ROLLING COLLAPSIBLE TRAVEL LUGGAGE

Abstract

A rolling luggage bag includes a cover fixedly coupled to a base, the base including a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of panels, arranged in a direction away from the base, wherein the plurality of panels defines an interior chamber, a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face, and a third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes. When the rolling luggage is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the luggage bag stands on.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to rolling collapsible luggage, and more specifically to wheeled travel luggage that is easier to transport when in use, which is collapsible to provide a smaller storage footprint when not in use, and that has an expanded access opening to more easily place and position contents into the luggage.

BACKGROUND

Rolling travel luggage is generally known in the art. However, known rolling travel luggage has certain limitations. For example, existing luggage typically includes three or more swivel caster wheels that allow the luggage to roll in any direction while in an upright position. While convenient, the luggage is susceptible to movement in unintended directions as the only wheels that engage the ground or floor are the swivel caster wheels, with nothing to stop unintended rotation or rolling of these wheels.

As another limitation, existing luggage typically defines an internal chamber by rigid or relatively inflexible side, back and/or front portions. For example, the front side may open away from the remaining rigid sides to provide an access opening to the internal chamber. While the rigid sides provide protection for the contents inside, they inhibit insertion of a large or otherwise bulky object, such as a golf bag containing a set of golf clubs. To place the large or bulky object into the internal chamber, a user must feed the object into the access opening at an oblique or other awkward angle to the luggage. And during insertion, the user may be required to constantly change the angle between the object and luggage to avoid contact with the rigid sides until the object is received in the internal chamber. The constant angle change can be cumbersome, difficult, and awkward for a user.

As yet another limitation, some types of existing luggage include side wheels and a handle provided at a top portion of the luggage. A user grasps the handle, tilts the luggage to engage the side wheels with the ground, and is free to roll the luggage in the tilted position. The majority of the luggage load, however, is transferred to the user through the top handle, leading to strain on the arm, wrist, and/or forearm of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A rolling luggage bag includes a cover coupled to a base, the base including a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between, a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face, and a third wheel and a fourth wheel are each coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes. When the rolling luggage is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the luggage bag stands on.

In other embodiments, the collapsible luggage bag can include a back portion connected to a first side portion and a second side portion, a front flap removably connected to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the back portion by a connection member, and a base connected to the back portion, the front flap, and optionally removable from the first side portion, and the second side portion. The first and second side portions pivot away from each other about respective folds between the respective side portion and the back portion when the front flap is removed.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag in an upright position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the top of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from a first side of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view from the rear of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, illustrating a first position of a rolling handle.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view from the rear of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, illustrating a second position of the rolling handle.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from a second side of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the rear of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the rails for use with the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and shown in an upright position.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 6A shown in a collapsed, folded position.

FIG. 6D is a side view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A is an elevation view of the second side portion of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1, with the outer shell removed to illustrate the respective panels.

FIG. 7B is an elevation view of the back portion of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1, with the outer shell removed to illustrate the respective panels.

FIG. 7C is an elevation view of the first side portion of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1, with the outer shell removed to illustrate the respective panels.

FIG. 7D is an elevation view of the front flap of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1, with the outer shell removed to illustrate the respective panels.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 in the upright position with the front flap partially disengaged to provide access to an interior chamber.

FIG. 9 is a partial view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 illustrating a butterfly opening providing access to the interior chamber without obstruction from a portion of a cover, and with a portion of the front flap shown.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1, illustrating an external bottom surface of the luggage bag base.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an internal bottom surface of the base of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front side view of the base taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a back side view of the base taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a first side view of the base taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a second side view of the base taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 in the upright position with the front flap disengaged from a first side portion, a second side portion, and a back portion.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 in a partially collapsed position with a portion of the cover received by a base.

FIG. 18A is a side elevation view of a storage bag containing the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position

FIG. 18B is another side elevation view of the storage bag of FIG. 18A, with a portion of the storage bag shown in broken lines to illustrate the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 in the collapsed position in the bag.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 1 in a tilted position, illustrating certain forces on the luggage.

FIG. 20 is a front view of an embodiment of a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag in an upright position.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 20, in an upright position.

FIG. 22 is a first (right) side view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 20, in an upright position.

FIG. 23 is a second (right) side view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 20, in an upright position.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view an internal cover of a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag.

FIG. 25 is a front, x-ray view of the internal cover of FIG. 24, installed into a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag.

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a storage bag.

FIG. 27A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag in an upright position.

FIG. 27B is a rear perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A, in an upright position.

FIG. 28A is a front view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A, in an upright position.

FIG. 28B is a side view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A, in an upright position.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A with the front flap disengaged to provide access to an interior chamber.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A in a collapsed position with the cover received by a base.

FIG. 31A is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A in the upright position with the front flap disengaged from a first side portion, a second side portion, and a back portion, and the first side portion and the second side portion disengaged from a base.

FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A in a partially collapsed position with the cover partially received by a base.

FIG. 31C is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A in a collapsed position with the cover received by a base.

FIG. 32 is a partial view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A illustrating an inner pocket.

FIG. 33 is a partial view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 27A illustrating an inner pocket.

FIG. 34A is a top view of a support, according to an embodiment, with the connector disengaged from the connection point.

FIG. 34B is a top view of a support, according to an alternative embodiment, with the connector disengaged from the connection point.

FIG. 34C is a top view of a support, according to an alternative embodiment, with the connector disengaged from the connection point.

FIG. 34D is a top view of a support, according to an alternative embodiment, with the connector disengaged from the connection point.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the support of FIG. 34 in an assembled position affixed to a golf bag positioned within rolling collapsible travel luggage bag.

FIG. 36 is a top view of the support and golf bag assembly of FIG. 35 positioned within a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag wherein the front flap is partially disengaged.

FIG. 37A is a rear view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 38A with the front flap disengaged to provide access to an interior chamber.

FIG. 37B is a rear view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag of FIG. 38A with the front flap disengaged to provide access to an interior chamber.

FIG. 37C is an enlarged view of Detail A from FIG. 37B.

FIG. 38A is a perspective view of a prior art rolling collapsible travel luggage bag in a tilted position, illustrating the collapsibility of the folds between the fourth panel zone and the fifth panel zone when a normal force is applied to the handle.

FIG. 38B is a perspective view of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag in a tilted position, illustrating the collapsibility of the folds between the fourth panel zone and the fifth panel zone when a normal force is applied to the handle.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or construction and the arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 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

Described herein are embodiments of a support which can be integrally formed with, or formed separately and positioned within or attached to, a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag. The support can be formed separately and secured to the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag or to the contents of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag. The support can provide additional protection to the contents of the rolling collapsible travel luggage bag while maintaining a small and light frame. The support can maintain relative positioning of each object, such that the support reduces the available volume for the objects within the rolling luggage bag. The objects are then less likely to shift relative to one another and, therefore, are less likely to collide into one another. This results in a reduction in the force and frequency of impact and, as a result, reduces likelihood and extent of damage.

For case of discussion and understanding, and for purposes of description only, the following detailed description illustrates a rolling collapsible travel luggage bag (hereafter alternatively referred to as “the luggage bag,” “the collapsible luggage bag,” or “the travel bag”) as an clongated luggage bag suitable for transporting large items, such as a golf bag, golf clubs, and one or more golf accessories. The golf bag is of a size suitable to carry a plurality of full length golf clubs, for example a set of golf clubs that includes a combination of one or more of a driver, a wood, a hybrid, an iron, a wedge, and/or a putter. A full length golf club is not collapsible and has a length of approximately 32 inches to approximately 49 inches, depending on the club. An example of a large golf accessory includes a full length golf umbrella, which has a length of approximately 36 inches to approximately 48 inches and opens to an arc or canopy size of approximately 50 inches to 68 or more inches. It should be appreciated that the elongated luggage bag is provided for purposes of illustration and aspects of the luggage bag 10 disclosed herein may be incorporated into luggage of any size, shape, or orientation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a rolling luggage bag 10. The luggage bag 10 includes a base 14 connected to a cover 18. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, the cover 18 includes a front portion 22 (or front flap), a back portion 26 or (back flap), a first side portion 30 (flap 30), and a second side portion 34 (or flap). The front portion 22 is oriented opposite the back portion 26, and the first side portion 30 is oriented opposite the second side portion 34. In addition, the back portion 26 is connected or otherwise integrally formed as one piece with the first and second side portions 30, 34. The front portion 22 may have a selectively removable connection to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 to open or provide access to the interior chamber 102 of the luggage bag 10. The selective removable connection between the front portion 22 and back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 may provide different degrees or amounts of access to the interior chamber 102 of the luggage bag 10. Stated otherwise, the removable connection may provide an opening or partial opening to the interior chamber 102. For example, the selectively removable connection may be formed by a zipper having a pair of sliders 100a, 100b that meet in a closed position at the top or end of the luggage bag 10 opposite the base 14 (sec FIGS. 4A-B). The sliders 100a, 100b may be moved along the zipper in opposite directions along a portion of the zipper to provide partial access to the interior chamber 102, such as a first standing access position shown in FIG. 8, or entirely along the zipper to provide maximum access to the interior chamber 102, such as a second access position shown in FIG. 9.

The front, back, first side, and second side portions 22, 26, 30, 34 are each formed of a plurality of panels interconnected by an outer shell 38 (see FIG. 16). In most embodiments, the outer shell 38 is formed of a cloth or other fabric. For example, the fabric may be polyester, nylon, canvas, denim, or any other fabric material suitable for use in a luggage type application. In each of the portions 22, 26, 30, 34, the outer shell 38 includes stitching to seal the outer shell 38 and to define a plurality of pockets, each of which receives a respective panel. Between adjacent pockets in each portion 22, 26, 30, 34 are folds 42 (sec FIGS. 1-9, and 16). To form the folds 42, stitching is provided at desired fold locations on the outer shell 38 of each portion 22, 26, 30, 34. In other embodiments, the folds 42 may be formed in any other suitable or desired manner to facilitate folding of each portion 22, 26, 30, 34. The folds 42 are not only provided between adjacent or consecutive panels in each portion 22, 26, 30, 34, but are generally provided between adjacent or consecutive panels between portions 26, 30, 34.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, each portion 22, 26, 30, 34 is shown with the outer shell 38 removed and illustrating the plurality of panels 46. In most embodiments, each panel 46 is formed of a polyethylene board material [(C₂H₂)_nH₂], a foam material, a cloth material, or a combination thereof. The polyethylene board material may be any industry standard grade, including, but not limited to, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ultra-low molecular weight polyethylene (ULMWPE), high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), high-density cross-linked polyethylene (HDXLPE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), very-low density polyethylene (VLDPE), and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). In other embodiments, the panels 46 may be formed of polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material.

The panels 46 of each portion 22, 26, 30, 34 are arranged in panel zones, panel rings, or bands that are horizontally stacked or arranged in a direction away from the base 14. The panel zones 50 generally extend around a circumference of the luggage bag 10. Depending on the panel zone 50 and location along portions 22, 26, 30, 34, any panel 46 may be formed of a different material (e.g., a foam material, a board material, or a combination of foam and board material), may have a different panel thickness, and/or a different panel stiffness or rigidity.

A first or bottom panel zone 50a is located along a base of each portion 22, 26, 30, 34 and has a first panel height or length H₁, measured vertically (orthogonal to a ground plane) when the luggage bag 10 is in an upright position. In some embodiments, the first panel height H₁ is less than approximately 15 cm. The first panel height H₁ can be approximately 5.0 cm, 5.5 cm, 6.0 cm, 6.5 cm, 7.0 cm, 7.5 cm, 8.0 cm, 8.5 cm, 9.0 cm, 9.5 cm, 10.0 cm, 10.5 cm, 11.0 cm, 11.5 cm, 12 cm, 12.5 cm, 13.0 cm, 13.5 cm, 14.0 cm, 14.5 cm, or 15.0 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, first panel height H¹ is approximately 6.5 cm. In other embodiments, the first panel height H₁ can be less than 6.5 cm, 6.4 cm, 6.3 cm, 6.2 cm, 6.1 cm, or 6.0 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the first panel height H₁ can be greater than 6.5 cm, 6.6 cm, 6.7 cm, 6.8 cm, 6.9 cm, or 7.0 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. The first panel zone 50a includes panels 46a formed of a stiff board material having a thickness of approximately 1.75 mm. In some embodiments, the panels 46a of the first panel zone 50a are rectangular in shape, however in other embodiments may be any suitable or desired shape or combination of shapes. For example, the panels 46a of the first panel zone 50a may be sloped or have a narrowing height H₁ (see FIG. 3) to conform to the base 14. The panels 46a of the first panel zone 50a engage or otherwise connect to the base 14 (see FIG. 3).

