U.S. patent application number 13/029598 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for equipment storage device with integrated cooler.
Invention is credited to Dennis Lopez.
Application Number | 20110215125 13/029598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44530436 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110215125 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lopez; Dennis |
September 8, 2011 |
EQUIPMENT STORAGE DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED COOLER
Abstract
According to one embodiment, an equipment storage device
includes a refreshment portion comprising an insulated cooler. The
equipment storage device also includes an equipment portion coupled
to the refreshment portion. The equipment portion defines a space
for receiving at least a portion of equipment. Further, the
equipment portion at least partially covers the portion of
equipment when received within the space. Additionally, the
equipment storage device includes a user attachment portion coupled
to the refreshment portion. The user attachment portion includes
straps for securing the device to a user's body. In one
implementation, the device includes a pouch coupled to the
refreshment portion. The pouch is configured to receive the
equipment portion when the portion of equipment is not receiving
within the space.
Inventors: |
Lopez; Dennis; (Ammon,
ID) |
Family ID: |
44530436 |
Appl. No.: |
13/029598 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61339566 |
Mar 5, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/576 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2003/007 20130101;
A45C 13/103 20130101; A45C 7/0068 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101;
A45F 2003/003 20130101; A45C 11/20 20130101; A45F 2200/0566
20130101; A45F 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/576 |
International
Class: |
A45C 15/00 20060101
A45C015/00 |
Claims
1. An equipment storage device, comprising: a refreshment portion
comprising an insulated cooler; an equipment portion coupled to the
refreshment portion, the equipment portion defining a space for
receiving at least a portion of equipment, wherein the equipment
portion at least partially covers the portion of equipment when
received within the space; and a user attachment portion coupled to
the refreshment portion, the user attachment portion comprising
straps for securing the device to a user's body.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pouch coupled to the
refreshment portion, the pouch configured to receive the equipment
portion when the portion of equipment is not receiving within the
space.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a secondary equipment
portion movably coupled to the refreshment portion, the secondary
equipment portion defining a compartment for receiving a remaining
portion of the equipment.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the portion of equipment
receivable within the space comprises a pole and reel of a fishing
rod, and the remaining portion of the equipment comprises a handle
of the fishing rod, and wherein the space is a substantially narrow
and elongate space.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the equipment portion extends
from a side of the refreshment portion and the secondary equipment
portion is positionable over a top of the refreshment portion.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein the secondary equipment portion
comprises a lid, the secondary equipment portion being pivotable
relative to the refreshment portion to cover and uncover an opening
of the insulated cooler with the lid.
7. The device of claim 3, further comprising an expandable portion
coupled to the secondary equipment portion such that the secondary
equipment portion is positioned between the expandable portion and
the refreshment portion, the expandable portion comprising a
compartment that is expandable from a first volume to a second
volume.
8. The device of claim 3, wherein the straps comprise waist straps
for extending about a waist of a user.
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a shoulder strap
removably attachable to the waist straps.
10. The device of claim 3, wherein the secondary equipment portion
comprises an opening in a side of the secondary equipment portion
through which the remaining portion of the equipment is
extendable.
11. The device of claim 2, wherein the pouch extends along a rear
side of the refreshment portion between the straps.
12. The device of claim 2, wherein the equipment portion is fixedly
attached to the refreshment portion, and wherein the equipment
portion is deformable to wrap at least partially about the
refreshment portion and into the pouch.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the insulated cooler comprises a
rigid box-like structure.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the insulated cooler is covered
by a flexible fabric and the equipment portion is comprised of a
flexible fabric.
15. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least two
couplings configured to receive corresponding couplings of a pair
of suspenders.
