Vented Sports Bag

Abstract

A well vented, durable and sturdy sports bag that provides a two-way airflow between the inside and outside of the sports bag is provided. The sports bag comprises an interior, an exterior, a base section consisting of a pliable sheet-type material, a middle portion comprising a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls made of the same pliable sheet-type material as the base section, the middle portion further comprising a plurality of perforations extending through the entirety of at least a segment of the fabric material of the middle portion, a top section further comprising a closable opening to allow access to the interior of the portable sports bag, and at least two carrying handles extending above the top section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to sports bags. More particularly, to sturdy sports bags with good ventilation to provide good airflow inside the bags and thereby prevent odors from developing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sports bags are very popular among athletes of different sports because they are highly functional for carrying items and can have an attractive appearance. Sports equipment and apparel often get soiled with sweat and other environmental elements such as dirt, depending on the particular sport. Soiled equipment may develop foul odors if kept enclosed inside a typical non-ventilated bag. Several attempts have been made in the art to make sports bags with good ventilation by strategically placing mesh sections in different places to create a visually appealing bag with the added advantage of airflow through the inner compartment of the bags. Unfortunately, mesh is often times delicate and prone to ripping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Examples of the present invention relate to well ventilated, yet sturdy and durable, sports bags for carrying sporting goods and methods for making such bags and different forms that such bags may take such as duffel bags, backpacks, travel bags and any other container type bag for carrying goods.

The sports bag of the present invention may be made from a sheet-type material, which may be a woven material such as a fabric material, for example synthetic fabric materials such as polyester and/or natural materials such as cotton. Further, the sheet-type material may comprise a leather material, a synthetic leather material, a sheet-material made by extrusion such as rubber, linoleum, plastic, or any other material that is bendable and is produced in sheets.

In one example, the sports bag of the present invention comprises an interior, an exterior, a base section having a water repellent material, a middle portion comprising a rear wall, a front wall, and two side walls made of the same water repellent material as the base section, the middle portion further comprising a plurality of perforations extending through the entirety of at least a portion of the material of the middle portion that permit a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated material, a top section made of the same water repellent material as the base section further, a closable opening to allow access to the portable sports bag, and at least two carrying handles or straps extending above the top section. A water repellent material used in the construction of a bag in accordance with the present invention may, for example, comprise a textile treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) or other treatment.

In another example of the present invention, the perforated water repellent coated material of the middle portion of sports bag of the present invention may be reinforced prior to forming perforations. For example, the middle portion may be reinforced by screen printing the fabric with an elastomer material such as, but not limited to, silicon based elastomers. Alternatively and/or additionally, polyurethane elastomers such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) may be applied to the middle portion of the bag. The process of reinforcement adds strength and durability.

In an additional example of the sports bag of the present invention, the water repellent coated material of the base section may be reinforced in a similar fashion as the middle portion. Wear and tear of the base section may be inevitable due to the nature of how sports bags are used, i.e., usually thrown or placed on surfaces that have high friction, such as cement floors. Reinforcement of the base section may be useful in prolonging the life of the sports bag as well.

Yet in another example of the sports bag of the present invention, the whole water repellent coated material used in the construction of the sports bag may be reinforced with an elastomer material such as polyurethanes, silicon based elastomers, styrenics, copolyesters, polyamides, polyolefin blends, polyolefin alloys, etc. These elastomers may be applied using techniques such as screen printing, bonding the elastomer to the material using heat or ultrasonic energy, and/or any other method available in the art for applying these materials on sheet-type materials such as woven fabrics, leathers, synthetic leathers, etc. The material used for reinforcement and/or the method of applying the reinforcement material may vary for different materials used to form portions of sports bags in accordance with the present invention.

In a further example, the sports bag of the present invention may be made of a pliable sheet-type material comprising an interior and an exterior defined by a base section, a middle portion comprising a rear wall, a front wall, and two side walls made of a reinforced and perforated pliable sheet-type material, and a top section made of a perforated and pliable sheet-type material, wherein the perforations extend through the entirety of at least a portion of the pliable sheet-type material. The size, spacing, and arrangement of the perforations may be selected to maintain the structural integrity of the sheet-type material while permitting a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag.

Screen printing may be used for the reinforcement of the sheet-type material used for the fabrication of the sports bags of the present invention. However, reinforcement of a bag in accordance with the present invention may also be done by other types of printing, such as ink jet printing, where the ink may comprise an elastomer material such as styrenics, copolyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyolefin blends and polyolefin alloys. The pliable sheet-type material may alternatively/additionally be reinforced by affixing two or more layers of the pliable sheet-type material together using any type of welding, adhesives, stitching, etc.

In another example, the sports bag of the present invention may comprise different sheet-type materials for different parts of its body construction. For example, a base section may be made of leather or a synthetic leather material, a middle portion and a top section may be made of a polyester fabric material, and carrying straps may be made of a plastic, leather, or linoleum material. In other examples, the middle portion and the top section may be made of a cotton fabric, or a stretchable fabric such as spandex, or both.

Yet in a further example, the sports bag of the present invention may comprise a base section made from a reinforced or non-reinforced sheet-type material, a middle portion made from a reinforced or non-reinforced sheet-type material with perforations extending through the entirety of the middle portion, and top section made from the same or a different reinforced or non-reinforced sheet-type material as the middle portion, comprising a closable opening and at least two carrying handles extending above the top section.

Further, a sports bag in accordance with the present invention may further comprise a top section formed of a sheet-type material with perforations through the entirety of the top section as well, wherein the perforated sheet-type material may or may not be reinforced with an elastomer layer.

A sports bag in accordance with the present invention may be constructed by stitching, welding, and/or adhering the different body parts together, or any combination of these or other approaches. Depending on the pliable sheet-type material(s) selected for use in a bag, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or any other welding mechanism available for the specific type of pliable sheet-type material may be employed.

In accordance with the present invention, a sturdy and durable sports bag with the advantages of permitting two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag without the use of fragile materials such as mesh is provided. The two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag of the present invention is achieved by having a plurality of perforations through a portion of the body material of the sports bag itself. The perforations thereby provide good ventilation and/or may even provide added visual effects to the appearance of the sports bag without substantially decreasing the strength of the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side and front view of a representative bag of the present invention showing the perforations for venting in the middle section of the bag;

FIG. 2 is a side and front view of a representative bag of the present invention showing reinforcement of the perforated section of the bag;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced base section of the bag of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side and front view of a representative bag of the present invention showing the perforations for venting in the middle portion of the bag and the top section of the bag;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced and perforated portion of the bag of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a side and front view of a vented backpack in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a vented gym sack in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Conventional vented sports bags use mesh type materials to create the vents in the respective bags. Unfortunately, these mesh type materials are weak and tend to fail shortly after the bags are in use, which shortens the life span of the bags. The present invention provides vented and durable sports bags.

In reference to the figures, in FIG. 1, an example of the sports bag of the present invention is shown. The sports bag 100 may be made of a pliable sheet-type material. Any pliable sheet-type material may be used in accordance with the present invention. The pliable sheet-type material may optionally possess water resistant properties, either inherently or due to an appropriate treatment of the material. For example, a water repellent coated pliable sheet-type material like a 600d polyester material may be used, wherein the water repellent may comprise silicon and/or acrylic water repellents usually referred to as DWR (Durable Water Repellent). The vented sports bag 100 in FIG. 1 comprises an interior and an exterior defined by a base section 160, a top section 140, and a middle portion 150. The middle portion 150 is composed of a front wall 152, two side walls 154, which may or may not comprise side pockets, and a rear wall (not shown). The middle portion 150 further comprises a plurality of perforations 110 extending through the entirety of at least segments 112, 108 and/or 106 of the sheet-type material of the middle portion 150, permitting a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag 100, while still maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated sheet-type material. The top section 140 may further comprise a closeable opening 130 to allow access to the interior of the sports bag 100, two carrying handles 115 and 117, and a shoulder strap 104.

In the sports bag 100 of FIG. 1, each perforation in the plurality of perforations 110 is shown having a circular shape and arranged along the center, top part of the front wall 152 of the sports bag 100. However, perforations 110 may be of different sizes and may have different positions and/or configurations than shown in this example.

In a different example, the perforations in the plurality of perforations 110 may have different shapes and/or combination of shapes such as square, heart, star, triangular, chevron or any other shape one may conceive. One shape may be employed uniformly for the perforations as presented in sports bag 100 or different shapes of perforations may be employed simultaneously (not shown). Also, the plurality of perforations 110 may be arranged in different patterns to provide varying ventilation and/or create different visual effects.

Further, the size, pattern, and spacing between each of the perforations 110 may be selected to achieve an optimal level of two-way airflow while still maintaining the structural integrity of the pliable sheet-type material used in the construction of the sports bag 100. For example, if the perforations 110 are too big relative to the wall 152 or walls 154, the structural integrity of the sheet-type material may be greatly compromised. The size at which perforations 110 become too large may depend upon the proximity of each individual perforation to one another, the articles expected to be stored in the sports bag 100, the type of material used for walls 152 and 154, any reinforcement provided for walls 152, 154 etc. On the other hand, if the perforations 110 are too small, the two-way airflow may be compromised. How much airflow is desired, and hence how small perforations may be, may depend upon the intended use and/or contents of the bag. If the perforations 110 are too close to each other, the fabric or sheet-type material may fail. If the perforation 110 are too far apart, there may not be enough perforations 110 to create an optimal level of ventilation.

Another example of the present invention may comprise a perforated front wall portion 214 and side wall portions 208 and/or 206, wherein the perforated area with a plurality of perforations 210 may further comprise a reinforcement layer for the perforated segment 214 by application with an elastomer material, such as a thin layer of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) prior to perforation, as shown in FIG. 2. The sports bag 200 in FIG. 2 comprises an interior and an exterior defined by a base section 260 made of a pliable sheet-type material, a middle portion 250, and a top section 240. The middle portion 250 is composed of a rear wall (not shown), a front wall 252 and two side walls 254 that may be made of the same pliable sheet-type material as the base section 260. The bag may further comprise perforations 210 on side walls 254 at segments 208 and/or 206. Perforated segments 208 and/or 206 may or may not also comprise a reinforcement layer like perforated and reinforced segment 214. The middle portion 250 further comprises a pliable, reinforced and perforated sheet-type material having a plurality of perforations 210 extending through the entirety of at least a segment 214 of the pliable sheet-type material. The perforations 210 may permit a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag 200, while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated and reinforced sheet-type material. The top section 240 may also be made of the same sheet-type material as the base section 260. The top section 240 further comprises a closable opening 230 to allow access to the interior of the portable sports bag 200. The sports bag 200 may also have at least two handles 215 and 217, and a shoulder strap 204, extending above the top section 240 of the sports bag 200 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a close up of a cross-sectional area of the segment 214 of the front wall portion 252 of the sports bag 200 where the plurality of perforations 210 are located. Sheet-type material 310 has adhered to it a reinforcing layer 320 with cut perforations 210.

FIG. 4 is a representative view of a further example of the sports bag 400 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the sports bag 400 of the present invention comprises an interior and an exterior defined by a base section 460 made of a pliable sheet-type material, a middle portion 450, and a top section 440. The middle portion 450 is composed of a rear wall (not shown), a front wall 452 and two side walls 454. The middle portion further comprises a pliable reinforced and perforated sheet-type material having a plurality of perforations 410 extending through the entirety of at least a segments 412, 408 and/or 406 of the pliable, reinforced and perforated sheet-type material. The perforations permit a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag 400 while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated and reinforced sheet-type material. The top section 440 may also be made of a perforated and pliable sheet-type material with a second plurality of perforations 470. The second plurality of perforations 470 may extend through the entirety of at least a segment 471 of the pliable sheet-type material. Further, the sports bag 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 may have a closable opening 430 to allow access to the interior of the portable sports bag 400. The sports bag 400 may also comprise two carrying handles 415 and 417, and a shoulder strap 404 extending above the top section 440 of the sports bag 400 of the present invention.

In another example, the sports bag of FIG. 4 may comprise a base section 460, made of a reinforced and pliable sheet-type material. Reinforcement of the base may be done by application of an elastomer material such as a thin layer of TPU as previously discussed for the reinforced and perforated sheet-type material, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional area taken from the base section 460 of the sports bag 400 presented in FIG. 4. The pliable sheet-type material 510 may be strengthened by the reinforcing layer 520. This reinforced sheet-type material in the present example may be used for the base section, but this reinforced fabric material may also be used for the entirety of the body of the sports bag 400 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example of a different type of bag, a back-pack 600, where venting perforations may be used to create a two way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the back-pack 600. The back-pack 600 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a base section 610, a middle portion 620, and a top section 630 with a closable opening or openings 650. The back-pack 600 may further comprise a plurality of perforations 645 extending through the entirety of at least a segment 640 of the front wall 670, of the middle portion 620 as shown in this figure, or the back of the middle portion 620 (not shown), or the sides 680 of the middle portion 620. Also, the back-pack 600 may comprise one or two carrying straps 660. Optionally, the areas of high stress such as the base and the perforated segments, may be reinforced, as presented earlier.

FIG. 7 is an additional example of a different bag in accordance with the present invention. The bag in FIG. 7 is a gym sack 700 comprising a front wall 710 and a back wall (not shown). Additionally, the gym sack 700 may comprise a base section 730, which may or may not be reinforced, and carrying straps 720, that also serve to close the gym sack 700 opening for access to the main compartment. Optionally, the gym sack 700 may also comprise a zippered pocket 750 for additional storage. The gym sack 700 in accordance with the present invention may be provided with a plurality of perforations 745 extending through the entirety of at least a segment 740 of the front wall 710 (as shown). The plurality of perforations 745 may also be provided through the entirety of at least a segment of the back wall (not shown), or both the front wall 710 and back wall. As in the previous examples, the perforated segment 740 and the base section 730, may further comprise reinforcement.

Further, the gym sack 700 may be formed of a base section 730, a front wall 710, and a back wall, joined together by seams at the two opposing sides of the walls and around the perimeter of the base section 730. Or alternatively, the gym sack 700 may be formed from a tubular piece of pliable sheet-type material with only a seam around the perimeter of the base section 730 to join the base section and the bottom edge of the tubular piece of sheet-type material (no side seams at the walls).

The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative uses may be made of the present invention without departing from its scope.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub combination are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vented portable sports bag for carrying goods, the sports bag comprising:

a base section consisting of a water repellent coated material;

a middle portion comprising a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls made of the same water repellent coated material as the base section;

a plurality of perforations extending through the entirety of at least a segment of the fabric material of the middle portion, the plurality of perforations permitting a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated fabric material;

a top section made of the same material as the base section, the top section further comprising a closable opening to allow access to the interior of the portable sports bag; and

at least two carrying handles extending above the top section.

2. The vented portable sports bag of claim 1, wherein the coated material comprises a polyester material.

3. The vented portable sports bag of claim 2, wherein the polyester material comprises 600d polyester.

4. The vented portable sports bag of claim 1, wherein the perforations have a circular shape.

5. The vented portable sports bag of claim 1, wherein the perforations have a non-circular shape.

6. The vented portable sports bag of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement applied to the perforated segment of the middle portion.

7. The vented portable sports bag of claim 6, wherein the reinforcement applied to the perforated segment of the middle portion comprises an elastomer applied with a screen printing process.

8. The vented portable sports bag of claim 6, wherein the reinforcement applied to the perforated segment of the middle portion comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

9. A vented portable sports bag for carrying goods, the sports bag comprising:

a base section made of a pliable sheet-type material comprising a reinforcement;

a middle portion comprising a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls made of a pliable sheet-type material;

a segment in the pliable sheet-type material of the middle portion further comprising the same reinforcement as the base section;

a plurality of circular perforations extending through the entirety of the reinforced segment of the middle portion, the plurality of perforations permitting a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated sheet-type material;

a top section made of the same pliable sheet-type material as the middle portion, further comprising a closable opening to allow access to the interior of the portable sports bag; and

an interior defined by the base section, the middle portion and the top section.

10. The vented portable sports bag of claim 9, wherein the perforations have a non-circular shape and are arranged to create a pattern.

11. The vented portable sports bag of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement applied to the base section and the reinforced segment of the middle portion comprises an elastomer applied with a screen printing process prior to perforation.

12. The vented portable sports bag of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement applied to the base section and the reinforced segment of the middle portion comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

13. A vented portable sports bag for carrying goods, the sports bag comprising:

a base section made of a pliable sheet-type material;

a middle portion comprising a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls;

a top section comprising a closable opening to allow access to the interior of the portable sports bag;

the top section further comprising a plurality of perforations extending through the entirety of at least a segment of the top section, the plurality of perforations permitting a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated sheet-type material;

the middle portion further comprising a reinforcement through at least a segment of the middle portion;

a plurality of perforations extending through the entirety of the reinforced segment of the middle portion, the plurality of perforations permitting a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated sheet-type material;

an interior defined by the base section, the middle portion and the top section; and

at least one carrying handle extending above the top section.

14. The vented portable sports bag of claim 13, wherein the perforations are a circular shape.

15. The vented portable sports bag of claim 13, wherein the perforations have a non-circular shape.

16. The vented portable sports bag of claim 13, wherein the perforations are arranged to create a pattern.

17. The vented portable sports bag of claim 13, wherein the reinforcement applied to the segment in the pliable sheet-type material of the middle portion comprises an elastomer applied with a screen printing process.

18. The vented portable sports bag of claim 13, wherein the reinforcement applied to the segment in the pliable sheet-type material of the middle portion comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

19. A vented portable sports bag for carrying goods, the sports bag comprising:

a base section made of a pliable sheet-type material and a body portion joined to the base section by a seam along the perimeter of the base section;

a closable opening defined by an edge of the body portion opposite to the base section;

the body portion further comprising a plurality of perforations extending through the entirety of a segment of the body portion, the plurality of perforations permitting a two-way airflow between the interior and the exterior of the sports bag while maintaining the structural integrity of the perforated sheet-type material; and

at least one continuous strap.

20. The vented portable sports bag of claim 19, wherein the body portion comprises a front wall and a back wall joined at side seams located at opposite ends of the front wall and back wall.

21. The vented sports bag of claim 19, wherein the body portion comprises a continuous tubular sheet-type material.