Abstract:
The present invention is generally directed to a vertically expanding tote bag or purse, formed from a substantially rigid bottom panel, an internal telescopic support connected to the bottom panel, a collapsible pocket connected to the solid bottom panel and the internal support, the collapsible pocket disposed such that it creates a collapsible cavity or pocket within the collapsible material when the internal support is telescoped into an extended position; and a non-collapsible pocket formed from non-collapsible side walls that form a cavity or pocket, the non-collapsible pocket attached to the internal support.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/641,354 filed on May 2, 2012. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally directed to an improved tote bag or purse. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a purse or tote bag that is expandable to provide for additional storage and capabilities, and may be equipped with optional wheels, internal frames, or other attributes or components to increase maneuverability or stability of the tote bag or purse. 
         [0003]    Certain jurisdictions are prohibiting the use of plastic bags at grocery stores and other retail outlets, in order to encourage customers to use reusable bags. Alternatively, some locations now charge per bag used by a customer. Accordingly, it is often prudent for a customer to keep a reusable bag with him or her, for the occasional unplanned trip to the store or errand. The use of reusable bags—and even plastic bags—can often be difficult if a customer has a large number of items and a distance to travel. While one or two plastic or reusable bags may be manageable, many more can often be too heavy or inconvenient, causing physical strain. 
         [0004]    Since many people carry a purse, satchel, tote bag, briefcase, or other sort of bag, it would be advantageous to provide a bag that can be used for its typical purpose (for example, as a purse or a briefcase), but can also be altered to provide an additional storage area or capacity for the occasional use. Such occasional uses can be in the place of plastic or reusable bags, or may be merely to occasionally carry a larger amount of items than normal. 
         [0005]    Vertically expandable luggage is known in the luggage industry and is often preferred due to its ability to adjust in height to match a user&#39;s selected comfortable height. 
         [0006]    A tote bag, purse, briefcase, etc. that can be vertically expanded to carry the occasional additional items is desirable. Equipping such tote bag, purse, briefcase, etc. with optional or retractable wheels to assist in moving a larger load is also desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a vertically expanding bag, comprising: a substantially rigid bottom panel; an internal support connected to the bottom panel, the internal support capable of telescoping from a collapsed position to an extended position; a collapsible pocket connected to the solid bottom panel and the internal support, the collapsible pocket disposed such that it creates a collapsible cavity or pocket within the collapsible material when the internal support is telescoped into an extended position; and non-collapsible side walls that form a cavity or pocket, the non-collapsible side walls attached to the internal support. 
         [0008]    Other aspects in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a vertically expanding bag, comprising: a substantially rigid bottom panel, comprising: one or more cavities formed in the substantially rigid bottom panel; one or more wheels disposed inside the one or more cavities; and a mechanism to raise and lower the one or more wheels between positions inside the cavity and positions extending from the cavity, such that in an lowered position the wheels may be used; an internal support connected to the bottom panel, the internal support capable of telescoping from a collapsed position to an extended position; a collapsible pocket connected to the solid bottom panel and the internal support, the collapsible pocket disposed such that it creates a collapsible cavity or pocket within the collapsible material when the internal support is telescoped into an extended position; a non-collapsible pocket, comprised of: side walls that form a cavity or pocket, the non-collapsible side walls attached to the internal support; and a bottom surface separating the non-collapsing cavity or pocket from the collapsible pocket. 
         [0009]    These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0010]    The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements. The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and may aid in understanding the following detailed description. Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will make reference to the following figures, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an improved tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position illustrating an exemplary internal frame, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position illustrating an exemplary internal frame, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position illustrating an exemplary internal frame, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7A  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position illustrating an exemplary internal frame, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7B  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position illustrating an exemplary internal frame, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7C  illustrates an improved tote bag in an expanded position illustrating an exemplary internal frame, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of exterior panels of a tote bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of exterior panels of a tote bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a bottom surface of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom surface of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  illustrates a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  illustrates a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14A  illustrates a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14B  illustrates a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15B  illustrates a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective view of a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16B  illustrates a side view of a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  illustrates a view of a bottom section of a tote bag equipped with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18A  illustrates a bottom platform that may be used with a tote bag equipped with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 18B  illustrates a bottom platform that may be used with a tote bag equipped with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18C  illustrates a bottom platform that may be used with a tote bag equipped with optional wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19A  illustrates a tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19B  illustrates a tote bag in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 20A  illustrates a tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 20B  illustrates a tote bag in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 21A  illustrates a tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 21B  illustrates a side view of a tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 21C  illustrates a tote bag in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 21D  illustrates a side view of a tote bag in an extended position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 22  illustrates a tote bag in a collapsed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0045]    Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0046]    The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. 
