Patent Publication Number: US-2007102253-A1

Title: Pet carrier with wheels

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This is a continuation in part application of Ser. No. 11/403,430, filed Apr. 13, 2006, entitled “Pet Carrier with Wheels”, which is a Continuation in Part of Ser. No. 11/340,303, filed Jan. 26, 2006, entitled, “Collapsible Storage and Carrying Case”, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 11/117,100 filed Apr. 28, 2005, entitled “Collapsible Storage and Carrying Case”, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 10/393,329 filed Mar. 20, 2003 entitled “Collapsible Storage and Carrying Case”, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 09/968,360 filed Oct. 1, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,592) entitled, Collapsible Storage and Carrying Case, all for which priority is claimed and all of which are incorporated herewith by reference.  
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      In a principal aspect, the present invention relates to a class of luggage items, bags, and containers, wherein the luggage item, bag or container is generally comprised of flexible material such as fabric, canvas or leather and further wherein the item, container or bag includes a telescoping handle, wheels and may include a removable, supplemental, reinforcing bottom plate for maintaining the shape and general configuration of the flexible bag or may include a generally rigid bottom panel or a flexible bottom panel incorporating elements that facilitate maintaining the form, shape or configuration of the bottom panel.  
      Use of a flexible bag, container or luggage item is often preferred inasmuch as such items are more easily stored because often they can be folded or made compact when not in use. Additionally, such items are typically lighter in weight. Also, because soft-sided luggage items, containers or bags have flexible sides, they may be used to hold and transport uniquely shaped items that could not be easily placed and stored in a hard-sided luggage item or container. Further, flexible bags are often more economical to manufacture and easier to move or transport. Additionally, bags of this type are often used to transport a pet. As such, bags of this type may be constructed to cooperate with a vehicle seat belt to restrain the bag or pet carrier.  
      Despite their many desirable characteristics, flexible containers, bags or luggage items are often difficult to construct with a telescoping handle and wheels which facilitate ease of transport, particularly when the luggage item, container or bag is large. Thus, there has developed a need to provide flexible or soft-sided luggage items, containers or bags which have certain characteristics typically associated with hard-sided luggage, including the characteristic of being susceptible to incorporation of a telescoping handle and transport wheels. Additionally, such luggage items desirably include designs which facilitate their packaging for display and/or shipment. Finally, when such bags or luggage items are to be used for transport of a pet, the bag construction must necessarily be adequately sturdy to insure that when held by a seat belt in a vehicle, the integrity of the bag will be maintained upon being subjected to the stress of forces placed upon it in the event of a sudden stop or crash.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly, the present invention comprises in one embodiment a collapsible luggage item made from a flexible bag with a back side panel and a flexible bottom panel which enables compaction for storage when not in use. A telescoping handle is affixed to the back side panel of the bag and more particularly to a rigid bracket positioned at the juncture of the flexible side and bottom panels. The flexible bottom panel of the bag is designed to incorporate a removable, supplemental, rigid bottom panel or plate. The supplemental bottom panel or plate is capable of slidably engaging the rigid bracket member positioned at the juncture of the flexible side panel and the flexible bottom panel. When engaged, The rigid, supplemental bottom panel provides a means to reinforce and maintain the flexible bottom panel when fully open or not compacted to thereby facilitate maintenance of the full shape of the container, luggage item, or bag for use to pack and store items. The supplemental, rigid, attachable and detachable bottom panel may easily be stored within the bag or container when not in use, yet may be easily attached to the flexible bottom panel and rigid bracket when the luggage item is to be used.  
      Various embodiments are depicted including an embodiment for carriage of tools, an embodiment comprising an insulated cooler, an embodiment which incorporates an internal frame that may be incorporated with the flexible side panel, an embodiment that serves as a pet carrier, car seat, backpack and pet bed, as well as other alternative embodiments.  
      A derivative embodiment is useful as a pet carrier and includes a base panel, a back side panel with a telescoping handle, an enclosure formed by generally flexible side panels and a generally detachable front and top side panel that may be partially detached to enable multiple such carriers to be nested together for packaging, storage or shipment. The nesting carriers may be combined in various ways for packaging and when unpacked provide a wheeled pet carrier with mesh panels for access of air to a pet housed within the carrier.  
