TOOL BAG WITH EXTENDABLE HANDLES

Abstract

A tool bag with extendable handles is described. The tool bag can include a tool bag body and first and second extendable attached to the tool bag body. The tool bag body can includes an open topped storage volume formed from a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls can include a bottom wall, first and second sidewalls opposite one another, and first and second end walls opposite one another; and the sidewalls and end walls can be generally orthogonal to the bottom wall. The first extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the first sidewall, the second extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the second sidewall, and the extendable handles can be movable between a lowered position and an extended position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/503,954, filed Jul. 1, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of bags, and more particularly to a multi-function tool bag that is useful for carrying and storing tools.

BACKGROUND

Tool carriers are known to be useful for workers needing to transport tools to and from a work site for a specific job. Handles, straps and wheels on tool carriers facilitate the easy carriage of the tool carrier from site to site. Exemplary prior art tool carriers include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,179,185; 7,331,454; and 7,780,051. While these tool carriers and others of the prior art are useful in some instances, there are still numerous deficiencies and the potential for more useful tool carriers and tool carrier features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A tool bag according to the invention includes a tool bag body and first and second extendable handles attached to the tool bag body. The tool bag body includes an open topped storage volume formed from a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls includes a bottom wall, first and second sidewalls opposite one another, and first and second end walls opposite one another. The sidewalls and end walls can be generally orthogonal to the bottom wall. The first extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the first sidewall, and the second extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the second sidewall. The extendable handles can be movable between a lowered position and an extended position. The first and second extendable handles can move in a vertical plane between the lowered position and the extended position.

The sidewalls of the tool bag can include inner and outer flexible layers and a rigid support member disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers. The first extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member of the first sidewall. The second extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member of the second sidewall.

The rigid support member can also include first and second support layers and a third support layer disposed between the first and second support layers. The first and second support layers can include plastic and the third support layer can include wood.

The inner and outer flexible layers of the walls can also be coupled to each other. The inner and outer flexible layers can be coupled along a top edge of the sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls can also include an opening along the top edge of the sidewall. Each of the extendable handles can extend through the opening, and at least a portion of the extendable handles can be disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers of the sidewall. The rigid support member can also be coupled between the inner and outer flexible layers along the top edge of the sidewalls.

Each of the first and second extendable handles can include an upper handle section and a lower handle section. The lower handle section can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member of each sidewall. The upper handle section can include a grip, and at least a portion of the grip can extend vertically above a top edge of the sidewall in the lowered position.

The lower handle section can be disposed below the top edge of each sidewall in the lowered position. Similarly, at least a portion of the lower handle section can extend vertically above the top edge of each sidewall in the extended position.

The lower handle section of each extendable handle can also be slidably engaged to the sidewall and each extendable handle can also include a slide stop.

The sidewalls of the tool bag can also include at least one sliding guide, and each of the lower handle sections of the extendable handles can include at least one slide stop. Each of the sliding guide structures of the sidewalls can engage with a vertical edge of the extendable handle to operatively couple the extendable handle to the sidewall.

The lower handle section of each extendable handle can include at least one sliding track and at least one slide stop. The rigid support member of each sidewall can also include at least one sliding guide. The sliding track can engage with the sliding guide to operatively couple the extendable handle to the rigid support member.

The at least one sliding track can also include a vertical slot, and the at least one slide stop can include an end of the vertical slot. The at least one sliding guide can also include a fastener, and at least a portion of the fastener can be disposed within the vertical slot.

The lower handle section of each extendable handle can include one sliding track and the rigid support member can include two sliding guides. The one sliding track can engage with the two sliding guides.

In some arrangements, the lower handle section of each extendable handle can include at least two sliding tracks and the rigid support member can include two sliding guides. Each of the sliding tracks can engage with one of the sliding guides or with more than one of the sliding guides.

The tool bag can also include at least one primary plurality of pockets extending from at least one of the end walls and the sidewalls. The tool bag can also include at least one secondary plurality of pockets extending from the at least one primary plurality of pockets.

