Easel back storage and carrying case
A self-standing bag construction includes a generally rigid backing panel with a support leg hinged thereto and connected to the backing panel by a gusset. Various types of fasteners, such as magnets, hook and loop mechanisms, buckles and the like are utilized to hold the support leg tightly against the backing panel and upon release enable the support leg to form an angle with the backing panel and support the backing panel and a container affixed to the front side of the backing panel to be supported in a manner which facilitates access to the container.
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In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a luggage item such as a toiletry kit, a cosmetic kit, a tool storage bag, a tool carrying bag, a computer case, and other types of luggage items wherein the item incorporates a feature for maintaining the item in a standing position for access to the contents of the item.
There are many types of luggage items which workers, travelers and the like find useful in the conduct of their work and leisure activities. Often it is desirable to position these items on a surface, such as a desk, wardrobe, workbench or floor in an upright manner to facilitate ease of access to the contents of the item. However, many soft-sided items are difficult to maintain in such an orientation and thus their utility is diminished to some extent. It is with this background that the current invention was conceived.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONBriefly, the present invention relates to a self-standing bag or luggage item construction wherein one of the panels forming the bag, and more particularly a backing panel, is generally rigid or semi-rigid. Affixed to this rigid or semi-rigid panel is a supporting leg which is hinged to the backing panel and is also attached thereto by a gusset or connecting leg which limits the angle that can be formed between the support leg and the backing panel. The gusset or connecting leg is typically foldable and a retention mechanism or device is utilized to maintain the support leg in a folded condition, flat against the backing panel. Various types of retention mechanisms such as magnets, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, zippers and the like may be utilized. In one embodiment the support leg folds outwardly from a generally transverse seam extending generally horizontally on the backing panel. In another embodiment the support leg folds inwardly and outwardly along a generally vertical seam or hinge connection from or adjacent the lateral side of the backing panel and in this embodiment, two support legs are preferred.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a self-standing bag construction.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-standing bag construction wherein a support leg is hinged to the back side of a generally rigid backing panel for the bag and wherein the hinge construction and support leg enable positioning of the support leg in a folded condition flush with the backing panel and an unfolded condition projecting outwardly from the backing panel as a support.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a support leg for a self-standing bag construction which includes various means or mechanisms for maintaining the support leg in a flush condition tightly against the backing panel when not being utilized as a support.
Another object of the invention is to provide a support leg for a bag construction which enables the bag to be self-standing and wherein the support leg that provides the self-standing feature is rugged and easy to use.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGIn the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures:
Referring to the embodiment of
To maintain the support leg 48 in its flush condition, various types of fasteners may be used. For example, a strap having hook and loop elements; namely, a strap 60 with velcro fasteners may be utilized. Alternatively, snaps, buckles and the like may be utilized. Another embodiment comprises placement of magnetic material such as a magnetic pad 62 for cooperation with a metal plate 63 in the backing panel or member 30 or vice versa to retain the support leg 48 in its flush or flat folded condition.
The toiletry kit 36 includes a zipper opening 64 for access to the interior contents of the kit. Typically, the zipper opening 64 is adjacent top edge or top side of the backing panel 30. Other flaps and openings may also be provided.
Referring to
The concepts represented by the various embodiments may be incorporated with bag constructions of multiple types. The types of bag constructions thus described are merely exemplary and are not considered a limiting feature of the invention. The size, shape and arrangement of the support leg and the connecting gusset from the leg are also exemplary. Most of the support legs are attached at their lower ends to the lower edge or lower side of the backing panel. However, the support legs may be attached at an intermediate section to the backing panel. Gussets may be formed from flexible or rigid materials. The means for maintaining the support legs attached to their backing panel may be varied as discussed herein above. Thus, while there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A self-standing bag construction comprising, in combination:
- a generally flat planar, generally rigid backing panel having a front side and a back side, a bottom edge and a transverse seam generally parallel to the bottom edge;
- a storage container attached to the front side;
- a generally rigid support leg having an upper end and a lower end, said leg upper end hinged to the backing panel seam;
- a connecting leg between the backing panel and the support leg to limit pivotal movement of the support leg about the seam between a first position generally flush with the backing panel and a second position forming an acute angle with the backing panel to support the backing panel in an upright position resting on the bottom edge thereof; and
- a latching mechanism incorporated in the support leg and backing panel for retaining the support leg in the first position flush with the backing panel.
2. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the connecting leg is comprised of first and second generally rigid bridging elements hinged together to form a linkage between the backing panel and support leg, said first and second bridging elements each having a dimension which enables folding of the bridging elements over one another in layers generally flush with the backing panel in the first position.
3. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the bridging elements have generally equal width dimensions.
4. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the bridging elements extend between the backing panel bottom edge and the support leg lower end.
5. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the latching mechanism comprises at least one magnetic material selected from the group consisting of magnetic elements positioned in the backing panel, the support leg and the connecting leg.
6. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the latching mechanism comprises at least one magnetic material element positioned in the backing panel and the support leg on the connecting leg.
7. The bag construction of claim 1 further including an auxiliary fastening mechanism for holding the support leg in the first position.
8. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the latching mechanism comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, buckle fasteners, magnetic fasteners and combinations thereof.
9. The bag construction of claim 1 further including at least one cover flap attached to the backing panel and foldable over the support leg and backing panel in the first position.
10. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the storage container comprises an assembly selected from the group consisting of a duffle bag, a clothing bag, a tool bag, a toiletry kit, and a computer case, each of said assemblies having an access opening generally adjacent the upper end of the backing panel.
11. A self-standing bag construction comprising, in combination:
- a generally rigid backing panel having a front side, a back side, a bottom edge, and first and second spaced lateral side edges;
- a storage container attached to the front side;
- a first generally rigid flap member with a hinged connection to the first lateral side edge of the backing panel and foldable between a first position flush with the backing panel and a second position forming an angle with the backing panel, said flap member having a lower edge for upright support of the backing member when the flap member is in the second position, and a gusset linking the backing member and flap member to limit folding movement of the flap member about the hinged connection.
12. The bag construction of claim 11 including a second rigid flap member attached to the second lateral side edge by a second hinged connection and foldable between a position flush with the backing panel and a second position forming an angle therewith.
13. The bag construction of claim 12 wherein the first and second flap members are generally symmetrical about a center line axis of the backing member.
14. The bag construction of claim 12 including a gusset linking the second flap member and backing member.
15. The bag construction of claim 11 including a flap retention device for retaining the flap in the first position selected from the group consisting of a hook and top loop, a buckle, a magnetic material, a snap fastener and combinations thereof.
16. The bag construction of claim 13 including fastener retention devices for retaining the flaps in the first position flush with the backing panel.
Type: Application
Filed: May 24, 2005
Publication Date: Nov 30, 2006
Applicant: Travel Caddy, Inc. d/b/a Travelon (Des Plaines, IL)
Inventors: Donald Godshaw (Evanston, IL), Andrezj Redzisz (Wheeling, IL)
Application Number: 11/135,945
International Classification: B65D 30/16 (20060101);