Collapsible Rolling Tree Bag Article With Internal Support Panels

Abstract

A collapsible rolling tree bag article with internal support panels comprises a flexible bag comprising an expanded volume to accommodate a faux Christmas tree within, wherein, the flexible bag may further comprise a contoured shape to accommodate the outline perimeter shape of the faux Christmas tree. The article may also comprise various handles to manipulate the article; and at least one of wheels/rollers to facilitate moving the article. The article further comprises internal support panels that fold/retract to allow the entire article to fold into a compact form for storage, packaging, marketing, distributing, shipping, and the like. Such panels may include various side panels, bottom panels, and other support panels. The article may also comprise various internal and/or external pockets, sleeves, compartments and the like to store ancillary faux Christmas tree items.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Christmas is the pinnacle holiday of the year in the United States as well as many countries throughout the world. While many of the calendar holidays are recognized and practiced by the public to varying degrees, Christmas is clearly by far the most involved. It has transcended from a seasonal December holiday to an extravaganza of consumer obsession. What once started right after Thanksgiving now sees advertising, sales, purchasing, etc., that begins right after Halloween. Like no other holiday, Christmas even extends year round in some forms; dedicated Christmas radio stations and retail stores are commonplace throughout the annum, when previously they were merely seasonal offerings.

As part of the Christmas frenzy, decorations, which include all varieties and types of lights, lawn and housing figures, ornaments, trees, wreaths, and the like, are now a multi-billion dollar industry. Even a large percentage of non-Christian faith practitioners engage in the seasonal festivities. It is without question that the great majority of households has stored to some degree, Christmas holiday decorations, be it, lights, ornaments, trees, etc. And a rapidly expanding industry is the custom storage container industry for all such items.

In the past, seasonal Christmas decorations were all thrown in a common container and stored until the next holiday season; tree owners would shove their faux Christmas tree in the original retail packaging box year after year; and lights were balled up and crammed in with the rest of the decorations, waiting to be untangled the following year. Now, the savvy public has recently enjoyed more favorable customized storage options, such as, custom ornament containers having purposeful dividers to safely accommodate each ornamental bulb and figurine. Christmas light reels and racks now neatly wind lights to prevent tangling. However, the faux Christmas tree, by most, is still relegated to its original packaging box for moving and storing; difficult to move and manipulate, and assuredly destined to be smashed or crushed as other boxes or items are slacked on top of it throughout the year. Moreover, such tree boxes are susceptible to degradations, rips, tears, creases, etc., as it is cycled for storage year after year. And for boxes that are no longer usable, a tree owner may have few or no other alternatives but to store their faux tree in the open leaving it susceptible for damage.

What is needed, and disclosed by this disclosure, are custom storage articles that are specifically tailored for faux Christmas tree moving and storage, and that further comprise internal support panels that provide support and durability, yet may be folded and/or retracted to accommodate compact storage of the article when; not in use, packaged, marketed, shipped, distributed, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among various representative embodiments, the present collapsible rolling tree bag article comprises an expandable bag-type article to house and store a faux Christmas tree comprising; an expandable flexible bag comprising an expanded volume to accommodate the faux Christmas tree within it, and the flexible bag may comprise a contoured shape to accommodate the outline perimeter shape of the faux Christmas tree. The article may also comprise various handles for manipulating the article; and at least one of wheels/rollers to facilitate moving the article. The article comprises unique internal support panels that fold/retract to allow the entire article to collapse into a compact form for storage, packaging, marketing, distributing, shipping, and the like. The internal support panels may unfold for use when the article is expanded into its usable form. Such panels may include various side panels, bottom panels, and other support panels. Moreover, such panels may operate to not only provide support but to also act as a barrier to wear of the bag by the stored tree.

The article may also comprise some or all of exterior hooks and/or eyelets to facilitate hanging and securing the article for storage; internal securing straps to secure the faux Christmas tree; and the article may also comprise various pockets, sleeves, compartments and the like to store ancillary faux Christmas tree items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present collapsible rolling tree bag article may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a perspective view of an article for a collapsible rolling tree bag with internal supports further showing a cut-away portion of the article to illustrate the internal support and hardware elements;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a perspective view of predominantly an underside of the article showing the integral wheel elements that facilitate transporting the article;

FIGS. 3A-3C representatively illustrates the sequential folding nature of the internal folding bottom support panel, and integrated wheel/roller elements;

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a perspective view of the article showing the article in an expanded configuration comprising an ancillary storage compartment; and

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates the article showing a faux Christmas tree stored within.

Elements in the FIGS. are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular configuration. For example, elements shown may be constructed and/or assembled concurrently or in different order or embodiments, and are illustrated in the FIGS. to help to improve understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present collapsible rolling tree bag article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present collapsible rolling tree bag article may be described herein in terms of various functional components and such functional components may be realized by any number of hardware components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present collapsible rolling tree bag may comprise of various bag materials; handle or bag toting configurations; drawstrings, zippers, snaps, Velcro®, and other bag closure mechanisms. It may also comprise wheels/rollers as bag movement facilitation mechanisms, which movement facilitation may also comprise various pegs, knobs, skid plates, and the like. In addition, the present collapsible rolling tree bag may be practiced in conjunction with any number of manners for storing not only faux Christmas trees, but any of a whole host of other items; and any articles described and shown are merely exemplary applications for the collapsible rolling tree bag. Further, the present collapsible rolling tree bag may employ any number of conventional techniques to operate as a collapsible rolling tree bag with internal support panels to store and/or move a faux Christmas tree, and the like, and wherein the internal support panels further serve to deter wear to the article by the faux tree during storage and/or movement.

Various representative embodiments of the present collapsible rolling tree bag may be applied to any collapsible rolling tree bag article with internal support panels. Referring now to FIG. 1, an article 100 to store a faux Christmas tree (see FIG. 5, element 595) comprises; a flexible bag 101 comprising an expanded volume 102 to accommodate the faux Christmas tree, wherein flexible bag 101 comprises rigid, internal side panels 103 and 104 at an internal, distal end 105 of flexible bag 101; and a rigid, internal bottom panel 106 hinged laterally at at least one point, for example at lateral hinge 107, and across bottom panel 106 to facilitate folding bottom panel 106; at least one handle, such as handle 108, coupled to article 100 for manipulating article 100; and at least one of wheels and rollers, such as wheels 110, to facilitate moving article 100, wherein the wheels/rollers are affixed and supported by rolling support mechanism 112. In a preferred embodiment, flexible bag 101 in an expanded form comprises a contoured shape to accommodate an outline perimeter shape of the faux Christmas tree.

Among various exemplary embodiments, flexible bag 101 may comprise of various shapes sizes, configurations, materials, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, flexible bag 101 comprises of a durable, woven fabric that can withstand repeated use and deter any excessive wear and/or punctures by an internally stored faux Christmas tree. In a continued preferred embodiment, flexible bag 101 further comprises a zipper type fastener, such as zipper 111 to provide access, via flexible bag access panel 115, to the interior volume of the expanded flexible bag 101 and also to secure flexible bag 101 for storage. In other embodiments, though, any other type of flexible bag materials, securing mechanisms, access configurations, and the like may be employed as known by those skilled in the art.

Among various exemplary embodiments, side panels 103 and/or 104 may be integrated with flexible bag 101. For example, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, side panels 103 and/or 104 may be affixed by stitching, glues, welds, Velcro®, snaps, and the like to side portions of flexible bag 101. In a preferred embodiment, side panels 103 and/or 104 may be affixed merely at a bottom edge of the side panels to the flexible bag such that the side panels may fold or collapse away from the flexible bag when not in use, or fold out when the flexible bag is expanded for use. As shown in FIG. 1, side panels 103 and/or 104 extend partly up the sides of flexible bag 101 and are located primarily at internal distal end 105 of flexible bag 101. Various other embodiments, though, may comprise side panels that comprise various other shapes, sizes, dimensions and the like; and may be positioned not only along the sides and at the internal distal end of flexible bag 101, but may also be positioned along an internal top portion or a proximate end of flexible bag 101. And other collapsible internal panels understood by those skilled in the art may likewise be employed. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that while the preferred embodiment comprises internal panels, panels that are located on the exterior of flexible bag 101 or layered within the flexible bag 101 material are likewise contemplated.

Among various exemplary embodiments, bottom panel 106 is hinged laterally across bottom panel 106 at approximately a midpoint to facilitate folding bottom panel 106, such as in half, so that all of article 100 may be folded/collapsed into a compact form for storage, packaging, marketing, distributing, shipping, and the like. As shown by FIG. 1, bottom panel 106 may comprise a single lateral hinge 107 to facilitate folding bottom panel 107 in half, but various other embodiments may comprise a number of lateral hinges, so that bottom panel may fold/collapse in a tri-fold, multiple-fold fashion, accordion fashion, and other like collapsible configurations. Moreover, similar to side panels 103 and/or 104, bottom panel 106 may be affixed, as well as hinged, merely at a bottom edge of the bottom panel to the flexible bag such that the bottom panel may fold or collapse away from the flexible bag when not in use, or fold out when the flexible bag is expanded for use.

Among various exemplary embodiments, article 100 may comprise at least one of wheel/rollers affixed to flexible bag 101 by, in a preferred embodiment, rolling support mechanism 112 at internal, distal end 105 of flexible bag 101, wherein rolling support mechanism 112, in a preferred embodiment, extends between internal side panels 103 and 104 as well as proximate to bottom panel 106. In a preferred embodiment, and as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, wheels 110 extend from within an interior of flexible bag 101 to an exterior of flexible bag 101; however, those skilled in the art will understand that various other wheel configurations may be employed to facilitate moving/transporting article 100. For example, any wheels may be affixed at a completely external portion of flexible bag 101 or at other locations of flexible bag 101. Moreover, while the preferred embodiment comprises wheels as the primary manner to facilitate transporting article 100, other transportation facilitation mechanisms may be employed, such as rollers, tracks, pegs, knobs, skid plates, and the like.

Continuing with FIG. 1, rolling support mechanism 112 not only provides the manner in which wheels 110 may be affixed and supported to article 100, but rolling support mechanism 112 also operates similarly as a support panel for flexible bag 101. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art, and with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, which representatively illustrates the sequential folding nature of the internal folding bottom support panel, and integrated wheel/roller elements, in a preferred embodiment, bottom panel 106, may fold over upon rolling support mechanism 112 when collapsing article 100 into a compact form for storage, packaging, marketing, distributing, shipping, and the like.

Retuning briefly to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment depicts article 100 further comprising a coupled strap 208 at an exterior, underside portion of article 100 to further aid with manipulating article 100, and those skilled in the art will understand that any number of straps may be employed at any of a variety of locations at an exterior portion of article 100. Moreover, any other types and/or combination of manipulating elements known in the art may be incorporated, for example, various handles, straps, telescopic handles, pulls, knobs, hooks, etc.

Among various exemplary embodiments, article 101 may further comprise various ancillary elements to aid with the storage and/or transportation of article 100, and those skilled in the art will understand that such article may employ some, all or none of the various ancillary elements discussed below. Among some embodiments, article 100 may comprise an internal securing strap, such as internal strap 120, FIG. 1, to secure an item, such as the faux Christmas tree, stored within flexible bag 101. Among various embodiments, article 100 may comprise one of at least internal and external pockets, sleeves, compartments, and the like to house ancillary faux Christmas tree items, for example, tree stands, cords, hooks, tree aprons, ornaments, etc. Moreover, and with momentary reference to FIG. 4, article 400 may comprises a coupled separate compartment, such as compartment 430, which may be used to house bulkier items yet separate from the interior volume in which the faux Christmas tree is stored. For example, compartment 430 may be configured to house Christmas light storage reels, tree stands, etc. And it will be understood by those skilled in the art that compartment 430 may comprise some, all, or none of the various features disclosed herein with respect to article 100 and/or flexible bag 101, such as rigid panels, handles, access panels, securing mechanisms, wheels, wheel support mechanisms, etc.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a method for manufacturing a collapsible rolling tree bag article with internal support panels to store a faux Christmas tree may comprise: providing a flexible bag comprising a volume to accommodate the faux Christmas tree, wherein the flexible hag comprises rigid, internal side panels at an internal distal end of the flexible bag, and a rigid, internal bottom panel hinged laterally across the bottom panel to facilitate folding the bottom panel; affixing at least one handle to the article for manipulating the article; and affixing at least one of wheels and rollers to facilitate moving the article.

Various methods may also include manufacturing the article to comprise some or all of the following: internal side panels that are integrated with the flexible bag; manufacturing the article such that the bottom panel is hinged laterally across the bottom panel to facilitate folding the bottom panel in a tri-fold fashion; and manufacturing the articles wherein at least one of wheels and rollers are affixed by a rolling support mechanism at the internal, distal end of the flexible bag, wherein the rolling support mechanism extends between the internal side panels.

In the foregoing specification, the collapsible rolling tree bag has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present collapsible rolling tree bag as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present collapsible rolling tree bag. Accordingly, the scope of the collapsible, rolling tree bag should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.

For example, the components and/or elements recited in any physical embodiment claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problem or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present collapsible rolling tree bag, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

Claims

1. An article to store a faux Christmas tree comprising:

a flexible bag comprising an expanded volume to accommodate the faux Christmas tree, wherein the flexible bag comprises rigid, internal side panels at an internal, distal end of the flexible bag; and a rigid, internal bottom panel hinged laterally across the bottom panel to facilitate folding the bottom panel;

at least one handle coupled to the article for manipulating the article; and

at least one of wheels and rollers to facilitate moving the article.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the internal side panels are integrated with the flexible bag.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the bottom panel is hinged laterally across the bottom panel at two points to facilitate folding the bottom panel in a tri-fold fashion.

4. The article of claim 1, further comprising an internal securing strap to secure an item stored within the flexible bag.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one of wheels and rollers are affixed by a rolling support mechanism at the internal, distal end of the flexible bag, wherein the rolling support mechanism extends between the internal side panels.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein the at least one of wheels and rollers extend from within an interior of the flexible bag to an exterior of the flexible bag.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein at least one of the internal side panels and the hinged bottom panel can fold over at least a portion of the rolling support mechanism.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the flexible bag comprises an expanded, contoured shape to accommodate an outline perimeter shape of the faux Christmas tree.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the flexible bag comprises one of at least internal and external pockets to store ancillary faux Christmas tree elements.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the flexible bag further comprises an attached compartment to accommodate at least one Christmas light storage reel.

11. The article of claim 1, wherein the flexible bag further comprises an internal compartment to accommodate a collapsible Christmas tree stand.

12. A method for manufacturing an article to store a faux Christmas tree comprising:

providing a flexible bag comprising an expanded volume to accommodate the faux Christmas tree, wherein the flexible bag comprises rigid, internal side panels at an internal distal end of the flexible bag; and a rigid, internal bottom panel hinged laterally across the bottom panel to facilitate folding the bottom panel;

affixing at least one handle to the article for manipulating the article; and

affixing at least one of wheels and rollers to facilitate moving the article.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the internal side panels are integrated with the flexible bag.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the bottom panel is hinged laterally across the bottom panel to facilitate folding the bottom panel in a tri-fold fashion.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one of wheels and rollers are affixed by a rolling support mechanism at the internal, distal end of the flexible bag, wherein the rolling support mechanism extends between the internal side panels.

16. An article to store a faux Christmas tree comprising:

a flexible bag comprising an expanded volume to accommodate the faux Christmas tree, wherein the flexible bag comprises rigid, internal side panels at an internal distal end of the flexible bag; and a rigid, internal bottom panel hinged laterally across the bottom panel to facilitate folding the bottom panel in a tri-fold fashion;

at least one handle coupled to the article for manipulating the article; and

at least one of wheels and rollers to facilitate moving the article, wherein the at least one of wheels and rollers are affixed by a rolling support mechanism integrated at the internal, distal end of the flexible bag, wherein the rolling support mechanism extends between the internal side panels, wherein the at least one of wheels and rollers extend from within an interior of the flexible bag to an exterior of the flexible bag, and wherein at least one of the internal side panels and the hinged bottom panel can fold over at least a portion of the rolling support mechanism.

17. The article of claim 16, further comprising an internal securing strap to secure an item stored within the flexible hag.

18. The article of claim 17, wherein the flexible bag comprises an expanded, contoured shape to accommodate an outline perimeter shape of the faux Christmas tree.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein the flexible bag comprises one of at least internal and external pockets to store ancillary faux Christmas tree elements.

20. The article of claim 19, wherein the flexible bag further comprises an attached compartment to accommodate at least one Christmas light storage reel.