Convertible storage bag

Abstract

A convertible bag is disclosed which is adapted to be converted between a compact configuration, such as in the form of a backpack, and an expanded configuration, such as in the form of a duffle bag. The convertible bag has a front end portion having at least one storage compartment. A back end portion is joined to the front end portion, forming at least a second storage compartment. The front end portion and back end portion are adapted to be joined by a zipper around the perimeter of the back end portion and further comprises a pair of toothed tracks and a slidable element. An extendable portion is connected to the front end portion and the back end portion and is contained in the second storage compartment when the bag is in the compact configuration. When the front end portion and back end portion are separated, the extendable portion is adapted to be extended to form the expanded configuration and the zipper is adapted to have the slidable element remain engaged with the pair of toothed tracks at all times.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a convertible storage bag and more specifically to a storage bag which may be converted from a compact bag such as a backpack to an expanded bag such as a duffle bag.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Duffle bags are widely known as having durable fabric material and having a rectangular elongated shape. Duffle bags are advantageous because they can conveniently hold a large amount of clothing or other items. Duffle bags may be easily manufactured and since they preferably are constructed of fabric, they can be conformed to provide larger space for packing or storage. However, duffle bags tend to be cumbersome and their larger dimensions and elongated shape make them difficult to transport. Further because of their construction, even when not full, a duffle bag will tend to take up more space than is necessary and is cumbersome to transport.

Conversely, backpacks tend to be a convenient means for transporting smaller items. Backpacks are sufficiently compact to be stored and easily transported by strapping the backpack on the back of a person. However, backpacks do not have sufficient size to carry large amounts of clothing or other items which would be desirable in situations such as extended stays.

Thus, there exists a need for a duffle bag which may be transported easily in a transportable configuration. There also exists a need for a duffle bag which can be converted into a lower capacity carrying device. There is a further need for a type of bag configuration which can be converted between a first compact mode for easier transport and a second expanded mode for greater carrying and storage capacity.

There further is a need for a convertible bag that is easily converted between compact and expanded configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set forth in or otherwise apparent from the description and drawings that follow, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention.

The present invention is generally embodied in a convertible bag having a front end portion with at least one storage compartment, a back end portion that when joined to the front end portion forms at least a second storage compartment, the front end portion and back end portion adapted to be joined by a zipper around a perimeter of the back end portion and further comprising a pair of toothed tracks and a slidable element, an extendable portion connected to and between the front end portion and back end portion and contained in the second storage compartment when the front end portion is joined to the back end portion to form a compact configuration, wherein when the front end portion and back end portion are no longer joined and are spaced apart, the extendable portion is adapted to be extended to form an expanded configuration, and wherein the zipper is adapted to have the slidable element remain engaged with the pair of toothed tracks at all times.

In another aspect of the invention, a convertible bag is adapted to be converted from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration, the convertible bag having a front end portion with at least one storage compartment, a back end portion directly connectable to the front end portion by a zipper having a pair of toothed tracks engaged around a perimeter of the respective front end portion and back end portion, an extendable portion connected to and between the front end portion and back end portion and concealed between the front end portion and back end portion when the front end portion is directly connected to the back end portion forming a compact configuration, wherein when the front end portion and back end portion are no longer directly connected to each other, the front end portion may be spaced apart from the back end portion and the extendable portion may be extended to permit the convertible bag to form an expanded configuration; and wherein the zipper is adapted to have the slidable element remain engaged with the pair of toothed tracks at all times.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are not limiting and are provided purposes of explanation only. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the invention. Further features and objects of the present invention will become more fully apparent in the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In describing the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like parts have like reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible storage bag according to the present invention in a compact configuration shown in the form of a backpack having wheels;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 1 being converted to an expanded configuration;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 1 in the expanded configuration in the form of a duffle bag;

FIG. 5 is a further side perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a convertible storage bag according to the present invention in a compact configuration in the form of a backpack without wheels;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 6 being converted to an expanded configuration;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 6 in the expanded configuration in the form of a duffle bag;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a further side perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a convertible storage bag according to the present invention in a compact configuration shown in the form of a CD case;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 12 being converted to an expanded configuration; and

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the convertible storage bag of FIG. 12 in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 15 is a further side perspective view of the convertible bag of FIG. 12 in the expanded configuration.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and provide various views of convertible bags that are within the spirit and scope of the invention which may be used in various configurations. While some mechanical details of such systems, including other plan and section views of the particular components, have been omitted, such details are considered well within the comprehension of those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is capable of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments illustrated.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings, there is shown a convertible bag 10 which may be converted from a compact configuration in the form of for instance a backpack, to an expanded configuration in the form of a duffle bag. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, convertible bag 10 is in the compact configuration of a backpack. Convertible bag 10 is generally constructed of rugged woven fiber material such as canvas, but may be made of alternative materials, natural or man-made. Convertible bag 10 is shown with a preferably flat back end portion 12, although other shapes may be suitable. Front end portion 14 may be flat or of other shapes, such as to accommodate, for instance, a storage compartment. In the backpack configuration shown in FIGS. 1-2, a wearer may carry bag 10 via a pair of straps 16 which are attached proximate the top and bottom of flat back end portion 12. Flat back end portion 12 is thus capable of being worn in contact with a wearer's back. Straps 16 include buckles 18 which may be used to adjust the length of straps 16 for improved comfort and fit for different individuals, and detachable clips 19 at their lower ends.

Front end portion 14 of bag 10 is shown as having a first storage compartment 20 and an optional storage compartment 22. First storage compartment 20 is formed essentially by a flap 24 which may be opened or closed via a zipper 26. Storage compartment 22 is formed by a pair of side panels 28 and a bottom panel 30. Bottom panel 30 may be reinforced with heavier material to provide better support for stored items. A top portion 32 joins side panels 28, and it will be appreciated that the top portion and side panels, or even the top portion, side panels and bottom panel may be formed from a continuous piece of material or may be separate pieces connected together, such as by sewing, gluing or by other suitable means of attachment. A front panel 34 has a lower portion 36 which is joined to side panels 28. A front flap 38 is formed above lower portion 36 and is joined via a zipper 40 which is provided around the border of top portion 32 and side panels 28 and allows access to the second storage compartment 22 when unzipped. The first storage compartment 20 is formed as a pouch with flap 24 on the lower portion 36. An optional handle, in the form of a loop 42, preferably of fabric or other suitable material, is attached to top portion 32 to provide an additional means to carry bag 10 in this configuration. It will be appreciated that the optional handle proximate the top of convertible bag 10 may alternatively incorporate rigid materials as well, as may be desired.

Back end portion 12 has a pair of side panels 44 which are joined by a top portion 46 and a bottom portion 48. Top portion 46 and bottom portion 48 are provided with extra support and are thus preferably constructed in part with heavy duty protective material, such as plastic, metal, or other suitable material. In this particular embodiment, convertible bag 10 is outfitted with an optional telescopic handle. To achieve this optional configuration, top portion 46 is fitted with a slot 50 which receives a retractable handle 52. In FIG. 1, handle 52 is shown in the extended position and has a first telescoping member 54 which may be extended from slot 50 and a second telescoping member 56 which extends from first telescoping member 54 and has a hand grip 58 connected to its opposite end. However, various forms of retractable handles may be used, as are known in the art.

As best seen in FIG. 2, bottom portion 48 has a pair of socket members 60 which each receive a rotatable wheel 62. Handle 52 may be used to conveniently pull bag 10 on wheels 62 for particularly heavy loads when on relatively flat surfaces when in the compact configuration.

Bag 10 may be transformed into a duffle bag as shown in FIGS. 3-5. A main zipper 70 joins respective side panels 44 and top portion 46 of back end portion 12 to side panels 28 and top portion 32 of front end portion 14. Main zipper 70 may be opened to separate front end portion 14 and back end portion 12, thereby expanding bag 10. Front end portion 14 and back end portion 12 form a second storage compartment 66 which holds the material of an extendable portion 72, which is used to expand bag 10 to create a duffle bag configuration.

Main zipper 70 is wrapped around the perimeter of front end portion 14 and back end portion 12, and is continued on a flexible track 74 which is terminated at a stop 76. The duffle bag configuration has a pair of large side panels 78. Stop 76 is attached to the middle of the large side panel 78. With this zipper configuration, when a user expands bag 10, the interlocking zipper toothed track portions remain enmeshed at stop 76, even when bag 10 is expanded. This eliminates the awkward and time consuming practice of having to draw together two completely separated zipper toothed track portions and fumble through the process of having to align and insert one track end into the zipper slide element to get the zipper started. Moreover, the flexible track 74 helps tend to draw front end portion 14 and back end portion 12 together automatically as the movable zipper slide element progresses on the zipper toothed tracks toward a closed position.

The carrying compartment in the duffle bag configuration is formed by side panels 78, a bottom panel 80 and a top panel 82, which it will be appreciated may be formed from a continuous piece of material or may be separate pieces connected together. Top panel 82 has a flap 84 which is attached by a zipper 86 which provides access to the carrying compartment. In this embodiment, zipper 86 is in a U-shape, creating flap 84. It will be appreciated that zipper 86 may be straight, to create simply a slit for an opening, or may be of alternative shapes to create other opening shapes. Side panels 78 have a pair of straps 88 with loops 90 formed above top panel 82. Loops 90 may be joined together via a handle 92 which has flaps which can be joined by a fastener system, such as snaps or Velcro®, to bind respective loops 90 together for convenient carrying of bag 10. The flaps of handle 92 may be separated in order to allow loops 90 to be separated from each other for better access to the carrying compartment. Unzipping the main zipper 70 allows side panels 78 to be expanded to their full length. Front end portion 14 and back end portion 12 thus form the ends of the duffle bag configuration as shown in FIGS. 4-5.

When bag 10 is in the duffle bag configuration, it can be carried by loops 90 individually, or by handle 92. Alternatively, the duffle bag configuration can be carried by a carrying strap 94. Carrying strap 94 preferably has two ends 96, each of which has a detachable clip 98. Back end portion 12 preferably has a locking tab 100 (best seen in FIG. 2) which is connected to top portion 46. The locking tab 100 on back end portion 12 provides an attachment point for a detachable clip 98 of carrying strap 94. Front end portion 14 may have a center reinforcing strap 102 which has a locking tab 104. Detachable clip 98 may be attached to locking tab 104 to allows for attachment of carrying strap 94. As a further alternative, it will be appreciated that convertible bag 10 may be towed by optional loop handle 42 while rolling on wheels 62.

Back portion 12 has an optional further storage compartment 106 behind retractable handle 52. Further storage compartment 106 is a shallow compartment with openings formed by a flap 108 and is accessible via an upper horizontal zipper 111 and a lower horizontal zipper 112. Flap 108 is attached on its sides to back portion 12. Storage compartment 106 may be opened and shoulder straps 16 and their respective attaching hardware may be stored therein when not in use.

Turning now to FIGS. 6-11, there is shown a second embodiment of a convertible bag 210 in accordance with the invention. Much like the first embodiment, convertible bag 210 may be converted from a compact configuration, such as in the form of a backpack, to an expanded configuration in the form of a duffle bag. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, convertible bag 210 is in the compact configuration of a backpack. Convertible bag 210 may generally be constructed of similar materials to those used in convertible bag 10. Convertible bag 210 preferably has a flat back end portion 212, although other shapes may be suitable. Front end portion 214 may be flat or of other shapes, such as to accommodate a storage compartment. In the backpack configuration shown in FIGS. 6-7, a user may carry bag 210 via a pair of straps 216 which are attached proximate the top and bottom of flat back end portion 212. Thus, convertible bag 210 may be worn as a backpack or otherwise carried. Straps 216 preferably include buckles 218 which may be used to adjust the length of straps 216 for improved comfort and fit, and detachable clip 219 at their lower ends.

Front end portion 214 of bag 210 is shown as having a first storage compartment 220 and an optional center storage compartment 222. First storage compartment 220 is formed essentially by a flap 224 which may be opened or closed via a zipper 226. Optional center storage compartment 222 is formed by a pair of side panels 228 and a bottom panel 230. Bottom panel 230 may be reinforced to provide better support. A top portion 232 joins side panels 228, and it will be appreciated that the top portion and side panels, or even the top portion, side panels and bottom panel may be formed from a continuous piece of material or may be separate pieces connected together by suitable means, and that a handle may be provided proximate the top of bag 210, if desired. A front panel 234 has a lower portion 236 which is joined to side panels 228. A front flap 238 is formed above lower portion 238 and is joined via a zipper 240 which is provided around the border of top portion 232 and side panels 228 and allows access to the second storage compartment 222 when unzipped. The first storage compartment 220 is formed as a pouch with flap 224 on the lower portion 236.

Bag 210 may be transformed into a duffle bag as shown in FIGS. 8-11. Main zipper 270 joins respective side panels 228 and top portion 232 of front end portion 214 to back end portion 212. Thus, main zipper 270 may be opened to separate front end portion 214 and back end portion 212, thereby expanding bag 210. Front end portion 214 and back end portion 212 form a second storage compartment 266 (best seen in FIG. 8), which holds the material of an expandable portion 272, which is used to expand bag 210 to create a duffle bag configuration.

Main zipper 270 is wrapped around the perimeter of front end portion 214 and back end portion 212 and is continued on a flexible track 274 which is terminated at a stop 276. The duffle bag configuration has a pair of large side panels 278. Stop 276 is attached to the middle of the large side panel 278. As with the first preferred embodiment, this integrated zipper configuration eliminates the need to work to get two completely separated zipper toothed tracks started with a zipper slide element. Also, main zipper 270 tends to draw front end portion 214 and back end portion 212 together automatically as a user zips convertible bag 210 toward a closed compact configuration.

