CHALK BAG FEATURING ACCESSORY STORAGE REGION
An example chalk bag includes a pouch including: a rim that defines a primary opening to access a chalk storage region of the pouch, an interior wall forming a boundary between the chalk storage region and an accessory storage region of the pouch, and an exterior wall of the pouch that defines a secondary opening to access the accessory storage region. The accessory storage region is formed between the interior wall and the exterior wall of the pouch. The chalk bag includes a fastening system of one or more fasteners operable to selectively retain the secondary opening to the accessory storage region in a closed state, enabling access to the accessory storage region in an open state. In an example, the interior wall includes a chalk impermeable layer that inhibits migration of chalk from the chalk storage region into the accessory storage region.
Chalk bags are used by climbers, weightlifters, and other athletes to store, carry, and dispense chalk. Chalk bags typically feature an open face receptacle containing powdered chalk in loose form, block form, and/or modular ball form. Chalk bags can be worn on a waist belt, secured to a climbing harness, or placed on a ground surface from which chalk can be periodically accessed by hand as needed. Chalk bags can have various configurations and sizes, and can be specifically configured and sized for personal use or group use.
SUMMARYAn example chalk bag includes a pouch including: a rim that defines a primary opening to access a chalk storage region of the pouch, an interior wall forming a boundary between the chalk storage region and an accessory storage region of the pouch, and an exterior wall of the pouch that defines a secondary opening to access the accessory storage region. The accessory storage region is formed between the interior wall and the exterior wall of the pouch. The chalk bag includes a fastening system of one or more fasteners operable to selectively retain the secondary opening to the accessory storage region in a closed state, enabling access to the accessory storage region in an open state. In an example, the interior wall includes a chalk impermeable layer that inhibits migration of chalk from the chalk storage region into the accessory storage region.
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 to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to configurations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.
An example chalk bag includes a pouch including: a rim that defines a primary opening to access a chalk storage region of the pouch, an interior wall forming a boundary between the chalk storage region and an accessory storage region of the pouch, and an exterior wall of the pouch that defines a secondary opening to access the accessory storage region. The accessory storage region is formed between the interior wall and the exterior wall of the pouch. The chalk bag includes a fastening system of one or more fasteners operable to selectively retain the secondary opening to the accessory storage region in a closed state, enabling access to the accessory storage region in an open state.
In the above example, the chalk storage region and the accessory storage region share at least some of the interior volume defined by the exterior wall and rim of the pouch. A circumference of the interior wall can join the exterior wall at or near the rim of the chalk bag. A terminal end of the interior wall that forms a receptacle base of the chalk storage region can be free to translate relative to the exterior wall, providing a configuration that can be referred to as free floating within the interior volume of the pouch. The interior wall can be formed from a flexible material that accommodates items of various sizes and shapes in the chalk storage region and in the accessory storage region.
The boundary provided by the interior wall (and a liner if present) between the chalk storage region and the accessory storage region enables the relative size of these storage regions to be dynamically varied, depending on use. As an example, the chalk storage region can be expanded by the addition of chalk to occupy nearly the entire interior volume of the pouch, with the accessory storage region minimized in size. As another example, the accessory storage region can be expanded by the addition of items to occupy nearly the entire interior volume of the pouch, with the chalk storage region minimized in size. In yet another example, the chalk storage region and the accessory storage region can each occupy a substantial volume of the pouch somewhere between a minimized size and a maximized size of the above examples. This configuration enables a variety of uses of the chalk bag, including the ability to store a greater volume of chalk in the chalk storage region under some conditions, while under other conditions a greater volume of items can be stored in the accessory storage region. Thus, the chalk bag provides its user(s) with storage flexibility across a variety of settings.
Regardless of the form of chalk used in a chalk bag, chalk in particulate form is generated through use or the mere presence of the chalk. This particulate can contaminate or otherwise be transferred to other items in the surrounding environment. Items such as electronics, tools, food, etc. can be damaged or otherwise negatively impacted by chalk particulate contamination. In at least some examples, the above-described interior wall of the chalk bag can include a chalk impermeable layer that inhibits migration of chalk from the chalk storage region into the accessory storage region. Thus, items stored within the accessory storage region can be protected from chalk particulate migrating through the interior wall.
Chalk bag 100 includes or otherwise comprises a pouch 110 that includes a rim 112 that defines a primary opening 114 to access 120 a chalk storage region 116 of the pouch. In this example, chalk storage region 116 includes chalk 118 in powder form.
Chalk bag 100 includes an interior wall 122 forming a boundary between chalk storage region 116 and an accessory storage region 124 of pouch 110. As an example, interior wall 122 defines a surface of a volume that includes chalk storage region 116 having an opening that faces primary opening 114.
