U.S. patent application number 15/151467 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for carrying bag with shelf compartment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Anton Sutovsky.
Application Number | 20170325573 15/151467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60296847 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170325573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sutovsky; Anton |
November 16, 2017 |
CARRYING BAG WITH SHELF COMPARTMENT
Abstract
A bag having a shelf compartment is provided. The compartment
can be defined into an exterior body of the bag and can include a
compartment panel connected to the body along a lower compartment
edge. The compartment and panel can include securing means for
allowing the panel to be at least partially removed from the bag
and rotated about the lower compartment edge in order to allow the
compartment and panel to transition between a closed position and
an open position. When in the close position, the compartment panel
can be secured to the perimeter of the compartment in a generally
upright position. When in the open position, compartment panel can
be lowered into a generally horizontal position and function as a
shelf. The compartment can include diagonally-orientation support
straps for assisting in maintaining the shelf configuration of the
compartment panel when in the open position.
Inventors: |
Sutovsky; Anton; (O'Fallon,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60296847 |
Appl. No.: |
15/151467 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 4/02 20130101; A45F
3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A carrying bag for holding athletic equipment, said bag
comprising: a bag body having one or more compartments defined
therein; at least one holder extending from at least one side of
the bag body, each of said at least one holder shaped and
positioned to selectively retain a ball bat; and a shelf
compartment defined into said bag body, wherein said shelf
compartment is larger than any other of said one or more
compartments, said shelf compartment comprising: a perimeter edge
defining an opening into an interior of said bag body, said
interior defined by an interior sidewall of said shelf compartment;
a compartment panel having a free perimeter edge, said compartment
panel connected to said bag body about a lower panel region, said
lower panel region defining a lower end of said opening; securing
means connected to said shelf compartment and said compartment
panel for removably securing said compartment panel adjacent to
said perimeter edge of said shelf compartment; at least one support
strap having a first end and a second end, said support strap
connected to and extending between said shelf compartment perimeter
edge and said compartment panel; wherein said compartment panel is
configured for being selectively positioned in both a closed
position and an open position, wherein said compartment panel is
positioned adjacent said shelf compartment perimeter edge when said
compartment panel is in said closed position, and wherein said
compartment panel is positioned in a generally horizontal
orientation relative to said opening when said compartment panel is
in said open position, such that said at least one support strap
retains the compartment panel in the generally horizontal
orientation relative to the opening.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said first end of said at least one
support strap is secured to said interior sidewall of said shelf
compartment and wherein said second end of said at least one
support strap is secured to an interior sidewall of said
compartment panel.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein said at least one support strap is
configured so as to extend diagonally from said shelf compartment
perimeter edge to said compartment panel when said compartment
panel is in said open position.
4. The bag of claim 3, wherein said at least one support strap is
selectively adjustable in length.
5. The bag of claim 1, wherein said at least one support strap is
configured for supporting said compartment panel in a generally
horizontal position when said shelf compartment is in said open
position.
6. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises a webbing
material extending between said shelf compartment perimeter edge
and said compartment panel free perimeter edge along at least a
portion of a height of said shelf compartment.
7. The bag of claim 6, wherein said webbing material is configured
so as to support said compartment panel in a generally horizontal
position when said shelf compartment is in said open position.
8. The bag of claim 1, wherein bag further comprises at least one
carrying strap attached to said bag body.
9. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises at least
one hanging means attached to said bag body.
10. The bag of claim 9, wherein said hanging means comprises a
hook.
11. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag body includes one or more
support inserts.
12. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag is configured as a
backpack.
13. A backpack configured for holding athletic equipment, said
backpack comprising: a backpack body defining an exterior of said
backpack and including a front wall; at least one holder extending
from at least one side of the backpack body, each of said at least
one holder shaped and positioned to selectively retain a ball bat;
at least one shoulder strap connected to a rear portion of said
backpack, said at least one shoulder strap configured for enabling
a user to carry said backpack; and a shelf compartment defined into
said backpack body, said shelf compartment comprising: a shelf
interior region located within said backpack body, said shelf
interior region defined between an interior sidewall and said front
wall of said backpack body, wherein said shelf interior region is
larger than any other interior region of the backpack; an opening
in the backpack body providing access to said interior region,
wherein a perimeter edge of the front wall forms a part of a
perimeter of the opening; wherein said front wall further having a
lower connecting edge connecting said front wall to said backpack
body; connecting means configured for selectively closing said
opening; and at least one support strap connected to said interior
sidewall of said shelf compartment within the shelf interior
region, and to said front wall; said at least one support strap
configured for supporting said front wall when said opening is
opened and said front wall is substantially horizontal relative to
the backpack body.
14. The backpack of claim 13, wherein said at least one support
strap include a first end attached to said interior sidewall
adjacent an upper portion thereof and a second end attached to said
front wall at an intermediate portion of said front wall
compartment panel free.
15. The backpack of claim 14, wherein said at least one support
strap extends generally diagonally from said interior sidewall to
said front wall when said opening is open.
16. The backpack of claim 13, wherein said backpack further
comprises a support webbing extending between said interior
sidewall and said front wall along a height of said front wall.
17. The backpack of claim 13, wherein said backpack includes a
hanging component connected to said backpack body.
18. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the front wall is selectively
configurable into a generally horizontal shelf extending away from
said backpack body below said opening.
19. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to storage and carrying bags
and backpacks, and in particular, to bags for holding sporting
equipment such as gloves, shoes, helmets, bats and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Backpacks, travel and carrying bags and the like are
commonly used to easily store and transport items and articles of
all kinds. Such bags and backpacks commonly have one or more
compartments with re-closable openings for providing access to the
stored articles therein. In addition, while most bags and backpacks
are designed to securely store and hold various items, it is often
desirable for certain items to be placed on or in the bag for easy
access thereto without reopening and closing the bag's
compartments.
[0004] In athletics, especially baseball and softball, backpacks
are frequently used in place of traditional bat bags. Such athletic
backpacks are designed to be hung on fences, walls and the like to
provide easier placement and access to the backpack. It is common
that the athletes using the backpacks need easy access to their
equipment. However, currently available athletic backpacks, while
providing compartments for various sporting equipment and items, do
not allow items to be stored in or on the backpack without opening
a compartment and inserting the item therein.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for a carrying bag or backpack
having one or more compartments enabling easy access to items
therein and that is further able to hold various items for easy
accessibility and display when such bag or backpack is in a
stationary position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed generally to a bag or
backpack for carrying various items therein. The bag can have any
generally conventional or known configuration, such as a travel
bag, backpack, duffel, tote, suitcase, shoulder bag, or equipment
bag configuration. As such, the bag can include one or more
compartments defined in or on the bag and can include carrying
straps and hangers attached thereto for carrying and hanging the
bag.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
bag can also include a shelf compartment. The shelf compartment can
be defined into an exterior body of the bag to create an opening
providing access to an interior region within the bag. The shelf
compartment can also include a compartment panel connected to a
lower portion adjacent the opening defining the interior region.
The compartment panel can operate as a shelf by extending generally
horizontally away from said lower edge when in an open position. As
such, users of the bag can place items within the interior region
of the shelf compartment and place items onto the compartment panel
or shelf for easy access and removal.
[0008] In order to enable the compartment panel to extend in a
generally horizontal and shelf-like manner, the bag can include at
least one support strap connected to the interior of the shelf
compartment and connected to the compartment panel, according to
one embodiment of the present invention. The support strap or
straps can be configured for preventing the compartment panel from
extending beyond its desired generally horizontal
configuration.
[0009] The bag can also include webbing material extending between
the shelf compartment and the compartment panel in order to provide
further support to the compartment panel when in its horizontal
shelf orientation, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The webbing can be connected to the interior region on
one side and to the compartment panel on the other along at least
part of the height of the shelf compartment. The webbing material
can also be sized to so as to prevent the compartment panel from
extending away from the shelf compartment in greater than a
generally horizontal manner.
[0010] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0011] In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the
specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which
like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts
in the various views:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bag having several
compartments including a shelf compartment in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a backpack having a shelf
compartment and illustrating the shelf compartment in a closed
position in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the backpack of FIG. 2 also
illustrating the shelf compartment in a closed position;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 2
illustrating the shelf compartment in an open position with a
compartment panel orientated as a generally horizontal shelf in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the backpack of FIG. 2 also
illustrating the shelf compartment in an open position; and
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the backpack of FIG.
2 illustrating the shelf compartment in greater detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the
characteristics of the present invention, proportional
relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained
in the drawing figures. It will be appreciated that any dimensions
included in the drawing figures are simply provided as examples and
dimensions other than those provided therein are also within the
scope of the invention.
