Bags and handle assemblies

Abstract

A bag including: a base (21); a handle assembly (1); and a main body (22) attached to the base (21) and at least partially defining a volume for the storage of one or more objects, wherein: the main body (22) includes a support panel (221) with opposing first and second ends attached to the base and a portion extending between the first and second ends, the handle assembly (1) includes a carrier (11) in the form of a plate attached to the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends, and the handle assembly (1) further includes a handle member (12) which is attached to the support panel (221) to the sides of the carrier and passes through slots at least partially defined by the carrier (111) to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier.

Description

[0001] BAGS AND HANDLE ASSEMBLIES

[0002] FIELD

[0003] Versions of the present technology relate to bags and handle assemblies for bags.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Bags for the storage and carrying of objects (such as tools) are common. Bags made of textile material tend, however, to be overly flexible which can then make the organisation of the objects in the bags difficult. This may be because the objects will not remain in the desired location (e.g. pocket or pouch) and / or may be because parts of the bag move to obstruct the view into the bag or access to the objects in the bag.

[0006] On the other hand, rigid boxes can provide readily organisable spaces such as trays in which objects may be stored. With suitable hinge mechanisms it is also possible to have rigid boxes with multiple moveable trays which fold out to provide access to the contents of the trays. Traditional tool boxes are an example of such rigid boxes. However, such rigid boxes are often heavy even without objects stored therein which makes them difficult to carry and manoeuvre. Objects, such as tools, only make this issue worse. Moreover, the rigid nature of the boxes makes them uncomfortable to carry next to a user’s body and means that the boxes have a large fixed size irrespective of their contents.

[0007] With workers often now required to move from one location to another to work on different items - such as in the construction, plumbing, or electrical industries - both bags for tool storage and rigid boxes for tool storage present various problems.

[0008] In recent years, therefore, bags (such as tool bags) have been developed which are a hybrid of a rigid box and a conventional textile bag. However, even such hybrid bags may be difficult to carry and manufacture due to the materials used, and the heavy objects which they may be designed to carry.

[0009] Some such hybrid bags may, for example, have complex strap arrangements to aid a user (e.g. a worker) in carrying the bag, may have complex mechanisms to allow for movement of handles and the like with respect to other parts of the bag, and access to the bag may even be obstructed by these complex straps and mechanisms.

[0010] As a result, there is a need to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An aspect provides a bag including: a base; a handle assembly; and a main body attached to the base and at least partially defining a volume for the storage of one or more objects, wherein: the main body includes a support panel with opposing first and second ends attached to the base and a portion extending between the first and second ends, the handle assembly includes a carrier in the form of a plate attached to the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends, and the handle assembly further includes a handle member which is attached to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passes through slots at least partially defined by the carrier to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier.

[0012] The base may be a rigid base in the form of a tub.

[0013] The support panel may be an arch panel and the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends may include a curved portion.

[0014] The handle member may be in the form of a strap with opposing ends, and the opposing ends of the strap may be attached to the base.

[0015] The slots may include two upper slots which face each other across the middle portion of the carrier.

[0016] The slots may include two lower slots which each face towards a respective one of the opposing ends of the support panel.

[0017] The carrier may include a first raised portion and a second raised portion, under which the handle member passes, the slots providing access for the handle member to channels under the first and second raised portions.

[0018] The channels may be defined between the carrier and the support panel.

[0019] The handle member may be attached to the support panel in the channels.

[0020] At least one of the first and second raised portions may include one or more intermediate slots across a width thereof. The one or more intermediate slots may be located towards the middle portion of the carrier relative to a nearest point of attachment of the handle member to the support panel adjacent the middle portion of the carrier.

[0021] The carrier may extend across a top part of the main body of the bag.

[0022] The carrier may be more rigid than the material of the support panel.

[0023] The carrier may be attached to the support panel using stitching.

[0024] The handle member may include a handle configured to be grasped by a user.

[0025] An aspect provides a handle assembly for use with a bag having a base and a support panel attached to the base, the handle assembly including: a carrier in the form of a plate attachable to a portion of the support panel between first and second ends of the support panel, and a handle member attachable to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passable through slots at least partially defined by the carrier to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier.

[0026] An aspect provides a bag including: a base; a handle assembly; and a main body attached to the base and at least partially defining a volume for the storage of one or more objects, wherein: the main body includes a support panel with opposing first and second ends attached to the base and a portion extending between the first and second ends, the handle assembly includes a carrier in the form of a plate attached to the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends, and the handle assembly further includes a handle member which is attached to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passes through slots at least partially defined by the carrier to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier, such that the carrier is configured to resist the tendency of the sides of the bag to be drawn towards each other when the handle is used to lift the bag.

[0027] An aspect provides a handle assembly for use with a bag having a base and a support panel attached to the base, the handle assembly including: a carrier in the form of a plate attachable to a portion of the support panel between first and second ends of the support panel, and a handle member attachable to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passable through slots at least partially defined by the carrierto provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier, such that the carrier is configured to resist the tendency of the sides of the bag to be drawn towards each other when the handle is used to lift the bag.

[0028] An aspect provides a bag including: a main body with a support panel; a pair of shoulder straps for supporting the main body on a user’s shoulders; a strap yoke interconnecting the shoulder straps; and a load lifter assembly to couple the strap yoke to the support panel of the main body releasably, such that the load lifter assembly is configured to reduce a distance between the strap yoke and the support panel selectively.

[0029] The load lifter assembly may be configured to provide a single releasable coupling of the strap yoke to the support panel.

[0030] The single releasable coupling may be centrally located across a width of the bag.

[0031] The load lifter assembly may include a tab which extends towards the support panel substantially equidistant between the shoulder straps.

[0032] A first end of each of the shoulder straps may be attached to a rear panel of the main body.

