AU2016273915A1 - Transport Pack With Expandable Lower Portion - Google Patents

Abstract

Transporting food items by bicycle or by a backpack is difficult, especially for trays and platters are to be carried horizontally. A transport sack is provided that includes a main body, which defines therein a main interior space. A telescoping pocket is positioned at a lower portion of the main body. The telescoping pocket extends from a retracted state to an extended state. In the extended state, the telescoping pocket protrudes from the main body and defines therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space. In this way, a tray or platter can be horizontally carried in the lower portion. A fastener, like a zipper, is used to hold the telescoping pocket in the retracted state. (N .. , 7 t 7 49* N '4 1 '---5... ~49>~ *0' / A - "4 or *4'4 4." '4.4' N 9*' ( -... S.to'~ / A 'S /5.0. k. 4. 5 Ott ~* 'S * .--.- :.-.----.-... St i A <'-5 / 4 49' 72 N N,7 7, 5-. ( -. 7 --- N-. )7r

Description

TRANSPORT PACK WITH EXPANDABLE LOWER PORTION CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: [0001] This application claims priority to Canadian patent application no. 2,949,288, filed on November 22, 2016, and titled “Transport Pack with Expandable Lower Portion” and U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/425,392, and titled “Transport Pack with Expandable Lower Portion”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The following generally relates to a transport pack with an expandable lower portion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Food delivery is becoming a more common service. Messengers or delivery people will often walk or cycle to deliver food. In order to keep the food warm, or cool, thermally insulated covers or bags are provided to keep the food at a desired temperature.

[0004] For a pizza box, a thermally insulated bag shaped like a square is used to cover the pizza box, and a delivery person typically carries the bag by hand. Other thermally insulated bags may have carrying handles. Some insulated bags are backpacks. A backpack is convenient for a delivery person to carry the food on their back. For example, a delivery person rides a bicycle or a motorcycle and, at the same time, wears an insulated backpack that holds the food.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Example embodiments of a transportable pack with an expandable lower portion will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with its lower portion in a retracted position.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transportable pack in FIG. 1, but with its lower portion in an expanded position.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transportable pack in FIG. 3, and further with a flap of the lower portion in an open position.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with a flap of its lower portion in an position, and showing the inside of the lower portion.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with a front flap in an open position, and showing a shelf inside the transportable pack.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with a front flap in an open position, and showing a sleeve inside the transportable pack.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with a front flap in an open position, and showing multiple sleeves inside the transportable pack.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with its lower portion in an expanded position. The outer structure is illustrated in a translucent manner to show a telescoping support tray in the lower portion.

[0014] FIG. 9 shows the example embodiment of FIG. 8, but further including a tension cord to act on the telescoping support tray.

[0015] FIG. 10 shows the example embodiment of FIG. 8, but further including a compression spring to act on the telescoping support tray.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with its lower portion in an expanded position. The outer structure is illustrated in a translucent manner to show a resilient ring in the lower portion, which biases the lower portion to spring to the expanded position.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a transportable pack with multiple telescoping pockets each in an expanded position.

[0018] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the transportable pack in FIG. 10 with the multiple telescoping pockets shown in a retracted state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0020] A transport pack is also called a backpack, a sack, a messenger bag, a satchel, and luggage. A transport pack can be worn by a person, or attachable to a transporter (e.g. a bicycle, a motorcycle, a vehicle, etc.), or both. A transport pack can be used to transport a number of items. A non-limiting example of items include food items, drink items, parcels, letters, etc.

[0021] The appeal of bike courier/bike food delivery is becoming more popular. It is recognized that typical transport packs are not suitably shaped to hold and transport various types of food shapes. For example, many foods are packaged in flat trays or boxes, such as pizza, cake, a tray of cupcakes, pies, casseroles, and food platters. Many transport bags are sized for holding smaller food boxes and containers, and are sized to be put in a typical backpack. Some people may tilt the flat trays of flat boxes in order to fit the same into a backpack, but then the food arrangement in the tray of the boxes will be ruined. Typical backpacks are therefore too small to fit larger horizontal food packages.

