U.S. patent application number 13/358003 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-25 for duffel bag structural components.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Joseph J. Bevier. Invention is credited to Joseph J. Bevier.
Application Number | 20130188892 13/358003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48797266 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130188892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bevier; Joseph J. |
July 25, 2013 |
Duffel Bag Structural Components
Abstract
A duffel bag may utilize a structural component to allow the
duffel bag to stand upright without the use of filling materials.
Accordingly, a duffel bag having auxiliary structural support is
provided. In particular, the duffel bag may have a panel comprising
a side of the duffel bag. The duffel bag also may have a strap
affixed to a portion of the panel. Additionally, the duffel bag has
a semi-rigid component between the panel and the strap. Further,
the semi-rigid component may be secured between to the panel and
the strap.
Inventors: |
Bevier; Joseph J.;
(Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bevier; Joseph J. |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
48797266 |
Appl. No.: |
13/358003 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/36 20130101;
A45C 13/26 20130101; A45C 3/001 20130101; A45C 13/04 20130101; A45C
3/00 20130101; A45C 2003/008 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C
2013/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/104 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00; A45C 3/00 20060101 A45C003/00 |
Claims
1. A duffel bag having auxiliary structural support, the duffel bag
comprising: a first panel comprising a first side of the duffel
bag; a first strap affixed to the first panel; a first semi-rigid
component between the first panel and the first strap, wherein the
first semi-rigid component is secured between the first panel and
the first strap; a second panel comprising a second side of the
duffel bag that is opposite the first side of the duffel bag; a
second strap affixed to the second panel; a second semi-rigid
component in between the second panel and the second strap, wherein
the second semi-rigid component is secured between the second panel
and the second strap; a third panel adjacent to the first panel and
the second panel; a fourth panel adjacent to the first panel and
the second panel, wherein the fourth panel is opposite the third
panel; and a bottom panel adjacent to the first panel, second
panel, third panel, and fourth panel.
2. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first semi-rigid
component is bordered by an intersecting area comprising the first
panel affixed to the first strap.
3. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first semi-rigid
component extends to the bottom of the first panel.
4. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first semi-rigid
component extends to the top of the first panel.
5. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first strap extends to
the bottom of the first panel.
6. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first strap extends
beyond the bottom of the first panel.
7. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first strap extends fully
across the bottom panel.
8. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first strap extends
partially across the bottom panel.
9. The duffel bag of claim 1, wherein the first strap comprises the
second strap.
10. A duffel bag having auxiliary structural support, the duffel
bag comprising: a first panel comprising a first side of the duffel
bag; a bottom panel adjacent to the first panel; a first set of two
straps affixed to the first panel and a portion of the bottom
panel; a first set of two semi-rigid components, a first portion of
the first set of two semi-rigid components secured between the
first panel and the first set of two straps and a second portion of
the first set of two semi-rigid components secured between the
bottom panel and the first set of two straps; a second panel
comprising a second side of the duffel bag, wherein the second
panel is adjacent to the bottom panel and opposite the first panel;
a second set of straps covering a portion of the second panel and a
portion of the bottom panel; a second set of two semi-rigid
components, a first portion of the second set of two semi-rigid
components secured between the second panel and the second set of
two straps and a second portion of the second set of two semi-rigid
components secured between the bottom panel and the second set of
two straps; a third panel adjacent to the first panel, the second
panel, and the bottom panel; and a fourth panel adjacent to the
first panel, the second panel, and the bottom panel, wherein the
fourth panel is opposite the third panel.
11. The duffel bag of claim 10, wherein the first set of straps
extend partially across the bottom panel.
12. The duffel bag of claim 10, wherein the first set of straps
extend completely across the bottom panel.
13. The duffel bag of claim 10, wherein the first set of semi-rigid
components extend to the top of the first panel.
14. The duffel bag of claim 10, wherein the first set of semi-rigid
components extend beyond the bottom of the first panel.
15. The duffel bag of claim 10, wherein the first set of straps and
the second set of straps do not overlap.
16. The duffel bag of claim 10, wherein the first set of straps
comprises the second set of straps.