[0033] A second end of each of the shoulder straps may be attached to the support panel.

[0034] A bag may further include a carrier in the form of a plate attached to the support panel, and the load lifter assembly may include a first part of a clasp coupled to the strap yoke and a second part of the clasp which is coupled to the carrier, wherein the first and second parts of the clasp may be selectively attachable to couple the strap yoke to the support panel releasably.

[0035] The second part of the clasp may stand proud of the carrier.

[0036] The second part of the clasp may be immovably mounted with respect to the carrier.

[0037] The second part of the clasp may be located in a middle portion of the carrier.

[0038] The bag may further include a handle member attached to the carrier.

[0039] The carrier may be more rigid that the support panel.

[0040] A length of the load lifter assembly may be adjustable to alter the distance between the strap yoke and the support panel when the load lifter assembly couples the strap yoke to the support panel.

[0041] The bag may further include a base to which the main body is mounted.

[0042] The base may be a rigid base. The support panel may be an arch panel with two opposing ends attached to the base and a curved portion extending between the two ends.

[0043] An aspect provides a bag including: a main body with a support panel and a rear panel; a pair of shoulder straps for supporting the main body on a user’s shoulders; a strap yoke interconnecting the shoulder straps; and a load lifter assembly to couple the strap yoke to the support panel of the main body releasably, such that the load lifter assembly is configured to reduce a distance between the strap yoke and the support panel selectively and to provide a selectively engageable bridge between the shoulder straps and the support panel to reduce forces across a fastener between the support panel and the rear panel, in use.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] In orderthat the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] FIGURE 1 is a front view of a first bag;

[0047] FIGURE 2 is a first side view of the first bag;

[0048] FIGURE 3 is a rear view of the first bag;

[0049] FIGURE 4 is a second side view of the first bag;

[0050] FIGURE 5 is a top view of the first bag;

[0051] FIGURE 6 is a bottom view of the first bag;

[0052] FIGURE 7 is a first partial view of a handle assembly and load lifter assembly;

[0053] FIGURE 8 is a first partial view of a handle assembly;

[0054] FIGURE 9 is a second partial view of a handle assembly and load lifter assembly;

[0055] FIGURE 10 is a front view of a second bag;

[0056] FIGURE 1 1 is a first side view of the second bag;

[0057] FIGURE 12 is a rear view of the second bag;

[0058] FIGURE 13 is a second side view of the second bag;

[0059] FIGURE 14 is a top view of the second bag;

[0060] FIGURE 15 is a bottom view of the second bag;

[0061] FIGURE 16 is a second partial view of a handle assembly;

[0062] FIGURE 17 is a third partial view of a handle assembly and load lifter assembly;

[0063] FIGURE 18 is a fourth partial view of a handle assembly and load lifter assembly;

[0064] FIGURE 19 is a fifth partial view of a handle assembly and load lifter assembly;

[0065] FIGURE 20 is a sixth partial view of a handle assembly and load lifter assembly; and FIGURE 21 is a seventh partial view of a handle assembly and load lifter assembly.

[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0067] Versions of the present technology may include a handle assembly 1 (see figures 1-5, 7-14, &16- 21), and / or a load lifter assembly 234 (see figures 2-5, 7-9, & 17-21), which is configured to be used with and, indeed may, form part of a bag 2.

[0068] The bag 2 (of which there are two examples depicted, see bag one in figures 1-6, 7-9, & 17-21 and bag two in figures 10-16) may be a tool bag (i.e. a bag which is configured to store one or more tools including, for example, scissors, spanners (wrenches), screwdrivers, test devices and the like, and / or which may also or alternatively be configured to store one or more other objects including, for example, bandages, screws, plumbing fittings, wire, electrical fittings, nails, tape, and the like). In other words, the bag 2 may be configured to store one or more objects and those objects could take many different forms. However, in some versions, the object or objects collectively are relatively heavy - e.g. more than about 10 kg, more than about 20 kg, or more than about 30 kg, for example.

[0069] The bag 2 may, for example, include a base 21 (see figures 1-4, 6, 10-13, & 15, for example) formed from a plastics material. The base 21 may be in the form of a tub (e.g. a base member with side walls (which may be integral with the base member) extending from the perimeter thereof). The base member may be generally square or rectangular, for example.

[0070] The base 21 may be impermeable or substantially impermeable. The base member of the base 21 may be at least about 2mm thick or at least about 3mm thick or at least about 4mm thick, for example.

[0071] The base 21 may have a rear portion which may be intended to be closest to the user when the bag 2 is carried (e.g. on the user’s back or by the handle assembly 1). The base 21 may have a front portion which opposes the rear portion and which is intended to face away from the user when the bag 2 is carried. The base 21 may have a first side portion which opposes a second side portion across a width of the base 21 . The first and second side portions may each extend between the front and rear portions of the base 21 . These front, rear, first side, and second side portions of the bag 2 may correspond to similarly named parts of the bag 2 (such that the bag 2 also has front, rear, first and second side portions defined in the same manner but with reference to the other portions of the bag 2).

[0072] In some versions, the base member of the base 21 may include one or more ridges and / or recesses in a lower surface thereof. Such features of the base 21 may serve one or more functions such as allowing the base 21 to sit more stably on an uneven surface, and / or improving the rigidity of the base 21 . In some versions, the base 21 of the bag 2, therefore, has a base member from which side walls extend, around a perimeter of the base member. The side walls may be one generally continuous wall of the base 21 for example. With the bag 2 in a typical orientation (e.g. with the base member of the base 21 resting on a ground surface), a textile main body 22 may extend from an upper part of the side wall(s) - i.e. away from the base member. The main body 22 may also extend downwardly into a volume defined by the base 21 (e.g. into the tub formed thereby). In some versions, the main body 21 may line an internal surface of the base 21 and this may include an internal surface of the base member and side wall(s).

