes various embodiments,
these embodiments are to be understood as illustrative and do not
limit the claim scope. Many variations, modifications, additions
and improvements of the described embodiments are possible. For
example, those having ordinary skill in the art will readily
implement the processes necessary to provide the structures and
methods disclosed herein. Variations and modifications of the
embodiments disclosed herein may also be made while remaining
within the scope of the following claims. In the claims, unless
otherwise indicated the article "a" is to refer to "one or more
than one".
* * * * *