"A bag"

The present invention relates to a bag and in particular, though not limited to a sports bag.

Sports bags are known, and are commonly used for carrying sports gear, such as clothes, shoes and other wearing apparel for wearing during a game, for example, during a game of football. However, in general, such sports bags, while they are suitable for carrying shoes and wearing apparel, in general, they are unsuitable for carrying the equipment required for playing a game, for example, a football which would be required for playing a game of football, a hockey stick which would be required for playing a game of hockey, a hurley stick which would be required for playing a game of hurling, as well as helmets, shin guards and other such . . equipment. Additionally, when one is holidaying, one may wish to play a game on holiday, and this, thus, requires packing day clothes and shoes, as well as clothing and other apparel and shoes or boots for playing the game, as well as the necessary equipment for playing the game. Sports bags known heretofore are unsuitable for carrying such a range of clothing, apparel and equipment.

There is therefore a need for a bag which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a bag.

According to the invention there is provided a bag comprising a first bag element defining a first hollow interior region and having a first closable open mouth to provide access to the first hollow interior region, a second bag element defining a second hollow interior region and having a second open mouth to provide access to the second hollow interior region, a main securing means for releasably securing the second bag element to the first bag element to form the bag, and at least one handle being provided for carrying the bag.

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one handle is secured to the first bag element. Preferably, the at least one handle is provided by a loop type handle.

Advantageously, a pair of handles are secured to the first bag element on respective opposite sides thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention the second open mouth is a closable open mouth.

In one embodiment of the invention a primary closure flap is provided for closing the second open mouth. Preferably, the primary closure flap extends along one side edge of the second open mouth. Advantageously, the primary closure flap is urgeable from a closed state closing the second open mouth to an open state providing access to the second hollow interior region through the second open mouth. Ideally, a primary closure flap securing means is provided for releasably securing the primary closure flap in the closed state.

In another embodiment of the invention the second open mouth is closed by a portion of the first bag element when the second bag element is secured to the first bag element.

Preferably, the main securing means comprises a main zip fastener. Advantageously, the main zip fastener is an elongated main zip fastener. Ideally, the main zip fastener comprises a first half portion secured to the first bag element, and a second half portion secured to the second bag element so that when the two half portions of the main zip fastener are secured together, the second bag element is secured to the first bag element. Preferably, the first half portion of the main zip fastener extends substantially completely around the first bag element, and the second half portion of the main zip fastener extends around the second bag element. Advantageously, the first half portion of the main zip fastener extends around a periphery of a base of the first bag element.

In one embodiment of the invention the second half portion of the main zip fastener extends around a periphery of a top portion of the second bag element. Preferably, the second half portion of the main zip fastener extends around the second bag element adjacent a periphery of the second open mouth thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention the first hollow interior region is divided into at least two first compartments. Preferably, the first hollow interior region is divided into a main first compartment and at least one secondary first compartment. Advantageously, each secondary first compartment is separated from the main first compartment by a corresponding partition wall.

Preferably, the first open mouth provides access to the main first compartment.

In one embodiment of the invention a secondary first open mouth is provided to at least one of the secondary first compartments, and each secondary first open mouth is closable by a secondary securing means.

In another embodiment of the invention the first open mouth is closed by a main closure flap, the main closure flap being urgeable from a closed state closing the first open mouth to an open state providing access through the first open mouth to the first hollow interior region. Preferably, a main closure flap securing means is provided for releasably securing the main closure flap in the closed state.

In another embodiment of the invention a patch pocket is provided on the main closure flap. Preferably, the patch pocket on the main closure flap is closeable by a first securing means.

Advantageously, a partially dome shaped compartment is provided in the first bag element for accommodating a football.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one shoulder strap is provided for carrying the bag.

Preferably, a shoulder strap accommodating pocket is provided on the first bag element for accommodating the at least one shoulder strap when not in use.

Advantageously, the at least one shoulder strap is secured to the first bag element in

the shoulder strap accommodating pocket.

