Patent Description:
Packing cubes simplify the process of packing and unpacking. Typically, packing cubes are fabric bags structured as a cube/cuboid with a zip around three sides of the upper edge to define a liftable lid to allow access to inside the cube and to allow filling with clothes, accessories etc. The shape and form of a packing cube is similar to the shape and form of the suitcase in which it is to be received. The scale of the packing cube, compared to a suitcase, is smaller such that multiple cubes can be arranged inside the suitcase.

<CIT> discloses a garment bag, comprising the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Packing cubes facilitate tidier, more organised packing and typically allow a user to organise the contents of their luggage, in a manner such that finding and accessing the contents of a suitcase is much easier than packing directly into the suitcase.

Packing cubes are available in various sizes, for example, small, medium and large or can be defined by volume. This means a user can select a packing cube according to the objects/items to be packed in the cube and according to the size of the suitcase/bag in which the packing cube is to be inserted. It will be appreciated that, typically multiple packing cubes, all of the same size or of various sizes, can be filled with appropriate items and then organised in a suitcase to make efficient use of the space available and facilitates easy access to each packing cube and the contents therein.

To efficiently use packing cubes, as noted above, various sizes can be selected and each cube can be filled with clothes, electronics, toiletries etc..

Using packing cubes allows a user to choose a packing strategy and leads to better organised packing, where items are easily identified and easily accessed compared to a conventional suitcase; by adopting a packing strategy using packing cubes it is less likely that a user will overpack their suitcases.

An aspect of the present invention provides a container of flexible material comprising:.

The two side portions may be operable to be folded back on themselves to allow access to inside the body.

The closure member may extend across the base to a point proximate a rear wall, such that when the closure member is fully open the two side portions rotate relative to each other and towards the rear wall to provide access inside the body.

The fastener may comprise a hook. The fastener may comprise a G-hook. Alternatively, the fastener may comprise a buckle, for example a side release buckle, a cam buckle, belt buckle, a spring-loaded buckle etc. Alternatively, the fastener may comprise press studs or hook and loop fastener.

The fastener may be multi-functional in that it may, for example facilitate:.

A rear wall of the container may comprise an elongate spinal member, wherein the elongate spinal member extends from a point proximate the base to the uppermost edge of the body. The elongate spinal member may extend from a point at least partially across the base to the uppermost edge of the body.

The elongate spinal member may comprise an elongate piece of flexible material. The elongate piece of flexible material may be doubled to define a loop at a first end and a two-layer construction along its length to a second end. The first end comprising the loop may emerge proximate the uppermost edge to be external to the body. The fastener may be attached to the loop.

The second end may be secured to the body. The elongate spinal member may be secured to the body at least at both ends. The elongate spinal member may be secured to the body at least partially along its length.

The second end may extend to a point at least partially across the base. The second end may be secured to the base.

The elongate spinal member reinforces the container body, where the elongate spinal member carries load whilst the container is suspended from a hook, rail etc. In addition, the elongate spinal member reinforces the container body such that at least one other container or other item can be suspended from a hanging container.

At least a lower portion of the rear wall may include a reinforcing member which extends across substantially the width of the rear wall. The reinforcing member is operable to prevent crumpling of the packing capsule when resting on its base or when other packing capsules are suspended from the one or two or more loops.

The at least one strap may provide a suspension point for at least another container or another item to be suspended from the container.

The base portion of the rear wall may include a plurality of external straps, wherein one or more straps extend substantially vertically relative to the base, wherein each strap is secured at least at two points thereby defining a void between each strap and the base portion of the rear wall. Each strap may provide a suspension point for at least another container or another item to be suspended from the container. One or more straps may extend across the base portion.

An upper section of the rear wall may include a flexible loop external to the body proximate the uppermost edge. The flexible loop may emerge from the uppermost edge and is secured at one end to the body and includes a looped free end. The looped free end is configured to be engageable with the fastener thereby, when engaged, the fastener and looped free end create a doable and undoable loop, for example for hanging the container from a fixed object, such as a hanging rail. The flexible loop doubles as a handle by which the container can be easily handled or carried.