16. A recreational equipment apparatus for transporting
recreational equipment and wearable by a user during a recreational
activity corresponding with the recreational equipment, comprising:
a refreshment storage portion comprising an insulated cooler having
an open top, the refreshment storage portion having a top
coextensive with the open top of the cooler, opposing front and
rear sides substantially transverse to the top, and opposing sides
substantially transverse to the top and opposing front and rear
sides; a recreational equipment storage portion secured to one of
the opposing sides and extending in a direction substantially
transverse to the one of the opposing sides, the first recreational
equipment storage portion comprising a first equipment compartment
for storing a first portion of a piece of recreational equipment; a
lid pivotally coupled to the top of the refreshment storage portion
and pivotable between a closed position substantially sealing the
open top of the cooler and an open position providing access to the
cooler through the open top, wherein the lid comprises a second
recreational equipment compartment for storing a second portion of
the piece of recreational equipment when the lid is in a closed
position; at least two spaced-apart straps extending from the rear
side of the refreshment portion, the straps being removably
engageable to form a loop about the body of a user; and a sleeve
coupled to the rear side of the refreshment portion between the at
least two spaced-apart straps, the sleeve defining a space for
storing the equipment storage portion when the first equipment
compartment is not storing the first portion of the piece of
recreational equipment.
17. A method for transporting, storing, and supporting objects
associated with a recreational activity, comprising: providing an
equipment storage device comprising a refreshment portion having an
insulated cooler, an equipment portion coupled to the refreshment
portion, the equipment portion defining a first equipment
compartment, a lid coupled to the refreshment portion, the lid
comprising a second equipment compartment, a user attachment
portion coupled to the refreshment portion, and a pouch coupled to
the refreshment portion; positioning a first portion of a piece of
recreational equipment into the first equipment compartment; with
the lid sealing an opening of the insulated cooler, positioning a
second portion of the piece of recreational equipment into the
second equipment compartment such that the lid is positioned
between the second portion of the piece of recreational equipment
and the opening of the insulated cooler; with the lid sealing the
opening of the insulated cooler, removing the first portion of the
piece of recreational equipment from the first equipment
compartment and removing the second portion of the piece of
recreational equipment from the second equipment compartment; after
removing the first and second portions of the piece of recreational
equipment, inserting the equipment portion into the pouch; and
engaging the user attachment portion to secure the equipment
storage device to a user such that the pouch and equipment portion
inserted therein are between the user and the refreshment
portion.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising opening the lid to
access the insulated cooler while the equipment storage device is
secured to the user.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein while the first portion of the
piece of recreational equipment is positioned into the first
equipment compartment and the second portion of the piece of
recreational equipment is positioned into the second equipment
compartment, the method further comprising engaging the user
attachment portion to secure the equipment storage device about a
shoulder of the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/339,566, filed Mar. 5, 2010,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device for storing
equipment, and more particularly to a transportable device for
storing sporting equipment and cooling food items.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Participants in many recreational activities (e.g., sporting
activities) requiring equipment (e.g., sporting equipment) often
desire to transport refreshments and accessories along with the
equipment necessary for the activity. Currently, such participants
usually are relegated to carrying separate bags, cases, or
containers for each of the equipment, accessories, and
refreshments. Transportation of separate bags to recreational
activities can be tedious and burdensome to the participant,
particularly when the recreational activity involves travel over
relatively large distances. For example, a fisherman typically
desires quick and easy access to a fishing pole, accessories (e.g.,
tackle and personal items), and refreshments while fishing.
However, fishermen often traverse long distances between fishing
locations or holes, which can position themselves at a considerable
distance away from an original location. Accordingly, leaving
accessories and refreshments at the original location is not a
desirable option should the fisherman desire quick and easy access
to the accessories and refreshment. Thus, in order for a fisherman
to maintain quick and easy access to equipment, accessories, and
refreshments, the fisherman is required to pick up, carry, and set
down separate bags or containers each time the fisherman wishes to
move to a new location. The same difficulty applies to activities
other than fishing, such as skiing, hiking, hunting, skateboarding,
photography, and the like.
[0004] Associated with the transportation and storage of
refreshments for consumption during recreational activities is the
inability of some equipment bags with refreshment space to
adequately maintain the refreshments at a cool temperature. For
example, some equipment bags include non-insulated pockets that may
contain refreshments, but do not act to keep the refreshments cool.
Further, such pockets typically are not rigid, and thus may fail to
adequately protect or prevent damage to refreshments contained in
the pockets.
