Protective travel bag

Abstract

A travel bag is provided with an upper end including an opening, a base, and a main body section connecting the upper end to the base. At least one ring member is provided to be attached to the main body section. The ring member forms a complete, uninterrupted ring corresponding to a cross-sectional geometry of the main body section and provides impact protection to contents placed within the main body of the container. The ring member is composed of an at least semi-rigid material.

1 . A container comprising:
 an upper end comprising an opening;   a base; and   a main body section connecting the upper end to the base; and   at least one ring member attached to the main body section, wherein the ring member forms a complete, uninterrupted ring corresponding to a cross-sectional geometry of the main body section and provides impact protection to contents placed within the main body of the container, wherein the ring member is composed of an at least semi-rigid material.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the main body section is formed of flexible material and the container is collapsible. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one ring member comprises a plurality of rings and the container is to collapse longitudinally by bringing the plurality of rings into proximity with each other. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises a lid. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein a portion of the lid is permanently attached to the main body section to form a hinge where the upper end and main body section meet. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the lid comprises a fastener to fasten the lid to the main body section and close the opening. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein the fastener comprises one of a zipper, snap, or Velcro. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the lid is at least partially composed of an at least semi-rigid material. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein an interior surface of the lid comprises an elastomeric padding, and the interior surface of the lid is enclosed within the container when the lid is closed. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the interior surface is to contact at least a portion of the contents of the container. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the ring member comprises a circular ring. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the ring member comprises a rectangular ring. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the ring member comprises a shape corresponding to a cross-section of particular recreational equipment. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the particular recreational equipment comprises one of a golf bag, a snowboard, or skis. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises the only opening for placing contents within the main body of the bag. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a rigid base. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 16 , wherein the base comprises a wheeled base. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one ring member comprises a plurality of rings of graduating size, and the plurality of rings are configured to nest when the container is in a collapsed state. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a rod to provide longitudinal support to the container when in an extended state, wherein the ring member is not connected to the rod. 
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the ring member comprises a plurality of ring members and each of the plurality of ring members comprises a unitary ring formed from at least semi-rigid material.