Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack, having a relatively flat foldable member, which is connected to a resilient member or an actuating means. The flat member is folded along at least one transverse axis into at least two sections. The resilient member is connected to the opposed ends of the flat member and urges the ends of the flat member inward from its flat position to a folded position. In the folded position, the flat member forms a gable and pushes the sides of the bag outward to expand the bag. In another form, a cord is used to pull the apparatus into its bag expanding position. Relatively flat inserts may be added to promote uniform expansion of the bag.

Abstract: An expander for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag comprising a device which is folded or collapsed to a flat state or spread apart to an expanded state. The soft bag is collapsed to a compact form in the flat state for shipment. In the expanded position, the bag is expanded to give the appearance that it is filled. Some embodiments use a resilient member to automatically urge the device from a flat position to its expanded position when compressive forces are removed from the bag. Other forms use a cord for manually moving the expander device into its bag-expanding position. To provide for a greater extent of expansion in relation to the length of the device in the flat position, an expanding device having four sequentially arranged sections, each of which is articulatable with respect to each adjacent section is provided in some embodiments.

Abstract: An expander for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack comprising a device which is folded or collapsed to a flat state or spread apart to an expanded state. In the flat position, the soft bag is collapsed to a compact form for shipment. In the expanded position, the bag is expanded to give the appearance that it is filled. In one embodiment, a resilient member automatically urges the device from a flat position to its expanded position when compressive forces are removed from the bag. In another form, a cord is used for manually moving the expander device into its bag-expanded position.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack, having a relatively flat foldable member, which is connected to a resilient member or an actuating mechanism. The flat member is folded along at least one transverse axis into at least two sections. The resilient member is connected to the opposed ends of the flat member and urges the ends of the flat member inward from its flat position to a folded position. In the folded position, the flat member forms a gable and pushes the sides of the bag outward to expand the bag. In another form, a cord is used to pull the apparatus into its bag expanding position. Relatively flat inserts may be added to promote uniform expansion of the bag.