DELIVERY BAG

Abstract

A delivery bag including a flexible housing portion configured for housing contents and having a bottom, an intermediate support portion arranged within the housing and in spaced apart relation relative to the bottom, and a support system configured for maintaining the spaced apart relationship of the intermediate support and the bottom under the load of the contents, the support system comprising a suspension system in tensile relation with the intermediate portion and a load bearing system in compressive relation with the intermediate portion, where at least the suspension system supports the intermediate portion when carrying the delivery bag and at least the load bearing portion supports the intermediate portion when the delivery bag is resting on a surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/496,598, filed Jun. 14, 2011, the contents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to containers, bags, sacks, carrying coolers, carrying heat retention devices, and other carrying devices for transporting foods or other items. More particularly, the present application relates to carrying devices adapted for delivering food goods. Still more particularly, the present application relates to delivery bags for carrying and delivering pizzas contained in pizza boxes.

BACKGROUND

Food delivery can take on many forms and may include the use of crates, bins, bags, or other carrying devices. In the case of pizza delivery, pizza delivery bags are commonly used. The bags may be sized to accommodate common pizza box sizes and, as such, may be generally rectangular or square and may allow for one or more pizzas to be stacked inside the bag.

In the case of delivery of a large number of pizzas, particularly for school orders or parties where anywhere from 2-30 pizzas or more may be delivered, the stacks of pizzas may get relatively tall. Some pizza delivery bags, for example, may be provided and be capable of carrying 8-15 pizzas for example. When the pizza boxes get loaded with pizza and the pizza boxes get stacked on top of one another, the lower pizza boxes in the stack may have a tendency to buckle, collapse, or otherwise deform under the load of the upper pizzas.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a delivery bag is provided and may include a flexible housing portion configured for housing contents and having a bottom, an intermediate support portion arranged within the housing and in spaced apart relation relative to the bottom, and a support system configured for maintaining the spaced apart relationship of the intermediate support and the bottom under the load of the contents, the support system comprising a suspension system in tensile relation with the intermediate portion and a load bearing system in compressive relation with the intermediate portion, where, at least the suspension system supports the intermediate portion when carrying the delivery bag and at least the load bearing portion supports the intermediate portion when the delivery bag is resting on a surface.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a delivery bag having an access flap arranged in an open position, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the delivery bag of FIG. 1 with a cutaway portion showing a stiffener.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the delivery bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the delivery bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the delivery bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the delivery bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a delivery bag having two access flaps arranged in an open position, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a spill liner according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a delivery bag, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present application, in some embodiments, relates generally to carrying devices. More particularly, the present application, in some embodiments, relates to carrying devices having separators arranged therein. In one embodiment, the present application relates to a pizza delivery bag. The bag may be configured for housing multiple pizzas and for carrying the multiple pizzas for delivery, for example. The pizza delivery bag may include a shelf positioned within the bag for isolating the load from upper pizzas on lower pizzas. The shelf may be secured to the sidewalls of the bag. Stiffeners may be provided in the sidewalls for supporting the shelf and straps and a handle may also be provided for carrying the bag.

The bag may be loaded with pizzas arranged above the shelf and below the shelf. When the bag is resting on a surface, the load from the pizzas above the shelf may be transferred to the sidewalls of the bag by the shelf and the sidewalls may be secured to the top of the bag. The stiffeners in the sidewalls may then transfer that load down the sidewalls to the surface the bag is resting on. When the bag is carried by the handle, the load from the pizzas above the shelf may still be transferred to the sidewalls of the bag by the shelf. However, in this case, the resulting load in the sidewalls may be transferred into the strap system via the sidewalls. In both cases, the shelf may receive the load of the upper pizzas and transfer the load to the person or structure supporting the bag through stiffened side walls. Accordingly, the load from the upper pizzas may not be transferred to the lower pizzas and crushing, buckling, or otherwise damaging the lower pizzas may be avoided.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a delivery bag 100 is shown, according to some embodiments. The bag 100 may include a housing portion 102 for housing the contents of the bag 100. The bag 100 may also include an intermediate portion 104 arranged within the housing 102 for supporting a portion of the contents of the bag 100. In addition, the bag 100 may include a support system 106 for maintaining the relationship of the intermediate portion 104 relative to the housing portion 102 when loaded.

