Bags and carrier systems thereof

Abstract

An aspect of this disclosure relates to a carrier bag or backpack of a material forming an enclosure with an internal contained space defined therein. The carrier bag or backpack has an opening for access to the contained space with a rollable or foldable top portion. In an unrolled or unfolded state the opening of this bag is exposed.

Description

Title: Bags and Carrier Systems Thereof

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial 63 / 556,022 filed February 21, 2024, teachings of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] Various bags including carrier bags, backpacks and dry pouches with rollable or foldable top portions as well as slings and dry cubes and carrier systems inclusive of the bags are provided.BACKGROUND

[0003] Soft waterproof carriers or containers are used in the outdoor market for backpacks, bags of all types including duffle bags, shoulder bags, camera bags, stuff bags, and the like. These carriers protect their contents against rain, dew, and mist and perhaps being dunked in a stream or lake. A problem facing waterproof soft carriers is how to seal an opening provided in the carrier to allow insertion and removal of objects to and from an interior compartment.

[0004] Bags are available with what are described as watertight or water-proof zippers.

[0005] However, zippers that are designed to resist the passage of water and / or gas when closed must be completely closed in order to prevent passage of water or gas. This requires care on the part of the user. "Waterproof" zippers share another characteristic in addition to beinghighly water-resistant when closed. The slides of these zippers are difficult to move compared to ordinary zippers. The slides of waterproof zippers offer noticeable resistance to being moved because the slides are compressing or sgueezing sealing material together when the zipper is closed (or opening such material when the zipper is opened) on either side of the coiled or toothed zipper. Accordingly, persons using carriers are less likely to open and close such zippers because of the necessary exertion unless the zipper must be opened to allow access to the interior of the carrier or closed to positively prevent ingress of water.

[0006] Further, waterproof zippers must be kept clean of sand, dust, and debris in order to be waterproof because the sealing material will not be able to properly close around the coils or teeth of a waterproof zipper if sand, dirt, dust, or other debris obstructs the sealing material. A carrier with an open waterproof zipper therefore should be kept away from sand, dust, and debris in order to not degrade the function of the waterproof zipper. The zipper may need to be cleaned if it is exposed to sand, dust, or debris .

[0007] Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2018 / 0078008 discloses a carrier with a waterproof primary or internal zipper closing an opening in one or more walls that define an otherwise waterproof interior compartment of the carrier. The carrier provides a flap connected to the exterior of one or more of the walls in such a way as to be able to cover and thereby protect the opened waterproof zipper from sand, dust, or debris. The flap may be moved from a first position in which the flap covers and protects the waterproof zipper to a second position away from the waterproof zipper inorder to permit access to the waterproof zipper and the opening to the interior compartment.

[0008] Another solution to providing a waterproof closure is to provide a carrier made of waterproof material having an opening at the end of a tube long enough that the tube can be rolled up to close the opening. The rolled-up tube typically is secured by a two-piece interlocking buckle in which a first piece of the buckle is attached by a strap to one side of the end of the tube and the second piece by a second strap to the other side of the end of the tube. Alternatively, hook-and-loop fabric may be employed to secure the rolled-up tube. Dry bags used in paddle sports and other outdoor pursuits often have a rolled-up tube closure .

[0009] U.S. Patent 8,302,749 discloses a storage system comprising a first enclosure that forms an outer carrier including fastener openings and a second enclosure that forms a inner carrier, wherein the inner carrier is stored within the outer carrier, wherein the inner carrier includes an opening, a roll top mechanism, a first set of fasteners at opposite ends of the opening and disposed at a first end of the inner carrier, and a second set of fasteners disposed at a second end of the inner carrier opposite the first end, wherein the second set of fasteners are configured to engage the first set of fasteners, wherein the inner carrier includes an open configuration wherein the opening is open such that an interior of the inner carrier is accessible and a closed configuration wherein edges of the opening contact each other to close the opening and the roll top mechanism formed by the edges of the closed opening is rolled over at least one time, and wherein in the closed configuration thesecond set of fasteners of the inner carrier extend from an interior of the outer carrier to an exterior of the outer carrier through the fastener openings and are attached to the first set of fasteners of the inner carrier.

