Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONTAINER WITH INSULATED ENCLOSURES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an integrated container that has an equipment
storage and
cooler compartments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Carrying bags are used in many recreational activities. Typically, personal
use
carrying containers have a soft-sided body with handles, or a shoulder strap,
or both, for
ease of carrying. Carrying containers are of many types. They may be
characterized as
"equipment bags", or most commonly, as "gym bags" or "duffel bags". Larger
versions
of similar structure may tend to be termed "hockey bags". Although rigid
containers can
also be used, they tend to be less commonly used for carrying sports
equipment. Rigid
containers with large carrying volumes tend to be bulky, and may be difficult,
or
cumbersome. A rigid container may also tend to be heavy. A soft sided
container can be
flattened when not in use, and will tend to accommodate awkward shaped pieces
of sports
clothing, while also being suitably deformable for throwing in the irregular
storage space
of the trunk of a car, the footwell of a backseat of a car, or the rearward
part of a van or
station wagon.
Gym bags tend to have a number of desirable features. For example, they tend
to
be made of relatively light weight materials, so that they do not add
unreasonably to the
weight of objects to be carned. Further, inasmuch as they may be used to carry
malodorous athletic clothing, they may tend to be made of a material that
breathes, or that
can itself be easily washed or aired. It is generally not desirable for the
body of a gym
bag to be made of a foamy or spongy material that may tend to absorb moisture,
as from
wet footwear or sweat, rain, or mud-soaked clothing, and whence it may be
difficult
adequately to rid pungent odours.
A gym bag is distinct from a knapsack or a gunny sack. A knapsack is generally
taller than broad or thick, and has a pair of straps on a leading portion to
permit the sack
to be carried on a wearer's back. A knapsack, when slung from one arm, may
tend to
drag on the ground, and, if carned high enough not to drag on the ground, may
be tiring.
A gunny sack tends also to be rather taller than wide or thick, and may tend
to have a
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draw string at the top, the draw string also serving as a grab by which the
gunny sack can
be slung over one's shoulder. Access to objects at the bottom of the sack may
be
relatively poor.
A gym bag, by contrast, is designed to be carried in one hand. A gym bag is
typically longer than broad or deep, with aspect ratios of length to width in
the order of
2:1 being common. A size of roughly 20 - 24 inches (0.5 to 0.6 m) in length,
by 10 - 12
inches ( 25 - 30 cm) in width, and 10 - 12 inches (25 -30 cm) in height would
be typical.
This is a size that makes for a convenient carry-on bag, such as might squeeze
to fit in the
overhead bin during a commuter airplane flight, or for storing in the overhead
rack of a
bus. A gym bag is not usually greater than about 3 ft (1.0 m) in length, as
beyond this
size the bag becomes less handy and more cumbersome.
A gym bag generally has handles mounted on opposite longitudinal sides, such
that a person can clasp both handles in one hand. When so grasped, the handles
tend to
be relatively close to the center of gravity of the bag (depending, of course,
on how it is
loaded). In use, when being carried in one hand by a user of average height, a
gym bag
tends to swing at about the level of the user's knee or calf, the handles
generally being too
short to permit the bag to drag on the ground and be scuffed. A gym bag does
not tend to
have back pack straps, since it is generally not intended to be carried over
great distances.
Rather, a gym bag is intended to be carned to an activity venue, such as a
sport field, and
carned back home again when the activity is finished.
The main compartment of a gym bag, frequently the only compartment, generally
has a closure member in the nature of a zipper, or a pair of parallel zippers,
running
longitudinally from end to end of the bag between the handles along the top
potion of the
bag. The bag is generally shallow enough to give good access to all parts of
the interior
when the zipper is open.
While gym bags are longer than tall, the cross-section of gym bags varies.
Smaller, older gym bags tend to have a round, or nearly round, cylindrical
shape with few
adornments. In more recent times gym bags have tended to be larger in section,
and to
tend to be more square or rectangular in shape. A third kind of gym bag is
often seen in
use for racquet sports, and has a base that is roughly rectangular, having an
aspect ratio of
length to width of 1.5: 1 to 2.5: 1, and sides that taper somewhat upwardly
and inwardly.
Gym bags of this type tend to be somewhat taller than wide, and may have an
external
racquet pouch.
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There are many occasions when it may be desirable to carry both perishable
food
items, such as fresh fruit, or cool drinks, simultaneously with a relatively
large volume of
other items, such sports clothing. While engaged in strenuous sporting
activity, such as
soccer or other field sports, tennis or other racquet sports, or other
physical activity, a
person may tend to work up a good thirst. At a break in the game or match a
cool drink
may be preferred, rather than a tepid liquid that has been left too long in
the sun. Large
coolers for carrying beer for the entire team are well known, for example. It
has also
become common at sporting events, or vigorous physical activities, for
participants to
desire refreshment, whether merely drinks or also including foods, such as
sliced oranges.
A participant in a sport may not wish to carry separate containers, such as a
gym
bag for sports clothing and a portable cooler for refreshments. It may also be
undesirable
to carry refreshments, whether drinks or perishable foods such as fruit, in
the same
container, whether insulated or otherwise, as basketball shoes; workout
clothing such as
socks, shorts and shorts; a basketball, soccer ball, or football, and a
sandwich or drink for
later consumption. In the first instance a drink, or juicy piece of fruit, may
leak over the
sporting equipment. In the second instance, food carned with sports clothing
and athletic
shoes, and having spent a morning or afternoon in a sports locker, or the
trunk of a car,
may not acquire an overly palatable taste. In terms of keeping a cool drink
cool, or a hot
drink hot, it may be desirable to have an insulated, watertight container.
Further, the
transportation of perishable foods may call for the use of an insulated
container in the
interests of health and sanitation.
It may not be that only cooled beverages or snacks are desired. Lawn bowling
is
often played well into the autumn. After an evening on the greens there may be
a chill in
the air, and tea or hot chocolate may be desired. In that light, an insulated
container, such
as a cooler, may also serve to keep items warm.
