Multipurpose bag with collapsible container body

Abstract

There is described a multipurpose bag (B) comprising a collapsible container body (10) made of an assembly of fabric panels that are joined together to form at least a bottom side (15), a top side (16) and a sidewall (11-14) including four lateral sides (11, 12, 13, 14) that jointly define an inner storage volume when the collapsible container body (10) takes an expanded state. The top side (16) includes a releasable cover panel (17) that forms an integral part of the collapsible container body (10), the releasable cover panel (17) being releasably attachable to part of the top side (16) to selectively allow full closure of the inner storage volume when the collapsible container body (10) is in the expanded state. The collapsible container body (10) is configured such that, in the expanded state, the releasable cover panel (17) can take at least two configurations, namely a first, open configuration in which the releasable cover panel (17) is released from the part of the top side (16) to provide full, unimpeded access to the inner storage volume, and a second, closed configuration in which the releasable cover panel (17) is fully attached to the top side (16) and completely closes the top side (16) to fully enclose the inner storage volume and cause the collapsible container body (10) to take a desired expanded shape. The releasable cover panel (17) can take at least a third configuration in which the releasable cover panel (17) is partly attached to the top side (16) and only partly closes the top side (16) to maintain the collapsible container body (10) in substantially the desired expanded shape, while providing partial access to the inner storage volume. The collapsible container body (10) further includes a retaining structure (18) configured to keep the releasable cover panel (17) in the third configuration.

Description

[0001] MULTIPURPOSE BAG WITH COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER BODY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a multipurpose bag with collapsible container body, such as but not limited to a rolling tote bag as for instance used as shopping bag, grocery bag and / or laundry bag.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Multipurpose bags with collapsible container bodies are known as such in the art.

[0006] International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 and related U.S. Patent No. US 9,999,282 B2, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose a rolling bag comprising a collapsible container body made of a non-rigid assembly of fabric panels that are joined together to form a bottom side and a sidewall including four lateral sides that jointly define an inner storage volume when the collapsible container body takes an expanded state. This rolling bag further comprises a removable rolling support assembly to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body in the expanded state, the removable rolling support assembly including a support plate and a plurality of caster wheels provided on an underside of the support plate. More specifically, the rolling bag is constructed such that the support plate can be inserted inside the inner storage volume and be removably attached at the bottom of the collapsible container body by means of a pair of inner securing flaps. The bottom side of the collapsible container body is furthermore provided with apertures to allow passage of the caster wheels therethrough so as to project away from the bottom side on the underside of the collapsible container body.

[0007] Yet another example of a similar rolling bag with a removable rolling support assembly is disclosed in U.S. Design Patent No. US D688,449 S, the rolling bag being likewise constructed such that the rolling support assembly can be inserted inside the inner storage volume and removably attached at the bottom of the collapsible container body, with the caster wheels projecting away from the

[0008] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 bottom side through corresponding apertures formed therein to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body.

[0009] An improvement over this configuration is disclosed in International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2024 / 079728 A2 and related U.S. Patent No. US 12,053,071 B1 , the contents of which are likewise incorporated herein by reference. In this other case, the collapsible container body further comprises a retaining structure formed of one or more fabric panels, the retaining structure being provided underneath the bottom side of the collapsible container body and being configured to securely hold the support plate outside of the inner storage volume against an underside of the bottom side of the collapsible container body.

[0010] International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2024 / 084477 A2 and related U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2024 / 0315411 A1 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose an improvement of the bag’s construction. In this case, the collapsible container body further comprises a top side, including a releasable cover panel that forms an integral part of the collapsible container body, the releasable cover panel being releasably attachable to part of the top side to selectively allow full closure of the inner storage volume when the collapsible container body is in the expanded state. More specifically, the collapsible container body is configured such that, in the expanded state, the releasable cover panel can take two configurations, namely a first, open configuration in which the releasable cover panel is released from the part of the top side to provide full, unimpeded access to the inner storage volume and a second, closed configuration in which the releasable cover panel is fully attached to the top side and completely closes the top side to fully enclose the inner storage volume. The releasable cover panel is permanently attached to a first one of the lateral sides and releasably attachable to the remaining ones of the lateral sides by means of a zipper that preferably comprises a pair of sliders.

[0011] A multipurpose bag embodying the aforementioned improved configurations is available on the market in various sizes and colours under the product designation HULKEN® (cf. https: / / hulken.com / ), HULKEN® being a registered trademark of the Applicant.

[0012] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 U.S. Patent No. US 12,114,749 B1 , the contents of which are likewise incorporated herein by reference, discloses yet another improvement of the aforementioned multipurpose bag which is aimed at allowing the bag to retain a flat-folded collapsed state.

[0013] The aforementioned solutions are reasonably satisfactory but suffer from certain limitations. In particular, when the releasable cover panel takes the (first) open configuration, the collapsible container body deviates from the substantially parallelepipedic shape that the collapsible container body is caused to adopt when the releasable cover panel takes the (second) closed configuration as the opposite (short) lateral sides have a tendency to bulge outward (especially when goods are stored within the inner storage volume), which negatively impacts the overall structure of the bag and the handling thereof, especially.

[0014] There therefore remains a need for an improved solution.

[0015] U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2023 / 0129925 A1 discloses a top-and- front accessible luggage stroller comprising (i) at least one bottom box having a bottom box door, (ii) at least one top box having a top box door and (iii) an upper cover. Each of the bottom box, top box and upper cover are made of rigid or substantially rigid panels, it being noted in particular that the top box retains its substantially parallelepipedic shape irrespective of the configuration of the upper cover, which therefore plays no particular role in maintaining the top box in the desired shape. Furthermore, it is apparent that neither the bottom box nor the top box are collapsible as such.

[0016] U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2022 / 0056633 A1 discloses a collapsible hamper that is provided with a lid that is foldable in half along a fold line. As shown e.g. in Figure 2E of this publication, it is clearly apparent that the lid is entirely separate from the walls defining the sidewall of the hamper. The same is true with respect to the bottom base that is shown in Figure 2C of this publication. In that regard, the structure of this hamper differs substantially from the contemplated collapsible container body of the invention.

[0017] U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2023 / 0034505 A1 discloses, with reference to Figures 15A-I thereof, a collapsible push cart that is supported on a rolling support frame. More specifically, the push cart comprises four side panels

[0018] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 that are each foldable in half along respective fold lines, as well as a cover panel that is foldable in half along a longitudinal fold line. The side panels are selectively attachable to or detachable from each other using mutually joining nibs as discussed more extensively in U.S. Patent No. US 9,694,837 B2. In that regard, the structure of this push cart likewise differs substantially from the contemplated collapsible container body of the invention.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A general aim of the invention is to provide a multipurpose bag of the type comprising a collapsible container body that obviates the problems and limitations of known multipurpose bags.

[0021] More specifically, an aim of the invention is to provide such a multipurpose bag that retains the functionalities and benefits of the known bags of, especially, International (PCT) Publications No. WO 2024 / 079728 A2 and WO 2024 / 084477 A2 and related U.S. Patent No. US 12,053,071 B1 and U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2024 / 0315411 A1 , while improving handling thereof in use.

[0022] A further aim of the invention is to provide such a multipurpose bag that is cost-efficient to produce.

[0023] These aims and others are achieved thanks to the solutions defined in the claims.

[0024] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a multipurpose bag comprising a collapsible container body made of an assembly of fabric panels that are joined together to form at least a bottom side, a top side and a sidewall including four lateral sides that jointly define an inner storage volume when the collapsible container body takes an expanded state. The top side includes a releasable cover panel that forms an integral part of the collapsible container body, the releasable cover panel being releasably attachable to part of the top side to selectively allow full closure of the inner storage volume when the collapsible container body is in the expanded state. The collapsible container body is configured such that, in the expanded state, the releasable cover panel can take at least two configurations, namely a first, open configuration in which the releasable cover panel is released from the part of the top side to provide full,

[0025] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 unimpeded access to the inner storage volume, and a second, closed configuration in which the releasable cover panel is fully attached to the top side and completely closes the top side to fully enclose the inner storage volume and cause the collapsible container body to take a desired expanded shape. According to the invention, the releasable cover panel can take at least a third configuration in which the releasable cover panel is partly attached to the top side and only partly closes the top side to maintain the collapsible container body in substantially the desired expanded shape, while providing partial access to the inner storage volume. Moreover, the collapsible container body further includes a retaining structure configured to keep the releasable cover panel in the third configuration.

[0026] By way of preference, the releasable cover panel is permanently attached to a first one of the lateral sides and releasably attachable to the remaining ones of the lateral sides, in particular by means of a zipper. Even more preferably, the releasable cover panel is releasably attachable to the remaining ones of the lateral sides by means of a zipper comprising two sliders allowing the releasable cover panel to take the third configuration. In this context, the releasable cover panel may advantageously be foldable in half along a fold line that is parallel to the first lateral side to which the releasable cover panel is permanently attached, in which case the retaining structure is configured to keep the releasable cover panel in a half-folded state.

[0027] The retaining structure may in particular include a fastener comprising a pair of complementary fastening members positioned to selectively cooperate with one another to maintain the cover panel in the half-folded state. In particular, the fastener may include (i) a snap fastener, (ii) a hook-and-loop fastener, (iii) a pair of cooperating magnets or (iv) a button and associated retaining band. By way of preference, a first one of the complementary fastening members is positioned on a distal portion of the releasable cover panel, while a second one of the complementary fastening members is positioned on a proximal portion of the releasable cover panel, next to the first lateral side, or along an upper end of the first lateral side.

[0028] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 The collapsible container body may advantageously be configured to take a folded, collapsed state when the releasable cover panel takes the first, open configuration. Especially, opposite short lateral sides of the collapsible container body may each be provided with a gusset fold designed to allow inward or outward folding of the opposite short lateral sides into flat-folded gusset sections. Preferably, the collapsible container body is configured to be foldable into a flattened configuration where the opposite short lateral sides are folded outward along the gusset fold into the flat-folded gusset sections, the flat-folded gusset sections being foldable inward over lateral sections of a first long lateral side of the collapsible container body, while a second long lateral side of the collapsible container body, opposite the first long lateral side, is foldable inward to align the bottom side with the first and second long lateral sides.

[0029] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the multipurpose bag is configured as a rolling bag, namely further comprises a rolling support assembly to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body in the expanded state, the rolling support assembly including a support plate and a plurality of caster wheels provided on an underside of the support plate. In this context, the collapsible container body preferably further comprises a retaining structure formed of one or more fabric panels, the retaining structure being provided underneath the bottom side of the collapsible container body and being configured to securely hold the support plate outside of the inner storage volume against an underside of the bottom side of the collapsible container body. This retaining structure may especially include first and second releasable securing flaps attached to and positioned along opposite first and second ends of the bottom side, the first and second releasable securing flaps being partially overlapping and releasably attachable to one another to encase the support plate between the bottom side and the first and second releasable securing flaps. Even more preferably, the retaining structure further includes third and fourth releasable securing flaps attached to and positioned along opposite third and fourth ends of the bottom side to hold corresponding end sections of the support plate.

[0030] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 The sidewall may include at least two outer pieces of fabric and an intermediate piece of packing material, in particular bubble wrap, interposed between the two outer pieces of fabric, the outer pieces of fabric being preferably made of or comprising at least one sheet of woven fabric produced out of strands of synthetic or non-synthetic material, such as polypropylene strands. In this latter context, one or each of the outer pieces of fabric preferably further comprises an outer layer, such as a biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, a cast polypropylene (CPP) film, a polypropylene (PP) coating or a PVC layer, that is applied on an outer side of the sheet of woven fabric, for instance by lamination or extrusion coating.

[0031] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention which are presented solely by way of non-restrictive examples and are illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

[0034] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of a multipurpose bag in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the bag being shown in an expanded state, with a top side thereof being completely closed by a releasable cover panel;

[0035] Figure 1 B is a schematic perspective view of a top side of the multipurpose bag of Figure 1A;

[0036] Figure 1 C is a schematic view of the underside of the multipurpose bag of Figures 1A-B;

[0037] Figure 2A is a photographic illustration of a multipurpose bag in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the bag being likewise shown in an expanded state, with the releasable cover panel taking a closed configuration;

[0038] Figure 2B is a photographic illustration of the multipurpose bag of Figure 2A, shown in the expanded state, with the releasable cover panel taking a partly closed / open configuration and being maintained in this configuration by a retaining structure;

[0039] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a multipurpose bag in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the bag being likewise shown in an expanded state, with a top side thereof being completely closed by a releasable cover panel; and

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the multipurpose bag of the invention shown in a collapsed, flat-folded state.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present invention will be described in relation to various illustrative embodiments as shown in particular in Figures 1A-C to 4. It shall be understood that the scope of the invention encompasses all combinations and subcombinations of the features of the invention disclosed herein as defined by the appended claims.

[0043] Figures 1A to 1 C are schematic illustrations of a multipurpose bag B in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, here taking the form of a rolling tote bag. The multipurpose bag B comprises a collapsible container body 10 that is made of a non-rigid, foldable assembly of fabric panels that are joined together to form a bottom side 15, a top side 16 and a sidewall 11 -14 including four lateral sides 11 , 12, 13, 14 (including a pair of opposite short lateral sides 11 , 13 and a pair of opposite long lateral sides 12, 14 in the illustrated example) that jointly define an inner storage volume when the collapsible container body 10 takes an expanded state, as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B. The top side 16 includes a releasable cover panel 17 that forms an integral part of the collapsible container body 10 and allows to fully enclose the inner storage volume of the collapsible container body 10 in the expanded state, as shown. In the illustrated example, the releasable cover panel 17 is permanently attached to an end of one of the lateral sides (here long lateral side 14) and selectively attachable to the remaining lateral sides (here lateral sides 11 , 12 and 13), here by means of a zipper ZP comprising a pair of sliders SL1 , SL2. When not attached to lateral sides 11-13 and released therefrom, the cover panel 17 can be tuck inside the inner storage volume of the collapsible container body 10, for instance for the purpose of collapsing the container body 10 into a flat-folded configuration, as shown e.g. in Figure 4, for storage or transport purposes.

[0044] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 In the illustrated examples, multiple handles are secured to the lateral sides 11 , 12 and 14, including a pair of handles H2 secured to an upper portion of the opposite long lateral sides 12, 14 (only one being visible in Figures 1 A and 1 B) and a third handle H1 secured to an upper portion of short lateral side 11 to facilitate rolling of the bag B in use. A side handle H is further provided on each of long lateral sides 12, 14.

[0045] The bag B further comprises a removable rolling support assembly S to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body 10 in the expanded state. The removable rolling support assembly S includes a support plate (not visible in Figures 1A and 1 B but designated by reference sign P - see Figure 1 C) and a plurality of caster wheels W provided on an underside of the support plate P (four such caster wheels W being shown in Figure 1 C).

[0046] The collapsible container body 10 is advantageously constructed such that the sidewall 11 -14 includes at least two outer pieces of fabric and an intermediate piece of packing material interposed between the two outer pieces of fabric. Advantageously, the packing material is bubble wrap, as taught for instance in International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2014 / 068545 A1 . This provides some level of structural reinforcement to the collapsible container body 10 which can retain its expanded state, while still allowing the collapsible container body 10 to be folded into a compact configuration for storage, as shown by way of illustration in Figure 4.

[0047] The outer pieces of fabric may especially be made of or comprise at least one sheet of woven fabric produced out of polypropylene (PP) strands. Other synthetic or non-synthetic materials could however be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Preferably, one or each of the outer pieces of fabric further comprises an outer layer, such as but not limited to a biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, that is applied on an outer side of the sheet of woven fabric, for instance by lamination, which allows customization of the appearance of either one or both of the external and internal visible sides of the collapsible container body 10. Lamination of a BOPP film is advantageously contemplated, but any other suitable material and application technique could be contemplated, including e.g.

[0048] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 lamination of a cast polypropylene (CPP) film, extrusion coating of a polypropylene (PP) coating or application of a PVC layer.

[0049] The support plate P may be made of any desired material and exhibit any adequate structure. Light-weight materials and structures are particularly preferred. In particular, the support plate P may be made of a board of synthetic (e.g. plastic) material including an alveolar or honeycomb spacer structure that ensures adequate rigidity and strength, while remaining light-weight.

[0050] The collapsible container body 10 advantageously retains the ability to be collapsed into a flattened configuration (as schematically shown in Figure 4) and each of the opposite short lateral sides 11 , 13 may advantageously be provided with a gusset fold F designed to allow inward or (preferably) outward folding of the opposite short lateral sides 1 1 , 13 into flat-folded gusset sections 11 F, 13F. If and when folded outward, the flat-folded gusset sections 11 F, 13F may conveniently be folded inward over lateral sections of one of the long lateral sides (e.g. long lateral side 14), while the second, opposite long lateral side 12 of the collapsible container body 10, is folded inward, along a horizontal fold, to align the bottom side 15 and associated rolling support assembly S (including support plate P) with the long lateral sides 12, 14.

[0051] In case of outward folding of the short lateral sides 11 , 13 into the flat- folded gusset sections 11 F, 13F, as schematically shown in Figure 4, the solution disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US 12,114,749 B1 could additionally be contemplated in order to allow the multipurpose bag B to retain its flat-folded collapsed state.

[0052] The rolling support assembly is preferably removably attached to the underside of the bag B, namely underneath the bottom side 15, by means of a releasable retaining structure 20, which will not be described extensively as it separately forms the subject-matter of International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2024 / 079728 A2 and related U.S. Patent No. US 12,053,071 B1.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable retaining structure 20 follows the configuration discussed with reference to Figures 4A-B of International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2024 / 079728 A2 and related U.S. Patent No. US 12,053,071 B1 , and includes a first pair of releasable securing flaps 21 , 22

[0054] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 attached to and positioned along opposite transversal ends of the bottom side 15, the releasable securing flaps 21 , 22 being partially overlapping and releasably attachable to one another to encase the support plate P between the bottom side 15 and the releasable securing flaps 21 , 22, as shown in Figure 1 C. The releasable retaining structure 20 advantageously further comprises a second pair of releasable securing flaps 23, 24 that are attached to and positioned along opposite longitudinal ends of the bottom side 15 to hold corresponding longitudinal end sections of the support plate P, as further shown in Figure 1 C.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable securing flaps 21 , 22 are dimensioned and structured to accommodate for the presence of the caster wheels W, namely by extending longitudinally between the wheels W, as shown. In other embodiments, the first pair of releasable securing flaps 21 , 22 could extend transversely from one longitudinal end of the bottom side 15 to the other, rather than longitudinally from one transversal side of the bottom side 15 to the other, as shown, and the second pair of releasable securing flaps 23, 24 could be attached to and positioned along opposite transversal ends of the bottom side 15 to hold corresponding transversal end sections of the support plate P.

[0056] As previously mentioned, the collapsible container body 10 is configured such that, in the expanded state, the releasable cover panel 17 can take at least two configurations, namely (i) a first, open configuration and (ii) a second, closed configuration. In the first (open) configuration, the releasable cover panel 17 is released from the part of the top side 16 (namely by unzipping the zipper ZP, thus freeing the releasable cover panel 17 from the lateral sides 11 -13) to provide full, unimpeded access to the inner storage volume. In the second (closed) configuration, the releasable cover panel 17 is fully attached to the top side 16 and completely closes the top side 16 to fully enclose the inner storage volume and cause the collapsible container body 10 to take the desired expanded shape (as shown in Figures 1A-B and Figure 2A).

[0057] According to the invention, the releasable cover panel 17 can take at least a third configuration in which the releasable cover panel 17 is partly attached to the top side 16 and only partly closes the top side 16 to maintain the collapsible container body 10 in substantially the desired expanded shape, while providing

[0058] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 partial access to the inner storage volume (as shown in Figure 2B). Moreover, the collapsible container body 10 further includes a retaining structure 18 configured to keep the releasable cover panel 17 in the third configuration.

[0059] In accordance with the illustrated embodiments that make use of a zipper ZP including a pair of sliders SL1 , SL2, one will appreciate and understand that each slider SL1 , SL2 is only zipped along half of the length of the short lateral sides 11 , 13, as depicted in Figure 2B. In this configuration, the releasable cover panel 17 is accordingly attached to the short lateral sides 11 , 13 only along half the width of the releasable cover panel 17, which is sufficient to maintain the collapsible container body 10 in substantially the desired expanded shape, while still providing access to the inner storage volume.

[0060] By way of preference, as shown in Figures 1A-B and 2A-B (see also the embodiment of Figure 3), the releasable cover panel 17 is foldable in half along a fold line FL that is parallel to the first lateral side 14 to which the releasable cover panel 17 is permanently attached, and the retaining structure 18 is configured to keep the releasable cover panel 17 in a half-folded state (as shown in Figure 2B).

[0061] A variety of retaining structures 18 could be contemplated in order to keep the releasable cover panel 17 in the third configuration. Preferably, as shown in Figures 1A-B and 2A-B, the retaining structure 18 includes a fastener 19 comprising a pair of complementary fastening members 19A, 19B positioned to selectively cooperate with one another to maintain the cover panel 17 in the halffolded state. The fastener 19 may for instance include a snap fastener (as specifically shown in the photographic illustrations of Figures 2A-B), a hook-and- loop fastener, or a pair of cooperating magnets.

[0062] In accordance with the embodiments shown in Figures 1A-B and 2A-B, a first one 19A of the complementary fastening members is positioned on a distal portion of the releasable cover panel (i.e. close to long lateral side 12), while a second one 19B of the complementary fastening members is positioned on a proximal portion of the releasable cover panel 17, namely close to long lateral side 14.

[0063] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 Referring to the embodiment of the bag B’ shown in Figure 3, a somewhat similar solution is contemplated. In this other case, the fastener 19 forming part of the retaining structure 18 includes a button 19A* that preferably stands out from an upper side of the releasable cover panel 17 (the button 19A* being likewise positioned on a distal portion of the releasable cover panel 17) and an associated retaining band 19B* that is preferably positioned along an upper end of the long lateral side 14. The retaining band 19B* may advantageously be an elastic band.

[0064] Various modifications and / or improvements may be made to the abovedescribed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For instance, while the illustrated embodiments show that the releasable cover panel is folded in half, in the third configuration, along a longitudinal fold line that is parallel to the long lateral sides, the releasable cover panel could alternatively be permanently attached to one of the short lateral sides, instead, in which case the releasable cover panel could be folded in half along a transverse fold line that is parallel to the short lateral sides. Furthermore, other solutions could be contemplated to retain the releasable cover panel in the third configuration, for instance by rolling the free portion of the releasable cover panel on itself and securing the resulting rolled portion of the releasable cover panel.

[0065] Furthermore, in all of the aforementioned embodiments, the relevant retaining structure is preferably realized in such a way as to be releasable and allow removal of the rolling support assembly. In other embodiments, the retaining structure could be designed to permanently hold the rolling support assembly, in which case the relevant securing flaps may for instance be stitched, glued or otherwise attached to one another. Use of a releasable retaining structure is however preferred from a practical perspective. It is moreover to be appreciated that the invention is also applicable in the event the rolling support assembly were to be arranged inside the inner storage volume. Furthermore, while preferred, the rolling support assembly may potentially be omitted entirely.

[0066] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS USED THEREIN

[0067] B multipurpose bag, e.g. rolling tote bag (first embodiment)

[0068] B’ multipurpose bag, e.g. rolling tote bag (second embodiment)

[0069] 10 collapsible (foldable) container body of bag B, resp. B’

[0070] 11 (first) short lateral side of collapsible container body 10 (part of sidewall 11 -14)

[0071] 12 (first) long lateral side (also referred to as “front side”) of collapsible container body 10 (part of sidewall 11-14)

[0072] 13 (second) short lateral side of collapsible container body 10 (part of sidewall 11 -14)

[0073] 14 (second) long lateral side (also referred to as “rear side”) of collapsible container body 10 (part of sidewall 11-14)

[0074] F gusset fold formed on each short lateral side 11 , 13

[0075] 11 F flat-folded gusset section formed by outward folding of short lateral side 11 along gusset fold F

[0076] 13F flat-folded gusset section formed by outward folding of short lateral side 13 along gusset fold F

[0077] 15 bottom side of collapsible container body 10

[0078] 16 top side of collapsible container body 10

[0079] 17 releasable cover panel forming an integral part of the top side 16 of the collapsible container body 10 (permanently attached to e.g. long lateral side 14)

[0080] FL fold line formed along longitudinal, midline of releasable cover panel 17 (parallel to long lateral side 14)

[0081] ZP zipper for releasably attaching cover panel 17 to remaining lateral sides 11 , 12, 13

[0082] SL1 , SL2 sliders of zipper ZP

[0083] 18 retaining structure configured to keep releasable cover panel 17 in partly closed / open (e.g. half-folded) configuration

[0084] 19 fastener (part of retaining structure 18)

[0085] 19A, 19B pair of complementary fastening members (e.g. snap fastener, hook- and-loop fastener, or pair of cooperating magnets)

[0086] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025 19A* 19B* pair of complementary fastening members (e.g. button 19A* and associated retaining band 19B* (preferably elastic retaining band)

[0087] H, H1 , H2 handles

[0088] S rolling support assembly removably attached to bottom side 15 of collapsible container body 10

[0089] P support plate

[0090] W caster wheels provided on underside of support plate P

[0091] 20 retaining structure formed of releasable fabric panels 21 , 22, 23, 24

[0092] 21 (first) releasable securing flap of retaining structure 20 extending from (first) transversal end of bottom side 15, along short lateral side 11

[0093] 22 (second) releasable securing flap of retaining structure 20 extending from (second) transversal end of bottom side 15, along short lateral side 13, for cooperation with releasable securing flap 21

[0094] 23 (third) releasable securing flap of retaining structure 20 extending from (first) longitudinal end of bottom side 15, along long lateral side 12, for cooperation with corresponding longitudinal end of support plate P

[0095] 24 (fourth) releasable securing flap of retaining structure 20 extending from (second) longitudinal end of bottom side 15, along long lateral side 14, for cooperation with corresponding longitudinal end of support plate P

[0096] B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A multipurpose bag (B; B’) comprising a collapsible container body (10) made of an assembly of fabric panels that are joined together to form at least a bottom side (15), a top side (16) and a sidewall (11 -14) including four lateral sides (11 , 12, 13, 14) that jointly define an inner storage volume when the collapsible container body (10) takes an expanded state, wherein the top side (16) includes a releasable cover panel (17) that forms an integral part of the collapsible container body (10), the releasable cover panel (17) being releasably attachable to part of the top side (16) to selectively allow full closure of the inner storage volume when the collapsible container body (10) is in the expanded state, wherein the collapsible container body (10) is configured such that, in the expanded state, the releasable cover panel (17) can take at least two configurations, namely a first, open configuration in which the releasable cover panel (17) is released from the part of the top side (16) to provide full, unimpeded access to the inner storage volume, and a second, closed configuration in which the releasable cover panel (17) is fully attached to the top side (16) and completely closes the top side (16) to fully enclose the inner storage volume and cause the collapsible container body (10) to take a desired expanded shape, characterized in that the releasable cover panel (17) can take at least a third configuration in which the releasable cover panel (17) is partly attached to the top side (16) and only partly closes the top side (16) to maintain the collapsible container body (10) in substantially the desired expanded shape, while providing partial access to the inner storage volume, and in that the collapsible container body (10) further includes a retaining structure (18) configured to keep the releasable cover panel (17) in the third configuration.

2. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 1 , wherein the releasable cover panel (17) is permanently attached to a first one (14) of the lateral sides (11 , 12, 13, 14) and releasably attachable to the remaining ones (11 , 12, 13) of the lateral sides (11 , 12, 13, 14).B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 20253. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 2, wherein the releasable cover panel (17) is releasably attachable to the remaining ones (11 , 12, 13) of the lateral sides (11 , 12, 13, 14) by means of a zipper (ZP).

4. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 3, wherein the zipper (ZP) comprises two sliders (SL1 , SL2) allowing the releasable cover panel (17) to take the third configuration.

5. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the releasable cover panel (17) is foldable in half along a fold line (FL) that is parallel to the first lateral side (14) to which the releasable cover panel (17) is permanently attached, and wherein the retaining structure (18) is configured to keep the releasable cover panel (17) in a half-folded state.

6. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 5, wherein the retaining structure (18) includes a fastener (19) comprising a pair of complementary fastening members (19A, 19B; 19A* 19B*) positioned to selectively cooperate with one another to maintain the cover panel (17) in the half-folded state.

7. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 6, wherein the fastener (19) includes: a snap fastener (19A / 19B); a hook-and-loop fastener; a pair of cooperating magnets; or a button (19A*) and associated, preferably elastic, retaining band (19B*).

8. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a first one (19A; 19A*) of the complementary fastening members (19A, 19B; 19A* 19B*) is positioned on a distal portion of the releasable cover panel (17),B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025and wherein a second one (19B; 19B*) of the complementary fastening members (19A, 19B; 19A*, 19B*) is positioned on a proximal portion of the releasable cover panel (17), next to the first lateral side (14), or along an upper end of the first lateral side (14).

9. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collapsible container body (10) is configured to take a folded, collapsed state when the releasable cover panel (17) takes the first, open configuration.

10. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 9, wherein opposite short lateral sides (11 , 13) of the collapsible container body (10) are each provided with a gusset fold (F) designed to allow inward or outward folding of the opposite short lateral sides (11 , 13) into flat-folded gusset sections (11 F, 13F),11. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 10, wherein the collapsible container body (10) is configured to be foldable into a flattened configuration where the opposite short lateral sides (11 , 13) are folded outward along the gusset fold (F) into the flat-folded gusset sections (11 F, 13F), the flat- folded gusset sections (11 F) being foldable inward over lateral sections of a first long lateral side (14) of the collapsible container body (10), while a second long lateral side (12) of the collapsible container body (10), opposite the first long lateral side (12), is foldable inward to align the bottom side (15) with the first and second long lateral sides (12, 14).

12. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a rolling support assembly (S) to provide rolling support for the collapsible container body (10) in the expanded state, the rolling support assembly (S) including a support plate (P) and a plurality of caster wheels (W) provided on an underside of the support plate (P).B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 202513. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 12, wherein the collapsible container body (10) further comprises a retaining structure (20) formed of one or more fabric panels (21 , 22, 23, 24), and wherein the retaining structure (20) is provided underneath the bottom side (15) of the collapsible container body (10) and is configured to securely hold the support plate (P) outside of the inner storage volume against an underside of the bottom side (15) of the collapsible container body (10).

14. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 13, wherein the retaining structure (20) includes first and second releasable securing flaps (21 , 22) attached to and positioned along opposite first and second ends of the bottom side (15), and wherein the first and second releasable securing flaps (21 , 22) are partially overlapping and releasably attachable to one another to encase the support plate (P) between the bottom side (15) and the first and second releasable securing flaps (21 , 22).

15. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 14, wherein the retaining structure (20) further includes third and fourth releasable securing flaps (23, 24) attached to and positioned along opposite third and fourth ends of the bottom side (15) to hold corresponding end sections of the support plate (P).

16. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall (11 -14) includes at least two outer pieces of fabric and an intermediate piece of packing material, in particular bubble wrap, interposed between the two outer pieces of fabric.

17. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 16, wherein the outer pieces of fabric are made of or comprise at least one sheet of woven fabric produced out of strands of synthetic or non-synthetic material, such as polypropylene strands.B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 202518. The multipurpose bag (B; B’) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein one or each of the outer pieces of fabric further comprises an outer layer, such as a biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, a cast polypropylene (CPP) film, a polypropylene (PP) coating or a PVC layer, that is applied on an outer side of the sheet of woven fabric, for instance by lamination or extrusion coating.B8305-WO_20251124_Specification_for_extension November 24th, 2025

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