GB2528902A

GB2528902A - Trolley bag

Info

Publication number: GB2528902A
Application number: GB1413752.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pauline Hennessey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-04
Filing date: 2014-08-04
Publication date: 2016-02-10
Also published as: GB201413752D0

Abstract

A trolley bag 100 comprises a bag portion 102 having a top section 104 and a base section 106. The trolley bag 100 comprises a handle 108 at the top section 104 and wheels 118 at the base section 106. The bag portion 100 further comprises a resilient support structure 132 that acts to separate the top section 104 of the bag portion 102 from the base section 106 of the bag portion 100. The trolley bag 100 is expanded for transporting larger items and is compressed when not being used to transport larger items. The resilient support structure 132 may include one or more helical metallic wires.

Description

Trolley Bag The present invention relates to a trolley bag. Trolley bags are typically used by shoppers to transport purchased items. Conventional trolley bags have a handle which is grasped by the shopper, two wheels which allow the trolley bag to be pulled along by the handle, and two feet or further wheels which allow the trolley bag to be stood vertically when not in use. In use, conventional trolley bags may be tipped onto two wheels before being pulled along by the handle.

However, since the trolley bag is tipped when being pulled along, the contents of the trolley bag can often become disturbed in use. Furthermore, conventional trolley bags can present a trip hazard to other people because those trolley bags are usually trailed behind the shopper when being pulled along. Trolley bags must be large enough to provide sufficient storage space for purchased items. It is also desirable for trolley bags to be rigid enough to maintain the handle at a comfortable height for the shopper regardless of whether or not the bag contains purchased items. This is typically achieved by providing the trolley bag with a rigid frame. However, this means that conventional trolley bags can be unnecessarily bulky when not being used to transport purchased items.

Handbags or shoulder bags are usually less bulky than conventional trolley bags. However, handbags and shoulder bags do not always provide enough storage space for purchased items. In addition, carrying a heavy item in a handbag or shoulder bag is both uncomfortable and bad for health.

It is a principal aim of the present invention to provide a trolley bag which provides the advantages of conventional trolley bags but which is less bulky when not being used to transport purchased items.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trolley bag comprising: a bag portion having a top section and a base section; a handle on the top section of the bag portion; and one or more wheels at the base section of the bag portion; wherein the bag portion further comprises a resilient support structure that acts to separate the top section of the bag portion from the bottom section of the bag portion.

The trolley bag of the present invention accordingly comprises a support structure that separates the top section of a bag portion having the handle from the bottom section of the bag portion having the one or more wheels. The trolley bag can therefore be maintained at a comfortable height for the shopper (i.e. in an expanded state), for example when the shopper wishes to transport larger purchased items. Furthermore, since the support structure is resilient (i.e. compressible), the bag portion can be compressed down to a smaller size (i.e. placed in a compressed state). The trolley bag can therefore be made to be less bulky, for example when the trolley bag is not being used to transport larger purchased items.

The bag portion preferably comprises an outer wall. The outer wall preferably comprises flexible material such as fabric. The resilient support structure is preferably in contact with or connected to the outer wall of the bag portion. In this way, the resilient support structure can also provide rigidity to the outer wall of the trolley bag.

The handle at the top section of the bag portion is preferably rigid. The handle may be moveable, preferably pivotably, between a first position in which the handle stands proud of the top section of the trolley bag and a second position in which the handle lies substantially flat against the top section of the trolley bag. In this way, the handle can be stored out of the way when not in use. This also allows the trolley bag to more closely resemble and function as a conventional handbag or shoulder bag in the compressed state.

The base section of the bag portion preferably comprises a wheel cover.

The wheel cover is preferably removably attachable to the trolley bag by a fastening such as a zip. In this way, the one or more wheels can be protected and/or stored out of sight when not in use. Again, this allows the trolley bag to more closely resemble and function as a conventional handbag or shoulder bag in the compressed state.

The one or more wheels may comprise two or more wheels as per conventional trolley bags. In particularly preferred embodiments, the one or more wheels comprise three or more wheels (or three or more sets of wheels).

