U.S. patent application number 10/628096 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-27 for sports container system.
Invention is credited to Friou, Robert Lee.
Application Number | 20050017042 10/628096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34080727 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050017042 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friou, Robert Lee |
January 27, 2005 |
Sports container system
Abstract
A sports container system that resembles a sports ball, or other
sports related object, easily carried or comfortably attached to a
user, providing convenient access to the items contained, and
displaying indicia representative of advertisers, sports governing
bodies, teams, players, and other entities.
Inventors: |
Friou, Robert Lee; (Tempe,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STONEMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
3113 NORTH 3RD STREET
PHOENIX
AZ
85012
US
|
Family ID: |
34080727 |
Appl. No.: |
10/628096 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/660 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/005 20130101;
A45F 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/660 |
International
Class: |
A45C 001/04; A45F
003/00; F41C 033/02; F42B 039/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1) A container system, having at least one sport representation,
for containing items of a user, comprising, in combination: a) at
least one container, comprising at least one front portion, at
least one back portion, at least one interior portion, and at least
one exterior portion, adapted to containing the items; b) at least
one access to provide access to said at least one interior portion
of said at least one container; c) wherein said at least one front
portion consists essentially of at least one three-dimensional
representation of at least one portion of at least one chief item
used in performing at least one sport; d) wherein said at least one
back portion encloses said at least one front portion; and e)
wherein said at least one back portion comprises elements
structured and arranged to provide comfortable wearability along
the form of the user.
2) The container system according to claim 1 further comprising at
least one strap, attachable to said at least one container,
structured and arranged to assist wearable support by the user.
3) The container system according to claim 2 further comprising at
least one attachment to attach said at least one strap to said at
least one container.
4) The container system according to claim 2 wherein said at least
one strap comprises at least one adjuster adapted to adjust the
length of said at least one strap.
5) The container system according to claim 2 wherein said at least
one strap comprises at least one connector structured and arranged
to assist in securing said at least one strap to the user.
6) The container system according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one three-dimensional representation consists essentially of about
one-half of at least one chief item used in performing at least one
sport.
7) The container system according to claim 6 further comprising at
least one strap, attachable to said at least one container,
structured and arranged to assist wearable support by the user.
8) The container system according to claim 7 further comprising at
least one attachment to attach said at least one strap to said at
least one container.
9) The container system according to claim 8 wherein said at least
one strap comprises at least one adjuster adapted to adjust the
length of said at least one strap.
10) The container system according to claim 9 wherein said at least
one strap comprises at least one connector structured and arranged
to assist in securing said at least one strap to the user.
11) The container system according to claim 10 wherein the at least
one chief item consists essentially of about one-half of at least
one racing wheel.
12) The container system according to claim 10 wherein the at least
one chief item consists essentially of about one-half of at least
one hockey puck.
13) The container system according to claim 10 wherein the at least
one chief item consists essentially of about one-half of at least
one sports ball.
14) The container system according to claim 13 wherein said about
one-half of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-half of at least one football.
15) The container system according to claim 13 wherein said about
one-half of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-half of at least one basketball.
16) The container system according to claim 13 wherein said about
one-half of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-half of at least one soccer ball.
17) The container system according to claim 13 wherein said about
one-half of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-half of at least one tennis-ball.
18) The container system according to claim 13 wherein said about
one-half of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-half of at least one baseball.
19) The container system according to claim 13 wherein said about
one-half of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-half of at least one volleyball.
20) The container system according to claim 14 wherein said
container system comprises at least one fanny-pack.
21) The container system according to claim 14 wherein said
container system comprises at least one backpack.
22) The container system according to claim 14 wherein said
container system comprises at least one leg-pack.
23) The container system according to claim 15 wherein said
container system comprises at least one fanny-pack.
24) The container system according to claim 15 wherein said
container system comprises at least one backpack.
25) The container system according to claim 15 wherein said
container system comprises at least one leg-pack.
26) The container system according to claim 16 wherein said
container system comprises at least one fanny-pack.
27) The container system according to claim 16 wherein said
container system comprises at least one backpack.
28) The container system according to claim 16 wherein said
container system comprises at least one leg-pack.
29) The container system according to claim 17 wherein said
container system comprises at least one fanny-pack.
30) The container system according to claim 17 wherein said
container system comprises at least one backpack.
31) The container system according to claim 17 wherein said
container system comprises at least one leg-pack.
32) The container system according to claim 18 wherein said
container system comprises at least one fanny-pack.
33) The container system according to claim 18 wherein said
container system comprises at least one backpack.
34) The container system according to claim 18 wherein said
container system comprises at least one leg-pack.
35) The container system according to claim 19 wherein said
container system comprises at least one fanny-pack.
36) The container system according to claim 19 wherein said
container system comprises at least one backpack.
37) The container system according to claim 19 wherein said
container system comprises at least one leg-pack.
38) The container system according to claim 10 wherein said at
least one three-dimensional representation comprises essentially at
least one scaled-size of the at least one chief item used in
performing at least one sport.
39) The container system according to claim 10 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one indicia adapted to
assist user-recognizable sport representation.
40) The container system according to claim 10 wherein said at
least one container comprises advertising indicia to assist
advertising.
41) The container system according to claim 10 wherein said at
least one indicia comprises association indicia representing at
least one sports governing association.
42) The container system according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one access comprises at least one closure adapted to provide
closure of said at least one interior portion of said at least one
container.
43) The container system according to claim 42 wherein said at
least one closure comprises at least one zipper.
44) The container system according to claim 42 wherein said at
least one closure comprises at least one tensioned closure
structured and arranged to tensionably close said at least one
interior portion.
45) The container system according to claim 38 wherein said at
least one scaled-size is selected from the group consisting
essentially of: a) at least one adult size; b) at least one child
size; c) at least one miniature size.
46) The container system according to claim 6 wherein said at least
one three-dimensional representation comprises essentially at least
one scaled-size of at least one chief item used in performing at
least one sport.
47) The container system according to claim 46 wherein said at
least one scaled-size is selected from the group consisting
essentially of: a) at least one adult size; b) at least one child
size; c) at least one miniature size.
48) The container system according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one container comprises at least one indicia to assist
user-recognizable sport representation.
49) The container system according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one container comprises at least one advertising indicia to assist
advertising.
50) The container system according to claim 48 wherein said at
least one indicia comprises at least one association indicia
representing at least one sports governing association.
51) The container system according to claim 5 wherein said at least
one strap comprises at least one indicia to assist
user-recognizable sport representation.
52) The container system according to claim 5 wherein said at least
one strap comprises at least one advertising indicia to assist
advertising.
53) The container system according to claim 51 wherein said at
least one indicia comprises at least one association indicia
representing at least one sports governing association.
54) The container system according to claim 43 wherein said at
least one zipper comprises at least one zipper tag.
55) A container system, having at least one sport representation,
for containing items of a user, comprising, in combination: a) at
least one container, comprising at least one front portion, at
least one back portion, at least one interior portion, and at least
one exterior portion, adapted to containing the items; and b) at
least one access opening to provide access to said at least one
interior portion of said at least one container; c) wherein said at
least one front portion and said at least one back portion consists
essentially of at least one three-dimensional representation of at
least one portion of at least one chief item used in performing at
least one sport; d) wherein said at least one back portion encloses
said at least one front portion; e) wherein said at least one
access opening comprises at least one tensioned opener to provide
opening of said at least one interior portion of said at least one
container; and f) wherein said at least one tensioned opener
comprises at least one tensioned closure structured and arranged to
tensionably close said at least one access opening.
56) The container system according to claim 55 further comprising
at least one strap, attachable to said at least one container,
structured and arranged to assist wearable support by the user.
57) The container system according to claim 56 further comprising
at least one attachment to attach said at least one strap to said
at least one container.
58) The container system according to claim 57 wherein said at
least one strap comprises at least one connection adapted to assist
in securing said at least one strap to the user.
59) The container system according to claim 58 wherein said at
least one three-dimensional representation comprises essentially
about one-whole of the at least one chief item used in performing
at least one sport.
60) The container system according to claim 59 wherein the at least
one chief item consists essentially of about one-whole racing
wheel.
61) The container system according to claim 59 wherein the at least
one chief item consists essentially of about one-whole hockey
puck.
62) The container system according to claim 59 wherein the at least
one chief item consists essentially of about one-whole sports
ball.
63) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said about
one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-whole of at least one football.
64) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said about
one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-whole basketball.
65) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said about
one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-whole soccer ball.
66) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said about
one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-whole tennis-ball.
67) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said about
one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-whole baseball.
68) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said about
one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of about
one-whole volleyball.
69) The container system according to claim 63 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one tote-bag.
70) The container system according to claim 64 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one tote-bag.
71) The container system according to claim 65 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one tote-bag.
72) The container system according to claim 66 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one tote-bag.
73) The container system according to claim 67 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one tote-bag.
74) The container system according to claim 68 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one tote-bag.
75) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one indicia adapted to
assist user-recognizable sport representation.
76) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one advertising indicia
adapted to assist advertising.
77) The container system according to claim 62 wherein said at
least one indicia comprises at least one association indicia
representing at least one sports governing association.
78) The container system according to claim 77 wherein said at
least one container comprises at least one advertising indicia
adapted to assist advertising.
79) The container system according to claim 78 wherein said at
least one indicia comprises at least one association indicia
representing at least one sports governing association.
80) A container system, having at least one sport representation,
for containing items of a user, comprising, in combination: a)
container means, comprising at least one front portion, at least
one back portion, at least one interior portion, and at least one
exterior portion, for containing the items; b) access means for
providing access to said at least one interior portion of said
container means; c) wherein said at least one front portion
consists essentially of at least one three-dimensional
representation of at least one portion of at least one chief item
used in performing at least one sport; d) wherein said at least one
back portion encloses said at least one front portion; and e)
wherein said at least one back portion comprises means for
comfortable wearability along the human form of the user.
81) The container system according to claim 80 further comprising
strap means, attachable to said container means, for assisting
wearable support by the user.
82) The container system according to claim 81 further comprising
attachment means for attaching said strap means to said container
means.
83) The container system according to claim 81 wherein said strap
means comprises adjuster means for adjusting the length of said
strap means.
84) The container system according to claim 81 wherein said strap
means comprises connection means for assisting in securing said
strap means to the user.
85) The container system according to claim 80 wherein said at
least one three-dimensional representation comprises essentially
one-half of the at least one chief item used in performing at least
one sport.
86) The container system according to claim 85 further comprising
strap means, attachable to said container means, for assisting
wearable support by the user.
87) The container system according to claim 86 further comprising
attachment means for attaching said strap means to said container
means.
88) The container system according to claim 87 wherein said strap
means comprises adjuster means for adjusting the length of said
strap means.
89) The container system according to claim 88 wherein said strap
means comprises connection means for assisting in securing said
strap means to the user.
90) A method of marketing a plurality of container systems for
containing items of a user, each such container system comprising
at least one container comprising at least one front portion and at
least one back portion, access means for providing access to such
at least one interior portion of such container means, wherein such
at least one front portion consists essentially of at least one
three-dimensional representation of at least one portion of at
least one chief item used in performing at least one sport, wherein
such at least one back portion encloses such at least one front
portion, and wherein such at least one back portion comprises means
for assisting wearability adjacent the user's body, and strap
means, attachable to such container means, for assisting wearable
support by the user, comprising, in combination, the steps of: a)
specifying at least one design for at least one container system;
b) securing at least one order from at least one advertiser, having
at least one marketing indicia, for such at least one container
system; c) specifying at least one location, on such at least one
container system, for placement of such at least one marketing
indicia; d) providing for delivery of such at least one container
system to at least one destination provided by such at least one
advertiser; and e) receiving from the at least one advertiser at
least one payment for the at least one indicia-displaying container
system delivered to the at least one advertiser; and f) paying the
at least one manufacturer for the shipped at least one
indicia-displaying container system.
91) The method according to claim 90 further comprising the steps
of: a) obtaining at least one license from at least one sports
indicia owner in respect to at least one sports indicia related to
such at least one chief item used in performing such at least one
sport; and b) placing such at least one sports indicia on such at
least one container system.
92) The method according to claim 91 wherein such at least one
sports indicia owner comprises at least one of the group consisting
essentially of: a) sport governing associations; b) advertisers; c)
manufacturers; d) teams; e) players; f) racers; g) sport
participants; and h) crews.
93) The method according to claim 91 wherein such placing step
comprises the steps of: a) placing such at least one sports indicia
on at least one of the group consisting essentially of i) fanny
packs ii) backpacks iii) leg packs iv) tote bags.
94) The method according to claim 91 wherein such placing step
comprises the steps of: a) placing such at least one sports indicia
on at least one of the group consisting essentially of i)
containers ii) straps iii) zipper tags.
95) The method according to claim 94 wherein such placing step
further comprises the steps of: a) placing such at least one sports
indicia on at least one of the group consisting essentially of i)
fanny packs ii) backpacks iii) leg packs iv) tote bags.
96) A method of marketing a plurality of container systems for
containing items of a user, each such container system comprising
at least one container comprising at least one front portion and at
least one back portion, access means for providing access to such
at least one interior portion of such container means, wherein such
at least one front portion consists essentially of at least one
three-dimensional representation of at least one portion of at
least one chief item used in performing at least one sport, wherein
such at least one back portion encloses such at least one front
portion, and wherein such at least one back portion comprises means
for assisting wearability adjacent the user's body, and strap
means, attachable to such container means, for assisting wearable
support by the user, comprising, in combination, the steps of: a)
obtaining at least one license from at least one sports indicia
owner in respect to at least one sports indicia related to such at
least one chief item used in performing such at least one sport; b)
placing such at least one sports indicia on such at least one
container system; and c) placing at least one marketing indicia of
at least one advertiser on such at least one container system.
97) The method according to claim 96 further comprising the steps
of: a) selling such at least one container system to such
advertiser.
98) The method according to claim 96 further comprising the steps
of: a) providing such at least one container system to at least one
end user for free.
99) The method according to claim 96 wherein such sports indicia
owner is an international governing organization for at least one
sport.
100) The method according to claim 99 wherein: a) such at least one
advertiser has a substantially local regional market.
101) The method according to claim 100 wherein a) such
substantially local regional market is primarily within one
state.
102) The method according to claim 96 wherein at least one such
advertiser comprises a radio station.
103) A container system, for containing items of a user adjacent a
leg of the user, comprising, in combination: a) at least one
container, comprising at least one front portion, at least one back
portion, at least one interior portion, and at least one exterior
portion, for containing the items; b) at least one access to
provide access to said at least one interior portion of said at
least one container; c) at least one leg support, attachable to
said at least one container, structured and arranged to assist
wearable support adjacent the leg; d) at least one first attachment
to attach said at least one leg support to said at least one
container; e) wherein said at least one leg support comprises at
least one first connector structured and arranged to assisting in
securing said at least one leg support to the user; f) wherein said
at least one back portion encloses said at least one front portion;
g) wherein said at least one back portion comprises at least one
wearability element to assist wearability along the human form of
the user.
104) The container system according to claim 103 comprising: a) at
least one waist support, attachable to said at least one container,
structured and arranged to assist wearable support adjacent the
leg; and b) at least one second attachment to attach said at least
one waist support to said at least one container; c) wherein said
at least one waist support comprises at least one second connector
adapted to assist in securing said at least one waist support to
the user's waist.
105) The container system according to claim 104 wherein said at
least one waist support comprises at least one length adjuster to
adjust length of support between said at least one waist support
and said at least one container.
106) The container system according to claim 103 wherein said at
least one leg support comprises at least one strap adapted to strap
said at least one container to the leg.
107) The container system according to claim 106 wherein said at
least one strap comprises at least one strap adjuster adapted to
adjust the length of said at least one strap.
108) The container system according to claim 107 wherein said at
least one strap comprises said at least one first connector.
109) The container system according to claim 103 wherein a) said at
least one front portion consists essentially of at least one
three-dimensional representation of at least one portion of at
least one chief item used in performing at least one sport; and b)
said at least one three-dimensional representation comprises
essentially one-half of the at least one chief item used in
performing at least one sport.
110) The container system according to claim 103 wherein said at
least one access comprises a zipper.
111) The container system according to claim 105 wherein: a) said
at least one adjuster comprises at least one tensioner; and b) said
at least one tensioner comprises at least one retractable cord
structured and arranged to maintain tension between said at least
one waist support and said at least one container.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates to providing a system for improved
apparatus and methods for providing sports representation
containers. Typically, people need to carry with them smaller
personal effects such as money, credit cards, makeup, keys, papers,
identification, consumables, and other personal, portable items.
For several reasons, such a task can be difficult. Setting these
items down at each destination creates the risk of forgetting about
them and leaving them behind, or even having them stolen. In
addition, such items may be too many or too large for placing in
the pockets of one's clothing. Furthermore, keeping these items in
a person's hands, at all times, obviously prevents them from having
their hands free for completing tasks.
[0002] For example, a fan attending a sporting event may wish to
carry and have with them, during the game, money, ID's, keys, and
suntan lotion. The fan encounters the problems of not having enough
pocket space, and risks having such items lost or stolen if they
are placed under stadium seats.
[0003] Furthermore, most sports fans have a great interest in
displaying the sports and teams of their liking. Typical sports
fans tend to wear hats, t-shirts, and jerseys representative of
their preferred sports and teams. For example, New York Yankees fan
and Mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani, has been notably
photographed attending New York baseball games wearing a Yankees
jacket and a Yankees hat.
[0004] In the past, if sports fans have wanted to carry their
items, they have had to resort to regular shaped backpacks,
etc.
[0005] Further, there has not been a convenient way to allow local
regional advertisers, for example within a particular city, to
advertise by providing a highly desirable officially licensed (such
as by an international governing sports authority) promotional
product to users for free that assists fans in carrying their
personal items. Typically local regional advertisers have not had
the capability to procure official licensing from national and
international sports organizations and governing bodies, etc.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide an improved sports representation container. It is a
further object and feature of the present invention to provide such
a system capable of containing a user's personal effects. It is a
further object and feature of the present invention to provide such
a system providing sports-related item representation. It is a
further object and feature of the present invention to provide such
a system conveniently carried. It is a further object and feature
of the present invention to provide such a system conveniently
attachable to a user. It is a further object and feature of the
present invention to provide such a system providing a convenient
attachment between the container and the attacher.
[0007] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system capable of being worn comfortably when
attached to a user. It is a further object and feature of the
present invention to provide such a system capable of adjusting
such that it fits different size users. It is a further object and
feature of the present invention to provide such a system providing
convenient access to personal items within the container. It is a
further object and feature of the present invention to provide such
a system providing tensioned access means to personal items within
the container.
[0008] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system that is retractable when attached to the
leg of a user. It is a further object and feature of the present
invention to provide such a system capable of displaying advertiser
indicia. It is a further object and feature of the present
invention to provide such a system capable of displaying a sport
governing association's indicia. It is a further object and feature
of the present invention to provide such a system capable of
appearing to have the manufacturing indicia of the characterized
sports-related item.
[0009] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system capable of displaying indicia on a tab
attached to the access portion of the container. It is a further
object and feature of the present invention to provide such a
system capable of displaying indicia on the attacher portions of
the system. A further primary object and feature of the present
invention is to provide such a system that is efficient,
inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a container system, having at least one sport
representation, for containing items of a user, comprising, in
combination: at least one container, comprising at least one front
portion, at least one back portion, at least one interior portion,
and at least one exterior portion, adapted to containing the items;
at least one access to provide access to such at least one interior
portion of such at least one container; wherein such at least one
front portion consists essentially of at least one
three-dimensional representation of at least one portion of at
least one chief item used in performing at least one sport; wherein
such at least one back portion encloses such at least one front
portion; and wherein such at least one back portion comprises
elements structured and arranged to provide (comfortable)
wearability along the human form of the user. Moreover, it provides
such a container system further comprising at least one strap,
attachable to such at least one container, structured and arranged
to assist wearable support by the user. Additionally, it provides
such a container system further comprising at least one attachment
to attach such at least one strap to such at least one container.
Also, it provides such a container system wherein such at least one
strap comprises at least one adjuster adapted to adjust the length
of such at least one strap. In addition, it provides such a
container system wherein such at least one strap comprises at least
one connector structured and arranged to assist in securing such at
least one strap to the user. And, it provides such a container
system wherein such at least one three-dimensional representation
consists essentially of about one-half of at least one chief item
used in performing at least one sport. Further, it provides such a
container system further comprising at least one strap, attachable
to such at least one container, structured and arranged to assist
wearable support by the user. Even further, it provides such a
container system further comprising at least one attachment to
attach such at least one strap to such at least one container.
Moreover, it provides such a container system wherein such at least
one strap comprises at least one adjuster adapted to adjust the
length of such at least one strap. Additionally, it provides such a
container system wherein such at least one strap comprises at least
one connector structured and arranged to assist in securing such at
least one strap to the user. Also, it provides such a container
system wherein the at least one chief item consists essentially of
about one-half of at least one racing wheel. In addition, it
provides such a container system wherein the at least one chief
item consists essentially of about one-half of at least one
hockey-puck. And, it provides such a container system wherein the
at least one chief item consists essentially of about one-half of
at least one sports ball. Further, it provides such a container
system wherein such about one-half of at least one sports ball
consists essentially of about one-half of at least one football.
Even further, it provides such a container system wherein such
about one-half of at least one sports ball consists essentially of
about one-half of at least one basketball. Moreover, it provides
such a container system wherein such about one-half of at least one
sports ball consists essentially of about one-half of at least one
soccer ball. Additionally, it provides such a container system
wherein such about one-half of at least one sports ball consists
essentially of about one-half of at least one tennis-ball. Also, it
provides such a container system wherein such about one-half of at
least one sports ball consists essentially of about one-half of at
least one baseball. In addition, it provides such a container
system wherein such about one-half of at least one sports ball
consists essentially of about one-half of at least one volleyball.
And, it provides such a container system wherein such container
system comprises at least one fanny-pack. Further, it provides such
a container system wherein such container system comprises at least
one backpack. Even further, it provides such a container system
wherein such container system comprises at least one leg-pack.
Moreover, it provides such a container system wherein such
container system comprises at least one fanny-pack. Additionally,
it provides such a container system wherein such container system
comprises at least one backpack. Also, it provides such a container
system wherein such container system comprises at least one
leg-pack. In addition, it provides such a container system wherein
such container system comprises at least one fanny-pack. And, it
provides such a container system wherein such container system
comprises at least one backpack. Further, it provides such a
container system wherein such container system comprises at least
one leg-pack. Even further, it provides such a container system
wherein such container system comprises at least one fanny-pack.
Moreover, it provides such a container system wherein such
container system comprises at least one backpack. Additionally, it
provides such a container system wherein such container system
comprises at least one leg-pack. Also, it provides such a container
system wherein such container system comprises at least one
fanny-pack. In addition, it provides such a container system
wherein such container system comprises at least one backpack. And,
it provides such a container system wherein such container system
comprises at least one leg-pack. Further, it provides such a
container system wherein such container system comprises at least
one fanny-pack. Even further, it provides such a container system
wherein such container system comprises at least one backpack.
Moreover, it provides such a container system wherein such
container system comprises at least one leg-pack. Additionally, it
provides such a container system wherein such at least one
three-dimensional representation comprises essentially at least one
scaled-size of the at least one chief item used in performing at
least one sport. Also, it provides such a container system wherein
such at least one container comprises at least one indicia adapted
to assist user-recognizable sport representation. In addition, it
provides such a container system wherein such at least one
container comprises advertising indicia to assist advertising. And,
it provides such a container system wherein such at least one
indicia comprises association indicia representing at least one
sports governing association. Further, it provides such a container
system wherein such at least one access comprises at least one
closure adapted to provide closure of such at least one interior
portion of such at least one container. Even further, it provides
such a container system wherein such at least one closure comprises
at least one zipper. Moreover, it provides such a container system
wherein such at least one closure comprises at least one tensioned
closure structured and arranged to tensionably close such at least
one interior portion. Additionally, it provides such a container
system wherein such at least one scaled-size is selected from the
group consisting essentially of: at least one adult size; at least
one child size; at least one miniature size. Also, it provides such
a container system wherein such at least one three-dimensional
representation comprises essentially at least one scaled-size of at
least one chief item used in performing at least one sport. In
addition, it provides such a container system wherein such at least
one scaled-size is selected from the group consisting essentially
of: at least one adult size; at least one child size; at least one
miniature size. And, it provides such a container system wherein
such at least one container comprises at least one indicia to
assist user-recognizable sport representation. Further, it provides
such a container system wherein such at least one container
comprises at least one advertising indicia to assist advertising.
Even further, it provides such a container system wherein such at
least one indicia comprises at least one association indicia
representing at least one sports governing association. Moreover,
it provides such a container system wherein such at least one strap
comprises at least one indicia to assist user-recognizable sport
representation. Additionally, it provides such a container system
wherein such at least one strap comprises at least one advertising
indicia to assist advertising. Also, it provides such a container
system wherein such at least one indicia comprises at least one
association indicia representing at least one sports governing
association. In addition, it provides such a container system
wherein such at least one zipper comprises at least one zipper
tag.
[0011] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a container system, having at least one sport
representation, for containing items of a user, comprising, in
combination: at least one container, comprising at least one front
portion, at least one back portion, at least one interior portion,
and at least one exterior portion, adapted to containing the items;
at least one access opening to provide access to such at least one
interior portion of such at least one container; wherein such at
least one front portion and such at least one back consists
essentially of at least one three-dimensional representation of at
least one portion of at least one chief item used in performing at
least one sport; wherein such at least one back portion encloses
such at least one front portion; wherein such at least one access
opening comprises at least one tensioned opener to provide opening
of such at least one interior portion of such at least one
container; wherein such at least one tensioned opener comprises at
least one tensioned closure structured and arranged to tensionably
close such at least one access opening. And, it provides such a
container system further comprising at least one strap, attachable
to such at least one container, structured and arranged to assist
wearable support by the user. Further, it provides such a container
system further comprising at least one attachment to attach such at
least one strap to such at least one container. Even further, it
provides such a container system wherein such at least one strap
comprises at least one connection adapted to assist in securing
such at least one strap to the user. Moreover, it provides such a
container system wherein such at least one three-dimensional
representation comprises essentially about one-whole of the at
least one chief item used in performing at least one sport.
Additionally, it provides such a container system wherein the at
least one chief item consists essentially of about one-whole racing
wheel. Also, it provides such a container system wherein the at
least one chief item consists essentially of about one-whole hockey
puck. In addition, it provides such a container system wherein the
at least one chief item consists essentially of about one-whole
sports ball. And, it provides such a container system wherein such
about one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of
about one-whole of at least one football. Further, it provides such
a container system wherein such about one-whole of at least one
sports ball consists essentially of about one-whole basketball.
Even further, it provides such a container system wherein such
about one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of
about one-whole soccer ball. Moreover, it provides such a container
system wherein such about one-whole of at least one sports ball
consists essentially of about one-whole tennis-ball. Additionally,
it provides such a container system wherein such about one-whole of
at least one sports ball consists essentially of about one-whole
baseball. Also, it provides such a container system wherein such
about one-whole of at least one sports ball consists essentially of
about one-whole volleyball. In addition, it provides such a
container system wherein such at least one container is a tote-bag.
And, it provides such a container system wherein such at least one
container is a tote-bag. Further, it provides such a container
system wherein such at least one container is a tote-bag. Even
further, it provides such a container system wherein such at least
one container is a tote-bag. Moreover, it provides such a container
system wherein such at least one container is a tote-bag.
Additionally, it provides such a container system wherein such at
least one container is a tote-bag. Also, it provides such a
container system wherein such at least one container comprises at
least one indicia adapted to assist user-recognizable sport
representation. In addition, it provides such a container system
wherein such at least one container comprises at least one
advertising indicia adapted to assist advertising. And, it provides
such a container system wherein such at least one indicia comprises
at least one association indicia representing at least one sports
governing association. Further, it provides such a container system
wherein such at least one container comprises at least one
advertising indicia adapted to assist advertising. Even further, it
provides such a container system wherein such at least one indicia
comprises at least one association indicia representing at least
one sports governing association.
[0012] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a container system, having at least one sport
representation, for containing items of a user, comprising, in
combination: container means, comprising at least one front
portion, at least one back portion, at least one interior portion,
and at least one exterior portion, for containing the items; access
means for providing access to such at least one interior portion of
such container means; wherein such at least one front portion
consists essentially of at least one three-dimensional
representation of at least one portion of at least one chief item
used in performing at least one sport; wherein such at least one
back portion encloses such at least one front portion; and wherein
such at least one back portion comprises means for (comfortable)
wearability along the human form of the user. Moreover, it provides
such a container system further comprising strap means, attachable
to such container means, for assisting wearable support by the
user. Additionally, it provides such a container system further
comprising attachment means for attaching such strap means to such
container means. Also, it provides such a container system wherein
such strap means comprises adjuster means for adjusting the length
of such strap means. In addition, it provides such a container
system wherein such strap means comprises connection means for
assisting in securing such strap means to the user. And, it
provides such a container system wherein such at least one
three-dimensional representation comprises essentially one-half of
the at least one chief item used in performing at least one sport.
Further, it provides such a container system further comprising
strap means, attachable to such container means, for assisting
wearable support by the user. Even further, it provides such a
container system further comprising attachment means for attaching
such strap means to such container means. Moreover, it provides
such a container system wherein such strap means comprises adjuster
means for adjusting the length of such strap means. Additionally,
it provides such a container system wherein such strap means
comprises connection means for assisting in securing such strap
means to the user.
[0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method of marketing a plurality of container
systems for containing items of a user, each such container system
comprising at least one container comprising at least one front
portion and at least one back portion, access means for providing
access to such at least one interior portion of such container
means, wherein such at least one front portion consists essentially
of at least one three-dimensional representation of at least one
portion of at least one chief item used in performing at least one
sport, wherein such at least one back portion encloses such at
least one front portion, and wherein such at least one back portion
comprises means for assisting wearability adjacent the user's body,
and strap means, attachable to such container means, for assisting
wearable support by the user, comprising, in combination, the steps
of: specifying at least one design for at least one container
system; securing at least one order from at least one advertiser,
having at least one marketing indicia, for such at least one
container system; specifying at least one location, on such at
least one container system, for placement of such at least one
marketing indicia; providing for delivery of such at least one
container system to at least one destination provided by such at
least one advertiser. receiving from the at least one advertiser at
least one payment for the at least one indicia displaying container
system delivered to the at least one advertiser; and paying the at
least one manufacturer for the shipped at least one indicia
displaying container system. Also, it provides such a method
further comprising the steps of: obtaining at least one license
from at least one sports indicia owner in respect to at least one
sports indicia related to such at least one chief item used in
performing such at least one sport; and placing such at least one
sports indicia on such at least one container system. In addition,
it provides such a method wherein such at least one sports indicia
owner comprises at least one of the group consisting essentially
of: sport governing associations; advertisers; manufacturers;
teams; players; racers; sport participants; and crews. And, it
provides such a method wherein such placing step comprises the
steps of: placing such at least one sports indicia on at least one
of the group consisting essentially of, fanny packs; backpacks; leg
packs; and tote bags. Further, it provides such a method wherein
such placing step comprises the steps of: placing such at least one
sports indicia on at least one of the group consisting essentially
of, containers; straps; and zipper tags. Even further, it provides
such a method wherein such placing step further comprises the steps
of: placing such at least one sports indicia on at least one of the
group consisting essentially of, fanny packs; backpacks; leg packs;
and tote bags.
[0014] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method of marketing a plurality of container
systems for containing items of a user, each such container system
comprising at least one container comprising at least one front
portion and at least one back portion, access means for providing
access to such at least one interior portion of such container
means, wherein such at least one front portion consists essentially
of at least one three-dimensional representation of at least one
portion of at least one chief item used in performing at least one
sport, wherein such at least one back portion encloses such at
least one front portion, and wherein such at least one back portion
comprises means for assisting wearability adjacent the user's body,
and strap means, attachable to such container means, for assisting
wearable support by the user, comprising, in combination, the steps
of: obtaining at least one license from at least one sports indicia
owner in respect to at least one sports indicia related to such at
least one chief item used in performing such at least one sport;
placing such at least one sports indicia on such at least one
container system; and placing at least one marketing indicia of at
least one advertiser on such at least one container system; the
method further comprising the steps of: selling such at least one
container system to such advertiser. Even further, it provides such
a method further comprising the steps of: providing such at least
one container system to at least one end user for free. Even
further, it provides such a method wherein such sports indicia
owner is an international governing organization for at least one
sport. Even further, it provides such a method wherein: such at
least one advertiser has a substantially local regional market.
Even further, it provides such a method wherein such substantially
local regional market is primarily within one state. Even further,
it provides such a method wherein at least one such advertiser
comprises a radio station.
[0015] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a container system, for containing items of a
user adjacent a leg of the user, comprising, in combination: at
least one container, comprising at least one front portion, at
least one back portion, at least one interior portion, and at least
one exterior portion, for containing the items; at least one access
to provide access to such at least one interior portion of such at
least one container; at least one leg support, attachable to such
at least one container, structured and arranged to assist wearable
support adjacent the leg; at least one first attachment to attach
such at least one leg strap to such at least one container; wherein
such at least one leg support comprises at least one first
connector structured and arranged to assisting in securing such at
least one leg support to the user; wherein such at least one back
portion encloses such at least one front portion; wherein such at
least one back portion comprises at least one wearability element
to assist wearability along the human form of the user. Even
further, it provides such a container system comprising: at least
one waist support, attachable to such at least one container,
structured and arranged to assist wearable support adjacent the
leg; at least one second attachment to attach such at least one
waist support to such at least one container; wherein such at least
one waist support comprises at least one second connector adapted
to assist in securing such at least one waist support to the user's
waist. Even further, it provides such a container system wherein
such at least one waist support comprises at least one tensioner
adapted to maintaining tension between such at least one waist
support and such at least one container. Even further, it provides
such a container system wherein such at least one leg support
comprises at least one strap adapted to strap such at least one
container to the leg. Even further, it provides such a container
system6 wherein such at least one strap comprises at least one
strap adjuster adapted to adjust the length of such at least one
strap. Even further, it provides such a container system wherein
such at least one strap comprises such at least one first
connector. Even further, it provides such a container system
wherein such at least one front portion consists essentially of at
least one three-dimensional representation of at least one portion
of at least one chief item used in performing at least one sport;
and such at least one three-dimensional representation comprises
essentially one-half of the at least one chief item used in
performing at least one sport. Even further, it provides such a
container system wherein such at least one access comprises a
zipper. Even further, it provides such a container system wherein
such at least one tensioner comprises at least one retractable cord
structured and arranged to maintain tension between such at least
one waist support and such at least one container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a football fanny pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 1b is a front view of the football fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0018] FIG. 1c is a back view of the football fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0019] FIG. 1d is a top view of the football fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0020] FIG. 1e is a side view of the football fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0021] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a basketball fanny pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2b is a front view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a.
[0023] FIG. 2c is a back view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a.
[0024] FIG. 2d is a top view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a.
[0025] FIG. 2e is a side view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a.
[0026] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a soccerball fanny pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3b is a front view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0028] FIG. 3c is a back view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0029] FIG. 3d is a top view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0030] FIG. 3e is a side view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
1a.
[0031] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a racing wheel fanny pack
of the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 4b is a front view of the racing wheel fanny pack of
FIG. 4a.
[0033] FIG. 4c is a back view of the racing wheel fanny pack of
FIG. 4a.
[0034] FIG. 4d is a top view of the racing wheel fanny pack of FIG.
4a.
[0035] FIG. 4e is a side view of the racing wheel fanny pack of
FIG. 4a.
[0036] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck fanny pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 5b is a front view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of
FIG. 5a.
[0038] FIG. 5c is a back view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of FIG.
5a.
[0039] FIG. 5d is a top view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of FIG.
5a.
[0040] FIG. 5e is a side view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of FIG.
5a.
[0041] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a tennis ball fanny pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 6b is a front view of the tennis ball fanny pack of
FIG. 6a.
[0043] FIG. 6c is a back view of the tennis ball fanny pack of FIG.
6a.
[0044] FIG. 6d is a top view of the tennis ball fanny pack of FIG.
6a.
[0045] FIG. 6e is a side view of the tennis ball fanny pack of FIG.
6a.
[0046] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a baseball fanny pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 7b is a front view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG.
7a.
[0048] FIG. 7c is a back view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG.
7a.
[0049] FIG. 7d is a top view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG.
7a.
[0050] FIG. 7e is a side view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG.
7a.
[0051] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a volleyball fanny pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 8b is a front view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a.
[0053] FIG. 8c is a back view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a.
[0054] FIG. 8d is a top view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a.
[0055] FIG. 8e is a side view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a.
[0056] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a football backpack of the
sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0057] FIG. 9b is a front view of the football backpack of FIG.
9a.
[0058] FIG. 9c is a back view of the football backpack of FIG.
9a.
[0059] FIG. 9d is a top view of the football backpack of FIG.
9a.
[0060] FIG. 9e is a side view of the football backpack of FIG.
9a.
[0061] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a basketball backpack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 10b is a front view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a.
[0063] FIG. 10c is a back view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a.
[0064] FIG. 10d is a top view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a.
[0065] FIG. 10e is a side view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a.
[0066] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a soccerball backpack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 11b is a front view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a.
[0068] FIG. 11c is a back view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a.
[0069] FIG. 11d is a top view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a.
[0070] FIG. 11e is a side view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a.
[0071] FIG. 12a is a perspective view of a racing wheel backpack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 12b is a front view of the racing wheel backpack of
FIG. 12a.
[0073] FIG. 12c is a back view of the racing wheel backpack of FIG.
12a.
[0074] FIG. 12d is a top view of the racing wheel backpack of FIG.
12a.
[0075] FIG. 12e is a side view of the racing wheel backpack of FIG.
12a.
[0076] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck backpack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 13b is a front view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a.
[0078] FIG. 13c is a back view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a.
[0079] FIG. 13d is a top view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a.
[0080] FIG. 13e is a side view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a.
[0081] FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a tennis ball backpack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 14b is a front view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a.
[0083] FIG. 14c is a back view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a.
[0084] FIG. 14d is a top view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a.
[0085] FIG. 14e is a side view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a.
[0086] FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a baseball backpack of the
sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0087] FIG. 15b is a front view of the baseball backpack of FIG.
15a.
[0088] FIG. 15c is a back view of the baseball backpack of FIG.
15a.
[0089] FIG. 15d is a top view of the baseball backpack of FIG.
15a.
[0090] FIG. 15e is a side view of the baseball backpack of FIG.
15a.
[0091] FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a volleyball backpack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0092] FIG. 16b is a front view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a.
[0093] FIG. 16c is a back view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a.
[0094] FIG. 16d is a top view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a.
[0095] FIG. 16e is a side view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a.
[0096] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a leg-pack of the sports
container system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0097] FIG. 18a is a perspective view of a football leg-pack of the
sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0098] FIG. 18b is a front view of the football leg-pack of FIG.
18a.
[0099] FIG. 18c is a back view of the football leg-pack of FIG.
18a.
[0100] FIG. 18d is a top view of the football leg-pack of FIG.
18a.
[0101] FIG. 18e is a side view of the football leg-pack of FIG.
18a.
[0102] FIG. 19a is a perspective view of a basketball leg-pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0103] FIG. 19b is a front view of the basketball leg-pack of FIG.
19a.
[0104] FIG. 19c is a back view of the basketball leg-pack of FIG.
19a.
[0105] FIG. 19d is a top view of the basketball leg-pack of FIG.
19a.
[0106] FIG. 19e is a side view of the basketball leg-pack of FIG.
19a.
[0107] FIG. 20a is a perspective view of a soccerball leg-pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0108] FIG. 20b is a front view of the soccerball leg-pack of FIG.
20a.
[0109] FIG. 20c is a back view of the soccerball leg-pack of FIG.
20a.
[0110] FIG. 20d is a top view of the soccerball leg-pack of FIG.
20a.
[0111] FIG. 20e is a side view of the soccerball leg-pack of FIG.
20a.
[0112] FIG. 21a is a perspective view of a racing wheel leg-pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0113] FIG. 21b is a front view of the racing wheel leg-pack of
FIG. 21a.
[0114] FIG. 21c is a back view of the racing wheel leg-pack of FIG.
21a.
[0115] FIG. 21d is a top view of the racing wheel leg-pack of FIG.
21a.
[0116] FIG. 21e is a side view of the racing wheel leg-pack of FIG.
21a.
[0117] FIG. 22a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck leg-pack
backpack of the sports container system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0118] FIG. 22b is a front view of the hockey-puck leg-pack of FIG.
22a.
[0119] FIG. 22c is a back view of the hockey-puck leg-pack of FIG.
22a.
[0120] FIG. 22d is a top view of the hockey-puck leg-pack of FIG.
22a.
[0121] FIG. 22e is a side view of the hockey-puck leg-pack of FIG.
22a.
[0122] FIG. 23a is a perspective view of a tennis ball leg-pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0123] FIG. 23b is a front view of the tennis ball leg-pack of FIG.
23a.
[0124] FIG. 23c is a back view of the tennis ball leg-pack of FIG.
23a.
[0125] FIG. 23d is a top view of the tennis ball leg-pack of FIG.
23a.
[0126] FIG. 23e is a side view of the tennis ball leg-pack of FIG.
23a.
[0127] FIG. 24a is a perspective view of a baseball leg-pack of the
sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0128] FIG. 24b is a front view of the baseball leg-pack of FIG.
24a.
[0129] FIG. 24c is a back view of the baseball leg-pack of FIG.
24a.
[0130] FIG. 24d is a top view of the baseball leg-pack of FIG.
24a.
[0131] FIG. 24e is a side view of the baseball leg-pack of FIG.
24a.
[0132] FIG. 25a is a perspective view of a volleyball leg-pack of
the sports container system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0133] FIG. 25b is a front view of the volleyball leg-pack of FIG.
25a.
[0134] FIG. 25c is a back view of the volleyball leg-pack of FIG.
25a.
[0135] FIG. 25d is a top view of the volleyball leg-pack of FIG.
25a.
[0136] FIG. 25e is a side view of the volleyball leg-pack of FIG.
25a.
[0137] FIG. 26a is a perspective view of a football tote bag,
having detachable handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0138] FIG. 26b is a front view of the football tote bag of FIG.
26a.
[0139] FIG. 26c is a back view of the football tote bag of FIG.
26a.
[0140] FIG. 26d is a top view of the football tote bag of FIG.
26a.
[0141] FIG. 26e is a side view of the football tote bag of FIG.
26a.
[0142] FIG. 27a is a perspective view of a basketball tote bag,
having detachable handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0143] FIG. 27b is a front view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
27a.
[0144] FIG. 27c is a back view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
27a.
[0145] FIG. 27d is a top view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
27a.
[0146] FIG. 27e is a side view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
27a.
[0147] FIG. 28a is a perspective view of a soccerball tote bag,
having detachable handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0148] FIG. 28b is a front view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
28a.
[0149] FIG. 28c is a back view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
28a.
[0150] FIG. 28d is a top view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
28a.
[0151] FIG. 28e is a side view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
28a.
[0152] FIG. 29a is a perspective view of a racing wheel tote bag,
having detachable handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0153] FIG. 29b is a front view of the racing wheel tote bag of
FIG. 29a.
[0154] FIG. 29c is a back view of the racing wheel tote bag of FIG.
29a.
[0155] FIG. 29d is a top view of the racing wheel tote bag of FIG.
29a.
[0156] FIG. 29e is a side view of the racing wheel tote bag of FIG.
29a.
[0157] FIG. 30a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck tote bag,
having detachable handles, backpack of the sports container system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0158] FIG. 30b is a front view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
30a.
[0159] FIG. 30c is a back view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
30a.
[0160] FIG. 30d is a top view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
30a.
[0161] FIG. 30e is a side view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
30a.
[0162] FIG. 31a is a perspective view of a tennis ball tote bag,
having detachable handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0163] FIG. 31b is a front view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
31a.
[0164] FIG. 31c is a back view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
31a.
[0165] FIG. 31d is a top view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
31a.
[0166] FIG. 31e is a side view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
31a.
[0167] FIG. 32a is a perspective view of a baseball tote bag,
having detachable handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0168] FIG. 32b is a front view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
32a.
[0169] FIG. 32c is a back view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
32a.
[0170] FIG. 32d is a top view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
32a.
[0171] FIG. 32e is a side view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
32a.
[0172] FIG. 33a is a perspective view of a volleyball tote bag,
having detachable handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0173] FIG. 33b is a front view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
33a.
[0174] FIG. 33c is a back view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
33a.
[0175] FIG. 33d is a top view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
33a.
[0176] FIG. 33e is a side view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
33a.
[0177] FIG. 34a is a perspective view of a football tote bag,
having attached handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0178] FIG. 34b is a front view of the football tote bag of FIG.
34a.
[0179] FIG. 34c is a back view of the football tote bag of FIG.
34a.
[0180] FIG. 34d is a top view of the football tote bag of FIG.
34a.
[0181] FIG. 34e is a side view of the football tote bag of FIG.
34a.
[0182] FIG. 35a is a perspective view of a basketball tote bag,
having attached handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0183] FIG. 35b is a front view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
35a.
[0184] FIG. 35c is a back view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
35a.
[0185] FIG. 35d is a top view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
35a.
[0186] FIG. 35e is a side view of the basketball tote bag of FIG.
35a.
[0187] FIG. 36a is a perspective view of a soccerball tote bag,
having attached handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0188] FIG. 36b is a front view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
36a.
[0189] FIG. 36c is a back view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
36a.
[0190] FIG. 36d is a top view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
36a.
[0191] FIG. 36e is a side view of the soccerball tote bag of FIG.
36a.
[0192] FIG. 37a is a perspective view of a racing wheel tote bag,
having attached handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0193] FIG. 37b is a front view of the racing wheel tote bag of
FIG. 37a.
[0194] FIG. 37c is a back view of the racing wheel tote bag of FIG.
37a.
[0195] FIG. 37d is a top view of the racing wheel tote bag of FIG.
37a.
[0196] FIG. 37e is a side view of the racing wheel tote bag of FIG.
37a.
[0197] FIG. 38a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck tote bag,
having attached handles, backpack of the sports container system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0198] FIG. 38b is a front view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
38a.
[0199] FIG. 38c is a back view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
38a.
[0200] FIG. 38d is a top view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
38a.
[0201] FIG. 38e is a side view of the hockey-puck tote bag of FIG.
38a.
[0202] FIG. 39a is a perspective view of a tennis ball tote bag,
having attached handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0203] FIG. 39b is a front view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
39a.
[0204] FIG. 39c is a back view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
39a.
[0205] FIG. 39d is a top view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
39a.
[0206] FIG. 39e is a side view of the tennis ball tote bag of FIG.
39a.
[0207] FIG. 40a is a perspective view of a baseball tote bag,
having attached handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0208] FIG. 40b is a front view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
40a.
[0209] FIG. 40c is a back view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
40a.
[0210] FIG. 40d is a top view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
40a.
[0211] FIG. 40e is a side view of the baseball tote bag of FIG.
32a.
[0212] FIG. 41a is a perspective view of a volleyball tote bag,
having attached handles, of the sports container system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0213] FIG. 41b is a front view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
41a.
[0214] FIG. 41c is a back view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
41a.
[0215] FIG. 41d is a top view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
41a.
[0216] FIG. 41e is a side view of the volleyball tote bag of FIG.
41a.
[0217] FIG. 42a is a perspective view illustrating the tote-bag
closure of the sports container system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0218] FIG. 42b is a perspective view illustrating the tote-bag
closure of the sports container system according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0219] FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic view of a system and method for
selling at least one container system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0220] Preferably, the sports container system 1000 comprises fanny
pack sports containers system 100, backpack sports container system
200, leg pack sports container system 300, tote bag sports
container systems 400 and 400*, and container system and method
600.
[0221] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a football fanny pack of
the sports container system 100 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, container 102 comprises a
front portion 112, as shown in FIG. 1a, and a back portion 114, as
shown in FIG. 1c, respectively. Preferably, container 102 also
comprises non-visible interior portion (not shown) and exterior
portion 199 (embodying herein container means, comprising at least
one front portion, at least one back portion, at least one interior
portion, and at least one exterior portion, for containing the
items; and embodying herein wherein said at least one back portion
encloses said at least one front portion). Preferably, container
102 comprises at least one accessor 106 (embodying herein access
means for providing access to said at least one interior portion of
said container means). Preferably, accessor 106 comprises a zipper
and zipper handle 109, as shown in FIG. 1a. Preferably, zipper tag
950 is attached to zipper handle 109, as shown in FIG. 1a (zipper
tag 950 may not be shown in other sports container system figures,
for simplicity purposes). Preferably, zipper tag 950 is detachable,
preferably a detachable keychain, as shown in FIG. 1a. Preferably,
container 102 comprises at least one strap 104, preferably two, as
shown, which facilitates attaching container 102 to a user
(embodying herein strap means, attachable to said container means,
for assisting wearable support by the user).
[0222] Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of
a sports related item, or simulation thereof, (embodying herein
wherein said at least one front portion consists essentially of at
least one three-dimensional representation of at least one portion
of at least one chief item used in performing at least one sport;
and embodying herein essentially one-half of the at least one chief
item used in performing at least one sport). Preferably, container
102 comprises the specific details of the sports related item
represented, such as size, shape, material, color, texture, seam
arrangement, symmetry, common indicia, etc. Preferably, the portion
represented, projecting away from the user, is the most detailed
portion of the sports item represented. For example, a football
related sports item, such as the football itself, would preferably
comprise a portion of a football, with a size relative to the size
of the user, shaped identical to a football, made of a material
which looks like leather, brown in color, with a dimpled texture
(as shown), having about eight white laces in parallel (as shown),
where container 102 is horizontally and vertically symmetric to the
user (as shown), with football related indicia (such as "NFL"), and
a manufacturer emblem (such as Wilson.TM.). Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as manufacturing, cost, materials, etc.,
other representation arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra
seams, a vertical representation rather than the horizontal
representation shown in FIG. 1b (capable of holding beverages),
non-brown colors, non-dimpled, non-symmetric, abnormally sized,
abnormally shaped, alternative indicia, etc., may suffice.
Additionally, the portion of the sports item represented need not
be about half its actual size. For example, utilizing almost the
entire portion of a hockey puck, basketball hoop, or racing wheel,
or some other non-half portion of the sports related item, may
suffice. Furthermore, various container 102 sizes, such as child
size, junior, adult, extra large, non-life size, miniature, etc.,
may suffice. In addition, alternate materials, such as rubber,
plastic, felt, non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials,
Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also, alternative color
configurations, such as bright colors, advertiser-specific colors,
`zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors, non-typical ball colors,
glittered, iridescent, etc., may suffice.
[0223] Preferably, about a half portion of a football is the sports
item represented by container 102. Preferably, as shown, a football
representation 191 is made of material similar to the material from
which official National Football League (NFL) footballs are made,
preferably leather, preferably cowhide leather. Preferably, the
football representation 191 comprises a color scheme similar to the
color scheme of official NFL footballs (for example, brown leather
and white lacing). Preferably, the football representation 191 is
textured similarly to the dimpled or "pebbled" texture of an
official NFL football. Preferably, the football representation 191
comprises seams 180 that appear similar to the seams of an official
NFL football, as shown, preferably tightly stitched with brown
threading. Preferably, the football representation 191 comprises
lacing 181, preferably white lacing, and seams 180 that are similar
in pattern and appearance to an official NFL football, as shown.
Preferably, other football marks and lines, such as lacing line
179, are painted on, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, football manufacturer's
preference, etc., other football representations, such as plastic
material, different color schemes, different textures, different
sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0224] FIG. 1b is a front view of the football fanny pack of FIG.
1a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia 108.
Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise football related indicia. Upon
reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art
will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NFL indicia, consistent with other football
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as Canadian Football League (CFL), Arena Football
League (AFL), National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the
phrase "raise the roof", Wilson, Nike, Reebok, Coke, EA Sports,
Outback Steakhouse, Tostitos, Nokia, FedEx, Marshall Faulk, Michael
Vick, Eddie George, Oakland Raiders, Ohio State Buckeyes, Arizona
Rattlers, etc., may suffice.
[0225] Preferably, football representation 191 comprises at least
one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching football
representation 191 to a user. Preferably, strap 104 comprises
attacher 105, which provides for attachment of container 102, to
strap 104 (embodying herein attachment means for attaching said
strap means to said container means). Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to football
representation 191 (embodying herein strap means, attachable to
said container means, for assisting wearable support by the user).
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice.
[0226] FIG. 1c is a back view of the football fanny pack of FIG.
1a. Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown in
FIG. 1c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
football representation 191 is in front. A substantially flat back
portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower back of
the user, if the pack is attached such that football representation
191 is in back. A substantially flat back portion 114 provides
contour and comfort against the side of the user, if the pack is
attached such that football representation 191 is off to one side
of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises an inexpensive,
non-aggravating material (embodying herein wherein said at least
one back portion comprises means for (comfortable) wearability
along the human form of the user).
[0227] Preferably, strap 104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably,
connector 107 comprises a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104
comprises clasp portion 116 which fits into clasp portion 118, as
shown. Preferably, clasp portion 116 comprises a loop for assisting
adjuster 120, as discussed below (embodying herein connection means
for assisting in securing said strap means to the user; and
embodying herein adjuster means for adjusting the length of said
strap means). Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0228] Preferably, strap 104 comprises adjuster 120, as shown, for
tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 104.
Preferably, adjuster 120 is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket which slides along strap 104, pulling strap 104 along
itself using connector 107 as a wrap around. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0229] FIG. 1d is a top view of the football fanny pack of FIG. 1a.
Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of football
representation 191, as shown, such that items stored within the
interior portion of football representation 191 do not fall out
when accessor 106 is opened (embodying herein access means for
providing access to said at least one interior portion of said
container means). Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the
front portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, football representation 191 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, football representation
191 has pockets, dividers, or additional container devices,
concealed inside football representation 191 (not shown), to assist
a user in organizing and arranging objects within football
representation 191.
[0230] FIG. 1e is a side view of the football fanny pack of FIG.
1a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of a
football related item. Preferably, football representation 191
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual football (embodying
herein wherein said at least one front portion consists essentially
of at least one three-dimensional representation of at least one
portion of at least one chief item used in performing at least one
sport; and embodying herein essentially one-half of the at least
one chief item used in performing at least one sport). Preferably,
only a non-full (partial) portion of the football is used, using a
circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential personal
item containment space and still provide for a substantially flat
back portion 114, which contours to the user's body better than a
full portion football.
[0231] Preferably, the 3-dimensional portion is about a half
portion of a football, projecting away from the plane of straps
104, as shown in FIG. 1e. Preferably, football representation 191
is arranged to so as to appear symmetric to a person facing the
football representation 191 user, as shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b.
Preferably, the portion of the football used appears symmetric, as
shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other football representation 191 configurations, such as
non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
[0232] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a basketball fanny pack of
the sports container system 100 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a half portion of a
basketball is the sports item represented by container 102.
Preferably, as shown, a basketball representation 192 is made of
material similar to the material from which official National
Basketball Association (NBA) basketballs are made, preferably
leather. Preferably, the basketball representation 192 comprises a
color scheme similar to the color scheme of official NBA
basketballs (for example, brownish-orange leather and black seams).
Preferably, the basketball representation 192 is textured similarly
to the dimpled or pebbled texture of an official NBA basketball.
Preferably, the basketball representation 192 comprises seams 182
that appear similar, in pattern and appearance, to the seams of an
official NBA basketball, as shown, preferably tightly stitched with
black threading and sealed with black rubber. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, cost, basketball
manufacturer's preference, etc., other basketball representations,
such as plastic material, different color schemes, different
textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0233] FIG. 2b is a front view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a. Preferably, basketball representation 192 comprises at least
one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching basketball
representation 192 to a user. Preferably, strap 104 comprises
attacher 105, which provides for attachment of basketball
representation 192, to strap 104. Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to
basketball representation 192 (embodying herein attachment means
for attaching said strap means to said container means). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0234] Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia
108. Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise basketball related indicia. Upon
reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art
will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NBA indicia, consistent with other basketball
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA),
National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the phrase
"Phi-Slamma-Jamma", Nike, Reebok, Converse, Sprite, Gatorade,
McDonalds, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Los Angeles
Lakers, Duke Blue devils, Houston Comets, etc., may suffice.
[0235] FIG. 2c is a back view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a. Preferably, strap 104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably,
connector 107 comprises a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104
comprises clasp portion 116 which fits into clasp portion 118, as
shown. Preferably, clasp portion 116 comprises a loop for assisting
adjuster 120 (as discussed below). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc., other
connector arrangements, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0236] Preferably, strap 104 comprises adjuster 120, as shown, for
tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 104.
Preferably, adjuster 120 is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket which slides along strap 104, pulling strap 104 along
itself using connector 107 as a wrap around. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0237] Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 2c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
basketball representation 192 is in front. A substantially flat
back portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower
back of the user, if the pack is attached such that basketball
representation 192 is in back. A substantially flat back portion
114 provides contour and comfort against the side of the user, if
the pack is attached such that basketball representation 192 is off
to one side of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises an
inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
[0238] FIG. 2d is a top view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a. Preferably, basketball representation 192 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, basketball
representation 192 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside basketball representation 192 (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
basketball representation 192.
[0239] Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of basketball
representation 192, as shown, such that items stored within
basketball representation 192 do not fall out when accessor 106 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the front
portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice.
[0240] FIG. 2e is a side view of the basketball fanny pack of FIG.
2a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of a
basketball related item. Preferably, basketball representation 192
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual basketball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the basketball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 114, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion basketball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about half portion of a basketball, projecting away
from the plane of straps 104, as shown in FIG. 2e. Preferably,
basketball representation 192 is arranged so as to appear symmetric
to a person facing the system 100 user (not shown), as shown in
FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. Preferably, the portion of the basketball used
appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other basketball representation 192 configurations,
such as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc.,
may suffice.
[0241] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a soccerball fanny pack of
the sports container system 100 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a half portion of a
soccerball is the sports item represented by container 102.
Preferably, as shown, a soccerball representation 193 is made of
material similar to the material from which official Federal
International Football (referred to as soccer in the US)
Association (FIFA) soccerballs are made, preferably leather or
synthetic leather. Preferably, the soccerball representation 193
comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of official
FIFA soccerballs (for example, white leather optionally comprising
colorful abstract or geometric shapes). Preferably, the soccerball
representation 193 is textured similarly to the slick and glossy
texture of an official FIFA soccerball. Preferably, the soccerball
representation 193 comprises stitched seams 170 that appear similar
to the seams of an official FIFA soccerball, as shown, preferably
stitched with small white threading. Preferably, the soccerball
representation 193 comprises stitched seams 170 that are similar in
pattern and appearance to an official FIFA soccerball, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, soccerball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
soccerball representations, such as plastic material, different
color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0242] FIG. 3b is a front view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
1a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia 108.
Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 (as shown in FIG. 1A) comprises zipper tag indicia
952 (not shown). Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap
indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising
indicia for an advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or
strap indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise soccer
related indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-FIFA indicia,
consistent with other soccer and International football
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as Major League Soccer (MLS), Union of European
Football Associations (UEFA), National Collegiate Athletics
Association (NCAA), the phrase "GOOOOOOAAAAAAL . . . ", Umbro,
Adidas, Mizuno, Nike, Coke, Gatorade, IBM, Renaldo, David Beckham,
Mia Hamm, Team USA Soccer, San Jose Earthquakes, North Carolina
Tarheels, etc., may suffice.
[0243] Preferably, soccerball representation 193 comprises at least
one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching soccerball
representation 193 to a user (not shown). Preferably, strap 104
comprises attacher 105, which provides for attachment of soccerball
representation 193, to strap 104. Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to
soccerball representation 193. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, container detachability, etc.,
other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch
attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0244] FIG. 3c is a back view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
3a. Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown in
FIG. 3c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
soccerball representation 193 is in front. A substantially flat
back portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower
back of the user, if the pack is attached such that soccerball
representation 193 is in back. A substantially flat back portion
114 provides contour and comfort against the side of the user, if
the pack is attached such that soccerball representation 193 is off
to one side of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises an
inexpensive, non-aggravating material. Preferably, back portion 114
comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
[0245] Preferably, strap 104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably,
connector 107 comprises a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104
comprises clasp portion 116 which fits into clasp portion 118, as
shown. Preferably, clasp portion 116 comprises a loop for assisting
adjuster 120 (as discussed below). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc., other
connector arrangements, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0246] Preferably, strap 104 comprises adjuster 120, as shown, for
tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 104.
Preferably, adjuster 120 is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket which slides along strap 104, pulling strap 104 along
itself using connector 107 as a wrap around. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0247] FIG. 3d is a top view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
1a. Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of soccerball
representation 193, as shown, such that items stored within
soccerball representation 193 do not fall out when accessor 106 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the front
portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, soccerball representation 193 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, soccerball
representation 193 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside soccerball representation 193 (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
soccerball representation 193.
[0248] FIG. 3e is a side view of the soccerball fanny pack of FIG.
1a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of a
soccerball related item. Preferably, soccer ball representation 193
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual soccer ball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the soccerball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 114, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion soccerball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about half portion of a soccerball, projecting away
from the plane of straps 104, as shown in FIG. 3e. Preferably,
soccerball representation 193 is arranged to so as to appear
symmetric to a person facing the system 100 user (not shown), as
shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b. Preferably, the portion of the
soccerball used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other soccerball
representation 193 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0249] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a racing wheel fanny pack
of the sports container system 100 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, about a greater
than half portion of a racing wheel is the sports item represented
by container 102. Preferably, as shown, a racing wheel
representation 194 is made of material similar to the material from
which official NASCAR racing wheels are made, preferably a
rubber-like material, preferably treadless. Preferably, the racing
wheel representation 194 comprises a color scheme similar to the
color scheme of official racing wheels (for example, black rubber,
and black or chrome rims). Preferably, the racing wheel
representation 194 is textured similarly to the smooth processed
rubber texture of an official NASCAR racing wheel.
[0250] Preferably, the racing wheel representation 194 comprises
tire body 156, preferably smooth, and tire surface 150, preferably
treadless, as shown in FIG. 4a, similar to the surface of NASCAR
racing wheels. Preferably, the racing wheel representation 194
comprises rims 155 that are similar in pattern and appearance to
official NASCAR racing wheels, as shown. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, wheel manufacturer's
preference, racer's preference, etc., other racing wheel
representations, such as plastic material, different color schemes,
different treads, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0251] FIG. 4b is a front view of the racing wheel fanny pack of
FIG. 4a. Preferably, racing wheel representation 194 comprises at
least one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching racing
wheel representation 194 to a user. Preferably, strap 104 comprises
attacher 105, which provides for attachment of racing wheel
representation 194, to strap 104. Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to racing
wheel representation 194. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, container detachability, etc.,
other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch
attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0252] Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia
108. Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia
110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise racing related indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NASCAR indicia, consistent with other racing
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, racers, and
racing crews, such as Formula One, Monster Truck Racing Association
(MTRA), National Hotrod Racing Association (NHRA), American
Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA), the phrase "rubbin's racin'",
Goodyear, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon,
Rusty Wallace, Pennzoil, Penske, Budweiser, Molson, 7-up, etc., may
suffice.
[0253] FIG. 4c is a back view of the racing wheel fanny pack of
FIG. 4a. Preferably, strap 104 comprises seatbelt strap material
189, such as to resemble an automobile seat belt. Preferably, strap
104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably, connector 107 comprises
a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104 comprises clasp portion
187 that fits into clasp portion 188, resembling an automobile seat
belt, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0254] Preferably, clasp portion 187 comprises a loop for providing
adjustability of strap 104, as shown in FIG. 4c and FIG. 4d. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters,
spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0255] Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 4c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
racing wheel representation 194 is in front. A substantially flat
back portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower
back of the user, if the pack is attached such that racing wheel
representation 194 is in back. A substantially flat back portion
114 provides contour and comfort against the side of the user, if
the pack is attached such that racing wheel representation 194 is
off to one side of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises
an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
[0256] FIG. 4d is a top view of the racing wheel fanny pack of FIG.
4a. Preferably, racing wheel representation 194 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, racing wheel
representation 194 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside racing wheel representation 194 (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
racing wheel representation 194.
[0257] Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of racing
wheel representation 194, as shown, such that items stored within
racing wheel representation 194 do not fall out when accessor 106
is opened. Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the front
portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice.
[0258] FIG. 4e is a side view of the racing wheel fanny pack of
FIG. 4a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation
of a racing related item, preferably a racing wheel. Preferably,
racing wheel representation 194 comprises a 3-dimensional portion
of a racing wheel. Preferably, only a non-full portion of the
racing wheel is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a substantially flat back portion 114, which contours to the user's
body better than a full portion racing wheel. Preferably, the
3-dimensional portion is an about half portion of a racing wheel,
projecting away from the plane of straps 104, as shown in FIG. 4e.
Preferably, racing wheel representation 194 is arranged to so as to
appear symmetric to a person facing the system 100 user (not
shown), as shown in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b. Preferably, the portion of
the racing wheel used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 4a and
FIG. 4b. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other racing wheel
representation 194 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0259] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck fanny pack of
the sports container system 100 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a greater than half
portion of a hockey puck is the sports item represented by
container 102. Preferably, as shown, a hockey puck representation
195 is made of material similar to the material from which official
National Hockey League (NHL) hockey pucks are made, preferably
rubber, preferably hard rubber. Preferably, the hockey puck
representation 195 comprises a color scheme similar to the color
scheme of official hockey pucks (for example, black rubber, with
multicolor indicia). Preferably, the hockey puck representation 195
is textured similarly to the smooth processed rubber texture of an
official NHL hockey puck, with optional dimpling in locations where
additional stick and ice gripping may be desired.
[0260] Preferably, the hockey puck representation 195 comprises a
puck body 160, preferably smooth black rubber, with a circular
indicia region 161, as shown in FIG. 5a, similar to the surface of
NHL hockey pucks. Preferably, the hockey puck representation 195
comprises an indicia region 161 similar in pattern and appearance
to official NHL hockey pucks. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, puck manufacturer's preference,
etc., other hockey puck representations, such as plastic material,
different color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice.
[0261] FIG. 5b is a front view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of
FIG. 5a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia
108. Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia
110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise hockey related indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NHL indicia, consistent with other hockey
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as the International Hockey League (IHL), Western
Hockey League (WHL), National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA), the phrase "the coolest game on earth", the phrase "Jesus
saves; Gretzky rebounds and scores", CCM, Nike, Budweiser, Pizza
Hut, Mario Lemieux, Dominik Hasek, Detroit Redwings, Michigan
Wolverines, Spokane Chief, etc., may suffice.
[0262] Preferably, hockey puck representation 195 comprises at
least one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching hockey
puck representation 195 to a user. Preferably, strap 104 comprises
attacher 105, which provides for attachment of hockey puck
representation 195, to strap 104. Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to hockey
puck representation 195. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, container detachability, etc.,
other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch
attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0263] FIG. 5c is a back view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of FIG.
5a. Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown in
FIG. 5c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
hockey puck representation 195 is in front. A substantially flat
back portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower
back of the user, if the pack is attached such that hockey puck
representation 195 is in back. A substantially flat back portion
114 provides contour and comfort against the side of the user, if
the pack is attached such that hockey puck representation 195 is
off to one side of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises
an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
[0264] Preferably, strap 104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably,
connector 107 comprises a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104
comprises clasp portion 116 which fits into clasp portion 118, as
shown. Preferably, clasp portion 116 comprises a loop for assisting
adjuster 120 (as discussed below). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc., other
connector arrangements, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0265] Preferably, strap 104 comprises adjuster 120, as shown, for
tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 104.
Preferably, adjuster 120 is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket which slides along strap 104, pulling strap 104 along
itself using connector 107 as a wrap around. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0266] FIG. 5d is a top view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of FIG.
5a. Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of hockey puck
representation 195, as shown, such that items stored within hockey
puck representation 195 do not fall out when accessor 106 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the front
portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice.
[0267] Preferably, hockey puck representation 195 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, hockey puck
representation 195 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside hockey puck representation 195 (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
hockey puck representation 195.
[0268] FIG. 5e is a side view of the hockey-puck fanny pack of FIG.
5a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of a
hockey related item. Preferably, hockey representation 195
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual hockey puck.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the hockey puck is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 114, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion hockey puck. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about half portion of a hockey puck, projecting away
from the plane of straps 104, as shown in FIG. 5e. Preferably,
hockey puck representation 195 is arranged to so as to appear
symmetric to a person facing the system 100 user (not shown), as
shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b. Preferably, the portion of the hockey
puck used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand,
manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other hockey puck
representation 195 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0269] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a tennis ball fanny pack of
the sports container system 100 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a half portion of a
tennis ball is the sports item represented by container 102.
Preferably, as shown, a tennis ball representation 196 is made of
material similar to the material from which official United States
Tennis Association (USTA) tennis balls are made, preferably felt.
Preferably, the tennis ball representation 196 comprises a color
scheme similar to the color scheme of official USTA tennis balls
(for example, yellow felt). Preferably, the tennis ball
representation 196 is textured similarly to furry felt texture of
an official USTA tennis ball. Preferably, the tennis ball
representation 196 comprises seams 162 and tennis ball surface 163,
preferably yellow felt, appearing similar in pattern and
appearance, to the seams of an official USTA tennis ball, as shown,
preferably a white rubber seal. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, tennis ball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other tennis ball representations, such as
plastic material, different color schemes, different textures,
different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0270] FIG. 6b is a front view of the tennis ball fanny pack of
FIG. 6a. Preferably, tennis ball representation 196 comprises at
least one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching tennis
ball representation 196 to a user. Preferably, strap 104 comprises
attacher 105, which provides for attachment of tennis ball
representation 196, to strap 104. Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to tennis
ball representation 196. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, container detachability, etc.,
other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch
attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0271] Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia
108. Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia
110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise tennis related indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-USTA indicia, consistent with other tennis ball
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, and players,
such as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), Canadian
tennis Association (CTA), Nike, Reebok, Wilson, Prince, Gatorade,
Dunlop, Slazenger, Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova, etc., may
suffice.
[0272] FIG. 6c is a back view of the tennis ball fanny pack of FIG.
6a. Preferably, strap 104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably,
connector 107 comprises a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104
comprises clasp portion 116 which fits into clasp portion 118, as
shown. Preferably, clasp portion 116 comprises a loop for assisting
adjuster 120 (as discussed below). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc., other
connector arrangements, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0273] Preferably, strap 104 comprises adjuster 120, as shown, for
tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 104.
Preferably, adjuster 120 is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket which slides along strap 104, pulling strap 104 along
itself using connector 107 as a wrap around. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0274] Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 6c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
tennis ball representation 196 is in front. A substantially flat
back portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower
back of the user, if the pack is attached such that tennis ball
representation 196 is in back. A substantially flat back portion
114 provides contour and comfort against the side of the user, if
the pack is attached such that tennis ball representation 196 is
off to one side of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises
an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
[0275] FIG. 6d is a top view of the tennis ball fanny pack of FIG.
6a. Preferably, tennis ball representation 196 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, tennis ball
representation 196 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside tennis ball representation 196 (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
tennis ball representation 196.
[0276] Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of tennis
ball representation 196, as shown, such that items stored within
tennis ball representation 196 do not fall out when accessor 106 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the front
portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice.
[0277] FIG. 6e is a side view of the tennis ball fanny pack of FIG.
6a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of a
tennis related item. Preferably, tennis ball representation 196
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual tennis ball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the tennis ball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 114, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion tennis ball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about half portion of a tennis ball, projecting away
from the plane of straps 104, as shown in FIG. 6e. Preferably,
tennis ball representation 196 is arranged to so as to appear
symmetric to a person facing the system 100 user (not shown), as
shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b. Preferably, the portion of the tennis
ball used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand,
manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other tennis ball
representation 196 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0278] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a baseball fanny pack of
the sports container system 100 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Such perspective view in FIG. 7a is also
representative of a preferred embodiment of a softball fanny pack,
but will be discussed, for simplicity, in the context of a baseball
fanny pack, as softballs generally appear to be larger scale
versions of baseballs. Preferably, about a half portion of a
baseball is the sports item represented by container 102.
[0279] Preferably, as shown, a baseball representation 197 is made
of material similar to the material from which official Major
League Baseball (MLB) baseballs are made, preferably leather,
preferably rawhide leather. Preferably, the baseball representation
197 comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of
official MLB baseballs (for example, white leather and red
stitching). Preferably, the baseball representation 197 is textured
similarly to the smooth leather texture of an official MLB
baseball. Preferably, the baseball representation 197 comprises
stitches 166, preferably red thread, and baseball surface 165,
preferably white leather, that appears similar to an official MLB
baseball, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, baseball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other baseball representations, such as
softballs, plastic material, different color schemes, different
textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0280] FIG. 7b is a front view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG.
7a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia 108.
Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia
110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise baseball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-MLB indicia, consistent with other
baseball and softball associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, players, and teams, such as the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA), International Baseball Association
(IBA), National Softball Association (NSA), Little League Baseball,
the phrase "Holy Cow", Mizuno, Nike, Reebok, Rawlings, Randy
Johnson, Barry Bonds, Lisa Fernandez, New York Yankees, Rice Owls,
Team USA, etc., may suffice.
[0281] Preferably, baseball representation 197 comprises at least
one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching baseball
representation 197 to a user. Preferably, strap 104 comprises
attacher 105, which provides for attachment of baseball
representation 197, to strap 104. Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to baseball
representation 197. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, container detachability, etc.,
other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch
attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0282] FIG. 7c is a back view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG.
7a. Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown in
FIG. 7c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
baseball representation 197 is in front. A substantially flat back
portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower back of
the user, if the pack is attached such that baseball representation
197 is in back. A substantially flat back portion 114 provides
contour and comfort against the side of the user, if the pack is
attached such that baseball representation 197 is off to one side
of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises an inexpensive,
non-aggravating material.
[0283] Preferably, strap 104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably,
connector 107 comprises a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104
comprises clasp portion 116 which fits into clasp portion 118, as
shown. Preferably, clasp portion 116 comprises a loop for assisting
adjuster 120 (as discussed below). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc., other
connector arrangements, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0284] Preferably, strap 104 comprises adjuster 120, as shown, for
tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 104.
Preferably, adjuster 120 is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket which slides along strap 104, pulling strap 104 along
itself using connector 107 as a wrap around. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0285] FIG. 7d is a top view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG. 7a.
Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of baseball
representation 197, as shown, such that items stored within
baseball representation 197 do not fall out when accessor 106 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the front
portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, baseball representation 197 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, baseball representation
197 has pockets, dividers, or additional container devices,
concealed inside baseball representation 197 (not shown), to assist
a user in organizing and arranging objects within baseball
representation 197.
[0286] FIG. 7e is a side view of the baseball fanny pack of FIG.
7a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of a
baseball related item. Preferably, baseball representation 197
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual baseball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the baseball is used, using
a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential personal
item containment space and provide for a substantially flat back
portion 114, which contours to the user's body better than a full
portion baseball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional portion is an about
half portion of a baseball, projecting away from the plane of
straps 104, as shown in FIG. 7e. Preferably, baseball
representation 197 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric to a
person facing the system 100 user (not shown), as shown in FIG. 7a
and FIG. 7b. Preferably, the portion of the baseball used appears
symmetric, as shown in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other baseball representation 197 configurations, such
as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
[0287] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a volleyball fanny pack of
the sports container system 100 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a half portion of a
volleyball is the sports item represented by container 102.
Preferably, as shown, a volleyball representation 198 is made of
material similar to the material from which official Federation of
International Volleyball (FIVB) volleyballs are made, preferably
leather, preferably white leather. Preferably, the volleyball
representation 198 comprises a color scheme similar to the color
scheme of official FIVB volleyballs (for example, white leather and
black seams). Preferably, the volleyball representation 198 is
textured similarly to the smooth leather texture of an official
FIVB volleyball. Preferably, the volleyball representation 198
comprises seams 168 and volleyball surface 167, preferably white
leather, which appears similar to an official FIVB volleyball, as
shown in FIG. 8a. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, volleyball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
volleyball representations, such as softballs, plastic material,
different color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice.
[0288] FIG. 8b is a front view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a. Preferably, volleyball representation 198 comprises at least
one strap 104, as shown, which facilitates attaching volleyball
representation 198 to a user. Preferably, strap 104 comprises
attacher 105, which provides for attachment of volleyball
representation 198, to strap 104. Preferably, attacher 105 is a
stitching arrangement, such that strap 104 is stitched to
volleyball representation 198. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, container detachability, etc.,
other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch
attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0289] Preferably, front portion 112 comprises container indicia
108. Preferably, strap 104 comprises strap indicia 110. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 108 and/or strap indicia
110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise volleyball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-FIVB indicia, consistent with other
volleyball associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers,
players, and teams, such as the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), USA Volleyball, Pro Beach Volleyball,
Tachikara, Baden, Molten, Mazda, Southwest Airlines, Karch Kiraly,
Misty May, UCLA Bruins, Team USA, etc., may suffice.
[0290] FIG. 8c is a back view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a. Preferably, strap 104 comprises a connector 107. Preferably,
connector 107 comprises a clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 104
comprises clasp portion 116 which fits into clasp portion 118, as
shown. Preferably, clasp portion 116 comprises a loop for assisting
adjuster 120 (as discussed below). Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc., other
connector arrangements, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0291] Preferably, strap 104 comprises adjuster 120, as shown, for
tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 104.
Preferably, adjuster 120 is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket which slides along strap 104, pulling strap 104 along
itself using connector 107 as a wrap around. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0292] Preferably, back portion 114 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 8c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 114 provides contour and comfort
against the belly of the user, if the pack is attached such that
volleyball representation 198 is in front. A substantially flat
back portion 114 provides contour and comfort against the lower
back of the user, if the pack is attached such that volleyball
representation 198 is in back. A substantially flat back portion
114 provides contour and comfort against the side of the user, if
the pack is attached such that volleyball representation 198 is off
to one side of the user. Preferably, back portion 114 comprises an
inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
[0293] FIG. 8d is a top view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a. Preferably, volleyball representation 198 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, volleyball
representation 198 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside volleyball representation 198 (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
volleyball representation 198.
[0294] Preferably, accessor 106 is located at the top of volleyball
representation 198, as shown, such that items stored within
volleyball representation 198 do not fall out when accessor 106 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 106 is located between the front
portion 112 and the back portion 114, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 106 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 109, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 106, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice.
[0295] FIG. 8e is a side view of the volleyball fanny pack of FIG.
8a. Preferably, front portion 112 comprises a representation of a
volleyball related item. Preferably, volleyball representation 198
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual volleyball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the volleyball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 114, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion volleyball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about half portion of a volleyball, projecting away
from the plane of straps 104, as shown in FIG. 8e. Preferably,
volleyball representation 198 is arranged to so as to appear
symmetric to a person facing the system 100 user (not shown), as
shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b. Preferably, the portion of the
volleyball used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other volleyball
representation 198 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0296] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a football backpack of the
sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Preferably, container 202 comprises a front
portion 212, as shown in FIG. 9a, a back portion 214, as shown in
FIG. 9c, and a back portion seam 215, as shown in FIG. 9c,
respectively. Preferably, container 202 also comprises non-visible
interior portion (not shown) and exterior portion (embodying herein
container means, comprising at least one front portion, at least
one back portion, at least one interior portion, and at least one
exterior portion, for containing the items; and embodying herein
wherein said at least one back portion encloses said at least one
front portion). Preferably, container 202 comprises at least one
accessor 206, as shown in FIG. 9a (embodying herein access means
for providing access to said at least one interior portion of said
container means). Preferably, accessor 206 comprises a zipper and
zipper handle 209, as shown in FIG. 9a. Preferably, zipper handle
209 comprises zipper tag 950 (not shown, see FIG. 1A). Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952. Preferably,
container 202 comprises at least one strap 204, which facilitates
attaching container 202 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 are
symmetrically attached to the top and bottom of container 202, as
best shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9c. Preferably, container 202
comprises small strap 211, attached at the very top of container
202, as shown in FIG. 9a, for purposes of hanging or holding
without using straps 204. Preferably, straps 204 and small strap
211 comprise attachers 205 (discussed below and shown in FIG. 9c)
(embodying herein strap means, attachable to said container means,
for assisting wearable support by the user; and embodying herein
attachment means for attaching said strap means to said container
means).
[0297] Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of
a sports related item (embodying herein wherein said at least one
front portion consists essentially of at least one
three-dimensional representation of at least one portion of at
least one chief item used in performing at least one sport).
Preferably, container 202 comprises the specific details of the
sports related item represented, such as size, shape, material,
color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common indicia, etc.
Preferably, the portion represented, projecting away from the user,
is the most detailed portion of the sports item represented. For
example, a football related sports item, such as the football
itself, would preferably comprise a portion of a football, with a
size relative to the size of the user, shaped identical to a
football (as shown), made of a material which looks like leather,
brown in color, with a dimpled texture (as shown), having about
eight white laces in parallel (as shown), where container 202 is
horizontally and vertically symmetric to the user (as shown), with
football related indicia (such as "NFL"), and a manufacturer emblem
(such as Wilson.TM.). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as manufacturing, cost, materials, etc., other
representation arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra seams, a
vertical representation rather than the horizontal representation
shown in FIG. 9b (capable of holding beverages), non-brown colors,
non-dimpled, non-symmetric, abnormally sized, abnormally shaped,
alternative indicia, etc., may suffice. Additionally, the portion
of the sports item represented need not be about half its actual
size. For example, utilizing almost the entire portion of a hockey
puck, basketball hoop, or racing wheel, or some other non-half
portion of the sports related item, may suffice. Furthermore,
various container 202 sizes, such as child size, junior, adult,
extra large, non-life size, miniature, etc., may suffice. In
addition, alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt,
non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Also, alternative color configurations, such as bright
colors, advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific
colors, non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0298] Preferably, about a three quarters portion of a football is
the sports item represented by container 202. Preferably, as shown,
a football representation 291 is made of material similar to the
material from which official National Football League (NFL)
footballs are made, preferably leather, preferably cowhide leather.
Preferably, the football representation 291 comprises a color
scheme similar to the color scheme of official NFL footballs (for
example, brown leather and white lacing). Preferably, the football
representation 291 is textured similarly to the dimpled or
"pebbled" texture of an official NFL football. Preferably, the
football representation 291 comprises seams 280 that appear similar
to the seams of an official NFL football, as shown, preferably
tightly stitched with brown threading. Preferably, the football
representation 291 comprises lacing 281 and seams 280 that are
similar in pattern and appearance to an official NFL football, as
shown. Preferably, other football marks and lines, such as lacing
line 279, are painted on, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, football manufacturer's
preference, etc., other football representations, such as plastic
material, different color schemes, different textures, different
sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0299] FIG. 9b is a front view of the football backpack of FIG. 9a.
Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia 208.
Preferably, straps 204 comprise strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise football related indicia. Upon
reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art
will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NFL indicia, consistent with other football
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as Canadian Football League (CFL), Arena Football
League (AFL), National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the
phrase "raise the roof", Wilson, Nike, Reebok, Coke, EA Sports,
Outback Steakhouse, Tostitos, Nokia, FedEx, Marshall Faulk, Michael
Vick, Eddie George, Oakland Raiders, Ohio State Buckeyes, Arizona
Rattlers, etc., may suffice.
[0300] Preferably, football representation 291 comprises straps
204, as shown, which facilitates attaching football representation
291 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small strap 211 comprise
attachers 205, which provides for attachment of football
representation 291, to straps 204 and small strap 211, as best
shown in FIG. 9c and FIG. 9d. Preferably, attachers 205 comprise a
stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small strap 211
are stitched to football representation 291 (embodying herein
attachment means for attaching said strap means to said container
means). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice.
[0301] FIG. 9c is a back view of the football backpack of FIG. 9a.
Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown in
FIG. 9c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that football representation
291 is in front of the user. Preferably, back portion 214 comprises
an inexpensive, non-aggravating material. Preferably, back portion
214 comprises back portion seam 215 (embodying herein wherein said
at least one back portion comprises means for (comfortable)
wearability along the human form of the user).
[0302] Preferably, straps 204 comprise adjusters 220 and loops 213,
as shown, for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of
straps 204 (embodying herein adjuster means for adjusting the
length of said strap means). Preferably, adjusters 220 are
traditional adjusters, comprising a bracket which slides along
strap 204, where straps 204 loop through loops 213, as best shown
in FIG. 9b, FIG. 9c, and FIG. 9e. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc., other
adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with greater
elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may
suffice.
[0303] FIG. 9d is a top view of the football backpack of FIG. 9a.
Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of football
representation 291, as shown, such that items stored within the
interior of football representation 291 do not fall out when
accessor 206 is opened (embodying herein access means for providing
access to said at least one interior portion of said container
means). Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, football representation 291 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, football representation
291 has pockets, dividers, or additional container devices,
concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in organizing and
arranging objects within football representation 291.
[0304] FIG. 9e is a side view of the football backpack of FIG. 9a.
Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
football related item. Preferably, football representation 291
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual football (embodying
herein wherein said at least one front portion consists essentially
of at least one three-dimensional representation of at least one
portion of at least one chief item used in performing at least one
sport). Preferably, only a non-full portion of the football is
used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize
potential personal item containment space and provide for a
substantially flat back portion 214, which contours to the user's
body better than a full portion football. Preferably, the
3-dimensional portion is an about three-quarters portion of a
football, projecting away from the plane of straps 204, as shown in
FIG. 9e. Preferably, football representation 291 is arranged to so
as to appear symmetric to a person facing the system 200 user, as
shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b. Preferably, the portion of the
football used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other football
representation 291 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0305] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a basketball backpack of
the sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a three-quarters
portion of a basketball is the sports item represented by container
202, as shown. Preferably, as shown, a basketball representation
292 is made of material similar to the material from which official
National Basketball Association (NBA) basketballs are made,
preferably leather. Preferably, the basketball representation 292
comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of official
NBA basketballs (for example, brownish-orange leather and black
seams). Preferably, the basketball representation 292 is textured
similarly to the dimpled or pebbled texture of an official NBA
basketball. Preferably, the basketball representation 292 comprises
seams 282 that appear similar, in pattern and appearance, to the
seams of an official NBA basketball, as shown, preferably tightly
stitched with black threading and sealed with black rubber. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand, cost,
basketball manufacturer's preference, etc., other basketball
representations, such as plastic material, different color schemes,
different textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0306] FIG. 10b is a front view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a. Preferably, basketball representation 292 comprises straps
204, as shown, which facilitates attaching basketball
representation 292 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small
strap 211 comprise attachers 205, which provides for attachment of
basketball representation 292, to straps 204 and small strap 211,
as best shown in FIG. 10c and FIG. 10d. Preferably, attachers 205
comprise a stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small
strap 211 are stitched to basketball representation 292. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0307] Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia
208. Preferably, strap 204 comprises strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise basketball related indicia. Upon
reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art
will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NBA indicia, consistent with other basketball
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA),
National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the phrase
"Phi-Slamma-Jamma", Nike, Reebok, Converse, Sprite, Gatorade,
McDonalds, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Los Angeles
Lakers, Duke Blue devils, Houston Comets, etc., may suffice.
[0308] FIG. 10c is a back view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a. Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 10c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that basketball
representation 292 is in front of the user. Preferably, back
portion 214 comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
[0309] Preferably, straps 204 comprise adjusters 220 and loops 213,
as shown, for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of
straps 204. Preferably, adjusters 220 are traditional adjusters,
comprising a bracket which slides along strap 204, where straps 204
loop through loops 213, as best shown in FIG. 9b, FIG. 9c, and FIG.
9e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0310] FIG. 10d is a top view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a. Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of basketball
representation 292, as shown, such that items stored within
basketball representation 292 do not fall out when accessor 206 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, basketball representation 292 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, basketball
representation 292 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within basketball representation
292.
[0311] FIG. 10e is a side view of the basketball backpack of FIG.
10a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
basketball related item. Preferably, basketball representation 292
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual basketball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the basketball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 214, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion basketball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about three-quarters portion of a basketball,
projecting away from the plane of straps 204, as shown in FIG. 10e.