17. A duffel bag having auxiliary structural support, the duffel
bag comprising: a first panel comprising a first side of the duffel
bag; a bottom panel adjacent to the first panel; a second panel
comprising a second side of the duffel bag, wherein the second
panel is adjacent to the bottom panel and opposite the first panel;
a set of two straps affixed to the first panel, portion of the
bottom panel, and a portion of the second panel; a set of two
semi-rigid components, a first portion of the set of two semi-rigid
components secured between the first panel and the set of two
straps, a second portion of the set of two semi-rigid components
secured between the bottom panel and the set of two straps, and a
third portion of the set of two semi-rigid components secured
between the second panel and the set of two straps; a third panel
adjacent to the first panel, the second panel, and the bottom
panel; and a fourth panel adjacent to the first panel, the second
panel, and the bottom panel, wherein the fourth panel is opposite
the third panel.
18. The duffel bag of claim 17, wherein the set of two semi-rigid
components extends to the top of the first panel.
19. The duffel bag of claim 17, wherein the set of two semi-rigid
components extends to the top of the second panel.
20. The duffel bag of claim 17, wherein a first semi-rigid
component of the set of two semi-rigid components does not overlap
a second semi-rigid component of the set of two semi-rigid
components.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an athletic bag, such as a
duffel bag. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
duffel bag with structural components that are used to place the
duffel bag in a stand-up position without the use of filling
materials.
SUMMARY
[0003] Stores that merchandise duffel bags generally display the
duffel bags in a full state. For example, stores may display duffel
bags filled with crumpled paper. When the duffel bags are full,
customers are able to see the space capacity of the duffel bag.
Customers are also able to clearly see designs that are presented
on panels of the duffel bags when the duffel bags are full. In
addition to being wasteful, filling duffel bags up with paper is
also time consuming to store workers. Accordingly, providing stores
with duffel bags that are able to stand up without being filled
with paper or other materials benefits both the store and the
environment. Additionally, providing consumers with duffel bags
that are able to stand up helps to facilitate ease of packing and
unpacking. Accordingly, a duffel bag is provided that has a
semi-rigid structure within the duffel bag so as to allow the
duffel bag to be placed in a stand-up position without requiring
the duffel bag to be filled with paper or other materials. In
particular, disclosure is provided of a duffel bag with semi-rigid
components secured between panels and straps of the duffel bag.
[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features. Further areas of applicability will become apparent
from the description provided herein. The description and specific
examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an example duffel bag
with semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example duffel
bag with semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of an example duffel bag
with semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal view of an example duffel bag
with semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an example duffel bag
with footed semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example duffel
bag with footed semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of an example duffel bag
with footed semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view of an example duffel bag
with footed semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an example duffel bag
with u-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an example duffel
bag with u-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of an example duffel
bag with u-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates a frontal view of an example duffel bag
with u-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of an example duffel
bag with H-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an example duffel
bag with H-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional view of an example duffel
bag with H-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 16 illustrates a frontal view of an example duffel bag
with H-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of an example duffel bag
with semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 18 illustrates another bottom view of an example duffel
bag with semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 19 illustrates a further bottom view of an example
duffel bag with semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 20 illustrates an additional bottom view of an example
duffel bag with semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 21 illustrates a bottom view of an example duffel bag
with footed semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 22 illustrates another bottom view of an example duffel
bag with footed semi-rigid components in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 23 illustrates a bottom view of an example duffel bag
with u-shaped semi-rigid components in accordance with the present
invention.
[0029] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view 100 of an example
duffel bag 110 with a semi-rigid structure is shown. Duffel bag 110
comprises a first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel,
and bottom panel. First panel and second panel are each adjacent
second panel, third panel, and bottom panel. First panel is also
opposite second panel. Similarly, third panel and fourth panel are
each adjacent bottom panel. Third panel is also opposite fourth
panel.
[0031] The semi-rigid structure of duffel bag 110 is composed of
semi-rigid components 130. Semi-rigid components 130 are found on a
front and a back panel of duffel bag 110. For ease of illustration,
however, a singular semi-rigid component 130 from a panel of duffel
bag 110 is discussed herein. Accordingly, duffel bag 110 has a
multi-layered structure having panel 120, semi-rigid component 130,
and strap 140. In particular, semi-rigid component 130 is secured
between panel 120 and strap 140. Further, semi-rigid component 130
is secured to both panel 120 and strap 140. By sandwiching
semi-rigid component 130 between panel 120 and strap 140, duffel
bag 110 may be placed in a self-supported upright position without
the addition of auxiliary filling material to duffel bag 110. As
such, when the duffel bag is in a self-supported upright position,
it is easier for stores to display items and for consumers to pack
the duffel bag with materials.
[0032] In alternative embodiments, semi-rigid component 130 may be
placed adjacent to strap 140. Semi-rigid component 130 may also be
partially sandwiched between strap 140 and panel 120.
Alternatively, strap 140 may be sandwiched between semi-rigid
component 130 and panel 120. In these further embodiments, of a
multi-layered structure, semi-rigid component 130 may also be used
to hold up duffel bag 110.
[0033] A semi-rigid component, such as semi-rigid component 130,
may be composed of plastic, EVA foam, a die-cut flat P.E. sheet,
dense cloth, Texon board, etc., or a combination thereof. Two
semi-rigid components 130 may be aligned and secured to each front
and back panel 120 of duffel bag 110 such that duffel bag 110 may
stand upright. The semi-rigid components 130 may be secured by
adhering the components 130 to a panel 120 of duffel bag 110, such
as through the use of an adhesive or stitching. The components 130
may also be secured by being placed between panel 120 and strap 140
of duffel bag 100, either with or without the use of an adhering or
stitching method. Semi-rigid components 130 may also be secured to
a plurality of panels 120 of duffel bag 110.
[0034] As FIG. 1 illustrates a view 100 of the exemplary duffel bag
110 in exploded form, FIG. 2 illustrates a view 200 of the
exemplary duffel bag 110 in composed form. As seen in FIG. 2, two
semi-rigid components 130 are beneath and secured to straps 140. As
discussed above, the semi-rigid components 130 may be secured by
adhering the components 130 to a strap 140 of duffel bag 110, such
as through the use of an adhesive or stitching. The components 130
may also be secured by being placed between panel 120 and strap 140
of duffel bag 100, either with or without the use of an adhering or
stitching method. Additionally, semi-rigid components 130 are
positioned in the middle of straps 140 such that there is area
intersecting panel 120 and strap 140 surrounding semi-rigid
components 130. Although not shown in FIG. 2, two further
semi-rigid components 130 may be positioned on an opposite panel
120 of duffel bag 110. In alternative embodiments, semi-rigid
components 130 may extend to the top of the intersection between
panels 120 and straps 140; to the bottom of the intersection
between panels 120 and straps 140; or a combination thereof.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view 300 of an example duffel
bag 110 with a semi-rigid component 130 in accordance with the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the way in
which semi-rigid component 130 is situated between panel 120 and
strap 140 of duffel bag 110. As seen in FIG. 3, semi-rigid
component 130 is only on one side of duffel bag 110. However, when
placed between panel 120 and strap 140, semi-rigid component 130 is
able to keep its side of duffel bag 110 in an upright position. The
extent to which duffel bag 110 is able to stay in an upright
position is dependent upon the height of semi-rigid component 130
and the placement of semi-rigid component 130 between panel 120 and
strap 140 of duffel bag 110.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal view 400 of duffel bag 110 with
semi-rigid components 130 on front panel 120 and a back panel (not
shown) in accordance with the present invention.
[0037] In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the frontal view 400 of
duffel bag 110 when it is in an upright position. Additionally,
FIG. 4 illustrates a first bottom edge 105 of semi-rigid component
130. First bottom edge 105 may extend partially or fully down to a
second bottom edge 107 of front panel 120.
[0038] While FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a duffel bag 110 with semi-rigid
components 130 that are entirely secured to a panel 120 of duffel
bag 110, FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a duffel bag 510 that has footed
semi-rigid components 530 that are each secured across two panels
520 and 525 of duffel bag 510. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 5, an
exploded view 500 of an example duffel bag 510 with footed
semi-rigid components 530 is shown. Duffel bag 510 has a
multi-layered structure having two panels 520 and 525, footed
semi-rigid components 530, and straps 540. In particular, footed
semi-rigid components 530 are each between panels 520 and 525 and
straps 540. Further, footed semi-rigid components 530 are secured
to both panels 520 and 525 and straps 540. Additionally, a further
set of footed semi-rigid components (not shown) are attached to a
panel opposite panel 520. By sandwiching footed semi-rigid
components 530 between panels 520 and 525 and strap 540, duffel bag
510 may be placed in an upright position without the addition of
auxiliary filling material to duffel bag 510. Additionally, footed
semi-rigid components, such as footed semi-rigid components 530,
may be composed of a die-cut flap polyethylene (P.E.) sheet,
plastic, EVA foam, dense cloth, Texon board etc., or a combination
thereof. Accordingly, two footed semi-rigid components 530 may be
aligned and adhered across two panels 520 and 525 of duffel bag 510
such that duffel bag 510 may stand upright.
