Patent Grant
10631618
A wide variety of bags are produced that are designed to be carried in a specific manner (e.g., over a shoulder, across the body, around the waist, etc.). Some bags are designed such that the user can select how to carry the bag. For example, some bags have a short set of handles and a shoulder strap allowing the bag to be carried by the handles or the shoulder strap, as desired.
However, the currently available bag and strap systems do not allow the user flexibility to choose the bag, the strap, and the arrangement of the strap with respect to the bag. Thus, a need exists for an improved bag and strap system.
The present disclosure generally relates to a system including at least one of a variety of bags (e.g., cases, pouches, and the like) that includes at least two securing elements that form an “X” pattern on the outside of the bag. Depending on the size of the bag, additional securing elements may be present. The system further includes at least one strap of a variety of straps positioned under at least two of the securing elements. The arrangement of the strap determines the manner by which the bag is to be carried by the user.
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number appears. The same right-most digits of a reference number in different figures indicates similar or identical components or features.
The sizes and relative positions of elements in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not shown to scale and some of these elements are enlarged and positioned to improve figure legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as shown, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the figures.
The present disclosure generally relates to a system that includes at least one of a variety of bags (e.g., cases, pouches and the like) and at least one strap of a variety of straps. As described in more detail below, such systems provide a user with versatility in the bags and strap combination to be used, as well as in the manner by which a bag is to be carried. For example, the systems of the present disclosure allow a bag to be worn in various positions on a user's body (e.g., over a shoulder, across the user's body, as a backpack, or around a user's ankle, thigh, waist, etc.), or to be stored in a variety of secure manners off of a user's body.
In order to describe particular embodiments of the devices and methods of the disclosure, reference is made to the appended figures. This discussion should not be construed as limiting, as the particular details of the embodiments described herein are by way of example and are for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a bag 110, as shown in
The exterior 114 of the bag 110 includes two securing elements 120a, 120b that form an “X” pattern on the outside of the bag 110. As can be seen in
The strap 130 is arranged under securing elements 120a, 120b and around the user's waist, as shown in
As shown in
An alternate embodiment of a bag 210 of the disclosure is shown in
Bag 210 includes securing elements 220a, 220b arranged in an “X” pattern on the outside of the bag 210. This embodiment further includes securing elements 220c-220f arranged around the perimeter of the bag 210. Strap 230 can be arranged under securing elements 220a, 220b, but over securing elements 220c, 220e, as shown in
Alternatively, strap 230 can be arranged under securing elements 220a, 220b, but over securing elements 220d, 220f, as shown in
The exterior 314 of a further embodiment of a bag 310 of the disclosure is shown in
In embodiments, bag 310 is designed to be used while kayaking, boating, rafting, hiking, camping, etc. In such embodiments, bag 310 is made of a water-resistant or waterproof material. Zipper 315 may also be water-resistant or waterproof in such embodiments. In other embodiments, zipper 315 is replaced with a roll-top or other water-resistant or waterproof closure.
Returning to
As shown, securing elements 320c and 320e are secured (e.g., stitching, adhesive, removable couplings (for example, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc.), and the like) to the surface of the bag at mid-points 347a, 347b of the length of the second side 340. Thus, securing elements 320c and 320e are separated into two portions under either of which a strap can be arranged. The opening 305b between securing element 320a and midpoint 347b on side 340, opening 305c between securing element 320b and midpoint 347b on side 340 ranges from about 2 to about 4 inches. For example, openings 305b, 305c are each about 2.5 inches.
As shown in
Returning to
A further embodiment of a bag 510 of the present disclosure is shown in
This embodiment further includes securing elements 520c-520f arranged around the perimeter of the face of the bag 510. Additionally, mid-points 547c, 547e of securing elements 520c, 520e, respectively can be secured (e.g., stitching, adhesive, removable couplings (for example, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc.)) to the surface of the bag. The opening 505b between securing element 520a and midpoint 547e on side 540, the opening 505c between securing element 520b and midpoint 547e on side 540, ranges from about 2 to about 4 inches. For example, openings 505b, 505c are each about 3 inches.
Another view of the exterior 514 of bag 510 is shown in
Bag 610 includes securing elements 620a-620f arranged in a lattice (i.e., crisscrossed) pattern on the exterior 614 of the bag 610. Bag 610 further includes securing elements 620g-620j arranged around the perimeter of the face of the bag 610. Additionally, points 649a-649h where securing elements 620a-620f intersect with securing elements 620g-620j are secured (e.g., stitching, adhesive, removable couplings (for example, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc.)) to the surface of the bag. The openings 605a, 605b between securing elements 620d, 620e and securing elements 620a, 620f on side 640 each ranges from about 2 to about 3 inches. For example, the openings 605a, 605b are each about 2.75 inches. The openings 605c, 605d between securing elements 620d, 620c and securing elements 620a, 620f on side 645 each ranges from about 2 to about 3 inches. For example, the openings 605c, 605d are each about 2 inches.
Thus, a strap can be arranged under any subset of securing elements 620a-620j. In some embodiments, a strap can be arranged under the securing elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to securing element 620h. In some embodiments, a strap can be arranged under the securing elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to securing element 620g. In other embodiments, a strap can be arranged in a direction transverse to securing elements 620h and 620g.
Bag 610 includes a first opening 613a and a second opening 613b, as shown in
Returning to
Bag 810 includes securing elements 820a-820f arranged in a lattice (i.e., crisscrossed) pattern on the outside of the bag 810. Bag 810 further includes securing elements 820g-820j arranged around the perimeter of the face of the bag 810. Additionally, points 849a-849h where securing elements 820a-820f intersect with securing elements 820g-820j are secured (e.g., stitching, adhesive, removable couplings (for example, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc.)) to the surface of the bag. The openings 805a, 805b on side 845 each range from about 1 to about 3 inches. For example, the openings 805a, 805b are each about 2 inches. The openings 805c, 805d on side 840 each range from about 2 to about 4 inches. For example, the openings 805c, 805d are each about 3 inches
Thus, a strap can be arranged under any subset of securing elements 820a-820j. In some embodiments, a strap can be arranged under the securing elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to securing element 820h. In some embodiments, a strap can be arranged under the securing elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to securing element 820g. In other embodiments, a strap can be arranged in a direction transverse to securing elements 820h and 820g.
Bag 810 includes a first opening 813a and a second opening 813b, as shown in
In some embodiments, a bag (e.g., bag 810) of the disclosure further includes an expansion zipper. In such embodiments, the expansion zipper can be unzipped to expose additional fabric that effectively increases the width of the side of the bag. As is understood, an expansion zipper can be arranged on opposing sides of a bag, around a side of a bag, or any other suitable arrangement.
An alternate embodiment of a bag 910 designed to house and protect electronic devices is shown in
Thus, a strap can be arranged under any subset of securing elements 920a-920j. In some embodiments, a strap can be arranged under the securing elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to securing element 920h. In some embodiments, a strap can be arranged under the securing elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to securing element 920g. In other embodiments, a strap can be arranged in a direction transverse to securing elements 920h and 920g, as shown in
As shown in
An alternate embodiment of a bag 1010 designed to house and protect electronic devices is shown in
Bag 1010 includes an opening 1013 along three of the four sides that is closed by a zipper 1015. Thus, when the zipper 1015 is opened, the bag can be opened and laid flat. The interior of bag 1010 may include pocket(s) or strap(s) suitably sized to accommodate cards, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, and the like.
Fastener elements 1167a-1167d are arranged on the second side of bag 1110. Additionally, tabs 1169a-1169d having fastener elements 1165c-1165f wrap around and secure to fastener elements 1167a-1167d, respectively. Fastener elements 1165c-1165f include the corresponding portion of the fastener as fastener elements 1167a-1167d. When fastener elements 1165c-1165f are decoupled from fastener elements 1167a-1167d, respectively, the first flap 1170a of the bag 1110 and the second flap 1170b of the bag 1110 can be folded back to reveal the interior 1112 of the bag 1110, as shown in
As shown in
The folding of the second flap 1170b also exposes pocket(s) 1155 and strap(s) 1157 that are designed and spaced to accommodate smaller tools, such as cosmetic brushes 1150a, 1150b, hair styling supplies, tools, art supplies, and the like.
In yet a further configuration, which is shown in
The present disclosure also includes a bag 1210 that is a soft case holster, as shown in
As shown in
Bag 1210 has an interior surface 1212 and an exterior surface 1214, as indicated in
An illustrative interior surface 1212 of bag 1210 is shown in
In embodiments, cavity 1216 is sized such that substantially all of a barrel portion of a firearm is accommodated in the cavity 1216. As used herein a “barrel portion” of a firearm is the portion of the firearm that includes the barrel. For example, a barrel of a pistol generally extends from the rear of the ejection port to the muzzle. In another example, a barrel of a revolver generally extends from the face of the cylinder to the muzzle.
In some embodiments, cavity 1216 is sized such that the trigger guard is accommodated in the cavity 1216. In some embodiments, cavity 1216 is sized such that at least a portion of the grip is accommodated in the cavity 1216. In some embodiments where the firearm is a revolver, cavity 1216 is sized such that at least a portion of the cylinder is accommodated in the cavity 1216. In some embodiments where the firearm is fitted with a sight, cavity 1216 is sized such that at least a portion of the sight is accommodated in the cavity 1216.
In other embodiments, cavity 1216 is sized such that the barrel portion of a hair dryer is accommodated in the cavity 1216. In further embodiments, cavity 1216 is sized such that the heated portion of a hair tool is accommodated in the cavity 1216.
In some embodiments, a bag 1210 may have a second opening opposite the first opening. In embodiments where bag 1210 is intended to accommodate a firearm, the second opening may be sized to allow the muzzle end of the barrel portion of the firearm to extend through the second opening.
Elastic element 1218 is coupled to the interior surface 1212 of the bag 1210. In various embodiments, elastic element 1218 is coupled to the interior surface 1212 of the bag 1210 in more than one location. In some such embodiments, elastic element 1218 is coupled to interior surface 1212 in at least two locations. Elastic element 1218 may be coupled to interior surface 1212 using any suitable mechanism (e.g., stitching, adhesive, removable couplings (for example, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, etc.), and the like). In particular embodiments, elastic element 1218 is coupled to interior surface 1212 by one or more lines of stitches that run parallel to either end of the elastic element 1218. In particular embodiments, elastic element 1218 is coupled to interior surface 1212 by one or more lines of stitches that run perpendicular to either end of the elastic element 1218. In use, the item to be held, or a portion thereof, (e.g. a barrel of a firearm) is inserted through elastic element 1218.
The elastic element 1218 acts to secure the item inserted into the bag 1210 in place. In embodiments, the elastic element 1218 secures the item (e.g. firearm, hair dryer, etc.) in place such that the bag 1210 may be turned upside down without the item being freed. In some embodiments, the elastic element 1218 secures the item in place such that the bag 1210 may be turned upside down and shaken vigorously without the item being freed. In some embodiments, the elastic element 1218 secures the item in place such that the bag 1210 may be jostled vigorously (e.g., if the user is running) without the item being freed.
As shown in
In use, fitting element 1259 is pulled away from elastic element 1218 when inserting the barrel of a firearm to allow for ease of use. In some embodiments, fitting element 1259 is made of an elastic material. In some embodiments, fitting element 1259 is made from a material that substantially does not stretch.
An example of a particular embodiment in which a firearm is inserted into bag 1210 of the disclosure is shown in
An example of a firearm holstered in a bag 1210 is shown in
As shown in
The position of the first securing element 1220a and the second securing element 1220b allows a bag 1210 of the present disclosure to be used ambidextrously. Additionally, the position of the first securing element 1220a and the second securing element 1220b allows a bag 1210 of the present disclosure to be worn on the inside (i.e., the bag positioned between the first strap 1230 and the user) or on the outside (i.e., the first strap 1230 positioned between the bag and the user).
The first securing element 1220a and the second securing element 1220b are configured such that when a first strap 1230a is inserted under the first securing element 1220a and/or the second securing element 1220b, the bag 1210 is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the first positioning strap 1230. This allows for a user to remove the item (e.g., draw the firearm) without shifting the bag 1210 out of position, and prevents the bag 1210 from impeding the user's attempts to remove the item.
As shown in
In various embodiments, a second strap 1230b, which may be of varying size, is combined with the first strap 1230a in order to position bag 1210 in various positions on the body. For example, bag 1210 may be positioned on a user's hip (
Bag 1210 may further be positioned at a variety of angles. This allows a user to position bag 1210 at a particular angle for comfort, to reduce visibility, and the like. For example,
Various straps can be used with various bags shown and described herein. In embodiments, the strap can be sized to be worn as a shoulder bag, across the user's body, as a backpack, or around a user's ankle, thigh, waist, etc.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include strapping systems onto which items, including holsters (e.g., firearm holsters), may be arranged. In embodiments, the strapping system includes at least one strap. An embodiment of a strap 1330 according to the present disclosure is shown in
Another embodiment of a strap 1330 is shown in
In various embodiments, a strap 1330 is made of at least two layers that are coupled together. In such embodiments, a first layer may be as shown in
In some embodiments, at least a portion of a second layer is one half of a hook and loop fastener system (i.e., the hook or the loop), as shown in
In some embodiments, a strap 1330 includes one or more tabs 1338a, 1338b, which are shown extending upward from the strap 1330 in
In various embodiments, a strap 1430 includes one or more storage components. For example, a positioning strap may include a pocket, elastic wrap, a pouch, or the like. Additional accessories (e.g., a mobile phone, a mp3 player, a magazine, a sight, etc.) may be removably coupled to the strap 1430 using elastic wraps 1436 (as shown in
An embodiment of a strap that includes a pocket is shown in
Alternate embodiments of a strap 1530 according to the present disclosure is shown in
In the preceding description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter. However, the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the descriptions of other aspects of the present disclosure.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar articles or terms used in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural (i.e., “one or more”), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Ranges of values recited herein are intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. In the present description, any concentration range, percentage range, ratio range, or integer range is to be understood to include the value of any integer within the recited range and, when appropriate, fractions thereof (such as one tenth and one hundredth of an integer), unless otherwise indicated. Also, any number range recited herein relating to any physical feature, such as size or thickness, are to be understood to include any integer within the recited range, unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
The use of the alternative (e.g., “or”) should be understood to mean one, both, or any combination thereof of the alternatives. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the disclosure described herein should not be construed as limitations. Each member of a group may be referred to and claimed individually, or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein.
The term “about” has the meaning reasonably ascribed to it by a person of ordinary skill in the art when used in conjunction with a stated numerical value or range, i.e. denoting somewhat more or somewhat less than the stated value or range, to within a range of ±20% of the stated value; ±19% of the stated value; ±18% of the stated value; ±17% of the stated value; ±16% of the stated value; ±15% of the stated value; ±14% of the stated value; ±13% of the stated value; ±12% of the stated value; ±11% of the stated value; ±10% of the stated value; ±9% of the stated value; ±8% of the stated value; ±7% of the stated value; ±6% of the stated value; ±5% of the stated value; ±4% of the stated value; ±3% of the stated value; ±2% of the stated value; or ±1% of the stated value.
The term “substantially” has the meaning reasonably ascribed to it by a person of ordinary skill in the art when used to describe a physical characteristic of an item, i.e., indicating that the item possesses the referenced characteristic to a significant extent, e.g., to within a range of ±20% of the referenced characteristic; ±19% of the referenced characteristic; ±18% of the referenced characteristic; ±17% of the referenced characteristic; ±16% of the referenced characteristic; ±15% of the referenced characteristic; ±14% of the referenced characteristic; ±13% of the referenced characteristic; ±12% of the referenced characteristic; ±11% of the referenced characteristic; ±10% of the referenced characteristic; ±9% of the referenced characteristic; ±8% of the referenced characteristic; ±7% of the referenced characteristic; ±6% of the referenced characteristic; ±5% of the referenced characteristic; ±4% of the referenced characteristic; ±3% of the referenced characteristic; ±2% of the referenced characteristic; or ±1% of the referenced characteristic. For example, an item may be considered substantially circular if any two measurements of a diameter of the item are within a range of ±20%, ±19%; ±18%; ±17%; ±16%; ±15%; ±14%; ±13%; ±12%; ±11%; ±10%; ±9%; ±8%; ±7%; ±6%; ±5%; ±4%; ±3%; ±2%; or ±1% of each other. When used in conjunction with a comparator (e.g., a first coating is substantially thicker than a second coating) substantially is used to mean that the difference is at least ±20% of the referenced characteristic; ±19% of the referenced characteristic; ±18% of the referenced characteristic; ±17% of the referenced characteristic; ±16% of the referenced characteristic; ±15% of the referenced characteristic; ±14% of the referenced characteristic; ±13% of the referenced characteristic; ±12% of the referenced characteristic; ±11% of the referenced characteristic; ±10% of the referenced characteristic; ±9% of the referenced characteristic; ±8% of the referenced characteristic; ±7% of the referenced characteristic; ±6% of the referenced characteristic; ±5% of the referenced characteristic; ±4% of the referenced characteristic; ±3% of the referenced characteristic; ±2% of the referenced characteristic; or ±1% of the referenced characteristic.
Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The particulars described herein are by way of example and are only for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is merely intended to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure as claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element is essential to the practice of the disclosure. Further, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Each embodiment disclosed herein can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a particular stated element, step, ingredient, or component. The term “comprise” or “comprises” means “includes, but is not limited to,” and allows for the inclusion of unspecified elements, steps, ingredients, or components, even in major amounts. The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, ingredient, or component that is not specified. The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of the embodiment to the specified elements, steps, ingredients, or components, and to those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed disclosure.
Definitions used in the present disclosure are meant and intended to be controlling in any future construction unless clearly and unambiguously modified in the examples or when application of the meaning renders any construction meaningless or essentially meaningless. In cases where the construction of the term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary, 3rd Edition or a dictionary known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.
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