Positioned adjacent the first panel zone 50a in a direction away from base 14 is a second panel zone 50b along each portion 22, 26, 30, 34. The second panel zone 50b has a second panel height or length H₂, measured vertically (orthogonal to a ground plane) when the luggage bag 10 is in an upright position. In some embodiments, the height H₂ can be less than 50 cm. In some embodiments, the second panel height or length H₂ can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, or 50 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the second panel height H₂ is approximately 30 cm. In other embodiments, the second panel height H₂ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the second panel height H₂ can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. The front portion 22 of the second panel zone 50b includes a panel 46b. The back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 of the second panel zone 50b include panels 46b formed of a relatively stiff board material combined with foam. In many embodiments, the stiff board material has a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm. The positioning of the panels 46b near or approximate the base 14 provides structural support for the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 while the luggage bag 10 is in the upright position, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

In some embodiments, the panels of the second panel zone 50b in the front and back portions 22, 26 have a generally rectangular shape while the panels in the first side and second side portions 30, 34 have a generally square shape; however, this square shape is defined by two separate triangular panels having an angled fold 42a there between, which facilitates collapsibility of the cover 18 (discussed in more detail below). In some embodiments, the panels in the first side and second side portions 30, 34 have a generally trapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, the panels of the second panel zone 50b may be any suitable or desired shape or combination of shapes.

Adjacent the second panel zone 50b in a direction away from base 14 is a third panel zone 50c along each portion 22, 26, 30, 34. The third panel zone 50c has a third panel height or length H₃, measured vertically (orthogonal to a ground plane) when the luggage bag 10 is in an upright position. In some embodiments, the third panel height or length H₃ can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, or 40 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the third panel height H₃ is approximately 32 cm. In other embodiments, the third panel height H₃ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the third panel height H₃ can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. The front portion 22 and side portions 30, 34 of the third panel zone 50c each include a panel 46c formed of a relatively stiff board material combined with foam. In many embodiments, the stiff board material has a thickness of approximately 1.0 mm. The back portion 26 of the third panel zone 50c includes a panel 46a as previously described. In some embodiments, the panels of the third panel zone 50c in the front, back, first side, and second side portions 22, 26, 30, 34 have a generally trapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, the panels of the third panel zone 50c in the front, back, first side, and second side portions 22, 26, 30, 34 have a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the panels of the third panel zone 50c may be any suitable or desired shape or combination of shapes.

A fourth panel zone 50d is adjacent the third panel zone 50c in a direction away from base 14 along each portion 22, 26, 30, 34, and has a fourth panel height or length H₄, measured vertically (orthogonal to a ground plane) when the luggage bag 10 is in an upright position. In some embodiments, the fourth panel height or length H₄ can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, or 40 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the fourth panel height H₄ is approximately 32 cm. In other embodiments, the fourth panel height H₄ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the fourth panel height H₄ can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In many embodiments, the fourth panel zone 50d is substantially the same as the third panel zone 50c with regard to panel type, positioning, and shape.

The fourth panel zone 50d can further comprise a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels can comprise a fourth front panel, a fourth back panel, a fourth first side panel, and a fourth second side panel. The plurality of panels can be separated from each other by folds 42. Each panel of the plurality of panels can comprise a pocket. The pocket can receive a support 415 as discussed in depth below. The pocket can comprise the same geometry and size as the panel. The pocket can comprise a geometry smaller than the panel geometry and be positioned on the pocket internal surface.

In some embodiments, each pocket can be formed separate from the other pockets. Each pocket can receive a support 415, as discussed in depth below. Each pocket comprises three fixed sides, wherein one open side can be releasably secure a fastener. The fastener can be selected from a group comprising a zipper, Velcro, one or more buttons, and any other acceptable mechanical fasteners. In other embodiments, each pocket can be interconnected to one or more of the surrounding pockets. In such embodiments the interconnected pockets can collectively receive one support 415, as discussed in depth below.

At the top of each portion 22, 26, 30, 34 furthest from the base 14 is a fifth panel zone or top panel zone 50c. The back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 of the top panel zone 50e have a fifth panel height or length H₅, measured vertically (orthogonal to a ground plane) when the luggage bag 10 is in an upright position. In some embodiments, the fifth panel height or length H₅ can be 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the fifth panel height Hs is approximately 20 cm. In other embodiments, the fifth panel height H₅ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the fifth panel height Hs can be greater than 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In some embodiments, the back portion 26 includes a panel in the top panel zone 50c generally trapezoidal in shape and having an end edge 54. The first and second side portions 30, 34 each include a panel in the top panel zone 50c that has a respective arcuate edge 58a, 58b. In such an embodiment, the arcuate edges 58a, 58b lead to the end edge 54 of the back portion 26 (sec FIGS. 8 and 9).

Similar to the fourth panel zone 50d, the fifth panel zone 50e can further comprise a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels can comprise a fifth front panel, a fifth back panel, a fifth first side panel, and a fifth second side panel. The plurality of panels can be separated from each other by folds 42. Each panel of the plurality of panels can comprise a pocket. In some embodiments, the pocket comprises the same geometry and size of the panel. The pocket can comprise a geometry smaller than the pocket geometry and be positioned on the pocket internal surface.

In some embodiments, each pocket can be formed separate from the other pockets, such that each pocket receives a support 415, as discussed in depth below. Each pocket can comprise three fixed sides, and one open side that can be releasably secured by means of a fastener. The open side can receive the support 415, as discussed in depth below. The fastener can be selected from a group comprising a zipper, Velcro, one or more buttons, and any other acceptable mechanical fasteners. In other embodiments, each pocket can be interconnected. In such embodiments, the interconnected pockets can collectively receive one support 415, as further detailed.

The front portion 22 of the top panel zone 50e has a sixth panel height or length H₆, measured vertically (orthogonal to a ground plane) when the luggage bag 10 is in an upright position. In many embodiments, sixth panel height H₆ is generally greater than the fifth panel height H₅. In some embodiments, the sixth panel height or length H₆ can be 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, or 48 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the sixth panel height H₆ is approximately 38.5 cm. In other embodiments, the sixth panel height H₆ can be less than 40 cm, 39 cm, 38 cm, 37 cm, 36 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the sixth panel height H₆ can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In some embodiments, the panel within zone 50c of the front portion 22 includes a parabolic edge 62 that removably connects to the arcuate edges 58a, 58b and to the end edge 54, and the additional panel height H₆ of the front portion 22 defines or forms a curved or an arcuate face 66 (see FIGS. 2-3) that extends over or overlaps a portion of a base footprint defined by a periphery of the base 14, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. In such an embodiment, the arcuate face 66 removably connects to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34.

In some embodiments, the panel heights H₁, H₂, H₃, and H₄ vary across the front, back, first side, and second side sections. In some embodiments, the front portion 22 is slightly angled after assembly and the back portion 26 is approximately vertical, with respect to the ground plane when the luggage bag 10 in an upright position. Due to the angled orientation of the front portion 22, when the front section is laid out flat, as illustrated in FIG. 7D, the panel heights of the front portion 22 can be slightly greater than the panel heights of the back 26, the first side portion 30, and the second side 34 portion (height difference is not visible in the illustration). Similarly, in some embodiments, the panel height of the first side portion 30 and the second side portion 34 can be slightly greater than the panel heights of the back portion 26. In some embodiments, the differences in panel section heights can be minimal, varying by a length between 0 cm and 0.2 cm. However, in other embodiments, the fourth panel height H₄ is greater in the front portion 22 than in the back portion 26 by a length between 1.5 cm and 3.5 cm. Embodiments, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23, have a fourth panel 50d that is angled in the front portion 22. Thus, these embodiments comprise a greater difference in the fourth panel height H₄ between sections.

The front portion 22 can have a width measured parallel to the folds 42 from a point where the front portion 22 intersects the first side portion 30 to a point where the front portion 22 intersects the second side portion 34. The back portion 26 can have a width measured parallel to the folds 42 from a point where the back portion 26 intersects the first side portion 30 to a point where the back portion 26 intersects the second side portion 34. In many embodiments, the width of the front portion 22 is the same as or similar to the width of the back portion 26 at any given height.

A first width W₁ of the back portion 26 is measured at the fold line between the first panel zone 50a and the second panel zone 50b. The first width Wi can range between 35 cm and 50 cm. In some embodiments, the first width Wi can be 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, or 50 cm. In the illustrated embodiment, the first width W₁ is approximately 43 cm. In many embodiments, a first width of the front portion 22 is the same as or similar to the first width W₁ of the back portion 26.

A second width W₂ of the back portion 26 is measured at the fold line between the second panel zone 50b and the third panel zone 50c. The second width W₂ can range between 35 cm and 50 cm or between 35 cm and 40 cm. In some embodiments, the second width W₂ can be 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, or 50 cm. In the illustrated embodiment, the second width W₂ is approximately 39 cm. In many embodiments, a second width of the front portion 22 is the same as or similar to the second width W₂ of the back portion 26.

A third width W₃ of the back portion 26 is measured at the fold line between the third panel zone 50c and the fourth panel zone 50d. The third width W₃ can range between 25 cm and 45 cm or between 30 cm and 40 cm. In some embodiments, the third width W₃ can be 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, or 50 cm. In the illustrated embodiment, the third width W₃ is approximately 39 cm. In many embodiments, a third width of the front portion 22 is the same as or similar to the third width W₃ of the back portion 26.

A fourth width W₄ of the back portion 26 is measured at the fold line between the fourth panel zone 50d and the fifth panel zone 50c. The fourth width W₄ can range between 20 cm and 45 cm or between 20 cm and 30 cm. In some embodiments, the fourth width W₄ can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, or 45 cm. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-23, the fourth width W₄ is approximately 27 cm. In many embodiments, a fourth width of the front portion 22 is the same as or similar to the fourth width W₄ of the back portion 26.

The first side portion 30 can have a depth measured parallel to the folds 42 from a point where the first side portion 30 intersects the back portion 26 to a point where the first side portion 30 intersects the front portion 22. The second side portion 34 can have a depth measured parallel to the folds 42 from a point where the second side portion 34 intersects the back portion 26 to a point where the second side portion 34 intersects the front portion 22. At any given height, the depth of the first side portion 30 is the same as the depth of the second side portion. The depths of each portion are carefully selected to allow various golf bags to be secured within the interior chamber 102.

A first depth Di of the second side portion 34 is measured at the fold line between the first panel zone 50a and the second panel zone 50b. In many embodiments, the first depth DI can range between 20 cm and 40 cm, or between 25 cm and 35 cm. In some embodiments, the first depth DI can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, or 40 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the first depth Di is approximately 30 cm. In other embodiments, the first depth D₁ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the first depth Di can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In many embodiments, a first depth of the first side portion 30 is the same as the first depth D₁ of the second side portion 34.

A second depth D₂ of the second side portion 34 is measured at the fold line between the second panel zone 50b and the third panel zone 50c. In many embodiments, the second depth D₂ can range between 20 cm and 35 cm, or between 25 cm and 35 cm. In some embodiments, the second depth D₂ can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the second depth D₂ is approximately 29 cm. In other embodiments, the second depth D₂ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the second depth D₂ can be greater than 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In many embodiments, a second depth of the first side portion 30 is the same as the second depth D₂ of the second side portion 34.

A third depth D₃ of the second side portion 34 is measured at the fold line between the third panel zone 50c and the fourth panel zone 50d. In many embodiments, the third depth D₃ can range between 20 cm and 35 cm, or between 25 cm and 30 cm. In some embodiments, the third depth D₃ can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the third depth D₃ is approximately 26 cm. In other embodiments, the third depth D₃ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the third depth D₃ can be greater than 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In many embodiments, the third depth of the first side portion 30 is the same as the third depth D₃ of the second side portion 34.

A fourth depth D₄ of the second side portion 34 is measured at the fold line between the fourth panel zone 50d and the fifth panel zone 50c. In many embodiments, the fourth depth D₄ can range between 10 cm and 35 cm, or between 12 cm and 20 cm. In some embodiments, the fourth depth D₄ can be 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the fourth depth D₄ is approximately 16 cm. In other embodiments, the fourth depth D₄ can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the fourth depth D₄ can be greater than 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In many embodiments, the fourth depth of the first side portion 30 is the same as the fourth depth D₄ of the second side portion 34.

The back portion 26 includes in the top panel zone 50e a panel 46c formed of a relatively stiff board material combined with foam. The stiff board material has a thickness of approximately 1.0 mm. The front, first side, and second side portions 22, 30, 34 include in the top panel zone 50e a panel 46d formed of foam and that does not include a board material. Forming the panels 46d from foam provides flexibility to the front, first side, and second side portions 22, 30, 34 to facilitate formation of the arcuate face 66 (see FIGS. 2-3) of the front portion 22 in the top panel zone 50c.

It should be appreciated that a greater thickness of the board material leads to a more rigid or a greater stiffness panel. For example, the panels in the second panel zone 50b are more rigid and/or have a greater stiffness than the panels in the top panel zone 50e. Generally, the overall stiffness or rigidity of the panels decreases from the base 14 upward toward the arcuate face 66.

The cover 18 can comprise between 15 to 30 total panels 46. In some embodiments, the cover 18 comprises between 15 to 20, 17 to 25, 20 to 25, or 25 to 30 total panels 46. For example, the cover 18 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises twenty-two total panels 46. In some embodiments, the cover 18 comprises at least 20 panels, 21 panels, 22 panels, 23 panels, 24 panels, or 25 panels. In other embodiments, the cover 18 comprises no more than 25 panels, 24 panels, 23 panels, 22 panels, 21 panels, or 20 panels. The total number of panels may be based on the size, shape, and/or collapsibility of the luggage bag 10.

In one exemplary embodiment, the luggage bag 10 has a height or length, defined by the sum of heights H₁ to H₅, of approximately 120.5 cm (or approximately 47.5 inches). In other embodiments, the luggage bag 10 may have a height or length in a range of approximately 110 cm to approximately 140 or more cm. Stated another way, the luggage bag 10 may have a height or length suitable to receive a golf bag and/or one or more full length golf clubs.

The support 415, as described below, is a protection article that envelops the contents 405 within the luggage bag 400. In some embodiments, a support 415 can be connected to the luggage bag 400 and shown in FIGS. 34-37. The luggage bag 400 has similar components to the luggage bag 10, 200, and 300 with like names and/or like numbers identifying like components. The support 415 can provide additional protection to the contents 405 of the luggage bag 400 while maintaining a compact and lightweight frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the contents 405 comprise a golf bag and golf clubs and the support 415 is configured to provide additional protection to the golf club heads. The support 415 protects the contents 405 from external environmental forces, such as the luggage bag 400 being dropped. The support 415 occupies the space between the contents 405 and the internal chamber 404. This prevents the rattling and shifting of the contents 405, reducing the likelihood and extent of damage. In some embodiments, the support 415 can be positioned within one or more pockets of the luggage bag 400. In other embodiments, the support 415 can be within the interior chamber 404. In such embodiments, the support 415 can be affixed to the luggage bag 400 itself or to the alignment stick 453 positioned within the sheaths 455, as discussed in depth below. While this embodiment is discussed separately from the luggage bag 10, 200, and 300 disclosed herein, it should be appreciated that support 415 can be incorporated into any of the embodiments of the luggage bag 10, 200, and 300 to provide a system that provides additional protection while maintaining a compact and lightweight frame.

The support can be an interconnected webbing of airbags or fillable compartments positioned to provide protection to the contents 405. The support 415 can comprise one or more hollow inserts formed by a moldable and/or foldable material. The support 415 can be fully or partially hollow and filled with any of the materials discussed below. The support 415 can form a hollow membrane that can enclose a hollow cavity, wherein the hollow cavity is filled with a filler material selected from a group comprising: air, foam, polymer, and any other suitable material. The moldable and/or foldable material can allow the support 415 to be easily positioned within the luggage bag 400. In some embodiments, the support 415 can have one or more valves 431 that allows the support 415 to be easily inflated and deflated. In such embodiments, the moldable and/or foldable material can ensure the support 415, when deflated, can be easily stored.

The cavity can be segmented into a plurality of interconnected sub-cavities 425 separated by membrane walls 429. The membrane walls 429 can be solid and formed integrally with the support 415. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 34A-34B, the membrane walls 429 can be formed separately from one another. In other embodiments, the membrane walls 429 can be interconnected allowing the support 415 to be continuous without the possibility of the support 415 separating into multiple pieces. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 34C-34D, the cavity can be discontinuous and segmented into a plurality of separate cavities 427. The plurality of separate cavities 427 can be separated by membrane walls 429.

In many embodiments, the membrane walls 429 comprise a thermoplastic and/or polymeric material. The membrane wall material can comprise a thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE). In many embodiments, the membrane comprises a fluroelastomer, a polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose acetate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene rubber, natural rubber, silicone rubber, sulfide rubber, a butyl rubber, or other suitable material. The membrane wall material can be selected based on the desired flexibility of the membrane walls 429, and the desired molding properties for forming the membrane walls 429.

The membrane walls 429 comprise a thickness wherein the thickness provides durability without adding additional mass or affecting the foldability of the support 415. The thickness is measured from an outer membrane wall surface to an inner membrane wall surface. In many embodiments, the membrane wall thickness can range between 0.010 cm and 0.125 cm. In some embodiments the membrane wall thickness can be between 0.010 cm and 0.015 cm, between 0.015 cm and 0.020 cm, between 0.020 cm and 0.015 cm, between 0.015 cm and 0.020 cm, between 0.020 cm and 0.025 cm, between 0.025 cm and 0.030 cm, between 0.030 cm and 0.035 cm, between 0.035 cm and 0.040 cm, 0.040 cm and 0.045 cm, 0.045 cm and 0.050 cm, 0.050 cm and 0.055 cm, 0.055 cm and 0.060 cm, 0.060 cm and 0.065 cm, 0.065 cm and 0.070 cm, 0.070 cm and 0.075 cm, 0.075 cm and 0.080 cm, 0.080 cm and 0.095 cm, 0.095 cm and 0.100 cm, 0.100 cm and 0.105 cm, 0.105 cm and 0.110 cm, 0.110 cm and 0.115 cm, 0.115 cm and 0.120 cm, or 0.120 cm and 0.125 cm. In some embodiments, the membrane wall thickness can be greater than 0.010 cm, greater than 0.015 cm, greater than 0.020 cm, greater than 0.025 cm, greater than 0.030 cm, greater than 0.035 cm, greater than 0.040 cm, greater than 0.045 cm, or greater than 0.050 cm. In some embodiments, the membrane wall thickness can be less than 0.125 cm, less than 0.120 cm, less than 0.115 cm, less than 0.110 cm, less than 0.105 cm, less than 0.100 cm, less than 0.095 cm, less than 0.090 cm, less than 0.085 cm, or less than 0.080 cm.

As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the support 415 can be positioned within one or more pockets of the luggage bag 400. In such embodiments, the fourth panel zone 450d and the fifth panel zone 450e each comprise a plurality of panels 486 wherein each panel comprises a pocket. In this embodiment, the pockets can be interconnected such that each pocket of the fourth panel zone 450d is connected to the vertically adjacent pocket of the fifth panel zone 550c. As such, a support 415 can be inserted into one of the pockets positioned within the fourth panel zone 450d and extend upwards into the vertically adjacent pocket of the fifth panel zone 450c. In an alternative embodiment, the pockets can be interconnected such that each pocket of the fourth panel zone 450d and each pocket of the fifth panel zone 450c are all interconnected. In another embodiment, the pockets of the fourth panel zone 450d can be interconnected and the pockets of the fifth panel zone 450e can be interconnected, wherein each of the interconnected pockets of the fourth panel zone 450d and the interconnected pockets of the fifth panel zone 450e are configured to receive a support 415. In another embodiment, the fourth panel zone 450d and the fifth panel zone 450e each comprise a plurality of panels 486 wherein each panel comprises a pocket. In this embodiment, the pockets are formed independently of each other. As such, a support 415 can be inserted into each of the pockets.

As discussed above, and shown in FIGS. 35-36, the support 415 can be connected to the internal chamber 404 of the luggage bag 400. In such embodiments, the support 415 can be positioned within the internal chamber 404 of the luggage bag 400. In some embodiments, the support 415 can be secured to the contents 405 of the luggage bag 400. In other embodiments the support 415 can be to secured to the alignment sticks 453, as discussed below.

The support 415 can comprise a support connector 421. The connector 421 can be a zipper, Velcro, one or more buttons, one or more snaps, and any other acceptable mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, the contents 405 can provide one or more content connection points 423 that interface with the support connector 421. The support 415 can surround the contents 405 and provide one or more support connection points 423 that interface with the support connector 421, securing the support 415 to the content 405. The support connector 421 can allow the support 415 to be easily installed and removed. The support 415 is removable and replaceable. The user can choose to include or omit the support 415 without impacting use of the luggage bag 400.

In some embodiments, the support 415 encompasses the contents 405 of the luggage bag 10. The support 415 can further comprise a main portion 417 and a secondary portion 419, as shown in FIG. 34A and 34C. The main portion 417 can encompass a portion of the contents 405 while the secondary portion 419 can fold over the top of the contents 405. The main portion 417 can comprise a main top side, a main bottom side, a main right side and a main left side. The main portion 417 can comprise one or more connector 421 and one or more connection points 423. The secondary portion 419 can be integrally formed with the main portion 417 and separated by a membrane wall 429. The secondary portion 419 can extend from a position of the main top side. The secondary portion 419 can comprise one or more connector 421 that interfaces with a one or more connection points 423 on the main portion 417.

In such embodiment wherein the content 405 refers to a golf bag and golf clubs, the support can be positioned around the golf club heads as a whole and positioned between the individual golf club heads. This prevents the rattling and shifting of the golf club heads, reducing the likelihood and extent of damage In such embodiments, the support 415 can extend through the golf club heads to prevent the golf club heads from shifting relative to each other. In such embodiments, the support 415 can comprise a length that allows the support 415 to be positioned in a serpentine manner through the golf club heads. The support 415 can additionally wrap around the golf club heads providing protection from external forces while still preventing the golf club heads from shifting relative to each other.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the support 415 is secured to the internal chamber of the luggage bag. The support 415 can comprise a support connector 421. The connector 421 can be a zipper, Velcro, one or more buttons, one or more snaps, and any other acceptable mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, the internal chamber can provide one or more internal connection points that interface with the support connector 421, securing the support 415 within the internal chamber. The support 415 can maintain relative positioning of the content, such that the support 415 reduces the available volume for the content within the luggage bag 10. The content is then less likely to shift, resulting in a reduction in the force and frequency of impact and, as a result, reduces the likelihood and extent of damage.

Referring to FIGS. 37A-38B, the interior chamber 404 of the luggage bag can further comprise sheaths 455 (FIG. 38b) that can retain alignment sticks 453. These sheaths 455 define pockets 457 configured to receive alignment sticks 453 and retain them against the luggage bag cover. The alignment sticks 453 can be used to provide additional structure to the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone, thereby preventing collapse, as shown in FIGS. 38a (luggage bag without alignment sticks) and 38b (luggage bag with alignment sticks 453). The alignment sticks 453 can also be used to indirectly secure the support 415 to the luggage bag 400, as described in depth below. The alignment sticks 453 can further create a skeleton or cage to create rigidity and prevent the luggage bag from collapsing into the contents 405 of the bag. The alignment sticks 453 will flex slightly but remain rigid to minimize the movement of the luggage. The alignment sticks 453 sufficiently increase the protective strength of the luggage bag in the panel zones that house the most vulnerable content (i.e., the golf club head). While this embodiment is discussed separately from the luggage bag 10, 200, 300 disclosed herein, it should be appreciated that the sheaths 455 can be incorporated into any of the embodiments of the luggage bag 10, 200, 300 to provide a system that provides additional structure to the fourth and fifth panel zone while maintaining a compact and lightweight frame.

In some embodiments, the sheaths 455 can be positioned on the internal side of the back portion 26. In other embodiments, the sheaths 455 can be positioned on the fold between the back portion 26 and the side portions 30, 32. The sheaths 455 can further comprise a top end and a bottom end. The top end is open and can be configured to receive the alignment stick. The bottom end can be closed and configured to ensure the alignment stick does not extend past the sheath bottom end. In some embodiments, the bottom end can be positioned in the first panel zone. In other embodiments, the bottom end can be positioned in the second panel zone. In some embodiments, the top end can be positioned in the fourth panel zone. In other embodiments, the top end can be positioned in the fifth panel zone.

In some embodiments the sheaths 455 can be continuous. In other embodiments, the sheaths 455 can be discontinuous, such as a plurality of sheath segments. The configuration of the sheaths 455 allows the alignments sticks to be easily affixed to and removed from the luggage bag cover, providing additional structure to the panel zones that house the most vulnerable content (i.e., the golf club head). Further, the sheaths 455 provide a place to house the alignment sticks 453 when travelling. This removes the alignment sticks 453 from the golf bag ensuring the alignment sticks 453 do not damage the golf club heads by rattling against them during transport.

The sheaths 455 can further comprise a sheath length measured from the sheath top end to the sheath bottom end. The sheath length can be between 75 cm and 115 cm. The sheath length can be between 75 cm and 80 cm, 80 cm and 85 cm, 85 cm and 90 cm, 90 cm and 95 cm, 95 cm and 100 cm, 100 cm and 105 cm, 105 cm and 110 cm, or 110 cm and 115 cm. The sheath length can ensure the alignment sticks 453 remain in the desired position while still allowing a portion of the alignment sticks 453 to protrude from the top end allowing for easy insertion and removal.

In some embodiments, the alignment sticks 453 can be fixed relative to the luggage bag 400 and the support 415 can be fixed relative to the alignment sticks 453, thereby indirectly fixing the support 415 relative to the luggage bag 400. As previously mentioned, the support 415 can comprise a connector 421 facilitating a connection between the support 415 and the alignment sticks 453. The connector 421 can be a zipper, Velcro, one or more buttons, one or more snaps, and any other acceptable mechanical fasteners. In such embodiments the support 415 can comprise one or more connector 421 in the form of straps that warp around the alignments sticks and then connect to one or more connection points 423 on the support 415. In other embodiments, the support 415 can be directly fixed to the luggage bag 400. Specifically, the internal chamber 404 can provide one or more internal connection points 423 that interface with the support connector 421, securing the support 415 within the internal chamber 404.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-6, the luggage bag 10 includes a plurality of handles 70 to assist with lifting and otherwise carrying the luggage bag 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, a first handle 70a is connected to the front portion 22 in the first panel zone 50a proximate or near the base 14 to provide a user a location to grasp near the base 14. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a plurality of second handles 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e are respectively connected to the front portion 22, back portion 26, first side portion 30, and second side portion 34. The second handles 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e are illustrated in the same horizontal plane around the luggage bag 10, approximately 70 cm to 90 cm from the base 14 (or surface on which the base 14 is positioned). In other embodiments, the second handles 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e may be offset, staggered, or positioned on panels 86 in other panel zones 50, and at various distances from the base 14 (or surface on which the base 14 is positioned). In addition, fewer or more than four second handles 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e may be connected to luggage bag 10. The first handle 70a and second handles 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e may be any suitable handle for use with luggage. In the illustrated embodiments, the handles 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e are formed of a durable fabric, and include a handle wrap. In other embodiments, the handles 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e may be formed of any suitable materials.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 5, and 6, the luggage bag 10 includes a rolling handle 74 provided on a panel or top back panel 78 on the back side 26 within the top panel zone 50e. In the illustrated embodiment, the rolling handle 74 projects away from the back side 26, and is located adjacent or towards the end edge 54 (see FIG. 8) of the panel 78. In other embodiments, the handle 74 may be located at any desired location along the panel 78. The rolling handle 74 is shown as reinforced with a rubber handle wrap but can be any other suitable handle for use with luggage bag 10. In yet other embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the rolling handle 74 may instead be positioned on the arcuate face 66. Alternatively, the luggage bag 10 may include two rolling handles 74, with one positioned on the panel 78 (for example the position illustrated in FIG. 4A) and the other on the arcuate face 66 (for example the position illustrated in FIG. 4B).

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the luggage bag 10 includes a bumper in the form of rails 82 positioned on a panel or bottom back panel 86 within the second panel zone 50b, adjacent but separate from the base 14. The rails 82 extend upward, away from the base 14 and provide protection against luggage damage when the luggage bag 10 is pulled over a curb or other uneven surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the rails 82 are arranged on the single panel 86 and do not extend to any adjacent panel or to the base 14, thereby facilitating collapsibility of the luggage bag 10 (further detailed below). In one or more examples of embodiments, the rails 82 are approximately 20 cm to 30 cm long with a width of approximately 2 cm to 5 cm. In other embodiments the rails 82 may be any length or width suitable for providing protection against damage to the luggage bag 10 while facilitating collapsibility of the luggage bag 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the luggage bag 10 includes three total rails 82, with outermost first and second rails 82 in respective vertical alignment with wheels 136a, 136b. A third middle rail 82 is approximately equidistant from the outermost rails 82. In other embodiments, any suitable number of rails 82 may be implemented, for example two rails 82 or four or more rails 82. In yet other embodiments, additional bumpers, or rails 82 may be positioned on other panels, including in the first or bottom panel zone 50a or on the base 14.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an alternative embodiment of the luggage bag 10 having a bumper or bumper assembly 180 that extends from the base 14 along a portion of the cover 18. The bumper 180 includes rails 182 that removably engage a corresponding rail extension 186 projecting from the base 14. The combination of the rails 182 and rail extensions 186 provide protection against luggage damage when the luggage bag 10 is pulled over a curb or other uneven surface by providing a bumper that continuously or directionally extends from the base 14 along a portion of the cover 18, while also facilitating collapsibility of the luggage bag 10 through disengagement of the rails 182 from the rail extensions 186. While the illustrated embodiment depicts the plurality of rails 182 and the plurality of corresponding rail extensions 186 as three rails 182 and three rail extensions 186, in other embodiments, the plurality of rails 182 may include any number of rails 182 (e.g., two to six or more) and the plurality of rail extensions 186 may include any corresponding number of rail extensions 186 (e.g., two to six or more).

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, the rails 182 are illustrated as a plurality of rails 182a, b, c positioned on a panel or bottom back panel 86 within the second panel zone 50b. Each rail 182a, b, c is coupled to the panel 86 by one or more attachment members, illustrated as a plurality of rivets through each rail 182a, b, c. In other embodiments, the rails 182a, b, c can be attached to the panel 86 by any suitable attachment member. Each rail 182a, b, c defines a channel 190 (best shown in FIG.

6C). The channel 190 may further be defined by an clongated portion 194 of the rail 182a, b, c (shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D), which is integrally formed with the rail 182a, b, c. The rails 182a, b, c extend from the panel 86 in the second panel zone 50b towards the base 14, crossing the fold 42 between the first and second panel zones 50a, b into the first panel zone 50a. More specifically, the elongated portion 194 of each rail 182a, b, c crosses the fold 42 between the first and second panel zones 50a, b and into the first panel zone 50a. Each rail 182 is approximately 1.9 inches wide, but in other embodiments may be anywhere from 1.5 inches to 3.0 inches or more wide.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, the rail extensions 186 are illustrated as a plurality of rail extensions 186a, b, c that are positioned on and project away from the base 14. In the embodiment shown, the rail extensions 186a, b, c are each generally in alignment with and project towards the corresponding rails 182a, b, c. The outermost rail extensions 186a, c are further generally aligned with respective wheels 136a, b of the base 14, while the intermediate rail extension 186b is between, and may be centered between, the outermost rail extensions 186a, c.

Each rail extension 186a, b, c includes a projection 198a, b, c (shown in FIGS. 6C-6D). Each projection 198 is approximately 1.5 inches wide, but in other embodiments may be anywhere from 1.2 inches to 2.0 inches or more wide, and more specifically may be any width that is complementary to an associated rail 182 in order to facilitate engagement between the rail 182 and the projection 198. Each rail extension 186 extends approximately 1.8 inches from the base 14, with the projection 198 being approximately 0.6 inches (or 33% of the rail extension 186 length). In other embodiments, the length of the rail extension 186 may be any suitable length, and the corresponding length of the projection 198 may be any suitable length or percentage of the rail extension 186 length.

Each of the rails 182a, b, c removably engages a corresponding rail extension 186a, b, c. More specifically, each projection 198a, b, c is removably received by the elongated portion 194 of the channel 190 of a corresponding rail 182a, b, c to form the bumper 180, which continuously extends from the base 14 along a portion of the cover 18 when the luggage bag 10 is in the upright position illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B (or a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1). While the illustrated embodiment discloses the removable engagement in the form of the rails 182a, b, c receiving a portion of a corresponding rail extension 186a, b, c, in other embodiments any suitable removable engagement between the rails 182 and rail extensions 186 can be used. For example, the rail extensions 186 may alternatively define a respective channel having a size suitable to receive a portion of a corresponding rail 182. As another example, each rail 182 may removably couple to a corresponding rail extension 186 by a connection member (e.g., a snap button, an interference fit, or other suitable fastener). In yet another embodiment, a combination of removable engagement as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D together with the use of one or more connection members may be employed.

To facilitate collapsibility of the luggage bag 10, each of th7e rails 182a, b, c disengages a corresponding rail extension 186a, b, c when the luggage bag 10 is in a collapsed, folded position (or a collapsed configuration) as illustrated in FIGS. 6C-6D. To disengage each rail 182a, b, c from the corresponding rail extension 186a, b, c, the user collapses the panel 86 having the attached rails 182a, b, c along the fold 42. The rails 182a, b, c disengage from the associated rail extensions 186a, b, c, as the rails 182a, b, c separate from the associated projections 198a, b, c during collapse of the cover 18. In other embodiments, the rails 182a, b, c may disengage from the associated rail extensions 186a, b, c by sliding, pivoting, lifting away, or otherwise through any suitable manner of separating the rails 182a, b, c from the rail extensions 186a, b, c.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the luggage bag 10 includes a storage pocket 90 on the front portion 22, more specifically on a panel or bottom front panel 94 within the second panel zone 50b, adjacent but separate from the base 14. Referring to FIG. 27A, in some embodiments, the storage pocket 90 is located on the front portion 322, above the sub panel 347, as discussed in more detail below. The storage pocket 90 includes a zipper, zip fastener, or any other suitable fastener to permit access to the inside of the storage pocket 90. In other embodiments, the storage pocket 90 can be located on another panel on the front, back, first side, or second side portions 22, 26, 30, 34. In addition, more than one storage pocket 90 may be located on the luggage bag 10. To facilitate collapsibility of the luggage bag 10, the storage pocket 90 is arranged on a single panel, and does not extend to any adjacent panel or to the base 14.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the back portion 26 is integrally formed with the first side portion 30 and second side portion 34. For example, the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 can be stitched together or otherwise connected or formed as a unitary portion of cover 18. In some embodiments, a connection member 98 (sec also FIGS. 4A-B) in the form of a zip fastener or zipper separates the front portion 22 from the first and second side portions 30, 34 and the back portion 26. In such an embodiment, a first portion of the connection member 98 defines a portion of a perimeter of the front portion 22, while a second portion of the connection member 98 defines a portion of a perimeter of the first and second side portions 30, 34, and extends along the arcuate edges 58a, 58b to the end edge 54 of the back portion 26. The connection member 98 thus removably connects the front portion 22 to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34. In some embodiments, the connection member 98 further separates the first and second side portions 30, 34 from the base 14. In such an embodiment, the connection member 98 thus removably connects the front portion 22 to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34, and further removably connects the first and second side portions 330, 334 from the base 314.

It should be appreciated that the connection member 98 may be any suitable device or assembly for connecting the front portion 22 to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34, including, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, a zip fastener, or a fly fastener. In addition, while the connection member 98 is illustrated in FIGS. 44A-B with two, opposing sliders 100a, 100b (such as in a two-way or a double-separating zip fastener), in other embodiments the connection member 98 may include one slider, or three or more sliders.

When the front portion 22 is connected to or engaged with the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 (as shown in FIG. 1), the portions 22, 26, 30, 34 define an interior chamber 102 for receiving items for transport. The front portion 22 may be selectively or partially disconnected or disengaged from the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 so that a user has various degrees of access to the interior chamber 102. In FIG. 8, the luggage bag 10 is shown in the upright position with only a part of the front portion 22 connected or engaged with the first side and second side portions 30, 34 by one or more connection members 98 (hereinafter referred to as connection member 98), thereby partially exposing the interior chamber 102. By partially exposing the interior chamber 102, a user may place and position items into the interior chamber 102 while the luggage bag 10 remains in the upright position (or is otherwise free standing).

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the luggage bag 10 is provided in the partial access or first standing access position. The front portion 22 is illustrated as bent over the fold 42 provided between panels in the second and third panel zones 50b, 50c. It should be appreciated that the front portion 22 may be selectively or partially disconnected from the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 as to allow any desired number of panel zones 50 to bend or fold over a desired fold 42 in the front portion 22 and thereby provide varying amounts of access to the interior chamber 102.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, components of the luggage bag 10 also fold or bend to form a butterfly opening, or second opening access position, in order to provide greater access to the interior chamber 102. In some embodiments, with the luggage bag 10 placed with the back portion 26 positioned on a floor or other supporting surface, the connection member 98 may be opened so that the front portion 22 is no longer connected with the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34, but remains connected to the base 14 to expose the interior chamber 102. In other embodiments, the connection member 98 may be opened so that the front portion 22 is no longer connected with the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34, and the first and second side portions are no longer connected with the base 14.

In some embodiments, the first and second side portions 30, 34 remain attached to the base 14. In these embodiments, the first and second side portions 30, 34 are then free to pivot or fold away from each other along the respective folds 42 (or seams) between the side portions 30, 34 and the back portion 26. As the first and second side portions 30, 34 fold away from each other, the portions 30, 34 are each at an oblique angle to the back portion 26. The panels of the side portions 30, 34 in the second panel zone 50b also fold about the angled folds 42a.

In some embodiments, the first and second side portions 330, 334 are detached from the base 14, as illustrated in FIG. 29. In these embodiments, as the first and second side portions 330, 334 fold away from each other, the portions 330, 334 can lie flat in a plane with the back portion 326. Once one or more items are placed into the interior chamber 102, the side portions 30, 34 are pivoted or folded towards each other, and the connection member 98 is reconnected (or closed), securing the front portion 22 to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34, and optionally securing the side portion 30, 34 to the base 14, thereby closing the interior chamber 102.

This butterfly opening allows for unobstructed insertion of large or bulky items into the interior chamber 102, as not only do the side portions 30, 34 pivot or fold away from each other, with the arcuate face 66 removed there is no lip or other edge structure that would obstruct or otherwise hinder insertion of items into the interior chamber 102. In other words, when the luggage bag bag is closed or opened in the manner shown in FIG. 8, the arcuate face 66 overlaps a portion of the base 14 to enclose the interior chamber 102. By opening the arcuate face 66 away from the side portions 30, 34 and back portion 26, and then pivoting or folding the side portions 30, 34 away from each other along folds 42, the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 thereby define a butterfly opening that provides ready access to the interior chamber 102 unobstructed by a portion of the cover 18. In other embodiments, the front portion 22 may be detachable or otherwise removable from the base 14.

With reference to FIGS. 10-15, the base 14 is illustrated in greater detail. The base 14 includes a bottom external surface 110 opposite an inside surface 114. The inside surface 114 is defined or surrounded by a front wall 122 opposite a back wall 126, and a first side wall 130 opposite a second side wall 134. The front wall 122 is located on the same side of the luggage bag 10 as the front portion 22, while the back wall 126 is provided on the same side of the luggage bag 10 as the back portion 26. As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first and second side walls 130, 134 increase in height from the front wall 122 to the back wall 126, with the height being the distance of the wall away from the bottom surface 110. In other embodiments, the first and second side walls 130, 134 may have a uniform height from the front wall 122 to the back wall 126. The inside surface 114 preferably defines a planar or substantially flat receiving surface substantially free of protrusions or other structural obstructions that may interfere with receipt of items into the inside surface 114 of the base 14.

The base 14 includes a pair of wheels or skate wheels 136a, 136b provided on the back wall 126 side. The skate wheels 136a, 136b do not swivel about the base 14, and extend beyond a plane defined by the back wall 126 such that a portion of each of the wheels 136a, 136b extends outside of the base footprint defined by the bottom surface 110 and walls 122, 126, 130, 134. The wheels 136a, 136b include a common axis of rotation 138 preferably offset from the bottom surface 110 and a plane defined by the back wall 126 and are configured to act as a fulcrum about which the luggage bag 10 pivots from the upright position (see FIGS. 1 and 8) to a tilted position (see FIG. 19). The bottom surface 110 also includes a curved portion 139 between the wheels 136a, 136b (shown in FIGS. 10 and 13) defined by a radius preferably in a range of 50 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably about 60 mm. The radius of the curved portion 139 provides a ground clearance zone between the wheels 136a, 136b and the bottom surface 110.

The base 14 further includes a pair of caster wheels 142a, 142b, which swivel about the base 14. The caster wheels 142a, 142b each preferably swivel 360 degrees about the base 14 around a swivel axis to allow the luggage bag 10 to roll in a controlled manner when in the upright position.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the wheels 136a, 136b are preferably separated by a first distance D₁ of approximately 330 mm between a point of rotation of each of the wheels 136a, 136b while the caster wheels 142a, 142b are preferably separated by a second distance D₂ of approximately 300 mm between a swivel axis of each of the wheels 142a, 142b. In other embodiments, the first and second distances D₁, D₂ can be any suitable or desired distance, with the first distance D₁ generally being greater than the second distance D₂. The wheels 136, 142 are positioned in the same plane, i.e., the wheels 136, 142 are positioned to contact a floor or other surface in the same horizontal plane. When the luggage bag 10 is in the upright position, both the non-swivel wheels 136a, 136b and the swivel wheels 142a, 142b remain in contact with the floor or other surface on which the luggage bag 10 is located. This contact by all wheels 136, 142 on the base 14 reduces the risk of unintended luggage movement while continuing to allow targeted rolling movement of the luggage bag 10. While the swivel wheels 142 permit directional movement of the luggage bag 10, the non-swivel wheels 136 act as a stop to help inhibit unintended luggage movement, for example if a person or object pushes (or applies a force) on one of the side portions 30, 34.

The luggage bag 10 is collapsible to reduce the storage footprint when not in use. The panels of the cover 18 fold along folds 42, 42a allowing the panels to be collapsed toward and at least partially received in the base 14. As referenced earlier, folds 42 are provided between adjacent or consecutive panels in each of the front, back, first side, and second side portions 22, 26, 30, 34. In addition, folds 42 are provided between panels of each adjacent or consecutive portion 26, 30, 34, such as between adjacent panels in a given panel zone 50. In some embodiments, the angled folds 42a, which are generally oblique to the base 14, also serve to facilitate collapsing luggage bag 10 toward base 14.

In some embodiments where the side portions 30, 34 remain attached to the base 14, to collapse the luggage bag 10, the connection member 98 is opened such that the front portion 22 is no longer secured to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34. Referring to FIGS, 16 and 17, in these embodiments, the front portion 22 is folded or bent along the folds 42 between panels, and then received in the base 14. The side portions 30, 34 are also folded or bent along angled folds 42a towards the base 14. The panel between the base 14 and folds 42a is then received by the base 14, followed by the panel on the opposite side of folds 42a. With the side portions 30, 34 positioned inward (or toward each other) to contact the back portion 26, if used, the rails 182 disengage from the rail extensions 186, and the remainder of the cover 18 folds along folds 42 and is partially received in the base 14 (see FIG. 17). In other embodiments, the cover 18 may be partially, substantially, or entirely received in the base 14.

In other embodiments, such as the luggage bag 300, the side portions 330, 334 are detached from the base 14, as discussed in more detail below. In such an embodiment, to collapse the luggage bag 300, the connection member 98 is opened such that the front portion 322 is no longer secured to the back, first side, and second side portions 326, 330, 334, and further opened such that the side portions 330, 334 are no longer secured to the base. Referring to FIGS. 31A-31C, in these embodiments, the front portion 322 is first folded along a sub panel 342b and further folded along the folds 342 between panels 346, and then received in the base 314. The side portions 330, 334 are folded inwards towards the back portion 326 and then fully received by the base 314. To further secure the cover 318 into the base 314, the luggage bag 300 includes a clip 371 attached to the base 314 that is received within a loop attached to the back portion 326, as illustrated in FIG. 30.

In some embodiments, in this collapsed, folded position, the luggage bag 10 itself may be received in a storage bag 106 (see FIGS. 18A-B) for storage until later use. While the cover 18 remains in the collapsed, folded position by way of the illustrated arrangement of panels and folds, the luggage bag 10 may include additional devices or assemblies to assist in retaining the luggage bag 10 in the collapsed, folded position for orderly storage. In some embodiments, the luggage bag 10 can include a simple strap or other device to maintain the cover 18 in the collapsed position and avoid an unintentional unraveling of the cover 18 from the collapsed position (for example by an unintended dropping of the collapsed, folded luggage bag 10). Such a simple strap may include a single strap or bungee-like cord that extends around a portion of the base 14 and cover 18 to assist in maintaining the cover in the collapsed, folded position.

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of a storage bag 160 for receiving the luggage bag 10 when the luggage bag 10 is in a collapsed or folded position. The storage bag 160 comprises a front panel 161, a back panel 162, a first side panel 163, a second side panel 164, a bottom panel 165, and two handles 166. The front panel 161, the back panel 162, the first side panel 163, the second side panel 164, and the bottom panel 165 each comprise a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape. Together, the panels form a box-like shape. The front, back, first side, and second side panels 161, 162, 163, and 164 are aligned perpendicular to the bottom panel 165. The first and second side panels 163 and 164 are aligned perpendicular to the front and back panels 161 and 162. A top of the storage bag 160 comprises a perimeter formed by edges of the front, back, first side, and second side panels 161, 162, 163, and 164.

The storage bag 160 comprises a height, measured orthogonal to the bottom panel from the bottom panel to the top perimeter of the storage bag 160. The height can range from 30 to 60 cm. In some embodiments, the height ranges from 30 to 40 cm, 35 to 45 cm, 40 to 50 cm, 45 to 55 cm, or 50 cm to 60 cm. In some embodiments, the height can be 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, 50 cm, 51 cm, 52 cm, 53 cm, 54 cm, 55 cm, 56 cm, 57 cm, 58 cm, 59 cm, or 60 cm. The storage bag 160 comprises a width, measured parallel to an intersection between the bottom panel 165 and the front panel 161. The width can range from 35 to 55 cm. In some embodiments, the width ranges from 35 to 45 cm, 40 to 50 cm, or 45 to 55 cm. In some embodiments, the width can be 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, 50 cm, 51 cm, 52 cm, 53 cm, 54 cm, or 55 cm. The storage bag 160 comprises a depth, measured parallel to an intersection between the bottom panel 165 and the first side panel 163. The depth ranges from 30 to 50 cm. In some embodiments, the depth ranges from 30 to 40 cm, 35 to 45 cm, or 40 to 50 cm. In some embodiments, the height can be 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, or 50 cm.

The storage bag 160 can further comprise handles 166. In some embodiments, a first handle is connected to the first side panel 163, and a second handle is connected to the second side panel 164. Additionally, in some embodiments, the top perimeter of the storage bag comprises a channel for receiving and retaining a drawstring. In these embodiments, the drawstring extends through an opening in the channel adjacent the front panel 161.

Each panel 161, 162, 163, 164 and 165 of the storage bag 160 can be formed of a polyethylene board material [(C₂H₂)_nH₂], a foam material, a cloth material, or a combination thereof. The polyethylene board material may be any industry standard grade, including, but not limited to, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), ultra-low molecular weight polyethylene (ULMWPE), high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), high-density cross-linked polyethylene (HDXLPE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), very-low density polyethylene (VLDPE), and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). In other embodiments, the panels 161, 162, 163, 164 and 165 may be formed of polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material. The composition of the storage bag 160 provides enough flexibility for the drawstring mechanism to partially collapse the storage bag 160 and hold in the collapsed luggage bag 10. However, the panels 161, 162, 163, 164 and 165 of the storage bag 106 also provide a level of rigidity that allows the luggage bag to be stored in a box-shaped container.

Referring now to FIG. 19, in many embodiments the luggage bag 10 reduces strain on a user when in a tilted position or pivot position for rolling movement on the wheels 136. To reach the illustrated tilted position, a user pivots the luggage bag 10 about the axis of rotation 138 of wheels 136, for example with rolling handle 74. During the pivot, the front wall 122 end of the base 14 lifts away from the ground or surface 146. In addition, all swivel wheels 142 are lifted away from contact with the surface 146. The user then pulls on the handle 74, and the luggage bag 10 rolls on wheels 136. The positioning of the handle 74 on the back portion 26 advantageously reduces strain on a wrist, hand, and arm of the user pulling (or applying a pulling force to) the luggage bag 10 as the handle 74 location is further away or offset from the wheels 136 in a pulling direction, reducing the force A_f applied by the user to overcome the load force L_f of the luggage bag 10. In addition, a portion of the luggage bag 10 rests on the hand, wrist, and/or arm of the user as the user pulls the luggage bag 10 in the tilted position, reducing the application of luggage weight to a user's hand, wrist, and arm.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, in some embodiments of the luggage bag 10, the interior chamber 102 further comprises an internal cover 150. The internal cover 150 can serve to further add protection and padding around golf club heads that are stored within the luggage bag 10. The internal cover 150 is shaped to fit within a top portion of the interior chamber 102 of the luggage bag 10. The internal cover 150 comprises a front panel 151, a first side panel 153, a second side panel 154, and a back panel 152. The front panel 151 curves to also form a top of the internal cover 150. The internal cover 150 further comprises an opening generally facing towards the base of the luggage bag 10. The internal cover 150 is attached to the luggage bag 10 only along one seam of the internal cover. The attached seam 155 is between the front panel and the rear panel, adjacent the top of the internal cover 150. The back panel 152 of the internal cover 150 can comprise a height, measured vertically, between 15 cm and 30 cm. For example, the back panel height of the internal cover can be 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the back panel 152 is approximately 22 cm. The first and second side panels 153, 154 can each comprise a depth, measured parallel to the ground plane and roughly orthogonal to the back panel 152. The first side panel depth equals the second side panel depth. The depth of the side panels 153, 154 can range between 10 cm and 25 cm. For example, the depth of the side panels 153, 154 can be 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, or 25 cm. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the side panels 153, 154 is approximately 16 cm. The front and back panels 151, 152 can each comprise a width, measured parallel to the ground plane and roughly orthogonal to the side panels 153, 154. In most embodiments, the front and back panel widths are the same. The front and back panel widths can range between 15 cm and 30 cm. For example, the front and back panel widths can be 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm. In the illustrated embodiment, the front and back panel width is approximately 22 cm.

To prevent rattling and shifting of the golf club heads, the opening of the internal cover 150 comprises a perimeter draw string mechanism 156. The draw string mechanism 156 can comprise a string, a cord, a rope, a cord lock, a hem, a casing, loops, or other draw string mechanism elements known in the art. The perimeter draw string mechanism 156 secures the internal cover 150 around the golf club heads. In some embodiments, the internal cover 150 comprises fabric, foam, mesh, or other suitable padding material. In some embodiments, the internal cover 150 can receive the support 415, as discussed in depth above. In many embodiments, the internal cover 150 can comprise a thickness ranging between 0.05 cm and 2.0 cm, or between 0.5 and 1.5 cm. For example, the internal cover 150 can comprise a 1 cm thick open cell foam. In some embodiments, stitching is sewn across portions of the panels 151, 152, 153, and 154.

I. First Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the rolling collapsible luggage bag described herein. The example luggage bag 200 is similar to the luggage bag 10. In this embodiment, a first panel zone 250a, a second panel zone 250b, and a third panel zone 250c each comprise shapes relatively similar to the first panel zone 50a, second panel zone 50b, and third panel zone 50c, respectively, of the luggage bag 10. However, the fourth 250d and fifth panel 250e zones of the luggage bag 200 comprise a slightly different shape than the fourth panel zone 50d and fifth panel zone 50e of the luggage bag 10. From a front or rear view, illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the fourth 250d and fifth panel 250e zones both comprise trapezoidal shapes that taper more sharply than in the first described embodiment. In other words, a fourth width W₄ of luggage bag 200 is less than the fourth width W₄ of luggage bag 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the first panel zone 250a is approximately 6 cm, the height of the second panel zone 250b is 31.5 cm, the height of the third panel zone 250c is approximately 31.5, the height of the fourth panel zone 250d is approximately 31.5 cm, and the height of the fifth panel zone 250e is approximately 21.5 cm, when the heights are measured along a back portion 226. Additionally, from a side view, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the fourth panel zone 250d can comprise a side edge with an angle change roughly halfway up the height of the panel. A top of the side edge of the leads into the fifth panel zone, which has a roughly straight angled edge instead of an arcuate edge. The edge of the fifth panel zone also comprises a change in angle in order to provide a small flat top portion that engages a handle.

II. Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 27A-33 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the rolling collapsible luggage bag described herein. The luggage bag 300 includes a cover 318 that lies flat in the opened configuration to provide full access to the interior chamber 304. The luggage bag 300 can provide maximum access to the interior chamber 304 without compromising the ability to fully collapse. The luggage bag 300 is similar to the luggage bag 10 such that the luggage bag 300 includes a front flap 322, which is fully detachable from the back, first side, and second side portion 326, 330, 334. However, the first and second side portions 330, 334 are configured to fully detach from the base 314 to form a flat surface for a user to insert items into the luggage bag 300. Therefore, the luggage bag 300 provides the maximum amount of access to the interior chamber 304. The detachability of the side portions 330, 334 provides further benefits to the luggage bag 300 such as improved collapsibility and storage, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 27A, the front flap 322 is integrally formed with the base 314 and selectively removable from the back, first side, and second side portions 326, 330, 334 to provide access to the interior chamber 304. Further, the back portion 326 is integrally formed with the base, first side, and second side portions 314, 330, 334, similar to the luggage bag 10. The luggage bag 300 differs from the luggage bag 10 in that the first side portion 330 and the second side portion 334 are selectively removable from the base 314. When lying flat in the open configuration, the back, first side, and second side portions 326, 330, 334 form a flat surface that provides full access to the interior chamber 304, as illustrated in FIG. 29. In many previous designs, the back and side portions were not fully removable from the base, and therefore, did not provide maximum access to the interior chamber.

The luggage bag 300 comprises a plurality of panels 346 arranged into a plurality of panel zones 350. The construction and composition of the panels 346 of the luggage bag 300 are similar to the panels 46 of the luggage bag 10. The panels 346 of the luggage bag 300 each define a front height near the front portion 322, and a side height near the first and second side portions 330, 334. The height of the panels 346 within each zone 350 can be similar, or the height can vary. The main difference in the exemplary luggage bag 300 is the arrangement of the panels 346 within the panel zones 350. For example, in some panel zones 350, the panels 346 are stacked such that the panels 346 within the front portion, the back portion, and the first side, and second side portions 322, 326, 330, 334 are offset from one another, as illustrated in FIG. 27A. The offset of the panels allows the cover 318 to fully collapse into the base 314.

Referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the panels 346a within the first panel zone 350a have a first front panel height H_1F of approximately 11 cm, but as discussed above, the first panel height H₁ can vary depending on the size, shape, and/or orientation of the luggage bag 300. The panels 346a within the first panel zone 350a further have a first side panel height His that decreases from the front to the rear such that the panels 346a are taller near the front flap 322 and shorter near the back portion 326 to conform to the sloping height of the base 314, as discussed in more detail below. The first side panel height H_S1 can be approximately 5.0 cm, 5.5 cm, 6.0 cm, 6.5 cm, 7.0 cm, 7.5 cm, 8.0 cm, 8.5 cm, 9.0 cm, 9.5 cm, 10.0 cm, 10.5 cm, 11.0 cm, 11.5 cm, 12 cm, 12.5 cm, 13.0 cm, 13.5 cm, 14.0 cm, 14.5 cm, or 15.0 cm. In some embodiments, the first side panel height H_S1 can be less than 6.5 cm, 6.4 cm, 6.3 cm, 6.2 cm, 6.1 cm, or 6.0 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the first side panel height H_S1 can be greater than 6.5 cm, 6.6 cm, 6.7 cm, 6.8 cm, 6.9 cm, or 7.0 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In some embodiments, the first side panel height His tapers from between approximately 11 cm near the front flap 322 to approximately 2 cm near the back portion 326. The taper in the panels 346a from near the front flap 322 to near the back portion 326 creates triangular shaped panels near the first and second side portions 330, 334.

As discussed above, the luggage bag 300 utilizes a different collapsibility mechanism than the luggage bag 10. The main difference is in the configuration of the panels 346b within the second panel zone 350b. Referring to FIG. 28A, the panel 346b within the second panel zone 350b of the front flap 322 (the “main front panel 346b) comprises a sub panel 347. The sub panel 347 is located closer to the first panel zone 350a than the main front panel 346b. A sub fold 342b defines a boundary between the sub panel 347 and the main front panel 346b. To collapse the luggage bag 300, the front portion is first folded along the sub fold 342b such that the sub panel 347 is first received within the base 314.

Referring to FIG. 28A, the main front panel 346b defines a second main panel height H_2MF of approximately 25 cm. In some embodiments, the second main panel height H_2MF can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, or 40 cm. In some embodiments, the second main panel height H_2MF can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the second main panel height H_2MF can be greater than 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. The sub panel 347 defines a sub panel height H_2SF of approximately 12 cm. In some embodiments, the sub panel height H_2SF can be approximately 5.0 cm, 5.5 cm, 6.0 cm, 6.5 cm, 7.0 cm, 7.5 cm, 8.0 cm, 8.5 cm, 9.0 cm, 9.5 cm, 10.0 cm, 10.5 cm, 11.0 cm, 11.5 cm, 12 cm, 12.5 cm, 13.0 cm, 13.5 cm, 14.0 cm, 14.5 cm, or 15.0 cm. In some embodiments, the sub panel height H_2SF can be less than 6.5 cm, 6.4 cm, 6.3 cm, 6.2 cm, 6.1 cm, or 6.0 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the sub panel height H_2SF can be greater than 6.5 cm, 6.6 cm, 6.7 cm, 6.8 cm, 6.9 cm, or 7.0 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10.

Referring again to FIG. 28A, the main front panel 346b within the second panel zone 350b and the sub panel 347 define a combined second front panel height H_2F of approximately 40 cm. In some embodiments, the second front panel height H_2F can be less than 50 cm. In some embodiments, the second front panel height H_2F can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, or 50 cm. In some embodiments, the second front panel height H_2F can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the second front panel height H_2F can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10.

The sub panel height H_2SF is approximately the same as the height of the base 314, thereby allowing the sub panel 347 to fold into the base 314 and rest against a front wall of the base, as illustrated in FIG. 31A. The sub panel 347 raises the height of the main front panel 346b, such that the main front panel 346b is located at an offset from the panels 346b near the first and second side portions 330, 334, as illustrated in FIG. 27A.

In addition to the sub panel 347, the panels 346b within the first and second side portions 330, 334 further differ from those of the luggage bag 10. Specifically, the panels 346b do not include an angled fold as in the previous embodiments (see FIG. 6). Instead, the panels 346b near the first and second side portions 330, 334 each comprise a single panel. The single panel can prevent buckling within the second panel zone 350b, thereby preventing wear within the panels 346b at the intersection between the base 314 and the cover 318. Wearing occurred in a similar area of the panels in a previous design, where the side panels were not fully removable from the base. In other embodiments, the angled fold can help facilitate the collapsibility of the cover. The luggage bag 300, however, utilizes a different collapsibility mechanism, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 28B, the panels 346b within the second panel zone 350b further have a second side panel height H_2S that increases from the front to the rear such that the panels 346b are taller near the back portion 326 and shorter near the front flap 322. In some embodiments, the second side panel height H_2S can be less than 50 cm. In some embodiments, the second side panel height H2s can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, 40 cm, 41 cm, 42 cm, 43 cm, 44 cm, 45 cm, 46 cm, 47 cm, 48 cm, 49 cm, or 50 cm. In some embodiments, the second side panel height H_2S can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the second side panel height H_2S can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In one exemplary embodiment, the second side panel height H_2S increases from approximately 30 cm near the front flap 322 to approximately 36.5 cm near the back portion 326.

The taper of the panels 346b within the second panel zone 350b follows the contour of the first panel zone panel 350a near the first and second side portions 330, 334. Referring to FIG. 27A, the height increase in the panels 346b of the second panel zone 350b creates trapezoidal panels near the first and second side portions 330, 334.

As discussed above, the luggage bag 300 comprises a first panel zone 350a and a second panel zone 350b that differ from the first panel zone 50a and a second panel zone 50b of the luggage bag 10. The luggage bag 300 further comprises a third panel zone 350c, a fourth panel zone 350d, and a fifth panel zone 350e each comprise shapes relatively similar to the first panel zone 50a, second panel zone 50b, and third panel zone 50c, respectively, of the luggage bag 10.

Referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the panels 346c within the third panel zone 350c have a third front panel height H_3F of approximately 25 cm. In some embodiments, the third front panel height H_3F can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, or 40 cm. In some embodiments, the third front panel height H_3F can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the third front panel height H_3F can be greater than 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. The panels 346c within the third panel zone 350c further have a third side panel height H_3S of approximately 33.5 cm. In some embodiments, the third side panel height H_3S can be 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, 35 cm, 36 cm, 37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, or 40 cm. In some embodiments, the third side panel height H_3S can be less than 40 cm, 39 cm, 38 cm, 37 cm, 36 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the third side panel height H_3S can be greater than 30 cm, 31 cm, 32 cm, 33 cm, 34 cm, or 35 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. Similar to the panels 346b of the second panel zone 350b, the panel 346c near the front flap 322 is located at an offset from the panels 346c near the first and second side portions 330, 334, as illustrated in FIG. 27A. The heights H_3F, H_3S remain substantially constant such that the panels 346c are rectangular.

Referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the panels 346d within the fourth panel zone 350d have a fourth front panel height H_4F of approximately 25 cm. The panels 346d within the fourth panel zone 350d further have a fourth side panel height Has of approximately 33.5 cm. Similar to the panels 346b of the second panel zone 350b, the panel 346d near the front flap 322 is located at an offset from the panels 346d near the first and second side portions 330, 334, as illustrated in FIG. 27A. The heights H_4F, H_4S remain substantially constant such that the panels 346d are rectangular.

Referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the panels 346e within the fifth panel zone 350e have a fifth front panel height H_SF and a fifth side panel height H_5S of approximately 20 cm. In some embodiments, the fifth front panel height H_5F can be 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm. In some embodiments, the fifth front panel height H_5F can be less than 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm, 27 cm, 26 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. In other embodiments, the fifth front panel height H_5F can be greater than 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, or 25 cm based on the size, shape, or orientation of the luggage bag 10. The panels 346c within the fifth panel zone 350e are substantially similar to the panels 46e within the fifth panel zone 50c of the luggage bag 10 with regard to panel type, positioning, and shape.

The luggage bag 300 is similar to the luggage bag 10, but for the differences in the panel configuration, and panel heights. The panels 346 of the luggage bag 300 define similar widths, depths, and thicknesses as the panels 46 of the luggage bag 10. The luggage bag 300 further includes a plurality of handles 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d, 370c, and 374 similar to the handles of the luggage bag 10.

Referring to FIG. 27A, the luggage bag 300 further comprises a storage pocket 390 located on the front portion 322. The storage pocket 390 is located above the sub panel 347 on the main front panel 346b. To facilitate collapsibility of the luggage bag 300, the storage pocket 390 remains within the main front panel 346b and does not extend to any adjacent panel. In other words, the storage pocket 390 does not cross over the folds 342, and therefore, does not hinder the collapsibility of the luggage bag 300.

In some embodiments, the luggage bag 300 further comprises one or more inner pockets formed near the interior chamber 304. Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, the luggage bag 300 can comprise a first inner pocket 379 near the first side portion 330, and a second inner pocket 381 near the second side portion 334. The one or more inner pockets 379, 381 can be formed from mesh or can be zipper pockets. In some embodiments, the one or more inner pockets 379, 381 can extend over the folds 342 such that the inner pockets 379, 381 extend into multiple panel zones 350, as illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33. In other embodiments, the inner pockets 379, 381 do not extend into multiple panel zones 350, as illustrated in FIG. 29. The inner pockets 379, 381 can be accessed while the luggage bag 300 is in the open configuration.

FIG. 29 illustrates the luggage bag 300 in the opened configuration in which clubs can be stored. Similar to the luggage bag 10, the back portion 326 is integrally formed with the first side portion 330, the second side portion 334, and the base 314. However, in contrast to the luggage bag 10, the first and second side portions 330, 334 are not formed integrally with the base 314. As such, the first side portion 330 defines a first bottom edge 355, and the second side portion defines a second bottom edge 357. The first and second bottom edges 355, 357 each define a portion of the perimeter of the first and second side portions 330, 334, respectively. To open the luggage bag 300, the connection member 398 (see also FIGS. 4A-B) separates the front portion 322 from the first and second side portions 330, 334 and the back portion 326. The connection member 398 further separates the first and second side portions 330, 334 from the base 314. A first portion of the connection member 398 defines a portion of a perimeter of the front portion 322, while a second portion of the connection member 398 defines a portion of a perimeter of the first and second side portions 330, 334, extends along the first and second bottom edges 355, 357. The connection member 398 thus removably connects the front portion 322 to the back, first side, and second side portions 326, 330, 334, and further removably connects the first and second side portions 330, 334 from the base 314. Since the first and second bottom edges 355, 357 are not formed integrally with the base 314, they allow the first and second side portions 330, 334 to open away from the base 314. Similar to the luggage bag 10, the front portion 322 of the luggage bag 300 can be selectively or partially disconnected or disengaged from the back, first side, and second side portions 326, 330, 334 so that a user has various degrees of access to the interior chamber 304.

While the connection mechanism of the front flap 322 is similar to that of the luggage bag 10, the luggage bag 300 includes an improved butterfly opening of the luggage bag 300. Referring again to FIG. 29, the first and second side portions 330, 334 fold or bend to form a flat surface, or second opening access position, in order to provide greater access to the interior chamber 304. With the luggage bag 300 placed with the back portion 326 positioned on a floor or other supporting surface, the connection member 398 can be opened so that the front portion 322 is no longer connected with the back portion 326, the first side portion 330, and the second side portion 334 to expose the interior chamber 304. The connection member can further be opened so that the first and second side portions are no longer connected with the base 314. The first and second side portions 330, 334 are then free to pivot or fold away from each other along the respective folds 342 (or seams) between the side portions 330, 334 and the back portion 326.

In the open configuration, the first and second side portions 330, 334 lie flat in a plane with the back portion 326. This flat, mat-like opening allows for unobstructed insertion of large or bulky items into the interior chamber 304 as there is no lip or other edge structure that would obstruct or otherwise hinder insertion of items into the interior chamber 304. Therefore, the luggage bag 300 provides the maximum allowable access to the interior chamber 304.

Once one or more items are placed into the interior chamber 304, the side portions 330, 334 are pivoted or folded towards each other, and the connection member 398 is reconnected (or closed), securing the first and second side portions 330, 334 to the base, and further securing the front portion 322 to the back, first side, and second side portions 326, 330, 334, thereby closing the interior chamber 304. In many prior art luggage bags, the cover is arranged with a single connection member or a zipper through a middle section. In these embodiments, the user has to maneuver a golf bag through a single, central opening of the luggage bag, and further maneuver the zipper around the golf bag to enclose the interior cavity. The luggage bag 300, however, allows the user to place items on to a flat surface (the flattened back and first and second side portions 326, 330, 334) and to easily reconnect each portion to enclose the interior chamber 304.

The base 314 of the luggage bag 300 is similar to the base 14 of the luggage bag 10. Specifically, the height of the base 314 increases from near the front portion 322 to near the back portion 326. However, the base 314 can be slightly taller near the front portion 322 to facilitate collapsibility, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the height of the base can be 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm, or 30 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the height of the base 314 is 16.2 cm near the front portion 322.

The luggage bag 300 is collapsible to reduce the storage footprint when not in use. The panels 346 of the cover 318 fold along folds 342, 342b allowing the panels 346 to be collapsed toward and received in the base 314. The folds 342 are provided between adjacent or consecutive panels in each of the front, back, first side, and second side portions 322, 326, 330, 334. In addition, folds 342 are provided between panels of each adjacent or consecutive portion 326, 330, 334, such as between adjacent panels in a given panel zone 350.

FIGS. 31A-31C illustrate the collapsibility of the luggage bag 300. The collapsibility of the luggage bag 300 slightly differs from that of the luggage bag 10. First, the luggage bag 300 does not include an angled fold within the second panel zone 350b to facilitate the collapsibility of the first and second side portions 330, 334. Rather, the front portion 322 of the luggage bag 300 further comprises a sub fold 342b that allows the sub panel 347 to collapse inward toward the base 314.

To collapse the luggage bag 300, the connection member 398 is opened such that the front portion 322 is no longer secured to the back, first side, and second side portions 326, 330, 334, and further opened such that the side portions 330, 334 are no longer secured to the base. Referring to FIG. 31A, the front portion 322 is first folded along the sub fold 342b such that the sub panel 347 is the first panel received within the base 314. The front portion 322 is further folded along the folds 342 between panels 346, and then received in the base 314. The side portions 330, 334 are folded inwards towards the back portion 326 and received by the base 314. If used, the rails 382 disengage from the rail extensions 386, and the remainder of the cover 318 folds along folds 342 and is partially received in the base 314 (see FIGS. 31A-31C).

The luggage bag 300 utilizes a self-storage function and does not require an additional storage bag to assist in retaining the luggage bag 300 in the collapsed, folded position for orderly storage. Referring to FIG. 30, this self-storage function is facilitated by a clip 371 positioned on the base 314 that is received within a loop 375 positioned on the back portion 326. In the collapsed position, the clip 371 engages the loop 375 to compress the cover 318 into the base 314. The clip 371 is secured to the base via a first strap 373, which is attached to the base 314 near the front of the luggage bag 300. The loop 375 is secured to the back portion 326 via a second strap 377, which is attached to the panel 346b near the back portion, as illustrated in FIG. 27B. The first and second straps 373, 377 can be sewn, or otherwise attached to the luggage bag 300. As discussed above, in the collapsed position, the cover 318 is received within the base such that the panel 346b near the back portion 326 is exposed to the exterior. As such, in the collapsed position, the loop 375 is proximate the clip 371, thereby allowing the user to easily hook the clip 371 within the loop 375 to compress the cover 318 within the base 314. When the luggage bag 300 is in the collapsed position, the luggage bag 300 is movable along the ground or a supporting surface via the wheels. Therefore, the user can utilize the handle 370a easily stow the luggage bag 300 in a low position.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

I. Method: Collapse

A method of manufacturing the luggage bag 10 includes providing the base 14, and coupling a first wheel 136a, a second wheel 136b, a third wheel 142a, and a fourth wheel 142b to the base 14. The method further includes attaching or securing the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 to the base 14. In addition, the method includes attaching or securing the front portion 22 to the base 14. The method also includes removably connecting the front portion 22 to the back, first side, and second side portions 26, 30, 34 by the connection member 98. It should be appreciated that the disclosed method of manufacturing is illustrative, and the method may be completed in any suitable order or sequence of steps. In addition, two or more manufacturing steps may be completed concurrently.

The rolling luggage bag 10 utilizes an improved wheel arrangement of non-swivel wheels 136 combined with swivel wheels 142 that all remain in contact with the floor or other surface when the luggage bag 10 is in the upright position, advantageously reducing the risk of unintended luggage movement while continuing to allow targeted rolling movement of the luggage bag 10 and reducing its overall weight. In addition, the positioning of the handle 74 also reduces user strain when the luggage bag 10 is rolled in a tilted position. Further, the user has unobstructed access to the interior chamber 304 defined by the luggage bag 10 through a butterfly opening, which additionally facilitates insertion and removal of large and/or bulky items. Moreover, the panels that define the front, back, first side, and second side portions 22, 26, 30, 34 fold along a plurality of folds 42 that separate adjacent panels. By folding, the portions 22, 26, 30, 34 cooperate to collapse into the base 14, reducing the storage footprint of the luggage bag 10 when not in use.

I. Method: Support Inflation

The support 415 can be self-inflated or manually inflated. In some embodiments, the support 415 can be optionally inflated by mouth or pump. In other embodiments, the support 415 can inflate autonomously when unfolded or when a mechanism is stimulated or engaged. In other embodiments, the support 415 does not require inflation, and instead comprises a foam or other padded material.

EXAMPLE

I. Example 1

Further described herein is a comparison between two luggage bags that utilized different collapsibility mechanisms. The results compared the effects that the panel construction and collapsibility mechanism had on the overall collapsibility of the bag. As discussed above, these variables can determine how much the golf bag is able to collapse for ease of storage.

The control golf bag comprised twenty-two total panels arranged in five panel zones, similar to the luggage bag illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. The panels of the control golf bag were arranged such that the side portions were permanently attached to the base. To open the control bag, the front portion was removed from the side portions, which pivoted or folded away from one another. Since the side portions were connected to the base, the control bag defined a butterfly opening, similar to that shown in FIGS. 8-9. The control bag also included an angled fold to facilitate the collapsibility of the bag. To collapse the control bag, the front portion was removed from the side portions, folded along the folds between each panel, and received within the base. The side portions were then folded along the angled folds towards the base, similar to the luggage bag illustrated in FIG. 17. In the collapsed position, the control bag was 43.8 cm wide, 33.6 cm deep, and 30.5 cm tall. In the upright position, the volume of the interior chamber of the control bag was 0.118 m³.

The exemplary golf bag comprised twenty-one total panels arranged in five panel zones, similar to the luggage bag illustrated in FIGS. 27A-28B. The panels of the exemplary bag were arranged such that the side portions were removable from the base, and the front portion included a sub-panel. To open the exemplary bag, the front portion was removed from the side portions, which folded away from one another. Since the side portions were removable from the base, the exemplary bag defined flat surface, similar to that shown in FIG. 29. To collapse the exemplary bag, the front portion was removed from the side portions, the sub-panel was received within the base, and the remaining panels were folded and received within the base. The side portions were then folded inward toward the back portion and received within the base, similar to the luggage bag illustrated in FIGS. 31A-31C. The exemplary bag included a clip that engaged with a loop to compress the cover into the base, similar to the luggage bag illustrated in FIG. 30. In the collapsed position, the exemplary bag was 43.8 cm wide, 33.6 cm deep, and 21.6 cm tall. In the upright position, the volume of the interior chamber of the control bag was 0.118 m³.

The comparison measured the volume of the interior chamber in the upright position and the volume and height of each golf bag in the collapsed position. The volume of the interior chamber is maximized for each golf bag to ensure that any golf bag can be retained within the interior chamber. The collapsed height and volume of the golf bag determines how easy it is to store the golf bag. The exemplary golf bag exemplified an ease of storage in comparison to the control bag, as discussed in further detail below.

TABLE 1
	Control Luggage	Exemplary Luggage
	Bag	Bag
Interior Chamber Volume [m3]	0.118	0.118
Collapsed Height [cm]	30.5	21.6
Collapsed Volume [cm3]	0.0448	0.0317

Referring to Table 1, the exemplary golf bag demonstrated improved collapsibility over the control bag. While the bags had a similar interior chamber volume of 0.118 m³ in the upright position, the exemplary bag demonstrated a smaller collapsed volume. Specifically, the control bag had a collapsed volume of 0.0448 m³ and the exemplary bag had a collapsed volume of 0.0317 m³ (29.2% smaller). Additionally, the exemplary bag was 8.9 cm shorter than the control bag in the collapsed position. The reduced height and volume of the exemplary luggage bag allows the bag to be stored more easily than the control bag. The improved performance of the exemplary golf bag was attributed to the panel construction and collapsibility mechanism.

As discussed above, the exemplary bag included side portions, which were fully detachable from the base. The side portions were then able to fully pivot inward toward the back portion before being received within the base. The exemplary bag further included a sub-panel on the front portion to help the front portion fit within the base. Together, the removable side portions and sub-panel optimized the storage capability of the base, resulting in a smaller collapsed height and volume. In contrast, the control bag included side portions that were permanently attached to the base, and the side portions were first folded along an angled fold before being received within the base. These angled folds did not optimize collapsibility, which led to the increase in the collapsed volume.

II. Example 2

Further described herein is a comparison between two luggage bags: a traditional collapsable luggage bag, illustrated in FIG. 38A, (hereafter alternately referred to as “the control bag”) and an exemplary collapsable luggage bag, illustrated in FIG. 38B (hereafter alternately referred to as “the exemplary bag”). The results compared the effect the additional structure applied to the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone had on the case of handling the bag, according to a user. As discussed above, the additional structure applied to the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone can prevent the collapsing of the fourth and fifth panel zone, improving the case of handling.

The traditional luggage bag and the exemplary luggage bag are identical except the exemplary luggage bag comprises sheaths. The sheaths are positioned on the internal side of the back portion. Each sheath is positioned adjacent to one of the folds between the back portion and the side portion. As discussed above, the sheaths define pockets configured to receive alignment sticks and retain them against the luggage bag. The alignment sticks can be used to provide additional structure to the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone, thereby preventing collapse.

The comparison measured the angle between the fourth panel zone and the fifth panel zone of each luggage bag in an engaged position. At a rest position the angle was 180°. The luggage bag was considered at rest when the base rested on the ground and the bag stood roughly vertical. The engaged position was achieved as follows: the user pivoted the luggage bag about the axis of rotation of wheels, using the rolling handle, during the pivot, the front wall end of the base was lifted away from the ground. In addition, all swivel wheels were lifted away from contact with the surface ground. The user then pulled on the handle, walked forward, and the luggage bag rolled on wheels dropping into a more horizonal position. The rolling bag was positioned behind the user and the user's arm was held in a relaxed state.

The force diagram for the control bag when in the engaged position can be seen in FIG. 38A. As shown in FIG. 38A, the load force (L_f) is directed straight down and the force applied by the user (A_f) is shown. In the control bag, without the additional structure provided by the alignment sticks positioned within the sheaths, the load L_f caused the bag to sag at the fold between the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone. The angle between the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone when in the engaged position was 164°, yielding a change of 9.302%. This alters the position of the handle relative to the fold between the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone. This in turn changed the direction and strength of the force A_f necessary to overcome the load force L_f. Specifically, the user had to exert a larger amount of force directly upwards to overcome the load force L_f. This forced the user's hand backward toward the bag at an uncomfortable and unnatural angle, making the control bag feel heavier, bulkier and overall harder for the user to handle.

Referring now to FIG. 38B, the force diagram for the control bag when in the engaged position can be seen. Similar to FIG. 38A, the load force (L_f) is directed straight down and the force applied by the user (A_f) is shown. Due to the reinforcement provided by the alignment sticks positioned within the sheaths, the angle between the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone when in the engaged position was 175°, yielding a change of 2.817%. While the angle between the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone did change it was less of a change when compared to the control bag, specifically, 6.485% less. This reduced the movement of the handle relative to the fold between the fourth panel zone and fifth panel zone. This reduced the amount of upward force needed to overcome the load force L_f. The position of the handle not only reduced the strain on a wrist, hand, and arm of the user but also provided a more natural feel to the user making the exemplary bag easier to handle.

III. Example 3

Further described herein is a comparison between two luggage bags: a traditional collapsable luggage bag. (hereafter alternately referred to as “the control bag”) and an exemplary collapsable luggage bag (hereafter alternately referred to as “the exemplary bag”). The results compared the effect additional support provided to the contents had on the movement of the contents when traveling. As discussed above, additional support prevents the rattling and shifting of the contents, reducing the likelihood and extent of damage.

Each luggage bag held an identical golf bag and the same 14 golf clubs. Each golf club head had impact tape placed on the face and the toe. The traditional luggage bag and the exemplary luggage bag are identical except the exemplary luggage bag comprises a support. The support was wrapped around the top portion of the golf bag and the golf club heads similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 35.

The comparison measured the amount of clearly defined marks shown on the impact tape after each luggage bag was used to travel on a plane. The marks showed any type of impact each club head may have felt during the trip whether it be from the club heads rattling against each other or from and exterior impact to the luggage bags. On average, the club heads transported by the traditional luggage bag had 6-10 marks per club head. While the club heads transported by the exemplary luggage bag had an average of 2-5 marks per club head, yielding a substantial decrease in the amount of impacts the club heads felt on average. The support reduced the available volume for the objects within the rolling luggage bag, reduced the force and frequency of impact and minimized the extent of the damage.

CLAUSES

• • Clause 1. A rolling luggage bag comprising: a cover fixedly coupled to a base, the base including a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between; wherein the cover comprises a plurality of panels, arranged in a direction away from the base, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first panel zone proximate the base, a second panel zone adjacent the first panel zone in a direction away from the base, a third panel zone adjacent the second panel zone in a direction away from the base, a fourth panel zone adjacent the third panel zone in a direction away from the base, and a fifth panel zone adjacent the fourth panel zone in a direction away from the base; a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face; a third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes; wherein the plurality of panels defines an interior chamber, the interior chamber comprising an internal cover fixedly attached to the panels of the fifth panel zone.
  • Clause 2. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the rolling luggage bag further comprises a plurality of rail members positioned in the second panel zone, and a plurality of rail extensions positioned on the base, wherein when the rolling luggage bag is in the upright position each rail member engages one of the pluralities of rail extensions to form a bumper that extends from the base along a portion of the cover.
  • Clause 3. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
  • Clause 4. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the rolling luggage bag is configured to be movable along the surface through rotation of the first, second, third, and fourth wheels.
  • Clause 5. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the rolling luggage bag is pivotable about the axis of rotation into a titled position such that the first and second wheels are in rolling contact with the surface, and the third and fourth wheels are removed from rolling contact with the surface, and wherein the rolling luggage bag is movable along the surface in the tilted position.
  • Clause 6. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein when the rolling luggage bag is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the rolling luggage bag stands on.
  • Clause 7. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the panels of the first panel zone are rectangular in shape and the panels of second panel zone are square in shape, wherein the square shape is defined by two separate triangular panels having an angled fold there between.
  • Clause 8. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the panels of the third, fourth, and fifth panel zones are trapezoidal in shape.
  • Clause 9. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the panels of the first panel zone have a greater stiffness than the panels of the second panel zone.
  • Clause 10. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the first panel zone has a first handle on a side of the cover aligned with the first side of the base.
  • Clause 11. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the second panel zone has a storage pocket.
  • Clause 12. The rolling luggage bag of clause 1, wherein the fourth panel zone has a plurality of second handles.
  • Clause 13. A collapsible luggage bag comprising: a back portion connected to a first side portion and a second side portion; a front flap removably connected to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the back portion by a connection member; a base connected to the back portion, the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front flap; wherein the base is fixedly connected to the back portion; wherein the back portion, first side portion, second side portion, and front flap comprise a plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first panel zone proximate the base, a second panel zone adjacent the first panel zone in a direction away from the base, a third panel zone adjacent the second panel zone in a direction away from the base, a fourth panel zone adjacent the third panel zone in a direction away from the base, and a fifth panel zone adjacent the fourth panel zone in a direction away from the base, wherein each of the panel zones extends around a circumference defined by a portion of the back portion, first side portion, second side portion, and the front flap; wherein the second panel zone has a storage pocket, wherein the fourth panel zone has a plurality of second handles, wherein the first and second side portions pivot away from each other about respective folds between the respective side portion and the back portion when the front flap is at least partially removed; a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from a bottom face; and a third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes; wherein the plurality of panels defines an interior chamber, the interior chamber comprising an internal cover fixedly attached to the panels of the fifth panel zone.
  • Clause 14. The collapsible luggage bag of clause 13, wherein the rolling luggage bag further comprises a plurality of rail members positioned in the second panel zone, and a plurality of rail extensions positioned on the base, wherein when the rolling luggage bag is in the upright position each rail member engages one of the pluralities of rail extensions to form a bumper that extends from the base along a portion of the cover.
  • Clause 15. The collapsible luggage bag of clause 13, wherein the second panel zone includes an arcuate portion of the front flap.
  • Clause 16. The collapsible luggage bag of clause 13, wherein when the rolling luggage bag is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the rolling luggage bag stands on.
  • Clause 17. The collapsible luggage bag of clause 13, wherein the panels of the first panel zone are rectangular in shape, the panels of second panel zone are square in shape, wherein the square shape is defined by two separate triangular panels having an angled fold there between, and the panels of the third, fourth, and fifth panel zones are trapezoidal in shape.
  • Clause 18. The collapsible luggage bag of clause 13, wherein the panels of the first panel zone have a greater stiffness than the panels of the second panel zone.

Clause 19. The collapsible luggage bag of clause 13, wherein the connection member is a zipper, wherein the zipper includes at least two sliders.

• • Clause 20. The collapsible luggage bag of clause 13, wherein the collapsible luggage bag is pivotable about the axis of rotation into a titled position such that the first and second wheels are in rolling contact with the surface, and the third and fourth wheels are removed from rolling contact with the surface, and wherein the collapsible luggage bag is movable along the surface in the tilted position.

Claims

1. A collapsible rolling luggage bag comprising: a cover fixedly coupled to a base, wherein the cover comprises a front portion, a back portion, a first side portion, a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and a plurality of panels defining a plurality of folds between each of the plurality of panels, wherein; the front portion is formed integrally with the base and is removably connected to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the base via a connection member;the first side portion and the second side portions are formed integrally with back portion and are removably connected to the base via the connection member;the first side portion and the second side portion pivot away from each other about respective folds between the respective side portion and the back portion when the front portion is at least partially removed;the back portion comprises a first sheath and a second sheath wherein each sheath defines a pocket configured to receive an alignment stick;the plurality of panels comprises a first panel zone proximate the base, a second panel zone adjacent the first panel zone in a direction away from the base, a third panel zone adjacent the second panel zone in a direction away from the base, a fourth panel zone adjacent the third panel zone in a direction away from the base, and a fifth panel zone adjacent the fourth panel zone in a direction away from the base; andthe plurality of panels defines an interior chamber.

2. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein the connection member is a zipper, wherein the zipper includes at least two sliders.

3. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between; a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face; anda third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes.

4. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein when the first and second side portions pivot away from each other, the first side portion, the second side portion, and the back portion define a flat surface.

5. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein the rolling luggage bag further comprises a first inner pocket near the first side portion, and a second inner pocket near the second side portion.

6. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein the first side portion defines a first bottom edge, and the second side portion defines a second bottom edge, and the first and second bottom edges each define a portion of a perimeter of the first and second side portions, respectively.

7. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 6, wherein a first portion of the connection member defines a portion of a perimeter of the front portion, and a second portion of the connection member defines a portion of a perimeter of the first and second side portions and extends along the first and second bottom edges.

8. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein the rolling luggage bag further comprises a plurality of rail members positioned in the second panel zone, and a plurality of rail extensions positioned on the base, wherein when the rolling luggage bag is in an upright position each rail member engages one of the pluralities of rail extensions to form a bumper that extends from the base along a portion of the cover.

9. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 3, wherein the rolling luggage bag is pivotable about the axis of rotation into a titled position such that the first and second wheels are in rolling contact with a surface, and the third and fourth wheels are removed from rolling contact with the surface, and wherein the rolling luggage bag is movable along the surface in a tilted position.

10. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 3, wherein when the rolling luggage bag is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the rolling luggage bag stands on.

11. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein the panels of the second panel zone are trapezoidal in shape.

12. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 1, wherein the panels of the first panel zone have a greater stiffness than the panels of the second panel zone.

13. A collapsible rolling luggage bag comprising: a cover fixedly coupled to a base, wherein the cover comprises a front portion, a back portion, a first side portion, a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and a plurality of panels defining a plurality of folds between each of the plurality of panels, wherein; the front portion is formed integrally with the base and is removably connected to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the base via a connection member;the first side portion and the second side portions are formed integrally with back portion and are removably connected to the base via the connection member;the first side portion and the second side portion pivot away from each other about respective folds between the respective side portion and the back portion when the front portion is at least partially removed;the back portion comprises a first sheath and a second sheath wherein each sheath defines a pocket configured to receive an alignment stick;the plurality of panels comprises a first panel zone proximate the base, a second panel zone adjacent the first panel zone in a direction away from the base, a third panel zone adjacent the second panel zone in a direction away from the base, a fourth panel zone adjacent the third panel zone in a direction away from the base, and a fifth panel zone adjacent the fourth panel zone in a direction away from the base; andthe plurality of panels defines an interior chamber configured to receive a support.

14. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 13, wherein the connection member is a zipper, wherein the zipper includes at least two sliders.

15. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 13, wherein the base comprises a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between; a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face; anda third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes.

16. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 13, wherein the support is affixed to the alignment sticks.

17. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 13, wherein when the first and second side portions pivot away from each other, the first side portion, second side portion, and back portion define a flat surface.

18. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 13, wherein the collapsible luggage bag further comprises a plurality of rail members positioned in the second panel zone, and a plurality of rail extensions positioned on the base, wherein when the collapsible luggage bag is in an upright position, each rail member engages one of the pluralities of rail extensions to form a bumper that extends from the base along a portion of the cover.

19. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 15, wherein the collapsible luggage bag is pivotable about the axis of rotation into a titled position such that the first and second wheels are in rolling contact with a surface, and the third and fourth wheels are removed from rolling contact with the surface, and wherein the collapsible luggage bag is movable along the surface in a tilted position.

20. The collapsible rolling luggage bag of claim 13, wherein when the collapsible luggage bag is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the collapsible luggage bag stands on.