[0039] As FIG. 5 illustrates a view 500 of the exemplary duffel bag
510 in exploded form, FIG. 6 illustrates a view 600 of the
exemplary duffel bag 510 in composed form. As seen in FIG. 6,
footed semi-rigid components 530 are beneath and secured to straps
540. Additionally, footed semi-rigid components 530 are positioned
such that there is area intersecting panel 520 and strap 540
surrounding footed semi-rigid components 530. In particular, a
portion of each footed semi-rigid component 530 comprises
intersecting area of first panel 520 and strap 540. The remaining
portion of the boundary of footed semi-rigid component 530
comprises intersecting area of second panel 525 and strap 540. In
alternative embodiments, footed semi-rigid components 530 may
extend to the top of the intersecting area comprising first panel
520 and strap 540.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view 700 of an example duffel
bag 510 with footed semi-rigid component 530 in accordance with the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates the way in
which footed semi-rigid component 530 is situated between panels
520 and 525 and straps 540 of duffel bag 510. As seen in FIG. 7,
footed semi-rigid component 530 is shown on a first side of duffel
bag 510. As such, when placed between panels 520 and 525 and strap
540, footed semi-rigid component 530 is able to keep the first side
of duffel bag 510 in an upright position. Additionally, a second
set of footed semi-rigid components (not shown) are attached to a
second panel on a second side of duffel bag 510 that is opposite
the first side. As such, when placed between panels and straps on
the second side of duffel bag 510, the second set of footed
semi-rigid components is able to keep the second side of duffel bag
510 in an upright position. Accordingly, through the use of footed
semi-rigid component 530 and the second set of footed semi-rigid
components (not shown) on the second side, duffel bag 510 is able
to be placed in upright position without the use of filling
materials. The extent to which duffel bag 510 is able to stay in an
upright position is dependent upon the height of footed semi-rigid
component 530, the length of the foot of footed semi-rigid
component 530, and the placement of footed semi-rigid component 530
against panels 520 and 525 of duffel bag 510.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a frontal view 800 of duffel bag 510 with
footed semi-rigid components 530 on front panel 520 and further
footed semi-rigid components (not shown) on a back panel (not
shown) of duffel bag 510 in accordance with the present invention.
In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates frontal view 800 of duffel bag
510 when it is in an upright position.
[0042] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a duffel bag 910 that has u-shaped
semi-rigid components 930 that are each secured across three panels
920, 925, and 927 of duffel bag 910. Accordingly, referring to FIG.
9, an exploded view 900 of an example duffel bag 910 with u-shaped
semi-rigid components 930 is shown. Duffel bag 910 has a
multi-layered structure having three panels 920, 925, and 927,
u-shaped semi-rigid components 930, and straps 940. In particular,
u-shaped semi-rigid components 930 are each between panels 920,
925, and 927, and strap 940. Further, u-shaped semi-rigid
components 930 are secured to both panels 920, 982, and 927, and
straps 940. By sandwiching u-shaped semi-rigid components 930
between panels 920 925, and 927, and straps 940, duffel bag 910 may
be placed in an upright position without the addition of auxiliary
filling material to duffel bag 910. A u-shaped semi-rigid
component, such as u-shaped semi-rigid component 930, may be
composed of plastic, EVA foam, a die-cut flat P.E. sheet, dense
cloth, Texon board, etc., or a combination thereof. Accordingly,
two u-shaped semi-rigid components 930 may be aligned and adhered
across three panels 920, 925, and 927 of duffel bag 910 such that
duffel bag 910 may stand upright.