[0022] Some transport packs are specially shaped and sized to hold and to thermally insulate a pizza box, and these transport packs are shaped to be flat. It is herein recognized, however, that these transport packs are cumbersome and difficult for a person to carry, such as on their back. It is also herein recognized that these transport packs, while suitable for holding pizza boxes, are not suited for holding other food containers that are taller (e.g. taller food boxes, bottles, cylindrical soup containers, etc.).

[0023] . It is herein recognized that it is desirable and helpful for delivery people or messengers to be equipped with a transport pack that is reliable and adaptable for carrying different shapes of containers, including flat-shaped containers. It is also desirable and helpful that the transport pack be easy to transport, such as in a backpack form for a person to wear, or some other form that can be carried by a transporter (e.g. attachable to a bike).

[0024] The proposed transport sack has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a telescoping pocket. This telescoping pocket is expandable to allow a person, or a transporter, to carry food needs to be held horizontally. The transport sack, in a preferred example embodiment is a backpack that can be worn by a person. This allows the person to wear the backpack to carry things like pizza, cakes, on their back or bike for food delivery.

[0025] The transport sack, in another example embodiment, either in addition or in the alternative to a backpack style, is attachable to a transporter like a moped, bicycle, motorcycle, cart, or other type of vehicle.

[0026] The telescoping function of the pocket in the lower portion allows a person to pack the pocket away if they are not using it. In other words, the pocket can be expanded or retracted to accommodate different food shapes.

[0027] While many of the examples described herein relate to transporting food items, it will be appreciated that the transport sack described herein can also be used to transport other types of items that are arranged to be transported horizontally. For example, architectural scaled models, a tray of flowers, glassware, or other items may be transported horizontally using the transport sack.

[0028] In an example aspect, the bottom of the transport sack has a removable hardened base for extra support of the foods that are placed in the transport sack.

[0029] In another example aspect, the transport sack includes a horizontal divider within its space to separate the lower portion from an upper portion of the transport sack. In this way, additional foods can be put in the transport sack in a stacked manner. The divider is also useful to stack foods in the upper portion of the transport sack when the telescoping pocket is being used to hold flatter and wider food items in the lower portion. In a further example aspect, the divider is removable and can be fastened to the transport sack with a one or more of Velcro, buttons and clasps.

[0030] In another example aspect, the front of the transport sack can be fully opened to add/remove items or to configure the divider.

[0031] In another example aspect, the telescoping pocket can be accessed by unzipping the pocket from a folded shape to an open shape, and then unzipping the front of the pocket to access the cavity.

[0032] In another example aspect, one or more interior surfaces of the transport sack include elastic or flexible holders to secure containers within the transport sack. For example, the holders are elastic straps and are used to keep liquid containers in a certain orientation during transport.

[0033] In another example aspect, the transport sack is made from one or more shell materials. For example, the inner shell material is different from the outer shell material. In another example, the inner and outer shell materials are the same. In another example, one of the inner shell material and the outer shell material is soft, and the other one of the inner shell material and the outer shell material is hard or rigid. In another example embodiment, the inner and the outer shell materials are soft. Non-limiting examples of inner or outer shell materials, or both, include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), aluminum foil or aluminum sheeting (such as under the tradename Alufoil), polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), fibreglass shell, etc. One or more of these materials may be used, and they may be used in various combinations with each other.

[0034] In another example aspect, the transport sack body includes a thermally insulating material.

[0035] In another example aspect, the transport sack includes one or more removable inserts that can be added to the telescoping pocket for added structure. For example, a sleeve can be added to the bag allowing a rigid board to be inserted into the telescope when it is extended. In an example embodiment, the rigid board that extends is made of plastic material.

[0036] In another example aspect, the telescoping pocket has an extended state and a retracted state. In another example aspect, the telescoping pocket has one or more intermediary states between the extended state and the retracted state. In a further example aspect, these intermediary states are at predefined positions.

[0037] In another example aspect, the extended telescoping pocket is accessed from a front facing flap located on the lower portion of the transport bag. In another example aspect, either in addition or in the alternative, the telescoping pocket is accessible by a flap (or flaps) positioned on any one or more of the sides, the bottom, or through the top of the telescoping pocket when it is in an extended state.

[0038] In another example aspect, the transport sack has a lower portion with multiple telescoping pockets. For example, the telescoping pockets include any two or more of: a telescoping pocket extendable from a left side of the transport sack; a telescoping pocket extendable from a right side of the transport sack; a telescoping pocket extendable from a front side of the transport sack; and a telescoping pocket extendable from a bottom side of the transport sack.

[0039] In another example aspect, the transport sack includes straps, hooks or other attachment mechanisms to allow strapping the transport sack to a bike, moped, or motorcycle.

[0040] It will be appreciated that the telescoping feature of the lower portion of the transport sack allows foods which are to be delivered horizontally and to be placed on the back of a bike rider. The transport sack allows the user versatility and the convenience of delivering a large variety of food items, without being overly large or uncomfortable.

[0041] Turning to FIG. 1, an example of a transport sack 100 is shown with a telescoping pocket 108a in a retracted position. The telescoping pocket 108a is positioned on the lower portion of the transport sack.

[0042] The transport sack 100 has a main body 102 which has a back side, a front side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side. Positioned on the back side of the main body are shoulder straps 110 for a person to wear on their shoulders. The top side includes a top flap 101 that can be opened and closed by using a first zipper 105. The front side includes a front compartment flap 103 that extends from the bottom of the transport sack almost to the top side of the transport sack. The front compartment flap 103 can be opened and closed by a second zipper 106.

[0043] A front surface 104 of the telescoping pocket is shown in the retracted state in FIG. 1. A fourth zipper 107, when closed, holds the telescoping pocket in the retracted state. When the fourth zipper 107 is opened, the telescoping pocket is extendable to the extended state. While the fourth zipper is closed, a third zipper is unseen. The third zipper, as will be shown later, is used to open and close the front surface flap 104 of the telescoping pocket.

[0044] In an example aspect, the bottom side 109 of the transport sack is flat. In another example aspect, an exterior pocket 111 is located on at least one of the left side and the right side. In another example embodiment, the transport sack includes reflective material to improve visibility and, thus, safety, of the transport sack in dark environments (e.g. at night time).

[0045] FIG. 2 shows the transport sack 100 with the telescoping pocket 108b in an extended state. As can better seen in FIG. 2, the telescoping pocket is positioned on and within front compartment flap 103 at its lower portion. In the extended position, the fourth zipper 107 is opened, so that one half of the fourth zipper 107a is positioned at the perimeter of the front surface 104 of the telescoping pocket, and the other half of the fourth zipper 107b is positioned on the front compartment flap 103.

[0046] In the extended position, a surface 202 protrudes outwards from the front compartment flap 103. As better seen in FIGs. 3 and 4, the inner space defined by the extended lower portion of the transport sack is therefore enlarged. For example, this enlarged inner space at the lower portion can hold tray-shaped objects in a horizontal position. In other words, the inner space of the transport sack defined by the main body 102 and the inner space defined by the surface 202 of the extended telescoping pocket 108b, also called a pocket interior space, together form a joined large interior space.

[0047] The surface 202 is made of a flexible material, so that the surface 202 can be compressed when the telescoping pocket is in a retracted state and then extended when the telescoping pocket is an extended state. The surface 202 is formed from a fabric, for example. The surface 202 may be lined with a thermal insulator material that is also flexible.

[0048] As seen in FIG. 2, the third zipper 201 is positioned between the two halves of the fourth zipper 107a and 107b, and is positioned significantly closer to the front surface 104. The third zipper 201 is used to open and close the front surface 104, which forms a flap to access the enlarged inner space defined in part by the telescoping pocket 108b in the extended state. The third zipper 201 is shown in a closed state in FIG. 2, but is shown in an opened state in FIGs. 3 and 4.

[0049] Turning to FIGs. 3 and 4, the third zipper is opened. In particular, one half of the third zipper 201a forms a perimeter around the front surface 104, and the other half of the third zipper 201b forms a perimeter around the edge of the extended surface 202 of the extended telescoping pocket 108b. The front surface 104 forms a flap that is laid down in FIGs. 3 and 4.

