BAG

Abstract

Embodiments described herein comprise a first bag for coupling to a second bag. The bags may include a bridge strap configured to adjustably couple the bags together. The bags may include one or more side pockets. The side pockets may be located on an exterior of the sides of the bags. The side pockets are configured to secure an elongated object, such as a fishing rod, to the bags. The bags may be coupled to a transport device using the bridge straps. The bags are configured to be transported on the transport device.

Description

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generally relate to the field of bags, and more particularly, to bags for personal storage that may be coupled together by a strap and carried on a transport device.

Bags are often used to carry personal items within the bag from one place to another. The user may place several items in the bag and easily carry the bag with them from one location to another. Bags may be carried by a user using a handle, or a strap for securing the bag to the user. For example, a student may place books, pencils, notepads and a snack in a backpack. The student may then wear the backpack on their back and walk from class to class. Further, saddlebags are two bags that are joined together and placed on each side of a horse. The saddlebags allow a horse rider to place personal items in the saddlebags while riding the horse.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of two bags coupled together.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram illustrating a bottom view of two bags coupled together.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of two bags uncoupled.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of two bags coupled together.

FIG. 4A depicts a diagram illustrating a cord assembly.

FIG. 5A depicts a diagram illustrating a side view of two bags uncoupled and over an object.

FIG. 5B depicts a diagram illustrating a side view of two bags coupled together and attached to an object.

FIG. 6 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a bag with an elongated object in a side pocket.

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a bag.

FIG. 8 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a bag.

FIG. 9 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of an interior of a bag.

FIG. 10 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an open bag.

FIG. 11A depicts a diagram illustrating a view of a plurality of panels.

FIG. 11B depicts a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a panel.

FIG. 12 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an open bag.

FIG. 13 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of an interior of a bag.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for carrying one or more items in a bag. In some embodiments, the bag may be coupled to a second bag by a bridge strap located on one or both of the bags. The bridge strap allows the bags to be coupled to one another in a manner that when joined allows a user to hang the bags on a transport device. For example, the user may couple the bridge straps together and hang the bags over the seat of a personal water craft, a horse, and/or a motor cycle. The bridge straps couple to one another in a manner that allows the user to adjust the length between the bags when they are coupled together. Therefore, the user may size the bridge strap so that the bags easily secure to the width of the user's motorcycle seat. The user may then drive the motorcycle to a location where a personal water craft is located. The user may then take the bags off of the motorcycle and adjust the bridge strap to a size that allows the bags to secure to the width of the seat of the personal watercraft. One or more of the bags may include a side pocket adapted to hold and secure an elongated object. The user may place the elongated object, for example a fishing pole, in the side pocket and carry the elongated object in the pocket to a fishing location on the transport device(s). The side pocket may have features adapted to secure the elongated object to the bag for example a pocket strap and a smaller bottom opening to the pocket. One or more of the bags may include an insulating container, or cooler, within the bag. The insulating container allows the user to store items in the bag while maintaining the temperature of the items in the bag. For example, the user may place a lunch and beverages in one of the bags and ice in the other bag. The user may then place any fish caught in the bag with the ice. The insulating containers will allow the lunch, the beverages and the fish to stay fresh, or be preserved during the day.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of two bags 100 coupled together by one or more bridge straps 102. The bags 100 may be substantially similar, as shown, or may have features that are unique to each bag 100. One of the bags 100 will be described in detail herein; however, it should be appreciated that each of the bags 100 may have any of the features, or combination of features described herein. The bag 100 may have the bridge strap 102, a top 104, a plurality of sides 106, and a bottom 200 shown in FIG. 2, which surrounds an interior of the bag 100. The bag 100 may further include a side pocket 108, a pocket strap 110, one or more handles 112, and one or more engagement members 114.

The sides 106 of the bag may couple to the bottom 200 and form a perimeter around an interior of the bag 100. The connection between each of the sides and the bottom 200 may be formed by stitching, although it should be appreciated that any suitable connection, or combination thereof, may be used to join the panels of the bag 100 together including, but not limited to, forming connection by bending or crimping one continuous panel, gluing, welding, vinyl welding, buttoning, zipping, tying, Velcro®, hook and loop connectors, rivets, Chicago screws, twist latches, and the like. As shown, there are four sides 106 on the bag 100, although it should be appreciated that there may be any suitable number of sides 106 depending on the shape the user wants the bag 100 to take including, but not limited to, one continuously curved side. FIG. 1 shows the bag as having two long sides on the front and back of the bag 100 and two shorter sides on each side of the bag 100. Thus, from a top view of the bag 100 the two short sides and two long sides form a rectangular shaped perimeter around the interior of the bag 100.

The bottom 200 of the bag 100 may couple to the sides 106 around the entire perimeter of the sides 106. The connection between the bottom 200 and any of the sides 106 may be any connection, or combination of connections described herein. The bottom 200 may provide a foundation to the bag 100 capable of supporting one or more items in the interior of the bag 100. As items are placed on the bottom 200 of the bag 100 with the bag 100 off of the ground, the bottom 200 supports the weight of the items and transfers the load from the items to one or more of the sides 106 of the bag 100. Thus, the bottom 200 and the connection between the bottom 200 and the sides 106 of the bag 100 are strong enough to support the weight of the items. Although described as the bottom 200 being joined along the entire length of the sides 106 it should be appreciated that so long as the bottom 200 is capable of supporting the items in the bag 100 the bottom 200 may not be joined to the entire perimeter. In some embodiments, the bottom 200 will have the same shape as the perimeter of the sides 106. For example, the bottom 200 of the bag 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a rectangular shape. The bottom 200 may further provide a surface capable of supporting the bag 100 when the bag 100 is resting on the ground or other surface. To this effect, the bottom 200 of the bag 100 may be placed on the ground and the bottom 200 will remain substantially flat on the ground while the bag 100 sits upright.

The top 104 may couple to one or more of the sides 106 in a manner that substantially covers the area formed by the perimeter of the sides 106. To this end the top 104 may be any shape so long as the top substantially covers the perimeter of the bag 100. The top 104 may include or form one or more flaps 116 for opening and closing access to the interior of the bag 100 and/or securing the top 104 to the sides 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the entire top 104 forms the flap 116 which is joined to the back side of the bag 100 using any of the connections described herein. The flap 116 may pivot about the connection with the back side in a similar manner to a hinged connection. In a closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, the flap 116 covers an opening to the interior of the bag 100. To access the interior of the bag 100, the user moves the flap 116 in a manner that removes at least a portion of the flap 116 from the opening. To this effect the user may pivot the entire flap 116 about the connection from a closed position to an open position. Although being described as the entire top 104 being the flap 116, it should be appreciated that the flap 116 to access the interior may be a smaller flap (not shown) which is located on the top 104. Further, the top 104 may be a flap that allows access to the entire opening and the top 104 may have a smaller flap that allows the user to access the interior of the bag 100 without removing the entire top 104.

