Patent Application
20060124213
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to an expandable bag. More particularly, the invention relates to a woman's hand bag or tote and, in particular, a shoulder bag which is vertically expandable.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Frequently during shopping or traveling it is discovered that a carrying bag is not large enough to accommodate the additional items accumulated during the trip. The prior art discloses many different kinds of expanding bags which address this problem. However, all of these bags are of relatively complicated construction, cumbersome and/or aesthetically displeasing.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a carrying bag such as a woman's hand bag or tote and, in particular, an expandable shoulder bag.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an expandable shoulder bag which is easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
It is another object of the invention to provide an expandable shoulder bag which in its unexpanded state appears conventional and is not readily discernable as an expandable bag.
Certain of the foregoing and related objects are readily attained according to the present invention by the provision of an expandable bag comprising a body having a relatively rigid, lower portion defining a closed bottom and a generally upstanding lower sidewall having an upper rim defining an upper opening and a relatively flexible upper portion defining an upper sidewall having a lower edge coupled adjacent to said upper edge of said lower portion and having an upper rim defining a top opening, said upper portion being movable between a folded position, in which said upper sidewall is folded within said lower sidewall such that said upper rim of said upper portion and. said top opening thereof is disposed generally adjacent to said upper edge of said lower portion, thereby defining an interior compartment of a certain size, and an extended position, in which said upper portion is unfolded and extended upwardly, thereby extending the height of said body and, in turn, said bag creating an interior compartment of a greater size.
A strap for supporting said body is secured to said upper portion generally adjacent to said upper rim thereof and releasable coupling means are also provided for releasably coupling said strap to said lower portion which serves to prevent movement of said upper portion from said folded to said extended position when so coupled and which, upon release thereof, permits extension of said upper portion.
Preferably, said releasable coupling means comprises at least one first member secured to said lower portion and at least one second member secured to said strap which first and second members are releasably coupled to one another. Advantageously, said strap has a pair of opposite ends, said lower portion is composed of at least two side panels joined at their opposite lateral and bottom edges, and said releasable coupling means comprises a pair of first members, each secured at an opposite end of said lower portion and a pair of second members, each secured generally adjacent to an opposite end of said strap. Desirably, said first member is a releasable clasp and said second member is ring. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower edge of said upper body is coupled adjacent to said upper rim of lower portion along an inside edge portion of said upper rim.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the expandable bag comprises a body having a top, a bottom, and a bead located between the top and bottom of the body defining a relatively flexible upper body portion and a relatively rigid lower body portion joined to said upper body portion via said bead, whereby the upper body portion is foldable into the lower body portion, a pair of spring clips coupled to opposite sides of the lower body portion, and a first pair of rings coupled to opposite sides of the upper body portion, said rings being engaged by said spring clips to prevent the upper body portion from unfolding out of the lower body portion.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a preferably adjustable shoulder strap is coupled to the top of said body, said first pair of rings are coupled to said shoulder strap and a second pair of rings are coupled to opposite sides of the upper body portion near the bead.
Most advantageously, reinforcing material is attached to the bottom of said body and/or to the sides of the body and said upper body portion is made of canvas-like material and said reinforcing material is vinyl or leather. Most desirably, a zipper is coupled to the top of said body and adapted to close the top. The bag preferably has a zippered pocket on a side of the body.
In a further embodiment of the invention, an expandable bag according to the invention comprises a body having a top and a bottom, an upper portion of the body being foldable into a lower portion of the body a shoulder strap attached to the top of said body, a pair of spring clips coupled to opposite sides of said body located between the top and the bottom of said body and a first pair of rings coupled to opposite sides of the top of said body, said rings being engaged by said spring clips to prevent the upper portion of the body from unfolding out of the lower portion of the body.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention, an expandable bag according to the invention comprises a body having a top and a bottom, an upper portion of the body being foldable into a lower portion of the body, a pair of spring clips coupled to opposite sides of said body located between the top and the bottom of said body, and a first pair of rings coupled to opposite sides of the top of said body, said rings being engaged by said spring clips to prevent the upper portion of the body from unfolding out of the lower portion of the body.
a,
7
b, and 7c are schematic side sectional views showing, respectively, the bag in the unexpanded configuration, partially expanded position and fully expanded position.
Referring to
The bag also includes a relatively flexible, upper portion 18 (
As seen best in
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Uncoupling the spring clips 28 from the D-rings 26 on the strap ends 24a, 24b allows the bag to unfold as illustrated in
Bag 10 is preferably provided with an exterior zippered pocket 32 and the shoulder strap 24 is preferably provided with an adjustment buckle 34. Though not illustrated, the bottom of the bag is preferably provided with four metallic feet. The interior of the bag may be provided with one or more pockets for keys, cell phone, etc.
There has been described and illustrated herein an expandable shoulder bag. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. For example, while the bag has been described as canvas-like, any suitable material and possibly leather could be used. In addition, although the bag has been defined as preferably having a substantially rectangular profile and an oval footprint, other configurations are, of course, possible, so long as the expansion feature of the bag is maintained in the manner contemplated herein. Furthermore, although the illustrated manner of attachment of the upper portion to the lower portion of the bag is especially preferred for ease of construction and use, other modes of attachment may be possible. Also while the reinforcements have been described as vinyl or leather, other reinforcing material could be used. In addition, while D-rings have been shown, it will be appreciated that rings having other shapes could be used as well. Similarly, although the clasp and loop fasteners are preferred, other well known releasable fasteners could be used to suit a particular bag style or design. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as so claimed.