      Further, the pet carrier embodiment may include design features which enable cooperation with and retention by a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt retention feature includes supplemental reinforcement webbing on a back side panel of the bag or carrier positioned to instill placement of a seat belt through the webbing and behind the vertical tubes compromising the telescoping handle assembly. In addition, the system for attaching the telescoping handle assembly to the back panel of the bag is reinforced, and the front side panel also includes a reinforced webbing array in combination with a mesh to retain and cushion and animal within the bag that is jostled by a sudden stop or an impact of the vehicle. The embodiment therefore may not be conducive to nesting of multiple carriers.  
      Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved flexible bag which includes a telescoping handle and a supplemental or ancillary, rigid or stiff bottom panel cooperative with a bracket that supports the telescoping handle.  
      It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved flexible bag construction which has multiple embodiments including an embodiment as a tool carrier, an insulated container, a duffel bag, a pet carrier or a golf bag, among others.  
      Yet another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive, rugged, easily stored, yet easily assembled soft-sided flexible luggage item, container or bag.  
      An additional object of the invention is to provide a ventilated pet carrier having a telescoping handle, transport wheels and the capability of nested assembly with other like carriers.  
      Another object of the invention is to provide a pet carrier which may be engaged by a seat belt for retention in a seat of a vehicle even when subjected to a sudden stop or impact.  
      These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
      In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures:  
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a bag designed specifically for carrying tools;  
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the bag of  FIG. 1  as viewed from the back side or opposite side depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the bag of  FIG. 1  as viewed from the underside or bottom side thereof depicting a rigid supplemental or auxiliary bottom panel or plate which is used to maintain the configuration of the bag when it is assembled and ready for use;  
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the invention useful as a tool or implement holder and incorporating a telescoping handle, wheels and a supplemental bottom panel to maintain the shape or configuration of the container or bag;  
       FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  depicting the assembly of the supplemental or ancillary or auxiliary bottom panel with the container or bag;  
       FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric view of the bag of  FIG. 4  depicting the manner of assembly of an internal frame which is used in combination with the flexible bag comprising the container;  
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the frame used in the construction depicted in  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a duffel bag which incorporates a rigid supplemental or ancillary or auxiliary bottom panel in combination with a telescoping handle;  
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a golf bag or sport carrying case which incorporates features of the invention;  
       FIG. 10  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the invention depicting an insulating bag in a collapsed condition;  
       FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a rigid, supplemental bottom panel utilized in combination with the collapsed bag of  FIG. 10 ;  
       FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of the bag of  FIG. 10  and the rigid, supplemental rigid bottom panel or plate;  
       FIG. 13  is an isometric view depicting the placement of the rigid, supplemental bottom plate for the bag of  FIG. 10 ;  
       FIG. 14  is another isometric view of the bottom side of the bag of  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the bag of  FIG. 10  in the fully expanded condition;  
       FIG. 16  is an isometric view depicting the interior configuration and arrangement in the bag of  FIG. 15 ;  
       FIG. 17  is an isometric view of alternative embodiment of the invention which is especially designed for use as a pet or animal carrier;  
       FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17  further including a construction which maintains and facilitates maintenance of the configuration of the flexible bag;  
       FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17  illustrating the manner of attachment of the supplemental bottom panel which is a rigid panel to the flexible bottom panel of the flexible bag;  
       FIG. 20  is an isometric view of the first side panel of the embodiment of  FIG. 17  illustrating the telescoping handle and supplemental carrying straps which enable utilization of the bag as a backpack;  
       FIG. 21  is an isometric view of the first side of the backpack configuration shown in  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 22  illustrates a further feature of the construction of the backpack version of the bag;  
       FIG. 23  illustrates yet a further feature of the backpack animal carrier version of the bag;  
       FIG. 24  is a front side isometric view of an embodiment of a luggage item for carrying pets;  
       FIG. 25  is a back side isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 ;  
       FIG. 26  is a front side isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24  wherein the front flap of the enclosure is open;  
       FIG. 27  is a back side isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24  illustrating the incorporation of an animal leash;  
       FIG. 28  is an exploded isometric view illustrating the construction of the animal restraint leash of  FIG. 24 ;  
       FIG. 29  is an isometric view of a multiple number of the embodiment of  FIG. 24  in a stacked configuration for storage or shipment;  
       FIG. 30  is an isometric view illustrating an alternative stacking arrangement for embodiments of the type shown in  FIG. 24 ;  
       FIG. 31  is an isometric view illustrating a further alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the carrier is designed as a pet carrier which is cooperative with a seat belt of a vehicle;  
       FIG. 32  is an isometric view of the backside of the carrier of  FIG. 31  depicting the position of a seat belt engaged with and cooperative with the carrier;  
       FIG. 33  is an isometric view illustrating the manner in which a bracket for attaching a telescoping handle assembly is fastened to the back side panel of the carrier of  FIG. 31 ;  
       FIG. 34  is a front side elevation of a carrier of  FIG. 33 ; and  
       FIG. 35  is an alternative view of the construction for fastening a bracket to the teleoscoping tubes comprising the telescoping handle for the carrier of the embodiment of  FIG. 31 .  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION  
       FIGS. 1, 2  and  3  illustrate a first embodiment of the invention as incorporated in a wide mouth tool bag. The bag is fabricated from leather, canvas, or other flexible fabric and includes a front side  20 , a back side  22 , a first lateral side  24  and a second lateral side  26 . External pouches or pockets such as pockets  28  and  30  are provided on the outside face of front side  20 , for example. Lateral side  24  also includes flexible pockets or pouches  32  and  34 . Typically, the pouches or pockets  28 ,  30 ,  32  and  34  are formed from flexible material with folds and an open top so that the pockets or pouches are expandable for support and retention of tools or the like.  
      The embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3  further includes a top opening  41  with a zipper  40  for access to the interior of the bag. The lateral sides  24  and  26  are folded adjacent the top zipper opening  41  and when the zipper  40  is open, then the access to the interior of the bag is a wide mouth opening. A first handle  42  and a second handle  44  are stitched to the opposite panel sides  20  and  22  and are joined by means of a handle grip member  46 . The handle grip member  46  may be released so that the handles  42  and  44  are no longer connected or joined thereby enhancing access to the interior of the bag. Auxiliary carrying strap  18  may also be stitched to the bag and more particularly, to the front panel  20  and back panel  22 . The construction of the bag so far described is generally typical of soft-sided wide mouth carrying bags.  
      The invention relates particularly to the combination of a telescoping handle, wheels, and a rigid, supplemental or ancillary bottom plate which together enable the bag to be provided with structural integrity, yet when the auxiliary bottom panel is removed, permits the bag to be folded or compacted for ease of storage, transport or the like.  
      Thus, the bag includes a telescoping handle  50  which has, or includes, first and second spaced telescoping bars or rods  52  and  54  connected by handle member  56 . The telescoping bars or rods  52  and  54  comprise a series of sections which telescope into vertical housings  60  and  62  mounted on a cross bracket  64  adjacent a connection or junction  66  between back panel  22  and a bottom panel  23 . The juncture  66  thus defines the transition between back panel  22  and bottom panel  23 . The bracket  64  accommodates a first wheel  68  and a second wheel  70  spaced apart one from each other at the juncture  66 . With this construction, the telescoping handle  50  may be expanded to enable carriage or transport of the bag on the wheels of  68 ,  70 . In the embodiment depicted, the telescoping handle  50  fits or is retained by means of a panel  80  forming a portion of a pouch on the side  22  of the bag. The telescoping handle  50  stiffens or renders generally rigid at least a portion of the back side  22 . The bracket  64  reinforces or renders rigid the juncture  66 .  
      The bracket  64  includes a horizontally extending section  82  which is fastened to the flexible bottom panel  23 . The section  82  extends from the juncture  66  forwardly for approximately 1-3 inches and is preferably made from a rigid material such as a molded plastic material. The rigid partial panel or section  82  includes a first pocket or receptacle  90  and a second space pocket or receptacle  92  which will be described in greater detail hereinafter.  
      As depicted in  FIG. 3 , an auxiliary or supplemental, rigid, flat planar generally rectangular bottom plate  96  is provided to cooperate with the bottom panel  23  and the bracket  64 . More specifically, the supplemental bottom panel  96  includes a molded plastic foot construction  98  with a first molded foot  100  and a second spaced molded foot  102  attached together by means of a cross bar  104 . Extending transversely from the feet  100  and  102  are bayonet members  109  and  111 . The bayonet members  109  and  111  include leading prongs which fit into the pockets or receptacles  90  and  92 , respectively, and are retained therein by or as a result of a fastening hook and loop mechanism including the loop strip  110  and strip  112  on the bottom side  23  of the bag or container. Compatible with the loop strip  110  and  112  are similar aligned hook strips  114  and  116 . Engaging the hook and loop mechanism (typically Velcro fastener) can be accomplished by sliding the bayonet connections or members  109  and  111  into their respective pockets  90  and  92 . The bottom panel  96  thus is retained in a fixed or locked configuration by means of a fastening means, i.e., strips  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116 .  
      In this manner, the auxiliary plate or member  96  may be easily removed from engagement with the bag or attached thereto and retained to provide a means for stiffening the bottom panel  23 . However, the rigid supplemental or ancillary bottom panel  96  may be easily removed as necessary by disengaging the hook and loop fasteners  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  and sliding the bayonet connections  109 ,  111  from engagement with the pockets  90 ,  92 . With the described construction, therefore, the bottom panel  96  renders rigid and thus supports the flexible bag and its contents. By helping to form or shape the bag, it is possible to more efficiently store materials in the bag. Further, because the bag is made more rigid, the utilization of a telescoping handle and wheels associated therewith is rendered possible and more functional. The internal contents of the bag may also be more easily contained and accessed with such a construction.  
       FIGS. 4-7  illustrate an alternative embodiment. The embodiment of  FIGS. 4-7  is directed to a construction wherein a tool carrier is comprised of, and has the form of, an open top bag which is fitted over a frame. Referring to the Figures, the container or bag includes an outside circumferential panel  120 , which is made from a flexible material such as canvas or fabric, and a flexible bottom panel  122 . The bottom panel  122  is joined to the side panel  120  along a seam, juncture or junction  124 . In a manner similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the bottom juncture  124  receives a bracket  126  which supports wheels  128  and  130  as well as a transverse generally horizontal flat planar, supplemental and removable rigid bottom plate  132 . The bottom plate  132  supports bracket  126  to which a telescoping handle  134  is attached in a fashion similar to that as depicted in embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . Also attached or affixed to the bottom  122  is a hook and loop fastener mechanism  137 . The fastener mechanism  137  is spaced from the bracket  126 . The bracket  126  includes a first pocket  136  and a second pocket  138  which are adapted to receive bayonet projections  140  and  142 , respectively, affixed to the outside face  144  of a supplemental or ancillary bottom plate  146 . The bayonet connectors  140  and  142  are part of a foot bracket  148  which is affixed to the outside face  144  of the plate  146 . The foot bracket  148  includes a cross member  150  and a first foot  152  as well as a second spaced foot  154  attached thereto. The bayonet members  140  and  142  fit into the pockets  136  and  138 , respectively and are retained thereby by the fastening means (strip)  137  which works in combination with a fastening means (strip)  135  on the inside surface of the plate  146 . In this manner, the bottom panel  122  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-7  is made rigid or reinforced.  
      The embodiment further includes, as depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an internal side panel flap  170  which is stitched to, or joined to, the outside panel  120  along a top edge  171  of the panel  120 . A frame is comprised of a first or top ring member  172 , a second lower closed loop frame member  174  and connecting, longitudinal members  176 ,  178 ,  180  and  182 . The frame members  176 ,  178 ,  180  and  182  may all be assembled by being snap fitted into brackets such as bracket  184  associated with ring member  172  and bracket connecting member  178 . The ring members  172 ,  174  and longitudinal members  176 ,  178 ,  180 ,  182  thus are used to form a frame which fits on the inside of the passage or opening defined by the fabric panels  120  and  170  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . Thereafter, the panel  170  may be folded downwardly from the top edge  171  over the frame so as to form an open container or bucket with panels of the type depicted in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 7  illustrates in greater detail the assembly of the frame comprising the rings  172  and  174  as well as the bracket or longitudinal brace members  178 ,  180 ,  176 , and  182 . In a preferred embodiment, all of the members are snap fitted together. The ring member, such as ring member  172 , may be made from a flexible plastic material which is joined to form a loop by means of a fastener or brace  190 . Ring  174  may be assembled or fashioned in the same manner. The formed container may include various storage pouches of the type illustrated in  FIG. 4  along with a carrying strap, such as strap  192 , again illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  
      With the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-7 , a telescoping handle  134  is provided and engages against and provides a stiffening component with respect to the enclosed fabric panel  120 . Additionally, the supplemental or auxiliary bottom plate  146  in combination with the bracket  126  and the telescoping handle  134  provide a means for reinforcing or providing shape to the open topped container illustrated in  FIGS. 4-7 . The construction of the wheels  128  and  130  in combination with the feet  152  and  154  provide that the assembled components will maintain the contents of the bag or container in a level condition. This is based on a diameter and sizing of the wheels  128 ,  130 , as well as the size of feet  152  and  154 . The lower panel  146  is retained in position by virtue of the engagement of the bayonet connectors  140  and  142  held by the fasteners  136  and  138  in their appropriate position.  
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate additional items or products which may incorporate the features of the invention.  FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a duffel bag which is comprised of a flexible fabric, leather, or the like in most instances. Duffel bag  200  includes a telescoping handle  202  and wheels  204  as well as a removable, rigid bottom plate or panel (not shown) with feet  207  to support the duffel. Note that the opening to the duffel bag in this circumstance is on the side of the bag, or in other words, in the side panel.  
       FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of the invention as incorporated in a golf bag. The golf bag of  FIG. 9  may comprise a construction similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4-7  wherein the bag is formed on frame members (not shown) which cooperate with the side panels  93  forming the bag. A telescoping handle  95 , wheels  97  and a stiffening auxiliary or supplemental bottom panel are also provided.  
       FIGS. 10 through 16  illustrate another alternative embodiment of the invention. A collapsible bag  201 , when expanded has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. Thus, bag  201  includes a front panel  202  and a first collapsed side panel  204  in opposition to a second, collapsed, side panel (not shown in  FIG. 10 ). The collapsed bag  201  further includes a back panel  206  and a collapsed bottom panel  208 . A rigid bracket  210  is provided at the junction or connection of the front panel  202  to the bottom panel  208 . The bracket  210  supports wheels  212  and  214  as well as a stiff or rigid bracket plate  216  that fits over a small section of the compacted bottom panel  208 . The bracket  210  further includes and supports a telescoping handle  218  shown in  FIG. 15 . Further, the bracket  210  includes a first prong reception pocket  220  and a second prong reception pocket  222  formed on the bracket  210 . A foam or light plastic cleat  224  includes prongs (not shown) that fit within the bracket pockets, passages, or openings  220  and  222 . In this manner, the bag  201  may be displayed and supported vertically upright by the wheels  212  and  214  as well as the cleat  224 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 11 , a bottom panel  230  comprises a rigid, supplemental generally rectangular plate with a hook and loop fastener  232  along the outer edge thereof and with a foot assembly  234  attached to the bottom side thereof. The foot assembly  234  includes first and second horizontal prongs  236  and  238 . The prongs  236  and  238  engage with or slide into the pockets  220  and  222 , respectively, as depicted in  FIG. 12 . Then as depicted in  FIG. 13 , the side  204  and the opposite side (not numbered) of the bag  201  may be expanded as may be the bottom side  208  of the bag. The plate,  230  may then be positioned as shown with the prongs  236  and  238  within the openings or passages  220  and  222 . A flap  240 , with a hook and loop fastener  242 , may then be folded over and engage the hook and loop fastener  232  of panel or plate  230 . This will hold the bottom plate  230  tightly in position thereby forming the bottom  208  of the bag  201 . The flap  240  thus is stitched to or attached to the front panel  202  of the bag  201 . The flap  240  thus will fold over and hold the rigid plate  230  in position tightly against bottom panel  208  as depicted in  FIG. 14 .  
      The foot assembly  234  includes a first foot  244  and a laterally spaced second foot  246  which facilitate support of the bag  201  in a level condition inasmuch as the foot  244  and  246  are aligned support the bag  201  along with the wheels  212  and  214 . Thus, the rigid supplemental plate or bottom panel  230  provides a multiplicity of functions. It renders the bottom of the bag  201  rigid and maintains the shape of the bottom of the bag. It engages the bracket  210  and in combination therewith provides a means for maintaining the bag  201  in a level supported condition. The panel or plate  230  when removed permits compaction of the bag or case  200  for ease of storage and transport as well as to facilitate display. In this regard, the openings or bracket passages  220  and  222  have a duel function of providing a temporary support for cleat  224  as well as cooperating with the rigid plate  230 .  
       FIG. 15  depicts the manner in which the bag  201  is supported by means of the wheels  212 ,  214  and the plate  230 .  FIG. 16  illustrates in further detail the interior of the bag  201 . The bag is a wide mouth bag similar to the bag depicted in  FIG. 1 , for example.  
       FIGS. 17-23  illustrate yet a further embodiment of the invention which is especially useful as a pet or animal carrier. The embodiment includes a flexible bag  300  having a generally flexible bottom panel  302  with a dual wheel assembly  304  affixed to the flexible bottom panel  302  and to the first side panel  306  as depicted, for example, in  FIG. 20 . A rigid plate supplemental bottom wall panel  308  includes first and second spaced bayonet members  310  and  312  which are cooperative with receptacles  314  and  316 , respectively, in bottom panel  302  to hold the plate  308  in position against the flexible bottom on bottom panel  302  of the bag  300 . A strip of fastening material  318  is provided along upper edge  320  of the panel  308 . The fastening material  318  cooperates with a fastening band  322  as illustrated in  FIG. 19  as well as in FIG.  18  to retain the supplemental bottom panel  308  in position, again as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 .  
      The flexible bottom side panel  302  is connected to the flexible front side panel  324 . In the preferred embodiment of the example of  FIGS. 17-23 , the second or front side panel  324  includes a first mesh panel  326  and a second mesh panel  328 . The mesh panels  326  and  328  are attached to front panel  324  by means of a zipper mechanism  330  and  332 , respectively, thereby enabling at least partial opening of the panels  326  and/or  328  for access through front panel  324  to the interior of the bag.  
      A wire loop or other rigid member  334  may be inserted into a pouch  336  also attached to and forming a part of the front side or front panel  324 . The wire loop or reinforcing member  334  extends for the full distance between lateral sides  340  and  342  of the front panel  324  thereby providing for a means to maintain the form and shape of the bag particularly when the supplemental rigid bottom panel  308  is in position as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 18 . The embodiment of the figures is especially useful as an animal carrier inasmuch as the mesh panel  328 , for example, may be opened and a pet or animal placed within the carrier. The mesh penal  328  may then be closed to retain the animal in position or alternatively partially opened so that the animal may have access to the exterior of the bag.  
      The first side panel, or in other words the back panel,  306  of the embodiment includes a strap assembly which is useful for carrying of the bag in the form of a backpack. Referring to the figures, therefore, and in particular  FIGS. 20-23 , the back side panel  306  includes a pouch  350  into which a first adjustable length strap  352  and a second adjustable second strap  354  are inserted. The straps  352  and  354  extend from or adjacent the top of the back side panel  306  to the lower edge  356  of the bag. The straps  252  and  254  may be attached at any convenient place adjacent the lower edge or side  356  of the bag. In this manner as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 22 , the straps  352  and  354  may be fully removed from the pouch  350  and adjusted in length so that that the backpack may be carried in the manner of a traditional backpack with an animal retained therein and having access through the mesh panel  328  previously described. Alternatively of course, the telescoping handle  360  may be extended and the wheels  362  and  364  relied upon as an alternative mode of transport of the animal carrier/backpack.  
      As a further feature of the embodiment of  FIGS. 17-23 , auxiliary vertical straps  370  and  372  are attached to the back side panel  306 . The straps  370  and  372  define loops through which a seatbelt  374  may be passed. In this manner the bag can be placed in a vehicle and retained in a desired and appropriate orientation and position with an animal housed therein and safely maintained and retained by virtue of the utilization of a seatbelt. When used as described in this particular mode and as depicted in  FIG. 21 , the straps  352  and  354  are fully placed within the pouch  350 . Thus, the embodiment of  FIGS. 17-23  may be utilized as an animal carrier, movable by the use of the telescoping handle and wheels. It may be utilized as a carrier having a backpack feature. Finally it may be utilized for retention of the bag in the environment of an automobile for purposes of travel wherein it is retained by a seatbelt to provide for enhanced safety of the animal retained within the bag.  
       FIGS. 24-30  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention in the form of a pet carrier. The disclosed embodiment of  FIGS. 24-30  is designed to accommodate packaging of the pet carriers by stacking or otherwise combining the carriers. Further, the described embodiment may incorporate an animal leash.  
      Thus, referring to  FIGS. 24-30 , the wheeled pet carrier includes a back side panel  1200  which has a generally rectangular configuration. A telescoping handle assembly  1202  is affixed to, or otherwise incorporated with, the backside panel  1200 . The telescoping handle assembly  1202  includes a dual wheel assembly  1204  which is positioned or attached to or adjacent lower edge  1206  of the back side panel  1200 . The pet carrier further includes a generally rigid bottom panel  1208  or flexible fabric covered panel with a support grid  1211  which is attached to the lower side of the back side panel  1200  and extends transversely therefrom to provide form and structural integrity to the bottom panel  1208 . A support skeg  1210  is affixed to the bottom panel  1208  to support the carrier in a generally balanced horizontal position with the bottom panel  1208  maintained horizontally supported by wheels  1205  of dual wheel assembly  1204  and the skeg  1210 . A carry handle  1228  is attached to the back side panel  1200  as an alternate means for transport or carrying of the bag construction or pet carrier.  
      The carrier further includes a first lateral side panel  1212  and a second spaced, generally parallel, lateral side panel  1214  forming, in part, an enclosure for a pet. A combination front and top side panel  1216  is hinged to the bottom panel  1208  along a front edge  1218  thereof so that the flexible front and top side panel  1216  may be folded to the open position as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Preferably, the upper half of the front and the top side panel  1216  is a mesh panel  1232  or sub panel to provide light and air for a pet which is retained within the carrier. A leash  1220  is affixed to the back side panel  1200  as described hereinafter.  
      The periphery of the front and top side panel  1216  includes a fastener mechanism such as a zipper  1222  which cooperates with a zipper mechanism  1224  along the lateral side edges  1223 ,  1225  of the lateral side panels  1212  and  1214  and further along a peripheral top edge  1226  of the back side panel  1200 . The zipper or fastener mechanism  1222  and  1224  may be closed to attach the front and top side panel  1216  in whole or part in the manner depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 25 .  
      In an embodiment, the lateral side edges  1223  and  1225  are generally straight linear sections connected to a smoothly arcuate top edge section  1226  which is formed to enable substantially complete opening of the top side of the carrier. Also, the fastener mechanism is inserted or sewn with a dual zipper control so that each side of the flap  1216  may be partially opened. This enables the opening of the top and optionally a part of the front of the carrier while the front of the carrier maintains a panel or wall section to hold a pet within the carrier enclosure enabling the pet (e.g. a dog or cat) to expose their head through the open top. The leash, described hereinafter, will help retain the pet when the top of the carrier is open.  
       FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate in greater detail the construction of the leash  1220 . The leash  1220  includes an elongate strap which extends through the layers of material  1240  and  1242  forming the back side panel  1200  so that a free end  1244  of the strap  1220  may be wrapped around a post  1246  of the telescoping handle  1202 . The strap  1220  terminates at its other, outer end with a buckle  1248  for attachment of a collar or leash of an animal. In this manner, the front panel  1216  may be opened, yet the animal or pet will be restrained and maintained in appropriate proximity to the carrier. Preferably, the band forming the leash  1220  is attached toward the upper end of the post  1246  so that the pet may be positioned upright within the carrier. However, the strap  1220  is sufficiently long so that the pet may assume a reclining position.  
      It is to be noted that the back side panel or side  1200  as well as the bottom side  1208  are generally rigid or semi-rigid so as to form the basis for the enclosure or carrier. The lateral sides  1212  and  1214  need not be as rigid. They may be rigid or semi-rigid or flexible. Preferably, they have some ability to accommodate movement and thus are at least somewhat flexible.  
      Of course, the front panel  1216  is foldable and may be folded outwardly as illustrated in  FIG. 26  or may be folded into the interior of the enclosure formed by the back wall  1200 , the lateral side walls  1212  and  1214 , and the bottom wall or panel  1208 . With this described construction, it is possible to stack multiple units of the carrier in various ways for purposes of storage, shipment and the like. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , the carriers or bags may be stored by opening the front panel  1216  and juxtaposing the bottom panels  1208  against each other. Alternatively, the bags or carriers may be stacked as depicted in  FIG. 29  wherein the bottom panels  1208  are arranged in opposition. That is, the top of one bag is placed against the bottom of a second bag. The described embodiment thus enables the combination of multiple bags for purposes of storage and shipment thereby saving the cost of shipping such products and the cost of storage of products at a warehouse facility, for example.  
       FIGS. 31-35  illustrate yet a further embodiment of the invention which is designed for carrying pets or small animals and, more particularly, for attachment thereof to a seat belt in order to protect the animal in the event of a sudden stop or crash. That is, the construction of the embodiment of  FIGS. 31-35  includes a construction for joining the tubular telescoping handle to the carrier bag in a manner which provides for reinforcement of the connection so that a sudden stop will not cause the seat belt and the carrier to become separated. Further, the front side panel of the carrier is designed to cushion the animal in the event of an impact or a sudden stop or other undesirable motion of the vehicle.  
      Referring therefore to  FIGS. 31-35 , the carrier has a construction similar to that depicted in the prior figures. More specifically, a back side panel  1400  is joined to a bottom panel  1402 . The panels are joined at a juncture or junction  1404  which is generally a right angle junction. The bottom panel  1402  may include a rigid panel or semi rigid panel encapsulated or alternatively, covered in part by fabric comprising the bottom panel  1402 . The embodiment further includes a first lateral side panel  1406  and an opposite side lateral panel  1408  each fabricated from a flexible fabric and/or mesh.  
      A telescoping handle construction  1430  is attached to the back side panel  1400 . The construction of the telescoping handle  1430  and the back side panel  1400  in combination with auxiliary members or braces, webbing and other materials, provides a reinforced back side panel designed to provide a construction that is adequately strong to be restrained by a seat belt, even when significant stresses are placed upon a the seat belt and thus on the carrier or bag. More specifically, the telescoping handle  1430  includes a lower, generally L shaped carriage or bracket member  1432  which is connected to the back side panel  1400  and the bottom side panel  1402 . The bracket  1432  includes a first wheel assembly  1434  and a second wheel assembly  1436 , attached thereto.  
      Extending vertically upwardly from the bracket assembly  1432  and affixed or attached or incorporated therewith and thereto is a first, vertical tubular member  1438  and a spaced, second, vertical tubular member  1440 . A handle  1442  may thus be engaged manually to withdraw telescoping tubular members, such as tubular members  1444  and  1446  from the first tube  1438  and second tube  1440 , simultaneously for wheeled transport of the carrier.  
      Typically, the back side panel  1400  includes layered fabric material  1450 ,  1451 . The fabric layers  1450 ,  1451  may cover or may encapsulate a reinforcing board or auxiliary member  1460 . The member  1460  extends at least between and is joined to or engaged with the spaced vertical, first and second tubular members  1438  and  1440 . The member  1460  may comprise a generally rigid plastic or a metal plate. Further, a cross brace  1462  is affixed to auxiliary support a bracket member  1463 . The bracket member  1463  is a horizontal bracket member and is positioned above the lower wheel bracket  1432  at the upper region of the back side panel  1400  above the arrangement described hereinafter related to the features for engaging a seat belt. The reinforcing bracket  1463  is attached to cross brace  1462  (typically made from a metal plate) and receives first and second fasteners each comprising a nut  1465  and bolt  1466  or  1468 . In this manner, the bracket  1463  is engaged and held in place by a combination of a metal plate or brace  1462 , an auxiliary support member  1460  and fasteners  1466  and  1468 .  
      Further, the back side panel  1400  includes a first vertical webbing material  1470  which is positioned adjacent the first vertical tubular member  1438 . A second vertical webbing  1472  is provided immediately adjacent the second vertical tube  1440 . Horizontal web members  1474  connect the top edges of the vertical webs  1470  and  1472  to the back side panel  1400 . A second lower horizontal web member  1476  connects the vertical web members  1470  and  1472  at their lower end to the back side panel  1400 . In this manner, a web or mesh of webs is provided to enhance reinforcing on the back side panel  1400 . The vertical web members  1470  and  1472  include slots defined between the fabric  1450  and webbing  1470 ,  1472  for receipt of a seat belt such as the seat belt  1480 . Thus, the seat belt  1480  may be slipped through the slots  1482  and  1484  under the webbing  1472  and  1470 , respectively and under the tubular members  1438 ,  1446 .  
      With the construction so depicted, the seat belt  1480  may be fastened and the combination of the tubular members  1438  and  1440  with the web members  1470  and  1472  as well as the lower brace  1432  for the telescoping handle  1444 , in combination with the cross brace member  1463  and attached components ensure that a seat belt  1480  will remain engaged with the carrier and that the integrity of the carrier is thereby preserved.  
      Other embodiments and alternative constructions of the invention are possible. The size and shape of the auxiliary or supplemental bottom panel may be varied. The number of wheels associated with the telescoping handle may be varied. The means for interconnecting the back panel with the bracket that supports the telescoping handle may be varied or altered all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.