It would be advantageous to employ a single carrying container combining
spaces
for both sporting gear on the one hand, and insulated refreshments on the
other, and to
maintain a level of segregation between the spaces.
Heretofore, a typical solution has been to transport the items in two separate
containers: one insulated, the other not. Unfortunately this is usually a
cumbersome
arrangement which may require two hands rather than one. A single person may
not need
or desire an entire large cooler. There is a need for a personal carrying
container, such as
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gym bag, that permits the carriage of sporting equipment while at the same
time
permitting the carrying of drinks or foods that require or benefit from
cooling, the two
items being carned in a relatively convenient, and reasonably hygienic manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an aspect of the invention, there is a combination comprising a gym bag,
and a
cooler mounted to the gym bag.
In another aspect of the invention, there is a flexible soft-sided container
assembly. The container assembly has a wall structure having a first portion
and a second
portion mounted thereto. The first portion has an uninsulated wall structure
defining a
first chamber therewithin. The second portion has an insulated wall structure
defining a
second insulated chamber therewithin. The uninsulated wall structure has a
longitudinal
extent, namely a length, a vertical extent, namely a depth, and an extent
transverse to both
the length and depth, namely a width. The length is greater than each of the
depth and the
width. The uninsulated wall structure has a pair of longitudinally spaced end
walls, and a
sidewall extending therebetween. The insulated wall structure is mounted to
one of the
end walls.
In an aspect of the invention, there is a combination comprising a gym bag and
a
plurality of coolers mounted to said gym bag.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the coolers have a
soft-
shell flexible insulated wall structure. The insulated wall structures define
insulated
chambers. In another additional feature, the insulated wall structures are
moveable to a
collapsed position, and have means for securing the insulated wall structures
in the
collapsed position. In a still further additional feature, the gym bag has an
uninsulated
wall structure. In still another further additional feature, the gym bag is
moveable to a
collapsed position and has means for securing the gym bag in the collapsed
position.
In yet another additional feature, the gym bag is moveable to a collapsed
position
and has means for securing the gym bag in the collapsed position thereof. The
insulated
coolers are each moveable to a collapsed position and each has means for
securing the
coolers in the collapsed position thereof. In still another additional
feature, the gym bag
has a pair of end walls and a sidewall extending between the end walls. The
coolers are
each mounted to one of the end walls. In still yet another additional feature,
the gym bag
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has a pair of end walls and a sidewall extending between the end walls. The
coolers are
mounted to one of (a) the end walls and (b) the sidewall.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the coolers
have an
insulated soft-shell wall structure defining an insulated chamber. The coolers
have a
receptacle mounted to the soft-shell wall structure. The receptacles extend
inwardly of
the wall structures relative to the insulated chambers. The receptacles are
accessible from
outside the chambers. In yet another additional feature of that aspect of the
invention, a
covering is mounted to each of the coolers. The coverings are movable to a
position
overlying the receptacles.
In another additional feature, the gym bag has a first soft-shell wall
structure
having a longitudinal extent, namely a length, a depth transverse to the
length, and a
width transverse to both the length and the width. The length is greater than
each of the
depth and the width. The wall structure has a pair of longitudinally spaced
apart ends and
a sidewall member extending therebetween to define a first enclosure. The
first soft shell
wall structure is moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded
position. The
sidewall member has a lower portion upon which the first soft-shell wall
structure can
rest, and an upper portion having a closure member. The closure member extends
at least
partially longitudinally, and is operable to control access to the first
enclosure. The
coolers have a second and third soft-shell wall structures. The second and
third soft-shell
wall structures each have an insulating layer, and define a second and third
enclosures
therewithin. The second and third enclosures are insulated. The coolers are
movable to a
collapsed position, and is securable in the collapsed position thereof. The
coolers are
mounted to one of the end walls of the gym bag.
In yet another feature, the coolers have an externally accessible receptacle
mounted thereto. The receptacle extends inwardly of the insulated wall
structures relative
to the second and third enclosures. In still another feature, the coolers have
a cover. The
cover is movable to a position to overlie the receptacle. In a further
feature, the first soft
shell structure has a stiffened panel for placement adjacent the lower portion
thereof
inside the first enclosure. In yet a further feature, the stiffened panel is
foldable. In still
yet a further feature, the first enclosure and the second enclosure share a
common wall.
In still a further feature, the coolers have a watertight liner mounted
therein to discourage
migration of liquids contained in the coolers from the coolers to the gym bag.
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In yet another further feature, the gym bag has a first soft-shell wall
structure
having a longitudinal extent, namely a length, a depth transverse to the
length, and a
width transverse to both the length and the width. The length is greater than
each of the
depth and the width. The wall structure has a pair of longitudinally spaced
apart ends and
a sidewall member extending therebetween to define a first enclosure. The
first soft shell
wall structure is moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded
position. The
sidewall member has a lower portion upon which the first soft-shell wall
structure can
rest, and an upper portion having a closure member, and a pair of spaced
apart, opposed
ascending portions intermediate lower and upper portions. The closure member
extends
at least partially longitudinally, and the closure member is operable to
control access to
the first enclosure. The coolers have a second and third soft-shell wall
structure. The
second and third soft-shell wall structures have an insulating layer, and
define second and
third enclosures therewithin. The second and third enclosures are insulated.
The coolers
are movable to a collapsed position, and are securable in the collapsed
position thereof.
The coolers are each mounted to one of the ascending portions of the gym bag.
In another aspect of the invention, there is a flexible soft-sided container
assembly. The container assembly has a wall structure having a first portion,
a second
portion and a third portion mounted thereto. The first portion has an
uninsulated wall
structure defining a first chamber therewithin. The second and third portions
have an
insulated wall structure defining a second and third insulated chamber
therewithin. The
uninsulated wall structure has a longitudinal extent, namely a length, a
vertical extent,
namely a depth, and an extent transverse to both the length and depth, namely
a width.
The length is greater than each of the depth and the width. The uninsulated
wall structure
has a pair of longitudinally spaced end walls, and a sidewall extending
therebetween. The
insulated wall structures are each mounted to one of the end walls.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the insulated
containers
have a height, a width, and a depth. The depth of the uninsulated wall
structure is at least
as great as the height of the insulated container assemblies. The width of the
uninsulated
container structure is at least as great as the width of the container
assembly. The depth
of the insulated container structures is less than each of the width and the
depth of the
insulated container structures.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to
those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of the
preferred
embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 a is a general assembly isometric view of a container
assembly;
Figure 1b shows a top view of the container assembly of Figure
la with a gym
bag and a cooler in extended positions;
Figure lc is a left hand side view of the container assembly
of Figure la;
Figure 1d is a right hand side view of the container assembly
of Figure la;
Figure 1e is a view of an end of the container assembly of
Figure la, being the
cooler end face;
Figure if is a view of another end of the container assembly
of Figure la, being
the gym bag end face;
Figure 1g is a bottom view of the container assembly of Figure
la;
Figure 2a is a detail view of the container assembly of Figure
1 a showing a pouch
of the gym bag end in an open position;
Figure 2b is a detail view of the container assembly of Figure
1 a, showing a lid of
the cooler in an open position;
Figure 2c shows a view of a liner of the cooler of Figure
la in an inverted
position;
Figure 2d is a scab view illustrating the wall construction
of the cooler portion of
the container assembly of Figure 1 a;
Figure 3a shows an isometric view of the container assembly
of Figure 1 a in a
collapsed position;
Figure 3b shows a top view of the container assembly of Figure
3a;
Figure 3c is a left hand side view of the container assembly
of Figure 3a;
Figure 3d is a right hand side view of the container assembly
of Figure 3a;
Figure 3e is a view of an end of the container assembly of
Figure 3a, being the
cooler end face;
Figure 3f is a bottom view of the container assembly of Figure
3a;
Figure 4a shows an isometric view of the container assembly
of Figure la with
the cooler in a collapsed position and the gym bag in an extended
position;
Figure 4b shows an isometric view of the container assembly
of Figure la with
the cooler in an extended position and the gym bag in a collapsed
position;
Figure Sa shows an alternate container assembly to the container
assembly of
Figure la, having externally accessible receptacles mounted
in the cooler;
Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view showing the wall construction
of the
receptacles of Figure 5a;
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Figure 6 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of container
assembly to the container assembly of Figure la, having a side mounted
cooler;
Figure 7 shows an isometric view of an alternate embodiment to the container
assembly of Figure la with a gym bay of round cross-section;
Figure 8a shows an isometric view of a further alternative embodiment of
container assembly to the container assembly of Figure la;
Figure 8b shows a reverse isometric view of the container assembly of Figure
8a;
Figure 9a is a general assembly isometric view of an alternative embodiment of
a
container assembly to that of Figure la;
Figure 9b shows a top view of the container assembly of Figure 9a with a gym
bag and coolers in extended positions;
Figure 9c is a left hand side view of the container assembly of Figure 9a;
Figure 9d is a right hand side view of the container assembly of Figure 9a;
1 S Figure 9e is a bottom view of the container assembly of Figure 9a;
Figure 10a shows an isometric view of the container assembly of Figure 9a in a
collapsed position;
Figure lOb shows a top view of the container assembly of Figure 10a;
Figure lOc is a side view of the container assembly of Figure 10a;
Figure lOd is a bottom view of the container assembly of Figure 10a;
Figure lla shows an isometric view of the container assembly of Figure 9a with
the coolers in a collapsed position and the gym bag in an extended
position;
Figure llb shows an isometric view of the container assembly of Figure 9a with
both coolers in an extended position and the gym bag in a collapsed
position;
Figure 12 shows an alternate container assembly to the container assembly of
Figure 9a, having externally accessible receptacles mounted in the coolers,
with one of the coolers collapsed;
Figure 13 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of container
assembly to the container assembly of Figure 9a, having a side mounted
cooler as well as an end cooler;
Figure 14 shows an isometric view of an alternate embodiment to the container
assembly of Figure 9a with a gym bay of round cross-section; and
Figure 15a shows an isometric view of a further alternative embodiment of
container assembly to the container assembly of Figure 9a; and
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Figure 15b shows a reverse isometric view of the container assembly of Figure
15a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, are
provided
by way of illustration or example, or examples of particular embodiments of
the
principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the
purposes of
illustration, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention.
In the
description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification
and drawings
with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily
to scale
and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated in order to more
clearly
depict certain features of the invention.
1 S A soft sided container assembly is shown in Figures 1 a - 1 g and
indicated
generally as 20. It has two sections: a general container section in the
nature of an
uninsulated, soft sided athletic or recreational activity bag of greater
length than height or
width, exemplified by a gym bag indicated generally as 22, and an insulated
section, in
the nature of a cooler indicated generally as 24. Gym bag 22 and cooler 24 are
connected
in such a manner as to permit them to be carried through the use of left and
right hand
carrying handles 25, 26 or a shoulder strap 27. In the preferred embodiment,
gym bag 22
and cooler 24 are each independently collapsible, and can be secured in a
respective
collapsed position. This permits either section to be independently collapsed
while
permitting use of the other section. Also, both cooler 24 and gym bag 22 can
be
collapsed at the same time to facilitate storage or transportation when not in
use.
Considering the illustrations in greater detail, Figure la is a perspective
view of
container assembly 20 in a fully extended configuration, that is, in which gym
bag 22 and
cooler 24 are moved to respective fully extended positions. Figure 1b shows a
top view
of container assembly 20 with the general container section, gym bag 22, open.
Gym bag
22 has a lower, or bottom portion, namely a generally rectangular floor 28, a
pair of left
and right hand ascending sidewall portions 30, 32 rising upwardly from floor
28, and an
upper or top portion 34 extending between the upper margins of sidewall
portions 30 and
32 above floor 28. Floor 28, sidewall portions 30, 32 and top portion 34
collectively form
a structure that, when moved to the extended position shown in Figure la, has
the form of
a cylinder of generally rectangular cross-section. The central axis of the
cylindrical
structure so formed, indicated as 35, is the longitudinal axis of container
assembly 20. A
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common wall, or dividing wall, such as might be termed a partition, bulkhead
or panel 36
of generally rectangular plan form is located to one end of the rectangular
cylinder, and is
joined about its periphery to first longitudinal margins of floor 28, sidewall
portions 30,
32 and top portion 34, and thereby defines an end wall of gym bag 22. Another
end wall,
or bulkhead, indicated as end panel 38, of similar plan form to panel 36, is
joined about
its periphery to second, distal margins of floor 28, sidewall portions 30, 32
and top
portion 34, and thereby defines another end wall of gym bag 22.
Panels 36, 38 and floor 28, sidewall portions 30, 32 and top portion 34 co-
operate
to define a first space, storage chamber or cavity, indicated generally as 40.
Top portion
34 has a pair of verges that are, structurally, inward extensions of sidewalls
30, 32 that
lean inwardly from the upper regions of sidewalk portions 30, 32 toward each
other, and
a closure member 42 running longitudinally along the inboard edge of the
verges between
the panels 36 and 38. Closure member 42 has a pair of parallel longitudinal
track
fasteners, in the nature of zippers, 43, 44 bounding a central flap 45.
Zippers 43 and 44
are operable to provide access, through an opening 50, to cavity 40. Floor 28,
side walls
30, 32 and end panels 36, 38 are all made from a lightweight, durable and
flexible water-
resistant or water-proof material, and are sewn together, although other
fastening methods
could also be used.
Opening 50 runs along the longest dimension of general container 54, being its
length. Opening 50 of cavity 40 is equal in dimension to the length of flap
45, whose
proximal end is sewn to the top of end wall panel 36. Flap 45 is flexible, and
easily
movable to provide access to cavity 40. The distal end 52 of flap 45 has an
hook-and-eye
connector strip 54 (typically made of Velcro (T.M.)), which mates with a
similar
connector strip (not shown) on a cover flap 56. Flap 56 is sewn to the top of
common
wall 36.
In Figure lc, when zippers 43 and 44 are in their closed position, flaps 45
and 56
fill the entire opening, namely opening 50. The two halves of zipper 43 are
sewn
respectively into the verges extending inward from sidewall 30, and the edge
of flap 45;
and the two halves of zipper 44 are sewn into the verge extending inwardly
from side wall
32 and the other side edge of flap 45. Tabs 64 and 66 of zippers 43 and 44,
respectively,
are connected by a thin strap 68, permitting zippers 43 and 44 to be easily
and
simultaneously operated.
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Lifting, or carrying, members in the nature of handles 70 and 72 are attached
to
respective side wall portions 30 and 32, the handles being formed of strapping
secured at
either end and having a seamed bail 73. The strapping material of handles 70
and 72 is
earned fully under floor 28 and up the other side such that handles 70 and 72
are formed
from a continuous loop of webbing material. The bails of handles 70 and 72 can
be
clasped together in a single hand.
Gym bag 22 has peripheral skirts 74 and 76 that are mounted about the
periphery
of end panels 36 and 38 respectively, and which extend longitudinally inboard
therefrom.
The most inboard edges of skirts 74 and 76 carry respective halves of 78 and
79 of a
tracked closure member in the nature of a zipper 80, whose operation is
described more
fully below. Zipper halves 78, 79 extend around the circumference of container
side wall
30, floor 28 and side wall 32.
A pocket 82 is mounted to sidewall 30 and has an upper edge having a
longitudinal tracked closure member in the nature of zipper 84. Pocket 82 has
an open
mesh outer panel such that objects in pocket 82 can be seen, and so that
pocket 82 can
breathe. Other pocket panel materials could also be used.
At the distal end of gym bag 22, that is to say, at panel 38 distant from
cooler 24,
gym bag 22 has a flap 86 that is sewn about its bottom edge, and about lower
portions of
its side edges to a thin peripheral wall 88 that extends outwardly from panel
38. The
remainder of the periphery of flap 86 is releasably attached to panel 38 by a
zipper 90 that
runs along the remaining, upper portions of the side edges, and across the top
edge of flap
86. Zipper 90 is operable to control access to the end pouch 87 thus formed.
On the
outer face of end panel 38, concealed by flap 86 when zipper 90 is closed, is
an internal
pouch 92 having a divider member 93, an outer, screen-mesh pouch 94, pen
holders 95,
and a key holder 96 having a quick release spring catch.
Another lifting member is provided in the nature of long, rectangular strap 27
of
webbing material with releasable attachment fittings in the nature of clasps
102 and 104,
located at either end thereof. In the preferred embodiment, strap 100 has a
closable pouch
106 slidably attached to a medial portion thereof, and also has a plastic
shoulder brace
108 slidably attached thereto. Clasps 102 and 104 can be attached to lifting
memhPrc
mounted to the body of container assembly 20, namely lifting lugs, or eyelets
110 and
112, which are attached, respectively, to a sewn in web loop 114 mounted
centrally at the
top edge of panel 36, and to a distal web loop sewn to external flap 86. When
clasps 102
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and 104 are attached to eyelets 110 and 112, carrying container assembly 20
can be
carned by strap 100.
A bottom panel liner in the nature of a floor board, is indicated in Figure 1
a as
120. It is made of a pair of stiff rectangular pieces 122, 124 of material,
overlain with a
fabric, and having a medial transverse hinge 126 to permit floor board 120 to
be folded.
Each of pieces 122, 124 is of a width slightly less than the width of end
panel 36 or 38,
and of a longitudinal extent less then the height of end wall panel 36 or 38,
such that,
when folded, floor board 120 can lie against, and within the peripheral
profile of, either
panel 36 or 38. Floor board 120 is inserted through opening 50 and placed to
lie on floor
panel 28, thus tending to provide a measure of rigidity, and puncture
resistance, to floor
28 of gym bag 22.