         [0047]    Note that while the present discussion often uses the phrase “tote bag,” the present invention may be practiced with any variety of bags, including but not limited to: purses, briefcases, laptop bags, messenger bags, backpacks, totes, shopping bags, re-usable shopping bags, luggage, satchels, or any other sort of bag that is used to carry items. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary tote bag  10  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Tote bag  10  may comprise a top portion  110  and a bottom portion  120 . Top portion  110  may comprise handles  120  (or alternatively, straps, shoulder straps, wrist strap, etc.). Moreover, tote bag  10  may comprise a joint  140  between the top portion  110  and the bottom portion  120 . This joint  140  may be secured by a fastener, such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro), magnets, or any other sort of fastener. When joint  140  provides a connection from the top portion  110  to the bottom portion  120 , the tote bag  110  may be in the collapsed position. 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a tote bag  20  may be seen in an expanded position. Tote bag  20  may comprise a top portion  210  and a bottom portion  220 . Tote bag  20  may also comprise two central portions  221 ,  222 . When the tote bag  20  is in a collapsed position, central portions  221 ,  222  may be folded inside the tote bag  20 . When a connection between the top portion  210  and the bottom portion  220  (for example, the joint  140  discussed above with regard to  FIG. 1 ) is released, the tote bag  20  may expand to its full position. 
         [0050]    Note that  FIG. 2  also depicts optional wheels  230  that may be included in tote bag  20  so that if the tote bag is heavy or otherwise uncomfortable to carry (for example, if the tote bag  20  is in an extended position and is full). Such wheels  230  may be retracted when not in use. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , a tote bag  30  in an extended position will now be discussed. Tote bag  30  may comprise—similar to that discussed above with regard to FIG.  2 —a top portion  310 , a bottom portion  320 , and two central portions  321 ,  322 . Bottom portion  320  may comprise one or more retractable wheels  330 , as well as cavities  350  into which retractable wheels  330  may be retracted. Tote bag  30  also illustrates fastener  340 A and fastener  340 B. Fastener  340 A may be disposed on the bottom of the top portion  310 , and fastener  340 B may be positioned at the top of the bottom portion  320 . Fastener  340 A and  340 B may mate or otherwise connect (for example, may be two sides of a zipper, two elements of a snap, hook-and-loop fastener, etc.) and when connected may thereby hold the tote bag  30  in a retracted position. When not connected, the tote bag  30  may be allowed to be extended into its full position. 
         [0052]    Tote bag  30  may further comprise a bottom a floor panel  360 . Floor panel  360  may be positioned between the two central portions  321 ,  322  such that when the tote bag  30  is in a collapsed position the floor panel  360  may rest on the bottom of the bottom portion  320 . Floor panel  360  may comprise a solid panel, a fabric panel, mesh, straps, or any other material or configuration suitable to separate the tote bag  30  into various compartments. 
         [0053]    It is contemplated that tote bags in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may comprise some sort of internal frame, which may provide stability and rigidity to the tote bag, and may also support the tote bag when in an extended position. With reference to  FIG. 4 , a tote bag  40  may be seen with various frame elements. Specifically, the tote bag  40  may comprise a top portion  410  which in turn may comprise a frame component  411 . Frame component  411  may be formed from any suitable material, including rigid plastic, steel, composite, wood, wire, alloy, or any other material. Tote bag  40  may further comprise a bottom portion  420 , which in turn may comprise frame component  421 . Note that frame component  421 , while formed from a rigid material, may include one or more joints or pivots  422  so that the frame can be folded, partially collapsed, or otherwise manipulated. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  illustrates a tote bag  50  with internal frame components. Specifically, the tote bag  50  may comprise a top portion  510  which in turn may comprise a frame component  511 . Top component  510  may also comprise a bottom frame element  512 . Frame component  511  may be formed from any suitable material, including rigid plastic, steel, composite, wood, wire, alloy, or any other material. Tote bag  50  may further comprise a bottom portion  520 , which in turn may comprise frame component  522 . Note that frame component  522  may include one or more joints or pivots so that the frame can be folded, partially collapsed, or otherwise manipulated. With reference to  FIG. 5 , the frame components  511  and  522  may be seen in a partially folded arrangement in order to illustrate such functionality. 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a tote bag  60  with an internal expandable frame component  610  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Tote bag  60  may comprise an internal expandable frame component  610 . Expandable frame component  611  may be positioned on (and may be, but not necessarily attached to) the bottom portion of tote bag  60   
         [0056]    With reference to  FIGS. 7A-7C , expansion of an expandable frame component  710  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Expandable frame component  710  may be expanded as the tote bag  70  is expanded, thereby providing an amount of rigidity as the tote bag  70  is expanded. Tote bag  70  may comprise multiple panels  711 ,  712 ,  713 ,  714  that may be connected along a column  715 . The panels  711 ,  712 ,  713 ,  714  may be configured to telescope out of each other as the column  715  is extended, thereby providing some rigidity or support to the tote bag  70  when in the extended position. 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , a covering material  80  of a tote bag in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Material  80  may be, in accordance with some embodiments (but not necessarily all embodiments) of the present invention formed from a single piece of material, The material  80  may be cut, formed, or otherwise sized such that it forms the panels that will be collapsed inside and outside of the tote bag when assembled. For example, material  80  may comprise sides of a top panel  810 ,  811  as well as sides of central portions  820 ,  821  and  830 ,  831 . Material  80  may also comprise a bottom portion  850 . Note that it is also contemplated that, in order to provide for easy folding and otherwise collapsing or expansion of the tote bag, a fold line  860  may be present between each panel. Fold line  860  may comprise a line of weakness, hinge point, partial cut, or any other sort of modification that may permit, assist, encourage or control any folding of the panels. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  illustrates a covering material  90  positioned in an arrangement similar to that of an extended tote bag, in order to illustrate how the material  90  may line up with a tote bag. Again, material  90  may comprise sides of a top panel  910 ,  911  as well as sides of central portions  920 ,  921  and  930 ,  931 . Material  90  may also comprise a bottom portion  950 . 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIGS. 10-18 , the bottom panel or surface of a tote bag in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed.  FIG. 10  illustrates a bottom view of a tote bag  1000 , showing a bottom surface with optional wheels  1010  in a retracted position. Tote bag may comprise one or more wheels  1010 , which may be disposed on a bottom surface of tote bag. Wheels may be retractable such that when the tote bag is used in a collapsed position, the wheels may not present or protruding from the bottom. For example, wheels may be attached to a bottom surface of a tote bag by attachments  1020 , but may be positioned on a hinge  1030 . In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, hinge  1030  may be spring loaded or otherwise biased into an open or closed position. With reference to  FIG. 10 , the wheels may be attached to a solid back surface  1010 , that when the wheels are retracted, may provide the bottom panel of the tote bag with a generally solid, smooth, bottom panel. 