Abstract:
An insulated bag for protecting the cape of a big game animal. The bag comprises a top panel having at least one port for accommodating the antlers of the big game animal. Pockets formed in the interior of the bag can be utilized to prevent the cape of the animal from degrading.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/705,276, filed Sep. 25, 2012 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced provisional application is inconsistent with this application, this application supercedes said above-referenced provisional application. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. The Field of the Present Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates generally to hunting equipment, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to containers for holding capes and skulls of big game animals. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     After downing a big game animal, hunters often “cape” the animal in order to preserve the animal&#39;s cape for a taxidermy mount. The cape of a big game animal typically refers to the head, and antlers, and shoulder skin or hide of the animal. In addition, big game hunters often wish to preserve the skull and antlers of the animal. To cape an animal, skin around the shoulder, front legs, chest, and neck are carefully cut away from the flesh. The head, with any antlers still attached, is also typically removed during this process and remains attached to, and part of, the cape. (Alternatively, the hide may be removed from the head.) 
     Once an animal has been caped, proper care of the cape is essential. In particular, the biggest problem is ensuring that the cape does not begin to rot. This is often a challenge when a big game animal is downed in remote areas during hot weather. The best way to prevent rotting, is to cool the cape as quickly as possible. However, in the past, this has been a challenge due to the odd shape of the cape, head, and antlers. That is, the shape of the cape, head and antlers prevents it from being easily placed in a cooler. As used herein, 
     The prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages that are addressed by the present disclosure. The present disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein. 
     The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an bag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a back view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  having a first panel operated to an open position and a second panel operated to a closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  having a first panel operated to an open position and a second panel operated to a an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  having a nose panel operated to an open position; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  having a nose panel operated to an open position; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial, fragmentary view of a zipper connection between a first panel and a second panel of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11A  is a top view of a bag having a single panel operated to an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11B  is a top view of the bag shown in  FIG. 11  having a single panel operated to an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  holding an animal cape, head, and antlers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. 
     In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a bag  100  for holding a cape of a big game animal pursuant to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bag  100  may comprise a front panel  106 . The front panel  106  may include a top edge  112   a , a bottom edge  112   b , a first side edge  112   c , and a second side edge  112   d . The top edge  112   a  may define a width, D 1 . The bottom edge  112   b  may define a width, D 2 . In an embodiment, D 1  is greater than D 2  such that the front panel  106  tapers from the top edge  112   a  to the bottom edge  112   b  such that the bag  100  has a general wedge shape. A length, D 3 , may define a distance between the top edge  112   a  and the bottom edge  112   b  of the bag  100 . 
     In an embodiment, the width, D 1 , may be about 33 inches, or between 30 to 36 inches. In an embodiment, the width, D 1 , may be about 24 inches, or between 18 to 30 inches. In an embodiment, the width, D 2 , may be about 11 inches, or between 8 to 14 inches. In an embodiment, the distance, D 3 , may be about 28 inches, or between 20 to 38 inches. 
     Disposed on the front panel  106  of the bag  100  may be daisy chain tie downs  136 . In particular, each of the tie downs  136  may include a strip or strap that includes spaced apart loops. It will be appreciated that the tie downs  136  provide anchor points for additional cords or ropes. 
     Further, secured on the side edges  112   c  and  112   d  may be ends of straps  122 . The straps  122  may extend horizontally across the front panel  106 . Each of the straps  122  include a buckle  122   a . In particular, each buckle  122   a  may include a female portion and male portion that are joined in a snap-fit. Further, the female portion and male portion of the straps  122  may allow the straps to be tightened by a U-cinch as known to those of ordinary skill. In an embodiment, the buckles  122   a  may be formed of plastic. 
     As perhaps best seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  7 , the front panel  106  of the bag  100  may comprise a first panel  108  and a second panel  110 . The first panel  108  may be secured along the top edge  112   a  by a living hinge such that the first panel  108  may be operable between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The second panel  110  may be secured along the bottom edge  112   b  by a living hinge such that the second panel  110  may be operable between a closed position ( FIGS. 1 and 6 ) and an open position ( FIG. 7 ). In an embodiment, zippers  140  may be utilized to secure the first panel  108  in the closed position. In an embodiment, zippers  142  may also be utilized to secure the second panel  110  in the closed position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a terminal edge  116  of the first panel  108  may include a pair of notches  117 . Likewise, a terminal edge  118  of the second panel  110  may have formed therein a pair of notches  119 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  7 , a plurality of securing straps or webbing  120  may be secured adjacent the notches  117  of the first panel  108 . In particular, a first end  120   a  of the straps  120  may be secured to an outer surface of the first panel  108  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the first end  120   a  of the straps  120  may be secured by stitches to the first panel  108 . An underside of free ends  120   b  of the straps  120  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) may include a securing member  123   a . The securing members  123   a  of the straps  120  may engage a securing member  123   b  disposed on the second panel  110  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In an embodiment, the securing members  123   a  and  123   b  may comprise a hook and loop fastener. It will be appreciated that the straps  120  may be utilized to secure antlers extending from the notches  117  and  119  when the first panel  108  and the second panel  110  are both in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In an embodiment, the inner side of the first panel  108  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) may include a securing member  123   c  configured and adapted to engage a securing member  123   d  disposed on the outer side of the second panel  110  ( FIG. 6 ). In an embodiment, the securing members  123   c  and  123   d  may comprise a hook and loop fastener. It will be appreciated that the first panel  108  may overlap the second panel  110  when they are in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1  such that the notches  117  and  119  also overlap each other to form a pair of antler ports. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the bag  100  may include a rear panel  102  having plastic sliders  138 . Also disposed on the rear panel  102  may be shoulder straps  190  that allow the bag  100  to be carried like a backpack. The straps  190  may be adjustable in length to accommodate users of various sized. In addition, a belt strap (not shown) may be utilized when the bag  100  is employed as a backpack. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , extending upwardly from the rear panel  102  may be a sidewall  104 . The sidewall  104  extend between the front panel  106  and the rear panel  102 . The sidewall  104  may define a thickness, D 4 , of the bag  100 . In an embodiment, the thickness, D 4 , of the bag  100  may be about 9 inches, or between 6 and 14 inches. As best seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the rear panel  102 , the sidewall  104 , the first panel  108 , and the second panel  110 , may define a compartment  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 ,  8  and  9 , the tip or end of the bag  100  may include a panel  104   a  formed in the sidewall  104  that is operable between a closed position ( FIG. 4 ) and an open position ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). The panel  104   a  may be secured in the closed position by a zipper  160 . The panel  104   a  may fold down into the open position as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  to form an extension to the compartment  105 . That is, when folded down, the panel  104   a  may extend the size of the compartment  105  by providing a nose compartment  152 . In particular, flexible sidewalls  104   b  may form the nose compartment  152  that is extends from, and is connected to, the main compartment  105 . It will be appreciated that the nose compartment  152  is configured and adapted to accommodate the nose or snout of a larger big game animal, such as an elk or moose. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , as previously mentioned, the first panel  108  and the second panel  110  may form an overlap portion  150  when in the closed position. In particular, the first panel  108  may overlap the second panel  110 . In an embodiment, one side of the sliders of the zippers  140  and  142  may be disposed along the same track or row of teeth formed along a top edge  104   b  of the wall  104 . The other side of the sliders of the zippers  140  and  142  may be disposed on different tracks or rows of teeth. In particular, one side of slider of the zipper  140  may be disposed in a track located along the edge  108   a  of the first panel  108 . Likewise, one side of the slider of the zipper  142  may be disposed in a track located along an edge  110   a  of the second panel  110 . It will be appreciated that this zipper configuration allows some adjustability in the length, D 3 , of the bag  100  as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , disposed within the compartment may be a watertight tub  200 . In particular, the tub  100  may extend from the top of the sidewall  104  and across the rear panel  102 . In an embodiment, the tub  200  may be formed of a flexible, watertight membrane material. In an embodiment, the tub  200  may extend into the nose compartment  152 . Further, disposed along the sidewall  104  may be pockets  180 . In an embodiment, the pockets  180  may be configured and adapted to receive ice or another cooling substance, such as chemical ice packs, to cool the items placed in the compartment  105 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the bag  100  may comprise compression panels  170  that allow the dimensions of the bag  100  to be varied between the top edge  112   a  and the bottom edge  112   b  to shorten the bag  100  for smaller game such as antelope and deer. In particular, the compression panels  170  may include buckle straps  172  to shorten the bag  100 . A buckle  174  may be utilized to tighten or loosen the straps  172 . It will be appreciated that tightening the straps  172  compresses the bag  100  at the panels  170  in the direction shown by the arrow marked with the reference numeral  195 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated that the straps  120  articulate to allow antlers extending through the antler ports to be moved in different locations. Thus, the straps  120  may be utilized to secure antlers extending form the antler ports in place. In an embodiment, the bag  100  is insulated. For example, the rear panel  102 , the wall  104 , the first panel  108  and the second panel  110  may comprise an insulating material, including a flexible material. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , there is depicted a bag  100   a  for storing a cape of a big game animal. The bag  100   a  may include a front panel  300  attached to a sidewall  302  along a top edge  306  of the sidewall  302  by a living hinge. The sidewall  302  may extend upwardly from a rear panel  304 . Disposed along the top edge of the sidewall  302  may be a securing member  308  to secure the front panel  300  in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 12 . In an embodiment, the securing member  308  may be a zipper. Formed in the front panel  300  may be antler ports  312 . Ice Pockets  310  may be disposed along an inner surface of the sidewall  302 . 
     Referring now back to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an outline of an animal head  250  placed into the compartment  105  of the bag  100 . The cape or hide  252  of the animal may be disposed above the head  250 . Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown antlers  500  of a big game animal extending from the antler ports in the front panel  106  of the bag  100 . The straps  120  may be utilized to secure the antlers  500  in place as shown in  FIG. 12 . The bag  100  may be placed on a user&#39;s back similar to a backpack. In an embodiment, the antler ports  117  and  119  may be combined into a single antler port or at least one antler port. In an embodiment, the bags disclosed herein may be formed of a flexible material. 
     Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate the advantages provide by the features of the present disclosure. For example, it is a feature of the present disclosure to provide a bag for storing a cape of a big game animal. Another feature of the present disclosure to provide such an adjustable bag with ports to accommodate the antlers of a big game animal. 
     In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description of the Disclosure by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.