In the preferred embodiment, gym bag 22 is roughly 16 inches long (40 cm),
with
a height of roughly 10 inches (25 cm) and a width of roughly 10 inches (25
cm). The
corners of end panels 36 and 38 are radiused, and portions 28, 30, 32 and 34
conform to
the radiused profile so defined.
Cooler 24 will now be described in greater detail. Cooler 24 has a bottom
panel,
or floor 142; side walls 144 and 146 upstanding from floor 142 and
substantially in line
with side wall portions 30, 32 of gym bag 22; an end wall 148 distant from
wall panel 36,
also upstanding from floor 142 and meeting side walls 144 and 146 at common
vertices;
and wall panel 36 itself. Floor 142 , walls 144 and 146 and 148 and panel 36
define a
second storage chamber, or cavity 150. The upper margins, being top edges 162,
164,
and 166 of walls 144, 146, 148 and panel 36 define an opening 151 of cavity
150. A lid
152 is directly connected to panel 36 by a folded fabric hinge 153. A zipper
154
releasably connects lid 152 to the upper margins of side walls 144 and 146 and
end wall
148. When zipper 154 is unzipped, lid 152 can be folded back to permit entry
and exit of
objects from cooler 24. The inside surfaces of floor 142, side walls 144 and
146, end wall
148, common wall panel 36, and lid 152 forming the bounds of cavity 150 are
covered in
a shiny, reflective surface.
Top edges 162, 164 and 166 form the rim 168 of cavity 150. On the inside of
rim
168 is a liner securing means, or liner attachment mounting, in the nature of
a zipper 170,
which, in the embodiment illustrated, includes portions 171, 172 and 173
mounted
respectively to side walls 144 and 146, and end wall 148, and a hook-and-eye
fabric
fastener strip 176 mounted to common wall panel 36. Although this arrangement
is
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preferred, in an alternative embodiment all of strip portions 171, 172, 173
and 176 (or
some other combination of them) could be hook-and-eye fasteners. Other types
of
mounting could be used, in addition to zippers, such as interlocking strip
seals, snaps,
clips, grommets or other means.
Figure 2d shows a cross section of end wall 148 with a liner 180 in place. A
scab
section of side wall 144 is also shown for the purpose of revealing its layers
of
construction. With the exception of auxiliary pouch 182, this section is
typical not only of
end wall 148 but also, more generally, of panel 36, side walls 144 and 146,
bottom panel
142 and lid 152. The outer facing layer of end wall 148 is a woven nylon
covering layer
184 for resisting abrasion. It overlays a closed cell foam insulation layer
186. The inner
face of insulation layer 186 is covered by a flexible plasticised reflective
sheeting 188.
Liner 180 seats inside sheeting 188, and, in use, is pressed against it by the
obj ects it
contains.
Liner 180 is made from a membrane, or web, preferably from flexible,
transparent
stock such as static cling vinyl, and as such, is impermeable to water or
other liquids such
as beverages, juice from fruit, leaking jam or peanut butter, and so on. Liner
180 has a
floor 190 and sides 192, 193, 194, and 195 extending upwardly from floor 190.
Each of
sides 192, 193, 194 and 195 is joined to floor 190 at a floor edge 196, 197,
198 and 199,
respectively, and each has an opposite or distal edge 200, 201, 202 and 203,
respectively,
distant from its respective floor edge. In this way a complete water-tight
lining is
provided for cavity 150.
Liner 180 has a peripheral lip 204 formed collectively by distal edges 200,
201,
202 and 203. Immediately below lip 204 are liner support fasteners, mounted to
some or
all of sides 192, 193, 194 and 195. This mounting may be by heat welding or by
use of a
bonding agent or adhesive. In the preferred embodiment lip 204 is folded over
to form a
hem, and fasteners 205, 206 and 207 are of the nature of a continuous zipper
around the
three sides of lip 204, and a fastener 208 in the nature of a fabric hook-and-
eye strip is
sewn in place at a height relative to floor 196 expected to be above the
likely liquid level
in liner 180. In an alternative embodiment, fasteners 205, 206 and 207 can all
be replaced
by fabric hook-and-eye fasteners each mounted on one side of lip 180, and
which mate
with corresponding fabric hook-and-eye fasteners mounted to walls 144, 146 and
148.
These fabric hook-and-eye fastener strips are commonly sold under the name
Velcro
(T.M.).
CA 02327764 2000-12-06
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Figure 2b shows liner 180 removed from cooler section 24. Although liner 180
could be formed by heat-welding together floor 190 and sides 192, 193, 194 and
195, it is
preferable to construct liner 180 from a single integral sheet of material,
folded to a
watertight vessel as shown. This construction may tend to enhance durability
during
repeated foldings and un-foldings when cooler 24 is collapsed and expanded, as
described
below. It would also be desirable for liner 180 to be thin to better
facilitate collapsing
cooler 24. It would also be preferable for liner 178 to be transparent to
permit the shiny,
reflective surfaces of the inside surfaces of floor 142, side walls 144 and
146, end wall
148, panel 36, and lid 152 forming the bounds of cavity 150 to be seen.
Figure Zc is a perspective view of container 20 with liner 180 inverted, or
pulled
out and its inside surfaces exposed, facilitating cleaning of liner 180
without removal
from container 20.
An elasticized retaining matrix 210 is located on top of lid 152, and permits
other
materials such as cups, plates, serving utensils or other objects to be carned
on top of
cooler 24. Eyelet 212 is located on side wall 144, and a similarly placed
eyelet 214 is
located on side wall 146. Eyelets 212 and 216 can connect with clasps 102 and
104 to
attach strap 100 as a convenient carrying strap when gym bag 22 is in a
collapsed
position.
Insulated pouch 182 has an external pocket 220, which may be made of mesh or
other material. A horizontal strip of fabric and hook-and-eye fastener 222 is
located on
pocket 220, and mates with a strip 224 located on the underside of lid 152
when cooler 24
is collapsed. Rectangular pieces of fabric hook-and-eye fastener 226 and 228
are located
on insulated pouch 182.
