US20110083933A1

US20110083933A1 - Travel Bag Having Collapsible End Wall

Info

Publication number: US20110083933A1
Application number: US12/577,088
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Engel
Original assignee: GATHERING STRORM dba TMAX GEAR LLC
Current assignee: Gathering Storm Holding Co LLC
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2009-10-09
Publication date: 2011-04-14

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to travel bags and, more particularly, to travel bags having a collapsible end wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.
In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a pair of wheels disposed at opposing corners of the lower portion of the end wall.
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.
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.
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

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a travel bag in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1, depicting a foldable end wall in an expanded position.

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.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away, side perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1, depicting the end wall in a collapsed position.

FIG. 5A is close-up perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1, depicting the support assembly being removed from the clip.

FIG. 5B is close-up perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1, depicting the support assembly being attached to the clip.

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the travel bag of FIG. 1.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With reference now to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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:

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.