U.S. patent application number 10/761831 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-05 for coach's organization and travel bag.
Invention is credited to Lawson, John A., Wolter, Kevin E..
Application Number | 20040149600 10/761831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32776041 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040149600 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wolter, Kevin E. ; et
al. |
August 5, 2004 |
Coach's organization and travel bag
Abstract
A coach's organization and travel bag features a core storage
area, a storage area for storing a plurality of relatively small
articles such as medical supplies, a business folder area, a
business storage area and one or more end pockets. A plurality of
pockets and holders are provided within the storage areas for
storing a plurality of relatively small articles such as medical
supplies. A plurality of compartments are provided in the business
folder area for accommodating file folders and business or
administrative articles. A compartment for storing coaching boards
and a plurality of optional removable inserts for defining
compartments within the core storage area are to accommodate a wide
range of articles are also provided.
Inventors: |
Wolter, Kevin E.;
(Jacksonville, FL) ; Lawson, John A.; (Anoka,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark J. Young
Suite 227
9951 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville
FL
32225
US
|
Family ID: |
32776041 |
Appl. No.: |
10/761831 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60440946 |
Jan 17, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2003/007 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 3/00 20130101; A45C 5/06 20130101; A45C
7/0077 20130101; A45C 13/30 20130101; A45C 13/04 20130101; A45C
11/24 20130101; A45C 11/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/223 |
International
Class: |
B65D 069/00 |
Claims
Having thus described the present invention, what is claimed as new
and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:
1. A coach's organization and travel bag comprising: a core storage
area, a compartment for storing coaching boards; a second storage
area having a panel with a plurality of storage means for storing a
plurality of articles on the panel; a third storage area having a
panel with a plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of
articles on the panel; and a business folder area having a
plurality of compartments, one of said compartments being sized to
store a business folder.
2. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprising at least one removable insert for insertion into said
core storage area.
3. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 2 further
comprising hook and loop fasteners for releasably securing the at
least one removable insert into the core storage area.
4. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 2 wherein the
at least one removable insert comprises a lattice insert.
5. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprising a water resistant bottom surface.
6. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprising a rigid bottom for said core storage area.
7. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprising a removable rigid bottom for said core storage area.
8. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprising a removable rigid bottom for said core storage area,
said removable rigid bottom having a plurality of wheels to
facilitate transportation.
9. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprising at least one mesh pocket attached to an exterior surface
of the bag.
10. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprising exterior attachment means for releasably attaching
articles to the bag.
11. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 10 wherein
the exterior attachment means includes a plurality of adjustable
straps for releasably attaching elongate articles to the bag.
12. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 11 wherein
the the plurality of adjustable straps are configured for
releasably attaching a baseball bat, hockey stick, tennis racket or
lacrosse stick to the bag.
13. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprised of an exterior transparent pocket.
14. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprised of an adjustable shoulder strap.
15. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprised of an adjustable releasable shoulder strap.
16. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprised of a pair of carrying handles.
17. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprised of a pair of carrying handles and a releasable carrying
grip.
18. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 wherein the
plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of articles on
the panel of the second storage area includes at least one mesh
pocket, at least one elastic holder and at least one pocket.
19. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 wherein the
plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of articles on
the panel of the third storage area includes at least one elastic
holder, at least one pocket and at least one spring clip.
20. A coach's organization and travel bag as in claim 1 further
comprised of bottom supports from the group of a plurality of feet
and a plurality of runners.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application 60/440,946, filed Jan. 17, 2003, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to baggage. More
particularly, this invention relates to a bag for storing and
organizing articles used by coaches of sports teams.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Coaches and staff of sports teams must carry various
articles to and from practice sessions, business and administrative
meetings and games. Such items may, for example, include business
and administrative paperwork and files, a rule book, equipment,
coaching boards, markers and pens, a cellular telephone, water
bottles, hardware, tools and medical supplies. Known prior art
includes various luggage and bags, none of which includes a
plurality of compartments designed for suitably accommodating such
a wide range of articles in a convenient and orderly manner.