Securing straps 230 and 232 are attached to side walls 144 and 146 at their
junction with panel 36. Hook-and-eye strips 234, 236 are located on side walls
144 and
146, respectively to provide fastening points for mating hook-and-eye strips
at the distal
extremities of straps 230 and 232 when cooler 24 is in its extended position.
The use of hook-and-eye fasteners 226 and 228 when cooler 24 is collapsed is
illustrated in Figure 3a. End wall 148 is pushed toward common wall panel 36
with side
walls 144 and 146 being folded inward thus collapsing cavity 150. Zipper 154
is open,
and fastener strip 224 under lid 152 is mated with fastener strip 222. Straps
230 and 232
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extend about cooler 24 to engage strips 226 and 228, thus securing cooler 24
in a
collapsed position.
When cooler 24 is fully collapsed and gym bag 22 is expanded as in Figure 4a,
container assembly 20 can be used as an equipment or gym bag, using the
general storage
space of gym bag 22. Container assembly 20 in this configuration can be
transported
using shoulder strap 100 attached to eyelets 110 and 112.
A top view of container assembly 20 with gym bag 22 collapsed and cooler 24
expanded is illustrated in Figure 4b. Floor board 120 is folded, and placed
flat against
common wall panel 36. End wall panel 38 is then pushed toward common wall
panel 36
(with floorboard 120 in-between). This can be accomplished with zippers 43 and
44
open. Zipper 80 is then closed, enclosing handles 70 and 72. Zipper 80 thus
acts to
secure the gym bag 24 in a fully collapsed position. Flap 78 is typically
tucked in against
end wall 36, although this is not necessary. Note that in this configuration,
the container
may be used as a cooler carried by using strap 110.
A top view of container assembly 20 with both gym bag 22 and cooler 24
collapsed is illustrated in Figure 3a. In this fully collapsed configuration,
the container 20
20 takes up a reduced amount of space for storage or transportation.
Figure Sa shows an isometric view of a container assembly 280 having an
overall
parallelepiped shape. Container assembly 280 is substantially the same as
container
assembly 20 but also includes a cooler 282 having two externally accessible
receptacles
300, 302 for holding a beverage container. Container assembly 280 has cooler
282 and a
gym bag 284. Cooler 282 is similar to cooler section 24. Gym bag 284 is
similar to gym
bag 22 and is made from a flexible, durable, moisture-resistant and breathable
material, so
that it is possible to collapse gym bag 22 in a manner similar to that of gym
bag 22,
described above. When collapsed, gym bag 22 is held in place by a closing
zipper 288.
Cooler 282 has a hinged lid 290 having openings 304 formed therethrough. Lid
290 like the other walls of cooler 282, or cooler 24 has insulative properties
in that heat
transfer is retarded through lid 290. An example of a suitable lid in this
regard includes
an internal core of foam 306. Suitable foam polymers include ethylpropylene
ethylene
(EPE). A typical core will be about 8 mm thick. External to, or on opposite
sides thereof,
are an outer protective and decorative layer of polymer sheeting 308 and
another inner
protective layer of polymer sheeting 310. Layers 308 and 310 are preferably
made of a
CA 02327764 2000-12-06
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material suitable for cleaning. A suitable material in this regard is nylon
(T.M.) sheeting.
Other suitable materials and combinations of materials may also be found.
Each externally accessible receptacle 300, 302 may take the general form
desired
for the particular end use. These include sleeves, pockets, cylinders and the
like. Each
such receptacle 300, 302 includes a mouth 312. In the illustrated embodiment,
mouth 312
conforms to the shape of opening 304 and has a perimeter size slightly less
than that of
the opening 304. Mouth 312 is selected to have a perimeter and size which
closely
approximates the external perimeter shape and size of the can, bottle, or the
like to be
held such as can 314. Each receptacle 300, 302 provides a downwardly depending
structure which accommodates at least a substantial portion of the volume of
the can,
bottle or the like. Preferably, the height of the receptacle is less than the
total height of
the can, bottle or like, to permit and facilitate access to the can, bottle or
like: that is, a
user can grasp and remove the can, bottle, or the like, from receptacle 300,
302 when
desired, such as in order to drink or pour from can 314.
The structure of receptacle 300, 302 is illustrated in the scab cross-section
of
Figure Sb. It includes a downwardly depending sidewall 316 which is generally
vertically oriented when container cooler 282 is in the upright position
illustrated in
Figure Sa. The illustrated receptacle 300, 302 further includes a bottom wall
318 upon
which can 314 or the like can rest. In the illustrated form, downwardly
depending
sidewall 316 has the configuration of a right cylinder, and the bottom wall
318 takes on
the shape of a disk. This shaping is suited for closely accommodating
illustrated can 314.
Receptacles 300, 302 are to be mounted integrally with lid 290 at openings
304.
Single-piece construction is possible in this regard, although often an
assembly can be
somewhat more convenient, particularly when the receptacle material is
different from
that of lid 290. As illustrated, a flange member 320 is used to join the
receptacle to lid
290. Illustrated flange member 320 includes a horizontal plate 322 which
overlies the
opening 304 and the adjacent edge of lid 290. A plurality of fastening devices
in the
nature of flexing fasteners 324 project from the horizontal plate 322 and into
and through
the lid 290. Horizontal backing plate 326 is included to enhance the security
of the
connection between fasteners 324 and lid 290. In this regard, the fasteners
324 pass
through respective openings provided in separate horizontal backing plate 326.
Fasteners
324 snap into place thereat.
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Flange member 320 also includes a vertical annular leg 328 which depends
downwardly from horizontal plate 322. A cut-out or indent in the nature of a
shouldered
annular rabbet 330 is provided in receptacle sidewall 316 to accommodate the
thickness
and height of vertical annular leg 328. By either approach, the exposed
surface of the
vertical plate is flush with the inside surface of receptacle sidewall 316,
or, alternatively
vertical annular leg 328 is slightly indented with respect to receptacle
sidewall 316. The
surface of receptacle 302 will thus engage the container when seated in
receptacle 302.
Another alternative embodiment of container assembly is shown in Figure 6. A
soft-sided container assembly 350 has a cooler 352 and a duffel, or gym bag
354. Gym
bag 354 is substantially similar in construction to the duffel bag, that is to
say gym bag
24, of Figure 1 a. However, rather than having panel 36, which is insulated,
gym bag 354
has a second end panel 356 which is of the same construction as end panel 38,
thus
completing the boundary of the internal cavity of gyrn bag 365.
By contrast to container assembly 20, cooler 352 is mounted to a side wall
portion
360 of gym bag 354, in a saddle-bag like mounting, and has a rear insulated
panel, in
place of panel 36, that forms the rearward wall of cooler 352. The wall
construction of
cooler 352 is the same as cooler 22, but employs a greater width, oriented to
mount
lengthwise relative to sidewall portion 360, and lesser depth, extending
roughly from the
level of the floor of gym bag 24 to the base of handle 362. As shown, cooler
352 also
includes beverage container receptacles 364, 366 of the same form of
construction as
receptacles 300, 302 discussed above. Further, a cover, in the nature of a
flap 368
extends outwardly from the juncture of cooler 352 with sidewall portion 360.
Flap 368 is
positionable to cover containers seated in either of receptacles 364, 366 and
thereby to
tend to protect then from rain, or sun, and or wind.
Figure 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of container assembly 380,
that
differs from container assembly 20 by having a duffle bag, or gym bag, 382
that is of
substantially round cross-section, rather than the more square cross-sectional
configuration of gym bag 22. An insulated wall structure, namely cooler 384 is
mounted
to an end wall 386, of gym bag 382, and is of a size to fall within the
projected profile of
endwall 386. Although cooler 384 is box-shaped, having rectangular side wall,
lid, and
bottom wall panels, other shapes could be employed, and their profiles need
not
necessarily fall within the projected profile of the respective end wall of
the gym bag.
Further, a saddle-bag mounting along the side of a rounded gym bag could also
be made.
Cooler 384 is similar to cooler 24, and notably has hook-and-eye strips 258
and 259
CA 02327764 2000-12-06
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attached to end wall 261 of cooler 384. Hook-and-eye strip 259 mates with hook-
and-eye
strip 263 attached to a strap 262. There is also a hook-and-eye strip 264
which mates
with a hook-and-eye strip (not shown) on the inside of lid 268. Cooler 384 can
thus move
to a collapsed position, and can be retained, or secured, in the collapsed
position by using
hook-and-eye strips 258, 259, and 264 in a manner similar to cooler 24 of
container
assembly 20. Although gym bag 382 is in the form of a round cylinder, it is
generally
similar to gym bag 24. The method of closure, while still running along the
longest
dimension of gym bag 382, consists of a zipper 265. Gym bag 382 is made from a
flexible, durable, moisture-resistant and breathable material, so that it is
possible to
collapse gym bag 382 in a manner similar to that of gym bag 24, described
above. When
collapsed, gym bag 382 is held in place by closing zipper 260. As shown in
Figure 7,
both gym bag 382 and cooler 384 are longitudinally collapsible in a manner
similar to
gym bag 22 and cooler 24. Cooler 384 is secured in the collapsed position by
the hook
and-eye fasteners, in the manner described above, and bag 382 is secured in
the collapsed
position by circumferential zipper 388.
More generally, the shape of the container assembly need not be square, as
assembly 20, or round, as assembly 380, but could be oval, elliptical,
partially flat sided
(such as for a bottom face for resting on the floor), and partially arcuately
sided, or some
combination of flat and arcuate sides or large radius corners. A duffel bag or
gym bag
can have varying dimensions and proportions while still maintaining the
relationship of
having a major dimension, being the length, and minor dimensions for depth and
width
that are substantially less than the length.
Similar securement means is also provided to maintain the elements in their
collapsed positions to that of the container assembly 20. For each of the
collapsible
embodiments illustrated and described above, other types of securing means
could be
provided, whether a different arrangement of hook-and eye fasteners, the use
of snaps or
buttons, the use of zippers, or the use draw strings, or belts, or the use of
elasticized bands
such as bungee cords or the like.
A number of alternative configurations are possible, such as the addition of a
cover in the nature of flap 368 to cooler 282, or in the use of a cooler that
lacks beverage
receptacles, as in cooler 22, or in the nature of a container assembly having
coolers
mounted along either side, as in a double saddle-bag arrangement, or in having
coolers
such as cooler 24, or cooler 282, mounted to both ends of a gym bag similar to
gym bag
22 or gym bag 354.
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A further alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 8a and 8b. A container
assembly 400 has a collapsible athletic gear bag 402 having a shape similar to
a small
valise or satchel, to which a collapsible insulated wall structure in the
nature of a cooler
404 is mounted in a side mounting. Athletic gear bag 402 has a lower, floor,
or bottom
panel 406, a top panel 408, and a pair of symmetrical end walls 410. Side wall
panels
414 and 416 extend upwardly from bottom panel 406, each having an upper
portion 418,
420, that is tapered inward (that is, toward each other). A pair of carrying
handles 422,
424 are mounted to upper portions 418 and 420, and have bails 426, 428 that
can be
drawn together and grasped by a single hand. Bag 402 has a longitudinal
tracked closure
member, in the nature of a zipper 430 that extends longitudinally along the
centre of top
panel 408, dividing it into two inwardly extending, co-operating verges 431,
433. Zipper
402 also extends partially down the end faces 410 such that when zipper 430 is
open,
upper portions 418, 420 can be spread outwardly somewhat to facilitate access
to the
interior of bag 402. Bag 402 is of relatively soft-walled construction,
although, in an
alternative embodiment, side panels could be substantially rigid, or could
have a degree
of stiffening. Bag 402 is movable between collapsed and extended positions,
but, in
contrast to gym bag 22, gym bag 402 is collapsible in a direction
perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction. That is, athletic gear bag 402 is collapsible, or
expandable as the
case may be, in the width direction as indicated by arrow 'A', rather than in
the length
direction. As above, a means for securing bag 402 is provided, in the nature
of hook-and-
eye-strips 434, 435, 436 and straps 438.