The carrying compartment in the duffle bag configuration of this second embodiment is formed by side panels 278, a bottom panel 280 and a top panel 282, which it will be appreciated may be formed from a continuous piece of material or may be separate pieces connected together by suitable means. Top panel 282 has a flap 284 which is attached by a zipper 286 which provides access to the carrying compartment. Side panels 278 have a pair of straps 288 with loops 290 formed above top panel 282. Loops 290 may be joined together via a handle 292 which has flaps which can be joined by a suitable fastener system to bind respective loops 290 together for convenient carrying of bag 210. The flaps of handle 292 may be separated in order to allow loops 290 to be separated from each other for better access to the carrying compartment. Unzipping the main zipper 270 allows side panels 278 to be expanded to their full length. Front end portion 214 and back end portion 212 thus form the ends of the duffle bag configuration as shown in FIGS. 9-11.

When bag 210 is in the duffle bag configuration, it can be carried by loops 290 individually, or by handle 292. Alternatively, the duffle bag configuration can be carried by a carrying strap 294. Carrying strap 294 preferably has two ends 296, each of which has a detachable clip 298. Back end portion 212 preferably has a locking tab 300 (best seen in FIG. 7) which is connected to back end portion 212. The locking tab 300 on back end portion 212 provides an attachment point for a detachable clip 298 of carrying strap 294. Front end portion 214 may have a center reinforcing strap 302 which has a locking tab 304. Detachable clip 298 may be attached to locking tab 304 to allows for attachment of carrying strap 294.

In this embodiment, bag 210 does not require any internal volume to be dedicated to housing a telescopic handle assembly as in convertible bag 10. Also, back end portion 212 houses a further storage compartment 306 formed by a flap 308 attached on its sides, and having an upper horizontal zipper 311 and a lower horizontal zipper 312 which provide convenient access to compartment 306 via flap 308. Flap 308 may be opened to fold backpack carrying straps 216 into compartment 306 to be stored within the duffle bag, as best seen in FIG. 11.

A third embodiment of a convertible bag 410 is shown in FIGS. 12-15. Convertible bag 410 has a front end portion 414 and a back end portion 412 which are both preferably of a circular shape, although it will be appreciated that other shapes may be used. Convertible bag 410 is shown in a compact storage configuration in FIG. 12. In this configuration, bag 410 is adapted to be a relatively flat, cylinder-shaped CD or digital media holder. Front end portion 414 has a first storage compartment 420 which essentially is a pouch formed by a flap 424 which may be opened or closed via a zipper 426 which preferably is tracked around circular flap 424. First storage compartment or pouch 420 is accessed by opening zipper 426 and peeling back flap 424. Front end portion 414 has a backing panel 434 which preferably is in a corresponding circular shape.

A carrying strap 442 is attached to backing panel 434. Backing panel 434 is joined to back end portion 412 by means of a main zipper 470 which tracks around the perimeter of front end portion 414 and back end portion 412. As can be seen in FIG. 14, pouch 420 may contain further storage compartments, such as in the form of dividers 464 to separate disc media such as CD-ROMs or DVDs.

In this embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 13, back end portion 412 may include yet another storage compartment or pouch 420a. Similar to pouch 420 on front end portion 414, pouch 420a may include a flap 424a which may be closed by a zipper 426a. Depending on the needs of the end user, storage compartment 420a may include dividers such as are shown in first storage compartment 420.

Convertible bag 410 may be converted to an expanded configuration which is a carrying bag as shown in FIGS. 13-15. When main zipper 470 is opened, front end portion 414 and back end portion 412 are separated as the zipper is continued on flexible track 474 which is terminated at a stop 476. Front end portion 414 and back end portion 412 form a second storage compartment 466 for the material of an expandable portion 472 which is used to form the expanded bag configuration as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. When expanded, expandable portion 472 forms a fabric enclosure 475 expanded out from storage compartment 466, with a cylindrical shape and side wall 478.

Stop 476 is attached to the middle of the large side wall 478. As with the other preferred embodiments, the integrated zipper configuration provides convenience in separating and rejoining front end portion 414 and rear end portion 412 by keeping the toothed tracks and slidable element of main zipper 470 engaged at all times and by automatically drawing the end portions together when closing the second storage compartment to form the compact configuration of convertible bag 410.

Side wall 478 of the cylindrical enclosure 475 has a top slit 484 which is sealed by a zipper 486 which allows access to the expanded bag. Alternatively, the top of the cylindrical enclosure 475 may have a flap comparable to the U-shaped flaps in bags 10 and 210, or of any other desired shape.

The expanded bag configuration as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 provides more storage capacity. Additional items may still be stored in circular pouch 420 at front end portion 414. The fabric enclosure 474 also has two reinforcement straps 488 which encircle the outside of side wall 478. Reinforcement straps 488 are attached to the ends of a carrying strap 494 which may be used to carry convertible bag 410 in the expanded configuration.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that throughout this specification a variety of materials, preferably in the form of fabric or pliable material, may be used in constructing the various embodiments of the invention and that while panels often are described, such panels may be formed by separate but connected pieces or by a unitary piece encompassing several panels, and that straps, fasteners and other components also may be made from any suitable materials and in any of a variety of configurations to suit the particular needs and requirements of an end user. It also will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made in constructing and configuring the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the foregoing descriptions but is intended to cover all modifications and variations that come within the scope and spirit of the invention and the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A convertible bag comprising:

a front end portion having at least one storage compartment;

a back end portion that when joined to the front end portion forms at least a second storage compartment;

the front end portion and back end portion are adapted to be joined by a zipper around the perimeter of the front end portion and further comprising a pair of toothed tracks and a slidable element;

an extendable portion connected to and between the front end portion and back end portion and contained in the second storage compartment when the front end portion is joined to the back end portion to form a compact configuration;

wherein when the front end portion and back end portion are no longer joined and are spaced apart, the extendable portion is adapted to be extended to form an expanded configuration; and

wherein the zipper is adapted to have the slidable element remain engaged with the pair of toothed tracks at all times.

2. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the compact configuration is in the form of a backpack and the expanded configuration is in the form of a duffle bag.

3. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the compact configuration further comprises a CD case.

4. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the first storage compartment further comprises at least one additional storage compartment.

5. The convertible bag of claim 4, wherein the additional storage compartment further comprises dividers.

6. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the first storage compartment has an opening bounded by a zipper.

7. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the back end portion further comprises an additional storage compartment.

8. The convertible bag of claim 1, further comprising a pair of carrying straps connected to the back end portion.

9. The convertible bag of claim 7, wherein the additional storage compartment is adapted to receive a pair of carrying straps connected to the back end portion when the carrying straps are not in use.

10. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the back end portion further comprises a pair of wheels.

11. The convertible bag of claim 10, further comprising a handle connected to the front end portion, wherein the convertible bag is adapted to be towed by the handle while rolling on the pair of wheels.

12. The convertible bag of claim 1, further comprising a pair of wheels proximate a bottom of the convertible bag.

13. The convertible bag of claim 1, further comprising a retractable handle.

14. The convertible bag of claim 1, further comprising a carrying strap which is adapted to be connected proximate the front end portion and back end portion while the convertible bag is in the expanded configuration.

15. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion further comprises a pair of reinforcement straps which are adapted to form a pair of carrying handles.

16. The convertible bag of claim 15, wherein the pair of carrying handles are adapted to be joined to form a single carrying handle for the convertible bag when in the expanded configuration.

17. The convertible bag of claim 1, wherein the zipper further comprises a stop connected to the pair of toothed tracks and which prevents the slidable element from becoming disengaged from the pair of toothed tracks when the convertible bag is in the expanded configuration.

18. A convertible bag adapted to be converted from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration, the convertible bag comprising:

a front end portion having at least one storage compartment;

a back end portion directly connectable to the front end portion by a zipper having a pair of toothed tracks engaged around a perimeter of the respective front end portion and back end portion;

an extendable portion connected to and between the front end portion and back end portion and concealed between the front end portion and back end portion when the front end portion is directly connected to the back end portion forming a compact configuration;

wherein when the front end portion and back end portion are no longer directly connected to each other, the front end portion may be spaced apart from the back end portion and the extendable portion may be extended to permit the convertible bag to form an expanded configuration; and

wherein the zipper is adapted to have the slidable element remain engaged with the pair of toothed tracks at all times.

19. The convertible bag of claim 18, wherein the compact configuration is in the form of a backpack and the expanded configuration is in the form of a duffle bag.

20. The convertible bag of claim 18, wherein the zipper further comprises a stop connected to the pair of toothed tracks and which prevents the slidable element from becoming disengaged from the pair of toothed tracks when the convertible bag is in the expanded configuration.

21. The convertible bag of claim 18, wherein the compact configuration further comprises a CD case.