HK1154550A - Storage bag system for wagons - Google Patents

Description

Storage bag system for a cart

This application claims priority from currently pending U.S. provisional application serial No. 61/295,024 filed on 14/1/2010 and from currently pending U.S. provisional application serial No. xx/xxx, xxx filed on 3/1/2011.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to vehicles for children, and more particularly to a storage bag system for a cart.

Background

Children's carts have long been popular play items. They usually comprise a body made of steel, plastic or wood, which comprises a floor surrounded by side walls, so that goods can be transported. Alternatively, the child may sit or kneel on the floor of the cart. The side walls typically hold items or children placed inside the walls. Sometimes, the cart uses a seat cushion to create a more comfortable experience for a child sitting or kneeling on the floor of the cart.

Additionally, the vehicle may include a folding seat cushion that, when unfolded, provides access to the foot area so that one or more children can actually sit in the vehicle. An example of such a cart is shown in commonly assigned U.S. patent 7,487,977.

However, the transport capacity of prior art carts is typically limited to the area enclosed by the side walls. As a result, there is a need for a storage device that can be connected to a cart to provide additional transport capacity and storage.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art cart suitable for use with an embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible storage bag of the first embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention attached to the rear sidewall of the cart of FIG. 1, with the collapsible storage bag in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the collapsible storage bag of FIG. 2 after removal from the rear side wall of the cart;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible storage bag of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the collapsible storage bag of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the collapsible storage bag of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an accessory bag adapted to be mounted on the front wall of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the accessory bag of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the accessory bag of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view showing the front and rear seat cushions and the wagon of FIG. 1 prior to installation of the seats;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the seat cushion and cart of FIG. 10, the seat cushion shown mounted on the cart;

12A-12C are perspective views of the front side wall of the wagon of FIGS. 10 and 11, illustrating a further step in mounting the seat cushion of FIGS. 10 and 11 on the front side wall of the wagon;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cart of FIGS. 1-12C with front and rear seat cushions, and illustrating the installation of the collapsible storage bag of FIGS. 2-6 and the accessory bag of FIGS. 7-9;

FIGS. 14A-14D are perspective views of the rear side wall of the cart of FIG. 13, illustrating the installation process of the collapsible storage bag of FIGS. 2-6 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the rear of the cart and the pivot bracket in the second embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are side views showing the stand in raised and lowered positions, respectively, with the wheels closest to the viewer removed;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a collapsible storage bag of the second embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention, illustrating opening of the stand-off pocket of the collapsible storage bag;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the collapsible storage bag on the pivot bracket of FIGS. 15-16B;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the cart of FIGS. 15-16B, showing the collapsible storage bag partially mounted on the pivot brackets and in a partially expanded configuration;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the cart of FIG. 19, showing the mounting of the collapsible storage bag on the rear axle of the cart;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are rear and front perspective views of the rear portion of the cart of FIGS. 19-20, showing the mounting of the top of the collapsible storage bag on the rear side wall of the cart;

FIGS. 22A-22D are perspective views of the rear portion of the cart of FIGS. 19-21B with a collapsible storage bag and illustrating the deployment of the bag from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the rear of the cart of the third embodiment of the storage bag system according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the cart of FIG. 23, with a collapsible storage bag of the third embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed configuration and in the process of being mounted to the rear side wall of the cart;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the cart and collapsible storage bag of FIG. 24, with the storage bag mounted on the rear side wall of the cart;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the cart of FIG. 23, with the collapsible storage bag of the third embodiment in an expanded configuration and in the process of being mounted to the rear side wall of the cart;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the cart and collapsible storage bag of FIG. 26, with the storage bag mounted on the rear side wall of the cart;

28A-28D are perspective views of the fourth embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention mounted on the rear of a cart and illustrating movement of the bags between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration;

FIGS. 29A-29C are enlarged perspective views of the collapsible storage bag of FIGS. 28A-28D illustrating the assembly of the pivoting bracket on the bag;

FIGS. 30A-30D are perspective views illustrating the assembly of the folding accessory bag of FIGS. 28A-29C on the cart of FIGS. 28A-28D;

FIGS. 31A and 31B are side and front views of a top support spring clip of the folding accessory bag of FIGS. 28-30D;

FIGS. 32A and 32B are perspective views illustrating the assembly of the top of the collapsible storage bag of FIGS. 28A-30D on any of the carts of FIGS. 28A-28D.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the storage bag system of the present invention are described below in terms of illustrative carts, which may be used with other types of carts and generally with other vehicles.

