Rolling Tote Bag

Abstract

A rolling tote bag (B) is described that comprises a collapsible container body (10) made from a collapsible assembly of fabric panels (11, 12, 15) including a bottom panel (15) and side panels (11, 12), which collectively define an interior storage volume when in an unfolded state. The rolling tote bag (B) further comprises a rolling support assembly (S) that provides rolling support to the foldable container body (10) in the unfolded state, the rolling support assembly (S) comprising a support plate (P) and a plurality of caster wheels (W) provided on the underside of the support plate (P), and the foldable container body (10) further comprises a retention structure formed of one or more fabric panels (21, 22, 31, 32), the retention structure (21, 22, 31, 32) being provided below the bottom panel (15) and configured to securely hold the support plate (P) outside the interior storage volume against the underside of the bottom panel (15).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a multi-purpose rolling tote bag for use as, for example, a shopping bag, a grocery bag, and / or a laundry bag. [Background technology]

[0002] Rolling tote bags are known in the art.

[0003] International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and related U.S. Patent No. 9,999,282 B2 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) disclose a rolling tote bag having a collapsible container body comprised of a foldable assembly of fabric panels, including a bottom panel and side panels, that collectively define an interior storage volume in an unfolded state. The rolling tote bag further includes a removable rolling support assembly that provides rolling support to the collapsible container body in the unfolded state, the removable rolling support assembly including a support plate and a plurality of caster wheels disposed on an underside of the support plate. More specifically, the rolling tote bag is configured such that the support plate is inserted into the interior storage volume and is removably attached to the bottom of the collapsible container body by a pair of interior fastening flaps. The bottom panel of the collapsible container body further includes openings that protrude from the bottom panel below the collapsible container body to allow the caster wheels to pass through.

[0004] Rolling tote bags embodying the above configuration are commercially available in various sizes and colors under the product name HULKEN® (see https: / / hulkenbag.com / ).

[0005] Yet another example of a similar rolling tote bag with a removable rolling support assembly is disclosed in U.S. Design Patent No. USD 688,449S, which similarly configures the rolling support assembly to be insertable into the interior storage volume and removably attached to the bottom of the collapsible container body, with caster wheels configured to protrude from the bottom panel through corresponding openings formed therein to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body.

[0006] Although the above solutions are reasonably satisfactory, they have certain limitations.

[0007] One such limitation is that the bottom four corners of the tote bag have no support, so the bottom corners tend to flex and drop slightly, which can cause the bottom corners of the tote bag to wear down and become damaged in the long run.

[0008] Another limitation is that the need to provide an opening in the bottom panel to allow the caster wheels to pass through inherently introduces a weakness into the bag structure, posing a risk that dust and other unwanted debris generated in the environment through which the rolling tote bag is being moved may enter the interior storage volume. The ability to use larger sized caster wheels is also somewhat limited, as the opening must be sized accordingly.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 10,376,030 B1 discloses a rolling tote bag comprising a container body and an external rolling support assembly attached to the bottom of the container body. Furthermore, a bottom insert is preferably disposed in the bottom of the bag. In one embodiment, the rolling support assembly comprises a foldable frame with articulating links, designed to be folded widthwise along with the container body. To accomplish this, the bottom insert, if present, must first be inverted to a vertical position. This solution is unnecessarily complex and inevitably increases production costs. In another embodiment, to reduce manufacturing costs, the foldable frame is replaced with a non-foldable, fixed frame or solid platform. In either case, the rolling support assembly is attached using only four fasteners, such as snap fasteners. More specifically, four snap sockets are provided near each corner of the bottom of the container body, and these snap sockets are designed to cooperate with a corresponding number of snap studs provided at corresponding upper positions on the foldable or non-foldable frame. In particular, when the tote bag is rolled over a relatively uneven surface, the fasteners may accidentally come loose, causing undesirable separation of the rolling support assembly from the underside of the container body, which is not practical.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 8,469,249 B2 discloses a cart attachment system for a backpack, including upper and lower cart attachments. More specifically, the bottom of the backpack is provided with a lower cart attachment, including a pair of opposing flexible flaps joined along opposite edges of the backpack bottom. A first of the flexible flaps has a first hook-and-loop fastener on the inner free edge thereof, which cooperates with a second hook-and-loop fastener on the outer side of the second flexible flap. The first and second flexible flaps form a support structure configured to support a bottom support structure of the cart, the bottom support structure including a platform having a pair of wheel assemblies and a pair of support assemblies. The upper cart attachment is provided on the top of the backpack and holds a horizontal bar attached to two upright arms secured to the bottom support structure at the top, or lower end, of the cart. The lower and upper cart attachments work together to secure the cart to the backpack. This solution is relatively complicated and cumbersome.

[0011] Thus, there remains a need for improved solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0012] A general object of the present invention is to provide a rolling tote bag that overcomes the problems and limitations of known rolling tote bags.

[0013] More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rolling tote bag that retains the functionality and advantages of known rolling tote bags of International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and related U.S. Patent No. 9,999,282 B2, while providing improved resistance to wear and tear and the unwanted ingress of dust and foreign matter from the environment through which the rolling tote bag travels.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to manufacture such a rolling tote bag cost effectively.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a rolling tote bag that can utilize a rolling support assembly with a wider variety of caster sizes.

[0016] These objects are achieved by the solutions defined in the claims.

[0017] In accordance with the present invention, a rolling tote bag is provided that includes a collapsible container body made from a foldable assembly of fabric panels, including a bottom panel and side panels, that collectively define an interior storage volume when in an unfolded state. The rolling tote bag further includes a rolling support assembly that provides rolling support to the collapsible container body when in the unfolded state, the rolling support assembly including a support plate and a plurality of caster wheels mounted on an underside of the support plate. In accordance with the present invention, the collapsible container body further includes a retention structure formed from one or more fabric panels that is mounted below the bottom panel and configured to securely retain the support plate outside the interior storage volume against the underside of the bottom panel.

[0018] Preferably, the retention structure includes first and second releasable fastening flaps attached to and positioned along opposite side edges of the bottom panel, the first and second releasable fastening flaps partially overlapping and releasably attachable to one another so as to enclose the support plate between the bottom panel and the first and second releasable fastening flaps.

[0019] In the latter context, preferably, the distal end of the first releasable fastening flap comprises a first fastening element disposed on the inside of the first releasable fastening flap, while the distal end of the second releasable fastening flap comprises a complementary second fastening element disposed on the outside of the second releasable fastening flap for releasably cooperating with the first fastening element.

[0020] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the retaining structure further includes third and fourth releasable fastening flaps attached to and disposed along opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom panel for retaining corresponding longitudinal edges of the support plate, each of the third and fourth releasable fastening flaps including an inner fastening element disposed therein, and each of the opposite longitudinal edges of the support plate including a complementary fastening element that releasably cooperates with a corresponding one of the inner fastening elements.

[0021] According to a more specific embodiment, the first and second releasable fastening flaps are dimensioned to at least partially cover the third and fourth releasable fastening flaps in the assembled state. Furthermore, each of the third and fourth releasable fastening flaps further comprises an outer fastening element disposed on its outer side, and a longitudinal end of each of the first and second releasable fastening flaps further comprises a complementary inner fastening element for releasably cooperating with a corresponding one of the outer fastening elements. In this latter context, each of the first and second releasable fastening flaps may further comprise one or more openings positioned and dimensioned to allow the passage of a caster wheel. Alternatively or additionally, each of the first and second releasable fastening flaps may be formed to exhibit one or more cutouts in the area where the caster wheel is located.

[0022] According to another specific embodiment, the first and second releasable securing flaps are dimensioned to not cover the third and fourth releasable securing flaps, leaving a gap positioned and dimensioned to allow passage of the caster wheels.

[0023] The fastening elements may in particular consist of hook and loop fasteners, although other types of fasteners are also conceivable.

[0024] The first and second releasable fastening flaps may be particularly disposed along opposite short sides of the bottom panel, while the third and fourth releasable fastening flaps are disposed along opposite long sides of the bottom panel.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the retention structure includes at least one releasable retention panel secured to the collapsible container body around a periphery of the bottom panel to form a releasable retention envelope below the bottom panel, the releasable retention envelope configured and dimensioned to receive a support plate therein while allowing caster wheels to pass through the at least one releasable retention panel. The releasable retention envelope is configured to assume an open state in which the at least one releasable retention panel is at least partially released from the collapsible container body to allow the support plate to be removed from or inserted into the releasable retention envelope, and a closed state in which the at least one releasable retention panel is secured to the collapsible container body to securely hold the support plate within the releasable retention envelope. Preferably, the releasable retention structure includes a zipper that selectively closes or opens the retention envelope around the support plate to allow insertion or removal of the support plate.

[0026] In an advantageous variation, the foldable container body may be configured with rounded corners.

[0027] Each side panel may be constructed of at least two outer fabric pieces and an intermediate piece of bubble wrap disposed between the two outer fabric pieces, as taught in International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and related U.S. Patent No. 9,999,282 B2. Additionally, the outer fabric pieces may be made from or include at least one woven fabric sheet made from strands of synthetic or non-synthetic material, such as strands of polypropylene, and one or each of the outer fabric pieces may further include a laminate film laminated to the outside of the woven fabric sheet.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the opposing short side panels of the collapsible container body each include a gusset fold designed to allow the opposing short side panels to be folded outwardly into a flat-folded gusset portion. In the latter context, the collapsible container body may further be configured to be collapsible into a flat configuration, in which the opposing short side panels are folded outwardly along the gusset folds into a flat-folded gusset portion that is foldable inwardly across a side of a first long side panel of the collapsible container body, while a second long side panel opposite the first long side panel of the collapsible container body is foldable inwardly to align the bottom panel and associated rolling support assembly with the second long side panel.

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example only and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a photograph of a rolling tote bag according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a photograph showing the underside of the rolling tote bag of FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a photograph showing the underside of the rolling tote bag of FIGS. 1 and 2A with the first and second releasable securing flaps removed to expose the rolling support assembly of the rolling tote bag. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a photograph showing the left portion of the underside of the rolling tote bag of FIGS. 1 and 2A-B with the third releasable fastening flap removed to reveal fastener elements located along the longitudinal edges of the support plate of the rolling support assembly. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of the rolling tote bag of FIGS. 1 and 2A-C, showing the collapsible container body of the rolling tote bag in an unfolded position and detached from the rolling support assembly. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are schematic views of the rolling tote bag of FIGS. 1 and 2A-D in a partially folded and flattened state, as viewed from two opposing sides. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a photograph of a rolling tote bag according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a photograph of a rolling tote bag according to a variation of the second embodiment of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a photograph of a rolling tote bag according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present invention will be described with particular reference to various exemplary embodiments as shown in Figures 1-5. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and should be understood to encompass all combinations and subcombinations of the features of the invention disclosed herein.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing a rolling tote bag B according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The rolling tote bag B comprises a foldable container body 10 consisting of a foldable assembly of fabric panels, including a bottom panel 15 and side panels 11, 12 (a pair of short side panels 11 and a pair of long side panels 12). The fabric panels 11, 12, and 15 collectively define an interior storage volume in the unfolded state, as shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, multiple handles H are secured to the side panels 11, 12, including a pair of handles H secured to opposing long side panels 12 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 1) and a third handle secured to one of the short side panels 11 to facilitate rolling the tote bag B during use.

[0033] The rolling tote bag B further includes a removable rolling support assembly S for supporting the foldable container body 10 while it is in the unfolded state. The removable rolling support assembly S includes a support plate (not visible in FIG. 1 but designated by the reference character P; see also FIGS. 2A-D) and a plurality of caster wheels W provided on the underside of the support plate P.

[0034] The collapsible container body 10 is advantageously constructed so that each side panel 11, 12 is made from at least two outer fabric pieces and an intermediate piece of bubble wrap disposed between the two outer fabric pieces, as taught by International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and related U.S. Patent No. 9,999,282 B2, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in this regard, thereby providing a degree of structural reinforcement to the collapsible container body 10 and enabling the collapsible container body 10 to be folded compactly for storage while remaining in an unfolded state.

[0035] The outer fabric pieces may specifically be made from or include at least one sheet of woven fabric made from strands of polypropylene. However, other synthetic or non-synthetic materials are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Preferably, one or each of the outer fabric pieces further includes a laminate film, such as, but not limited to, BOPP film, laminated to the outside of the woven fabric sheet, thereby allowing for customization of the appearance of one or both of the exterior and interior visible surfaces of the foldable container body 10. While a BOPP film laminate is advantageously contemplated, other suitable laminate materials, such as cast polypropylene film, are also contemplated.

[0036] The support plate P can be made of any desired material and can have any suitable structure. Lightweight materials and structures are preferred. In particular, the support plate P can be made of a synthetic board containing a honeycomb spacer structure, which ensures sufficient rigidity and strength while being lightweight.

[0037] The collapsible container body 10 can advantageously be folded into a flat configuration, with each of the opposing short side panels 11 advantageously including a gusset fold F designed to allow the opposing short side panels 11 to fold outward into a flat-folded gusset portion 11F, as shown schematically in Figures 3A and 3B. Such a flat-folded gusset portion 11F can be folded inward onto the side of one of the long side panels 12, as shown diagrammatically by a pair of arrows in Figure 3A, while a second, opposite long side panel 12 of the collapsible container body 10 is folded inward along a horizontal fold such that the bottom panel 15 and associated rolling support assembly S are aligned with the second long side panel, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0038] In contrast to known solutions disclosed in International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and related U.S. Patent No. 9,999,282 B2, the removable rolling support assembly S is positioned outside the interior storage volume rather than being inserted into and removably attached thereto. More specifically, the collapsible container body 10 further includes a retention structure 20 formed of a plurality of releasable fabric panels 21, 22, 31, 32 disposed below the bottom panel 15 and configured to releasably and securely retain a support plate P outside the interior storage volume against the underside of the bottom panel 15. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the retention structure 20 includes a plurality of releasable fastening flaps 21, 22, 31, 32 disposed around the periphery of the bottom panel 15, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D . These securing flaps 21 , 22 , 31 , 32 are configured to be releasably attached to securely hold the support plate P of the rolling support assembly S against the underside of the bottom panel 15 .

[0039] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, first and second releasable fastening flaps 21, 22 are attached and positioned along opposite lateral edges of the bottom panel 15, i.e., along opposite short side edges of the bottom panel 15 that coincide with the short side panels 11. These first and second fastening flaps 21, 22 partially overlap at their distal ends and cooperate with each other to enclose the support plate P between the bottom panel 15 and the first and second fastening flaps 21, 22. In this example, the first and second fastening flaps 21, 22 collectively cover most of the underside of the foldable container body 10 and the rolling support assembly S, except for the areas where the caster wheels W are provided.

[0040] In the illustrated example, a pair of openings 21a and 22a are formed in each of the first and second fixing flaps 21, 22 to allow passage of four caster wheels W. In other embodiments, the first and second fixing flaps 21, 22 may have cutouts in the areas where the caster wheels W are provided.

[0041] 2B and 2C, the distal end of the first fastening flap 21 is provided with a first fastening element 21A disposed on the interior side of the first fastening flap 21. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2D, the distal end of the second fastening flap 22 is provided with a complementary second fastening element 22A disposed on the exterior side of the second fastening flap 22 for releasable cooperation with the first fastening element 21A. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening elements 21A, 22A are hook-and-loop fasteners that form a fastening strip extending substantially the entire width of the fastening flaps 21, 22.

[0042] 2B and 2C, it can be seen that the longitudinal ends of the first and second fastening flaps 21, 22 further comprise inner fastening elements 21B, 22B designed to provide additional attachment to the underlying element. In this particular case, the retention structure 20 further comprises third and fourth releasable fastening flaps 31, 32 attached and disposed along opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom panel 15, i.e., along opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom panel 15 that coincide with the long side panels 12. These third and fourth fastening flaps 31, 32 are adapted to retain the corresponding longitudinal edges of the support plate P and each comprise an inner fastening element 35A disposed therein and configured to releasably cooperate with a corresponding complementary fastening element 35B disposed on the opposite longitudinal edges of the support plate P, as shown in FIG. 2C. 2B and 2D, each of the third and fourth fastening flaps 31, 32 further includes an outer fastening element 31A, 32A disposed thereon for releasably cooperating with the aforementioned inner fastening elements 21B, 22B, thereby ensuring proper attachment of the support plate P to the underside of the bottom plate 15, with the support plate P being securely held in place by the fastening flaps 21, 22, 31, 32.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, fastener elements 21B, 22B, 31A, 32A, 35A and 35B are likewise hook-and-loop fasteners that form fastening strips that extend substantially throughout the desired attachment zone.

[0044] The aforementioned fastening flaps 21, 22, 31, 32 may be made of any suitable fabric material, such as, but not limited to, a woven fabric made from strands of synthetic or non-synthetic material, in particular strands of polypropylene.

[0045] In another embodiment, it is possible to omit the third and fourth fastening flaps 31, 32 and have the inner fastening elements 21B, 22B cooperate directly with fastening elements 35B provided at the longitudinal ends of the support plate P. However, this would result in the end of the support plate P being exposed along the long side, which is not necessarily desirable. Therefore, in practice, it is preferable to use four fastening flaps 21, 22, 31, 32.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3A,B, it can be seen that the first and second securing flaps 21, 22 are dimensioned such that, in the assembled state, they at least partially cover the third and fourth securing flaps 31, 32 and the underlying rolling support assembly S.

[0047] FIG. 4A shows a rolling tote bag B according to another embodiment. * , and the foldable container body 10 * , which in turn includes a support plate P of the rolling support assembly S securely attached to the underside of the bottom panel 15, here designated 21. * ,twenty two * , 31 * , 32 * A retention structure 20 including four releasable locking flaps shown in * In this alternative embodiment, the first and second releasable fastening flaps 21 * ,twenty two * The third and fourth releasable fastening flaps 31* , 32 * The first and second fixing flaps 21 are dimensioned so as not to cover the caster wheels W and leave a space (here extending over the entire longitudinal length) positioned and dimensioned to allow the caster wheels W to pass through. * ,twenty two * Since no openings or cutouts are required, it can be particularly adapted to a wider range of caster wheel sizes.

[0048] FIG. 4B shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, and is a rolling tote bag B ** Collapsible container body 10 ** Similarly, a support plate P of the rolling support assembly S is securely held on the underside of the bottom panel 15 by a support plate 21 provided on the periphery of the bottom panel 15. ** ,twenty two ** , 31 ** , 32 ** A retention structure 20 including four releasable locking flaps shown in ** According to this variant, first and second releasable fastening flaps 21 ** ,twenty two ** Similarly, the third and fourth releasable fastening flaps 31 ** , 32 ** 4A , the first releasable fastening flap 21 is dimensioned to leave no gap (here extending over the entire longitudinal length) positioned and dimensioned to allow the caster wheel W to pass through. ** extends along substantially the entire length of the support plate P, while the second releasable fastening flap 22 ** are short in length and have first and second releasable fastening flaps 21 ** ,twenty two ** The distal end portion of the container body 10 is foldable. ** are fastened together near one side of the

[0049] The third and fourth releasable fastening flaps 31 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B * , 32 *, 31 ** , 32 ** are secured to the support plate P in the same manner as the third and fourth releasable securing flaps 31, 32, i.e., by a pair of fastener elements similar to the fastener elements 35A, 35B shown in FIG. 2C. * ,twenty two * ,twenty one ** ,twenty two ** to the support plate P, a corresponding pair of fastener elements may be provided.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of a rolling tote bag B' that includes a collapsible container body 10', similarly including a retention structure 50 disposed beneath the bottom panel 15 and configured to releasably and securely retain a support plate P of a rolling support assembly S outside the interior storage volume against the underside of the bottom panel 15. According to this embodiment, the retention structure 50 includes a releasable retention panel 55 (multiple releasable retention panels are possible) secured to the collapsible container body 10' around the periphery of the bottom panel 15 to form a releasable retention envelope beneath the bottom panel 15. This releasable retention envelope is configured and dimensioned to receive the support plate P while allowing the caster wheels W to pass through the retention panel 55, as shown in FIG. 5. To this end, the retention panel 55 includes four openings 55a to allow all of the caster wheels W to pass through. The releasable holding envelope is structured to have an open state (not shown) in which the releasable holding panel 55 is at least partially released from the collapsible container body 10′ allowing the support plate P to be removed from or inserted into the releasable holding envelope, and a closed state (shown in FIG. 5) in which the releasable holding panel 55 is secured to the collapsible container body 10′ and securely holds the support plate P within the releasable holding envelope.

[0051] The releasable retention panel 55 may likewise be made of any suitable fabric material, such as, but not limited to, a woven fabric made from strands of synthetic or non-synthetic material, particularly strands of polypropylene.

[0052] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, retention panel 55 is attached and positioned along a first lateral edge of bottom panel 15, i.e., along one short edge of bottom panel 15 that coincides with one of short side panels 11, and zipper Z is provided for releasably securing retention panel 55 along the remainder of the periphery of bottom panel 15. Opening zipper Z thereby selectively opens a releasable retention envelope to allow insertion or removal of support plate P. Conversely, closing zipper Z closes the releasable retention envelope around support plate P, securely holding support plate P therein.

[0053] As a further improvement, the foldable container body 10, 10 * It is also conceivable to configure the corners 10A of the bottom portion so as to be rounded, thereby improving the resistance of the four corners of the bottom portion to wear and breakage.

[0054] Various modifications and / or improvements may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. For example, although hook-and-loop fasteners are preferred, it is contemplated that other suitable fastening elements may be used.

[0055] Furthermore, in all the above embodiments, the associated retention structures are preferably realized to be releasable, allowing for removal of the rolling support assembly. In other embodiments, the retention structures may be designed to permanently retain the rolling support assembly, in which case the associated fastening flaps or retention panels may be attached to each other, for example, by stitching, adhesive, or in other ways. However, from a practical point of view, it is preferable to use releasable retention structures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] B. Rolling Tote Bag (First Embodiment) B * Rolling Tote Bag (Second Embodiment) B ** Rolling tote bag (modification of the second embodiment) B' Rolling Tote Bag (Third Embodiment) 10. Foldable (foldable) container body of Rolling Tote Bag B 10 * Rolling Tote Bag B * Foldable (foldable) container body 10 ** Rolling Tote Bag B ** Foldable (foldable) container body 10' Rolling Tote Bag B's foldable container body 10A: Foldable container body 10, 10 formed at the four corner joints of side panels 11, 12 and bottom panel 15 * , 10 ** , 10' corner 11 Foldable container body 10, 10 * , 10 ** , 10' (short side panel) opposing side panels F. Gusset folds formed in each side panel 11 11F: A flat-folded gusset portion formed by folding side panel 11 outward along gusset fold line F. 12 Foldable container body 10, 10 * , 10 ** , 10' (longer side panel) opposite side panels 15 Foldable container body 10, 10 * , 10 ** , 10' bottom plate S Foldable container body 10, 10 * , 10 ** , a rolling support assembly removably attached to the bottom of the 10' P Support plate W Lower caster wheel of support plate P H handle 20 Retention structure formed of releasable fabric panels 21, 22, 31, 32 (first embodiment) 20 * 21 releasable fabric panels * ,twenty two * , 31 * , 32 * Holding structure formed by (second embodiment) 20 ** 21 releasable fabric panels ** ,twenty two ** , 31 ** , 32 ** Holding structure formed by (modification of the second embodiment) 21 First releasable fastening flap along a first short side of the bottom panel 15 21a An opening provided in the first fixing flap 21 that allows the caster wheel W to pass through twenty one * a first releasable fastening flap along a first short side of the bottom panel 15; twenty one ** a first releasable fastening flap along a first short side of the bottom panel 15; 21A first fixing flap 21, 21 * ,twenty one ** and a first fastener element (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener) at its distal end for cooperating with a second fastener element (22A). 21B: inner fastening elements provided on the inside of the first fastening flap 21 along its longitudinal edges for cooperating with the outer fastening elements 31A, 31B 22 a second releasable fastening flap located along a second short side of the bottom panel 15 opposite the first fastening flap 21 22a An opening provided in the second fixing flap 22 that allows the caster wheel W to pass through twenty two * Along the second short side of the bottom panel 15, a first fastening flap 21 *a second releasable fastening flap on the opposite side of the twenty two ** Along the second short side of the bottom panel 15, a first fastening flap 21 ** a second releasable fastening flap on the opposite side of the 22A Second fixing flaps 22, 22 * ,twenty two ** and a second fastener element (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener) at its distal end for cooperating with the first fastener element (21A). 22B: inner fastening elements provided on the inside of the second fastening flap 22 along its longitudinal edges for cooperating with the outer fastening elements 31A, 31B 31 a third releasable fastening flap along the first long side of the bottom panel 15 31A: outer fastening element (e.g., hook-and-loop fastener) located on the outside of the third fastening flap 31 for cooperating with the inner fastening elements 21B, 22B 31 * a third releasable fastening flap along the first long side of the bottom panel 15; 31 ** a third releasable fastening flap along the first long side of the bottom panel 15; 32 a fourth releasable fastening flap located along the second long side of the bottom panel 15 opposite the third fastening flap 31; 32A: an outer fastening element (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener) disposed on the outer side of the fourth fastening flap 32 for cooperating with the inner fastening elements 21B, 22B 32 * Along the second long side of the bottom panel 15, a third fastening flap 31 * a fourth releasable fastening flap on the opposite side of the 32 ** Along the second long side of the bottom panel 15, a third fastening flap 31 ** a fourth releasable fastening flap on the opposite side of the 35A third and fourth fastening flaps 31, 32, 31 for cooperating with fastener element 35B *, 32 * , 31 ** , 32 ** Inner fastening elements (e.g. hook-and-loop fasteners) located inside 35B fastener elements (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners) provided along opposite longitudinal edges of support plate P for cooperating with inner fastener elements 35A 50 Retention structure formed of releasable fabric panel 55 (third embodiment) 55 a releasable holding panel secured to the foldable container body 10' at the periphery of the bottom panel 15 to form a releasable holding envelope below the bottom panel 15; Z zipper

Claims

1. Rolling Tote Bag (B;B ＊ ;B ＊＊ ;B') a collapsible container body (10; 10) made of a foldable assembly of fabric panels (11, 12, 15) including a bottom panel (15) and side panels (11, 12), which collectively define an interior storage volume when in an unfolded state. ＊ ;10 ＊＊ 10') The rolling tote bag (B; B ＊ ;B ＊＊ ;B') is the foldable container body (10;10) in the unfolded state ＊ ;10 ＊＊ 10'), the rolling support assembly (S) comprising a support plate (P) and a plurality of caster wheels (W) provided on the underside of the support plate (P); The foldable container body (10; 10 ＊ ;10 ＊＊ ;10') is made of one or more fabric panels (21, 22, 31, 32; 21 ＊ , 22 ＊ , 31 ＊ , 32 ＊ ;21 ＊＊ , 22 ＊＊ , 31 ＊＊ , 32 ＊＊ ; 55) formed by a retaining structure (20; 20 ＊ ;20 ＊＊ ; 50), and this holding structure (20; 20 ＊ ;20 ＊＊ ;50) is provided below the bottom panel (15) and configured to securely hold the support plate (P) outside the interior storage volume against the underside of the bottom panel (15).

2. The rolling tote bag (B; B) according to claim 1 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ) in which the holding structure (20; 20 ＊ ;20 ＊＊ ) are attached to opposite side edges of the bottom panel (15) and have first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22; 21) disposed along the side edges. ＊ , 22 ＊ ;21 ＊＊ , 22 ＊＊ ), The first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22; 21 ＊ , 22 ＊ ;21 ＊＊ , 22 ＊＊ ) connects said bottom panel (15) and said first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22; 21 ＊ , 22 ＊ ;21 ＊＊ , 22 ＊＊ The rolling tote bag is partially overlapped with the support plate (P) and releasably attachable to each other so as to surround the support plate (P) between the support plate (P) and the rolling tote bag.

3. The rolling tote bag (B; B) according to claim 2 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ), in which the first releasable fastening flap (21; 21 ＊ ;21 ＊＊ ) at the distal end of said first releasable fastening flap (21; 21 ＊ ;21 ＊＊ a first fastener element (21A) disposed inside the The second releasable fastening flap (22; 22 ＊ ;22 ＊＊ ) at the distal end thereof, said second releasable fastening flap (22; 22A) for releasably cooperating with said first fastening element (21A). ＊ ;22 ＊＊ A rolling tote bag comprising a complementary second fastening element (22A) disposed on the exterior of the first fastening element (22A).

4. The rolling tote bag (B; B) according to claim 3 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ) in which the holding structure (20; 20 ＊ ;20 ＊＊ ) further comprise third and fourth releasable fastening flaps (31, 32; 31) attached to and positioned along opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom panel (15) for holding corresponding longitudinal edges of the support plate (P). ＊ , 32 ＊ ;31 ＊＊ , 32 ＊＊ ), The third and fourth releasable fastening flaps (31, 32; 31 ＊ , 32 ＊ ;31 ＊＊ , 32 ＊＊ ) each having an inner fastener element (35A) disposed therein; The rolling tote bag is provided with complementary fastening elements (35B) at opposite longitudinal ends of said support plate (P) which releasably cooperate with corresponding ones of said inner fastening elements (35A).

5. 5. The rolling tote bag (B) of claim 4, wherein the first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22) are sized to at least partially cover the third and fourth releasable fastening flaps (31, 32) in an assembled state; each of the third and fourth releasable fastening flaps (31, 32) further comprising an outer fastening element (31A, 32A) disposed on an outer side thereof; a longitudinal end of each of said first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22) further comprising a complementary inner fastening element (21B, 22B) for releasably cooperating with a corresponding one of said outer fastening elements (31A, 31B), respectively.

6. 6. The rolling tote bag (B) of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second releasable securing flaps (21, 22) includes one or more openings (21a, 22a) positioned and dimensioned to allow the caster wheels (W) to pass through; and / or wherein each of said first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22) is provided with one or more cutouts in the area where said caster wheels (W) are located.

7. The rolling tote bag (B) according to claim 4 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ), wherein the first and second releasable fastening flaps (21 ＊ , 22 ＊ ;21 ＊＊ , 22 ＊＊ ) are attached to said third and fourth releasable fastening flaps (31 ＊ , 32 ＊ ;31 ＊＊ , 32 ＊＊ ) and is dimensioned to leave a gap positioned and dimensioned to allow said caster wheels (W) to pass through.

8. The rolling tote bag (B) according to any one of claims 3 to 7 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ) A rolling tote bag, wherein the fastener elements (21A, 21B, 22A, 22B, 31A, 32A, 35A, 35B) are made of hook-and-loop fasteners.

9. The rolling tote bag (B) according to any one of claims 2 to 8 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ), wherein the first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22; 21 ＊ , 22;21 ＊＊ , 22 ＊＊ ) are positioned along opposite short sides of the bottom panel (15).

10. The rolling tote bag (B) according to any one of claims 4 to 7 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ), wherein the first and second releasable fastening flaps (21, 22; 21 ＊ , 22;21 ＊＊ , 22 ＊＊ ) are disposed along opposite short sides of the bottom panel (15); The third and fourth releasable fastening flaps (31, 32; 31 ＊ , 32 ＊ ;31 ＊＊ , 32 ＊＊ ) are positioned along opposite long sides of the bottom panel (15).

11. 2. The rolling tote bag (B') of claim 1, wherein the retaining structure (50) includes at least one releasable retaining panel (55) secured to the foldable container body (10') around the periphery of the bottom panel (15) to form a releasable retaining envelope beneath the bottom panel (15), the releasable retaining envelope configured and dimensioned to receive the support plate (P) therein while allowing the caster wheels (W) to pass through the at least one releasable retaining panel (55); The releasable holding envelope is configured to assume an open state in which the at least one releasable holding panel (55) is at least partially released from the foldable container body (10') and the support plate (P) can be removed from or inserted into the releasable holding envelope, and a closed state in which the at least one releasable holding panel (55) is secured to the foldable container body (10') and securely holds the support plate (P) within the releasable holding envelope.

12. 12. The rolling tote bag of claim 11, wherein the retention structure (50) includes a zipper (Z) that selectively closes or opens the releasable retention envelope around the support plate (P) to allow insertion or removal of the support plate (P).

13. The rolling tote bag (B; B) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ;B'), the foldable container body (10;10 ＊ ;10 ＊＊ ;10 ＊＊ ; 10') is configured to present rounded corners (10a).

14. The rolling tote bag (B; B) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ;B') a rolling tote bag, wherein each of said side panels (11, 12) is made of at least two outer fabric pieces and an intermediate piece of bubble wrap disposed between said two outer fabric pieces.

15. The rolling tote bag (B; B) according to claim 14 ＊ ;B ＊＊ ;B') the rolling tote bag, wherein said outer fabric piece is made from or includes at least one woven fabric made from strands of synthetic or non-synthetic material, such as strands of polypropylene.

16. 16. The rolling tote bag of claim 14 or 15, wherein the or each outer fabric piece further comprises a laminate film, such as a BOPP film, laminated to the outside of the sheet of fabric.

17. A rolling tote bag (B; B) according to any one of claims 1 to 16. ＊ ;B ＊＊ ;B'), the foldable container body (10;10 ＊ ;10 ＊＊ 10') each having a gusset fold (F) designed to allow the opposing short side panels (11) to be folded outward into a flat-folded gusset portion (11F).

18. 18. The rolling tote bag of claim 17, wherein the foldable container body (10; 10 ＊ ;10 ＊＊ 10') is configured to be foldable into a flat configuration, with the opposing short side panels (11) being folded outward along the gusset folds (F) to form the flat-folded gusset portion (11F), which in turn is attached to the foldable container body (10; 10'). ＊ ;10 ＊＊ 10') across the first long side panel (12) of the foldable container body (10; 10'), while ＊ ;10 ＊＊ 10'), wherein a second long side panel (12) opposite said first long side panel (12) of said tote bag is foldable inward to align said bottom panel (15) and associated rolling support assembly (S) with said second long side panel (12).

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