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , wheels may  1110  may be shown in an open or protruding position. Wheels  1110  may again be attached to the bottom panel of the tote bag by fasteners  1120 , and may pivot about a hinge  1130  that may be biased. It is further contemplated that one or more switches or selectors maybe utilized to open and/or close the wheels from the retracted position. Note that it is also contemplated that a single selector maybe used to move the wheels from one position to another—for example, from a closed to an open position—but returning the wheels to the closed position may be a manual task. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate a bottom section of a tote bag  1210 ,  1310  with wheels in a retracted position ( FIG. 12 ) and in an extended position ( FIG. 13 ).  FIG. 12  depicts a bottom portion  1210  of a tote bag with a plurality of wheels  1220  folded into the cavity or body of the bottom section  1210 . Wheels  1220  may be attached to a pivot  1230 , which may be biased into an open or closed position. In order to hold wheels  1220  in a retracted position, a latch  1240  may be utilized. Latch  1240  may be of any sort of latch known in the art, and may be connected to a central switch or selector so that all wheels may be released substantially simultaneously. 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , bottom portion  1310  of a tote bag may again comprise a plurality of wheels  1320  depicted in an open position. Again, wheels  1320  may be mounted or otherwise attached to a pivot or hinge  1330  that may be biased. Bottom surface of the tote bag may comprise a latch  1340  of any sort known in the art to keep the wheels in an open position. As with  FIG. 12 , it is contemplated that latch  1340  may be connected to a central switch or selector so that all wheels may be expanded or retracted substantially simultaneously. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 14A , a bottom panel  1400  of a tote bag in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Bottom panel  1400  may comprise a bottom surface  1410 , as well as side surfaces  1411 ,  1412 . Bottom panel  1400  may further comprise a plurality of cavities or indents  1420 , in which wheels  1430  may reside when in a retracted position. Moreover, bottom panel  1400  may comprise a switch  1440  that may be disposed on any side surface ( 1411 ,  1412 ), but is shown on side surface  1412 . Switch  1440  may be used to switch the wheels from a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 14 ) to an open position and back. Switch  1440  may include a grip  1441  that may be grasped by a user to move the switch  1440  laterally along the surface of the bottom panel. Note that while grip  1441  has been shown as an indent into which a user may insert his or her fingers to grip the switch, variations of the grip  1441  are contemplated. For example, rather than an indent the grip  1441  may comprise a protrusion. Similarly, although the switch  1440  is illustrated as requiring lateral movement along the bottom surface of the panel to switch the wheels from a retracted position to an open position and back, it is contemplated that switch  1440  may be a push button rather than a slide, and the button may be positioned on the bottom or side of the bottom panel  1400 . 
         [0064]    While  FIG. 14A  illustrates a bottom panel of a tote bag with wheels in a retracted position,  FIG. 14B  illustrates a bottom panel of a tote bag with wheels in an extended or open position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 14B , bottom panel  1400  may comprise a bottom surface  1410 , as well as side surfaces  1411 ,  1412 . Bottom panel  1400  may further comprise a plurality of cavities or indents  1420 , in which wheels  1430  may reside when in a retracted position. As shown in  FIG. 14B , however, wheels  1430  may be seen extending from the cavities  1420 . Moreover, bottom panel  1400  may comprise a switch  1440  that may be disposed on any side surface ( 1411 ,  1412 ), but is shown on side surface  1412 . Switch  1440  may be used to switch the wheels from a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 14A ) to an open position (as shown in  FIG. 14B ) and back. 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIGS. 15A and 15B  a bottom panel of a tote bag  1500  comprising a bottom surface  1510  and side surfaces  1511 . Bottom panel  1500  may further comprise switch  1540  that may be used to select by the user a position of the wheels (either retracted or open). With reference to  FIG. 15A , when the wheels are in a retraced a door  1550  may enclose the wheels. Note that while  FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrated wheels that pivot about a hinge,  FIGS. 15A and 15B  depict wheels that are raised or lowered from the cavities in which they reside. Accordingly, doors  1550  may be used to close the cavity when the wheels are retracted to provide a smooth, substantially flat bottom surface of the tote bag. Note that proximate to doors  1550 , the bottom surface may include a smaller indentation  1551  into which doors  1550  may slide when the wheels are in an open position. Note that switch  1540  is shown in a closed position. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 15B , the wheels  1530  are depicted in an open position. Doors  1550  are slide away from the wheel cavity  1520  and into the indentation  1551 . Note that switch  1540  is shown in an open position, with the switch  1540  pushed laterally towards the bottom panel  1500 . 
         [0067]    So far, the optional wheels of the tote bag have been discussed as having the ability to retract out of the way. With reference to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , a bottom panel  1600  of a tote bag will now be discussed in which wheels may be rigidly fixed in a useable position. Bottom panel  1600  may comprise a bottom surface  1610  that may in turn comprise one or more cavities  1620 . One or more wheels  1630  may be disposed in one or more cavities  1620 . Note that wheels may be rigidly fixed, or may have limited caster ability, or may be full swivel casters. With reference to  FIG. 16B  a side view of bottom panel  1600  may be seen. Again, bottom panel  1600  may comprise one or more cavities  1620  and one or more wheels  1630  disposed in cavities  1620 . The side view depicted in  FIG. 16B  shows that wheels  1630  extend a distance  1640  beyond the bottom surface of the bottom panel. This clearance may be sized sufficient to provide ground clearance while not having the wheels protrude from the bottom panel so much as to be inconvenient or in the way of normal tote bag use. 
         [0068]    Several ways to attach the wheels to the tote bag are contemplated by present invention. Earlier figures depicted the wheels attached to a pivot or hinge.  FIGS. 16 and 17  show wheels that may be individually attached inside of individual cavities.  FIG. 18  depicts an arrangement wherein wheels may be attached to a panel that is then inserted into a second panel with one or more cavities. Each of these configurations—and any other variation, deviation, or modification therefrom—are contemplated by the present invention. 
         [0069]      FIG. 17  illustrates a bottom panel  1700  of a tote bag, showing the inside section of the wheel cavities and bottom surface. Bottom panel  1700  may comprise a bottom surface  1710  in which may be extruded portions  1720 . Extruded portions  1720  may from, when viewed from the bottom, the cavities into which the wheels may be disposed. In order to provide a smooth surface in the bottom of the tote bag, a floor panel  1770  may be used. Floor panel  1770  may be sized to fit inside the bottom panel  1700  and sit atop the extruded portions  1720 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 18A  illustrates a panel  1810  onto which one or more wheels  1830  may be attached. Again, wheels may be rigidly attached, or may have limited for full caster abilities. Panel  1810  may further comprise attachments  1840 . Attachments  1840  may be hooks, latches, or any other sort of fastener used to attach multiple items. Attachments  1840  may be used to set the height of the panel  1810 —and therefore the wheels—in a bottom panel  1811  of a tote bag. 
         [0071]      FIG. 18B  shows a bottom platform  1811  into which the panel  1810  can be inserted. Bottom platform  1811  may comprise a plurality of openings  1820  into which the wheels  1830  may be inserted. Bottom platform  1811  may also comprise internal clips or fasteners  1841  that may selectively engage and disengage with attachments  1840 . With reference to  FIGS. 18B and 18C , internal clips or fasteners  1841 ,  1842 , may allow the panel  1810  to be positioned at either a raised or lowered position in bottom platform  1811 . The result of such modification of positioning is that the wheels  1830  may protrude from the cavities  1820  (when the panel  1810  is in the bottom position) or the wheels  1830  may be withdrawn into the cavities  1820  (when the panel  1810  is in the upper position). 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , a tote bag  1900  in a collapsed and extended position will now be discussed.  FIG. 19A  depicts a tote bag  1900  comprising, in general, a main body  1910 , a bottom surface or panel  1920 , carrying elements  1930  (such as handles or straps), various pockets and storage elements  1940 , attachment points for other straps or handles  1950 , and a telescopic support bar  1960 , and a control button  1970 . 
         [0073]    The telescopic support bar  1960  may comprise a switch or button  1962  that may be used to release the telescopic support bar  1960  so that it can extend to its full length. Telescopic support bar may be present on one side of the tote bag  1900 , or on various sides or surfaces of the tote bag  1900 . 
         [0074]    Control button  1970  may be used to select a wheel position by a user. The wheels may be selectively positioned in a retracted or extended position. With reference to  FIG. 19B  the tote bag  1900  can be seen in an extended position, with an additional body cavity  1911  located below the main body  1910 . The additional body cavity  1911  may be enclosed by a solid material (for example, canvas, nylon, leather, etc.) or may be enclosed by a mesh material, as depicted in  FIG. 19B . The tote bag  1900  may remain in the extended position due to the telescopic support bar  1960 , which may further comprise telescopic portion  1961 , which may provide support to the additional body cavity  1911 . Moreover, wheels  1980  may protrude from the bottom panel  1920  so that a fully laden tote bag may be easier to maneuver. Optional lanyard  1951  is also illustrated. 
         [0075]    Comparing  FIG. 19A  to  FIG. 19B , it can be seen that the tote bag  1900  can be quite compact and stylish when in a collapsed position, but can offer additional storage and cavity space when in an expanded position. Variations on the design of the tote bag  1900 , as well as the different cavities, pockets, storage areas, zippers, etc. are contemplated by the present invention. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  similarly illustrate a tote bag  2000  in a collapsed position (as shown in  FIG. 20A ) and in an expanded position (as shown in  FIG. 20B ).  FIG. 20A  depicts a tote bag  2000  comprising, in general, a main body  2010 , a bottom surface or panel  2020 , carrying elements  2030  (such as handles or straps), various pockets and storage elements  2040 ,  2041 , attachment points for other straps or handles  2050 , and a telescopic support bar  2060 . 
         [0077]    The telescopic support bar  2060  may comprise a switch or button  2062  that may be used to release the telescopic support bar  2060  so that it can extend to its full length. Telescopic support bar may be present on one side of the tote bag  2000 , or on various sides or surfaces of the tote bag  2000 . 
         [0078]    With reference to  FIG. 20B  the tote bag  2000  can be seen in an extended position, with an additional body cavity  2011  located below the main body  2010 . The additional body cavity  2011  may be enclosed by a solid material (for example, canvas, nylon, leather, etc.) or may be enclosed by a mesh material, as depicted in  FIG. 20B . The tote bag  2000  may remain in the extended position due to the telescopic support bar  2060 , which may further comprise telescopic portion  2061 , which may provide support to the additional body cavity  2011 . Again, note that the tote bag  2000  may be designed with any number and arrangement of storage pockets or elements. Pockets and elements  2040 ,  2041 ,  2042  are depicted as exemplary only. 
         [0079]    With reference to  FIGS. 21A-21D , a tote bag  2100  in a collapsed and extended position will now be discussed.  FIG. 21A  depicts a tote bag  2100  in a collapsed position, comprising, in general, a main body  2110 , a bottom surface or panel  2120 , carrying elements  2130  (such as handles or straps), various pockets and storage elements  2140 , and a telescopic support bar  2150 . 
         [0080]    The telescopic support bar  2150  may comprise a switch or button  2151  that may be used to release the telescopic support bar  2150  so that it can extend to its full length. Telescopic support bar  2150  may be present on one side of the tote bag  2100 , or on various sides or surfaces of the tote bag  2100 . 
         [0081]    With reference to  FIG. 21C , the tote bag  2100  can be seen in an extended position, with an additional body cavity  2111  located below the main body  2110 . The additional body cavity  2111  may be enclosed by a solid material (for example, canvas, nylon, leather, etc.) or may be enclosed by a mesh material. The tote bag  2100  may remain in the extended position due to the telescopic support bar  2150 , which may further comprise telescopic portion (not illustrated), which may provide support to the additional body cavity  2011 . Moreover, with reference to  FIG. 21D , wheels  2160  may protrude from the bottom panel  2120  so that a fully laden tote bag may be easier to maneuver. Note that wheels  2160  may be positioned on only one side of the tote bag  2100 , much like wheels on luggage, while the opposing side of the tote bag  2100  may be supported by a foot or other protrusion  2170 . 
         [0082]    Again, comparing  FIG. 21A  to  FIG. 21C , it can be seen that the tote bag  2100  can be quite compact and stylish when in a collapsed position, but can offer additional storage and cavity space when in an expanded position. And again, variations on the design of the tote bag  2100 , as well as the different cavities, pockets, storage areas, zippers, etc. are contemplated by the present invention. 
         [0083]    It is noted above, and again emphasized, that tote bags in accordance with the present invention can take a variety of shapes and/or designs.  FIG. 22  illustrates a tote bag  2200  shown in a collapsed position. Tote bag  2200  may be similar to a briefcase design, and may include various elements discussed above. Tote bag  2200  may comprise various telescopic supports  2250  that may be positioned on each side. Note that such telescopic supports  2250  may be covered by gusseted material  2260  to allow for expansion of the bag in different directions. The tote bag  2200  may further comprise a bottom panel  2220  that may be equipped with option wheels. 
         [0084]    It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense, and that the scope of the invention will be solely determined by the appended claims.