[0050] With the front surface 104 in an open position, the inner surface 302 of the front surface 104 is now visible. Furthermore, the inner surface 301 of the extended surface 202 is also shown, whereby the inner surface 301 defines a portion of the extended interior space in the lower portion of the transport sack.

[0051] As better seen in FIG. 4, a support surface 400 is positioned inside and at the bottom of the transport sack. The inner surface 401 of the back side, and the inner side surfaces 403 and 402 of the left and the right sides of the transport sack are also visible when the front surface 104 is opened and laid down. In an example embodiment, the support surface is a rigid board, or a hard board. In an example embodiment, the support surface is made from a plastic material.

[0052] It will be appreciated that a depth D1 of the main body 102 plus a depth D2 of the surface 202 (i.e. D1 + D2) form a larger depth that represents a dimension of the extended telescoping pocket. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of D1 and D2 can be sized to accommodate different sized trays or boxes that are expected to be carried when the telescoping pocket is in the retracted state, and when the telescoping pocket is in the extended state.

[0053] Turning to FIG. 5, the telescoping pocket is in the retracted state. The front compartment flap 103 is positioned downwards, as the second zipper has been opened. In particular, one half of the second zipper 106 is positioned at the perimeter of the front compartment flap 103, and the other half of the second zipper 106b is positioned on the main body 102. The other half of the second zipper 106b defines a front opening to the inner space of the transport pack.

[0054] An inner surface or backside 505 of the front compartment flap 103 is shown in FIG. 5. It also shows the inner surface 302 of the front surface 104 of the telescoping pocket. As the fourth zipper 107 is closed, but not seen, and as the third zipper 201 is also closed, the inner surface 302 and the inner surface 505 are substantially coplanar.

[0055] In an example embodiment, a removable shelf 501 is positioned horizontally within the inner space of the transport pack to divide an upper portion from a lower portion.

In an example embodiment, the removable shelf 501 is held in place by fasteners 502 positioned on the interior back and side walls 401,402 of the transport sack. For example, the fasteners are Velcro. In another example, the fasteners are button snaps.

[0056] A front edge of the removable shelf has fixed thereon half a clasp (e.g. a female clasp) 503 and the inner surface 505 of front compartment flap 103 has fixed thereon the other half of the claps (e.g. a male clasp) 504. The halves of the clasp 503, 504 are connectable together in order to support the front edge of the removable shelf.

[0057] In an example embodiment, there are two or more clasps located along the front edge of the removable shelf. In another example embodiment, Velcro is used to support the front edge of the removable shelf.

[0058] In an example embodiment, the removable shelf is made of thermally insulating material in order to create a thermal barrier between a lower portion and an upper portion of the interior space of the transport sack.

[0059] Turning to FIG. 6, either in addition or in the alternative, the interior of the transport pack includes an elastic or flexible sleeve 601 to hold a bottle, or the other object, in place. In FIG. 6, the sleeve 601 is oriented horizontally, such that two sides 602 are fixed to the inner wall or back surface 401 in order to define opposite openings 603. The sleeve is, for example, a type of holder. Other types of holder mechanisms may be fixed to the inner surfaces of the transport sack to secure an object in place.

[0060] In another example embodiment, turning to FIG. 7, a holder 701 for larger containers (e.g. soup containers) is, at one end, fixed to a back inner wall 401 and, at another end, fixed to a side inner wall 402. The holder 701 keeps the container in a vertical orientation. The holder 701 is preferably made of an elastic material. However, other materials may be used which are flexible or rigid.

[0061] A second holder 702 is used to hold smaller radius containers, such as bottles. The second holder is fixed to a back inner wall 401 and holds a bottle in a vertical orientation. The second holder is preferably made of an elastic material to accommodate different shapes and sizes. However, other materials may be used, which are flexible or rigid.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the number of holders, the location of the holders, and the configuration of the holders within the interior space may vary from the examples shown in the figures.

