BACKPACK GYM BAG

Abstract

Some embodiments are directed to a container, e.g., for carrying equipment, that includes a body portion. The body portion may include a front portion comprising a front coupling mechanism configured to hold an item against the front portion of the body. The side portion may include a side coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the side portion of the body. The rear portion may include a rear coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the rear portion of the body.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No. 63/648,466, filed May 16, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to containers, such as backpacks, duffel bags, or the like. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to containers including attachment points to hold athletic or the like equipment on the exterior of the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some embodiments are directed to a container configured to carry one or more items that comprises a body portion. The body portion may comprise a front portion comprising a front coupling mechanism configured to hold one of the items against the front portion of the body. The side portion may comprise a side coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the side portion of the body. The rear portion may comprise a rear coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the rear portion of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show first and second side views of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a rear-view of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an interior view of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is another interior view of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an interior view via a bottom compartment of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a container, according to some embodiments.

In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical or similar elements. Additionally, generally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Athletes often travel with equipment to the location where the sport is played. For example, a basketball player may bring their own basketball to a court, and, a soccer player may bring a pair of cleats or soccer ball to a soccer field. Similarly, weightlifters, bodybuilders, strongmen, powerlifters, etc. may also bring their own equipment to the gym or to competitions. Weightlifters may carry items such as water bottles, supplements, food, additional clothing, knee braces, wrist wraps, straps, chalk, powerlifting suits, weightlifting shoes, and weightlifting belts.

Weightlifting belts may be used for various purposes. In some embodiments a weightlifting belt may be used to support the lower back and core of the athlete while they perform load bearing exercises such as back exercises, deadlifts, squats, or Olympic lifts. In some embodiments, a weightlifting belt may be used by the athlete to hold additional weight while the exercise is performed. For example, a weightlifting belt may include a chain to hold free weights so that the athlete may perform exercises such as dips or pull-ups with additional weight.

Current containers may be regular backpacks, shoulder bags, or duffel bags used to hold weightlifting equipment. These systems may include various flaws. First, they may lack dedicated storage that would allow the athlete to organize their equipment. As a result, equipment may be mixed within a single compartment, resulting in potential damage caused by movement of the items within the compartment or disorganization when timely finding of equipment is needed for a game or competition. For example, weightlifting belts may be made of high quality materials and thus there is a need to protect them during transport from additional wear and tear by being mixed with other items. Additionally, since weightlifting belts are used by athletes for support while engaged in load bearing exercises, there is a need to protect the belt itself to prevent any failures while the athlete is lifting weights, potentially resulting in a life threatening injury.

In addition to the simple design, current containers may be volume limited. Although a weightlifter may be able to purchase a larger bag to store all of their items, at some point, this becomes infeasible. Oftentimes, athletes may go to the gym before, during, or after work, and therefore may not wish to carry around a cumbersome duffel bag. Additionally, due to the durability and material of weightlifting equipment, the sum total weight may be higher than for other sports or activities. Therefore, a conventional backpack may be suboptimal for weightlifting equipment because the bag's shape may warp due to the gear inside. This may cause discomfort to the user while simultaneously degrading the bag's material.

Thus, there is a need to improve containers used for equipment by, e.g., improving their organization capabilities, allowing them to store more gear while keeping size and weight to a minimum.

Embodiments herein overcome these and other challenges by providing—among other benefits—a container, e.g., a backpack, shoulder bag, duffel bag, drawstring bag, or the like (used interchangeable herein), that may comprise external attachment mechanisms allowing a user, e.g., a weightlifter or other athlete, to secure items, such as equipment, to the exterior of the container. This may allow the athlete to keep certain gear separate from others thereby preventing unwanted collisions and possible wear and tear. Additionally, leveraging the exterior of the bag for storage may allow the interior to be used for other equipment, allowing the athlete to carry more gear in a smaller sized bag. Also, items carried on the exterior may provide structure and rigidity to the backpack, thus the backpack itself may be made of a lighter material since external equipment (e.g., a weightlifting belt) may be attached to supplement the backpack's structure.