Ideally, the shoulder strap accommodating pocket comprises a flap element coupled to the first bag element and urgeable between a closed state with the shoulder straps located and retained therein and an open state exposing the at least one shoulder strap for use. Preferably, a fastening means is provided for securing the flap element in the closed state.

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one shoulder strap is releasably securable to the first bag element.

In another embodiment of the invention a pair of shoulder straps are provided.

In one embodiment of the invention at least one side pocket is provided on respective opposite side walls of the first bag.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one rotatably mounted ground engaging wheel is provided for facilitating wheeling the bag. Preferably, a pair of spaced apart ground engaging wheels are provided. Advantageously, each ground engaging wheel is rotatably carried on the second bag element.

In another embodiment of the invention the second hollow interior region is divided into a plurality of second compartments. Preferably, at least one of the second compartments is an elongated compartment adapted for carrying an elongated ball striking club.

Advantageously, a handle accommodating opening is provided in the second bag element for accommodating a handle of a ball striking club therethrough. Ideally, a closure element is releasably securable to the second bag element for closing the handle accommodating opening.

In one embodiment of the invention the closure element is in the form of a sleeve for accommodating a portion of the handle of the club therein.

In another embodiment of the invention at least one of the second compartments is adapted for carrying accessories for playing a game.

In a further embodiment of the invention the second bag element comprises a substantially rectangular base and a pair of spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the base joined by a pair of spaced apart end walls extending upwardly from the base between the side walls. Preferably, the base, side and end walls of the second bag element define the second hollow interior region. Advantageously, the side and end walls of the second bag element define the second open mouth to the second hollow interior region.

In one embodiment of the invention a semi-rigid frame is located extending around the base of the second bag element for defining and retaining the base in a substantially rectangular shape. Preferably, a plurality of partition elements are provided in the semi-rigid frame of the second bag element for dividing the second hollow interior region into the second compartments. Advantageously, the side and end walls of the second bag element are of a flexible material. Ideally, the semi-rigid frame of the second bag element supports side and end walls of the second bag element.

In one embodiment of the invention the first bag element comprises a base and a pair of spaced apart side walls extending from the base joined by a pair of spaced apart end walls extending from the base and defining with the base and the side walls the first hollow interior region. Preferably, the base of the first bag element is of substantially rectangular shape. Advantageously, the base of the first bag element is of substantially similar size and shape to the base of the second bag element. Advantageously, the side and end walls of the first bag element are of a flexible material.

The invention also provides a bag comprising a base, a pair of spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the base and a pair of spaced apart end walls extending upwardly from the base joining the side walls, the base, side and end

walls defining a hollow interior region of the bag, a closeable open mouth being provided to the hollow interior region thereof, and a compartment of at least partially dome shape for accommodating a football.

Further the invention provides a bag defining a hollow interior region, and having a closable open mouth being provided to the hollow interior region, a shoulder strap accommodating pocket located on the bag for accommodating a pair of shoulder straps secured to the bag within the shoulder strap accommodating pocket, a flap element for closing the shoulder strap accommodating pocket, the flap element being urgeable between a closed state closing the shoulder strap accommodating pocket, and an open state exposing the shoulder straps for facilitating use thereof, and a fastening means for securing the flap element in the closed state retaining the shoulder straps within the shoulder strap accommodating pocket.

The advantages of the invention are many. By virtue of the fact that the bag comprises a first bag element and a second bag element which are releasably securable together, the bag is ideally suitable for carrying footwear, clothing and other apparel, as well as equipment required for playing a game, and is also suitable for carrying day clothes as well as the necessary shoes, boots and clothing and other apparel for playing a game.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a bag according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the bag of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view of the bag of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the bag of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bag of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the bag of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the bag of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the bag of Fig. 1 ,

Figs. 9(a) to (c) are side elevational views of the bag of Fig. 1 in use in different configurations,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a bag according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a detail of the bag of Fig. 10,

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative detail of the bag of Fig. 10,

Figs. 13(a) to (c) are perspective views of portions of bags according to other embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a bag according to another embodiment of the invention, which can also form part of the bag of Figs. 1 to 9,

