Abstract:
A utility bag having a plurality of panels defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag includes a heater element disposed in the cavity, a battery pack configured for electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element, and a controller removably coupled in selective electrical communication to the battery pack. The controller is shaped and sized to mechanically mate with the battery pack for electrical communication therewith.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/216,577, filed on Mar. 17, 2014, entitled HEATED UTILITY BAG, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/789,247 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to utility bags and specifically, a heated bag for use with caulk tubes. 
         [0003]    Caulk is a flexible sealant for filling cracks, gaps, or joints. While caulk may be applied at a range of temperatures, caulk (and other adhesives) may be applied more easily and may bind more effectively while warm. It may also be advantageous to warm other types of adhesives, materials, working tools, etc. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, the invention provides a utility bag including a plurality of panels defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag has a heater element disposed in the cavity, a battery pack configured for electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element, and a controller removably coupled in selective electrical communication to the battery pack. The controller is shaped and sized to mechanically mate with the battery pack for electrical communication therewith. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a utility bag including a plurality of panels defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag has a heater element disposed in the cavity, a battery pack configured for electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element, and a controller removably coupled in selective electrical communication to the battery pack. The controller is configured to slidingly mate with the battery pack for electrical communication therewith. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a utility bag including a plurality of panels defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag has a heater element disposed in the cavity, a battery pack configured for electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element, and a controller removably coupled in selective electrical communication to the battery pack. The controller includes an interface that is substantially shaped and sized for mechanically mating with the power tool battery pack in electrical communication therewith. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a heated utility bag having a structure defining a cavity therein. A wall having a heater mounted thereon is disposed in the cavity. The heater is in electrical communication with a power source. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a utility bag having a frame defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a first cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag includes a heater element disposed in the cavity, and a power tool battery pack in electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element. The utility bag also includes a pocket coupled to the frame, the pocket defining a second cavity configured to receive the power tool battery pack. 
         [0009]    In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a utility bag having a frame defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag includes at least one wall dividing the cavity into a plurality of sections, a heater element disposed in the cavity, a battery pack in electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element, and a pocket coupled to the frame and disposed exterior of the frame, the pocket defining a second cavity configured to receive the battery. 
         [0010]    In yet another embodiment, the invention provides utility bag having a frame defining an interior and an exterior, the interior including a first cavity configured to receive an item. The utility bag includes at least one wall dividing the cavity into a plurality of sections, a heater element disposed in the cavity and coupled to the at least one wall, and a power tool battery pack in electrical communication with the heater element for powering the heater element. The power tool battery pack includes an interface that is substantially shaped and sized to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a power tool. The utility bag also includes a controller configured to distribute power from the power tool battery pack to the heater element in a plurality of modes. The controller is shaped and sized to mechanically and electrically mate with the power tool battery pack, and the controller includes a jack receptacle. The utility bag also includes a control switch for selecting between the plurality of modes. The control switch is coupled to the controller by way of a jack received in the jack receptacle, and the control switch is disposed on the frame. The utility bag also includes a pocket coupled to the frame and disposed exterior of the frame, the pocket defining a second cavity configured to receive the power tool battery pack and the controller. 
         [0011]    Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view a heated utility bag according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2 a    is a front view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 2 b    is a side view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 1   
           [0015]      FIG. 3 a    is a schematic front view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3 b    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 1  along line b-b of  FIG. 2   a.    
           [0017]      FIG. 4  a perspective view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 1  and a variety of power sources. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5 a    is a front, schematic view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 1  including a heating mechanism. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5 b    is a side, schematic view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 1  including the heating mechanism  FIG. 5   a.    
           [0020]      FIG. 6 a    is a front view of a heated utility bag according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6 b    is a side view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 6   a.    
           [0022]      FIG. 7 a    is a front schematic view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 6   a.    
           [0023]      FIG. 7 b    is a side schematic view of the heated utility bag of  FIG. 6   b.    
           [0024]      FIG. 8 a    is a schematic front view of the heated utility bag of  FIGS. 6 a  and 7 a    showing a power source and caulk tubes. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8 b    is a schematic side view of the heated utility bag of  FIGS. 6 b  and 7 b    showing the power source and caulk tubes. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9 a    is a front schematic view of the heated utility bag of  FIGS. 6 a  and 7 a    showing a heating mechanism. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9 b    is a side schematic view of the heated utility bag of  FIGS. 6 b  and 7 b    and showing the heating mechanism of  FIG. 9   a.    
           [0028]      FIG. 9 c    is a schematic view of the heating mechanism of  FIG. 9   a.    
           [0029]      FIG. 9 d    is another view of the heating mechanism of  FIG. 9   a.    
       
    
    
       [0030]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]      FIGS. 1-5   b  illustrate a heated utility bag  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. The heated utility bag  10  includes a structure or frame  14  that includes four side walls or panels  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30  connected on one end by a bottom wall or panel  34  and on an opposite end by a top wall or panel  38 . The top panel  38  and one of the side panels  30  include zippered openings  42 ,  46 . In other embodiments, the zippered openings  42 ,  46  may be included in any of the side panels  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30 , bottom panel  34 , or top panel  38  and in any combination. The four side panels  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30 , the bottom panel  34 , and the top panel  38  define an opening or cavity  50  therein. The cavity  50  is divided into a first section  54   a  and a second section  54   b  by a central wall  60 . The cavity  50  may include fewer or more sections  54   a ,  54   b  and walls than illustrated herein. Each of the first and second sections  54   a ,  54   b  receives items  62 . For example, the items  62  may be caulk tubes (as illustrated) or another type of adhesive, material, working tool, etc. to be stored in the utility bag  10 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5   b , the items  62  are stacked horizontally and the heated utility bag  10  is sized and configured to receive the items  62  horizontally. In other embodiments, the heated utility bag  10  may be sized and configured to receive the items  62  vertically (e.g., see  FIGS. 6 a -9 d   ). The heated utility bag  10  also includes first and second handles  66 ,  70  that are coupled on opposite side panels  18 ,  26 . The handles  66 ,  70  are preferably formed from nylon and stitched to an outer surface of the opposite side panels  18 ,  26 . However, in other constructions, other suitable materials and attachment may be employed. 
         [0032]    One of the side panels  18  includes a control switch  74  and a pocket or receptacle  78  having a pivotable cover  82 . The pocket  78  defines a cavity  86  and the cover  82  is removably secured to an outer wall of the pocket  78  to selectively enclose and provide access to the cavity  86 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall of the pocket  78  and the cover  82  include mating surfaces  90   a ,  90   b  having a hook-and-loop engagement. Other fastening mechanisms (i.e., snaps and the like) may be employed. The pocket  78  (i.e., cavity  86 ) removably receives a power source  94   a ,  94   b ,  94   c  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0033]    The power source  94  communicates with a heating system  98  disposed within cavity  50 . Specifically, the heating system  98  is coupled to the central wall  60 . In other constructions, the heating system  98  may be coupled to other portions of the utility bag  10 , such as the side walls  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30 , the bottom wall  34  and the top wall  38 . The power source  94  provides power to the heating system  98  to warm the bag  10  and the items  62  contained therein, which will be described in greater detail below. The power source  94  may be an 18 volt battery pack  94   a , a 12 volt battery pack  94   b , or a DC adapter  94   c , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, additional or alternative power sources are contemplated and considered other than those specifically discussed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack  94   a  is an eighteen-volt (18V) rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack configured to be received by a power tool, and the battery pack  94   b  is a twelve-volt (12V) rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack configured to be received by a power tool. In other embodiments, other battery packs having other properties may be employed, e.g., a twenty-four-volt (24V) battery pack or other various voltages and compositions. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 a -5 b   , the heating system  98  includes a first heating module  102 , a second heating module  106 , and a third heating module  110  connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. The heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110  are attached to the center wall  60  such that they face the side panel  18  that includes the pocket  78 . The heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110  preferably include resistive heating coils formed of carbon fibers and high density carbon fibers. Other heating devices, such as rope type heaters, are also contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second heating modules  102 ,  106  are two watt heaters while the third heating module  110  is a four watt heater. The configurations of the heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110  may take on other configurations and power specifications not specifically discussed herein. The power source  94  communicates with the heating system  98  via the control switch  74  and a plug or jack  114 . The jack  114  is electrically coupled to the heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110  by insulated wiring or heater supply cable  118 . The insulated wiring  118  extends from the cavity  50  of the bag  10  into the cavity  86  of the pocket  78  through the side wall  18  such that the jack  114  resides in the pocket  78 . The insulated wiring  118  has any suitable length such that the jack  114  may be coupled to a variety of power source types. 
         [0035]    The heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110  are controlled by a controller  122   a ,  122   b  ( FIG. 4 ), which is in communication with the control switch  74 . The control switch  74  may be coupled to a printed circuit board (not shown) within the controller  122   a ,  122   b  and is coupled to the controller  122   a ,  122   b  by plugging the jack  114  into a jack receptacle  124  in the controller  122   a ,  122   b . The controller  122   a ,  122   b  communicates with the power source  94 . The controller  122   a ,  122   b  may be directly coupled to the power source  94 , as is illustrated herein, or the controller may be disposed at another location (i.e., in the pocket  78  or an exterior surface of the bag  10 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the controller  122   a ,  122   b  is essentially shaped and sized to correspond with the receptacle of a power tool to which the power source  94  typically attaches. For example, the battery pack  94   a  and the battery pack  94   b  typically attach to a power tool, such as a powered drill or band saw, and the controller  122   a ,  122   b  has the same interface as the power tool has for receiving the battery pack  94   a ,  94   b . The controller  122   a  slidingly receives the battery pack  94   a , and the controller  122   b  receives the battery pack  94   b  slidably substantially axially or concentrically therein. The controller  122  may include one or more control modes or settings. For example, the controller  122  includes a first mode or high setting, a second mode or medium setting, and a third mode or low setting. The settings determine how long power is supplied to the heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110 . The high setting supplies power to the modules 75% of time. The medium setting supplies power to the modules 50% of the time. The low setting supplies power to the modules 25% of the time. A higher temperature results within the bag  10  as the time that power is supplied to the heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110  increases. Therefore, the high setting is used to heat the bag  10  to a higher temperature than either the medium or low settings. The control switch  74  is used to select between the one or more control modes and an OFF mode in which no power is supplied to the heating system  98 . 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the frame  14  and the central wall  60  are constructed of rigid plastic, while the side panels  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30 , bottom panel  34 , and top panel  38  include a first or inner lining  126  constructed from a thermally insulating material and second or outer surface  130  constructed from a nylon material. The heating modules  102 ,  106 ,  110  are attached to the central wall  60  and then covered in a nylon material  134 . The pocket  78  and cover  82  are preferably constructed from the nylon material used on the outer surface  130 . The handles  66 ,  70  are also preferably constructed from a nylon material. The insulated lining aids in maintaining heat provided by the heating system  98  within the cavity  50 . The illustrated insulated lining is preferably a reflective lining, but other types of insulated lining may be employed. The lining is also preferably water-proof and, therefore, cleanable (i.e., in order to remove spills). Additionally, the materials discussed herein are merely exemplary and therefore, the rigid plastic and nylon may be replaced or substituted with other suitable materials. 
         [0037]    In the illustrated embodiment, the four side panels  18 ,  22 ,  26 ,  30  together with the bottom panel  34  and top panel  38  define a substantially rectangular box-like structure (i.e., the cavity  50 ). The sections  54   a ,  54   b  are sized and shaped to receive about eight 28 fl. Oz. items  62 , such as caulk tubes. There are eight items  62  (four in each section  54   a ,  54   b ) illustrated in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5   b . Fewer or more items  62  may be accommodated in each of the sections  54   a ,  54   b  depending on the size of the items  62 , and the utility bag  10  may be constructed to have specific dimensions for holding a specific quantity of items  62 . In the illustrated embodiment, the approximate dimensions of the height H, width W, and length L are approximately 12.0″, 5.5″, and 17.0″, respectively. Additional or alternative embodiments may have other configurations, sizes, or shapes. The pocket  78  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5   a  has a height X, width Y, and length Z of approximately 4.0″, 3.5″, and 5.0″, respectively. In other embodiments, the pocket  78  may include other configurations, sizes and shapes. 