[0043] As FIG. 9 illustrates a view 900 of the exemplary duffel bag
910 in exploded form, FIG. 10 illustrates a view 1000 of the
exemplary duffel bag 910 in composed form. As seen in FIG. 10,
u-shaped semi-rigid components 930 are beneath and secured to
straps 940. Additionally, u-shaped semi-rigid components 930 are
positioned such that there is area intersecting panels 920, 925,
and 927, and straps 940 surrounding u-shaped semi-rigid components
930. In particular, a portion of each u-shaped semi-rigid component
930 comprises intersecting area of first panel 920 and strap 940. A
further portion of each u-shaped semi-rigid component 930 comprises
intersecting area of second panel 925 and strap 940. The remaining
portion of the boundary of u-shaped semi-rigid component 930
comprises intersecting area of third panel 927 and strap 940. In
alternative embodiments, u-shaped semi-rigid components 930 may
extend to the top of the intersecting area comprising panel 920 and
strap 940, comprising the top of the intersecting area comprising
panel 927 and strap 940, or a combination of both.
[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view 1100 of an example
duffel bag 910 with a u-shaped semi-rigid component 930 in
accordance with the present invention. In particular, FIG. 11
illustrates the way in which the u-shaped semi-rigid component 930
is situated between panels 920, 925, and 927, and strap 940 of
duffel bag 910. As seen in FIG. 11, u-shaped semi-rigid component
930 is secured across three sides of duffel bag 910. Accordingly,
when placed between panels 920, 925, and 927, and strap 940,
u-shaped semi-rigid component 930 is able to keep the sides of
duffel bag 910 in an upright position. The extent to which duffel
bag 910 is able to stay in an upright position is dependent upon
the height of u-shaped semi-rigid component 930 and the placement
of u-shaped semi-rigid component 930 against panels 920, 925, and
927 of duffel bag 910.
[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates a frontal view 1200 of duffel bag 910
with u-shaped semi-rigid components 930 in accordance with the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates frontal view
1200 of duffel bag 910 when it is in an upright position.
[0046] FIGS. 13-16 illustrate a duffel bag 1310 that has an
H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 that is on first panel 1320 of
duffel bag 1310 and a further H-shaped semi-rigid component (not
shown) that is on a second panel (not shown) of duffel bag 1310
that is opposite first panel 1320. Accordingly, referring to FIG.
13, an exploded view 1300 of an example duffel bag 1310 with
H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 is shown. Duffel bag 1310 has a
multi-layered structure having two panels 1320, H-shaped semi-rigid
component 1330, and strap 1340. In particular, H-shaped semi-rigid
component 1330 is in between panel 1320 and straps 1340. Further,
H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 is secured to both panel 1320
and straps 1340. By sandwiching H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330
between panel 1320 and straps 1340, the first side of duffel bag
1310 may be placed in an upright position. Additionally, when a
second H-shaped component is secured to the second side of duffel
bag 1310, the second side of duffel bag 510 may be placed in an
upright position. Accordingly, when both H-shaped components 1330
are secured to panels 1320 of duffel bag 1310, duffel bag 1310 may
be placed in an upright position without the addition of auxiliary
filling material to duffel bag 1310. An H-shaped semi-rigid
component, such as H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330, may be
composed of plastic, EVA foam, a die-cut flat P.E. sheet, dense
cloth, Texon board, etc., or a combination thereof.
[0047] As FIG. 13 illustrates a view 1300 of the exemplary duffel
bag 1310 in exploded form, FIG. 14 illustrates a view 1400 of the
exemplary duffel bag 1310 in composed form. As seen in FIG. 14,
H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 is beneath and secured to straps
1340. Additionally, H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 is
positioned such that there is area intersecting panel 1320 and
straps 1340 surrounding H-shaped semi-rigid components 1330. In
particular, the boundary of H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330
comprises intersecting area of a panel 1320 and straps 1340. In
alternative embodiments, H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 may
extend to the top of the intersecting area comprising panel 1320
and straps 1340, may extend to the bottom of the intersecting area
comprising panel 1320 and straps 1340, or a combination
thereof.
[0048] FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional view 1500 of an example
duffel bag 1310 with an H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 in
accordance with the present invention. In particular, FIG. 15
illustrates the way in which H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 is
situated between panel 1320 and strap 1340 of duffel bag 1310. As
seen in FIG. 15, H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 is only on a
first side of duffel bag 1310. However, when placed between panel
1320 and straps 1340, H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 is able to
keep the first side of duffel bag 1310 in an upright position. The
extent to which duffel bag 1310 is able to stay in an upright
position is dependent upon the height of H-shaped semi-rigid
component 1330 and the placement of H-shaped semi-rigid component
1330 against panel 1320 of duffel bag 1310.
