BAG WITH COLLAPSIBLE POCKET

Abstract

A bag includes an interior compartment defined by front, rear, side, bottom, and top panels. A collapsible pocket is disposed in the interior compartment and is defined by a vertical divider, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall. The vertical divider is disposed between the front and rear panels and is slidable relative to the front and rear panels. The front wall is adjacent an inside surface of the front panel and is attached at opposite ends thereof to the one of the side panels and the vertical divider. The rear wall is adjacent an inside surface of the rear panel and is attached at opposite ends thereof to the side panel and the vertical divider. The collapsible pocket includes an expanded configuration the divider is spaced from the side panel and a collapsed configuration wherein the vertical divider is disposed adjacent the side panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/702,055, filed Sep. 17, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to a bag including a collapsible compartment or pocket that in an expanded configuration divides the interior of the bag into separate compartments and in a collapsed configuration collapses against a wall of the bag such that the pocket does not divide the interior of the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bags or cases such a camera bags, backpacks, totes, courier/messenger bags, and other types of bags may have dividers to divide the interior compartment into small compartments. In particular, many bags used for camera equipment may have dividers to store and protect different cameras, lenses, and other accessories. Dividers for bags used for cameras and camera accessories generally are padded in some way to protect the camera equipment.

The dividers used in bags as described above are generally attached to the bag with hook and loop fasteners or clips so that the dividers may be removed or the configuration of dividers in the bag may be changed. In this manner, the bag can be divided into smaller compartments to carry several pieces of equipment. Also, the dividers may be removed from the bag, or removed as dividers and laid against a surface of the bag, to provide an open interior to carry larger items in the bag. However, these dividers that are attached to bags with hook and loop fasteners or the like can be confusing for a user to properly install. Also, there is a tendency for the dividers to get lost or misplaced.

Other dividers are more permanent, but are also not flexible. Therefore, the compartments formed by these relatively inflexible, permanent dividers cannot be changed or adjusted to accommodate different sized component.

Accordingly, there is a need for a divider or pocket in a bag that can be used to create smaller separated compartments in the bag, wherein the divider or pocket can be easily moved or collapsed to create a large compartment in the bag, and also wherein the pocket can be easily expanded to create the multiple compartments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bag includes an expandable and collapsible pocket. The pocket is defined by a side panel of a bag, a vertical divider spaced from the side panel, a bottom wall, a front wall, and a rear wall. The pocket, in the expanded configuration, divides an interior compartment of the bag into multiple compartments. The front and rear walls are attached at one side end to the side panel of the bag and at the opposite side end to the vertical divider. The front and rear walls are also attached to the bottom wall of the pocket. The bottom wall of the pocket is attached to the side panel of the bag at one side end of the bottom wall and the vertical divider at the opposite side end of the bottom wall. The bottom wall is also attached to the front and rear walls and front and rear ends of the bottom wall, respectively. An additional divider wall may divide the pocket into compartments. The additional divider wall may be disposed generally horizontally to divide the pocket into two compartments stacked one upon the other, or may be disposed generally vertically to divide the pocket into two compartments disposed horizontally adjacent to each other. The walls of the pocket are constructed such that the vertical divider can be pushed towards the side panel of the bag to collapse the pocket. The walls of the pocket fold such that minimal volume of the interior compartment of the bag is occupied by the collapsed pocket. A flap having a fastening means may extend from the side panel of the bag, over a top of the pocket, and extend down an outside surface of the vertical divider to a corresponding fastening means to hold the pocket in the collapsed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. The drawings are not to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective illustration of a bag according to an embodiment hereof.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front illustration of the bag of FIG. 1 with an internal compartment or pocket in an expanded configuration, and with portions of the bag being shown transparent so that the interior of the bag is illustrated.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front illustration of the bag of FIG. 1 with the internal compartment or pocket in a collapsed configuration, and with portions of the being shown transparent so that the interior of the bag is illustrated.

FIGS. 4-6 are schematic front illustrations of the bag of FIGS. 1-3 showing the internal compartment or pocket converting from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration and with portions of the being shown transparent so that the interior of the bag is illustrated.

FIGS. 7-9 are schematic cross-sections of a portion of a collapsible pocket showing the types of material that can be used to create folding areas in the walls of the collapsible pocket and an exemplary method showing how walls of the pocket can be collapsed.

FIG. 10 is schematic cross-section of a portion of a collapsible pocket showing the folding areas in walls of the collapsible pocket.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective illustration of a courier or messenger type bag according to an embodiment hereof.

FIGS. 12-14 are schematic front illustrations of the bag of FIG. 10 showing the internal compartment or pocket converting from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration and with portions of the being shown transparent so that the interior of the bag is illustrated.

FIGS. 15-17 are schematic front illustrations of a kit bag according to an embodiment hereof, showing the internal compartment or pocket converting from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, and with portions being shown transparent so that the interior of the bag is illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the figures, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Although the description of embodiments hereof are in the context of an accessory case for holding camera accessories, such as lenses, flashes, batteries, cards, etc, the invention may also be used in any other applications where it is deemed useful. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an embodiment of a bag 100 is shown therein. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, bag 100 is a backpack type bag. However, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that bag 100 can generally be any type of bag that is used to carry items such as, but not limited to, camera equipment. Bag 100 generally includes a front panel 102, a rear panel 104, side panels 106, 108, a bottom panel 112, and a top panel 114. Although the panels are labeled in terms of direction, those skilled in the art would recognize that such terms are relative to the orientation of the bag 100 and can be interchanged. The front panel 102, rear panel 104, side panels 106, 108, bottom panel 112, and top panel 114 define an interior compartment 118. A zipper 116 or other closure device may be provided as part of the top panel 104, and may extend to side panels 106, 108, to gain access to interior compartment 118. The front panel 102, rear panel 104, side panels 106, 108, bottom panel 112, and top panel 114 may be formed integrally or may be separate panels attached to each other by stitching or other attachment mechanisms.

A collapsible divider or pocket 130 is disposed within interior compartment 118. Pocket 130 includes a vertical divider 132 that extends between front panel 102 and rear panel 104 within interior compartment 118. However, vertical divider 132 is not attached to front panel 102 or rear panel 104. Pocket 130 further include a front wall 138 and a rear wall 140. Front wall 138 is disposed in interior compartment 118 and runs vertically along an inside surface of front panel 102 when pocket 130 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. Front wall 138 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 108 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 132. Similarly, rear wall 140 of pocket 130 is disposed in interior compartment 118 and runs vertically along an inside surface of rear panel 104 when pocket 130 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. Rear wall 140 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 108 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 132. A bottom wall 134 runs horizontally along an inside surface of bottom panel 112 when pocket 130 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. Bottom wall 134 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 108 and to the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 132. Further, bottom wall 134 is attached at a front end thereof to front wall 138 and at a rear end thereof to rear wall 140. Thus, pocket 130, in the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 1 is defined by an inside surface of side wall 108, front and rear walls 138, 140, bottom wall 134, and vertical divider 132. Further, pocket 130 may be divided into two compartments 150, 152 by a horizontal dividing wall 136, as shown in FIGS. 2-6. In particular horizontal dividing wall 136 is attached a one side end thereof to side panel 108 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 132. Further, horizontal dividing wall 136 is attached at a front end thereof to front wall 138 and at a rear end thereof to rear wall 140. The use of the term “attached” in this paragraph refers to a permanent type attachment, such as by stitching or adhesive. It does not refer to a temporary or removable attachment, such as hook and loop fasteners or clips.

A flap 142 is disposed at the top of pocket 130. Flap 142 is best shown in FIGS. 2-6 and is also shown in FIG. 11. Although FIG. 11 shows a different type of bag, the pocket 230 of FIG. 10 is virtually identical to the pocket 130 of FIGS. 1-6. Further, the flap 242 of FIG. 11 is virtually identical to the flap 142 of FIGS. 1-6. Flap 142 includes a hook or loop fastener patch 144 disposed on an inside surface of flap 142. Hook or loop fastener 144 is configured to mate with loop or hook fastener patches 146 or 148 disposed on an outer surface of vertical divider 132, as will be explained in more detail below. Flap 142 may be padded, as described in more detail below.

As also shown in FIG. 1, side panel 108 may include an opening 110 to gain access to pocket 130. Opening 110 may be opened and closed with a zipper 111 or similar device.

The materials of the walls and dividers of pocket 130 are designed to allow pocket 130 to convert from an expanded configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to a collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 3. For example, front and rear walls 138, 140, bottom wall 134, and horizontal divider are generally formed from thin or flexible materials to allow them to fold into the collapsed configuration. However, it is also desirable for at least some of the walls that define pocket 130 to be padded in order to protect potentially delicate equipment disposed therein, such as camera equipment. In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the walls of pocket 130 may be formed from two layers of thin, flexible material 160 with a soft, padding material 162 disposed between the layers. At designated hinges or folding areas 164, 166, 168 there may be no soft, padding material 162 between the layers of thin, flexible material 160 such that the folding areas can easily fold, as shown in FIG. 7. In these folding areas, the two layers of thin, flexible material 160 may be attached to each other, such as by stitching, adhesive bonding, or heat bonding. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, in the folding areas 164, 166, 168, the two layers of thin, flexible material 160 may be attached to each other through soft, padding material 162, thereby reducing the thickness the soft, padding material in these areas. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 10, the two layers of thin, flexible material 160 are sewn to each other through the soft, padding material 162 using stitches 170 to create the folding areas 164, 166, 168. The two layers of thin, flexible material 160 may be attached to each other through soft, padding material 162 to create the folding areas by other attachment mechanisms, such as adhesive bonding or heat bonding. In a non-limiting example, thin, flexible material 160 may be a textile layer and soft, padding material 162 may be foam, open or closed cell foam, cotton or polyester batting, or a bladder.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, as vertical divider 132 is pushed towards side panel 108, folding areas 164, 166, and 168 fold such that bottom wall 134 folds into compartment 150 of pocket 130. As vertical divider 132 approaches side panel 108, pressure causes the soft, padding material 162 in side panel 109, bottom wall 134 and vertical divider 132 to compress such that pocket 130 occupies a minimal volume of interior compartment 118 of bag 100. Flap 142 with hook or loop fastener 144 coupled to loop or hook fastener 148, as shown in FIG. 6, keeps pocket 130 in the collapsed configuration. Although FIGS. 7-10 show bottom wall 134, horizontal dividing wall 136 may be formed in a similar fashion. Further, front and rear walls 138, 140 of pocket 130 may also be formed in a similar fashion. Further, the quantity of folds for bottom wall 134, horizontal dividing wall 136 and front and rear walls 138, 140 may be varied. In another embodiment, front panel 102 and rear panel 104 of bag 100 are padded. Therefore, front and rear walls 138, 140 of pocket 130 need not be padded. Accordingly, front and rear walls 138, 140 may be formed from only thin, flexible material 160, without soft, padded material 162. This allows front and rear walls 138, 140 to fold easily and occupy little volume when pocket 130 is in the collapsed configuration.

FIGS. 4-6 show bag 100 as pocket 130 is converted from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. FIG. 4 shows bag 100 with pocket 130 in the expanded configuration. As can be seen, flap 142 extends horizontally over the open top of pocket 130 and vertically down a portion of an outside surface of vertical divider 132 such that hook or loop fastener 144 of flap 142 is aligned with and connected to corresponding loop or hook fastener 146 on the outside surface of vertical divider 132. This keeps flap 142 in place to cover open top of pocket 130 when contents such as a camera and lens, as shown in FIG. 4, are disposed in compartments 150, 152. As vertical divider 132 is pushed towards side panel 108, as shown in FIG. 5, bottom wall 134 and horizontal dividing wall 136 begin to fold, and shown, for example, in FIGS. 7-10. Vertical divider 132 is pushed further towards side panel 108 until hook or loop fastener 144 of flap 142 aligns with and connects to corresponding loop or hook fastener 148 on the outside surface of vertical divider 132. This connection keeps pocket 130 in the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 6. However, those skilled in the art would understand that this connection is optional. Pocket 130 can be kept in the collapsed configuration by items disposed in interior compartment 118, or by other mechanisms.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, an embodiment of a bag 200 is shown therein. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14, bag 100 is a courier or messenger type bag. However, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that bag 200 can generally be any type of bag that is used to carry items such as, but not limited to, camera equipment. Bag 200 generally includes a front panel 202, a rear panel 204, side panels 206, 208, a bottom panel 212, and a top panel 214. Top panel 214 is generally attached to rear panel 214 and extends over a top opening of bag 200 and down a portion of front panel 202. A removable connection mechanism may connect top panel 214 to front panel 202, as generally know in messenger or courier type bags. Although the panels of bag 200 are labeled in terms of direction, those skilled in the art would recognize that such terms are relative to the orientation of the bag 200 and can be interchanged. The front panel 202, rear panel 204, side panels 206, 208, bottom panel 212, and top panel 214 define an interior compartment 218. The front panel 202, rear panel 204, side panels 206, 208, bottom panel 212, and top panel 214 may be formed integrally or may be separate panels attached to each other by stitching or other attachment mechanisms.

A collapsible divider or pocket 230 is disposed within interior compartment 218. Pocket 230 includes a vertical divider 232 that extends between front panel 202 and rear panel 204 within interior compartment 218. However, vertical divider 232 is not attached to front panel 202 or rear panel 204. Pocket 230 further include a front wall 238 and a rear wall 240. Front wall 238 is disposed in interior compartment 218 and runs vertically along an inside surface of front panel 202 when pocket 230 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 11. Front wall 238 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 208 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 232. Similarly, rear wall 240 of pocket 230 is disposed in interior compartment 218 and runs vertically along an inside surface of rear panel 204 when pocket 130 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 11. Rear wall 240 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 208 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 232. A bottom wall 234 runs horizontally along an inside surface of bottom panel 212 when pocket 230 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 11. Bottom wall 234 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 208 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 232. Further, bottom wall 234 is attached at a front end thereof to front wall 238 and at a rear end thereof to rear wall 240. Thus, pocket 230, in the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 11 is defined by an inside surface of side wall 208, front and rear walls 238, 240, bottom wall 234, and vertical divider 232. Further, pocket 230 may be divided into two compartments 250, 252 by a horizontal dividing wall 236, as shown in FIGS. 11-14. In particular, horizontal dividing wall 236 is attached a one side end thereof to side panel 208 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 232. Further, horizontal dividing wall 236 is attached at a front end thereof to front wall 238 and at a rear end thereof to rear wall 240. The use of the term “attached” in this paragraph refers to a permanent type attached, such as by stitching or adhesive. It does not refer to a temporary or removable attachment, such as hook and loop fasteners or clips.

A flap 242 is disposed at the top of pocket 230, as shown in FIG. 11. An end of flap 242 is attached to side panel 208. Flap extends over an open top of pocket 230 and extends a down a portion of an outer surface of vertical divider 232, as explained in more detail below. Flap 242 includes a hook or loop fastener patch 244 disposed on an inside surface of flap 242. Hook or loop fastener 244 is configured to mate with corresponding loop or hook fastener patches 246 or 248 disposed on an outer surface of vertical divider 232, as explained in more detail below. Flap 242 may be padded, as described above.

As also shown in FIG. 11, side panel 208 may include an opening 110 to gain access to pocket 230. Opening 210 may be opened and closed with a zipper 211 or similar device.

FIGS. 12-14 show bag 200 as pocket 230 is converted from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. FIG. 12 shows bag 200 with pocket 230 in the expanded configuration. As can be seen, flap 242 extends horizontally over the open top of pocket 230 and vertically down a portion of an outside surface of vertical divider 232 such that hook or loop fastener 244 of flap 242 is aligned with and connected to corresponding loop or hook fastener 246 on the outside surface of vertical divider 232. This keeps flap 242 in place to cover open top of pocket 230 when contents such as a camera and lens, as shown in FIG. 12, are disposed in compartments 250, 252. As vertical divider 232 is pushed towards side panel 208, as shown in FIG. 13, bottom wall 234 and horizontal dividing wall 236 begin to fold, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 7-10. Vertical divider 232 is pushed further towards side panel 208 until hook or loop fastener 244 of flap 242 aligns with and connects to corresponding loop or hook fastener 248 on the outside surface of vertical divider 232. This connection keeps pocket 230 in the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 14. However, those skilled in the art would understand that this connection is optional. Pocket 230 can be kept in the collapsed configuration by items disposed in interior compartment 218, or by other mechanisms.

The materials for bag 200 may be the same as described above for bag 100.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, an embodiment of a bag 300 is shown therein. In the embodiment of FIGS. 15-17, bag 300 is a kit type bag. This type of bag is generally a smaller bag that may be opened from the top by a zipper (not shown). However, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that bag 300 can generally be any type of bag that is used to carry items such as, but not limited to, camera equipment, phones, laptop computers, tablet devices, etc. Bag 300 generally includes a front panel (shown transparent), a rear panel (not shown), side panels 306, 308, a bottom panel 312, and a top panel 314. Although the panels of bag 300 are labeled in terms of direction, those skilled in the art would recognize that such terms are relative to the orientation of the bag 300 and can be interchanged. The front panel, rear panel, side panels 306, 308, bottom panel 312, and top panel 314 define an interior compartment 318. The front panel, rear panel, side panels 306, 308, bottom panel 312, and top panel 314 may be formed integrally or may be separate panels attached to each other by stitching or other attachment mechanisms.

A collapsible divider or pocket 330 is disposed within interior compartment 318. Pocket 330 includes a vertical divider 332 that extends between the front panel and the rear panel within interior compartment 318. However, vertical divider 332 is not attached to the front panel or the rear panel. Pocket 330 further include a front wall 338 and a rear wall (not shown). Front wall 338 is disposed in interior compartment 318 and runs vertically along an inside surface of the front panel when pocket 330 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 15. Front wall 338 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 306 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 332. Similarly, the rear wall of pocket 330 is disposed in interior compartment 318 and runs vertically along an inside surface of the rear panel when pocket 330 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 15. The rear wall is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 306 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 332. A bottom wall 334 runs horizontally along an inside surface of bottom panel 312 when pocket 330 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 15. Bottom wall 334 is attached at one side end thereof to side panel 306 and at the opposite side end thereof to vertical divider 332. Further, bottom wall 334 is attached at a front end thereof to front wall 338 and at a rear end thereof to the rear wall of pocket 330. Thus, pocket 330, in the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 15 is defined by an inside surface of side wall 306, front wall 338, rear wall (not shown), bottom wall 334, and vertical divider 332. Further, pocket 330 may be divided into two compartments 350, 352 by an additional vertical dividing wall 336, as shown in FIGS. 15-17. In particular, vertical dividing wall 336 is attached a one side end thereof to the rear wall (not shown) of pocket 330 and at the opposite side end thereof to front wall 338. Further, vertical wall 336 may be attached at a bottom end thereof to bottom wall 334 of pocket 330. The use of the term “attached” in this paragraph refers to a permanent type attached, such as by stitching or adhesive. It does not refer to a temporary or removable attachment, such as hook and loop fasteners or clips.

A flap 342 is disposed at the top of pocket 330, as shown in FIGS. 15-17. An end of flap 342 is attached to side panel 306. Flap 342 may extend over an open top of pocket 330 when pocket 330 is in the expanded configuration, but alternatively may extend along an inner surface of side panel 306 when pocket 330 is in the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 15. Flap 342 includes a hook or loop fastener patch 344 disposed on an inside surface of flap 342. Hook or loop fastener 344 is configured to mate with a corresponding loop or hook fastener 346 disposed on an outer surface of vertical divider 332, as explained in more detail below. Flap 342 may be padded, as described above.

FIGS. 15-17 show bag 300 as pocket 330 is converted from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. FIG. 15 shows bag 300 with pocket 330 in the expanded configuration. As vertical divider 332 is pushed towards side panel 306, as shown in FIG. 16, bottom wall 334 and the front and rear walls of pocket 330 begin to fold, in the manner shown, for example, in FIGS. 7-10. Vertical divider 332 is pushed further towards side panel 308 until hook or loop fastener 344 of flap 342 aligns with and connects to corresponding loop or hook fastener 346 on the outside surface of vertical divider 332. This connection keeps pocket 330 in the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 17. However, those skilled in the art would understand that this connection is optional. Pocket 330 can be kept in the collapsed configuration by items disposed in interior compartment 318, or by other mechanisms.

The materials for bag 300 may be the same as described above for bag 100.

While various embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of illustration and example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. It will also be understood that each feature of each embodiment discussed herein, and of each reference cited herein, can be used in combination with the features of any other embodiment. All patents and publications discussed herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Claims

1. A bag comprising:

an interior compartment defined by a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel; and

a collapsible pocket disposed within the interior compartment, wherein the collapsible pocket is defined by, a vertical divider extending between the front panel and the rear panel and slidable relative to the front panel and the rear panel, a front wall adjacent an inside surface of the front panel and having a first end attached to the second side panel and a second end attached to the vertical divider, and a rear wall adjacent an inside surface of the rear panel and having a first end attached to the second side panel and a second end attached to the vertical divider,

wherein the collapsible pocket includes an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration the vertical divider is spaced from the second side panel and the collapsible pocket is defined by an inside surface of the second side panel, an inside surface of the front wall, an inside surface of the rear wall, an inside surface of the bottom panel, and an inside surface of the vertical divider, and wherein in the collapsed configuration the vertical divider is disposed adjacent the second side panel.

2. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a bottom wall adjacent an inside surface of the bottom panel and having a first end coupled to the second side panel and a second end coupled to the vertical divider, wherein in the expanded configuration, the collapsible pocket is defined by the inside surface of the second side panel, the inside surface of the front wall, the inside surface of the rear wall, an inside surface of the bottom wall, and the inside surface of divider.

3. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal dividing wall dividing the collapsible pocket into a first compartment and a second compartment.

4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the horizontal dividing wall is attached at a first side end thereof to the second side panel and at a second side end thereof to the vertical divider.

5. The bag of claim 4, wherein the horizontal dividing wall is attached at a front end thereof to the front wall and at a rear end thereof to the rear wall.

6. The bag of claim 3, further comprising an opening in the second side panel to gain access to the collapsible pocket, and a closure device for opening and closing the opening.

7. The bag of claim 6, wherein the closure device is a zipper.

8. The bag of claim 6, further comprising a flap disposed adjacent a top of the collapsible pocket, wherein a first end of the flap is attached to the first second side panel and a second end of the flap includes a removable fastener, and wherein with the collapsible pocket in the expanded configuration, the flap extends from the second side panel across an open top of the collapsible pocket and partially along an outer surface of the vertical divider such that the removable fastener at the second end of the flap is coupled to the outer surface of the vertical divider, and in the collapsed configuration, the flap extends from the second side panel to and along the outer surface of the vertical divider such that the removable fastener is coupled to the outer surface of the vertical divider at a location closer to the bottom panel than in the expanded configuration.

9. The bag of claim 1, further comprising an opening in the second side panel to gain access to the collapsible pocket, and a closure device for opening and closing the opening.

10. The bag of claim 9, wherein the closure device is a zipper.

11. The bag of claim 9, further comprising a flap disposed adjacent a top of the collapsible pocket, wherein a first end of the flap is attached to the second side panel and a second end of the flap includes a removable fastener, and wherein with the collapsible pocket in the expanded configuration, the flap extends from the second side panel across an open top of the collapsible pocket and partially along an outer surface of the vertical divider such that the removable fastener at the second end of the flap is coupled to the outer surface of the vertical divider, and in the collapsed configuration, the flap extends from the second side panel to and along the outer surface of the vertical divider such that the removable fastener is coupled to the outer surface of the flap at a location closer to the bottom panel than in the expanded configuration.

12. The bag of claim 11, wherein the removable fastener is a hook or loop material, and wherein a corresponding loop or hook fastener is attached to the outer surface of the vertical divider.

13. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is a backpack.

14. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is a courier or messenger bag.

15. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is a kit bag.

16. The bag of claim 15, further comprising a second vertical dividing wall dividing collapsible pocket into a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the second vertical dividing wall is attached a first side end thereof to the rear wall and at a second side end thereof to the front wall.

17. The bag of claim 15, further comprising a flap disposed adjacent a top of the collapsible pocket, wherein a first side end of the flap is attached to the second side panel and a second end of the flap includes a removable fastener, and wherein with the collapsible pocket in the collapsed configuration, the flap extends from the second side panel to and along the outer surface of the vertical divider such that the removable fastener is coupled to the outer surface of the vertical divider to hold the vertical divider adjacent the second side panel.

18. The bag of claim 17, wherein with the collapsible pocket in the expanded configuration, the flap extends along an inside surface of the second side panel.

19. The bag of claim 17, wherein with the collapsible pocket in the expanded configuration, the flap extends from the second side panel across an open top of the collapsible pocket and partially along the outer surface of the vertical divider such that the removable fastener at the second end of the flap is coupled to the outer surface of the vertical divider at a location farther from the bottom panel than in the collapsed configuration.

20. The bag of claim 17, wherein the removable fastener is a patch of hook or loop material that is removably coupled to a corresponding patch of loop or hook material disposed on the outer surface of the vertical divider with the collapsible pocket in the collapsed configuration.