Patent ID: 12258197

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Exemplary Embodiment

Referring toFIG.1, this shows an exemplary reusable and portable sport kit box10with a tub12or tote and a lid14, in a closed position, made of recyclable, sturdy and rigid yet lightweight plastic. The tub12has two opposing side walls16approximately perpendicular to two opposed end walls18, a floor, and an opening opposed to the floor, defining an approximately cuboid interior with an open box structure and sides slightly sloped off-vertical. The opening can be closed with a detachable lid14, which has a wall20extending around the lid and a rim22that extends outwards from the wall20at the bottom of the wall20. The rim22is configured to be mounted on the opening of the tub12. The lid14fits to the tub12with a tight or snap-fit connection to securely store and carry clean activewear and to dry it after use. In other embodiments, the lid is a deliberately loose fit to allow air that is pumped in through the fan to escape, or for air to be drawn into the tub when the fan draws it out of the tub.

The exterior of the tub12is dimensioned to have extensions or receptacles for holding detachable compartments, configured to be mounted on or positioned outside at least one of the walls16,18of the tub12. For example, a removable, lockable box24, for holding tools and small accessories for sports or outdoor activities, such as goggles, ropes, whistles, flashlights, etc. may be included. Other exterior components may be a speaker.

On the exterior surface of the walls16,18, another set of extensions or receptacles25may be positioned for holding a detachable filter26. The filter26has numerous small openings with a mesh-like structure to allow airflow to enter or exit the tub12. The tub has at least one perforated section or hole inside and adjacent to the filter openings when the filter is mounted on the tub. An internal or external fan may be combined with the filter26to force heated dry air into the interior of the box10, or to extract damp air from the box. The fan may have a car plug-in option to warm activewear before use or dry it after use. The filter26may remove dust and/or odors from the air that passes through it.

The outer surface of the lid14may be partitioned into sections30with slight ridges or protrusions32to prevent sliding of clothes or accessories that are placed on top of the lid, particularly when carrying them from one place to another. The lid14may be used as a standing platform for users to change clothes between events, for example, between one football game and another. The lid may be made from a strong yet somewhat elastic (i.e. non-brittle) material that is highly impermeable to both moisture and air, resistant to abrasion and heating, and smooth to avoid tearing activewear, for example, plastic. In some embodiments, the lid is strong enough to support the weight of user without breaking. Different strengths of the box lid may be made depending on the weight of the user, for example, whether the user is a child or an adult.

Referring toFIG.2, the tub12may have two protrusions40for accommodating reinforced features or ribbing42that defines a slot43or receptacle to hold the lid14in a vertical orientation, i.e. in an approximately vertical plane when the box is on a level surface. The lid, when vertical, is used for holding sports equipment or for an initial drying and removal of excess water with natural airflow from wet, sodden or dripping clothes prior to the drying process with, for example, heated air. Each slot43inside the protrusions40forms an oblique surface44at its base, that may correspond to a similarly aligned surface of the wall20on the side of the lid14. The protrusions40may be positioned on opposite side walls or opposite end walls to accommodate slots43for holding the lid. The outer walls of the slots43are bordered with multiple elongated and vertically extending ribs42between which are openings or recesses for structural rigidity and lightness of weight. The geometry of the slots43is chosen for holding the detachable lid14in a vertical plane relative to the floor of the tub. The tub12has indents52at the top of its side or end walls, used as handles for carrying or moving the box10or only the tub12.

The tub12has a continuous rim46around an outwardly extended upper wall48, which stands out from the main portions of the side walls16and end walls18. The rim22of the lid has an engagement surface, adjusted to engage with the rim46of the tub12. The rim22of the lid14may engage over, on or inside the rim46of the tub12, depending on the embodiment. The geometry of the lid rim22generally corresponds to the geometry of the tub rim46. A ledge49is present inside the tub12and near the opening of the tub for structural rigidity, and in some embodiments for supporting the lid when the box is closed.

The tub's floor has a false bottom50with a perforated surface for airflow to exit into the main environment in the box from the filter, or vice versa. The perforations51in the false bottom50may also help for draining water when washing dirty and used activewear placed in tub12. The floor of the tub also includes a drain hole and plug for draining water when washing dirty contents, or for emptying water that has dripped from the contents.

One or more pairs of walls54forming accessory support mounts project from the interior surface of the side wall16and/or end wall18to form slots for securing accessory supports. The accessory supports are detachable, interchangeable and may be perforated compartments or holders, depending on the type of accessories specific to various sports or activities. For example, up to four or more slots may be present. The perforated compartments or holders are dimensioned for circulation of dry and heated air for warming up contents before use or drying them after use. This makes the box useful for storing, carrying, and drying any type of activewear according to the user's individual needs and preferences. For example, the detachable compartments and holders may be glove inserts, boot inserts, a goggle holder, helmet mount, wet suit mount, video or camera case, boxing glove mount or jujitsu gear mount. In some embodiments, beer or cup holders, etc. may be mounted between the pairs of walls54or in or on other accessory support mounts. The accessory supports may be selected from a range of interchangeable off-the shelf compartments and holders that are made to fit the box. In some embodiments, the lid locks the holders and/or accessory supports in place when closed, by preventing movement of the accessory supports in a vertical direction. The accessory support mounts prevent movement of the accessory supports in a horizontal plane. The accessory support mounts on the inner walls of the tub12may also have a different configuration, e.g. incorporating recesses, slots, catches, hooks and projections, arranged for securing the accessory mounts.

As can be seen fromFIGS.1and2, at least one end of the lid has a smaller dimension than a span across the tub, so that the lid can fit in the slots at either side of that span.

Referring toFIG.3, this shows another embodiment of a sport kit box. Box70has a tub72and lid74mounted or inserted in reinforced receptacles76at the top of two of the side walls. The reinforced receptacles76are positioned to hold lid74in a vertical orientation. Lid74has one or more top surfaces78and an opposing bottom surface connected with a wall80therebetween, creating a hollow body with a generally planar, rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the tub72. The geometry of the receptacles76generally corresponds to the geometry of the cross-section of the lid74at its edges on the shorter sides of it, near the corners.

Additionally, lid74may have one or more openings82on its end wall84, providing access to a cavity to accommodate a retractable drying rack86for hanging sports equipment. The retractable drying rack86is slidable into an interior space between the top surface78and the bottom surface of the lid74through the openings82. The rack86may slide into the lid from a fully extended, or open position, to a fully retracted, or closed position. The rack86may be kept in an extended or closed position with a locking mechanism according to the user's needs or preferences. The locking mechanism may be a series of indents that accommodate a sprung projection, or a slidable collar that may be tightened by a screw to a strut88of the rack, or any other suitable mechanism. The rack86may have different shapes and forms, for example with the struts made of bar or tube, provided that it can slide into the lid. The rack86is for an initial drying of wet, sodden or dripping clothes and the removal of excess water with gravity and natural airflow prior to a drying process with heated air, or simply for hanging clothes or other sports accessories. The rack has at least one strut that is slidable in and out of one end of the lid, the rack being adjustable between a retracted position in which the strut is mostly inside the lid and an extended position in which the strut is mostly outside the lid.

A filter is detachable from an end wall of the tub with a configuration so that it is easily mounted or positioned on at least one outwardly extended fitting protruding from the outer surface of the tub's end wall. The tub72has at least one hole or perforated section inside and adjacent to the filter openings when the filter is mounted on the tub. On the exterior of filter, a fan may be positioned or mounted to force heated, dry air into the interior of the tub72. The fan may have a car plug-in option for warming activewear before use or drying it after use. A removable and lockable box is positioned on at least one of the outside wall surfaces for holding tools and small accessories for sports or outdoor activities, such as goggles, ropes, whistles, flashlights, etc.

The top surface(s)78and optionally the bottom surface of the lid74may be partitioned into sections with slight protrusions or ridges94on the surfaces of one or both sides of the lid to prevent sliding of clothes or other sports accessories when placed on them. Additionally, users may use the lid as a standing platform for changing clothes between events, for example, between one football game and another.

A slightly curved base forming a false bottom96with a perforated surface may be placed on floor98of tub72. The false bottom96may be used for distributing dried and heated airflow, allowing it to evenly pass through the space created between it and the floor98, and throughout the wet contents placed in the box70. The perforations99in the false bottom may also allow water to drain to the bottom of the tub, and drained out via a pluggable outlet.

One or more slots100with inverse U-shaped cross-sections are formed in two places in the outside of the upper rim of the tub, to be used as handles for carrying or moving the box70.

Multiple walls102, pairs of which form slots, project from the interior surface of at least one side of the tub, for securing accessory supports. The accessory supports may be detachable, interchangeable, and perforated compartments or holders depending on the type of accessories specific for various sports or activities. The perforated compartments or holders are dimensioned for dry and heated air circulation for warming up contents before use or drying them after use. For example, one type of accessory support includes at least one hollow perforated arm104, extending from a ducted base106that slides between two walls102. This allows heated and dry air to flow through the accessory support when holding accessories such as gloves, booties, etc. Another type of accessory support is a drying platform or a goggle holder.

Referring toFIG.4, this shows an example of a sport kit box's accessory support. The accessory support, as previously described, includes at least one outwardly extended perforated arm104with a generally horizontal axis, relative to the approximately vertical axis of ducted base106. The ducted base is dimensioned to fit into slots formed on the interior surface of the walls of the tub72. The ducted base106has a substantially planar shape with a vertical wall108adjacent and perpendicular to the arms104and a slightly inclined back wall109that matches the angle of the side wall or end wall of the tub. The ducted base106is dimensioned to slide and easily mount into slots formed by walls102on the interior surface of the outer tub walls. Airflow through the accessory support is through an aperture at the bottom or back of the ducted base106, and through the perforations105.

Referring toFIG.5, this shows an example of a sport kit box's accessory support in the form of a drying platform107. The drying platform107has a substantially rectangular or square shape in a horizontal orientation relative to the approximately vertical, ducted base112, perforated with holes113. The base is dimensioned to fit into a slot formed by two walls102on the interior surface of the walls of the tub72and to fit into other similar slots on the interior surface of the walls of tub12, interchangeably. The base of the accessory support has a substantially planar shape with vertical wall114and an opposed, slightly inclined wall116, for sliding and easily mounting into slots positioned on the interior surface of the walls of the sport kit box. Airflow through the accessory support is through an aperture at the bottom or back of the ducted base112, and through the perforations.

Referring toFIG.6, this shows an example of a sport kit box's false bottom120with a fan ducting122and drip deflector124, made in one piece. Drip deflector124has two slightly sloping halves and at least one tab126adapted to be positioned to fit into a corresponding locating feature on the inner surface of the tub floor or tub wall of a sport kit box. Sand that may be on clothing can fall off and be directed to the sides of the tub by the drip deflector, or can fall through holes in the drip deflector. The ducting122deflects dry and heated air entering through the filter down and the out from the sides of the false bottom120. The false bottom120may also be perforated with holes128. Channels may be incorporated in the false bottom to guide the flowing air into the accessory supports, or channels may be formed on the floor of the tub.

FIG.7shows a side view of the false bottom120with ducting122, andFIG.8shows a plan view of it. Some of the holes128may be for airflow through one type of accessory support, while others of the holes129may be for airflow through another type of accessory support or clothing support. The shape, position, number and size of the venting holes128,129may be different in other embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9, this shows a further embodiment of a sport kit box150with a tub152and a lid154in a closed position, made of recyclable plastic, for example. The tub152has opposed side walls155, generally perpendicular to opposed end walls156, a floor, and an opening opposed to the floor defining a generally cuboid interior with sloping sides. The detachable lid154has a wall158and a rim160that extends outward from the wall158and is configured to engage with the opening of the tub152. The opening of the tub152has elevated edges located outwards from the main walls155,156of the tub, and the rim160and wall158of the lid154are, in some embodiments, joined in a tight or snap-fit reversible connection to the tub152.

A lockable box162is positioned on at least one of the outside wall surfaces155,156for holding tools and small accessories for sports or outdoor activities, such as goggles, ropes, whistles, flashlights, etc. A filter164is detachable with a configuration that allows it to be easily mounted or positioned on at least one outwardly extended fitting on the outer surface of one of the tub's walls155,156.

Tub152may have one or more protrusions166for accommodating reinforced or ribbed slots or receptacles to hold the lid154in a vertical direction.

The outer surface of the lid154may have a non-slip covering or finish170to prevent sliding of clothes or accessories when placed on top of the lid when carrying them from one place to another. Additionally, users may use it as a non-slip standing platform for changing clothes.

Referring toFIG.10, this shows the inside of tub152. The tub floor has false bottom180positioned over it, with slight declines from the central axis for deflecting drips. The false bottom180helps in recirculating dry and heated air within the interior of the box and through stored activewear, as it may be perforated and/or have gaps at its edges to let the air through. The air that is let through the holes or gaps may be directed into ducts that lead to accessory supports. In at least one interior corner of the tub, at least one vertical holder182is dimensioned to hold cans, bottles, cups, etc. One or more accessory supports184for drying accessories are removably attached to sockets that are molded into the floor of the tub152. A duct inside the socket may facilitate airflow into the corresponding accessory support.

Referring toFIG.11, this shows the tub152with its lid154. Here, the lid154is shown in a vertical orientation, aligned with the slots in the projections166on the side walls155of the tub.

FIG.12shows the expanded or extended configuration of an embodiment of a sport kit box188, with detachable wetsuit drying tubes190. The flexible drying tubes190may be mounted as vertical arches when the box is opened, and they may be removed and stored in the box when the box is closed. The wetsuit drying tubes190have holes192along their lengths to promote airflow for drying the wetsuit or other activewear hanging over them. Airflow may be directed into the tubes from the base of the tub, for example via the holes129in the false bottom120. Accessory support194is visible in the tub196, as is goggle box198. When the sport kit box188is in its open and extended configuration as shown here, air may be pumped into the tub via the filter, using an attachment that fits around the filter so that a fan can pump air through the filter, down through the fan duct and through the accessory supports194and drying tubes190.

FIG.13shows the components of the sport kit box188in an exploded view, with the lid200in a vertical orientation. Shown are the combined false bottom120and fan ducting122, two accessory supports194, a goggle holder198, drying tubes190, filter210and lockbox212. Also shown is a drain plug214for a drain hole in the bottom of the tub196. The fan inlet hole218in the tub196is adjacent to the filter210when it is in position on the tub. The tub has receptacles or slots215for holding the lid200in a vertical orientation.

FIG.14shows the tub196in plan view (top, left), front elevation (bottom) and end elevation (left). Slots215are shown for supporting the lid vertically. Sockets230are shown for the accessory supports, such as accessory support194and goggle holder198. The socket230is an incomplete or partial circular wall, with a gap231through which airflow may be directed from under the false bottom. The duct of the accessory support has a corresponding gap that aligns with the gap231in the socket wall. Smaller sockets234are shown for other accessory supports or the drying tubes190. The socket234is an incomplete or partial circular wall, with a gap235through which airflow may be directed from under the false bottom. The ends of the drying tubes190have a corresponding gap that aligns with the gap235in the socket wall. Walls238projecting inwards from the inner surface of a main wall of the tub196form a beverage can or bottle holder. Drain hole240is shown at the bottom of the tub196, halfway along the end242of the tub.FIG.15also shows the tub196, with the accessory support sockets230, the drying tube support sockets234, the beverage holder walls238and the drain hole240.

FIG.16is an accessory support194, configured as a bootie and glove dryer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The accessory support194has two drying arms250and a ducted support post252. At the bottom of the post252is a cut-out254or gap that aligns with the gap231in a socket230. Air can flow from under the false bottom, through the gap254into the post252and then out of the accessory holder194through the perforations256in the arms250. Each glove of a pair of gloves may be hung over an arm250, for example. The same applies to booties. Internal surfaces inside the accessory support194are smooth and corners are radiused in order to promote better airflow through it.

FIG.17is a bottom view of a goggle drying case198. The goggle case may, for example, be made in two halves that are hinged together. The duct260is shown, through which air enters the goggle case, and then exits through perforations262.

FIG.18is a drain plug214for the tub, with, for example, an easy-to-grip knob270, flexible retention legs272and a thread274for sealing the drain hole in the tub.

FIG.19is another sport kit box290, with tub291a foldable mat292having aligned cut-outs293. The mat292rests or is wedged in a recess294in the lid296. In use, the mat may be removed from the lid296by grasping it in the cut-out area, unfolded, and used for standing on, for example, while changing clothes, or changing into and out of sport kit. Indents or ribs298project inwards from the side and end walls of the tub291. These ribs298have a tapered, dovetail cross-section and pairs of them form gaps with a dovetail cross-section on the inside of the tub. Accessory support ducts may be slotted into these gaps.FIG.20shows the inside of tub291, in which a false bottom300is located. Ducts302for accessory supports are shown connected to the false bottom. Accessory supports may be mounted on the top ends of the ducts302, between pairs of ribs298. A channel304is present in the rim of the tub opening.FIG.21is a top view of the tub291, showing the false bottom300and ducts302.FIG.22is a cross-sectional view of the tub291taken across its width, also showing the false bottom300and ducts302. The profile of the perimeter channel304is also visible.

FIGS.23-25show an accessory support duct302. The bottom end305of the accessory support duct302defines an aperture306at the opening of the duct. The top end307of the accessory support duct302defines aperture308at the other end of the duct. Air flows through the duct from the bottom end305to the top end307. A projection310at the back of the accessory support duct302serves to locate the accessory support duct in position on the inside of the tub, between ribs298. From the top, as seen inFIG.24, the shape of the projection310is a dovetail, which engages with similarly-shaped dovetailed gaps between the projections on the inside of the tub.

FIG.26shows the false bottom300with ten attached accessory support ducts302, although in this embodiment of the false bottom there is enough space to add two more. However, one or both of these two attachment points are connected by ducting to the incoming airflow. Any attachment points that do not have a connected accessory support duct may either be closed with a plug or left open to allow air to directly enter the inner volume of the tub for directly drying the clothing inside it. In other embodiments, the false bottom has attachment points for a different number of accessory support ducts. Accessory support ducts and accessory holders may be disconnected and stored under or on the false bottom, which allows for improved nesting of the tubs for shipping, compared to if the accessory support ducts were shipped in the assembled configuration shown here. The lower edge312of the false bottom300is shaped so that it rests flush with the base of the tub, so that airflow is directed through the accessory support ducts302. Corners313of the false bottom300are shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a beverage can or bottle, so that it can be placed on the bottom floor of the tub while the false bottom is in place. Also, the shape of the corners313matches the shape of the beverage container so that it is held firmly in an upright position. Corners313may be of different size to accommodate different sizes of beverage container. The false bottom, in cooperation with one or more walls of the tub, defines the holder for the beverage container.

FIGS.27-28show a portion of a side or end of a tub291, with an interlocked accessory support duct302. The dovetail projection310is shown in the corresponding dovetail space between the projections or ribs298on the inside of the tub291. More generally, there are at least two projections on an inner wall of the tub with which the support duct302engages, thereby preventing the support duct from moving horizontally away from the inner wall.

C. Variations

Features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment, and one or features may be omitted in some embodiments. Vents may be included in either or both of the lid and the tub to allow air that is forced in by the fan to escape. One or more of the components of the sport kit box may in some embodiments be nestable for efficient packaging and economical shipping. In some embodiments, the beverage container holders are dimensioned for holding coffee mugs, thermally insulated flasks etc. that fit snugly into them or onto them, reducing the chance of spillage inside the box when in transport. In some embodiments, the outside of the box has one or more attachments that fit into the indents that form the internal ribs for locating the accessory support ducts, or that fit into other indents. In these embodiments, the accessories may mount via a “V”-shaped groove, a dovetail groove, a tapered hole, rails or other mounting projection or indentation.

In some embodiments, the lid may be equipped with one or more solar panels for generating electricity to charge a rechargeable battery installed in the box, either in the lid or the tub. Electrical connections between the solar panels in the lid and the electrical components attached to the tub may be made using a suitable length of cable, or they may be formed by connectors such as a socket and plug. The battery, when charged, may then drive the fan and/or a heater instead of using the external power source provided by a vehicle or a home electricity supply. The lid with the photovoltaic cells may be positioned to optimize the amount of sunlight falling on it. In some embodiments, photovoltaic cells may be included on one or more of the outer walls of the tub. The battery may also be charged via a vehicle's power outlet or from an outlet in the home.

Referring toFIG.29, a sport kit box320is shown, with filter322and internal fan324mounted to draw air in through the filter or force air out through it. Also shown is an internal heater325mounted on the fan324. The fan324and heater325are electrically connected to a socket326, via which electricity from a house, a vehicle or an external battery may be provided. Inside the box320is a rechargeable battery328, electrically connected to the socket326and a solar panel330mounted on the outside of the box, either on the lid or on a wall of the box. Also shown is a vent332in the side of the box, which is openable and closable depending on the configuration of the box and the operating mode of the fan. A control unit340may be electrically connected to all the electrical components in the box, and it may have a wireless or physical user interface.

Throughout the description, specific details have been set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be used without these particulars. In other instances, well-known elements have not been shown or described in detail, and repetitions of steps and features have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specifications and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

It will be clear to one having skill in the art that further variations to the specific details disclosed herein can be made, resulting in other embodiments that are within the scope of the invention disclosed. All parameters, dimensions, materials, positions, quantities and configurations described herein are examples only and may be changed depending on the specific embodiment.