Chalk bag 100 includes an exterior wall 126 of pouch 110 that defines a secondary opening 128 to access 130 accessory storage region 124. Various items can be stored within accessory storage region 124, including electronics, tool, food, medication, clothing, etc. Accessory storage region 124 can provide handbag, waist pack, or purse-like storage functionality, in at least some examples. For example, accessory storage region 124 can include loops, pockets, sleeves, etc. upon an interior facing side of exterior wall 126 to secure items. Exterior wall 126 can be formed from a textile in at least some examples. Example textiles for exterior wall 126 can be formed of polymer (e.g., nylon and/or polyester), cotton, wool, natural fiber, etc. or combination blends thereof. A more specific example of a material for exterior wall 126 includes polyester 840D (denier) ballistic weave having a water-resistant polyurethane coating.
Chalk bag 100 includes a fastener system 132 of one or more fasteners operable to selectively retain secondary opening 128 to accessory storage region 124 in the closed state of
As shown in
In at least some examples, the chalk impermeable layer of interior wall 122 forms a continuous surface of a volume that defines chalk storage region 116. The phrase “continuous surface” can include or otherwise feature two or more pieces of materials that are joined along a seam, such as via stitching and/or seam sealing techniques. Seams used within the context of the chalk impermeable layer can be joined using stitching and/or sealing techniques that sufficiently inhibit the transfer of chalk particulate across the chalk impermeable layer. As an example, interior wall 122 or the chalk impermeable layer thereof can be formed from a sheet material, such as a polymer, rubber, mylar, etc., or multiple pieces of sheet material that are joined along one or more seams. As another example, interior wall 122 or the chalk impermeable layer thereof can be formed from a textile or other porous material having a coating. This coating can span seams used to join multiple pieces of sheet material. Example textiles include nylon and/or polyester ripstop, canvas made of natural and/or synthetic materials, etc. Example coatings can include urethane, silicone, wax, etc. As a specific example, the internal wall featuring the chalk impermeable layer can include N.40 double ripstop, silicon finish of +PU1500, and the ripstop of this example can have a density of textile density of 122×112 and weight of 98 g per yard. However, it will be understood that other suitable materials can be used.
In at least some examples, the chalk impermeable layer of the interior wall exhibits impermeability to chalk particulate down to at least 50 μm, which corresponds to visible chalk particulate. However, other suitable levels of chalk permeability can be used.
The chalk impermeable layer of interior wall 122, in at least some examples, is impermeable or resistant to the transfer of liquid water through the chalk impermeable layer. For example, water resistant or water impermeable materials can provide a suitable chalk impermeable layer, as chalk particulate is less able to migrate through materials as compared to liquid water. As an example, a chalk impermeable layer of interior wall 122 can be impermeable to water at 1000 mm of hydrostatic head or a pore size of 10-um. However, in at least some examples, water resistant or water impermeable materials suitable for the chalk impermeable layer can include a material that offers impermeability of liquid water at a different hydrostatic head. In still further examples, the chalk impermeable layer of interior wall 122 is impermeable or resistant to the transfer of air through the chalk impermeable layer.
Chalk bag 100 can include one or more belt loops 140 through which a belt, clip, or other feature can be passed to enable the chalk bag to be secured to a person or other object. Belt loops are typically located at an upper end of the chalk bag near the rim to provide stability and avoid unintended tipping of the bag.
Chalk bag 100 can include a draw system 150 that can be used to selectively close primary opening 114, thereby retaining chalk 118 within chalk storage region 116. Draw system 150 can include a draw cord 152 forming a loop that circumnavigates interior wall 122 beneath rim 112, as shown in further detail in
Chalk bag 100 can include one or more elastic retaining bands 160 mounted to interior-facing surfaces of exterior wall 126 for retaining items within the accessory storage region. For example,
As indicated at 220, exterior wall 126-2 and interior wall 122-2 are secured to each other at or near rim 112-2, as an example of rim 112 of
In at least some examples, the chalk bags disclosed herein can include a liner that separates the interior wall from the chalk storage region. For example, chalk bag 110-2 of
Liner 210 can include a textured interior facing surface 218, in at least some examples. Alternatively, interior wall 122-2 can include textured interior facing surface 218 in examples where liner 210 is omitted. This configuration can be accomplished by interior wall 122-2 being formed from a textured material or by featuring a textured surface treatment or integrated textured material. Textured interior facing surface 218 can provide improved retention of chalk within chalk storage region 116 and/or improved application of the chalk to hands. Examples of textured interior facing surface 218 is described in further detail with reference to
In at least some examples, liner 210 can include a lower liner portion 212 and an upper liner portion 214 that are delineated from each other by boundary 216 in
Textured interior facing surface 218 can be provided with lower liner portion 212, but omitted from upper liner portion 214 in an example. In examples where liner 210 is omitted, boundary 216 can delineate textured interior facing surface 218 of interior wall 122-2 below the boundary from above the boundary where the textured interior facing surface is omitted. Thus, in these examples, the textured interior facing surface 218 does not extend upwards to rim 112-2. However, in other examples, textured interior facing surface 218 can extend upwards to rim 112-2.
In at least some examples, rim 122-2 can include a cap portion 230 that circumnavigates the rim. As an example, cap portion 230 can cover the upper edge of one or more of exterior wall 126-2, interior wall 122-2, and/or liner 210. For example, in
In at least some examples, rim 122-2 can include piping 232 that circumnavigates the rim. Piping 232 can take the form of a flexible ring, as an example. This flexible ring can be formed by an elastomeric material (e.g., a rubber or polymer O-ring) in at least some examples. As depicted in
Within
Within
Within
Within the example of
Interior wall 122-6 further includes a textured interior facing surface 218-6 in this example. Textured interior facing surface 218-6 can provide improved retention of chalk within chalk storage region 116 and/or improved application of the chalk to hands. In the context of a liner (e.g., 210) or surface features of interior wall 122-6 that provide textured interior facing surface 218-6, this textured interior facing surface can be located between chalk impermeable layer 610 and chalk storage region 116. For example, textured interior facing surface 218-6 can be formed by a textile (e.g., synthetic fleece) or other suitable material. In at least some examples, where interior wall 122-6 comprises both chalk impermeable layer 610 and textured interior facing surface 218-6, chalk impermeable layer 610 can take the form of a coating that forms a backing to a material that features the textured interior facing surface on an opposing side.
It will be understood that the configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A chalk bag, comprising:
- a pouch including: a rim that defines a primary opening to access a chalk storage region of the pouch, an interior wall forming a boundary between the chalk storage region and an accessory storage region of the pouch, and an exterior wall of the pouch that defines a secondary opening to access the accessory storage region; wherein the accessory storage region is formed between the interior wall and the exterior wall; and
- one or more fasteners operable to selectively retain the secondary opening to the accessory storage region in a closed state.
2. The chalk bag of claim 1, wherein the interior wall includes a chalk impermeable layer.
3. The chalk bag of claim 2, wherein the interior wall includes a textured interior facing surface that faces the chalk storage region.
4. The chalk bag of claim 2, further comprising:
- a liner between the interior wall and the chalk storage region;
- wherein the liner includes a textured interior facing surface that faces the chalk storage region.
5. The chalk bag of claim 1, wherein an interior facing surface of the exterior wall includes a sleeve configured to hold a mobile electronic device.
6. The chalk bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners include a zipper.
7. The chalk bag of claim 6, wherein the zipper forms an arc that is parallel to the rim along at least a portion of the rim.
8. The chalk bag of claim 7, wherein the rim is located at a first end of the pouch and wherein the zipper is located closer to an opposing second end of the pouch than the first end of the pouch.
9. The chalk bag of claim 7, wherein the arc is at least 300 degrees of the cylindrical wall formed by the exterior wall.
10. The chalk bag of claim 8, wherein the rim has a circular shape and wherein the exterior wall forms a cylindrical wall of the pouch that joins the rim.
11. The chalk bag of claim 10, wherein the rim is located at a first end of the pouch, and wherein the exterior wall further forms a bottom portion of the pouch at a second end of the cylindrical wall that opposes the first end.
12. The chalk bag of claim 11, wherein the exterior wall forms a hinge between the bottom portion of the pouch and an upper portion of the pouch that includes at least a portion of the cylindrical wall.
13. The chalk bag of claim 7, wherein the zipper includes a zipper pull having a fastener to selectively secure the zipper pull to the pouch in the closed state of the accessory storage region.
14. The chalk bag of claim 1, wherein the rim includes an elastomeric ring.
15. The chalk bag of claim 1, further comprising a draw cord to selectively open and close the primary opening.
16. The chalk bag of claim 15, wherein the draw cord forms a loop between the exterior wall and the interior wall in a closure plane that is parallel to the rim; and
- wherein the interior wall joins the exterior wall between the rim and the closure plane.
17. The chalk bag of claim 15, further comprising a liner between the interior wall and the chalk storage region; and
- wherein draw cord forms a loop between the interior wall and the liner in a closure plane that is parallel to the rim.
18. The chalk bag of claim 15, wherein the interior wall joins the exterior wall between the rim and a closure plane formed by a loop of the draw cord.
19. The chalk bag of claim 1, wherein the interior wall is a continuous volume formed by a sheet material.
20. The chalk bag of claim 1, wherein the interior wall is formed from a textile that is coated with silicone or urethane.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 5, 2022
Publication Date: Jul 6, 2023
Inventor: Matthew Hidalgo (Eugene, OR)
Application Number: 17/647,089