GB2541123A

GB2541123A - A wheeled bag suitable for attaching to a buggy

Info

Publication number: GB2541123A
Application number: GB1613354.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tumbridge Natalie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-03
Filing date: 2016-08-03
Publication date: 2017-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-03
Also published as: GB2541180A; GB2541180B; GB2541123B; GB201613354D0; GB201513696D0

Abstract

The wheeled bag for attaching to buggies or trolleys comprises a rigid base 10 and a bag wall 16 extending upwards from the rigid base to an opening. The rigid base includes at least one wheel arranged on a lower face of the base so as to contact and roll along a surface in use, and a displaceable arm 74 attached to the rigid base by a pivot or hinge (76, figure 3). The arm 74 is capable of being arranged in a first configuration in which the arm projects from the rigid base towards the buggy so as to be connected to the buggy by an attachment means; and in a second configuration in which the displaceable arm is stowed on a lower face of the rigid base when not in use. The bag may include straps (46, figure 10) so the bag can be carried as a backpack.

Description

A wheeled bag suitable for attaching to a buggy Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to multi-purpose bags. More particularly it is related to rucksacks. More particularly it is related to wheeled bags or trolleys that may be attached to a child’s buggy or pushchair.

Background

It is a problem to carry shopping bags or other articles while also pushing a buggy or pushchair. A variety of designs of bags or trolleys that address this problem are known in the prior art. Typically they fall into three categories.

One of the categories includes bags that hang from the handles of the buggy and are supported by the handles. This category of bags has the problem of tending to overbalance the buggy backwards.

Another of the categories includes self-supporting wheeled trolleys that are pulled by the buggy. These trolleys are typically positioned either to the side of the buggy to prevent them getting under the feet of the user.

Another one of the categories includes hybrid designs. Hybrid designs have one or more sets of wheels on a base. They are held upright by attachments to the handles.

All of the categories of prior art designs suffer from drawbacks. For example, a bag is preferably large, so it is advantageous to be able to fold the bag for carrying or storage, but the presence of wheels hinders this. Paradoxically buggies do have wheels, but as noted above traditional rucksacks and buggies are awkward to use together. The present invention aims to provide an improved bag that overcomes these disadvantages.

Prior Art

Accordingly, a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: GB2506941 (Petridis) discloses an improved shopping basket that is adapted for attachment to the rear of an infant transport vehicle such as a baby buggy, pushchair or pram. GB2298168 (Louw) discloses a collapsible, buggy holdall has a solid, wheeled base in order to carry its own weight and that of its contents when in use with a baby buggy or pushchair. US7036699 (Hay) discloses an accessory for strollers and wheelchairs that will carry a substantial volume of packages while the stroller or wheelchair is being utilized. BR202013009224U2 (Nabo-N) discloses a portable storage bag for use in shopping. CA2499291A (Californian Innovations INC) discloses a foldable insulated bag with a trailing member. JP2007037755 (Shan) discloses a carry bag for luggage with wheels supported at inner sides of a bottom portion. KR20130061837 (Hong Sung Bum) discloses a multi-folding bag. US5307908 (Shyr et al) discloses an improved expandable tote bag with an upper storage unit. US2003034636A1 (Ng) discloses a foldable carrying apparatus capable of transporting stored items.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy comprising: a rigid base and a bag wall extending upwards from the rigid base to an opening; the rigid base includes at least one wheel arranged on a distal face so as to contact and roll along a surface in use, and a displaceable arm attached to the rigid base by a pivot, wherein the arm is capable of being arranged in a first configuration in which the arm projects from the rigid base towards the buggy so as to be connected to the buggy by an attachment means; and in a second configuration in which the displaceable arm is stowed on a lower face of the rigid base when not in use.

In this way the wheeled bag can be readily attached to a buggy so that items can be easily added to, and removed from the wheeled bag, whilst pushing the buggy.

Preferably the arm rotates about the pivot so that the arm can be positioned in different positions in order to accommodate different buggies. Ideally the pivot includes a lock for fixing the arm in in a set position so that once the wheeled bag is connected it is prevented from moving about the pivot. This provides greater stability to the wheeled bag and buggy assembly.

Preferably the arm is extendable. Preferably the arm comprises a linear extension means. Preferably the extension means is lockable so that the length is of the arm is lockable.

