Abstract:
A coach&#39;s organization and travel bag features a core storage area, a storage area for storing a plurality of relatively small articles such as medical supplies, a business folder area, a business storage area and one or more end pockets. A plurality of pockets and holders are provided within the storage areas for storing a plurality of relatively small articles such as medical supplies. A plurality of compartments are provided in the business folder area for accommodating file folders and business or administrative articles. A compartment for storing coaching boards and a plurality of optional removable inserts for defining compartments within the core storage area are to accommodate a wide range of articles are also provided.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/440,946, filed Jan. 17, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to baggage. More particularly, this invention relates to a bag for storing and organizing articles used by coaches of sports teams.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    Coaches and staff of sports teams must carry various articles to and from practice sessions, business and administrative meetings and games. Such items may, for example, include business and administrative paperwork and files, a rule book, equipment, coaching boards, markers and pens, a cellular telephone, water bottles, hardware, tools and medical supplies. Known prior art includes various luggage and bags, none of which includes a plurality of compartments designed for suitably accommodating such a wide range of articles in a convenient and orderly manner.  
           [0004]    Most known bags and luggage consist of little more than a flexible bag or body defining a box-shaped compartment with a zippered opening and one or more shoulder straps. These devices offer minimal organizational capability, little or no flexibility (i.e., reconfigurability) and limited access to the contents of the bag.  
           [0005]    While various articles may be stored in a compartment of a large bag, such disorganized storage is conducive to oversight, loss and damage during packing, storage and transportation. The first article placed in the compartment falls to the bottom. Contents are prone to shifting and collision during transportation, increasing the risk of damage and making access difficult. When an article is eventually needed, it may be difficult to find (or impossible to find if it was overlooked during packing), or it may be damaged and rendered unusable.  
           [0006]    Another deficiency of prior art luggage and bags is that they are not readily configurable to accommodate various modes of use. Most such devices provide a determined number of pockets and compartments. While the pockets and compartments may be expandable, and one or a few dividers may be supplied, the prior art typically does not allow configuration of the compartments to accommodate different modes of use. For example, a coach may desire one configuration for use while coaching, another configuration for games and yet another configuration for instruction and training. With conventional luggage and bags, a user is typically relegated to using the standard configuration for all purposes.  
           [0007]    Furthermore, prior art luggage and bags typically do not provide connection means for releasably attaching equipment, supplies and the like (e.g., a hockey stick or baseball bat, a water bottle basket or ball bag) to the exterior of the bag.  
           [0008]    Moereover, conventional bags typically come with a fixed hard bottom or a soft pliable bottom. A bag that offers the sturdiness of a hard bottom with the collapsibility and ease of storage of a soft bottom would be preferred.  
           [0009]    What is needed is a bag that provides a plurality of compartments designed for accommodating a wide range of articles in a convenient and orderly manner. Preferably, the bag is configurable to accommodate various modes of use. Additionally, the bag should preferably include means for releasably attaching equipment, supplies and other articles to the exterior of the bag. Furthermore, the bag should be user friendly, easy to carry and store a plurality of small, medium and large articles in a safe, convenient, and efficient manner. Moreover, the bag should preferably include a removable hard bottom.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0010]    It is therefore an object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a bag that includes a plurality of compartments designed for accommodating a wide range of articles in a convenient and orderly manner.  
           [0011]    It is another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a bag that allows a compartment to be reconfigured to accommodate various modes of use.  
           [0012]    It is a further object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a bag that includes exterior releasable connection means for releasably attaching articles to the bag.  
           [0013]    It is yet another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a bag that includes means to facilitate carrying and transportation.  
           [0014]    It is still another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a bag that includes a removable hard bottom.  
           [0015]    To achieve these and other objects, an organization and travel bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a core storage area, a storage area for storing a plurality of relatively small articles such as medical supplies and a business storage area, a plurality of pockets and holders within the medical storage area for storing medical supplies, a plurality of compartments in the business storage area for accommodating file folders and administrative articles, a compartment for storing coaching boards, and a plurality of optional removable and reconfigurable inserts for defining compartments within the core storage to accommodate a wide range of articles. A pocket at the bottom for receiving a removable hard bottom insert. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a first perspective view conceptually depicting an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a second perspective view conceptually depicting an exemplary bag having straps for securing sporting equipment in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a top plan view conceptually depicting a main interior compartment of an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view conceptually depicting the interior of a main compartment of an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas and inserts in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a cutaway view conceptually depicting the interior of a side compartment of an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a cutaway view conceptually depicting the interior of a side compartment of an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an exemplary bag with feet in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]    Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view conceptually depicting an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention is shown. The exemplary bag includes a front side  118 , left side  132 , right side  138  and a back side  202  (as shown in FIG. 2). A plurality of zippers  324 ,  124 ,  130 ,  134  and  204  (as shown in FIG. 2) provide access to a plurality of interior compartments. In a preferred embodiment, nylon coil, enamel coated #8 zippers having dual pull tabs are used to facilitate opening and closing, and to enable locking using a luggage padlock in a conventional manner. The exemplary bag is approximately 26 inches×16 inches×14 inches.  
         [0025]    The bag includes several carrying items. A pair of releasably joinable handles  112  and  114  with a releasable handle grip  116  is provided for carrying the bag. The flexibility and size of the handles and the attachment locations preferably allow the cross-members of both handles to be brought together in a conventional manner and grasped by one hand. The handle grip allows releasably wrapping the cross members to facilitate gripping and carrying. The handle grip may be comprised of a flexible fabric or leather and include snaps or hook and loop releasable fasteners. An adjustable shoulder strap  102  with a molded shoulder pad  152 , swivel snaphooks  104  and  106 , and D-ring attachments  108  and  110 . Additionally, a pair of adjustable straps  142  and  144  are provided for carrying an elongate object such as a hockey stick, baseball bat (as conceptually shown in FIG. 2) or a lacrosse stick.  
         [0026]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that permanently attached or releasably attached handles and/or straps may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, releasable attachment means other than snap hooks, clips and D-rings may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the configuration, arrangement, number and placement of attachment points, handles and straps may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0027]    Referring to FIG. 3, a top sectional plan view conceptually depicting an exemplary bag having a plurality of distinct storage areas in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention is shown. The bag includes a medical supply storage area  326  for storing a plurality of relatively small articles, such as medical supplies; a core storage area  317 - 322  suitable for storing relatively large articles, such as a water bottles and equipment; a coaching board area  324  suitable for storing clipboards, chalk boards, white boards, pads and the like; a business folder area  312  and  314  for storing file folders, documentation, and business and administrative supplies; a business supply storage area  310  to organize and store business supplies; and preferably one or more end pockets  316  and  328  for miscellaneous items. Each area may have a plurality of compartments, pockets and dividers. Those skilled in the art will understand, that the medical supply storage area  326 , core storage area  324 - 130 , business folder area  312  and  314 , business supply area  310  and end pockets  316  and  318  may be manufactured separately and then attached together, such as by stitching, to form a single integral bag or manufactured as integral components.  
         [0028]    The medical supply storage area  326  is comprised of the back panel  202  of the bag, as shown in FIG. 2, and a medical supply panel  620 , as shown in FIG. 6. The medical supply panel  620  preferably includes a plurality of mesh pockets  610 - 618  and elastic holders  604 - 608  as well as a pocket with a flap closure  602 . The pockets and elastic holders may be used to store various articles, such as medical supplies, in an orderly accessible manner. The mesh pockets facilitate viewing contents without removal. The pocket with the flap closure  602  preferably includes a releasable attachment means, for example hook and loop fastening means such as Velcro® brand fasteners by Velcro Industries B.V. In a preferred implementation mesh pockets  610 - 618  are three to four inches wide, mesh pocket  640  is five inches wide and mesh pocket  650  is two inches wide, elastic holders  604 - 608  are three inches wide and pocket  602  is nine inches wide, though the present invention is not limited to such pocket and holder sizes, configurations or number. Other sizes, configurations and numbers of pockets and holders may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention so long as the panel  620  provides means for securing a plurality of relatively small articles in an orderly manner.  
         [0029]    The panel  620  may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric material (e.g., packloth or ballistic nylon), foam or rigid cardboard or plastic (e.g., polyethylene) material (flat or corrugated) covered with a thin thread material such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. The pockets and holders are attached to the panel by glue, stitching, fasteners, or other attachment means. Preferably, the panel is sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may instead be used.  
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the medical supply storage area  326  is approximately twenty-one inches long, by approximately two inches wide, by approximately twelve to fourteen inches in height. However, the present invention is not limited to that size. Other storage area sizes effective for storing medical supplies and/or similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0031]    The core storage area  318 - 322  preferably includes a relatively large rectangular compartment useful for storing bulky articles and a narrow compartment  324  useful for storing coaching boards and the like. The narrow compartment  324  is comprised of the back of the medical supply panel  620 , core area panel  321 A, and portions of side panels  318 A and  322 A. The panels may be comprised of a flexible foam or a rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, and a covering of thin thread material such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. The panel  321 A may sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners, or partial sewing and releasable attachment may instead be used. Of course, the core storage area also includes a bottom panel. The elongate rectangular compartment  324  is suitable for safely storing coaches boards (i.e., clip boards typically displaying a playing field, court or ice rink)  324 A and  324 B and similarly sized articles in an orderly manner.  
         [0032]    In a preferred embodiment, storage area  324  is approximately twenty-one inches long, by approximately one inch wide, by approximately thirteen to fourteen inches deep. However, the present invention is not limited to that size. Other storage area sizes effective for storing coaches boards and/or similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0033]    Rectangular compartment  318 - 322  is comprised of core area panels  321 A and  323 A, and portions of side panels  322 A and  318 A as well as a bottom panel. Panel  323 A may be comprised of a flexible foam or a non-rigid fabric material (e.g., packloth or ballistic nylon), rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, with a covering of thin thread material such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. Preferably, the panel is sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may instead be used. The large rectangular compartment  318 - 322  is suitable for safely storing relatively large articles (e.g., hockey skates, water bottles and similarly sized articles) in an orderly manner.  
         [0034]    Releasable attachment means, such as hook and loop fasteners, are preferably provided along panels  321 A and  323 A. For example, each panel  321 A and  323 A may include two strips of hook and loop fasteners. By way of example, referring to FIG. 4, a strip  402  and  404  attached in parallel to panel  321 A, and another pair of strips (not shown) are attached in parallel to panel  323 A. The strips releasably secure inserts, such as inserts  148  and  150  as shown in FIG. 3, which comprise divider panels extending from panel  321 A to panel  323 A thereby dividing the core storage area into compartments  318 - 322 . Thus, core storage area  130  may be divided into a plurality of smaller adjustable-sized compartments, or one or more inserts may be removed to define a large compartment.  
         [0035]    Other inserts, which may or may not attach to the attachment means, could include lattice inserts  317  (such as preformed polyethylene lattice inserts) for holding a plurality of water bottles  319 A- 319 C, as shown in FIG. 3, a canvas bag with a cordlace and cordlock for opening and closure, to hold items such as pucks or balls. Preferably, the inserts are easily removable. Preferably the lattice insert includes a bottom to hold water bottles when the insert is removed, and a handle (not shown) or means for attaching a handle to facilitate carrying when removed.  
         [0036]    Additionally, a removable panel  146 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) comprised of rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, is provided for insertion into a compartment (i.e., envelope)  408  beneath the core storage area  318 - 322 , to provide a removable rigid bottom for the core storage area. The panel may be securely attached to the bottom in the compartment  408  such as with snug placement in the compartment, or with hook and loop fasteners or by other mechanical securing devices. Thus, the bag can be converted to a rigid bottom device or a flexible (i.e., foldable and collapsible) bottom device.  
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the panel  146  may be longer than the compartment, such that when the panel is inserted into the compartment, a portion of the panel extends outward past the compartment. A pair of luggage wheels (not shown) may be attached to the outward extending portion of the panel  146 . A user may then pull the bag along using the wheels.  
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, core storage area  318 - 322  is approximately nineteen to twenty-six inches long, by approximately one twelve to sixteen inches wide, by approximately ten to fifteen inches deep. However, the present invention is not limited to those sizes. Other core storage area sizes effective for storing equipment such as hockey skates, and or water bottles and/or similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIG. 5, a business article storage area  310  is comprised of the front panel  118  of the bag, as shown in FIG. 1, and a business article panel  520 , as shown in FIG. 5. The business article panel  520  preferably includes a plurality of pockets  502  and  506  with closures, elastic holders  508  for markers, pens, pointers and the like; card pockets  504  configured for holding credit cards, business cards, tickets, passes, licenses and the like; as well as a snap ring  510  for holding keys or other devices. The pockets  502  and  506  may include closures comprised of hook and loop fastening means such as Velcro® brand fasteners by Velcro Industries B.V. Other sizes, configurations and numbers of pockets and holders may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention so long as the panel  520  provides means for securing a plurality of relatively business articles in an orderly manner.  
         [0040]    The business storage area  170  is comprised of panels  145 ,  165 ,  119  and  129  as well as a bottom panel. The panels form a compartment  170 , which may be used to store various business articles, such as a cell phone, booklets, pens, markers, brochures, folders, videos and papers, in an orderly accessible manner. The panels may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric, flexible foam, or a rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, with a thin thread material covering such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. The panels may be attached to the bag by glue, stitching, fasteners, or other attachment means. Preferably, the panels are sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may instead be used.  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 5, the exterior of the bag is conceptually shown. A U-shaped zipper closure  525  extending across top surface  350  and preferably down sides  119  and  129  enables access to the business folder storage area. The zipper is opened and closed by appropriately sliding a zipper pull in a conventional manner. Upon opening the closure  525 , panels  145 ,  119  and  129  fold down enabling access to articles stored in compartment  170  and may insert and remove articles. The opening is sufficiently sized to allow visibility, access, insertion and removal of articles in compartment  170 . Though the zipper closure is conceptually shown along panels  350 ,  129  and  119 , it is understood that the zipper may be located and configured differently without departing from the scope of the present invention so long as it enables access to the business storage area compartment  170 . For example, the zipper may open a large U-shaped flap on panel  145 . Alternatively, without departing from the scope of the present invention,  
         [0042]    The panel  520  may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric material (e.g., packloth or ballistic nylon), foam or rigid cardboard or plastic (e.g., polyethylene) material (flat or corrugated) covered with a thin thread material such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. The pockets and holders are attached to the panel by glue, stitching, fasteners, or other attachment means. Preferably, the panel is sewn into place at the bottom, top and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may instead be used.  
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment, the business article storage area  310  is approximately twenty-one inches long, by approximately two inches wide, by approximately twelve to fourteen inches in height. However, the present invention is not limited to that size. Other storage area sizes effective for storing medical supplies and/or similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIG. 3 business folder area  312  and  314  is comprised of panels  520  and  311 - 316 . The panels form a plurality of compartments  312  and  314 , which may be used to store various business articles, such as business folders (e.g., file folders and binders), videos and papers, in an orderly accessible manner. The panels may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric, flexible foam, or a rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, with a thin thread material covering such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. The panels may be attached to the bag by glue, stitching, fasteners, or other attachment means. Preferably, the panels are sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may instead be used.  
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment, the business folder storage area  312  and  314  is approximately twenty-one inches long by approximately three inches wide, by approximately twelve inches deep (measured from the bottom of the bag to the top of the business storage area). Compartment  312  is preferably approximately twelve inches long, by three inches wide by twelve inches deep. Compartment  314  is preferably approximately nine inches long, by three inches wide by twelve inches deep. However, the present invention is not limited to those sizes. Other storage area and compartment sizes effective for storing business articles such as folders, papers, videos, binders and clipboards and/or similarly sized articles may be used and are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0046]    Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, an outside lid pocket  126  is provided on the top of the bag. The exemplary pocket  126  is comprised of transparent 20-gauge double polished clear vinyl. It is suitable for storing and allowing easy access to and visibility of stored articles, such as notes, printed directions, and other relatively flat articles.  
         [0047]    Preferably, the exterior panels are comprised of a durable, high-strength, flexible, water resistant material, such as 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon 24×20 basket weave, 1½ ounce polyurethane coating, commercially available from E.I. Du Pont de Nemours, Co. (Du Pont). The sides may also include foam padding material (not shown) to provide cushioning and structural support. The bottom may be comprised of a similar material.  
         [0048]    Side compartments  316  and  318  may be used to store various clothing items, business articles, accessories or equipment, such as gloves, shirts, socks, pens, markers and papers in an orderly accessible manner. The panels comprising the side compartments may be comprised of a non-rigid fabric, flexible foam, or a rigid cardboard or plastic material, flat or corrugated, with a thin thread material covering such as 420 denier nylon packcloth. The panels may be attached to the bag by glue, stitching, fasteners, or other attachment means. Preferably, the panels are sewn into place at the bottom and along the sides, though releasable attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners may instead be used.  
         [0049]    In a preferred embodiment, side compartments  316  and  328  are approximately nine inches long, by approximately three inches wide, by approximately twelve inches in height. However, the present invention is not limited to those sizes. Other storage area and compartment sizes effective for storing clothing items, equipment and/or business articles may be used and are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0050]    Referring again to FIG. 3, pouches  136  and  206  for holding items such as water bottles are also provided on the exterior of the bag. The pouches may include an elastic band for securely engaging a bottle. The pouches may be comprised of a nylon mesh material. The mesh material will not collect water (e.g., rain water) and provides visibility of contents.  
         [0051]    Referring now to FIG. 7, the bottom preferably (as an option) has four feet  702 - 708  or a pair of runners (not shown) suitably fastened thereon to support the bag off the ground, thereby limiting contact with dirt and ground moisture. Such feet may have various shapes and sizes. The feet may preferably be made of a suitable durable rubber, plastic or polymeric material such as polypropylene. Runners are elongate members which also may be comprised of a durable rubber, plastic or polymeric material such as polypropylene. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as other suitable shapes, arrangements, materials and numbers of elements may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, while they are preferred, feet and runners may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0052]    The bottom of the bag also preferably includes a water resistant, easy-to-clean, durable material, such as reinforced vinyl, to provide a durable, strong, moisture-resistant surface. As coaches may likely place the bag on dirty wet surfaces, such material is preferred, though not essential.  
         [0053]    The overall dimensions of the bag may be varied as desired. However, preferably the bag is sized to conveniently accommodate, at least, medical supplies, coaching boards, equipment and file folders. Additionally, the bag may be sized to fit in an overhead storage bin and meet governmental and carrier (e.g., airline, rail and/or bus) carry-on baggage restrictions.  
         [0054]    Additionally, an embodiment of the bag may include additional exterior releasable connection means for releasably attaching articles to the bag. The connection means may be comprised of snap hooks, buckles, D-rings, straps, hook and loop fasteners and the like. For example, a snap hook may allow releasable attachment to a water bottle carrier, a ball bag, a mask, a helmet or the like. The releasable connection means may be placed at various locations on the bag (except the bottom). Furthermore, a plurality of releasable connection means may be provided.  
         [0055]    Optionally, the bag may include permanent or removable wheels and a retractable handle as known in the art to facilitate transportation. The bag may further include various accessories and enhancements such as a key chain clip, e.g., a thumb-operated spring clasp; a plurality of auxiliary pockets, elastic holding straps and pouches on the interior and exterior panels; identification tags or windows and locking mechanisms.  
         [0056]    While the invention has been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the foregoing detailed description. The present invention may include other aspects not specifically delineated in the aforementioned preferred embodiments. The above in no way is intended to limit the scope of the invention. Such alternative embodiments and implementations are intended to come within the scope of the present invention.