[0019] The following detailed description of the invention
references specific embodiments in which the invention can be
practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the
invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims
and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
[0020] Referring to the figures, the present invention is directed
generally to a carrying bag 10 that can be configured as a backpack
(as shown in the figures), bag, travel case, suitcase, duffel, tote
or similar containers commonly used to store and carry items of
various shapes and sizes. As shown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can comprise a
bag body 12 constructed from any suitable material or materials
commonly used for bags, backpacks and the like, such as without
limitation canvas, fabric and plastics. As also shown in FIG. 1,
bag 10 can have one or more compartments 14 defined therein or
thereon. Compartments 14 can be configured as a pocket, pouch,
slot, opening or voided region defined into body 12 and/or attached
on to body 12 depending on the particular configuration of the
specific compartment 14. Each compartment 14 can include a cover
panel of flap 16 for covering and/or enclosing access to the
interior of the compartment 14. Each compartment 14 and respective
cover panel 16 can be configured with various securing means 18 for
at least partially securing the cover panel 16 to the compartment
14. The figures illustrate securing means 18 as zipper closures or
side release buckles; however securing means 18 can comprise any
suitable structures or components known in the art and commonly
used in connection with carrying bags, including but not limited to
zipper closures, Velcro.RTM., buckles, clasps, buttons, straps, and
the like. Depending on the particular configuration of bag 10, bag
10 can be configured with any number of straps or handles 20 to
assist transport or carrying of bag 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Bag 10
can additionally include one or more hooks or similar hanging means
22 as also shown in FIG. 1 to allow bag 10 to be hung or suspended
from a hook, fence, wall or the like.
[0021] Bag 10 can be orientated, structured and configured for
several different types of use, such as without limitation travel,
hiking, transport, or athletics. According to one embodiment of the
present invention, bag 10 can be configured as an athletics or
baseball bat-bag backpack as illustrated in the figures. In such an
embodiment, bag 10 can include compartments 14 configured for
holding gloves, helmets, shoes, cleats, bats and other sporting
equipment as shown in FIG. 1. As also shown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can
include straps or similar holders 24 for holding bats, sticks and
other similar sporting equipment. Bag 10 can further be configured
with shoulder straps 20 to assist in transporting bag 10 on a
user's back or shoulders and/or a hook 22, both shown in FIG. 1, to
allow the user to hang bag 10 on a fence, wall, hook or the
like.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, bag 10
can include a shelf compartment 26 that can be selectively
configured between a closed position and an open shelf position as
described in greater detail below. FIGS. 1-3 illustrates shelf
compartment 26 in a closed position while FIGS. 4-6 illustrate
shelf compartment 26 in an open position. As best shown in FIGS. 2
and 3, shelf compartment 26 can be defined into bag body 12 along
the main front portion of bag 10; however shelf compartment 26 can
also be defined into the sides of bag 12 in certain embodiments.
Shelf compartment 26 can include or function with a compartment
panel 28, which is shown in a connected upward position in FIGS. 2
and 3 and in an unconnected downward position in FIGS. 4-6.
[0023] As best shown in FIG. 4, shelf compartment 26 can be defined
into bag body 12 and compartment panel 28 can be connected to bag
body 12 along a lower portion or edge 30 of compartment panel 28
where shelf compartment 26 terminates relative to bag body 12.
Lower portion 30 can provide a hinged connection between panel 28
and compartment 26 in order to allow panel 28 to transition between
the open position where the interior region of compartment 26 is
exposed and the closed position where panel 28 can generally cover
the interior region. The hinged connection may be formed merely by
material the fauns the bag 10. As shown in FIG. 4, shelf
compartment 26 can have a perimeter edge 32 defining an opening 34
through bag body 12. Opening 34 can provide access to an interior
region 36 of shelf compartment 26 when compartment panel 28 is not
connected to compartment panel 26 as shown in FIGS. 4-6. As best
shown in FIG. 5, shelf compartment perimeter 32 can extend upward
and around opening 34 from lower portion 30 where compartment panel
28 and bag body 12 connect. As also shown in FIG. 5, lower edge or
portion 30 can be positioned next to or roughly adjacent to the
bottom of bag 10.
[0024] Compartment panel 26 can similarly include a free perimeter
edge 38 extending upward from lower portion 30 where panel 26 and
body 12 connect as best shown in FIG. 4. Free panel perimeter edge
38 can generally conform to compartment perimeter edge 32 depending
on the particular embodiment of the present invention. According to
the embodiment shown in the figures, compartment panel 28 can be
formed by cutting panel 28 at least partially out from bag body 12
so that panel perimeter edge 38 corresponds to compartment
perimeter edge 32. However, in alternative embodiments, compartment
panel 28 can be larger or small and/or differently shaped than
compartment perimeter edge 32.
[0025] As shown in the figures, compartment 26 and panel 28 can
also include securing means 40 for removably securing panel 28 to
compartment 26. Securing means 40 can be configured as any suitable
means, including but not limited to, zipper closures, hook and loop
fasteners, Velcro.RTM., buckles, clips, clasps, buttons, straps,
and the like. According to one embodiment, securing means 40
comprises a zipper component connected to defined perimeters 32 and
36 of compartment 26 and panel 28, respectively. In an alternative
embodiment, securing means 40 can comprise one or more
corresponding straps connected to compartment 26 and panel 28, each
having a removably connectable buckle for selectively maintaining
panel 28 against opening 34. Other configurations of securing means
40 are considered within the scope of the present invention.
[0026] Turning to FIG. 6, compartment 26 can include an interior
sidewall 42 defining interior region 36 of shelf compartment 26.
Interior sidewall 42 can have pockets, pouches 44 and the like
defined therein or thereon for holding various items. Interior
sidewall 42 can also include support structures or inserts (not
shown) that can provide structure and rigidity to compartment 26 as
well as bag 10. Bag body 12 can also include support structures or
inserts (not shown), such as above or below shelf compartment 26 to
assist in allowing compartment 26 to maintain a desired shape and
configuration.
[0027] As also best shown in FIG. 6, compartment 26 can include a
support strap 46 extending between interior sidewall 42 and an
interior sidewall 48 of compartment panel 28 on each lateral side
of compartment 26. As shown, each strap 46 can be secured to
interior sidewall 42 of compartment 26 (by sewing or other means)
near an upper portion of defined compartment perimeter 32, and can
be further secured to interior sidewall 48 of panel 28 (by sewing
or other means) near a lower or central portion of free panel
perimeter edge 38. Support straps 46 can assist in holding
compartment panel 28 in a generally horizontal position relative to
compartment opening 34 so that panel 28 can function as a shelf or
similar support structure when compartment 26 and panel 28 are in
the open position. In the open position, support straps 46 can have
a generally diagonal configuration relative to compartment 26 and
panel 28, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, as a result of its connection
locations to interior sidewalls 42 and 48 of compartment 26 and
panel 28, respectively. Support straps 46 can additionally include
adjustment components 50, as best shown in FIG. 6, to adjust the
length of straps 46 so that the orientation or angle of cover panel
28 (or shelf) relative to compartment 26 and opening 34 can be
selected by a user.
[0028] To assist straps 46 in supporting panel 28 in the open
position, a gusset or flexible webbing 52 can be connected to
compartment 26 and panel 28 near defined perimeters 32 and 36,
respectively. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, webbing 52 can be
located near the lower regions of compartment 26 and panel 28 and
extend partially upward along defined perimeters 32 and 38. Webbing
52 can be connected to interior sidewalls 42 and 48 near defined
perimeter edges 32 and 38 so as to not obstruct securing means 40
when closing compartment 26. Webbing 52 can also assist in creating
a retaining space within the lower portion of interior 36 of
compartment 26 as shown in FIG. 6.
[0029] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate bag 10 with shelf compartment 26 in a
closed position according to one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown, compartment panel 28 is in a general vertical
or upward position relative to compartment 26 and defined free
perimeter edge 38 of panel 28 is secured adjacent to defined
perimeter 32 of compartment 26 via securing means 40. Compartment
26 and panel 28 can then be transitioned into the open position by
releasing securing means 40 and allowing compartment panel 28
rotate about lower edge 30 until it is in a generally horizontal or
flat shelf position as shown in FIGS. 4-6. In this open position,
support straps 46 (along with webbing 52) assist in maintaining the
generally horizontal position of panel 28 so that panel 28 can
operate as a shelf for holding various items. Such a configuration
can be particularly advantageous when bag 10 is supported in a
hanging position by hook or similar hanging means 22 in order to
allow easy placement and removal of items on shelf panel 28 and
within the interior of compartment 26.
[0030] Shelf compartment 26 and panel 28 can also be selectively
positioned into various configurations according to certain
embodiments of the present invention. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and
5, compartment 26 can be defined into bag body 12 so that lower
portion or edge 30 where panel 28 and body 12 connect is roughly
adjacent to the bottom of bag 10. As a result, securing means 40
can be configured for allowing compartment panel 28 to be fully
extended in a generally horizontal position according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, securing means
40, such as in the zipper enclosures shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, can be
selectively configurable to keep the lower perimeter edges 32 and
38 connected together to essentially change the height of lower
portion 30. In this configuration, a retaining space within
interior region 36 can be created. The depth of the retaining space
can be selectively changed by adjusting the height of connection
between perimeter edges 32 and 38 via securing means 40. The
support straps 46 can be selectively adjusted in length in order to
ensure that at least a portion of compartment panel 28 continues to
remain in a generally horizontal shelf-position in this
configuration. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, support straps 46 can
also be adjusted to allow compartment panel 28 to have a folded or
generally inverted shape that creates the retaining space within
interior region 36 while still maintaining the horizontal
shelf-position of part of pane 28.
[0031] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which
are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain
features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed
without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims Since many
possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing
from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all
matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are
to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
[0032] The constructions described above and illustrated in the
drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended
to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention.
Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a
novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description,
certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the
particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is
therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications,
or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The
terms "having" and "including" and similar terms as used in the
foregoing specification are used in the sense of "optional" or "may
include" and not as "required". Many changes, modifications,
variations and other uses and applications of the present
construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the
art after considering the specification and the accompanying
drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other
uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is
limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *