Bags and Bag Assemblies

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/977,565 filed on Dec. 11, 2024, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/882,697 filed on Sep. 11, 2024, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/945,981 filed on Jun. 6, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/946,015 filed on Jun. 6, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/946,022 filed on Jun. 6, 2024, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/946,039 filed on Jun. 6, 2024, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The movement and transportation of items and/or equipment can involve the storage or placement of the items and/or equipment in one or more bags. In some cases, the bags used to move and transport the items and/or equipment can play an important role in how easily and how safely the items and/or equipment can be moved or transported.

The present disclosure provides various non-limiting examples of bags that can be used to carry or transport items and/or equipment. In some cases, the bags disclosed herein may be configured for subjects who travel frequently with multiple bags containing personal items and/or professional equipment. In some cases, the bags disclosed herein may be configured to meet the demands of avid travelers who expect their bags to reliably protect their personal items and/or professional equipment day in and day out. In some cases, the bags disclosed herein may be configured to withstand tough travel conditions or environments with ease so that travelers can move or transport their personal items and/or professional equipment without worrying about damaging their bags or the contents within their bags.

In some cases, the bags disclosed herein may include one or more covers that can shield and protect the bags and the contents of the bags from damage or wear due to physical impacts and/or exposure to external climates or conditions. In some cases, the covers may be contoured to allow the bags to be nested together in series or in tandem for convenient and stable transport.

In some cases, the bags disclosed herein may be linked or connected to one or more other bags to simplify the movement and transport of multiple bags at once. In some cases, the bags disclosed herein may be linked or connected together to form a self-stabilizing or a self-stabilized bag assembly so that a subject can simultaneously move or transport multiple bags together with minimal effort.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides one or more bags for transporting or moving items and/or equipment. In some embodiments, the one or more bags may be connected or linked together to form a bag assembly. In some embodiments, the bag assembly may comprise at least a first bag and a second bag.

In some embodiments, the bag assembly may comprise a first bag. In some embodiments, the first bag may comprise a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of side surfaces arranged to form an enclosed interior region for storing items or equipment within the first bag. In some embodiments, the first bag may comprise a first protective cover extending along the back surface of the first bag. In some embodiments, the first bag may comprise a first handle assembly comprising a first handle and a first plurality of support members attached to the first handle. In some embodiments, the first handle assembly may be positioned (i) external to the enclosed interior region of the first bag and (ii) between the first protective cover and the back surface of the first bag so that the first handle assembly is retractable into a partially enclosed region provided between the first protective cover and the back surface of the first bag. In some embodiments, the first bag may comprise a first connector assembly comprising a first external strap with a single connecting fastener attached to the first external strap. In some embodiments, the connecting fastener may be positionable or securable along the front surface of the first bag.

In some embodiments, the bag assembly may comprise a second bag. In some embodiments, the second bag may have a greater length, height, and/or width than the first bag or a larger storage volume than the first bag. In some embodiments, the second bag may comprise a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of side surfaces arranged to form an enclosed interior region for storing items or equipment within the second bag. In some embodiments, the second bag may comprise a second protective cover extending along the back surface of the second bag. In some embodiments, the second bag may comprise a second handle assembly comprising a second handle and a second plurality of support members attached to the second handle. In some embodiments, the second handle assembly may be positioned (i) external to the enclosed interior region of the second bag and (ii) between the second protective cover and the back surface of the second bag so that the second handle assembly is retractable into a partially enclosed region formed between the second protective cover and the back surface of the second bag. In some embodiments, the second bag may comprise a second connector assembly with a different configuration or arrangement of connectors than the first connector assembly. In some embodiments, the second connector assembly may comprise a second external strap with a first fastener and a second fastener attached to the second external strap. In some embodiments, the first fastener may be provided along the top surface of the second bag and the second fastener may be positionable or securable along the front surface of the second bag. In some embodiments, the first fastener may be configured to engage the connecting fastener attached to the first external strap of the first bag. In some embodiments, the first external strap may be configured to extend under the second handle and between the second plurality of support members to facilitate a coupling between the connecting fastener of the first bag and the first fastener of the second bag.

