U.S. patent application number 13/309961 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for sport bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to Michael St-Laurent. Invention is credited to Michael St-Laurent.
Application Number | 20120273315 13/309961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47067057 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120273315 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
St-Laurent; Michael |
November 1, 2012 |
SPORT BAG
Abstract
The present document describes a bag comprising a first
compartment; a second compartment, the second compartment being
removably attachable to the first compartment and having a
semi-rigidly held shape for supporting the first compartment on the
second compartment; wherein the first compartment and the second
compartment each comprise an access to the interior of the first
compartment and the second compartment.
Inventors: |
St-Laurent; Michael;
(Metis-sur-Mer, CA) |
Assignee: |
St-Laurent; Michael
Metis-sur-Mer
CA
|
Family ID: |
47067057 |
Appl. No.: |
13/309961 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61479103 |
Apr 26, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0045 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14 |
Claims
1. A bag comprising: a first compartment comprising an access to
the interior of the compartment; a second compartment removably
attachable to the first compartment and being semi-rigidly held for
supporting the first compartment on the second compartment, the
second compartment comprising at least one access to the interior
of the second compartment along any one of a lateral wall or an end
wall; wheels attached on the bag for transportation; wherein a top
wall of the first or second compartment, or both, extends
downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall of each
compartment to allow loading of the first or second compartment to
create an improved weight transfer of said bag during
transportation.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said second compartment is of a
predetermined shape.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the second compartment is held by a
frame, a molded shell, a plurality of semi-rigid panels, rods or
combinations thereof.
4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the frame, the molded shell, the
plurality of semi-rigid panels or the combinations thereof are
within the second compartment.
5. The bag of claim 3, wherein the frame, the molded shell, the
plurality of semi-rigid panels, or the combination thereof are
within both first and second compartments.
6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first compartment and the second
compartment are removably attachable to each other with attachment
closing system.
7. The bag of claim 6, wherein the closing system includes a
zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop
fastener or combinations thereof.
8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the access to the interior of the
first compartment and the second compartment comprises a closing
system.
9. The bag of claim 8, wherein the closing system includes a
zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop
fastener or combinations thereof.
10. The bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one lifting
mechanism for transporting the bag.
11. The bag of claim 10, wherein the lifting mechanism includes a
handle, a strap, a handgrip, a retractable handle, a retractable
handgrip, or combinations thereof.
12. The bag of claim 1, further comprising an air vent for allowing
passage of air between said first and second compartments.
13. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the first
compartment is made from an impermeable material.
14. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the second
compartment is made from an impermeable material
15. The bag of claim 1, wherein a top surface of said second
compartment is inclined relative to a bottom wall.
16. A bag comprising: a first compartment comprising an access to
the interior of the compartment; a second compartment, the second
compartment removably attached to the first compartment and being
semi-rigidly held for supporting the first compartment on the
second compartment, the second compartment comprising at least one
access to the interior of the second compartment along any one of a
lateral wall or an end wall; wheels attached on the bag for
transportation; at least one lifting mechanism attached on the bag
for transportation; wherein a top wall of the first or second
compartment, or both, extends downwardly at an angle relative to
the bottom wall of each compartment to allow loading of the first
or second compartment to create an improved weight transfer of said
bag during transportation.
17. The bag of claim 16, wherein a structural support is disposed
between a bottom wall and a top wall of the second compartment or
both.
18. The bag of claim 16, wherein the structural support is a
retractable structural support.
19. The bag of claim 16, wherein a top surface of said first and
said second compartment is inclined relative to a bottom wall of
each respective compartment, wherein when said first and second
compartment are superimposed, said bag has a substantially
rectangular shape.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC.sctn.119(e) of
U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/479,103, filed on Apr.
26, 2011, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] (a) Field
[0003] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to the field
of bags. More particularly, the subject matter relates to a bag for
carrying equipment, especially sport gear.
[0004] (b) Related Prior Art
[0005] A sport bag is typically used to carry sport gear and sport
apparel to and from an exercise facility. Sport activities, such as
hockey, require heavy sport gear and substantial associated
apparel. Quite often, the sport bag provides only a large main
compartment to contain the ice skates, helmet, leg padding,
shoulder padding, elbow padding, gloves, hockey pants, chest
protector, and the like. Therefore, once filled, the sport bag is
heavy and cumbersome for transportation of sport gear. In addition,
the large main compartment does not allow segregation of sport gear
and sport apparel items for easy access. Therefore, the user must
search the contents of the large main compartment thoroughly or
empty its content in order to find specific items. Moreover, as
small vehicles become increasingly popular, a sport bag with a
large main compartment holding sport gear and sport apparel may not
readily be accommodated by the trunk or rear passenger compartments
in compact and subcompact vehicles. Furthermore, such bags may be
heavy to carry up stairs in arenas or at home.