         [0038]    In operation, one or more items  62  are placed in the cavity  50 . The controller  122   a ,  122   b  is coupled to the power source  94 . The pocket  78  receives the controller  122   a ,  122   b  and power source  94  and the jack  114  is coupled to the controller  122   a ,  122   b . The power source  94  supplies electricity to the controller  122   a ,  122   b  for distribution to the heater modules  102 ,  106 ,  110 . The operator can selectively heat the utility bag  10  and the items  62  therein by selecting one of the control modes discussed above. The power source  94  is removable to ensure that the bag  10  is not heated unnecessarily (i.e., when the bag  10  is empty) or to replace the power source  94 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6 a -9 b    illustrate a heated utility bag  210  according to another embodiment of the invention. It is to be understood that various features of the two embodiments may be combined into a single embodiment, and the invention is not limited to one embodiment or the other. The heated utility bag  210  includes four side walls or panels  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  connected on one end by a bottom wall or panel  234  and on an opposite end by a pivotable cover  238 . The four side panels  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  and the bottom panel  234  define an opening or cavity  250  therein. Three of the side panels  218 ,  226 ,  230  include a first continuous mating interface  350  fixed thereto. The cover  238  is pivotally attached to one of the side panels  222  and includes a second continuous mating interface  354  along three corresponding edges. The first and second mating interfaces  350 ,  354  cooperate to open and close the cavity  250  and are disposed a distance D ( FIG. 7 a   ) from a top of the bag  210 . The cover  238  is movable between a first or closed position ( FIGS. 6 b , 7 b , 8 b , 9 b   ) and a second or open position ( FIGS. 6 a , 7 a , 8 a , 9 a   ). In the first position, the second mating interface  354  is coupled to the first mating interface  350  and therefore, the cavity  250  is inaccessible (i.e., the bag  210  is closed). In the second position, the first and second mating interface  350 ,  354  are uncoupled such that the cover  238  is pivotable away from the cavity  250  and therefore the cavity  250  is accessible (i.e., the bag  210  is open). The mating interfaces  350 ,  354  in the illustrated embodiment are zipper interfaces; additional or alternative embodiment may include mating surfaces having any suitable fastening mechanism (i.e., hook-and-loop fasteners and the like). 
         [0040]    The cavity  250  is divided into three sections  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c  by a first wall  260   a  and a second wall  260   b . Each of the sections  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c  receives items  62 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -9 d   , the items  62  are arranged in rows and are standing in an upright orientation. The cavity  250  may include fewer or more sections  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c  and walls  260   a ,  260   b  than illustrated herein. The heated utility bag  210  also includes first and second handles  266 ,  270  that are coupled on opposite side panels  218 ,  226 . The handles  266 ,  270  are movable relative to the cavity  250  and to one another. 
         [0041]    One of the side panels  230  includes a control switch  274  and a pocket  278  or receptacle having a pivotable cover  282 . The pocket  278  defines a cavity  286  and the cover  282  is removably secured to an outer wall of the pocket  278  to provide access to the cavity  286 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall of the pocket  278  and the cover  282  include mating surfaces  290  having a hook-and-loop engagement. Other fastening mechanisms (i.e., snaps and the like) may be employed. The pocket  278  removably receives at least one power source  294 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -9 b   , the pocket  278  is elongated and therefore accommodates a first power source  294   a  and a second power source  294   b . Additional or alternative embodiments may include a separate pocket for each power source  294   a ,  294   b . In yet other embodiments, only one power source is employed (e.g.,  FIGS. 1-5   b ). 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 a -9 d   , at least one of the first and second power sources  294   a ,  294   b  communicate with a heating system  298  disposed within the cavity  250 . Specifically, the heating system  298  includes a first heater array  298   a  coupled to the first wall  260   a  and a second heater array  298   b  coupled to the second wall  260   b . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -9 d   , only one of the first or second power sources  294   a ,  294   b  communicates with the heating system  298  at a time to warm the bag  210  and the items  62  contained therein, which will be described in greater detail below. The other of the first or second power sources  294   a ,  294   b  may be stored in the pocket  278 . It should be understood that the power sources  294   a ,  294   b  are interchangeable. The power sources  294   a ,  294   b  may also include an 18 volt battery pack  94   a , a 12 volt battery pack  94   b , a DC adapter  94   c , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, additional or alternative power sources  294   a ,  294   b  are contemplated and considered other than those specifically discussed herein. In other embodiments, both of the power sources  294   a ,  294   b  may be connected to the heating system  298 . For example, the power source  294   a  may be connected to the first heater array  298   a  and the second power source  294   a  may be connected to the second heater array  298   b.    
         [0043]    Each of the first and second heater arrays  298   a ,  298   b  includes a first heating module  302   a ,  302   b  and a second heating module  310   a ,  310   b  connected in series, parallel or a combination of both. The heating modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b  may include resistive heating coils formed of carbon fibers and high density carbon fibers and other heating devices, such as rope type heaters, are also contemplated. The second heating modules  310   a ,  310   b  are attached to the first and second center walls  260   a ,  260   b  such that they face the side panels  218 ,  226 . The first heating module  302   a  is attached to the first center wall  260   a  such that it faces the second heating module  302   b  that is attached to the second center wall  260   b . In other words, the second heating modules  310   a ,  310   b  face the first and third sections  254   a ,  254   c , respectively (away from a center of the cavity  250 ), while the first heating modules  302   a ,  302   b  face towards the second section  254   b  (a center of the cavity  250 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first heating modules  302   a ,  302   b  are two-watt heaters while the second heating modules  310   a ,  310   b  are four-watt heaters. Therefore, the same heating power is provided to each of the first, second and third sections  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c . The configurations of the heating modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b  may take on other configurations and power specifications not specifically discussed herein. One or both of the power sources  294   a ,  294   b  communicate with the heating system  298  via the control switch  274  and a plug or jack  314 . The jack  314  is electrically coupled to the heating modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b  by insulated wiring or heater supply cable  318 . The insulated wiring  318  extends from the cavity  250  of the bag  210  into the cavity  286  of the pocket  278  such that the jack  314  resides in the pocket  278 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wiring  318  passes through insulation at a bottom seam between the side panel  230  and the bottom panel  234 . The insulated wiring  318  has any suitable length such that jack  314  may be coupled to a variety of power source types. 
         [0044]    The first and second heating modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b  of each of the first and second heater arrays  298   a ,  298   b  are controlled by the controller  122   a , as discussed above, which is in communication with the control switch  274 . In other embodiments, other controllers (such as the controller  122   b  shown in  FIG. 4 ) and other power sources (such as the power sources shown in  FIG. 4  and alternatives described above) may be employed. The control switch  274  may be coupled to a printed circuit board (not shown) of the controller  122   a , which may be located within the controller  122   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  122   a  communicates with the power source  294   a . The controller  122   a  is directly coupled to the power source  294   a , as is illustrated herein, or the controller  122   a  may be disposed at another location (i.e., in the pocket  278  or an exterior surface of the bag  210 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the controller  122   a  is essentially shaped and sized to correspond with the receptacle of a power tool to which the power source  294   a  typically attaches. For example, the battery pack  294   a  and the battery pack  294   b  typically attach to a power tool, such as a powered drill or band saw, and the controller  122   a  has the same interface as the power tool has for receiving the battery pack  294   a ,  294   b . The controller  122   a  slidingly receives the battery pack  294   a . The controller  122   a ,  122   b  may include one or more control modes or settings. For example, the controller  122   a ,  122   b  includes a first mode or high setting, a second mode or medium setting, and a third mode or low setting. The settings determine how long power is supplied to the heating modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b . The high setting supplies power to the modules 75% of time. The medium setting supplies power to the modules 50% of the time. The low setting supplies power to the modules 25% of the time. A higher temperature results within the bag  10  as the time that power is supplied to the heating modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b  increases. Therefore, the high setting is used to heat the bag  10  to a higher temperature than either the medium or low settings. The control switch  274  is used to select between the one or more control modes and an OFF mode in which no power is supplied to the heating system  298 . 
         [0045]    As discussed briefly above, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the first heater array  298   a  is powered by the first power source  294   a  and the second heater array  298   b  is powered by the second power source  294   b . In these embodiments, the first power source  294   a  communicates with the first heater array  298   a  via a first control switch  274  and a first plug or jack  314 . Similarly, the second power source  294   b  communicates with the second heater array  298   b  via a second control switch (not shown) and a second plug or jack (not shown). As such, the first and second jacks are electrically coupled to the heating modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b , respectively, by first and second insulated wiring or heater supply cables. The insulated wirings extend from the cavity  250  into the one or more pockets  278  such that the first jack  314  and the second jack reside in the one or more pockets  278 . The first and second insulated wirings may have any suitable length such that first and second jacks, respectively, may be coupled to a variety of power source types. In these embodiments each of the heater arrays are controlled independently as discussed above with respect to the other embodiments herein. Alternatively, the first and second heater arrays  298   a ,  298   b  may be powered by the first power source  294   a  and the second power source  294   b  and be controlled with a single control switch  274 . 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -7 b   , the central walls  260   a ,  260   b  are constructed of rigid plastic, while the side walls  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230 , bottom wall  234 , and the cover  238  include a first or inner surface  326  constructed from an insulated lining and second or outer surface  330  preferably constructed from a nylon material. The side panels  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  and cover  238  are reinforced by foam insulation  338  disposed between the outer and inner surfaces  326 ,  330 . A hard plastic sheet  342  is used to reinforce the bottom panel. The first and second heater arrays  298   a ,  298   b  are attached near the bottom of the first and second central walls  260   a ,  260   b , respectively, and then covered in a material  334  ( FIG. 9 d   ), preferably nylon. The pocket  278  and pocket cover  282  are constructed from the nylon material used on the outer surface  330 . The pocket  278  is reinforced with foam insulation  346  on the inner surfaces. The handles  266 ,  270  are preferably constructed from a nylon material as well. The insulated lining aids in maintaining heat provided by the heating system  298  within the cavity  250 . The illustrated insulated lining is a reflective lining, but other types of insulated lining may be employed. The lining is also preferably water-proof and therefore, cleanable (i.e., in order to remove spills). Additionally, the materials discussed herein are merely exemplary and therefore, the rigid plastic and nylon may be replaced or substituted with other suitable materials. 
         [0047]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 6 a -9 d   , the four side panels  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  together with the bottom panel  234  and cover  238  define a substantially rectangular box-like structure. The sections  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c  are sized and shaped to receive approximately twelve 28 fl. Oz. items  62 , such as caulk tubes. There are twelve items  62  (four in each section) illustrated in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 a -9 d   . Fewer or more items  62  may be accommodated in each of the sections  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c  depending on the size of the items  62 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions of the height H′, width W′, and length L′ are approximately 17.0 inches, 9.75 inches, and 10.5 inches, respectively. Additional or alternative embodiments may include structures having other configurations, sizes, or shapes, as discussed above. The pocket  278  illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -9 b    has a height X′, width Y′, and length Z′ of approximately 5.5 inches, 9.75 inches, and 3.5 inches, respectively. The pocket  278  may include other configurations, sizes and shapes in additional or alternative embodiments. 
         [0048]    In operation, one or more items  62  are placed in the sections  254   a ,  254   b ,  254   c  of the cavity  250 . The controller  122   a  is coupled to the power source  294   a . The pocket  278  receives the controller  122   a  and power source  294   a  such that the jack  314  (or jacks) may be coupled to the controller  122   a , as described above. The power source  294   a  supplies electricity to the heater control module within the controller  122   a  for distribution to the heater modules  302   a ,  302   b ,  310   a ,  310   b . The operator can selectively heat the utility bag  210  and the items  62  therein by selecting one of the control modes discussed above. The power source is removable to ensure that the bag  210  is not heated unnecessarily (i.e., when the bag  210  is empty) or to replace the power supply  294   a.    
         [0049]    While multiple embodiments are shown and described herein, it should be understood that features of each embodiment may be used in any other embodiment. Therefore, features described with respect to one embodiment may be used additionally or alternatively to the features of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0050]    Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a heated utility bag including a heating system for warming an item, such as a caulk tube. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention.