WO2022055362A1

WO2022055362A1 - Adjustable bag

Info

Publication number: WO2022055362A1
Application number: PCT/NO2021/050191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Truls Kristian BRATAAS; Henrik J. S. Kax
Original assignee: Db Equipment As
Priority date: 2020-09-14
Filing date: 2021-09-13
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Also published as: US20230309669A1; NO346298B1; CN116133556A; NO20201006A1; EP4210535A1

Abstract

Described herein is an adjustable bag (1) for sports equipment, comprising: a plurality of laterally extending folding regions (5) provided on a first area of a surface of the bag adjacent one end; a reinforcing panel provided between each pair of folding regions such that the bag is more flexible at the folding regions and folds preferentially there.

Description

Adjustable Bag

The present invention relates to an adjustable bag, and more particularly to an adjustable bag suitable for holding sports equipment and especially a sports board including a surfboard. The bag can be used to protect and transport equipment of different sizes.

The board sports industry is one of the fastest growing action sport industries in the world and has a wide following, which spans all age groups. This is at least partly due to the fact that it requires comparatively little equipment. In the case of surfing only a single lightweight board is required, however more advanced amateur surfers and pro surfers often prefer to tailor their equipment to the location and weather. It is also common now, with the availability of accurate weather and surf reports, to chase good waves. This, again, means that being able to carry boards, fins, and the like to a new location with minimal hassle and with little or no damage to the equipment is key.

Surfboard sizes vary quite considerably between less than 2 meters (around 6 feet) in length to around 3 meters (around 10 feet). Widths and thicknesses will also vary, as will the shape of the board, in particular whether the nose is rounded or more pointed. A novice surfer will tend to require a larger, more stable, board and so as a surfer’s skill increases the size of their board will change to allow more control. Weight of the surfer also plays a role in which size of board is most suitable and the conditions, or simply a desire for variety, may call for different types and sizes of board. It is common to also carry several boards and additional equipment within a single bag with a strap or wheels for ease of transport.

The fit of a bag is important in terms of providing the correct protection to the most delicate parts of the board (the nose and edges in particular), preventing damage to the bag by stretching of the material, and ensuring that the surfboard can be easily packed into the bag at the end of a day’s surfing. To ensure a good fit, bags are generally sized to correspond to standard boards and are therefore discarded and replaced once a surfer moves on to a new board. Some existing bags do provide some limited ability to adjust the bag laterally using straps which can be tightened around the width of the board to hold it in place to some extent, or inner seatbelt style straps which can hold a board in place within a bag that is larger than the board, however these cannot provide full stability and protection to differently sized boards in transit.

In order to provide the required level of protection to the board and/or other sports equipment it is also desirable for a sports equipment bag to include padding or reinforcement of some kind, which in the case of traditional board bags means that folding the bag into a more compact configuration is not possible.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable bag for sports equipment, comprising: a plurality of laterally extending folding regions provided on a first area of a surface of the bag adjacent one end; and a reinforcing panel provided between each pair of folding regions such that the bag is more flexible at the folding regions and folds preferentially along these regions. Laterally extending may mean extending generally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bag.

In embodiments, the bag is a bag for a sports board. In embodiments, the bag is a bag for holding and/or carrying a surfboard.

The bag is adjustable to enable different sizes of equipment, such as different sizes of surfboard, to be transported in a way which provides protection to the whole board, including the nose area, without sacrificing fit. The bag achieves an adjustable fit at the same time as providing protection to the sports equipment held inside that is equal to or close to the level of protection provided by a bag of a single size.

In embodiments, the folding regions provided on the first area are spaced an average of 5 cm to 10 cm apart. These represent typical differences in the length of different sizes of surfboard. This will also be the maximum additional space available for the board to slide within the bag. The folding regions on the first area may each be spaced between 5 cm and 10 cm apart.

In embodiments, the bag comprises a plurality of laterally extending folding regions provided on a second area of the surface of the bag adjacent the first area and a reinforcing panel provided between each pair of folding regions in the second area, wherein the distance between folding regions in the second area is larger than the distance between folding regions in the first area. Larger regions in the second area allow the bag to be folded into a compact configuration when a board is not being transported. Adequate protection and stiffness to the overall bag is still provided. In embodiments, the folding regions in the second area are spaced an average of 20 cm to 40 cm apart.

In embodiments, the folding regions follow straight lines extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bag, i.e. from one side of the bag to another. This provides the most compact configuration for the bag in its compact form.

In embodiments, the bag comprises a closable pocket extending over or under one of the reinforcing panels in the second area. The contents of this pocket are protected, and it is usable both in the extended and the compact configuration for carrying additional equipment.

In embodiments, the folding regions (or folding areas) comprise seams between pockets containing the reinforcing panels. The bag can be formed from two layers of material, such as nylon or another waterproof synthetic material. These can be joined together at seams to form the folding regions, leaving pockets in between to house reinforcing material such as foam panels.

In embodiments, the first area extends from the rear end of the bag to between 1/5 to 1/4 of the way along the length of the bag. In embodiments, the first area of the bag extends from the rear end of the bag to between 1/5 and 1/4 of the way along the length of the bag and the second area of the bag extends from the end of the first area to the nose end of the bag. In embodiments, the first area extends from the nose end of the bag to between 1/5 to 1/4 of the way along the length of the bag. In embodiments, the first area of the bag extends from the nose end of the bag to between 1/5 and 1/4 of the way along the length of the bag and the second area of the bag extends from the end of the first area to the rear end of the bag. The first area is long enough to provide for adjustment to fit all different sizes of board.

In embodiments, the distance between folding regions increases incrementally in a direction from the rear end to the nose end of the bag. Smaller increments are provided at the rear end of the bag where more variation in the size will generally be required. Rolling of the bag into its compact configuration will be aided by increasingly wider spacing towards the other end of the bag. Obviously, in some cases the bag can be folded from the nose rather than the rear end, in which case the first area can be located at the nose end and the folding regions provided adjacent the nose end. Generally, it is more convenient to provide the folding regions in the first area, for adjustment in size of the bag, at the rear end of the bag. This way the shape of the nose end can be consistent.

In embodiments, the distance between folding regions increases incrementally in a direction from the nose end to the rear end of the bag.

In embodiments, the bag is for a surfboard. This will mean a particular sizing for the bag and shaping of the nose end of the bag. In embodiments, the bag comprises a top panel and a bottom panel, and the folding regions and reinforcing panels are provided in the top panel. In embodiments the folding regions are provided on the top panel only. In embodiments, the bottom panel is formed of a flexible material. In embodiments, the top and bottom panels are directly coupled together at their edges, at least at one end of the bag, preferably at the nose end. If side walls are present, these may comprise soft, foldable/bendable material at least in the region where the folding regions are located, without additional layers or padding, in order to allow folding of the bag at the folding regions.

In embodiments, the size of the spacing between adjacent pairs of folding regions in the first area is constant.

In embodiments, the bag comprises fixing means for holding the bag in its folded configuration.

In embodiments, the fixing means comprises at least one strap extending from the end of the bag adjacent the first area and a plurality of fixing points on the surface of the bag, each fixing point being configured for coupling with the strap to fix the bag in its folded configuration when folded along a respective folding region. Fixing points may be provided on the upper surface of the bag.

In embodiments, the fixing points comprise loops and the fixing means comprises a buckle or hook coupled to the strap for fixing to one of the loops. In embodiments, the fixing means comprises two straps, one adjacent to each side of the bag or extending along the bag near to each side of the bag, and two corresponding sets of fixing points.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a board bag including a detachable strap;

Figure 2 illustrates the same board bag adjusted for transport of a smaller board;

Figure 3 shows a board bag from above in its largest configuration;

Figure 4 shows a board bag from below in its largest configuration;

Figure 5 shows a board bag folded for storage;

Figure 6 illustrates the board bag folded for storage as in figure 5, viewed from the opposite side;

Figure 7 illustrates an alternative method for folding the bag to fit a board.

