U.S. patent application number 12/577088 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for travel bag having collapsible end wall.
This patent application is currently assigned to GATHERING STRORM LLC DBA TMAX GEAR. Invention is credited to Christopher Engel.
Application Number | 20110083933 12/577088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43853956 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110083933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Engel; Christopher |
April 14, 2011 |
Travel Bag Having Collapsible End Wall
Abstract
A travel bag is provided that includes a back wall and a
foldable end wall, to facilitate compact storage when not in use.
The bag includes a support assembly having two support arms,
extending between the end wall and the back wall. The support arms
are disposed proximate to sidewalls of the bag body. In this
manner, the support arms provide rigid support to maintain the end
wall in an expanded position and provide support to the sidewalls.
The support assembly maintained in place by a clip disposed on an
interior side of the back wall. A user can quickly collapse the end
wall by removing the support assembly from the clip.
Inventors: |
Engel; Christopher;
(Carlsbad, CA) |
Assignee: |
GATHERING STRORM LLC DBA TMAX
GEAR
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
43853956 |
Appl. No.: |
12/577088 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
190/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0077 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A ;
190/107 |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14; A45C 7/00 20060101 A45C007/00 |
Claims
1. A travel bag, comprising: a bag body having a back wall, an end
wall extending from the back wall, and two opposing side walls
extending from back wall, the end wall having a lower portion, an
upper portion, and a hinge coupling the upper portion and lower
portion together such that the end wall can be positioned in an
expanded position and a collapsed position; a support assembly
having a lower portion coupled to the back wall and two support
arms extending from the lower portion, each support arm disposed
proximate to a corresponding sidewall and is pivotally coupled to
the upper portion of the end wall; and a clip disposed on an
interior side of the back wall for removably securing the lower
portion of the support assembly to maintain the end wall in the
expanded position.
2. A travel bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the support assembly
is formed of unitary construction.
3. A travel bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the support assembly
includes two sets of opposing sides in which the support arms
define a first set of opposing sides and the lower portion and an
upper portion define a second set of opposing sides.
4. A travel bag as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least
one tab disposed on the lower portion of the support assembly, the
tab having a first side that faces upwards when the tab is directed
towards the end wall and a second side that faces upwards when the
tab is directed away from the end wall, the tab having indicia
either the first side or the second side that point towards the
clips when the side is facing upwards for locking the support
assembly into the clips.
5. A travel bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the clip includes a
base coupled to the back wall and a deflectable portion extending
from the base, the clip defining an opening for receiving the lower
portion of the support assembly by moving the lower portion away
from the end wall.
6. A travel bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the clip is
configured to secure the lower portion of the support assembly via
snap fit.
7. A travel bag as defined in claim 1, further comprising pivot
joints for securing ends of the support arms to the end wall.
8. A travel bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the hinge of the end
wall is formed as a fabric hinge extending a longitudinal length of
the end wall.
9. A travel bag as defined in claim 8, further comprising a pair of
wheels disposed at opposing corners of the lower portion of the end
wall.
10. A travel bag, comprising: a bag body having a back wall, an end
wall extending from the back wall, and two opposing side walls
extending from back wall, the end wall having a lower portion, an
upper portion, and a hinge coupling the upper portion and lower
portion together such that the end wall can be positioned in an
expanded position and a collapsed position; two support arms, each
support arm disposed proximate to a corresponding sidewall and
having an upper portion pivotally coupled to the upper portion of
the end wall; and a pair of clips disposed on an interior side of
the back wall, the clips configured to removably coupling the
support arms to the back wall such that the support arms extend
between the back wall and the upper portion of the end wall to
maintain the end wall in the expanded position.
11. A travel bag as defined in claim 10, wherein the clips each
include a base coupled to the back wall and a deflectable portion
defining an opening oriented towards from the end wall.
12. A travel bag as defined in claim 10, further comprising at
least one tab disposed on the lower portion of the support
assembly, the tab having a first side that faces upwards when the
tab is directed towards the end wall and a second side that faces
upwards when the tab is directed away from the end wall, the tab
having indicia either the first side or the second side that point
towards the clips when the side is facing upwards for locking the
support assembly into the clips.
13. A travel bag as defined in claim 10, wherein the upper portion
and the lower portion of the end wall each include a rigid
panel.
14. A travel bag as defined in claim 13, wherein the hinge of the
end wall is formed as a fabric hinge extending a longitudinal
length of the end wall.
15. A travel bag as defined in claim 14, further comprising a pair
of wheels disposed at opposing corners of the lower portion of the
end wall.
16. A travel bag, comprising: a bag body having a back wall, an end
wall extending from the back wall, and two opposing side walls
extending from back wall, the end wall having a lower portion, an
upper portion, and a fabric hinge coupling the upper portion and
lower portion together such that the end wall can be positioned in
an expanded position and a collapsed position; a support assembly
having a lower portion coupled to the back wall and two support
arms extending from the lower portion, each support arm disposed
proximate to a corresponding sidewall and pivotally coupled to the
upper portion of the end wall; and a pair of clips spaced apart
from each other on an interior side of the back wall for removably
securing the lower portion of the support assembly to maintain the
end wall in the expanded position.
17. A travel bag as defined in claim 16, further comprising pivot
joints disposed on the upper portion of the end wall for securing
the support arms to the end wall.
18. A travel bag as defined in claim 16, wherein the support
assembly is formed in a generally rectangular configuration in
which the support arms from opposing sides of the rectangle.
19. A travel bag as defined in claim 16, further comprising at
least one tab disposed on the lower portion of the support
assembly, the tab having a first side that faces upwards when the
tab is directed towards the end wall and a second side that faces
upwards when the tab is directed away from the end wall, the tab
having indicia either the first side or the second side that point
towards the clips when the side is facing upwards for locking the
support assembly into the clips.
20. A travel bag as defined in claim 16, further comprising at
least one tab disposed on the lower portion of the support
assembly, the tab having a first side that faces upwards when the
tab is directed towards the end wall and a second side that faces
upwards when the tab is directed away from the end wall, the tab
having indicia either the first side or the second side that point
away from the clips when the side is facing upwards for unlocking
the support assembly into the clips.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to travel bags and,
more particularly, to travel bags having a collapsible end
wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types and sizes of travel bags have long been
available, including hard-sided bags and soft-sided bags. Both bags
can be provided with one or more wheels to enable a user to pull
the bag. Hard-sided bags typically include a hard outer shell
formed of resilient material. Such bags are favored in that they
provide good protection to the contents of the bag. However,
hard-sided bags cannot be compacted, making them difficult to
store.
[0003] Soft-sided bags typically include a body formed of flexible
material, to include various types of fabric. Such bags enable
compact storage of the back when not in use and enable storage of
the bag in small confines when partially filled. However,
soft-sided bags compromise protection of the contents of the bag to
facilitate easy storage.
[0004] Wheeled bags typically include a pair of wheels located at
the bottom corners of a back wall of the bag. Whether the bag is
hard-sided or soft-sided, the end wall of wheeled bags is typically
rigid, ensuring that the bag does not sag on the wheels, which
would inhibit their operation. As such, the rigid end wall is
beneficial for mobility of the bag, but it inhibits compact
storage.
[0005] To address this concern, certain wheeled bags include a
foldable end wall. However, current designs sacrifice other
features. For example, some approaches include use of a rigid
removable wall, which adds additional weight. Removability of the
wall also risks loss of the component, rendering the bag less
useful. Other approaches provide a folding interior wall, which
also adds substantial weight to the bag as well as occupying room
within the interior of the bag.
[0006] It should, therefore, be appreciated that there remains a
need for travel bags that addresses the aforementioned
shortcomings. The present invention fulfills this need and
others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In general terms, the present invention provides a travel
bag that includes a back wall and a foldable end wall, to
facilitate compact storage when not in use. The bag includes a
support assembly having two support arms, extending between the end
wall and the back wall. The support arms are disposed proximate to
sidewalls of the bag body. In this manner, the support arms provide
rigid support to maintain the end wall in an expanded position and
provide support to the sidewalls. The support assembly maintained
in place by at least one clip disposed on an interior side of the
back wall. A user can quickly collapse the end wall by removing the
support assembly from the clip.
[0008] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the clip is
configured to secure the lower portion of the support assembly via
snap fit. For example, the clip can include a base coupled to the
back wall and a deflectable portion extending from the base, such
that the clip defines an opening for receiving the lower portion of
the support assembly by moving the lower portion away from the end
wall.
[0009] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, support assembly is formed in a generally rectangular
configuration in which the support arms form opposing sides of the
rectangle. Pivot joints are disposed on the upper portion of the
end wall for securing the support arms to the end wall. The hinge
of the end wall can be formed as a fabric hinge extending a
longitudinal length of the end wall. A pair of wheels can be
disposed at opposing corners of the lower portion of the end
wall.
[0010] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, one tab disposed on the lower portion of the support
assembly, the tab having a first side that faces upwards when the
tab is directed towards the end wall and a second side that faces
upwards when the tab is directed away from the end wall, the tab
having indicia either the first side or the second side that point
away from the clips when the side is facing upwards for unlocking
the support assembly into the clips.
[0011] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a
pair of wheels disposed at opposing corners of the lower portion of
the end wall.
[0012] In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment,
the upper portion and the lower portion of the end wall each
include a rigid panel.
[0013] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention
have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that
not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance
with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be
embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one
advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without
necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
[0014] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a travel bag in accordance
with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the travel bag of
FIG. 1, depicting a foldable end wall in an expanded position.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cut-away, side perspective view of the travel
bag of FIG. 1, depicting a support assembly maintaining the end
wall in an expanded position.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cut-away, side perspective view of the travel
bag of FIG. 1, depicting the end wall in a collapsed position.
[0020] FIG. 5A is close-up perspective view of the travel bag of
FIG. 1, depicting the support assembly being removed from the
clip.
[0021] FIG. 5B is close-up perspective view of the travel bag of
FIG. 1, depicting the support assembly being attached to the
clip.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the travel bag of FIG.
1.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the travel bag of FIG.
1, depicting the travel bag in a folded configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1
and 2, there is shown a lightweight travel bag 10 for transporting
a golf bag. The travel bag includes a back wall 12 and a foldable
end wall 14, to facilitate compact storage when not in use. The bag
includes a support assembly 16 having two support arms 18,
extending between the end wall and the back wall. The support arms
are disposed proximate to sidewalls 20, 22. In this manner, the
support arms provide rigid support to maintain the end wall in an
expanded position and provide support to the sidewalls. The support
assembly is maintained in place by clips 40 disposed on an interior
side of the back wall. A user can quickly collapse the end wall by
removing the support assembly from the clips.
[0025] The travel bag 10 further includes an upper end wall 24 and
a front wall 26 having a top opening 28 to access the interior of
the bag. A zipper 30 is provided about the opening. In the
exemplary embodiment, the travel bag is configured to receive the
golf bag. The travel bag further includes a handle 34 disposed on
the upper end wall and a pair of wheels 36 provided at the corners
of the junction of the back wall 12 and the lower section 13 of the
end wall 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the wheel supports 32 are
formed of plastic, defining recesses for receiving each wheel.
[0026] The sidewalls 20, 22 are formed of flexible material to
facilitate compact storage of the travel bag 10 when not in use. As
best seen in FIG. 3, the support assembly 16 supports the end wall
14 and the sidewalls, facilitating easy insertion of the golf bag
into the interior of the travel bag. The sidewalls are comprised of
a flexible, ballistic nylon material. The outer layer is comprised
of the same or similar ballistic nylon material as the sidewalls
20, 22.
[0027] With reference now to FIG. 2, the end wall 14 includes a
lower section 13, an upper section 15, and a hinge 42 that couples
the upper section and lower section. In this manner, the upper
section of the end wall can be positioned in an expanded position
or a collapsed position. The upper section of the end wall can be
bent along the axis of the fabric hinge allowing the end wall to be
fully extended for traveling purposes, or collapsed for storage of
the travel bag 10. For storage purposes, the upper section of the
end wall can be folded inward towards the back wall.
[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, the lower portion 13 of the end
wall 14 includes and a rigid panel 44 sandwiched between the outer
fabric and the interior liner 46. The hinge 42 is comprised of
material of the outer fabric and the interior liner and includes
stitching extending the longitudinal length of the end wall,
forming a fold crease. In other embodiments, a rigid hinge
structure can be used.
[0029] The end wall 14 further includes a stand 38 disposed on the
exterior side of the upper section 15 to aid in stabilizing the bag
when standing upright. The stand includes two legs 50 extending out
along the normal of the end wall and includes an oval-shaped handle
34 protruding from the area between the legs. The handle provides
for easy lifting of the travel bag 10 when loading. There are four
attachment bolts 54 on the protective strip placed along the
center, longitudinal line.
[0030] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support assembly 16
includes a lower portion 60 and two support arms 18 that extend
between the upper section 15 of the end wall 14 and the back wall
12 proximate to the sidewalls 20, 22. In this manner, the support
arms aid in maintaining the end wall in the extended position, as
well as, providing protection to the contents of the travel bag
10.
[0031] When the end wall 14 is collapsed, the support arms 18 lay
generally flat. When the end wall is in its expanded position, the
support arms are angled relative to the end wall, with the lower
portion 60 of the support assembly clamped into the clips 40.
[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the support assembly 16 is
formed of metal rod in a generally rectangular configuration. The
support arms 18 each include a terminal end 62 pivotally coupled to
the upper section 15 of the end wall 14 via pivot joints 58. Pivot
joints are disposed on the interior of the upper section of the end
wall. The joints hold the terminal end of the rectangular support
assembly in place but allow it to pivot when expanding or
collapsing the support assembly. The pivot joints are held in place
by two attachment bolts 54.
[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the clips 40 each
include a base 41 coupled to the interior side of the back wall 12
and a deflectable portion 39 extending from the base. In this
manner, the clips define an opening for receiving the lower portion
60 of the support assembly 16. The deflectable portion of the clips
face towards the end wall to ensure that the support assembly is
not disengaged inadvertently.
[0034] The support assembly 16 further includes tabs 66 disposed on
the lower portion 60 to assist the user in securing the support
assembly in the clips 40. Each of the two tabs is formed by a strip
of fabric folded about the lower portion 60 of the support assembly
and fastened to itself, rendering it generally stationary, but
pivotable. Each tab includes indicia markings on opposing sides of
the tab. More particularly, an "UNLOCK" marking is embroidered on
the upward facing side of the material when it is positioned
towards 68 the interior of the rectangular support assembly, and a
"LOCK" marking is embroidered on the upward facing side when the
tab is pointing away 70 from the interior of the rectangular
support assembly. The tabs create user-friendly assistance when
engaging and disengaging the support assembly from the clips
40.
[0035] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the travel bag 10
further includes protective rails 48 disposed longitudinally on the
lower half of the back wall 12. The back wall 12 consists of an
outer layer 52, an interior layer and a rigid panel disposed
therebetween. The rigid panel disposed in bottom portion of the
back wall and extends over about one-third the length of the bag.
The remaining portion of the back wall is generally flexible,
allowing the bag to be folded for storage. As shown in FIG. 7, the
bag 10 can be folded in to a compact shape for storage, when not in
use. The end wall 14 is folded down, and the back wall is folded as
well. The straps 56 can be used to secure the travel bag in a
compact shape.
[0036] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
invention provides a travel bag that includes a back wall and a
foldable end wall, to facilitate compact storage when not in use.
The bag includes a support assembly having two support arms,
extending between the end wall and the back wall. The support arms
are disposed proximate to sidewalls of the bag body. In this
manner, the support arms provide rigid support to maintain the end
wall in an expanded position and provide support to the sidewalls.
The support assembly maintained in place by a clip disposed on an
interior side of the back wall. A user can quickly collapse the end
wall by removing the support assembly from the clip.
[0037] Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with
reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided
without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *