US20120273315A1

US20120273315A1 - Sport bag

Info

Publication number: US20120273315A1
Application number: US13/309,961
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael St-Laurent
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-26
Filing date: 2011-12-02
Publication date: 2012-11-01
Also published as: CA2760886A1

Abstract

The present document describes a bag comprising a first compartment; a second compartment, the second compartment being removably attachable to the first compartment and having a semi-rigidly held shape for supporting the first compartment on the second compartment; wherein the first compartment and the second compartment each comprise an access to the interior of the first compartment and the second compartment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 USC§119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/479,103, filed on Apr. 26, 2011, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

(a) Field
The subject matter disclosed generally relates to the field of bags. More particularly, the subject matter relates to a bag for carrying equipment, especially sport gear.
(b) Related Prior Art
A sport bag is typically used to carry sport gear and sport apparel to and from an exercise facility. Sport activities, such as hockey, require heavy sport gear and substantial associated apparel. Quite often, the sport bag provides only a large main compartment to contain the ice skates, helmet, leg padding, shoulder padding, elbow padding, gloves, hockey pants, chest protector, and the like. Therefore, once filled, the sport bag is heavy and cumbersome for transportation of sport gear. In addition, the large main compartment does not allow segregation of sport gear and sport apparel items for easy access. Therefore, the user must search the contents of the large main compartment thoroughly or empty its content in order to find specific items. Moreover, as small vehicles become increasingly popular, a sport bag with a large main compartment holding sport gear and sport apparel may not readily be accommodated by the trunk or rear passenger compartments in compact and subcompact vehicles. Furthermore, such bags may be heavy to carry up stairs in arenas or at home.
Thus there is a need for a bag to transport and store heavy gear, especially sport gear, in an organized manner and such that its content would be readily accommodated by compact and subcompact vehicles.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, there is provided a bag comprising:

- a first compartment comprising an access to the interior of the compartment;
- a second compartment removably attachable to the first compartment and being semi-rigidly held for supporting the first compartment on the second compartment, the second compartment comprising at least one access to the interior of the second compartment along any one of a lateral wall or an end wall;
- wheels attached on the bag for transportation;

wherein a top wall of the first or second compartment, or both, extends downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall of each compartment to allow loading of the first or second compartment to create an improved weight transfer of said bag during transportation.
The second compartment may be of a predetermined shape.
The second compartment may be held by a frame, a molded shell, a plurality of semi-rigid panels, rods or combinations thereof.
The frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels or the combinations thereof may be within the second compartment.
The frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels, or the combination thereof may be within both first and second compartments.
The first compartment and the second compartment may be removably attachable to each other with attachment closing system.
The closing system may include a zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop fastener or combinations thereof.
The access to the interior of the first compartment and the second compartment may comprise a closing system.
The closing system may include a zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop fastener or combinations thereof.
The bag may be further comprising at least one lifting mechanism for transporting the bag.
The lifting mechanism may include a handle, a strap, a handgrip, a retractable handle, a retractable handgrip, or combinations thereof.
The bag may be further comprising an air vent for allowing passage of air between said first and second compartments.
The bottom wall of the first compartment may be made from an impermeable material.
The bottom wall of the second compartment may be made from an impermeable material.
The top surface of the second compartment may be inclined relative to a bottom wall.
According to another embodiment, there is provided a bag comprising:

- a first compartment comprising an access to the interior of the compartment;
- a second compartment, the second compartment removably attached to the first compartment and being semi-rigidly held for supporting the first compartment on the second compartment, the second compartment comprising at least one access to the interior of the second compartment along any one of a lateral wall or an end wall;
- wheels attached on the bag for transportation;
- at least one lifting mechanism attached on the bag for transportation;

wherein a top wall of the first or second compartment, or both, extends downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall of each compartment to allow loading of the first or second compartment to create an improved weight transfer of said bag during transportation.
The structural support may be disposed between a bottom wall and a top wall of the second compartment or both.
The structural support may be a retractable structural support.
The top surface of the first and the second compartment may be inclined relative to a bottom wall of each respective compartment, wherein when the first and second compartment are superimposed, the bag has a substantially rectangular shape.
According to an embodiment, there is provided a bag comprising:
a first compartment having a bottom;
a second compartment being removably attachable to the bottom of the first compartment; and
a support structure insertable into the second compartment for supporting the first compartment.
Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective right side view of the bag shown in FIG. 1 with the flap of the second compartment in an opened position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the bag, shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective top view of the support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3B is a perspective top view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates the use of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention in a car.

FIG. 4B illustrates the uses and handling of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates the uses and handling of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D illustrates the uses and handling of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In embodiments there is disclosed a novel bag for carrying heavy gear. The bag comprises at least two main compartments that can be separated, allowing segregation of the gear and facilitating transportation of the gear. Preferably, the gear transported is sport gear, but it may be gear for any desired function, such as tools, camping, hunting, musical instruments, and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown bag 10 comprising a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. The second compartment 14 of the bag 10 is removably attachable to the first compartment 12 and has a semi-rigidly held shape for supporting the first compartment 12 on the second compartment 14. The shape may be predetermined, and may for example be rectangular, square, or any suitable shape. Preferably, the shape is rectangular. In the bag 10, the first compartment 12 comprises an access to the interior of the compartment, which may be located on any of the side, end, or top walls. The second compartment 14 may comprise at least one access to the interior of the second compartment which may be located along any one of side walls 34 and 39 (not show), or end walls 38 and 40.
According to an embodiment, the top wall of the first or second compartments (or both) may each extend downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall of each compartment. This allows the compartment, for example, to store larger heavier gear, or more gear in one side of each compartment. Any one compartment may then be loaded with material in order to create an improved weight transfer of said bag during transportation (as shown in FIG. 4C). Both first and second compartments may have top walls extending downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall, such that when stacked as described above, the two compartments back is overall rectangular in shape.
The bag 10 may comprise one or more set of wheels, suitably positioned to allow ground transportation. The wheels may be attached on the first compartment 12, on the second compartment 14 or on both first and second compartments 12 and 14. The wheels may be located at either or both end of each compartments.
In the bag 10, the shape may be held by, without limitations, a frame, a molded shell, a plurality of semi-rigid panels, rods and the like. In the bag 10, the frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels may be within the second compartment. However, according to another embodiment, in the bag 10, the frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels may be within both first compartment 12 and second compartment 14.
According to an embodiment, the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 are removably attachable to each other with any suitable closing system. The suitable closing system may include, without limitations, a zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop fastener, such as a Velcro™, and the like.
In the bag 10, the access to the interior of the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 comprises a suitable closing system. This suitable closing system may include, without limitations, hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro™, a zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, and the like.
Moreover, according to another embodiment, the bag 10 may further comprise at least one lifting mechanism for transporting the bag 10. The lifting mechanism may include a handle, a strap, a handgrip, retractable handle or handgrip and the like. The lifting mechanism may be attached on the first compartment 12, on the second compartment 14 or on both first and second compartments 12 and 14. Any of the surface may receive the lifting mechanism. Additionally, according to another embodiment, the bag 10 may further comprise an air vent 56 for allowing passage of air in the bag from the interior of the second compartment to the interior of the first compartment (and to the exterior, if the first compartment is opened). The air vent 56 and 58 in each of the first and second compartments respectively align and are superimposed in order to allowing passage of air in the bag from the interior of the second compartment to the interior of the first compartment (and to the exterior, if the first compartment is opened). As the gear contained inside is not put on top of each other because of the segregation, the presence of air vents will favor faster and better drying of wet gear held in the compartments. Moreover, the bag 10 further comprises wheels for transporting the bag 10.
According to an embodiment, the bag 10 may be made of a durable fabric, canvas or plastic having preferably a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape or configuration. The bag 10 comprises a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. The first compartment 12 and second compartment 14 are attachable to each other by any known suitable system such as zipper 16, Velcro™ or straps. The first compartment 12 may comprise two lateral walls 18 and 20, two end walls 22 and 24, a bottom wall 26 and a top wall 28. The top wall 28 of the first compartment 12 provides an access to the interior of the first compartment 12 through a mechanism such as a zipper 30. In a preferred embodiment, the top wall 28 further comprises a handle 32. Alternatively, the handle can be provided on the lateral wall 18 or 20, or the end wall 22 or 24, allowing displacement of the bag 10 or the first compartment 12 only upon separation from the second compartment 14. Lifting mechanism or handles may also be located on the second compartment 14, on lateral wall 39 for example, opposite an access in the second compartment lateral wall 34.
According to another embodiment, the second compartment 14 comprises two lateral walls 34 and 36, two end walls 38 and 40, a bottom wall 42 and a top wall 44. One of the lateral walls 34 or 36 comprises an access in the form of an openable longitudinal flap 46 therein. The flap 46 is openable by any suitable system such as a zipper or Velcro™. Therefore, the insertion or removal of large and/or long or irregularly shaped gear such as leg padding into or out of the second compartment 14 is facilitated upon opening of the flap 46 as shown in FIG. 1.
According to an embodiment, the bottom walls 26 and/or 42 may each be made from waterproof material to resist to damage caused by water present on the ground where each compartment may be deposited.
According to an embodiment, the second compartment 14 may further comprise a structural support, such as structural support 48 disposed between the bottom wall 42 and the top wall 44 in order to support the first compartment 12 when the first compartment 12 is positioned on top of the second compartment 14. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, and 3A-B, the structural support 48 has a top surface 50 extending approximately from end wall 38 to end wall 40 and approximately from lateral wall 34 to lateral wall 36. The structural support 48 also comprises a plurality of projections 52 extending downwardly from the top surface 50 to the bottom wall 42 supporting therefore the top surface 50. Preferably, the projections 52 extending downwardly are positioned near the end walls 38 and 40. The top surface 50 can extend parallel relative to the bottom wall 42 or can extend downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall 42, depending on the angle of the top wall of the respective first or second compartment. Preferably the structural support 48 is made of wood, plastic such as PVF, polyethylene, carbon fibre, aluminum, magnesium, and the like. According to another embodiment, the projections 52 of the structural support 48 may be retractable to allow the second compartment to be retractable and/or compressible as well. According to another embodiment, the top surface 50 of the structural support 48 may be inserted in the first compartment 12 or in the second compartment 14. Moreover, the structural support 48 may be in the first compartment 12 or in the second compartment 14 and concealed in the material of the bag 10.
According to another embodiment, the first and second compartments may further comprise additional separators which may be removably affixed inside the compartments by suitable fasteners such as zippers, snap fasteners, press studs, hook and loop fastener, such as a Velcro™, and the like.
In a preferred embodiment, the top surface 50 further comprises holes or air vents 54 extending through the surface 50. When holes or air vents 54 are provided through the surface 50, the top wall 44 of the second compartment 14 and the bottom wall 26 of the first compartment 12 comprise a permeable system for air circulation through holes or air vents 56 and 58, respectively as shown at FIGS. 2 and 3B. The permeable system allows moisture to circulate from one compartment to the other so that the gear or apparel will not become mildewed, discoloured, or rusted while being transported or stored within the bag 10. In another embodiment, air vents 56 of the first compartment 12 and air vents 58 of the second compartment 14 are aligned to allow the passage of air from the first compartment 12 to the second compartment 14. For example, the air vents may be hole pierced through the fabric of each compartment, and/or they be netting of webbing with holes there through.
According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the structural support 48 is insertable into the second compartment 14 upon separating the top wall 44 from the lateral walls 34 and 36 and at least one end wall 38 or 40. Any known suitable mechanism, such as a zipper 60, is used to detach/attach the top wall 44 from the lateral walls 34 and 36 and at least one end wall 38 or 40. Upon insertion of the structure 48 into the second compartment 14, the structural support 48 is held in place by the tension in the material.
According to another embodiment, the structural support 48 is insertable into the first or second compartment 12 or 14 as separate surface 50 and projections 52. The surface 50 may be slipped through an opening in any of the first or second compartment 12 or 14, along the edge of top wall 44 or bottom wall 26 for example. The surface 50 may be reconnected to the projections 52, or they may each independently for the basis of the structure 48 without being connected. Any known suitable mechanism, such as a zipper 60, may be used to detach/attach the first compartment 12 to/from the second compartment 14. Upon insertion of the structure 48 into the second compartment 14, the structural support, such as structural support 48, is held in place by the tension in the material.
In a preferred embodiment, the end walls 38 and 40 of the second compartment 14 further comprise wheels and handle, respectively for transporting the bag 10 or the second compartment 14 only upon separation from the first compartment 12. However, both the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 may comprise wheels and handles for transportation of the bag 10.
By providing two compartments, the bag of the present invention allows segregation of the gear and other apparel or material. For example, the heavy sport gear such as leg padding, ice skates, helmet and the like can be stored in the second compartment 14 and lighter gear and apparel can be stored in the first compartment 12. The flap 46 of the second compartment 14 improves accessibility to long or irregular shaped, gear such as leg padding and allows insertion of long or irregular shaped gear with ease within the second compartment 14. In addition, the displacement of the bag is facilitated as one compartment can be transported independently of the other compartment. For example, the second compartment containing heavy gear can be transported independently of the first compartment allowing a displacement from a place of residence to a vehicle and from the vehicle to an exercise facility with ease. In addition, ascending and descending stairs with bag compartments in the separated configuration is less cumbersome.
In use, the bag of the present invention may be easily loaded in small vehicles. As small vehicles become increasingly popular, a sport bag with a large main compartment holding sport gear and sport apparel may not readily be accommodated by the trunk or rear passenger compartments in compact and subcompact vehicles. Bags according to the present invention may be easily loaded into a compact car trunk, once separated into its respective first and second compartments (FIG. 4A). Furthermore, such bags may be heavy to carry up stairs in arenas or at home (FIG. 4B). The reassembled bag of the present invention may then be easily transported (FIG. 4C) by the user, which then may access the stored material therein (FIG. 4D).
While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A bag comprising:

a first compartment comprising an access to the interior of the compartment;

a second compartment removably attachable to the first compartment and being semi-rigidly held for supporting the first compartment on the second compartment, the second compartment comprising at least one access to the interior of the second compartment along any one of a lateral wall or an end wall;

wheels attached on the bag for transportation;

wherein a top wall of the first or second compartment, or both, extends downwardly at an angle relative to the bottom wall of each compartment to allow loading of the first or second compartment to create an improved weight transfer of said bag during transportation.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said second compartment is of a predetermined shape.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the second compartment is held by a frame, a molded shell, a plurality of semi-rigid panels, rods or combinations thereof.

4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels or the combinations thereof are within the second compartment.

5. The bag of claim 3, wherein the frame, the molded shell, the plurality of semi-rigid panels, or the combination thereof are within both first and second compartments.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are removably attachable to each other with attachment closing system.

7. The bag of claim 6, wherein the closing system includes a zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop fastener or combinations thereof.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the access to the interior of the first compartment and the second compartment comprises a closing system.

9. The bag of claim 8, wherein the closing system includes a zipper, a strap, a snap fastener, a press stud, a hook and loop fastener or combinations thereof.

10. The bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one lifting mechanism for transporting the bag.

11. The bag of claim 10, wherein the lifting mechanism includes a handle, a strap, a handgrip, a retractable handle, a retractable handgrip, or combinations thereof.

12. The bag of claim 1, further comprising an air vent for allowing passage of air between said first and second compartments.

13. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the first compartment is made from an impermeable material.

14. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the second compartment is made from an impermeable material

15. The bag of claim 1, wherein a top surface of said second compartment is inclined relative to a bottom wall.

16. A bag comprising:

a first compartment comprising an access to the interior of the compartment;

a second compartment, the second compartment removably attached to the first compartment and being semi-rigidly held for supporting the first compartment on the second compartment, the second compartment comprising at least one access to the interior of the second compartment along any one of a lateral wall or an end wall;

wheels attached on the bag for transportation;

at least one lifting mechanism attached on the bag for transportation;

17. The bag of claim 16, wherein a structural support is disposed between a bottom wall and a top wall of the second compartment or both.

18. The bag of claim 16, wherein the structural support is a retractable structural support.

19. The bag of claim 16, wherein a top surface of said first and said second compartment is inclined relative to a bottom wall of each respective compartment,

wherein when said first and second compartment are superimposed, said bag has a substantially rectangular shape.