U.S. patent application number 17/512357 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-05 for bag with magnetic attachment mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thule Sweden AB. Invention is credited to Ryan MATHER, Mark THIBADEAU.
Application Number | 20220133006 17/512357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220133006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THIBADEAU; Mark ; et
al. |
May 5, 2022 |
BAG WITH MAGNETIC ATTACHMENT MECHANISM
Abstract
A bag including a main body defining a storage compartment and a
first magnet unit disposed on the main body. The first magnet unit
is configured to connect by magnetic force to another magnet unit
disposed on a second bag, a base, or the main body. The first
magnet unit of the bag is configured to disconnect from the magnet
unit disposed on the second bag, the base, or the main body by
applying a force exceeding the magnetic force between the first
magnet unit of the bag and the magnet unit disposed on the second
bag, the base, or the main body.
Inventors: |
THIBADEAU; Mark; (Boulder,
CO) ; MATHER; Ryan; (Boulder, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thule Sweden AB |
Hillerstorp |
|
SE |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/512357 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63109296 |
Nov 3, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20060101
A45C007/00; A45C 13/00 20060101 A45C013/00; A45C 13/10 20060101
A45C013/10 |
Claims
1. A bag, comprising: a main body defining a storage compartment;
and a first magnet unit disposed on the main body, wherein the
first magnet unit is configured to connect by magnetic force to
another magnet unit disposed on a second bag, a base, or the main
body, and wherein the first magnet unit of the bag is configured to
disconnect from the magnet unit disposed on the second bag, the
base, or the main body by applying a force exceeding the magnetic
force between the first magnet unit of the bag and the magnet unit
disposed on the second bag, the base, or the main body.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first magnet unit of the bag
comprises a plurality of magnets.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first magnet unit is disposed
longitudinally along the main body.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first magnet unit extends at
least half a height of the main body.
5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first magnet unit is disposed on
an exterior of the main body.
6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first magnet unit is disposed
between a lining and an outer shell of the main body.
7. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a second magnet unit
disposed on the main body.
8. The bag of claim 1, wherein: the main body comprises a bottom
panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel,
and a fourth side panel, the first magnet unit is disposed at a
first edge disposed between the first side panel and the second
side panel, a second magnet unit is disposed at a second edge
disposed between the second side panel and the third side panel, a
third magnet unit is disposed at a third edge disposed between the
third side panel and the fourth side panel, a fourth magnet unit is
disposed at a fourth edge disposed between the fourth side panel
and the first side panel, each of the first, second, third, and
fourth magnet units is configured to connect by magnetic force to a
magnet unit disposed on a second bag or a base, and each of the
first, second, third, and fourth magnet units is configured to
connect by magnetic force to adjacent magnet units disposed on the
main body.
9. The bag of claim 1, wherein: the bag is convertible between a
flattened configuration and an expanded configuration, the bag is
held in the flattened configuration when the first magnet unit of
the bag is connected to a second magnet unit disposed on the main
body, and the bag is expandable to the expanded configuration when
the first magnet unit of the bag is disconnected from the second
magnet unit disposed on the main body.
10. A storage system, comprising: a first bag comprising: a main
body defining a storage compartment, and a first magnet unit
disposed on the main body; and a second bag comprising: a main body
defining a storage compartment, and a magnet unit disposed on the
main body of the second bag, wherein the first magnet unit of the
first bag is configured to connect by magnetic force to the magnet
unit of the second bag, wherein the first magnet unit of the first
bag is configured to disconnect from the magnet unit of the second
bag by applying a force exceeding the magnetic force between the
first magnet unit of the first bag and the magnet unit of the
second bag, and wherein the first bag and the second bag are held
upright when the first magnet unit of the first bag is connected to
the magnet unit of the second bag.
11. The storage system of claim 10, wherein: the main body of the
first bag comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second
side panel, a third side panel, and a fourth side panel, the first
magnet unit of the first bag is disposed at a first edge disposed
between the first side panel and the second side panel, a second
magnet unit of the first bag is disposed at a second edge disposed
between the second side panel and the third side panel, a third
magnet unit of the first bag is disposed at a third edge disposed
between the third side panel and the fourth side panel, a fourth
magnet unit of the first bag is disposed at a fourth edge disposed
between the fourth side panel and the first side panel, and each of
the first, second, third, and fourth magnet units of the first bag
is configured to connect by magnetic force to the magnet unit of
the second bag.
12. A storage system, comprising: a bag comprising: a main body
defining a storage compartment; and a first magnet unit disposed on
the main body; and a base comprising: a base body; and a magnet
unit disposed on the base body, wherein the first magnet unit of
the bag is configured to connect by magnetic force to the magnet
unit of the base, wherein the first magnet unit of the bag is
configured to disconnect from the magnet unit of the base by
applying a force exceeding the magnetic force between the first
magnet unit of the bag and the magnet unit of the base, and wherein
the bag is held upright when the magnet unit of the bag is
connected to the magnet unit of the base.
13. The storage system of claim 12, wherein: the main body of the
bag comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side
panel, a third side panel, and a fourth side panel, the first
magnet unit of the bag is disposed at a first edge disposed between
the first side panel and the second side panel, a second magnet
unit of the bag is disposed at a second edge disposed between the
second side panel and the third side panel, a third magnet unit of
the bag is disposed at a third edge disposed between the third side
panel and the fourth side panel, a fourth magnet unit of the bag is
disposed at a fourth edge disposed between the fourth side panel
and the first side panel, and each of the first, second, third, and
fourth magnet units of the bag is configured to connect by magnetic
force to the magnet unit of the second bag.
14. The storage system of claim 12, wherein the base is configured
to be attached to an interior of a vehicle.
15. The storage system of claim 14, wherein the interior of the
vehicle is the trunk of a car of a bed of a truck.
16. The storage system of claim 12, wherein: the bag is convertible
between a flattened configuration and an expanded configuration,
and the first magnet unit of the bag is connectable to the magnet
unit of the base when the bag is in the flattened configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 63/109,296, filed Nov. 3, 2020, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a bag. More
specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a bag
having a magnetic connection mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Bags are often used for containing and transporting items.
For example, bags may be used to contain items purchased at a store
and to transport those items in a trunk of a car or on a bed of a
truck. Bags placed in a trunk of a car or on a bed of truck
sometimes slide around and/or spill their contents during
transport, which may be distracting to a driver or create an
undesirable mess.
SUMMARY
[0004] Some embodiments described herein are directed to a bag
including a main body defining a storage compartment and a first
magnet unit disposed on the main body. In some embodiments, the
first magnet unit is configured to connect by magnetic force to
another magnet unit disposed on a second bag, a base, or the main
body. In some embodiments, the magnet unit of the bag is configured
to disconnect from the first magnet unit disposed on the second
bag, the base, or the main body by applying a force exceeding the
magnetic force between the first magnet unit of the bag and the
magnet unit disposed on the second bag, the base, or the main
body.
[0005] In some embodiments, the first magnet unit of the bag
includes a plurality of magnets. In some embodiments, the first
magnet unit is disposed longitudinally along the main body. In some
embodiments, the first magnet unit extends at least half a height
of the main body. In some embodiments, the first magnet unit is
disposed on an exterior of the main body. In some embodiments, the
first magnet unit is disposed between a lining and an outer shell
of the main body.
[0006] In some embodiments, the bag further includes a second
magnet unit disposed on the main body.
[0007] In some embodiments, the main body includes a bottom panel,
a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, and a
fourth side panel. In some embodiment, the first magnet unit is
disposed at a first edge disposed between the first side panel and
the second side panel. In some embodiments, a second magnet unit is
disposed at a second edge disposed between the second side panel
and the third side panel. In some embodiments, a third magnet unit
is disposed at a third edge disposed between the third side panel
and the fourth side panel. In some embodiments, a fourth magnet
unit is disposed at a fourth edge disposed between the fourth side
panel and the first side panel. In some embodiments, each of the
first, second, third, and fourth magnet units is configured to
connect by magnetic force to a magnet unit disposed on a second bag
or a base. In some embodiments, each of the first, second, third,
and fourth magnet units is configured to connect by magnetic force
to adjacent magnet units disposed on the main body.
[0008] In some embodiments, the bag is convertible between a
flattened configuration and an expanded configuration. In some
embodiments, the bag is held in the flattened configuration when
the first magnet unit of the bag is connected to a second magnet
unit disposed on the main body. In some embodiments, the bag is
expandable to the expanded configuration when the first magnet unit
of the bag is disconnected from the second magnet unit disposed on
the main body.
[0009] Some embodiments described herein are directed to a storage
system including a first bag and a second bag. In some embodiments,
the first bag includes a main body defining a storage compartment,
and a first magnet unit disposed on the main body. In some
embodiments, the second bag includes a main body defining a storage
compartment, and a magnet unit disposed on the main body of the
second bag. In some embodiments, the first magnet unit of the first
bag is configured to connect by magnetic force to the magnet unit
of the second bag. In some embodiments, the first magnet unit of
the first bag is configured to disconnect from the magnet unit of
the second bag by applying a force exceeding the magnetic force
between the first magnet unit of the first bag and the magnet unit
of the second bag. In some embodiments, the first bag and the
second bag are held upright when the first magnet unit of the first
bag is connected to the magnet unit of the second bag.
[0010] In some embodiments, the main body of the first bag includes
a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a third
side panel, and a fourth side panel. In some embodiments, the first
magnet unit of the first bag is disposed at a first edge disposed
between the first side panel and the second side panel. In some
embodiments, a second magnet unit of the first bag is disposed at a
second edge disposed between the second side panel and the third
side panel. In some embodiments, a third magnet unit of the first
bag is disposed at a third edge disposed between the third side
panel and the fourth side panel. In some embodiments, a fourth
magnet unit of the first bag is disposed at a fourth edge disposed
between the fourth side panel and the first side panel. In some
embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth magnet
units of the first bag is configured to connect by magnetic force
to the magnet unit of the second bag.
[0011] Some embodiments described herein are directed to a storage
system including a bag and a base. In some embodiments, the bag
includes a main body defining a storage compartment, and a first
magnet unit disposed on the main body. In some embodiments, the
base includes a base body, and a magnet unit disposed on the base
body. In some embodiments, the first magnet unit of the bag is
configured to connect by magnetic force to the magnet unit of the
base. In some embodiments, the first magnet unit of the bag is
configured to disconnect from the magnet unit of the base by
applying a force exceeding the magnetic force between the first
magnet unit of the bag and the magnet unit of the base. In some
embodiments, the bag is held upright when the magnet unit of the
bag is connected to the magnet unit of the base.
[0012] In some embodiments, the main body of the bag includes a
bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side
panel, and a fourth side panel. In some embodiments, the first
magnet unit of the bag is disposed at a first edge disposed between
the first side panel and the second side panel. In some
embodiments, a second magnet unit of the bag is disposed at a
second edge disposed between the second side panel and the third
side panel. In some embodiments, a third magnet unit of the bag is
disposed at a third edge disposed between the third side panel and
the fourth side panel. In some embodiments, a fourth magnet unit of
the bag is disposed at a fourth edge disposed between the fourth
side panel and the first side panel. In some embodiments, each of
the first, second, third, and fourth magnet units of the bag is
configured to connect by magnetic force to the magnet unit of the
second bag.
[0013] In some embodiments, the base is configured to be attached
to an interior of a vehicle.
[0014] In some embodiments, the interior of the vehicle is the
trunk of a car of a bed of a truck.
[0015] In some embodiments, the bag is convertible between a
flattened configuration and an expanded configuration. In some
embodiments, the first magnet unit of the bag is connectable to the
magnet unit of the base when the bag is in the flattened
configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments and,
together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to
make and use the embodiments. Objects and advantages of
illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will become more apparent by
describing them in detail with reference to the attached
drawings.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a bag, according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1 in an expanded
configuration and secured to other bags.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1 with a base.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the bag of FIG. 1 in a flattened
configuration and stacked with other bags.
[0021] The features and advantages of the embodiments will become
more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when
taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference
characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the
drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical,
functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in
detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., indicate that the
embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection
with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge
of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or
characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not
explicitly described.
[0023] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting,
of the present embodiments. Other suitable modifications and
adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally
encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those
skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the
disclosure.
[0024] Bags are often used for containing and transporting items.
For example, bags may be used to contain items purchased at a store
and to transport those items in a trunk of a car or on a bed of a
truck. However, bags placed in a trunk or on a truck bed sometimes
slide around and/or spill their contents during transport, which
may be distracting to a driver or create a mess. It may therefore
be desirable to more securely place a bag in a trunk or on a truck
bed in order to reduce the likelihood of the bag sliding around
and/or spilling its contents during transport. It may also be
desirable to store bags when they are not being used so that the
bags do not needlessly take up space in a user's car, truck, home
or other location and/or so that a user can easily find the bags
when needed.
[0025] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bag
that can be magnetically attached to another bag via magnet units
located on each bag. When two or more bags are magnetically
attached, the bags may help hold each other upright. The bags may
be configured such that magnet units on the bags can be attached
when the bags are arranged in a line, a row, or a matrix. The
magnet units on the bags may also be configured to disconnect from
each other so that the bags can be rearranged and/or used
independently of each other.
[0026] In some embodiments, a base is provided. The base may be
attachable to a trunk of a car or a bed of a truck. The base may
include a magnet unit such that a bag with a magnet unit can be
magnetically attached to the base. When the bag is attached to the
base, the bag may be more securely attached to the trunk or truck
bed, thereby reducing the likelihood that the bag will slide. When
the bag is attached to the base, the base may also help hold the
bag upright. In some embodiments, the base may not include a magnet
unit but may comprise metal or other magnetic material such that
the bag may be magnetically attached to the base. In some
embodiments, the base may comprise a pre-existing component of
vehicle, such as a door, side panel, floor board, floor, metal
fixture, or other component.
[0027] In some embodiments, the bag may include multiple magnetic
units that can be magnetically attached to each other. In some
embodiments, the bag may also be convertible between a flattened
configuration and an expanded configuration. When multiple magnet
units are connected to each other, the connected magnet units may
help hold the bag in the flattened configuration.
[0028] These and other embodiments are discussed below in more
detail with reference to the figures.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a bag 100 according to some embodiments.
Bag 100 may include a main body 200 defining a storage compartment
210, a bag handle 300, and one or more magnet units 400.
[0030] Bag handle 300 may be attached to main body 200 such that
bag 100 can be carried by bag handle 300. Bag 100 may be used to
transport an object therein. For example, the object may be
contained within storage compartment 210 of main body 200, and
transported along with bag 100 by a user carrying bag 100 by bag
handle 300.
[0031] Magnet units 400 may be attached to main body 200 and
configured to connect by magnetic force to: one or more magnet
units disposed on a second bag (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), one or
more magnet units disposed on a base (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3),
other magnet units 400 disposed on main body 200 (e.g., as shown in
FIG. 4), a fixed base comprising a magnetic material, or
combinations thereof. When magnet units 400 are connected to one or
more magnet units disposed on a second bag (e.g., as shown in FIG.
2), the first bag and the second bag help hold each other upright.
When magnet units 400 are connected by magnetic force to one or
more magnet units disposed on a base (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3),
the base helps hold the bag upright and helps prevent the bag from
sliding (when the base is attached to a portion of a trunk or truck
bed). When magnet units 400 are connected to each other (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 4), the connected magnet units 400 help hold the bag
in a flattened configuration.
[0032] In some embodiments, bag 100 is intended to be reusable.
However, in other embodiments, bag 100 may be intended to be
disposable or include disposable portions.
[0033] In some embodiments, bag 100 may comprise luggage or a gym
bag.
[0034] Main body 200 of bag 100 may have any shape sufficient to
transport an item. For example, main body 200 may be shaped as a
rectangular prism, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0035] In some embodiments, main body 200 may be formed of a bottom
panel 220 and one or more side panels 230. In the illustrated
embodiments, bottom panel 220 is rectangular. However, bottom panel
220 may have any suitable shape including, for example, a
triangular, circular, square, or hexagonal shape. Side panels 230
may be connected to other side panels 230 at side edges 240, and
side panels 230 may be connected to bottom panel 220 at bottom
edges 250. Side edges 240 and bottom edges 250 may be formed by
folds 260, and thus side panels 230 and bottom panel 220 may be at
least partially continuous with each other across side edges 240
and bottom edges 250.
[0036] Main body 200 may be formed of any suitable material,
including, for example, paper, woven or non-woven fabric
(including, for example, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton,
hemp, burlap), plastic, or other suitable material.
[0037] Main body 200 may be open at one end or may be closeable
with use of a fastener (e.g., a zipper).
[0038] In some embodiments, main body 200 may include a lining 270
(not shown) for reinforcement, insulation, or aesthetic purposes,
and an exterior shell 280 (not shown). Lining 270 and exterior
shell 280 may be formed of any suitable material, including, for
example, paper, woven or non-woven fabric (including, for example,
polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, hemp, burlap) or plastic.
In some embodiments, lining 270 and exterior shell 280 may be
formed of the same material. In other embodiments, lining 270 and
exterior shell 280 may be formed of different materials. For
example, exterior shell 280 may be formed of 600 D polyester and
lining 270 may be formed of 150 D polyester. As another example,
exterior shell 280 may be formed of 600 D polyester and lining 270
may be formed of a reflective film laminated with 4 mm PE foam.
[0039] In some embodiments, a pattern, logo, text, or other
embellishment 290 may be applied to main body 200 (e.g., via a
silk-screening process).
[0040] Main body 200 may be convertible between an expanded
configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) and a flattened
configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), and vice versa. In the
expanded configuration, main body 200 may be used to contain an
object. In the flattened configuration, main body 200 may take up
less space than in the expanded configuration for more efficient
storage of bag 100.
[0041] To facilitate conversion between an expanded configuration
and the flattened configuration, main body 200 may include
expansion folds 260. For example, in the illustrated embodiment,
main body 200 includes gusset folds 262 on side panels 230. When
gusset folds 262 are unfolded, main body 200 is in the expanded
configuration, and when gusset folds 262 are folded, main body 200
is in the flattened configuration.
[0042] In some embodiments, main body 200 may include one or more
areas of webbing. For example, webbing may form exterior and/or
interior pockets on main body 200 for additional storage.
[0043] One or more magnet units 400 may be fixed to main body
200.
[0044] Magnet unit 400 may be configured to connect by magnetic
force to: one or more magnet units disposed on a second bag (e.g.,
as shown in FIG. 2), one or more magnet units disposed on a base
(e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), other magnet units 400 disposed on main
body 200 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), or a fixed base comprising a
magnetic material, or combinations thereof. Magnet unit 400 may
also be configured to disconnect from the one or more magnet units
disposed on the second bag, the one or more magnet units disposed
on the base, or the other magnet units 400 disposed on main body
200 by applying an external force exceeding the magnetic force
between magnet unit 400 and the one or more magnet units disposed
on the second bag, the one or more magnet units disposed on the
base, or the other magnet units 400 disposed on main body 200
[0045] When magnet unit 400 is connected by magnetic force to one
or more magnet units disposed on a second bag (e.g., as shown in
FIG. 2), bag 100 and the second bag may help hold each other
upright. When magnet unit 400 is connected by magnetic force to one
or more magnet units disposed on a base (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3),
the base may help hold bag 100 upright and may help prevent bag 100
from sliding when the base is attached to a portion of a trunk or
truck bed. When magnet unit 400 is connected by magnetic force to
another magnet unit 400 disposed on main body 200 (e.g., as shown
in FIG. 4), the connected magnet units 400 may help hold bag 100 in
the flattened configuration.
[0046] Magnet unit 400 may be a single magnet or may include
multiple magnets. In embodiments where magnet unit 400 includes
multiple magnets, the multiple magnets may be arranged, for
example, as a chain of magnets. In some embodiments, the magnets of
the chains of magnets can be disposed end-to-end. In some
embodiments, the magnets of the chains of magnets can be spaced
apart.
[0047] In some embodiments, magnet unit 400 is or includes a
permanent magnet. Magnet unit 400 may be or include, for example, a
rare-earth magnet, such as a neodymium magnet.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, magnet unit 400 is
cylindrical shaped. However, magnet unit 400 is not limited to a
cylindrical shape. For example, magnet unit 400 may be shaped as a
cube, rectangular cuboid, sphere, arc, wedge, or other shape.
[0049] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, magnet
unit 400 may extend in a longitudinal direction (i.e., from a
bottom of main body 200 toward a top of main body 200). This
orientation may help maintain main body 200 in an upright
configuration due the rigidity of magnet unit 400. In other
embodiments, however, magnet unit 400 may extend in a transverse
direction or in another direction.
[0050] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, magnet
unit 400 is elongated. In some embodiments, magnet 400 may extend
at least half a height of main body 200. In other embodiments,
however, magnet unit 400 may extend less than half of the height of
main body 200.
[0051] In some embodiments, magnet unit 400 may be flexible or
bendable. Magnet unit 400 may be flexible or bendable, for example,
when magnet unit 400 is composed of a plurality of magnets.
[0052] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, magnet
unit 400 may be disposed on an exterior of main body 200. However,
in other embodiments, magnet unit 400 may be disposed on an
interior of main body 200 such that magnet unit 400 is generally
not visible to a user from outside main body 200. In embodiments in
which bag 100 includes lining 270 and outer shell 280, magnet unit
400 may be disposed between lining 270 and outer shell 280.
[0053] In some embodiments, magnet unit 400 may be secured to main
body 200 by adhesive, sewing, stitching, gluing, heat sealing, or
other suitable attachment mechanism.
[0054] In some embodiments, magnet unit 400 may be enclosed in
sleeve 450 and sleeve 450 may be attached to main body 200 to
secure magnet unit 400 to main body 200. For example, sleeve 450
may be attached to main body by sewing, stitching, gluing, heat
sealing, or other appropriate manufacturing techniques. Sleeve 450
may be formed of any suitable material, including, for example,
paper, woven or non-woven fabric (including, for example,
polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, hemp, burlap) or plastic.
In some embodiments, sleeve 450 and main body 200 may be formed of
the same material. In other embodiments, sleeve 450 and main body
200 may be formed of different materials.
[0055] In some embodiments, bag 100 includes four magnet units 400,
each one fixed at a side edge 240. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
a magnet unit 410 is disposed on a side edge 242 located between a
side panel 232 and a side panel 234, a magnet unit 420 is disposed
on a side edge 244 located between side panel 234 and a side panel
236, a magnet unit 430 is disposed on a side edge 246 located
between side panel 236 and a side panel 238, and a magnet unit 440
(not shown) is disposed on a side edge 248 located between side
panel 238 and side panel 232. In some embodiments, one or more
magnet units 400 may be disposed on a respective side panel
immediately adjacent the side edge. In some embodiments, one or
more magnetic units 400 may be disclosed in the middle of one or
more side edges. In some embodiments, one or more magnetic units
400 may be placed at opposite ends of a side edge. Various
combinations of the number and orientation of the magnet units 400
may be used.
[0056] Handle 300 may be fixed to main body 200.
[0057] In some embodiments, bag 100 includes two handles 300, each
one fixed to an opposing side panel 230 of main body 200. As shown,
for example, in FIG. 1, each handle 300 may have two ends and be
fixed to main bag 200 at each of its ends.
[0058] Handle 300 may be formed of any suitable material,
including, for example, paper, woven or non-woven fabric
(including, for example, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton,
hemp, burlap) or plastic. In some embodiments, handle 300 is formed
of the same material as main body 200. In some embodiment, handle
300 and main body 200 may be formed of different materials.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, magnet unit 400 may be
configured to connect by magnetic force to one or more magnet units
1400 disposed on a second bag 1100. Magnet unit 400 may also be
configured to disconnect from magnet unit 1400 by applying an
external force exceeding the magnetic force between magnet unit 400
and magnet unit 1400. When magnet unit 400 is connected by magnetic
force to magnet unit 1400, bag 100 and bag 1100 may help hold each
other upright. Additional bags 2100 and 3100, with one or magnet
units 2400 and 3400, may be provided. Magnet units 400, 1400, 2400,
and 3400 may be configured to connect to each other by magnetic
force, and to disconnect from each other by application of an
external force exceeding the magnetic force between them. In this
way, multiple bags 100, 1100, 2100, 3100 can be arranged and
secured to each other in a line, a row, or a matrix. Such
arrangements may help hold bags 100, 1100, 2100, 3100 upright.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, magnet unit 400 may be
configured to connect by magnetic force to one or more magnet units
510 disposed on a base 500. Magnet unit 400 may also be configured
to disconnect from magnet unit 510 by applying an external force
exceeding the magnetic force between magnet unit 400 and magnet
unit 510. When magnet units 400 and 510 are connected, base 500 may
help hold bag 100 upright. In some embodiments, base 500 is
attachable to a trunk of a car or a bed of a truck (not shown).
When base 500 is attached to a trunk or truck bed and bag 100
attached to base 500, bag 100 may be more securely attached to the
trunk or truck bed, thereby reducing the likelihood that bag 100
will slide. In some embodiments, base 500 may comprise a
pre-existing portion of the vehicle that is magnetic.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, bag 100 is attachable to base
500 and/or additional bags 1100, 2100, and 3100. In this way,
multiple bags may be attached to each other for stability as well
as to a trunk or truck bed via base 500 for added stability. In
some embodiments, bag 100 may be attachable to base 500 but not to
additional bags 1100, 2100, and 3100. In some embodiments, bag 100
may be attachable to additional bags 1100, 2100, and 3100, but not
to base 500.
[0062] Bag 100 may be attachable to base 500 while bag 100 is in
the expanded configuration. Alternatively or additionally, bag 100
may be attachable to base 500 while bag 100 is in the flattened
configuration in order to store bag 100. In some embodiments,
additional bags 1100, 2100, and 3100, each in a flattened
configuration, may be attached to bag 100. In this way, multiple
bags may be conveniently stored.
[0063] As mentioned, bag 100 may be convertible between a flattened
configuration and an expanded configuration. As shown in FIG. 4,
for example, magnet unit 400 may be configured to connect by
magnetic force to other magnet units 400. When magnet units 400 are
connected by magnetic force to each other, the connected magnet
units 400 help hold bag 100 in the flattened configuration. Magnet
units 400 may also be configured to disconnect from each other by
applying an external force exceeding the magnetic force between
attached magnet units 400 so that the bags can be used
independently of each other.
[0064] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description
section, and not the Brief Summary and Abstract sections, is
intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and
Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary
embodiments of the automatic hydration tube return system and
apparatus, and thus, are not intended to limit the present
embodiments and the appended claims.
[0065] The present disclosure has been described above with the aid
of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of
specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of
these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined
herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries
can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships
thereof are appropriately performed.
[0066] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others
can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily
modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from
the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such
adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning
and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the
teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that
the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of
description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or
phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by
the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
[0067] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not
be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and
their equivalents.
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