CARRYING BAG WITH SHELF COMPARTMENT

Abstract

A bag having a shelf compartment is provided. The compartment can be defined into an exterior body of the bag and can include a compartment panel connected to the body along a lower compartment edge. The compartment and panel can include securing means for allowing the panel to be at least partially removed from the bag and rotated about the lower compartment edge in order to allow the compartment and panel to transition between a closed position and an open position. When in the close position, the compartment panel can be secured to the perimeter of the compartment in a generally upright position. When in the open position, compartment panel can be lowered into a generally horizontal position and function as a shelf. The compartment can include diagonally-orientation support straps for assisting in maintaining the shelf configuration of the compartment panel when in the open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage and carrying bags and backpacks, and in particular, to bags for holding sporting equipment such as gloves, shoes, helmets, bats and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks, travel and carrying bags and the like are commonly used to easily store and transport items and articles of all kinds. Such bags and backpacks commonly have one or more compartments with re-closable openings for providing access to the stored articles therein. In addition, while most bags and backpacks are designed to securely store and hold various items, it is often desirable for certain items to be placed on or in the bag for easy access thereto without reopening and closing the bag's compartments.

In athletics, especially baseball and softball, backpacks are frequently used in place of traditional bat bags. Such athletic backpacks are designed to be hung on fences, walls and the like to provide easier placement and access to the backpack. It is common that the athletes using the backpacks need easy access to their equipment. However, currently available athletic backpacks, while providing compartments for various sporting equipment and items, do not allow items to be stored in or on the backpack without opening a compartment and inserting the item therein.

Accordingly, a need exists for a carrying bag or backpack having one or more compartments enabling easy access to items therein and that is further able to hold various items for easy accessibility and display when such bag or backpack is in a stationary position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a bag or backpack for carrying various items therein. The bag can have any generally conventional or known configuration, such as a travel bag, backpack, duffel, tote, suitcase, shoulder bag, or equipment bag configuration. As such, the bag can include one or more compartments defined in or on the bag and can include carrying straps and hangers attached thereto for carrying and hanging the bag.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bag can also include a shelf compartment. The shelf compartment can be defined into an exterior body of the bag to create an opening providing access to an interior region within the bag. The shelf compartment can also include a compartment panel connected to a lower portion adjacent the opening defining the interior region. The compartment panel can operate as a shelf by extending generally horizontally away from said lower edge when in an open position. As such, users of the bag can place items within the interior region of the shelf compartment and place items onto the compartment panel or shelf for easy access and removal.

In order to enable the compartment panel to extend in a generally horizontal and shelf-like manner, the bag can include at least one support strap connected to the interior of the shelf compartment and connected to the compartment panel, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The support strap or straps can be configured for preventing the compartment panel from extending beyond its desired generally horizontal configuration.

The bag can also include webbing material extending between the shelf compartment and the compartment panel in order to provide further support to the compartment panel when in its horizontal shelf orientation, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The webbing can be connected to the interior region on one side and to the compartment panel on the other along at least part of the height of the shelf compartment. The webbing material can also be sized to so as to prevent the compartment panel from extending away from the shelf compartment in greater than a generally horizontal manner.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bag having several compartments including a shelf compartment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a backpack having a shelf compartment and illustrating the shelf compartment in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the backpack of FIG. 2 also illustrating the shelf compartment in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 2 illustrating the shelf compartment in an open position with a compartment panel orientated as a generally horizontal shelf in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the backpack of FIG. 2 also illustrating the shelf compartment in an open position; and

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 2 illustrating the shelf compartment in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures. It will be appreciated that any dimensions included in the drawing figures are simply provided as examples and dimensions other than those provided therein are also within the scope of the invention.