Preferably a rotation lock is provided to work in combination with the arm and the pivot. Preferably the pivot comprises the rotation lock.

Preferably the rotation lock is arranged the arm from dangling from the pivot when the wheeled bag is carried on a person’s back in the second configuration.

Preferably the rotation lock is arranged to lock the arm in a position extending forward from the base for use when the wheeled back is connected to the buggy by the arm in the first configuration. The rotation lock for the arm improves allowance of weight in the buggy and/or in the bag.

Advantageously the lockable extension of the arm length and of the arm rotation allows the wheeled bag to adapt to a huge variety of prams/push chairs and strollers alike.

Preferably the arm is formed from a strong, durable, rigid material such as steel in order to securely connect the bag and buggy.

Preferably the rigid base has at least two wheels for maximal stability and steering. In some embodiments the wheeled bag may include one elongate roller, for example for use on uneven terrain.

Preferably the attachment means comprise a pair of fingers that are extendable from the arm. In this way the fingers can be extended until they engage with the buggy or trolley. In this way the arm can be fitted to various buggies or trollies.

Connectors are provided at a distal end of the fingers for securing to the fingers and thereby the arm and the bag to the buggy.

In preferred embodiments the fingers extend substantially perpendicular to the arm so as to a form a T-section.

Preferably the wheeled bag includes aa bag fixing assembly for connecting a bag to the rigid base. In some embodiments the assembly may be arranged in or integrated with the bag so as to permit easy attachment to the base.

For example, the fixing assembly may include a frame that can be assembled in the bag such that the frame corresponds to a channel on the base. In this way the frame is located in a flexible lower section of the bag so that when the frame is aligned with the channel on the base it can be pushed into the channel therefore locking the flexible lower section of the bag between the frame and the base by means of a resistance fit. Advantageously this allows the bag to be readily removed from the base, for example enabling shopping to be unloaded without requirement to remove the bas from the buggy or trolley.

Ideally the base includes a recess for receiving the arm when not in use. In this way the arm can be folded away to a compact configuration when not in use.

Preferably the wheels can be folded against the rigid base when not in use. This further compacts the size of the wheeled bag when not in use.

Preferably the wheeled bag has buggy-sized wheels, that will roll easily over a range of surfaces, and that can be used with a buggy.

Preferably the base comprises two planar portions joined at bend of between five and twenty degrees. Preferably the bend is located proximate where a wheel is connected to the base. Preferably the bend is located intermediate where the wheel is connected to the base and the edge of the base distal from the where the pivot is connected. Preferably the bend traverses the base in a cross direction to the arm and preferably orthogonal to the arm attached to the pivot. Advantageously the edge of the base furthest from the pivot is thereby tilted upward from the ground in use so that a user does not does not kick the base or stub their two on the base while walking as they push the buggy towing the wheeled bag.

The bag may have a plurality of additional attachment means, such as arranged on the walls of the bag, so as to attach the bag to the buggy at a plurality of heights. This can aid with stabilising the buggy so that it is not prone to balance issues when the bag is full as the weight is borne on the wheels, and maintained upright.

The additional attachment means may comprise upper attachments to attach the bag to the handles of the buggy and lower attachments to attach the bag to the legs of the buggy.

The upper attachment means may be mounted on the wall of the bag near or adjacent to the opening and may comprise first and second upper straps. Advantageously the upper straps provide a means of attaching the bag to the handle of the buggy.

The lower attachment means may be provided on the wall near or adjacent to the base and may comprise first and second lower straps. Advantageously the lower straps provide a means to attach the bag to a portion of frame of the buggy which is below the buggy handle.

The upper and lower straps may comprise snap-in fasteners to allow the straps to be removed from the bag. The upper and lower straps may be adjustable to control the position of the bag with respect to the buggy in use.

The straps may be adjustable to allow the bag to be carried as a rucksack, with straps joining the upper and lower snap-in fasteners. By so joining the upper and lower straps shoulder straps are created so the rucksack may be carried as a backpack.

In some embodiments the wheels are mounted on wheel supports. The wheel supports may comprise hinges attached to the base. In this way by rotating the wheel supports about the hinge axis the wheels may fold upwards to approach and be position against the base when not in use. The foldable wheels provide for comfort while using the bag as backpack. While the wheels are folded against the base, they do not dangle as a person who carries the bag is walking. The wheels are also stowed clear of the person’s back providing for any painful rubbing.

In some embodiments the wheel supports comprise a portion that interfits with a receiving feature provided on the base, in such a way that the wheel supports may rotate with respect to the base to allow the wheels to fold up towards the base about a folding axis. For example, the wheel supports may comprise an aperture and the receiving feature provided on the base may comprise a matching aperture, a hinge pin passing through the two apertures.

The wheel support may comprise a strut having a circular cross section, mounted in a cylindrical aperture through the receiving feature on the base. The hinge, or the aperture in the receiving feature, may define the folding axis. The folding axis may be at a right angle to the first axis. In this way the two wheels may fold such that they approach the base with the line between their centres in remaining in alignment with the position of the first axis when in the rolling position.

The hinge, or the combination of the wheel support portion and aperture in the receiving feature, may be adapted to have a degree of friction such that the wheel support is retained at a position with respect to the base until force is applied by a user to move it. In this way the wheel support will remain either in the rolling position or the folded position until a user moves it.

The wheels may be mounted on the wheel supports by means of ball bearings on an axle as known in the art.

The bag may comprise locks to lock the wheel supports in the rolling position, and may comprise catches to retain the wheel supports in the folded position.

The base may comprise a rigid material or a semi-rigid material. The base may comprise a rigid component on which both wheel supports are mounted or may be configured to fold along a line between the hinges about which the wheel supports may rotate. For example, the base may comprise two portions hinged together that may be folded together to reduce the size of the bag for storage.

In some embodiments the bag comprises a zip extending around the circumference of the wall configured to join a lower portion of the wall below the zip to an upper portion of the wall above the zip, the wall comprising a joining portion of material joining the lower and upper portions behind the zip. In this way the zip provides a means to shorten the wall by joining the lower and upper portions while folding the joining portion.

In some embodiments the closure comprises a flap to cover the opening, or a drawstring, or a zip.

In some embodiments the wall is configured to fold down onto the base and the flap is configured to zip to the base to fold the bag for storage. The flap may comprise a first zip portion at its perimeter and the base may comprise a second zip portion at its perimeter to zip to the first, such that the flap and the base may be zipped together.

In some embodiments the bag comprises a front portion having substantially the same size and shape as the flap, provided on the lower front portion of the wall, the front portion comprising a first zip portion at its perimeter, the flap having at its perimeter a second zip portion to zip to the first, such that the front portion and the flap may zip together at their perimeters.

The first and second zip portions may be provided such that the front portion zips to the flap with the base folded inwards between them. In this way, when folded and zipped, the bag presents the front portion and the flap as the front and the back of a compact package with the wall and the wheels stowed away inside it.

The base may be made from plastic, such as hard shell polymer material as known for suitcases, or a semi-flexible or fully rigid polymer sheet, from wood or from metal.

The wall of the bag may comprise a fabric such as a woven polymer fabric, a waterproof polymer-coated woven fabric, a cotton fabric, or a sheet polymer material, as known in the art for bags and sacks.

The wheels may comprise elastomeric tyres on rigid polymer or metal wheels, mounted by ball races on a metal axle. The wheel supports may comprise metal components to support the axle, such as sheet metal components or wire components. The wheel supports may be formed from moulded polymer. The hinges supporting the wheel supports on the base may be metal components to which the wheel supports are fixed and may be fixed to the lower surface of the base.

The bag may be provided in a range of sizes and colours. A typical size for the bag is such that the base is around the same width as the width of a buggy or of a shopping cart, and has a depth at a right angle to the width between 50% and 100% of the width, and the wall is sized such that the opening is around the same height from the floor as the handles of a typical buggy or shopping cart, or may be lower. For example, the width of the base may be in the range 30cm to 60cm, typically 45cm to 55cm, and the depth may be 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the width. The height may be in the range 45cm to 100cm, typically in the range 55cm to 80cm, such as around 75cm. The buggy may be a toy buggy, and the bag may be correspondingly smaller.

In some embodiments a charger point may be incorporated, for example under the flap, for charging batteries of mobile devices whilst shopping or out of doors. The charger may comprise a rechargeable energy source, which energy source may be displaceable. For example, in some embodiments the energy source may include wiring for connection of a mobile device.