The housing portion 102 may be configured for housing one or more items. The housing 102 may be particularly adapted for climate control and, as such, may include insulating materials and vents for controlling moisture. The housing 102 may be in the form of a bag, box, or other container and may include several portions configured to surround or encapsulate the item being housed. For example, in one embodiment, the housing 102 may be in the form of a generally rectangular or square bag. The bag may include a bottom portion, a top portion, two opposing side portions, a front portion and a back portion. The several portions may be constructed of the same or similar materials or differing materials may be used for selected portions.

The housing 102 and/or the several portions of the housing 102 may be constructed of one or more layers. The layers may include, for example, an outer layer, an insulation layer, and an inner layer. A reinforcing lining may also be provided on portions of the housing where the intermediate portion 104 is attached. In some embodiments, the outer layer of one or more portions of the housing may be constructed of 600 denier polyvinyl chloride sheet, fabric polyester, or polyurethane coated nylon. The inner layer of one or more portions of the housing may be constructed of a more breathable material such as a nylon material including 210 denier polyurethane coated nylon, for example. The insulation layer may include poly batting insulation. The reinforcing lining may be provided on portions of the housing where the intermediate portion 104 is attached to provide strength for the attachment. The reinforcing lining may be positioned on inward facing surfaces of the housing 102, for example. In some embodiments, the reinforcing lining may be constructed of a 70 polyvinyl chloride nylon, for example.

In some embodiments, the outer and inner layers and the insulation layer may be breathable materials such that moisture may escape from the housing through the materials. For example, in some embodiments, the layers of the top and bottom portions of the housing may be constructed of breathable materials such as 210 denier polyurethane coated nylon. Alternatively or additionally, one or more portions of the bag may include a vent or vents for allowing moisture to escape from the housing. In some embodiments, for example, the top portion of the housing may include an opening for venting of steam or other gases. Other materials and/or systems may also be used to make the housing 102 and control temperature and moisture within the housing.

As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the housing 102 may include a front flap 122 openable relative to the housing 102 and having a zipper 116 or other closure device for securing the flap 122 in the closed position. The zipper 116 may be a dual zipper allowing the zipper 116 to be closed and/or opened in two directions. The zipper 116 or other closure device may extend along 3 or more sides of the front flap 122 allowing the flap 122 to hingedly open about a fourth side, for example.

The housing 102 may be provided in a range of sizes. For example, in one embodiment, the housing 102 may be approximately 16″ wide by approximately 16″ long by approximately 20-24″ high. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may be approximately 17½″ wide by approximately 17 W′ long by approximately 20-24″ high. In still other embodiments, the housing 102 may be approximately 19¼″ wide by approximately 19¼″ long by approximately 20-24″ high. Other suitable sizes may be selected and used based on the contents being stored, carried, or otherwise housed in the system.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the bag 100 may include an intermediate portion 104. The intermediate portion 104 may be arranged in the housing 102 in spaced apart relationship with the bottom of the housing 102 and may be configured for supporting contents while maintaining the separation between the intermediate portion 104 and the bottom of the housing 102. As such, items may be stored, carried, or otherwise housed below the intermediate portion 104 and may not bear the weight of the contents supported by the intermediate portion 104. The intermediate portion 104 may be arranged at the mid-height of the housing 102 or it may be arranged at the ⅓ point or ⅔ point along the height or the ¼ point or ¾ point, for example. Other heights may be used for the intermediate portion 104 including any suitable height for accommodating the thickness of one or more items below the intermediate portion 104. Multiple intermediate portions 104 may be used and may be arranged at several heights along the height of the housing 102.

