U.S. patent application number 11/111484 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for bag with insulated beverage pocket.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. Invention is credited to Paul J. Fidrych.
Application Number | 20060239593 11/111484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37398943 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060239593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fidrych; Paul J. |
October 26, 2006 |
Bag with insulated beverage pocket
Abstract
A bag with an insulated beverage pocket includes a bag body
having an interior compartment and an insulated pocket extending
into the interior compartment.
Inventors: |
Fidrych; Paul J.; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
28 STATE STREET
28th FLOOR
BOSTON
MA
02109-9601
US
|
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
One Bowerman Drive
Beaverton
OR
97005
|
Family ID: |
37398943 |
Appl. No.: |
11/111484 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/40 ; 383/109;
383/110; 383/6; 383/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/02 20130101; A45C
3/001 20130101; A45C 2003/007 20130101; A45C 2200/20 20130101; A45C
13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/040 ;
383/110; 383/109; 383/097; 383/006 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/22 20060101
B65D030/22; B65D 33/06 20060101 B65D033/06; B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00; B65D 30/08 20060101 B65D030/08; B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38 |
Claims
1. A bag with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in
combination: a bag body having an interior compartment; an
insulated pocket extending into the interior compartment.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the insulated pocket comprises a
first outer layer exposed to the interior compartment, a second
inner layer exposed to an interior of the pocket, and a third layer
sandwiched between the first and second layers.
3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the first layer is formed of
polyester.
4. The bag of claim 2, wherein the second layer is formed of
PVC.
5. The bag of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of an
insulating material.
6. The bag of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of
EPE.
7. The bag of claim 2, further comprising a retaining member
connecting the insulated pocket to the bag body.
8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises an
elongate length of webbing having a first end connected to the
insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the bag
body.
9. The bag of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises a
pair of elongate lengths of webbing, each length of webbing having
a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second
end connected to the bag body.
10. The bag of claim 7, wherein the insulated pocket extends
inwardly at an acute angle from a sidewall of the bag body.
11. The bag of claim 10, wherein the retaining member retains the
insulated pocket at the acute angle with respect to the sidewall of
the bag body.
12. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a cover releasably
secured about an opening of the insulated pocket.
13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the cover is secured to the pocket
with a zipper.
14. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a carrying strap
connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body.
15. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a handle connected to
the bag body.
16. A bag with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in
combination: a bag body having an interior compartment; a carrying
strap connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body; an
insulated pocket extending from a sidewall of the bag body at an
angle into the interior compartment; a retaining member having a
first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured
to the sidewall; and a cover for the insulated pocket and secured
about an opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper.
17. The bag of claim 16, wherein the retaining member comprises a
length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated
pocket and an opposed second end connected to the bag body.
18. The bag of claim 16, wherein the retaining member comprises a
pair of lengths of webbing, each length of webbing having a first
end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end
connected to the bag body.
19. A bag with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in
combination: a bag body having an interior compartment; a handle
connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body; an insulated
pocket extending from a sidewall of the bag body at an angle into
the interior compartment; a retaining member having a first end
secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the
sidewall; and a cover for the insulated pocket and secured about an
opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to bags, and, in
particular, to bags having an insulated beverage pocket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bags for carrying items such as books, clothing, and other
personal items are well known. Many types of bags are available
including, for example, backpacks, duffel bags, messenger bags,
tote bags, etc. Such bags typically comprise a body having a large
central compartment into which the items are placed. Additional
compartments may also be provided to separate items within the
central compartment, and external pockets may be provided to
provide additional storage.
[0003] It is often desirable for user's of a bag to carry beverages
within the bag, especially when the user is engaged in strenuous
activities, such as hiking, climbing, skateboarding, etc. Having
water or another beverage available helps the user avoid
dehydration, and having the beverage in the bag provides a
convenience for the user.
[0004] European Patent No. 0 541 032 to Kullmann discloses a
backpack having a receptacle compartment in a lower portion of the
backpack. The receptacle compartment is accessed from a side of the
backpack. The receptacle compartment is strengthened by a
stiffening unit, such as a plastic tube, or a braided metal or
plastic cylinder. The stiffening unit is intended to prevent other
objects that are located in the backpack from compressing the
receptacle compartment. Kullman is limiting in that whether or not
the receptacle compartment is housing a beverage, the compartment
still occupies the same amount of space in the backpack, which is
highly inefficient. Additionally, the receptacle compartment
provides no insulative properties for the beverage held in the
compartment.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,045 to Hodosh et al. discloses an
insulated container having a receptacle positioned in a top or side
of the container. A partially opened container may be housed in the
receptacle and kept warm or cold by being exposed to a thermal
energy storage medium, such as ice or a heated member housed within
the container.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag
that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent
in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is,
those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of
technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention
and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.
SUMMARY
[0007] The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to
provide a bag with an insulated beverage pocket. In accordance with
a first aspect, a bag with an insulated beverage pocket includes a
bag body having an interior compartment and an insulated pocket
extending into the interior compartment.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect, a bag with an insulated
beverage pocket includes a bag body having an interior compartment.
A carrying strap is connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag
body. An insulated pocket extends from a sidewall of the bag body
at an angle into the interior compartment. A retaining member has a
first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured
to the sidewall. A cover for the insulated pocket is secured about
an opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper.
[0009] In accordance with a further aspect, a bag with an insulated
beverage pocket includes a bag body having an interior compartment.
A handle is connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body. An
insulated pocket extends from a sidewall of the bag body at an
angle into the interior compartment. A retaining member has a first
end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the
sidewall. A cover for the insulated pocket is secured about an
opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper.
[0010] Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a bag with an
insulated beverage pocket. In particular, a bag with an insulated
beverage pocket helps a user to maintain a beverage at a desired
temperature, while allowing other items to be carried in the
interior compartment. In certain embodiments, the insulated pocket
prevents condensation from affecting other items carried in the
bag.
[0011] These and additional features and advantages of the
invention disclosed here will be further understood from the
following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a bag with an insulated beverage
pocket in accordance with certain embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a section view, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1,
showing a bottle positioned in the insulated beverage pocket.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a section view of the bag of FIG. 1, shown with
the insulated beverage pocket empty and in a collapsed
condition.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a bag
with an insulated beverage pocket.
[0016] FIG. 5 is section view of a portion of a sidewall of the
insulated beverage pocket of the bag of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of a
bag with an insulated beverage pocket.
[0018] The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to
scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the
invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features
of the bag with an insulated beverage pocket depicted in the
drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to
facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference
numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical
components and features shown in various alternative embodiments.
Bags with an insulated beverage pocket as disclosed herein, would
have configurations and components determined, in part, by the
intended application and environment in which they are used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A
bag 10 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3. In the illustrated embodiment, bag
10 is a duffel bag or gym bag, having a substantially cylindrical
configuration. Bag 10 has a side wall 12, a closed first end 14 and
an opposed open second end 16.
[0020] Bag 10 includes a main compartment 18, a second compartment
20 positioned between main compartment 18 and first end 14, and a
third compartment 22 positioned between main compartment 18 and
open second end 16. An interior wall 19 separates main compartment
18 from second compartment 20, and another interior wall 21
separates main compartment 18 from third compartment 22. In certain
embodiments, grommets 24 are provided in sidewall 12 proximate
second end 16, through which a cord 26 extends, allowing third
compartment 22 to be cinched closed. A fastener 27 on cord 26
allows cord 26 to be secured in a desired position, allowing third
compartment 22 to be securely closed. In other embodiments, cord 26
can be concealed from view, such as by positioning it in a sleeve
formed in sidewall 12. Grommets 24 would naturally not be needed in
such an embodiment.
[0021] A zipper 28 positioned about a flap 30 provides access to
main compartment 18. A handle 32 is secured to sidewall 12 for hand
carrying of bag 10. A carrying strap such as a shoulder strap 34 is
also secured to sidewall 12 for carrying bag 10.
[0022] Unless otherwise stated, or otherwise clear from the context
below, directional terms used herein, such as inwardly, outwardly,
downwardly, upwardly, etc., refer to directions relative to bag 10
itself. Bag 10 is shown in FIG. 1 to be disposed substantially
horizontally, as it would be when positioned on the ground or the
floor. However, it is to be appreciated that bag 10 need not be
limited to such an orientation, since bag 10 could at times be in
any other position. Inwardly, when used herein is a direction from
an exterior of bag 10 toward an interior of bag 10. Naturally,
outwardly is a direction from the interior toward the exterior of
bag 10.
[0023] As illustrated here, the interior of bag 10 is subdivided
into smaller compartments. It is to be appreciated that additional
external pockets may be added to bag 10 in order to keep various
items separate from one another, thereby providing easy access to
frequently used items, and allowing for the proper weight
distribution and comfort to the wearer.
[0024] Although bag 10 is illustrated here in a substantially
cylindrical configuration, it is to be appreciated that bag 10 may
have any desired configuration. For example, bag 10 may be cubic
with six sides or panels, namely, a top, a bottom, two sides and
two ends. Bag 10 can comprise fewer or more sides or panels and be
within the scope of the invention. For instance, each of the top,
bottom, sides and ends can be comprised of one continuous piece of
fabric with no actual seams or junctures. Alternatively, bag 10
could even be formed with more than six panels or sides and
corresponding seams or junctures therebetween.
[0025] The panels making up bag 10, as well as the straps and other
components, can naturally comprise a number of natural or synthetic
materials. Natural fabric such as leather, cotton (especially
canvas or single-filled duck) and the like may be useful for
certain applications. Exemplary materials are synthetic fabrics
made from thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene, polyvinyl
chloride, polyamide (such as nylon), polyethylene, polyester, etc.
In certain preferred embodiments, nylon is used, which can be
textured for breathability, wear-resistance, and waterproofed with
materials such as silicone elastomers and the like. Particularly
useful is a type of nylon known as Cordura (provided by E.I. du
Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del.). Multiple or composite
layer configurations as are well-known in the art, in which a
tougher, more durable weave comprises an outer layer while a
lighter, thinner, and more flexible inner weave comprises an inner
layer. Some of these materials known in the industry, such as
Gore-Tex (provided by W.L. Gore & Associates, Newark, Del.),
Tri-Shield (provided by Tri-Seal International, Blauvelt, N.Y.),
Spandura (provided by H. Warsaw & Sons, New York, N.Y.), etc.
can be used as appropriate.
[0026] An insulated pocket 36 extends inwardly into main
compartment 18. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket 36 is formed
in sidewall 12 of bag 10. It is to be appreciated that pocket 36
may be positioned in other locations in bag 10 including, for
example, in first end 14. Insulated pocket 36 includes a wall 38
and a bottom 40. In various embodiments, pocket 36 has a
cylindrical profile, which could be circular or oval, allowing a
beverage container, such as a bottle 42 to be easily received in
pocket 36. In other various embodiments, pocket 36 could have other
shapes, such as rectangular, and other such shapes are considered
to be within the scope of the present invention.
[0027] With respect to pocket 36, the term inwardly refers to a
direction from an exterior of pocket 36 toward the interior of
pocket 36. Outwardly is a direction from the interior of pocket 36
toward an exterior of pocket 36. Accordingly, inner, when used with
respect to pocket 36, refers to the interior, or interior side or
surface, of pocket 36, and outer refers to the exterior, or
exterior side or surface, of pocket 36.
[0028] In certain embodiments, pocket 36 angles downwardly into
main compartment 18, and is secured to main compartment 18 by a
retaining member, such as elongate lengths of webbing 44, 46.
Angling pocket 36 downwardly helps ensure that any fluid that might
spill from bottle 42, or condensation from the exterior of bottle
42, will be retained in pocket 36. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-3,
lengths of webbing 44, 46 extend inwardly at an angle from sidewall
12 to pocket 36. Consequently, lengths of webbing 44, 46 act to
keep pocket 36 from moving further inwardly into the interior of
bag 10, but allow pocket 36 to move outwardly toward sidewall 12,
as seen in FIG. 3, where pocket 36 is seen in an empty and
collapsed, or compressed condition. Allowing pocket 36 to compress
is advantageous since more space is available in main compartment
18 when pocket 36 is not holding a beverage and is in its collapsed
or compressed condition. In certain preferred embodiments, there
are no lengths of webbing extending between pocket 36 and sidewall
12.
[0029] As illustrated here, the opening of pocket 36 is secured
with a fastener such as a zipper 48. In other embodiments, as
illustrated in FIG. 4, a cover 50 is secured about the opening of
pocket 36. Cover 50 is preferably releasably closed about pocket 36
by a fastener, such as zipper 52. It is to be appreciated that
zippers 48, 52 may be waterproof zippers.
[0030] Pocket 36 is insulated so as to keep bottle 42 cool or warm
for the user. Wall 38, bottom 40 and cover 50 are all preferably
insulated. An embodiment of the construction of pocket 36 is
illustrated in FIG. 5, in which the composition of wall 38 is
shown. As seen here, wall 38 is formed of a first outer layer 54
that forms the exterior surface of pocket 36 and is exposed to main
compartment 18. Outer layer 54 may be formed of the same material
as the remainder of main compartment 18. Suitable materials for
outer layer 54 include polyester, nylon, and canvas. Other suitable
materials for outer layer 54 will become readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0031] A second inner layer 56 forms the interior surface of pocket
36 and, therefore, is exposed to the interior of pocket 36. In
various embodiments, inner layer 56 is formed of a waterproof
material so as to help contain moisture within pocket 36. Thus, if
liquid were to spill from a beverage container held in pocket 36,
the liquid would tend to be contained within pocket 36. Similarly,
any condensation from the exterior surface of a beverage container
in pocket 36 would also tend to be contained within pocket 36.
Inner layer 56 may be formed of, for example, polyvinylchloride
(PVC), polyester, or other thin-sheet plastics. Other suitable
materials for inner layer 56 will become readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0032] A third insulating layer 58 is sandwiched between outer
layer 54 and inner layer 56. Insulating layer 58 provides the
insulative properties that help maintain the beverage at a desired
temperature. In some embodiments, insulating layer 58 is formed of
a foam, such as enhanced polyethylene (EPE). Insulating layer 58
may also be formed of, for example, polyester, or other foamed
insulating materials. Other suitable materials for insulating layer
58 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given
the benefit of this disclosure.
[0033] As described here, insulated pocket 36 is formed of three
layers. However, it is to be appreciated that pocket 36 may be
formed fewer or greater than three layers, and embodiments with
fewer or greater than three layers are considered to be within the
scope of the present invention.
[0034] Various embodiments of a bag incorporate a slingback bag 60,
as seen in FIG. 6. Slingback bag 60 has a carrying strap such as a
shoulder strap 62 and is primarily designed to be carried over the
shoulder and about the body of the user. Slingback bag 60 has an
interior compartment 64 in which items can be carried. As described
above with respect to bag 10, slingback bag 60 has a zipper 48
providing access to pocket 36, which is suspended within interior
compartment 64.
[0035] It is to be appreciated that the types and shapes of the
bags described above are merely exemplary and that bags of any type
or shape are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and
description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this
area of technology will readily understand that various
modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from
the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and
adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.
* * * * *