U.S. patent application number 11/627975 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for sports equipment bag, organizer and ventilator.
Invention is credited to Kenneth Buck Albritton.
Application Number | 20070119883 11/627975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25542009 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Albritton; Kenneth Buck |
May 31, 2007 |
Sports equipment bag, organizer and ventilator
Abstract
A bag includes a back wall having a hook accommodating the
hanging of the bag when opened, a plurality of compartments on a
front surface of the back wall, the plurality of compartments
having a front portion being of a mesh material accommodating a
view of the objects and a circulation of air within the
compartments. The compartments can have shelves projecting from the
back wall to accommodate the objects. The wall can be folded or
rolled to close the back wall into the bag for carrying by the
handles through hands or on a back of a user. A locking bar on a
zipper enclosing the bag can be used to secure the bag to a
locker.
Inventors: |
Albritton; Kenneth Buck;
(Ashland, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAXVALUEIP CONSULTING
11204 ALBERMYRTLE ROAD
POTOMAC
MD
20854
US
|
Family ID: |
25542009 |
Appl. No.: |
11/627975 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09995615 |
Nov 29, 2001 |
|
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11627975 |
Jan 28, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/153 ;
224/584 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2003/007 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C 7/0095 20130101; A45C 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/153 ;
224/584 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/02 20060101
A45F004/02; A45F 4/00 20060101 A45F004/00; A45C 15/00 20060101
A45C015/00 |
Claims
1. A backpack, wherein said backpack comprising: a first section;
and a second section; wherein, in the closed position, said first
section is folded on said second section, and wherein, in the open
position, said first section is unfolded away from said second
section, and array of one or more pockets, compartments, or
enclosures within said first section or within said second section
become accessible to a user.
2. A backpack, wherein said backpack comprising: a first section;
and a second section; wherein, in the closed position, said first
section is folded on said second section, and wherein, in the open
position, said first section is unfolded away from said second
section, and a hook becomes accessible to be used to hang said
backpack.
3. A backpack, wherein said backpack comprising: a first section;
and a second section; wherein, in the closed position, said first
section is folded on said second section, wherein, in the open
position, said first section is unfolded away from said second
section, and wherein one or more pockets, compartments, or
enclosures are accessible both from one side of said backpack in
said closed position and from inside of said backpack in said open
position.
4. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said array of one or
more pockets, compartments, or enclosures are made of mesh or
net-shaped material.
5. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said array of one or
more pockets, compartments, or enclosures are made of a material
suitable for ventilation or air circulation.
6. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said array of one or
more pockets, compartments, or enclosures are made of a fully or
partially transparent material.
7. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein any object in said
array of one or more pockets, compartments, or enclosures is
visible, if said backpack is in said open position.
8. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said array of one or
more pockets, compartments, or enclosures are made of an elastic or
flexible material.
9. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said array of one or
more pockets, compartments, or enclosures are expandable.
10. A backpack as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more zippers.
11. A backpack as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more handles.
12. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said backpack stores
one or more wet objects.
13. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said backpack stores
one or more sport-related objects.
14. A backpack as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more locking bars.
15. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said backpack is
secured to a locker.
16. A backpack as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more straps.
17. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said backpack is
attached to the back of a user.
18. A backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein said backpack is
resistant to the odor, mold, or mildew.
19. A backpack as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more security features.
20. A backpack as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more fasteners.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application makes reference to, incorporates the same
herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
from a provisional application entitled Sports Equipment
Bag-Organizer and Ventilator earlier filed under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.111(b) in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 14
Dec. 2000 and there duly assigned Ser. No. 60/255,060, and a
disclosure document entitled Sports Equipment Organizer with
Locking Device on 22 Mar. 2001and there duly assigned Disclosure
Document No. 490860.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a sports equipment bag, and
more particularly, to a bag for organizing sports equipment and
related articles while providing ventilation for the sports
equipment and the related articles.
[0004] 2 . Description of the Background Art
[0005] In athletic activities such as hockey, baseball, football,
or inline skating, a person may have to carry uniforms, a face
mask, helmets, knee pads, and other assorted sports equipment. The
assorted equipment have usually been just placed in a bag where it
has been difficult to take out the sometimes heavy and cumbersome
equipment and also to perform a visual inventory of the bag.