The top 104 and/or the flap 116 may include one or more side flaps 118. The side flaps 118 may extend beyond the top and down a portion of the sides 106 of the bag 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the side flap 118 in the front of the bag 100 extends about half way down the side 106 of the bag 100. The side flap 118 on the side of the bag 100 is shown to extend only a small distance down the side of the bag 100. It should be appreciated that the side flaps 118 may extend any distance down the sides 106 of the bag 100 depending on the needs of the user. Thus, the side flaps 118 may extend the entire length of the side 106, stop at the top side of the bag 100, or extend any distance in between. The side flaps 118, and/or the side 106 the side flap engages may include a securing device for removably coupling the side flap 118 to the side 106. The securing device may be any suitable releasable and re-connectable securing device including, but not limited to, Velcro®, hook and loop connectors, one or more buttons, one or more snaps, one or more zip-locks, one or more ties, one or more clasps, one or more zippers, one or more grommets, one or more buckles, one or more interlocking buckles, one or more side release buckles, one or more top release buckles, one or more bottom release buckles, one or more twist lock, one or more twist latches, one or more trigger snaps, one or more magnets, one or more hinged rings, one or more carabiners, one or more S-hooks, one or more cord assemblies, one or more latches, one or more hooks, one or more cords with a hook and the like.

Although the top 104 is described as having one or more flaps 116 to allow access to the interior of the bag 100, it should be appreciated that any of the sides 106, and/or bottom 200 may include a flap (not shown) alternatively to, or in addition to the top 104.

Any of the top 104, the sides 106, the flaps 116 and the bottom 200 may further include any number of interior pockets 122. The interior pocket 122 is a pocket that is accessed from the exterior of the bag 100 but holds contents inside the panel it is attached to, for example a side 106 of the bag 100. The interior pocket 122 shown in FIG. 3, has a pocket flap 124 for covering an opening to the interior pocket 122. The opening of the interior pocket 122 may be an opening, or have a securing device for coupling the interior pocket in a closed position. The securing device may be any securing device described herein.

The bridge strap 102 may be used to couple the bags 100 together according to some embodiments described herein. Each of the bags 100 may include the bridge strap 102 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. When the bags 100 are coupled together using the bridge straps 102, the user may secure, and/or hang, the bags 100 over an object. Thus, each of the bags 100 may hang from the coupled bridge straps 102 on each side of the object. The bridge straps 102 are configured to allow the user to adjust a width W, shown in FIG. 2, between the bags 100 when the bags 100 are coupled together. Thus, the user may measure the size on the object then couple the bags 100 together the width W apart that corresponds with the width of the object. The user may later take the bags 100 off of the object and adjust the width W to a suitable distance for a second object.

In order to adjust the width W between the bags 100 when coupled together, each of the bridge straps 102 may have a bridge strap connector 300, shown in FIG. 3, for coupling the bridge straps 102 together. The bridge strap connectors 300, as shown, are a Velcro®, or hook and loop type connector that has the loops located on a bridge strap top 302 of a first bag and the hooks located on a bridge strap bottom 304 of a second bag. Thus, when the bridge strap 102 are coupled together using the bridge strap connectors 300 the bridge strap connectors 300 may not be visible from the top of the bottom of the bags 100. The length and width of the bridge strap connectors 300 may vary depending on the needs of the user. The longer and wider the bridge strap connectors 300 are the less likely the connectors 300 are to accidentally come undone during use. In one embodiment, the connector 300 is about eight inches long and two inches wide; however it should be appreciated that any suitable length, width and shape may be used. Although described as the loops being located on the bridge strap top 302 and the hooks being located on the bridge strap bottom 304 it should be appreciated that any combination of locations may be used, including locating the hooks and loops on both sides of each bridge strap 102 thereby making each of the bags 100 compatible with any of the bags 100. Although the bridge strap connector 300 is described as being a Velcro® system, it should be appreciated that any number of devices or combination of devices may be used as the bridge strap connectors 300 including, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, ties, buckles, zippers, hooks, carabiners, magnets, belt and buckle assemblies, ladder locks, tri-glides, any of the securing devices described herein and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bridge straps 102 are shaped to be wide at a bag end 202 of the bridge strap 102 and narrow at a terminal end 204 of the bridge strap 102. As shown, the bag end 202 of the bridge strap 102 has the same width as the side 106 the bridge strap 102 is coupled to. This allows the connection between the bag 100 and the bridge strap 102 to be maximized thereby making the connection robust. As shown, the bridge strap 102 is constructed of the material from the top 104 and the side 106, the bridge strap 102 is connected to. Thus, the bridge strap 102 may be constructed of one continuous piece of the top 104 and/or the side 106. The material may be coupled together at a bridge strap perimeter 206 by any suitable method of connection. Further, it should be appreciated that the bridge strap 102 may be a separate item that is connected to the bag 100 at any suitable location. The connection between the bridge strap 102 and the bag 100 may be any suitable connection described herein. The bridge strap 102 as shown narrows as it moves away from the bag 100 toward the terminal end 204. The narrowing of the bridge strap 204 allows the manufacturer of the bag 100 to save on material used for the bag 100. Further, the narrowing of the bridge strap 102 allows the user to support the bags 100 on an object that may have a narrow width, for example a shoulder of the user. Although described as the bridge strap 102 narrowing as it approaches the terminal end 204 of the strap, it should be appreciated that any suitable configuration of the bridge strap 102 may be used including, but not limited to, a square strap, a rectangular strap, a triangular strap, a belt type strap, a single cord strap, a plurality of cords, a single rope, a plurality of ropes, and the like.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, only one of the bags 100 may include a bridge strap 102. In this embodiment, the bridge strap 102 may couple directly to the bridge strap connector 300 located on the other bag 100, or loop through an engagement member on the other bag 100.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the bridge strap 102 may be one bridge strap 102 integrally coupled to both of the bags 102. In this embodiment, the bridge strap 102 may be a continuous piece of material extending from the top of the first bag 100 to the top 104 of the second bag 100. The bridge strap 102 may further include a continuous piece of material extending from a side 106 of the bags 100.

In addition or alternative to the bridge strap connectors 300, there may be one or more safety coupling assembly 400, shown in FIG. 4, for ensuring that the bridge straps 102 do not accidentally disengage during use. The safety coupling assembly 400, as shown, includes one or more rings 402, a cord 404, a clasp 406, one or more apertures 408 and a latching device 410 in the bridge strap 102. The cord 404 may penetrate one of the apertures 408 and have the latching device 410 on one end and the clasp 406 on the other. The clasp 406 and the latching device 410 may be designed so that they will not pass through the aperture 408, thereby preventing the cord 404 from disengaging the aperture 408 and bridge strap 102 the cord 404 penetrates. The clasp 406 may be any member that prevents the cord 404 from traveling through the aperture 408 and engages the cord 404 including, but not limited to, a cord lock, a wheel lock, a set screw, a knot, and the like. In one embodiment, the clasp 406 is an adjustable clasp that allows the user to shorten and lengthen the cord 404. The cord 404 may be any suitable cord including, but not limited to, a shock cord, a wire, woven wire, a string, a rope, a bungee cord, and the like.

The latching device 410 may be any suitable latching device for engaging the rings 402 or apertures 408. As shown, the latching device 410 is a hook; however, it should be appreciated that the latching device 410 may be any suitable latching device including, but not limited to, a ring, a hinged ring, a key ring, a magnet, an interlocking buckle, a snap hook, a cord hook, the cord assembly, a tie, a strap, a buckle, a carabiner, any of the securing devices and the like. The aperture(s) 408 may be reinforced with a reinforcing device 412 to increase the robustness of the aperture 408. The reinforcing device 412 may be any suitable reinforcing device including, but not limited to, a metal ring, a grommet, an eyelet, a stitched hole, piping, button holes, a plastic ring, a canvas ring, a ceramic ring, and the like. The rings 402, as shown, are D-rings coupled to the bridge strap 102 by a canvas connector. The canvas connector for coupling the D-ring to the bridge strap 102, or the bag 100, may be any suitable coupling device. The rings 402 may be any suitable device for hooking the cord to the ring 402 including, but not limited to, a ring, a hook, a clasp, an aperture and the like.

FIG. 4A shows a cord assembly 420 according to one embodiment. The cord assembly 420 includes two shaped clasps 422 configured to engage the cord 404 and any of the rings 402 and/or engagement members described herein. The shaped clasps 422, as shown, include two cord profiles 424 which are adapted to hold the cord 404, and/or the ring 402 in the profile. The shaped clasp 422 may further have an entry point 426 which allows the ring 402 and/or the cord to enter and secured to the cord profile 424. The entry point 426 may be designed to allow the cord 404 and/or ring 402 to enter the interior of the shaped clasp 422 easily but resist allowing the cord 404 and/or ring 402 to release from the cord assembly 402. The cord assembly 420 may further include the latching device 410 and a stop member 428. The stop member 428 may be any suitable member that attaches to the cord 404 and prevents the cord 404 from passing through the shaped clasp 422 including but not limited to, any of the latching devices, any of the clasps 406, and the like. To use the cord assembly 420, the user places a portion of the cord 404 in the cord profile 424B of the first shaped clasp 422A. The cord 404 may have two free ends in this arrangement. The user may then place a portion of each of the free ends of the cord 404 in the cord profiles 424A and 424B of the second shaped clasp 424B. The user may adjust the distance the second shaped clasp 422B is from the first shaped clasp 422A thereby changed the size of a loop 428 formed between the shaped clasps 422A, 422B and the cord 404. The user may then attach the latching device 410 and the stop member 428 to the terminal ends of the cord 404. The user may then hook the free cord profile 424A to any of the engagement members described herein.

The safety coupling assembly 400 is a safety measure to ensure the bags 100 do not inadvertently disconnect during use. Thus, the connector 300 of the bridge straps 102 are coupled to one another at the appropriate width W. The user may then adjust the length of the cord 404 by adjusting the clasp 406 in order to make the length of the cord correspond with the width W. The user may then secure the latching device 410 of one of the bridge straps 102 to the ring 402 of the other bridge strap 102. When the user wants to uncouple the bridge straps 102, the user disconnects the safety coupling assembly 400 then disconnects the bridge strap connector 300. There may be multiple safety coupling assemblies 400, or multiple components of the safety coupling assembly 400 attached to each of the bags 100. Although the safety coupling assembly 400 is described as including the rings 402, the cord 404, the clasp 406, the aperture(s) 408 and the latching device 410 it should be appreciated that any suitable safety coupling assembly 400 may be used including, but not limited to, a cord, a cord with two hooks for coupling to any number of rings, a tie, a rope, a bungee cord, and the like. Further, the aperture 408 may not be necessary so long as the cord 404 couples to each of the bags in some manner.

FIG. 5A depicts the bags 100 uncoupled with the bridge straps 102 proximate an object 500. The object 500 has a width W. The user may couple the bridge straps 102 together in a manner that makes the distance between the bags 100 correspond with the width W, as shown in FIG. 5B. The user may then place the bridge straps 102 on the object 500 and hang the bags 100 on opposing sides of the object 500. Gravity will keep the bags from falling off of the object 500; however, the user may further secure the bags to the object 500.

The user may use a system similar to the safety coupling system 400, or any of the components of the safety coupling assembly 400, to attach the bags 100 to the object 500. Further, there may be one or more engagement members 502 (shown schematically) coupled to the bridge strap 102, the top 104, the sides 106, and/or the bottom of the bag 100. The engagement members 502 may be any suitable devices and/or combination of devices that allow the user to couple the engagement members 502 to one another including, but not limited to, a ring, a clamp, a tie, an interlocking buckle, a side release buckle, a top release buckle, a bottom release buckle, the cord assembly 420, any of the securing devices, any of the latching devices 410, a button, Velcro®, a buckle, a carabiner, and the like. The engagement members 502 may be adapted to couple directly to a corresponding engagement member 502. As shown in FIG. 5B, the engagement members 502 of each of the bags 100 may couple to a strap 504. The strap 504 may then be secured around the bottom of the object 500 in order to prevent the bags 100 from disengaging the object 500. It should be appreciated that the strap may secure around, through and/or to the object 500. There may be one or more strap hooks 510 coupled to the strap 504 for engaging any portion of the object. The strap hooks 510 are shown as hooks for engaging the object; however, it should be appreciated that the strap hooks 510 may be any suitable device including, but not limited to, the latching device 410, the cord assembly 420, the securing device, the engagement members, and the like.

Further, the strap may be any suitable device for coupling the bags 100 to one another, or to the object 500 including, but not limited to, a cord, a rope, the cord assembly, a belt, and the like.

The object 500 may be any suitable object for securing the bags 100. Due to the adjustability of the bridge straps 102, the distance between the coupled bags 100 may be changed. Thus, the bags 100 are adapted to fit any width W of the object 500. The object 500 may be any suitable object that a user may want to couple the bags 100 to including, but not limited to, a transport device, a beam, bench, a chair, a table, a grill, a bar, a stool, a saw horse, an amp, a hand railing, pier railing, a door, a tree, playground equipment, a fence, a post, a saddle rack, and the like. The transport device may be any object that may move from one location to another including, but not limited to a motorcycle, a bicycle, a unicycle, a personal watercraft, a jet ski, a snow mobile, an ATV, a tractor, a golf cart, a club car, a go-cart, a canoe, a kayak, an inter tube, a floatation device, a human, a horse, a pony, a donkey, a dog, a camel, an ox, an elephant, a portion of a car, a portion of a plane, a portion of a boat, a portion of a submarine, a dune buggy, an XUV, military vehicles, tanks, humvees, ambulances, fire trucks, ranch vehicles, riding mowers, construction equipment, forklifts, cranes, cherry pickers, a Segway®, and the like. When the bags 100 are coupled to the transport device, for example a motorcycle, the distance between the bags 100 may be easily adjusted to allow the bags 100 to hang on each side of the seat of the transport device. Thus, the bags 100 are easily accessed by the user while traveling on the transport device.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the bag 100 with an elongated object 600 secured in the side pocket 108. The side pocket 108 is configured to secure the elongated object 600 to the bag 100. In one embodiment, the elongated object 600 is a fishing rod; however, it should be appreciated that the elongated object 600 may be any suitable elongated object 600 including, but not limited to, an umbrella, a tennis racket, a badminton racket, a squash racket, a racket ball racket, a baseball bat, a pistol, a gun, a beverage, a glass, a wine glass, a champagne flute, a beer stein, a bottle, a can, a thermos, a harpoon, a spear, a paddle, a level, a hammer, a drill, an axe, a flag pole, a golf club, rolled up drawings, a rolled up canvas, one or more paint brushes, bar bells, bows and/or arrows, a flair gun, a flashlight, a flair, a torch, a fire extinguisher, small tackle boxes, and the like. Thus, the elongated object 600 may be placed in the side pocket 108 and transported with the bag 100. Once at a desired location, for example a fishing hole, the user may remove the elongated object 600 and use it at the location as will be described in more detail below.

The side pocket 108, as shown, is stitched to the side 106; however, it should be appreciated that any connection described herein may be used to couple the side pocket 108 to the bag 100 may be used including forming the side pocket 108 from the material of the side 106. The side pocket 108 may have an opening 602 on a top end of the side pocket 108. The top opening 602 may be substantially as wide as the side 106 the side pocket 108 is coupled to, or be smaller than the side 106. The opening 602 is configured to receive an end of the elongated object 600. As shown, the side pocket 108 further includes a bottom opening 604. The bottom opening 604 is configured to allow a portion of the elongated object 600 to pass beyond the bottom of the side pocket 108. For example, the handle of the fishing rod may wholly or partially pass through the bottom opening 604 while the reel remains in the side pocket 108 and the rod is substantially above the side pocket 108. The size of the top opening 602 and the bottom opening 604 may be designed based on the intended use of the side pocket 108. For example, for the fisherman, the bottom opening 604 may be sized to only allow the handle through the opening, and the top opening 602 may be adapted to allow the reel into the side pocket 108. In one embodiment, the top opening 602 is larger than the bottom opening 604.

The shape of the side pocket 108 may be any suitable shape for housing the elongated object 600 at least partially within the side pocket 108. As shown in the Figures, the side pocket 108 is tapered. Thus, as the elongated object 600 moves from the top opening 602 toward the bottom opening 604 the interior of the side pocket 108 becomes smaller. The taper, as shown, is formed by stitching part of the side pocket 108 to the side 106; however, it should be appreciated that any suitable method for tapering the side pocket 108 may be used. Although shown and described as being a tapered side pocket 108 it should be appreciated that any shape of the pocket may be used depending on the use of the side pocket 108. For example, a side pocket 108 for a bottle may have substantially the same size the entire length of the side pocket and may include a full or partial bottom to prevent the bottle from falling out.

There may be any number of side pockets 108 located on the bags 100. Further, there may be alternative versions of the side pocket 108 located on the bag 100. For example, one side 106 may have a side pocket 108 specifically sized for a fishing rod, and a second side 106 may have a side pocket 108 specifically sized to hold a beverage, and a front, or third side 106 of the bag 100 may have a side pocket 108 specifically sized for a pistol. There may be any number and combination of side pockets used on each of the bags 100.

In an additional, or alternative, embodiment, the side pocket 108 may be formed of an insulating material. In this embodiment, the side pocket 108 would be specifically designed to hold a cold or hot beverage and minimize heat loss or gain of the beverage while the beverage is secured in the pocket. Thus, a user may place a cold soda bottle in the side pocket 108 and maximize the time the soda stays cold while in the side pocket 108.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the side pocket 108, or a portion thereof may be detachable from the bag 100. In this embodiment, one or both of the sides of the side pocket 108 may be removed from the bag 100 and the elongated object placed in the side pocket 108. The side pocket 108 may be reattached to the bag 100 thereby securing the elongated object 600 to the bag 100. The side pocket 108 may include any of the securing devices in order to engage and disengage the side pocket 108 from the bag 100.

To help secure the elongated object 600 to the side pocket 108, the bag 100 may include a pocket strap 606. The pocket strap 606, as shown, is a member that removeably couples to the engagement members 502 located on each side of the top opening 602. Thus, after the elongated object 600 is placed in the side pocket 108, the user may couple the pocket strap 606 to each of the engagement members 502 and possibly the elongated object 600 in order to prevent the elongated object from falling out of the side pocket 108. In one embodiment, the pocket strap 606 is a cord having a hook on each end which is configured to couple to the engagement member 502. The cord may be adjustable in order to size the pocket strap 606 to meet the size of the elongated object 600. The pocket strap 606 may be any suitable item configured to secure the elongated object 600 to the bag 100 including, but not limited to, the cord assembly 420, a canvas strap, a cord, a rope, a wire, a cord or strap that engages a hook and loop connector and the like. Although described as a pocket strap 606 it should be appreciated that any suitable method of securing the elongated object 600 to the bag 100 may be used. Further, the pocket strap 606 may be located anywhere on the bag 100 so long as the pocket strap 606 secures the elongated object 600 to the bag 100 while the elongated object 600 is in the side pocket 108.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the bag 100 having one or more handles 700. The handles 700 may secure to any suitable location on the bag 100. The handles 700 allow the user to easily grip the bag 100. As shown in FIG. 7, there are two handles 700 coupled to one or more engagement members 502 located proximate the top 104 of the bag 100. In this configuration, the bag 100 may be carried like a briefcase, or purse, wherein the two handles 700 are located above the bag 100 and the bag 100 hangs below the handles 700 when carried. The handles 700 may include a fastening device 702 suitable for securing the handle 700 to the engagement members 502. The fastening device 702 is a hook in some embodiments; however, it should be appreciated that the fastening device may be any suitable device for securing the handle to the bag 100 including, but not limited to, the engagement members, any component of the safety coupling assembly 400, the cord assembly 420, the securing devices, and the like.

The fastening devices 702 allow the user to move the location the handle(s) 700 couples to the bag 100. Therefore, the handle(s) 700 may be completely removed from the bag 100, or relocated on the bag 100. In some embodiments, the handles 700 may be removed from the engagement members 502 near the top 104 of the bag and relocated to one of the sides 106. FIG. 8 shows the handles 700 coupled to the back side of the bag 100. In this arrangement, the top side of the handles 700 may fasten to one or more engagement members 502 or apertures on the bridge strap 102. The bottom side of the handles 700 may fasten to engagement members 502 located proximate the bottom 200 of the back side 106. Alternatively, the user may fasten bottom side of the handles 700 to the engagement members 502 proximate the side pocket 108. In this arrangement, the user may place each of their arms through the hole created between the handle 700 and the side 106. The user may then carry the bag 100 on their back like a backpack with the handles 700 looping around the front of their body. In another embodiment, the user may couple one or both of the handles 700 to an engagement member 502 on one side 106, the top 104 or the terminal end 204 of bag 100. The user may then grab a free end of the handle(s) 700 and pull the bag 100 behind them. In this embodiment, the bag may be equipped with one or more wheels to allow the bag to move easily along the ground.

The handles 700 may be constructed of a canvas strap. The canvas strap may couple to the fastening device by any suitable method. The canvas strap may include a gripping member, not shown. The gripping member may be an ergonomically designed handle or grip that is suited for the user to grab with their hand. For example, the gripping member may be padding around the canvas strap surrounded by an external handle material. Although the handle 700 is described as having a canvas strap and a gripping member it should be appreciated that any suitable handle arrangement may be used including, but not limited to, a strap, a wide strap with a padded surface, a webbing, a nylon webbing, a polypropylene webbing, a square handle, a hand shaped gripping member, a metal, a plastic, a suitcase type handle, and the like. The handle 700 may further include an adjustable member, not shown, for adjusting the length of the handle 700.

The user may further, couple two of the bags 100 together using the handle(s) 700 and/or the engagement members 502. For example, the user may couple two handles 700 to engagement members 502 located near the top 104 of the bag 100. The user may then couple the other end of the two handles 700 to a similar location on another of the bags 100. Thus, the two handles 700 would span between the bags 100 at a location near the top 104 of the bag 100. In this arrangement, the user may place one of the handles 700 on their left shoulder and one of the handles 700 on their right shoulder. The bags 100 would then hang on the front and back of the user.

Two bags 100 may be coupled side by side in some embodiments. For example, the engagement members 502 may be adapted to couple directly to the engagement members 502 of another of the bags 100. Thus, the user may couple two sides of the bags 100 together using the engagement members 502. For example, the user may couple the bags 100 together in a manner wherein the back sides 106 of the bags 100 are facing one another in close proximity. In this instance, the user may couple one or more of the handles 700 near the top 104 of one or both of the bags 100. This configuration allows the user to carry both bags 100 by the handles 700 while the bags 100 act substantially like one big bag.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of the bag 100 in an open position. In the open position, as shown, the top 104, and/or the flap 116, is removed from the top of some, or all, of the sides 106. With the bag 100 in an open position an interior 900 of the bag 100 is made accessible. The interior 900 of the bag 100 is configured to store one or more items 902. Thus, the user may open the bag 100 and place the one or more items 902 in the bag 100. The user may then close the bag 100 by securing the top 104, and/or flap 116, back in the closed position on top of the sides 106. In the closed position, the items 902 are substantially protected from the environment outside of the bag 100. Further, placing the items 902 in the bag 100 allows the user to carry several more items 902 than the user would be able to without the bag 100. The user may access one or all of the items 902 by opening the top 104, and/or the flap 116.

An inside material of each of the top 104, the sides 106 and the bottom 200 may be a backside of an exterior material of the top 104, the sides 106 and the bottom 200 according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the inside material of the top 104, the sides 106 and the bottom 200 is a separate piece of material which may be coupled to the exterior material of the top 104, the sides 106 and the bottom 200. In this embodiment, the inside material and the outside material may be coupled together around the perimeter of the top 104, the sides 106 and/or the bottom 200. Further, the inside material may be coupled to the exterior material at locations in the interior of the top 104, the sides 106 and/or the bottom 200. The exterior material and the interior material may be coupled together using any suitable connection including any connection described herein. The material used for the interior material and the exterior material may be any suitable material or combination of materials including, but not limited to a canvas, a leather, a plastic, a cloth, a linen, a vinyl, a nylon, durable woven nylon, denier nylon, a polywoven material, a neoprene, a wool, Kevlar®, a flexible plastic, PVC, a silk, a fiberglass, a Gore-Tex, and the like. Further, the exterior material may be a different material than the interior material depending on the requirements of the bag 100. Further still, each of the components of the bag 100 may have a different material scheme than another component. For example, the top 104 may use leather for the interior material and the exterior material while the sides 106 may use leather for the exterior material and a plastic for the interior material. It should be appreciated that only some of the components of the bag 100 may be constructed of separate interior material and exterior material. For example, the sides 106 and the bottom 200 may be constructed of the interior material and the exterior material and the top 104 may be a single piece of the material having a front and a back.

Constructing the top 104, the sides 106, and the bottom 200 with an interior material and an exterior material allows a space between the interior material and the exterior material to include a filler material 1000, shown by hidden lines in FIG. 10. The filler material 1000 may be any suitable material based on the requirements of the bag 100. For example, the filler material 1000 may be designed to prevent damage to the items 902, to prevent the user from being damaged by the items 902 in the bag 100, and/or to substantially maintain the temperature of the items 902. Thus, the filler material 1000 may include, but not be limited to, a padding, an insulation material, a foam, a Styrofoam®, a fiberglass, a Kevlar®, a closed cell foam, a polyolefin foam, a radiant barrier, a metal, plastic, a ceramic, quantum foam, polyurethane foam, open cell foam, bubble wrap, rubber, XPS foam, colloid, synthetic fiber, Nomex and the like. Further, the filler material 1000 may be any suitable combination of materials.

In some embodiments, the interior 900, or a portion of the interior 900, of the bag 100 is configured to be an insulating container, and/or a cooler. Thus, the interior 900 may be configured to substantially maintain the temperature of the items 902 in the bag 100. To this end, the filler material 1000 may be any combination of insulating materials. FIGS. 11A and 11B show the filler material 1000 as one or more insulating panels 1100. A cross-sectional view of the insulating panel 1100 is shown in FIG. 11B. The insulating panels 1100 may be sized to fit inside each of the top 104, the sides 106, and the bottom 200, or any combination thereof. The insulating panel 1100 may be constructed of an insulator 1102 and a radiant barrier 1104.

The insulating panels 1100 may include a profiled edge 1101 in some embodiments. The profiled edge 1101 may allow the insulating panels 1100 to fit together in a manner that limits relative movement between the panels. The profiled edge 1101 may take any suitable shape capable of securing the insulating panels 1100 to one another.

The insulator 1102 may be configured to minimize thermal loss in the bag 100. Thus, the insulator 1102 may substantially maintain the temperature of the interior 900 of the bag 100. If the items 902 in the bag 100 are cold, the insulator 1102 may prevent the items 902 from increasing in temperature. If the items 902 in the bag 100 are hot, the insulator 1102 may prevent the items 902 from decreasing in temperature. The insulator 1102, as shown, is closed cell foam although it should be appreciated that the insulator 1102 may be any suitable insulator including, but not limited to a foam, a Styrofoam, quantum foam, polyurethane foam, bubble wrap, rubber, XPS foam, colloid, space, and the like.

The closed cell foam may reduce heat transfer due to conduction; however, heat transfer by convection may not be prevented by the closed cell foam alone. Therefore, it may be advantageous to include the radiant barrier 1104 to further reduce the amount of exterior heat that reaches the interior 900 of the bag 100. The radiant barrier 1104 may be configured to minimize heat entering the bag 100 from the exterior of the bag 100. Thus, the radiant barrier 1104 may be placed on the outward facing side of the panel 1000. Further, the radiant barrier 1104 may be placed on the interior of the panel 1000, or on both sides of the panel 1000 in some embodiments. The radiant barrier 1104 may be a foil which includes a nylon threading and attaches to a backing; however, it should be appreciated that the radiant barrier may be any suitable material for reflecting, or dissipating heat entering the bag 100 including, but not limited to a metal, a foil, a foil reinforced with threading, and the like. The backing may be any suitable material including, but not limited to, a single layer of bubbles, multiple layers of bubbles, plastic, cloth, leather, denim, any foam described herein, and the like. The foil may be included on both sides of the backing. FIG. 12 shows the bag 100 in the open position and having one or more interior pockets 1200 and a hidden pocket 1202. As shown there is one interior pocket 1200 affixed to the interior of one of the sides; however, it should be appreciated that there may be any number of interior pockets 1200 coupled to the any, or all, of the sides 106. The interior pocket 1200 may be configured to hold a beverage in some embodiments. In this embodiment, the items 902 are beverages. The user may store the beverages in the bag 100. The insulating panels 1100 may keep the beverages cold while in the bag 100. The user may then open the bag 100 and remove one of the beverages. The user may open the beverage and drink a portion of the contents of the beverage. In many instances, for example if the user is on a transport device, the user may have no place on the transport device to place the beverage. The user may place the beverage in the side pocket 108, if the user wishes to easily access the beverage. If the user wishes to keep the beverage cold longer while drinking, the user may place the beverage in the interior pocket 1200. Although, described as using the interior pocket 1200 for a beverage it should be appreciated that any item and/or elongated object may be placed in the interior pocket 1200. The interior pocket 1200 may be constructed in a similar manner as any of the side pocket(s) 108 described herein.

The hidden pocket 1202, as shown, is located between the exterior material and the interior material of the back side 106. It should be appreciated that the hidden pocket 1202 may be located on any of the sides 106, top 104 and/or bottom 200. The hidden pocket 1202 is shown as substantially the same width of the back side 106; however, it should be appreciated that the hidden pocket 1202 may any suitable width. The hidden pocket 1202 as shown has a depth D of about half of the height of the side 106; however, it should be appreciated that the hidden pocket 1202 may extend any suitable depth D in the side 106. The hidden pocket 1202 has an opening 1204 that allows a user to access the interior of the hidden pocket 1202. The opening 1204 may include an opening lip 1206 that is formed of the interior material. The opening lip 1206 may be designed to look substantially similar to a lip 1208 of the sides 106 without the hidden pocket 1202. An opposite side of the opening lip 1206 may have a securing device. The securing device may be adapted to engage a mating securing device on the other side of the hidden pocket 1202 from the opening lip 1206. In this embodiment, when the hidden pocket 1202 is in the closed position the opening lip 1206 appears the same as the other lips 1208. The securing device may be any securing device described herein. The liner of the hidden pocket may be any material described herein, and may be configured to be water proof. The securing device may form a water tight seal when the hidden pocket 1202 is in the closed position. The hidden pocket 1202 may allow the user to store personal items in the hidden pocket 1202 without getting the personal items wet and without the personal items being detected. The personal items may be any suitable items described herein including, but not limited to, a cell phone, a book, a note pad, tobacco products, lighters, a personal digital assistant, an MP3 player, keys, and the like.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may include a removable hidden pocket, not shown. The removable hidden pocket may be coupled to the bag 100 between the hidden pocket 1202 and the exterior material, or interior material in one embodiment. The removable hidden pocket may be accessible from the interior of the hidden pocket 1202 and may be secured to the hidden pocket 1202 by any manner described herein. The removable hidden pocket may be a see through material, such as clear plastic, that the user could place personal effects in. Further, the removable hidden pocket may have any of the securing devices coupled to the removable hidden pocket in order to couple the removable hidden pocket to the object in order to easily access the personal items in the removable hidden pocket.

The lips 1208 and/or the opening lip 1206 may include a seal, not shown. The seal may be configured to prevent moisture and/or fluids from entering, or exiting, the bag 100 when the bag 100 is in the closed position. The seal may be any suitable seal including, but not limited to, a gasket, a rubber seal, a fiberglass seal, a gel and knife edge arrangement, a zip lock, waterproof zippers, magnets, and the like.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of the bag 100, described above, in an open position and having a laptop computer 1300 located in the interior 900. In this embodiment, the bag 100 may have a divider 1302 configured to separate and/or protect the laptop 1300 from any items in the interior 900. The divider 1302 may be a removable divider or be permanently affixed to the bag 100. Further, the divider 1302 may prevent moisture and/or fluid from entering the area where the laptop 1300 is stored. In this embodiment, the user may use the bags 100 as described herein and use the bag 100 as the laptop 1300 briefcase. This allows a user to take the laptop 1300 on business trip and use the bag 100 to store any of the items described herein, including beverages and/or meals in the bag 100.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the divider(s) 1302 may be designed to compartmentalize the bag 100. Thus, the user may divide the interior 900 of the bag 100 into any desired configuration. For example, the interior of the bag 100 may be specifically designed as a picnic bag, a tackle box, a camera bag, ammo bag, and the like.

In some embodiments the bag(s) 100 are used for fishing. The user may get two of the bags 100. The user may open a first of the bags 100 and fill the interior with beverages, lunch, and/or ice for the fishing trip. The user may open a second of the bags and fill the interior with fishing items. The fishing items may include, but are not limited to, a tackle box, fishing lures, hooks, bait, ice, line, and the like. The user may then determine a width of a transport device the user wants to drive to the water. The user may choose to drive a motorcycle to the water. The user then determines the width of a portion, for example the seat, of the motorcycle. The user may then determine a length of the joined bridge straps 102 which corresponds to the width of the transport device. The user then fixes the bridge strap 102 on the first bag 100 to the bridge strap 102 on the second bag 100 using the bridge strap connector(s) 300. The bridge strap connector(s) 300 are strong enough to keep the first bag 100 joined to the second bag 100 while the user rides the motorcycle. However, the user may, as a safety precaution, secure the bridge strap connection by using the safety coupling assembly 400. The user may secure the latching device 410 to the ring 402. The length of the cord 404 may then be adjusted using the clasp 406. The clasp 406 may be moved to a position next to the aperture 412. The clasp 406 will prevent the cord from going completely through the aperture, thereby securing the first bag 100 to the second bag 100. The bags 100 are now securely attached to one another and have a width W between the bags 100 that corresponds to the width W of the motorcycle seat.

The user may then place the coupled bridge straps 102 on top of the seat of the motorcycle. In this position, the first bag 100 hangs on a first side of the motorcycle and the second bag 100 hangs on the second side of the motorcycle. The user may then, as a safety precaution, couple the bags 100 to the motorcycle using one or more of the engagement members 502 and the strap 504. One or more of the straps 504 may couple directly to the engagement members 502 and the motorcycle, or the strap 504 may couple to the engagement member 502 on the other bag 100. Further, the strap hooks 510 may directly engage the motorcycle. The strap 504 may be shortened once affixed in order to tighten the connection between the engagement members 502 and the motorcycle and/or other bags 100 engagement member 502.

The user may then place one or more elongated objects 600 in one or more side pockets 108 of the bags 100. To this effect, the user may place a fishing rod in each of the side pockets 108 of the first bag 100. The user may then place an umbrella and a beverage in the side pockets of the second bag 100. The user may then secure the fishing rods and/or the umbrella to the side pockets 108 using the side pocket straps 606. The user may couple one end of the side pocket straps 606 directly to the fishing rod and/or umbrella or may simply engage the pocket straps 606 to the fishing rod and/or umbrella while securing the other end of the pocket straps 606 to the engagement member 502. The user may adjust the length of the pocket straps 606, using any method described herein in order to further secure the elongated object 600. The user may choose not to secure the beverage in order to easily access the beverage.

The user may then sit on the motorcycle and drive to the water. Once at the water, the user may uncouple the straps 504 from the motorcycle and/or the engagement members 502. The user may then remove the bags 100 from the motorcycle. The user may then place the coupled bridge straps 102 over one of the users shoulder. The narrower portion of the bridge strap 102 allows the user to place the bridge straps 102 proximate the user's neck. In this position, the bags 100 hang on the front and the back of the user. The user may then walk to a second transport device for the water. In one embodiment, the second transport device is a personal watercraft. The user may then remove the bags 100 from their shoulder. The user may then determine a width of a portion of the personal watercraft. The user may uncouple the bridge straps 102 from one another in the opposite manner that they were coupled together. The user may then size the width of the bridge straps 102 to correspond with the width of the personal watercraft. The user may then couple the bridge straps 102 together in a similar manner as described above. The distance between the bags 100 now corresponds with the width of the personal watercraft. The user may then place the coupled bridge straps 102 on, or under, the seat of the personal watercraft. The bridge straps 102 may go over the top of the seat of the personal watercraft while the straps 504 go under the seat of the personal watercraft. Further, the bridge straps 102 may go under the seat. The bags 100 may secure to the personal watercraft in a similar manner as they secured to the motorcycle.

The user may then open one or more of the bags 100. With the bag(s) 100 open, the user may open the hidden pocket 1200. The user may then place their personal items in the hidden pocket 1200. For example, the user may place their cell phone, cigarettes and keys in the hidden pocket 1200. The user may then close the hidden pocket 1200. The hidden pocket 1200 may prevent the personal items from getting wet during the fishing trip.

The user may then drive the personal watercraft to a location on the water for fishing. The user may then stop the personal water craft. The user may then choose one or both of the fishing poles. The user then uncouples the pocket strap 606 from the fishing pole in the opposite manner that the pocket strap 606 was secured. The user may then easily remove the fishing pole from the side pocket 108. The user may then open the second bag 100 and remove any fishing items that may be used for fishing. For example, the user may remove a lure from the second bag 100 and secure the lure to a hook of the fishing rod. The user may then fish using the rod. The user may place any fish caught in the interior of either of the bags 100. The user may drink the beverages from the first bag 100 during the fishing trip. The side pocket 108 allows the user to place his beverage in the side pocket 108 while fishing on the personal watercraft. The user may further remove the umbrella from the side pocket 108 and open the umbrella. The user may then place the handle of the open umbrella back in the side pocket 108. The pocket strap 606 may then be secured to the handle, if necessary, to prevent the handle from inadvertently falling out of the side pocket 108. The open umbrella may shade the user from the sun during the fishing trip.

When the user has finished fishing, the user replaces the fishing rod(s) and/or umbrellas back in the sides pocket(s) 108. The user may secure the fishing rod(s) and/or umbrella using the pocket strap 606 as described above. The user may then drive the personal watercraft back to the motorcycle. The user may then remove the bags 100 from the personal watercraft and place them on the motorcycle as described above. The user may then return to their house and unload the bags 100 and the items in the side pockets 108 and in the interior 900 of the bags 100.

Although the bags are described as being similar, it should be appreciated that each of the bags 100 may have different features. For example, the first bags 100 may include the insulated container in the interior and the second bag may have an interior specifically designed for another use, for example a tackle box, a laptop case, a book bag, a picnic bag, a lunch box, a camera bag, an ammo bag, and the like.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may include one or more speakers, not shown. The speakers may be secured or integral with any of the sides 106, the top 104, and/or the bottom 200 of the bag 100. The speakers may be wired to a jack adapted to plug into a music device, for example an MP3 player, compact disc player, a phone, a personal digital assistant, a satellite radio, a radio and the like. The jack may be located in the hidden pocket 1200. Thus, the user may open the hidden pocket 1200 plug the jack into the music device then close the hidden pocket 1200. The user may then listen to music from the speakers while the hidden pocket 1200 prevents the music device from getting wet.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may include a method of preventing particles or bugs from getting in an open beverage in the side pocket 108. To this end the side flap 118 may be extended away from the bag and a bottom side of the side flap 118 may rest on top of the beverage in the side pocket 108. The side flap 118 may act as a roof, or shield, preventing particles such as saw dust from falling into the beverage. Further, the bottom of the side flap may further include a cap configured to secure over the top of the beverage. The cap may be sized for a bottle top and/or a can top. Their may be both a cap for a bottle and a cap for a can located on the bottom of the side flap. Further, still there may be separate caps for a bottle and/or a can that are secured to the bag by a strap. These separate caps may be place over the oven beverage top without moving the side flap 118.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may be used for wade fishing. In this embodiment, the user may couple the handles 700 near the top 104 of the bags 100. The user may then place his head between the handles 700 and allow each handle to rest on a shoulder. Thus, the first bag 100 may hang on the user's chest while the second bag 100 may hang on the user's back. The first bag 100 may include a securing device, for example Velcro®, on the exterior of the top 104. The securing device may be designed to engage a securing device located on the bottom of a tackle box. Thus, the user may walk to a fishing location then open the bag 100. The user may then remove the tackle box from the bag 100 and secure it to the top 104 of the bag 100. The user may then remove their fishing rod from the side pocket 108 and fish using any of the lures and/or fishing tool in the tackle box. The side pockets 108 further provide a place for the user's beverage while fishing.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the user may use the bag for a work bag. For example, the user may be a craft person working at a jobsite. The first bag 100 may include the insulated container for the workers lunch and drinks. The second bag may be configured to carry the workers tools required for the job. The user may carry the bags 100 to and from the jobsite by any of the methods for carrying the bags 100 described herein. Once at the jobsite, the worker may couple the bags 100 to any items at the jobsite, for example a saw horse, a beam and the like. The user may then have access to their tools, lunch and beverages throughout the day.

In an additional embodiment, a seat, not shown, maybe provided with the bags 100. The seat may be removeably coupled to the bridge straps 102, or be incorporated into the bridge straps 102. The securing devices may be used to secure the seat to the bridge straps 102. In this arrangement, if the bridge straps 102 are on the seat of a transport device, the user may sit on the seat rather than the bridge straps 102.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may be used as a floatation device. In this embodiment, the filler material may be a buoyant material including, but not limited to, closed cell foam, air, bubble wrap and the like. The buoyant material allows the bag to float in water. Further, the bag 100 may normally not be a floatation device; however, the user may fill one or more air containers in the bag 100 if needed. Thus, if the user's personal watercraft sinks, the user may remove the bag(s) 100 from the personal watercraft and use the bag(s) 100 as a floatation device.

The bag 100 may include a weight attached to a strap on the bottom of the bag 100 in order to keep the bag 100 substantially upright while floating in the water. The strap may be any strap described herein and the weight may be any item suitable for stabilizing the bag 100. In this embodiment, the bag 100 may be used as a floating cooler having any of the features described herein.

The panels 1100 may be constructed of a resilient material. The resilient material allows the panels 1100 to be deformed, and/or compressed, by force and automatically regain the original shape of the panel 1100 after the force has been removed. Thus, a user could sit on the bag 100 thereby compressing one or more of the panels 1100 and deforming the bag 100. After the user gets off of the bag 100, the bag 100 will automatically return to its original form due to the resilient material. The resilient material may be a polyolefin foam in some embodiments described herein; however it should be appreciated that any suitable resilient material may be used including, but not limited to, any of the foams described herein.

The bridge straps 102 allow the bags 100 to be secured to any horse. The adjustability of the bridge straps 102 allows the user to secure the bags to the width of a horse as large as Clydesdale and down to the size of a Shetland pony.

While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A bag comprising:

a top;

a bottom;

a plurality of sides, wherein the sides are coupled to the bottom and at least one of the sides is coupled to the top thereby forming an interior of the bag;

a flap formed of at least a portion of the top and configured to engage and disengage an opening on the top, wherein the flap can move between an open and closed position;

a pocket coupled to at least one of the sides wherein the pocket has a first opening on a top end of the pocket and is configured to hold an elongated object; and

a pocket strap configured to secure the elongated object in the pocket.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the elongated object is a fishing rod.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a second opening on a bottom end and wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening.

4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the interior of the bag further comprises an insulated container configured to substantially maintain the temperature of one or more items placed in the bag and wherein the insulated container further comprises one or more panels, wherein the panels include a radiant barrier and an insulating material.

5. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a bridge strap configured to couple the bag to a second object, wherein the second object is a second bag and wherein the second bag is identical to the bag of claim 1.

6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the second bag further comprises a second bridge strap configure to couple to the bridge strap and wherein the second bridge strap couples to the bridge strap in an adjustable manner thereby allowing a user to vary the length between the second bag and the bag.

7. The bag of claim 6, wherein the bridge strap and the second bridge strap are configured to couple the bags to an object.

8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the object is a transport device is a personal watercraft.

9. The bag of claim 1, further comprising one of more handles for carrying the bag and wherein the one or more handles connect to the bag at two or more connectors.

10. A method for using a bag, comprising:

determining a width of a transport device;

coupling a first bridge strap of a first bag to a second bridge strap of a second bag, wherein a length of the coupled bridge straps is at least slightly larger than the width of the transport device;

securing the coupled bridge straps to the transport device;

placing an elongated object in a side pocket of at least one of the bags and wherein the elongated object is at least twice as long as the height of the bag;

securing the elongated object to the bag;

traveling to a location on the transport device; and

using the elongated object for an activity at the location.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein using the elongated object further comprises fishing with a fishing rod.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising carrying one of the bags on the users back by placing the left arm through a left strap on the bag and placing the right arm through a right strap on the bag.

13. A bag comprising:

a bottom;

a top;

four sides wherein each side is coupled to the bottom and at least one of the sides is coupled to the top;

an insulated container located within the four sides and the bottom, wherein the insulated container is configured to substantially maintain the temperature of one or more objects within the bag; and

an interior pocket located between one of the side walls and a panel of the insulated container, and wherein when the interior pocket is in the closed position the interior pocket keeps items within the interior pocket substantially dry.

14. The bag of claim 13, wherein at least one of the sides has an exterior pocket configured to secure an elongated object to the bag.

15. The bag of claim 13, further comprising two straps configured to couple to the top of the bag and allow a user to hold the bag.

16. The bag of claim 13, further comprising a bridge strap configured to couple the bag to a second bridge strap on a second bag.

17. A bag, comprising:

four sides;

a top;

a bottom;

an insulated container in the interior of the bag configured to substantially maintain the temperature of items placed in the bag;

two straps configured to couple to the bag near the top of the bag; and

two or more connectors located on at least one of the sides, wherein the two or more connectors are configured to couple the two straps to the side of the bag and allow a user to carry the bag like a backpack.

18. A method for carrying a fishing rod on a transport device, comprising:

coupling a first bridge strap of a first bag to a second bridge strap of a second bag;

inserting a fishing rod into a side pocket of one of the bags;

securing the fishing rod in the pocket;

securing the first and the second bag to the transport device; and

driving the transport device to a fishing location.

19. A method for securing two bags to a plurality of objects, comprising:

determining a first width of a first object;

coupling a bridge strap of a first bag to a second bag wherein a distance between the first bag and the second bag corresponds to the first width of the first object;

securing a strap to the first object;

uncoupling the bridge strap from the second bag;

unsecuring the strap from the object;

determining a second width of a second object, wherein the second width is larger than the first width;

coupling the bridge strap of the first bag to the second bag wherein the distance between the first bag and the second bag corresponds to the second width of the second object; and

securing the strap to the second object.

20. A bag, comprising:

a top;

a bottom;

four sides, wherein the sides are coupled to the bottom and at least one of the sides is coupled to the top thereby forming an interior of the bag;

a flap formed of at least a portion of the top and configured to engage and disengage an opening on the top, wherein the flap can move between an open and a closed position

an insulated container in the interior of the bag configured to substantially maintain the temperature of items placed in the bag, wherein the insulated container further comprises: an insulating panel located in the interior of each of the sides, wherein the insulating panel comprises an insulator and a radiant barrier;

a pocket coupled to at least one of the sides wherein the pocket has a first opening on a top end of the pocket and a second smaller opening on the bottom end of the pocket and wherein the pocket is configured to hold an elongated object;

a pocket strap configured to secure the elongated object in the pocket; and

one or more handles configured to couple to one or more engagement members on the bag.