Abstract
A carrier. A container body defining an insulated container body interior, the container body comprising a first wall, a second wall, a floor, and an arcuate wall coupling the first wall, the second wall and the floor to define the insulated container body interior of the container body, a racquet pocket provided along a first surface of the first wall of the container body, a first side of the arcuate wall comprising a first pocket, and a second side of the arcuate wall comprising a second pocket.
Claims
1. A carrier comprising: a container body defining an insulated container body interior, the container body comprising a first wall, a second wall, a floor, and an arcuate wall coupling the first wall, the second wall and the floor to define the insulated container body interior of the container body, a racquet pocket provided along a first surface of the first wall of the container body; a first side of the arcuate wall comprising a first pocket, and a second side of the arcuate wall comprising a second pocket.
2. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the racquet pocket is operatively configured to receive a pickleball paddle.
3. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the racquet pocket is accessible by way of a zipper provided along an outer periphery of the racquet pocket.
4. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the container body interior is accessible by way of a zipper provided between a first portion of the first wall and a first portion of the arcuate wall.
5. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the first pocket provided along the first side of the arcuate wall comprises a mesh pocket.
6. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the second pocket provided along the second side of the arcuate wall comprises a zippered pocket providing access to the container body interior.
7. The carrier of claim 6 wherein the container body interior comprises at least one mesh pocket.
8. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the first wall comprises a first outer surface and a first inner surface, wherein the first inner surface comprises a zipper pocket.
9. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the container body interior comprises an inner surface provided with a mesh pocket.
10. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the second pocket provided on the second side of the arcuate wall comprises an insulating material.
11. A carrier comprising: a container body defining an insulated container body interior, the container body comprising a first main wall, a second main wall, a floor, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top wall coupling the first main wall, the second main wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the floor to define the insulated container body interior of the container body, and a racquet pocket provided along a first surface of the first main wall of the container body; wherein the first side wall comprises a first pocket, and the second side wall comprises a second pocket.
12. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the racquet pocket is operatively configured to receive a pickleball racquet.
13. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the racquet pocket is accessible by way of a zipper provided along an outer periphery of the racquet pocket.
14. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the container body interior is accessible by way of a zipper provided along the top wall, a first portion of the first side wall and a first portion of the second side wall.
15. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the first pocket provided along the first side of the arcuate wall comprises a mesh pocket.
16. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the second pocket provided along the second side of the arcuate wall comprises a zippered pocket providing access to the container body interior.
17. The carrier of claim 16 wherein the container body interior comprises at least one mesh pocket.
18. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the second main wall comprises a first outer surface and a first inner surface, wherein the first inner surface comprises an open pocket.
19. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the container body interior comprises an inner surface provided with a mesh pocket.
20. The carrier of claim 11 wherein the second pocket provided on the second side of the arcuate wall comprises an insulating material.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a carrier;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates another perspective view of the interior volume of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another perspective view of the interior volume of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative carrier;
[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates another perspective view of the alternative carrier illustrated in FIG. 10;
[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates another perspective view of the alternative carrier illustrated in FIG. 10;
[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates another perspective view of the alternative carrier illustrated in FIG. 10;
[0039] FIG. 14 illustrates another perspective view of the alternative carrier illustrated in FIG. 10;
[0040] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the alternative carrier illustrated in FIG. 10; and
[0041] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the alternative carrier illustrated in FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The following detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems and methods with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative system and method embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed systems and methods can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.
[0043] Further, unless context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall implementations, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each implementation.
[0044] Additionally, any enumeration of elements, blocks, or steps in this specification or the claims is for purposes of clarity. Thus, such enumeration should not be interpreted to require or imply that these elements, blocks, or steps adhere to a particular arrangement or are carried out in a particular order.
[0045] By the term substantially it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
[0046] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a perspective views of a carrier 100. As illustrated, the carrier 100 comprises a carrier such as a backpack for use with a paddle or racquet, such as a pickleball paddle or racquet. In a preferred arrangement, the carrier 100 comprises an insulated container wherein at least a portion of the carrier 100 is insulated so as to keep cold items cold and warm items warm. As will be described in detail herein, at least one of the pockets contained within the carrier 100 is usable as an insulated container for removably receiving such items as ice packs, fluids, and other types of food and/or beverage items.
[0047] Referring now to the FIGS. 1-4, according to an exemplary arrangement, the carrier 100 comprises a container body 110 and it is this container body 110 that defines an insulated container body interior 160 (FIGS. 8 and 9). That is, at least a portion of this insulated container body interior 160 will be insulated with insulating material. As illustrated, the container body 110 comprises a multi-component container body such as a body in the form of a backpack, although any type of carrier may be utilized as well. In one preferred arrangement, the container body 110 comprises a first wall or a front wall 120 and a second wall or a back wall 130. In addition, the multi-component container body 110 further comprises a bottom or a floor 140 along with an arcuate wall 150 that operably couples the first wall 120, the second wall 130 and the floor 140. In this manner, these wall structures 120, 130, 140 help to define the insulated container body interior 160 of the container body 110. As just one example, the bottom or the floor 140 provided by the container body 110 may be configured so as to allow the container 100 to stand right side up as illustrated in the FIGS. 1-5. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, alternative wall and floor structures and configurations may also be utilized.
[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the container 100 further comprises a racquet pocket 124. In one preferred carrier arrangement, the racquet pocket 124 is provided along a first surface 122 of the first wall 120 of the container body 110 although other locations of such a racquet pocket 124 may be utilized as well.
[0049] In one arrangement, this racquet pocket 124 is configured to receive a sporting item, such as a pickleball paddle or racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a badminton racquet, or tennis racquet, or other type of similar racquet. In addition, the container 100 further comprises a first side 152 of the arcuate wall 150 comprising a first pocket 154. In addition, the container 100 further comprises a second side 156 of the arcuate wall 150 comprising a second pocket 158. In one preferred arrangement, the second pocket 158 may comprise the same type of pocket as the first pocket 154 provided along the first side 152 of the arcuate wall 150. In an alternative arrangement, the second pocket 158 comprises a different type of pocket as the first pocket 154 provided along the first side 152 of the arcuate wall 150.
[0050] In one preferred arrangement, the racquet pocket 124 is operatively configured to receive a pickleball paddle or racquet by way of a zippered pocket 126. For example, in one arrangement, the racquet pocket 124 is accessible by way of a zipper 126 provided along an outer periphery 128 of the racquet pocket 124. As just one example, this zipper 126 may be provided along only a portion of the outer periphery 128 of the racquet pocket 124. For example, the zipper 126 may not be provided along a top most portion of the racquet pocket 124. As illustrated, the racquet pocket 124 is oriented along the first wall 120 of the carrier 100 in such a manner such that a racquet received in the racquet pocket 124 would extend in a substantially vertical direction. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, alternative orientations of the racquet packet 124 may be utilized. Returning to FIGS. 1-4, the container body 110 further comprises a zipper 112 provided along a first portion 112 of the first wall 120 and a first portion 151 of the arcuate wall 150. In one arrangement, the container body interior 160 is accessible by way of this zipper 112 provided between the first portion 112 of the first wall 120 and the first portion 151 of the arcuate wall 150. In certain container arrangements and as described in detail herein, alternative means or mechanisms may be provided for accessing the container body interior.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. More specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first pocket 154 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In one arrangement, the first pocket 154 provided along the first side 152 of the arcuate wall 150 comprises a mesh pocket. In an alternative arrangement, the first pocket 154 may comprise other types of pockets, such as a zippered pocket or a tie-string pocket. In an alternative arrangement, the first pocket 154 comprises a zipper along one or more of the edges of the first pocket 154.
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In one arrangement, the second pocket 158 provided along the second side 156 of the arcuate wall 150 comprises a zippered pocket. And this zippered pocket provides access to the container body interior 160. In one arrangement, the container body interior 160 comprises at least one mesh pocket 164 (FIGS. 8 and 9). However, in alternative arrangements, this first pocket 164 may comprise other types of pockets or mesh pocket configurations, such as a zippered pocket or a tie-string pocket. In an alternative arrangement, the container body interior 160 comprises a wider mesh pocket 164 situated along a back wall of the container body interior 160.
[0053] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrated alternative perspective views of the carrier 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. More specifically, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the carrier 100 with the first zipper 112 in an open position allowing access into the interior space 160 of the carrier 100 to be viewed. As illustrated the interior space 160 is configured with an interior wall 162.
[0054] Moreover, as can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, in one arrangement, the first wall 120 comprises the first outer surface 122 and a first inner surface, wherein the first inner surface comprises a zipper pocket. And in one preferred arrangement, this pocket comprises a zipper pocket.
[0055] In one arrangement, the container body interior 160 comprises an inner surface or interior wall 162 and this inner surface 162 may be provided with at least one mesh pocket 164. As illustrated in FIG. 8, this mesh pocket 164 may be configured to receive certain sports items such as pickleball balls and the like. In one arrangement, the mesh pocket 164 comprises a mesh fabric along with a nylon rope and metal stopper that allows a user to secure the contents of the mesh pockets so that the contents remain within the mesh pocket during carrier transport.
[0056] In an arrangement, a second mesh pocket 166 may be provided along the inner surface 162 of the container body interior 160. This second mesh pocket 166 may be configured to secure other items typically used by a sports enthusiasts using the container, such as sun screen, sun glasses, gloves, and the like.
[0057] In one arrangement, and as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second pocket 158 provided on the second side 156 of the arcuate wall 150 comprises an insulating material 170. More specifically, the second pocket 158 may comprise two or more mesh pockets 172 provided along the interior surface 162 of the interior space 160 defined by the carrier body 110. As just one example, this mesh pockets 172 may be configured to receive ice packs or ices bricks for storage and/or transport. Moreover, the pockets 172 may be insulated and/or constructed with an insulation material 170 comprising waterproof EPM foam so as to insulate at least a portion of the inner cavity 160 defined by this container 100. In addition, the pocket portion 176 allowing access to this insulated space within the interior 160 may also comprise an insulating material such as a waterproof PVC fabric or other similar type of insulating material.
[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the carrier 100 further comprises a pair of padded shoulder straps 180, 182. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a back surface of the second wall 130 and the shoulder straps 180, 182 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In one preferred arrangement the padded shoulder straps 180, 182 comprise straps of adjustable length which are disposed on the second wall 130 for use when the carrier 100 is worn as a backpack. The shoulder straps 180, 182 are preferably made from a web material such as a woven tape and have upper ends secured in spaced apart relation to each other near the upper end of the carrier 100, near a top portion of the arcuate wall 150. The second ends or the lower ends of the adjustable shoulder straps 180, 182 are respectively stitched to or attached to opposite sides of the pack body at junctions of bottom wall 140 of the container 100. The shoulder straps 180, 182 are inclined downwardly from the upper end of the carrier 100 and away from each other and are adapted to be disposed near a top portion of the arcuate wall 150. As also illustrated in FIG. 5, in one preferred arrangement, a metal hook 190 is provided at the top portion of the arcoate wall 150, in between the ends of the shoulder straps 180, 182. In one arrangement, the metal hook 190 comprises a fence clip. In yet another arrangement, the metal hook 190 comprises a hidden hook.
[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a carrying handle 195 is preferably formed from flexible web material and is located centrally of the upper end of the carrier 100. In one preferred arrangement, the opposite ends of the handle 195 may be stitched to the arcuate wall 150 in laterally spaced apart relation to each other at junctions along the arcuate wall 150. Although the carrier 100 is normally worn on the back supported by the shoulder straps 180, 182, the carrier 100 can also be hand carried by the handle 195.
[0060] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate perspective views of an alternative carrier 200. As illustrated, the alternative carrier 200 comprises a carrier such as a duffle bag for use with a racquet, such as a pickleball paddle or racquet. In a preferred arrangement, the alternative carrier 200 comprises an insulated container wherein at least a portion of the alternative carrier is insulated so as to keep cold items cold and warm items warm. As will be described in detail herein, at least one of the pockets contained within the alternative carrier 200 is usable as an insulated container for such items as ice packs, fluids, and other types of food items.
[0061] Referring now to the FIGS. 10-12, according to an exemplary arrangement, the alternative carrier 200 comprises a container body 210 and it is this container body 210 that defines an insulated container body interior 260 (FIG. 15). That is, at least a portion of this insulated container body interior 260 will be insulated with an insulating material. As illustrated, the container body 210 comprises a multi-component container body such as a body in the form of a duffle bag. In one preferred arrangement, the container body 210 comprises a first main wall or a front wall 220 and a second main wall or a back wall 230. In addition, the multi-component container body 210 further comprises a bottom or a floor 240 along with a first side wall 250 and a second side wall 270 that operably couples the first main wall 220, the second main wall 250, the first side wall 230, and the second side wall 270 to a top wall 280 and the floor 240. In this manner, these wall structures help to define the insulated container body interior 260 of the container body 210. As just one example, the bottom or the floor 240 provided by the container body 210 may be configured so as to allow the alternative container 200 to stand right side up as illustrated in the FIGS. 10-12. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of one bottom or floor arrangement 240 in which a plurality of bottom or floor studs 242a, b, c, d are utilized and are provided near a corner of a rectangular bottom surface defined by the bottom or floor arrangement 240. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, alternative wall and floor structures and configurations may also be utilized.
[0062] As illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, the alternative container 200 further comprises a racquet pocket 224 that is provided along a first surface 222 of the first main wall 220 of the container body 210. In one arrangement, this racquet pocket 224 is configured to receive a sporting item, such as a pickleball paddle or racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a badminton racquet, or tennis racquet, or other type of similar racquet. As noted in the illustrations, the racquet pocket 224 is configured at a relative angle with respect to the top wall 280 so that a user can easily and quickly grasp the handle of a racquet contained and secured within the racquet pocket 224. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, alternative racquet pocket 224 orientations and configurations may be utilized.
[0063] In addition, the alternative container 200 further comprises a first side wall 250 comprising a first pocket 252 (FIG. 13). In addition, the alternative container 200 may further comprise a second side wall 270 comprising a second pocket 272 (FIG. 14). In one preferred arrangement, the second pocket 272 may comprise the same type of pocket as the first pocket 252 provided along the first wall 250. In alternative arrangement, the second pocket 272 may comprise a different type of pocket than the first pocket 252 provided along the first wall 250.
[0064] In one preferred arrangement, the racquet pocket 224 is operatively configured to receive a pickleball racquet by way of a zippered pocket 226. For example, in one arrangement, the racquet pocket 224 is accessible by way of a zipper 226 provided along an outer periphery 228 of the racquet pocket 224. As just one example, this zipper 226 may be provided along only a portion of the outer periphery 228 of the racquet pocket 224.
[0065] Returning to FIGS. 10-12, the container body 210 further comprises a zipper 282 that is provided along the top wall 280 and a first portion of the first side wall 250 and a first portion of the second side wall 270. In one arrangement, the container body interior 260 is accessible by way of this zipper 282 provided between the first portion of the first wall 250 and the first portion of the second wall 270. In certain container arrangements and as described in detail herein, alternative means or mechanisms may be provided for accessing the container body interior 260.
[0066] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the alternative container 200 illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. More specifically, FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the first pocket 252 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. In one arrangement, the first pocket 252 provided along the first side wall 250 comprises a mesh pocket. In an alternative arrangement, the first pocket 252 may comprise other types of pockets, such as a zippered pocket or a tie-string pocket. In addition, the first side wall 250 may further comprise a wallet compartment, such as a wallet compartment 254 accessible by way of a zipper 256. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, alternative access means to this pocket may be utilized as well.
[0067] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the alternative container 200 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. In one arrangement, the second pocket 272 provided along the second side wall 270 comprises a zippered pocket. And this zippered pocket comprises a zipper 274 that provides access to the container body interior 260 (FIG. 15). In one arrangement, the container body interior 260 comprises at least one mesh pocket. However, in alternative arrangements, the first pocket may comprise other types of pockets, such as a zippered pocket or a tie-string pocket.
[0068] FIG. 15 illustrates alternative perspective views of the alternative carrier 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. More specifically, FIG. 15 illustrates the alternative carrier 200 comprising a zipper provided along the top wall which resides in an open position allowing the interior space 260 within the alternative carrier 200 to be viewed. As illustrated, the interior space 260 is configured with a first interior wall 262 and a second interior wall 264. For example, in one arrangement, a first mesh pocket 266 is provided along a first portion 267 of the first interior wall 262. This mesh pocket 266 may be configured to receive certain sports items, such as one or more pickleball balls. This mesh pocket 266 may be configured to secure its contents by way of an elastic rope and a metal stopper. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative mesh securing mechanisms may be utilized as well.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 15, a second mesh pocket 268 may be configured along a second interior wall 264 and this second mesh pocket 268 may be configured to receive certain sports items such as pickleball balls and the like. In one arrangement, the second mesh pocket 268 comprises a mesh fabric along with a nylon rope and metal stopper that allows a user to secure the contents of the mesh pockets so that the contents remain within the mesh pocket during carrier transport.
[0070] In an arrangement, a second mesh pocket 268 may be provided along the inner surface of the container body interior 260. This second mesh pocket 268 may be configured to secure other items typically used by an sports enthusiasts using the container, such as sun screen, sun glasses, gloves, and the like. In one arrangement, a holding mechanism 261 may also be provided along the surface of the second interior wall 264. As just one example, this holding mechanism 261 may comprise a key holder.
[0071] In one arrangement, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, the second pocket 272 provided on the second side wall 270 comprises an insulating material 274. More specifically, the second pocket 272 may comprise an insulated enclosure comprising two or more mesh pockets 276a, b that are provided along the interior surface of the insulated enclosure. As just one example, this mesh pockets 276a, b may be configured to receive ice packs or ices bricks for storage and/or transport. Moreover, these pockets 276a, b may be insulated and/or constructed with an insulation material 274 such as waterproof EPM foam so as to insulate at least a portion of the inner cavity 260 defined by this container 200. In addition, the pocket portion 278 may also comprise an insulating material such as a waterproof PVC fabric or other similar type of insulating material.
[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the alternative carrier 200 further comprises a shoulder strap 290. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates a shoulder strap 290 that is removably coupled to both the first side wall 250 and the second side wall 270. In one preferred arrangement, the shoulder strap 290 comprises a padded shoulder strap. In such an arrangement, the shoulder strap 290 comprises a strap of adjustable length and is disposed on the second wall 270 for use when the alternative carrier is carried as a duffle bag over a person's shoulder. In one arrangement, the shoulder strap 290 may comprise a metal mechanisms 291a, b for regulating a length of the should strap 290, The shoulder strap 290 may also comprise a metal strap operatively coupled to the a D-ring which is operatively coupled to dog ring for securing the shoulder strap 290 to the alternative carrier 200.
[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, the alternative carrier 200 further comprises a first and second carrying handles 295a, b preferably formed from flexible web material. In this illustrated arrangement, the first and second carrying handles 295a, b are located centrally along the first main wall 220 and the second main wall 250 and extend above the alternative carrier 200, over the top wall 280. In one arrangement, the first and second carrying handles 295a, b comprise a stitched handle portion along with a rounded handle portion comprising a leather tunnel. Although the alternative carrier 200 is normally worn on the shoulder by way of the shoulder strap 290, this carrier 200 can also be hand carried by way of the handles 295a, b.
[0074] The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