Another problem with the earlier sports equipment bags was that the
equipment and clothing articles related to the sports accumulated
perspiration. The bag would cause an increased odor because of the
lack of proper ventilation. The damp garment, sports, and athletic
equipment, boots and shoes were dried out on purchased racks or
spread around on the floor or on furniture. Garments and sports
equipment that retain water will mold, mildew, and develop
unpleasant odors without adequate air circulation. Equipment in a
bag should be dried out, so there is an aggravation of removing
equipment from the bag to dry the equipment because if the
equipment is left in the bag, there can be damage to equipment if
the equipment cannot fully dry. It is a cumbersome process of
taking the equipment out of the bag. Unloading the conventional
sports bag and placing the items around an area to allow for
air-drying is time consuming, visually unpleasant, and consumes
space. This procedure also increases the chance of misplacing an
item and leaving it behind. Conventionally vented bags offer
limited benefit due to the density of equipment obstructing air
penetration inside the bag.
[0006] A travel and sports organizer bag, equipped with a method of
air circulation is needed to effectively air dry articles without
complex and expensive structures as well as being an organization
and space saving tool that allows for quick and easy use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object to have a bag that can effectively
air dry articles without complex and expensive structures as well
as being an organization and space saving tool.
[0008] It is another object to have a bag that can have the
contents viewed quickly for use.
[0009] It is yet another object to have a bag that can be locked
quickly to a locker without extensive extra parts.
[0010] It is still yet another object to have a bag that can
ventilate while being in a closed position.
[0011] It is yet another object to have a bag that can ventilate
while being in an open or folded position.
[0012] It is another object to have a bag that can be easily hung
up to allow a flat view of the contents.
[0013] It is yet another object to save time by being able to hang
up all contents of a bag at the same time.
[0014] It is still another object to have a bag that can organize
objects in a bag in a systematic manner.
[0015] It is another object to have objects organized in a single
plane.
[0016] To accomplish the above and other objectives, the present
invention provides a bag including a back wall having a hook
accommodating the hanging of the bag when opened, a plurality of
compartments on a front surface of the back wall, the plurality of
compartments having a front portion being of a mesh or netted
material accommodating a view of the objects and a circulation of
air within the compartments. The compartments can have shelves
projecting from the back wall to accommodate the objects. The wall
can be folded or rolled to close the back wall into the bag for
carrying by the handles through hands or on a back of a user. The
bag may include a locking bar or another object designed to prevent
removal of the bag (connection accommodating the bag to lock) on a
zipper enclosing the bag that can be used to secure the bag to a
locker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] A more complete appreciation of this invention, and many of
the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols indicate the
same or similar components, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the object holder of a bag
in an opened flat position;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a view of a bag having the object holder of FIG. 1
folded up and having handles for hand carrying;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a view of a bag having straps attached to the
object holder of FIG. 1 folded to provide a backpack;
[0021] FIG. 4 is view of another embodiment having the object
bolder of FIG. 1 connected to the inside portion of a container
portion of the bag;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an object holder of another
embodiment in an opened position;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the object holder of FIG. 5 in a
closed position and secured to a locker;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a backpack having the object
holder in a closed position;
[0025] FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a backpack in an open
position;
[0026] FIG. 9 is another embodiment of a handbag in an open
position;
[0027] FIG. 10 is the backpack of FIG. 8 in a closed position;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a strap of the backpack of FIG. 8;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the bag of FIG. 5 in an open
position;
[0030] FIG. 13 is another embodiment of the opening of the bag of
FIG. 5;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a view of a loop in the bag of FIG. 5;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the backpack of FIG. 8 having
wheels;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a view of the bag of FIG. 9 in the closed
position with loops for attaching hanging hook for secure
closing;
[0034] FIG. 17 is view of the backpack of FIG. 10 having a mesh
sidewall;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a view of a bag folded in reverse; and
[0036] FIG. 19 is a view of a bag accommodating longer items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Turning now to the drawings, as seen in FIG. 1, an object
holder 10 can be hung by a hook 12 on to a locker or other
stationary area so that the equipment and other articles can be
easily seen and used. The object holder 10 can be a bag itself or
an insert within another bag. The object holder 10 does not
necessarily have to hang vertically or hang at all. The object
holder 10 can also be positioned on top of a bench or on a floor
horizontally to allow for access to the equipment or any other
position where the equipment or objects held by the object holder
10 can be viewed. Objects such as sports equipment, clothing,
shoes, boots, ice skates, ski boots, and other objects can be
placed in the different compartments of the object holder 10.
[0038] The object holder 10 can be made of canvas, vinyl such as
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), plastic, other types of polyester or
fabric material that allows for folding or rolling up for storage.
The object holder 10 can be made of flexible material.
[0039] The compartments, or chambers are built into the object
holder 10 to accommodate objects to be organized and dried. The
chambers or compartments can be expanded to accommodate the
articles. One or more zippers 22 or a hook 12 and loop 120,
releasable fasteners 34 or velcro along the top of the bag function
to close the bag and allow access into the bag chambers to
facilitate the introduction of articles into the bag chamber and
removal of the articles from the bag. In FIG. 1 for example, a
mouth piece 18 is placed in the upper left compartment 20, while
the upper right compartment 26 can hold articles such as a puck 24.
Both the upper left 20 and upper right 26 compartments can be
closed by using zippers 22. Other types of devices other than
zippers 22 may be used to close the top compartments. Since the
articles are small, the zippers or other similar fasteners help to
close the upper left and right compartments 20 and 26.
[0040] A third compartment 30 below the upper compartments 22 and
26 may have equipment such as hockey gloves 32. The third
compartment 30 may have fasteners 34 allowing for quick access to
the hockey gloves 32. A clasp or other fastener 34 can be
sufficient for holding the items because when folded, the pressure
of the items will hold the items in place. Elastic bands may be
used with the snap fasteners 34 to allow for the pocket to be
stretched out while placing equipment inside. A portion or all of
top border 36 can be of an elastic or resilient material. Velcro
may also be used in place of the snap fasteners 34. The top border
area 36 which is open for access to the gloves 32 when the fastener
34 is open. However, when the fastener 34 is closed, the top border
area 36 is pulled closer to the back portion or wall 16, thereby
preventing articles such as the gloves 32 from releasing from the
third compartment 30. The bag can be without fastener 34 because
once the bag is closed, the pressure of the equipment or gear
against each other can prevent articles from falling out.
[0041] A fourth compartment 38 disposed below the third compartment
30 is made similar to the third compartment 30. A mesh (netted)
material 14 is stitched or connected in some other manner to the
border material 40. The border material 40 can be stitched or
through another method connected with the back wall 16 of the
object holder 10 made of material such as canvas. The upper border
material 42 is not connected to the back wall 16, thus allowing
access to equipment within the compartment. The compartments can be
varied in terms of the size, quantity and location within the bag
depending on the sport or activity.
[0042] The mesh (netted) material 14 allows for a person to easily
locate an equipment item and the mesh also provides for ventilation
of the articles. The partially see-through material allows for a
fast inventory to confirm that all gear needed is packed. The
object holder 10 may either be hung up for ventilation or
positioned at any angles such as horizontal to the ground such as
on a bench or ground. The object holder 10 just needs to be in the
open position as shown in FIG. 1, allowing for exposure of the
equipment through the mesh material 14. Materials other than mesh
14 can be used in the alternative such as any other material that
allows for ventilation and visibility of equipment stored within
the compartment. The mesh material allows the air to be exhausted
from the compartments through the air vents.
[0043] A fifth compartment 44 below the fourth compartment can have
a plurality of sub-compartments that can hold various smaller
equipment. The fifth compartment holds smaller items and materials
relatively flat and allows the bag to fold over. A sixth
compartment 46 below the fifth compartment 44 can be substantially
V-shaped or U-shaped having for example a flat portion 48
truncating the vertex of the V-shaped fifth compartment 46. The
V-shaped compartment 46 or pocket provides for a helmet 50 or other
large object such as a soccer ball that can fit for example between
the skates 52 or boots. The V-shape accommodates an efficient use
of space and allows for the object holder 10 to sit evenly for
easier storage. The helmet 50 sits snugly between the pair of
skates allowing not only efficient and easy access, but also better
ventilation. Multiple equipment items are not on top of each other
to prevent the efficient drying of wet equipment. The middle
section such as the fifth compartment 44 needs to be smaller so
that it holds smaller items accommodating an easier closing of the
bag. The middle section 44 can also be flat to accommodate an
easier closing of the bag.
[0044] In the seventh compartment 54, the in-line skates 60 or some
other pair of boots, are positioned on each end with a top portion
58 of the compartment and the side portions 56 of the compartment
54 being closed. The side portions 56 are not made of a mesh
material but of a solid see-through material or a solid material
that is not see-through so that when the skates for instance are
placed in the seventh compartment 54, the wheels or blades will not
wear out the mesh material prematurely. The open area 62 allows for
a better ventilation of the boots, since the opening portion of the
boots is in an open area 62 allowing for free air flow without even
the mesh (netted) surface.
[0045] A horizontal fastener 64 is situated between the left and
right side 54a and 54b of the seventh compartment 54. The
horizontal fastener 64 as opposed to the vertically disposed
fasteners 34 on the other compartments, allow for an efficient
access to the boots or inline skates 60. When unattached, the
fasteners 64 allow for the top 58 and side portions 56 of the left
and right 54a and 54b of the seventh compartment 54 to open fully
to allow for access to the large boots or skates. Other types of
equipment may be organized within the compartments or pockets.
Other type of fasteners may also be used.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the object holder 10 in one embodiment
can be folded up or rolled up to form a bag 110 allowing for the
object holder 10 to be carried. The rolling or folding also keeps
the equipment inside relatively stationary within the bag 110 when
the bag 110 is closed. The jiggling of large or small equipment can
otherwise cause damage to the equipment and create noise when
transporting. The hook 12 or other similar fastening device is
detachably connected to a sleeve or loop 120 formed on the back
side 140 of the back wall 16 of the object holder 10. Using the
hook 12 to fasten together the bag 110 helps to avoid adding other
components to the bag 110, thereby reducing the cost of
manufacture. Other types of fasteners can also be used. The
adjustable hooking mechanism 142 including the hook 12 and the
adjustment portion 144 attached at the top of the object holder 10
allows a user to hang the bag 110 up to access the objects stored
in the bag 110 and allow for air flow into the objects. The
adjustable hooking mechanism 142 by adjusting the length of the
adjustable strap 146 through the adjustment portion 144, also
allows the bag 110 to still ventilate while the bag is in a closed
position when the hooking mechanism 142 is connected to the sleeve
120. Although the ventilation in the closed position is much less
than when the bag 110 is in the open position. The adjustable strap
can provide some air flow into the bag 110 if it is loosened
slightly. Even when tightly fastened, some air flow is still
allowed through the unattached sides 148 of the object holder 10.
Air flow is also allowed through the open sides 150 of the bag 110.
When the bag 110 is folded, on the left and right sides have open
sides 150 to allow for air ventilation. The mesh material 14 of the
compartments are also exposed on the open sides 150 to ventilate
the bag. Since, the bag has open sides 150 on both sides of the
bag, this allows for a cross ventilating airflow that makes the
drying more efficient. The bag 110 in an opened position such as
when the bag 110 is hung or laid flat on a bench is the most
efficient method of ventilating and drying the objects held by the
bag. However, the structure of the bag also allows for a certain
amount of ventilation while the bag is in a closed position such as
when the hook 12 is secured to the sleeve 120. The object holder 10
can be laid in any space available such as the back seat or in the
trunk of a vehicle while transporting the bag 110. For instance,
sports teams may lay the bag 110 on the grass outside for drying.
The equipment stays together and is easily returned to the original
position for moving to another location. Since the hook 12 is
attached to the adjustable strap 146 allowing the bag 110 to be
adjusted to rest on the floor for instance, thereby taking the
weight off the bag 110 and support.
[0047] To allow for an efficient way to transport the bag 110, a
handle 130 is attached to the back side 140 of the top portion 160
and another handle 130 is attached to the bottom portion 170 of the
object holder 10. The handles 130 can for example be attached to
the left 130a and right side 130b to the object holder 10 to allow
for a user to grasp with a hand both handles 130 so that the bag
110 can be transported. Referring to FIG. 18, the bag can be folded
in reverse with the compartments on the outside allowing for
ventilation.
[0048] The top portion 160 can for example overlap the bottom side
170 of the object holder 10 in order to fasten the bag together.
The opposite arrangement can also be true where the bottom portion
170 overlaps the top portion 160. In another arrangement, neither
the top portion 160 or the bottom portion 170 overlaps each other.
Other types of securing mechanisms can be used to close the bag 110
such as a zipper or other types of fasteners. The bag 110 can also
have a shoulder strap 162.
[0049] In another embodiment of the present invention, as seen in
FIG. 3, the object holder 10 can be folded to form backpack or bag
210 allowing a user to have one or both handles 220 supported on
the shoulders of a user. For example, the top portion 160 can be
folded to meet with the bottom portion 170 of the object holder 10
to connect the two sides using the adjustment strap 146. The
backpack 210 can be connected in the same way as in seen by the bag
110 or in some other similar fashion allowing for the adjustment
connection between the top portion 160 and bottom portion, or no
adjustment, but just a connection between the two portions of the
object holder 10. The pair of handles 220 can for example be placed
on one side of the object holder on opposite ends of the back side
140 of the object holder. The position of the handles are such that
a user can carry the backpack 210 on both shoulders at the same
time if needed. The top portion 220a of the handle 220 is coupled
on the top portion of the backpack 210 and the bottom portion 220b
of the handle 220 is positioned below the top portion 220a of the
handle 220. Other configurations of the handles 220 can be made as
long as a user may carry the bag 210 on both shoulders at the same
time. A V-shaped compartment such as the sixth compartment 46 is
not preferable in a the backpack 210 when the backpack 210 is
typically more narrow in shape.
[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, as seen in
FIG. 4, the object holder 10 has a bottom portion 170 connected to
an internal section 314 of a container portion 330 to form a bag
310. The container portion 330 can be for example be rectangular in
shape with a top portion 340 cutout into a flap 320 that can close
the compartment 350 within the container portion 330. The flap 320
for example may close the container portion 330 by a zipper for
example or other similar device. When the flap portion 320 is
unattached from the container portion 330, the object holder 10 can
be raised out of the container portion 330 allowing the object
holder 10 to be hung by the hook 12 or laid flat on a surface. The
container portion 330 allows for a convenient storage or hanging of
the object holder 10. The container portion 330 also provides for
further storage of items. The container portion can be have a
rectangular shape or any other type of shape depending on the use
and size of the objects.
[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, as seen in
FIG. 5, the object holder 420 can have a portion such as the bottom
portion 470 have shelves that project out of the back wall 440. The
object holder 420 when opened can be hooked to locker hook 414 for
example or any other location that can support a hook 412. A first
compartment 424 can be closed with a zipper 426 to hold a variety
of objects. A mirror 428 just below the first compartment 424 is
added for uses such as applying make-up, tying a man's tie, or
other uses where a mirror is appropriate. Below the mirror 428 is a
second compartment 448 holding objects in a vertical position with
respect to the vertically hung bag 410. Objects such as toiletries
such as shampoo and conditioner may be inserted into the second
compartment 448 through an opening in the upper portion 448a. The
compartment may or may not be of a mesh (netted) or see-through
material allowing for a quick view of the internal objects and also
allow for ventilation of the objects.
[0052] A first shelf 442 projects out of the back wall 440. The
first shelf 442 has side walls 444 and 446 that accommodates the
closing of the object holder 420 to form a bag 410. The side walls
444 and 446 and shelf 442 accommodates the width of the objects in
the second compartment 448. The second compartment 448 is located
above the first shelf 442 towards the middle portion 464 of the
object holder 420. The first shelf 442 is set back a predetermined
distance L.sub.1 to allow the top portion of the object holder to
close the object holder to form a bag 410. The setback of L.sub.1
provides an even surface of the bag 410 when the bag 410 is closed
for transporting as seen in FIG. 6.
[0053] The left and right side walls 444 and 446 extend from the
middle portion 464 to the end of the bottom portion 470 of the
object holder 420. The side walls 444 and 446 accommodate a third
compartment 450 and a fourth compartment 456. The third compartment
is bordered by the back wall on a back side, the first shelf 442
being a top side, the left and right side walls 444 and 446, and
the second shelf 454 as the bottom portion of the third compartment
450. A mesh (netted) strip 452 is connected from a portion of the
left side wall 444 to a portion of the right side wall 446. The
mesh strip 452 is also connected to a second shelf 454. The mesh
strip 452 covers only a portion of the opening of the third
compartment 450. The third compartment 450 accommodates a
horizontal loading of objects when the object holder 420 is hanging
open vertically. The mesh strip 452 contains the objects within the
third compartment 450 so that the objects will not fall out of the
object holder 420 when the object holder 420 is hung. Since the
mesh strip 452 encloses only a portion of the opening of the third
compartment 450, there is easy and quick access for a user to
insert various objects within the compartment. The mesh strip 452
because of the mesh material accommodates a user to be able to view
the contents in their entirety while still allowing for an
increased ventilation of the objects within the third compartment
450. The third shelf 454 is set back in the compartment from the
outer edge of the side walls 444 and 446 a predetermined distance
similar to the set back of the first shelf. The set back distances
can be varied also if needed.
[0054] The fourth compartment 456 located below the third
compartment is constructed in the same manner as the third
compartment. The opening of the fourth compartment 456 is partially
enclosed by the mesh (netted) strip 458 while the bottom shelf 472
serves as the bottom portion of the fourth compartment and also an
end portion of the object holder 420. The third shelf 472 is not
set back from the outer edges 444b and 446b of the side walls 444
and 446, respectively like the first and second shelf 442 and 454.
However, the mesh strip 458 is set back from the outer edges 444b
and 446b to accommodate the closing the bag 410 with the top
portion 460 of the object holder 420 being folded over in the set
back area of L.sub.1.
[0055] The top portion 460 of the object holder 420 has a width
L.sub.3 much smaller than the width L.sub.2 of the third self 420.
The thinner top portion 460 then can fold within the set back area
of L.sub.1 and fit in gap between the top sides 444a and 446a of
the left and right side walls 444 and 446. Then the top portion 460
is folded around the first, second, and third shelves 442, 454, and
472 within the set back width L.sub.1.
[0056] A handle 488 is connected on the left side wall 444, and
another handle 488 is connected on the right side wall 446 so that
when closed, the bag 420 can be easily transported as seen in FIG.
6. A zipper 480 for example can be located adjacent to the outer
edges 444b and along the top portion 444a of the side wall 444. A
second zipper 482 for example can be located adjacent to the outer
edges 446b and along the top portion 446a of the side wall 446. The
two zippers 480 and 482 run the length of the bag 410 to allow the
unfolding and hanging of the bag 410 on a hook 414 for example. The
two zippers 480 and 482 can also be a single zipper having two
sliding parts on each side of the bag closing and opening the
interlocking tabs disposed along the length of the bag.
[0057] The two zippers 480 and 482 have the sliding parts 480a and
482a, respectively, connected together by a locking bar 490. When
the bag 410 is closed, the locking bar 490 inside for instance
between the doors 510 and the body 520 of a gymnasium locker 500.
The locking bar 490 is wider L.sub.4 than the width L.sub.5 of the
gymnasium locker 500. The locking bar 490 can also be an object of
another shape such that the dimensions of the object exceed the
opening dimensions between the door and the locker once the locker
is closed. For example, when the object is spherical, the diameter
exceeds the opening distanced "d" between the door 510 and the body
520 of the locker 500, so that the object cannot be removed from
the closed locker. Once, the gymnasium locker 500 is secured by for
instance a lock 530, the bag 410 is held in place by the locked
door 510. A thief will not be able to pick up the bag 410 without
having to rip open the bag 410. When the bag 410 is in the closed
position as shown in FIG. 6, the bag itself may be secured, such
that when the bag 410 has the locking bar 490 within the gymnasium
locker 500, the bag 410 cannot be opened. This allows a user to
have open access to bag 410 even when the locker 500 is closed
without having to worry about if someone will steal the bag. The
locking bar 490 also allows a user to not have to shove the bag
within the locker 500. The bag 410 with the locking bar 490 can be
opened and locked without having to move the bag. Furthermore, if
the bag 410 is larger than the locker 500, it can still be securely
used by being placed outside of the locker 500. Further, since the
bag 410 can be placed outside of the locker 500, then more room is
allowed within the locker 500 to store other objects. The bag 410
can be secured quickly to the locker 500 without having to add an
extra securing mechanism. When the locker 500 is opened, a user can
take the bag 410 with them.
[0058] The locking bar 490 can be made adjustable to accommodate
different sizes of lockers 500.
[0059] The bag 410, which can be used for gymnasium activities for
example, may have a plastic liner included to store wet clothing or
a bathing suit. The bag 410 can have the zipper 492 along the edges
of the walls open up with the side walls being on the bottom
portion as seen in FIG. 12 or as seen in FIG. 13, the zipper 495
opens the bag having the side walls 494 being on the top portion
where the top portion can be hooked to an door or shelf. As seen in
FIG. 14, a loop 498 at the top of the bag allows hangers of clothes
to be attached.
[0060] The object holder 420 as seen in FIG. 5, can also be
enclosed as seen in the bag of 610 as seen in FIG. 7. The bag 610
has an object holder such as the object holder 420 or the object
holder 10. The object holder 620 has a pair of handles along the
length of one side on the back wall 640 of the object holder 620.
The handles 688 allow a user to carry the bag 610 around both
shoulders on their back like a backpack. A zipper 680 or other
connector type closes the bag 610. Additional pockets 630 may be
added to the outside of the bag 610 to allow additional storage and
quicker access when the bag 610 is closed.
[0061] A backpack 710, as seen in FIG. 8 has a hook 712 that is
shaped to hang on top of a door. The hook 712 is attached to a
strap 713 that allows the bag to rest on the floor, thereby
reducing the weight on the hanging structure. A clasp 714 are
attached on the pockets 770 to help secure items inside. The clasp
714 can be substituted with velcro or other similar means. Elastic
is sewn into the strap 716 to keep the strap 716 at the top of each
compartment straight and assist in securing the items in the
compartments. Smaller items are stored in the middle compartments
718 and are structured to allow the top to fold down smoothly. Side
handles 720 are sewn into the side walls 724 to accommodate
additional carrying options. A mesh wall 722 is used to hold any
smaller items in the bottom and the wall 722 assists in holding the
sides together.
[0062] In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9, the handbag 810
has a hook 812 for hanging on top of a door or other stationary
structure. The hook 812 is attached to a strap 813 that allows the
bag to rest on the floor, thereby reducing the weight on the
hanging structure. A clasp 814 are attached on the compartments 870
to help secure items inside. The clasp 814 can be substituted with
velcro or other similar means. Elastic is sewn into the strap 816
to keep the strap 816 at the top of each compartment straight and
assist in securing the items in the compartments. Smaller items are
stored in the middle compartments 818 and are structured to allow
the top to fold down smoothly. Handles 828 are connected to the top
and bottom portions of the bag to accommodate the carrying of the
bag 810. An adjustable strap 830 can hold additional items or hold
in place items such as clothes. Referring to FIG. 16, the bag 810
has a webbing attached to the outside of the bag 810 to allow
securing of the hook 812 and holding the bag closed.
[0063] As seen in FIG. 10, the backpack 710 is in a closed
position. The backpack 710 has a top mesh pocket 732 and a bottom
mesh pocket 730. Each of the pockets has only a portion that is
made of mesh material and the remaining portion of the pockets
being of solid material that is not see-through. Solid material
that is not see-through is a material that one cannot see through
with an unaided eye. The mesh materials 730 and 732 accommodate a
ventilation of the pockets. The bottom pocket with the mesh
material 730 can have door zippers 740. I-rings are attached to the
front portion of the closed backpack to allow for attachments such
as bungee cord to attach additional items such as camping equipment
or snowboards. An adjustable strap 734 is transversely disposed
near the middle section of the front portion of the closed backpack
710. The adjustable strap 734 can secure bulky items such as
butt-pads for ice hockey. The butt-pads for instance can hook to
the outside with the adjustable clasp 736. The adjustable strap 734
allows for the size of the backpack 710 too be not excessively
large since the adjustable strap can take care of extremely bulky
equipment. Since, the backpack 710 can be carried on the back of a
user, an excessively large bag may not be desirable. A handle 728
is attached to the top portion of the backpack 720 allowing further
flexibility for a user to carry the backpack 710. The backpack 710
can be closed from an open position as seen in FIG. 8 to the closed
position as seen in FIG. 10 with a zipper 738 or other fastening
means. The side walls 724 can be of a solid material that may or
may not accommodate ventilation or the side walls can be of a mesh
material 725 as seen in FIG. 17 that accommodates a ventilation of
the inside of the bag 710 though the side walls. The mesh material
725 being on the side walls (on both sides of the bag) is important
because all the inner compartments 770 can be ventilated properly.
If both side walls are made of a material that allows ventilation
like the mesh material 725, then a cross vent is created to
increase the ventilation of the inner compartments (pockets) 770.
Furthermore, because the material mesh 725 material is on the side
walls, it is not so prone to being worn out as if it was on the
front or back side of the bag. The side walls 724 extend from each
side of the bottom portion 782 of the back wall 780 of the backpack
710 where the bottom portion 782 of the back wall 780 of the
backpack 710 has a greater width than the top portion 784 of the
back wall 780 of the backpack 710. The side walls 724 form angles
with the extended portion 786 of the bottom back wall 782 of the
backpack 710 accommodating a backpack that closes all sides which
then stop any loose items that get out of the compartments 770 from
being released from the bag 710.
[0064] Looking at FIG. 1, the backpack 710 (and also on bag 810)
can have also a strap 752 secured to the top of the bag 710 that
allows for clothes hangers to hang forjerseys or street clothes. A
1 inch webbing 756 under 1 1/2 inch webbing is added before
stitching. A 1 inch webbing is placed under top clasp before
stitching. There must be enough slack allowed for attachment of
hangers holding jersey or other clothes. The total webbing length
being added appears to be about 6 inches. The 6 inches allows for
one inch to be under the top webbing for securement and one inch to
be under other clasp strap 758 with four inches exposed allowing
for enough slack to hang hangers for jerseys and clothes. A clasp
754 is attached to the clasp strap 752 for hanging the jerseys or
street clothes.
[0065] Wheels can also be added to any of the above embodiments
allowing a user to cart the bag. The backpacks 210, 610, and 710
may especially have wheels on a bottom portion allowing for a user
to cart the backpacks 210, 610, and 710. Referring to FIG. 15, the
backpack 910 is the same as backpack 710 except that backpack 910
includes a pair of wheels 920 that allows for the backpack 910 to
be transported on the ground by rolling the backpack along the
ground or other surface by pulling from the handle 940. The
backpack 910 further includes a pair of straps 930 accommodating a
user to carry the backpack 910 on his or her back.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 19, straps 790 can be used to secure
longer items 792 to sides of the bag 710. The straps 790 may
include fasteners such as velcro, clasps and other means of
attachment. The straps 790 can be elastic allowing a user to slide
items in the openings. Mesh pockets can also be used for holding
the longer items 792 in place.
[0067] As seen above, the present invention provides for a bag and
organizer that is equipped with a method of air circulation to
effectively air dry articles without complex and expensive
structures as well as being an organization and space saving tool.
The bag provides for a quick inventory and access of the objects
organized within the bag. The bag also provides for an easy
mechanism of locking the bag to a stationary object.
[0068] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it
will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing
and other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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