[0073] The main body 22 may at least partially define one or more pockets for the storage of objects and may include one or more flaps, zips, hook-and-loop fasteners, loops, straps, clips, and the like. The one or more pockets may also be at least partially defined by the base 21 .

[0074] The main body 22 may be attached to the base 21 in a number of different manners which include, for example, the use of studs, rivets, adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding.

[0075] The base 21 may be rigid in the sense that it is more rigid than the main body 22. The base 21 may, therefore, be referred to as a rigid base 21 in some versions. In some versions, the base 21 is configured to help the main body 22 hold its shape. In some versions, the base 21 is configured to provide protection for the main body 22 from abrasion and / or from materials (including liquids) which may be present on the ground surface. In some versions, the base 21 is configured to provide protection for one or more objects within the bag 2.

[0076] Depending on the intended use of the bag 2, the main body 22 could take a number of different forms and could, therefore, define a plurality of different arrangements of one or more pockets for the storage of one or more objects, one or more flaps, zips, hook-and-loop fasteners, loops, straps, clips, and the like.

[0077] Generally, however, the main body 22 may include an arch panel 221 (see figures 2, 4, 5, 7-9, 11 , 13, 14, &16-21 , for example) which may be generally n-shaped (i.e. an inverted U-shape) with two free ends which may be attached to the base 21 . For example, the two free ends may be attached to the first and second side portions of the base 21 . As will be appreciated the reference to these as free ends is to define the ends of the arch panel 221 concerned; however, those free ends are attached to base 21 in some versions and are not, therefore, free to move with respect to the base 21. The free ends may, therefore, be referred to as opposing ends of the arch panel 221 which both oppose a curved portion of the arch panel 221 . In some versions, the arch panel 221 may take different shapes (e.g. with two or more curved portions instead of one curved portion between the opposing ends) but may still have opposing ends attached to the base 21 . Therefore, more generally, the arch panel 221 may be referred to as a support panel 221 and references to the arch panel 221 herein should be construed as encompassing other shapes of support panel 221.

[0078] The main body 22 may include a front panel 222 which corresponds with the front portion of the bag 2 and may include a rear panel 223 which corresponds with the rear portion of the bag 2 (such that the front panel 222 is intended to face away from the user when carrying the bag 2 and the rear panel 223 is intended to face towards the user when carrying the bag 2).

[0079] The front panel 222 may be attached at a lower end to the base 21 and at least part of an upper end of the front panel 222 may include part of a fastener (such as a first part of a zip, a hook-and- loop arrangement, or a clip). The arch panel 221 may carry a complementary part of the fastener (such as a second part of the zip, the hook-and-loop arrangement, or the clip) at a part of the arch panel 221 which is spaced away from the base 21 . Accordingly, the upper end of the front panel 222 may be removably fastened to the arch panel 221 (in an upper part of the panels 222, 221) through use of the fastener.

[0080] Similarly, the rear panel 223 may be attached at a lower end to the base 21 and at least part of an upper end of the rear panel 223 may include part of a fastener (such as a first part of a zip, a hook- and-loop arrangement, or a clip). The arch panel 221 may carry a complementary part of the fastener (such as a second part of the zip, the hook-and-loop arrangement, or the clip) at a part of the arch panel 221 which is spaced away from the base 21 . Accordingly, the upper end of the rear panel 223 may be removably fastened to the arch panel 221 (in an upper part of the panels 223, 221) through use of the fastener.

[0081] The rear panel 223, arch panel 221 , and front panel 222 may, therefore, at least partially define an internal volume of the bag 2 for one or more objects. Within this volume there may be one or more dividers and / or pockets. For example, a divider may extend from an underside of the arch panel 221 towards the base 21 and may split the volume into a front pocket accessible through use of the front panel 222 and its fastener, and a rear pocket accessible through use of the rear panel 223 and its fastener. In some versions, the divider may be attached to the underside of the arch panel 221 (e.g. along at least part of the curved portion of the arch panel 221). The divider may be attached (additionally or alternatively) to the base 21 . Accordingly, in some versions at least part of the divider extends from the base 21 to an upper part of the arch panel 221 and may, therefore, help to support the arch panel 221 against collapse (e.g. under a downward force applied to the top of the bag 2). Additionally or alternatively, the divider may be attached to opposing generally vertical surfaces of the arch panel 221 such that the divider resists movement of sides of the arch panel 221 away from each other (which may also assist in resisting collapse of the bag 2 (e.g. under a downward force applied to the top of the bag 2). As noted, the bag 2 and, in particular, the main body 22 may take different forms depending on the intended use. The above basic example structure is provided by way of example. In other examples the front panel 222 may be provided as described above but the rear panel 223 may be different from that described above (or vice versa).

[0082] For example, in some versions (see figures 10-16, for example), the front panel 222 may be as described above; however, at the rear portion of the bag 2 there may be provided a rear panel 223a which is attached at a lower end of the base 21 and which extends upwardly from the base 21. This rear panel 223a may be attached to the arch panel 221 towards a front of the rear panel 223a by one or more studs, rivets, an adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding or may be integrally formed therewith (i.e. the attachment may be substantially permanent). This rear panel 223a may also extend around the rear portion of the base 21 . This rear panel 223a with the arch panel 221 and base 21 may, therefore, define a volume for the storage of one or more objects. A flap 223b may be provided extending from the arch panel 221 and / or the rear panel 223a, which may cover an opening to that volume. The flap 223b may include part of a fastener (such as a first part of a zip, a hook-and-loop arrangement, or a clip) and the arch panel 221 and / or the rear panel 223a may carry a complementary part of the fastener (such as a second part of the zip, the hook- and-loop arrangement, or the clip) - to provide a releasable fastening. The flap 223b may be located at a top of the bag 2 such that the flap 223b may be moved to one side to gain access to the volume defined by this rear panel 223a, the arch panel 221 and the base 21 (the flap 223b being selectively closeable).

[0083] One or more straps 23 may be provided, such as one or more shoulder straps 23, as part of the bag 2 to assist the user in carrying the bag 2. These one or more straps 23 may take a number of different configurations and may have opposing ends which are attached to one or both of the base 21 and the main body 22 (e.g. by the use of studs, rivets, adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding), such that a middle portion of the or each strap 23 may be held by a user or supported on a user’s shoulder, for example.

[0084] The handle assembly 1 may be attached to the arch panel 221 . In some versions, the handle assembly 1 may be attached to the upper part of the arch panel 221 on an outer surface thereof.

[0085] The handle assembly 1 may include a carrier 11 (see figures 1 , 2, 4, 5, 7-14, & 16-21 , for example) and a handle member 12. The carrier 11 may be in the form of a plate which may be elongate and which may be rectangular in shape. The carrier 11 may extend around a portion of the upper part ofthe arch panel 221 and may follow the curvature of the outer surface of the arch panel 221. In some versions, the carrier 11 may be attached to the arch panel 221 by the use of studs, rivets, adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding. In some versions, the carrier 11 has perimeter stitching for helping to secure the carrier 111 to the arch panel 221 . This perimeter stitching may extend around at least part of a perimeter of the carrier 11 and may include stitches which extend through the carrier 111 and into the arch panel 221 .

[0086] In some versions, the carrier 11 may extend around all or substantially all of an upper part of the arch panel 221 . This upper part may be, for example, all of the curved portion of the arch panel 221 . In some versions the carrier 11 is centrally located on the arch panel 221 (e.g. equidistant from the two free ends thereof) and this may place the carrier 11 at the uppermost section of the arch panel 221 . In some versions, the carrier 11 may be centrally located on the arch panel 221 with respect to the distance of the carrier 11 from the frontmost and rearmost parts of the arch panel 221 , and in some versions the carrier 11 is offset in this respect (i.e. located more rearwardly or forwardly with respect to the arch panel 221). The front and rear of the arch panel 221 corresponding in relative position to the front and rear of the bag 2 as defined herein, for example.

[0087] The carrier 11 may have a first raised portion 111 towards the first side of the bag 2 and a second raised portion 112 towards the second side of the bag 2. The first raised portion 111 may define an open bottomed sheath with an upper slot 111a located at an end of the first raised portion located towards a middle part of the carrier 11 . Likewise, the second raised portion 112 may define an open bottomed sheath with an upper slot 112a located at an end of the second raised portion located towards the middle part of the carrier 11 . The two upper slots 111a, 112a may, therefore, face each other across the middle part of the carrier 11 .

[0088] The first and second raised portions 111 ,112 may be generally rectangular and may each extend along a respective length of the carrier towards opposing ends thereof (i.e. either side of the middle part of the carrier 11).

[0089] There may be a lower slot 111 b of the open bottomed sheath, with that lower slot 111 b being located at an end of the first raised portion facing towards a first end of the carrier 11 . Likewise, there may be a lower slot 112b of the open bottomed sheath, with that lower slot 112b located at an end of the second raised portion facing towards a second end the carrier 11 .

[0090] The configuration of the carrier 11 may be such that the handle member 12, which may be a textile strap, extends through the first raised portion 111 lower slot 111 b and into the open bottomed sheath of the first raised portion 111. The handle member 12 may pass through the first raised portion 111 upper slot 111a such that the handle member 12 extends across the middle portion of the carrier 11 . The handle member 12 may extend through the second raised portion 112 upper slot 112a and into the open bottomed sheath of the second raised portion 112. The handle member 12 may pass through the open bottomed sheath and through the second raised portion 112 lower slot 112a. The handle member 12 may be attached to the arch panel 221 within the respective first and second raised portions 111 ,112 (the open bottomed sheath form of these portions 111 ,112 defining a respective channel between the carrier 11 and the arch panel 221 for accommodating the handle member 12 and in which the handle member 12 may be attached to the arch panel 221). This attachment may be using one or more studs, rivets, an adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding. The attachment may not be along an entire length of the handle member 12 within the first and second raised portions 111 ,112, such that a part of the handle member 12 towards the upper slots 111a, 112a is moveable with respect to the arch panel 221 , for example. The attachment may be generally in a central location along the length and / or width of the first and second raised portions 111 ,112, respectively.

[0091] The handle member 12 may extend along a portion of the arch panel 221 towards a first of the opposing ends of the arch panel 221 and may be attached to the arch panel 221 from where the handle member 12 leaves the carrier 11 to a first end of the handle member 12. In some versions, the handle member 12 extends along the arch panel 221 to the base 21 and may be attached thereto (e.g. by the use of one or more studs, rivets, an adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding). In some versions, therefore, the first end of the handle member 12 may extend to the base 21 .

[0092] The handle member 12 may extend along a portion of the arch panel 221 towards a second of the opposing ends of the arch panel 221 and may be attached to the arch panel 221 from where the handle member 12 leaves the carrier 11 to a second end of the handle member 12. In some versions, the handle member 12 extends along the arch panel 221 to the base 21 and may be attached thereto (e.g. by the use of one or more studs, rivets, an adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding). In some versions, therefore, the second end of the handle member 12 may extend to the base 21 .

[0093] The first and second ends of the handle member 12 may, therefore, be located on opposing sides of the bag 2 and, indeed, on opposing sides of the arch panel 221.

[0094] Between the first and second raised portions 111 ,112, the handle member 12 may be spaced apart from the carrier 11 so that a user can grasp the handle member 12 in this location (which is generally above the middle portion of the carrier 11). This may be referred to, therefore, as a middle section of the handle member 12.

[0095] The handle member 12 may include a handle 121 at its middle section which may be shaped and sized to allow the handle 121 to be manually grasped by the user. The handle 121 may be a moulded handle 121 , for example. The handle 121 may be over-moulded on the strap of the handle member 12.

[0096] As will be appreciated, therefore, the handle member 12 strap may extend from one side of the arch panel 221 through the first raised portion 111 of the carrier 11 , over the middle portion of the carrier 11 , through the second raised portion 112 of the carrier, and to the other side of the arch panel 221 . The first and second ends of the handle member 12 may, therefore, be ends of the strap of the handle member 12. A length of that strap being defined as extending from one end to the other and a width being the distance from a front edge of the strap to a rear edge of the strap (the front edge of the strap being the edge closest to the front of the bag 2 and the rear edge of the strap being the edge closest to the rear of the bag 2).

[0097] The upper and lower slots 111a,b, 112a,b may, therefore, extend across a width of the carrier 11 and may be greater than or equal to the width of the strap, such that the strap may be attached flat against the arch panel 221 (where such attachment is specified herein, for example).

[0098] The carrier 11 may be formed from a plastics material and the handle member 12 may be at least partially formed from a textile material (such as a strap which may be formed from a woven plastics material such as nylon, for example). The handle member 12 may include the handle 121 and the handle 12 may be formed from a plastics material.

[0099] The carrier 11 may be sufficiently flexible to permit the carrier 11 to be curved along the curve of the arch panel 221 but may be more rigid that the material of the arch panel 221 , for example.

[0100] The handle assembly 1 may provide a handle 121 which can be grasped by a user for lifting the bag 2. As will be understood, in versions in which the handle assembly 1 includes a handle member 12 which extends down a length of the arch panel 221 and even, in some versions, to the base 21 , there is a large area of attachment of the handle assembly 1 to the arch panel 221 (and even the base 21 in some versions) which may help to ensure that the handle assembly 1 is not torn from the rest of the bag 2 during use (particularly with relatively heavy object(s) in the bag 2).

[0101] Moreover, the provision of the carrier 11 may help to resist the tendance of the sides of the bag 2 to be drawn towards each other when the handle 121 is grasped and used to lift the bag 2.

[0102] In some versions, the arch panel 221 may provide a large part of the structure of the bag 2 and the carrier 11 may assist in maintaining the curve of the arch panel 221 in use and may resist a crushing of the main body 22 of the bag 2 through application of a force between the front and rear ofthe bag 2.

[0103] The use of the first and second raised portions 111 ,112 may help to shield the handle member 12 at the last points of attachment to the arch panel 221 adjacent the middle portion of the carrier 11 , whilst the upper slots 111a may restrict excessive movement of the handle member 12 with respect to the arch panel 221 in an undesirable manner which may jeopardise the attachment of the handle member 12 to the arch panel 221 . In some versions, the first and / or second raised portion 111 may each include one or more intermediate slots 111c, 112c across a width thereof (e.g. parallel to the upper slots 111a, 112a). These one or more intermediate slots 111c, 112c may aid in allowing the carrier 11 to flex sufficiently to follow the curve of the arch panel 221 , for example. The one or more intermediate slots 111c, 112c may be located towards the middle portion of the carrier 11 relative to the nearest point of attachment of the handle member 12 to the arch panel 221 adjacent the middle portion of the carrier 11 .

[0104] The lower slots 112a, 112b permit the handle member 12 to extend from the carrier 11 towards, for example, the base 21 whilst maintaining attachment thereto through that length of the handle member 12.

[0105] The same handle assembly 1 may be used with a variety of different bags 2 of different configurations and the carrier 11 may be used with different handle members 12. Therefore, the handle assembly 1 may provide a versatile assembly which provides structural improvements to many different bags 2.

[0106] As the handle member 12 may be in the form of a strap of textile material, the handle 121 may be moved with respect to the carrier 11 and so with respect to the arch panel 221 without the need for complex hinge arrangements.

[0107] As described herein there may be one or more straps 23 provided as part of the bag 2.

[0108] In some versions, there are a pair of shoulder straps 231 ,232 - i.e. first and second shoulder straps 231 ,232 (see figures 2-5, 7, 9, 18, 19, & 20, for example). Each of the pair of shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be attached at a respective first end to an upper part of the bag 2 and at a respective second end to a lower part of the bag 2, so as to form backpack straps. Accordingly, the pair of shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be spaced apart from each other to enable a user to place each of the straps 231 ,232 on a respective shoulder, so as to enable the carrying of the bag 2 on the user’s back. The shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be configured for supporting the bag 2, e.g. the main body 22, on the user’s shoulders.

[0109] The first end of the pair of shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be attached to the rear panel 223 of the main body 22 of the bag 2 (e.g. by the use of studs, rivets, adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding). In some versions, this attachment may be spaced downward from an uppermost edge of the rear panel 223 (e.g. by about 2 to about 10 cm). In some versions, the first end of the pair of shoulder straps 231 ,232 may, therefore, be attached to a rear surface of the rear panel 223 below the top of the rear panel 223. In some versions, each first end of the pair of shoulder straps 231 ,232 is independently attached to the rear panel 223 and the first ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 are separate from each other.

[0110] In some versions, however, the first ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 are joined together (e.g. attached together or integrally formed with each other), such that they may be jointly attached to the rear panel 223. In some versions, the joined first ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 may, therefore, form a strap yoke 233. In other words, the strap yoke 233 may interconnect the shoulder straps 231 ,232 and may be integrally formed therewith. When the bag 2 is being carried using the shoulder straps 231 ,232, the strap yoke 233 may rest across the user’s shoulders and the back of their neck. Accordingly, the first ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,233 may form an n-shape (i.e. an inverted U-shape), with the upper curved part extending around the back of the user’s neck, in use, and the free ends extending downwardly over the user’s shoulders and towards the second ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232. This may provide a larger area of attachment for the shoulder straps

[0111] 231 ,232 with the rear panel 223 than would be the case if the shoulder straps 231 ,232 were directly attached to the rear panel 223 without forming the strap yoke 233.

[0112] The second ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be attached to the bag 2 at a lower location than the first ends are attached such that the shoulder straps 231 ,232 can pass over the user’s shoulders and the bag 2 be carried as a backpack. In some versions, the second ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be attached to the rear panel 223 and / or the base 21 (e.g. by the use of studs, rivets, adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding). In some versions, whilst the attachment line of the first ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be across a width of the rear panel 223 (e.g. generally horizontal with the bag 2 in it normal in use orientation), the attachment line of the second ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 to the rear panel 223 and / or the base 21 may be across a part of the height of the rear panel 223 and / or the base 21 (e.g. generally vertical with the bag 2 in its normal in use orientation).

[0113] In some versions, the second ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 may be attached to the arch panel 221 instead of the rear panel 223. In some versions, the second ends of the shoulder straps

[0114] 231 ,232 may be attached to the arch panel 221 and / or the base 21 (e.g. generally where the arch panel 221 is attached to the base 21 at the sides of the bag 2). With the arch panel 221 (i.e. the support panel 221) forming a main structural component of the bag 2 in some versions, the attachment of the second ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 in this more central location (i.e. more centrally located with respect to the front and rear portions of the bag 2 than in the examples described herein in which the second ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 are attached to the rear panel 223), the weight of the bag 2 and its contents may be better carried using the shoulder straps

[0115] 231 ,232 which may, for example, be less prone to tearing. The bag 2 may include waist and / or chest straps which releasably couple the shoulder straps

[0116] 231 ,232 and are configured to extend around the user’s waist and / or chest, as the case may be.

[0117] The shoulder straps 231 ,232 may include a length adjustment member (e.g. each strap 231 ,232 may include two respective sub-straps interconnected by the length adjustment member, with the length adjustment member attached to one of the sub-straps and the other sub-strap passing through the length adjustment member and moveable through the length adjustment member to different positions to adjust the overall length of the should strap 231 ,232).

[0118] In some versions, the main body 22 may include the load lifter assembly 234 (see figures 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 17-21 , for example). The load lifter assembly 234 may be located at or towards the first ends of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 (e.g. at or towards the strap yoke 234). In some versions, the load lifter assembly 234 is in the form of one or more further straps or textile material. The load lifer assembly 234 may be attached, at a lower (or first) part thereof, to the first and second shoulder straps 231 ,232 at or towards an upper part of those straps 231 ,232 (e.g. the first ends). In some versions, the lower part has first and second sub-parts which are respectively attached to the first and second shoulder straps 231 ,232 - e.g. so that the first sub-part is attached to the first shoulder strap 231 and the second sub-part is attached to the second shoulder strap 232. The attachment of the first and second sub-parts to the shoulder straps 232 may be at a location along the shoulder straps 231 ,232 which is closer than the strap yoke 233 to the second ends of the shoulder straps 232 (e.g. lower than the strap yoke 233). The shape of the lower part of the load lifter assembly 234 may match the shape of the correspondingly located parts of the shoulder straps 231 ,232.

[0119] In some versions, the load lifter assembly 234 may at least partially be located above the strap yoke 233 (i.e. closer to a top of the bag 2 than the strap yoke 233). In some versions, the strap yoke 233 may be implemented as part of the load lifter assembly 234. The strap yoke 233 may form the lower part of the load lifter assembly 234 and, in some such versions, the strap yoke 233 may interconnect that straps 231 ,232 but may not itself be attached to the rear panel 223.

[0120] An upper (or second) part of the load lifter assembly 234 may be a free end which is not attached to the shoulder straps 231 ,232 and which can move with respect to the shoulder straps 231 ,232. In some versions, the upper part of the load lifter assembly 234 forms a tab 2341 which extends from the lower part of the load lifter assembly 234. The tab 2341 may be generally centrally located between the shoulder straps 231 ,232. The tab 2341 may extend beyond (e.g. above) the attachment of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 to the rear panel 223. In some versions, there is a single tab 2341 (i.e. one and only one tab 2341).

[0121] The tab 2341 may carry a first part of a clasp 2342a of the load lifter assembly 234. In some versions, the first part of the clasp 2342a is carried on a load lifter assembly strap 2343 which may extend from the tab 2341 and which may be attached to the load lifter assembly strap 2343 by, for example, the use of studs, rivets, adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding. The first part of the clasp 2342a may be carried by the load lifter assembly strap 2343 by an adjustable connection such that the position of the first part of the clasp 2342a along the length of the load lifter assembly strap 2343 may be adjusted. The adjustable connection may be provided by, for example, one or more slots defined by a portion of the first part of the clasp 2342a and through which at least part of the load lifter assembly strap 2343 may be passed such that the first part of the clasp 2342a may be moved up and down the strap 2343 by movement of the strap 2343 through the or each slot. The arrangement may be such that a free end of the load lifter assembly strap 2343 (i.e. an end remote from the attachment to the tab 2341) may double back and rest over or under a portion of the load lifter assembly strap 2343 which extends between the tab 2341 and the first part of the clasp 2342a.

[0122] A second part of the clasp 2342b may be provided as part of the load lifter assembly 234 and / or the bag 2. The second part of the clasp 2342b may be carried by the main body 22 of the bag 2 in a position which is above (in normal use) the attachment of the shoulder straps 231 ,232 to the rear panel 223 at their first ends. The second part of the clasp 2342b may be attached to the carrier 11 , for example. In some versions, the second part of the clasp 2342b may be attached to the middle portion of the carrier 11 . The second part of the clasp 2342b may be mounted on the carrier 11 and / or may extend through an aperture in the carrier 11. In some versions, the second part of the clasp 2342b is provided as part of the carrier 11 and may even be integrally formed with the carrier 11. In some versions, the carrier 11 defines an aperture (which may be square or rectangular, for example) in the middle portion of the carrier 11 . The second part of the clasp 2342b may be provided to extend through that aperture. In some versions, the second part of the clasp 2342b may be attached to the arch panel 221 (e.g. by the use of studs, rivets, adhesive, stitching, and / or plastic welding) and may additionally or alternatively be mounted to the carrier 11 .

[0123] In some versions, the second part of the clasp 2342b may stand proud of the carrier 11 and may be configured for releasable mating (i.e. selective coupling or attachment) with the first part of the clasp 2342a. Accordingly, the load lifter assembly 234 may be configured to couple the strap yoke 233 to the arch panel 221 of the main body 22 releasably (i.e. selectively). In some versions, the second part of the clasp 2342b is immovably mounted with respect to the carrier 11 (e.g. to the carrier 11).

[0124] In some versions, the second part of the clasp 2342b is formed from a plastics material and the first part of the clasp 2342a may be formed from a plastics material or a metal, for example. The second part of the clasp 2342b may form a mating configuration which the first part of the clasp 2342a is configured to engage selectively. In some versions, the first part of the clasp 2342a may include a main element and a hinged element mounted to the main element and configured for rotation with respect thereto. The main element may include one or more teeth which extend in a first direction (e.g. downwardly) and towards one or more first engagement elements of the first part of the clasp 2342a (which may be provided by the hinged element, for example). The mating configuration of the second part of the clasp 2342b may be configured to engage with the one or more teeth and the one or more first engagement elements. Accordingly, the one or more teeth may be receivable within one or more recesses of the mating configuration. In some versions the one or more first engagement elements is a recess, aperture, or protrusion, and the mating configuration includes a protrusion, recess, or aperture - so that a protrusion is received in a recess or aperture. In some versions, with the first part of the clasp 2342a engaged with the second part of the clasp 2342b, and the hinged element in a first position with respect to the main element, the first and second parts of the clasp 2342a, b are held together by the engagement. From this position, movement of the hinged element to a second position with respect to the main element may disengage the first engagement element from the mating configuration, which may than permit the one or more teeth to leave the one or more recesses of the mating configuration - so releasing the first part from the second part of the clasp 2342a, b.

[0125] In some versions, the hinged element may include an end section which, as the hinged element is moved to the second position, abuts a part of the mating configuration to assist in levering the one or more teeth from the one or more recesses.

[0126] In some versions, the hinged element may be formed from a metal and this may be ferrous metal, for example. The main element may be formed from a plastics material, for example. In some versions one or both of the main element and the mating configuration include a magnet configured to bias the hinged element to the first position.

[0127] To engage the first and second parts of the clasp 2342a, b, the above operation may be reversed. In some versions, the there may be one or more surfaces of the first and second parts of the clasp 2342a, b which may move the hinged element towards its second position when the two parts of the clasp 2342a, b are pressed together manually, to allow engagement.

[0128] In some versions the first and second parts of the clasp 2342a, b may be a Fidlock clasp from FIDLOCK GmbH, of Hannover Germany. The first and second parts of the clasp 2342a, b may be pulled apart and pushed together to engage or disengage the parts 2342a, b - which may be an easer operation than other forms of clasp.

[0129] The load lifter assembly 234 may be configured to reduce the distance between the strap yoke 233 and the arch panel 221 , for example. This may effectively be viewed as lifting the load on the user and may make the bag 2 more comfortable to carry for long periods of time. For example, figure 9 shows the load lifter assembly 234 in a disengaged or inoperative configuration (i.e. with the first and second parts of the clasp 2342a, b disengaged) and figure 20 shows the load lifter assembly 234 in an engaged or operative configuration (i.e. with the first and second parts of the clasp 2342a, b engaged).

[0130] As will be appreciated, the load lifter assembly 234 provides a selectively engageable bridge between the shoulder straps 231 ,232 and the arch panel 221 (using the carrier 11 in some versions). The length of this bridge is adjustable as descried herein.

[0131] In some versions, as there is a single extension (formed from the tab 2341 and / or the load lifter strap 2343) forming this bridge, and this is centrally located, there is a reduces likelihood of the load lifter assembly being unbalanced (i.e. providing an uneven weight distribution between the user’s shoulders) and / or of the load lifter assembly obstructing access to the contents of the bag - e.g. compared to a load lifter assembly 234 which might include two extensions forming a similar bridge. In some versions, therefore, there is a single coupling between the strap yoke 233 and the arch panel 221 , which may be centrally located across a width of the bag 2. The tab 2341 may, therefore, be substantially equidistant between the two shoulder straps 231 ,232.

[0132] In addition to potential benefits in relation to the carrying comfort, the use of the load lifter assembly 234 may reduce the forces across a fastener between the arch panel 221 and the rear panel 223, for example - so reducing the risk of failure of that fastener.

[0133] The shoulder straps 231 ,232 and / or the strap yoke 233 and / or the tab 2341 and / or the lower part of the load lifter assembly 234 may be formed from textile material and may include edge beading in the like.

[0134] The strap yoke 233 (and in some versions the correspondingly located part of the load lifter assembly 234) may help to distribute the weight of the bag 2 across the user’s shoulders in some versions.

[0135] The bag 2 may be a tool bag (i.e. a tool pack), for example.

[0136] An aspect provides a bag including: a base; a handle assembly; and a main body attached to the base and at least partially defining a volume for the storage of one or more objects, wherein: the main body includes a support panel with opposing first and second ends attached to the base and a portion extending between the first and second ends, the handle assembly includes a carrier in the form of a plate attached to the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends, and the handle assembly further includes a handle member which is attached to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passes through slots at least partially defined by the carrier to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier.