The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Referring to the figures, the present invention is directed generally to a carrying bag 10 that can be configured as a backpack (as shown in the figures), bag, travel case, suitcase, duffel, tote or similar containers commonly used to store and carry items of various shapes and sizes. As shown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can comprise a bag body 12 constructed from any suitable material or materials commonly used for bags, backpacks and the like, such as without limitation canvas, fabric and plastics. As also shown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can have one or more compartments 14 defined therein or thereon. Compartments 14 can be configured as a pocket, pouch, slot, opening or voided region defined into body 12 and/or attached on to body 12 depending on the particular configuration of the specific compartment 14. Each compartment 14 can include a cover panel of flap 16 for covering and/or enclosing access to the interior of the compartment 14. Each compartment 14 and respective cover panel 16 can be configured with various securing means 18 for at least partially securing the cover panel 16 to the compartment 14. The figures illustrate securing means 18 as zipper closures or side release buckles; however securing means 18 can comprise any suitable structures or components known in the art and commonly used in connection with carrying bags, including but not limited to zipper closures, Velcro®, buckles, clasps, buttons, straps, and the like. Depending on the particular configuration of bag 10, bag 10 can be configured with any number of straps or handles 20 to assist transport or carrying of bag 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Bag 10 can additionally include one or more hooks or similar hanging means 22 as also shown in FIG. 1 to allow bag 10 to be hung or suspended from a hook, fence, wall or the like.

Bag 10 can be orientated, structured and configured for several different types of use, such as without limitation travel, hiking, transport, or athletics. According to one embodiment of the present invention, bag 10 can be configured as an athletics or baseball bat-bag backpack as illustrated in the figures. In such an embodiment, bag 10 can include compartments 14 configured for holding gloves, helmets, shoes, cleats, bats and other sporting equipment as shown in FIG. 1. As also shown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can include straps or similar holders 24 for holding bats, sticks and other similar sporting equipment. Bag 10 can further be configured with shoulder straps 20 to assist in transporting bag 10 on a user's back or shoulders and/or a hook 22, both shown in FIG. 1, to allow the user to hang bag 10 on a fence, wall, hook or the like.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, bag 10 can include a shelf compartment 26 that can be selectively configured between a closed position and an open shelf position as described in greater detail below. FIGS. 1-3 illustrates shelf compartment 26 in a closed position while FIGS. 4-6 illustrate shelf compartment 26 in an open position. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, shelf compartment 26 can be defined into bag body 12 along the main front portion of bag 10; however shelf compartment 26 can also be defined into the sides of bag 12 in certain embodiments. Shelf compartment 26 can include or function with a compartment panel 28, which is shown in a connected upward position in FIGS. 2 and 3 and in an unconnected downward position in FIGS. 4-6.

As best shown in FIG. 4, shelf compartment 26 can be defined into bag body 12 and compartment panel 28 can be connected to bag body 12 along a lower portion or edge 30 of compartment panel 28 where shelf compartment 26 terminates relative to bag body 12. Lower portion 30 can provide a hinged connection between panel 28 and compartment 26 in order to allow panel 28 to transition between the open position where the interior region of compartment 26 is exposed and the closed position where panel 28 can generally cover the interior region. The hinged connection may be formed merely by material the fauns the bag 10. As shown in FIG. 4, shelf compartment 26 can have a perimeter edge 32 defining an opening 34 through bag body 12. Opening 34 can provide access to an interior region 36 of shelf compartment 26 when compartment panel 28 is not connected to compartment panel 26 as shown in FIGS. 4-6. As best shown in FIG. 5, shelf compartment perimeter 32 can extend upward and around opening 34 from lower portion 30 where compartment panel 28 and bag body 12 connect. As also shown in FIG. 5, lower edge or portion 30 can be positioned next to or roughly adjacent to the bottom of bag 10.

Compartment panel 26 can similarly include a free perimeter edge 38 extending upward from lower portion 30 where panel 26 and body 12 connect as best shown in FIG. 4. Free panel perimeter edge 38 can generally conform to compartment perimeter edge 32 depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, compartment panel 28 can be formed by cutting panel 28 at least partially out from bag body 12 so that panel perimeter edge 38 corresponds to compartment perimeter edge 32. However, in alternative embodiments, compartment panel 28 can be larger or small and/or differently shaped than compartment perimeter edge 32.

As shown in the figures, compartment 26 and panel 28 can also include securing means 40 for removably securing panel 28 to compartment 26. Securing means 40 can be configured as any suitable means, including but not limited to, zipper closures, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro®, buckles, clips, clasps, buttons, straps, and the like. According to one embodiment, securing means 40 comprises a zipper component connected to defined perimeters 32 and 36 of compartment 26 and panel 28, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, securing means 40 can comprise one or more corresponding straps connected to compartment 26 and panel 28, each having a removably connectable buckle for selectively maintaining panel 28 against opening 34. Other configurations of securing means 40 are considered within the scope of the present invention.

Turning to FIG. 6, compartment 26 can include an interior sidewall 42 defining interior region 36 of shelf compartment 26. Interior sidewall 42 can have pockets, pouches 44 and the like defined therein or thereon for holding various items. Interior sidewall 42 can also include support structures or inserts (not shown) that can provide structure and rigidity to compartment 26 as well as bag 10. Bag body 12 can also include support structures or inserts (not shown), such as above or below shelf compartment 26 to assist in allowing compartment 26 to maintain a desired shape and configuration.

As also best shown in FIG. 6, compartment 26 can include a support strap 46 extending between interior sidewall 42 and an interior sidewall 48 of compartment panel 28 on each lateral side of compartment 26. As shown, each strap 46 can be secured to interior sidewall 42 of compartment 26 (by sewing or other means) near an upper portion of defined compartment perimeter 32, and can be further secured to interior sidewall 48 of panel 28 (by sewing or other means) near a lower or central portion of free panel perimeter edge 38. Support straps 46 can assist in holding compartment panel 28 in a generally horizontal position relative to compartment opening 34 so that panel 28 can function as a shelf or similar support structure when compartment 26 and panel 28 are in the open position. In the open position, support straps 46 can have a generally diagonal configuration relative to compartment 26 and panel 28, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, as a result of its connection locations to interior sidewalls 42 and 48 of compartment 26 and panel 28, respectively. Support straps 46 can additionally include adjustment components 50, as best shown in FIG. 6, to adjust the length of straps 46 so that the orientation or angle of cover panel 28 (or shelf) relative to compartment 26 and opening 34 can be selected by a user.

To assist straps 46 in supporting panel 28 in the open position, a gusset or flexible webbing 52 can be connected to compartment 26 and panel 28 near defined perimeters 32 and 36, respectively. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, webbing 52 can be located near the lower regions of compartment 26 and panel 28 and extend partially upward along defined perimeters 32 and 38. Webbing 52 can be connected to interior sidewalls 42 and 48 near defined perimeter edges 32 and 38 so as to not obstruct securing means 40 when closing compartment 26. Webbing 52 can also assist in creating a retaining space within the lower portion of interior 36 of compartment 26 as shown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate bag 10 with shelf compartment 26 in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, compartment panel 28 is in a general vertical or upward position relative to compartment 26 and defined free perimeter edge 38 of panel 28 is secured adjacent to defined perimeter 32 of compartment 26 via securing means 40. Compartment 26 and panel 28 can then be transitioned into the open position by releasing securing means 40 and allowing compartment panel 28 rotate about lower edge 30 until it is in a generally horizontal or flat shelf position as shown in FIGS. 4-6. In this open position, support straps 46 (along with webbing 52) assist in maintaining the generally horizontal position of panel 28 so that panel 28 can operate as a shelf for holding various items. Such a configuration can be particularly advantageous when bag 10 is supported in a hanging position by hook or similar hanging means 22 in order to allow easy placement and removal of items on shelf panel 28 and within the interior of compartment 26.

Shelf compartment 26 and panel 28 can also be selectively positioned into various configurations according to certain embodiments of the present invention. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, compartment 26 can be defined into bag body 12 so that lower portion or edge 30 where panel 28 and body 12 connect is roughly adjacent to the bottom of bag 10. As a result, securing means 40 can be configured for allowing compartment panel 28 to be fully extended in a generally horizontal position according to one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, securing means 40, such as in the zipper enclosures shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, can be selectively configurable to keep the lower perimeter edges 32 and 38 connected together to essentially change the height of lower portion 30. In this configuration, a retaining space within interior region 36 can be created. The depth of the retaining space can be selectively changed by adjusting the height of connection between perimeter edges 32 and 38 via securing means 40. The support straps 46 can be selectively adjusted in length in order to ensure that at least a portion of compartment panel 28 continues to remain in a generally horizontal shelf-position in this configuration. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, support straps 46 can also be adjusted to allow compartment panel 28 to have a folded or generally inverted shape that creates the retaining space within interior region 36 while still maintaining the horizontal shelf-position of part of pane 28.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations 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 Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A carrying bag for holding athletic equipment, said bag comprising:

a bag body having one or more compartments defined therein;

at least one holder extending from at least one side of the bag body, each of said at least one holder shaped and positioned to selectively retain a ball bat; and

a shelf compartment defined into said bag body, wherein said shelf compartment is larger than any other of said one or more compartments, said shelf compartment comprising: a perimeter edge defining an opening into an interior of said bag body, said interior defined by an interior sidewall of said shelf compartment; a compartment panel having a free perimeter edge, said compartment panel connected to said bag body about a lower panel region, said lower panel region defining a lower end of said opening; securing means connected to said shelf compartment and said compartment panel for removably securing said compartment panel adjacent to said perimeter edge of said shelf compartment; at least one support strap having a first end and a second end, said support strap connected to and extending between said shelf compartment perimeter edge and said compartment panel;

wherein said compartment panel is configured for being selectively positioned in both a closed position and an open position,

wherein said compartment panel is positioned adjacent said shelf compartment perimeter edge when said compartment panel is in said closed position, and wherein said compartment panel is positioned in a generally horizontal orientation relative to said opening when said compartment panel is in said open position, such that said at least one support strap retains the compartment panel in the generally horizontal orientation relative to the opening.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said first end of said at least one support strap is secured to said interior sidewall of said shelf compartment and wherein said second end of said at least one support strap is secured to an interior sidewall of said compartment panel.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein said at least one support strap is configured so as to extend diagonally from said shelf compartment perimeter edge to said compartment panel when said compartment panel is in said open position.

4. The bag of claim 3, wherein said at least one support strap is selectively adjustable in length.

5. The bag of claim 1, wherein said at least one support strap is configured for supporting said compartment panel in a generally horizontal position when said shelf compartment is in said open position.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises a webbing material extending between said shelf compartment perimeter edge and said compartment panel free perimeter edge along at least a portion of a height of said shelf compartment.

7. The bag of claim 6, wherein said webbing material is configured so as to support said compartment panel in a generally horizontal position when said shelf compartment is in said open position.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein bag further comprises at least one carrying strap attached to said bag body.

9. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises at least one hanging means attached to said bag body.

10. The bag of claim 9, wherein said hanging means comprises a hook.

11. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag body includes one or more support inserts.

12. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag is configured as a backpack.

13. A backpack configured for holding athletic equipment, said backpack comprising:

a backpack body defining an exterior of said backpack and including a front wall;

at least one holder extending from at least one side of the backpack body, each of said at least one holder shaped and positioned to selectively retain a ball bat;

at least one shoulder strap connected to a rear portion of said backpack, said at least one shoulder strap configured for enabling a user to carry said backpack; and

a shelf compartment defined into said backpack body, said shelf compartment comprising: a shelf interior region located within said backpack body, said shelf interior region defined between an interior sidewall and said front wall of said backpack body, wherein said shelf interior region is larger than any other interior region of the backpack; an opening in the backpack body providing access to said interior region, wherein a perimeter edge of the front wall forms a part of a perimeter of the opening; wherein said front wall further having a lower connecting edge connecting said front wall to said backpack body; connecting means configured for selectively closing said opening; and at least one support strap connected to said interior sidewall of said shelf compartment within the shelf interior region, and to said front wall; said at least one support strap configured for supporting said front wall when said opening is opened and said front wall is substantially horizontal relative to the backpack body.

14. The backpack of claim 13, wherein said at least one support strap include a first end attached to said interior sidewall adjacent an upper portion thereof and a second end attached to said front wall at an intermediate portion of said front wall compartment panel free.

15. The backpack of claim 14, wherein said at least one support strap extends generally diagonally from said interior sidewall to said front wall when said opening is open.

16. The backpack of claim 13, wherein said backpack further comprises a support webbing extending between said interior sidewall and said front wall along a height of said front wall.

17. The backpack of claim 13, wherein said backpack includes a hanging component connected to said backpack body.

18. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the front wall is selectively configurable into a generally horizontal shelf extending away from said backpack body below said opening.

19. (canceled)