US20210401138A1

US20210401138A1 - Bag

Info

Publication number: US20210401138A1
Application number: US16/912,518
Authority: US
Inventors: Mary D. Albanese
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-25
Filing date: 2020-06-25
Publication date: 2021-12-30
Also published as: CN111955893A

Abstract

A bag includes a bag structure having a base and a wheel structure removably coupled to the base to facilitate a rolling movement of the bag over a surface. The bag further includes a first strap, a first male coupler attached to the strap, and a first female coupler coupled to the bag structure. Moreover, the bag includes a second strap, a second female coupler attached to the second strap, and a second male coupler coupled to the bag structure. Also, the first strap and the second strap support the bag structure on shoulders of a wearer when the first male coupler and second male coupler, respectively, are coupled with the first female coupler and second female coupler. The first strap and the second strap together define a pull strap for facilitating a pulling of the bag when the first male coupler is engaged with the second female coupler.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates, generally, to a bag. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a bag having removable wheels.

BACKGROUND

Bags are often used to carry one or more articles and become heavy when plenty of articles are stuffed into the bag. The heavy bags are difficult to carry, specifically, for children and female users, elderly and other people with medical condition. Typically, bags having wheels are used to facilitate easy movement of the bags. However, the bags having wheels are, generally, heavy, and are difficult to lift, putting the excess weight on the user. Also, the bags with permanently attached wheels are, generally, bulky and can't be compacted for storage.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure a bag is disclosed. The bag includes a bag structure having a base and defining at least one compartment for storing one or more articles and a wheel structure removably coupled to the base of the bag structure to facilitate a rolling movement of the bag over a surface. The bag further includes a first strap assembly including a first strap having a first end attached proximate to a top portion of the bag structure, a first male coupler attached to second end of the strap, and a first female coupler coupled to the bag structure and adapted to removably engage with the first male coupler. Moreover, the bag includes a second strap assembly having a second strap having a first end attached proximate to the top portion of the bag structure, a second female coupler attached to the second end of the second strap, and a second male coupler coupled to the bag structure and adapted to removably engage with the second female coupler. Also, the first strap and the second strap support the bag structure on shoulders of a wearer when the first male coupler and second male coupler, respectively, are coupled with the first female coupler and second female coupler. Furthermore, the first strap and the second strap together define a pull strap for facilitating a pulling of the bag over the surface when the first male coupler is engaged with the second female coupler.
In an embodiment, the wheel structure includes a plate member and a plurality of wheels attached to the plate member. The plate member is configured to be removably attached with the base of the bag structure.
In an embodiment, the bag further includes a hook and loop fastener assembly to removably attach the wheel structure with the bag structure.
In an embodiment, the hook and loop fastener assembly includes a loop member having a plurality of loops and attached to the base of the bag structure, and a hook member attached to the plate member and having a plurality of hooks adapted to engage with the plurality of hooks.
In an embodiment, the first strap assembly includes a third strap extending from a location proximate to the base of the bag structure and coupling the bag structure to the first female coupler.
In an embodiment, the second strap assembly includes a fourth strap extending from a location proximate to the base of the bag structure and coupling the bag structure to the second male coupler.
In an embodiment, the first male coupler includes a plurality of fingers and the first female coupler includes a cavity to receive the plurality of fingers to facilitate the attachment of the first male coupler with the first female coupler.
In an embodiment, the second male coupler includes a plurality of fingers and the second female coupler includes a cavity to receive the plurality of fingers to facilitate the attachment of the second male coupler with the second female coupler.
The bag can interchangeably be used as either a carry or shoulder bag, or for ease of moment as a wheeled bag to be pulled along.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bag having a bag structure and a wheel structure removably engaged with the bag structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the bag depicting the wheel structure removed from the bag structure and showing a hook member attached to the bag structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bag depicting the wheel structure removed from the bag structure and having a loop member adapted to attach with the hook member of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the bag depicting a first strap attached with a second strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bag having a bag structure and a wheel structure engaged with the bag structure, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional perspective view of the bag of FIG. 6 depicting the wheel structure removed from the bag structure, and showing a hook member attached to the bag structure and a loop member attached to the wheel structure, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 6 showing a first strap defining a pull strap of the bag of FIG. 6, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a bag 100, for example a backpack 102, suitable for storing one or more articles is shown. The bag 100 includes a bag portion 104 having a bag structure 106 defining at least one compartment for receiving and storing the one or more articles and a wheel structure 110 removably attached to the bag structure 106 and adapted to facilitate a movement, for example, a rolling movement, of the bag 100 over the ground. The bag structure 106 includes a top portion 112 defining an opening of the compartment facilitating an access of the bag structure 106 and a bottom portion 116 adapted to attach to the wheel structure 110. Additionally, or optionally, the opening of the compartment may be closed or opened by a zipper 118. Also, the bottom portion 116 includes a base 120 (shown in FIG. 2) having substantially flat structure to facilitate a resting and engagement of the bag structure 106 on the wheel structure 110. As shown, the wheel structure 110 includes a plate member 122 having a first surface 124 (shown in FIG. 3) and a second surface 126, and a plurality of wheels 130 attached to the plate member 122 and extending outwardly from the second surface 126. The plate member 122 is adapted to removably attach/couple/secure/engage with the base 120 of the bag structure 106. To facilitate a removable engagement/attachment of the plate member 122 (i.e. the wheel structure 110) with the base 120 of the bag structure 106, the bag 100 includes a hook and loop fastener assembly 132 having a hook member 134 and a loop member 136. In an embodiment, the loop member 136 may be attached to the base 120, while the hook member 134 is attached to the first surface 124 of the plate member 122. In an embodiment, the hook member 134 and the loop member 136 may be stitched, riveted, and/or adhesively attached to the plate member 122 and the base 120 respectively. As shown, the hook member 134 includes a plurality of hooks 138 adapted to engage with a plurality of loops 140 of the loop member 136 to engage the wheel structure 110 with the bag structure 106.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the bag portion 104 may include a pair of strap assemblies adapted to support the bag structure 106 on shoulders of the wearer. The pair of strap assemblies, for example, a first strap assembly 142 and a second strap assembly 144, extends in a longitudinal direction and adapted to, respectively, define a first opening and a second opening to receive shoulder of the wearer. Further, the first strap assembly 142 includes a first strap 146 having a first end 148 and a second end 150, a first coupler 152 (i.e. a first male coupler 152), and a second coupler 154 (i.e. a first female coupler 154) adapted to removably engage with the first male coupler 152. The first end 148 of the first strap 146 is coupled to the bag structure 106 and may be coupled to the top portion 112 of the bag structure 106. In an embodiment, the first strap 146 may be attached to a first longitudinal end 156 of the bag structure 106. In an embodiment, the first strap 146 may be attached to the bag structure 106 by using adhesive. Alternatively, the first strap 146 may be stitched to the bag structure 106. Further, the second end 150 of the first strap 146 is attached to the first male coupler 152 that is adapted to engage with the first female coupler 154. As shown, the first female coupler 154 is attached to the bag structure 106 at a location proximate to the base 120 and a second longitudinal end 160 of the bag structure 106 via a third strap 162 of the first strap assembly 142. In an embodiment, the third strap 162 may be stitched to the bag stricture 106. Further, in an embodiment, the first female coupler 154 may define a cavity 164, while the first male coupler 152 may include a plurality of fingers 166 adapted to be inserted, at least partly, inside the cavity 164 to engage the first male coupler 152 with the first female coupler 154.
Similar to the first strap assembly 142, the second strap assembly 144 includes a second strap 170 having a first end 172 and a second end 174, a third coupler 176 (i.e. a second female coupler 176), and a fourth coupler 178 (i.e. second male coupler) adapted to removably engage with the second female coupler 176. The first end 172 of the second strap 170 is coupled to the bag structure 106 and may be coupled to the top portion 112 of the bag structure 106. In an embodiment, the first end 172 of the second strap 170 may be attached to the first longitudinal end 156 of the bag structure 106. In an embodiment, the second strap 170 may be attached to the bag structure 106 by using adhesive. Alternatively, the second strap 170 may be stitched to the bag structure 106. Further, the second end 174 of the second strap 170 is attached to the second female coupler 176 that is adapted to engage with the second male coupler 178. As shown, the second male coupler 178 is attached to the bag structure 106 at a location proximate to the base 120 or the second longitudinal end 160 of the bag structure 106 via a fourth strap 180 of the second strap assembly 144. In an embodiment, the fourth strap 180 may be stitched to the bag structure 106. Further, in an embodiment, the second female coupler 176 may define a cavity 182, while the second male coupler 178 may include a plurality of fingers 184 adapted to be inserted, at least partly, inside the cavity 182 to engage the second male coupler 178 with the second female coupler 176.
The bag 100 facilitates carrying of the bag structure 106 on the shoulders of the wearer or movement of the bag structure 106 over the ground using the wheels 130. For carrying the bag structure 106 on his/her shoulders, the wearer may engage the first male coupler 152 with the first female coupler 154 and second male coupler 178 with the second female coupler 176, thereby, respectively, defining the first shoulder opening and the second shoulder opening for receiving the shoulders of the wearer. Also, before supporting the bag structure 106 on his/her shoulder, the wearer may disengage the wheel structure 110 from the bag structure 106. For carrying the bag structure 106 on the wheels 130 and moving the bag structure 106 on the surface using the wheels 130, the wearer may attach the wheel structure 110 to the bag structure 106 by engaging/attaching the hook member 134 with the loop member 136. Additionally, for facilitating the pulling of the bag structure 106 on the surface, the wearer may disengage the first male coupler 152 from the first female coupler 154 and disengage the second male coupler 178 from the second female coupler 176, and engages the first strap 146 with the second strap 170 by engaging the first male coupler 152 with the second female coupler 176. In this manner, the first strap 146 and the second strap 170 together define a pull strap 186 (shown in FIG. 5) for facilitating a pulling of the bag structure 106 on the wheels 130.
Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, a bag 100′ according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The bag 100′ includes a bag portion 104′ having a bag structure 106′ defining at least one compartment for receiving and storing the one or more articles and a wheel structure 110′ removably attached to the bag structure 106′ and adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the bag 100′ over the ground. The bag structure 106′ includes a top portion 112′ defining an opening of the compartment facilitating an access of the bag structure 106′ and a bottom portion 116′ adapted to attach to the wheel structure 110′. Additionally, or optionally, the opening of the compartment may be closed or opened by a zipper 118′. Additionally, the bag structure 106′ includes a base 120′ (best shown in FIG. 7) having substantially flat structure to facilitate a resting and engagement of the bag structure 106′ on the wheel structure 110′. As shown, the wheel structure 110′ may include a plate member 122′ having a first surface 124′ (shown in FIG. 7) and a second surface (not shown), and a plurality of wheels 130′ (shown in FIG. 6) attached to the plate member 122′ and extending outwardly from the second surface. The plate member 122′ is adapted to removably attach/couple/secure/engage with the base 120′ of the bag structure 106′. Referring to FIG. 7, to facilitate the removable engagement/attachment of the plate member 122′ (i.e. the wheel structure 110′) with the base 120′ of the bag structure 106′, the bag 100′ may include a hook and loop fastener assembly 132′ having a hook member 134′ and a loop member 136′. In an embodiment, the loop member 136′ may be attached to the base 120′, while the hook member 134′ is attached to the first surface 124′ of the plate member 122′. In an embodiment, the hook member 134′ and the loop member 136′ may be stitched, riveted, and/or adhesively attached to the plate member 122′ and the base 120′ respectively. As shown, the hook member 134′ includes a plurality of hooks 138′ adapted to engage with a plurality of loops 140′ of the loop member 136′ to engage the wheel structure 110′ with the bag structure 106′.
Further, the bag portion 104′ may include at least one strap assembly, for example, a first strap assembly 142′, adapted to support the bag structure 106′ on one or more shoulders of the wearer. The first strap assembly 142′ is adapted to define an opening to receive a shoulder of the wearer and includes a first strap 146′ having a first end 148′ (shown in FIG. 6) and a second end 150′ (shown in FIG. 7), a first coupler 152′ (shown in FIG. 7), and a second coupler 154′ (shown in FIG. 7) adapted to removably engage with the first coupler 152′. The first end 148′ of the first strap 146′ is coupled to the bag structure 106′ and may be coupled to a side portion 160′ (i.e. first side portion 160′) of the bag structure 106′. In an embodiment, the first strap 146′ may be attached to the first side portion 160′ using a third coupler 162′. Further, the second end 150′ of the first strap 146′ is attached to the first coupler 152′ that is adapted to engage with the second coupler 154′. As shown in FIG. 7, the second coupler 154′ is attached to a second side portion 164′ of the bag structure 106′. The second side portion 164′ is disposed opposite to the first side portion 160′ and may extend substantially parallel to the first side portion 160′. Further, in an embodiment, the first coupler 152′ may be a clip type coupler adapted to removable engage/attach with the second coupler 154′ and the third coupler 162′. The first strap 146′ is adapted to support the bag structure 146′ on one or more shoulder of the wearer when the first coupler 152′ is engaged with the second coupler 154′, while the first strap 146′ defines a pull strap 186′ (as shown in FIG. 8) for pulling the bag structure 106′ on the wheels 130′ when the first coupler 152′ is engaged with the third coupler 162′. In this manner, the bag 100, 100′ having the removable wheel structure 110, 110′ provides easy mobility of the bag 100, 100′ and facilitates increased carrying capacity of the bag 100, 100′. Also, the wheel structure 110, 110′, can be quickly removed from or attached to the bag structure 106, 106′ without using any special equipment. Additionally, conversion of straps 146, 170, 146′ into the pull straps 186, 186′ facilitates in easy pulling of the bag 100, 100′ over the surface. This would allow the bag 100, 100′ to be interchangeably used as either a bag carried on the arms or shoulders, or for the ease of movement as a wheeled bag to be pulled along. Further, the idea disclosed covers the full range of bag designs and applications which would benefit from having lightweight and easily removable wheeled assemblies which would make the bag able to engage in a rolling motion over the ground, to make the bag easier to carry items, especially for children, women, older people, and anyone not inclined to be carrying a heavy bag on their back, their arms, or on their shoulders.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 bag
100′ bag
102 backpack
104 bag portion
104′ bag portion
106 bag structure
106′ bag structure
110 wheel structure
110′ wheel structure
112 top portion
112′ top portion
116 bottom portion
116′ bottom portion
118 zipper
118′ zipper
120 base
120′ base
122 plate member
122′ plate member
124 first surface
124′ first surface
126 second surface
130 wheels
130′ wheels
132 hook and loop fastener assembly
132′ hook and loop fastener assembly
134 hook member
134′ hook member
136 loop member
136′ loop member
138 hook
138′ hook
140 loop
140′ loop
142 first strap assembly
142′ first strap assembly
144 second strap assembly
146 first strap
146′ first strap
148 first end
148′ first end
150 second end
150′ second end
152 first coupler
152′ first coupler
154 second coupler
154′ second coupler
156 first longitudinal end
160 second longitudinal end
160′ first side portion
162 third strap
162′ third coupler
164 cavity
164′ second side portion
166 fingers
170 second strap
172 first end
174 second end
176 third coupler
178 fourth coupler
180 fourth strap
182 cavity
184 fingers
186 pull strap
186′ pull strap

Claims

1. A bag comprising:

a bag structure having a base and defining at least one compartment for storing one or more articles;

a wheel structure removably coupled to the base of the bag structure to facilitate a movement of the bag over a surface, the wheel structure includes a plate member adapted to be removably coupled to the base of the bag structure, and at least three wheels attached to the plate member to support the wheel structure on the surface to provide a stable platform to facilitate the movement of the bag on the surface;

a first strap assembly including a first strap having a first end attached proximate to a top portion of the bag structure, a first male coupler attached to a second end of the first strap, and a first female coupler coupled to the bag structure and adapted to removably engage with the first male coupler; and

a second strap assembly having a second strap having a first end attached proximate to the top portion of the bag structure, a second female coupler attached to a second end of the second strap, and a second male coupler coupled to the bag structure and adapted to removably engage with the second female coupler, wherein

the first strap and the second strap support the bag structure on shoulders of a wearer when the first male coupler and second male coupler, respectively, are coupled with the first female coupler and second female coupler, and

the first strap and the second strap together define a pull strap for facilitating a pulling of the bag over the surface when the first male coupler is engaged with the second female coupler.

2. (canceled)

3. The bag of claim 1 further including a hook and loop fastener assembly to removably attach the wheel structure with the bag structure.

4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the hook and loop fastener assembly includes

a loop member having a plurality of loops and attached to the base of the bag structure, and

a hook member attached to the plate member and having a plurality of hooks adapted to engage with the plurality of loops.

5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first strap assembly includes a third strap extending from a location proximate to the base of the bag structure and coupling the bag structure to the first female coupler.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the second strap assembly includes a fourth strap extending from a location proximate to the base of the bag structure and coupling the bag structure to the second male coupler.

7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first male coupler includes a plurality of fingers and the first female coupler includes a cavity to receive the plurality of fingers to facilitate the attachment of the first male coupler with the first female coupler.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the second male coupler includes a plurality of fingers and the second female coupler includes a cavity to receive the plurality of fingers to facilitate the attachment of the second male coupler with the second female coupler.

9. A bag comprising:

a bag structure having a base and defining at least one compartment for storing one or more articles; and

a wheel structure removably coupled to the base of the bag structure to facilitate a movement of the bag over a surface, the wheel structure includes a plate member adapted to be removably coupled to the base, and at least three wheels attached to the plate member to support the wheel structure on the surface to provide a stable platform to facilitate the movement of the bag on the surface.

10. The bag of claim 9 further including

a first strap assembly including a first strap having a first end attached proximate to a top portion of the bag structure, a first male coupler attached to a second end of the first strap, and a first female coupler coupled to the bag structure and adapted to removably engage with the first male coupler, and

11. The bag of claim 10, wherein the first strap assembly includes a third strap extending from a location proximate to the base of the bag structure and coupling the bag structure to the first female coupler.

12. The bag of claim 10, wherein the second strap assembly includes a fourth strap extending from a location proximate to the base of the bag structure and coupling the bag structure to the second male coupler.

13. The bag of claim 10, wherein the first male coupler includes a plurality of fingers and the first female coupler includes a cavity to receive the plurality of fingers to facilitate the attachment of the first male coupler with the first female coupler.

14. The bag of claim 10, wherein the second male coupler includes a plurality of fingers and the second female coupler includes a cavity to receive the plurality of fingers to facilitate the attachment of the second male coupler with the second female coupler.

15. The bag of claim 9 further including a hook and loop fastener assembly to removably attach the wheel structure with the bag structure.

16. The bag of claim 15, wherein the hook and loop fastener assembly includes