A foldable bag for holding sports equipment 1 , in this case a surfboard bag, is shown in figure 1 in plan view. The topside 3 of the bag is shown, which has provided on it a plurality of gradations or folding regions 5 extending laterally across the upper surface from one side to another. These folding regions 5 represent demarcations between reinforced parts of the surface along which the bag can be folded, as will be described in detail below. In the following description, the nose end 7 of the bag will be referred to as the front, and the opposite end 9 when the bag is in its extended configuration is referred to as the rear, although when the bag is folded in certain configurations these parts may not be located at the very front or very back of the bag. In the case of a board bag, the upper side or topside 3 of the bag is designed to sit adjacent the topside of the board (when used to carry a board) and the underside of the bag 11 adjacent the bottom of the board. Although particularly suited for transporting sports boards as shown in the figures, the bag described herein with adjustable sizing can be used for any type of sports equipment including skis, skateboards, kites, sports accessories, paragliding equipment, and so on. The shape of the bag may be adapted to fit a particular equipment type. The bag may be longer and thinner if designed to carry skis, for example. In any case, the bag can be easily adjusted in terms of its size to fit the size of equipment that the user wishes to transport therein. The distance between folding regions can be adjusted to fit standard sizes of the type of equipment that the bag will be used to carry.

The bag 1 can optionally include a shoulder strap which may be permanently fixed to the bag or may be removable, for example by clipping the strap at each end onto rings which are coupled to the bag. A smaller handle 15 can also be attached to one side 15 of the bag for carrying a board in one hand over short distances. This can be used along with the shoulder strap for additional support if desired. A front pocket 17, which may be closable via a zip, is included on the topside 3 for the transport of additional equipment such as fins or wax. An additional, similar, pocket can be provided on the underside 11 or a pocket can be provided only on the underside with no pocket on the topside.

The gradations or seams represent folding regions as mentioned. Use of the term folding regions for the gradations or seams refers to the fact that the bag will preferentially fold along these lines rather than elsewhere. This may be achieved by reinforcing the sections between each pair of folding regions so that bending of these sections is more difficult or is not possible. The folding regions 5 should preferably form straight or substantially straight lines in order to allow this folding action to shorten the bag. A more compact structure for the folded bag can be achieved if the folding regions 5 are each straight and run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 19 of the bag as shown in figure 3.

Reinforcements between folding regions may comprise padded areas formed from pockets filled with a light, firm material such as a stiff foam, in which case the folding regions 5 will correspond to seams between the pockets. Reinforcements may alternatively, or additionally, comprise wiring within the fabric of the bag. If present, this wiring should extend at least in the longitudinal direction along the bag in order to help to prevent folding within the wired regions. The folding regions 5 should preferably be specifically designed to withstand continued folding and unfolding. To this end, they may be formed from an especially durable material that will not wear as a result of the bending movement associated with folding. A synthetic material with a fairly thick weave may be a suitable choice for the folding regions. The folding regions may alternatively be formed from the same material as the rest of the bag but may be provided with additional layers or may be coated for improved durability.

The bag itself may be formed from nylon or a similar fabric and may be lined with a smooth, waterproof layer for additional protection. The material of the bag should be easily cleaned and should not degrade much with exposure to salt and UV light. The outer surfaces of the bag may be reflective in order to minimise heating as a result of exposure to direct sunlight, which could result in surfboard wax within the bag melting.

The board bag 1 shown in the figures may be shaped to include a pointed nose region 21 having additional reinforcements or padding. The folding regions for size adjustment may be provided at the rear end so that the bag can then be adjusted to fit smaller boards snuggly whilst still protecting the nose region of the board sufficiently because additional padding (over and above what can be present near to the more closely spaced folding regions) can still be included in that region. The padding at the nose end of the bag may provide some give in order to accommodate different shapes and sizes for the nose of the board.

Figure 2 illustrates how the bag may be adjusted to hold a shorter or smaller board. The board is placed in the open bag with the nose properly orientated at the nose end, possibly within a padded region as described above. The bag 1 is zipped shut using a zip 23 which extends along at least a part of the perimeter of the bag. The zip may allow for the bag to be opened at the rear end, for example, to allow the board to slide into the bag from the rear or may extend along a part or all of the side 25 of the bag (see figure 3) to allow the board to slide in from the side. The zip may extend along a part of the side of the bag only, or along the rear and side, or all of the way around the perimeter of the bag as desired. The bag can then be folded along the folding region 5 that is nearest to the back end of the board.

The direction of folding the end of the bag may be towards the topside 3 of the bag as shown in the figures or may be towards the underside 11 . Generally, it is more convenient to fold towards the topside 3 of the bag because any securing means for the folded end will usually be located on the upper side of the bag which is less likely to be placed on the ground when a surfboard is contained within the bag. It also aids handling during folding or unfolding of the bag and packing or unpacking of the board if folding is done towards the topside. Securing means are therefore less likely to be damaged or to cause damage to the board. Because of the reinforced panels 27 between the folding regions 5 and the presence of the surfboard within the bag, the bag will fold naturally along the more flexible folding regions if the back end 9 of the bag is simply pulled forwards in the direction of the front end 7. The folded end of the bag can then be secured in place as shown in figure 2 to prevent unfolding during transit and to keep the board secure within the bag.

One end of the bag will generally be designed as the end to be folded in order to fit the bag to the board (and as such will be provided with smaller gradations and securing means). This will usually be the back end 9, which will allow a greater degree of padding to be included in the nose end 7 to protect the more fragile nose of the board, however the folding end can be the front end instead or in addition. Front end folding may be convenient for a different type of board, such as a skateboard or snowboard, for example, or if reinforcing material is only to be provided where the closer spaced folding regions are present.

Securing of the folded end of the bag can be by any means. A preferred method is to use one or more flexible straps 29 extending from the underside 11 of the bag or from the end of the bag which can be coupled the topside 3 (or vice versa if the bag is designed to be folded towards the underside rather than towards the front as shown in the figures). This strap can then be coupled via an attachment mechanism to the upper side of the bag to fix the folded end in place. The strap or straps 29 may also be permanently fixed along the underside of the bag as shown to provide strength to the attachment. The straps can be extended over or from the folded or unfolded back end of the bag and fixed to attachment points on the opposite side.

The attachment mechanism may comprise sets of attachment points on the upper surface of the bag. These may comprise rings or loops and a mating hook may be provided on the strap or straps for hooking through one of these rings or loops to fix. Alternatively, Velcro^RTM, buttons, or any other type of attachment mechanism may be used. Attachment points can be spaced so that for each of the gradations or folding regions there is provided a corresponding attachment point, which will be level with the correct part of the strap when the bag is folded along that particular folding region. Obviously, the direction of folding is not crucial so that the attachment points may be provided on either side of the bag (or both for greater flexibility). Generally, though, folding will be towards the upper side of the bag and the attachment points will be located along this upper side, with the strap or straps being permanently fixed along the underside of the bag. The bag 1 can then be folded at any of the folding regions and the strap secured at the corresponding attachment point. The fixing strap or straps can also be adjustable to allow for tightening of the straps once attached.

The examples shown in figures 1 to 6 include two straps 29, one on each side of the bag, and two corresponding attachment mechanisms for the straps, which helps to ensure that the bag cannot unfold once the straps are secured. In some cases, however, only one strap can be present, or another type of attachment means can be used in place of straps. The one or more straps can be sewn or attached to the topside or underside of the bag at intervals, which may correspond to the folding points so that the strap itself forms a series of loops along the length of the bag each providing a fastening point in the correct place for fastening when the bag is folded along any of the folding regions. Attachment means such as a hook or buckle can then be provided on the strap or straps 29 extending from the end of the bag (usually the nose end) which can be attached to these loops. The position of the attachment means on the strap may also be adjustable in order to tighten the strap once the attachment means is fixed to the correct loop.

The attachment mechanism for the one or more straps, rather than comprising a series of rings to receive hooks or the like, can comprise a triglide 31 (as shown in the figures), which may be attached to a second strap section 33. The fixing strap 29 is looped through the triglide and pulled to fix in place. Here, two fixing straps 29 and two shorter straps 33 with triglides 31 are present, however one strap only, or more than two straps can be provided on a bag depending on the desired functionality. In an alternative configuration, the bag can be provided with one or more Velcro^RTM sections along one side each with a corresponding Velcro^RTM strap or tab on another. The bag can be folded, and the tabs coupled to the Velcro^RTM sections to maintain the bag in its folded configuration.

The particular sizes of spacings between adjacent folding regions 5 ensures that sufficient protection is provided to the equipment inside the bag whilst still allowing enough flexibility to carry most or all standard equipment sizes comfortably. When used as a surfboard bag, folding regions at the rear end of the bag will generally be spaced between 5cm and 20cm, preferably between 8cm and 12cm and most preferably around 10cm apart along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bag. Towards the middle portion 35 of the bag and potentially in a region which extends to the front of the bag, the spaces between folding regions will be larger to allow the bag to be folded into a compact flattened configuration for storage when a surfboard or other equipment is not contained within.

The bag 1 in its compact configuration is shown in figures 5 and 6, in which the bag is folded for storage. The handle 15 is useful for carrying the bag in its compact configuration and may suffice on its own, however it is possible to include additional or attachable handles and/straps for use either to help carry a board or for use when the bag is rolled up for storage. The straps 29 may also be configured to provide also when the bag is folded (i.e. they may not be attached along their entire length to the bag leaving some parts of the strap free to be used to carry the bag).

The folding regions towards the middle of the bag may be spaced at around 10cm to 50cm, preferably between 20cm and 40cm, and most preferably around 30cm apart. The bag in its folded configuration will then be around 30cm deep. In order to allow the bag to be rolled by folding the folding points which are spaced at larger distances may be spaced at progressively larger distances moving from the rear end towards the front end of the bag. These distances can be adapted depending on the type of equipment to be carried using the bag, and the standard sizes of that equipment.

At one end (e.g. the rear 9) of the bag there will be a first area including folding regions that are spaced on average closer together, followed by a second area including folding regions that are spaced on average further apart. This second area may extend as far as the second end (in most cases the nose end 7) of the bag. Either or both of the two areas may include consistent spacings or gradations, so that the spacings in the first area are of the same size and the spacings in the second area are of the same (larger) size. The first and second areas may be delineated by a radial line running across the bag. Folding regions in the first area should be spaced far enough apart to allow for reinforced areas to be provided in between, but near enough together to be able to accommodate as many different standard board sizes as possible without the board sliding too much within the bag during use. Gradations/spacings in the second area should be small enough to allow the bag to be concertinaed or rolled into a compact shape, but large enough to give proper support to this region of the bag. Folding regions in the second area may be spaced further apart than those in the first area since these are required only to allow rolling or folding of the bag into a more compact configuration for storage of the bag, rather than to accommodate different sizes of board. For a surfboard, the first area may correspond to a region of the bag extending from the tail end to around 6 feet from the nose end of the bag.

Folding regions in one or both of the first and second areas may have progressively larger spacings between pairs, with the smallest spacings at the end of the bag. This will still result in a first and second regions having smaller and larger average gradations respectively. Spacings between folding regions may also, to some extent at least, correspond to the standard lengths for surfboards. For the most common board sizes (from 2.1 m to 2.4 m in length or from 7 to 8 feet in length) there tend to be more different sizes available. The closest spacings may therefore be provided to correspond to board lengths between around 7 and 8 feet to allow more flexibility in terms of board sizes between these two lengths. The first area may therefore itself be divided into at least two sub-areas, each with a different spacing size for the folding regions. One of the sub-areas, which may be provided with the smallest gradations or spacing sizes could correspond to a length of the bag from around 7 feet from the nose end to around 8 feet from the nose end of the bag.

Folding regions between reinforcing panels may be provided on one side, usually the topside 3, of the bag only. In this case the underside 11 must be flexible to allow the bag to fold. Preferably, though, corresponding folding regions and reinforced panels may be provided also on the opposite side (e.g. the underside) of the bag to allow for folding with maximum protection for the board. The folding regions will usually extend all or nearly all of the way from one side of the bag to the other. Folding regions are determined by the position of the reinforced panels. If these do not extend all of the way across the bag, then the folding regions may also not do so. This can allow the edges of the bag also to be folded inwards if desired to allow for some degree of width adjustment, potentially using a lateral strap for tightening. However, because the reinforced parts usually also provide protection to the board within the bag it is preferable for these, and the more flexible folding regions in between, to extend all of the way from side to side across the bag.

The length of the reinforcing panels 27 will usually correspond to the size of the gaps between each pair of adjacent folding regions 5 and the width will correspond to the width of the bag (although widths and length for the panel material may be slightly smaller than for the overall bag structure in order to be able to fit within a fabric pocket formed in the material of the bag). The reinforcing panels may be removable from the pockets for replacement in case of damage, however because of the extra complexity required to provide openings for the pockets and because of the risk of water leakage into the pockets, these will generally be sealed shut during manufacture of the bag.

The bags shown in figures 1 and 3 comprise zipped pockets 17 on the topside of the bag near to the middle. Figure 4 shows an example of a bag without an additional pocket on the underside. A pocket may be provided on only the topside or only the underside of the bag as desired. The pocket 17 may extend into the largest reinforced panel for the storage and protection of additional equipment such as spare fins for the board or clothing. The pocket may comprise a waterproof lining. The pocket can extend underneath the reinforcing structure for protection when the bag is being used to carry a board, or on top of the reinforcing structure for more flexibility. Alternatively, the pocket can extend between two protective panels. The pocket may also be configured to be usable when the bag is in its rolled-up configuration (shown in figures 5 and 6). In this case the equipment will still be well protected by the reinforcing material.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the end of the bag is rolled, rather than folded, and one or more fixing points again used to hold the end rolled up. As for other embodiments, one or more straps can be used for this purpose which are extended over the rolled section to couple to a buckle on the other side of the board as shown. If reinforced panels are present, then the positions of the folding regions may need to be located in particular places in order to allow the end to be folded more than once. If no reinforcing panels are present, then the end of the bag can be rolled into a shape that is substantially cylindrical or can be folded several times to compact the end of the bag as desired.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the back end 9 or front end 7 of the bag may Include side portions 31 which allow the end of the bag to expand to an extent and which may be triangular in shape. This can allow the board to be pushed into the bag without completely unzipping the sides or to hold additional equipment or to allow for the presence of fins and the like. In figure 7, end 9 is expandable and includes triangular-shaped side portions 31. These can be compacted and rolled with the rest of the bag as shown. A zip or other fastening means may be present to close the bag at which point the edges of the triangular side portions will be fixed together.

Although the bag described herein is designed to hold a single surfboard, the same principle for size adjustment could be used in a bag for carrying more than one surfboard stacked on top of each other. The adjustment mechanism can also be used on a bag designed for holding different sports equipment, in particular boards for use in board sports such as a kiteboard, bodyboard, snowboard, paddle board, windsurfer board, or skateboard (in which case the bag can be scaled down, with other features of the bag described above being the same), or for carrying skis, kites, or other equipment, in which case the overall shape of the bag may be adjusted to suit.

Claims

1 . An adjustable bag for sports equipment, comprising: a plurality of laterally extending folding regions provided on a first area of a surface of the bag adjacent one end; a reinforcing panel provided between each pair of folding regions such that the bag is more flexible at the folding regions and folds preferentially along these regions.

2. An adjustable bag according to claim 1 , wherein the bag is for a sports board.

3. An adjustable bag according to claim 3, wherein the bag is for a surf board.

4. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the folding regions provided on the first area are spaced an average of 5cm to 10cm apart.

5. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of laterally extending folding regions provided on a second area of the surface of the bag adjacent the first area and a reinforcing panel provided between each pair of folding regions in the second area, wherein the distance between folding regions in the second area is larger than the distance between folding regions in the first area.

6. An adjustable bag according to claim 5, wherein the folding regions in the second area are spaced an average of 20cm to 40cm apart.

7. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the folding regions follow straight lines extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bag from one side of the bag to another.

8. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bag comprises a closable pocket extending over or under one of the reinforcing panels in the second area.

9. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the folding regions comprise seams between pockets containing the reinforcing panels.

10. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first area extends from the rear end of the bag to between 1/5 to 1/4 of the way along the length of the bag.

11. An adjustable bag according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the first area of the bag extends from the rear end of the bag to between 1/5 and 1/4 of the way along the length of the bag and the second area of the bag extends from the end of the first area to the nose end of the bag.

12. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the distance between folding regions increases incrementally in a direction from the rear end to the nose end of the bag.

13. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the size of the spacing between adjacent pairs of folding regions in the first area is constant.

14. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the bag comprises fixing means for holding the bag in its folded configuration.

15. An adjustable bag according to claim 14, wherein the fixing means comprises at least one strap extending from the end of the bag adjacent the first area and a plurality of fixing points on the surface of the bag, each fixing point being configured for coupling with the strap to fix the bag in its folded configuration when folded along a respective folding region.

16. An adjustable bag according to claim 15, wherein the fixing points comprise loops and the fixing means comprises a buckle or hook coupled to the strap for fixing to one of the loops.

17. An adjustable bag according to any of claims 15 and 16, wherein the fixing means comprises two straps, one adjacent each side of the bag, and two corresponding sets of fixing points.