Equipment carrier with a rotatable handle

An equipment bag includes a body having a cavity with an opening for placement of items within the cavity and a rigid side opposite the opening. The rigid side is defined by opposite end edges and opposite side edges extending between the end edges, and the rigid side comprises an exterior recess therein located at a distance from each of the end edges and the side edges. A handle is pivotally mounted in the recess and movable between a stowed position substantially flush with an outer surface of the rigid side and a pulling position extending outward from the recess. By distancing the handle from the edges of the bag, an angle of inclination of the bag with respect to the ground is increased when the bag is pulled with the handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to athletic equipment bags for being carried by a person and, more particularly, to athletic equipment carriers having a handle to transport the carrier in an inclined position on a ground surface.

While a variety of sports and recreational activities are ever increasing in popularity, stowing and transporting equipment to and from the sporting event or area of activity can be a drawback to an otherwise enjoyable experience. Traditionally, athletic equipment, such as golf bags and clubs, hockey gear, baseball bats and equipment, basketballs or soccer balls, and other types of sporting equipment are carried around in an equipment bag and laid on the ground when the user or users arrive at their destination. Picking up the bag and laying it down repeatedly, not to mention carrying a heavy load of equipment, can be tiresome and inconvenient. While carrying straps are typically provided, most equipment bags are uncomfortable to carry.

Wheeled bags and the like are sometimes used to transport the equipment, such as a golf bag, and the wheels allow the equipment bags to be pulled along a surface rather than being carried above the ground. Known equipment bags, however, are disadvantaged in several aspects. For example, some wheeled equipment bags are typically pulled or supported from a handle located on an end of the bag opposite the wheels, and consequently a significant portion of the weight of the equipment bag is supported by the user gripping the handle. Additionally, the weight of an equipment bag when fully loaded necessitates a sturdy handle construction which only adds to the weight of the golf bag. Further, incorporating extendable telescoping handles and the like in a large equipment bag capable of accommodating large athletic equipment, including but not limited to golf bags, can be a difficult and expensive proposition. Moreover, some known handles are attached to the exterior of the equipment bag and are subject to a variety of external elements and forces while the equipment bag is being handled which could damage or even break the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary embodiment, a piece of baggage comprises a body comprising a cavity having an opening for placement of items within the cavity and a rigid side opposite the opening. The rigid side is defined by opposite end edges and opposite side edges extending between the end edges, and the rigid side comprises an exterior recess therein located at a distance from each of the end edges and the side edges. A handle is pivotally mounted in the recess and movable between a stowed position substantially flush with an outer surface of the rigid side and a pulling position extending outward from the recess.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an equipment bag is provided. The equipment bag comprises a body defining a cavity configured to store athletic equipment, and the body comprising at least one planar side defined by opposite end edges and opposite side edges extending between the end edges. The planar side comprises a recess therein having a depressed surface relative to an outer surface of the planar side, and a handle is pivotally mounted in the recess and has a depth approximately equal to a depth of the recess. The handle is movable between a stowed position substantially flush with an outer surface of the planar side and a pulling position extending outward from recess.

In yet another embodiment, a golf bag carrier for transporting a golf bag and golf clubs therein is provided. The carrier comprises a body defining an elongated cavity configured to receive the golf bag and clubs, the body comprising at least one planar side defined by opposite end edges and opposite side edges extending between the end edges. The planar side comprises a recess therein having a depressed surface relative to an outer surface of the planar side, and a handle is pivotally mounted in the recess and has a depth approximately equal to a depth of the recess. The handle is movable between a stowed position substantially flush with an outer surface of the planar side and a pulling position extending outward from recess. The handle is exposed on the planar side in each of the stowed position and the pulling position, and wheels are coupled to the body for engaging a supporting surface when the carrier is pulled with the handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a top perspective view of an equipment bag or equipment carrier100formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the illustrative embodiment, the equipment bag100is configured for carrying oversized athletic equipment which may not be accommodated in conventional luggage bags due to size and weight constraints. It is understood that the invention can be utilized in and for a variety of athletic endeavors, including, but not limited to, bags for transporting hockey gear, ball bags (e.g. baseballs, soccer balls and basketballs), and other items associated with athletic and recreational activity. It is appreciated that the benefits and advantages of the invention may occur in a variety of equipment carriers, and while the invention is described and illustrated in the context of exemplary athletic equipment carriers, the invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