[0063] FIG. 8 is an example of a transport sack, with the exterior body illustrated in faint lines in order to more clearly show an interior feature positioned at the bottom of the transport sack. The features shown in heavy lines are the interior features which are emphasized in FIG. 8. It will be appreciated that in this “X-RAY” view of FIG. 8 shows these interior features, which otherwise would not be clearly visible when inspecting the exterior of the transport sack. In particular, the transport sack is shown with the telescoping pocket 108b in an extended state. The support surface 400 remains in a fixed position relative to the bottom of the transport sack. A telescoping support arm 801 is positioned below, or is embedded within, the support surface 400. The telescoping support arm 801 is shown in the extended position and provides support to a platter, tray or other object that is positioned in the enlarged interior space of the transport sack. Although one telescoping support arm is shown in FIG. 8, it another example embodiment, there are multiple telescoping support arms. It will also be appreciated the thickness and shape of the telescoping support arm may vary from the example shown in FIG. 8.

[0064] In an example embodiment, the telescoping support arm 801 has a front edge 802 that is fixed to a front bottom edge 804 of the telescoping pocket 108b. Therefore, when the telescoping pocket 108b is extended, then the telescoping support arm 801 also extends outwards. Therefore, in operation, when a user pulls the telescoping pocket to the extended state, in turn, the telescoping support arm also extends. Or, conversely, when the telescoping support arm 801 extends outwards, then the telescoping pocket 108b is also extended. Therefore, in operation, when the telescoping support arm extends outwards, such as by a spring force or tension force, then the telescoping pocket is also extended.

[0065] In another example embodiment, the front edge 802 of the telescoping support arm and the front bottom edge 804 of the telescoping pocket 108b are detached from each other. Therefore, in operation, a user can separately pull forward or retract the telescoping pocket, and separately pull forward and retract the telescoping support arm. In an example embodiment, a tab 803 or other graspable feature is positioned on the front edge 802 of the telescoping support arm, and a user can use this feature to pull out the telescoping support arm.

[0066] A retracted state of the telescoping support arm 801’ is shown in dotted lines. All or the majority of the telescoping support arm’s length is hidden within or under the support surface 400 in the retracted state.

[0067] In an example embodiment, the telescoping support arm is made of the same material as the support surface 400. In an alternative embodiment, the telescoping support arm and the support surface 400 are made of different materials.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the telescoping support arm is not spring loaded.

[0069] In other example embodiment, the telescoping support arm is spring loaded. FIG. 9 shows an elastic string or tension cord 901 in an shortened state, and with the telescoping support arm 801 in the extended state. The tension cord 901 is attached at its ends to two fixture points positioned at the sides or the front of the support surface 400.

[0070] When the telescoping support arm is in a retracted state, as shown in the position 801’, the tension cord is in elongated 901’ and is put under increased or greater tension compared to the shortened state. Two latches 903 and 904 hold the telescoping support arm in a retracted state, and hold the tension cord 901’ in the elongated state. When the latches are released, the tension cord 901’ shortens due it its elasticity, and pulls the telescoping support arm forward to the extended state.

[0071] In an example embodiment, one latch mechanism 903 is positioned adjacent to, or at, the back edge 905 of the telescoping support arm. The complimentary latch mechanism 904 is positioned at the bottom surface of the transport sack, and is adjacent to, or near, the back edge of the bottom surface of the transport sack. When the latches 904 and 904 are locked together, a user can release the latch 904 (e.g. by a pressing or pulling action) to decouple the latches from each other and, in turn, causing the telescoping support arm to spring forward to an extended state.

[0072] In an example feature of FIG. 9, the telescoping support arm 801 has a front edge that is fixed to a front bottom edge of the telescoping pocket 108b. Therefore, the telescoping pocket springs forward to the extended state when the telescoping support arm springs forward.

[0073] FIG. 10 shows an alternative example spring mechanism. One or more compression springs 1001 are positioned between a back edge of the support surface 400 and the back edge of the telescoping support arm. The spring or springs 1001 pushes the telescoping support arm forward.

[0074] FIG. 11 shows another example embodiment of a mechanism that is retractable, and automatically biases the telescoping pocket to an extended state. Positioned within or below the support surface 400 is a resilient ring 1101 that, in its uncompressed or default state, extends from the back edge of the support surface 400 to a given position beyond the front edge of the support surface 400. The distance between (a) the front edge of the support surface and (b) the given position beyond the front edge is approximately the same depth of the telescoping pocket 108b in the extended state.

[0075] The resilient ring 1101 ’ is also able to be flexed or compressed so that it extends from the back edge of the support surface 400 to the front edge of the support surface 400.

In this compressed state, the sides of the resilient ring bow outwards. In other words, the width of the resilient ring is wider in the compressed state, compared to the width of the resilient ring in the uncompressed state.

[0076] The resilient ring also acts as an telescoping support structure for the bottom of the telescoping pocket 108b in the extended state.

[0077] In an example embodiment, a fixture point 1102 (e.g. a sewn fabric, string, a claps, etc.) fixes a front end of the resilient ring to the front bottom edge 804 of the telescoping pocket 108b. Another fixture point 1103 fixes a back end of the resilient ring to a back bottom edge of the transport sack.

[0078] FIG. 12 shows another example embodiment of a transport sack 1200. It includes multiple telescoping pockets 1201, 1202 and 1203 each in an extended state. For example, the telescoping pockets 1201 and 1203 are configured to extend outwards from the sides of the transport sack. The telescoping pocket 1202 is configured to extend outwards from the front of the transport sack.

[0079] A given one of the telescoping pockets has a top flap 1204 that can be opened and closed for top access to the interior of the given telescoping pocket. The given telescoping pocket also includes a side flap 1205 that can be opened and closed for side access to the interior of the given telescoping pocket.

[0080] FIG. 13 shows the transport sack 1200 with each of the telescoping pockets in a retracted state.

[0081] In other example embodiments of a transport sack, not shown, instead of, or in combination with, zippers, other types of fasteners are used to secure an access flap. Other types of fasteners include, for example, Velcro, button snaps, hooks, latches, etc.

[0082] In other example embodiments, the number of access flaps and the location of the access flaps vary from the examples shown in the figures.

[0083] In other example embodiments, the shape of the transport sack is different from the examples shown in the figures. For example, the main body of the transport sack may be rounder, more rectangular, or have some other different shape.

[0084] In other example embodiments, the telescoping pocket is not positioned at the lower portion of the main body, but is positioned at mid-section of the main body, or is positioned an upper portion of the main body.

[0085] Other example embodiments and aspects are provided below.

[0086] In an example embodiment, a transport sack includes: a main body defining therein a main interior space; a telescoping pocket laterally extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state laterally protruding from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a portion of the main interior space; and a fastener positioned on the main body to hold the telescoping pocket in the retracted state.

[0087] In an example aspect, the telescoping pocket comprises a front face, and the front face is substantially aligned with a front surface of the main body in the retracted state.

[0088] In another example aspect, the telescoping pocket comprises a flexible surface that protrudes from a front surface of the main body and is attached to a front face of the telescoping pocket, and wherein the flexible surface and the front face define the pocket interior space. In a further example aspect, the front face of the telescoping pocket comprises an access flap that can be opened and closed to access the pocket interior space. In a further example aspect, the fastener is located at a front edge of the front face, and a zipper is positioned around the access flap, and the zipper is positioned between the fastener and the front surface of the main body. In a further example aspect, the fastener is another zipper and, in the retracted state, the other zipper is closed and the zipper positioned around the access flap is hidden below the other zipper.

[0089] In another example aspect, the transport sack includes straps to carry the transport sack on a person as a backpack, or straps to attach the transport sack to a transport vehicle, or both.

[0090] In another example aspect, the transport sack includes a removable shelf within the main interior space and positioned at a distance above a bottom interior surface of the transport sack. In a further example aspect, the removable shelf is supported by two or more fasteners positioned on two or more interior side surfaces of the transport sack.

[0091] In another example aspect, a support tray is positioned at a bottom interior surface of the transport sack. In a further example aspect, a telescoping support arm embedded within, or positioned below, the support tray, and the telescoping support arm is extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, wherein the telescoping support arm in the extended state extends beyond the support tray. In a further example aspect, the telescoping support arm is hidden within or below the support tray in the retracted state. In a further example aspect, a front edge of the telescoping support arm is fixed to a front bottom edge of the telescoping pocket. In a further example aspect, a spring is attached to the telescoping arm, and the spring configured to spring forward the telescoping arm to the extended state and the telescoping pocket to the extended state. In a further example aspect, a tension cord is attached to the telescoping arm, and the tension cord configured to spring forward the telescoping arm to the extended state and the telescoping pocket to the extended state.

[0092] In another example aspect, the transport sack includes multiple telescoping pockets oriented to extend outwards from the main body in different directions from each other.

[0093] In an example embodiment, a backpack is provided that includes: a main body defining therein a main interior space; one or more carrying straps positioned on a backside of the main body; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from a front surface of the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; and a zipper positioned around at least a portion of a perimeter of the telescoping pocket to hold the telescoping pocket in the retracted state.

[0094] In an example embodiment, a transport sack includes: a main body defining therein a main interior space; one or more carrying straps; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges an interior portion of the main interior space; the telescoping pocket comprising a front face and a flexible surface that extends between a front surface of the main body and a perimeter of the front face, the flexible surface and the front face defining therein the pocket interior space; a first zipper positioned at a front edge of the front face to hold the telescoping pocket in the retracted state; a second zipper positioned to open and close an access flap that comprises the front face; and, in the retracted state of the telescoping pocket, the first zipper is closed and the second zipper is hidden below the first zipper.

[0095] In an example embodiment, a transport sack includes: a main body defining therein a main interior space; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; a support tray positioned at a bottom interior surface of the transport sack; a telescoping support arm embedded within, or positioned below, the support tray, and the telescoping support arm is configured to extend beyond the support tray and along a bottom of the telescoping pocket in the extended state.

[0096] In an example aspect, the telescoping support arm is hidden within or below the support tray in the retracted state of the telescoping pocket.

[0097] In an example embodiment, a transport sack is provided that includes: a main body defining therein a main interior space; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; a support tray is positioned at a bottom interior surface of transport sack; and a telescoping support structure embedded within, or positioned below, the support tray, and the telescoping support structure is configured to extend beyond the support tray and along a bottom of the telescoping pocket in the extended state.

[0098] In an example aspect, the telescoping support structure comprises one or more telescoping support arms. In a further aspect, the telescoping support structure comprises a resilient ring that extends beyond the support tray when the resilient ring is not compressed, and does not extend beyond the support tray when the resilient ring is compressed.

[0099] In an example embodiment, a backpack is provided that includes: a main body defining therein a main interior space; one or more carrying straps positioned on a backside of the main body; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from a front surface of the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; the telescoping pocket comprising a front face and a flexible surface that extends between a front surface of the main body and a perimeter of the front face, the flexible surface and the front face defining therein the pocket interior space; and the main body, the flexible surface and the front face are lined with a flexible thermal insulator material.

[00100] Various features described herein from different example embodiments can be combined together, although such combinations have not been explicitly described.

[00101] It will be appreciated that the particular example embodiments shown in the figures and described above are for illustrative purposes only and many other variations can be used according to the example embodiments described herein. Although the above has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art as outlined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. Claims:

   1. A transport sack for food delivery, comprising: a main body defining therein a main interior space; a telescoping pocket laterally extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding laterally from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a portion of the main interior space; and a fastener positioned on the main body to hold the telescoping pocket in the retracted state.
2. 2. The transport sack of claim 1 wherein the telescoping pocket comprises a front face, and the front face is substantially aligned with a front surface of the main body in the retracted state.
3. 3. The transport sack of claim 1 wherein the telescoping pocket comprises a flexible surface that protrudes from a front surface of the main body and is attached to a front face of the telescoping pocket, and wherein the flexible surface and the front face define the pocket interior space.
4. 4. The transport sack according to claim 3 wherein the front face of the telescoping pocket comprises an access flap that can be opened and closed to access the pocket interior space.
5. 5. The transport sack of claim 4 wherein the fastener is located at a front edge of the front face, and a zipper is positioned around the access flap, and the zipper is positioned between the fastener and the front surface of the main body.
6. 6. The transport sack of claim 5 wherein the fastener is another zipper and, in the retracted state, the other zipper is closed and the zipper positioned around the access flap is hidden below the other zipper.
7. 7. The transport sack of claim 1 comprising straps to carry the transport sack on a person as a backpack.
8. 8. The transport sack of claim 1 comprising straps to attach the transport sack to a transport vehicle.
9. 9. The transport sack of claim 1 comprising a removable shelf within the main interior space and positioned at a distance above a bottom interior surface of the transport sack.
10. 10. The transport sack of claim 9 wherein the removable shelf is supported by two or more fasteners positioned on two or more interior side surfaces of the transport sack.
11. 11. The transport sack of claim 1 wherein a support tray is positioned at a bottom interior surface of the transport sack.
12. 12. The transport sack of claim 11 further comprising a telescoping support arm embedded within, or positioned below, the support tray, and the telescoping support arm is extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, wherein the telescoping support arm in the extended state extends beyond the support tray.
13. 13. The transport sack of claim 12 wherein the telescoping support arm is hidden within or below the support tray in the retracted state.
14. 14. The transport sack of claim 12 wherein a front edge of the telescoping support arm is fixed to a front bottom edge of the telescoping pocket.
15. 15. The transport sack of claim 14 comprising a spring attached to the telescoping arm, the spring configured to spring forward the telescoping arm to the extended state and the telescoping pocket to the extended state.
16. 16. The transport sack of claim 14 comprising a tension cord attached to the telescoping arm, the tension cord configured to spring forward the telescoping arm to the extended state and the telescoping pocket to the extended state.
17. 17. The transport sack of claim 1 comprising multiple telescoping pockets oriented to extend outwards from the main body in different directions from each other.
18. 18. A backpack comprising: a main body defining therein a main interior space; one or more carrying straps positioned on a backside of the main body; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from a front surface of the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; and a zipper positioned around at least a portion of a perimeter of the telescoping pocket to hold the telescoping pocket in the retracted state.
19. 19. A transport sack comprising: a main body defining therein a main interior space; one or more carrying straps; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges an interior portion of the main interior space; the telescoping pocket comprising a front face and a flexible surface that extends between a front surface of the main body and a perimeter of the front face, the flexible surface and the front face defining therein the pocket interior space; a first zipper positioned at a front edge of the front face to hold the telescoping pocket in the retracted state; a second zipper positioned to open and close an access flap that comprises the front face; and in the retracted state of the telescoping pocket, the first zipper is closed and the second zipper is hidden below the first zipper.
20. 20. A transport sack comprising: a main body defining therein a main interior space; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; a support tray positioned at a bottom interior surface of the transport sack; a telescoping support arm embedded within, or positioned below, the support tray, and the telescoping support arm is configured to extend beyond the support tray and along a bottom of the telescoping pocket in the extended state.
21. 21. The transport sack of claim 20 wherein the telescoping support arm is hidden within or below the support tray in the retracted state of the telescoping pocket.
22. 22. A transport sack comprising: a main body defining therein a main interior space; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; a support tray is positioned at a bottom interior surface of the transport sack; and a telescoping support structure embedded within, or positioned below, the support tray, and the telescoping support structure is configured to extend beyond the support tray and along a bottom of the telescoping pocket in the extended state.
23. 23. The transport sack of claim 22 wherein the telescoping support structure comprises one or more telescoping support arms.
24. 24. The transport sack of claim 22 wherein the telescoping support structure comprises a resilient ring that extends beyond the support tray when the resilient ring is not compressed, and does not extend beyond the support tray when the resilient ring is compressed.
25. 25. A backpack comprising: a main body defining therein a main interior space; one or more carrying straps positioned on a backside of the main body; a telescoping pocket extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, the telescoping pocket in the extended state protruding from a front surface of the main body and defining therein a pocket interior space that is part of and enlarges a lower interior portion of the main interior space; the telescoping pocket comprising a front face and a flexible surface that extends between a front surface of the main body and a perimeter of the front face, the flexible surface and the front face defining therein the pocket interior space; and the main body, the flexible surface and the front face are lined with a flexible thermal insulator material.