[0006] Thus there is a need for a bag to transport and store heavy
gear, especially sport gear, in an organized manner and such that
its content would be readily accommodated by compact and subcompact
vehicles.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to an embodiment, there is provided a bag
comprising: [0008] a first compartment comprising an access to the
interior of the compartment; [0009] a second compartment removably
attachable to the first compartment and being semi-rigidly held for
supporting the first compartment on the second compartment, the
second compartment comprising at least one access to the interior
of the second compartment along any one of a lateral wall or an end
wall; [0010] wheels attached on the bag for transportation;
[0011] wherein a top wall of the first or second compartment, or
both, extends downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall of
each compartment to allow loading of the first or second
compartment to create an improved weight transfer of said bag
during transportation.
[0012] The second compartment may be of a predetermined shape.
[0013] The second compartment may be held by a frame, a molded
shell, a plurality of semi-rigid panels, rods or combinations
thereof.
[0014] The frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid
panels or the combinations thereof may be within the second
compartment.
[0015] The frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid
panels, or the combination thereof may be within both first and
second compartments.
[0016] The first compartment and the second compartment may be
removably attachable to each other with attachment closing
system.
[0017] The closing system may include a zipper, a strap, a snap
fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop fastener or combinations
thereof.
[0018] The access to the interior of the first compartment and the
second compartment may comprise a closing system.
[0019] The closing system may include a zipper, a strap, a snap
fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop fastener or combinations
thereof.
[0020] The bag may be further comprising at least one lifting
mechanism for transporting the bag.
[0021] The lifting mechanism may include a handle, a strap, a
handgrip, a retractable handle, a retractable handgrip, or
combinations thereof.
[0022] The bag may be further comprising an air vent for allowing
passage of air between said first and second compartments.
[0023] The bottom wall of the first compartment may be made from an
impermeable material.
[0024] The bottom wall of the second compartment may be made from
an impermeable material.
[0025] The top surface of the second compartment may be inclined
relative to a bottom wall.
[0026] According to another embodiment, there is provided a bag
comprising: [0027] a first compartment comprising an access to the
interior of the compartment; [0028] a second compartment, the
second compartment removably attached to the first compartment and
being semi-rigidly held for supporting the first compartment on the
second compartment, the second compartment comprising at least one
access to the interior of the second compartment along any one of a
lateral wall or an end wall; [0029] wheels attached on the bag for
transportation; [0030] at least one lifting mechanism attached on
the bag for transportation;
[0031] wherein a top wall of the first or second compartment, or
both, extends downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall of
each compartment to allow loading of the first or second
compartment to create an improved weight transfer of said bag
during transportation.
[0032] The structural support may be disposed between a bottom wall
and a top wall of the second compartment or both.
[0033] The structural support may be a retractable structural
support.
[0034] The top surface of the first and the second compartment may
be inclined relative to a bottom wall of each respective
compartment, wherein when the first and second compartment are
superimposed, the bag has a substantially rectangular shape.
[0035] According to an embodiment, there is provided a bag
comprising:
[0036] a first compartment having a bottom;
[0037] a second compartment being removably attachable to the
bottom of the first compartment; and
[0038] a support structure insertable into the second compartment
for supporting the first compartment.
[0039] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will
become more apparent in light of the following detailed description
of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying
figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and
claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all
without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the
drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in
nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject
matter is set forth in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure
will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken
in combination with the appended drawings, in which:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective right side view of the bag shown in
FIG. 1 with the flap of the second compartment in an opened
position;
[0042] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the bag, shown in FIG.
1;
[0043] FIG. 3A is a perspective top view of the support structure
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0044] FIG. 3B is a perspective top view of a support structure
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates the use of a bag according to an
embodiment of the present invention in a car.
[0046] FIG. 4B illustrates the uses and handling of a bag according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 4C illustrates the uses and handling of a bag according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 4D illustrates the uses and handling of a bag according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like
features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] In embodiments there is disclosed a novel bag for carrying
heavy gear. The bag comprises at least two main compartments that
can be separated, allowing segregation of the gear and facilitating
transportation of the gear. Preferably, the gear transported is
sport gear, but it may be gear for any desired function, such as
tools, camping, hunting, musical instruments, and the like.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown bag 10 comprising
a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. The second
compartment 14 of the bag 10 is removably attachable to the first
compartment 12 and has a semi-rigidly held shape for supporting the
first compartment 12 on the second compartment 14. The shape may be
predetermined, and may for example be rectangular, square, or any
suitable shape. Preferably, the shape is rectangular. In the bag
10, the first compartment 12 comprises an access to the interior of
the compartment, which may be located on any of the side, end, or
top walls. The second compartment 14 may comprise at least one
access to the interior of the second compartment which may be
located along any one of side walls 34 and 39 (not show), or end
walls 38 and 40.
[0052] According to an embodiment, the top wall of the first or
second compartments (or both) may each extend downwardly at an
angle relative to the bottom wall of each compartment. This allows
the compartment, for example, to store larger heavier gear, or more
gear in one side of each compartment. Any one compartment may then
be loaded with material in order to create an improved weight
transfer of said bag during transportation (as shown in FIG. 4C).
Both first and second compartments may have top walls extending
downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall, such that when
stacked as described above, the two compartments back is overall
rectangular in shape.
[0053] The bag 10 may comprise one or more set of wheels, suitably
positioned to allow ground transportation. The wheels may be
attached on the first compartment 12, on the second compartment 14
or on both first and second compartments 12 and 14. The wheels may
be located at either or both end of each compartments.
[0054] In the bag 10, the shape may be held by, without
limitations, a frame, a molded shell, a plurality of semi-rigid
panels, rods and the like. In the bag 10, the frame, the molded
shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels may be within the second
compartment. However, according to another embodiment, in the bag
10, the frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels
may be within both first compartment 12 and second compartment
14.
[0055] According to an embodiment, the first compartment 12 and the
second compartment 14 are removably attachable to each other with
any suitable closing system. The suitable closing system may
include, without limitations, a zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a
press stud, a hook and loop fastener, such as a Velcro.TM., and the
like.
[0056] In the bag 10, the access to the interior of the first
compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 comprises a suitable
closing system. This suitable closing system may include, without
limitations, hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro.TM., a zipper,
a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, and the like.
[0057] Moreover, according to another embodiment, the bag 10 may
further comprise at least one lifting mechanism for transporting
the bag 10. The lifting mechanism may include a handle, a strap, a
handgrip, retractable handle or handgrip and the like. The lifting
mechanism may be attached on the first compartment 12, on the
second compartment 14 or on both first and second compartments 12
and 14. Any of the surface may receive the lifting mechanism.
Additionally, according to another embodiment, the bag 10 may
further comprise an air vent 56 for allowing passage of air in the
bag from the interior of the second compartment to the interior of
the first compartment (and to the exterior, if the first
compartment is opened). The air vent 56 and 58 in each of the first
and second compartments respectively align and are superimposed in
order to allowing passage of air in the bag from the interior of
the second compartment to the interior of the first compartment
(and to the exterior, if the first compartment is opened). As the
gear contained inside is not put on top of each other because of
the segregation, the presence of air vents will favor faster and
better drying of wet gear held in the compartments. Moreover, the
bag 10 further comprises wheels for transporting the bag 10.
[0058] According to an embodiment, the bag 10 may be made of a
durable fabric, canvas or plastic having preferably a substantially
rectangular parallelepiped shape or configuration. The bag 10
comprises a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. The
first compartment 12 and second compartment 14 are attachable to
each other by any known suitable system such as zipper 16,
Velcro.TM. or straps. The first compartment 12 may comprise two
lateral walls 18 and 20, two end walls 22 and 24, a bottom wall 26
and a top wall 28. The top wall 28 of the first compartment 12
provides an access to the interior of the first compartment 12
through a mechanism such as a zipper 30. In a preferred embodiment,
the top wall 28 further comprises a handle 32. Alternatively, the
handle can be provided on the lateral wall 18 or 20, or the end
wall 22 or 24, allowing displacement of the bag 10 or the first
compartment 12 only upon separation from the second compartment 14.
Lifting mechanism or handles may also be located on the second
compartment 14, on lateral wall 39 for example, opposite an access
in the second compartment lateral wall 34.
[0059] According to another embodiment, the second compartment 14
comprises two lateral walls 34 and 36, two end walls 38 and 40, a
bottom wall 42 and a top wall 44. One of the lateral walls 34 or 36
comprises an access in the form of an openable longitudinal flap 46
therein. The flap 46 is openable by any suitable system such as a
zipper or Velcro.TM.. Therefore, the insertion or removal of large
and/or long or irregularly shaped gear such as leg padding into or
out of the second compartment 14 is facilitated upon opening of the
flap 46 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0060] According to an embodiment, the bottom walls 26 and/or 42
may each be made from waterproof material to resist to damage
caused by water present on the ground where each compartment may be
deposited.
[0061] According to an embodiment, the second compartment 14 may
further comprise a structural support, such as structural support
48 disposed between the bottom wall 42 and the top wall 44 in order
to support the first compartment 12 when the first compartment 12
is positioned on top of the second compartment 14. According to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, and 3A-B, the structural support 48
has a top surface 50 extending approximately from end wall 38 to
end wall 40 and approximately from lateral wall 34 to lateral wall
36. The structural support 48 also comprises a plurality of
projections 52 extending downwardly from the top surface 50 to the
bottom wall 42 supporting therefore the top surface 50. Preferably,
the projections 52 extending downwardly are positioned near the end
walls 38 and 40. The top surface 50 can extend parallel relative to
the bottom wall 42 or can extend downwardly at an angle relative to
the bottom wall 42, depending on the angle of the top wall of the
respective first or second compartment. Preferably the structural
support 48 is made of wood, plastic such as PVF, polyethylene,
carbon fibre, aluminum, magnesium, and the like. According to
another embodiment, the projections 52 of the structural support 48
may be retractable to allow the second compartment to be
retractable and/or compressible as well. According to another
embodiment, the top surface 50 of the structural support 48 may be
inserted in the first compartment 12 or in the second compartment
14. Moreover, the structural support 48 may be in the first
compartment 12 or in the second compartment 14 and concealed in the
material of the bag 10.
[0062] According to another embodiment, the first and second
compartments may further comprise additional separators which may
be removably affixed inside the compartments by suitable fasteners
such as zippers, snap fasteners, press studs, hook and loop
fastener, such as a Velcro.TM., and the like.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the top surface 50 further
comprises holes or air vents 54 extending through the surface 50.
When holes or air vents 54 are provided through the surface 50, the
top wall 44 of the second compartment 14 and the bottom wall 26 of
the first compartment 12 comprise a permeable system for air
circulation through holes or air vents 56 and 58, respectively as
shown at FIGS. 2 and 3B. The permeable system allows moisture to
circulate from one compartment to the other so that the gear or
apparel will not become mildewed, discoloured, or rusted while
being transported or stored within the bag 10. In another
embodiment, air vents 56 of the first compartment 12 and air vents
58 of the second compartment 14 are aligned to allow the passage of
air from the first compartment 12 to the second compartment 14. For
example, the air vents may be hole pierced through the fabric of
each compartment, and/or they be netting of webbing with holes
there through.
[0064] According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
structural support 48 is insertable into the second compartment 14
upon separating the top wall 44 from the lateral walls 34 and 36
and at least one end wall 38 or 40. Any known suitable mechanism,
such as a zipper 60, is used to detach/attach the top wall 44 from
the lateral walls 34 and 36 and at least one end wall 38 or 40.
Upon insertion of the structure 48 into the second compartment 14,
the structural support 48 is held in place by the tension in the
material.
[0065] According to another embodiment, the structural support 48
is insertable into the first or second compartment 12 or 14 as
separate surface 50 and projections 52. The surface 50 may be
slipped through an opening in any of the first or second
compartment 12 or 14, along the edge of top wall 44 or bottom wall
26 for example. The surface 50 may be reconnected to the
projections 52, or they may each independently for the basis of the
structure 48 without being connected. Any known suitable mechanism,
such as a zipper 60, may be used to detach/attach the first
compartment 12 to/from the second compartment 14. Upon insertion of
the structure 48 into the second compartment 14, the structural
support, such as structural support 48, is held in place by the
tension in the material.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the end walls 38 and 40 of the
second compartment 14 further comprise wheels and handle,
respectively for transporting the bag 10 or the second compartment
14 only upon separation from the first compartment 12. However,
both the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 may
comprise wheels and handles for transportation of the bag 10.
[0067] By providing two compartments, the bag of the present
invention allows segregation of the gear and other apparel or
material. For example, the heavy sport gear such as leg padding,
ice skates, helmet and the like can be stored in the second
compartment 14 and lighter gear and apparel can be stored in the
first compartment 12. The flap 46 of the second compartment 14
improves accessibility to long or irregular shaped, gear such as
leg padding and allows insertion of long or irregular shaped gear
with ease within the second compartment 14. In addition, the
displacement of the bag is facilitated as one compartment can be
transported independently of the other compartment. For example,
the second compartment containing heavy gear can be transported
independently of the first compartment allowing a displacement from
a place of residence to a vehicle and from the vehicle to an
exercise facility with ease. In addition, ascending and descending
stairs with bag compartments in the separated configuration is less
cumbersome.
[0068] In use, the bag of the present invention may be easily
loaded in small vehicles. As small vehicles become increasingly
popular, a sport bag with a large main compartment holding sport
gear and sport apparel may not readily be accommodated by the trunk
or rear passenger compartments in compact and subcompact vehicles.
Bags according to the present invention may be easily loaded into a
compact car trunk, once separated into its respective first and
second compartments (FIG. 4A). Furthermore, such bags may be heavy
to carry up stairs in arenas or at home (FIG. 4B). The reassembled
bag of the present invention may then be easily transported (FIG.
4C) by the user, which then may access the stored material therein
(FIG. 4D).
[0069] While preferred embodiments have been described above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to
those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without
departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered
as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *