U.S. patent application number 12/094504 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for flexible carry bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to CURVE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Simon Winter.
Application Number | 20080260301 12/094504 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38048875 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080260301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winter; Simon |
October 23, 2008 |
Flexible Carry Bag
Abstract
A flexible carry bag for carrying one or more sport boards
within an interior space. The bag includes an elongate enclosure
made of a flexible material. The bag has an opening extending along
a length of the enclosure for permitting access to the interior
space. The bag has a closure flap movable between an open position
for permitting access to the interior space and a closed position
in which the closure flap blocks the opening. The bag also includes
a closure assembly for securing the closure flap to the elongate
enclosure in an overlapped configuration when in the closed
position. The closure assembly adjustably secures the closure flap
to the elongate enclosure such that an amount of overlap of the
closure flap with the elongate enclosure can be adjusted, thereby
permitting the circumference of the elongate enclosure to be
adjusted.
Inventors: |
Winter; Simon; (Auckland,
NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER, TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Assignee: |
CURVE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Auckland
NZ
|
Family ID: |
38048875 |
Appl. No.: |
12/094504 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
November 20, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ2006/000304 |
371 Date: |
May 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/40 ; 383/41;
383/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
B63B 32/80 20200201; A45C 7/0077 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/40 ; 383/42;
383/41 |
International
Class: |
B65D 30/22 20060101
B65D030/22; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2005 |
NZ |
543682 |
Claims
1. A flexible carry bag for carrying one or more sport boards
within an interior space, the flexible carry bag comprising: (a) an
elongate enclosure made of a flexible material, the enclosure
having a predetermined length and a circumference that is
adjustable; (b) an opening extending along at least a majority of
the length of the enclosure for permitting access to the interior
space to permit insertion or removal of the one or more sport
boards from the interior space; (c) a closure flap movable between
an open position for permitting access to the interior space
through the opening and a closed position in which the closure flap
blocks the opening to impede access to the interior space through
the opening; and (d) a closure assembly for securing the closure
panel to the elongate enclosure in an overlapped configuration when
the closure flap is in the closed position, wherein the closure
assembly is adapted to adjustably secure the closure flap to the
elongate enclosure such that an amount of overlap of the closure
flap relative to the elongate enclosure can be selectively
adjusted, thereby permitting the circumference of the elongate
enclosure to be selectively adjusted.
2. The flexible carry bag of claim 1, the closing assembly
comprising hook and loop fasteners coupled to the first and second
closure panels.
3. The flexible carry bag of claim 1, further including a strap
assembly having one or more straps adjustable in length to permit
adjustment of a circumference of the interior space, each of the
one or more straps extending between the closure flap so as to pass
over the elongate enclosure.
4. The flexible carry bag of claim 1, further including an
accessory compartment located within the interior space, the
accessory compartment defining a storage space for storing
accessories within the interior space, and wherein the accessory
compartment includes a selectively sealable opening having an open
position for permitting accessories to be inserted or removed into
the accessory compartment and a closed position for closing off the
storage space.
5. The flexible carry bag of claim 5, wherein the accessory
compartment has a length substantially equal to the predetermined
length of the base panel.
6. The flexible carry bag of claim 5, wherein the accessory
compartment includes one or more bindings disposed in the accessory
compartment, the one or more bindings adapted to removably couple
to an accessory when stored in the accessory compartment.
7. The flexible carry bag of claim 7, wherein the one or more
bindings comprise either loop fasteners or hook fasteners.
8. The flexible carry bag of claim 1, further comprising a
secondary opening assembly for selectively closing and opening a
second opening in the flexible carry bag for selectively permitting
and blocking access to the interior space.
9. A flexible carry bag for carrying one or more sport boards
within an interior space, the flexible carry bag comprising: (a) an
elongate enclosure made of a flexible material, the enclosure
having a predetermined length and a circumference that is
adjustable; (b) an opening extending along at least a majority of
the length of the enclosure for permitting access to the interior
space to permit insertion or removal of the one or more sport
boards from the interior space; (c) a closure flap movable between
an open position for permitting access to the interior space
through the opening and a closed position in which the closure flap
blocks the opening to impede access to the interior space through
the opening; and (d) a closure assembly with hook and loop
fastening for securing the closure panel to the elongate enclosure
in an overlapped configuration, whereby the hook and loop become
fastened when the closure flap is in the closed position, wherein
the closure assembly is adapted to adjustably secure the closure
flap to the elongate enclosure such that an amount of overlap of
the closure flap relative to the elongate enclosure can be
selectively adjusted, thereby permitting the circumference of the
elongate enclosure to be selectively adjusted.
10. The flexible carry bag of claim 9, further including a
secondary opening disposed at and extending across one end of the
flexible carry bag, the secondary opening transitionable between a
closed position blocking access to the interior space and an open
position permitting a secondary access path to the interior
space.
11. The flexible carry bag of claim 9, further including a strap
assembly having one or more straps adjustable in length, each of
the one or more straps extending across the opening.
12. The flexible carry bag of claim 9, further including an
accessory compartment located within the interior space, the
accessory compartment defining a storage space for storing
accessories within the interior space, and wherein the accessory
compartment includes a selectively sealable opening having an open
position for permitting accessories to be inserted or removed into
the accessory compartment and a closed position for substantially
closing off the storage space.
13. The flexible carry bag of claim 12, wherein the accessory
compartment extends substantially the entire length and width of
the elongate enclosure.
14. The flexible carry bag of claim 12, wherein the accessory
compartment includes one or more bindings disposed in the accessory
compartment, the one or more bindings adapted to removably couple
to an accessory when stored in the accessory compartment.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to flexible carry bags, and
in particular, but not exclusively, to a flexible carry bag that is
adjustable to enable it to securely carry one or more sport
boards.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The sport of surfing has developed in recent years and
increasingly involves travel to locations where the prevailing
conditions suit surfing, to attend competitions, or simply to
explore new surf locations. This has resulted in increased domestic
and international travel of surfers, complete with their
surfboards.
[0003] Surfboards can be cumbersome and their typical lightweight
construction makes them vulnerable to damage. During transportation
they require protection, and in the past various surfboard bag
designs have been used.
[0004] Not all surfboards are the same size and typically a bag
that will suit one size is not suitable for a board of a different
size.
[0005] Some surfboard bags are relatively small and compact and are
designed to fit a specific Surfboard snugly. Others, particularly
those of the "coffin" style, which is the informal name used to
describe this type of board bag due to their similarity in
appearance to the `box` like appearance of a coffin, are designed
to carry two or more Surfboards and can have room for clothing or
other equipment. However, they are not specifically designed to
carry clothing, and are not typically used to carry clothing,
because it is not a `clean` environment, resulting in the carried
clothes becoming soiled and/or wetted. These coffin style bags can
be cumbersome, particularly because they are specifically tailored
to allow for a fixed maximum load size, wherein any load less than
that maximum will result in an oversized, sloppy, and bulky fit.
For instance, a coffin style board bag designed to fit two boards
results in a poor fit when used to only carry a single board.
Further, when not in use, due in part to the semi rigid side walls
on some models, they typically take up a lot of room and are not
easily folded into a compact size for storage. In addition, the
contents can be relatively loose inside the bag if the bag does not
contain the number of surfboards the bag is designed for.
[0006] Another problem found with previously developed board bags
involves the wax that is applied to the surfaces of the surfboard.
Moreover, the wax on surfboards can melt during transportation or
storage, causing the surfboard to bond to the inside of its bag.
Depending on the opening method, some bags can be difficult to get
a surfboard out of, particularly if the wax on the board has bonded
to the inside of the bag.
[0007] When a surfer travels he or she may wish to carry one or
more surfboards depending on the nature of the journey. A bag
suitable for only one board is of little use if he or she wishes to
take two or more boards. Similarly a coffin style bag suitable for
carrying two or more surfboards is rather inconvenient if only one
board is being transported.
[0008] Thus, there exists a need for a relatively compact bag that
is versatile enough to contain one board securely as well as two or
more boards. The bag should be able to accommodate a range of board
sizes of different lengths, widths, and thicknesses, and preferably
be able to accommodate accessories and other gear. The bag would
preferably be able to hold a range of boards securely irrespective
of the number of boards inside or their relative sizes.
OBJECT
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a flexible carry bag which will at least go some way
towards overcoming the above mentioned problems, or at least
provide the public with a useful choice.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0010] One embodiment of a flexible carry bag formed in accordance
with the present invention for carrying one or more sport boards is
disclosed. The flexible carry bag may include an interior space
having a volume adapted to removably receive the one or more sport
boards.
[0011] The interior space may be defined by a base panel having a
predetermined length and a first elongate edge separated by a
predetermined width from a second elongate edge. The interior space
may also be defined by a first closure panel connected to the first
elongate edge of the base panel and a second closure panel
connected to the second elongate edge of the base panel. The bag
may include a first closable opening permitting temporary access to
the interior space to permit insertion and removal of the one or
more sport boards from the interior space. The first closable
opening may be adapted to be closed by the insertion of the first
closure panel underneath the second closure panel such that the
first and second closure panels selectively overlap one another,
wherein an amount of the overlap is adjustable to permit the volume
of the interior space to be selectively adjusted.
[0012] The bag may further include a closing assembly for removably
securing the first closure panel to the second closure panel in an
adjustable overlapped relationship. The closing assembly may
comprise hook and loop fasteners coupled to the first and second
closure panels. The bag may further include a strap assembly having
one or more straps adjustable in length to permit adjustment of a
circumference of the interior space, each of the one or more straps
extending between the first and second closure panels so as to pass
over the first closable opening. The bag may include an accessory
compartment located within the interior space, the accessory
compartment defining a storage space for storing accessories within
the interior space. The accessory compartment may include a
selectively sealable opening having an open position for permitting
accessories to be inserted or removed into the accessory
compartment and a closed position for closing off the storage
space.
[0013] The accessory compartment may have a length substantially
equal to the predetermined length of the base panel. The accessory
compartment may include one or more bindings disposed in the
accessory compartment, the one or more bindings adapted to
removably couple to an accessory when stored in the accessory
compartment. The one or more bindings may have either loop
fasteners or hook fasteners. The bag may include a secondary
opening assembly for selectively closing and opening a second
opening in the flexible carry bag for selectively permitting and
blocking access to the interior space.
[0014] An alternate embodiment of a flexible carry bag formed in
accordance with the present invention for carrying one or more
sport boards within an interior space is disclosed. The flexible
carry bag may include an elongate enclosure made of a flexible
material, the enclosure having a predetermined length and a
circumference that is adjustable. The enclosure may include an
opening extending along at least a majority of the length of the
enclosure for permitting access to the interior space to permit
insertion or removal of the one or more sport boards from the
interior space. The enclosure may also include a closure flap
movable between an open position for permitting access to the
interior space through the opening and a closed position in which
the closure flap blocks the opening to impede access to the
interior space through the opening. The enclosure may further
include a closure assembly for securing the closure flap to the
elongate enclosure in an overlapped configuration when the closure
flap is in the closed position. The closure assembly may be adapted
to adjustably secure the closure flap to the elongate enclosure
such that an amount of overlap of the closure flap relative to the
elongate enclosure can be selectively adjusted, thereby permitting
the circumference of the elongate enclosure to be selectively
adjusted.
[0015] The bag may further include a secondary opening disposed at
and extending across one end of the flexible carry bag. The
secondary opening may be transitionable between a closed position
blocking access to the interior space and an open position
permitting a secondary access path to the interior space. The bag
may further include a strap assembly having one or more straps
adjustable in length, each of the one or more straps extending
across the opening. The bag may also include an accessory
compartment located within the interior space, the accessory
compartment defining a storage space for storing accessories within
the interior space. The accessory compartment may include a
selectively sealable opening having an open position for permitting
accessories to be inserted or removed into the accessory
compartment and a closed position for substantially closing off the
storage space.
[0016] The accessory compartment may extend substantially the
entire length and width of the elongate enclosure. The accessory
compartment may include one or more bindings disposed in the
accessory compartment, the one or more bindings adapted to
removably couple to an accessory when stored in the accessory
compartment.
[0017] Another embodiment of a flexible carry bag made in
accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The bag may be
at least partly made from a flexible protective material. The bag
may have an elongate base portion having similar width and length
dimensions to a typical surfboard. The bag may have a first closure
panel connected to a first elongate edge of the base portion and a
second closure panel connected to a second elongate edge of the
base portion, and closure means. The first and second closure
panels may be so sized and shaped, and the closure means so
configured, to enable one or more surfboards to be held securely
within the bag.
[0018] Preferably one of the closure panels is also connected to
one or both ends of the base portion.
[0019] Preferably one of the closure panels is configured to enable
it to at least partially tuck under or over the other closure panel
in an overlapping relationship.
[0020] Preferably, the closure means includes hook and loop
fasteners, such at those sold under the trademark VELCRO.
[0021] Preferably the bag further includes one or more straps
adapted to facilitate closure of the bag.
[0022] Preferably the one or more straps encircle the bag and are
able to hold any contents of the bag securely.
[0023] Preferably the one or more straps include a strap connector
or buckle.
[0024] Preferably the bag additionally includes cushioning material
adapted to protect any contents of the bag.
[0025] Optionally the bag further includes one or more zippered
openings about or adjacent to the periphery of the base
portion.
[0026] The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements
or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as
if they were individually set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description which is given by way of
example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible
carry bag formed in accordance with the present invention, the
flexible carry bag depicted with a closure flap shown in a
partially open position;
[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the flexible carry bag of FIG.
1 with some components of the flexible carry bag omitted to better
show underlying parts;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the flexible carry bag
of FIG. 1 with the closure flap shown in a fully open position and
an accessory compartment shown in a closed position;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the flexible carry bag
of FIG. 1 with the closure flap shown in the fully open position
and the accessory compartment shown in a fully open position with
an accessory being inserted into the accessory compartment;
[0032] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the flexible carry bag of
FIG. 1 with the closure flap shown in a closed position;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible carry bag
of FIG. 5, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through
Section A-A of FIG. 5, the flexible carry bag shown holding a
single surfboard;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible carry bag
of FIG. 5, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through
Section A-A of FIG. 5, the flexible carry bag shown holding two
surfboards; and
[0035] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible carry bag
of FIG. 5, the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through
Section A-A of FIG. 5, the flexible carry bag shown holding a
single surfboard and a plurality of objects in the accessory
compartment.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0036] The following description will describe the invention in
relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a
flexible carry bag. The invention is in no way limited to these
preferred embodiments as they are used purely to exemplify the
invention only and variations and modifications are readily
apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.
Although the illustrated embodiment will be illustrated and
described as a flexible carry bag for carrying surfboards, it is
noted that this is done purely for illustrative purposes, and the
flexible carry bag may be used to carry any object, including sport
boards of types other than surfboards, a few suitable examples
being kite surfing boards, windsurfing boards, boogie or body
boards, etc.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a flexible carry bag
100 formed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated
and described. Generally described, the flexible carry bag 100
includes a soft and flexible elongate enclosure 102 adapted to
securely hold one or more surfboards and/or accessories therein.
The enclosure 102 is adjustable in circumference such that an
interior volume 104 of the enclosure 102 can be selectively
increased or decreased to accommodate and securely store individual
boards of different sizes, a varying number of boards, and a
varying amount of accessories. To accomplish the change in
circumference, the flexible carry bag 100 employs a closure flap
106 which is inserted an adjustable distance into an opening 108 in
the flexible enclosure 102 and secured in position.
[0038] In light of the above general description of the flexible
carry bag 100, the structure of the flexible carry bag 100 will now
be described in greater detail. Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the
flexible enclosure 102 may be formed from a base panel 110, a
closure panel or flap 106, and a top panel 112 (may also be called
a closure panel). The base panel 110 is preferably of a length and
width which are substantially equal to or greater than a length and
width of the largest surfboard which the flexible carry bag 100 is
designed to carry. Preferably, the base panel 110 has a length that
is greater than a minimum length, a few examples of suitable
minimum lengths being about 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, and 7.5 feet, and has
a length less than a maximum length, a few examples of suitable
maximum lengths being 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 9 or 10 feet. Preferably
the width of the base panel 110 is greater than a minimum width, a
few examples of suitable minimum widths being about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2,
and 2.5 feet, and less than a maximum width, a few examples of
suitable maximum widths being 2, 2.5, 3, and 3 feet. It is common
to select or use a flexible carry bag 100 that is no more than six
inches longer than the longest surfboard to be carried. The ends of
the base panel 110 may be arcuate in shape, and preferably are
convex in shape so as to bow outward from a centre of the flexible
carry bag 100.
[0039] The closure flap 106 is preferably coupled along a first
elongate edge 114 of the base panel 110. The first elongate edge
114 is preferably substantially straight; however, it may
alternately be curved. The ends of the closure flap 106 and the
outer edge 116 of the closure flap 106 may be arcuate in shape, and
preferably are convex in shape so as to bow outward from the centre
of the flexible carry bag 100.
[0040] The top panel 112 is preferably coupled along a second
elongate edge 118 of the base panel 110. The ends of the top panel
112 and the outer edge 120 of the top panel 112 may be arcuate in
shape, and preferably are convex in shape so as to bow outward from
a centre of the flexible carry bag 100. The edge 122 of the top
panel 112 opposite the outer edge 120 is also preferably arcuate in
shape, and moreover, preferably is curved so as to be bowed inward
toward the outer edge 120 and away from the closure flap 106.
[0041] An end panel 124 may be coupled to one end of the base panel
110. The end panel 124 preferably extends between the base panel
110 and the top panel 112 and is oriented substantially
perpendicular to the base panel 110. The end panel 124 can be
arcuate in shape so as to bow outward from the centre of the carry
bag 100.
[0042] The carry bag 100 may include an accessory compartment 126.
The accessory compartment 126 may be located within the interior
space 104. Preferably, the accessory compartment 126 defines a
storage space 128 for storing accessories within the interior space
104. The accessory compartment 126 may include a selectively
sealable opening 130 having an open position as shown in FIG. 2 for
permitting accessories to be inserted into or removed from the
accessory compartment 126 and a closed position as shown in FIG. 8
for substantially sealing the storage space 128. Preferably, the
accessory compartment 126 is made from a substantially or
completely waterproof material such that the accessory compartment
126 is substantially waterproof. Thus, accessories, a few suitable
examples being clothes, towels, wetsuits, tents, supplies, board
parts, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags, are kept clean and
dry.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory compartment 126
is formed by attaching a waterproof accessory panel 131 to the
interior surface of the carry bag 100. Preferably, the accessory
panel 131 extends substantially the entire width and length of the
carry bag 100 and is permanently coupled along the elongate edge
114 of the base panel 110, and detachably coupled along the
remaining periphery of the accessory panel 130 to or in proximity
to the elongate edge 118 and end edges of the base panel 110 by any
suitable means, a few suitable examples being via a zipper 132 and
more preferably, hook and loop fasteners.
[0044] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 4, an accessory attachment assembly
134 may be disposed within the accessory compartment 126 to
securely hold one or more accessories within the accessory
compartment 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory
attachment assembly 134 includes one or more bindings 136 that are
adapted to be removably coupled to an accessory 138. In the
illustrated embodiment, the bindings 136 include hook or loop
fasteners which are adapted to removably couple to hook or loop
fasteners disposed on attachment panels 140 disposed on the
accessory 138. Although the accessory 138 shown in the illustrated
embodiment is a sleeping pad, it is noted that this is done for
illustrated purposes, and any accessory of any type may be designed
to be securely held in the accessory compartment 126 by any
fastening assembly hereto known or to be developed without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, although a single accessory compartment 126 is illustrated
and described, it is noted that multiple accessory compartments may
be used, and are within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, the carry bag 100 preferably
includes a closure assembly 142 for releasably coupling the closure
flap 106 to the top panel 112 to temporarily close the opening 108
and block access to the interior volume 104. More specifically, the
opening, which extends the majority of the length of the carry bag,
and preferably substantially the entire length of the carry bag
100, permits temporarily access to the interior volume 104 to
permit insertion and removal of one or more boards from the
interior volume 104 when opened. The opening 108 may also be closed
to block access to the interior volume 104. The opening 108 is
preferably closed by inserting the closure flap 106 underneath the
top panel 112 such that the closure flap 106 and top panel 112
overlap one another a selected distance. The amount of overlap may
be adjustable to permit the circumference of the carry bag 100, and
thus the volume of the interior space 104, to be selectively
adjusted. The closure assembly 142 may be used to removably secure
the closure flap 106 to the top panel 112. Preferably, the closure
assembly 142 permits the closure flap 106 to be coupled to the top
panel 112 in a plurality of positions such that the circumference
of the carry bag 100 can be varied between a range of different
circumferences. This enables the contents to be held securely
within the bag 100, providing a "custom fit", or a snug fit,
irrespective of the width and thickness of the board being carried,
or the quantity of boards being carried.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, a hook and loop closure
assembly 142 is used, which incorporates one or more fastening
panels 144 having hooks or loops on them disposed on the outer
surface of the closure flap 106 which are adapted to removably
couple to one or more fastening panels 146 having the other of
hooks or loops, the fastening panels 146 disposed on the underside
of the top panel 112. This type of closure has the advantage of
being able to permit the circumference of the flexible carry bag
100 to be adjusted selectively and in small increments. Although
not preferred, it is noted that the closure flap 106 may be placed
over the top panel 112 and the fastening panels 144 and 146
relocated accordingly. Alternately, the closure assembly 142 may be
eliminated all together with the panels overlapped, but not secured
to one another by a fastening assembly.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, the base panel 110, closure flap 106,
and top panel 112 are each preferably made from a flexible
material. Preferably each includes an outer wear resistant fabric
layer 148, an inner fabric layer 150, and a cushioning middle layer
152 interposed between the outer and inner layers. In one working
embodiment, the outer layer 148 is formed from a 900 denier
polyester fabric, waterproofed with a water repellent spray and/or
a PVC coating. The inner layer 150 formed from nylon, and
preferably exhibits reflective qualities to reduce heat absorption,
one suitable example of how to provide this reflective property is
to coat the outer surface with a reflective silver coating. The
cushioning middle layer 152 is preferably formed from shock
absorbing foam having a thickness between about 3 and 20 mm, and
most preferably is about 10 mm in thickness.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the flexible carry bag 100 includes a
strap assembly 154. The strap assembly 154 may include one or more
straps 156 which are adjustable in length. Each of the straps 156
preferably extends across the opening 108 in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the length of the flexible carry bag
100, and is attached on each side of the opening 108, i.e. to the
top panel 112 on one side of the opening 108 and to the closure
flap 106 on the other side. Preferably, the straps 156 encircle the
entire flexible carry bag 100. The straps 156 may include a buckle
158 for permitting the straps 156 to be selectively separated and
reattached to facilitate the opening and closing of the opening
108. Further, the buckles 158 may permit the straps 156 to be
adjusted in length such that the adjustment of the circumference of
the flexible carry bag 100 can be adjusted and held, with the
closure flap 106 sliding further under the top panel 112 to
accommodate a decrease in the circumference. A shoulder or carry
strap 160 may be coupled to the straps 156 to facilitate the
carrying of the bag 100.
