HK1205890B - Improved tote bag - Google Patents

Description

Improved hand bag

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/641,354 filed on day 2, 5/2012.

Background

The present invention relates generally to an improved carrying bag or purse. More particularly, the present invention relates to a carrying bag or purse that is expandable to provide additional storage space and storage capacity and is configured with optional wheels, internal frames, or other features or components that may increase the mobility or stability of the carrying bag or purse.

Some jurisdictions are prohibiting the use of plastic bags by canteens and other retail stores to encourage customers to use reusable bags. Alternatively, some venues now charge a fee for each bag used by the customer. Thus, economical customers often carry with them reusable bags for occasional unscheduled trips to a canteen or related errands. The use of reusable bags and even plastic bags can often be inadequate if the customer has a large number of items and is to travel a long distance. While one or two plastic or reusable bags may be easy to manage, more bags are often too heavy or inconvenient, resulting in physical strain.

Since many people carry purses, bags, totes, briefcases, or other kinds of bags, it may be advantageous to provide a bag that may be used for its usual purpose (e.g., as a purse or briefcase), but may also be modified to provide additional storage or storage capacity for incidental use. This occasional use may replace plastic bags or reusable bags, or may only occasionally carry more items than normal.

Vertically expandable luggage cases are known in the luggage industry and are often preferred because they can be adjusted in height to fit a comfortable height selected by the user.

A handbag, purse, briefcase, etc. that can be expanded vertically to carry occasional additional items is desired. It is also desirable to equip the carrying bag, purse, briefcase, etc. with selectable or retractable wheels that assist in moving larger loads.

Disclosure of Invention

Some aspects according to some embodiments of the invention may include a vertically expanding bag, the bag comprising: a substantially rigid chassis; an inner support connected to a base plate, the inner support being retractable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; a collapsible pocket connected to the sturdy base plate and the inner support, the collapsible pocket being configured such that it creates a collapsible cavity or pocket in the collapsible material when the inner support is telescoped to the expanded position; and non-collapsible side walls forming a cavity or pocket, the non-collapsible side walls being attached to the inner support.

Some other aspects according to some embodiments of the invention may include a vertically expanding bag, the bag comprising: a substantially rigid chassis comprising: one or more cavities formed in a substantially rigid floor; one or more wheels disposed within the one or more cavities; and a mechanism to raise and lower one or more wheels between a position within the chamber and a position extending from the chamber such that the wheels may be used in the lowered position; an inner support connected to a base plate, the inner support being retractable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; a collapsible pocket connected to the sturdy base plate and the inner support, the collapsible pocket being configured such that it creates a collapsible cavity or pocket in the collapsible material when the inner support is telescoped to the expanded position; an unfoldable pocket comprised of unfoldable side walls forming a cavity or pocket attached to an inner support and a bottom surface separating the unfoldable cavity or pocket from the collapsible pocket.

These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.

Drawings

The present invention may be more completely understood by consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to designate like elements. The accompanying drawings illustrate certain exemplary embodiments and may be helpful in understanding the detailed description that follows. Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will refer to the following figures, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates an improved tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates an improved tote bag at an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates an improved tote bag at an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates an improved tote bag illustrating an exemplary inner frame at an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates an improved tote bag illustrating an exemplary inner frame at an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates an improved tote bag illustrating an exemplary inner frame at an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 7A-7C illustrate an improved tote bag illustrating an exemplary inner frame at an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of an outer panel of a tote bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of an outer panel of a tote bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a bottom surface of a carrying bag configured with an optional wheel in a retracted position, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 11 illustrates a bottom surface of a carrying bag configured with selectable wheels in an expanded position, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 12 illustrates a bottom portion of a carrying bag configured with an optional wheel in a retracted position, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 13 illustrates the bottom of a tote bag configured with optional wheels in an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention in cross-section.

Fig. 14A illustrates a bottom portion of a carrying bag configured with an optional wheel in a retracted position, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 14B illustrates a bottom portion of a carrying bag configured with selectable wheels in an expanded position, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 15A illustrates a bottom portion of a carrying bag configured with an optional wheel in a retracted position, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 15B illustrates a bottom portion of a carrying bag configured with selectable wheels in an expanded position, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 16A illustrates a perspective view of a bottom portion of a carrying bag configured with optional wheels, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 16B illustrates a side view of a bottom portion of a carrying bag configured with optional wheels, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 17 illustrates a schematic view of a bottom portion of a tote bag configured with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 18A illustrates a base table for use with a tote bag configured with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 18B illustrates a base table for use with a tote bag configured with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 18C illustrates a base table for use with a tote bag configured with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 19A illustrates the tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 19B illustrates a tote bag in an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, 19B.

Fig. 20A illustrates a tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 20B illustrates a tote bag in an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 21A illustrates a tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 21B illustrates a side view of the tote bag in a folded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 21C illustrates the tote bag in an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 21D illustrates a side view of the tote bag in an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 22 illustrates the tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Detailed Description

The matters exemplified in the description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular may be read in the plural, and alternatively, any term in the plural may be read in the singular.

It should be noted that although the present discussion often uses the phrase "tote bag," the present invention may be practiced with any kind of bag, including but not limited to: a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, messenger bag, backpack, handbag, shopping bag, reusable shopping bag, luggage, a bag or any other kind of bag for carrying items.

Referring to fig. 1, an exemplary tote bag 10 will now be discussed in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The tote bag 10 may include a top portion 10 and a bottom portion 120. The top portion 10 may include a handle 130 (or alternatively, a carrying strap, shoulder strap, wrist strap, etc.). Further, the tote bag 10 may include a joint 140 between the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 120. The joint 140 may be secured by a fastener such as a zipper, buttons, snaps (e.g., velcro), magnets, or any other type of fastener. The tote bag 10 may be in the collapsed position when the joint 140 provides a connection from the top portion 110 to the bottom portion 120.

Referring to fig. 2, the tote bag 20 can be seen in an expanded position. The tote bag 20 may include a top portion 210 and a bottom portion 220. The tote bag 20 may also include two central portions 221, 222. When the tote bag 20 is in the collapsed position, the central portions 221, 222 may be folded inside the tote bag 20. When the connection between the top portion 210 and the bottom portion 220 (e.g., joint 140 in fig. 1 discussed above) is released, the tote bag 20 can expand to its full position.

It should be noted that fig. 2 also illustrates optional wheels 230, the optional wheels 230 being included in the tote bag 20 in case the tote bag is heavy or otherwise inconvenient to carry (e.g., if the tote bag 20 is in an expanded position and is full). When the wheel 230 is not in use, the wheel 230 may be retracted.

Referring to fig. 3, the tote bag 30 in the expanded position will now be discussed. The tote bag 30 may include (similar to the portions discussed above with respect to fig. 2) a top portion 310, a bottom portion 320, and two central portions 321, 322. The bottom portion 320 may include one or more retractable wheels 330, and a cavity 350 into which the retractable wheels 330 may be retracted. The carrying bag 30 also illustrates fasteners 340A and 340B. The fastener 340A may be disposed on the bottom of the top portion 310 and the fastener 340B may be positioned on the top of the bottom portion 320. The fasteners 340A and 340B may mate or otherwise connect (e.g., may be both sides of a zipper, a two-element snap, a snap-on fastener, etc.) and thereby may hold the carrying bag 30 in a retracted position when the fasteners 340A and 340B are connected. When the fasteners 340A and 340B are not connected, the bag 30 may be allowed to be extended to its full position.

The tote bag 30 may further include a bottom and a floor 360. The floor 360 may be positioned between the two central portions 321, 322 such that the floor 360 may rest on the bottom of the bottom portion 320 when the tote bag 30 is in the collapsed position. The floor 360 may comprise thick panels, mesh, webbing, or any other material or construction suitable for separating the tote bags 30 into multiple compartments.

It is contemplated that totes according to some embodiments of the invention may include some sort of inner frame that may provide stability and rigidity to the tote bag and may also support the tote bag when in the expanded position. Referring to fig. 4, a tote bag 40 with various frame elements can be seen. In particular, the tote bag 40 may include a top portion 410, which top portion 410 may in turn include a frame member 411. The frame member 411 may be constructed of any suitable material including rigid plastic, steel, composite materials, wood, wire, alloy, or any other material. The tote bag 40 may further include a bottom portion 420, which bottom portion 420 may in turn include a frame member 421. It should be noted that although the frame member 421 is constructed of a rigid material, the frame member 421 may include one or more joints or pivots 422 so that the frame may be folded, partially folded, or otherwise manipulated.

Fig. 5 illustrates a carrying bag 50 having an inner frame member. In particular, the tote bag 50 may include a top portion 510, which top portion 510 may in turn include a frame member 511. The top member 510 may also include a bottom frame element 512. The frame member 511 may be constructed of any suitable material including rigid plastic, steel, composite materials, wood, wire, alloys, or any other material. The tote bag 50 may further include a bottom portion 520, which bottom portion 520 may in turn include a frame member 522. It should be noted that the frame member 522 may include one or more joints or pivots so that the frame may be folded, partially folded, or otherwise manipulated. Referring to FIG. 5, the frame members 511 and 522 can be seen in a partially collapsed arrangement to illustrate this function.

Referring to fig. 6, a tote bag 60 having an inner expandable frame member 610 according to some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. The tote bag 60 may include an inner expandable frame member 610. Expandable frame member 611 may be positioned on (and may be, but is not necessarily, attached to) the bottom portion of tote bag 60.

Referring to fig. 7A through 7C, expansion of the expandable frame member 710 according to some embodiments of the invention will now be discussed. The expandable frame member 710 may expand when the tote bag 70 is expanded, such that the expandable frame member 710 provides much rigidity when the tote bag 70 is expanded. The tote bag 70 may include a plurality of plates 711, 712, 713, 714 that may be connected along a column 715. The plates 711, 712, 713, 714 may be configured to telescope out of each other when the columns 715 are extended, such that the plates 711, 712, 713, 714 provide some rigidity or support for the tote bag 70 when the tote bag 70 is in the expanded position.

Referring to fig. 8, a cover material 180 for a carrier bag according to some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. The material 80 according to some embodiments of the invention (but not necessarily all embodiments) may be formed from a single piece of material, and the material 80 may be cut, shaped, or otherwise sized such that the material 80 forms panels that will be folded inside and outside the carrier bag when the carrier bag is assembled. For example, material 80 may include the sides of top plates 810, 811, the sides of central portions 820, 821 and 830, 831. Material 80 may also include a bottom portion 850. It should be noted that it is also contemplated that a fold line 860 may be present between each panel to provide a carrier bag that is easily folded and otherwise collapsed or expanded. Fold line 860 may include lines of weakness, hinge points, partial cuts, or any other kind of modification that may allow, assist, facilitate, or control any folding of the panels.

Fig. 9 illustrates the cover material 90 positioned in an arrangement similar to an extended tote bag to illustrate how the material 90 may engage the tote bag. Again, the material 90 may include the sides of the top plates 910, 911, as well as the sides of the central portions 920, 921 and 930, 931. The material 90 may also include a bottom portion 950.

Referring to fig. 10-18, the bottom panel or surface of a tote bag according to some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Fig. 10 illustrates a bottom view of the carrying bag 1000 showing the bottom surface with the optional wheels 1010 in a retracted position. The tote bag may include one or more wheels 1010, which wheels 1010 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the tote bag. The wheels are retractable so that they may not be present or protrude from the bottom when the bag is used in the collapsed position. For example, wheels may be attached to the bottom surface of the bag by the attachment 1020, but may be positioned on the hinge 1030. According to some embodiments of the invention, the hinge 1030 may be a spring that is loaded or otherwise biased to an open position or a closed position. Referring to fig. 10, the wheels may be attached to a solid rear surface 1010 so that when the wheels are retracted, a substantially solid, smooth floor may be provided for the floor of the tote bag.

Referring to fig. 11, the wheels 1110 may be shown in an open or protruding position. The wheels 1110 may be reattached to the bottom panel of the carrying bag by fasteners 1120 and may pivot about hinges 1130 that may be biased. It is further contemplated that one or more switches or selectors may be utilized to turn the wheels on and/or off from the retracted position. It should be noted that it is also contemplated that a single selector may be used to move the wheel from one position to another (e.g., from a closed position to an open position) but returning the wheel to the closed position may be a manual task.

Fig. 12 and 13 illustrate bottom portions of the carry bags 1210, 1310 with the wheels in a retracted position (fig. 12) and an extended position (fig. 13). Fig. 12 illustrates the bottom portion 1210 of the handbag with the plurality of wheels 1220 folded into the cavity or body of the bottom portion 1210. The wheel 1220 can be attached to a pivot 1230, and the pivot 1230 can be biased to an open position or a closed position. To maintain the wheels 1220 in the retracted position, a lock 1240 may be utilized. Lock 1240 may be any type of lock known in the art and may be connected to a central switch or selector so that all wheels may be released at substantially the same time.

Referring to fig. 13, the bottom portion 1310 of the carrying bag may again include a plurality of wheels 1320 illustrated in the open position. Again, the wheel 1320 may be mounted or otherwise attached to a pivot or hinge 1330 that may be biased. The bottom surface of the carrying bag may include any kind of lock 1340 known in the art to hold the wheels in the open position. As shown in fig. 12, it is contemplated that the lock 1340 may be connected to a central switch or selector so that all of the wheels may be expanded or retracted at substantially the same time.

Referring to fig. 14A, a bottom panel 1400 of a tote bag in accordance with some embodiments of the invention will now be discussed. The bottom plate 1400 may include a bottom surface 1410, and side surfaces 1411, 1412. The bottom plate 1400 may further include a plurality of cavities or recesses 1420, in which the wheels 1430 may be located when the wheels 1430 are in the retracted position. Additionally, the base 1400 may include a switch 1440 that may be disposed on any side (1411, 1412) but is shown on side 1412. The switch 1440 may be used to switch the wheels from a retracted position (as shown in fig. 14) to an open position and back. Switch 1440 can include a handle 1441 that can be grasped by a user to move switch 1440 laterally along the surface of the base plate. It should be noted that while the grip 1441 has been shown as a recess into which a user may insert his or her fingers to grasp the switch, variations of the grip 144 are contemplated. For example, the handle 144 may include a protrusion in addition to a notch. Similarly, while the switch 1440 is illustrated as requiring lateral movement along the bottom surface of the plate to switch the wheels from the retracted position to the open position and back, it is contemplated that the switch 1440 could be a button other than a slide and the button could be positioned on the bottom or side of the bottom plate 1400.

While fig. 14A illustrates the floor of the handbag with the wheels in the retracted position, fig. 14B illustrates the floor of the handbag with the wheels in the extended or open position, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Referring to fig. 14B, the bottom plate 1400 may include a bottom surface 1410 and side surfaces 1411, 1412. The bottom plate 1400 may further include a plurality of cavities or recesses 1420, in which the wheels 1430 may be located when the wheels 1430 are in the retracted position. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, it can be seen that wheels 1430 extend from the chamber 1420. Additionally, the base 1400 may include a switch 1440 that may be disposed on any side (1411, 1412) but is shown on side 1412. The switch 1440 may be used to switch the wheels from a retracted position (as shown in fig. 14A) to an open position (as shown in fig. 14B) and back.

Referring to fig. 15A and 15B, the bottom panel of the tote bag 1500 includes a bottom surface 1510 and side surfaces 1511. The base plate 1500 may further include a switch 1540 that may be used to select the position of the wheels (retracted or open) by a user. Referring to fig. 15A, when the wheels are in the retracted position, door 1550 may enclose the wheels. It should be noted that while fig. 14A and 14B illustrate the wheel pivoting about the hinge, fig. 15A and 15B illustrate the wheel being raised or lowered from the cavity in which it is located. Thus, the door 1550 may be used to close the cavity when the wheels are retracted to provide a smooth, substantially flat bottom surface of the carrying bag. It should be noted that near door 1550, the bottom surface may include a smaller recess 1551 into which door 1550 may slide when the wheels are in the open position. It should be noted that switch 1540 is shown in the closed position.

Referring to fig. 15B, the wheel 1530 is illustrated in an open position. Door 1550 slides out of wheel cavity 1520 and into recess 1551. It should be noted that the switch 1540 is shown in the open position with the switch 1540 pushed laterally toward the backplane 1500.

Heretofore, alternative wheels for tote bags have been discussed as having the ability to retract and move apart. Referring to fig. 16A and 16B, a bottom panel 1600 of a carrying bag will now be discussed, wherein the wheels may be rigidly secured in a usable position. The bottom plate 1600 may include a bottom surface 1610, which bottom surface 1610 may in turn include one or more cavities 1620. One or more wheels 1630 may be disposed in one or more cavities 1620. It should be noted that the wheels may be rigidly fixed, or may have limited caster capability, or may be full-rotation casters. Referring to fig. 16B, a side view of the base plate 1600 can be seen. Again, bottom panel 1600 may include one or more cavities 1620 and one or more wheels 1630 disposed within cavities 1620. The side view illustrated in fig. 16B shows wheel 1630 extending a distance 1640 beyond the bottom surface of the bottom panel. The gap is sized to provide ground clearance while not allowing the wheels to protrude a significant distance from the bottom panel, which would be inconvenient or normal for use of the carrying bag.

Several ways of attaching wheels to the tote bag are contemplated by the present invention. Earlier figures illustrate wheels attached to a pivot or hinge. Fig. 16 and 17 show wheels that can be attached in the inner side of the separate chambers, respectively. Figure 18 illustrates an arrangement in which wheels may be attached to a plate that is then inserted into a second plate having one or more cavities. Each of these configurations (and any other variations, deviations, or modifications from the described configurations) is contemplated by the present invention.

Fig. 17 illustrates a bottom panel 1700 of a carrying bag showing the inside portion and bottom surface of the wheel cavity. The base plate 1700 may include a bottom surface 1710, which may have an extruded portion 1720 in the bottom surface 1710. When the extruded portion 1720 is viewed from the bottom, the extruded portion 1720 can form a cavity in which the wheel can be disposed. To provide a smooth surface on the bottom of the tote bag, a floor 1770 may be used. The floor 1770 can be sized to fit inside the bottom plate 1700 and on top of the extruded portion 1720.

Fig. 18A illustrates a panel 1810 to which one or more wheels 1830 may be attached. Again, the wheels may be rigidly attached, or may have limited full caster capability. Panel 1810 may further comprise attachments 1840. The attachment 1840 may be a hook, a lock, or any other type of fastener for attaching multiple items. The attachment 1840 may be used to set the height of the panel 1810 (and thus the wheels) in the bottom panel 1811 of the bag.

FIG. 18B shows a base 1811 into which a panel 1810 may be inserted. Bottom platform 1811 may include a plurality of openings 1820 into which wheels 1830 may be inserted. Bottom platform 1811 may also include an internal clip or fastener 1841 that may be selectively engaged and disengaged with an attachment 1840. Referring to fig. 18B and 18C, internal clips or fasteners 1841, 1842 may allow the panel 1810 to be positioned in a raised or lowered position in the base platform 1811. As a result of this modification to the positioning, the wheels 1830 may extend from the cavity 1820 (when the plate 1810 is in the lower position) or the wheels 1830 may retract into the cavity 1820 (when the plate 1810 is in the upper position).

Referring to fig. 19A and 19B, the tote bag 1900 in the collapsed position and the expanded position will now be discussed. Fig. 19A illustrates a tote bag 1900, which tote bag 1900 generally includes a body 1910, a bottom surface or panel 1920, carrying elements 1930 (such as handles or straps), various pockets and storage elements 1940, attachment points 1950 for other straps or handles, and a telescoping support bar 1960, and control buttons 1970.

The telescoping support bar 1960 may include a switch or button 1962 that may be used to release the telescoping support bar 1960 so that the telescoping support bar 1960 may extend its full length. The telescoping support bar may be present on one side of the tote bag 1900, or on various sides or surfaces of the tote bag 1900.

Control buttons 1970 may be used to select wheel positions by a user. The wheels may be selectively positioned in a retracted position or an extended position. Referring to fig. 19B, the tote bag 1900 can be seen in an expanded position with the additional body cavity 1911 positioned below the body 1910. The additional body cavity 1911 may be enclosed by a sturdy material (e.g., canvas, nylon, leather, etc.) or may be enclosed by a mesh material, as shown in fig. 19B. The tote bag 1900 may be held in the expanded position due to the telescoping support bar 1960, which may further include a telescoping section 1961, which telescoping section 1961 may provide support for the additional body cavity 1911. In addition, wheels 1980 may extend from the bottom panel 1920 so that a fully loaded bag may be more easily moved. An optional lanyard 1951 is also illustrated.

Fig. 19A compares to fig. 19B, it can be seen that the tote bag 1900 may be very compact and stylish in the collapsed position, but may provide additional storage and cavity space when the tote bag 1900 is in the expanded position. Variations in the design of the handbag 1900, as well as different cavities, pockets, storage areas, zippers, etc., are contemplated by the present invention.

Fig. 20A and 20B similarly illustrate the tote bag 2000 in a collapsed position (as shown in fig. 20A) and in an expanded position (as shown in fig. 20B). Fig. 20A illustrates a tote bag 2000, the tote bag 2000 generally comprising a body 2010, a bottom surface or floor 2020, a carrying element 2030 (such as a handle or strap), various pocket and storage elements 2040, 2041, attachment points 2050 for other straps or handles, and a telescoping support bar 2060.

The telescopic support rod 2060 may include a switch or button 2062 that may be used to release the telescopic support rod 2060 so that the telescopic support rod 2060 may extend its full length. The telescoping support bar may be present on one side of the tote bag 2000, or on each side or surface of the tote bag 2000.

Referring to fig. 20B, the tote bag 2000 can be seen in the expanded position, with the additional body cavity 2011 positioned below the body 2010. The additional body cavity 2011 may be enclosed by a sturdy material (e.g., canvas, nylon, leather, etc.) or may be enclosed by a mesh material, as shown in fig. 20B. The tote bag 2000 may be held in the expanded position due to the telescoping support rods 2060, which telescoping support rods 2060 may further include telescoping portions 2061, which telescoping portions 2061 may provide support for additional body cavities 2011. Again, it should be noted that the tote bag 2000 may be designed with any number and arrangement of storage pockets or elements. Pockets and elements 2040, 2041, 2042 are illustrated by way of example only.

With reference to fig. 21A to 21D, the carrier bag 21() in the folded position and the expanded position will now be discussed. Fig. 21A illustrates the tote bag 21() in a folded position, the tote bag 21() () generally including a body 2110, a bottom surface or plate 2120, a carrying element 2130 (such as a handle or strap), various pocket and storage elements 2140, and a telescoping support bar 2150.

The telescoping support bar 2150 may include a switch or button 2151 that may be used to release the telescoping support bar 2150 so that the telescoping support bar 2150 may extend its full length. The telescoping support bar 2150 may be present on one side of the tote bag 2100, or on various sides or surfaces of the tote bag 2100.

Referring to fig. 21C, the tote bag 2100 can be seen in an expanded position with the additional body cavity 2111 positioned below the body 2110. The additional body cavity 2111 may be enclosed by a sturdy material (e.g., canvas, nylon, leather, etc.) or may be enclosed by a mesh material. The tote bag 2100 may be held in the expanded position due to the telescoping support bar 2150, which may further include a telescoping portion (not shown) that may provide support for the additional body cavity 2011. Further, referring to fig. 21D, wheels 2160 may extend from the floor 2120 so that a fully loaded tote bag may be more easily moved. It should be noted that wheels 2160 may be positioned on only one side of the tote bag 2100, much like wheels on luggage, while the opposite side of the tote bag 2100 may be supported by a pedestal or other protrusion 2170.

Again, fig. 21A compares to fig. 21C, it can be seen that the tote bag 2100 can be very compact and stylish in the collapsed position, but can provide additional storage and cavity space when the tote bag 2100 is in the expanded position. And again, variations in the design of the carry bag 2100, as well as different cavities, pockets, storage areas, zippers, etc., are contemplated by the present invention.

As already explained above, and again emphasized, the carrier bag according to the invention may take various shapes and/or designs. Fig. 22 illustrates the tote bag 2200 shown in a folded position. The tote bag 2200 may be similar to a briefcase design, and may include various elements discussed above. The tote bag 2200 may include various telescoping supports 2250 that may be positioned on each side. It should be noted that the telescoping support 2250 may be covered by gusseted material 2260 to allow expansion of the bag in different directions. Tote bag 2200 can further include a bottom panel 2220 that can be configured with selective wheels.

It should be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention illustrated and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense and that the scope of the invention be solely determined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. A vertically expanding bag comprising:

a substantially rigid chassis;

an inner support connected to a base plate, the inner support being retractable from a collapsed position to an expanded position;

a collapsible pocket connected to the inner support; and

non-collapsible side walls forming a cavity or pocket, the non-collapsible side walls being attached to the inner support,

the method is characterized in that:

the inner support member is connected to a substantially rigid base plate;

the collapsible pocket is connected to a substantially rigid floor;

the collapsible pocket is comprised of a mesh material and is connected to a sturdy base panel and is configured such that the collapsible pocket creates a collapsible cavity or pocket in the collapsible material when the inner support is telescoped to the expanded position; and

further comprising at least four wheels deployable attached to the substantially rigid floor, the wheels configured to vertically expand the bag holder in a substantially vertical position when deployed.

2. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more handles, straps, or other carrying elements attached to the non-collapsible side walls.

3. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, further comprising:

a bottom surface in a cavity or pocket formed by the non-collapsible side walls, the bottom surface separating the non-collapsible cavity or pocket from the collapsible pocket.

4. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, wherein said inner support comprises one or more telescoping shafts.

5. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, wherein said inner support comprises one or more nested trusses.

6. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, wherein the substantially rigid bottom plate comprises a mechanism for raising and lowering the at least four wheels.

7. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for raising and lowering the at least four wheels is connected to the inner support such that when the inner support is extended, the at least four wheels are lowered, and when the inner support is retracted, the at least four wheels are raised.

8. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, wherein the at least four wheels are raised or lowered together.

9. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, wherein the at least four wheels are attached to pivots such that the wheels can be folded into a substantially rigid floor when not in use.

10. The vertically expanding bag of claim 1, wherein the substantially rigid bottom plate comprises one or more cavities to which the at least four wheels are attached.

11. The vertically expanding bag of claim 10, further comprising a door covering the cavity when the at least four wheels are not in use.

12. A vertically expanding bag comprising:

a substantially rigid chassis, the substantially rigid chassis comprising:

one or more cavities formed in a substantially rigid floor;

one or more wheels disposed within the one or more cavities; and

a mechanism to raise and lower the one or more wheels between a position inside the cavity and a position extending from the cavity such that the wheels are accessible in the lowered position;

an inner support connected to a base plate, the inner support being retractable from a collapsed position to an expanded position;

a collapsible pocket connected to the inner support;

an unfoldable pocket comprised of unfoldable side walls forming a cavity or pocket attached to an inner support and a bottom surface separating the unfoldable cavity or pocket from the collapsible pocket,

the method is characterized in that:

the inner support member is connected to a substantially rigid base plate;

the collapsible pocket is connected to a substantially rigid floor;

the collapsible pocket is comprised of a mesh material and is connected to a sturdy base panel and is configured such that the collapsible pocket creates a collapsible cavity or pocket in the collapsible material when the inner support is telescoped to the expanded position; and

further comprising at least four wheels deployable attached to the substantially rigid floor, the wheels configured to vertically expand the bag holder in a substantially vertical position when deployed.

13. The vertically expanding bag of claim 12, wherein: a mechanism for raising and lowering the one or more wheels is connected to the inner support such that when the inner support is extended, the one or more wheels are lowered and when the inner support is retracted, the one or more wheels are raised.

14. The vertically expanding bag of claim 12, further comprising: a door covering the cavity when the one or more wheels are not in use.