Patent ID: 6021874
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: A45C

Abstract:
An expandable bag movable between a contracted position and an expanded position comprising a body enclosing a space, the body having top and bottom walls, front and rear walls and left and right walls, handle means mounted on the body, at least one of the top and bottom and left and right walls including first and second substantially rigid frame members movable toward and away from each other during contraction and expansion of the bag, a rigid plate having first and second end portions and first fastening means for hingedly securing the first end portion of the plate to the first frame member, the second end portion of the plate being separable from the second frame member for movement between a first position in juxtaposition with the second frame member when the bag is in the contracted position and a second spaced-apart position in juxtaposition with the second frame member when the bag is in the expanded position, and second fastening means for removably securing the second end portion of the plate to the second frame member when the plate is in the second position so that the plate provides a substantially rigid framework for the bag in the expanded position.