The intermediate portion 104 may be in the form of a shelf as shown and may extend across the housing 102 from one side portion to an opposing side portion. As shown, the intermediate portion 104 may be secured to at least the side portions. The intermediate portion 104 may be secured to the side portions with webbing material 118 that is approximately 2″ wide, for example, to facilitate transfer of the load from the intermediate portion 104 to the side portion without tearing. The shelf may also be secured to the back portion as shown. In other embodiments, as will be described in more detail below, the shelf may also be secured in the bag with hook and loop, buttons, zippers, or some other removable/replaceable securing system. The shelf may include a relatively rigid material configured to span across the width of the bag 100 and support the load of contents placed on the shelf. For example, the shelf may include a plastic, processed wood, or similar material. The shelf may also include a padding portion and an outer portion arranged around the plastic, processed wood, particle board, plywood, or other more rigid core.

While the intermediate portion 104 has been described as a shelf supported off of the side portions, the intermediate portion 104 may also be suspended from the top portion or supported with struts or columns off of the bottom portion. Other arrangements for supporting the intermediate portion 104 in spaced apart relationship with the bottom portion may also be provided. In addition, while single intermediate portion has been shown, multiple intermediate portions may be provided. That is, multiple shelves such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more shelves may be provided.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the bag 100 may include an intermediate portion support system 106. The intermediate portion support system 106 may include a suspension system 108 and a load bearing system 112. The suspension system 108 and the load bearing system 112 may each work separately or the systems may work together to support the bag 100 and maintain the spaced apart relationship of the intermediate portion 104 or portions 104 relative to the bottom portion. For example, the suspension system 108 may be configured to support the load from the intermediate portion 104 when the bag 100 is being carried and the load bearing system 112 may be configured for support of the load from the intermediate portion 104 when the bag 100 is resting on a surface. However, as mentioned, the systems 108, 112 may also work together and, for example, the load bearing system 112 may be involved in transferring the load from the intermediate portion 104 to the suspension system 108 when the bag 100 is being carried.

As shown in FIG. 1, the load bearing system 112 may include one or more stiffeners associated with one or more portions of the housing 102 to provide support and rigidity to the respective portion. For example, the stiffeners may be associated with the side portions as shown and may resist tendencies for the side portions to buckle, collapse, or otherwise give way under load. As shown, the stiffeners may be arranged within the side portions to stiffen the side portions and absorb loads imparted on the side portions from the intermediate portion 104 for example.

As shown in FIG. 1, respective portions of the housing 102 may include openings 114 for accessing the cavity between the inner and outer layers of the two side portions, for example. Openings 114 may also be provided for other portions such as, for example, the back portion, the front portion, or the bottom and top portion for additional stiffeners. As shown, the openings 114 may extend along the edge of the side portion and may be configured for insertion of a stiffener or wall panel between the inner and outer layers of the side portion. The openings 114 may include a closure mechanism for securably closing the opening 114 after a stiffener, for example, has been inserted. The closure mechanism may include a hook and loop mechanism as shown, or a zipper mechanism, button system, or other closure mechanism may be provided.

The stiffeners may be inserted into respective portions of the housing 102 through the openings 114 and may be removable through the openings 114. The stiffeners may be made from a relatively rigid material and may be constructed from the same or similar material as the core of the intermediate portion 104. That is, the stiffeners may be plastic, processed wood, particle board, or plywood, for example, or another relatively stiff material may be used. The stiffeners may be sized similarly to the respective portion the stiffener is associated with. That is, for example, the stiffeners shown in FIG. 1 are sized similarly to the side portions and are slightly smaller so as to fit within the boundary of the edge of the side portion. In other embodiments, other sizes may be provided. Other sizes may also be provided. While the stiffeners have been shown as being associated with the side portions, other portions of the housing 102 may also be stiffened including the bottom, top, and front and back side walls.

The suspension system 108 may include one or more straps secured to the housing 102 and may also include a top handle and a pair of side handles 110. The strap or straps may be secured to the housing 102 in one or more locations. In some embodiments, the straps may be secured to the housing 102 along the side portions at a point at or near the position of the attachment of the intermediate portion 104. As shown, the straps may extend from a top handle portion across the top of the housing and downward along the side portions and across the bottom of the housing or bag. The straps may be sewn, adhered, or otherwise secured to the housing 102 at one or more locations as the straps extend down the side portion. In some embodiments, the straps may be secured near the location of the intermediate portion attachment. In still other embodiments, the attachment of the strap as it passes along the side portion may be substantially continuous and may be reinforced periodically along the length of the straps. In some embodiments, the attachment of the strap or straps to the side portion may include securing the strap or straps to the outer layer of the housing, but not the inner layer, so as to allow placement of the stiffener within the respective portion of the housing 102. The strap may include a pair of straps where one strap extends down each side of the bag 100 and across the bottom or, as shown, the straps may include two pairs of straps where two straps extend down each side of the bag 100 and across the bottom and are spaced apart by a separation distance.

The side handles 110 may be arranged at or near the location of the intermediate portion 104 or another location and may be positioned between the two straps extending down the side of the bag 100. The side handles 110 may be secured to the side portion at the same location as the two straps and may overlap and be sewn, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the side portion together with the straps.

In use, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 may, for example, be provided in a collapsed position without any stiffeners in the bag 100. Upon arrival at a destination (e.g. after shipping) or at the time of use of the bag 100 for carrying contents, the bag 100 may be opened and placed on a surface for loading contents into the bag 100. The front flap 122 may be folded open as shown and stiffeners may be inserted through the openings 114 in the side portions to stiffen the bag 100. The contents, such as, for example pizzas in pizza boxes, may be loaded into the bag 100 above and below the intermediate portion 104. Once the contents are in the bag 100, the front flap 122 may be closed and the zipper 116 may be actuated to secure the front flap 122 in the closed position.

In this at rest position, for example, load of the contents of the bag 100 acting on the intermediate portion 104 may be transferred to the reinforcing lining of the side portions. The reinforcing lining may be sewn, fastened, or otherwise secured at the top of the side portions and/or back portion. As such, the reinforcing lining of the side portions may transfer the load through tension to the top of the side portion supported by the stiffener. The load may then be transferred through compression through the stiffener and down to the supporting surface.

When it is time to move the bag, the top handle, for example, may be grasped and the bag may be lifted from the supporting surface. As with the at rest position, the load from the contents on the intermediate portion 104 may be passed to the reinforcing lining of the side portion of the bag. The reinforcing lining may transfer the load through tension to the top of the side portion. Here, the load may pass into the stiffener and the stiffener may transfer the load via compression to the bottom of the side portion and the outer layer of the side portion may transfer the load through tension to the straps secured to the outer layer of the side portion. (Note: resistance to spread of the bottom of the side portions may be resisted through tension in the bottom portion) The straps may then transfer the load through tension to the handle carried by the user. Where the side handles 110 are used, the load may be transferred directly from the outer layer of the side portions to the handles 110.

In both of the above cases, a positive load path may be established between the one or more intermediate portions 104 and the supporting surface or carrier and, as such, the load from the contents supported by the intermediate portion 104 may be supported and imparting the load on the contents below the intermediate portion 104 may be avoided.

As suggested, the embodiment, of FIGS. 1-6 may be collapsed for storage and/or shipping by removing the stiffeners from the side portions and collapsing the remaining portion of the bag 100 by folding/buckling the side portions inward, for example, and allowing the top portion and intermediate portion 104 or portions to collapse toward the bottom portion.

In other embodiments, the bag 100 may be collapsed, and consequently expanded, in a different manner. For example, in some embodiments, the stiffeners may be factory installed, for example, and be sewn into or otherwise more permanently secured within the side portions. In this embodiment, where, for example, the intermediate portion 104 is secured to the side portions and the back portion, the bag may not readily collapse due to the lateral rigidity offered by the back portion in stabilizing the side portions. As such, in this embodiment, the bag 100 may be shipped in an expanded state. In another embodiment, where the stiffeners are factory installed, the intermediate portion 104 may be secured to the side portions, but not the back portion. Accordingly, in this embodiment, for purposes of shipping, the side portions may be tipped (e.g., racking motion like dominos) the same direction to cause the bag 100 to lay flat. In still other embodiments, the intermediate portion 104 may include a hook and loop, button, or zipper attachment to the side portion and/or back portion and, as such, may be removable and replaceable. In this embodiment, for purposes of shipping, the intermediate portion 104 may be removed and the side portions may be tipped the same or opposite directions to cause the bag 100 to lay flat. Upon arrival at its destination and in preparation for use, the intermediate portion may be installed in the bag 100 via the hook and loop, button, or zipper attachment.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, an additional flap may be provided such as a back flap 223. The back flap 223 may be arranged similar to, but opposite the front flap 222 and may include a zipper-type closure device 225. In this embodiment, the openings into the side portions, for example, may be omitted and the side portions may not include stiffeners. Rather, the front and back flaps 222, 223 may include stiffeners. The stiffeners in the front and back flaps 222, 223 may be permanent (e.g., sewn in) or openings may be provided, for example, along the edges of the front and back flaps 222, 223 for insertions and removal of the stiffeners. In this embodiment, the layers of the bag may or may not include an inner reinforcing lining for attachment of the intermediate portion. That is, with the stiffeners positioned in the front and back flaps 222, 223, the suspension system 108 may be sewn through the side portions, for example, to the webbing material or other material supporting the intermediate portion 104 on the inside of the bag. As such, the loads may be more directly transferred to the strap system, for example, without the need for a reinforcing lining secured to the top of the bag.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the load paths may be slightly different due to the location of the stiffeners being in the front and back portions 222, 223 of the housing 202. Here, when the bag 200 is at rest, the intermediate portion may be supported by the side portions. Since the vertical support offered by the side portions in this embodiment may be reduced due to the lack of stiffeners, the intermediate portion 104 may rely more on the corners of the bag 100 for support when compared to the support offered in the previous embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. That is, the intermediate portion 104, or shelf, may transfer loads through the side portions generally upward near the corners of the bag 104 where the side portions are supported by the corners of the front and back stiffeners. The load may then be transferred down the stiffeners in the front and back portions 222, 223 to the supporting surface. When the bag is being carried, the load in the intermediate portion 104 may be transferred through the side portions to the strap system.

In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the embodiment of FIG. 7 may be collapsed by opening each of the back and front flaps 222, 223 and folding them underneath the bottom portion or inside the bag. The remaining portion of the bag 200 may be collapsed by folding the side portions and allowing the top portion and the intermediate portion 104 or portions to collapse toward the bottom portion.

It will be appreciated that when loading the bag of the embodiment of FIG. 7, the back flap 223, for example, may be closed and the front flap 222 may remain open until the bag 200 is loaded. Accordingly, the stiffener in the front flap 222 may not be engaged when loading the bag 200. For this reason, in another embodiment, an auxiliary stiffener may be secured to the side portion of the bag 200 near the front of the bag 200 and along the open front of the bag. The auxiliary stiffener may be relatively small, for example, and may extend partially (e.g., ½ to ⅔) or fully up the side portion and may be approximately 3-4″ wide for example. The auxiliary stiffener may be secured to the outside of the side portion with hook and loop, buttons, zippers, or other detachable devices. When not in use (e.g., for shipping of the bag or once the front flap is closed), the auxiliary stiffeners may be folded about the bottom of the bag to a position under the bag.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a spill liner 300 is shown. The spill liner 300 may include, for example, three full sides and a bottom. The sides may be configured to fit within one or more compartments within the bag and, as such, may have a height similar to the spacing between the bottom and the intermediate portion 104 or the several intermediate portions 104. The liner may include a shorter front side so as to avoid interfering with loading the bag. In other embodiments, the liner may include four full height sides and may be loaded before placing the liner in the bag. The spill liner may be removable from the bag and thus may allow for delivery and/or carrying of liquid foods such as pastas, or other liquids that may spill. The liner may then be removed from the bag, cleaned, and reinstalled. Other disposable type liners may also be provided. In one embodiment, the liner may include hook and loop, buttons, zippers or other fasteners for securing the liner in the bag.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a stiffener arrangement may be provided. For example, as shown, a foldable material may be provided with stiffeners provided in the material. The stiffeners and material may be sectioned into two, three, or more sections so as to be able to fold the stiffener arrangement flat for shipping. The foldable material may include a fastening mechanism on the surface for later attachment of one or more intermediate portions 104. As shown, the stiffener arrangement may be folded flat for shipping. Upon arrival at a destination, the bag may be readied for use by expanding the bag, expanding the stiffener arrangement into a U-shape, and inserting the U-shaped stiffener arrangement into the bag. One or more intermediate portions 104 may then be secured to the fastening mechanism, such as a hook and loop, button, or zipper attachment.

In some other embodiments, the portions of the housing that include stiffeners may include additional reinforcing fabric around the stiffeners to protect against wear over time. For example, an additional layer of fabric may be provided along the top edge and bottom edge of the stiffeners. In other embodiments, the additional fabric may be arranged near the corners. In some embodiments, the additional fabric may be internal and in other embodiments, it may be arranged on the exterior of the bag.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context or particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A delivery bag, comprising:

a flexible housing portion configured for housing contents and having a bottom;

an intermediate support portion arranged within the housing and in spaced apart relation relative to the bottom; and

a support system configured for maintaining the spaced apart relationship of the intermediate support and the bottom under the load of the contents, the support system comprising: a suspension system in tensile relation with the intermediate portion; and a load bearing system in compressive relation with the intermediate portion, wherein, at least the suspension system supports the intermediate portion when carrying the delivery bag and at least the load bearing system supports the intermediate portion when the delivery bag is resting on a surface.

2. The delivery bag of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing includes a pair of side portions adapted to removably receive stiffeners.

3. The delivery bag of claim 2, wherein the suspension system comprises a plurality of straps secured to the pair of side portions.

4. The delivery bag of claim 3, wherein the plurality of straps extend across a top of the housing portion and downward along the side portions and across a bottom of the housing portion.

5. The delivery bag of claim 4, wherein the suspension system includes a first handle arranged above the bag and the plurality of straps are secured to the handle.

6. The delivery bag of claim 5, wherein the suspension system includes a second and third handle, the second and third handles each being secured to one of the pair of side portions.

7. The delivery bag of claim 2, wherein the load bearing system comprises stiffeners arranged in the pair of side portions.

8. The delivery bag of claim 2, wherein the intermediate portion is supportingly secured to pair of side portions.

9. The delivery bag of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing portion further comprises a selectively openable front flap.

10. The delivery bag of claim 9, wherein the flexible housing portion further comprises a selectively openable back flap.

11. The delivery bag of claim 10, wherein the front flap and back flap include stiffeners.

12. The delivery bag of claim 1, further comprising a liner.

13. The delivery bag of claim 12, wherein the liner comprises three full sides, a bottom, and a shorter front side.

14. The delivery bag of claim 12, wherein the liner is adapted for placement between the bottom of the flexible housing portion and the intermediate support portion.

15. The delivery bag of claim 1, wherein the load bearing system comprises a sectioned stiffener system adapted for placement within the flexible housing portion.

16. The delivery bag of claim 15, wherein the sectioned stiffener system comprises a foldable material with a plurality of stiffeners arranged therein.

17. The delivery bag of claim 16, wherein the flexible housing portion includes a back and a pair of side portions and the sectioned stiffener system comprises three stiffeners each sized for arrangement adjacent to one of the back and pair of side portions of the flexible housing portion.

18. The delivery bag of claim 17, wherein sectioned stiffener system is foldable at fold lines arranged between each of the stiffeners.