As shown throughout the Figures, some embodiments, as non-limiting examples, are directed toward a backpack including a top end, bottom end, and a body disposed between the top and bottom ends. The body may be organized into a front portion, rear portion, and one or more side portions. The front, rear, and side portions may include coupling mechanisms. These coupling mechanisms may be used to securely hold items such as a weightlifting belt against the exterior of the backpack.

In some aspects, the front coupling mechanism may be a buckle, while the rear and side coupling mechanisms may comprise a sleeve or sheath allowing a weightlifting belt to be slid through. For example, the athlete may slide a weightlifting belt through the side and rear coupling mechanisms, and then buckle the front coupling mechanism, thereby securing the weightlifting belt to the bag, resulting in the weightlifting belt being held securely against the exterior of the backpack.

In some aspects, securing the belt to the backpack's exterior provides additional support and structure to the backpack itself. In turn, this may allow the bag to be lighter because: (1) lighter material may be used; and (2) internal or external skeletons may not be needed. In some aspects, the belt further secures the items stored within the bag, preventing them from moving around. In some aspects, this may prevent further wear and tear on the items since they won't move around as much as they otherwise would in a traditional backpack. In some aspects, this may improve usability of the bag because the items may not come into contact with the user as frequently.

In some aspects, the front, side, and rear coupling mechanisms may made of various types. In some aspects, the front, side, and rear coupling mechanisms may be expandable. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms may be a buckle or other suitable mechanism including two or more locking components. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms may be additional material used to create a loop in order to secure an item to the backpack. For example, the rear coupling mechanism may comprise a rear member extending from a first area of the rear portion to a second area of the rear portion. Similarly, the side attachment mechanism may also be a side member extending from a first area of the side portion to a second area of the side portion.

In some embodiments, one portion's coupling mechanism may include a buckle or other locking mechanism, while the other two portion's coupling mechanisms may be loops. This may be beneficial so that the athlete only needs to undo a single mechanism. For example, the front portion coupling mechanism may be a buckle, while the rear and side portion coupling mechanisms may be the loops.

In some embodiments, the rear, front, and side coupling mechanisms may be situated along the same axis. In some embodiments, the rear, front, and side attachment mechanisms may be situated at the bottom of the backpack. For example, the rear, front, and side coupling mechanisms may be situated within the bottom half, bottom third, or bottom quarter of the backpack. This may be beneficial because it may be more comfortable to carry a backpack with a heavy item, such as a weightlifting belt near the bottom of the backpack. Additionally, this may allow the athlete to access other parts of the backpack such as zippers, compartments straps, while the weightlifting belt is secured to the exterior. For example, an athlete may be able to unzip the bag and access an item (e.g., a rain jacket) while the weightlifting belt is secured to the bag's exterior.

In some aspects, the backpack may further include additional organizational features. For example, the backpack may include various pockets and sleeves to store items. The backpack may further include removable components, such as internal panels to separate storage areas. For example, a removable internal panel may be positioned horizontally within the upright backpack. The internal panel may be positioned above the bottom of the backpack, thereby separating the interior of the backpack into upper and lower chambers. In some embodiments, the lower chamber may be directly accessible via a zipper on the exterior of the backpack. For example, a zipper may be positioned at the bottom of the backpack to access the lower chamber. The lower chamber may be configured to be large enough to store a pair of weightlifting shoes.

In some embodiments, the front portion may include further attachment points. For example, the front portion may include a webbing track. A webbing track may be a series of loops made by attaching (e.g., stitching) a webbing material to the front panel. The webbing track may be attached such that there is space or slack created in the webbing in between the attachment points. Therefore, items such as a carabineer may be connected to the loops within the webbing track.

