Patent ID: 7178567
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: A45C

Abstract:
1. An expandable bag comprising: a body having a relatively rigid, lower portion defining a closed bottom and a generally upstanding lower sidewall having an upper rim defining an upper opening, said lower sidewall being comprising at least two side panels joined at opposite lateral edges, and a relatively flexible upper portion defining an upper sidewall comprising at least two side panels joined at opposite lateral edges and having a lower edge coupled adjacent to said upper rim of said lower portion and having an upper rim defining a top opening, said upper portion being movable between a folded position, in which said upper sidewall is folded within said lower sidewall such that said upper rim of said upper portion and said top opening thereof is disposed generally adjacent to said upper rim of said lower portion, thereby defining an interior compartment of a certain size, and an extended position, in which said upper portion is unfolded and extended upwardly, thereby extending the height of said body and, in turn, said bag creating an interior compartment of a greater size; a strap for supporting said body having a pair of opposite ends each secured to an opposite lateral edge of said upper sidewall of said upper portion generally adjacent to said upper rim thereof; and releasable coupling means for releasably coupling said strap to said lower portion which serves to prevent movement of said upper portion from said folded to said extended position when so coupled and which, upon release thereof, permits extension of said upper portion, said releasable coupling means comprising a pair of first members, each secured at an opposite end of said lower sidewall and a pair of second members, each secured generally adjacent to an opposite end of said strap, with said first members each being releasably coupled to one of said second members.