[0010] Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2014 / 0254956 discloses a waterproof bag comprising an impermeable material forming a waterproof enclosure wherein an internal contained space is defined therein, and having an opening for access to the contained space, and a rollable top portion configurable in an unrolled state exposing the opening and a rolled state enclosing the opening therein; a horizontal waterproof zipper closure mechanism sealingly secured to the impermeable material around the opening, and movable between an open position allowing access through the opening and a closed position forming a waterproof seal preventing passage through the opening; and interengagement couplings for retaining the rollable top portion in the rolled state; wherein rolling the rollable top portion over the opening increases the resistance of the closure mechanism to separation resulting from pressure due to submersion at a depth.

[0011] There is a need for light-weight, easy to close, water-resistant bags.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Provided by this disclosure are various bags including, but not limited to, carrier bags, backpacks and dry pouches with rollable or foldable top portions as well as slings and cubes any of which can be included in carrier systems comprising two or more of the various bags.

[0013] An aspect of this disclosure relates to a carrier bag or backpack of a material forming an enclosure with an internal contained space defined therein. The carrier bag or backpack has an opening for access to the contained space with a rollable or foldable top portion. In an unrolled or unfolded state the opening of this bag is exposed. In a rolled or folded state the opening is enclosed. The carrier bag or backpack may further comprise a flap which remains parallel to the contained space when the rollable or foldable top portion is open. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the flap secures at least a portion of the opening when in a rolled or folded state.

[0014] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack further comprises a lower front kangaroo pocket and / or additional side pockets. In one nonlimiting embodiment with the front kangaroo pocket, the carrier bag or backpack further comprises a lower front flap. In one nonlimiting embodiment with the lower front kangaroo pocket, the rollable or foldable top portion can extend over the lower front kangaroo pocket and / or lower front flap.

[0015] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag comprises a floating back panel.

[0016] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag comprises one or more shoulder straps and an optional waist or hip band for use as a backpack.

[0017] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the one or more shoulder straps and / or the waist or hip band are adjustable and / or removable.

[0018] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the opening for access to the internal contained space of the bag is shapedand / or pleated to provide full access to the internal contained space.

[0019] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the bag comprises a closing means in the rollable or foldable top portion of the opening .

[0020] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the bag further comprises a cord attached to the top flap which is extended when the rollable or foldable top portion is open and which can be pulled tight when the flap is secured about at least a portion of the opening in its rolled or folded state.

[0021] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the bag comprises one or more cordage loops for attachment of accessories.

[0022] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a dry pouch with a rollable or foldable opening.

[0023] In one nonlimiting embodiment, two stiffening means are included in the rollable or foldable opening of the dry pouch on opposite sides of the opening.

[0024] In one nonlimiting embodiment, one or more magnets are included in each stiffening means of the dry pouch for enclosing the opening in the rolled or folded state.

[0025] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the dry pouch has outer handles on opposite sides of the opening for ease in opening the pouch.

[0026] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the dry pouch comprises one or more cordage loops on the exterior for attachment of accessories.

[0027] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a sling which is pleated or darted in its top front portion to avoid seams .

[0028] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the sling comprises one or more cordage loops for attachment of accessories.

[0029] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a cube sized for insertion through the opening of carrier bag or backpack .

[0030] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack, dry pouch, cube and / or sling disclosed herein comprises an impermeable material.

[0031] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack, dry pouch, cube and / or sling disclosed herein is water-resistant .

[0032] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack, dry pouch, cube and / or sling disclosed herein is ultra-light and durable.

[0033] Yet another aspect of this disclosure relates to carrier systems comprising two or more of the carrier bag or backpack, dry pouch, cube or sling disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0034] The figures that will be described show various embodiments of bags in compliance with the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not specifically limited to the embodiments presented in the figures and that it extends to the implementation of any equivalent means.

[0035] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. In addition, the terms "lower," "upper," "top," "bottom," "front," "back", "exterior", "internal" etc. are used in reference to the drawings for further clarity. They should not be understood as being limitations on the scope of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 1A through FIG. 1M are drawings of a nonlimiting embodiment of a carrier bag or portions thereofof this disclosure including a side view (FIG. 1A), front view (FIG. IB), back view (FIG. 10), top view (FIG. ID), bottom view (FIG. IE), inside front panel view (FIG. IF), side pocket assembly to main body (FIG. 1G), main body (FIG. IE), back panel interior (FIG. II) and various embodiments of floating back panels (FIGs. 1J-10) including a nonlimiting embodiment with hidden webbing and anti-rotation shell fabric for carrier bags with the optional waist or hip band FIG. IK.

[0037] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show perspective front closed (FIG. 2A) and side closed (FIG. 2B) views of a nonlimiting embodiment of a carrier bag of this disclosure inclusive of shoulder straps and a waist or hip band and optional side pocket .

[0038] FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C show a nonlimiting embodiment of an adjustable attachment means which can be included on the waist or hip band of carrier bags with this option and a back panel such as depicted in FIG. IK.

[0039] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show two nonlimiting variations of shoulder strap adjustment means for embodiments of carrier bags inclusive of one or more shoulder straps.

[0040] FIG. 5A through FIG. 5M are drawings of a nonlimiting embodiment of a sling of this disclosure including both exterior (FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F) and interior (FIG. 5G through FIG. 5L) views and an embodiment with an optional clip cord (FIG. 5M).

[0041] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are perspective views of a nonlimiting embodiment of a sling bag of this disclosure inclusive of an adjustable waist or hip band.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a nonlimiting embodiment of a dry pouch of this disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a bar graph showing results of a comparative study on tear strength of an ultra-light high modulus woven polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric used in bags of this disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a bar graph showing results of a comparative study on taber abrasion of an UHMWPE fabric used in bags of this disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a bar graph showing results of a comparative study on water-resistance of a nylon-UHMWPE fabric used in the bags of this disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a bar graph showing results of a comparative study on grams per square meter (GSM) weight of an UHMWPE fabric used in bags of this disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a bar graph showing results of a comparative study on tear strength of a nylon-ultra-light high modulus woven polyethylene (UHMWPE) cordage used in bags of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] This disclosure relates to various bags including carrier bags, backpacks and dry pouches with rollable or foldable top portions as well as slings and cubes. Bags of this disclosure are durable, ultra-light and in some embodiments water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. Further, these bags are designed for use together in carrier systems of two or more of the bags disclosed herein.

[0049] Carrier bags of this disclosure comprise a material forming an enclosure with an internal contained space defined therein. The carrier bag 10 has an opening for access to the contained space with a rollable or foldable top portion 12. In an unrolled or unfolded state theopening of this bag is exposed and in a rolled or folded state the opening is enclosed. The carrier bag further comprises a flap 14 which remains parallel to the contained space when the rollable or foldable top portion is open. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the flap secures about at least a portion of the opening when in a rolled or folded state.

[0050] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack further comprises a lower front kangaroo pocket and / or optional side pocket 60. In one nonlimiting embodiment with the front kangaroo pocket, the carrier bag or backpack further comprises a lower front flap. In one nonlimiting embodiment with the lower front kangaroo pocket, the rollable or foldable top portion can extend over the lower front kangaroo pocket and / or lower front flap.

[0051] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the bag further comprises a cord 16 attached to the flap 14 which is extended when the rollable or foldable top portion is open and which can be pulled tight when the flap is secured about at least a portion of the opening in its rolled or folded state .

[0052] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the opening for access to the internal contained space of the carrier bag is shaped and / or pleated to provide full access to the internal contained space. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the opening is rectangular in shape. In another nonlimiting embodiment, the opening is elliptical or oblong in shape.

[0053] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag comprises a closing means 18 in the rollable or foldable top portion of the opening.

[0054] Various closing means including, but not limited to zippers, snaps, buttons, hooks, magnets, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0055] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the closing means may comprise two or more stiffening means placed on opposite sides of the opening. Such stiffening means may extend across only a portion or the entirety of opposite sides of the opening.

[0056] In one nonlimiting embodiment, one or more magnets are placed in each stiffening means for enclosing the opening in the rolled or folded state.

[0057] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag comprises one or more cordage loops 20 for attachment of accessories .

[0058] A nonlimiting embodiment of a carrier bag of this disclosure is depicted in FIGs. 1A-1I.

[0059] The carrier bag may further comprise a floating back panel 22. Various configurations of floating back panels are depicted in FIGs. 1J-1O.

[0060] In some nonlimiting embodiments, the back panel is curved to provide lumbar support.

[0061] In one nonlimiting embodiment the carrier bag further comprises one or more shoulder straps 24 and / or a waist or hip band 26. See, for example, FIGs. 2A and 2B. Such embodiments are particularly useful as backpacks.

[0062] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the one or more shoulder straps and / or the waist or hip band are adjustable and / or removable.

[0063] A nonlimiting embodiment of a unique riveting means 28 for adjusting the waist or hip band comprising a rivet onthe band which is insertable into one or more slots on the carrier bag is depicted in FIG. IK and FIGs. 3A through C.

[0064] Nonlimiting means 30 for adjusting the shoulder straps via a plurality of open loops through which the shoulder strap can be threaded are depicted in FIG. 1C and FIGs. 4A and B.

[0065] Carrier bags of this disclosure come in various sizes including, but in no way limited to 25L, 45L and 65L sizes .

[0066] Adjustment means for the shoulder straps and / or waist / hip band such as, but not limited to those depicted in the figures herein allow for production of a single carrier bag or backpack useful by both men and women of varying size and stature.

[0067] Dry pouches 40 of this disclosure also comprise a rollable or foldable opening 42.

[0068] In one nonlimiting embodiment, two stiffening means are included in the rollable or foldable opening of the dry pouch on opposite sides of the opening.

[0069] In one nonlimiting embodiment, one or more magnets are included in each stiffening means of the dry pouch for enclosing the opening in the rolled or folded state.

[0070] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the dry pouch has outer handles 44 on opposite sides of the opening for ease in opening the pouch.

[0071] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the dry pouch further comprises a buckling means 46 for securing the pouch in its rolled or folded position. In one nonlimiting embodiment the buckling means comprises a two-piece interlocking buckle in which a first piece of the buckle is attached by a strap or cordage loop to one side of the opening of the dry pouchand the second piece by a second strap or cordage loop at the other side of the opening of the dry pouch.

[0072] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the dry pouch comprises one or more cordage loops 20 for attachment of accessories .

[0073] A nonlimiting embodiment of a dry pouch of this disclosure is depicted in FIG. 7.

[0074] Dry pouches of this disclosure can be produced in various sizes including, but not limited to, small and extra-small .

[0075] Also provided by this disclosure are slings 50 for wear via an adjustable strap around the waist or shoulder.

[0076] The slings 50 of this disclosure are pleated or darted in the top front portion to avoid seams.

[0077] The inner compartment of the sling is preferably accessed via a zipper 52 at the front portion of the sling.

[0078] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the sling comprises one or more external cordage loops 20 for attachment of accessories .

[0079] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the sling comprises and internal cord 54 which may be detachable or non- detachable .

[0080] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the sling comprises a floating back panel 56.

[0081] Slings can be produced in various sizes including, but not limited to, 2L, 3L, 5L and 7L sizes.

[0082] Nonlimiting embodiments of slings of this disclosure is depicted in FIGs. 5A through M and FIGs. 6A and 6B.

[0083] In addition, this disclosure relates to ultra-light weight cubes such as dry cubes or packing cubes sized forinsertion through the rectangular opening of the carrier bags of this disclosure.

[0084] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack, dry pouch, cube and / or sling disclosed herein comprises an impermeable material.

[0085] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack, dry pouch, cube and / or sling disclosed herein is water-resistant .

[0086] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the carrier bag or backpack, dry pouch, cube and / or sling disclosed herein is ultra-light and durable.

[0087] Preferred characteristics for fabrics used in the various bags and cubes of this disclosure include abrasion resistance such as provided by a polycarbonate coating with color pigment on its face side, a woven recycled nylon with UHMWPE ripstop grid, a polyurethane backside coating for improved adhesion for films and glues, a TPU film for waterresistance, reduced weight of up to 25% as compared to 330d pack fabric and / or at least equivalent or increased up to 2X the tearing strength of 330d pack fabric. A nonlimiting example is 210d Nylon 2x6 UHMPE Rip-stop, fabric.

[0088] Preferred characteristics for cordage used for accessory loops of these bags include decreased weight up to 7% lighter than EDLv2 Stretch fabric and 20% lighter than the V2 improved durability version, tearing strength up to 3x better than EDLv2 stretch and improved abrasion resistance over original EDLv2 Stretch and equivalent to heavier, improved EDLv2 Stretch. In one nonlimiting embodiment, cordage of about 2.4 cm exhibits a tear strength of about 66 Ibf. In one nonlimiting embodiment, cordage of about 4.5cm exhibits a tear strength of about 77 Ibf. Anonlimiting example is 70d Nylon 2x6 UHMPE Rip stop, stretch .

[0089] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the cordage loops of the bags are engineered to work with a flat hook hardware system.

[0090] Such loops may be strategically placed to provide consistent attachment points.

[0091] In one nonlimiting embodiment, a continuous flat webbing tape is sewn into one or more seams of the bags of this disclosure.

[0092] Also provided by this disclosure are carrier systems made up of the carrier bag or backpack disclosed herein and one or more of a dry pouch, cube or sling disclosed herein.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A carrier bag comprising: a material forming an enclosure wherein an internal contained space is defined therein, and having an opening for access to the contained space with a rollable or foldable top portion configurable in an unrolled or unfolded state exposing the opening and a rolled or folded state enclosing the opening therein; and a flap which remains parallel to the contained space when the rollable or foldable top portion is open.

2. The carrier bag of claim 1 wherein the flap secures at least a portion of the opening when in a rolled or folded state.

3. The carrier bag of claim 1 further comprising a lower front kangaroo pocket.4 . The carrier bag of claim 3 further comprising a lower front flap.

5. The carrier bag of claim 3 or 4 wherein the rollable or foldable top portion can extend over the lower front kangaroo pocket and / or lower front flap.

6. The carrier bag of any of claims 1 through 5 wherein the opening for access is shaped and / or pleated to provide full access to the internal contained space.

7. The carrier bag of any of claims 1-6 further comprising a closing means in the rollable or foldable top portion of the opening.

8. The carrier bag of any of claims 1 through 7 further comprising a cord attached to the flap ‘which is extended when the rollable or foldable top portion is open and which can be pulled tight when the flap is secured about at least a portion of the opening in its rolled or folded state.

9. The carrier bag of any of claims 1 through 8 further comprising one or more shoulder straps and / or a waist or hip band.

10. The carrier bag of claim 9 wherein the one or more shoulder straps and / or waist or hip band are adjustable to fit both men and women of varying size and stature.

11. The carrier cag of claim 9 wherein the one or more shoulder straps and / or a waist or hip band are removable.

12. The carrier bag of any of claims 1 through 11 further comprising one or more cordage loops for attachment of accessories .

13. A carrier system comprising the carrier bag of any of claims 1 through 12 and a second bag or cube attachable to or insertable within the carrier bag.

14. The carrier system of claim 13 wherein the second bag or cube is a dry cube or packing cube.

15. The carrier system of claim 13 wherein the second bag or cube is a dry pouch.

16. The carrier system of claim 16 wherein the dry pouch has a rollable or foldable opening.

17. The carrier system of claim 16 further comprising two stiffening means in the rollable or foldable opening of the dry pouch.

18. The carrier system of claim 17 further comprising a magnet in the stiffening means of the dry pouch for enclosing the opening in the rolled or folded state.

19. The carrier system of any of claims 15 through 18 wherein the dry pouch further comprises a buckling means adjacent to the rollable or foldable opening.

20. The carrier system of any of claims 15 through 19 wherein the dry pouch further comprises outer handles attached at the rollable or foldable opening to facilitate opening of the dry pouch.

21. A carrier system comprising the carrier bag of any of claims 1 through 12 and a sling attachable to the backpack.

22. The carrier system of claim 21 wherein the sling is pleated or darted in its top front portion to avoid seams.

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