Vacuum bags for sports

Abstract

The present application relates to vacuum bags for sports. A bag or pocket can be used as a container and can be used to firmly hold objects (e.g., mobile phones, keys, wallets, etc.) during athletic activities (e.g., running). The bag can be an independent article or formed integrally as a part of other articles. The bag can keep the object to be stored in the appropriate position in the bag or pocket. The bag can provide some buffering or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held in the bag or pocket. In addition, the bag can be attached to clothing such as running clothing. The bag includes a one-way valve and an outer envelope that can be sealed by a closure, wherein a foam layer is located in the bag. After the object is placed in the bag, the closure is closed, and the air in the bag is discharged via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layer from the outside.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of May 02, 2019, application number 201980044067.6, and invention name “Vacuum bag for sports”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 667,098, filed on May 4, 2018, entitled “Vacuum Pouch for Athletics,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made a part hereof. Background Art

[0004] When exercising or running, people sometimes have objects that need to be stored or preserved, such as keys, mobile phones or wallets. Often, a bag or pocket that can be used to securely hold these objects is needed when exercising (e.g., running). Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention generally provides a device or apparatus for providing a vacuum bag for movement.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a bag for firmly holding an object during a sporting activity comprises an outer envelope, one or more foam components within the outer envelope, a resealable opening on the exterior of the outer envelope, and a one-way valve communicating with an interior chamber. The outer envelope may define an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface. The one or more foam components may include a first foam layer adjacent to the first major surface of the outer envelope and a second foam layer adjacent to the second major surface of the outer envelope. The resealable opening may provide an opening for inserting an object into the interior chamber. In addition, once the object is inserted into the bag, the resealable opening is closed and sealed, and the one or more foam components are compressed. The compression of the one or more foam components discharges air from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0007] According to another embodiment, clothing may include a clothing base material and a bag releasably or fixedly attached to the clothing base material, the clothing base material including one or more fabric components. The bag may be used to firmly hold an object during athletic activity. The bag may include an outer envelope, one or more foam components located within the outer envelope, a resealable opening located on the outside of the outer envelope, and a one-way valve communicated with an internal chamber. The outer envelope may define an internal chamber having a first main surface and a second main surface. The one or more foam components may include a first foam layer adjacent to the first main surface of the outer envelope and a second foam layer adjacent to the second main surface of the outer envelope. The resealable opening may provide an opening for inserting an object into the internal chamber. In addition, once the object is inserted into the bag, the resealable opening is closed and sealed, and the one or more foam components are compressed. The compression of the one or more foam components discharges air from the internal chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0008] According to yet another embodiment, a bag for firmly holding an object during a sporting activity may include an outer envelope, one or more foam components within the outer envelope, a resealable opening on the outside of the outer envelope, a plate between the outer envelope and the one or more foam components, and a one-way valve communicated with an internal chamber. The outer envelope may define an internal chamber having a first main surface and a second main surface. The one or more foam components may include a first foam layer adjacent to the first main surface of the outer envelope and a second foam layer adjacent to the second main surface of the outer envelope. The resealable opening may provide an opening for inserting an object into the internal chamber. The resealable opening may include a closure to seal the resealable opening. The closure may include one of the following closures: a zipper closure, a pressure resealable closure, or a sliding device closure. The plate may be used as a regulator to distribute the compression force more evenly on the foam components, thereby better exhausting air and more evenly compressing the object in the bag. In addition, once the object is inserted into the bag, the resealable opening is closed and sealed, and the one or more foam components are compressed. The compression of the one or more foam components expels air from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve. The bag may also include a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam components compress and air is expelled from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve. The bag may also include a set of cables coupled to a plurality of rigid straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of cables are pulled, the rigid straps tighten around the outer envelope compressing the foam components and air is expelled from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 depicts a top view of an example vacuum bag according to one or more aspects described herein;

[0012] Figure 2 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of an example vacuum bag in an inflated configuration according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0013] Figure 3 Depicts a device in a deflated configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of an example vacuum bag.

[0014] Figure 4 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of another example vacuum bag in an inflated configuration according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0015] Figure 5 Depicts a device in a deflated configuration according to one or more aspects described herein. Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of an example vacuum bag.

[0016] Figure 6 Depicted are various components of an example bag according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0017] Figure 7 Depicted are views of an example vacuum bag fixedly attached to a garment according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0018] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Depicted is a diagram of an example system for compressing a vacuum bag according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0019] Fig.10 and Fig.11 A picture depicting another example system for compressing a vacuum bag according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0020] Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings may represent the proportions of various components of a single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to this particular proportion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a bag or pocket as a container that can be used to securely hold objects (e.g., mobile phones, keys, wallets, etc.) during athletic activities, such as during exercise (e.g., running). The bag can be an independent item or integrally formed as part of other items such as clothing articles, belts (e.g., waist bag belts), bags, etc. The bag or pocket may be required to keep the object to be stored in the appropriate position within the bag or pocket. The bag or pocket may be required to provide some cushioning or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held in the bag or pocket. In addition, the bag or pocket can be attached to clothing such as running clothing. The bag or pocket may be required to prevent the object from bouncing when running or otherwise exercising and moving. The bag includes a one-way valve and an outer envelope that can be sealed by a closure. One or more foam layers are included in the bag. After the object is placed in the bag, the closure is closed, and the air in the bag is discharged via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layer from the outside. The compressed foam keeps the object in the appropriate position within the bag.

[0022] In the following description of various example structures according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this document, and in which various example devices, systems and environments in which various aspects of the present invention can be implemented are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other specific arrangements of components, example devices, systems and environments can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and modifications of structure and function can be made. Moreover, although the terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "side", "back" and the like can be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the present invention, these terms are used herein for convenience, such as these terms are based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientations during typical use. Nothing in this specification should be interpreted as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of the structure in order to fall within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is suggested that the reader does not necessarily draw the drawings to scale.

[0023] In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this document and in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figures 1 to 3 An example vacuum bag 100 is depicted according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, Figure 1 A top view of bag 100 is depicted. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the bag 100 is depicted in an inflated configuration. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the bag 100 is depicted in a deflated configuration.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, aspects of the present invention relate to a bag 100 that includes an outer flexible envelope 110, one or more foam components 120 located within the outer flexible envelope 110, an openable / closable resealable opening 130, and a one-way valve 140. Any one-way valve 140 may be used as the one-way valve 140, such as a duckbill valve (e.g., a Vernay duckbill check valve, a valve of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,130 (incorporated by reference), etc.). The outer flexible envelope 110 may define an interior chamber 112 having a first major surface 114 and a second major surface 116 opposite the first major surface 114. The resealable opening 130 may be located on the exterior of the outer flexible envelope 110. The resealable opening 130 may provide an opening for inserting an object 10 into the interior chamber 112, and may allow the object 10 to be inserted into the interior of the interior chamber 112. The resealable opening 130 can be sealed many different times and is not a one-time sealed closure. The resealable opening 130 can include many different closure systems known and used in the art, such as zipper closures, pressure resealable closures, or slide closures.

[0026] One or more foam components 120 may be, for example, open-cell foam. Foam component 120 may provide a first foam layer 122 adjacent to first major surface 114 and a second foam layer 124 adjacent to second major surface 116. Foam component 120 may be an open-cell foam material having high resilience properties. Additionally, foam component 120 may include a plurality of laser holes for zone compression.

[0027] The bag 100, the outer envelope 110 and the foam member 120 may be Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated rectangular shape. In addition, without departing from the present invention, the bag 100, the outer envelope 110 and the foam component 120 can be other shapes. For example, the bag 100, the outer envelope 110 and the foam component 120 can be square, circular or oval. In addition, without departing from the present invention, the bag 100, the outer envelope 110 and the foam component 120 can be polygons with 5 sides, 6 sides or 8 sides. The bag 100, the outer envelope 110 and the foam component 120 can also be irregularly shaped. In another embodiment without departing from the present invention, the bag 100, the outer envelope 110 and the foam component 120 can be different shapes as part of the same system, for example, the bag 100 and the outer envelope 110 can be rectangular, while the foam component 120 is oval.

[0028] In use, an object 10 to be stored in the bag 100 may be inserted through the resealable opening 130 and between the foam members 120, such as Figure 2 As shown in the picture. Figure 2The bag 100 is illustrated in an inflated configuration. Once the object 10 is inserted into the bag 100, the resealable opening 130 can be closed using the closure system, which seals the outer envelope 110. The user can then compress the foam member 120 from the outside of the bag 100, for example by using his / her hands to compress the foam member 120. This compression of the foam member 120 expels air from the interior chamber 112 of the outer envelope 110 via a one-way valve 140 that communicates with the interior chamber 112. Since the valve 140 is a one-way valve, air can leave the interior chamber 112 through the valve 140, but cannot return. This compresses the bag 100 into a state such as Figure 3 The bleed configuration shown.

[0029] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second bag assembly 200 is illustrated according to one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the bag 200 is depicted in an inflated configuration. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the bag 200 is depicted in a deflated configuration. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrated bag 200 is similar to the above-described and Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustrated bag 100 is the same, except that the bag 200 includes a plate 250 located between the first major surface 114 of the outer envelope 110 and the first foam layer 122. The plate 250 may be a semi-rigid plate that acts as a conditioner to more evenly distribute the compressive force over the area of ​​the foam member 120. The plate 250 may also help vent air and more evenly press the foam member 120 against the object 10 being held.

[0030] Figure 6 The various components of the bags 100, 200 are shown. Figure 6As shown, the components of the bag 100, 200 may include a foam component 120 including a first foam layer 122 and a second foam layer 124. The components of the bag 100, 200 may also include a "hotmelt up" component that defines a layer of the flexible envelope 110 having a one-way valve 140. The components of the bag 100, 200 may also include a "skin" component that defines a layer of the flexible envelope 110 having a resealable opening 130. The components of the bag 100, 200 may also include a "hotmelt" component that defines a hot-melted edge or border 118 that may be applied to the flexible envelope 110 to secure the bag 100 to another object, such as a garment 12. A "wax paper" member 102 may be utilized between the facing interior edges of the foam layers 122, 124, for example, to help the object 10 slide more easily in and out of the interior pocket and to prevent the foam layers 122, 124 from sticking together.

[0031] In some embodiments, the bag 100, 200 may be attached (or attachable) to a garment 12 such as a shirt, vest, shorts, pants, socks, hat, etc. The bag 100, 200 may be fixedly attached to the garment 12, for example, by a hot melt adhesive or by a plurality of sewn seams, etc. Figure 7 The bag 100, 200 is illustrated attached to a garment 12. The garment 12 may include a garment base material 14, such as one or more fabric materials or fabric components. The bag 100 may be releasably or fixedly attached to the garment base material 14. In addition, the bag 100 may include a mechanism for releasably and permanently attaching the bag 100 to another object, such as a garment 12. The mechanism may include hook and loop fasteners, hot melt adhesives, adhesives with a release paper covering, snaps, buttons, magnetic connectors, etc.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for compressing the flexible envelope 110 is provided, for example, if the bag 100, 200 is mounted on the back side of the garment 12. The back side mounting is useful for the bag 100, 200, for example, for running or other exercise, because it generally keeps the bag 100, 200 out of the way of other movements required when running and exercising. However, if the bag 100, 200 is mounted on the back side of the garment 12, the object 10 may need to be inserted into the bag 100, 200 before putting on the garment 12 (because the wearer may not be able to access the resealable opening 130 at his / her back). Although the foam layers 122, 124 can be compressed before putting on the garment 12, this may cause the shape of the bag 100, 200 to not conform to the body of the wearer, which may make the bag 100, 200 uncomfortable, which is undesirable.

[0033] Thus, according to some aspects of the present invention, the object 10 may be inserted into the dorsal-mounted pocket 100, 200 prior to donning the garment 12, and the pocket 100, 200 may be sealed by the resealable closure 130. However, the foam layers 122, 124 may not be compressed until after the pocket 100, 200 is donned. The pocket 100, 200 may be coupled to / include a structure to enable the foam layers 122, 124 to be compressed by the wearer after donning the garment 12. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An example compression structure 160 for compressing the foam layers 122 , 124 is illustrated.

[0034] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a set of straps 162 can be wrapped around the flexible envelope 110. The finger capture strap configuration of the straps 162 can allow the bag 100 to be squeezed on both sides of the bag 100. The finger capture strap configuration can be similar to a cylindrical spirally wound braid, typically a conventional biaxial braid, wherein pulling the straps 162 causes the strap configuration to lengthen and narrow, thereby tightening around the bag 100. The more the straps 162 are pulled, the more the envelope 110 contracts, and the straps 162 tighten around the envelope 110 and the bag 100. By pulling on the free ends 164 of the straps 162 (which the user can do from the front of the garment 12), the foam layers 122, 124 can be compressed, thereby exhausting air from the interior chamber 112 of the outer envelope 110 via the one-way valve 140. This compression action can also help to make the flexible envelope 110 of the bag 100, 200 better conform to the shape of the wearer's back. Additionally, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The plate 250 described in can assist with this embodiment, for example, to help more evenly compress the foam layers 122, 124 within the flexible envelope 110. Other types of structures may be utilized to create a compressive force on the foam layers 122, 124 without departing from the invention.

[0035] In another embodiment, Fig.10 and Fig.11A compression structure 160 for compressing the foam layers 122, 124 is illustrated, and includes a set of ties or cables 162 that can be used to pull a wider and more rigid set of straps 166 that, when compressed against the foam member 120, expel air from the interior chamber 112 of the outer envelope 110 via the one-way valve 140. The set of straps 166 can be partially or completely wrapped around or covering the flexible envelope 110. The set of straps 166 may not be part of the pulling structure, but rather is coupled to the set of ties or cables 162. By pulling the free ends 164 of the ties or cables 162 (which the user can do from the front of the garment 12), the set of straps 166 is tightened around the outer envelope 110 and the foam layers 122, 124 can be compressed, thereby expelling air from the interior chamber 112 of the outer envelope 110 via the one-way valve 140. This compression action can also help the flexible envelope 110 of the bag 100, 200 better conform to the shape of the wearer's back. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The plate 250 described in can assist with this embodiment, for example, to help more evenly compress the foam layers 122 , 124 within the flexible envelope 110 .

[0036] The flexible envelope 110 or "skin" can be made of a material that provides a certain desired level of stretchability, particularly for bags 100, 200 that are attached to clothing 12 and in close proximity to the wearer's body. The stretchable skin can allow the bag 100, 200 to "move" with the body better as needed, for example, to increase comfort and reduce undesirable effects on performance. In addition, the stretchable skin of the flexible envelope 110 can be sealed so that water or air cannot enter the interior of the bag 100, 200 and its stretch / skin-like properties will not tear or have any elongation. A suitable skin material is a lined thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film available from SanFang under the name Desol Lining. Other materials that provide stretchability may be used without departing from the present invention.

[0037] The bag 100, 200 can be used in a variety of applications in addition to being attached to clothing or clothing. For example, as another option, the bag system 100, 200 can be used as a container for protective plates in sportswear. A specific example can be used with a football sock for housing shin guards. This type of bag system 100, 200 can be incorporated into a football sock. The shin guard can be placed in the bag 100, 200, and the bag 100, 200 can be closed and compressed. The bag system 100, 200 can help keep the shin guard in place during use and play. The shin guard can then be removed from the bag 100, 200 as needed. Other applications of this bag system can be used without departing from the present invention.

[0038] An advantage of the bag 100, 200 is that the compression of the flexible envelope 110, the foam layers 122, 124, and the relative vacuum pressure created within the interior chamber 112 generally holds the object 10 to be stored in place. When the bag 100, 200 is attached to an article of clothing 12 (e.g., running apparel), the bag 100, 200 can help prevent the object 10 from bouncing while running or otherwise exercising / moving. Although compressed, the foam layers 122, 124 can also provide some cushioning / impact attenuation to protect the object 10 being held, such as a cell phone.

[0039] The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] This application also involves the following aspects:

[0041] 1). A bag for securely holding an object during athletic activity, the bag comprising:

[0042] an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface;

[0043] one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope, the one or more foam components comprising a first foam layer adjacent the first major surface of the outer envelope and a second foam layer adjacent the second major surface of the outer envelope;

[0044] a resealable opening on an exterior of the outer envelope, the resealable opening providing an opening for inserting an object into the interior chamber; and

[0045] a one-way valve in communication with the internal chamber,

[0046] Once the object is inserted into the bag, the resealable opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed, wherein the compression of the one or more foam components expels air from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0047] 2). The bag according to 1), further comprising a mechanism for releasably and permanently connecting the bag to another object.

[0048] 3). The bag according to 1), wherein the resealable opening comprises a closure configured to be sealed, and the closure comprises one of the following closures: a zipper closure, a pressure-resealable closure, or a slide closure.

[0049] 4). The bag according to 1), wherein the one or more foam components are open-cell foams with high resilience properties.

[0050] 5). The bag according to 1), wherein the one or more foam components include a plurality of laser holes for area compression.

[0051] 6) The bag according to 1) further comprises a plate between the outer envelope and the one or more foam parts, the plate acting as a regulator to more evenly distribute the compression force on the foam parts, thereby better discharging the air and more evenly compressing the objects in the bag.

[0052] 7). The bag according to 1), wherein the bag is fixedly attached to clothing.

[0053] 8). The bag according to 7) further comprising a heat-melt component, the heat-melt component defining a heat-melt edge, the heat-melt edge being applied to the periphery of the outer envelope to fixedly attach the bag to the garment.

[0054] 9). The bag according to 1) further comprises a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam component is compressed and the air is discharged from the internal chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0055] 10) The bag according to 1) further comprises a set of cables connected to a plurality of rigid straps, the plurality of rigid straps being wound around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of cables are pulled, the rigid straps are tightened around the outer envelope compressing the foam component, and the air is discharged from the internal chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0056] 11). The bag according to 1), wherein the outer envelope is provided by a lined thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film.

[0057] 12). A kind of clothing, comprising:

[0058] a garment base material comprising one or more textile components; and

[0059] A pocket releasably or fixedly attached to the garment base material, the pocket being used to securely hold an object during athletic activity, the pocket comprising:

[0060] an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface;

[0061] one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope, the one or more foam components comprising a first foam layer adjacent the first major surface of the outer envelope and a second foam layer adjacent the second major surface of the outer envelope;

[0062] a resealable opening on an exterior of the outer envelope, the resealable opening providing an opening for inserting an object into the interior chamber; and

[0063] a one-way valve in communication with the internal chamber,

[0064] Once the object is inserted into the bag, the resealable opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed, wherein the compression of the one or more foam components expels air from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0065] 13). A garment according to 12), wherein the bag is releasably attached to the garment base material and comprises means for releasably and permanently connecting the bag to the garment base material.

[0066] 14). A garment according to 12), wherein the bag is fixedly attached to the garment base material and comprises a hot melt component defining a hot melt edge which is applied to the periphery of the outer envelope to fixedly attach the bag to the garment.

[0067] 15). A garment according to 12), wherein the bag is fixedly attached to the garment base material via a plurality of sewn seams sewn to the garment.

[0068] 16). The garment according to 12) further comprises a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam component is compressed and the air is discharged from the internal chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0069] 17). The garment according to 12) further comprises a set of cables connected to a plurality of rigid straps, wherein the plurality of rigid straps are wound around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of cables are pulled, the rigid straps are tightened around the outer envelope compressing the foam component, and the air is discharged from the internal chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0070] 18) A bag for securely holding an object during athletic activity, the bag comprising:

[0071] an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface;

[0072] one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope, the one or more foam components comprising a first foam layer adjacent the first major surface of the outer envelope and a second foam layer adjacent the second major surface of the outer envelope;

[0073] a resealable opening on an exterior of the outer envelope, the resealable opening providing an opening for inserting an object into the interior chamber, the resealable opening further comprising a closure to seal the resealable opening, wherein the closure comprises one of the following closures: a zipper closure, a pressure-resealable closure, or a slide closure;

[0074] a plate between the outer envelope and the one or more foam components, the plate acting as a conditioner to more evenly distribute compressive forces across the foam components, thereby better evacuating air and more evenly compressing the objects within the bag; and

[0075] a one-way valve in communication with the internal chamber,

[0076] Once the object is inserted into the bag, the resealable opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed, wherein the compression of the one or more foam components expels air from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0077] 19) The bag according to 18) further comprises a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam component is compressed and the air is discharged from the internal chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

[0078] 20) The bag according to 18) further includes a group of cables connected to a plurality of rigid straps, which are wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the group of cables are pulled, the rigid straps are tightened around the outer envelope compressing the foam part, and the air is discharged from the internal chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

Claims

1. A bag for securely holding an object during athletic activity, the bag comprising: an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface; one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope; an opening on an exterior of the outer envelope, provided for inserting an object into the interior chamber; a one-way valve in communication with the interior chamber; and a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam member compresses and air is expelled from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve, Wherein once the object is inserted into the bag, the opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed.

2. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for releasably attaching the bag to another object.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises a closure configured to be sealed, and the closure is a zipper closure.

4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more foam components are open-cell foams having high resiliency properties.

5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more foam components include a plurality of laser holes for zone compression.

6. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a plate between the outer envelope and the one or more foam components, the plate acting as a conditioner to more evenly distribute compressive forces across the foam components, thereby better venting the air and more evenly compressing the objects within the bag.

7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is fixedly attached to a garment.

8. The bag of claim 7, further comprising a heat-seal component defining a heat-seal edge applied to a perimeter of the outer envelope to fixedly attach the bag to the garment.

9. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a set of cables coupled to a plurality of rigid straps that are wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when free ends of the set of cables are pulled, the rigid straps tighten around the outer envelope compressing the foam component and the air is exhausted from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

10. The bag of claim 1, wherein the outer envelope is provided by a lined thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film.

11. The bag of claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises a closure configured to be sealed, and the closure is a pressure-resealable closure.

12. The bag of claim 1, wherein the opening includes a closure configured to be sealed, and the closure is a slide closure.

13. A garment comprising: a garment base material comprising one or more fabric components; as well as A pocket releasably or fixedly attached to the garment base material, the pocket being used to securely hold an object during athletic activity, the pocket comprising: an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface; one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope; an opening on an exterior of the outer envelope, provided for inserting an object into the interior chamber; a one-way valve in communication with the interior chamber; and a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam member compresses and air is expelled from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve, Wherein once the object is inserted into the bag, the opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed.

14. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the bag is releasably attached to the garment base material and includes means for releasably connecting the bag to the garment base material.

15. The garment of claim 13, wherein the bag is fixedly attached to the garment base material and includes a heat-seal component defining a heat-seal edge applied to a periphery of the outer envelope to fixedly attach the bag to the garment.

16. The garment of claim 13, wherein the pocket is fixedly attached to the garment base material via a plurality of stitched seams sewn to the garment.

17. The garment of claim 13, further comprising a set of cables coupled to a plurality of rigid straps that are wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when free ends of the set of cables are pulled, the rigid straps tighten around the outer envelope compressing the foam component and the air is exhausted from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

18. A bag for securely holding an object during athletic activity, the bag comprising: an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface; one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope; an opening on an exterior of the outer envelope provided for inserting an object into the interior chamber, the opening further comprising a closure to seal the opening, wherein the closure is a zipper-type closure; a plate positioned between the outer envelope and the one or more foam components, the plate acting as a conditioner to more evenly distribute compressive forces across the foam components, thereby better evacuating air and more evenly compressing the objects within the bag; a one-way valve in communication with the interior chamber; and a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam member compresses and the air is expelled from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve, Wherein once the object is inserted into the bag, the opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed.

19. A bag for securely holding an object during athletic activity, the bag comprising: an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface; one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope; an opening on an exterior of the outer envelope provided for inserting an object into the interior chamber, the opening further comprising a closure to seal the opening, wherein the closure is a pressure-resealable closure; a plate positioned between the outer envelope and the one or more foam components, the plate acting as a conditioner to more evenly distribute compressive forces across the foam components, thereby better evacuating air and more evenly compressing the objects within the bag; a one-way valve in communication with the interior chamber; and a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam member compresses and the air is expelled from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve, Wherein once the object is inserted into the bag, the opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed.

20. A bag for securely holding an object during athletic activity, the bag comprising: an outer envelope defining an interior chamber having a first major surface and a second major surface; one or more foam components positioned within the outer envelope; an opening on an exterior of the outer envelope provided for inserting an object into the interior chamber, the opening further comprising a closure to seal the opening, wherein the closure is a slide closure; a plate positioned between the outer envelope and the one or more foam components, the plate acting as a conditioner to more evenly distribute compressive forces across the foam components, thereby better evacuating air and more evenly compressing the objects within the bag; a one-way valve in communication with the interior chamber; and a set of straps wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of straps are pulled, the foam member compresses and the air is expelled from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve, Wherein once the object is inserted into the bag, the opening is closed and sealed and the one or more foam components are compressed.

21. The bag of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising a set of cables connected to a plurality of rigid straps that are wrapped around the outer envelope, wherein when the free ends of the set of cables are pulled, the rigid straps tighten around the outer envelope compressing the foam component and the air is exhausted from the interior chamber of the outer envelope via the one-way valve.

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