[0137] The base may be a rigid base in the form of a tub.

[0138] The support panel may be an arch panel and the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends may include a curved portion.

[0139] The handle member may be in the form of a strap with opposing ends, and the opposing ends of the strap may be attached to the base.

[0140] The slots may include two upper slots which face each other across the middle portion of the carrier.

[0141] The slots may include two lower slots which each face towards a respective one of the opposing ends of the support panel.

[0142] The carrier may include a first raised portion and a second raised portion, under which the handle member passes, the slots providing access for the handle member to channels under the first and second raised portions.

[0143] The channels may be defined between the carrier and the support panel.

[0144] The handle member may be attached to the support panel in the channels.

[0145] At least one of the first and second raised portions may include one or more intermediate slots across a width thereof.

[0146] The one or more intermediate slots may be located towards the middle portion of the carrier relative to a nearest point of attachment of the handle member to the support panel adjacent the middle portion of the carrier.

[0147] The carrier may extend across a top part of the main body of the bag.

[0148] The carrier may be more rigid than the material of the support panel.

[0149] The carrier may be attached to the support panel using stitching.

[0150] The handle member may include a handle configured to be grasped by a user. Another aspect provides a handle assembly for use with a bag having a base and a support panel attached to the base, the handle assembly including: a carrier in the form of a plate attachable to a portion of the support panel between first and second ends of the support panel, and a handle member attachable to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passable through slots at least partially defined by the carrier to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier.

[0151] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0152] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0153] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0154] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bag including: a base; a handle assembly; and a main body attached to the base and at least partially defining a volume for the storage of one or more objects, wherein: the main body includes a support panel with opposing first and second ends attached to the base and a portion extending between the first and second ends, the handle assembly includes a carrier in the form of a plate attached to the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends, and the handle assembly further includes a handle member which is attached to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passes through slots at least partially defined by the carrier to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier.

2. A bag according to claim 1 , wherein the base is a rigid base in the form of a tub.

3. A bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the support panel is an arch panel and the portion of the support panel between the first and second ends includes a curved portion.

4. A bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle member is in the form of a strap with opposing ends, and the opposing ends of the strap are attached to the base.

5. A bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the slots include two upper slots which face each other across the middle portion of the carrier.

6. A bag according to claim 5, wherein the slots include two lower slots which each face towards a respective one of the opposing ends of the support panel.

7. A bag according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the carrier includes a first raised portion and a second raised portion, under which the handle member passes, the slots providing access for the handle member to channels under the first and second raised portions.

8. A bag according to claim 7, wherein the channels are defined between the carrier and the support panel.

9. A bag according to claim 8, wherein the handle member is attached to the support panel in the channels.

10. A bag according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein at least one of the first and second raised portions includes one or more intermediate slots across a width thereof.

11. A bag according to claim 10, wherein the one or more intermediate slots are located towards the middle portion of the carrier relative to a nearest point of attachment of the handle member to the support panel adjacent the middle portion of the carrier.

12. A bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier extends across a top part of the main body of the bag.

13. A bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier is more rigid than the material of the support panel.

14. A bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier is attached to the support panel using stitching.

15. A bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle member includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user.

16. A handle assembly for use with a bag having a base and a support panel attached to the base, the handle assembly including: a carrier in the form of a plate attachable to a portion of the support panel between first and second ends of the support panel, and a handle member attachable to the support panel to the sides of the carrier and passable through slots at least partially defined by the carrier to provide a handle adjacent a middle portion of the carrier.

17. A bag including: a main body with a support panel; a pair of shoulder straps for supporting the main body on a user’s shoulders; a strap yoke interconnecting the shoulder straps; and a load lifter assembly to couple the strap yoke to the support panel of the main body releasably, such that the load lifter assembly is configured to reduce a distance between the strap yoke and the support panel selectively.

18. A bag according to claim 17, wherein the load lifter assembly is configured to provide a single releasable coupling of the strap yoke to the support panel.

19. A bag according to claim 18, wherein the single releasable coupling is centrally located across a width of the bag.

20. A bag according to any of claims 17-19, wherein the load lifter assembly includes a tab which extends towards the support panel substantially equidistant between the shoulder straps.

21. A bag according to any of claims 17-20, wherein a first end of each of the shoulder straps is attached to a rear panel of the main body.

22. A bag according to any of claims 17-21 , wherein a second end of each of the shoulder straps is attached to the support panel.

23. A bag according to any of claims 17-22, further including a carrier in the form of a plate attached to the support panel, and the load lifter assembly includes a first part of a clasp coupled to the strap yoke and a second part of the clasp which is coupled to the carrier, wherein the first and second parts of the clasp are selectively attachable to couple the strap yoke to the support panel releasably.

24. A bag according to claim 23, wherein the second part of the clasp stands proud of the carrier.

25. A bag according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the second part of the clasp is immovably mounted with respect to the carrier.

26. A bag according to any of claims 23-25, wherein the second part of the clasp is located in a middle portion of the carrier.

27. A bag according to any of claims 23-26, further including a handle member attached to the carrier.

28. A bag according to any of claims 23-27, wherein the carrier is more rigid that the support panel.

29. A bag according to any of claims 17-28, wherein a length of the load lifter assembly is adjustable to alter the distance between the strap yoke and the support panel when the load lifter assembly couples the strap yoke to the support panel.

30. A bag according to any of claims 17-29, further including a base to which the main body is mounted.

31. A bag according to claim 30, wherein the base is a rigid base.

32. A bag according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein the support panel is an arch panel with two opposing ends attached to the base and a curved portion extending between the two ends.

Images