[0049] FIG. 16 illustrates a frontal view 1600 of duffel bag 1310
with H-shaped semi-rigid component 1330 on the first side 1320 of
duffel bag 1310 and a second H-shaped semi-rigid component (not
shown) on a second side (not shown) of duffel bag 1310 that is
opposite first side 1310 in accordance with the present invention.
In particular, FIG. 16 illustrates frontal view 1600 of duffel bag
1310 when it is in an upright position.
[0050] While FIGS. 1-16 illustrate front and perspective views of
example duffel bags of the present invention, FIGS. 17-23
illustrate bottom views of example duffel bags of the present
invention. In particular, FIGS. 17-20 illustrate bottom views of
example duffel bags having semi-rigid components as described in
FIGS. 1-4 and 13-16; FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate bottom views of
example duffel bags having footed semi-rigid components as
described in FIGS. 5-8; and FIG. 23 illustrates a bottom view of an
example duffel bag having u-shaped semi-rigid components as
described in FIGS. 9-12.
[0051] As such, FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view 1700 of an
example duffel bag 1710 with semi-rigid components (not shown) in
accordance with the present invention. In particular, duffel bag
1710 has semi-rigid components that do not extend down to the
bottom of duffel bag 1710. As such, the semi-rigid components are
not viewable from bottom view 1700. Accordingly, bottom view 1700
of duffel bag 1710 comprises bottom panel 1720 and straps 1740
extending across bottom panel 1720 of duffel bag 1710. Bottom panel
1720 may be semi-rigid. In contrast to FIG. 17, FIG. 18 illustrates
another bottom view 1800 of an example duffel bag 1810 with
semi-rigid components 1830 that extend to the bottom of duffel bag
1810 in accordance with the present invention. As with FIG. 17,
bottom view 1800 of FIG. 18 comprises bottom panel 1820 and straps
1840 extending across bottom panel 1820 of duffel bag 1810.
However, bottom view 1800 also comprises a view of semi-rigid
components 1830 as they extend down to the bottom of duffel bag
1810.
[0052] FIG. 19 illustrates a further bottom view 1900 of an example
duffel bag 1910 with semi-rigid components (not shown) in
accordance with the present invention. In particular, duffel bag
1910 has semi-rigid components that do not extend down to the
bottom of duffel bag 1910. As such, the semi-rigid components are
not viewable from bottom view 1900. Accordingly, bottom view 1900
of duffel bag 1910 comprises bottom panel 1920 and straps 1940
extending down to, but not across, bottom panel 1920 of duffel bag
1910. As with FIG. 19, the additional bottom view 2000 of FIG. 20
comprises bottom panel 2020 and straps 2040 extending down to, but
not across, bottom panel 2020 of duffel bag 2010. However, bottom
view 2000 also comprises a view of semi-rigid components 2030 as
they extend down to the bottom of duffel bag 2010.
[0053] FIG. 21 illustrates a bottom view 2100 of an example duffel
bag 2110 with footed semi-rigid components 2130 in accordance with
the present invention. As seen in bottom view 2110, straps 2140
extend across bottom panel 2120. Additionally, footed semi-rigid
components 2130 may extend along the x-axis illustrated in bottom
view 2100. Additionally, FIG. 22 illustrates another bottom view
2200 of an example duffel bag 2210 with footed semi-rigid
components 2230 in accordance with the present invention. As seen
in bottom view 2210, footed semi-rigid components 2230 and straps
2240 extends across bottom panel 2220. In particular, footed
semi-rigid components 2230 and straps 2240 may extend along the
y-axis illustrated in bottom view 2200.
[0054] FIG. 23 illustrates a bottom view 2300 of an example duffel
bag 2310 with u-shaped semi-rigid components 2330 in accordance
with the present invention. As seen in bottom view 2310, u-shaped
semi-rigid components 2330 and straps 2340 extend across bottom
panel 2320. In particular, u-shaped semi-rigid components 2330 and
straps 2340 extend completely across bottom panel 2320 illustrated
in bottom view 2300.
[0055] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *