Easel back storage and carrying case

Abstract

A self-standing bag construction includes a generally rigid backing panel with a support leg hinged thereto and connected to the backing panel by a gusset. Various types of fasteners, such as magnets, hook and loop mechanisms, buckles and the like are utilized to hold the support leg tightly against the backing panel and upon release enable the support leg to form an angle with the backing panel and support the backing panel and a container affixed to the front side of the backing panel to be supported in a manner which facilitates access to the container.

1 . A self-standing bag construction comprising, in combination: 
 a generally flat planar, generally rigid backing panel having a front side and a back side, a bottom edge and a transverse seam generally parallel to the bottom edge;    a storage container attached to the front side;    a generally rigid support leg having an upper end and a lower end, said leg upper end hinged to the backing panel seam;    a connecting leg between the backing panel and the support leg to limit pivotal movement of the support leg about the seam between a first position generally flush with the backing panel and a second position forming an acute angle with the backing panel to support the backing panel in an upright position resting on the bottom edge thereof; and    a latching mechanism incorporated in the support leg and backing panel for retaining the support leg in the first position flush with the backing panel.    
   
   
       2 . The bag construction of  claim 1  wherein the connecting leg is comprised of first and second generally rigid bridging elements hinged together to form a linkage between the backing panel and support leg, said first and second bridging elements each having a dimension which enables folding of the bridging elements over one another in layers generally flush with the backing panel in the first position.  
   
   
       3 . The bag construction of  claim 1  wherein the bridging elements have generally equal width dimensions.  
   
   
       4 . The bag construction of  claim 1  wherein the bridging elements extend between the backing panel bottom edge and the support leg lower end.  
   
   
       5 . The bag construction of  claim 1  wherein the latching mechanism comprises at least one magnetic material selected from the group consisting of magnetic elements positioned in the backing panel, the support leg and the connecting leg.  
   
   
       6 . The bag construction of  claim 1  wherein the latching mechanism comprises at least one magnetic material element positioned in the backing panel and the support leg on the connecting leg.  
   
   
       7 . The bag construction of  claim 1  further including an auxiliary fastening mechanism for holding the support leg in the first position.  
   
   
       8 . The bag construction of  claim 1  wherein the latching mechanism comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, buckle fasteners, magnetic fasteners and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       9 . The bag construction of  claim 1  further including at least one cover flap attached to the backing panel and foldable over the support leg and backing panel in the first position.  
   
   
       10 . The bag construction of  claim 1  wherein the storage container comprises an assembly selected from the group consisting of a duffle bag, a clothing bag, a tool bag, a toiletry kit, and a computer case, each of said assemblies having an access opening generally adjacent the upper end of the backing panel.  
   
   
       11 . A self-standing bag construction comprising, in combination: 
 a generally rigid backing panel having a front side, a back side, a bottom edge, and first and second spaced lateral side edges;    a storage container attached to the front side;    a first generally rigid flap member with a hinged connection to the first lateral side edge of the backing panel and foldable between a first position flush with the backing panel and a second position forming an angle with the backing panel, said flap member having a lower edge for upright support of the backing member when the flap member is in the second position, and a gusset linking the backing member and flap member to limit folding movement of the flap member about the hinged connection.    
   
   
       12 . The bag construction of  claim 11  including a second rigid flap member attached to the second lateral side edge by a second hinged connection and foldable between a position flush with the backing panel and a second position forming an angle therewith.  
   
   
       13 . The bag construction of  claim 12  wherein the first and second flap members are generally symmetrical about a center line axis of the backing member.  
   
   
       14 . The bag construction of  claim 12  including a gusset linking the second flap member and backing member.  
   
   
       15 . The bag construction of  claim 11  including a flap retention device for retaining the flap in the first position selected from the group consisting of a hook and top loop, a buckle, a magnetic material, a snap fastener and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       16 . The bag construction of  claim 13  including fastener retention devices for retaining the flaps in the first position flush with the backing panel.