The use of three or more wheels (or three or more sets of wheels) means that the trolley bag can be stood vertically when not in use and can also be pulled along vertically when in use. This means that the contents of the trolley bag are less likely to be disturbed in use. This also means that the trolley bag does not need to trail behind the shopper when being pulled along, and so the trolley bag presents less of a trip hazard in use.

Each wheel (or set of wheels) may comprise a pivotable wheel (or set of wheels). Each wheel (or set of wheels) may comprise a caster wheel (or set of wheels). These embodiments allow the trolley bag to be pulled along vertically in all directions.

The resilient support structure preferably comprises one or more helical parts. In particularly preferred embodiments, the resilient support structure comprises a first helical part and a second helical part. The orientation of the first helical part preferably runs counter to the orientation of the second helical part, e.g. the orientation of the first helical part is clockwise whereas the orientation of the second helical part is counter-clockwise. The axis of the or each helical pad preferably runs in a direction from the base section of the trolley bag to the top section of the trolley bag.

The resilient support structure preferably also comprises one or more loop parts. In particularly preferred embodiments, the resilient support structure comprises a first loop part and a second loop part. The first loop part is preferably located at the top section of the bag portion and the second loop pad is preferably located at the base section of the bag portion. In this way, the resilient support structure can also provide rigidity to the top and bottom sections of the bag portion. The or each helical part referred to above is preferably provided between, and acts to separate, the first loop part from the second loop part.

The resilient support structure may comprise metallic wire such as stainless steel wire. The wire is preferably between 2mm and 5mm in diameter, e.g. 3mm in diameter.

The resilient support structure preferably exerts a force of between 5N and 25N. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the resilient support structure exerts a force of between SN and 1SN (e.g. iON) in the expanded state and/or exerts a force of between 1 5N and 25N (e.g. 20N) in the compressed state.

The top section of the bag portion preferably further comprises an opening. The opening is preferably closable, for example by a fastening. The fastening may comprise, for example, a zip, one or more buttons, a drawstring, a catch or equivalent. In this way, purchased items can be placed into the bag portion through the opening and then the opening can be closed to protect the purchased items.

The top section of the bag portion preferably further comprises a pocket.

The pocket is preferably accessible via a fastening such as a zip. In this way, smaller items can be transported even when the trolley bag is in the compressed state. This can allow the trolley bag to function as a handbag or shoulder bag in the compressed state.

The bag portion preferably further comprises a fastening arrangement for holding the top section of the bag portion proximate to the base section of the bag portion in the compressed state, i.e. against the force of the resilient support structure which acts to separate the top section of the bag portion from the base section of the bag portion.

The fastening arrangement preferably comprises at least two fastenings.

The first fastening may comprise a zip and the second fastening may comprise a catch or clasp. The second fastening may assist in holding the top section of the bag portion proximate to the base section of the bag portion in the compressed state prior to the first fastening being deployed.

Preferably, a side of the top section of the trolley bag comprises one or more feet and/or a side of the base section of the trolley bag comprises one or more feet, the feet being positioned such that the trolley bag can stand on its side when in the compressed state.

Preferably, the top section of the trolley bag and/or of the base section of the trolley bag is substantially elliptical, oval or circular in cross-section. The cross-sections of the top section of the trolley bag and of the base section of the trolley bag are preferably substantially the same size and/or shape.

The trolley bag preferably further comprises a shoulder strap. In this way, the trolley bag can be carried by shoulder when in the compressed state. The shoulder strap preferably comprises flexible material such as fabric. The shoulder strap is preferably removably connectable to the trolley bag, e.g. at the base section and/or top section of the bag portion. The ends of the shoulder strap are preferably respectively removably connectable to the trolley bag at anchor points. The shoulder strap is preferably adjustable in length. Again, this allows the trolley bag to more closely resemble, and function as, a conventional handbag or shoulder bag in the compressed state.