In some embodiments the bag may include insulation, for example a cooler in the front portion, for bottles or lunch.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of a wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy;

Figures 2A and 2B show the wheeled bag configured as a backpack:

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the base of the wheeled bag;

Figure 4A shows a top view of the base;

Figure 4B shows a side view of the base;

Figure 5 shows and under view of the base;

Figure 6 shows an overview of the wheeled bag showing the bag open and closed;

Figure 7 shows the arm and fingers;

Figure 8 shows a securing strap arranged on a buggy;

Figure 9 shows a second embodiment of the invention from a front view;

Figure 10 shows side view of the wheeled bag as shown in figure 9 with the wheels folded;

Figure 11 shows a rear view of the wheeled bag as shown in figure 9 with the wheels in the rolling position. The wall of the bag is unzipped to extend its height;

Figure 12 shows a front three-quarter view of the wheeled bag as shown in figure 9 with the wheels in the rolling position;

Figure 13 shows a rear view of the wheeled bag as shown in figure 9 with the wheels in the rolling position;

Figure 14 shows the wheeled bag as shown in figure 9 folded and zipped between the front pocket and the flat;

Figure 15 shows how the wheeled bag is used in relation to a buggy;

Figure 16a shows a view of rear of another embodiment of wheeled bag;

Figure 16b shows a view of side of another embodiment of wheeled bag of Figure 16a;

Figure 16c shows a view of front of another embodiment of wheeled bag of Figure 16a;

Figure 16d shows a view of another embodiment of wheeled bag of Figure 16a with bag being worn as backpack;

Figure 16e shows a view of another embodiment of wheeled bag of Figure 16a with bag in collapsed state;

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 8 there is shown an embodiment of wheeled bag 100. The whole wheeled bag 100 is shown in Figures 1, 2a, 2b, and 6.

The wheeled bag is adapted for attachment to a child carrying buggy. The wheeled bag is attachable to the buggy frame so that the frame holds the bag upright. Furthermore, the wheeled bag is attachable to the buggy in a manner that allows the user of the buggy to steer the buggy and bag simultaneously.

The wheeled bag 100 comprises a rigid base 10. The rigid base supports weight of both items placed in the bag and the bag itself. The rigid base is shown in particular in Figures 3,4, 5, and 7.

Resting on the rigid base 10 is a bag having a bag wall 16. In use the bag is oriented extending upwards from the rigid base to an opening 18. The opening is coverable by a closure 20 in the form of a closure flap 62 attached to the bag wall 16. This may be seen in Figure 6. Hence the bag is conveniently top loadable through the opening.

The rigid base 10 includes at least one wheel 22, 24. The wheel(s) has a tyre 70 for rolling smoothly on rough ground.

As shown in Figure 5, the rigid base 10 has a distal face 12 so named because the bag rests on the opposite side of the rigid base. The rigid base also has a proximal face 11 on which the bag rests. In use the proximal face 11 is uppermost and the distal face 12 is lowermost. So the weight of the bag and contents in the bag bear against the proximal face 11.

The wheel(s) 22, 24 is arranged on the distal face 12 so as to contact and roll along a ground surface in use. The weight of the bag and its contents is supported by the wheel(s).

The child carrying baby buggy is unburdened by the weight of the bag and its contents because the weight is supported by the wheel(s) 22, 24 of wheeled bag 100. A first end of the displaceable arm 74 is attached to the rigid base 10 by a pivot 76. The displaceable arm is free to swing around the pivot. So the displaceable arm is free to swing from the rigid base 10.

The arm 74 swings about the pivot 76 to a first configuration in which the arm projects from the rigid base towards the buggy. The arm is shown in the first configuration in Figures 1, 3, and 7.

The arm 74 has a second end which is distal from the first end, and the second end of the arm is attachable to the buggy.

To attach the second end of the arm to the buggy, the second end of the arm comprises an attachment means 78 to the buggy.

The arm 74 also swings about the pivot 76 to a second configuration. In the second configuration the arm is stowed on or proximate the distal face 12 of the rigid base 10. The rigid base 10 comprises a clasp 80 which holds the arm on or proximate the distal face in the second configuration.

So when the arm is not needed for towing the wheeled bag, the arm is stow-able in the second configuration under the base and bag. A recess 96 in the distal face 12 of the base 10 is provided for receiving the displaceable arm in the second configuration.

The wheeled bag is carry-able by shoulder straps 49 on a person’s back. The person would prefer to put the displaceable arm 74 in the second configuration when carrying the bag on their back because the clasp prevents the displaceable arm from dangling from the pivot in the second configuration. A portion of the bag, covering the back of the bag and extending form the bag opening to the rigid base comprises a padded wall making it comfortable for the bag while in use.

As an alternative to the clasp, the pivot 76 which connects the proximal end of the displaceable arm to the baselO comprises a rotation lock. The rotation lock is arranged to fix the displaceable arm in various positions including the second configuration.

An example of a suitable rotation lock is a detent arranged to carry the weight of the displaceable arm in the second configuration. The detent prevents the arm from dangling from the pivot when the wheeled bag is carried on a person’s back.

As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the two wheels 22, 24 are attached to the distal side of the base. The wheels are attached by a swivel 94 located proximate the perimeter of the base. The wheels are also located distal from the location where the first end of the arm is attached by the pivot 76 to the base. The arm is thereby situated with respect to the wheels to act as a tow bar and pull the base with the wheels trailing along at the back.

The recess in the distal face 12 provided for receiving the displaceable arm in the second configuration effectively locates the arm within or partially within the base in the second configuration. The wheels are free to thereby fee to swivel around the swivel without interference from the arm in the second configuration.

Figures 1 and 4b show that the base comprises two planar portions joined at bend of substantially fifteen degrees. The bend is located proximate where a wheel is connected to the base. The bend is located intermediate where the wheel is connected to the base and the edge of the base distal from the where the pivot is connected. The bend traverses the base orthogonal to the bar attached to the pivot. The bend allows a person to avoid kicking the base with their toes when walking behind the bag as they push forward the trolley to which the bag is connected.

The bag in the first configuration is also usable unconnected to buggy. The bag is useable on its own. The top straps function as a cart handle. Advantageously the bend in the base prevents a person’s heels from bumping into the base as they tow the bag behind them.

Figure 3 and Figure 7 show the attachment means 78 in detail. The attachment means comprises a pair of fingers 82, 83 connected to the second end 75 of the arm. The fingers at right angles to the arm so that the arm and fingers form a T shaped towing device.

The fingers 82, 83 are extendable from the second end of the arm. At the tips of the fingers are connectors buggy connectors 84, 85. The buggy connectors are adapted to connect to the frame of the buggy. The buggy connectors are clips, straps, bolt-able fasteners, and/or a soft silicone slot with tab appendage to fix around stroller tubes. A bag fixing assembly is provided for connecting the bag to the rigid base 10. The bag fixing assembly may be seen in Figures 3 and 4.

The bag fixing assembly comprises a pair of elongate skeletal parts 86, 87 shaped to follow the perimeter 14 of the base. The skeletal parts are assembled inside the bag and rest at the distal end of the bag distal from the bag opening. The distal end of the bag is in use the bottom end of the bag. Hence the skeletal parts not only serve to fix distal end of the bag to the base, the skeletal parts also keep the distal end of the bag open.

Referring to Figures 9 to 15, another embodiment of the wheeled bag is revealed. Features of the bag in the embodiment of figures 1 to 8 are not exclusive of the features of the bag revealed in Figures 9 to 15. The features are shown as separate embodiments to save overcomplicating the Figures with too many features, not because they are distinct embodiments from each other. The inventor considers features from all figures to be suitable for combination into a single wheeled bag.

The wheeled bag 100 comprises a base 10. The base has an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12 and a perimeter 14,

The bag has a flexible bag wall 16 extending upwards from the perimeter to an opening 18. There is a closure 20 to close the opening.

There is a first 22 and a second 24 wheel each mounted on a wheel support 26, 28 and free to rotate about a first axis 30. The wheel supports 26, 28 are mounted on the lower surface of the base. The wheel supports are free to fold relative to the base between a rolling position in which the first axis 30 is substantially horizontal and a folded position in which the wheel is folded upwards towards the lower surface 12 of the base 10 such that the first axis moves away from horizontal.

The bag is thereby used as visualised in Figure 15, wherein the user attaches the bag to the buggy handle, unzips and allows the bag to drop down, pulls the wheels out, unzips further to extend the bag, attaches bottom straps to the base bar of the buggy, attaches centre straps to the side bars of the buggy. In this way the buggy is not liable to topple when the user transports shopping.

The bag is arranged for transport or storage when not in use, wherein it may advantageously therefore fold away and for example be stored on the back of a buggy or go into a backpack.

As shown Figure 9 the wheel supports 26, 28 comprise a portion that interfits with a receiving feature 34 provided on the base. The receiving feature comprises a hinge.

The wheel supports are mounted by means of the hinges on the base, such that the axis of the hinge is at a right angle to the first axis, as seen most clearly in figure 9.

In this way by rotating the wheel supports about the hinge axis the wheels may fold upwards to approach the base. The hinge permits the wheel supports to rotate with respect to the base to allow the wheels to fold up towards the base about a folding axis.

In the second configuration the wheel supports and wheels may be rotated flush against the base or into or partially into the base via the hinge 34. This allows a weary traveller to take the wheeled bag off their shoulders and stand the wheeled bag upright on the base on the ground without fear that the wheeled bag will roll away.

The receiving feature 34 includes a lock means to lock the at least one wheel in the rolling position in the first configuration. The lock means is also arranged to lock the at least one wheel in the against the rigid base in the second configuration.

The wheel support comprises a strut having a circular cross section, mounted in a cylindrical aperture through the receiving feature 34 on the base. The aperture in a feature on the base defines the folding axis, which is aligned front to back, at a right angle to the first axis when the wheels are in the rolling position. In variants of this embodiment the wheel supports may be mounted by means of hinges on mounting pieces attached to the base.

The said portion of the wheel support and the aperture in feature 34 are adapted to have a degree of friction such that the wheel support is retained at a position with respect to the base until force is applied by a user to move it. In this way the wheel support will remain either in the rolling position or the folded position until a user moves it.

The wheels are mounted on the wheel supports by means of ball bearings on an axle as known in the art.

The wheeled bag comprises at least one securing strap 40, 42, 44, 46, 49, 88, 89, 90, 91.

There are opening straps 90, 91 which are extensions of the side walls of the bag. The opening straps extend the side wall of the bag beyond the bag opening 18. The opening straps 90, 91

The bag further comprises upper attachments in the form of upper straps 40, 42.

The opening straps are connected or connectable to form a loop. The upper straps are also connected or connectable by a clasp as shown in Figures 8 and 11 to form a loop.

The loop is wrap-able around a frame for the wheeled bag so as to attach the bag to the frame. At the opening straps and/or the upper straps have anti-slip portions which are in contact with the frame when used to attach the bag to the frame.

The loop is also wrap-able around the handles of the buggy to attach the bag to the buggy. The anti-slip portions are located on the straps to be in contact with the handles of the buggy.

Lower attachments in the form of lower straps 44, 46 to attach the bag to the legs of the buggy. The upper and lower straps comprise snap-in fasteners 48 to allow the straps to be removed from the bag. The upper and lower straps are adjustable to control the position of the bag with respect to the buggy in use. The straps are adjustable to allow the bag to be carried as a rucksack on the buggy, with straps joining the upper and lower snap-in fasteners.

The lower straps 46 are connected to the back of the bag proximate the distal end from the bag opening. The upper straps 40, 42 are connected to the back of the bag proximate the bag opening 18. The lower straps are connectable to the upper straps as shown in Figure 10 to provide shoulder straps.

The bag comprises a zip 50 extending around the circumference of the bag wall having a first zip portion 52 on a lower portion 54 of the wall proximate the distal end of the bag from the opening. The zip also comprises a second zip portion 56, to zip to the first zip portion, on an upper portion 58 of the wall proximate the bag opening.

The wall comprises a joining portion 60 of material joining the lower and upper portions.

When the lower portion is connected to the upper portion by zipping the first zip portion 52 to the second zip portion 56, the joining portion 60 is behind the zip 50. In this way the zip provides a means to shorten the wall by joining the lower and upper portions while folding the joining portion. Figures 9 and 10 show the bag shortened with the portions zipped together. Figure 11 shows the bag lengthened with the portions unzipped.

Figures 10, 11, 14 and 15 show the closure 20 comprises a flap 62 to cover the opening.

The bag comprises a front portion 64 having substantially the same size and shape as the flap 62, provided on the lower front portion of the wall. The front portion comprises a first zip portion 66 at its perimeter.

The flap has at its perimeter a second zip portion 68 to zip to the first portion 54. The front portion and the flap zip together at their perimeters. The first 52 and second zip portions 56 may be provided such that the front portion zips to the flap with the base folded inwards between them. In this way, when folded and zipped, the bag presents the front portion and the flap as the front and the back of a compact package with the wall and the wheels stowed away inside it.

The base 10 is made from plastic, such as hard shell polymer material as known for suitcases.

The wall 16 of the bag is comprised a waterproof polymer-coated woven fabric, as known in the art for bags and sacks.

The wheels 22, 24 comprise elastomeric tyres 70 mounted by ball races on a metal axle 72 forming part of the wheel support. The wheel supports are cylindrical metal wire-form components in which a portion of the wheel support is extended at a right angle to the major portion of the support, to provide the axle.

The bag may be provided in a range of sizes and colours. A typical size for the bag is such that the base is around the same width as the width of a buggy or of a shopping cart, and has a depth at a right angle to the width of around 50% of the width, and the wall is sized such that the opening is around the same height from the floor as the handles of a typical buggy or shopping cart. The width of the base in this embodiment may be around 45cm, and the depth may be 50% of the width. The height when the zip 66 is unzipped may be around 70cm.

Referring to Figures 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e there is shown the bag comprises on the lower portion of an external surface a side pocket 97 and a front pocket 98. There is also shown the bag comprises a drawstring 99 to draw closed the bag opening.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims

Claims

1. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy comprising: a rigid base and a bag wall extending upwards from the rigid base to an opening; the rigid base includes at least one wheel arranged on a distal face so as to contact and roll along a surface in use, and a displaceable arm attached to the rigid base by a pivot, wherein the arm is capable of being arranged in a first configuration in which the arm projects from the rigid base towards the buggy so as to be connected to the buggy by an attachment means; and in a second configuration in which the displaceable arm is stowed on or proximate the distal face of the rigid base when not in use.

2. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to claim 1 wherein the pivot includes a lock for fixing the displaceable arm in various positions.

3. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the rigid base has at least two wheels.

4. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means comprises a pair of fingers that are extendable from the arm and includes connectors at a distal end of the fingers for securing to the buggy.

5. A wheeled bag according to claim 4 wherein the fingers extend substantially perpendicular to the arm.

6. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim includes a bag fixing assembly for connecting the bag to the rigid base.

7. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim wherein the base includes a recess for receiving the arm in the second configuration.

8. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim wherein the wheels are foldable against the rigid base when not in use.

9. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim including a lock means to lock the at least one wheel in the rolling position.

10. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim including at least one securing strap to secure the bag to the buggy.

11. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to claim 10 wherein the at least one securing strap includes anti-slip portions.

12. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to claim 10 or claim 11 having two securing straps which are arranged to provide shoulder straps so that the wheeled bag can be carried as a backpack.

13. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim wherein the bag wall includes at least one support for maintaining the shape of the bag.

14. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim includes a zip extending around the circumference of the wall configured to join a lower portion of the bag wall below the zip to an upper portion of the bag wall above the zip, the wall comprising a joining portion of material for joining the lower and upper portions behind the zip.

15. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim wherein the wall is configured to collapse onto the rigid base.

16. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim wherein the bag has a flap.

17. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to claim 16 wherein the flap comprises a first zip portion at its perimeter and the base has a second zip portion at its perimeter to zip to the first zip portion, such that the flap and the base may be zipped together.

18. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy according to any preceding claim comprising a front portion having substantially the same size and shape as the flap, provided on the lower front portion of the wall, the front portion comprising a first zip portion at its perimeter, the flap having at its perimeter a second zip portion to zip to the first portion, such that the front portion and the flap zip together at their perimeters.

19. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy wherein the base comprises two planar portions joined at bend of between five and twenty degrees which traverses the base in a cross direction to the arm.

20. A wheeled bag according to claim 19 wherein bend is located intermediate located intermediate where the wheel is connected to the base and an edge of the base distal from an edge proximate to where the pivot is connected.

21. A wheeled bag for attaching to a buggy substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.