The backpack may be made of any suitable material. The backpack may be made of an abrasion resistant material, water resistant material, waterproof material, or a combination thereof. For example, the backpack may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polyester. The TPU polyester made be of various denier ratings. In some embodiments, the TPU polyester may be rated at 900 denier.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container 100, according to some embodiments. For example, container 100 can be a bag and may include top end 102, bottom end 104, and body portion 106 disposed between top end 102 and bottom end 104. Container 100 may be a backpack, shoulder bag, duffel bag, drawstring bag or the like (used interchangeable herein). Container 100 may be made of one or more materials (e.g., canvas, nylon, polyester). Container 100 may be made of an abrasion resistance material. For example, container 100 may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polyester. The TPU polyester made be 900 denier. In some embodiments, container 100 may be made of a water resistant material. In some embodiments, container 100 may be made of a waterproof material. In some embodiments, container 100 may be made of multiple materials.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a container 200, according to some embodiments. For example, container 200, e.g., a bag, may comprise a front portion 210. Front portion 210 may be made of an abrasion resistant material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated polyester fabric. The TPU polyester made be 900 denier. Front portion 210 may include front coupling mechanism 212. Front coupling mechanism 212 may be used to secure an item to container 200. Specifically, front coupling mechanism 212 may be used to hold an item against front portion 210. In some embodiments, front coupling mechanism 212 may include a first member joined to a second member. For example, front portion 210 may include two buckles as front coupling mechanisms 212. A buckle may include webbing 213 allowing the buckle to move along webbing 213. This may be beneficial to alter the tension applied by the buckle (e.g., front coupling mechanism 212) when secured. In some embodiments, front coupling mechanism 212 may include a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, front coupling mechanism 212 may include an elastic material. For example, front coupling mechanism 212 may include an elastic material (e.g., elastic strap, elastic cord) secured via a drawstring mechanism. Front coupling mechanism 212 may be used to hold weightlifting belt 214 against container 200.

In some embodiments, front portion 210 may further include webbing track 216. Webbing track 216 may traverse from top end 218 to front coupling mechanism 212. In some aspects, front coupling mechanism 212 and webbing track 216 should not conflict with one another. In one aspect, webbing track 216 may be used as points to connect and/or secure additional items to container 200. For example, a carabineer may be connected to webbing track 216. In some aspects, webbing track 216 may be made of any material such as canvas, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof. Webbing track 216 may include an attachment point. For example, top end 218 of webbing track 216 may include attachment point 220. Attachment point 220 may be made of a sturdy material such as plastic, metal, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof. Front portion 210 may further include one or more zippers 222-1 to 222-n. In some aspects, the one or more zippers 222 may be used to access one or more compartments or an interior of container 200.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show first and second side views of a container 300, according to some embodiments. For example, container 300 may comprise side portion 330. Side portion 330 may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated polyester fabric. In some embodiments, the TPU coated polyester may be 900 denier. Side portion 330 may include side coupling mechanism 332. Side coupling mechanism 332 may be configured to hold an item against side portion 330. In some embodiments, side coupling mechanism 332 may include a side member extending from a first area of side portion 330 to a second area of side portion 330 (e.g., a loop). In some embodiments, side coupling mechanism 332 may be made of an elastic material, an abrasion resistant material such as TPU coated polyester fabric, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the TPU coated polyester may be 900 denier. For example, side coupling mechanism 332 may include an elastic material (e.g., elastic strap, elastic cord) secured via a drawstring mechanism. In some embodiments, side coupling mechanism 332 may include a first member joined to a second member. For example, side portion 330 may include a buckle mechanism. In some embodiments, side coupling mechanism 332 may include a hook and loop fastener.

As depicted, side coupling mechanism 332 may be configured to hold weightlifting belt 314 against side portion 330. Side portion 330 may include side compartment 334. In some embodiments, side compartment 334 may be a pocket for storage. Side compartment 334 may be opened and closed via zipper 322-4.

With respect to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments side portion 330 may include sleeve 336. Sleeve 336 may be an external storage component on container 300. For example, sleeve 336 may be used to hold a water bottle. Sleeve 336 may be made of an elastic material. Sleeve 336 may be a mesh material. Sleeve 336 may be positioned above side coupling mechanism 332 so that items placed in the sleeve don't interfere with an item (e.g., weightlifting belt 314) held by side coupling mechanism 332, and vice versa.

FIG. 4 is a rear-view of a container 400, according to some embodiments. For example, container 400 may comprise rear portion 440. Rear portion 440 may be made of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. Rear portion 440 may include rear coupling mechanism 442-1 to 442-n. Rear coupling mechanism 442 may be configured to hold an item against rear portion 440. Rear coupling mechanism 442 may comprise a rear member extending from a first area of rear portion 440 to a second area of the rear portion 440 (e.g., a loop). Rear coupling mechanism 442 may be configured to hold the item (e.g., weightlifting belt 314 in FIG. 3A) securely against container 400. In some embodiments, rear coupling mechanism 442 may include an elastic material, an abrasion resistant material such as a TPU coated polyester fabric, or a combination thereof. The TPU coated polyester may be 900 denier. In some embodiments, rear coupling mechanism 442 may traverse the length of rear portion 440 such that the item is minimally exposed along the length of rear portion 440. For example, rear coupling mechanism 442 may encapsulate an item such as weightlifting belt 314 such that the item does not come into direct contact with a user of container 400.

In some embodiments, container 400 also includes body contacting elements 444-1 to 444-n, e.g., shoulder straps. In some aspects, a user may hold shoulder straps 444 to carry the container 400, or may place both should straps 444 over the user's shoulders to carry container 400. In some embodiments, container 400 may include a single shoulder strap 444.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a container 500, according to some embodiments. For example, container 500 can be a bag including an element 550, e.g., a carry strap. In some aspects, a user may use carry strap 550 to hold container 500. In some aspects, carry strap 550 may be used to support container 500. For example, carry strap 550 may be used to hang container 500 (e.g., in a locker). Carry strap 550 may be located at the top of container 500 (e.g., top end 102 in FIG. 1). Carry strap 550 may be made of canvas, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, carry strap 550 may be made of an elastic material.

FIG. 6 is an interior view of a container 600, according to some embodiments. For example, container 600 comprise an interior 660. Interior 660 may be used to hold items within container 600. Interior 660 may include various organization components. For example, interior 660 may include one or more pockets 662. Pockets 662 may be used to store items within interior 660. Pockets 662 may be made of a TPU coated polyester fabric, or the like. For example, pockets 662 may be made of an abrasion resistant material such as 900 denier TPU. This may be beneficial to prevent pocket 662 from tearing. In some embodiments, pockets 662 may be made of a mesh material. This may be beneficial so that a user may quickly discern the contents of pocket 662. In some embodiments pockets 662 may be secured. For example, interior 660 may include pocket 662-4 secured via zipper 622-5. In some embodiments, pocket 662 may be secured by joining a first member to a second member (e.g., a hook and loop fastener).

FIG. 7 is another interior view of a container 700, according to some embodiments. For example, container 700 comprises an interior 760. Interior 760 may be used to hold items within container 700. Interior 760 may include organization components such as internal sleeve 770. For example, internal sleeve 770 may be used to hold an item such as a laptop or water bladder. Internal sleeve 770 may be made of an elastic material a foam padded material, a felt material, or a combination thereof. Including material such as foam and/or felt may be beneficial to protect sensitive objects such as laptop or tablet devices placed within internal sleeve 770. An item within internal sleeve 770 may be secured using internal sleeve coupling mechanism 772. Internal sleeve coupling mechanism 772 may be a buckle, hook and loop fastener, or a combination thereof.

Interior 760 may further include one or more pockets. For example, interior 760 may include one or more pockets 762. For example, interior 760 may include pocket 762-5 located opposite internal sleeve 770 such that pocket 762-5 is closer to front portion 210 as depicted in FIG. 2, and internal sleeve 770 is closer to rear portion 440 as depicted in FIG. 4. Pockets 762 may be made of a TPU coated polyester fabric, or the like. For example, pockets 762 may be made of 900 denier TPU coated polyester. In some embodiments, pockets 762 may be made of a mesh material. As stated above, this may be beneficial so that a user may quickly discern the contents of pocket 762. In some embodiments pockets 762 may be secured. For example, interior 760 may include pocket 762-5 secured via zipper 722-6. In some embodiments, pocket 762-5 may be secured by joining a first member to a second member (e.g., a hook and loop fastener).

FIG. 8 is an interior view via a bottom compartment of a container 800, according to some embodiments. For example, container 800 comprises a bottom portion 880 including an interior 860. Interior 860 may be used to store items within container 800. In some aspects, interior 860 may include panel 882. Panel 882 may be used to separate interior 860. For example, items may be stored within interior 860, above panel 882 and/or below panel 882. For example, interior 860 above panel 882 may be used to store clean clothes, food, supplements, and interior 860 below panel 882 may be used to store gym clothes and weightlifting shoes. In one aspect, bottom portion 880 is closed using a zipper 822-7. This may allow a user to directly access items stored below panel 882 within interior 860. Interior 860 may include additional storage. For example, interior 860 may include one or more pockets 862. For example, pocket 862-6 may be placed on bottom portion 880 within interior 860. Pocket 862-6 may be used to secure additional items (e.g., phone, keys wallet). Pocket 862-6 may be accessed via zipper 822-8. Pocket 862-6 may be made of a TPU coated polyester fabric, a mesh fabric, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a container 900, according to some embodiments. For example, container 900 comprises a bottom portion 980 having ventilation holes 990-1 to 990-n. Ventilation holes 990 may be used to allow air to pass through container 900. Ventilation holes 990 may be made of any air permeable material such as mesh fabric.

It is to be appreciated that containers 100 to 900 can be the same container and share the same elements and functionality.

As used herein, the terms “above,” “below,” “higher,” “upright,” “tilted,” “inverted,” and the like are intended to assist in understanding of embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation of the container as shown, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the disclosure or to limit the disclosure scope to the embodiments depicted in the Figures. The directional terms are used for convenience of description and it is understood that a container may be positioned in any of various orientations.

As used herein, the terms “equal volume” or “equal dose” include tolerances for minor variations from the actual dose size. For example, “equal volume” or “equal dose” may include tolerances of ±10% from the actual dose or volume.

When a value is used herein as an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. As used herein, the term “about” includes ±10%.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not any other section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. Other sections can set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit this disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

While this disclosure describes exemplary embodiments for exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other embodiments and modifications thereto are possible, and are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, embodiments are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and/or entities illustrated in the figures and/or described herein. Further, embodiments (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant utility to fields and applications beyond the examples described herein.

Embodiments have been described herein with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or equivalents thereof) are appropriately performed. Also, alternative embodiments can perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc. using orderings different than those described herein.

References herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” or similar phrases, indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of persons skilled in the relevant art(s) to incorporate such feature, structure, or characteristic into other embodiments whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein. Additionally, some embodiments can be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments can be described using the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The term “coupled,” however, can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a body portion, the body portion comprising: a front portion comprising a front coupling mechanism configured to hold an item against the front portion of the body, a side portion comprising a side coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the side portion of the body, and a rear portion comprising a rear coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the rear portion of the body.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the front coupling mechanism comprises a buckle.

3. The container of claim 2, further comprising webbing material in connection with the buckle, wherein the buckle is configured to move along the webbing material.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the front coupling mechanism comprises a first member joined to a second member.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the front coupling mechanism comprises an elastic material.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein:

the rear coupling mechanism comprises a rear member extending from a first area of the rear portion to a second area of the rear portion, and

the side coupling mechanism comprises a side member extending from a first area of the side portion to a second area of the side portion.

7. The container of claim 5, wherein the rear and side coupling mechanisms are made of an elastic material.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the front portion includes a webbing track, the webbing track traversing from a top end of the body portion to the front coupling mechanism.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein the webbing track includes at an attachment point at an end of the webbing track.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the front, side, and rear coupling mechanisms are collectively configured to hold a weightlifting belt against respective portions of the container.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the bottom end comprises a ventilation hole.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the bottom end comprises a zipper providing access to an interior of the container.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the zipper of the bottom end is positioned below the front and side coupling mechanisms.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the interior of the container comprises a panel configured to separate the interior into a portion above the panel and a portion below the panel, wherein the zipper of the bottom end provides access to the portion of the interior below the panel.

15. The container of claim 1, the front portion further comprising a zipper providing access to an interior of the container, the zipper positioned above the front, side, and rear coupling mechanisms.

16. The container of claim 1, wherein the side portion further comprises a sleeve extending along the side portion, the sleeve positioned above side coupling mechanism.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein the side portion further comprises a side portion compartment accessible via a side zipper.

18. The container of claim 1, wherein the rear portion comprises EVA foam.

19. The container of claim 1, wherein the front portion and side portion comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane coated polyester fabric.

20. The container of claim 1, wherein the front, side, and rear coupling mechanisms are expandable.