Fig. 15 is another perspective view of the bag of Fig. 14,

Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the bag of Fig. 14,

Fig. 17 is another perspective view of the bag of Fig. 14,

Fig. 18 is a further perspective view of the bag of Fig. 14,

Fig. 19 is another perspective view of the bag of Fig. 14,

Fig. 20 is a further perspective view of the bag of Fig. 14,

Fig. 21 is a partly cutaway perspective view of the bag of Fig. 14,

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a bag according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the bag of Fig. 22,

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the bag of Fig. 22,

Fig. 25 is a cutaway perspective view of the portion of the bag of Fig. 22, and

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the bag of Fig. 22 in use.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 9 thereof, there is illustrated a bag according to the invention, which in this embodiment of the invention is a sports bag, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The bag 1 comprises a first bag element 2 and a second bag element 3 releasably secured to the first bag element 2 by a main securing means, namely, a main zip fastener 4 as will be described below. The first bag element 2 is particularly suitable for accommodating clothing, shoes, sandals and the like, while the second bag element 3 is particularly suitable for carrying ball striking clubs, for example, a hurley stick 5 or other such clubs or rackets, such as tennis rackets and the like. The second bag element 3 is also suitable for carrying other sports accessories and equipment, for example, balls, sliotars and the like, as well as shin guards and may also be used for carrying clothing, for example, dirty clothing, as well as football boots and the like.

The first bag element 2 comprises a base 10 of a flexible waterproof textile type material which is retained substantially rigidly in the form of a rectangle by a rectangular frame (not shown). Spaced apart side walls 12 extend upwardly from

the base 10 and are joined by spaced apart end walls 14 also extending upwardly from the base 10. The side and end walls 12 and 14 may be formed integrally with the base 10 of the same material, or may be formed of the same type material but stitched to the base along side and end seams (not shown). However, the side and end walls 12 and 14 are flexible and are not supported by a frame or framework. A top wall 17 also of waterproof textile material, similar to the side and end walls 12 and 14 and the base 10, extends between the side walls 12 and the end walls 14.

The base 10, the side and end walls 12 and 14 and the top wall 17 define a first hollow interior region 18 which is accessible through a first open mouth 19 formed in the top wall 17, see Fig. 8. A main closure flap 20 closes the first open mouth 19. The main closure flap 20 is formed by a portion of the material of the top wall 17 and is connected to the top wall 17 along one edge 22 of the first open mouth 19. The main closure flap 20 is secured in a closed state closing the first open mouth 19 by a primary zip fastener 24 which extends around the remaining three sides of the first open mouth 19 and of the main closure flap 20. Thus, the main closure flap 20 is operable between a closed state illustrated in Fig. 2 secured to the top wall 17 by the primary zip fastener 24 closing the first open mouth 19 and an open state illustrated in Fig. 8 providing access through the first open mouth 19 to the first hollow interior region 18.

A pair of spaced apart transversely extending first partition walls 27 divide the first hollow interior region 18 into a main first compartment 25 and a pair of secondary first compartments 29 and 30. A second partition wall 28 extending transversely across the first hollow interior region 18 within the secondary first compartment 29 divides the secondary first compartment 29 into two secondary compartments 31 and 32. The main first compartment 25, the secondary first compartment 30 and the secondary compartment 31 are accessed through the first open mouth 19. The secondary compartment 32 is accessed through a secondary first open mouth 33 in the adjacent end wall 14, which is closed by a secondary closure flap 34 formed in and connected to the end wall 14 along an edge 35 of the open mouth 33, see Fig. 5. A secondary securing means, namely, a secondary zip fastener 36 extending around the remaining three side edges of the secondary closure flap 34 secures the

secondary closure flap 34 to the end wall 14 for closing the secondary open mouth 33.

A dome shaped hollow element 37 is releasably securable to the first bag element 2 adjacent the end wall 14 which is adjacent the secondary first compartment 30 to form with the end wall 14 a dome shaped compartment 38 for accommodating a football, a helmet or the like. Three stud carrying flaps 39 extending from the dome shaped hollow element 37 carry respective stud fasteners 40 which co-operate with corresponding portions (not shown) of the stud fasteners which are secured to the corresponding side and top walls 12 and 17 for securing the dome shaped hollow element 37 to the first bag element 2.

Two main loop type handles 41 extend upwardly from the base 10 of the first bag element 2 and are secured to the side walls 12 to facilitate carrying the sports bag 1. A secondary handle 42 is secured to the end wall 14 adjacent the secondary compartment 32 also for facilitating carrying the sports bag 1 , and in particular, wheeling the sports bag 1 as will be described in more detail below.

Patch pockets 43 are provided on the side walls 14 of the first bag element 2, and are closed by zip fasteners 45. A patch pocket 44 is provided on the main closure flap 20 which closes the first open mouth 19 of the first bag element 2. A first securing means, namely, a zip fastener 46 closes the patch pocket 44 on the main closure flap 20.

Turning now to the second bag element 3, and referring in particular to Fig. 5, the second bag element 3 comprises a base 47 of area substantially similar to that of the base 10 of the first bag element 2, and of a flexible waterproof textile material, similar to that of the first bag element 2. Spaced apart side walls 48 also of flexible waterproof material extend upwardly from the base 47 and are joined by spaced apart end walls 49 also of flexible waterproof material which also extend upwardly from the base 47. The base 47, the side walls 48 and the end walls 49 of the second bag element 3 define a second hollow interior region 50, and the side and end walls 48 and 49 define a second open mouth 51 to the second hollow interior

region 50.

In this embodiment of the invention the second bag element 3 is retained substantially rigid by a framework 52 which may be of any suitable material, but typically would be of a relatively lightweight material, such as, for example, a lightweight plastics or aluminium material. The framework 52 comprises side and end members 54 and 55, respectively. Two longitudinally extending partition members 58 extend between the end members 55, and transverse partition members 59 extend between the side members 54 and the corresponding adjacent longitudinal partition members 58 to define a plurality of second compartments 60, one of which is an elongated main second compartment 61 defined between the longitudinally extending partition members 58, and the others of which are secondary second compartments 62. The main second compartment 61 is adapted for accommodating one or more hurley sticks 5, while the secondary second compartments 62 are adapted for accommodating other ball game accessories, equipment and requirements, for example, balls, sliotars, special gloves, shin pads and the like. A club accommodating opening 63 is formed in one of the end members 55 for accommodating the handle or handles of the hurley stick or sticks 5 from the main second compartment 61 so that the top end of the handles of the hurley stick or hurley sticks 5 may project from the main second compartment 61. A corresponding opening 64 is formed in the corresponding end wall 49 for accommodating the handle of the hurley stick or hurley sticks 5 projecting from the second bag element 3. A flexible tubular closure element 65 in the form of a sleeve of similar flexible waterproof material to that of the material of the end wall 49 extends from the end wall 49 adjacent the opening 64 therein for protecting the handles of the hurley stick or hurley sticks 5 which project from the main second compartment 61. A flap 66 closes the tubular closure element 65 at the free end thereof, and a stud fastener (not shown) releasably secures the flap 66 to the closure element 65.

The main zip fastener 4 comprises a first half portion 67 which is secured to the first bag element 2 around the periphery of the base 10 thereof, and a second half portion 68 which is secured to the side and end walls 48 and 49 of the second bag

element 3 around the periphery of the second open mouth 51. A zipping element (not shown) of the main zip fastener 4 joins the first and second half portions 67 and 68 of the main zip fastener 4 for securing the first bag 2 and the second bag 3 together to form the bag 1 as an integral unit. In this embodiment of the invention the second open mouth 51 of the second bag element 3 is closed by the base 10 of the first bag element 2 when the first bag element 2 is secured to the second bag element 3 by the main zip fastener 4.

A pair of ground engaging wheels 70 rotatably carried on stub shafts (not shown) which are located in recesses (also not shown) in the second bag element 3 for facilitating wheeling of the bag 1 when the first and second bag elements 2 and 3 are secured together by the main zip fastener 4.

In use, with the first bag element 2 disengaged from the second bag element 3, one or more hurley sticks 5 are placed in the main second compartment 61 , and balls and other game accessories, equipment and requirements are placed in the secondary second compartments 62 in the second bag element 3. With the main closure flap 20 of the first bag element 2 in the open state, clothing and other wearable items are placed in the main first compartment 25 and in the secondary second compartment 30 and the secondary compartment 31 through the first open mouth 19. With the secondary closure flap 34 in the open state, footwear, for example, shoes, boots, sandals and the like are placed in the secondary compartment 32. When the main first compartment 25 and the compartments 30, 31 and 32 have been packed, the main closure flap 20 and the secondary closure flap 34 are secured in the closed state by the primary zip fastener 24 and the secondary zip fastener 36.

The first bag element 2 is then placed over the second bag element 3 with the base 10 of the first bag element 2 closing the second open mouth 51 of the second bag element 3, and the first and second half portions 67 and 68 of the main zip fastener 4 are aligned with each other, and the zipping element (not shown) of the main zip fastener 4 is urged along the first and second half portions 67 and 68 for securing the respective half portions 67 and 68 together to secure the main zip fastener 4,

and in turn to secure the first bag element 2 to the second bag element 3. If it is desired to carry a ball, for example, a soccer ball, a helmet or the like, the ball or helmet is placed in the dome shaped hollow element 37, which is then secured to the first bag element 2 by the stud fasteners 40.

With the sports bag 1 packed and the first and second bag elements 2 and 3 secured together by the main zip fastener 4, the bag 1 is ready for transportation. The bag 1 may be carried as a rucksack as illustrated in Fig. 9(a) by passing the arms of a person through the main loop type handles 41. Alternatively, the bag 1 may be carried as a shoulder bag as illustrated in Fig. 9(b) by placing the two main loop type handles 41 on a shoulder of the person. Alternatively, the sports bag 1 may be wheeled by gripping the sports bag 1 by the secondary handle 42 as illustrated in Fig. 9(c).

Referring now to Figs. 10 to 12, there is illustrated a sports bag according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80. The sports bag 80 is substantially similar to the sports bag 1 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the sports bag 80 and the sports bag 1 is that a pair of straps 81 are secured to one of the side walls 12 of the first bag element 2 for securing a hurley stick or other such ball striking club or other relatively long article to the side wall 12 of the first bag element 2 on an external surface thereof. The straps 81 may be provided with Velcro for securing around the hurley stick, or a buckle. In Fig. 12, one of the straps 81 is illustrated provided with Velcro for fastening thereof, and the strap 81 is illustrated in Fig. 11 provided with a buckle.

Referring to Figs. 13(a) to (c), there is illustrated three second bag elements 85 for securing to the first bag element 2 of the sports bag 1. Indeed, the second bag elements 85 are substantially similar to the second bag element 3 of the sports bag 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the second bag elements 85 and the second bag element 3 is that a primary closure flap 86 is provided for closing the second open mouth 51 of the second bag element 85. The primary closure flap 86 is of a flexible waterproof

textile material similar to the textile material forming the base, side and end walls 47,48 and 49 of the second bag element 85, and a closure zip fastener 87 secures the closure flap 86 in the closed state.

Additionally, the second bag elements 85 of Fig. 13(a) and (b) are each provided with a plurality of openings 64 through the end walls 49 of the second bag element 85 for accommodating the ends of the handles of a plurality of hurley sticks 5.

The second half portion (not shown) of the main zip fastener 4 extends around the side and end walls 48 and 49 of the second bag elements 85 adjacent the open mouth thereof for securing the second bag element 85 to the first bag element 2 of Figs. 1 to 9.

Otherwise, the second bag elements 85 of the sports bag according to this embodiment of the invention are similar to the second bag element 3 of the sports bag 1.

Referring now to Figs. 14 to 21, there is illustrated a first bag element also according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 90, for use with any of the second bag elements described with reference to Figs. 1 to 13. The first bag element 90 is substantially similar to the first bag element 2, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the first bag element 90 and the first bag element 2 is that the first hollow interior region 18 of the first bag element 90 is divided by two partition walls 27 into the main first compartment 25 and into two secondary first compartments 29 and 30. The secondary first compartment 29 in this case is not divided as in the case of the first bag element 2, and is accessible only through a first secondary open mouth 33 which is closed by a first secondary closure flap 34 which is formed by the adjacent end wall 14 and parts of the side wall 12 and the top wall 17 adjacent the end wall 14. The secondary first compartment 30 is only accessible through a second secondary open mouth 91 which is closed by a second secondary closure flap 92 which is formed by the adjacent end wall 14, which in this embodiment of the invention is of substantially dome shape, to form the secondary first compartment 30

to be of dome shape for accommodating a football, a helmet or the like. A zip fastener 94 secures the second secondary closure flap 92 in the closed state.

Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention a pair of shoulder straps 93 are secured to the base 10 for facilitating carrying the first bag element 90 on the back of an individual without the second bag element 3. The shoulder straps 93 are secured to the base 10 in a shoulder strap accommodating patch pocket 95, and are accommodated in the patch pocket 95 when not in use. The patch pocket 95 comprises a flap element 96 which is secured in a closed state to the base 10 by a fastening means, namely, a zip fastener 97.

A releasable shoulder strap 98 is also provided with the first bag element 90, and the releasable shoulder strap 98 is releasably coupleable to the first bag element 90 to anchor clips 99 which are located on the respective end walls 14.

Straps 100, which are similar to the straps 81 of the first bag element 80, are provided on the side wall 12 on respective opposite sides of the patch pocket 43 for holding a hurley stick, a hockey stick, or other such ball striking club. In this embodiment of the invention the straps 100 are secured by Velcro as in the case of the strap 81 illustrated in Fig. 12. If desired, the hurley, hockey stick or other ball striking club may be provided in a suitable bag, which would be secured to the first bag element 80 by the straps 100. Alternatively, it is envisaged that instead of the straps 100, Velcro patches could be provided in place of the straps 100, which would engage complementary Velcro patches on the bag in which the ball striking club is contained.

A first half portion (not shown) of the main zip fastener 4, which is similar to the first half portion 67 of the bag 1 , extends around the periphery of the base 10 of the first bag element 90 for engaging the second half portion 68 of the main zip fastener 4 of one of the second bag elements. However, in this particular embodiment of the invention if it is intended that the first bag element 90 should be used entirely on its own, the first bag element 90 may be provided without the first half portion of the main zip fastener 4.

In use, when it is desired to use the first bag element 90 in conjunction with any of the second bag element 3, the first bag element 90 is secured to the second bag element 3 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 13 by the main zip fastener 4. The first half portion (not shown) of the main zip fastener 4 which extends around the periphery of the base 10 of the first bag element 90 is secured to the second half portion of the main zip fastener 4 on the second bag element 3 as already described with reference to the bag 1. The first bag element 90 when secured to the second bag element 3 may be then carried by the main loop type handles 41 as described with reference to Figs. 9(a) and 9(b), or may be wheeled by the secondary handle 42 as described with reference to Fig. 9(c). Alternatively, the first bag element 90 when secured to any of the second bag elements 3 may be carried by the releasable shoulder strap 98, which would be releasably secured to the anchor clips 99.

On the other hand, where it is desired to use the first bag element 90 on its own without a second bag element 3, the first bag element 90 may be carried by the main loop type handles 41 or the shoulder strap 98 or may be carried on one's back using the shoulder straps 93. To access the shoulder straps 93, the flap element 96 of the patch pocket 95 is unzipped from the base 10 and opened, thereby providing access to the shoulder straps 93.

Otherwise, the first bag element 90 and its use is similar to that described with reference to the first bag element 2.

Referring now to Figs. 22 to 26, there is illustrated a bag, indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. The bag 110 is substantially similar to the bag 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The bag 110 comprises a first bag element 111 and a second bag element 112 which is secured to the first bag element by a main zip fastener 4, which is similar to the main zip fastener 4 of the bag described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. The first bag element 111 in this embodiment of the invention is substantially identical to the first bag element 90 described with reference to Figs. 14 to 21 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The second bag element 112 is substantially similar

to the second bag element 3 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9, and similar components are likewise identified by the same reference numerals.

In this case the first bag element 111 is illustrated with the first half portion 67 of the main zip fastener 4 extending around the base 10 thereof, which was omitted from the first bag element 90 described with reference to Figs. 14 to 21. Additionally, the second bag element 112 is illustrated with the second half portion 68 of the main zip fastener 4 extending around the periphery of the second open mouth 51.

The only other difference of significance between the bag 110 and the bag 1 is that in this embodiment of the invention a handle 114 for facilitating wheeling of the bag 110 is located in the second bag element 112, and is urgeable from a position illustrated in Figs. 22, 23 and 26 for facilitating wheeling of the bag 110 to a position whereby the handle 114 is retracted into the second bag element 112.

Otherwise, the bag 110 is similar to the bag 1 and the first bag element 111 is similar to the first bag element 90, and the second bag element 112 is similar to the second bag element 3.

It will be appreciated that if desired the sports bags according to the invention may be used with the first bag elements 2 only, if the second bag element is not required. The first and second bag elements are detachable from each other, by merely detaching the second bag element from the first bag element by unzipping the main zip fastener 4. Indeed, if desired the second bag elements of Fig. 13 could be used independently of the first bag element.

It will also be appreciated that while the sports bags according to the invention have been described as comprising patch pockets on the side and top walls of the first bag element, many more or less patch pockets may be provided on the side and top walls without departing from the scope of the invention. Indeed, it is envisaged that patch pockets may also be provided on the end walls of the first bag element, and pockets may also be provided on the side and end walls of the second bag element as desired. It is also envisaged that some or all of the patch pockets may be of a

gauze or mesh or airtex type material for facilitating aerating of clothing or other articles or components located in the pockets. Indeed, the dome shaped element of the first bag element 2 of Figs. 1 to 9 may also be provided by a gauze or mesh material.

It will also be appreciated that while the second bag elements have been described as comprising one or more openings for accommodating hurley sticks or the handles of other ball striking clubs, in certain cases, the openings may be omitted, and it will also be appreciated that covers or suitable closures will be provided for closing the openings.

While the bags according to the invention have been described as being suitable for carrying hurley sticks, hockey sticks and the like, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the bags may be used for carrying any other sports equipment and the like. Indeed, it is also envisaged that the bags according to the invention, and in particular, the second bag elements may be adapted for carrying golf clubs and other such clubs.

While the sports bags have been described as comprising many compartments, the first bag element and the second bag element may be provided with any number of compartments from one upwards. Indeed, in the second bag element it is envisaged that one of the transverse partition members 59 may be removed, and this would thus leave two longitudinally extending second compartments for carrying a plurality of ball striking clubs. It is also envisaged that a second opening may be provided in the end member 55 adjacent the opening 63 in the end member 55 for accommodating further ball striking clubs therethrough.

While the sports bags have been described as comprising ground engaging wheels, while it is preferable to provide the sports bag with ground engaging wheels, it is not essential.

It will also be appreciated that in certain cases, the frame (not shown) which retains the base 10 of the first bag element 2 in a substantially rigid rectangular shape may

be dispensed with, since once the first bag element is secured to the second bag element, the framework of the second bag element 3 would retain the base 10 of the first bag element substantially of rigid rectangular shape.

It is also envisaged that pockets may be provided in the shoulder straps of the first bag elements at appropriate locations to accommodate an iPod, a mobile phone, a portable radio, a portable CD player and the like for use by a person carrying the bag according to the invention or the first bag element according to the invention over a shoulder of the individual.