An example of a prior art cart suitable for use with the first embodiment of the storage bag system of the present application is shown generally at 2 in FIG. 1. As shown, the cart includes a pair of side walls 8a and 8b, a first or front wall 3, a second or rear wall 4, a body 5, four wheels 6 attached to the bottom of the body, and a handle 7 typically attached to the front of the cart body or to a pivot bolster connecting the front wheels of the cart. The cart may alternatively include a single sidewall or any number of sidewalls or sidewall portions.

As shown in FIG. 2, the collapsible storage bag 12 of the first embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention is attached to the cart of FIG. 1. The collapsible storage bag 12 is placed against the outside of the rear sidewall 4 and, as will be explained in detail below, engages the rear sidewall. The surface material of the collapsible storage bag preferably comprises polyester, nylon, warp knit or wool, but alternatively may be leather, wool, scrim or any other suitable alternative or combination of the foregoing.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a collapsible storage bag, shown generally at 12, includes a lower portion 13 that can be extended to place the bag in an expanded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or retracted into a collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 4. As illustrated in fig. 3, the collapsible storage bag further comprises an upper portion 14, the upper portion 14 having strap attachments 15a and 15b, the strap attachments 15a and 15b preferably being positioned behind the upper portion, near the top of the upper portion. Alternatively, the connectors discussed in detail below may be placed in other suitable locations on the collapsible storage bag. The connector is preferably sewn to the collapsible storage bag, but alternatively may be glued, glued with an adhesive, or attached in any other suitable manner to the collapsible storage bag. Moreover, the collapsible storage bag preferably includes a handle, such as strap handle 16 in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in fig. 3-6, the lower portion 13 of the collapsible storage bag 12 includes a closure member that allows the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag to extend and retract. As illustrated in fig. 3-6, the closure element is preferably a zipper and more preferably a spiral zipper (helical zipper)17 wrapped around the lower portion. In its closed position, the spiral zipper holds the collapsible storage bag in a collapsed configuration (fig. 4), within which the inner liner 18 (fig. 3) is fully enclosed. The user transforms the collapsible storage bag into its expanded configuration by pulling the spiral zipper around the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag, thereby unfastening the spiral zipper and allowing the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag to extend into its expanded configuration, shown in FIG. 3. As the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag is opened, the inner liner appears to form part of the outer surface of the lower portion. The user changes the collapsible storage bag back to its collapsed configuration, as shown in fig. 4-6, by pulling the spiral zipper in the opposite direction around the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag, thereby re-engaging the spiral zipper and causing the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag to retract into its collapsed position and conceal the inner liner inside. As shown in fig. 3-6, the collapsible storage bag preferably includes a front pocket 22, side pockets 23, and a cap 24. The cap, lower portion and pocket of the bag are preferably surrounded by a zipper, but alternatively VELCRO closure elements, clips, hooks, magnets, clips, buttons, snaps, straps or any other suitable closure element may be used.

The collapsible storage bag 12 preferably comprises a 5mm closed cell foam insulation material, but alternatively may be any suitable insulation or packaging material sufficient to keep the contents within the collapsible storage bag cold or hot. The collapsible storage bag also preferably includes a rigid panel that retains the collapsible storage bag. The panels are preferably 1mm Polyethylene (PE) panels, but may alternatively be any suitably rigid or semi-rigid material, and are preferably placed inside the collapsible storage bag to form a rigid back panel, as shown at 25 in fig. 3 and 5.

A pouch suitable for attachment to the front side wall (3 in fig. 1) of the trolley is shown generally at 42 in fig. 7-9. As shown at 7, the accessory bag includes strap connectors 49a and 49b, which are preferably positioned on the generally flat back side 43 of the accessory bag, near the top of the accessory bag. Alternatively, the connector may be placed at other suitable locations on the accessory bag. The connector is preferably sewn to the accessory bag, but alternatively may be glued, glued with an adhesive, or attached in any other suitable manner to the accessory bag. The surface material of accessory bag 42 is preferably comprised of polyester, nylon, warp knit, or wool, but alternatively may be leather, lint, burlap, or any other suitable fabric or material. The accessory bag also preferably includes a plate, preferably made of polyethylene, to maintain the rigidity of the added accessory bag, and this plate is preferably placed inside the added accessory bag to form a semi-rigid back plate 43 (fig. 8).

As illustrated in fig. 7-9, the accessory bag preferably includes a pair of bottle holders 44a and 44b having resilient portions 45a and 45b, respectively. The accessory bag also includes side pockets 46a and 46b and a key clip 47 (fig. 9). The accessory bag thus houses one or more water bottles 52 and a small number of personal items such as keys or purses. The bottle holders 44a and 44b preferably comprise a mesh fabric. Side pockets 46a and 46b are preferably surrounded by zippers 54a and 54b, respectively, and alternatively may be VELCRO connections, clips, hooks, magnets, clips, buttons, snaps, straps, or any other suitable surrounding closure device. Preferably, the accessory bag has a medial passage 48 (FIG. 7) to allow the cart handle 7 (FIG. 1) to rest between or abut a portion of the accessory bag.

Front and rear seat cushions, generally indicated at 62 and 64 in fig. 10 and 11, are provided for attachment to the front and rear side walls 3 and 4, respectively, of the car, the front seat cushion 62 including a cushion portion 66, an upper flap 67 and a lower flap 68. The rear seat cushion similarly includes a cushion portion 72, an upper flap 74 and a lower cushion 76. The cushion portion of each seat cushion preferably comprises an inner cushion comprising 12mm and 6mm closed cell foam and 6mm open cell foam. Alternatively, the padding may be any soft material including suitable insulating or packaging materials. The upper and lower flaps are each wrapped around a portion of the side wall of the wagon and are connected to each other via fastening means to attach the seat cushion to the wagon. More specifically, as illustrated for the front cushion 62 in fig. 12A, the upper flap 67 is positioned on the edge of the front wall 3, while the lower flap 68 passes through an opening 78 formed in the front side wall 3 of the cart. As shown in fig. 12B, the lower flap is folded such that loop fastener tabs 82 are exposed. Hook and loop fastener tab fastening material corresponding to the tab 82 of the lower flap 68 is provided under the upper flap 67. As a result, when the upper flap 67 is folded down over the lower flap 68, as illustrated in fig. 12c, the front seat cushion is secured to the front side wall of the vehicle. Similar operations are repeated to attach the rear seat cushion 64 to the rear side wall of the vehicle in a similar manner. The fastening arrangement of the upper and lower flaps preferably comprises VELCRO (or any other hook and loop fastener material), while alternatively zippers, clips, hooks, magnets, clip loops, buttons, snaps, bands or any other suitable connectors may be used. And the upper and lower flaps of each cushion can be replaced by a single flap that wraps around the side wall and engages itself to attach to the side wall. In addition, the seat cushion flaps may be replaced by a single piece of material that permanently attaches the seat cushion to the cart. The respective seat cushions 62 and 64 allow the occupant to rest more comfortably while riding the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the connector straps 15a and 15b of the collapsible storage bag 12 are provided with eye-pieces 84a and 84b, respectively, the eye-pieces 84a and 84b being adapted to engage the clasps 86a and 86 b. The connector straps 49a and 49b of the accessory bag 42 are similarly provided with eye-pieces 88a and 88b, respectively, with the eye-pieces 88a and 88b being adapted to engage the eye-pieces 92a and 92 b. Alternatively the connector strap may be provided with a pair (or any number) of VELCRO connectors, zippers, clips, hooks, magnets, loops, buttons, snaps, straps, or any other suitable connectors.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D, the connector straps 15a and 15b of the collapsible storage bag 12 wrap around the side walls of the cart, and the buckles 84A and 84b engage with the buckles 86a and 86b to attach the collapsible storage bag 12 against the outside of the cart side walls 4. As illustrated in fig. 14C, the two connector straps 15a and 15b of the collapsible storage bag 12 are positioned on opposite sides of the lower flap 74 of the rear seat cushion 64 mounted on the inner face surface of the rear sidewall. This results in a fitment that is integral with the side wall and the pocket and seat cushion do not interfere with each other. As indicated in fig. 13, the connector straps 49a and 49b of the accessory bag 42 are attached to the front side wall 3 of the cart in a similar manner to the upper flap 67 of the front seat cushion 62.

A second embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention will now be described with respect to fig. 15-22D. The collapsible storage bag in this embodiment is supported at the rear of the cart 100 by a pivoting bracket, indicated at 102 in fig. 15, 16A and 16B. The pivot bracket is preferably constructed of stiff steel wire and has a U-shaped portion 105, a cross member 108 and a pair of quill shafts 112a and 112b attached to the ends of the U-shaped portion of the pivot bracket. The quill shafts 112a and 112b receive the rear axle 109 of the cart (see detail 114 of fig. 15). As a result, the pivot bracket 102 rotates about an axis defined by the rear axle 109 of the cart between a raised position (illustrated in fig. 16A) and a lowered position (illustrated in fig. 15 and 16B). The pivot bracket also includes a stop 117, the stop 117 engaging a bottom 118 of the cart 100 to limit rotation and/or pivoting of the movable draw bar (brace) beyond the lowered position.

It will be appreciated that the pivot bracket 102 may alternatively be attached directly to the trolley body in a rotational manner, for example by pins, bolts, separate shafts and other pivot fastening means, without being connected to the trolley's shaft.

The collapsible storage bag for the second embodiment of the storage bag system is indicated at 120 in fig. 17-20. The bag includes a bracket pocket 122 having an opening and adjacent connector straps 124a and 124b and 126a and 126 b. Straps 124a and 126a are provided with mating hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), as are straps 124b and 126 b. While the connector straps have fasteners such as VELCRO, zippers, clips, hooks, magnets, loops, buttons, snaps, straps, or any other suitable connector so that the connector straps can be threaded around a shaft and fastened together (as explained below). As illustrated in fig. 18 and 19, the user attaches the collapsible pouch 120 to the pivoting bracket 102 by placing the pivoting bracket 102 within the bracket pocket 122. The pivot bracket 102, shown in phantom, is also fully inserted in the pocket 122 of fig. 20. Next, the straps 50a and 52a are fastened together around the cart rear axle 109 as illustrated by arrows 132 and 134 of fig. 20. As a result, the pivot bracket and the bottom 136 of the pocket 120 are rotationally fixed to the rear axle of the cart.

The surface material of collapsible storage bag 120 is preferably a combination of polyester, nylon, warp knit, or wool, but alternatively may be leather, lint, burlap, or any other suitable alternative or combination of any of the foregoing.

As illustrated in fig. 21A and 21B, the rear sidewall 138 of the cart 100 supports the collapsible storage bag 120 and is attached to the collapsible storage bag 120 by a connector in the form of a pair of removable bolts 142a and 142B. More specifically, as illustrated in fig. 21A and 21B, the rear wall of the trolley 138 includes a pair of apertures 144 (fig. 21B), and the collapsible storage bag 120 has flaps 146. The flap 146 is provided with a pair of holes 148a and 148B through which removable bolts can be interchangeably inserted and removed, and the user attaches the top of the collapsible pouch 120 to the cart by placing the flap 146 of the collapsible pouch on the top edge of the rear sidewall 138 of the cart, aligning the holes 148a and 148B of the flap 146 of the collapsible pouch with the aperture 144 of the cart (as shown in fig. 21B), and inserting the removable bolts through the holes and into the aperture to secure the top of the collapsible pouch to the rear sidewall 138 of the cart. Of course fasteners other than removable bolts may be used to secure the flap of the bag to the rear side wall of the cart. These fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, latches, plastic fittings, or any other suitable alternative fasteners. Rivets or similar fasteners may alternatively be used for the permanent connection. Also, the removable connection formed by the removable bolt, the aperture, and the hole may alternatively be a sliding connection, a magnetic connection, an adhesive connection, a VELCRO connection, or any other suitable alternative connection.

Fig. 22A-22D illustrate, generally at 120, a collapsible storage bag attached to the rear side wall of cart 100, which includes an open top 152 (fig. 22B), a pair of opposing side walls 154a and 154B, a cap 156, a rear wall 158, and a bottom 136 (fig. 22D). As will now be explained, the collapsible storage bag may be pressed or collapsed from the expanded configuration illustrated in fig. 22A to the collapsed configuration shown in fig. 22D.

Cap 156 includes strap 162, while the back wall and bottom of the collapsible storage bag each include strap 164. The straps are preferably sewn to the collapsible storage bag 120, but alternatively may be glued, glued with an adhesive, or attached in any other suitable manner. Straps 162 deployed on the cap are provided with cover fasteners in the form of eye-splices 166, and straps 164 deployed on the bottom and rear walls of the collapsible storage bag are provided with rear wall fasteners in the form of rear wall snaps 168 (fig. 22A and 22B) and bottom fasteners in the form of bottom snaps 170 (fig. 22C and 22D), respectively. Alternatively. The plug buckle may be replaced by a set of VELCRO connectors, zippers, clips, hooks, magnets, loops, buttons, snaps, straps, or any other suitable connector.

As illustrated in FIG. 22A, when the collapsible storage bag 120 is in the expanded configuration, the cap 156 may be used to cover the open top of the bag, with the insert tabs 166 engaged with the back wall tabs 168 to secure the cap in place. When in this deployed configuration, the pivoting bracket is in the lowered position illustrated in fig. 15 and 16B. When the pivoting bracket and collapsible storage bag are in the expanded configuration, as illustrated in fig. 16B, the stops 117 engage the bottom of the cart 118 and support the movable tie bar, collapsible storage bag, and any items placed within the collapsible storage bag during normal use of the cart.

The bag 120 is folded into the folded configuration with the first step being for the user to detach the eye-splice 166 from the back wall clasp, as illustrated in fig. 22B. The user then pivots the bottom 136 of the bag toward the rear sidewall 138 of the cart, as indicated by arrow 172. Thus, the pivot bracket 102 of FIG. 16B rotates counterclockwise. This movement continues, as illustrated by arrow 174 in fig. 22C, while the cap 156 of the bag is lifted so that the folded bag can pass underneath. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 22D, when the cap 156 of the bag is placed on the bottom 136 of the bag, the engagement of the cap catch 166 with the bottom catch 170. As a result, the bag 120 is secured in the folded configuration of fig. 22D. When the bag is in the folded configuration in fig. 22D, the pivot bracket 102 is in the raised position illustrated in fig. 16A. As a result, the pivoting cradle and thus the collapsible storage bag, are positioned tightly against the outer surface of the rear side wall of the cart when the bag is in the collapsed configuration.

A third embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention will now be described with respect to fig. 15-22D. As illustrated in fig. 23, a pair of slot connectors (slots connectors) generally indicated at 202a and 202b are positioned within recesses (recesses) 204a and 204b formed in the cart rear sidewall 206, generally indicated at 208. The slot connection is held in place by inserts (inserts) 212a and 212b and screws 214a and 214 b. Of course, alternative fastening means, including, but not limited to, adhesives or rivets, may be used to secure the slot connector within the recess. Further, the slot connector may alternatively be integrally molded into the cart rear sidewall 206.

A first pair of notches 216a and a second pair of notches 216a are also formed at the bottom edge of the rear sidewall 206.

As illustrated in fig. 23, the slot connector 202a includes a slot 218a surrounded by a base 220a, the slot having an enlarged portion 222 a. The slot connector 202b similarly includes a slot 218b surrounded by a base 220b, the slot having an enlarged portion 222 b.

As illustrated in fig. 24 and 25, the collapsible storage bag in this embodiment, generally indicated at 223, includes a back panel 224 and a cover 226, the back panel 224 and the cover 226 being joined along their joined bottom edges and joined in a fabric to form a hinge 228. The back panel 224 preferably comprises a panel that maintains the rigidity of the collapsible storage bag. The panel is preferably a 1mm Polyethylene (PE) panel, but alternatively may be any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, and is preferably placed within a collapsible storage bag to form a rigid or semi-rigid back panel. The surface material of collapsible storage bag 223 preferably comprises polyester, nylon, warp knit, or wool, but alternatively may be leather, lint, burlap, or any other suitable alternative or combination of any of the foregoing.

As illustrated in fig. 24, the back plate 224 is configured with button connectors 232a and 232b, each having an enlarged head 234a and 234b connected to the connector base by a respective shaft. The head portions 234a and 234b of the button connectors are sized to pass through the enlarged portions 222a and 222b of the slot connectors 202a and 202b, respectively, and not through the remainder of the slots 218a and 218 b. The shafts of the button connectors 232a and 232b slide through the remainder of the slots 218a and 218b so that the button connectors can slide downward, latching with the slot connectors 202a and 202b once the enlarged heads 234a and 234b of the buttons are inserted into the enlarged portions 222a and 222b of the slots. This process in turn can disconnect the button and slot connections.

The button connector and the slot connector are preferably constructed of DURAFLEX and may alternatively be plastic, wood, metal, or other suitable material.

As shown in FIG. 24, back panel 224 of collapsible storage bag 223 further includes a pair of elastic loops 236a and 236 b. The cord loop is sized and positioned to engage the first and second pairs of notches 216a and 216b formed in the bottom edge of the rear sidewall 206 when the button connectors 232a and 232b are connected to the slot connectors 202a and 202 b.

With the above in mind, the collapsible storage bag may be mounted to the rear sidewall 206 of the cart by connecting the button connections 232a and 232b to the slot connections 202a and 202b as described above, as shown in the collapsible configuration in loops 24 and 25. Elastic loops 236a and 236b are then positioned through notches 216a and 216 b. Thus, as shown in FIG. 25, the collapsible storage bag 223 is attached to the rear wall of the cart 208 in a compact and secure configuration.

Referring to fig. 26, the top and side edges 240, 242 and 244 of the back plate 204 and the lid 206 are provided with zippers 246, the zippers 246 closing the top and side edges of the back plate and the lid together in a closed condition. When the zipper is in a closed condition, and when the collapsible storage bag is in a collapsed configuration, the remainder of the bag is collapsed and stored inside the "shell" formed by the back panel and the cover.

Referring to FIG. 26, the collapsible storage bag 223 may be placed in the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 27 by first unzipping the zipper 246 to place it in an open position, and opening and expanding the bag as indicated by arrows 252 and 254 for an intermediate configuration of bags generally shown at 256. As shown in the pocket intermediate configuration 256, a second pair of upper button connections 258a and 258b are positioned near the upper ends of the pockets, which are connected to a pair of slot connections 262a and 262b formed in the back of the folding seat 263 of the cart 208 when the pockets are in the deployed configuration, as shown in fig. 27. The button connections 258a and 258b have the same structure as the button connections 232a and 232b, while the slot connections 262a and 262b have the same structure as the slot connections 202a and 202b and operate in the same manner.

Referring to fig. 27, in the expanded configuration, the top of the collapsible storage bag 223 is open and is provided with a cap 264 and corresponding fastener 266 covering the open top. The zippered front pocket 268 is also exposed when in the deployed configuration.

The collapsible storage bag is preferably provided with an isolated lower compartment separated from a non-isolated upper compartment by a zipper-detachable (zip-out) inner wall (not shown). By means of the zipper 272 of fig. 27, the contents of the isolated lower compartment of the pouch can be obtained without disturbing the contents of the upper compartment. The zipper-removable inner wall is placed around the inner surface of the bag 223, immediately above the zipper 272. The zippered removable inner wall can be unzipped to convert the upper and lower compartments of the bag into a single large inner compartment.

A fourth embodiment of the storage bag system of the present invention will be described herein with reference to fig. 28A-32B. The collapsible storage bag of this embodiment is shown generally at 310 in fig. 28A-28D and is shown attached to a rear wall 311 of a cart 312. The pouch is characterized by including a pouch body 314 defining an interior compartment and a cap 316. As will be described in detail below, the bag also features a bottom portion 324 provided with a pivot bracket that pivots about the rear axle of the cart 312. The surface material of the collapsible storage bag 310 preferably comprises polyester, nylon, fabric, or wool, but alternatively may be leather, wool, scrim, or any other suitable alternative or combination of the foregoing.

As shown in fig. 28A and 28B, the features of the bag include a top strap 318 provided with a top fastener in the form of a top insert buckle 319 and a rear strap 320 provided with a rear wall fastener in the form of a rear wall fastener 321. Referring to fig. 28C and 28D, the bag also features a bottom strap 322 provided with a bottom fastener in the form of a bottom clasp 323.

The bag may be folded from the expanded configuration shown in fig. 28A to the folded configuration shown in fig. 28D by removing the top receptacle 319 from the rear receptacle 321 as shown in the enlarged view 325 of fig. 28A, pivoting the bottom 324 of the bag counterclockwise or upward as shown by arrows 326 and 328 of fig. 28B and 28C, and securing the top receptacle 319 to the bottom receptacle 323 as shown in fig. 28D.

As shown in fig. 29A-29C, a feature of collapsible storage bag 310 includes a pocket 330 having an open bottom. As shown in fig. 29B, the pivot bracket, generally indicated at 334, is preferably constructed of a rigid steel wire and includes a U-shaped portion 336, a cross-member 338 and a pair of generally C-shaped end portions 340a and 340B. The U-shaped portion 336 of the pivoting bracket is inserted into the pocket 330 of the bag 310 as indicated by arrow 342 of fig. 29B. Thus, as shown in fig. 29C, only the C-shaped ends 340a and 340b of the pivot bracket are exposed.

Fig. 30A-30D illustrate steps for attaching the bag 310 to the cart after the pivot bracket described with respect to fig. 29A-29C is inserted. The bottom of the bag is provided with hook and loop fastening straps 350a, 352a and 350b, 352 b. Other attachment or fastening means known in the art may be substituted for the hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO) of straps 350a, 352a and 350b, 352 b.

As shown by arrows 354 and 356 in fig. 30A, the straps are first separated from each other. As shown in FIG. 30B, C-shaped ends 340a and 340B of the pivot bracket are then placed into engagement with rear axle 362 of cart 312 (as indicated by arrows 364 and 366). The straps 350a and 352a are secured together around the rear axle 362 of the cart as shown by arrows 368 and 372 in fig. 30C and 30D, respectively. Straps 350b and 352b are also secured together around rear axle 362. Thus, the pivoting bracket and the bottom 324 of the pocket 310 are pivotally secured to the rear axle of the cart.

The top bracket spring clip 374 of the bag 310 of fig. 28A-30D is shown in fig. 31A and 31B. As shown in fig. 31A, the spring clip 374 includes a flat portion 376 and a curved portion 378 to form a generally hook shape. As shown in fig. 32A and 32B, the features of the car pocket 310 include a connecting tab 380, inside which two or more curved portions (378 of fig. 31A and 31B) of the top bracket spring clip 374 are sewn. The flat 376 of the top bracket spring clip is sewn into the back panel 382 of the bag. As shown by arrows 390 and 392 in fig. 32A and 32B, the connecting tab 380, due to the spring clip 374, serves as a connector that engages and clamps the top of the cart's back wall 311 to secure the pouch thereto.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including any equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of this invention.

Claims (38)

1. A storage bag system for a cart having a sidewall, comprising:

a) a collapsible storage bag adapted to be connected to the side wall of the trolley and movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration;

b) a connector for connecting the collapsible storage bag to the side wall of the cart.

2. The storage bag system of claim 1, wherein the storage bag comprises a back panel and a cover, the back panel of the collapsible storage bag being provided with the connector, and the back panel and cover having a bottom edge, side edges and a top edge, the bottom edge being connected by a hinge, and the side edges and top edge being provided with a zipper, such that a remainder of the collapsible storage bag can be received between the back panel and cover when the zipper is in a closed state, the closed state of the zipper corresponding to the collapsible storage bag being in the collapsed configuration, the cover pivoting relative to the back panel and the remainder of the collapsible storage bag expanding to place the collapsible storage bag in an expanded configuration when the zipper is in an open state.

3. The storage bag system of claim 2, wherein said connector comprises a button connector positioned on said back panel of said collapsible storage bag, said button connector adapted to engage a corresponding slot connector positioned on said side wall of said cart.

4. The storage bag system of claim 1, further comprising a seat cushion comprising flaps at least partially surrounding the sidewalls of the cart.

5. The storage bag system of claim 4, wherein the seat cushion comprises an upper flap and a lower flap, the upper flap and lower flap comprising fastening means whereby the upper flap and lower flap can be secured together around the side wall of the cart.

6. The storage bag system of claim 1 wherein the collapsible storage bag further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the lower portion comprises a closure element that allows the lower portion of the accessory bag to expand to an expanded configuration and retract to the collapsed configuration.

7. The storage bag system of claim 6, wherein the closure element comprises a spiral zipper that encircles the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag.

8. The storage bag system of claim 6, further comprising an accessory bag adapted to engage the second sidewall of the cart, the accessory bag comprising at least one bottle holder.

9. The storage bag system of claim 8 wherein the accessory bag comprises a pair of bottle holders with a central channel disposed therebetween, the central channel adapted to receive the handle of the cart.

10. The storage bag system of claim 1, wherein the collapsible storage bag comprises a cap, a back wall, and a bottom, and further comprising:

c) a pivot bracket connected to the bottom of the collapsible storage bag and adapted to be pivotably connected to the cart to pivot between a raised position and a lowered position, the raised position corresponding to the collapsed configuration of the collapsible storage bag and the lowered position corresponding to the expanded configuration of the collapsible storage bag;

d) a cap fastener connected to the cap of the collapsible storage bag;

e) a rear wall fastener connected to the rear wall of the collapsible storage bag;

f) a bottom fastener connected to the bottom of the collapsible storage bag;

g) the cap fastener is adapted to engage the bottom fastener to secure the collapsible bag to the collapsed configuration, and the cap fastener is adapted to engage the back wall fastener when the collapsible storage bag is in the expanded configuration.

11. The storage bag system of claim 10 wherein the collapsible storage bag also includes an open top, and the cap is adapted to cover the open top when the cap fastener is engaged with the back wall fastener.

12. The storage bag system of claim 10, wherein the cap fastener is a bayonet and the back wall fastener and bottom fastener are clasps.

13. The storage bag system of claim 10, wherein the pivot bracket is generally U-shaped.

14. The storage bag system of claim 10, wherein the pivot bracket comprises at least one sleeve adapted to pivotally engage a rear axle of the cart.

15. The storage bag system of claim 10, wherein the pivot bracket comprises at least one generally C-shaped end adapted to pivotally engage a rear axle of the cart.

16. The storage bag system of claim 10 wherein the bottom of the collapsible storage bag comprises a pocket adapted to receive the pivot bracket.

17. The storage bag system of claim 10, wherein the pivot bracket includes a stop adapted to engage the cart to limit pivoting of the pivot bracket in the lowered position.

18. The storage bag system of claim 10, wherein the collapsible storage bag comprises a flap and the connector for securing the collapsible storage bag to the sidewall of the cart comprises an aperture formed in the flap and a fastener adapted to pass through the aperture to engage the sidewall of the cart.

19. A cart, comprising:

a) a body having a sidewall;

b) a plurality of wheels secured to the body;

c) a collapsible storage bag movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; and

d) a connector connecting the collapsible storage bag to the side wall of the cart.

20. The cart of claim 19, wherein the collapsible storage bag includes a back panel and a cover, the back panel of the collapsible storage bag and the side walls of the cart being provided with the connectors, and the back panel and the cover having a bottom edge, side edges, and a top edge, the bottom edge being connected by a hinge, and the side edges and top edge being provided with a zipper, such that a remainder of the collapsible storage bag may be received between the back panel and cover when the zipper is in a closed state, the closed state of the zipper corresponding to the collapsible storage bag being in the collapsed configuration, the cover pivoting relative to the back panel and the remainder of the collapsible storage bag expanding to place the collapsible storage bag in an expanded configuration when the zipper is in an open state.

21. The cart of claim 20, wherein the connector comprises a button connector and a slot connector positioned between the back panel of the collapsible storage bag and the side wall of the cart

22. The cart of claim 21, wherein the button connector is connected to the back panel of the collapsible storage bag and the slot connector is connected to a side wall of the cart.

23. The cart of claim 19, further comprising a seat cushion, the seat cushion including flaps that at least partially surround the sidewalls of the cart.

24. The cart of claim 23, wherein the seat cushion comprises upper and lower flaps comprising fastening means whereby the upper and lower flaps are secured together around the side walls of the cart.

25. The cart of claim 19, wherein the collapsible storage bag further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the lower portion comprises a closure element that allows the lower portion of the accessory bag to be expanded to an expanded configuration and retracted to the collapsed configuration.

26. The cart of claim 25, wherein the closure element comprises a spiral zipper that encircles the lower portion of the collapsible storage bag.

27. The cart of claim 19, further comprising an accessory bag adapted to engage a second side wall of the cart, the accessory bag including at least one bottle holder.

28. The cart of claim 27, wherein the accessory bag comprises a pair of bottle holders with a central channel disposed therebetween, the central channel adapted to receive a handle of the cart.

29. The cart of claim 19, wherein the collapsible storage bag comprises a lid, a back wall, and a bottom, and the storage bag system further comprises:

e) a pivot bracket connected to the bottom of the collapsible storage bag and pivotably connected to the cart to pivot between a raised position and a lowered position, the raised position corresponding to the collapsed configuration of the collapsible storage bag and the lowered position corresponding to the expanded configuration of the collapsible storage bag;

f) a cap fastener connected to the cap of the collapsible storage bag;

g) a rear wall fastener connected to the rear wall of the collapsible storage bag;

h) a bottom fastener connected to the bottom of the collapsible storage bag;

i) the cap fastener is adapted to engage the bottom fastener to secure the collapsible storage bag in the collapsed configuration, and the cap fastener is adapted to engage the back wall fastener when the collapsible storage bag is in the expanded configuration.

30. The cart of claim 29, wherein the collapsible storage bag also includes an open top, and the cap is adapted to cover the open top when the cap fastener is engaged with the rear wall fastener.

31. The cart of claim 29, wherein the cap fasteners are snaps and the rear wall fasteners and bottom fasteners are snaps.

32. The cart of claim 29, wherein the pivot bracket is generally U-shaped.

33. The cart of claim 29, further comprising a rear axle, and wherein the pivot mount includes at least one sleeve that pivotally engages the rear axle of the cart.

34. The cart of claim 29, further comprising a rear axle, and wherein the pivot mount includes at least one generally C-shaped end adapted to pivotally engage the rear axle of the cart.

35. The cart of claim 29, wherein the bottom portion of the collapsible storage bag includes a pocket adapted to receive the pivot bracket.

36. The trolley of claim 29 wherein the pivot bracket includes a stop adapted to engage the trolley to limit pivoting of the pivot bracket when in the lowered position.

37. The cart of claim 29, wherein the collapsible storage bag comprises a flap, and the connector for securing the collapsible storage bag to the side wall of the cart comprises an aperture formed in the flap and a fastener adapted to pass through the aperture and engage the side wall of the cart.

38. The cart of claim 19, wherein the cart includes a rear sidewall, and the collapsible storage bag is attached to the rear sidewall.