Abstract: A carrying bag includes a bag body including first and second panels cooperating to substantially form a first compartment therebetween; an expandable compartment configured for housing an object, the expandable compartment including first and second areas cooperating with each other; the first area being connected to the bag body, the first area having two end portions, each end portion comprising a protrusion, and the first area having a fold line approximately along its center, the second area comprising three regions configured to cooperate with each other; and a cord capable of cooperating with the second area for facilitating the cooperation of the three regions. The shape of the protrusions of the end portions prevents the visibility of the first area to a user when the compartment is in an unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A backpack includes a backpack body comprising first and second panels cooperating to substantially form a first compartment therebetween; an expandable compartment configured for housing an object, the expandable compartment including first and second areas cooperating with each other; the first area being connected to the backpack body, the first area having two end portions, each end portion comprising a protrusion, and the first area having a fold line approximately along its center, the second area comprising three regions configured to cooperate with each other; and a cord capable of cooperating with the second area for facilitating the cooperation of the three regions. The shape of the protrusions of the end portions prevent the visibility of the first area to a user when the compartment is in an unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A towing arrangement includes a pivotal handle which allows a user to position the handle more comfortably that would otherwise be possible with a conventional towing arrangement. The relative motion of the handle can also increase the maneuverability of a piece of luggage by eliminating the need for a person to reposition his or her hand on the handle when attempting to redirect the piece of luggage.

Abstract: A retaining assembly includes a first portion capable of being attached a strap, a second portion capable of being secured to the first portion, the second portion including a retaining portion capable of cooperating with a harnessing member; and a member capable of sliding over the retaining portion and cooperating with the second portion in a plurality of positions. When the member is in a first position, the combination of the retaining portion and the member is capable of retaining the harnessing member, and the retaining assembly is prevented from pivoting around the harnessing member.

Abstract: A retaining assembly includes a first portion capable of being attached a strap, a second portion capable of being secured to the first portion, the second portion including a retaining portion capable of cooperating with a harnessing post; and a member capable of sliding over the retaining portion and cooperating with the second portion in a plurality of positions. When the member is in a first position, the combination of the retaining portion and the member is capable of retaining the harnessing post.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an umbrella with an elastomeric tie strap. The tie strap is capable of stretching in length upon pressure by the user applied to the strap to lengthen it while securing the umbrella cover folds and rib linkages around the centerpost of the umbrella. The present invention also provides for an umbrella with an elastomeric carrying strap.

Abstract: A towing arrangement includes a pivotal handle which allows a user to position the handle more comfortably that would otherwise be possible with a conventional towing arrangement. The relative motion of the handle can also increase the maneuverability of a piece of luggage by eliminating the need for a person to reposition his or her hand on the handle when attempting to redirect the piece of luggage.

Abstract: An attachment to a strap includes a first portion adapted to be connected to the strap, and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. In one aspect of the present invention, a magnet is attached to the first, the magnet being capable of removably securing the second portion to the first portion when the first and second portions are brought in proximity. In another aspect of the present invention, the first portion includes a recess, and when the first and second portions are brought in contact with each other, the second portion is at least partially disposed in the recess of the first portion such that the attachment has an approximately smooth exterior at the junction of the first and second portions.

Abstract: Stabilizing means for a secondary bag carried on a wheeled luggage case is attached to the telescoping handle assembly of the case. The handle assembly has a single telescoping tube and a stabilizing arm or arms pivotally mounted on the outer section of the telescoping tube. When the handle assembly is withdrawn from the case, the stabilizing arm or arms are pivoted to a horizontal position. On retraction of the handle into the case, the arm or arms are pivoted to a position parallel to the tube section. In another embodiment, collar affixed to the outer section of the tube carries a pair of L-shape members, each with a leg extending downwardly and parallel to the tube section. The collar and L-shaped arms move with the outer tube section into and out of the luggage case.

Abstract: A luggage identification tag has an envelope having a front wall member and a rear wall member, the wall members being of a sheet material and being joined along opposite side edges and one end edge so as to enable the envelope to receive and hold an identification card. The front wall member has a hole through which a color card received in the envelope between the identification card and the front wall member is visible. The particular color card in the envelope is selected by a user from several color cards of different colors that are furnished with the identification tag by the supplier of the luggage. A tether joined to the envelope enables the envelope to be fastened to an item of luggage.

Abstract: A backpack includes a body defining a receptacle and having a back wall with an upper edge and a pair of spaced-apart shoulder straps having upper ends attached to the body proximate to the upper edge of the back wall of the body. A carrying handle is connected to the shoulder straps in spaced-apart relation to the upper ends of the shoulder straps and defines with the back wall of the body an opening that is adapted to accept the fingers of a user when the user grasps the carrying handle. The carrying handle includes a handle cover that is adapted to maintain portions of the shoulder straps to which the carrying handle is attached in spaced-apart relation when the handle is in use so that the carrying handle is comfortable to hold and does not pinch the user's hand.

Abstract: A removably attachable hook strap for holding auxiliary luggage which comprises a strap having two ends, one end comprising a means for removably attaching to a main piece of luggage, a rigid hook having a distal and a proximal end, the proximal end being joined to the other end of the strap, a member having a first and second end, the first end being fixed to the proximal end of the rigid hook and a means for detachably fastening the second end of the member to the distal end of the rigid hook.

Abstract: An insulated container assembly (10) includes a container base (12) having a front (14) and upper (16) and lower (17) rear wall, bottom (18), and side walls (20) and a lid (22) sized to conform to the container base (12). The insulated container assembly (10) also includes a handle assembly (24) which is pivotably secured to the container rear wall (16) and rotates approximately 180 degrees between an extended operative position and a retracted non-operative position. The single member wheel assembly (26) may be secured to the insulated container (10) such that it is substantially confined by the side (20) and lower (17) and upper (16) rear walls of the insulated container (10).