Dry-Lift Hockey Bag

A sports bag device is disclosed that provides users with a simple and hassle-free way to air-dry their sports equipment. The sports bag device comprises a shell component and a mesh bag secured to the shell component. The shell component comprises a substantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected to side edges of the base, and first and second end walls connected to end edges of the base. Additionally, the shell component comprises a top closure component that releasably connects the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component. Furthermore, a telescoping handle is secured to an end wall, and an end of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle. Thus, raising the telescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of the shell component, effectively allowing the contents of the mesh bag to air dry.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/779,963 filed Mar. 13, 2013.

BACKGROUND

It can be a hassle for hockey players and other sports players to dry their equipment after playing, especially if they play and/or practice four or more times a week. Typically, players stuff their equipment inside a bag and then when they get home, scatter it on the floor somewhere to dry, or simply leave it in the hockey bag. If players forget to hang up the equipment or don't go directly home, it may not completely dry before the next use and can grow bacteria and develop strong, pungent odors. This can be unpleasant and highly inconvenient. An effective solution is necessary.

The present invention features an inner mesh bag and telescoping handle to hold hockey equipment while drying, and prevents players from losing or misplacing pieces of equipment. The hockey bag device also maximizes space while air-drying equipment, and encourages hockey players to air-out their equipment on a regular basis. The device accommodates hockey players of all ages.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a sports bag device that provides users with a simple and hassle-free way to air-dry their equipment. The sports bag device comprises a shell component and a mesh bag releasably secured to the interior surface of the shell component. The shell component comprises a substantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected to respective opposite side edges of the base, and first and second end walls connected to respective opposite end edges of the base. Furthermore, the side walls, and the end walls are formed of a flexible material and, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from the base. The edges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of the side walls and are secured. Additionally, the shell component comprises a top closure component that releasably connects distal edges of the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component.

Furthermore, the sports bag device comprises a mesh bag removably secured within the interior of the shell component, and a telescoping handle secured to an edge of the end walls of the shell component. Further, one of the opposing ends of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle, such that raising (or extending) the telescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component, effectively allowing the contents of the mesh bag to air dry.

In a preferred embodiment, the exterior surface of the shell component comprises a shoulder strap and/or a hand strap, for transporting the sports bag device. The exterior surface of the shell component also comprises at least one zippered pocket, but typically comprises a plurality of zippered pockets to accommodate sports equipment and accessories, such as water bottles, towels, skates, etc.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the sports bag device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mesh bag within the sports bag device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mesh bag with the drawstring opening open in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the mesh bag raised from the sports bag device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the sports bag device in use, with the mesh bag being removed from the sports bag device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the sports bag device in use, with the mesh bag being placed in a washing machine in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention features an inner mesh bag and telescoping handle to hold hockey equipment and other sports equipment while drying, and prevents players from losing or misplacing pieces of sports equipment. The hockey bag device also maximizes space while air-drying equipment, and encourages hockey players to air-out their sports equipment on a regular basis. The device accommodates hockey players and other sports players of all ages.

The disclosed sports bag device comprises a shell component and a mesh bag releasably secured to the interior surface of the shell component. The shell component comprises a substantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected to side edges of the base, and first and second end walls connected to end edges of the base. Additionally, the shell component comprises a top closure component that releasably connects the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component. Furthermore, a telescoping handle is secured to an end wall of the shell component, and one of the opposing ends of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle. Thus, raising the telescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component, effectively allowing the contents of the mesh bag to air dry.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the sports bag device 100 that provides users with a simple and hassle-free way to air-dry their equipment. The sports bag device 100 comprises a shell component 102 and a mesh bag 104 releasably secured to the interior surface of the shell component (as shown in FIG. 2).