In some embodiments, the first connector assembly may comprise a first complementary fastener provided along the front surface of the first bag. In some embodiments, the first complementary fastener may be configured to engage the connecting fastener of the first bag when the connecting fastener and the first fastener are decoupled. In some embodiments, the connecting fastener may be positionable along the front surface of the first bag to facilitate a coupling between the connecting fastener and the first complementary fastener. In some embodiments, the connecting fastener may be extendable towards the top surface of the second bag to facilitate a coupling between the connecting fastener and the first fastener of the second bag.

In some embodiments, the second connector assembly may comprise a second complementary fastener provided along the front surface of the second bag. In some embodiments, the second complementary fastener may be configured to engage the second fastener to secure the second fastener along the front surface of the second bag.

In some embodiments, the first fastener may be oriented in a first direction when the first fastener is secured to the connecting fastener. In some embodiments, the second fastener may be oriented in a second direction that is perpendicular or orthogonal to the first direction when the second fastener is secured to the second complementary fastener. In some embodiments, the second fastener may be oriented towards the bottom surface of the second bag when the second fastener is secured to the second complementary fastener. In some embodiments, the first fastener may be oriented towards the back surface of the second bag and towards the front surface of the first bag when the first fastener is secured to the connecting fastener. In some embodiments, the first fastener may be oriented towards the back surface of the second bag and towards the front surface of the first bag when the first fastener and the connecting fastener are decoupled.

In some embodiments, the second connector assembly of the second bag may include a same number of connectors or a same type of connector as the first connector assembly of the first bag. In some embodiments, the second connector assembly of the second bag may include a different number of connectors or a different type of connector than the first connector assembly of the first bag.

In some embodiments, the first protective cover may be sized and/or shaped differently than the second protective cover. In some embodiments, the first protective cover and the second protective cover may have one or more common surface features. In some embodiments, the second protective cover may include one or more surface features defining a surface contour that corresponds to a surface contour of the front surface of the first bag. In some embodiments, the first protective cover and/or the second protective cover may include one or more apertures or windows configured to expose or reveal one or more other components or sub-assemblies of the first bag or the second bag.

In some embodiments, the first bag and/or the second bag may comprise a divider flap. In some embodiments, the divider flap may have a first end secured to a bottom portion of the first bag or the second bag. In some embodiments, the divider flap may have a second end that is securable to a top portion of the first bag or the second bag.

In some embodiments, the bag assembly may optionally comprise a third bag with a third protective cover attached to the third bag. In some embodiments, the third bag may comprise a same type of bag as the first bag and/or the second bag. In some embodiments, the third bag may comprise a third handle assembly comprising a third handle and a third plurality of support members attached to the third handle. In some embodiments, the third bag may comprise a third connector assembly comprising a third fastener provided along a top surface of the third bag and a fourth fastener that is positionable or securable along a front surface of the third bag. In some embodiments, the second external strap of the second bag may be configured to extend under the third handle and between the third plurality of support members to facilitate a coupling between the second fastener and the third fastener.

In some embodiments, the bag assembly may optionally comprise a third bag comprising an elongated travel bag that is sized and/or shaped differently than the first bag and/or the second bag. In some embodiments, the elongated travel bag may comprise a third connector assembly comprising a third fastener provided along a back surface of the elongated travel bag. In some embodiments, the third fastener may be positioned directly above an upper edge of the third protective cover. In some embodiments, the second fastener of the second bag may be configured to engage the third fastener to detachably couple the third bag to the second bag.