The container may comprise a columnar body, extending from the base.

A rear portion of the base may be substantially flat, thereby defining a substantially flat rear wall extending up from the base.

A substantially flat rear wall facilitates placement of the container in a suitcase or the like and also facilitates placement of the container to rest against a flat surface or to be hung against a flat surface.

The rear wall may be tapered from the base portion to the uppermost edge, wherein the uppermost edge is narrower than the base.

The body may include a substantially continuous front surface, which is defined by a slope, which transitions to a substantially vertical wall extending up from the base. Transition from the slope to the substantially vertical wall may be provided by a curved section thereby providing the continuous front surface. The closure member is located substantially central on the front surface.

The body may be manufactured from at least one layer of flexible material. The body may include a body liner and a body outer.

When used, the reinforcing member may be sandwiched between the body liner and body outer. When included, the spinal member may be sandwiched between the body liner and body outer.

The body, when the container/body is made from a single layer of fabric, may be manufactured from <NUM>% recycled polyester rip stop fabric. The body outer, when the body is made from at least a body outer and a body liner, may be manufactured from <NUM>% recycled polyester rip stop fabric. The <NUM>% recycled polyester rip stop fabric may be treated to be wipe-clean. The <NUM>% recycled polyester rip stop fabric may be treated to be waterproof.

It will be appreciated, the body or body outer may be manufactured from other fabrics/materials, for example leather, organic fabrics, PVC, waterproof treated fabrics, semi-transparent mesh fabric, breathable/wicking fabrics etc..

The body liner may be manufactured from <NUM>% recycled polyester artificial silk fabric. Other suitable fabrics for the body liner include: silk, cotton, rip-stop nylon, hemp cotton, cashmere, merino wool etc. The body liner may be manufactured from waterproofed material, for example PVC coated cotton such that moisture is contained within the container.

The container may further comprise internal compartments, partitions, pockets etc. The internal compartments, partitions or pockets allow objects to be arranged, organised and accessible.

The container may further comprise external compartments, pockets etc..

The container may comprise internal fasteners operable to restrain items located inside.

The container may further comprise a removable strap assembly, which includes at one end a fastener compatible with the fastener located at the uppermost edge of the rear wall and a fastener configured for forward or rear attachment to the container.

A container according to the first aspect of the present invention is configurable as a packing capsule for modular packing of a suitcase or the like.

The container, when used as a packing capsule is configured for efficient packing and unpacking a conventional suitcase. As a packing capsule, the arrangement of the front opening and the associated closure member means that the packing capsule does not require to be unpacked when removed from the suitcase because the base supports a packed packing capsule and the front opening facilitates access to the contents whilst the packing capsule stands on the base and without risk of the contents falling out.

The shape and form of the container is different from existing packing cubes and provides a more versatile packing solution than existing packing cubes.

The container according to the present invention may be used in other applications, for example industrial, medical, military, hobbyist, travel, household, etc..

Examples of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:.

<FIG> illustrate a container <NUM>, or bag, which is made of flexible material (as described further below). An example application of the container <NUM> is that it is configurable as a packing capsule for efficient packing of suitcases and the like (see <FIG>). The illustrated example of the container <NUM> can also be configured as a carry-bag, when combined with a suitable strap/strap assembly <NUM>, as illustrated and described further below with reference to <FIG>. A non-exhaustive list of alternative uses for the container <NUM> are described towards the end of this description.

In the illustrated example, the container <NUM> includes a substantially cylindrical body <NUM> which extends up from a base <NUM>.

The cylindrical body <NUM> defines an interior space configured to contain one or more objects (see <FIG>).

The interior space is accessed by a front opening, which is closed by a closure member <NUM>, which, in the illustrated example is provided by a zip. The closure member <NUM> extends from a point close to the base <NUM> and ends at a point close to the uppermost edge <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the rear wall <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> tapers from the base portion <NUM> to a narrowed uppermost edge <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the front surface <NUM> of the container <NUM> is, substantially continuous, tapering from the uppermost edge <NUM> and transitioning by curve <NUM> to a substantially vertical portion <NUM> of the front surface <NUM>, which extends to the base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM>, in the illustrated embodiment is the vertical section defined between the upper edge/seam-line <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

The closure member <NUM> is positioned substantially central to the front surface <NUM>.

The closure member <NUM>, when open provides access to the interior space and any contents therein. When opened, the front opening is defined by two side walls <NUM>, which fold back on themselves (see <FIG>) to provide maximum access to the interior space, whilst adequately retaining any contents.

The uppermost edge <NUM>, is formed by the junction of the rear wall <NUM> and the front surface <NUM>. A loop <NUM> emerges from the uppermost edge <NUM>. In the illustrated example a G-hook <NUM> is attached to the loop <NUM>.

The G-hook <NUM> is a fastener which when viewed resembles a letter G or a number <NUM>, where the lower closed/semi closed portion <NUM> of the G-shaped hook <NUM> is permanently attached to the container <NUM> via the loop <NUM> that passes through the lower closed/semi closed portion <NUM> of the G-shape.

The upper hooked portion <NUM> of the G-shaped hook <NUM> facilitates hanging the container <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>), securing the zip pull <NUM> (see <FIG>), reducing the size of the container <NUM> (see <FIG>) and converting the container <NUM> to a carry-bag (see <FIG>).

The container <NUM> includes reinforcing features to ensure longevity and to ensure that the container <NUM> has the required strength for hanging and for supporting other items or containers <NUM> hanging from it, as described further below with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the illustrated example, the base <NUM> is reinforced with piping <NUM> around the outer edge.

The base portion <NUM> is reinforced, at the rear, with a plastic insert <NUM> (shown in dotted lines in <FIG>). The rear wall <NUM> includes a reinforcing spine <NUM> (shown in dotted lines in <FIG>), which extends from the base <NUM> to the uppermost edge <NUM> and strengthens the container <NUM>, when it is suspended from, for example a hook or rail and when other items are suspended from the container <NUM> (as described further below).

In the illustrated example (see <FIG>), the base portion <NUM> includes three straps 42a, 42b, 42c extending from the base <NUM> to the upper edge/seam line <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>.

Each strap 42a, 42b, 42c is stitched to the body <NUM> of the container <NUM> at both ends and therefore each strap 42a, 42b, 42c defines a loop/sleeve which facilitates suspending other like containers <NUM> from the straps/loops 42a, 42b, 42c (see <FIG>, <FIG> and 9d). The central loop 42b also facilitates connection of a removable strap assembly <NUM>, which allows conversion of the container <NUM> to a carry-bag (see <FIG>).

The G-hook <NUM> can be used directly to hang the container <NUM> from a hook or loop (see <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, in the illustrated example, a further loop <NUM> is provided at the lower end of the closure member <NUM>. The loop <NUM> assists in pulling the side walls <NUM> together as the closure member i.e. the zip <NUM> is moved to close the front opening to retain objects inside the container body <NUM>. The loop <NUM> also allows front attachment of a strap assembly <NUM> to convert the container <NUM> to a carry-bag (see <FIG>).

In the illustrated example, the exterior fabric <NUM> of the container body <NUM> is manufactured from <NUM>% recycled polyester rip stop fabric.

The interior of the body <NUM> incudes lining material <NUM>, which is <NUM>% recycled polyester artificial silk fabric.

It will be appreciated, the container body <NUM> can be manufactured from other fabrics/materials, for example leather, organic fabrics, PVC, waterproof treated fabrics etc. Similarly, the lining material <NUM> could be something other than <NUM>% recycled polyester artificial silk fabric. Indeed, the container body <NUM> may not be lined.

An advantage of including a lining material <NUM> is that the reinforcement members <NUM>, <NUM> can be concealed/sandwiched between the exterior and interior fabric surfaces. This means that stitching along both sides of the reinforcing members <NUM>, <NUM> creates a region within which the reinforcing members <NUM>, <NUM> are retained/held in place whilst also concealing them.

In the illustrated example, the spine <NUM>, which reinforces the rear wall <NUM>, is webbing material that can be stitched in place i.e. the stitching passes through the exterior fabric <NUM>, the webbing material (spine <NUM>) and the lining <NUM> (if used) to ensure the spine <NUM> remains intact. It will be appreciated the spine <NUM> may be manufactured from a material other than webbing material, for example the spine <NUM> may be made of plastic or other suitable fabric. Similarly, the reinforcement in the base portion <NUM> may be made from materials other than plastic.

In the illustrated example the spine <NUM> is provided by an elongate piece of flexible material, which is folded to define the loop <NUM> at one end and a two-layer construction along its length to a second end. The looped end <NUM> emerges from the uppermost edge <NUM> and is external to the body <NUM>. The G-hook <NUM> is attached to the loop <NUM>.

The spine <NUM> is secured to the body <NUM> and acts to reinforce the container <NUM> such that any seams, the fabric of the body <NUM> and the closure member <NUM> are not subject to excessive loads when the container <NUM> is hanging (see <FIG>).

In the illustrated example, reinforcing stitches are used to secure the spine <NUM> to the body <NUM>, for example the spine <NUM> is secured to the base portion <NUM> using an arrangement of three rows of stitches i.e. top, middle and bottom relative to the base portion <NUM>.

Including a spine <NUM> and securing it to the body <NUM> means when the container <NUM> is hung directly from the G-Hook <NUM> or from the doable and undoable loop (described further below with reference to <FIG>), the weight of the container <NUM> is carried by the spine <NUM>. As noted above, including reinforcement reduces the risk of body material or any seams being overloaded and prevents premature tearing of the container body material.

<FIG> illustrate the function of the G-hook <NUM> and a rear loop <NUM>, independent of each other or in combination when they make a doable and undoable loop.

The rear loop <NUM> is provided on the rear of the body <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the rear loop <NUM> emerges from the uppermost edge <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The rear loop <NUM> is secured and reinforced by stitching it to the spine <NUM> as it emerges from the container <NUM>. This configuration means the container <NUM> can be hung directly from the rear loop <NUM> (see <FIG>), for example in situations where there is a large knob or hook, which is too large for engagement with the G-hook <NUM> directly.

The rear loop <NUM> facilitates hanging the container <NUM> independent of the G-hook <NUM> (see <FIG>). The rear loop <NUM> also doubles as a convenient carry handle or can be used to create a doable and undoable hanging loop in combination with the G-hook <NUM> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates engagement of the G-hook <NUM> and rear loop <NUM> to form a doable and undoable loop, As a doable and undoable hanging loop, the rear loop <NUM> passes over, for example a rail <NUM> and engages with the upper hooked portion <NUM> of the G-hook <NUM> to facilitate hanging the container <NUM> from the rail <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the assembly of the G-hook <NUM> engaging with a simple hook <NUM>, where the upper portion <NUM> of the G-hook <NUM> is received directly over the hook <NUM>; for example, the hook <NUM> may be provided on the rear of a door (not illustrated).

<FIG> illustrates a container <NUM> being suspended directly via the G-hook <NUM> from the central hanging loop 42b provided on the base portion <NUM> (to the rear) of another container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a container <NUM> being suspended directly from a rail <NUM> via the rear loop <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a container <NUM> being suspended directly from a hook <NUM> via the rear loop <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the dimensions of the hook <NUM> may be larger than the open end <NUM> of the G-hook <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of the closure member <NUM> being a conventional zip and where the zip slider <NUM> includes a customised and extended zip-pull <NUM>. The extended zip-pull <NUM> is in the form of a loop, which passes over the G-hook <NUM> and strap <NUM> towards the rear of the container <NUM> such that the combination of the G-hook <NUM> and strap <NUM> act as a stop, which prevents inadvertent sliding of the slider <NUM> so prevents inadvertent opening of the zip i.e. closure member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of two different sized containers <NUM>. In the example illustrated the containers <NUM> are packed for use as packing capsules in a suitcase (see <FIG>).

In both <FIG> the packing capsules/containers <NUM> are open to reveal lining material <NUM> and the interior space <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the smaller packing capsule/container <NUM> (<FIG>) is packed with toiletries <NUM> and the larger packing capsule/container <NUM> (<FIG>) is packed with clothing items <NUM>.

As described above, with reference to <FIG>, the packing capsule/container <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical body <NUM>. Therefore, the interior space <NUM> is also substantially cylindrical.

In the illustrated example (<FIG>), the clothing items <NUM> are rolled to correspond with and efficiently fill the interior space <NUM>. Rolling the items is considered efficient for the particular shape of the container <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Rolling the items is also beneficial because it reduces the creation of crease lines in the clothing items <NUM> when they are unrolled because no hard crease lines are created.

<FIG> illustrates an example of four different sized packing capsules/containers <NUM> nested in a suitcase <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the base <NUM> of each packing capsule/container <NUM> is arranged towards the top or bottom of the suitcase <NUM> and the front surfaces <NUM> of adjacent packing capsules/containers <NUM> are arranged to optimise the space occupied within the suitcase <NUM> and to minimise any gaps therebetween.

<FIG> represents an example of reducing the size of the container <NUM>, for example when it is not full or where the available space in the suitcase is smaller than the fully extended dimension of the container <NUM>.

The size of container <NUM> is reduced/compressed by folding the uppermost edge <NUM> rearwards by pulling the G-hook <NUM> towards the rear base portion <NUM> and engaging the upper open portion <NUM> of the G-hook <NUM> with the rear central loop 42b located on the base portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the versatility of the containers <NUM> when used as packing capsules. They demonstrate unpacking without actually unpacking because in each example it is evident that the packing capsules/containers <NUM> have been removed from a suitcase, but each packing capsule/container <NUM> remains packed with rolled clothing items.

<FIG> illustrates a hanging clump <NUM>, where a single, primary, container <NUM> is suspended from a hanging rail <NUM> and three further containers <NUM> hang from the loops 42a, 42b, 42c (not visible) provided on the rear base portion <NUM> of the primary container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a simple chain <NUM> of packing capsules/containers <NUM>, where a single, primary, container <NUM> is suspended from a hanging rail <NUM> and a single container <NUM> suspends from the primary container <NUM> via engagement of the G-hook <NUM> (not visible) with the central hanging loop 42b (not visible).

It will be appreciated that the hanging clump <NUM> and chain arrangement <NUM> can be extended or combined by utilising the G-hook <NUM> and the hanging loops 42a, 42b, 42c on the base portion <NUM> of each container.

The art of unpacking without actually unpacking is realised by the configuration of the packing capsule/container <NUM> because of the arrangement of the front opening and the closure member <NUM> and the packing style adopted; rolling the clothing items in the manner illustrated means that when the container <NUM> is opened each item of clothing is visible and accessible and as noted above the risk of creasing is reduced due to the items being rolled. As such packing and unpacking is simplified using the containers <NUM> as packing capsules.

<FIG> relate to converting the container <NUM> to a carry-bag.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a strap assembly <NUM> that can be utilised with the container <NUM> to create a carry-bag.

The strap assembly <NUM> includes an elongated webbing strap <NUM> which includes a loop <NUM> at an upper end and a G-hook <NUM> at a lower end (as viewed in <FIG>).

The strap assembly <NUM> also includes a padded shoulder member <NUM>, which incorporates a sleeve <NUM> through which the strap <NUM> extends.

The strap <NUM> includes an adjustable cinch buckle <NUM> such that the length of the strap <NUM> can be adjusted to suit different size users.

<FIG> illustrates the strap assembly <NUM> being attached to the back of a container <NUM>. The back mounted configuration involves attaching the G-hook <NUM> (on the container <NUM>) to the upper loop <NUM> and attaching the G-hook <NUM> (on the lower end of strap <NUM>) to the central loop 42b on the rear of the base portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the strap assembly <NUM> being attached to the front of a container <NUM>. The front mounted configuration involves attaching the G-hook <NUM> (on the container <NUM>) to the upper loop <NUM> and attaching the G-hook <NUM> (on the lower end of strap <NUM>) to the loop <NUM> located at the bottom of the closure member/zip <NUM>.

It will be appreciated in each of the examples illustrated in <FIG> the cinch buckle <NUM> or the like can be used to adjust the length of the strap <NUM> for comfort for each user. The strap assembly <NUM> allows for the carry-bag to be carried across the user's body or over the user's shoulder.

<FIG> illustrates a laundry bag as an example application of the container <NUM>. In the configuration illustrated, the container <NUM> includes a body <NUM> comprising a single layer of material. In the illustrated example, the material is semi-transparent mesh fabric, which enables the user to view the contents inside the container <NUM> without opening the closure member <NUM>. In addition, the mesh fabric is configured to allow air to circulate through and in the container <NUM> and its contents thereby preventing build up of moisture, creation of mould etc within the container <NUM> and/or its contents.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a container <NUM>, which is narrower than the container <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>).

The container <NUM> includes a narrow/slim-line columnar body <NUM> extending from a base <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the base <NUM> is elliptical (not visible in <FIG>).

The container <NUM> is made of flexible material. An example application of the container <NUM> is that it is configurable as a packing capsule for efficient packing of suitcases and the like.

The body <NUM> defines an interior space <NUM> configured to contain one or more objects <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The interior space <NUM> is accessed by a front opening, which is closed by a closure member <NUM>, which, in the illustrated example is provided by a zip. In the illustrated example the closure member <NUM> extends from an uppermost edge <NUM> along the front opening, across the base <NUM> to a point towards/at the rear of the base <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the front surface <NUM> of the container <NUM> is, substantially continuous, tapering from the uppermost edge <NUM> and transitioning by a curve <NUM> to a substantially vertical portion <NUM> of the front surface <NUM>, which extends to the base <NUM>. The closure member <NUM> is located substantially central to the front surface <NUM>.

The G-hook <NUM>, as described above with reference to <FIG>, is a fastener which when viewed resembles a letter G or a number <NUM>, where the lower closed/semi closed portion <NUM> of the G-shaped hook <NUM> is permanently attached to the container <NUM> via the loop <NUM> that passes through the lower closed/semi closed portion <NUM> of the G-shape. The upper hooked portion <NUM> of the G-shaped hook <NUM> facilitates hanging the container <NUM> from a rail, hook or other container <NUM> (see <FIG>) and securing the zip pull <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In the illustrated example, the closure member <NUM>, when open, provides access to the interior space <NUM> and any contents therein. The front opening is defined by two side walls <NUM>, which when partially opened, fold back on themselves (not illustrated), but when fully open the side walls open like a book (see arrows <NUM>) to reveal the entire contents of the inner space <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the container <NUM> includes internal pockets/compartments <NUM> on the inside of each side wall <NUM>. The internal pockets/compartments <NUM> facilitate holding objects or clothing as illustrated. <FIG> illustrates folded shirts <NUM> contained in each pocket <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates cylindrical objects or rolled items <NUM> contained in each pocket <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a chain of containers <NUM>, where one container <NUM> is suspended from a primary container <NUM> via the G-hook <NUM> and a rear loop (not visible in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrate examples of accessories, which adapt, customise or specialise the functionality, of the container <NUM> or container <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a way to adapt the base portion <NUM> of container <NUM> by representing a removable insert <NUM> which can be included with the container <NUM> to facilitate hand-washing garments <NUM> whilst travelling or on holiday. In the illustrated example, the insert <NUM> includes raised elements <NUM> that facilitate agitating clothes (see doubleheaded arrow <NUM>) e.g. hand washing on the go. The insert <NUM> may be manufactured as a moulded dimpled insert; for example, the moulding may be silicon, plastic etc..

<FIG> illustrates the container <NUM> being adapted to include a self-contained charging facility for powering/charging phones, lights etc..

In the illustrated example, an outside wall of the container <NUM> includes a solar panel <NUM>, and conventional USB port <NUM>. The solar panel <NUM> facilitates charging internal or encased battery packs (not visible), which are connected to the USB port <NUM> to facilitate charging mobile devices, such as phones, tablets etc..

In the illustrated example, inside the container <NUM> includes a light source <NUM>, for example embedded low power LEDs or electroluminescent strips, which when illuminated aid viewing inside the container <NUM> and its contents in the dark.

The light source <NUM> could be motion activated, such that it only switches on/illuminates when the container <NUM> is swung. Alternatively, activation of the light source could be controlled by opening the closure member <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate adapting the container <NUM> to include removable accessories for organisation of specific items.

Removable accessories include, for example:.

Each of the removable accessories described and illustrated may include connectors <NUM>, which engage with complementary connectors <NUM> on the inside of the body <NUM>. The connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may include magnets, press-studs, g-hooks and loops, hook and loop fastening tape etc..

The containers <NUM>, <NUM> described above, may also include internal and/or external pockets (not illustrated). The pockets may be concealed by the nature of the construction of the body, where seams may include concealed zips or closures for pockets accessible from outside the body or from inside the body <NUM>, <NUM>.

The examples described above relate to a container <NUM>, <NUM>, which is described as being suitable as a packing capsule to facilitate more efficient packing of a suitcase, holdall or the like.

It will be appreciated that the application of such a container/bag <NUM>, <NUM> is not limited to a packing accessory, but may be useful in other applications, for example medical usage e.g. paramedic emergency crash bags, military, hobbies e.g. cycling and useful to carry equipment such as spare inner tubes, pump, cycle tools, patches, energy gels/ food etc..

As illustrated in <FIG>, the container may be useful as a camping accessory, for utensils, but it will be appreciated that other items could be stored, for example food items. An advantage of the container <NUM> being that it can be hung via the G-hook <NUM> and/or the rear strap <NUM>, which means such items can be kept off the ground and are easily accessible at the same time.

Portability of the container <NUM>, <NUM> makes it useful for use when travelling e. g, in an aeroplane, car, bus etc, where it can be used as a seat organiser for the journey where the container <NUM>, <NUM> can simply hang from a seat in front for ease of access to the contents.

Claim 1:
A container (<NUM>) of flexible material comprising:
a body (<NUM>) extending from a base (<NUM>), wherein the body (<NUM>) defines an interior space configured to contain one or more objects;
wherein the body (<NUM>) is configurable between an extended configuration and a folded configuration;
wherein the body (<NUM>) includes a front opening, which includes an elongate closure member (<NUM>) extending from a point proximate an uppermost edge (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) in the extended configuration to a point proximate the base (<NUM>), wherein the closure member (<NUM>) bridges two side portions (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) such that when the closure member (<NUM>) is at least partially open the two side portions (<NUM>) are displaceable relative to each other, towards a rear wall (<NUM>), to provide access to inside the body (<NUM>);
wherein the uppermost edge (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), in the extended configuration, includes a fastener (<NUM>) operable to shorten the container (<NUM>) by folding the uppermost edge (<NUM>) over the body (<NUM>) and securing the uppermost edge (<NUM>), via the fastener (<NUM>), to a front-mounted element (42b) located near the base (<NUM>); and
characterised in that a base portion (<NUM>) of the rear wall (<NUM>) includes at least one external strap (42a, 42b, 42c), where the at least one strap (42a, 42b, 42c) extends substantially vertically relative to the base (<NUM>), wherein the at least one strap (42a, 42b, 42c) is secured at least at two points, thereby defining a void between the strap (42a, 42b, 42c) and the base portion (<NUM>) of the rear wall (<NUM>).