In an illustrative embodiment, the equipment bag100includes an elongated body110having a generally rectangular shape with opposing top and bottom ends112and114, respectively. The body110also includes a plurality of side walls116extending from the top end112to the bottom end114along a longitudinal axis120of the equipment bag100. The ends112and114and side walls116define a cavity122, as shown inFIG. 3, for housing oversized and/or bulky items that a user needs to transport, such as, for example, athletic equipment including but not limited to athletic and leisure equipment such as hockey equipment, soccer equipment, basketball equipment, baseball equipment, golf gear and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the equipment bag100includes a back wall130which is at least partially fabricated from a rigid material, such as, for example, molded plastic. The rigid back wall130has a generally flat or planar outer surface which is generally placed upon a supporting surface132when the equipment bag100is in a resting position, as shown inFIGS. 1-3. In an exemplary embodiment the back wall130includes opposite top and bottom end edges134and136, respectively, and opposite side wall edges138and140that extend upward from the back wall130for a specified distance142. The edges134,136,138, and/or140provide stability to the equipment bag100when the equipment bag100is in the resting position and also provide protection to the equipment bag100and the contents of the equipment bag100when the equipment bag100is being transported. It is appreciated, however, that in alternative embodiments the side wall edges138and140need not be employed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the side walls116are collapsible and are fabricated from a flexible material, such as, by way of example only, canvas or nylon materials. The collapsible side walls116allow the equipment bag100to fold or gather when the equipment bag100is emptied so that the equipment bag100can be stored while occupying a reduced amount of storage space when not in use. It is contemplated, however, that in alternative embodiments the side walls116need not be collapsible, whether because the side walls116are fabricated from rigid or semi-rigid materials themselves or because the bag100includes an internal frame or stiffener elements to maintain a desired shape or form of the bag100, whether loaded or unloaded.

The side walls116include a plurality of pockets146, or pouches, that provide storage for additional items that do not fit, or alternatively, need to be separated from the items placed in the cavity122. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of carrying straps148are coupled to the side walls116opposite the back wall and are capable of being coupled to one another when carrying the equipment bag100. Moreover, a hand grip150is coupled to the top end112of the equipment bag100which aids in carrying, lifting or transporting the equipment bag100. In an alternative embodiment, the carrying straps148and/or the hand grip150are coupled to the rigid back wall130.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the collapsible side walls116of the equipment bag100include a zipper member160extending around a flap portion162of the collapsible side wall116. The flap portion162is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the equipment bag100is in the closed position, the items contained within the equipment bag100are secured within the cavity122. When the equipment bag100is in the open position, the cavity122is exposed and athletic equipment can be inserted into or removed from the equipment bag100.

A rigid wheel casing164is coupled to the rigid back wall130proximate to the bottom end114. The wheel casing164includes a rigid member166extending the width of the bottom end114of the equipment bag100, and a pair of wheels168rotatably coupled to the rigid member166. In an exemplary embodiment, the wheels168extend a distance170(FIG. 3) beyond the back wall130and contact the supporting surface132when the equipment bag100is in the resting position. Accordingly, the back wall130, proximate to the wheel casing164, is slightly elevated such that the back wall130does not contact the supporting surface132when the equipment bag100is being pulled with the wheels168rolling along a supporting surface132.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom end114includes a rigid flap174that extends from the bottom end edge136of the back wall130. The rigid flap174includes a plurality of foot elements176and a hand grip178extending from the bottom end114. The foot elements176contact the supporting surface132, and support the equipment bag100to prevent the bag100from tipping when the equipment bag100is in an upright or standing position, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The hand grip178aids a user in carrying, lifting or transporting the equipment bag100.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate the equipment bag100in the standing position showing an exemplary towing handle180in a stowed position and a pulling position, respectively, andFIG. 6illustrates the bag100in a towing orientation. When the equipment bag100is in the standing position, the bottom end114of the equipment bag100is in contact with the supporting surface132. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the wheels168and the foot elements176(seeFIGS. 2 and 3) of the equipment bag100support the equipment bag100in the standing position. In use, when the equipment bag100is being transported, the equipment bag100is inclined so that the equipment bag100has an angle of inclination α (FIG. 6) with respect to the supporting surface132and the bottom end114of the equipment bag100is elevated so that the equipment bag100can be pulled via the handle180along the supporting surface132.

The back wall130includes a skid plate182extending along an outer surface184of the back wall130at least partially between the end edges134and136and the side wall edges138and140of the back wall130. In an exemplary embodiment, the skid plate182includes a plurality of ridges186extending longitudinally along the skid plate182, and a central recess190located within the skid plate182at a distance from each of the end edges134and136and the side wall edges138and140. The plurality of ridges186elevate the planar back wall130from the supporting surface132and protect the back wall130from wear and damage from external forces when the equipment bag100is being transported. Accordingly, the ridges186are fabricated from a durable, rigid material, such as, for example, molded plastic.

The recess190is integrally formed with the skid plate182and has a depressed surface192that is recessed a distance194(FIG. 5) from the outer surface184of the rigid side wall130. The recess190houses and protects the handle180when the handle180is in the stowed position. The recess190has an upper end196that corresponds to the top end112of the equipment bag100and a lower end198that corresponds to the bottom end114of the equipment bag100. The recess190is located a distance200from the top end112of the equipment bag100which increases, compared to known wheeled equipment bags, the angle of inclination α (FIG. 6) of the equipment bag100with respect to the supporting surface132when the equipment bag100is pulled by a user. More specifically, when a person of a given height grips the handle180in the pulling position, the angle of inclination α (FIG. 6) with respect to the supporting surface132is greater than it would otherwise be if the user gripped a handle on the top end112of the equipment bag100. As a result, the equipment bag100is pulled with the handle180along the supporting surface132in a more upright position, and consequently more of the weight of the equipment bag100is supported by the wheels168, and less of the weight of the equipment bag100is supported by the user.

The handle180includes first and second longitudinal sides202and204, respectively, and first and second lateral sides206and208, respectively. The longitudinal sides202and204extend between the first and second lateral sides206and208generally along the longitudinal axis120of the equipment bag100and, in an exemplary embodiment, are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis120. The lateral sides206and208extend between the longitudinal sides202and204and are generally disposed at the respective ends of the longitudinal sides202and204. A support plate214is positioned between the longitudinal sides202and204and extends a distance216from the first lateral side206. The support plate214provides support to the handle180between the longitudinal sides202and204. The handle180is pivotably mounted to the rigid side wall130and is movable between the stowed position, as shown inFIG. 4, and the pulling position, as shown inFIG. 5. In the stowed position, the handle180is exposed to the exterior of the rigid side wall130, and is substantially flush with the outer surface184of the rigid side wall130, which protects the handle180from bending forces when the equipment bag100is being handled, such as when the equipment bag100is being inserted or removed from a vehicle, or when the equipment bag100is being placed on the supporting surface132in the resting position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first lateral side206of the handle180is pivotably mounted within the recess190at the upper end196of the recess190. The second lateral side208of the handle180includes a hand grip218that faces the bottom end114of the equipment bag100when the handle180is in the stowed position. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle180is lockable in the stowed position to protect the handle180from being damaged by inadvertently extending out of the recess190, thereby being exposed to external elements and forces. The second lateral side208of the handle180can be rotatably removed from the recess190to the pulling position for towing the equipment bag100. When the handle180is in the pulling position, as shown inFIG. 5, the second lateral side208of the handle180is substantially parallel with the first lateral side206and the longitudinal sides202and204are substantially parallel with the supporting surface132. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess190includes a grip area220that allows a users hand to wrap partially around the hand grip218of the handle180and remove the hand grip218from the recess190. The grip area220has a smooth surface222and extends a distance224beyond the recess190towards the cavity122of the equipment bag100.

FIGS. 7 and 8are a side and rear plan view, respectively of another embodiment of an equipment bag or carrier300, which is particularly suited for transporting oversized items such as a golf bag which may not be accommodated in general purpose bags, such as luggage bags and duffel bags commonly used by travelers to carry smaller items, such as, clothing items, personal items, and the like. The golf bag carrier300includes an elongated, flexible body302having a generally rectangular shape with opposing front and rear sides304and306, opposing side portions308and310, and opposing top and bottom portions312and314which in an exemplary embodiment are fabricated from a flexible or resilient material, yet generally maintain the shape of the carrier300. Stiffeners and the like may be included internal to the body302to help maintain the overall shape of the carrier300.

The bottom portion314has a rigid wheel casing316attached, located at the rear side306of the carrier300. Attached to the wheel casing316is a pair of wheels318and320located on each side308and310of the carrier300. The bottom portion314also has legs322which allow the golf bag carrier100to stand upright.

The front side304of the carrier300includes a storage pouch324located near the bottom portion314. The storage pouch324is accessed through a storage pouch zipper member326. The front portion304also includes a lower handle328at or near the bottom portion314of the carrier300. The lower handle328is used to help a user to carry, lift, or move the carrier300. The carrier300further includes a carrying strap assembly330which is located at or near the middle of the front portion304, and carrying strap locking clips332.

The front portion304is attached to the side portions308and310via a zipper member334. More than one zipper member may be provided in varying configurations to define an opening to insert or remove a golf bag350(shown in phantom inFIG. 7) from the carrier300through the front side304.

The golf bag350is but one example of an oversized item which may be stowed, transported and/or carried in the equipment carrier300, and which, due to its size, shape, and weight, may not be accommodated in general purpose bags, such as luggage bags and duffel bags commonly used by travelers to carry smaller items, such as, clothing items, personal items, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the golf bag350includes an elongated body352having a longitudinal axis extending from an upper end354to a lower end356of the body352. A compartment358extends between the ends354and356, and the compartment358is sized and dimensioned to receive a set of golf clubs360therein. The golf clubs have heads positioned proximate the upper end354of the golf bag350. The golf bag350may be inserted and fitted into a cavity defined by the body302of the carrier300.

As shown inFIG. 7, the golf bag350is positioned within the body302of the carrier300such that the longitudinal axis of the golf bag350is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the carrier300. Moreover, the lower end356of the golf bag350is proximate to the bottom end304of the equipment bag300and the upper end354of the golf bag350and the golf club heads are positioned proximate to the top end312of the carrier300.

The rear side306of the carrier300includes the skid plate182in a substantially planar region thereof, and the handle180is located in a recess190of the skid plate182substantially as described above with respect toFIGS. 1-6. In use, the carrier300is rotated from the standing position, as shown inFIG. 7, to a pulling position similar to the position shown inFIG. 6. In the pulling position, the user pulls the carrier300via the handle180in a direction of Arrow A with the wheels318,320rolling on the supporting surface132.

Like the bag100, the handle180of the carrier300is located at a distance from the top end312of the carrier300which, unlike known wheeled bags having handles on the top side for pulling the bag, increases an angle of inclination with respect to the supporting surface132when the carrier300is being pulled. That is, for a person of a given height, the angle of inclination with respect to the supporting surface132when the user grips the handle180in the pulling position is greater than it would otherwise be if the user gripped a handle located on the top end312of the equipment bag300and pulled the equipment bag100in the direction of arrow A. Accordingly, the carrier300is easy to transport as the wheels318and320support more of the weight of the carrier300, as opposed to the user having to support the weight. The benefits of having such a handle180are more readily appreciated as the size of equipment carried increases, and as the carrier300is larger than the bag100to accommodate the golf bag350, the handle180significantly increases the comfort of the user pulling the carrier300while decreasing the effort required to do so. The carrier300may be utilized to store and transport large, heavy and/or bulky athletic equipment, such as a golf bag350and clubs360, in a comfortable and convenient manner beyond the capability of known wheeled bags.

The above-described athletic equipment bags100and300provide a cost effective and reliable carrier for storing and transporting athletic equipment. The rotatable handle180, as opposed to a more costly telescoping handle, may be used to store and transport the equipment bags100and300in a more comfortable and convenient manner than known bags. The rotatable handle180is housed within a central recess to more fully protect the handle180from inadvertent damage when the handle180is in the stowed position.