In some embodiments, the second connector assembly of the second bag and/or the third connector assembly of the third bag may have a same configuration or arrangement of connectors as the first connector assembly of the first bag. In some embodiments, the second connector assembly of the second bag and/or the third connector assembly of the third bag may have a different configuration or a different arrangement of connectors than the first connector assembly of the first bag.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a bag. In some embodiments, the bag may comprise an elongated body configured to receive golf equipment. In some embodiments, the bag may comprise a protective cover extending along a back side of the elongated body, the protective cover comprising a recessed portion formed along a back side of the protective cover. In some embodiments, the bag may comprise one or more wheels or rollers integrated with the protective cover. In some embodiments, the bag may comprise a leg assembly pivotably coupled to the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the leg assembly may comprise a leg member configured to move between a plurality of different locked positions. In some embodiments, the leg member may be movable between (i) a retracted position in which at least a portion of the leg member is positioned within the recessed portion of the protective cover and (ii) an extended position in which at least a portion of the leg member is positioned outside of the recessed portion of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the leg assembly may comprise a hinged connection coupling the leg member to the protective cover. In some embodiments, the hinged connection may be disposed within the recessed portion of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the leg assembly may comprise a foot pedal provided along the leg member. In some embodiments, the foot pedal may be configured to release the leg member from the plurality of different locked positions.

In some embodiments, the leg assembly may comprise a foot-activated release mechanism configured to release the leg member from the recessed portion of the protective cover. In some embodiments, the foot-activated release mechanism may be provided within the recessed portion of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the leg assembly may comprise an additional wheel disposed on a distal end of the leg member. In some embodiments, the additional wheel may be rotatably coupled to the leg member. In some embodiments, the additional wheel may be configured to swivel about the distal end of the leg member. In some embodiments, the additional wheel may be configured to swivel between (i) a first configuration in which the additional wheel is deployable to support or transport the bag and (ii) a second configuration in which the additional wheel is positionable within the recessed portion of the protective cover. In some embodiments, the additional wheel may be configured to rotate about a first axis when the additional wheel is in the first configuration. In some embodiments, the first axis may be parallel to a rotational axis of the one or more wheels or rollers integrated with the protective cover. In some embodiments, the additional wheel may be configured to rotate about a second axis that is different than the first axis when the additional wheel is in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the second axis may be skewed relative to a rotational axis of the one or more wheels or rollers integrated with the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the leg member may be movable between (i) a fully extended position in which the leg member is positioned along an upper portion of the elongated body and (ii) a retracted position in which at least a portion of the leg member is positioned within the recessed portion of the protective cover. In some embodiments, the leg member may be movable between (i) the fully extended position and (ii) one or more other extended positions in which at least a portion of the leg member is positioned outside of the recessed portion of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the protective cover may include a gap or a spacing provided along an upper edge of the protective cover. In some embodiments, the leg member may be configured to pivot beyond the upper edge of the protective cover by moving through the gap or spacing provided along the upper edge of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the bag may further comprise a leg member receiving structure provided along the upper portion of the elongated body. In some embodiments, the leg member may be configured to lock into the leg member receiving structure to form a protective spine extending along the back side of the elongated body. In some embodiments, the bag may further comprise an actuator configured to release the leg member from the leg member receiving structure.

In some embodiments, the bag may further comprise a panel or a layer of material configured to cover the recessed portion of the protective cover. In some embodiments, the panel or a layer of material may be used to cover the recessed portion of the protective cover when the leg assembly is retracted into or positioned within the recessed portion of the protective cover.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a bag comprising a body and a shell that is attached or coupled to the body. In some embodiments, the shell may comprise a central recessed region and a plurality of recessed regions disposed along the central recessed region.

In some embodiments, the central recessed region may have a different length, width, and/or depth than the plurality of recessed regions. In some embodiments, the central recessed region and the plurality of recessed regions may have a same length, width, and/or depth.

In some embodiments, an upper edge of the central recessed region may be configured to extend along an upper edge of the shell. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the central recessed region may be positioned a first distance from the upper edge of the shell. In some embodiments, an upper edge of the plurality of recessed regions may be positioned a second distance from the upper edge of the shell. In some embodiments, the first distance may be less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the first distance may be greater than the second distance.

In some embodiments, a system may be attached to or integrated with the shell. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to facilitate the handling, maneuvering, movement, and/or transportation of one or more bags.

In some embodiments, the system may comprise a leg mechanism. In some embodiments, the leg mechanism may comprise a plurality of legs comprising a first leg pivotably coupled to a first portion of the shell and a second leg pivotably coupled to a second portion of the shell. In some embodiments, the leg mechanism may comprise a cross member extending between the first leg and the second leg. In some embodiments, the plurality of legs may be pivotable between a retracted position in which the plurality of legs are positioned entirely within the plurality of recessed regions and an extended position in which one or more end portions of the plurality of legs are positioned outside of the plurality of recessed regions.

In some embodiments, the system may comprise a handle mechanism. In some embodiments, the handle mechanism may comprise a first handle portion with a first end pivotably coupled to a third portion of the shell and a second handle portion pivotably coupled to a second end of the first handle portion. In some embodiments, the second handle portion may comprise a first engagement feature that is pivotable relative to the first handle portion. In some embodiments, the handle mechanism may be configured to pivot between a first position in which the first handle portion and the second handle portion are disposed entirely within the central recessed region and a second position in which the second handle portion and the second end of the first handle portion are positioned outside of the central recessed region.

In some embodiments, the first handle portion has a first width and the second handle portion has a second width that is equal to the first width. In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the shell are spaced apart by a distance that is greater than the first width and the second width. In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the shell are spaced apart from a lateral side and a medial side of the shell by a first distance. In some embodiments, the third portion of the shell is spaced apart from the lateral and medial sides of the shell by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

In some embodiments, the second end of the first handle portion may be disposed above the first portion of the shell and the second portion of the shell when the plurality of legs are in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the second handle portion may be disposed above the first and second portions of the shell when the plurality of legs are in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the handle mechanism may be recessed or retracted further into the shell than the plurality of legs when the plurality of legs are in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the system may comprise a linking member connecting the first handle portion to the cross member. In some embodiments, the linking member may comprise a first end that is pivotably coupled to the first handle portion and a second end that is pivotably coupled to the cross member. In some embodiments, the linking member may be disposed entirely within the central recessed region when the plurality of legs are in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the linking member may be positioned entirely outside of the central recessed region when the plurality of legs are extended outwards.

In some embodiments, the linking member may comprise a second engagement feature configured to engage the first engagement feature in order to lock the plurality of legs in the extended position. In some embodiments, the first and/or second engagement features may comprise a protrusion, a hook, a latch, or a male connector. In some embodiments, the first and/or second engagement features may comprise a slot, an opening, an aperture, a notch, a recess, a depression, an indentation, a receptacle, or a female connector. In some embodiments, the first and second engagement features may comprise complementary male/male fasteners. In some embodiments, the first and second engagement features may comprise complementary male/female fasteners.

In some embodiments, the system may comprise a latch mechanism. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may be configured to engage and lock the handle mechanism in the first position. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may comprise a deflectable member with a notched region configured to engage a distal end of the second handle portion. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may comprise a cantilevered member extending through the central recessed region. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may be disposed entirely within the central recessed region.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides various non-limiting examples of bags that can be used to carry or transport various items and/or equipment. The bags disclosed herein may be configured to endure tough travel conditions and to protect personal items and/or professional equipment from damage or wear by shielding such items and/or equipment from (i) direct physical contact with external objects or surfaces and (ii) direct exposure to external environments, climates, and/or conditions.

In some cases, the bags may be configured to protect or shield the items or equipment from damage or wear as the bags move between two or more locations. In some cases, the bags may be configured to protect or shield the items or equipment from damage or wear as the bags are being transported across or over a ground surface. In some cases, the bags may be configured to protect or shield the items or equipment from damage or wear as the bags are being transported on a vehicle. In some cases, the bags may be configured to protect or shield the items or equipment from damage or wear as the bags are being moved into a vehicle. In some cases, the bags may be configured to protect or shield the items or equipment from damage or wear as the bags are being removed from a vehicle.

schematically illustrate an example of a bagthat can be used to transport various items or equipment. In some embodiments, the bagmay comprise a bag that can be checked in for transport on a vehicle from one location to another location.

In some embodiments, the base of the bag may comprise one or more wheels or rollersfor enhancing or facilitating a transportability of the bag. In some cases, the one or more wheels or rollersmay have a fixed position and/or orientation relative to the base of the bag. In some cases, the one or more wheels or rollersmay be configured to rotate about one or more fixed or predetermined axes. In some cases, the one or more wheels or rollersmay be configured to swivel about a lateral or vertical axis to adjust a direction in which the bag can be rolled. In some cases, the lateral or vertical axis may be different than the one or more fixed or predetermined axes. In some cases, the one or more wheels or rollersmay be configured to pivot or articulate about another axis that is different than (i) the lateral or vertical axis and/or (ii) the one or more fixed or predetermined axes.

In some embodiments, the bag may comprise one or more wheels or rollersthat are fixed or coupled to a movable component of the bag. In some cases, the movable component may include an articulating arm or leg that is configured to extend the one or more wheels or rollersaway from the bag so that the bag can be rolled while in a tilted configuration. In some cases, the articulating arm or leg may be configured to retract the one or more wheels or rollersback towards the bag so that the bag can be stored or transported in an upright configuration.

In some embodiments, the bag may comprise a plurality of wheels or rollers. In some cases, the plurality of wheels or rollersmay include a first set of wheels or rollers disposed on or attached to the base of the bag, and a second set of wheels or rollers disposed on or attached to an articulating arm or leg of the bag. In some cases, the first set of wheels or rollers may be used to roll the bag in a desired direction when the bag is in an upright configuration and/or when the bag is in a tilted configuration. In some cases, the first set of wheels or rollers may be positioned at or near a perimeter or an edge of the base so that the bag can be rolled in a desired direction when the bag is in either an upright configuration or a tilted configuration. In some cases, the second set of wheels or rollers may be used to roll the bag in a desired direction when the bag is in an upright configuration and/or when the bag is in a tilted configuration. In some cases, the second set of wheels or rollers may be positioned at or near a distal end of the articulating arm or leg so that the second set of wheels or rollers can contact the surface under the bag when the bag is in either the tilted configuration or the upright configuration.

In some embodiments, the bag may comprise a handle assembly. In some embodiments, the handle assembly may comprise a handlefor maneuvering the bag. In some embodiments, the handle assembly may comprise a plurality of support members attached to the handle.

In some cases, the handlemay comprise a retractable handle that can be extended upwards and/or retracted downwards. In some cases, the handlemay be configured to retract into a partially enclosed region formed between an exterior surface of the bag and a cover surrounding the exterior surface of the bag. In some cases, the handle assembly may be positioned (i) external to the interior region of the bag and (ii) between the back surface of the bag and the cover surrounding the exterior surface of the bag so that the handle assembly can be retracted into the partially enclosed region provided between the cover and the exterior surface of the bag.

In some cases, the support members of the handle assembly may include a set of members that are telescopically arranged to facilitate the extension and retraction of the handle. In some cases, the set of members may be retractable into a housing that is sized and shaped to receive the set of members. In some cases, the housing may be positioned or formed between the back surface of the bag and the cover surrounding the exterior surface of the bag. In some cases, the set of members may be extendable from the housing to deploy the handle.

In some cases, the set of members may be sized and shaped to minimize or reduce the spacing or clearance between the telescopically arranged members. In some cases, the set of members and the interior of the housing may be sized and shaped to minimize or reduce the spacing or clearance between the telescopically arranged members and the interior of the housing.

In some cases, the spacing or clearance may be reduced and tightened to within a predetermined tolerance that allows the handle and the support members to remain in a fixed position and/or a fixed orientation when a subject exerts a force on the handle or otherwise manipulates the handle to maneuver the bag around. In some cases, the spacing or clearance may be configured to reduce or eliminate any wiggling of the handle or the support members relative to the housing or the rest of the bag when the handle and the support members are extended upwards and deployed.