Preferably, basketball representation 292 is arranged to so as to
appear symmetric to a person facing the system 200 user, as shown
in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b. Preferably, the portion of the basketball
used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand,
manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other basketball
representation 292 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0312] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a soccerball backpack of
the sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a three-quarters
portion of a soccerball is the sports item represented by container
202. Preferably, as shown, a soccerball representation 293 is made
of material similar to the material from which official Federal
International Football (referred to as soccer in the US)
Association (FIFA) soccerballs are made, preferably leather or
synthetic leather. Preferably, the soccerball representation 293
comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of official
FIFA soccerballs (for example, white leather optionally comprising
colorful abstract or geometric shapes). Preferably, the soccerball
representation 293 is textured similarly to the slick and glossy
texture of an official FIFA soccerball. Preferably, the soccerball
representation 293 comprises laced seams 270 that appear similar to
the seams of an official FIFA soccerball, as shown, preferably
stitched with small white threading. Preferably, the soccerball
representation 293 comprises laced seams 270 that are similar in
pattern and appearance to an official FIFA soccerball, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, soccerball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
soccerball representations, such as plastic material, different
color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0313] FIG. 11b is a front view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia 208.
Preferably, strap 204 comprises strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia
210 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise soccer related indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-FIFA indicia, consistent with other soccer and
International football associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, players, and teams, such as Major League Soccer (MLS),
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), National Collegiate
Athletics Association (NCAA), the phrase "GOOOOOOAAAAAAL . . . ",
Umbro, Adidas, Mizuno, Nike, Coke, Gatorade, IBM, Renaldo, David
Beckham, Mia Hamm, Team USA Soccer, San Jose Earthquakes, North
Carolina Tarheels, etc., may suffice.
[0314] Preferably, soccer ball representation 293 comprises straps
204, as shown, which facilitates attaching soccer ball
representation 293 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small
strap 211 comprise attachers 205, which provides for attachment of
soccer ball representation 293, to straps 204 and small strap 211,
as best shown in FIG. 11c and FIG. 11d. Preferably, attachers 205
comprise a stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small
strap 211 are stitched to soccer ball representation 293. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0315] FIG. 11c is a back view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a. Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 11c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that soccer ball
representation 293 is in front of the user. Preferably, back
portion 214 comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, straps 204 comprise adjusters 220 and loops 213, as
shown, for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of
straps 204. Preferably, adjusters 220 are traditional adjusters,
comprising a bracket which slides along strap 204, where straps 204
loop through loops 213, as best shown in FIG. 9b, FIG. 9c, and FIG.
9e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0316] FIG. 11d is a top view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a. Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of soccer ball
representation 293, as shown, such that items stored within soccer
ball representation 293 do not fall out when accessor 206 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, soccer ball representation 293 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, soccer ball
representation 293 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within soccer ball representation
293.
[0317] FIG. 11e is a side view of the soccerball backpack of FIG.
11a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
soccer related item. Preferably, soccer representation 293
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual soccer ball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the soccer ball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 214, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion soccer ball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about three-quarters portion of a soccer ball,
projecting away from the plane of straps 204, as shown in FIG. 11e.
Preferably, soccer ball representation 293 is arranged to so as to
appear symmetric to a person facing the system 200 user, as shown
in FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b. Preferably, the portion of the soccer
ball used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other soccer ball
representation 293 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0318] FIG. 12a is a perspective view of a racing wheel backpack of
the sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a greater than half
portion of a racing wheel is the sports item represented by
container 202. Preferably, as shown, a racing wheel representation
294 is made of material similar to the material from which official
NASCAR racing wheels are made, preferably a rubber-like material,
preferably treadless. Preferably, the racing wheel representation
294 comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of
official racing wheels (for example, black rubber, and black or
chrome rims). Preferably, the racing wheel representation 294 is
textured similarly to the smooth processed rubber texture of an
official NASCAR racing wheel. Preferably, the racing wheel
representation 294 comprises tire body 256, preferably smooth, and
tire surface 250, preferably treadless, as shown in FIG. 4a,
similar to the surface of NASCAR racing wheels. Preferably, the
racing wheel representation 294 comprises rims 255 that are similar
in pattern and appearance to official NASCAR racing wheels, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, wheel manufacturer's preference, racer's preference,
etc., other racing wheel representations, such as plastic material,
different color schemes, different treads, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice.
[0319] FIG. 12b is a front view of the racing wheel backpack of
FIG. 12a. Preferably, racing wheel representation 294 comprises
straps 204, as shown, which facilitates attaching racing wheel
representation 294 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small
strap 211 comprise attachers 205, which provides for attachment of
racing wheel representation 294, to straps 204 and small strap 211,
as best shown in FIG. 12c and FIG. 12d. Preferably, attachers 205
comprise a stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small
strap 211 are stitched to racing wheel representation 294. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0320] Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia
208. Preferably, strap 204 comprises strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia
210 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise racing related indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NASCAR indicia, consistent with other racing
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, racers, and
racing crews, such as Formula One, Monster Truck Racing Association
(MTRA), National Hotrod Racing Association (NHRA), American
Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA), the phrase "rubbin's racin'",
Goodyear, Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon,
Rusty Wallace, Pennzoil, Penske, Budweiser, Molson, 7-up, etc., may
suffice.
[0321] FIG. 12c is a back view of the racing wheel backpack of FIG.
12a. Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 12c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that racing wheel
representation 294 is in front of the user. Preferably, back
portion 214 comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, strap 204 comprises seatbelt strap material 289, such
as to resemble an automobile seat belt. Preferably, strap 204
comprises a connector 207. Preferably, connector 207 comprises a
clasping mechanism. Preferably, strap 204 comprises clasp portion
287 that fits into clasp portion 288, resembling an automobile seat
belt, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0322] FIG. 12d is a top view of the racing wheel backpack of FIG.
12a. Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of racing wheel
representation 294, as shown, such that items stored within racing
wheel representation 294 do not fall out when accessor 206 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, racing wheel representation 294 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, racing wheel
representation 294 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within racing wheel representation
294.
[0323] FIG. 12e is a side view of the racing wheel backpack of FIG.
12a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
racing related item. Preferably, racing representation 294
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual racing wheel.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the racing wheel is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 214, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion racing wheel. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about half portion of a racing wheel, projecting away
from the plane of straps 204, as shown in FIG. 12e. Preferably,
racing wheel representation 294 is arranged to so as to appear
symmetric to a person facing the system 200 user, as shown in FIG.
12a and FIG. 12b. Preferably, the portion of the racing wheel used
appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 12a and FIG. 12b. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other racing wheel representation 294 configurations,
such as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc.,
may suffice.
[0324] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck backpack of
the sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a greater than half
portion of a hockey puck is the sports item represented by
container 202. Preferably, as shown, a hockey puck representation
295 is made of material similar to the material from which official
National Hockey League (NHL) hockey pucks are made, preferably
rubber, preferably hard rubber. Preferably, the hockey puck
representation 295 comprises a color scheme similar to the color
scheme of official hockey pucks (for example, black rubber, with
multicolor indicia). Preferably, the hockey puck representation 295
is textured similarly to the smooth processed rubber texture of an
official NHL hockey puck, with optional dimpling in locations where
additional stick and ice gripping may be desired. Preferably, the
hockey puck representation 295 comprises a puck body 260,
preferably smooth black rubber, with a circular indicia region 261,
as shown in FIG. 13a, similar to the surface of NHL hockey pucks.
Preferably, the hockey puck representation 295 comprises an indicia
region 261 similar in pattern and appearance to official NHL hockey
pucks. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, puck manufacturer's preference, etc., other hockey
puck representations, such as plastic material, different color
schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0325] FIG. 13b is a front view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia 208.
Preferably, strap 204 comprises strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia
210 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise hockey related indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NHL indicia, consistent with other hockey
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as the International Hockey League (IHL), Western
Hockey League (WHL), National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA), the phrase "the coolest game on earth", the phrase "Jesus
saves; Gretzky rebounds and scores", CCM, Nike, Budweiser, Pizza
Hut, Mario Lemieux, Dominik Hasek, Detroit Redwings, Michigan
Wolverines, Spokane Chief, etc., may suffice.
[0326] Preferably, hockey puck representation 295 comprises straps
204, as shown, which facilitates attaching hockey puck
representation 295 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small
strap 211 comprise attachers 205, which provides for attachment of
hockey puck representation 295, to straps 204 and small strap 211,
as best shown in FIG. 13c and FIG. 13d. Preferably, attachers 205
comprise a stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small
strap 211 are stitched to hockey puck representation 295. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0327] FIG. 13c is a back view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a. Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 13c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that hockey puck
representation 295 is in front of the user. Preferably, back
portion 214 comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, straps 204 comprise adjusters 220 and loops 213, as
shown, for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of
straps 204. Preferably, adjusters 220 are traditional adjusters,
comprising a bracket which slides along strap 204, where straps 204
loop through loops 213, as best shown in FIG. 9b, FIG. 9c, and FIG.
9e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0328] FIG. 13d is a top view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a. Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of hockey puck
representation 295, as shown, such that items stored within hockey
puck representation 295 do not fall out when accessor 206 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, hockey puck representation 295 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, hockey puck
representation 295 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within hockey puck representation
295.
[0329] FIG. 13e is a side view of the hockey-puck backpack of FIG.
13a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
hockey related item. Preferably, hockey representation 295
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual hockey puck.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the hockey puck is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 214, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion hockey puck. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about half portion of a hockey puck, projecting away
from the plane of straps 204, as shown in FIG. 13e. Preferably,
hockey puck representation 295 is arranged to so as to appear
symmetric to a person facing the system 200 user, as shown in FIG.
13a and FIG. 13b. Preferably, the portion of the hockey puck used
appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other hockey puck representation 295 configurations,
such as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc.,
may suffice.
[0330] FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a tennis ball backpack of
the sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a three-quarters
portion of a tennis ball is the sports item represented by
container 202. Preferably, as shown, a tennis ball representation
296 is made of material similar to the material from which official
United States Tennis Association (USTA) tennis balls are made,
preferably felt. Preferably, the tennis ball representation 296
comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of official
USTA tennis balls (for example, yellow felt). Preferably, the
tennis ball representation 296 is textured similarly to furry felt
texture of an official USTA tennis ball. Preferably, the tennis
ball representation 296 comprises seams 262 and tennis ball surface
263, preferably yellow felt, appearing similar in pattern and
appearance, to the seams of an official USTA tennis ball, as shown,
preferably a white rubber seal. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, tennis ball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other tennis ball representations, such as
plastic material, different color schemes, different textures,
different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0331] FIG. 14b is a front view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a. Preferably, tennis ball representation 296 comprises straps
204, as shown, which facilitates attaching tennis ball
representation 296 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small
strap 211 comprise attachers 205, which provides for attachment of
tennis ball representation 296, to straps 204 and small strap 211,
as best shown in FIG. 14c and FIG. 14d. Preferably, attachers 205
comprise a stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small
strap 211 are stitched to tennis ball representation 296. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0332] Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia
208. Preferably, strap 204 comprises strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia
210 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise tennis related indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-USTA indicia, consistent with other tennis ball
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, and players,
such as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), Canadian
tennis Association (CTA), Nike, Reebok, Wilson, Prince, Gatorade,
Dunlop, Slazenger, Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova, etc., may
suffice.
[0333] FIG. 14c is a back view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a. Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 14c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that tennis ball
representation 296 is in front of the user. Preferably, back
portion 214 comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, straps 204 comprise adjusters 220 and loops 213, as
shown, for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of
straps 204. Preferably, adjusters 220 are traditional adjusters,
comprising a bracket which slides along strap 204, where straps 204
loop through loops 213, as best shown in FIG. 9b, FIG. 9c, and FIG.
9e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0334] FIG. 14d is a top view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a. Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of tennis ball
representation 296, as shown, such that items stored within tennis
ball representation 296 do not fall out when accessor 206 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, tennis ball representation 296 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, tennis ball
representation 296 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within tennis ball representation
291.
[0335] FIG. 14e is a side view of the tennis ball backpack of FIG.
14a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
tennis related item. Preferably, tennis representation 296
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual tennis ball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the tennis ball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 214, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion tennis ball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about three-quarters portion of a tennis ball,
projecting away from the plane of straps 204, as shown in FIG. 14e.
Preferably, tennis ball representation 296 is arranged to so as to
appear symmetric to a person facing the system 200 user, as shown
in FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b. Preferably, the portion of the tennis
ball used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other tennis ball
representation 296 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0336] FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a baseball backpack of the
sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Such perspective view in FIG. 15a is also
representative of a preferred embodiment of a softball fanny pack,
but will be discussed, for simplicity, in the context of a baseball
fanny pack, as softballs generally appear to be larger scale
versions of baseballs. Preferably, about a three-quarters portion
of a baseball is the sports item represented by container 202.
Preferably, as shown, a baseball representation 297 is made of
material similar to the material from which official Major League
Baseball (MLB) baseballs are made, preferably leather, preferably
rawhide leather. Preferably, the baseball representation 297
comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of official
MLB baseballs (for example, white leather and red stitching).
Preferably, the baseball representation 297 is textured similarly
to the smooth leather texture of an official MLB baseball.
Preferably, the baseball representation 297 comprises stitches 266,
preferably red thread, and baseball surface 265, preferably white
leather, that appears similar to an official MLB baseball, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, baseball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
baseball representations, such as softballs, plastic material,
different color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice.
[0337] FIG. 15b is a front view of the baseball backpack of FIG.
15a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia 208.
Preferably, strap 204 comprises strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia
210 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise baseball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-MLB indicia, consistent with other
baseball and softball associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, players, and teams, such as the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA), International Baseball Association
(IBA), National Softball Association (NSA), Little League Baseball,
the phrase "Holy Cow", Mizuno, Nike, Reebok, Rawlings, Randy
Johnson, Barry Bonds, Lisa Fernandez, New York Yankees, Rice Owls,
Team USA, etc., may suffice.
[0338] Preferably, baseball representation 297 comprises straps
204, as shown, which facilitates attaching baseball representation
297 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small strap 211 comprise
attachers 205, which provides for attachment of baseball
representation 297, to straps 204 and small strap 211, as best
shown in FIG. 15c and FIG. 15d. Preferably, attachers 205 comprise
a stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small strap 211
are stitched to baseball representation 297. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, container
detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0339] FIG. 15c is a back view of the baseball backpack of FIG.
15a. Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 15c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that baseball representation
297 is in front of the user. Preferably, back portion 214 comprises
an inexpensive, non-aggravating material. Preferably, straps 204
comprise adjusters 220 and loops 213, as shown, for tightening or
loosening by adjusting the length of straps 204. Preferably,
adjusters 220 are traditional adjusters, comprising a bracket which
slides along strap 204, where straps 204 loop through loops 213, as
best shown in FIG. 9b, FIG. 9c, and FIG. 9e. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other adjusters, such as pinching adjusters, spacers, straps with
greater elasticity, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-traditional adjusters,
etc., may suffice.
[0340] FIG. 15d is a top view of the baseball backpack of FIG. 15a.
Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of baseball
representation 297, as shown, such that items stored within
baseball representation 297 do not fall out when accessor 206 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, baseball representation 297 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, baseball representation
297 has pockets, dividers, or additional container devices,
concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in organizing and
arranging objects within baseball representation 297.
[0341] FIG. 15e is a side view of the baseball backpack of FIG.
15a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
baseball related item. Preferably, baseball representation 297
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual baseball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the baseball is used, using
a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential personal
item containment space and provide for a substantially flat back
portion 214, which contours to the user's body better than a full
portion baseball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional portion is an about
three-quarters portion of a baseball, projecting away from the
plane of straps 204, as shown in FIG. 15e. Preferably, baseball
representation 297 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric to a
person facing the system 200 user, as shown in FIG. 15a and FIG.
15b. Preferably, the portion of the baseball used appears
symmetric, as shown in FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other baseball representation 297 configurations, such
as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
[0342] FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a volleyball backpack of
the sports container system 200 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, about a three-quarters
portion of a volleyball is the sports item represented by container
202. Preferably, as shown, a volleyball representation 298 is made
of material similar to the material from which official Federation
of International Volleyball (FIVB) volleyballs are made, preferably
leather, preferably white leather. Preferably, the volleyball
representation 298 comprises a color scheme similar to the color
scheme of official FIVB volleyballs (for example, white leather and
black seams). Preferably, the volleyball representation 298 is
textured similarly to the smooth leather texture of an official
FIVB volleyball. Preferably, the volleyball representation 298
comprises seams 268 and volleyball surface 267, preferably white
leather, which appears similar to an official FIVB volleyball, as
shown in FIG. 16a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, volleyball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other volleyball representations, such as
softballs, plastic material, different color schemes, different
textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0343] FIG. 16b is a front view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a. Preferably, volleyball representation 298 comprises straps
204, as shown, which facilitates attaching volleyball
representation 298 to a user. Preferably, straps 204 and small
strap 211 comprise attachers 205, which provides for attachment of
volleyball representation 298, to straps 204 and small strap 211,
as best shown in FIG. 16c and FIG. 16d. Preferably, attachers 205
comprise a stitching configuration, such that straps 204 and small
strap 211 are stitched to volleyball representation 298. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0344] Preferably, front portion 212 comprises container indicia
208. Preferably, strap 204 comprises strap indicia 210. Preferably,
zipper tag 950 comprises zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown).
Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia 210 and/or
zipper tag indicia 952 comprise advertising indicia for an
advertiser. Preferably, container indicia 208 and/or strap indicia
210 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise volleyball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-FIVB indicia, consistent with other
volleyball associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers,
players, and teams, such as the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), USA Volleyball, Pro Beach Volleyball,
Tachikara, Baden, Molten, Mazda, Southwest Airlines, Karch Kiraly,
Misty May, UCLA Bruins, Team USA, etc., may suffice.
[0345] FIG. 16c is a back view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a. Preferably, back portion 214 is substantially flat, as shown
in FIG. 16c, contoured to provide comfort and ease of use. A
substantially flat back portion 214 provides contour and comfort
against the back of the user, if the pack is attached such that
container 202 is on the backside of the user. A substantially flat
back portion 214 provides contour and comfort against the chest of
the user, if the pack is attached such that volleyball
representation 298 is in front of the user. Preferably, back
portion 214 comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, straps 204 comprise adjusters 220 and loops 213, as
shown, for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of
straps 204. Preferably, adjusters 220 are traditional adjusters,
comprising a bracket which slides along strap 204, where straps 204
loop through loops 213, as best shown in FIG. 9b, FIG. 9c, and FIG.
9e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0346] FIG. 16d is a top view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a. Preferably, accessor 206 is located at the top of volleyball
representation 298, as shown, such that items stored within
volleyball representation 298 do not fall out when accessor 206 is
opened. Preferably, accessor 206 is located between the front
portion 212 and the back portion 214, as shown. Preferably,
accessor 206 is a zipper comprising zipper handle 209, as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other accessor
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
other locations for accessor 206, multiple openings, etc., may
suffice. Preferably, volleyball representation 298 can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, volleyball
representation 298 has pockets, dividers, or additional container
devices, concealed inside (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within volleyball representation
298.
[0347] FIG. 16e is a side view of the volleyball backpack of FIG.
16a. Preferably, front portion 212 comprises a representation of a
volleyball related item. Preferably, volleyball representation 298
comprises a 3-dimensional portion of an actual volleyball.
Preferably, only a non-full portion of the volleyball is used,
using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a substantially
flat back portion 214, which contours to the user's body better
than a full portion volleyball. Preferably, the 3-dimensional
portion is an about three-quarters portion of a volleyball,
projecting away from the plane of straps 204, as shown in FIG. 16e.
Preferably, volleyball representation 298 is arranged to so as to
appear symmetric to a person facing the system 200 user, as shown
in FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b. Preferably, the portion of the volleyball
used appears symmetric, as shown in FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand,
manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other volleyball
representation 298 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0348] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a leg-pack 302 of the
leg-pack sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the leg-pack 302
comprises a convenient container for storing items, much like the
fanny-pack sports container system 100 described above, such as
wallets, money, credit cards, makeup, keys, papers, identification,
consumables, and other personal, portable items, etc. Preferably,
the leg-pack 302 is situate conveniently adjacent the body of a
user 303, as shown. Preferably, the leg-pack 302 is connected to a
belt 304 or along a waist portion 305 of the user 303, as shown.
Preferably, the leg-pack 302 is also secured along the leg 306 of
the user 303, as shown. Most preferably, the leg-pack 302 comprises
a leg strap 308 that fits over the pants 307 or the leg 306 of the
user 303, as shown (embodying herein strap means, attachable to
said container means, for assisting wearable support by the
user).
[0349] Preferably, the leg-pack also comprises a length adjuster,
preferably a retractable extender 310 for providing automatic
adjustment for various-sized users between the waist 305 and the
leg strap 308, as shown (embodying herein wherein said at least one
waist support comprises at least one length adjuster to adjust
length of support between said at least one waist support and said
at least one container; and embodying herein wherein said at least
one waist support comprises at least one tensioner adapted to
maintaining tension between said at least one waist support and
said at least one container; and embodying herein wherein said at
least one tensioner comprises at least one retractable cord
structured and arranged to maintain tension between said at least
one waist support and said at least one container). In addition,
the retractable extender 310 provides additional security against
theft of the leg-pack 302
[0350] The following descriptions of the leg-pack 302 (herein
referred to as leg-packs 302a through 302h) will provide additional
detail for the system 300 and individual embodiments, as shown.
[0351] FIG. 18a is a perspective view of a football leg-pack 302a
of the sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18b is a front view of
the football leg-pack 302a of FIG. 18a. FIG. 18c is a back view of
the football leg-pack 302a of FIG. 18a. FIG. 18d is a top view of
the football leg-pack 302a of FIG. 18a. FIG. 18e is a side view of
the football leg-pack 302a of FIG. 18a. Preferably, the football
leg-pack 302a comprises a front portion 312a, a back portion 314a,
an access assembly 316a, a waist attacher 320a (embodying herein at
least one waist support, attachable to said at least one container,
structured and arranged to assist wearable support adjacent the
leg), a leg attacher 322a and a retractable length adjuster 324a,
as shown (embodying herein container means, comprising at least one
front portion, at least one back portion, at least one interior
portion, and at least one exterior portion, for containing the
items; embodying herein wherein said at least one back portion
encloses said at least one front portion; embodying herein
attachment means for attaching said strap means to said container
means; and embodying herein adjuster means for adjusting the length
of said strap means).
[0352] Preferably, front portion 312a comprises a container 307a
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional football
representation 315a (or simulation thereof) of an actual football
(embodying herein wherein said at least one front portion consists
essentially of at least one three-dimensional representation of at
least one portion of at least one chief item used in performing at
least one sport; and embodying herein essentially one-half of the
at least one chief item used in performing at least one sport).
Preferably, football representation 315a comprises the specific
details of the sports related item represented, such as size,
shape, material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common
indicia, etc. Preferably, the front portion 312a projects away from
the body user. Preferably, only a non-full portion of the football
is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize
potential personal item containment space and provide for a
substantially flat 314a, which contours to the user's body better
than a non-body contoured full portion football. Preferably, a
substantially flat back portion 314a provides contour and comfort
against the side of the user. Preferably, back portion 314a
comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material (embodying
herein wherein said at least one back portion comprises means for
(comfortable) wearability along the human form of the user).
[0353] Preferably, the front portion 312a is the most recognizable
portion of the sports item represented. For example, a football
related sports item, such as the illustrated embodiment, preferably
comprises a half-portion of a football, with a size relative to the
size of the user, shaped identical to a typical football, made of a
material which looks like leather, brown in color, with a dimpled
texture, having about eight white laces in parallel. Most
preferably, the front portion 312a of the football-representation
315a is made of material similar to the material from which
official National Football League (NFL) footballs are made,
preferably leather, preferably cowhide leather. Preferably, the
football representation 315a comprises a color scheme similar to
the color scheme of official NFL footballs (for example, brown
leather and white lacing). Preferably, the football representation
315a is textured similarly to the dimpled or "pebbled" texture of
an official NFL football. Preferably, the football representation
315a comprises lacing 326a and seams 325a that appear similar to
the seams of an official NFL football, as shown, preferably tightly
stitched with brown threading, as shown. Preferably, other football
marks and lines, such as lacing line 327a, are painted on, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, football manufacturer's preference, etc., other
football representations, such as plastic material, different color
schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0354] Preferably, the container 307a of the football
representation 315a further comprises football related indicia
(such as "NFL"), and a manufacturer emblem (such as
Wilson.TM.).
[0355] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as
manufacturing, cost, materials, etc., other representation
arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra seams, non-brown colors,
non-dimpled, non-symmetric, abnormally sized, abnormally shaped,
alternative indicia, etc., may suffice. Additionally, the portion
of the sports item represented need not be about a half-portion.
For example, various football leg-pack 302a sizes, such as child
size, junior, adult, extra-large, non-life size, miniature, etc.,
may suffice. In addition, alternate materials, such as rubber,
plastic, felt, non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials,
Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also, alternative color
configurations, such as bright colors, advertiser-specific colors,
`zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors, non-typical ball colors,
glittered, iridescent, etc., may suffice.
[0356] Preferably, the football representation 315a is oriented
longitudinally along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0357] Preferably, the container 307a comprises an access assembly
316a (embodying herein access means for providing access to said at
least one interior portion of said container means). Preferably,
access assembly 316a comprises a zipper 328a and zipper handle
329a, as shown. Preferably, as described above a zipper tag 950 is
attached to zipper handle 329a (not shown). Preferably, the access
assembly 316a opens and closes access to the interior of the
container 307a. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preference, economic considerations, etc., other methods of opening
and closing access to the container 307a, for example, snaps,
buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly 316a is
located at the portion of the container 307a nearest the users
waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such that
items stored within the container 307a do not fall out when access
assembly 316a is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316a is
located equidistant between the front portion 312a and the back
portion 314a, as shown.
[0358] FIG. 18b is a front view of the football leg-pack 302a of
FIG. 18a. Preferably, front portion 312a comprises container
indicia 331a. Preferably, leg attacher 322a and retractable length
adjuster 324 also comprises indicia 332a. Preferably, container
indicia 331a and/or indicia 332a (and/or zipper tag indicia 952)
comprise football related indicia and or advertising indicia. Upon
reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art
will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NFL indicia, consistent with other football
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as Canadian Football League (CFL), Arena Football
League (AFL), National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA),
etc., may suffice.
[0359] Preferably, the waist attacher 320a is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 18c, 18d, and
18e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320a adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0360] Preferably, the waist attacher 320a comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324a. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324 is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 key-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320a at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322a at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324a, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342a,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the football leg-pack 302a
onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17) (embodying herein adjuster
means for adjusting the length of said strap means). Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as user preferences, user size, economic
considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the length of the
football leg-pack 302a, such as adjustable bands, stretchable cord
etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the retractable length
adjuster 324a is attached to the container 307a, preferably at a
point directly below the waist attacher 320a, as shown. Preferably,
the cable 342a extends through the exterior portion 344a of the
container 307a, as shown. Preferably, an end cap fixture 346a is
attached to the cable 342a from the interior portion of the
container 307a such that the cable 342a is coupled to the container
307a. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as durability,
retractor/extender function, economics, etc., other methods of
cable attachment, may suffice.
[0361] Preferably, leg attacher 322a comprises a strap 330a, as
shown, which facilitates attaching the football leg-pack 302a to
the leg of a user. Preferably, leg attacher 322a comprises
attachment 333a, which provides for attachment of the container
307a, to strap 330a, as shown. Preferably, attachment 333a is sewn
to both the strap 330a and the container 307a, as shown (embodying
herein attachment means for attaching said strap means to said
container means). Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice.
[0362] Preferably, strap 330a comprises a connector 334a.
Preferably, connector 334a comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, strap 330a comprises clasp portion 336a that fits into
clasp portion 338a, as shown (Preferably, strap 204 comprises
seatbelt strap material 289, such as to resemble an automobile seat
belt.). Preferably, clasp portion 336a comprises a loop 337a for
assisting adjuster 340a (as discussed below). Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, materials, etc.,
other connector arrangements, such as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks,
non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0363] Preferably, strap 330a comprises adjuster 340a, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330a.
Preferably, adjuster 340a is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339a that slides along strap 330a, pulling strap 330a tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0364] FIG. 19a is a perspective view of a basketball leg-pack 302b
of the sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19b is a front view of
the basketball leg-pack 302b of FIG. 19a. FIG. 19c is a back view
of the basketball leg-pack 302b of FIG. 19a. FIG. 19d is a top view
of the basketball leg-pack 302b of FIG. 19a. FIG. 19e is a side
view of the basketball leg-pack 302b of FIG. 19a. Preferably, the
basketball leg-pack 302b comprises a front portion 312b, a back
portion 314b, an access assembly 316b, a waist attacher 320b, a leg
attacher 322b and a retractable length adjuster 324b, as shown.
[0365] Preferably, front portion 312b comprises a container 307b
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional basketball
representation 315b (or simulation thereof) of an actual
basketball. Preferably, basketball leg-pack 302b comprises the
specific details of the sports related item represented, such as
size, shape, material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry,
common indicia, etc. Preferably, the front portion 312b projects
away from the body of the user. Preferably, only a non-full portion
of the basketball is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so
as to optimize potential personal item containment space and
provide for a substantially flat back portion 314b, which contours
to the user's body better than a non-body contoured full portion
basketball. Preferably, a substantially flat back portion 314b
provides contour and comfort against the side of the user.
Preferably, back portion 314b comprises an inexpensive,
non-aggravating material. Preferably, the front portion 312b is the
most recognizable portion of the sports item represented. For
example, a basketball related sports item, such as the illustrated
embodiment, preferably comprises a color scheme similar to the
color scheme of official NBA basketballs (for example,
brownish-orange leather and black seams). Preferably, the
basketball representation 315b is textured similarly to the dimpled
or pebbled texture of an official NBA basketball. Preferably, the
basketball representation 315b comprises seams 325b that appear
similar, in pattern and appearance, to the seams of an official NBA
basketball, as shown, preferably tightly stitched with black
threading and sealed with black rubber. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, basketball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other basketball representations, such as plastic
material, different color schemes, different textures, different
sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0366] Preferably, the container 307b of the basketball
representation 315b further comprises basketball related indicia
(such as "NBA"), and a manufacturer emblem (such as
Wilson.TM.).
[0367] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as
manufacturing, cost, materials, etc., other representation
arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra seams, non-brown colors,
non-dimpled, non-symmetric, abnormally sized, abnormally shaped,
alternative indicia, etc., may suffice. Additionally, the portion
of the sports item represented need not be about a half-portion.
For example, various basketball leg-pack 302b sizes, such as child
size, junior, adult, extra large, non-life size, miniature, etc.,
may suffice. In addition, alternate materials, such as rubber,
plastic, felt, non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials,
Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also, alternative color
configurations, such as bright colors, advertiser-specific colors,
`zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors, non-typical ball colors,
glittered, iridescent, etc., may suffice.
[0368] Preferably, the basketball representation 315b is oriented
symmetrically along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0369] Preferably, the container 307b comprises an access assembly
316b (embodying herein access means for providing access to said at
least one interior portion of said container means). Preferably,
access assembly 316b comprises a zipper 328b and zipper handle
329b, as shown. Preferably, as described above a zipper tag 950 is
attached to zipper handle 329b (not shown). Preferably, the access
assembly 316b opens and closes access to the interior of the
container 307b. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preference, economic considerations, etc., other methods of opening
and closing access to the container 307b, for example, snaps,
buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly 316b is
located at the portion of the container 307b nearest the users
waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such that
items stored within the container 307b do not fall out when access
assembly 316b is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316b is
located equidistant between the front portion 312b and the back
portion 314b, as shown.
[0370] FIG. 19b is a front view of the basketball leg-pack 302b of
FIG. 19a. Preferably, front portion 312b comprises container
indicia 331b. Preferably, leg attacher 322b and retractable length
adjuster 324b also comprises indicia 332b. Preferably, container
indicia 331b and/or indicia 332b (and/or zipper tag indicia 952)
comprise basketball related indicia and or advertising indicia.
Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-NBA indicia, consistent with other basketball
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA),
National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), Nike.TM.,
Reebok.TM., Converse.TM., Sprite.TM., Gatorade.TM., McDonalds.TM.,
Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Los Angeles Lakers,
Duke Blue devils, Houston Comets, etc., may suffice.
[0371] Preferably, the waist attacher 320b is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 19c, 19d, and
19e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320b adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0372] Preferably, the waist attacher 320b comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324b. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324b is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 KEY-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320b at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322b at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324b, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342b,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the basketball leg-pack 302b
onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17). Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preferences, user size, economic
considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the length of the
basketball leg-pack 302b, such as adjustable bands, stretchable
cord etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the retractable
length adjuster 324b is attached to the container 307b, preferably
at a point directly below the waist attacher 320b, as shown.
Preferably, the light cable 342b extends through the exterior
portion 344b of the container 307b, as shown. Preferably, an end
cap fixture 346b is attached to the cable 342b from the interior
portion of the container 307b such that the cable 342b is coupled
to the container 307b. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as durability, retractor/extender function, economics,
etc., other methods of cable attachment, may suffice.
[0373] Preferably, leg attacher 322b comprises a strap 330b, as
shown, which facilitates attaching the basketball leg-pack 302b to
the leg of a user. Preferably, strap 330b comprises attachment
333b, which provides for attachment of the container 307b, to strap
330b, as shown. Preferably, attachment 333b is sewn to both the
strap 330b and the container 307b, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, container
detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0374] Preferably, strap 330b comprises a connector 334b.
Preferably, connector 334b comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, connector 334b comprises clasp portion 336b that fits
into clasp portion 338b, as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 336b
comprises a loop 337b for assisting adjuster 340b (as discussed
below). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0375] Preferably, strap 330b comprises adjuster 340b, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330b.
Preferably, adjuster 340b is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339b that slides along strap 330b, pulling strap 330b tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0376] FIG. 20a is a perspective view of a soccer ball leg-pack
302c of the sports container system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20b is a front view of
the soccer ball leg-pack 302c of FIG. 20a. FIG. 20c is a back view
of the soccer ball leg-pack 302c of FIG. 20a. FIG. 20d is a top
view of the soccer ball leg-pack 302c of FIG. 20a. FIG. 20e is a
side view of the soccer ball leg-pack 302c of FIG. 20a.
[0377] Preferably, the soccer ball leg-pack 302c comprises a front
portion 312c, a back portion 314c, an access assembly 316c, a waist
attacher 320c, a leg attacher 322c and a retractable length
adjuster 324c, as shown.
[0378] Preferably, front portion 312c comprises a container 307c
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional soccer ball
representation 315c (or simulation thereof) of an actual soccer
ball. Preferably, soccer ball leg-pack 302c comprises the specific
details of the sports related item represented, such as size,
shape, material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common
indicia, etc. Preferably, the front portion 312c projects away from
the body of the user. Preferably, only a non-full portion of the
soccer ball is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a substantially flat back portion 314c, which contours to the
user's body better than a non-body contoured full portion soccer
ball. Preferably, a substantially flat back portion 314c provides
contour and comfort against the side of the user. Preferably, back
portion 314c comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, the front portion 312c is the most recognizable portion
of the sports item represented. For example, soccer ball
representation 315c is preferably made of material similar to the
material from which official Federal International Football
(referred to as soccer in the US) Association (FIFA) soccer balls
are made, preferably leather or synthetic leather. Preferably,
soccer ball representation 315c comprises a color scheme similar to
the color scheme of official FIFA soccer balls (for example, white
leather optionally comprising colorful abstract or geometric
shapes). Preferably, the soccer ball representation 315c is
textured similarly to the slick and glossy texture of an official
FIFA soccer ball. Preferably, the soccer ball representation 315c
comprises stitched seams 325c that appear similar to the seams of
an official FIFA soccer ball, as shown, preferably stitched with
small white threading. Preferably, the soccer ball representation
315c comprises laced seams 325c that are similar in pattern and
appearance to an official FIFA soccer ball, as shown. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, cost, soccer ball
manufacturer's preference, etc., other soccer ball representations,
such as plastic material, different color schemes, different
textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0379] Preferably, the container 307c of the soccer ball
representation 315c further comprises soccer ball related indicia
(such as "FIFA") etc. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as manufacturing, cost, materials, etc., other
representation arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra seams,
non-white colors, different patters, non-symmetric, abnormally
sized, abnormally shaped, alternative indicia, etc., may suffice.
Additionally, the portion of the sports item represented need not
be about a half-portion. For example, various soccer ball
representation 315c sizes, such as child size, junior, adult, extra
large, non-life size, miniature, etc., may suffice. In addition,
alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather,
suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice.
Also, alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0380] Preferably, the soccer ball representation 315c is oriented
symmetrically along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0381] Preferably, the container 307c comprises an access assembly
316c. Preferably, access assembly 316c comprises a zipper 328c and
zipper handle 329c, as shown. Preferably, as described above a
zipper tag 950 is attached to zipper handle 329c (not shown).
Preferably, the access assembly 316c opens and closes access to the
interior of the container 307c. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preference, economic considerations, etc.,
other methods of opening and closing access to the container 307c,
for example, snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly
316 is located at the portion of the container 307c nearest the
users waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such
that items stored within the container 307c do not fall out when
access assembly 316c is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316c is
located equidistant between the front portion 312c and the back
portion 314c, as shown.
[0382] FIG. 20b is a front view of the soccer ball representation
315c of FIG. 20a. Preferably, front portion 312c comprises
container indicia 331c. Preferably, leg attacher 322c and
retractable length adjuster 324c also comprises indicia 332c.
Preferably, container indicia 331c and/or indicia 332c (and/or
zipper tag indicia 952) comprise soccer related indicia and or
advertising indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-FIFA indicia,
consistent with other soccer and International football
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as Major League Soccer (MLS), Union of European
Football Associations (UEFA), National Collegiate Athletics
Association (NCAA), Umbro, Adidas.TM., Mizuno.TM., Nike.TM.,
Coke.TM., Gatorade.TM., IBM.TM., Renaldo, David Beckham, Mia Hamm,
Team USA Soccer, San Jose Earthquakes, North Carolina Tarheels,
etc., may suffice.
[0383] Preferably, the waist attacher 320c is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 20c, 20d, and
20e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320c adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0384] Preferably, the waist attacher 320c comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324c. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324c is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 key-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320c at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322c at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324c, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342c,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the soccer ball
representation 315c onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preferences, user
size, economic considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the
length of the soccer ball leg-pack 302c, such as adjustable bands,
stretchable cord etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the
retractable length adjuster 324c is attached to the container 307c,
preferably at a point directly below the waist attacher 320c, as
shown. Preferably, the light cable 342c extends through the
exterior portion 344c of the container 307c, as shown. Preferably,
an end cap fixture 346c is attached to the cable 342c from the
interior portion of the container 307c such that the cable 342c is
coupled to the container 307c. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as durability, retractor/extender function, economics,
etc., other methods of cable attachment, may suffice.
[0385] Preferably, leg attacher 322c comprises a strap 330c, as
shown, which facilitates attaching the soccer ball representation
315c to the leg of a user. Preferably, strap 330c comprises
attachment 333c, which provides for attachment of the container
307c to strap 330c, as shown. Preferably, attachment 333c is sewn
to both the strap 330c and the container 307c, as shown. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0386] Preferably, strap 330c comprises a connector 334c.
Preferably, connector 334c comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, connector 334c comprises clasp portion 336c that fits
into clasp portion 338c, as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 336c
comprises a loop 337c for assisting adjuster 340c (as discussed
below). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0387] Preferably, strap 330c comprises adjuster 340c, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330c.
Preferably, adjuster 340c is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339c that slides along strap 330c, pulling strap 330c tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0388] FIG. 21a is a perspective view of a racing wheel leg-pack
302d of the sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21b is a front view of
the racing wheel leg-pack 302d of FIG. 21a. FIG. 21c is a back view
of the racing wheel leg-pack 302d of FIG. 21a. FIG. 21d is a top
view of the racing wheel leg-pack 302d of FIG. 21a. FIG. 21e is a
side view of the racing wheel leg-pack 302d of FIG. 21a.
[0389] Preferably, the racing wheel leg-pack 302d comprises a front
portion 312d, a back portion 314d, an access assembly 316d, a waist
attacher 320d, a leg attacher 322d and a retractable length
adjuster 324d, as shown.
[0390] Preferably, front portion 312d comprises a container 307d
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional racing wheel
representation 315d (or simulation thereof) of an actual racing
wheel. Preferably, racing wheel leg-pack 302d comprises the
specific details of the sports related item represented, such
shape, material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common
indicia, etc. Preferably, the front portion 312d projects away from
the body of the user. Preferably, a one-half portion of a racing
wheel is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a substantially flat back portion 314d, which contours to the
user's body better than a non-body contoured full portion racing
wheel. Preferably, a substantially flat back portion 314d provides
contour and comfort against the side of the user. Preferably, back
portion 314d comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, the front portion 312d is the most recognizable portion
of the sports item represented. For example, racing wheel
representation 315d is preferably made of material similar to the
material from which official NASCAR racing wheels are made,
preferably a rubber-like material, preferably treadless.
Preferably, the racing wheel representation 315d comprises a color
scheme similar to the color scheme of official racing wheels (for
example, black rubber, and black or chrome rims). Preferably, the
racing wheel representation 315d is textured similarly to the
smooth processed rubber texture of an official NASCAR racing
wheel.
[0391] Preferably, the racing wheel representation 315d comprises
tire body 360d, preferably smooth, and tire surface 363d,
preferably treadless, as shown in FIG. 21b, similar to the surface
of NASCAR racing wheels. Preferably, the racing wheel
representation 315d comprises rims 364d that are similar in pattern
and appearance to official NASCAR racing wheels, as shown. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand, cost,
wheel manufacturer's preference, racer's preference, etc., other
racing wheel representations, such as plastic material, different
color schemes, different treads, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0392] Preferably, the container 307d of the racing wheel
representation 315d further comprises racing related indicia (such
as "NHRA") and manufacturing indicia such as Goodyear.RTM., etc.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, wheel manufacturer's preference, racer's preference,
etc., other racing wheel representations, such as plastic material,
different color schemes, different treads, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice. Additionally, the portion of the sports item
represented need not be about a half-portion. For example, various
racing wheel representation 315d sizes, such as scaled sizes,
miniature sizes, etc., may suffice. In addition, alternate
materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather, suede,
metal, non-wheel materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also,
alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0393] Preferably, the racing wheel representation 315d is oriented
symmetrically along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0394] Preferably, the container 307d comprises an access assembly
316d. Preferably, access assembly 316d comprises a zipper 328d and
zipper handle 329d, as shown. Preferably, as described above a
zipper tag 950 is attached to zipper handle 329d (not shown).
Preferably, the access assembly 316d opens and closes access to the
interior of the container 307d. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preference, economic considerations, etc.,
other methods of opening and closing access to the container 307d,
for example, snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly
316d is located at the portion of the container 307d nearest the
users waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such
that items stored within the container 307d do not fall out when
access assembly 316d is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316d is
located equidistant between the front portion 312d and the back
portion 314d, as shown.
[0395] FIG. 21b is a front view of the racing wheel representation
315d of FIG. 21a. Preferably, front portion 312d comprises
container indicia 331d. Preferably, leg attacher 322d and
retractable length adjuster 324d also comprises indicia 332d.
Preferably, container indicia 331d and/or indicia 332d (and/or
zipper tag indicia 952) comprise racing related indicia and or
advertising indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and driver
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-NASCAR indicia,
consistent with other racing associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, racers, and racing crews, such as Formula One, Monster
Truck Racing Association (MTRA), National Hotrod Racing Association
(NHRA), American Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA), the phrase
"rubbin's racin'", Goodyear.TM., Ford.TM., Chevrolet.TM.,
Toyota.TM., Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace,
Pennzoil.TM., Penske.TM., Budweiser.TM., Molson.TM., 7-up.TM.,
etc., may suffice.
[0396] Preferably, the waist attacher 320d is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 21c, 21d, and
21e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320d adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0397] Preferably, the waist attacher 320d comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324d. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324d is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 key-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320d at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322d at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324d, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342d,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the racing wheel
representation 315d onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preferences, user
size, economic considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the
length of the racing wheel leg-pack 302d, such as adjustable bands,
stretchable cord etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the
retractable length adjuster 324d is attached to the container 307d,
preferably at a point directly below the waist attacher 320d, as
shown. Preferably, the light cable 342d extends through the
exterior portion 344d of the container 307d, as shown. Preferably,
an end cap fixture 346d is attached to the cable 342d from the
interior portion of the container 307d such that the cable 342d is
coupled to the container 307d. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as durability, retractor/extender function, economics,
etc., other methods of cable attachment, may suffice.
[0398] Preferably, leg attacher 322d comprises a strap 330d, as
shown, which facilitates attaching the racing wheel representation
315d to the leg of a user. Preferably, strap 330d comprises
attachment 333d, which provides for attachment of the container
307d, to strap 330d, as shown. Preferably, attachment 333d is sewn
to both the strap 330d and the container 307d, as shown. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0399] Preferably, strap 330d comprises a connector 334d.
Preferably, connector 334d comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, connector 334d comprises clasp portion 336d that fits
into clasp portion 338d, as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 336d
comprises a loop 337d for assisting adjuster 340d (as discussed
below). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0400] Preferably, strap 330d comprises adjuster 340d, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330d.
Preferably, adjuster 340d is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339d that slides along strap 330d, pulling strap 330d tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0401] FIG. 22a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck leg-pack
302e of the sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22b is a front view of
the hockey-puck leg-pack 302e of FIG. 22a. FIG. 22c is a back view
of the hockey-puck leg-pack 302e of FIG. 22a. FIG. 22d is a top
view of the hockey-puck leg-pack 302e of FIG. 22a. FIG. 22e is a
side view of the hockey-puck leg-pack 302e of FIG. 22a.
[0402] Preferably, the hockey-puck leg-pack 302e comprises a front
portion 312e, a back portion 314e, an access assembly 316e, a waist
attacher 320e, a leg attacher 322e and a retractable length
adjuster 324e, as shown.
[0403] Preferably, front portion 312e comprises a container 307e
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional hockey-puck
representation 315e (or simulation thereof) of an actual
hockey-puck. Preferably, hockey-puck leg-pack 302e comprises the
specific details of the sports related item represented, such as
shape, material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common
indicia, etc. Preferably, the front portion 312e projects away from
the body of the user. Preferably, a one-half portion of a
hockey-puck is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a substantially flat back portion 314e, which contours to the
user's body better than a non-body contoured full portion
hockey-puck. Preferably, a substantially flat back portion 314e
provides contour and comfort against the side of the user.
Preferably, back portion 314e comprises an inexpensive,
non-aggravating material. Preferably, the front portion 312e is the
most recognizable portion of the sports item represented. For
example, hockey puck representation 315e is preferably made of
material similar to the material from which official National
Hockey League (NHL) hockey pucks are made, preferably rubber,
preferably hard rubber. Preferably, the hockey puck representation
315e comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of
official hockey pucks (for example, black rubber, with multicolor
indicia). Preferably, the hockey puck representation 315e is
textured similarly to the smooth processed rubber texture of an
official NHL hockey puck, with optional dimpling in locations where
additional stick and ice gripping may be desired.
[0404] Preferably, the hockey puck representation 315e comprises a
puck body 370e, preferably smooth black rubber, with a circular
indicia region 371e, as shown in FIG. 22a, similar to the surface
of NHL hockey pucks. Preferably, the hockey puck representation
315e comprises an indicia region 371e similar in pattern and
appearance to official NHL hockey pucks. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, puck manufacturer's preference,
etc., other hockey puck representations, such as plastic material,
different color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice. Preferably, the container 307e of the hockey-puck
representation 315e further comprises hockey related indicia (such
as "WHL"), etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill In the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, hockey-puck manufacturer's preference, users
preference, etc., other hockey-puck representations, such as
plastic material, different color schemes, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice. Additionally, the portion of the sports item
represented need not be about a half-portion. For example, various
hockey-puck representation 315e sizes, such as scaled sizes,
miniature sizes, etc., may suffice. In addition, alternate
materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather, suede,
metal, non-puck materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also,
alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical puck colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0405] Preferably, the hockey-puck representation 315e is oriented
symmetrically along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0406] Preferably, the container 307e comprises an access assembly
316e. Preferably, access assembly 316e comprises a zipper 328e and
zipper handle 329e, as shown. Preferably, as described above a
zipper tag 950 is attached to zipper handle 329e (not shown).
Preferably, the access assembly 316e opens and closes access to the
interior of the container 307e. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preference, economic considerations, etc.,
other methods of opening and closing access to the container 307d,
for example, snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly
316e is located at the portion of the container 307e nearest the
users waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such
that items stored within the container 307e do not fall out when
access assembly 316e is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316e is
located equidistant between the front portion 312e and the back
portion 314e, as shown.
[0407] FIG. 22b is a front view of the hockey-puck representation
315e of FIG. 22a. Preferably, front portion 312d comprises
container indicia 331e. Preferably, leg attacher 322e and
retractable length adjuster 324e also comprises indicia 332e.
Preferably, container indicia 331e and/or indicia 332e (and/or
zipper tag indicia 952) comprise racing related indicia and or
advertising indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-NHL indicia,
consistent with other hockey associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, players, and teams, such as the International Hockey
League (IHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA), the phrase "the coolest game on
earth", the phrase "Jesus saves; Gretzky rebounds and scores", CCM,
Nike.TM., Budweiser.TM., Pizza Hut.TM., Mario Lemieux, Dominik
Hasek, Detroit Redwings, Michigan Wolverines, Spokane Chief, etc.,
may suffice.
[0408] Preferably, the waist attacher 320e is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 22c, 22d, and
22e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320e adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0409] Preferably, the waist attacher 320e comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324e. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324e is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 key-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320e at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322e at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324e, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342e,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the hockey-puck
representation 315e onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preferences, user
size, economic considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the
length of the hockey-puck leg-pack 302e, such as adjustable bands,
stretchable cord etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the
retractable length adjuster 324e is attached to the container 307e,
preferably at a point directly below the waist attacher 320e, as
shown. Preferably, the light cable 342e extends through the
exterior portion 344e of the container 307e, as shown. Preferably,
an end cap fixture 346e is attached to the cable 342e from the
interior portion of the container 307e such that the cable 342e is
coupled to the container 307e. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as durability, retractor/extender function, economics,
etc., other methods of cable attachment, may suffice.
[0410] Preferably, leg attacher 322e comprises a strap 330., as
shown, which facilitates attaching the hockey-puck representation
315e to the leg of a user. Preferably, strap 330e comprises
attachment 333e, which provides for attachment of the container
307e, to strap 330e, as shown. Preferably, attachment 333e is sewn
to both the strap 330e and the container 307e, as shown. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0411] Preferably, strap 330e comprises a connector 334e.
Preferably, connector 334e comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, connector 334e comprises clasp portion 336e that fits
into clasp portion 338., as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 336e
comprises a loop 337e for assisting adjuster 340e (as discussed
below). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0412] Preferably, strap 330e comprises adjuster 340e, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330e.
Preferably, adjuster 340e is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339e that slides along strap 330e, pulling strap 330e tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0413] FIG. 23a is a perspective view of a tennis ball leg-pack
302f of the sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23b is a front view of
the tennis ball leg-pack 302f of FIG. 23a. FIG. 23c is a back view
of the tennis ball leg-pack 302f of FIG. 23a. FIG. 23d is a top
view of the tennis ball leg-pack 302f of FIG. 23a. FIG. 23e is a
side view of the tennis ball leg-pack 302f of FIG. 23a.
[0414] Preferably, the tennis ball leg-pack 302f comprises a front
portion 312f, a back portion 314f, an access assembly 316f, a waist
attacher 320f, a leg attacher 322f and a retractable length
adjuster 324f, as shown.
[0415] Preferably, front portion 312f comprises a container 307f
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional tennis ball
representation 315f (or simulation thereof) of an actual tennis
ball. Preferably, tennis ball leg-pack 302f comprises the specific
details of the sports related item represented, such as shape,
material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common
indicia, etc. Preferably, the front portion 312f projects away from
the body of the user. Preferably, only a non-full portion of the
tennis ball is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a substantially flat back portion 314f, which contours to the
user's body better than a non-body contoured full portion tennis
ball. Preferably, a substantially flat back portion 314f provides
contour and comfort against the side of the user. Preferably, back
portion 314f comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, the front portion 312f is the most recognizable portion
of the sports item represented. For example, tennis ball
representation 315f is preferably made of material similar to the
material from which official United States Tennis Association
(USTA) tennis balls are made, preferably felt. Preferably, the
tennis ball representation 315f comprises a color scheme similar to
the color scheme of official USTA tennis balls (for example, yellow
felt). Preferably, the tennis ball representation 315f is textured
similarly to furry felt texture of an official USTA tennis ball.
Preferably, the tennis ball representation 315f comprises seams
362f and tennis ball surface 373f, preferably yellow felt,
appearing similar in pattern and appearance, to the seams of an
official USTA tennis ball, as shown, preferably a white rubber
seal. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, tennis ball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
tennis ball representations, such as plastic material, different
color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0416] Preferably, the container 307f of the tennis ball
representation 315f further comprises tennis ball related indicia
(such as "USTA") etc. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as manufacturing, cost, materials, etc., other
representation arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra seams,
non-yellow-felt-colors, non-felt, non-symmetric, abnormally sized,
abnormally shaped, alternative indicia, etc., may suffice.
Additionally, the portion of the sports item represented need not
be about a half-portion. For example, various tennis ball
representation 315f sizes, such as child size, junior, adult, extra
large, non-life size, miniature, etc., may suffice. In addition,
alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather,
suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice.
Also, alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0417] Preferably, the tennis ball representation 315f is oriented
symmetrically along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0418] Preferably, the container 307f comprises an access assembly
316f. Preferably, access assembly 316f comprises a zipper 328f and
zipper handle 329f, as shown. Preferably, as described above, a
zipper tag 950 is attached to zipper handle 329f (not shown).
Preferably, the access assembly 316f opens and closes access to the
interior of the container 307f. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preference, economic considerations, etc.,
other methods of opening and closing access to the container 307f,
for example, snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly
316f is located at the portion of the container 307f nearest the
users waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such
that items stored within the container 307f do not fall out when
access assembly 316f is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316f is
located equidistant between the front portion 312f and the back
portion 314f, as shown.
[0419] FIG. 23b is a front view of the tennis ball representation
315f of FIG. 23a. Preferably, front portion 312f comprises
container indicia 331f. Preferably, leg attacher 322f and
retractable length adjuster 324f also comprises indicia 332f.
Preferably, container indicia 331f and/or indicia 332f (and/or
zipper tag indicia 952) comprise tennis related indicia and or
advertising indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-USTA indicia,
consistent with other tennis ball associations, manufacturers,
slogans, advertisers, and players, such as the Intercollegiate
Tennis Association (ITA), Canadian Tennis Association (CTA),
Wilson.TM., Nike.TM., Reebok.TM., Wilson.TM., Prince.TM.,
Gatorade.TM., Dunlop.TM., Slazenger.TM., Andre Agassi, Anna
Kournikova, etc., may suffice.
[0420] Preferably, the waist attacher 320f is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 23c, 23d, and
23e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320f adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0421] Preferably, the waist attacher 320f comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324f. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324f is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 key-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320f at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322f at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324f, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342f,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the tennis ball
representation 315f onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preferences, user
size, economic considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the
length of the tennis ball leg-pack 302f, such as adjustable bands,
stretchable cord etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the
retractable length adjuster 324f is attached to the container 307f,
preferably at a point directly below the waist attacher 320f, as
shown. Preferably, the cable 342f extends through the exterior
portion 344f of the container 307f, as shown. Preferably, an end
cap fixture 346f is attached to the cable 342f from the interior
portion of the container 307f such that the cable 342f is coupled
to the container 307f. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as durability, retractor/extender function, economics,
etc., other methods of cable attachment, may suffice.
[0422] Preferably, leg attacher 322f comprises a strap 330f, as
shown, which facilitates attaching the tennis ball representation
315f to the leg of a user. Preferably, strap 330f comprises
attachment 333f, which provides for attachment of the container
307f, to strap 330f, as shown. Preferably, attachment 333f is sewn
to both the strap 330f and the container 307f, as shown. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as cost, manufacturing,
container detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles,
Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0423] Preferably, strap 330f comprises a connector 334f.
Preferably, connector 334f comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, connector 334f comprises clasp portion 336f that fits
into clasp portion 338f, as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 336f
comprises a loop 337f for assisting adjuster 340f (as discussed
below). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0424] Preferably, strap 330f comprises adjuster 340f, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330f.
Preferably, adjuster 340f is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339f that slides along strap 330f, pulling strap 330f tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0425] FIG. 24a is a perspective view of a baseball leg-pack 302g
of the sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24b is a front view of
the baseball leg-pack 302g of FIG. 24a. FIG. 24c is a back view of
the baseball leg-pack 302g of FIG. 24a. FIG. 24d is a top view of
the baseball leg-pack 302g of FIG. 24a. FIG. 24e is a side view of
the baseball leg-pack 302g of FIG. 24a.
[0426] Preferably, the baseball leg-pack 302g comprises a front
portion 312g, a back portion 314g, an access assembly 316g, a waist
attacher 320g, a leg attacher 322g and a retractable length
adjuster 324g, as shown.
[0427] Preferably, front portion 312g comprises a container 307g
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional baseball
representation 315g (or simulation thereof) of an actual baseball.
Preferably, baseball leg-pack 302g comprises the specific details
of the sports related item represented, such as shape, material,
color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common indicia, etc.
Preferably, the front portion 312g projects away from the body of
the user. Preferably, only a non-full portion of the baseball is
used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so as to optimize
potential personal item containment space and provide for a
substantially flat back portion 314g, which contours to the user's
body better than a non-body contoured full portion baseball.
Preferably, a substantially flat back portion 314g provides contour
and comfort against the side of the user. Preferably, back portion
314g comprises an inexpensive, non-aggravating material.
Preferably, the front portion 312g is the most recognizable portion
of the sports item represented. For example, baseball
representation 315g is preferably made of material similar to the
material from which official Major League Baseball (MLB) baseballs
are made, preferably leather, preferably rawhide leather.
Preferably, the baseball representation 315g comprises a color
scheme similar to the color scheme of official MLB baseballs (for
example, white leather and red stitching). Preferably, the baseball
representation 315g is textured similarly to the smooth leather
texture of an official MLB baseball. Preferably, the baseball
representation 315g comprises stitches 366g, preferably red thread,
and baseball surface 365g, preferably white leather, which appears
similar to an official MLB baseball, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, cost, baseball
manufacturer's preference, etc., other baseball representations,
such as softballs, plastic material, different color schemes,
different textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0428] Preferably, the container 307g of the baseball
representation 315g further comprises baseball related indicia
(such as "MLB") etc. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as manufacturing, cost, materials, etc., other
representation arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra seams,
colors, non-rawhide, non-symmetric, abnormally sized, abnormally
shaped, alternative indicia, etc., may suffice. Additionally, the
portion of the sports item represented need not be about a
half-portion. For example, various baseball representation 315g
sizes, such as child size, junior, adult, extra large, non-life
size, miniature, etc., may suffice. In addition, alternate
materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather, suede,
metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also,
alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0429] Preferably, the baseball representation 315g is oriented
symmetrically along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0430] Preferably, the container 307g comprises an access assembly
316g. Preferably, access assembly 316g comprises a zipper 328g and
zipper handle 329g, as shown. Preferably, as described above a
zipper tag 950 is attached to zipper handle 329g (not shown).
Preferably, the access assembly 316g opens and closes access to the
interior of the container 307g. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preference, economic considerations, etc.,
other methods of opening and closing access to the container 307g,
for example, snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly
316g is located at the portion of the container 307g nearest the
users waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such
that items stored within the container 307g do not fall out when
access assembly 316g is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316g is
located equidistant between the front portion 312g and the back
portion 314g, as shown.
[0431] FIG. 24b is a front view of the baseball representation 315g
of FIG. 24a. Preferably, front portion 312g comprises container
indicia 331g. Preferably, leg attacher 322g and retractable length
adjuster 324g also comprises indicia 332g. Preferably, container
indicia 331g and/or indicia 332g (and/or zipper tag indicia 952)
comprise baseball related indicia and or advertising indicia. Upon
reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art
will now understand that, considering issues such as marketing,
advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business benefits,
etc., other non-MLB indicia, consistent with other baseball and
softball associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers,
players, and teams, such as the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), International Baseball Association (IBA),
National Softball Association (NSA), Little League Baseball,
Mizuno.TM., Nike.TM., Reebok.TM., Rawlings.TM., Randy Johnson,
Barry Bonds, Lisa Fernandez, New York Yankees, Rice Owls, Team USA,
etc., may suffice.
[0432] Preferably, the waist attacher 320g is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 24c, 24d, and
24e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320g adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0433] Preferably, the waist attacher 320g comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324g. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324g is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 key-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320g at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322g at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324g, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342g,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the baseball representation
315g onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17). Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as user preferences, user size, economic
considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the length of the
baseball leg-pack 302g, such as adjustable bands, stretchable cord
etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the retractable length
adjuster 324g is attached to the container 307g, preferably at a
point directly below the waist attacher 320g, as shown. Preferably,
the cable 342g extends through the exterior portion 344g of the
container 307g, as shown. Preferably, an end cap fixture 346g is
attached to the cable 342g from the interior portion of the
container 307g such that the cable 342g is coupled to the container
307g. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as durability,
retractor/extender function, economics, etc., other methods of
cable attachment, may suffice.
[0434] Preferably, leg attacher 322g comprises a strap 330g, as
shown, which facilitates attaching the baseball representation 315g
to the leg of a user. Preferably, strap 330g comprises attachment
333g, which provides for attachment of the container 307g, to strap
330g, as shown. Preferably, attachment 333g is sewn to both the
strap 330g and the container 307g, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as cost, manufacturing, container
detachability, etc., other attachers, such as buckles, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may suffice.
[0435] Preferably, strap 330g comprises a connector 334g.
Preferably, connector 334g comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, connector 334g comprises clasp portion 336g that fits
into clasp portion 338g, as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 336g
comprises a loop 337g for assisting adjuster 340g (as discussed
below). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0436] Preferably, strap 330g comprises adjuster 340g, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330g.
Preferably, adjuster 340g is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339g that slides along strap 330g, pulling strap 330g tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0437] FIG. 25a is a perspective view of a volleyball leg-pack 302h
of the sports container system 300 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25b is a front view of
the volleyball leg-pack 302h of FIG. 25a. FIG. 25c is a back view
of the volleyball leg-pack 302h of FIG. 25a. FIG. 25d is a top view
of the volleyball leg-pack 302h of FIG. 25a. FIG. 25e is a side
view of the volleyball leg-pack 302h of FIG. 25a.
[0438] Preferably, the volleyball leg-pack 302h comprises a front
portion 312h, a back portion 314h, an access assembly 316h, a waist
attacher 320h, a leg attacher 322h and a retractable length
adjuster 324h, as shown.
[0439] Preferably, front portion 312h comprises a container 307h
resembling, in this embodiment, a 3-dimensional volleyball
representation 315h (or simulation thereof) of an actual
volleyball. Preferably, volleyball leg-pack 302h comprises the
specific details of the sports related item represented, such as
size, shape, material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry,
common indicia, etc. Preferably, the front portion 312h projects
away from the body of the user. Preferably, only a non-full portion
of the volleyball is used, using a circumferentially cut plane, so
as to optimize potential personal item containment space and
provide for a substantially flat back portion 314h, which contours
to the user's body better than a non-body contoured full portion
volleyball. Preferably, substantially flat back portion 314h
provides contour and comfort against the side of the user.
Preferably, back portion 314h comprises an inexpensive,
non-aggravating material. Preferably, the front portion 312h is the
most recognizable portion of the sports item represented. For
example, volleyball representation 315h is preferably made of
material similar to the material from which official Federation of
International Volleyball (FIVB) volleyballs are made, preferably
leather, preferably white leather. Preferably, the volleyball
representation 315h comprises a color scheme similar to the color
scheme of official FIVB volleyballs (for example, white leather and
black seams). Preferably, the volleyball representation 315h is
textured similarly to the smooth leather texture of an official
FIVB volleyball. Preferably, the volleyball representation 315h
comprises seams 368h and volleyball surface 367h, preferably white
leather, which appears similar to an official FIVB volleyball, as
shown in FIG. 25a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, volleyball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other volleyball representations, such as
softballs, plastic material, different color schemes, different
textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0440] Preferably, the container 307h of the volleyball
representation 315h further comprises volleyball related indicia
(such as "FIVB") etc. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as manufacturing, cost, materials, etc., other
representation arrangements, such as fewer seams, extra seams,
colors, non-leather, non-symmetric, abnormally sized, abnormally
shaped, alternative indicia, etc., may suffice. Additionally, the
portion of the sports item represented need not be about a
half-portion. For example, various volleyball representation 315h
sizes, such as child size, junior, adult, extra large, non-life
size, miniature, etc., may suffice. In addition, alternate
materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather, suede,
metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also,
alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0441] Preferably, the volleyball representation 315h is oriented
symmetrically along the leg of a user, as shown in FIG. 17. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preference, size and
dimensions of the sport representation, etc., other orientations,
such as transverse, horizontal, etc., may suffice.
[0442] Preferably, the container 307h comprises an access assembly
316h. Preferably, access assembly 316h comprises a zipper 328h and
zipper handle 329h, as shown. Preferably, as described above a
zipper tag 950 is attached to zipper handle 329h (not shown).
Preferably, the access assembly 316h opens and closes access to the
interior of the container 307h. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preference, economic considerations, etc.,
other methods of opening and closing access to the container 307h,
for example, snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, it is preferable that the access assembly
316h is located at the portion of the container 307h nearest the
users waist, most preferably along an upper portion, as shown, such
that items stored within the container 307h do not fall out when
access assembly 316h is opened. Preferably, access assembly 316h is
located equidistant between the front portion 312h and the back
portion 314h, as shown.
[0443] FIG. 25b is a front view of the volleyball representation
315h of FIG. 25a. Preferably, front portion 312h comprises
container indicia 331h. Preferably, leg attacher 322h and
retractable length adjuster 324h also comprises indicia 332h.
Preferably, container indicia 331h and/or indicia 332h (and/or
zipper tag indicia 952) comprise volleyball related indicia and or
advertising indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-FIVB indicia,
consistent with other volleyball associations, manufacturers,
slogans, advertisers, players, and teams, such as the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), USA Volleyball, Pro Beach
Volleyball, Tachikara, Mazda.TM., Southwest Airlines.TM., Karch
Kiraly, Misty May, UCLA Bruins, Team USA, etc., may suffice.
[0444] Preferably, the waist attacher 320h is a belt clip,
preferably a simple U-shaped clip, as shown in FIGS. 25c, 25d, and
25e. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, durability, economics, etc., other methods of
attaching the waist attacher 320h adjacent the waist of a user,
such as a pant clip, hook and loop material, etc., may suffice.
[0445] Preferably, the waist attacher 320h comprises a retractable
length adjuster 324h. Preferably, the retractable length adjuster
324h is similar to a retractable key chain such as, for example, a
model 15 key-BAC.RTM. key retractor (such as available from Key-BAK
company, P.O. Box 9088, Ontario, Calif. 91762, USA; Phone (909)
923-7800). Preferably, a user can attach the waist attacher 320h at
or about the waist; then attach the leg attacher 322h at or along
the leg, and the retractable length adjuster 324h, preferably
comprising an internal retractor, preferably a cable 342h,
preferably a light-duty steel cable, will extend to provide a
comfortable and secured attachment of the volleyball representation
315h onto the user, as shown (see FIG. 17). Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as user preferences, user size, economic
considerations, etc., other methods of adjusting the length of the
volleyball leg-pack 302h, such as adjustable bands, stretchable
cord etc., may suffice. Preferably, one end of the retractable
length adjuster 324h is attached to the container 307h, preferably
at a point directly below the waist attacher 320h, as shown.
Preferably, the cable 342h extends through the exterior portion
344h of the container 307h, as shown. Preferably, an end cap
fixture 346h is attached to the cable 342h from the interior
portion of the container 307h such that the cable 342h is coupled
to the container 307h. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as durability, retractor/extender function, economics,
etc., other methods of cable attachment, may suffice.
[0446] Preferably, leg attacher 322h comprises a strap 330h, as
shown, which facilitates attaching the volleyball ball
representation 315h to the leg of a user. Preferably, strap 330h
comprises attachment 333h, which provides for attachment of the
container 307h, to strap 330h, as shown. Preferably, attachment
333h is sewn to both the strap 330h and the container 307h, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice.
[0447] Preferably, strap 330h comprises a connector 334h.
Preferably, connector 334h comprises a clasping mechanism.
Preferably, connector 334h comprises clasp portion 336h that fits
into clasp portion 338h, as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 336h
comprises a loop 337h for assisting adjuster 340h (as discussed
below). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other connector arrangements, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-clasps, etc., may suffice.
[0448] Preferably, strap 330h comprises adjuster 340h, as shown,
for tightening or loosening by adjusting the length of strap 330h.
Preferably, adjuster 340h is a traditional adjuster, comprising a
bracket 339h that slides along strap 330h, pulling strap 330h tight
against the leg. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, materials, etc., other adjusters, such as pinching
adjusters, spacers, straps with greater elasticity, Velcro.TM.,
hooks, non-traditional adjusters, etc., may suffice.
[0449] FIG. 26a is a perspective view of a football tote bag 404,
having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system 400
according to a preferred embodiment 402 of the present invention
(embodying herein strap means, attachable to said container means,
for assisting wearable support by the user). FIG. 26b is a front
view of the football tote bag of FIG. 26a. FIG. 26c is a back view
of the football tote bag of FIG. 26a. FIG. 26d is a top view of the
football tote bag of FIG. 26a. FIG. 26e is a side view of the
football tote bag of FIG. 26a. Preferably, the sports container
system 400 comprises a set of tote-bags. Preferably, one of such
tote-bags is football tote-bag 404, as shown in embodiment 402.
Preferably, football tote-bag 404 comprises a front portion 410 and
a back portion 412, as shown (embodying herein container means,
comprising at least one front portion, at least one back portion,
at least one interior portion, and at least one exterior portion,
for containing the items; and embodying herein wherein said at
least one back portion encloses said at least one front
portion).
[0450] Preferably, all the tote-bags 404 of the sports container
system 400 comprises an opening, such as opening 406, for accessing
the interior of the tote-bag 404, as shown. Preferably, every
opening comprises a tensioned closure 408, preferably a purse
closure such as a coin type purse closure (such as available from
www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure is attached to the
tote-bag 404 using stitching 409 (as shown in FIG. 42a). Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as closure manufacturer,
tote-bag material, economic considerations, durability etc., other
methods of attaching the closure to the tote-bag 404, such as
adhesive, etc., may suffice.
[0451] Preferably, tote-bag 404 comprises at least one removable
strap 414, as shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying
by a user. Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432,
preferably quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably
permanently connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped
portion of the strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for
removable attachment of the strap 414 to the tote-bag 404, as shown
(embodying herein strap means, attachable to said container means,
for assisting wearable support by the user). Preferably, the
tote-bag 404 comprises two connectors 434 and 436, preferably
rings, preferably metal rings, preferably permanently attached to
the tote-bag 404, preferably by stitching 442 (embodying herein
attachment means for attaching said strap means to said container
means; and embodying herein connection means for assisting in
securing said strap means to the user). Preferably, the attacher
430 and 432 will couple to the respective connectors 434 and 436
such that the strap will connect to the tote-bag 404, as shown.
[0452] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors, may suffice.
[0453] Preferably, front portion 410 and a back portion 412 of the
tote-bag 404 make up an entire football or football-like
representation. Preferably, the football tote-bag 404 comprises the
specific details of a typical football including size, shape,
material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common
indicia, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use,
economic consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the
football tote-bag, such as adult, child, miniature, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preferences, economic consideration,
advertising, etc., other shapes, materials, colors, textures, seam
arrangements, symmetry, common indicia, etc., may suffice. For
example, alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt,
non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Also, alternative color configurations, such as bright
colors, advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific
colors, non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0454] Preferably, the football tote-bag 404 is made of material
similar to the material from which official footballs are made,
such as National Football League (NFL) footballs, preferably
leather, preferably cowhide leather. Preferably, the football
tote-bag 404 comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme
of official footballs (for example, NFL brown leather, black seams,
white lacing). Preferably, the football tote-bag 404 is textured
similarly to the dimpled or "pebbled" texture of an official
football (NFL, for example). Preferably, the football tote-bag 404
comprises seams 416 and 418 that appear similar to the seams of an
official NFL football, as shown, preferably tightly stitched with
brown threading. Preferably, the football tote-bag 404 comprises
lacing 420 that are similar in pattern and appearance to an
official NFL football, as shown. Preferably, other football marks
and lines, such as lacing line 422, are painted on, as shown. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand, cost,
football manufacturer's preference, etc., other football tote-bag
404 representations, such as college, high school, plastic
material, different color schemes, different textures, different
sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0455] FIG. 26b is a front view of the football tote-bag of FIG.
26a. Preferably, front portion 410 comprises indicia 424.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as that described
above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for example,
zipper tag indicia 952. Preferably, indicia 424 and/or strap
indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise football related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-NFL indicia, consistent with other
football associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers,
players, and teams, such as Canadian Football League (CFL), Arena
Football League (AFL), National Collegiate Athletics Association
(NCAA), Oakland Raiders, Ohio State Buckeyes, Arizona Rattlers,
etc., may suffice.
[0456] Preferably, opening 406 and tensioned closure 408 are
located at the top of the tote-bag 404, as shown, such that items
stored within the tote-bag 404 do not fall out when the closure 408
is opened. Preferably, the opening 406 and tensioned closure 408
are located between the front portion 410 and the back portion 412,
as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other opening 406 and
tensioned closure 408 arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension
brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations for the opening 406 and
tensioned closure 408, multiple openings, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, tote-bag 404 can be used to contain a variety of
objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup, keys,
papers, identification, consumables, and other personal, portable
items, etc. Preferably, tote-bag 404 has pockets, dividers, or
additional container devices, concealed inside tote-bag 404 (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
the tote-bag 404. FIG. 26e is a side view of the football tote-bag
of FIG. 26a. Preferably, the football tote-bag 404 is a
3-dimensional portion of an actual football (embodying herein
wherein said at least one front portion consists essentially of at
least one three-dimensional representation of at least one portion
of at least one chief item used in performing at least one sport;
and embodying herein essentially one-half of the at least one chief
item used in performing at least one sport). Preferably, only a
full portion of the football is used, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a fully
3-dimensional back portion 412, as shown. Preferably, football
tote-bag 404 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other tote-bag 404 configurations, such as
non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
[0457] FIG. 27a is a perspective view of a basketball tote-bag 454,
having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system 400
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
27b is a front view of the basketball tote-bag 454 of FIG. 27a.
FIG. 27c is a back view of the basketball tote-bag 454 of FIG. 27a.
FIG. 27d is a top view of the basketball tote-bag 454 of FIG. 27a.
FIG. 27e is a side view of the basketball tote-bag of FIG. 27a.
Preferably, the sports container system 400 comprises a basketball
tote-bag 454, as shown in embodiment 452. Preferably, basketball
tote-bag 454 comprises a front portion 460 and a back portion 462,
as shown. Preferably, basketball tote-bag 454 comprises an opening
456 for accessing the interior of the basketball tote-bag 454, as
shown (embodying herein access means for providing access to said
at least one interior portion of said container means).
[0458] Preferably, opening 456 comprises a tensioned closure 458,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure is
attached to the basketball tote-bag 454 using stitching 409 (as
shown in FIG. 42a). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the tote-bag 454, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0459] Furthermore, as described above, the basketball tote-bag 454
also preferably comprises at least one removable strap 414, as
shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a user.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432, preferably
quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably permanently
connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped portion of the
strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for removable
attachment of the strap 414 to the basketball tote-bag 454, as
shown. Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454 comprises two
connectors 434 and 436, preferably rings, preferably metal rings,
preferably permanently attached to the basketball tote-bag 454,
preferably by stitching 442. Preferably, the attacher 430 and 432
will couple to the respective connectors 434 and 436 such that the
strap will connect to the basketball tote-bag 454, as shown.
[0460] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors, may suffice.
[0461] Preferably, front portion 460 and a back portion 462 of the
basketball tote-bag 454 make up an entire (full-portion) basketball
or basketball-like representation. Preferably, the basketball
tote-bag 454 comprises the specific details of a typical basketball
including size, shape, material, color, texture, seam arrangement,
symmetry, common indicia, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as use, economic consideration, advertising, etc.,
other sizes of the football tote-bag, such as adult, child,
miniature, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as user preferences, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other shapes, materials, colors,
textures, seam arrangements, symmetry, common indicia, etc., may
suffice. For example, alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic,
felt, non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM.,
etc., may suffice. Also, alternative color configurations, such as
bright colors, advertiser-specific colors, stripes, theme-specific
colors, non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0462] Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454 is made of material
similar to the material from which official basketballs are made,
such as official National Basketball Association (NBA) basketballs
are made, preferably leather. Preferably, the basketball tote-bag
454 comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of
official NBA basketballs (for example, brownish-orange leather and
black seams). Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454 is textured
similarly to the dimpled or pebbled texture of an official NBA
basketball. Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454 comprises seams
468 that appear similar, in pattern and appearance, to the seams of
an official NBA basketball, as shown, preferably tightly stitched
with black threading and sealed with black rubber. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, cost, basketball
manufacturer's preference, etc., other basketball tote-bag 454
representations, such as plastic material, different color schemes,
different textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0463] FIG. 27b is a front view of the basketball tote-bag 454 of
FIG. 27a. Preferably, front portion 460 comprises indicia 474.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as that described
above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for example,
zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown). Preferably, indicia 474 and/or
strap indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise basketball
related indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-NBA indicia,
consistent with other basketball associations, manufacturers,
slogans, advertisers, players, and teams, such as the Women's
National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Collegiate
Athletics Association (NCAA), Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Los
Angeles Lakers, Duke Blue devils, etc., may suffice.
[0464] Preferably, opening 456 and tensioned closure 458 are
located at the top of the basketball tote-bag 454, as shown, such
that items stored within the basketball tote-bag 454 do not fall
out when the closure 458 is opened. Preferably, the opening 456 and
tensioned closure 458 are located between the front portion 460 and
the back portion 462, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 456 and tensioned closure 458 arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 456 and tensioned closure 458, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice. Preferably, basketball tote-bag 454 can be used
to contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit
cards, makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, basketball tote-bag 454
has pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside basketball tote-bag 454 (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within basketball tote-bag
454.
[0465] FIG. 27e is a side view of the of the basketball tote-bag
454 of FIG. 27a. Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454 is a
3-dimensional portion of an actual basketball. Preferably, only a
full portion of the basketball is used, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a fully
3-dimensional back portion 462, as shown. Preferably, basketball
tote-bag 454 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other basketball tote-bag 454 configurations, such as
non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
[0466] FIG. 28a is a perspective view of a soccer ball tote bag
484, having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
28b is a front view of the soccer ball tote-bag 484 of FIG. 28a.
FIG. 28c is a back view of the soccer ball tote-bag 484 of FIG.
28a. FIG. 28d is a top view of the soccer ball tote-bag 484 of FIG.
28a. FIG. 28e is a side view of the soccer ball tote bag 484 of
FIG. 28a.
[0467] Preferably, the sports container system 400 comprises a
soccer ball tote-bag 484, as shown in embodiment 482. Preferably,
soccer ball tote-bag 484 comprises a front portion 490 and a back
portion 492, as shown. Preferably, soccer ball tote-bag 484
comprises an opening 486 for accessing the interior of the soccer
ball tote-bag 484, as shown.
[0468] Preferably, opening 486 comprises a tensioned closure 488,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure
488 is attached to the soccer ball tote-bag 484 using stitching
409, as shown in FIG. 42a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the tote-bag 484, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0469] Furthermore, as described above, the soccer ball tote-bag
484 also preferably comprises at least one removable strap 414, as
shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a user.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432, preferably
quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably permanently
connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped portion of the
strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for removable
attachment of the strap 414 to the soccer ball tote-bag 484, as
shown. Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484 comprises two
connectors 434 and 436, preferably rings, preferably metal rings,
preferably permanently attached to the soccer ball tote-bag 484,
preferably by stitching 442 (embodying herein connection means for
assisting in securing said strap means to the user). Preferably,
the attacher 430 and 432 will couple to the respective connectors
434 and 436 such that the strap will connect to the soccer ball
tote-bag 484, as shown.
[0470] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors, may suffice.
[0471] Preferably, front portion 490 and a back portion 492 of the
soccer ball tote-bag 484 make up an entire (full-portion) soccer
ball or soccer-ball-like representation. Preferably, the soccer
ball tote-bag 484 comprises material similar to the material from
which official Federal International Football (referred to as
soccer in the US) Association (FIFA) soccer balls are made,
preferably leather or synthetic leather. Preferably, the soccer
ball tote-bag 484 comprises a color scheme similar to the color
scheme of official FIFA soccer balls (for example, white leather
optionally comprising colorful abstract or geometric shapes).
Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484 is textured similarly to
the slick and glossy texture of an official FIFA soccer ball.
Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484 comprises seams 498 that
appear similar to the seams of an official FIFA soccer ball, as
shown, preferably stitched with small white threading. Preferably,
the soccer ball tote-bag 484 comprises seams 498 that are similar
in pattern and appearance to an official FIFA soccer ball, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, soccer ball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
soccer ball representations, such as plastic material, different
color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0472] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the soccer ball
tote-bag 484, such as adult, child, miniature, etc., may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, economic consideration, advertising, etc., other
shapes, materials, colors, textures, seam arrangements, symmetry,
common indicia, etc., may suffice. For example, alternate
materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather, suede,
metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also,
alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0473] FIG. 28b is a front view of the soccer ball tote-bag 484 of
FIG. 28a. Preferably, front portion 490 comprises indicia 494.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as that described
above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for example,
zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown). Preferably, indicia 494 and/or
strap indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise soccer
ball related indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-FIFA indicia,
consistent with other soccer and International football
associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and
teams, such as Major League Soccer (MLS), Union of European
Football Associations (UEFA), National Collegiate Athletics
Association (NCAA), Team USA Soccer, North Carolina Tarheels, etc.,
may suffice.
[0474] Preferably, opening 486 and tensioned closure 488 are
located at the top of the soccer ball tote-bag 484, as shown, such
that items stored within the soccer ball tote-bag 484 do not fall
out when the closure 488 is opened. Preferably, the opening 486 and
tensioned closure 488 are located between the front portion 490 and
the back portion 492, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 486 and tensioned closure 488 arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 486 and tensioned closure 488, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice. Preferably, soccer ball tote-bag 484 can be used
to contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit
cards, makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, soccer ball tote-bag 484
has pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside soccer ball tote-bag 484 (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within soccer ball tote-bag
484.
[0475] FIG. 28e is a side view of the soccer ball tote-bag 484 of
FIG. 28a. Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484 is a
3-dimensional portion of an actual soccer ball. Preferably, only a
full portion of the soccer ball is used, so as to optimize
potential personal item containment space and provide for a fully
3-dimensional back portion 492, as shown. Preferably, soccer ball
tote-bag 484 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other soccer ball tote-bag 484 configurations, such as
non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
[0476] FIG. 29a is a perspective view of a racing wheel tote bag
504, having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system
400 according to a preferred embodiment 502 of the present
invention. FIG. 29b is a front view of the racing wheel tote bag
504 of FIG. 29a. FIG. 29c is a back view of the racing wheel tote
bag 504 of FIG. 29a. FIG. 29d is a top view of the racing wheel
tote bag 504 of FIG. 29a. FIG. 29e is a side view of the racing
wheel tote bag 504 of FIG. 29a.
[0477] Preferably, the sports container system 400 comprises a
racing wheel tote bag 504, as shown in embodiment 502. Preferably,
racing wheel tote bag 504 comprises a front portion 510 and a back
portion 512, as shown. Preferably, racing wheel tote bag 504
comprises an opening 506 for accessing the interior of the racing
wheel tote bag 504, as shown.
[0478] Preferably, opening 506 comprises a tensioned closure 508,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure
508 is attached to the racing wheel tote bag 504 using stitching
409, as shown in FIG. 42a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability, etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the tote-bag 504, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0479] Furthermore, as described above, the racing wheel tote bag
504 also preferably comprises at least one removable strap 414, as
shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a user.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432, preferably
quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably permanently
connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped portion of the
strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for removable
attachment of the strap 414 to the racing wheel tote bag 504, as
shown. Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504 comprises two
connectors 434 and 436, preferably rings, preferably metal rings,
preferably permanently attached to the racing wheel tote bag 504,
preferably by stitching 442. Preferably, the attacher 430 and 432
will couple to the respective connectors 434 and 436 such that the
strap will connect to the racing wheel tote bag 504, as shown.
[0480] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors, may suffice.
[0481] Preferably, front portion 510 and a back portion 512 of the
racing wheel tote bag 504 make up an entire (full-portion) racing
wheel or racing wheel-like representation. Preferably, the racing
wheel tote bag 504 comprises material similar to the material from
which official NASCAR racing wheels are made, preferably a
rubber-like material, preferably treadless. Preferably, the racing
wheel tote bag 504 comprises a color scheme similar to the color
scheme of official racing wheels (for example, black rubber, and
black or chrome rims). Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504 is
textured similarly to the smooth processed rubber texture of an
official NASCAR racing wheel.
[0482] Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504 comprises
treadless tire surface 518 and smooth tire body 516, as shown in
FIG. 29a, representing a surface similar to the surface of NASCAR
racing wheels. Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504 comprises
rims 515 that are similar in pattern and appearance to official
NASCAR racing wheels, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, wheel manufacturer's
preference, racer's preference, etc., other racing wheel
representations, such as plastic material, different color schemes,
different treads, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0483] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the racing wheel
tote bag 504, such as scaled sizes to represent the racing
industry, for example quarter-sized, HO-racing size, miniature
size, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preferences, economic consideration,
advertising, etc., other shapes, materials, colors, textures, rim
arrangements, symmetry, common indicia, etc., may suffice. For
example, alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt,
non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Also, alternative color configurations, such as bright
colors, advertiser-specific colors, stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical wheel colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0484] FIG. 29b is a front view of the racing wheel tote bag 504 of
FIG. 29a. Preferably, front portion 510 comprises indicia 514.
Preferably, rear portion 512 also comprises indicia 514.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as that described
above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for example,
zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown). Preferably, indicia 514 and/or
strap indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise racing
related indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-NASCAR indicia,
consistent with other racing associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, racers, and racing crews, such as Formula One, Monster
Truck Racing Association (MTRA), National Hotrod Racing Association
(NHRA), American Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA), Goodyear,
Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty
Wallace, Pennzoil, Penske, Budweiser, Molson, 7-up, etc., may
suffice.
[0485] Preferably, opening 506 and tensioned closure 508 are
located at the top of the racing wheel tote bag 504, as shown, such
that items stored within the racing wheel tote bag 504 do not fall
out when the closure 508 is opened. Preferably, the opening 506 and
tensioned closure 508 are located between the front portion 510 and
the back portion 512, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 506 and tensioned closure 508 arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 506 and tensioned closure 508, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice.
[0486] Preferably, racing wheel tote bag 504 can be used to contain
a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, racing wheel tote bag 504 has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside racing wheel tote bag 504 (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within racing wheel tote bag
504.
[0487] FIG. 29e is a side view of the racing wheel tote bag 504 of
FIG. 29a. Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504 is a
3-dimensional portion of an actual racing wheel. Preferably, only a
full portion of the racing wheel is used, so as to optimize
potential personal item containment space and provide for a fully
3-dimensional back portion 512, as shown. Preferably, racing wheel
tote bag 504 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other racing wheel tote bag 504 configurations, such as
non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may
suffice.
[0488] FIG. 30a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck tote bag
524, having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system
400 according to a preferred embodiment 522 of the present
invention. FIG. 30b is a front view of the hockey-puck tote bag 524
of FIG. 30a. FIG. 30c is a back view of the hockey-puck tote bag
524 of FIG. 30a. FIG. 30d is a top view of the hockey-puck tote bag
524 of FIG. 30a. FIG. 30e is a side view of the hockey-puck tote
bag 524 of FIG. 30a.
[0489] Preferably, the sports container system 400 comprises a
hockey-puck tote bag 524, as shown in embodiment 522. Preferably,
hockey-puck tote bag 524 comprises a front portion 530 and a back
portion 532, as shown. Preferably, hockey-puck tote bag 524
comprises an opening 526 for accessing the interior of the
hockey-puck tote bag 524, as shown.
[0490] Preferably, opening 526 comprises a tensioned closure 528,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure
528 is attached to the hockey-puck tote bag 524 using stitching
409, as shown in FIG. 42a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the tote-bag 524, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0491] Furthermore, as described above, the hockey-puck tote bag
524 also preferably comprises at least one removable strap 414, as
shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a user.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432, preferably
quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably permanently
connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped portion of the
strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for removable
attachment of the strap 414 to the hockey-puck tote bag 524, as
shown. Preferably, hockey-puck tote bag 524 comprises two
connectors 434 and 436, preferably rings, preferably metal rings,
preferably permanently attached to the hockey-puck tote bag 524,
preferably by stitching 442. Preferably, the attacher 430 and 432
will couple to the respective connectors 434 and 436 such that the
strap will connect to the hockey-puck tote bag 524, as shown.
[0492] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors, may suffice.
[0493] Preferably, front portion 530 and a back portion 532 of the
hockey-puck tote bag 524 make up an entire (full-portion) hockey
puck or hockey-puck-like representation. Preferably, the
hockey-puck tote bag 524 comprises of material similar to the
material from which official National Hockey League (NHL) hockey
pucks are made, preferably rubber, preferably hard rubber.
Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524 comprises a color scheme
similar to the color scheme of official hockey pucks (for example,
black rubber, with multicolor indicia). Preferably, the hockey-puck
tote bag 524 is textured similarly to the smooth processed rubber
texture of an official NHL hockey puck, with optional dimpling in
locations where additional stick and ice gripping may be
desired.
[0494] Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524 comprises a smooth
black rubber puck body 540, with a circular indicia region 541, as
shown in FIG. 30a, similar to the surface of NHL hockey pucks.
Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524 comprises an indicia
region 541 similar in pattern and appearance to official NHL hockey
pucks. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, puck manufacturer's preference, etc., other hockey
puck representations, such as plastic material, different color
schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0495] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the hockey-puck
tote bag 524, such as oversized and scaled sizes to represent the
hockey puck, for example ten-times normal hockey puck sized, twenty
times normal hockey puck sized, miniature size, etc., may
suffice.
[0496] FIG. 30b is a front view of the hockey-puck tote bag 524 of
FIG. 30a. Preferably, front portion 530 comprises circular indicia
region 541. Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown
in the above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110).
Preferably, strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as
that described above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for
example, zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown). Preferably, circular
indicia region 541 and/or strap indicia 110 and/or zipper tag
indicia 952 comprise hockey related indicia. Upon reading this
specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, considering issues such as marketing, advertising,
cost, team and player popularity, business benefits, etc., other
non-NHL indicia, consistent with other hockey associations,
manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and teams, such as
the International Hockey League (IHL), Western Hockey League (WHL),
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Budweiser, Pizza
Hut, Mario Lemieux, Dominik Hasek, Detroit Redwings, Michigan
Wolverines, Spokane Chief, etc., may suffice.
[0497] Preferably, opening 526 and tensioned closure 528 are
located at the top 531 of the hockey-puck tote bag 524, as shown,
such that items stored within the hockey-puck tote bag 524 do not
fall out when the closure 528 is opened. Preferably, the opening
526 and tensioned closure 528 are located between the front portion
530 and the back portion 532, as shown. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 526 and tensioned closure 528 arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 526 and tensioned closure 528, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice.
[0498] Preferably, hockey-puck tote bag 524 can be used to contain
a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, hockey-puck tote bag 524 has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside hockey-puck tote bag 524 (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within hockey-puck tote bag
524.
[0499] FIG. 30e is a side view of the hockey-puck tote bag 524 of
FIG. 30a. Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524 is a
3-dimensional hollow portion of an actual hockey puck. Preferably,
only a full-portion-representation of a hockey puck is used, so as
to optimize potential personal item containment space and provide
for a fully 3-dimensional back portion 532, as shown. Preferably,
hockey-puck tote bag 524 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other hockey-puck
tote bag 524 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0500] FIG. 31a is a perspective view of a tennis ball tote bag
544, having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system
400 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31b is a front view of the tennis ball tote bag 544 of FIG.
31a. FIG. 31c is a back view of the tennis ball tote bag 544 of
FIG. 31a. FIG. 31d is a top view of the tennis ball tote bag 544 of
FIG. 31a. FIG. 31e is a side view of the tennis ball tote bag 544
of FIG. 31a.
[0501] Preferably, the sports container system 400 comprises a
tennis ball tote bag 544, as shown in embodiment 542. Preferably,
tennis ball tote bag 544 comprises a front portion 550 and a back
portion 552, as shown. Preferably, tennis ball tote bag 544
comprises an opening 556 for accessing the interior of the tennis
ball tote bag 544, as shown.
[0502] Preferably, opening 556 comprises a tensioned closure 558,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure
558 is attached to the tennis ball tote bag 544 using stitching
409, as shown in FIG. 42a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the tote-bag 544, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0503] Furthermore, as described above, the tennis ball tote bag
544 also preferably comprises at least one removable strap 414, as
shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a user.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432, preferably
quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably permanently
connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped portion of the
strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for removable
attachment of the strap 414 to the tennis ball tote bag 544, as
shown. Preferably, tennis ball tote bag 544 comprises two
connectors 434 and 436, preferably rings, preferably metal rings,
preferably permanently attached to the tennis ball tote bag 544,
preferably by stitching 442. Preferably, the attacher 430 and 432
will couple to the respective connectors 434 and 436 such that the
strap will connect to the tennis ball tote bag 544, as shown.
[0504] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors, may suffice.
[0505] Preferably, front portion 550 and a back portion 552 of the
tennis ball tote bag 544 make up an entire (full-portion) tennis
ball or tennis-ball-like representation. Preferably, the tennis
ball tote bag 544 comprises of material similar to the material
from which official United States Tennis Association (USTA) tennis
balls are made, preferably felt. Preferably, the tennis ball tote
bag 544 comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of
official USTA tennis balls (for example, yellow felt). Preferably,
the tennis ball tote bag 544 is textured similarly to furry felt
texture of an official USTA tennis ball. Preferably, the tennis
ball tote bag 544 comprises seams 562 and yellow felt 563,
appearing similar in pattern and appearance, to the seams of an
official USTA tennis ball, as shown, preferably a white rubber
seal. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, tennis ball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
tennis ball representations, such as plastic material, different
color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0506] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the tennis ball
tote bag 544, such as oversized and scaled sizes to represent the
tennis ball, for example ten-times normal tennis ball sized, twenty
times normal tennis ball sized, normal size, miniature size, etc.,
may suffice.
[0507] FIG. 31b is a front view of the tennis ball tote bag 544 of
FIG. 31a. Preferably, front portion 550 comprises indicia 551.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as that described
above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for example,
zipper tag indicia 952. Preferably, indicia 551 and/or strap
indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise tennis related
indicia (not shown). Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-USTA indicia,
consistent with other tennis ball associations, manufacturers,
slogans, advertisers, and players, such as the Intercollegiate
Tennis Association (ITA), Canadian tennis Association (CTA),
Wilson, Nike, Reebok, Wilson, Prince, Gatorade, Dunlop, Slazenger,
Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova, etc., may suffice.
[0508] Preferably, opening 556 and tensioned closure 558 are
located at the top 561 of the tennis ball tote bag 544, as shown,
such that items stored within the tennis ball tote bag 544 do not
fall out when the closure 558 is opened. Preferably, the opening
556 and tensioned closure 558 are located between the front portion
550 and the back portion 552, as shown. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 556 and tensioned closure 558 arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 556 and tensioned closure 558, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice.
[0509] Preferably, tennis ball tote bag 544 can be used to contain
a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, tennis ball tote bag 544 has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside tennis ball tote bag 544 (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within tennis ball tote bag
544.
[0510] Preferably, the tennis ball tote bag 544 is a 3-dimensional
hollow representation of an actual tennis ball. Preferably, only a
full-portion-representation of a tennis ball is used, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a fully 3-dimensional back portion 552, as shown. Preferably,
tennis ball tote bag 544 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other tennis ball
tote bag 544 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0511] FIG. 32a is a perspective view of a baseball tote bag 574,
having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system 400
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
32b is a front view of the baseball tote bag 574 of FIG. 32a. FIG.
32c is a back view of the baseball tote bag 574 of FIG. 32a. FIG.
32d is a top view of the baseball tote bag 574 of FIG. 32a. FIG.
32e is a side view of the baseball tote bag 574 of FIG. 32a.
[0512] Preferably, the sports container system 400 comprises a
baseball tote bag 574, as shown in embodiment 572. Preferably,
baseball tote bag 574 comprises a front portion 580 and a back
portion 582, as shown. Preferably, baseball tote bag 574 comprises
an opening 576 for accessing the interior of the baseball tote bag
574, as shown.
[0513] Preferably, opening 576 comprises a tensioned closure 578,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure
578 is attached to the baseball tote bag 574 using stitching 409,
as shown in FIG. 42a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the tote-bag 574, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0514] Furthermore, as described above, the baseball tote bag 574
also preferably comprises at least one removable strap 414, as
shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a user.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432, preferably
quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably permanently
connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped portion of the
strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for removable
attachment of the strap 414 to the baseball tote bag 574, as shown.
Preferably, baseball tote bag 574 comprises two connectors 434 and
436, preferably rings, preferably metal rings, preferably
permanently attached to the baseball tote bag 574, preferably by
stitching 442. Preferably, the attacher 430 and 432 will couple to
the respective connectors 434 and 436 such that the strap will
connect to the baseball tote bag 574, as shown.
[0515] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors, may suffice.
[0516] Preferably, front portion 580 and a back portion 582 of the
baseball tote bag 574 make up an entire (full-portion) baseball or
baseball-like representation. Preferably, the baseball tote bag 574
is comprised of material similar to the material from which
official Major League Baseball (MLB) baseballs are made, preferably
leather, preferably, rawhide leather. Preferably, the baseball tote
bag 574 comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of
official MLB baseballs (for example, white leather and red
stitching). Preferably, the baseball tote bag 574 is textured
similarly to the smooth leather texture of an official MLB
baseball. Preferably, the baseball tote bag 574 comprises stitches
586 and white leather 585 that appears similar to an official MLB
baseball, as shown, preferably tightly stitched with red thread.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, baseball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
baseball representations, such as softballs, plastic material,
different color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as use, economic consideration, advertising, etc.,
other sizes of the baseball tote bag 574, such as oversized and
scaled sizes to represent the baseball, for example ten-times
normal baseball sized, twenty times normal baseball sized, normal
sized, miniature sized, etc., may suffice.
[0517] FIG. 32b is a front view of the baseball tote bag 574 of
FIG. 32a. Preferably, front portion 580 comprises indicia 581.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as that described
above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for example,
zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown). Preferably, indicia 581 and/or
strap indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise baseball
related indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-MLB indicia,
consistent with other baseball and softball associations,
manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, players, and teams, such as
the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), International
Baseball Association (IBA), National Softball Association (NSA),
Little League Baseball, New York Yankees, Team USA, etc., may
suffice.
[0518] Preferably, opening 576 and tensioned closure 578 are
located at the top 571 of the baseball tote bag 574, as shown, such
that items stored within the baseball tote bag 574 do not fall out
when the closure 578 is opened. Preferably, the opening 576 and
tensioned closure 578 are located between the front portion 580 and
the back portion 582, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 576 and tensioned closure 578 arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 556 and tensioned closure 558, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice.
[0519] Preferably, baseball tote bag 574 can be used to contain a
variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, baseball tote bag 574 has pockets,
dividers, or additional container devices, concealed inside
baseball tote bag 574 (not shown), to assist a user in organizing
and arranging objects within baseball tote bag 574.
[0520] Preferably, the baseball tote bag 574 is a 3-dimensional
hollow representation of an actual baseball. Preferably, only a
full-portion-representation of a baseball is used, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a fully 3-dimensional back portion 582, as shown. Preferably,
baseball tote bag 574 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other baseball tote
bag 574 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0521] FIG. 33a is a perspective view of a volleyball tote bag,
having detachable straps 414, of the sports container system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
33b is a front view of the volleyball tote bag 604 of FIG. 33a.
FIG. 33c is a back view of the volleyball tote bag 604 of FIG. 33a.
FIG. 33d is a top view of the volleyball tote bag 604 of FIG. 33a.
FIG. 33e is a side view of the volleyball tote bag 604 of FIG.
33a.
[0522] Preferably, the sports container system 400 comprises a
volleyball tote bag 604, as shown in embodiment 602. Preferably,
volleyball tote bag 604 comprises a front portion 610 and a back
portion 612, as shown. Preferably, volleyball tote bag 604
comprises an opening 606 for accessing the interior of the
volleyball tote bag 604, as shown.
[0523] Preferably, opening 606 comprises a tensioned closure 608,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure
578 is attached to the volleyball tote bag 604 using stitching 409,
as shown in FIG. 42a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the tote-bag 604, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0524] Furthermore, as described above, the volleyball tote bag 604
also preferably comprises at least one removable strap 414, as
shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a user.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises an attacher 430 and 432, preferably
quick-connectors as shown, that are preferably permanently
connected to the strap 414, preferably by a looped portion of the
strap 438, preferably riveted 440, to provide for removable
attachment of the strap 414 to the volleyball tote bag 604, as
shown. Preferably, volleyball tote bag 604 comprises two connectors
434 and 436, preferably rings, preferably metal rings, preferably
permanently attached to the volleyball tote bag 604, preferably by
stitching 442. Preferably, the attacher 430 and 432 will couple to
the respective connectors 434 and 436 such that the strap will
connect to the volleyball tote bag 604, as shown.
[0525] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container detachability, etc., other attachers, such
as buckles, Velcro.TM., hooks, non-stitch attachers, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other connectors may suffice.
[0526] Preferably, front portion 610 and a back portion 612 of the
volleyball tote bag 604 make up an entire (full-portion) volleyball
or volleyball-like representation. Preferably, the volleyball tote
bag 604 is comprised of material similar to the material from which
official Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) volleyballs
are made, preferably leather, preferably white leather. Preferably,
the volleyball tote bag 604 comprises a color scheme similar to the
color scheme of official FIVB volleyballs (for example, white
leather and black seams). Preferably, the volleyball tote bag 604
is textured similarly to the smooth leather texture of an official
FIVB volleyball. Preferably, the volleyball tote bag 604 comprises
black seams 616 and white leather 618 that appears similar to an
official FIVB volleyball, as shown in FIG. 33a. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, cost, volleyball
manufacturer's preference, etc., other volleyball representations,
such as plastic material, different color schemes, different
textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the volleyball
tote bag 604, such as adult-sized, child sized, normal sized,
miniature sized, etc., may suffice.
[0527] FIG. 33b is a front view of the volleyball tote bag 604 of
FIG. 33a. Preferably, front portion 610 comprises indicia 611.
Preferably, strap 414 comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
strap 414 may further comprise an access tag such as that described
above in zipper tag 950, and zipper tag indicia, for example,
zipper tag indicia 952 (not shown). Preferably, indicia 611 and/or
strap indicia 110 and/or zipper tag indicia 952 comprise volleyball
related indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-FIVB indicia,
consistent with other volleyball associations, manufacturers,
slogans, advertisers, players, and teams, such as the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), USA Volleyball, Pro Beach
Volleyball, Team USA, etc., may suffice.
[0528] Preferably, opening 606 and tensioned closure 608 are
located at the top 617 of the volleyball tote bag 604, as shown,
such that items stored within the volleyball tote bag 604 do not
fall out when the closure 608 is opened. Preferably, the opening
606 and tensioned closure 608 are located between the front portion
610 and the back portion 612, as shown. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 606 and tensioned closure 608 arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 606 and tensioned closure 608, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice.
[0529] Preferably, volleyball tote bag 604 can be used to contain a
variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, volleyball tote bag 604 has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside volleyball tote bag 604 (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within volleyball tote bag
604.
[0530] Preferably, the volleyball tote bag 604 is a 3-dimensional
hollow representation of an actual volleyball. Preferably, only a
full-portion-representation of a volleyball is used, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a fully 3-dimensional back portion 612, as shown. Preferably,
volleyball tote bag 604 is arranged to so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other volleyball tote
bag 604 configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0531] FIG. 34a is a perspective view of a football tote bag 404*,
having permanently attached handles, of the sports container system
400* according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34b is a front view of the football tote bag 404* of FIG. 34a.
FIG. 34c is a back view of the football tote bag 404* of FIG. 34a.
FIG. 34d is a top view of the football tote bag 404* of FIG. 34a.
FIG. 34e is a side view of the football tote bag 404* of FIG. 34a.
Preferably, the sports container system 400* comprises a set of
tote-bags 404*. Preferably, one of such tote-bags 404* is football
tote-bag 404*, as shown in embodiment 402*. Preferably, football
tote-bag 404* comprises a front portion 410* and a back portion
412*, as shown.
[0532] Preferably, all the tote-bags 404* of the sports container
system 400* comprises an opening, such as opening 406*, for
accessing the interior of the tote-bag 404*, as shown. Preferably,
every opening comprises a tensioned closure 408*, preferably a
purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such as available
from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b). Preferably, the
closure is attached to the tote-bag 404* using stitching 409*, as
shown in FIG. 42b. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material, economic
considerations, durability etc., other methods of attaching the
closure to the totebag 404*, such as adhesive, etc., may
suffice.
[0533] Preferably, tote-bag 404* has a permanently attached strap
414*, as shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a
user. Preferably, strap 414* is permanently attached to the
tote-bag 404*, preferably by stitching 442*.
[0534] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, no straps, four straps etc.,
may suffice.
[0535] Preferably, front portion 410* and a back portion 412* of
the tote-bag 404* make up an entire football or football-like
representation. Preferably, the football tote-bag 404* comprises
the specific details of a typical football including size, shape,
material, color, texture, seam arrangement, symmetry, common
indicia, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use,
economic consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the
football tote-bag, such as adult, child, miniature, etc., may
suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preferences, economic consideration,
advertising, etc., other shapes, materials, colors, textures, seam
arrangements, symmetry, common indicia, etc., may suffice. For
example, alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt,
non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Also, alternative color configurations, such as bright
colors, advertiser-specific colors, `zebra` stripes, theme-specific
colors, non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0536] Preferably, the football tote-bag 404* is made of material
similar to the material from which official footballs are made,
such as National Football League (NFL) footballs, preferably
leather, preferably cowhide leather. Preferably, the football
tote-bag 404* comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme
of official footballs (for example, NFL brown leather, black seams,
white lacing). Preferably, the football tote-bag 404* is textured
similarly to the dimpled or "pebbled" texture of an official
football (NFL, for example). Preferably, the football tote-bag 404*
comprises seams 416* and 418* that appear similar to the seams of
an official NFL football, as shown, preferably tightly stitched
with brown threading. Preferably, the football tote-bag 404*
comprises lacing 420* that are similar in pattern and appearance to
an official NFL football, as shown. Preferably, other football
marks and lines, such as lacing line 422*, are painted on, as
shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, football manufacturer's preference, etc., other
football tote-bag 404* representations, such as college, high
school, plastic material, different color schemes, different
textures, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0537] FIG. 34b is a front view of the football tote-bag of FIG.
34a. Preferably, front portion 410* comprises indicia 424*.
Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia 424* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise football related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-NFL indicia, consistent with other
football associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers,
players, and teams, such as Canadian Football League (CFL), Arena
Football League (AFL), National Collegiate Athletics Association
(NCAA), Ohio State Buckeyes, Arizona Rattlers, etc., may
suffice.
[0538] Preferably, opening 406* and tensioned closure 408* are
located at the top of the tote-bag 404*, as shown, such that items
stored within the tote-bag 404* do not fall out when the closure
408* is opened. Preferably, the opening 406* and tensioned closure
408* are located between the front portion 412* and the back
portion 410*, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other opening 406* and tensioned closure 408* arrangements, such as
snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM., and other locations
for the opening 406* and tensioned closure 408*, multiple openings,
etc., may suffice. Preferably, tote-bag 404* can be used to contain
a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, tote-bag 404* has pockets,
dividers, or additional container devices, concealed inside
tote-bag 404* (not shown), to assist a user in organizing and
arranging objects within tote-bag 404*.
[0539] FIG. 34e is a side view of the football tote-bag of FIG.
34a. Preferably, the football tote-bag 404* is a 3-dimensional
portion of an actual football. Preferably, only a full portion of
the football is used, so as to optimize potential personal item
containment space and provide for a fully 3-dimensional back
portion 114*, as shown. Preferably, football tote-bag 404* is
arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc.,
other tote-bag 404* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0540] FIG. 35a is a perspective view of a basketball tote-bag
454*, having permanently attached handles 414*, of the sports
container system 400* according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 35b is a front view of the basketball
tote-bag 454* of FIG. 35a. FIG. 35c is a back view of the
basketball tote-bag 454* of FIG. 35a. FIG. 35d is a top view of the
basketball tote-bag 454* of FIG. 35a. FIG. 35e is a side view of
the basketball tote-bag of FIG. 35a. Preferably, the sports
container system 400* comprises a basketball tote-bag 454*, as
shown in embodiment 452*. Preferably, basketball tote-bag 454*
comprises a front portion 460* and a back portion 462*, as shown.
Preferably, basketball tote-bag 454* comprises an opening 456* for
accessing the interior of the basketball tote-bag 454*, as
shown.
[0541] Preferably, opening 456* comprises a tensioned closure 458*,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b).
Preferably, the closure is attached to the basketball tote-bag 454*
using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material,
economic considerations, durability etc., other methods of
attaching the closure to the tote-bag 454*, such as adhesive, etc.,
may suffice.
[0542] Preferably, tote-bag 454* has a permanently attached strap
414*, as shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a
user. Preferably, strap 414* is permanently attached to the
tote-bag 454*, preferably by stitching 442*.
[0543] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, four straps etc., may
suffice.
[0544] Preferably, front portion 460* and a back portion 462* of
the basketball tote-bag 454* make up an entire (full-portion)
basketball or basketball-like representation. Preferably, the
basketball tote-bag 454* comprises the specific details of a
typical basketball including size, shape, material, color, texture,
seam arrangement, symmetry, common indicia, etc. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as use, economic consideration,
advertising, etc., other sizes of the football tote-bag, such as
adult, child, miniature, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as user preferences,
economic consideration, advertising, etc., other shapes, materials,
colors, textures, seam arrangements, symmetry, common indicia,
etc., may suffice. For example, alternate materials, such as
rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball
materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also, alternative color
configurations, such as bright colors, advertiser-specific colors,
stripes, theme-specific colors, non-typical ball colors, glittered,
iridescent, etc., may suffice.
[0545] Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454* is made of material
similar to the material from which official basketballs are made,
such as official National Basketball Association (NBA) basketballs
are made, preferably leather. Preferably, the basketball tote-bag
454* comprises a color scheme similar to the color scheme of
official NBA basketballs (for example, brownish-orange leather and
black seams). Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454* is textured
similarly to the dimpled or pebbled texture of an official NBA
basketball. Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454* comprises
seams 468* that appear similar, in pattern and appearance, to the
seams of an official NBA basketball, as shown, preferably tightly
stitched with black threading and sealed with black rubber. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand, cost,
basketball manufacturer's preference, etc., other basketball
tote-bag 454* representations, such as plastic material, different
color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0546] FIG. 35b is a front view of the basketball tote-bag 454* of
FIG. 35a. Preferably, front portion 460* comprises indicia 474*.
Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia 474* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise basketball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-NBA indicia, consistent with other
basketball associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers,
players, and teams, such as the Women's National Basketball
Association (WNBA), National Collegiate Athletics Association
(NCAA), Los Angeles Lakers, Duke Blue devils, Houston Comets, etc.,
may suffice.
[0547] Preferably, opening 456* and tensioned closure 458* are
located at the top of the basketball tote-bag 454*, as shown, such
that items stored within the basketball tote-bag 454* do not fall
out when the closure 458* is opened. Preferably, the opening 456*
and tensioned closure 458* are located between the front portion
460* and the back portion 462*, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other opening 456* and tensioned closure 458*
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
and other locations for the opening 456* and tensioned closure
458*, multiple openings, etc., may suffice. Preferably, basketball
tote-bag 454* can be used to contain a variety of objects, such as
wallets, money, credit cards, makeup, keys, papers, identification,
consumables, and other personal, portable items, etc. Preferably,
basketball tote-bag 454* has pockets, dividers, or additional
container devices, concealed inside basketball tote-bag 454* (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
basketball tote-bag 454*.
[0548] FIG. 35e is a side view of the of the basketball tote-bag
454* of FIG. 35a. Preferably, the basketball tote-bag 454* is a
3-dimensional portion of an actual basketball. Preferably, only a
full portion of the basketball is used, so as to optimize potential
personal item containment space and provide for a fully
3-dimensional back portion 462*, as shown. Preferably, basketball
tote-bag 454* is arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand,
manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other basketball tote-bag
454* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric
arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0549] FIG. 36a is a perspective view of a soccer ball tote bag
484*, having permanently attached handles 414*, of the sports
container system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 36b is a front view of the soccer ball tote-bag
484* of FIG. 36a. FIG. 36c is a back view of the soccer ball
tote-bag 484* of FIG. 36a. FIG. 36d is a top view of the soccer
ball tote-bag 484* of FIG. 36a. FIG. 36e is a side view of the
soccer ball tote bag 484* of FIG. 36a.
[0550] Preferably, the sports container system 400* comprises a
soccer ball tote-bag 484*, as shown in embodiment 482*. Preferably,
soccer ball tote-bag 484* comprises a front portion 490* and a back
portion 492*, as shown. Preferably, soccer ball tote-bag 484*
comprises an opening 486* for accessing the interior of the soccer
ball tote-bag 484*, as shown.
[0551] Preferably, opening 486* comprises a tensioned closure 488*,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b).
Preferably, the closure 488* is attached to the soccer ball
tote-bag 484* using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as closure manufacturer,
tote-bag material, economic considerations, durability etc., other
methods of attaching the closure to the tote-bag 484*, such as
adhesive, etc., may suffice.
[0552] Preferably, tote-bag 484* has a permanently attached strap
414*, as shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a
user. Preferably, strap 414* is permanently attached to the
tote-bag 484*, preferably by stitching 442*.
[0553] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, four straps etc., may
suffice.
[0554] Preferably, front portion 490* and a back portion 492* of
the soccer ball tote-bag 484* make up an entire (full-portion)
soccer ball or soccer-ball-like representation. Preferably, the
soccer ball tote-bag 484* comprises material similar to the
material from which official Federal International Football
(referred to as soccer in the US) Association (FIFA) soccer balls
are made, preferably leather or synthetic leather. Preferably, the
soccer ball tote-bag 484* comprises a color scheme similar to the
color scheme of official FIFA soccer balls (for example, white
leather optionally comprising colorful abstract or geometric
shapes). Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484* is textured
similarly to the slick and glossy texture of an official FIFA
soccer ball. Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484* comprises
seams 498* that appear similar to the seams of an official FIFA
soccer ball, as shown, preferably stitched with small white
threading. Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484* comprises
seams 498* that are similar in pattern and appearance to an
official FIFA soccer ball, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, soccer ball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other soccer ball representations, such as
plastic material, different color schemes, different textures,
different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0555] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the soccer ball
tote-bag 484*, such as adult, child, miniature, etc., may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as user
preferences, economic consideration, advertising, etc., other
shapes, materials, colors, textures, seam arrangements, symmetry,
common indicia, etc., may suffice. For example, alternate
materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt, non-leather, suede,
metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc., may suffice. Also,
alternative color configurations, such as bright colors,
advertiser-specific colors, stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical ball colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0556] FIG. 36b is a front view of the soccer ball tote-bag 484* of
FIG. 36a. Preferably, front portion 490* comprises indicia 494*.
Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia 494* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise soccer ball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-FIFA indicia, consistent with other
soccer and International football associations, manufacturers,
slogans, advertisers, players, and teams, such as Major League
Soccer (MLS), Union of European Football Associations (UEFA),
National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), North Carolina
Tarheels, etc., may suffice.
[0557] Preferably, opening 486* and tensioned closure 488* are
located at the top of the soccer ball tote-bag 484*, as shown, such
that items stored within the soccer ball tote-bag 484* do not fall
out when the closure 488* is opened. Preferably, the opening 486*
and tensioned closure 488* are located between the front portion
490* and the back portion 492*, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other opening 486* and tensioned closure 488*
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
and other locations for the opening 486* and tensioned closure
488*, multiple openings, etc., may suffice. Preferably, soccer ball
tote-bag 484* can be used to contain a variety of objects, such as
wallets, money, credit cards, makeup, keys, papers, identification,
consumables, and other personal, portable items, etc. Preferably,
soccer ball tote-bag 484* has pockets, dividers, or additional
container devices, concealed inside soccer ball tote-bag 484* (not
shown), to assist a user in organizing and arranging objects within
soccer ball tote-bag 484*.
[0558] FIG. 36e is a side view of the soccer ball tote-bag 484* of
FIG. 36a. Preferably, the soccer ball tote-bag 484* is a
3-dimensional portion of an actual soccer ball. Preferably, only a
full portion of the soccer ball is used, so as to optimize
potential personal item containment space and provide for a fully
3-dimensional back portion 492*, as shown. Preferably, soccer ball
tote-bag 484* is arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand,
manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other soccer ball tote-bag
484* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric
arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0559] FIG. 37a is a perspective view of a racing wheel tote bag
504*, having permanently attached handles 414*, of the sports
container system 400* according to a preferred embodiment 502* of
the present invention. FIG. 37b is a front view of the racing wheel
tote bag 504* of FIG. 37a. FIG. 37c is a back view of the racing
wheel tote bag 504* of FIG. 37a. FIG. 37d is a top view of the
racing wheel tote bag 504* of FIG. 37a. FIG. 37e is a side view of
the racing wheel tote bag 504* of FIG. 37a.
[0560] Preferably, the sports container system 400* comprises a
racing wheel tote bag 504*, as shown in embodiment 502*.
Preferably, racing wheel tote bag 504* comprises a front portion
510* and a back portion 512*, as shown. Preferably, racing wheel
tote bag 504* comprises an opening 506* for accessing the interior
of the racing wheel tote bag 504*, as shown.
[0561] Preferably, opening 506* comprises a tensioned closure 508*,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b).
Preferably, the closure 508* is attached to the racing wheel tote
bag 504* using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material,
economic considerations, durability etc., other methods of
attaching the closure to the tote-bag 504*, such as adhesive, etc.,
may suffice.
[0562] Preferably, tote-bag 504* has a permanently attached strap
414*, as shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a
user. Preferably, strap 414* is permanently attached to the
tote-bag 504*, preferably by stitching 442*.
[0563] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, four straps etc., may
suffice.
[0564] Preferably, front portion 510* and a back portion 512* of
the racing wheel tote bag 504* make up an entire (full-portion)
racing wheel or racing wheel-like representation. Preferably, the
racing wheel tote bag 504* comprises material similar to the
material from which official NASCAR racing wheels are made,
preferably a rubber-like material, preferably treadless.
Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504* comprises a color scheme
similar to the color scheme of official racing wheels (for example,
black rubber, and black or chrome rims). Preferably, the racing
wheel tote bag 504* is textured similarly to the smooth processed
rubber texture of an official NASCAR racing wheel.
[0565] Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504* comprises
treadless tire surface 518* and smooth tire body 516*, as shown in
FIG. 37a, representing a surface similar to the surface of NASCAR
racing wheels. Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504* comprises
rims 515* that are similar in pattern and appearance to official
NASCAR racing wheels, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, wheel manufacturer's
preference, racer's preference, etc., other racing wheel
representations, such as plastic material, different color schemes,
different treads, different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0566] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the racing wheel
tote bag 504*, such as scaled sizes to represent the racing
industry, for example quarter-sized, HO-racing size, miniature
size, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as user preferences, economic consideration,
advertising, etc., other shapes, materials, colors, textures, rim
arrangements, symmetry, common indicia, etc., may suffice. For
example, alternate materials, such as rubber, plastic, felt,
non-leather, suede, metal, non-ball materials, Velcro.TM., etc.,
may suffice. Also, alternative color configurations, such as bright
colors, advertiser-specific colors, stripes, theme-specific colors,
non-typical wheel colors, glittered, iridescent, etc., may
suffice.
[0567] FIG. 37b is a front view of the racing wheel tote bag 504*
of FIG. 37a. Preferably, front portion 510* comprises indicia 514*.
Preferably, rear portion 512* also comprises indicia 514*.
Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia 494* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise racing related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-NASCAR indicia, consistent with other
racing associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, racers,
and racing crews, such as Formula One, Monster Truck Racing
Association (MTRA), National Hotrod Racing Association (NHRA),
American Motorcycle Racing Association (AMRA), Goodyear, Ford,
Chevrolet, Toyota, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace,
Pennzoil, Penske, Budweiser, Molson, 7-up, etc., may suffice.
[0568] Preferably, opening 506* and tensioned closure 508* are
located at the top of the racing wheel tote bag 504*, as shown,
such that items stored within the racing wheel tote bag 504* do not
fall out when the closure 508* is opened. Preferably, the opening
506* and tensioned closure 508* are located between the front
portion 510* and the back portion 512*, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other opening 506* and tensioned closure 508*
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
and other locations for the opening 506* and tensioned closure
508*, multiple openings, etc., may suffice.
[0569] Preferably, racing wheel tote bag 504* can be used to
contain a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards,
makeup, keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other
personal, portable items, etc. Preferably, racing wheel tote bag
504* has pockets, dividers, or additional container devices,
concealed inside racing wheel tote bag 504* (not shown), to assist
a user in organizing and arranging objects within racing wheel tote
bag 504*.
[0570] FIG. 37e is a side view of the racing wheel tote bag 504* of
FIG. 37a. Preferably, the racing wheel tote bag 504* is a
3-dimensional portion of an actual racing wheel. Preferably, only a
full portion of the racing wheel is used, so as to optimize
potential personal item containment space and provide for a fully
3-dimensional back portion 512*, as shown. Preferably, racing wheel
tote bag 504* is arranged to so as to appear symmetric. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as market demand,
manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other racing wheel tote bag
504* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions, non-symmetric
arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0571] FIG. 38a is a perspective view of a hockey-puck tote bag
524*, having permanently attached handles 414*, of the sports
container system 400* according to a preferred embodiment 522* of
the present invention. FIG. 38b is a front view of the hockey-puck
tote bag 524* of FIG. 38a. FIG. 38c is a back view of the
hockey-puck tote bag 524* of FIG. 38a. FIG. 38d is a top view of
the hockey-puck tote bag 524* of FIG. 38a. FIG. 38e is a side view
of the hockey-puck tote bag 524* of FIG. 38a.
[0572] Preferably, the sports container system 400* comprises a
hockey-puck tote bag 524*, as shown in embodiment 522*. Preferably,
hockey-puck tote bag 524* comprises a front portion 530* and a back
portion 532*, as shown. Preferably, hockey-puck tote bag 524*
comprises an opening 526* for accessing the interior of the
hockey-puck tote bag 524*, as shown.
[0573] Preferably, opening 526* comprises a tensioned closure 528*,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b).
Preferably, the closure 528* is attached to the hockey-puck tote
bag 524* using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material,
economic considerations, durability etc., other methods of
attaching the closure to the tote-bag 524*, such as adhesive, etc.,
may suffice.
[0574] Furthermore, as described above, preferably, tote-bag 524*
has a permanently attached strap 414*, as shown, preferably long
enough to facilitate carrying by a user. Preferably, strap 414* is
permanently attached to the tote-bag 524*, preferably by stitching
442*.
[0575] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, four straps etc., may
suffice.
[0576] Preferably, front portion 530* and a back portion 532* of
the hockey-puck tote bag 524* make up an entire (full-portion)
hockey puck or hockey-puck-like representation. Preferably, the
hockey-puck tote bag 524* comprises of material similar to the
material from which official National Hockey League (NHL) hockey
pucks are made, preferably rubber, preferably hard rubber.
Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524* comprises a color scheme
similar to the color scheme of official hockey pucks (for example,
black rubber, with multicolor indicia). Preferably, the hockey-puck
tote bag 524* is textured similarly to the smooth processed rubber
texture of an official NHL hockey puck, with optional dimpling in
locations where additional stick and ice gripping may be
desired.
[0577] Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524* comprises a smooth
black rubber puck body 540*, with a circular indicia region 541*,
as shown in FIG. 38a, similar to the surface of NHL hockey pucks.
Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524* comprises an indicia
region 541* similar in pattern and appearance to official NHL
hockey pucks. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, puck manufacturer's preference, etc., other hockey
puck representations, such as plastic material, different color
schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc., may
suffice.
[0578] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the hockey-puck
tote bag 524*, such as oversized and scaled sizes to represent the
hockey puck, for example ten-times normal hockey puck sized, twenty
times normal hockey puck sized, miniature size, etc., may
suffice.
[0579] FIG. 38b is a front view of the hockey-puck tote bag 524* of
FIG. 38a. Preferably, front portion 530* comprises indicia region
541*. Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in
the above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia region 541* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise hockey
related indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, considering
issues such as marketing, advertising, cost, team and player
popularity, business benefits, etc., other non-NHL indicia,
consistent with other hockey associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, players, and teams, such as the International Hockey
League (IHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA), Budweiser, Pizza Hut, Mario Lemieux,
Dominik Hasek, Detroit Redwings, Michigan Wolverines, Spokane
Chief, etc., may suffice.
[0580] Preferably, opening 526* and tensioned closure 528* are
located at the top 531* of the hockey-puck tote bag 524*, as shown,
such that items stored within the hockey-puck tote bag 524* do not
fall out when the closure 528* is opened. Preferably, the opening
526* and tensioned closure 528* are located between the front
portion 530* and the back portion 532*, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other opening 526* and tensioned closure 528*
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
and other locations for the opening 526* and tensioned closure
528*, multiple openings, etc., may suffice.
[0581] Preferably, hockey-puck tote bag 524* can be used to contain
a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, hockey-puck tote bag 524* has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside hockey-puck tote bag 524* (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within hockey-puck tote bag
524*.
[0582] FIG. 38e is a side view of the hockey-puck tote bag 524* of
FIG. 38a. Preferably, the hockey-puck tote bag 524* is a
3-dimensional hollow portion of an actual hockey puck. Preferably,
only a full-portion-representation of a hockey puck is used, so as
to optimize potential personal item containment space and provide
for a fully 3-dimensional back portion 532*, as shown. Preferably,
hockey-puck tote bag 524* is arranged to so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other hockey-puck
tote bag 524* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0583] FIG. 39a is a perspective view of a tennis ball tote bag
544*, having permanently attached handles 414*, of the sports
container system 400* according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 39b is a front view of the tennis ball tote
bag 544* of FIG. 39a. FIG. 39c is a back view of the tennis ball
tote bag 544* of FIG. 39a. FIG. 39d is a top view of the tennis
ball tote bag 544* of FIG. 39a. FIG. 39e is a side view of the
tennis ball tote bag 544* of FIG. 39a.
[0584] Preferably, the sports container system 400* comprises a
tennis ball tote bag 544*, as shown in embodiment 542*. Preferably,
tennis ball tote bag 544* comprises a front portion 550* and a back
portion 552*, as shown. Preferably, tennis ball tote bag 544*
comprises an opening 556* for accessing the interior of the tennis
ball tote bag 544*, as shown.
[0585] Preferably, opening 556* comprises a tensioned closure 558*,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b).
Preferably, the closure 558* is attached to the tennis ball tote
bag 544* using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material,
economic considerations, durability etc., other methods of
attaching the closure to the tote-bag 544*, such as adhesive, etc.,
may suffice.
[0586] Preferably, tote-bag 544* has a permanently attached strap
414*, as shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a
user. Preferably, strap 414* is permanently attached to the
tote-bag 544*, preferably by stitching 442*.
[0587] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, no straps four straps etc., may
suffice.
[0588] Preferably, front portion 550* and a back portion 552* of
the tennis ball tote bag 544* make up an entire (full-portion)
tennis ball or tennis-ball-like representation. Preferably, the
tennis ball tote bag 544* comprises of material similar to the
material from which official United States Tennis Association
(USTA) tennis balls are made, preferably felt. Preferably, the
tennis ball tote bag 544* comprises a color scheme similar to the
color scheme of official USTA tennis balls (for example, yellow
felt). Preferably, the tennis ball tote bag 544* is textured
similarly to furry felt texture of an official USTA tennis ball.
Preferably, the tennis ball tote bag 544* comprises seams 562* and
yellow felt 563*, appearing similar in pattern and appearance, to
the seams of an official USTA tennis ball, as shown, preferably a
white rubber seal. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, tennis ball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other tennis ball representations, such as
plastic material, different color schemes, different textures,
different sizes, etc., may suffice.
[0589] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as use, economic
consideration, advertising, etc., other sizes of the tennis ball
tote bag 544*, such as oversized and scaled sizes to represent the
tennis ball, for example ten-times normal tennis ball sized, twenty
times normal tennis ball sized, normal size, miniature size, etc.,
may suffice.
[0590] FIG. 39b is a front view of the tennis ball tote bag 544* of
FIG. 39a. Preferably, front portion 550* comprises indicia 551*.
Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia 551* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise tennis related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-USTA indicia, consistent with other
tennis ball associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers, and
players, such as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA),
Canadian tennis Association (CTA), Wilson, Nike, Reebok, Wilson,
Prince, Gatorade, Dunlop, Slazenger, Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova,
etc., may suffice.
[0591] Preferably, opening 556* and tensioned closure 558* are
located at the top 561* of the tennis ball tote bag 544*, as shown,
such that items stored within the tennis ball tote bag 544* do not
fall out when the closure 558* is opened. Preferably, the opening
556* and tensioned closure 558* are located between the front
portion 550* and the back portion 552*, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other opening 556* and tensioned closure 558*
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
and other locations for the opening 556* and tensioned closure
558*, multiple openings, etc., may suffice.
[0592] Preferably, tennis ball tote bag 544* can be used to contain
a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, tennis ball tote bag 544* has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside tennis ball tote bag 544* (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within tennis ball tote bag
544*.
[0593] Preferably, the tennis ball tote bag 544* is a 3-dimensional
hollow representation of an actual tennis ball. Preferably, only a
full-portion-representation of a tennis ball is used, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a fully 3-dimensional back portion 552*, as shown. Preferably,
tennis ball tote bag 544* is arranged so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other tennis ball
tote bag 544* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0594] FIG. 40a is a perspective view of a baseball tote bag 574*,
having permanently attached handles 414*, of the sports container
system 400* according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 40b is a front view of the baseball tote bag 574*
of FIG. 40a. FIG. 40c is a back view of the baseball tote bag 574*
of FIG. 40a. FIG. 40d is a top view of the baseball tote bag 574*
of FIG. 40a. FIG. 40e is a side view of the baseball tote bag 574*
of FIG. 40a.
[0595] Preferably, the sports container system 400* comprises a
baseball tote bag 574*, as shown in embodiment 572*. Preferably,
baseball tote bag 574* comprises a front portion 580* and a back
portion 582*, as shown. Preferably, baseball tote bag 574*
comprises an opening 576* for accessing the interior of the
baseball tote bag 574*, as shown.
[0596] Preferably, opening 576* comprises a tensioned closure 578*,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b).
Preferably, the closure 578* is attached to the baseball tote bag
574* using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material,
economic considerations, durability etc., other methods of
attaching the closure to the tote-bag 574*, such as adhesive, etc.,
may suffice.
[0597] Furthermore, as described above, preferably, tote-bag 574*
has a permanently attached strap 414*, as shown, preferably long
enough to facilitate carrying by a user. Preferably, strap 414* is
permanently attached to the tote-bag 574*, preferably by stitching
442*.
[0598] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, four straps etc., may
suffice.
[0599] Preferably, front portion 580* and a back portion 582* of
the baseball tote bag 574* make up an entire (full-portion)
baseball or baseball-like representation. Preferably, the baseball
tote bag 574* is comprised of material similar to the material from
which official Major League Baseball (MLB) baseballs are made,
preferably leather, preferably rawhide leather. Preferably, the
baseball tote bag 574* comprises a color scheme similar to the
color scheme of official MLB baseballs (for example, white leather
and red stitching). Preferably, the baseball tote bag 574* is
textured similarly to the smooth leather texture of an official MLB
baseball. Preferably, the baseball tote bag 574* comprises stitches
586* and white leather 585* that appears similar to an official MLB
baseball, as shown, preferably tightly stitched with red thread.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, cost, baseball manufacturer's preference, etc., other
baseball representations, such as softballs, plastic material,
different color schemes, different textures, different sizes, etc.,
may suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as use, economic consideration, advertising, etc.,
other sizes of the baseball tote bag 574*, such as oversized and
scaled sizes to represent the baseball, for example ten-times
normal baseball sized, twenty times normal baseball sized, normal
sized, miniature sized, etc., may suffice.
[0600] FIG. 40b is a front view of the baseball tote bag 574* of
FIG. 40a. Preferably, front portion 580* comprises indicia 581*.
Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia 581* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise baseball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-MLB indicia, consistent with other
baseball and softball associations, manufacturers, slogans,
advertisers, players, and teams, such as the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA), International Baseball Association
(IBA), National Softball Association (NSA), Little League Baseball,
New York Yankees, Team USA, etc., may suffice.
[0601] Preferably, opening 576* and tensioned closure 578* are
located at the top 571* of the baseball tote bag 574*, as shown,
such that items stored within the baseball tote bag 574* do not
fall out when the closure 578* is opened. Preferably, the opening
576* and tensioned closure 578* are located between the front
portion 580* and the back portion 582*, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other opening 576* and tensioned closure 578*
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
and other locations for the opening 556* and tensioned closure
558*, multiple openings, etc., may suffice.
[0602] Preferably, baseball tote bag 574* can be used to contain a
variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, baseball tote bag 574* has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside baseball tote bag 574* (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within baseball tote bag 574*.
[0603] Preferably, the baseball tote bag 574* is a 3-dimensional
hollow representation of an actual baseball. Preferably, only a
full-portion-representation of a baseball is used, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a fully 3-dimensional back portion 582*, as shown. Preferably,
baseball tote bag 574* is arranged to so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other baseball tote
bag 574* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0604] FIG. 41a is a perspective view of a volleyball tote bag,
having permanently attached handles 414*, of the sports container
system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 41b is a front view of the volleyball tote bag 604*
of FIG. 41a. FIG. 41c is a back view of the volleyball tote bag
604* of FIG. 41a. FIG. 41d is a top view of the volleyball tote bag
604* of FIG. 41a. FIG. 41e is a side view of the volleyball tote
bag 604* of FIG. 41a.
[0605] Preferably, the sports container system 400* comprises a
volleyball tote bag 604*, as shown in embodiment 602*. Preferably,
volleyball tote bag 604* comprises a front portion 610* and a back
portion 612*, as shown. Preferably, volleyball tote bag 604*
comprises an opening 606* for accessing the interior of the
volleyball tote bag 604*, as shown.
[0606] Preferably, opening 606* comprises a tensioned closure 608*,
preferably a purse closure such as a coin type purse closure (such
as available from www.kingskountry.com, as shown in FIG. 42b).
Preferably, the closure 608* is attached to the volleyball tote bag
604* using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material,
economic considerations, durability etc., other methods of
attaching the closure to the tote-bag 604*, such as adhesive, etc.,
may suffice.
[0607] Preferably, tote-bag 604* has a permanently attached strap
414*, as shown, preferably long enough to facilitate carrying by a
user. Preferably, strap 414* is permanently attached to the
tote-bag 604*, preferably by stitching 442*.
[0608] Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
manufacturing, container attachability, etc., other permanent
attachments, such as rivets, staples, chemical welds, heat welds,
etc., may suffice. Furthermore, Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as economics, manufacturing, container detachability,
durability, etc., other permanent connectors, may suffice.
Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as weight
distribution, user preferences, economic considerations, etc., more
than one strap, such as two straps, four straps etc., may
suffice.
[0609] Preferably, front portion 610* and a back portion 612* of
the volleyball tote bag 604* make up an entire (full-portion)
volleyball or volleyball-like representation. Preferably, the
volleyball tote bag 604* is comprised of material similar to the
material from which official Federation of International Volleyball
(FIVB) volleyballs are made, preferably leather, preferably white
leather. Preferably, the volleyball tote bag 604* comprises a color
scheme similar to the color scheme of official FIVB volleyballs
(for example, white leather and black seams). Preferably, the
volleyball tote bag 604* is textured similarly to the smooth
leather texture of an official FIVB volleyball. Preferably, the
volleyball tote bag 604* comprises black seams 616* and white
leather 618* that appears similar to an official FIVB volleyball,
as shown in FIG. 33a. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as market demand, cost, volleyball manufacturer's
preference, etc., other volleyball representations, such as plastic
material, different color schemes, different textures, different
sizes, etc., may suffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art, will
now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as use, economic consideration, advertising, etc.,
other sizes of the volleyball tote bag 604*, such as adult-sized,
child sized, normal sized, miniature sized, etc., may suffice.
[0610] FIG. 41b is a front view of the volleyball tote bag 604* of
FIG. 41a. Preferably, front portion 610* comprises indicia 611*.
Preferably, strap 414* comprises strap indicia as shown in the
above-described Figures (for example, indicia 110). Preferably,
indicia 611* and/or strap indicia 110 comprise volleyball related
indicia. Upon reading this specification, persons of ordinary skill
in the art will now understand that, considering issues such as
marketing, advertising, cost, team and player popularity, business
benefits, etc., other non-FIVB indicia, consistent with other
volleyball associations, manufacturers, slogans, advertisers,
players, and teams, such as the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), USA Volleyball, Pro Beach Volleyball, Team USA,
etc., may suffice.
[0611] Preferably, opening 606* and tensioned closure 608* are
located at the top 617* of the volleyball tote bag 604*, as shown,
such that items stored within the volleyball tote bag 604* do not
fall out when the closure 608* is opened. Preferably, the opening
606* and tensioned closure 608* are located between the front
portion 610* and the back portion 612*, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, manufacturing, materials,
cost, etc., other opening 606* and tensioned closure 608*
arrangements, such as snaps, buckles, tension brackets, Velcro.TM.,
and other locations for the opening 606* and tensioned closure
608*, multiple openings, etc., may suffice.
[0612] Preferably, volleyball tote bag 604* can be used to contain
a variety of objects, such as wallets, money, credit cards, makeup,
keys, papers, identification, consumables, and other personal,
portable items, etc. Preferably, volleyball tote bag 604* has
pockets, dividers, or additional container devices, concealed
inside volleyball tote bag 604* (not shown), to assist a user in
organizing and arranging objects within volleyball tote bag
604*.
[0613] Preferably, the volleyball tote bag 604* is a 3-dimensional
hollow representation of an actual volleyball. Preferably, only a
full-portion-representation of a volleyball is used, so as to
optimize potential personal item containment space and provide for
a fully 3-dimensional back portion 612*, as shown. Preferably,
volleyball tote bag 604* is arranged to so as to appear symmetric.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, manufacturing, materials, cost, etc., other volleyball tote
bag 604* configurations, such as non-symmetric portions,
non-symmetric arrangements, etc., may suffice.
[0614] FIG. 42a is a perspective view illustrating the tote-bag
closure assembly 411 of the sports container system 400 according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42a is
illustrative of closure assemblies 411, (representing, as described
above closure 408, 458, 488, 508, 528, 558, 578 and 608).
Preferably, the closure assembly 411 is a purse closure such as a
coin type purse closure (such as available from
www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure assembly 411 is
attached to each respective tote bag 419 of the sports container
system 400 using stitching 409, as shown in FIG. 42a. Upon reading
the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in
the art, will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as closure manufacturer, tote-bag material,
economic considerations, durability etc., other methods of
attaching the closure to the tote-bag system 400, such as adhesive,
etc., may suffice.
[0615] Preferably, each closure assembly 411 provides access and
closure to an opening 413 to each respective tote-bag 419 of the
sports container system 400 as previously described and shown.
Preferably, each respective closure assembly 411 is tensioned such
that pressing along an end 415 actuates the closure assembly to
open and pressing along a side 417 actuates the closure assembly
411 to close. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as closure
arrangement, operating preferences, dimensions, economics, user
preferences, etc., other methods of opening and closing the closure
assembly 411, such as spring-loaded buttons, button releases,
locks, etc., may suffice.
[0616] FIG. 42b is a perspective view illustrating the tote-bag
closure assembly 411* of the sports container system 400* according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42a is
illustrative of closure assemblies 411*, (representing, as
described above closure 408*, 458*, 488*, 508*, 528*, 558*, 578*
and 608*). Preferably, the closure assembly 411* is a purse closure
such as a coin type purse closure (such as available from
www.kingskountry.com). Preferably, the closure assembly 411* is
attached to each respective tote bag 419* of the sports container
system 400* using stitching 409*, as shown in FIG. 42b. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art, will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as closure manufacturer,
tote-bag material, economic considerations, durability etc., other
methods of attaching the closure to the tote-bag system 400*, such
as adhesive, etc., may suffice.
[0617] Preferably, each closure assembly 411* provides access and
closure to an opening 413* to each respective tote-bag 419* of the
sports container system 400* as previously described and shown.
Preferably, each respective closure assembly 411* is tensioned such
that pressing along an end 415* actuates the closure assembly to
open and pressing along a side 417* actuates the closure assembly
411* to close. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art, will now understand that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as closure
arrangement, operating preferences, dimensions, economics, user
preferences, etc., other methods of opening and closing the closure
assembly 411*, such as spring-loaded buttons, button releases,
locks, etc., may suffice.
[0618] FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic view of a system and method for
selling at least one container system according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, businessperson 801
identifies manufacturers 803 (preferably international
manufacturers) capable of both producing the container system, and
printing out indicia onto container systems. According to an
alternate preferred embodiment, businessperson 801 identifies
international manufacturers 803 capable of producing the container
system, and separate manufacturers capable of printing indicia on
the container system. Preferably, indicia comprises sports-related
indicia. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market demand
etc., other indicia arrangements may suffice, such as, for example,
any type of indicia from anywhere in the world. Preferably, indicia
comprises indicia involving worldwide sport governing associations,
and/or manufacturers, and/or slogans, and/or advertisers, and/or
players, and/or participants, and/or teams, and/or racers, and/or
crews. Indicia may include, for example, indicia 108, and/or
indicia 208, and/or strap indicia 110, and/or strap indicia 210,
and/or zipper tag indicia 952, as herein described.
[0619] Preferably, businessperson 801 selects indicia to be applied
to sport container systems. Preferably, businessperson 801 contacts
international indicia owners 805 (preferably international indicia
owners related to at least one sport) and contracts for a licensing
agreement 807 whereby indicia owner 805 agrees to allow
businessperson 801 to provide end users 802 with sport container
systems displaying the indicia of indicia owner 805 (embodying
herein obtaining at least one license from at least one sports
indicia owner in respect to at least one sports indicia related to
such at least one chief item used in performing such at least one
sport; and embodying herein wherein such sports indicia owner is an
international governing organization for at least one sport).
Preferably, businessperson 801 also contacts indicia owners 805 and
contracts for a licensing agreement 807 whereby indicia owner 805
agrees to allow businessperson 801 to sell sport container systems,
comprising indicia, to international advertisers 804, or directly
to end users 802. Preferably, businessperson 801 makes royalty
payments 816 to indicia owners 805, as shown, according to
licensing agreement 807.
[0620] Preferably, businessperson 801 determines the preferred
specifications 808 (embodying herein specifying at least one design
for at least one container system) of each container system
(preferably suited to the desires of advertisers 804), such as
dimensions, color, materials, and location of indicia on the
container system, etc. Preferably, container systems comprise fanny
packs, and/or backpacks, and/or leg packs, and/or tote bags.
Preferably, indicia is placed on the front of the container
systems. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as market
demand, advertiser request, etc., other indicia arrangements may
suffice, such as, for example, placing indicia anywhere on any
container, anywhere on any strap, anywhere on any accessory, and/or
anywhere on any zipper tag, etc.
[0621] Preferably, businessperson 801 identifies and negotiates a
contract 806 with at least one manufacturer 803 capable of
producing container systems. Preferably businessperson 801 places
orders 809 for container systems, provides the specifications and
designs 808 (hereinafter referred to as "specifications 808"), and
makes payments 810 for container systems which are manufactured and
delivered by manufacturer 803 according to contract 806, as shown.
According to an alternate preferred embodiment, businessperson 801
may manufacture the sport container systems.
[0622] Preferably, specifications 808 include indicia sizes,
colors, and text. Preferably, at the conclusion of contract
negotiations, businessperson 801 provides manufacturer 803
specifications 808 and estimated production quantities. Preferably,
estimated delivery dates of the container systems are provided to
advertiser 804 by business person 801 who receives such information
from manufacturer 803. Preferably, businessperson 801 solicits
orders from advertisers 804 for container systems. Preferably,
businessperson 801 solicits advertisers 804 that are related to
sports. Preferably, businessperson 801 solicits advertisers 804 in
local regional markets (such as, for example, a city, state, etc.),
preferably regional markets with a large market for the associated
sport and/or team/sport indicia, etc. Preferably, businessperson
801 solicits radio stations. Businessperson 801 preferably receives
purchase orders 820, followed by payments 822, from advertisers
804, specifying quantities of particular container systems and
indicia, with desired delivery dates (embodying herein securing at
least one order from the at least one advertiser, having at least
one marketing indicia, for such at least one container system).
Preferably, on receipt of purchase orders 820, and/or upon reaching
a retail agreement 818 with advertiser 804, businessperson 801
preferably orders from manufacturer 803 specific production
quantities of particular container systems, indicia, and desired
delivery dates of finished product 824. Preferably, manufactured
container systems are delivered to advertisers 804 (embodying
herein providing for delivery of such at least one container system
to at least one destination provided by such at least one
advertiser). Preferably, following delivery, advertisers 804 supply
container systems to end users 802, preferably for free as a
promotion (embodying herein providing such at least one container
system to at least one end user for free). Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as market demand, advertising strategy,
etc., other distribution arrangements may suffice, such as, for
example, selling container systems etc.
[0623] Preferably, advertisers 804 preferably remit payment to
businessperson 801 according to agreement 818 (embodying herein
receiving from the at least one advertiser at least one payment for
the at least one indicia displaying container system delivered to
the at least one advertiser). Preferably, businessperson 801
preferably remit payments 810 to manufacturer 803 on confirmation
of delivery to advertiser 804 (embodying herein paying the at least
one manufacturer for the shipped at least one indicia displaying
container system). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, persons of ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
issues such as cost, credit, marketing, distance, etc., alternate
ordering methods, payment methods, sequences of steps, etc., may
suffice. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, persons
of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,
convenience, efficiency, etc., alternate preferred forms of
marketing distribution including, but not limited to, e-commerce
through the Internet, television-based home shopping, catalog
orders, mail orders, etc., may suffice.
[0624] Although applicant has described applicant's preferred
embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the
broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as
diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only
by the below claims as read in connection with the above
specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
References