Abstract: Luggage for a sports vehicle, such as a snowmobile, is provided with a collapsible beverage compartment to provide more convenient access to stored beverages, without detracting from the functional and esthetic aspects of the luggage when beverages are not being stored. The luggage includes a bag having a plurality of panels defining an enclosed space, at least one strap connected to the bag for securing the bag to a sports vehicle, a collapsible beverage compartment projecting from one of the panels of the bag, and a foam insert disposed within the collapsible beverage compartment, the foam insert defining at least one cylindrical storage space for holding a beverage can.

Abstract: A adjustably-sized convertible bag, cover and protective barrier device includes a primary, barrier panel construction and a secondary, pouch-forming construction. The secondary panel construction is attached to the primary panel construction, and the panel constructions cooperatively form a scoop-like cap adapted to engage the upper portion of a seat. The device may be folded into several orientations: a bag orientation having an adjustable main interior compartment; a seat cover orientation adapted to adjustably engage the upper portion of a seat; and a mat construction adapted to allow an individual to rest upon various surfaces without becoming wet, dirty, or sandy.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bag has a mesh pouch and a sleeve with a pair of ends. The pouch is attached along an annular seam to one of the ends of the sleeve. The other end of the sleeve has a closable mouth. Also included is a restricting feature for stowing the pouch to stop communication from inside the sleeve to inside the pouch. The multi-purpose bag can be used by stowing the pouch to stop communication from inside the sleeve to inside the pouch. The sleeve can at this time be at least partially filled before closing the sleeve.

Abstract: A compressible stuff sack is disclosed, designed to be relatively easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture. The stuff sack includes a body made of flexible material with a main opening. A hands-free, one-way valve is provided on the sack which enables excess air to automatically escape from the sack when the sack is compressed. In one embodiment, the body is cylindrically-shaped and made of waterproof material. Attached to one end of the body is a bottom cap including an end plate with surrounding compression rings which are simultaneously welded over an opened end of the body. The opposite end of the body is opened and covered with a removable top cap. Four, spaced-apart compression straps are aligned longitudinally over the outside surface of the body and attached to the bottom and top caps. When the compression straps are shortened, the bottom and top caps are squeezed together to reduce the overall length of the sack and to compress the cargo.

Abstract: A carrying bag includes a flexible body having a top opening and left and right sides and co-operable fasteners along peripheries of the left and right sides, respectively. The left and right sides are foldable towards each other for transforming the bag into a narrower condition having a correspondingly smaller top opening, with the fasteners engaging, either directly with each other or indirectly, to maintain the bag in that condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel foldable softwalled cooler for preventing temperature change of heated or cooled items placed therein. The structure generally includes flexible walls having an insulating material therein and a bottom connected to the walls forming a cavity between the walls and the bottom. The inside surface of the walls and the bottom are covered by a water resistant material that is heat sealed at seams so as to prevent leakage at the seams. A panel is provided within the cavity and is likewise covered in a water resistant material. The water resistant material of the panel is heat sealed at the area of connection to the water resistant material of the walls and bottom at a position between the front wall and the bottom.

Abstract: A bag adapted to be changed from a predetermined larger size into a predetermined smaller size and vice versa, has a front, rear side and bottom panels and readily disengageable fasteners in predetermined positions on the panels so that by folding the panels, the smaller size bag can be realized by engaging the readily disconnectable fasteners.

Abstract: An insulated, flexible, canvas container which attaches to a boat when in use. The bag has several parallel, longitudinal fasteners for closing the bag thereby providing means for adjusting the size of the bag to fish of various diameters. The bag has an internal flap which provides a means for shortening the length of the bag. The bag is made from rugged, water-impervious material.

Abstract: A hamper and method for making and using the same: The hamper is for collection, transport, and removal for such contents as laundry. The hamper features can include a funnel or even a reversible funnel for gravity-induced filling and unfilling of the hamper, as well as a retractably collapsible tension member framework structure.

Abstract: A system of selectable carriers for receiving an interchangeable liner enclosing a plurality of articles for facilitating exchange of articles from one selected carrier to another. The system provides a plurality of carriers which each have at least an opening with a first connecting member having a first character and attached near the opening thereof. The carriers selectively engage a liner that has a closed bottom and an open end with a second connecting member having a second character attached to a perimeter edge thereof, for selective mating engagement of the liner with the first connecting member in the carrier, for joining the liner to the carrier. The liner receives a plurality of articles to be carried within the carrier, and transfer of which occurs substantially simultaneously by transferring the liner and the articles therein from one carrier to another selected one of the carriers.

Abstract: A composting container for holding and composting farming and stock raising waste material including a barrel, and top and bottom lids openable. The circumference of a lower half portion of the said barrel of the container is tightened by bands. This arrangement helps the container efficiently ferment and decompose a manure inside without tedious works such as providing proper moisture and ventilation, which are regularly required in conventional manure storage outdoors.

Abstract: A traveling golf club kit which enables a user to easily transport a set of golf clubs. In its broadest context the present invention includes a collapsible golf bag and a set of clubs, wherein each of the clubs has an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A collapsible trunk spacer apparatus (10) for the trunks of automobiles wherein the spacer apparatus includes a generally rectangular collapsible carrier unit (11) having generally rigid end panels (21, 22) and generally flexible side walls (23, 24) which are operatively associated with a telescoping support unit (12) for varying the length of the carrier unit (11), and moveable divider units (13) for creating individual compartments within the carrier unit (11).

Abstract: A multi-purpose valise functioning as a variable volume backpack and consisting of two selectively connectible components, one larger than the other, the large component serving at times to store the smaller component which is provided with a flap for closing the larger component, the volume of the larger component being compactable by reducing the axial length of the larger component.

Abstract: An article-carrying bag includes a first bag having a top defining a first bag opening, a closed bottom, and a central body portion extending between the top and bottom, a second bag having a top defining a second bag opening, a bottom, and a central body portion extending between the top and bottom, and a joinder line connecting the top of the first bag adjacent the bottom of the second bag such that the bags are capable of being configured in plural configurations including one in which the first bag extends away from the second bag and both openings face the same direction for defining a singular enclosure for receiving and holding articles, and another configuration in which the first bag may be stuffed into the second bag so the bag openings face opposite directions for defining separate enclosures for receiving and holding articles. Each separate enclosure prevents its respective held articles from commingling with articles in the other enclosure.

Abstract: A bag assembly for containing material requiring handling and compaction, such as household waste products, is provided that includes bags that are nested one within another to produce a double-walled structure. Gussets and folds are also provided which are temporarily held together by restraining means such as adhesive to provide a first, smaller bag volume for a waste container. A bag restraining lid is removably positionable over the open end of the container, which includes a container lid thereon for accessing the bag assembly. The adhesive is adapted to break away when the bag assembly is compacted so that it assumes a second, larger volume and thereby minimizes the chance that the bag assembly will be ruptured during the compaction process. In an alternate embodiment, the bag assembly may be supported by a rack, frame, or hook. In a still further embodiment, the bag assembly may be a single-walled rather than a double-walled structure.

Abstract: A discharge bulk bag that increases the efficiency for handling, storing, transporting and discharging dry materials in intermediate bulk containers. When filled with dry bulk material, the bulk bag can be easily moved about, transported or stored. A flexible discharge spout is located on the bottom side of one of the walls of the bag. At the time of discharge, the bag is positioned on the unloader and the spout is unfolded from its stowed position by releasing one of the restraint straps. The outlet opening at the end of the discharge spout is then connected to a receptacle opening. By releasing the bottom most restraint strap, the spout section opens up--allowing the bulk material inside to flow. The bulk material will continue to flow until it reaches a static condition, at which time the platform of the unloader begins to incline--dumping the remaining material in the bag towards the outlet opening.

Abstract: An adjustable travel bag which includes a main bag body having a front open side and an endless, strap-like folding collapsible coupling panel around the front open side, and an auxiliary bag body openably fastened to the coupling panel of the main bag body by a main zipper to close/open the front open side of the main bag body, wherein the coupling panel of the main bag body has two rows of interlocking teeth fixedly mounted along two opposite side edges thereof and unfastenably fastened together by a slide to secure the coupling panel in a folded up condition to minimize the holding space of the main bag body.

Abstract: A discharge bulk bag that increases the efficiency for handling, storing, transporting and discharging dry materials in intermediate bulk containers. When filled with dry bulk material, the bulk bag can be easily moved about, transported or stored. A flexible discharge spout is located on the bottom side of one of the walls of the bag. At the time of discharge, the bag is positioned on the unloader and the spout is unfolded from its stowed position by releasing one of the restraint straps. The outlet opening at the end of the discharge spout is then connected to a receptacle opening. By releasing the bottom most restraint strap, the spout section opens up--allowing the bulk material inside to flow. The bulk material will continue to flow until it reaches a static condition, at which time the platform of the unloader begins to incline--dumping the remaining material in the bag towards the outlet opening.

Abstract: A convertible tote bag includes a first collapsible side, a second collapsible side, and a collapsible sheath connecting the first and second collapsible sides. At least one closable opening is provided in at least one of the collapsible sides and sheath. A foldable base connects the first and second collapsible sides and the collapsible sheath. The foldable base comprises a first portion foldably connected to a second portion and a fastener for securing the first and second portions in folded relation whereby the first and second collapsible sides and the collapsible sheath may be secured therebetween. The foldable base further includes a closable pouch and strapping whose positioning, length, and configuration is defined by the type of bag desired to be converted to.

Abstract: An expandable pouch (10) that can be easily compacted to form a relatively thin flat relatively non-obtrusive strip when empty. The compacted pouch will remain compact without falling open even with relatively vigorous activity and movement. The pouch (10) may be provided with a strap (30) for attaching the pouch to a user's wrist or waist.

Abstract: A carrying case for use with a bicycle comprises a receptacle defined by a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls and a bottom wall. A lid is hingedly connected to the receptacle. At least one pouch is secured to a side wall of the receptacle, the pouch being defined by a cover which is hingedly secured to the receptacle along a bottom edge is proximity to the bottom wall of the receptacle. An expandable container is foldable within the pouch and opens to a fully expanded condition when the cover is hinged open through 180 degrees. The volume of the carrying case is greatly increased when the pouch and container are fully opened.

Abstract: A foldable heat-preserving bag has a bag body with an upper opening, a lid to close on the upper opening of the bag body by means of zippers sewn on the bag body and the lid. A heat-preserving layer is made up of a foam rubber portion and a tin foil portion adhered and pressed together and sewn with the bag body. And, a water-proof rubber bag is stuck with the heat-preserving layer by means of sticker fastener bands provided on the heat-preserving layer and forms a preserving space in its interior for preserving things.

Abstract: A bag for carrying and transporting a river running boat such as a kayak or C-1 having a main compartment for storing the boat, a lengthwise enclosing device such as a zipper, a plurality of straps and other devices disposed and secured along the exterior of the case to ease carrying of the boat, and length adjusting means to tighten the bag around the boat. The bag is made of strong, tear-resistant, durable material having padding throughout.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack has a relatively flat foldable member comprising four parallel fold lines forming five panels. A rubber band is connected across each end panel and the panel adjacent thereto so as to urge the member to fold along the fold lines therebetween. The bag is caused to be expanded by the apparatus when the rubber bands cause the member to fold in a position to form a pair of gable-like structures which force the sides of the bag outwardly while the center section of the member rests against a major surface of the bag. The apparatus may be retained in the bag in a flat state for shipping.

Abstract: A multi-purpose portable carrier having side-by-side compartments for the storing of portable electronic and/or photographic equipment. Successive compartments are fastened together by zipper fasteners so that the side-by-side compartments can be aligned linearly or along an arcuate path or an endless path. An intermediate compartment has a front panel that is extended away from the rear panel so as to expose the front of portable equipment stored in the intermediate compartment. The intermediate compartment has opened sides and an optionally open top. Fasteners on the inner wall of the rear panel and the rear wall of the portable equipment stored in the intermediate compartment to prevent the portable equipment from accidentally falling out of the intermediate compartment.

Abstract: A camera lens case (10) is provided, having a generally tubular case body (4) with a plurality of adjustment strap assemblies (18) attached thereto such that the case body (14) may be constricted inward so as to closely support lenses (12, 54, 56 contained therein even when the lenses (12, 54, 56 may differ as to size or shape, or when the lenses are of irregular shape. A case lid (16) is flexibly attached to the case body (14) for securing the lenses (12, 54, 56 within the lens case (10) and a zipper (48) is provided for holding the case lid (16) closed. A belt loop (52) is provided for optionally carrying the camera lens case (10) thereby. The camera lens case (10 ) may optionally be used as a divider within a larger conventional camera bag (60).

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable container for collecting fluids under the influence of a vacuum. A rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall define a variable volume collection bag interior. A plurality of rigid, elongated panels are spaced about and attached to the flexible rear wall. A rigid stent is releasably engageable to the panels to distend the rear wall relative to the rigid front wall.

Abstract: A discharge bulk bag that increases the efficiency for handling, storing, transporting and discharging dry materials in intermediate bulk containers. When filled with dry bulk material, the bulk bag can be easily moved about, transported or stored. A flexible discharge spout is located on the bottom side of one of the walls of the bag. At the time of discharge, the bag is positioned on the unloader and the spout is unfolded from its stowed position by releasing one of the restraint straps. The outlet opening at the end of the discharge spout is then connected to a receptacle opening. By releasing the bottom most restraint strap, the spout section opens up--allowing the bulk material inside to flow. The bulk material will continue to flow until it reaches a static condition, at which time the platform of the unloader begins to incline--dumping the remaining material in the bag towards the outlet opening.

Abstract: A soft-sided tote bag is convertible between expanded and retracted states by selective operation of a zipper. The interior of the bag is enclosed in both states by two pairs of end flaps.

Abstract: A folding bag has a sack of a soft yielding material. The bottom of the sack is fastened to two half-shells of a semirigid material, connected through hinges of the film-type and a junction plate also in a semirigid material and is provided with a zipper. The half-shells can be arranged side by side to form a reinforced base for the sack and can close one over the other to form a case that can hold the sack when folded.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoplastic film package having one or more pouches for holding articles such as thermoplastic film bags, and a method of producing and filling such a package. The package is made from a thermoplastic film bag folded along horizontal and vertical fold lines such that a pouch having an open end is defined by the walls of the bag. It is non-permanently and non-destructively secured by adhesive tape or a selectively applied adhesive in the folded position such that the pouch can be used for storing articles. The entire thermoplastic film bag enclosure is accessible upon release of the non-destructive adhesive or tape and unfolding of the bag along the horizontal and vertical fold lines.

Abstract: A formed panel for a bag and method of manufacturing therefore is provided which allows the bag to maintain an original shape without deformation even though the bag may be acted on by external forces, and also allows the bag to appear soft from the outside thereof. The panel is formed from the impression of a fabric material onto a rigid plastic material. Also provided is a hard-sided, soft-gusseted luggage to protect the contents of the luggage without a totally rigid construction. A method of manufacturing a hard panel for luggage which includes impressing a fabric sheet onto a plastic sheet to form a combined sheet and molding the combined sheet to the desired shape.

Abstract: Handbags, particularly an expandable valise having an expandable body portion so as to accommodate variously sized contents. The valise includes the combination of a rigid batten adjustably supported on its top and pairs of inner and outer adjusting-reinforcing straps which encircle the entire valise, as well as the batten so as to contain or stabilize the body portion and its contents.

Abstract: A camera carrier (10) is provided, having a camera case assembly (14) with a belt assembly (18) attached thereto. The belt assembly (18) is adapted to be worn about either a photographer's chest or waist. A case lid (16) is removably attached to the camera case assembly (14). A pair of adjustment strap assemblies (42) can be adjusted by means of a pair of double "D" ring assemblies (52) to cause the camera case assembly (14) to closely support a great variety of sizes of cameras (12). A pair of recessed areas (66) in the case lid (16) permit a neck strap (68) to be worn on the camera (12) and to protrude from the camera case assembly (14) even when the case lid (16) is closed such that the neck strap (68) may be worn around the photographer's neck when the camera carrier (10) is worn about the photographer's chest. The camera carrier (10) may optionally be used as a divider within a larger conventional camera bag (84).

Abstract: There is provided a carrier, primarily for use with oversize documents. The carrier is of flexible construction, made of a flexible waterproof material such as canvas, nylon or the like, so that the carrier and its contents can be rolled as a unit, and held in rolled position by a fastener such as a pair of string ties, for ease of handling and transportation. When empty, the case can be folded into an integral pocket, to provide a small bulk for ease of storage.

Abstract: Upstanding soft-walled carriers having upstanding end panel doors are described. The soft walled carriers are made from a plurality of pliable panels, some of them having a resilient pliable construction, joined together along their edges by flexible corners. The panels cooperate in such manner that the carriers are self-supporting in a free upstanding position. A removable resilient pliable end panel insert is provided for additional support. In a preferred embodiment, the self-supporting soft walled carriers are also selectively collapsible along defined fold lines for self contained compressed storage.

Abstract: The invention provides an attache case having an improved expansion gusset, wherein the expansion gusset includes cutouts or slots through which elastic or non-elastic straps extend to provide an improved construction for expanding the volume of the attache when needed.

Abstract: Upstanding soft-walled carriers having upstanding end panel doors are described. The soft walled carriers are made from a plurality of pliable panels, some of them having a resilient pliable construction, joined together along their edges by flexible corners. The panels cooperate in such manner that the carriers are self-supporting in a free upstanding position. A removable resilient pliable end panel insert is provided for additional support. In a preferred embodiment, The self-supporting soft walled carriers are also selectively collapsible along defined fold lines for self contained compressed storage.

Abstract: A bingo bag is formed by quilt material sewed into a hollow container that is open at its upper end. Fabric is stitched to the inner surface of the container to form a plurality of pockets. The quilt material is stiff enough that the bag sits in an upright position making accessible the interior of the bag where bingo-playing accessories are kept.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage comprises rigid top, bottom and intermediate frames, top and bottom wall members and peripheral wall assemblies composed of pleated, expandable/contractable outer wall members affixed to the frames and foldable rigid inner wall members affixed to the top frame. Releasable fasteners associated with the rigid, foldable inner wall members and the bottom frame member retain the luggage item selectively in the expanded and collapsed conditions.

Abstract: A liner for lining a generally rectangular-bottomed container. First and second outer faces of the liner are connected together along opposed first and second edges and are separable from one another along a top edge extending between the first and second edges. An inwardly gusseted bottom face of the liner extends between opposed bottom portions of the first and second edges. First and second lines of weakness are spaced inwardly from the first and second edges and extend from the top edge, across the outer faces, into the inwardly gusseted bottom face.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible valise is described as rigidized and supported against distortion by at least two vertical encircling adjustable straps and one horizontal encircling adjustable strap, the vertical straps being retained in situ by means of a topmost movable batten having strap retention keepers thereon. Additional vertical strap retention keepers are at the bottom of the valise. The vertical straps overlay a horizontally disposed retention strap, adjustably supported adjacent the bottom of the valise being likewise secured against displacement. The bottom of the valise is characterized by convolute portions which, being an extension of the front and rear panels of the valise are extensible and contractible, depending upon the content volume of the valise.

Abstract: A backpack is provided with a pair of detachable auxiliary side packs. Each of the auxiliary side packs is connected to the main pack by multiple pairs of fasteners, and one fastener of each pair is connected to the main pack by an adjustable strap. The adjustable straps can be tightened to adjust the capacity of the auxiliary packs.

Abstract: A package made of a single rectangular sheet of flexible material which has both a main product compartment and an ancillary compartment. The main compartment is filled with product stacked in columns separated by a grid of cardboard or similar material and thereafter sealed. The main compartment also has a tear strip for providing a dispensing opening in the side of the compartment for removing the product units one at a time from the columns. The ancillary compartment being made of flexible material can be folded down and secured in a collapsed position so that the package can be shipped without adding additional shipping volume. The ancillary compartment is also open at its axial end to allow the insertion and removal of ancillary materials in route to the end user. Means, such as a drawstring, are provided to repeatedly open and close the ancillary compartment without damaging the package.

Abstract: A multi-use handbag is disclosed having a main storage body, at least one handle and at least one locking flap secured to one or more corners of the main storage area to an engagement member disposed along the lateral side of the handbag. Various configurations are obtainable by selective connection of the handles to the body and selective connection of the locking flaps to the engagement member.

Abstract: A garment carrier of the type including a generally rectangular outer panel and a like sized generally rectangular inner panel joined along their respective peripheries to the opposed sides of an elongate side panel extending around the peripheries of the outside and inside panels, with the garment carrier being foldable along a mid portion spine extending transversely of the outside panel. User carrying means including handles and/straps are fixable to the spine in a manner known in the art. The outside panel of the garment carrier includes a plurality of pockets positioned thereon with each pocket including an opening associated therewith, and a means for selectively closing said opening mounted adjacent each opening.

Abstract: An improved tube shape duffel-type travel or sports bag is disclosed which features an oblong softsided central compartment having access through the top thereof, and a pair of matching smaller compartments, one each on the opposing ends of the oblong central compartment. The opposing compartments have circumferential zippered openings therearound. In the improvement of the invention one of the end compartments includes a plurality of pockets/dividers therein for selective positioning of user materials in each as desired. The opposing smaller compartment on the opposite end of the bag includes therein an expansible wall constructed in connection and cooperation with one end wall of the main central compartment. The expansible wall includes a collapsible pocket, preferably made of waterproof material, which is capable of extending into the main compartment and expanding therein as desired, preferably for positioning worn clothing or accessories therein.

Abstract: A sports duffle bag has a canvas, plastic, or leather, top opening tubular body, with a sidewall open top pocket closed by a slide fastener, and sized to snugly receive the head of a tennis racket. An opening at a top corner of the pocket permits the racket handle to project from the pocket. An expansion panel is secured in the mouth of the pocket and has two flaps connected by a slide fastener so that in the open position the flaps hang in the pocket alongside the head of the racket and in the closed position the flaps are pulled above the pocket and closed over a racket head extending above the pocket thus increasing the height of the pocket for accommodating oversized rackets.

Abstract: A small, flat purse or wallet, having internal compartments with closeable openings adapted for holding and carrying a variety of small personal articles, such as keys, change, passports and the like, includes a larger tote bag attached to the purse in a flat, folded condition and contained entirely within one of the compartments. When the bag is fully deployed from the compartment and turned inside out, the purse is securely disposed flat against an inside surface of the bag, with the openings into the compartments accessible only from within the bag. After use, the bag is folded back into the purse for storage and reuse.