[0004] Most known bags and luggage consist of little more than a
flexible bag or body defining a box-shaped compartment with a
zippered opening and one or more shoulder straps. These devices
offer minimal organizational capability, little or no flexibility
(i.e., reconfigurability) and limited access to the contents of the
bag.
[0005] While various articles may be stored in a compartment of a
large bag, such disorganized storage is conducive to oversight,
loss and damage during packing, storage and transportation. The
first article placed in the compartment falls to the bottom.
Contents are prone to shifting and collision during transportation,
increasing the risk of damage and making access difficult. When an
article is eventually needed, it may be difficult to find (or
impossible to find if it was overlooked during packing), or it may
be damaged and rendered unusable.
[0006] Another deficiency of prior art luggage and bags is that
they are not readily configurable to accommodate various modes of
use. Most such devices provide a determined number of pockets and
compartments. While the pockets and compartments may be expandable,
and one or a few dividers may be supplied, the prior art typically
does not allow configuration of the compartments to accommodate
different modes of use. For example, a coach may desire one
configuration for use while coaching, another configuration for
games and yet another configuration for instruction and training.
With conventional luggage and bags, a user is typically relegated
to using the standard configuration for all purposes.
[0007] Furthermore, prior art luggage and bags typically do not
provide connection means for releasably attaching equipment,
supplies and the like (e.g., a hockey stick or baseball bat, a
water bottle basket or ball bag) to the exterior of the bag.
[0008] Moereover, conventional bags typically come with a fixed
hard bottom or a soft pliable bottom. A bag that offers the
sturdiness of a hard bottom with the collapsibility and ease of
storage of a soft bottom would be preferred.
[0009] What is needed is a bag that provides a plurality of
compartments designed for accommodating a wide range of articles in
a convenient and orderly manner. Preferably, the bag is
configurable to accommodate various modes of use. Additionally, the
bag should preferably include means for releasably attaching
equipment, supplies and other articles to the exterior of the bag.
Furthermore, the bag should be user friendly, easy to carry and
store a plurality of small, medium and large articles in a safe,
convenient, and efficient manner. Moreover, the bag should
preferably include a removable hard bottom.
SUMMARY
[0010] It is therefore an object of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention to provide a bag that includes a plurality of
compartments designed for accommodating a wide range of articles in
a convenient and orderly manner.
[0011] It is another object of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention to provide a bag that allows a compartment to be
reconfigured to accommodate various modes of use.
[0012] It is a further object of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention to provide a bag that includes exterior
releasable connection means for releasably attaching articles to
the bag.
[0013] It is yet another object of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention to provide a bag that includes means to
facilitate carrying and transportation.
[0014] It is still another object of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention to provide a bag that includes a removable hard
bottom.
[0015] To achieve these and other objects, an organization and
travel bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes a core storage area, a storage area for
storing a plurality of relatively small articles such as medical
supplies and a business storage area, a plurality of pockets and
holders within the medical storage area for storing medical
supplies, a plurality of compartments in the business storage area
for accommodating file folders and administrative articles, a
compartment for storing coaching boards, and a plurality of
optional removable and reconfigurable inserts for defining
compartments within the core storage to accommodate a wide range of
articles. A pocket at the bottom for receiving a removable hard
bottom insert.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will become better understood with reference
to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings, where:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view conceptually depicting an
exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas in
accordance with a preferred implementation of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view conceptually depicting
an exemplary bag having straps for securing sporting equipment in
accordance with a preferred implementation of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top plan view conceptually depicting a main
interior compartment of an exemplary bag having a plurality of
distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred
implementation of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view conceptually depicting the
interior of a main compartment of an exemplary bag having a
plurality of distinct storage areas and inserts in accordance with
a preferred implementation of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cutaway view conceptually depicting the interior
of a side compartment of an exemplary bag having a plurality of
distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred
implementation of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cutaway view conceptually depicting the interior
of a side compartment of an exemplary bag having a plurality of
distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred
implementation of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an exemplary bag with feet
in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view conceptually
depicting an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage
areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present
invention is shown. The exemplary bag includes a front side 118,
left side 132, right side 138 and a back side 202 (as shown in FIG.
2). A plurality of zippers 324, 124, 130, 134 and 204 (as shown in
FIG. 2) provide access to a plurality of interior compartments. In
a preferred embodiment, nylon coil, enamel coated #8 zippers having
dual pull tabs are used to facilitate opening and closing, and to
enable locking using a luggage padlock in a conventional manner.
The exemplary bag is approximately 26 inches.times.16
inches.times.14 inches.
[0025] The bag includes several carrying items. A pair of
releasably joinable handles 112 and 114 with a releasable handle
grip 116 is provided for carrying the bag. The flexibility and size
of the handles and the attachment locations preferably allow the
cross-members of both handles to be brought together in a
conventional manner and grasped by one hand. The handle grip allows
releasably wrapping the cross members to facilitate gripping and
carrying. The handle grip may be comprised of a flexible fabric or
leather and include snaps or hook and loop releasable fasteners. An
adjustable shoulder strap 102 with a molded shoulder pad 152,
swivel snaphooks 104 and 106, and D-ring attachments 108 and 110.
Additionally, a pair of adjustable straps 142 and 144 are provided
for carrying an elongate object such as a hockey stick, baseball
bat (as conceptually shown in FIG. 2) or a lacrosse stick.
[0026] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that permanently
attached or releasably attached handles and/or straps may be
utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Additionally, releasable attachment means other than snap hooks,
clips and D-rings may be utilized without departing from the scope
of the present invention. Moreover, the configuration, arrangement,
number and placement of attachment points, handles and straps may
be varied without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, a top sectional plan view conceptually
depicting an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage
areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present
invention is shown. The bag includes a medical supply storage area
326 for storing a plurality of relatively small articles, such as
medical supplies; a core storage area 317-322 suitable for storing
relatively large articles, such as a water bottles and equipment; a
coaching board area 324 suitable for storing clipboards, chalk
boards, white boards, pads and the like; a business folder area 312
and 314 for storing file folders, documentation, and business and
administrative supplies; a business supply storage area 310 to
organize and store business supplies; and preferably one or more
end pockets 316 and 328 for miscellaneous items. Each area may have
a plurality of compartments, pockets and dividers. Those skilled in
the art will understand, that the medical supply storage area 326,
core storage area 324-130, business folder area 312 and 314,
business supply area 310 and end pockets 316 and 318 may be
manufactured separately and then attached together, such as by
stitching, to form a single integral bag or manufactured as
integral components.
[0028] The medical supply storage area 326 is comprised of the back
panel 202 of the bag, as shown in FIG. 2, and a medical supply
panel 620, as shown in FIG. 6. The medical supply panel 620
preferably includes a plurality of mesh pockets 610-618 and elastic
holders 604-608 as well as a pocket with a flap closure 602. The
pockets and elastic holders may be used to store various articles,
such as medical supplies, in an orderly accessible manner. The mesh
pockets facilitate viewing contents without removal. The pocket
with the flap closure 602 preferably includes a releasable
attachment means, for example hook and loop fastening means such as
Velcro.RTM. brand fasteners by Velcro Industries B.V. In a
preferred implementation mesh pockets 610-618 are three to four
inches wide, mesh pocket 640 is five inches wide and mesh pocket
650 is two inches wide, elastic holders 604-608 are three inches
wide and pocket 602 is nine inches wide, though the present
invention is not limited to such pocket and holder sizes,
configurations or number. Other sizes, configurations and numbers
of pockets and holders may be employed without departing from the
scope of the present invention so long as the panel 620 provides
means for securing a plurality of relatively small articles in an
orderly manner.
[0029] The panel 620 may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric
material (e.g., packloth or ballistic nylon), foam or rigid
cardboard or plastic (e.g., polyethylene) material (flat or
corrugated) covered with a thin thread material such as 420 denier
nylon packcloth. The pockets and holders are attached to the panel
by glue, stitching, fasteners, or other attachment means.
Preferably, the panel is sewn into place at the bottom and along
the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop
fasteners may instead be used.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the medical supply storage area
326 is approximately twenty-one inches long, by approximately two
inches wide, by approximately twelve to fourteen inches in height.
However, the present invention is not limited to that size. Other
storage area sizes effective for storing medical supplies and/or
similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come
within the scope of the present invention.
[0031] The core storage area 318-322 preferably includes a
relatively large rectangular compartment useful for storing bulky
articles and a narrow compartment 324 useful for storing coaching
boards and the like. The narrow compartment 324 is comprised of the
back of the medical supply panel 620, core area panel 321A, and
portions of side panels 318A and 322A. The panels may be comprised
of a flexible foam or a rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat
or corrugated, and a covering of thin thread material such as 420
denier nylon packcloth. The panel 321A may sewn into place at the
bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such
as hook and loop fasteners, or partial sewing and releasable
attachment may instead be used. Of course, the core storage area
also includes a bottom panel. The elongate rectangular compartment
324 is suitable for safely storing coaches boards (i.e., clip
boards typically displaying a playing field, court or ice rink)
324A and 324B and similarly sized articles in an orderly
manner.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, storage area 324 is approximately
twenty-one inches long, by approximately one inch wide, by
approximately thirteen to fourteen inches deep. However, the
present invention is not limited to that size. Other storage area
sizes effective for storing coaches boards and/or similarly sized
articles may be used and are intended to come within the scope of
the present invention.
[0033] Rectangular compartment 318-322 is comprised of core area
panels 321A and 323A, and portions of side panels 322A and 318A as
well as a bottom panel. Panel 323A may be comprised of a flexible
foam or a non-rigid fabric material (e.g., packloth or ballistic
nylon), rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated,
with a covering of thin thread material such as 420 denier nylon
packcloth. Preferably, the panel is sewn into place at the bottom
and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as
hook and loop fasteners may instead be used. The large rectangular
compartment 318-322 is suitable for safely storing relatively large
articles (e.g., hockey skates, water bottles and similarly sized
articles) in an orderly manner.
[0034] Releasable attachment means, such as hook and loop
fasteners, are preferably provided along panels 321A and 323A. For
example, each panel 321A and 323A may include two strips of hook
and loop fasteners. By way of example, referring to FIG. 4, a strip
402 and 404 attached in parallel to panel 321A, and another pair of
strips (not shown) are attached in parallel to panel 323A. The
strips releasably secure inserts, such as inserts 148 and 150 as
shown in FIG. 3, which comprise divider panels extending from panel
321A to panel 323A thereby dividing the core storage area into
compartments 318-322. Thus, core storage area 130 may be divided
into a plurality of smaller adjustable-sized compartments, or one
or more inserts may be removed to define a large compartment.
[0035] Other inserts, which may or may not attach to the attachment
means, could include lattice inserts 317 (such as preformed
polyethylene lattice inserts) for holding a plurality of water
bottles 319A-319C, as shown in FIG. 3, a canvas bag with a cordlace
and cordlock for opening and closure, to hold items such as pucks
or balls. Preferably, the inserts are easily removable. Preferably
the lattice insert includes a bottom to hold water bottles when the
insert is removed, and a handle (not shown) or means for attaching
a handle to facilitate carrying when removed.
[0036] Additionally, a removable panel 146, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
4) comprised of rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or
corrugated, is provided for insertion into a compartment (i.e.,
envelope) 408 beneath the core storage area 318-322, to provide a
removable rigid bottom for the core storage area. The panel may be
securely attached to the bottom in the compartment 408 such as with
snug placement in the compartment, or with hook and loop fasteners
or by other mechanical securing devices. Thus, the bag can be
converted to a rigid bottom device or a flexible (i.e., foldable
and collapsible) bottom device.
[0037] In one embodiment, the panel 146 may be longer than the
compartment, such that when the panel is inserted into the
compartment, a portion of the panel extends outward past the
compartment. A pair of luggage wheels (not shown) may be attached
to the outward extending portion of the panel 146. A user may then
pull the bag along using the wheels.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, core storage area 318-322 is
approximately nineteen to twenty-six inches long, by approximately
one twelve to sixteen inches wide, by approximately ten to fifteen
inches deep. However, the present invention is not limited to those
sizes. Other core storage area sizes effective for storing
equipment such as hockey skates, and or water bottles and/or
similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come
within the scope of the present invention.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, a business article storage area 310
is comprised of the front panel 118 of the bag, as shown in FIG. 1,
and a business article panel 520, as shown in FIG. 5. The business
article panel 520 preferably includes a plurality of pockets 502
and 506 with closures, elastic holders 508 for markers, pens,
pointers and the like; card pockets 504 configured for holding
credit cards, business cards, tickets, passes, licenses and the
like; as well as a snap ring 510 for holding keys or other devices.
The pockets 502 and 506 may include closures comprised of hook and
loop fastening means such as Velcro.RTM. brand fasteners by Velcro
Industries B.V. Other sizes, configurations and numbers of pockets
and holders may be employed without departing from the scope of the
present invention so long as the panel 520 provides means for
securing a plurality of relatively business articles in an orderly
manner.
[0040] The business storage area 170 is comprised of panels 145,
165, 119 and 129 as well as a bottom panel. The panels form a
compartment 170, which may be used to store various business
articles, such as a cell phone, booklets, pens, markers, brochures,
folders, videos and papers, in an orderly accessible manner. The
panels may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric, flexible foam, or a
rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, with a
thin thread material covering such as 420 denier nylon packcloth.
The panels may be attached to the bag by glue, stitching,
fasteners, or other attachment means. Preferably, the panels are
sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though
releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may
instead be used.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, the exterior of the bag is
conceptually shown. A U-shaped zipper closure 525 extending across
top surface 350 and preferably down sides 119 and 129 enables
access to the business folder storage area. The zipper is opened
and closed by appropriately sliding a zipper pull in a conventional
manner. Upon opening the closure 525, panels 145, 119 and 129 fold
down enabling access to articles stored in compartment 170 and may
insert and remove articles. The opening is sufficiently sized to
allow visibility, access, insertion and removal of articles in
compartment 170. Though the zipper closure is conceptually shown
along panels 350, 129 and 119, it is understood that the zipper may
be located and configured differently without departing from the
scope of the present invention so long as it enables access to the
business storage area compartment 170. For example, the zipper may
open a large U-shaped flap on panel 145. Alternatively, without
departing from the scope of the present invention,
[0042] The panel 520 may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric
material (e.g., packloth or ballistic nylon), foam or rigid
cardboard or plastic (e.g., polyethylene) material (flat or
corrugated) covered with a thin thread material such as 420 denier
nylon packcloth. The pockets and holders are attached to the panel
by glue, stitching, fasteners, or other attachment means.
Preferably, the panel is sewn into place at the bottom, top and
along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook
and loop fasteners may instead be used.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the business article storage area
310 is approximately twenty-one inches long, by approximately two
inches wide, by approximately twelve to fourteen inches in height.
However, the present invention is not limited to that size. Other
storage area sizes effective for storing medical supplies and/or
similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come
within the scope of the present invention.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3 business folder area 312 and 314 is
comprised of panels 520 and 311-316. The panels form a plurality of
compartments 312 and 314, which may be used to store various
business articles, such as business folders (e.g., file folders and
binders), videos and papers, in an orderly accessible manner. The
panels may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric, flexible foam, or a
rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, with a
thin thread material covering such as 420 denier nylon packcloth.
The panels may be attached to the bag by glue, stitching,
fasteners, or other attachment means. Preferably, the panels are
sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though
releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may
instead be used.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the business folder storage area
312 and 314 is approximately twenty-one inches long by
approximately three inches wide, by approximately twelve inches
deep (measured from the bottom of the bag to the top of the
business storage area). Compartment 312 is preferably approximately
twelve inches long, by three inches wide by twelve inches deep.
Compartment 314 is preferably approximately nine inches long, by
three inches wide by twelve inches deep. However, the present
invention is not limited to those sizes. Other storage area and
compartment sizes effective for storing business articles such as
folders, papers, videos, binders and clipboards and/or similarly
sized articles may be used and are intended to come within the
scope of the present invention.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, an outside lid pocket 126
is provided on the top of the bag. The exemplary pocket 126 is
comprised of transparent 20-gauge double polished clear vinyl. It
is suitable for storing and allowing easy access to and visibility
of stored articles, such as notes, printed directions, and other
relatively flat articles.
[0047] Preferably, the exterior panels are comprised of a durable,
high-strength, flexible, water resistant material, such as 1680
denier Ballistic Nylon 24.times.20 basket weave, 11/2 ounce
polyurethane coating, commercially available from E.I. Du Pont de
Nemours, Co. (Du Pont). The sides may also include foam padding
material (not shown) to provide cushioning and structural support.
The bottom may be comprised of a similar material.
[0048] Side compartments 316 and 318 may be used to store various
clothing items, business articles, accessories or equipment, such
as gloves, shirts, socks, pens, markers and papers in an orderly
accessible manner. The panels comprising the side compartments may
be comprised of a non-rigid fabric, flexible foam, or a rigid
cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, with a thin
thread material covering such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. The
panels may be attached to the bag by glue, stitching, fasteners, or
other attachment means. Preferably, the panels are sewn into place
at the bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment
means such as hook and loop fasteners may instead be used.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, side compartments 316 and 328 are
approximately nine inches long, by approximately three inches wide,
by approximately twelve inches in height. However, the present
invention is not limited to those sizes. Other storage area and
compartment sizes effective for storing clothing items, equipment
and/or business articles may be used and are intended to come
within the scope of the present invention.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 3, pouches 136 and 206 for holding
items such as water bottles are also provided on the exterior of
the bag. The pouches may include an elastic band for securely
engaging a bottle. The pouches may be comprised of a nylon mesh
material. The mesh material will not collect water (e.g., rain
water) and provides visibility of contents.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 7, the bottom preferably (as an
option) has four feet 702-708 or a pair of runners (not shown)
suitably fastened thereon to support the bag off the ground,
thereby limiting contact with dirt and ground moisture. Such feet
may have various shapes and sizes. The feet may preferably be made
of a suitable durable rubber, plastic or polymeric material such as
polypropylene. Runners are elongate members which also may be
comprised of a durable rubber, plastic or polymeric material such
as polypropylene. However, the present invention is not limited in
this regard, as other suitable shapes, arrangements, materials and
numbers of elements may be used without departing from the scope of
the present invention. Further, while they are preferred, feet and
runners may be omitted without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0052] The bottom of the bag also preferably includes a water
resistant, easy-to-clean, durable material, such as reinforced
vinyl, to provide a durable, strong, moisture-resistant surface. As
coaches may likely place the bag on dirty wet surfaces, such
material is preferred, though not essential.
[0053] The overall dimensions of the bag may be varied as desired.
However, preferably the bag is sized to conveniently accommodate,
at least, medical supplies, coaching boards, equipment and file
folders. Additionally, the bag may be sized to fit in an overhead
storage bin and meet governmental and carrier (e.g., airline, rail
and/or bus) carry-on baggage restrictions.
[0054] Additionally, an embodiment of the bag may include
additional exterior releasable connection means for releasably
attaching articles to the bag. The connection means may be
comprised of snap hooks, buckles, D-rings, straps, hook and loop
fasteners and the like. For example, a snap hook may allow
releasable attachment to a water bottle carrier, a ball bag, a
mask, a helmet or the like. The releasable connection means may be
placed at various locations on the bag (except the bottom).
Furthermore, a plurality of releasable connection means may be
provided.
[0055] Optionally, the bag may include permanent or removable
wheels and a retractable handle as known in the art to facilitate
transportation. The bag may further include various accessories and
enhancements such as a key chain clip, e.g., a thumb-operated
spring clasp; a plurality of auxiliary pockets, elastic holding
straps and pouches on the interior and exterior panels;
identification tags or windows and locking mechanisms.
[0056] While the invention has been described in terms of its
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit
and scope of the foregoing detailed description. The present
invention may include other aspects not specifically delineated in
the aforementioned preferred embodiments. The above in no way is
intended to limit the scope of the invention. Such alternative
embodiments and implementations are intended to come within the
scope of the present invention.
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