[0049] The flexible carry bag 100 may include a secondary opening
assembly 162. The secondary opening assembly 162 permits a second
way for the flexible carry bag 100 to be opened and the interior
volume 104 accessed. Preferably, the secondary opening assembly 162
is located at one end of the flexible carry bag 100, and most
preferably is located at the end of the flexible carry bag 100
designed to hold the tail end of the board. The secondary opening
assembly 162 permits the flexible carry bag 100 to be opened at one
end and the board slid out substantially parallel to the length of
the flexible carry bag 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the
secondary opening assembly 162 comprises a zipper 164 extending
from one side of the flexible carry bag 100 to the other and across
the end panel 124. Although a zipper 164 is illustrated and
described, it is noted that other opening assemblies are within the
spirit and scope of the present invention, one example being hook
and loop based opening assemblies.
[0050] The flexible carry bag 100 may include one or more secondary
compartments for storing items. For instance, the illustrated
embodiment includes two secondary compartments 166 located on the
top panel 112 for storing additional items. One of the secondary
compartments 166 may have a clear panel for permitting name or
other identification material to be clearly visible while present
in the secondary compartment 166.
[0051] In light of the above description of the components of the
flexible carry bag 100, the use of the flexible carry bag 100 will
now be described. Referring to FIG. 1, first the flexible carry bag
100 is opened by releasing buckles 158 and removing the closure
flap 106 from the top panel 112, thereby placing the flexible carry
bag 100 in the position shown in FIG. 3. Turning to FIG. 4, next
the accessory compartment 126 can be opened by undoing zipper 132.
Accessories are then placed in the accessory compartment 126 such
as shown in FIG. 8. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the
accessory 138 of a foldable sleeping pad is shown being secured in
the accessory compartment 126 by coupling the sleeping pad to the
bindings 136. In addition, or alternatively, other items for
example clothing, wetsuits etc can be carried in the accessory
compartment (126). The accessory compartment 126 is then closed,
thereby separating the contents of the accessory compartment 126
from the contents of the main compartment.
[0052] One or more boards 168 are then placed into the interior
space 104. For instance, FIG. 7 shows two boards (one with fins 170
and one without) being held in the interior space 104. Although
only two boards are shown stowed within the interior space, it is
noted the interior space may be designed to hold any number of
boards, such as even six or more boards. The closure flap 106 is
then inserted underneath the top panel 112 and inserted as far
under the top panel 112 as possible such that the one or more
boards 168 are securely held as the circumference of the flexible
carry bag 100 is decreased. The closure flap 106 is then secured in
position by using the closure assembly 142. The buckles 158 are
reattached and the straps 156 tightened to further secure the one
or more boards 166, and accessories, in the flexible carry bag 100.
Preferably the contents of the flexible carry bag 100 are removed
by reversing the above steps. Due to the flexible materials used in
the construction of the flexible carry bag 100, the flexible carry
bag 100 may be folded for compact storage after the contents are
removed or spread out and used as a ground cover for sitting,
standing, or lying on. Although the above describes items being
loaded and unloaded through the main opening 108, it is noted that
the secondary opening assembly 162 provides a secondary means of
accessing the contents, and thus they may be removed, or loaded, by
this alternate method.
Variations
[0053] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope
thereof.
DEFINITIONS
[0054] Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and
variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are
not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or
steps.
ADVANTAGES
[0055] Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the
invention provides a flexible carry bag which is adjustable to
contain either one or many boards, and to hold the board or boards
securely and in a compact manner. The bag is also adjustable to
accommodate boards of various sizes securely. Further, the flexible
carry bag is able to carry accessories, or other items, securely
while keeping them dry and clean. When not in use, the flexible
carry bag can be rolled or folded up for compact storage, or spread
out and used as ground cover.
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