The shell component 102 comprises a substantially rectangular base 106, first 108 and second 110 side walls connected to respective opposite side edges 112 of the base 106, and first 114 and second 116 end walls connected to respective opposite end edges 118 of the base 106 (as shown in FIG. 1). Typically, the first 108 and second 110 side walls are rectangular in shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, such as square, elliptical, oval, etc. Further, the first 114 and second 116 end walls are typically elliptical in shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, such as rectangular, square, etc.

The shell component 102 would generally be constructed of nylon, canvas, plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), etc., or composite polymers, though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the shell component 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Furthermore, the side walls 108 and 110, and the end walls 114 and 116 are formed of a flexible material and, the side walls 108 and 110 and end walls 114 and 116 extend upwardly from the base 106. The edges 120 of the end walls 114 and 116 are joined to adjacent edges 122 of the side walls 108 and 110 and are secured. The edges 120 of the end walls 114 and 116 are secured to adjacent edges 122 of the side walls 108 and 110 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as sewing, gluing, welding, fasteners, etc.

The shell component 102 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. While the shape and size of the shell component 102 may vary greatly depending on the wants and needs of a user, the shell component 102 is approximately between 30 and 32 inches in length as measured from a first end wall 114 to a second end wall 116, and approximately between 16 and 20 inches in width as measured from a first side wall 108 to a second side wall 110, and approximately between 14 and 15 inches high as measured from the base 106 to the top 124 of the shell component 102.

Additionally, the shell component 102 comprises a top closure component 126 that releasably connects distal edges of the side walls 108 and 110, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component 102. The top closure component 126 is typically a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a button, etc., or any other suitable closure component as is known in the art. Typically, the top closure component 126 comprises a zippered flap to cover a substantial portion of the top 124 of the shell component 102 (as shown in FIG. 2), and encloses an interior surface of the shell component 102.

Further, the exterior surface 128 of the shell component 102 comprises a shoulder strap 130 and/or a hand strap 132, for transporting the sports bag device 100. The exterior surface 128 of the shell component 102 also comprises at least one zippered pocket 134, but typically comprises a plurality of zippered pockets 134 to accommodate sports equipment and accessories, such as water bottles, towels, skates, etc.

Furthermore, the sports bag device 100 comprises a mesh bag 104 removably secured within the interior of the shell component 102. The mesh bag 104 comprises a top surface 136, a bottom surface 138, and opposing ends 140. Typically, the mesh bag 104 is manufactured of breathable material, such as nylon webbing or mesh, or any other suitable material as is known in the art, as long as the material allows the contents of the mesh bag 104 to be dried by air. The mesh bag 104 typically has an opening 142 which is releasably secured via a drawstring or other suitable securing means, such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, etc.

The mesh bag 104 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. While the shape and size of the mesh bag 104 may vary greatly depending on the wants and needs of a user, the mesh bag 104 is approximately between 30 and 32 inches in length as measured from opposing ends 140, and approximately between 16 and 20 inches in width as measured from opposing sides 141, and approximately between 14 and 15 inches high as measured from a top surface 136 to a bottom surface 138.

The sports bag device 100 further comprises a telescoping handle 144 secured to an edge 120 of the first 114 or second 116 end walls of the shell component 102. The handle 144 can be any suitable handle as is known in the art as long as the handle extends away from the sports bag device 100 and retracts back toward the sports bag device 100. Typically, the telescoping handle 144 is approximately between 12 to 36 inches in height as measured from opposing ends 143 of the handle 144. In a collapsed state, the handle 144 would be approximately 12 to 16 inches in height, and when fully extended, lifting the mesh bag 104, the handle 144 would be approximately 12 to 36 inches in height. Further, one of the opposing ends 140 of the mesh bag 104 is releasably secured to the telescoping handle 144, such that raising (or extending) the telescoping handle 144 causes one side of the mesh bag 104 to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component 102. The opposing end 140 of the mesh bag 104 not secured to the telescoping handle 144, is releasably secured to an edge 120 of the end wall 114 or 116 of the shell component 102. Once in a raised position, the telescoping handle 144 can be locked in place (similar to a typical luggage handle), retaining one side of the mesh bag 104 out of the shell component 102 of the sports bag device 100.

Thus, if the telescoping handle 144 is secured to an edge 120 of the first end wall 114 of the shell component 102, then the mesh bag 104 is releasably secured to an edge 120 of the second end wall 116 of the shell component 102, and releasably secured to the telescoping handle 144, such that raising (or extending) the telescoping handle 144 causes one side of the mesh bag 104 to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component 102 (as shown in FIG. 3). The mesh bag 104 is releasably secured to both the telescoping handle 144 and to the edges 120 of the end walls 114 or 116 of the shell component 102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as metal clips 145, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates the mesh bag 104 raised (or elevated) from the sports bag device 100. As stated supra, the sports bag device 100 comprises a mesh bag 104 removably secured within the interior of the shell component 102. The mesh bag 104 comprises a top surface 136, a bottom surface 138, opposing ends 140, and an opening 142 which is releasably secured via a drawstring or other suitable securing means, such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, etc.

The sports bag device 100 further comprises a telescoping handle 144 secured to an edge 120 of the first 114 or second 116 end walls of the shell component 102 for raising or lowering an end 140 of the mesh bag 104. Specifically, one of the opposing ends 140 of the mesh bag 104 is releasably secured to the telescoping handle 144, and the opposing end 140 of the mesh bag 104 not secured to the telescoping handle 144, is releasably secured to an edge 120 of the end wall 114 or 116 of the shell component 102.

Thus, if the telescoping handle 144 is secured to an edge 120 of the first end wall 114 of the shell component 102, then the mesh bag 104 is releasably secured to an edge 120 of the second end wall 116 of the shell component 102, and releasably secured to the telescoping handle 144, such that raising (or extending) the telescoping handle 144 causes one side of the mesh bag 104 to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component 102 (as shown in FIG. 4). Once in a raised position, the telescoping handle 144 can be locked in place, retaining one side of the mesh bag 104 out of the shell component 102 of the sports bag device 100.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate the sports bag device 100 in use. As stated supra, the sports bag device 100 comprises a shell component 102 and a mesh bag 104 secured to the shell component 102. The shell component 102 comprises a substantially rectangular base 106, first and second side walls 108 and 110 connected to side edges 112 of the base 106, and first and second end walls 114 and 116 connected to end edges 118 of the base 106. Additionally, the shell component 102 comprises a top closure component 126 that releasably connects the side walls 108 and 110, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component 102. Furthermore, a telescoping handle 144 is secured to an end wall 114 or 116, and an end 140 of the mesh bag 104 is releasably secured to the telescoping handle 144. Thus, raising the telescoping handle 144 causes one side of the mesh bag 104 to raise out of the shell component 102, effectively allowing the contents of the mesh bag 104 to air dry.

In operation, a user 504 would choose the size and/or color of the sports bag device 100 that meets the user's needs and/or wants. The user 504 would then fill the mesh bag 104 with assorted sports equipment that needs to be air-dried and/or washed. The user 504 would then secure the mesh bag 104 onto the telescoping handle 144 of the sports bag device 100, and would secure the other end 140 of the mesh bag 104 onto an end wall 114 or 116 of the shell component 102 of the sports bag device 100. Thus, when the telescoping handle 144 is retracted down towards the sports bag device 100, the mesh bag 104 is secured within an interior of the sports bag device 100. If the user 504 wants to air-dry the sports equipment 500 within the mesh bag 104, the user extends the telescoping handle 144 up in a vertical direction, away from the sports bag device 100 and locks the telescoping handle 144 in place.

Once in place, one side of the mesh bag 104 is suspended out of the sports bag device 100, allowing the contents (the sports equipment 500) of the mesh bag 104 to air-dry (as shown in FIG. 4). If the user 504 wants to wash the sports equipment 500 within the mesh bag 104, the user 504 would detach the mesh bag 104 from the sports bag device 100 (i.e., from the telescoping handle 144 and end wall 114 or 116), and would pull the draw-string on the opening 142 to cinch the mesh bag 104 closed (as shown in FIG. 5A), and then would place the mesh bag 104 directly in a washing machine 502 to wash the contents of the mesh bag 104 (as shown in FIG. 5B). Thus, the inner mesh bag 104 and telescoping handle 144 of the sports bag device 100 allow a user 504 to hold hockey equipment and other sports equipment while drying, and prevents players from losing or misplacing pieces of sports equipment.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A sports bag device comprising:

a shell component comprising a substantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected to respective opposite side edges of the base, and first and second end walls connected to respective opposite end edges of the base;
wherein the side walls and end walls are formed of a flexible material and, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from the base, and edges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of the side walls;
a top closure component that releasably connects distal edges of the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component; and
a mesh bag releasably secured to the interior surface of the shell component, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing ends.

2. The sports bag device of claim 1, further comprising a telescoping handle secured to an edge of one of the end walls of the shell component.

3. The sports bag device of claim 2, wherein one of the opposing ends of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle, such that extending the telescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component.

4. The sports bag device of claim 3, wherein the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle via metal clips.

5. The sports bag device of claim 4, wherein the opposing end of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the interior surface of the shell component via metal clips.

6. The sports bag device of claim 5, wherein the mesh bag comprises a drawstring opening.

7. The sports bag device of claim 6, wherein the mesh bag is manufactured of breathable material.

8. The sports bag device of claim 1, wherein the top closure component is a zipper.

9. The sports bag device of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the shell component comprises a shoulder strap.

10. The sports bag device of claim 9, wherein the exterior surface of the shell component comprises a hand strap.

11. The sports bag device of claim 10, wherein the exterior surface of the shell component comprises at least one zippered pocket.

12. A sports bag device comprising:

a shell component comprising a substantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected to respective opposite side edges of the base, and first and second end walls connected to respective opposite end edges of the base;
wherein the side walls and end walls are formed of a flexible material and, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from the base, and edges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of the side walls;
a top closure component that releasably connects distal edges of the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component;
a telescoping handle secured to an edge of the first end wall of the shell component; and
a mesh bag releasably secured to an edge of the second end wall of the shell component and releasably secured to the telescoping handle, such that extending the telescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component.

13. The sports bag device of claim 12, wherein the top closure component is a zippered flap.

14. The sports bag device of claim 12, wherein the mesh bag comprises a drawstring opening.

15. The sports bag device of claim 14, wherein the mesh bag is releasably secured to the telescoping handle via metal clips.

16. The sports bag device of claim 15, wherein the opposing end of the mesh bag is releasably secured to the edge of the second end wall of the shell component via metal clips.

17. The sports bag device of claim 12, wherein an exterior surface of the shell component comprises a shoulder strap.

18. The sports bag device of claim 17, wherein the exterior surface of the shell component comprises a hand strap.

19. The sports bag device of claim 18, wherein the exterior surface of the shell component comprises at least one zippered pocket.

20. A sports bag device comprising:

a shell component comprising a substantially rectangular base, first and second side walls connected to respective opposite side edges of the base, and first and second end walls connected to respective opposite end edges of the base;
wherein the side walls and end walls are formed of a flexible material and, the side walls and end walls extend upwardly from the base, and edges of the end walls are joined to adjacent edges of the side walls;
a zippered flap that releasably connects distal edges of the side walls, thereby enclosing an interior surface of the shell component;
a telescoping handle secured to an edge of the first end wall of the shell component; and
a mesh bag comprising a drawstring opening, releasably secured via metal clips to an edge of the second end wall of the shell component and releasably secured via metal clips to the telescoping handle, such that extending the telescoping handle causes one side of the mesh bag to raise out of the interior surface of the shell component.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140270591
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 29, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2014
Inventor: Marc Joly (St. Albert)
Application Number: 14/167,462
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Pervious Material (383/102)
International Classification: A45C 13/02 (20060101);