[0005] Additionally, many bags, cases, and containers associated
with recreational equipment are not designed to be worn by a
participant while participating in the corresponding recreational
activity. For example, many conventional cases for carrying a
fishing pole to a fishing location typically are left behind (e.g.,
at an unpacking location) after the fishing pole is removed and
while the fisherman fishes. However, some cases for transporting
fishing poles are described as being wearable by the fisherman
after the fishing pole is removed and during fishing activities.
Although these latter cases may be wearable (e.g., convertible to
be worn) by a user while fishing, the cases are bulky, cumbersome,
uncomfortable, and detract from the enjoyment of fishing.
[0006] Further, some allegedly wearable fishing pole cases are not
outfitted to be worn on a body of the fisherman in a hands-free
manner while storing a fishing pole and while the fisherman is
hiking to a fishing location. For example, one known fishing pole
case must be held by the hand of a fisherman while carrying the
case and stored fishing pole to a fishing location because the case
does not include a shoulder strap or other connector for
facilitating attachment to the body, as opposed to the hands, of
the fisherman.
SUMMARY
[0007] From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a
need exists for an equipment storage device that overcomes one or
more of the above-mentioned disadvantages of known equipment
storage devices. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present
disclosure has been developed to provide various embodiments of an
equipment storage device that would allow for easy storage of one
or more pieces of equipment necessary for a recreational activity,
includes a food storage space that maintains refreshments at a cool
temperature, is transportable on the body of a user in a hand-free
manner prior to, during, and after the recreational activity,
and/or is wearable by a user during the recreational activity in a
comfortable and convenient manner.
[0008] According to one embodiment, an equipment storage device
includes a refreshment portion comprising an insulated cooler. The
equipment storage device also includes an equipment portion coupled
to the refreshment portion. The equipment portion defines a space
for receiving at least a portion of equipment. Further, the
equipment portion at least partially covers the portion of
equipment when received within the space. Additionally, the
equipment storage device includes a user attachment portion coupled
to the refreshment portion. The user attachment portion includes
straps for securing the device to a user's body. In one
implementation, the device includes a pouch coupled to the
refreshment portion. The pouch is configured to receive the
equipment portion when the portion of equipment is not receiving
within the space.
[0009] In some implementations, the device further includes a
secondary equipment portion movably coupled to the refreshment
portion. The secondary equipment portion defines a compartment for
receiving a remaining portion of the equipment. The portion of
equipment receivable within the space can be a pole and reel of a
fishing rod. The remaining portion of the equipment can be a handle
of the fishing rod. The space can be a substantially narrow and
elongate space. The equipment portion can extend from a side of the
refreshment portion and the secondary equipment portion can be
positionable over a top of the refreshment portion. The secondary
equipment portion can include a lid and the secondary equipment
portion can be pivotable relative to the refreshment portion to
cover and uncover an opening of the insulated cooler with the
lid.
[0010] According to some implementations, the device includes an
expandable portion coupled to the secondary equipment portion such
that the secondary equipment portion is positioned between the
expandable portion and the refreshment portion. The expandable
portion includes a compartment that is expandable from a first
volume to a second volume. The straps of the device may include
waist straps for extending about a waist of a user. In certain
implementations, the device further includes a shoulder strap
removably attachable to the waist straps. The secondary equipment
portion may include an opening in a side of the secondary equipment
portion through which the remaining portion of the equipment is
extendable.
[0011] In certain implementations, the pouch extends along a rear
side of the refreshment portion between the straps. The equipment
portion can be fixedly attached to the refreshment portion. The
equipment portion may also be deformable to wrap at least partially
about the refreshment portion and into the pouch. The insulated
cooler can be a rigid box-like structure. The insulated cooler is
covered by a flexible fabric and the equipment portion is comprised
of a flexible fabric. In some implementations, the device includes
at least two couplings configured to receive corresponding
couplings of a pair of suspenders.
[0012] According to yet another embodiment, a recreational
equipment apparatus for transporting recreational equipment and
wearable by a user during a recreational activity corresponding
with the recreational equipment includes a refreshment storage
portion. The refreshment storage portion includes an insulated
cooler having an open top. The refreshment storage portion may also
have a top coextensive with the open top of the cooler, opposing
front and rear sides substantially transverse to the top, and
opposing sides substantially transverse to the top and opposing
front and rear sides. The apparatus also includes a recreational
equipment storage portion secured to one of the opposing sides and
extending in a direction substantially transverse to the one of the
opposing sides. The first recreational equipment storage portion
includes a first equipment compartment for storing a first portion
of a piece of recreational equipment. The apparatus further
includes a lid pivotally coupled to the top of the refreshment
storage portion and pivotable between a closed position
substantially sealing the open top of the cooler and an open
position providing access to the cooler through the open top. The
lid includes a second recreational equipment compartment for
storing a second portion of the piece of recreational equipment
when the lid is in a closed position. Additionally, the apparatus
includes at least two spaced-apart straps extending from the rear
side of the refreshment portion. The straps are removably
engageable to form a loop about the body of a user. The apparatus
also includes a sleeve coupled to the rear side of the refreshment
portion between the at least two spaced-apart straps. The sleeve
defines a space for storing the equipment storage portion when the
first equipment compartment is not storing the first portion of the
piece of recreational equipment.
[0013] In another embodiment, a method for transporting, storing,
and supporting objects associated with a recreational activity
includes providing an equipment storage device. The equipment
storage device includes a refreshment portion having an insulated
cooler, an equipment portion coupled to the refreshment portion.
The equipment portion defines a first equipment compartment. The
device also includes a lid coupled to the refreshment portion where
the lid includes a second equipment compartment, a user attachment
portion coupled to the refreshment portion, and a pouch coupled to
the refreshment portion. The method includes positioning a first
portion of a piece of recreational equipment into the first
equipment compartment. With the lid sealing an opening of the
insulated cooler, the method includes positioning a second portion
of the piece of recreational equipment into the second equipment
compartment such that the lid is positioned between the second
portion of the piece of recreational equipment and the opening of
the insulated cooler. Additionally, with the lid sealing the
opening of the insulated cooler, the method includes removing the
first portion of the piece of recreational equipment from the first
equipment compartment and removing the second portion of the piece
of recreational equipment from the second equipment compartment.
After removing the first and second portions of the piece of
recreational equipment, the method includes inserting the equipment
portion into the pouch. The method also includes engaging the user
attachment portion to secure the equipment storage device to a user
such that the pouch and equipment portion inserted therein are
between the user and the refreshment portion.
[0014] In certain implementations, the method includes opening the
lid to access the insulated cooler while the equipment storage
device is secured to the user. While the first portion of the piece
of recreational equipment is positioned into the first equipment
compartment and the second portion of the piece of recreational
equipment is positioned into the second equipment compartment, the
method may further include engaging the user attachment portion to
secure the equipment storage device about a shoulder of the
user.
[0015] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the subject
matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single
embodiment of the subject matter. Rather, language referring to the
features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific
feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with
an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject
matter of the present disclosure. Thus, discussion of the features
and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification
may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0016] The described features, structures, advantages, and/or
characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may
be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments
and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous
specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One
skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter
of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of
the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or
methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other
instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in
certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present
in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances,
well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or
described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject
matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of
the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may
be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the advantages of the subject matter of the
present disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular
description of the subject matter briefly described above will be
rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated
in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict
only typical embodiments of the subject matter of the present
disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of
its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of an equipment storage
device according to one embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the equipment storage
device of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of the equipment storage device of
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the equipment storage
device of FIG. 1 shown with a cooler cover opened;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the equipment storage
device of FIG. 1 shown with an expandable storage compartment in an
expanded state;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an equipment
storage device showing the relative positioning between a piece of
sporting equipment stored by the device and a refreshment cooler
contained within the device according to one embodiment; and
[0024] FIG. 7 is frontal perspective view of an equipment storage
device for storing an alternative piece of equipment according to
one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
subject matter of the present disclosure. Appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar
language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily,
all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of the term
"implementation" means an implementation having a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
one or more embodiments of the subject matter of the present
disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate
otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more
embodiments.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of an equipment storage
device 5 includes a refreshment portion 10 coupled to a
recreational equipment portion 12. Generally, the refreshment
portion 10 defines a refreshment compartment 50 (see FIGS. 4 and 6)
for storing refreshments (e.g., food and beverages 28). The
refreshment compartment 50 is defined between four side panels 52,
a bottom panel 54, and a top cover or lid 56 defined by an
auxiliary equipment portion 14. The top cover 56 covers the
refreshment compartment 50 in a closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 1)
and allows access to the refreshment compartment in an open
position (see, e.g., FIG. 4). Further, the top cover 56 is
removably securable to the four side panels 52 in the closed
position to seal, or otherwise prevent access to, the refreshment
compartment 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover 56 is
removably securable to the four side panels 52 via a zipper
mechanism 18 having two opposing strips 60, 62 each secured to
opposing edges of the side panels 52 and top cover 56 (see FIG. 4).
The zipper mechanism 18 includes a slider 64 that is movable along
the opposing zipper strips 60, 62 of the zipper mechanism 18 to
engage and disengage mateable teeth of the zipper strips, as is
commonly known in the art, to respectively seal and unseal the top
cover from the side panels.
[0027] Preferably, the refreshment compartment 50 is insulated to
maintain refreshments stored in the compartment at a cool
temperature. Accordingly, referring to the illustrated embodiment
of FIGS. 4 and 6, the refreshment portion 10 includes a cooler 70
positioned within the refreshment compartment 50. In certain
implementations, the cooler 70 is a rigid container or box-like
structure defining an interior space 72 within which refreshments,
such as refreshments 28 of FIG. 6, are positionable. However, in
other implementations, the cooler 70 can be at least partially
flexible (e.g., collapsible) without departing from the essence of
the subject matter of the present disclosure. For some flexible
cooler implementations, the cooler 70 can be integrated into the
sidewalls 52 and bottom wall 54 such that the sidewalls 52 and
bottom wall 54 include inner and outer fabric layers between which
a flexible insulation layer is positioned. In certain
implementations, the cooler 70 is easily removable from the
refreshment portion 10 for cleaning and/or other desired uses, and
easily reinsertable back into the refreshment portion. The cooler
70 is configured to receive a heat absorber, such as ice, an ice
pack, refrigerant (e.g., gel), or liquid designed to keep cool food
or beverages within the cooler.
[0028] Preferably, the shape and size of the interior space 72 of
the cooler 70 corresponds with the shape and size of the
refreshment compartment 50. The cooler 70 includes four sidewalls
74, a bottom wall 76, and an open top 78. The sidewalls 74 and
bottom wall 76 provide insulation to resist the transfer of heat
from outside of the interior space 72 to within the interior space.
In certain implementations, the sidewalls 74 and bottom wall 76 are
made from a polymer with a thickness sufficient to effectively
insulate the interior space 72. For example, in some
implementations, the sidewalls 74 and bottom wall 76 may be made
from a polyurethane rigid panel, polystyrene foam board, and/or
other similar insulating material. In some implementations, the
sidewalls 74 and bottom wall 76 include an inner and outer
semi-insulating layer made from a first material, such as a hard
plastic, and an insulation layer made from a hard or soft
insulating material between the inner and outer layers.
Additionally, the top cover 56 can be made from an insulation
material to resist the transfer of heat from outside of the
interior space 72, through the open top 78, and into the interior
space when in the closed position. In certain implementations, the
cooler 70 is removable from the refreshment compartment 50 for
cleaning or for other use.
[0029] The device 5 may additionally include a front pocket 11
secured to a front side panel 52 of the refreshment portion 10. The
front pocket 11 can have any of various shapes and be accessible
via an opening that is closable via an attachment mechanism, such
as zipper mechanism 21. The front pocket 11 can be used to store
any of various objects, accessories, and/or personal items.
[0030] The recreational equipment portion 12 is configured to
receive and retain one or more pieces of recreational equipment
(e.g., sporting equipment). Generally, the recreational equipment
portion 12 has a shape corresponding with a shape of the
recreational equipment to be retained within the recreational
equipment portion. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
recreational equipment portion 12 has a substantially elongate
shape to receive and retain a fishing rod. Alternatively, the
recreational equipment portion of the storage device can be shaped
differently depending on the type of recreational equipment being
stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a storage device 105
includes a recreational equipment portion 112 and an auxiliary
recreational equipment portion 114 shaped to receive a tennis,
racquetball, badminton, and/or other type of racket. The
recreational equipment portion 112 defines a compartment having the
shape of a shaft and handle of a racket and the auxiliary
recreational equipment portion 114 defines a compartment having the
shape of a head of the racket. It is recognized that the
recreational equipment portion described herein can have any of
various shapes corresponding with any of variously-shaped
recreational or non-recreational equipment without departing from
the essence of the present disclosure.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 1, the recreational equipment portion
12 includes an opening 17 that is selectively closable and openable
via an attachment mechanism, such as a zipper mechanism 82. The
opening 17 can be opened to gain access to a recreational equipment
compartment 80 defined within the recreational equipment portion
12. Once accessible, a piece of recreational equipment, such as a
fishing rod, can be placed within the compartment 80 for
transportation purposes prior to use, or removed from the
compartment 80 for use following transportation. When the
recreational equipment is removed for use or stored for
transportation, the opening 17 can be closed via engagement of the
attachment mechanism. To facilitate retention of the equipment
within the compartment 80 during transportation or storage, the
recreational equipment portion 12 may include opposing tabs 84 on
each side of the recreational equipment portion. The tabs 84 are
securable to each other, such as via a snap button 85, Velcro.RTM.,
or other attachment mechanism, to relieve at least some of the
pressure a stored piece of equipment may impart on the zipper
mechanism 82 during transportation of the equipment (see FIG. 4).
Additionally, the tabs 84 help to cover or protect the equipment if
a portion of the equipment extends out of the compartment 80 and
into an auxiliary compartment above the refreshment portion 10.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the recreational equipment portion
12 may include other compartments in addition to the recreational
equipment compartment 80. For example, the recreational equipment
portion 12 may include an accessories compartment that is
accessible by opening a flap 13 formed in a sidewall of the
equipment portion (see FIG. 1). The flap 13 may be openable and
closable via an attachment mechanism, such as zipper mechanism 22.
The accessories compartment may be open to or partitioned from
(e.g., via an internal wall) the recreational equipment compartment
80. When the recreational equipment is removed from the
recreational equipment portion 12, the accessories compartment can
be used to store any of various accessories as desired by a user.
Even when the recreational equipment portion 12 is stored in the
storage pouch or sleeve 140, as will be described in more detail
below, the flap 13 of the accessories compartment remains
accessible to a user (e.g., is not stored within the sleeve 140)
for the storage of accessories.
[0033] The equipment storage device 5 may also include an auxiliary
recreational equipment portion 14 positioned adjacent (e.g., above)
the refreshment portion 10. The auxiliary recreational equipment
portion 14 is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the refreshment
portion 10 to open and close the refreshment compartment 50. More
specifically, the auxiliary equipment portion 14 includes the top
cover 56 of the refreshment compartment 50, which simultaneously
acts as a bottom panel of the auxiliary equipment portion. The
auxiliary equipment portion 14 is coupled to the refreshment
portion 10 along a back side panel 52 of the refreshment portion
10. The coupling 88 between the auxiliary equipment portion 14 and
refreshment portion 10 facilitates pivoting of the auxiliary
equipment portion relative to the refreshment portion. In certain
embodiments, the coupling between the auxiliary equipment portion
14 and refreshment portion 10 is simply a sewed seam between the
portions. In alternative embodiments, a length of material, such as
fabric or plastic, is positioned between the two portions 10, 14 to
facilitate repeated pivotal movement between the two portions.
[0034] The auxiliary equipment portion 14 defines an auxiliary
equipment compartment 93 sized and shaped to receive a portion of
equipment stored within the main recreational equipment compartment
80. Generally, the auxiliary equipment compartment 93 is defined
between the top cover 56 (which acts as a bottom cover for the
compartment 93), sidewalls 92, and a top cover 94. The top cover 94
is movable relative to the sidewalls 92 to open and close a top
opening to the compartment 93. In a similar manner as discussed
above, the top cover 94 can be attachable to the sidewalls 92 to
close the top opening and partially detachable to the sidewalls to
open the top opening via an attachment mechanism, such as a zipper
mechanism 19. At least a portion of a sidewall 92 facing the
recreational equipment compartment 80 is open to receive a portion
of equipment stored within the compartment 80. As shown in FIG. 6,
the sidewall 92 facing the compartment 80 includes an opening 96
through which a handle 28 of a fishing rod 27 passes through when
stored in the auxiliary equipment compartment. In this manner, when
stored by the device 5, the handle 28 is positioned above the
refreshment portion 10, but does not conflict with the sealing
engagement between the top cover 56 and the sidewalls 52 of the
refreshment portion. The auxiliary equipment compartment 93 is
accessible by detaching and pivoting the top cover 94 from the
sidewalls 92 to expose the compartment 93. Accordingly, when the
fishing rod 27 is to be removed from the device 5, the auxiliary
equipment compartment 93 can be accessed and the handle 28 removed
without opening the refreshment compartment 50.
[0035] In some embodiments, the equipment storage device 5 can
include an expandable portion 15 that defines an expandable
compartment 95. Generally, the expandable compartment 95 is defined
between the top cover 94 (which acts as a bottom cover of the
compartment 95), fixed sidewalls 100, expandable sidewalls 102, and
top cover 104. The top cover 94 and expandable sidewalls 102 are
collectively movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the fixed
sidewalls 100 to open and close an opening to the compartment 95.
The top cover 94 and expandable sidewalls 102 can be attachable to
the fixed sidewalls 102 to close the opening to the compartment 95
and partially detachable from the fixed sidewalls 102 to open the
opening via an attachment mechanism, such as a zipper mechanism
108. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in a collapsed or non-expanded
state, the expandable sidewalls 102 are collapsed (e.g., folded
upon itself) such that the size or usuable volume of the expandable
compartment 95 is at a minimum. However, as shown in FIG. 5, in an
expanded or non-collapsed state, the expandable sidewalls 102 are
expanded or straightened to increase the size or usuable volume of
the expandable compartment 95 to a maximum size or volume. The
expandable portion 15 is covertable between the collapsed and
expanded states by actuation of an attachment mechanism, such as
zipper mechanism 20. The zipper mechanism 20 includes two opposing
strips 110, 112 that extend about an entire periphery of the
expandable portion 15. Each strip 110, 112 is fixed to the
expandable portion 15 on opposite sides of the expandable sidewalls
102 such that when the mateable teeth of the zipper strips are
disengaged, the expandable sidewalls can be expanded into the
straightened state shown in FIG. 5 from the folded state shown in
FIG. 6. Similarly, the mateable teeth of the zipper strips 110, 112
can be engaged to force the expandable sidewalls 102 into the
collapsed state.
[0036] The equipment storage device 5 also includes a user
attachment portion 120 configured to facilitate secure attachment
of the device to a user during transportation of recreational
equipment and/or during a recreational activity that utilizes the
recreational equipment. The user attachment portion 120 includes
two hip tabs 122 coupled to and extending from the refreshment
compartment 50. The two hip tabs 122 are spaced-apart and
positioned proximate a back side panel of the refreshment
compartment 50. The user attachment portion 120 also includes two
straps 124 attached to respective hip tabs 122. Each strap 124
includes an adjustable coupling 126. The couplings 126 of the
straps 124 are matingly engageable with each other to couple the
straps 124 together to define a continuous loop with the
refreshment portion and tabs 122. The positioning of the couplings
126 along the straps 124 are adjustable to adjust the circumference
of the defined loop. The equipment storage device 5 is wearable
about a waist of a user by positioning the straps about the user
and matingly engaging the couplings 126. Preferably, the two hip
tabs 122 rest on the user's hips to comfortably distribute the
weight of the device 5 to the user's body. In certain embodiments,
the straps may be configured to form a harness that is securable to
the user's body.
[0037] Alternatively, the equipment storage device 5 can be worn
about a shoulder of a user instead of the waist as desired. In one
implementation, the length of the straps 124 and positioning of the
couplings 126 can be configured to form a loop large enough to wrap
around a user's shoulder. In certain implementations, the loop is
large enough such that the loop wraps about the user's shoulder and
across the user's body. To facilitate a quick and efficient
transition between wearing of the equipment storage device 5 about
the user's waist and shoulder, a secondary strap 128 with opposing
couplings 130 can be used (see, e.g., FIG. 2). The couplings 130
are positioned on opposing ends of the secondary strap 128 with
each being matingly engageable with a respective one of the
couplings 126. By matingly engaging the couplings 130 of the
secondary strap 128 to the couplings 126, the circumference of the
defined loop is immediately increased from a dimension for wearing
about a waist of a user to a dimension sufficient for wearing about
a shoulder of a user. In certain implementations, the position of
the couplings 130 on the secondary strap 128 may be adjustable.
[0038] In one embodiment, a user wears the equipment storage device
5 about the user's shoulder when transporting recreational
equipment to a location for use of the equipment. Once the
equipment is removed from the device 5, the device 5 is worn about
the user's waist and worn during the recreational activity. When
worn by a user, the refreshment portion 10 can be positioned
adjacent a user's backside or frontside based on the user's
preference. Generally, when transporting recreational equipment and
during the recreational activity, the refreshment portion 10 is
positioned adjacent or proximate the user's backside. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the device 5 includes couplings
150 configured to receive associated rear couplings on a pair of
suspenders (not shown). Additional couplings 151 can be positioned
on the straps 124 to receive associated front couplings of the
suspenders. In this manner, a user can wear the device 5 using the
user attachment portion 120, suspenders, or both.
[0039] To facilitate wearing of the equipment storage device 5
during a recreational activity, the device include a storage pouch
or sleeve 140 integrated into the refreshment portion 12 to store
the recreational equipment portion 12 of the device when empty.
Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the storage pouch 140 is secured to a rear
side panel 52 of the refreshment portion 12 and extends across a
rear side of the device. In some instances, the storage pouch 140
may be secured, at least partially, to the auxiliary equipment
portion 14 and/or expandable portion 15. The storage pouch 140
defines a space 142 defined between an outer panel 144 of the pouch
and a rear side of the recreational equipment portion 12. The space
142 is sufficiently sized to receive at least a portion of the
recreational equipment portion 12. As shown, the space 142 has a
substantially semi-circular, or semi-oblong, shaped cross-sectional
shape. However, the space 142 can have any of various
cross-sectional shapes. The outer panel 144 of the pouch 140 can be
a length of flexible fabric secured to the refreshment portion 10
at opposite sides of the fabric. Alternatively, the pouch 140 can
include a rigid outer panel that defines the space 142. As shown,
the space 142 is open-ended on both ends. However, in other
embodiments, one end of the space 142 may be closed while the
opposite end is open.
[0040] When a piece of recreational equipment (e.g., a fishing
pole) is removed from the recreational equipment portion 12, the
recreational equipment portion 12 goes limp and would otherwise
downwardly hang from the refreshment portion 10. To remove
possibility of the unused recreation equipment portion 12 acting as
an obstruction while the device 5 is being worn by a user, the user
can deform and insert the unused equipment portion into the space
142 defined by the pouch 140 as shown in FIG. 5. As illustrated,
the user can fold the equipment portion 12 and neatly insert it
into the pouch 140. Alternatively, the user can stuff the equipment
portion 12 into the pouch 140. When stored in the pouch 140, the
end of the equipment portion 12 attached to the refreshment portion
10 remains attached. Accordingly, to position the equipment portion
12 for insertion into the pouch 140, the equipment portion can be
bent or folded proximate the attachment to the refreshment portion
as shown in FIG. 5. With the equipment portion 12 stored in the
pouch 140, not only is the unused equipment portion positioned out
of the way of the user, but the inserted, folded, and/or stuffed
unused equipment portion can be used as a cushion against the
user's body to promote comfort while the device 5 is worn.
[0041] The various portions (e.g., refreshment portion 10,
equipment storage portion 12, auxiliary recreational equipment
portion 14, expandable portion 15, and tabs 122) of the equipment
storage device 5 can formed with an outer flexible covering, such
as a fabric. In some implementations, the outer flexible covering
of the portions of the device 5 is water-resistant or
water-proof.
[0042] The subject matter of the present disclosure may be embodied
in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or
essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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