The invention also includes a tool bag having a tool bag body comprising an open topped storage volume, such that the tool bag body can include a bottom wall, first and second sidewalls opposite one another, and first and second end walls opposite one another, with the sidewalls and end walls generally orthogonal to the bottom wall. The tool bag can also include a first extendable handle operatively coupled to the first sidewall and a second extendable handle operatively coupled to the second sidewall. The first and second extendable handles can be movable between a lowered position and an extended position. The first and second extendable handles can include an upper handle section and a lower handle section. The upper handle section can include a grip, with at least a portion of the grip extending vertically above a top edge of the sidewall in the lowered position. The lower handle section can be disposed below the top edge of each sidewall in the lowered position.

The first and second sidewalls can also include inner and outer flexible layers and a rigid support member disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers. The first extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member of the first sidewall, and the second extendable handle can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member of the second sidewall.

The inner and outer flexible layers and the rigid support member of each sidewall can be coupled along the top edge of the sidewall. The sidewalls can also include an opening along the top edge of each sidewall. The first extendable handle can extend through the opening, with at least a portion of said first extendable handle being disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers of the first sidewall. The second extendable handle can extend through the opening, with at least a portion of said second extendable handle being disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers of the second sidewall.

The tool bag can also include at least one side-stabilizing member coupled to each of the sidewalls.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool bag described herein, with the extendable handles in a lowered position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tool bag described herein, with the extendable handles in an extended position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a tool bag described herein.

FIG. 4 is another side view of a tool bag described herein.

FIG. 5 is an end view of a tool bag described herein.

FIG. 6 is another end view of a tool bag described herein.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a tool bag described herein.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a tool bag described herein.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a sidewall of a tool bag described herein, taken along cut line 9-9 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tool bag described herein with a cut away to show a coupling arrangement of an extendable handle in a lowered position to a rigid support member.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tool bag described herein with a cut away to show the coupling arrangement of FIG. 10 with the extendable handle in an extended position.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of a tool bag described herein with a cut away to show another coupling arrangement of an extendable handle in a lowered position to a rigid support member.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of a tool bag described herein with a cut away to show the coupling arrangement of FIG. 12 with the extendable handle in an extended position.

FIG. 14 is another end view of a tool bag described herein, with the extendable handles in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As best shown in FIGS. 1-8, a tool bag 10 with a tool bag body 12 and first and second extendable handles 44, 45 attached to the tool bag body is described. The tool bag body 12 is configured to hold a variety of tools for easy storage, transport and access when working on a project.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the tool bag body 12 can include an open topped storage volume formed from a plurality of walls 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17. The plurality of walls can include a bottom wall 13, first and second sidewalls 14, 15 opposite one another, and first and second end walls 16, 17 opposite one another. The sidewalls 14, 15 and end walls 16, 17 can be generally orthogonal to the bottom wall 13. FIG. 7 shows a top view of the tool bag 10, including the open topped storage volume of the tool bag body 12. FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the tool bag 10, including the bottom wall 13 of the tool bag body 12. The bottom wall 13 can also include a plurality of support legs 18 on an outer surface of the bottom wall for stabilizing the tool bag 10 when upright, supporting the tool bag body 12 off of a surface it is resting on, and/or providing additional traction between the tool bag 10 and a surface it is resting on.

As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer” with respect to the plurality of walls refers to a side or an element being on a side of the walls most proximate and least proximate, respectively, to the open storage volume of the tool bag body 12.

As shown in FIG. 9, each of the sidewalls 14, 15 of the tool bag 10 can also include inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24 and a rigid support member 26 disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24. In other embodiments, the plurality of walls of the tool bag 10, including any or all of the sidewalls 14, 15, end walls 16, 17 and the bottom wall 13, can include inner and outer flexible layers and a rigid support member disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers.

As used herein, the term “rigid” means capable of maintaining substantially the same shape, e.g. substantially planar, when placed under loads typical of tool bags in use, e.g. 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 15 pounds, etc. The rigid support member 26 can include any suitable material, including plastic, e.g. polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyesters; other durable polymer materials; metal, e.g. steel; particle board; wooden planks or sheets; and combinations thereof, e.g. particle board disposed between polypropylene sheets.

The rigid support member 26 can include one or more layers of material. For example as shown in FIG. 9, the rigid support member 26 can include first and second support layers 32, 34 and a third support layer 36 disposed between the first and second support layers 32, 34. The support layers 32, 34 & 36 of the rigid support member 26 can include any suitable materials and can comprise combinations of materials. For example, the first and second support layers 32, 34 can include plastic sheets, and the third support layer 36 can include wood or particle board.

The inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24 of the walls can include any materials suitable for tool bags, such as fabric, e.g. nylon or canvas; plastic; leather; or combinations thereof, e.g. plastic reinforced fabric. Exemplary plastic reinforced fabric materials include those sold under the SPUNTUFF® trademark.

The inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24 of the walls can be continuous or distinct and coupled. As used herein, the terms “coupled” or “coupling” have their ordinary meaning to a person of skill in the art. Exemplary methods of coupling layers of the walls can include stitching, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, rivets, bindings, other appropriate fasteners, folding portions of one layer about the other, and combinations thereof. The inner and outer layers 22, 24 can be coupled in any suitable location. For example, in some embodiments, the inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24 can be coupled along a top edge 28 of the sidewalls via a binding. In other embodiments, the rigid support member 26 can also be coupled between the inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24. The rigid support member 26 and inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24 can also be coupled along the top edge 28 of the sidewalls.

The tool bag 10 can also include first and second extendable handles 44, 45 attached to the tool bag body 12. For example, the first extendable handle 44 can be operatively coupled to the first sidewall 14, and the second extendable handle 45 can be operatively coupled to the second sidewall 15. Exemplary methods of coupling the extendable handles 44, 45 to the sidewalls 14, 15 can include rivets, screws, bolts and washers, hooks, brackets, clips, clamps, other appropriate fasteners, tracks, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, such as when the sidewalls 14, 15 include inner and outer layers 22, 24 that are coupled, each of the sidewalls can also include an opening 30 along the top edge 28 of the sidewall. At least a portion of the extendable handles 44, 45 can be disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers 22, 24 of the sidewall, and each of the extendable handles 44, 45 can also be disposed within and/or extend through the opening 30.

The first extendable handle 44 can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member 26 of the first sidewall 14, and the second extendable handle 45 can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member 26 of the second sidewall 15.

Each of the first and second extendable handles 44, 45 can include an upper handle section 50 and a lower handle section 53. The lower handle section 53 can be operatively coupled to the rigid support member 26 of each sidewall 14, 15. The upper handle section 50 can also include a grip 51 configured for a user to grasp or otherwise hold the extendable handle 44, 45. The grip 51 can include any suitable form or material, for example the grip 51 can be rigid or flexible. The grip 51 can also include additional features to enhance the comfort of a user when holding. For example, a portion of the grip 51 can include padding 52 or contours to accommodate a user's fingers.

The extendable handles 44, 45 are movable between a lowered position such as shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 12, and an extended position such as shown in FIGS. 2, 11 and 13. The first and second extendable handles 44, 45 can move between the lowered position and the extended position in a vertical plane and/or substantially parallel to the rigid support members 26.

As used herein, “vertical” and “vertically” are used to refer to the vertical direction when the tool bag 10 is in an upright position resting on the bottom wall 13 and/or support legs 18. As used herein, “lateral” is used to refer to the direction extending from the left end wall toward the right end wall that is orthogonal to vertical. The terms vertical and lateral are intended to include minor deviations from the direction defined herein. For example, deviations of plus or minus 15 degrees, or plus or minus 10 degrees, or plus or minus 5 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the grip 51 of the upper handle section 50 extends vertically above a top edge 28 of the sidewall 14 even when the extendable handle 44, 45 is in the lowered position. The lower handle section 53 can be disposed below the top edge 28 of each sidewall 14, 15 in the lowered position. As shown in FIG. 2, in the extended position, at least a portion of the lower handle section 53 can extend vertically above the top edge 28 of each sidewall 14, 15.

In some embodiments, the lower handle section 53 of each extendable handle 44, 45 can be slidably engaged to the sidewall 14, 15 and each extendable handle 44, 45 can also include a slide stop 55. As used herein, “slide stop” refers to any structure or mechanism capable of limiting the range of the extended position of the extendable handles. Exemplary slide stops 55 are shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Each of the sidewalls 14, 15 can include at least one sliding guide 57, and each of the lower handle sections 53 of the extendable handles 44, 45 can include at least one slide stop 55. Each of the sliding guides 57 of the sidewalls can engage with a vertical edge 60 of the extendable handle 44, 45 to operatively couple the extendable handle 44, 45 to the sidewall 14, 15. As used herein, “edge” has its ordinary meaning to a person of skill in the art. Exemplary edges with respect to the extendable handles 44, 45 can include any border at which the surface of the handle terminates, such as outer edges of the extendable handle and any edges from cut outs, e.g. sliding track 59, within the handle.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the extendable handles 44, 45 can include a first and second slide stop 55 in the form of protrusions extending laterally from the right and left outer edges 60 of lower handle section 53. Each of the rigid support members 26 of the sidewalls 14, 15 can include at least two hooks 57 extending from the rigid support member 26 and engaging at least a portion of the vertical outer edges 60 of the lower handle section 53 of the extendable handles 44, 45. The at least two hooks 57 can be positioned above the first and second slide stops 55. One of the at least two hooks 57 can engage the right vertical outer edge 60 and another of the at least two hooks 57 can engage the left vertical outer edge 60, such that the extendable handle 44, 45 is operatively coupled to the rigid support member 26 of the sidewall 14, 15 and the extendable handle 44, 45 can slide vertically between the lowered position and the extended position.

As used herein, “left” refers to the side of the tool bag on an individual's left when looking at front of the tool bag, while “right” refers to the side of the tool bag on an individual's right when looking at the front of the tool bag.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lower handle section 53 of each extendable handle 44, 45 can include at least one sliding track 59 and at least one slide stop 55. The rigid support member 26 of each sidewall 14, 15 can include at least one sliding guide 27. The sliding track 59 can engage with the sliding guide 57 to operatively couple the extendable handle 44, 45 to the rigid support member 26.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the at least one sliding track 59 can comprise a vertical slot, and the at least one slide stop 55 can include an end of the vertical slot. The at least one sliding guide 57 can include a fastener, such as a rivet, screw, nut and bolt, hook, etc., and at least a portion of the fastener can be disposed within the vertical slot. For example, the fastener can be a rivet with a washer to restrain the extendable handle between the rigid support member and the washer.

In an exemplary arrangement, the lower handle section 53 of each extendable handle 44, 45 can include one sliding track 59 and each rigid support member 26 can include two sliding guides 57. The one sliding track 59 can engage with the two sliding guides 57, such that the extendable handles 44, 45 can slide vertically between the lowered position and the extended position.

In another exemplary arrangement, the lower handle section 53 of each extendable handle 44, 45 can include two sliding tracks 59 and each rigid support member 26 can include two sliding guides 57. Each of the sliding tracks 59 can engage with one of the sliding guides 57, such that the extendable handles 44, 45 can slide vertically between the lowered position and the extended position.

Another exemplary arrangement of the sliding track and sliding guide is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The lower handle section 53 of each extendable handle 44, 45 can include three sliding tracks 59 in the form of vertical slots, and three slide stops 55 in the form of the bottom edge of each vertical slot. Each rigid support member 26 can include six sliding guides 57 in the form of fasteners. The fasteners operatively couple the extendable handle to the rigid support member, and at least a portion of each fastener is disposed within the respective vertical slot. Each of the sliding tracks 59 can engage with at least two of the sliding guides 57 such that the extendable handles 44, 45 can slide vertically between the lowered position and the extended position.

The arrangements of the sliding track and sliding guide described herein and shown in FIGS. 10 & 11 and 12 & 13 can also be used together.

In the extended position, at least a portion of the extendable handles 44,45 can be moved closer together. For example, at least a portion of the upper handle sections of the extended extendable handles 44, 45 can be moved together when a force is applied to one or both of the extendable handles 44, 45. As shown in FIG. 14, the extendable handles 44, 45 can be moved close enough together such that a user can grasp both handles 44,45 in one hand (H).

Such an arrangement is advantageous on multiple levels. With the handles 44, 45 in the extended position, the tool bag 10 can be carried by a user in one hand, even when the tool bag body 12 is filled above the height of one or more the sidewalls 14, 15 and/or end walls 16, 17. Additionally, the extendable handles 44, 45 can be moved into the lowered position, such that the handles do not impede the user's access to the tool bag body 12. In addition, because the extendable handles 44, 45 are simply deflect (see FIG. 14), rather than pivoting, the extendable handles 44, 45 can be immediately and smoothly lowered after user releases the grips 51.

The tool bag 10 can also include at least one horizontal side-stabilizing member 72 coupled to each of the sidewalls. The side-stabilizing member horizontally extends the length of a sidewall and can be any suitable material for enhancing the stability of the sidewalls of the tool bag, including plastics, metal, and wood, e.g. bamboo. As shown in FIG. 9, the side-stabilizing member 72 can also be positioned along or near the top edge of a sidewall. The side-stabilizing member 72 can be disposed between the rigid support member 26 and the inner flexible layer 22 of each sidewall.

The tool bag 10 can also include at least one primary plurality of pockets 66 extending from at least one of the sidewalls 14, 15 and the end walls 16, 17. The at least one primary plurality of pockets can extend from the outer flexible layer 24 of the at least one wall. The tool bag 10 can also include at least one secondary plurality of pockets 68 extending from the at least one primary plurality of pockets 66. In other embodiments, any or all of the end walls and sidewalls can include the primary and secondary plurality of pockets.

The tool bag 10 can also include at least one attachment for a carrying strap. The attachment can be coupled to any of the sidewalls 14, 15 or end walls 16, 17 of the tool bag. In one arrangement as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a first attachment 74 is coupled to a top edge of the first sidewall 14, and a second attachment 75 is coupled to a top edge of the second sidewall 15. The carrying strap can be used to carry the tool bag 10, where it is impractical to use the extendable handles of the tool bag 10.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A tool bag, comprising:

a tool bag body comprising an open topped storage volume formed from a plurality of walls; and

first and second extendable handles attached to said tool bag body, said extendable handles being movable between a lowered position and an extended position; wherein said plurality of walls comprise a bottom wall, first and second sidewalls opposite one another, and first and second end walls opposite one another; wherein said sidewalls and end walls are generally orthogonal to the bottom wall; and wherein said first extendable handle is operatively coupled to the first sidewall and said second extendable handle is operatively coupled to the second sidewall.

2. The tool bag according to claim 1, wherein said first and second extendable handles move in a vertical plane between the lowered position and the extended position.

3. The tool bag according to claim 1, wherein each of said sidewalls further comprise inner and outer flexible layers and a rigid support member disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers;

wherein said first extendable handle is operatively coupled to the rigid support member of said first sidewall, said second extendable handle is operatively coupled to the rigid support member of said second sidewall.

4. The tool bag according to claim 3, wherein said rigid support member further comprises:

first and second support layers; and

a third support layer disposed between said first and second support layers;

wherein said first and second support layers comprise plastic and said third support layer comprises wood.

5. The tool bag according to claim 3, wherein said inner and outer flexible layers are coupled.

6. The tool bag according to claim 3, wherein said inner and outer flexible layers are coupled along a top edge of said sidewalls;

each of said sidewalls further comprising an opening along the top edge of the sidewall; and

each of said extendable handles extending through the opening, at least a portion of said extendable handles being disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers of said sidewall.

7. The tool bag according to claim 6, wherein said rigid support member is coupled between said inner and outer flexible layers along the top edge of said sidewalls.

8. The tool bag according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second extendable handles comprise an upper handle section and a lower handle section;

said lower handle section is operatively coupled to said rigid support member of each sidewall; and

said upper handle section comprises a grip, wherein at least a portion of said grip extends vertically above a top edge of the sidewall in the lowered position.

9. The tool bag according to claim 8, wherein said lower handle section is disposed below the top edge of each sidewall in the lowered position, and at least a portion of said lower handle section extends vertically above the top edge of each sidewall in the extended position.

10. The tool bag according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second extendable handles comprise an upper handle section and a lower handle section;

wherein said lower handle section of each extendable handle is slidably engaged to said sidewall; and

each extendable handle further comprises a slide stop.

11. The tool bag according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second extendable handles comprise an upper handle section and a lower handle section;

wherein each of said sidewalls further comprises at least one sliding guide;

wherein each of said lower handle sections comprises at least one slide stop; and

wherein each of said sliding guide structures of said sidewalls engages with a vertical edge of the extendable handle to operatively couple said extendable handle to the sidewall.

12. The tool bag according to claim 3, wherein each of said first and second extendable handles comprise an upper handle section and a lower handle section;

wherein said lower handle section of each extendable handle comprises at least one sliding track and at least one slide stop;

said rigid support member of each sidewall further comprises at least one sliding guide; and

wherein said sliding track engages with the sliding guide to operatively couple said extendable handle to the rigid support member.

13. The tool bag according to claim 12, wherein said at least one sliding track comprises a vertical slot;

said at least one slide stop comprises an end of said vertical slot; and

said at least one sliding guide comprises a fastener, wherein at least a portion of the fastener is disposed within said vertical slot.

14. The tool bag according to claim 12, comprising one sliding track and two sliding guides, wherein the one sliding track engages with the two sliding guides.

15. The tool bag according to claim 12, comprising two sliding tracks and two sliding guides, wherein each of the sliding tracks engages with one of the sliding guides.

16. The tool bag according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one primary plurality of pockets extending from at least one of the end walls and the sidewalls; and

at least one secondary plurality of pockets extending from the at least one primary plurality of pockets.

17. A tool bag, comprising:

a tool bag body comprising an open topped storage volume, said tool bag body further comprising: a bottom wall, first and second sidewalls opposite one another, and first and second end walls opposite one another, wherein said sidewalls and end walls are generally orthogonal to the bottom wall;

a first extendable handle operatively coupled to said first sidewall; and

a second extendable handle operatively coupled to said second sidewall; said first and second extendable handles being movable between a lowered position and an extended position, and comprising: an upper handle section and a lower handle section; wherein in said upper handle section comprises a grip, at least a portion of said grip extending vertically above a top edge of the sidewall in the lowered position; and wherein said lower handle section is disposed below the top edge of each sidewall in the lowered position.

18. The tool bag according to claim 17, wherein said first and second sidewalls comprise inner and outer flexible layers and a rigid support member disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers;

said first extendable handle being operatively coupled to said rigid support member of the first sidewall; and

said second extendable handle being operatively coupled to said rigid support member of the second sidewall.

19. The tool bag according to claim 18, wherein said inner and outer flexible layers and said rigid support member of each sidewall are coupled along the top edge of said sidewall;

said sidewalls further comprising an opening along the top edge of each sidewall;

said first extendable handle extending through said opening, at least a portion of said first extendable handle disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers of said first sidewall; and

said second extendable handle extending through said opening, at least a portion of said second extendable handle disposed between the inner and outer flexible layers of said second sidewall.

20. The tool bag according to claim 17, further comprising at least one side-stabilizing member coupled to each of the sidewalls.