GB2283668A

GB2283668A - Bag or backpack

Info

Publication number: GB2283668A
Application number: GB9323189A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Bennett Woolridge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-11-10
Filing date: 1993-11-10
Publication date: 1995-05-17
Also published as: GB9323189D0

Abstract

A bag or backpack 1 includes one or more inflatable air pockets or tubes 2 built into the construction of a fabric bag or backpack either to form the sides or to be affixed to the sides, each pocket or tube being fitted with a valve for inflation and deflation. When inflated the air pockets or tubes expand and stretch the bag to its full size and shape providing a semi-rigid framework or support. The inflated bag will continue to hold its shape during normal use and will be reduceable in size by deflation. Contents of the firm air bag will be protected from damage by the shock-absorbent nature of the air pockets or tubes that can also provide for carrying comfort. The degree of protection of contents and carrying comfort are variable by the amount of inflation. <IMAGE>

Description

FIRM AIR BAG This invention relates to a carrying bag with inflatable air pockets or tubes built' in to the fabric of its construction.

Carrying bags such as back-packs, sports bags or hold-alls are usually made of a soft fabric and unless fully loaded do not easily hold their shape. Various means are employed to combat this problem such as piping sewn around the edges of the bag and sometimes loose fitting solid bases. As it is a feature of these bags that they fold flat, or at least reduce in size when not in use, most stiffening methods are not very successful.The result is that contents of these bags can be vulnerable to damage.

According to the present invention the sides or lining of a bag are to include the provision of inflatable air pockets or tubes each fitted with a valve for inflation or deflation.

This may be by the use of a double skin of air-tight material into which are formed inflatable air pockets, or by inflatable tube affixed to the bag. A continuous air pocket may be formed around the whole bag, or separate air pockets provided to each side. One of these described methods of application of the air pocket or tube to the bag, or a combination of them, may best suit the design and purpose of a particular bag.

As the air pocket or tube is inflated by, for example, a bicycle pump the affixed bag will expand and stretch to its full size and shape. The air pressure within the tube or pocket will create a tension that will support the bag in a semi-rigid framework. The Firm Air Bag will continue to hold its shape during normal use, and by preventing the sides from collapse will make loading and unloading easier.

The shock-absorbent nature of the tube or pocket will give protection to the contents and allow for comfort when being carried. The effects of bag support, content protection and carrying comfort will be variable by the amount of inflation and the bag will be reduceable in size by deflation.

Two examples of the invention where the air pocket is formed of a double skin of stretchable air-tight material and is continuous around the bag are now described with reference to th accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1. shows in perspective the sides or lining of an inflatable sports bag ( top and base omitted) Figure 2. shows in perspective a cut-away section of a sports bag with exposed inflated air pocket.

Figure 3. shows in perspective the sides or lining of an inflatable Back-pack. ( Top and base omitted) Figure 4. shows in perspective a cut-away section of a back-pack with inflated air pocket in position.

Referring to the drawing Fig.l. there are two pieces of stretchable air-tight material brought together and bonded in areas (1) so as to allow an air pocket (2) to be formed.

A valve (3) is fitted to the air pocket in such a position as to be ( for example ) on the inside when the material is folded along the lines aa, bb, cc. This material may itself form the sides of a sports bag or be used as a lining.

In Fig.2. the material of Fig.l. is shown as a lining to a sports bag with the outer cover (4) cut away to expose the inflated air pockets (2).

Fig.3. indicates the shape of the air-tight stretchable material that may be used as the sides or as a lining to a back-pack. In this example additional air pocket (5) is provided that will fit at the rear for carrying comfort.

Fig. 4. shows the outer cover (4) of a back-pack cut away to expose the inflated air pocket (2) and position of the additional air pocket (5).

In Fig 2. and Fig. 4. the formed air pocket lining may be substituted for air tube affixed to the outer cover.

Claims

~~ CLAIMS~~

1. A firm air bag whereby the sides or lining of a bag are to include the provision of an inflatable air pocket or tube fitted with a valve for inflation and deflation.

2 A firm air bag as claimed in claim 1. whereby each side is to include the provision of an inflatable air pocket or tube and each separate section of which is fitted with a valve for inflation and deflation.

3. A firm air bag as claimed in claim 1 and 2. whereby when inflated the air pockets or tubes expand and stretch the bag to its full size and shape.

4. A firm air bag as claimed in claim 1,2 and 3, whereby when inflated the air pockets or tubes create a semi-rigid framework that supports the bag.

5. A firm air bag as claimed in previous claims whereby when inflated the air pockets or tubes have a shock-absorbent nature that will protect the contents.

6. A firm air bag as claimed in previous claims whereby when inflated the air pockets or tubes will provide carrying comfort.

7. A firm air bag as previously claimed where the effects of claims 3,4,5, and 6, are variable by the amount of inflation introduced.

8. A firm air bag as previously claimed that -by deflation will be reduceable in size.

9. A firm air bag sustantially as described herein with reference to the drawing Figures 1-4, by way of example.