By way of example only, one specific embodiment of a trolley bag of this invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a trolley bag according to an embodiment of the present invention in a compressed state; Figure 2 is the trolley bag in an expanded state; Figure 3a is a plan view of a first helical part of a resilient support structure for the trolley bag; Figure 3b is a perspective view of the first helical part; Figure 3c is a front view of the first helical part; Figure 3d is a side view of the first helical part; Figure 4a is a plan view of a second helical part of the resilient support structure; Figure 4b is a perspective view of the second helical part; Figure 4c is a front view of the second helical part; Figure 4d is a side view of the second helical part; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the resilient support structure.

Figure 1 shows a trolley bag 100 in a compressed state. The trolley bag comprises a bag portion 102 having a top section 104 and a base section 106. A rigid handle 108 is pivotably mounted to the top section 104. In the compressed state, the handle 108 is pivoted so as to lie flat against the top section 104 of the trolley bag 100.

The top section 104 of the bag portion 102 further comprises an opening that can be opened and closed using a fastening 112 in the form of a zip.

The top section 104 further comprises a pocket 136 which can be accessed via a zip 138. Smaller items can be placed within the pocket 136 even when the trolley bag 100 is in the compressed state.

In the compressed state, the top section 104 of the trolley bag 100 is held in close proximity to the base section 106 of the trolley bag 100 by a fastening 122 in the form of a circumferential zip and by a retaining feature 114 in the form of a clasp. When collapsing the trolley bag 100, the retaining feature 114 may be used to hold the top section 104 in close proximity to the base section 106 of the trolley bag 100 whilst the fastening 122 is zipped.

The base section 106 of the trolley bag 100 further comprises a wheel cover 126 that is used to conceal four sets of wheels 118 of the trolley bag 100 (see Figure 2 in which three of the four sets of wheels are shown). The wheel cover 126 is attached to the trolley bag 102 using a fastening 124 in the form of a circumferential zip.

The trolley bag 100 further comprises a shoulder strap 116 that is adjustable in length. The shoulder strap 116 is removably attachable to the trolley bag 100 at anchor points 120. The trolley bag 100 further comprises feet which allow the trolley bag to stand on its side when in the compressed state.

Thus, in the compressed state, the trolley bag 100 resembles and can function as a conventional handbag or shoulder bag.

Figure 2 shows the trolley bag 100 in an expanded state. In the expanded state the handle 108 is pivoted so as to stand proud of the top section 104 of the trolley bag 100. The wheel cover 126 (see Figure 1) is also removed by unzipping the fastening 124 so as to expose the sets of wheels 118 of the trolley bag 100. The retaining feature 114 is also opened. The shoulder strap 116 is also detached from the anchor points 120 of the base section 106 of the trolley bag 100. The shoulder strap 116 and/or wheel cover 126 may be stored in the pocket 136.

In order to expand the trolley bag 100, the fastening 122 is unzipped. A resilient support structure 132 is then free to expand the bag portion 102 of the trolley bag 100. In this embodiment, the resilient support structure 132 is attached to an outer wall 134 of the bag portion 102 by stitching. The outer wall 134 is made of flexible fabric.

As discussed above, the top section 104 of the bag portion 102 comprises an opening 110 that can be opened and closed using a fastening 112. Larger items can be placed within the bag section 102 through the opening when the trolley bag 100 is in the expanded state.

Thus, in the expanded state, the trolley bag 100 resembles and can function as a conventional trolley bag 100.

Figures 3-5 show the resilient support structure 132 of the trolley bag 100 in more detail. Figures 3a-d show various views of a first helical part 1 32a of the support structure 132, Figures 4a-d show various views of a second helical part 132b of the support structure 132, and Figure 5 shows the helical pads of the resilient support structure 132 together with first and second loop parts 132c-d of the resilient support structure 132. The various parts of the resilient support structure 132 in this embodiment are made of stainless steel wire.

Figures 3a and 3d show that the first helical part 132a has a minimum conjugate diameter of 250mm and a maximum conjugate diameter of 300mm.

Figures 3a and 3c show that the first helical part 132a has a minimum transverse diameter of 400mm and a maximum transverse diameter of 500mm.

Figure 3c shows that the first helical part 1 32a has a height of 600mm when the bag portion 102 is expanded. The first helical part 132a exerts a force of approximately iON when in this state. The height of the first helical pad 132a when in the compressed state is approximately 50mm. The first helical part 132a exerts a force of approximately 20N when in this state. Figure 3d shows that the wire used to form the first helical part 132a has a diameter of 3mm. The orientation of the first helical part 1 32a is clockwise.

Figures 4a and 4d show that the second helical pad 132b also has a minimum conjugate diameter of 250mm and a maximum conjugate diameter of 300mm. Figures 4a and 4c show that the second helical part 132b also has a minimum transverse diameter of 400mm and a maximum transverse diameter of 500mm. Figure 4c shows that the second helical part 132b also has a height of 600mm when the bag portion 102 is expanded. The second helical part 132b also exerts a force of approximately 1 ON when in this state. The height of the second helical part 132b when in the compressed state is approximately 50mm.

The second helical part 132b exerts a force of approximately 20N when in this state. Figure 4d shows that the wire used to form the second helical part 132b has a diameter of 3mm. The orientation of the second helical part 132b is counter-clockwise.

Figure 5 shows the first and second helical parts 132a and 132b when assembled together with a first loop part 1 32c that is provided in the top section 104 of the bag portion 102 and with a second loop part 1 32d that is provided in the base section 106 of the bag portion 102. The first and second helical parts 1 32a and 1 32b and the first and second loops parts 1 32c and 1 32d together form the resilient support structure 132.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A trolley bag comprising: a bag portion having a top section and a base section; a handle on the top section of the bag portion; and one or more wheels at the base section of the bag portion; wherein the bag portion further comprises a resilient support structure that acts to separate the top section of the bag portion from the bottom section of the bag portion.
2. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bag portion comprises an outer wall, the resilient support structure being in contact with or connected to the outer wall of the bag portion.
3. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle is rigid.
4. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the handle is moveable between a first position in which the handle stands proud of the top section of the trolley bag and a second position in which the handle lies flat against the top section of the trolley bag.
5. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the base section of the bag portion comprises a wheel cover.
6. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wheel cover is removably attachable to the trolley bag by a fastening.
7. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the resilient support structure comprises one or more helical parts.
8. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 7, wherein the resilient support structure comprises a first helical part and a second helical part.
9. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein the orientation of the first helical part runs counter to the orientation of the second helical part.
10. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 7-9, wherein the axis of the or each helical part runs in a direction from the base section of the trolley bag to the top section of the trolley bag.
11. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the resilient support structure comprises one or more loop parts.
12. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 11, wherein the resilient support structure comprises a first loop part located at the top section of the bag portion and a second loop part located at the base section of the bag portion.
13. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the resilient support structure comprises metallic wire.
14. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the top section of the bag portion comprises an opening.
15. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 14, wherein the opening is closable by a fastening.
16. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-15, wherein the top section of the bag portion comprises a pocket.
17. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 16, wherein the pocket is accessible via a fastening.
18. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-17, wherein the bag portion comprises a fastening arrangement for holding the top section of the bag portion proximate to the base section of the bag portion in a compressed state against the force of the resilient support structure.
19. A trolley bag as claimed in claim 18, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a first fastening and a second fastening.
20. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-19, wherein the top section of the trolley bag comprises one or more feet and/or the base section of the trolley bag comprises one or more feet, the feet being positioned such that the trolley bag can stand on its side when in a compressed state.
21. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-20, wherein the top section of the trolley bag and/or the base section of the trolley bag is substantially elliptical, oval or circular in cross-section.
22. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the cross-sections of the top section of the trolley bag and of the base section of the trolley bag are substantially the same size and/or shape.
23. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-22, wherein the trolley bag comprises a shoulder strap removably connected to the trolley bag.
24. A trolley bag as claimed in any one of claims 1-23, wherein a or the first and/or second helical part of the resilient support structure exerts a force of between 5N and 25N.
25. A trolley bag substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.