Cooler 404 has a bottom panel 442, an outboard panel 444, left and right hand
side panels 446 and 448, and a hingedly connected top panel 440, with the same
general
construction as cooler 24 or 352, including a water proof liner similar in
construction to
liner 180. Beverage receptacles, such as receptacles 300, 302 could also be
installed in
the lid, namely top panel 440, in the manner shown in Figure Sa and Sb, above.
Cooler
404 is also collapsible in the direction of the width of bag 402, being
movable between
collapsed and extended positions, and has securing means, in the nature of
straps 441 and
hook-and-eye fasteners 443, 445 in an analogous manner to that described
above.
Container assembly 400 differs from container assembly 20 in having a
different
aspect of height to width, the height being greater than the width, typically
by 20 to 60 %.
For example, the width may be in the range of for example, about 8 - 10 inches
(20 - 25
cm) while the height is in the range of 10 or 12 to 16 inches (25 or 30 to 40
cm). The
aspect ratio of height to length may also be lower, the length being typically
18 to 24
CA 02327764 2000-12-06
20 -
inches (45 - 60 cm). As seen in the reverse view of container assembly 400,
such a
container assembly can also have, optionally, an external equipment mounting,
452. As
shown, external equipment mounting 452 is a racquet housing 454, such as would
be
suitable for racquet ball, tennis, badminton, or squash. A similar bag,
without a racquet
housing or mount, could be used for other sporting or recreational activities,
whether as a
collapsible picnic case, as a case for lawn bowls (with suitable internal
dividers) or bocce
balls. Alternatively, a second cooler, like cooler 404, can be mounted in
place of
equipment mounting 452. In this regard, while the term "cooler" has been used
above, it
is intended that the principles of the invention may apply to insulated wall
structures that
maintain warmth as well as those that maintain coolness.
As shown in Figures 9a - 9e, a soft-sided container assembly is generally
illustrated as 460. It has three sections: a general container section in the
nature of an
uninsulated, soft sided athletic or recreational activity bag of greater
length than height or
width, exemplified by a gym bag indicated as 462, and two insulated sections
in the
nature of a cooler 464 and 466. Gym bag 462 and coolers 464 and 466 are
connected in
such a manner as to make them easy to carry through the use of left and right
hand
carrying handles 465, 467 or a shoulder strap 469. In the preferred
embodiment, gym bag
462 and coolers 464 and 466 are each independently collapsible, and can be
secured in a
respective collapsed position. This permits any section to be independently
collapsed
while permitting use of the other sections. This also permits any two sections
to be
collapsed while permitting independent use of the third section. Also, coolers
464 and
466 and gym bag 462 can be collapsed at the same time to facilitate storage or
transportation when not in use. Assembly 460 has the same features and
construction as
assembly 20, described above, except insofar as it has two collapsible coolers
464 and
466 mounted to opposed end walls 468, 470 of bag 462. The construction of
cooler 464
is the same as the construction of cooler 462, both being the same as cooler
22 described
above.
In the embodiment of figures 9a to 9e, gym bag 462 is roughly 16 inches long
(40
cm), with a height of roughly 10 inches (25 cm) and a width of roughly 10
inches (25
cm). Coolers 462 and 464 are roughly 7 inches ( 18 cm) long, with a height of
roughly 10
inches (25 cm) and a width of roughly 10 inches (25 cm).
Figure 10a shows an isometric view of container assembly 460 with all three of
gym bag 462 and coolers 464 and 466 in a collapsed position. In this fully
collapsed
configuration, the container 460 takes up a reduced amount of space for
storage or
CA 02327764 2000-12-06
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transportation. A top view of container assembly 460 with all three of gym bag
462 and
coolers 464 and 466 collapsed is illustrated in Figure 10b. A side view of
container
assembly 460 with all three of gym bag 462 and coolers 464 and 466 collapsed
is
illustrated in Figure 10c. The end view of container assembly 460 with all
three of gym
bag 462 and coolers 464 and 466 collapsed is identical to Figure 3d. A bottom
view of
container assembly 460 with all three of gym bag 462 and coolers 464 and 466
collapsed
is illustrated in Figure 10d.
Figure 11 a shows an isometric view of container 460 with gym bag 462
expanded,
cooler 466 expanded and cooler 464 collapsed. A top view of container assembly
460
with gym bag 462 collapsed and coolers 464 and 466 expanded is illustrated in
Figure
11b.
Figure 12 shows an isometric view of a container assembly 470 having an
overall
parallelepiped shape. Container assembly 470 is substantially the same as
container
assembly 460 but also includes a cooler 472 having two externally accessible
receptacles
474, 476 for holding a beverage container. Cooler section 478 (shown in
collapsed
position) can optionally be provided with two externally accessible
receptacles similar to
receptacles 474 and 476 for holding beverage containers. Container assembly
470 has
coolers 472 and 478 and a gym bag 480. Coolers 472 and 478 are similar to
cooler
sections 464 and 466, but have lids 473 and receptacles 474, 476 similar to
those
described in connection with Figures Sa and Sb. Gym bag 480 is similar to gym
bag 462
and is made from a flexible, durable, moisture-resistant and breathable
material, so that it
is possible to collapse gym bag 480 in a manner similar to that of gym bag
462, described
above. When collapsed, gym bag 480 is held in place by a closing zipper 482.
Another alternative embodiment of container assembly is shown in Figure 13. A
soft-sided container assembly 490 has a coolers 492 and 494 and a duffel, or
gym bag
496. Gym bag 496 is substantially similar in construction to the duffel bag,
that is to say
gym bag 466, of Figure 1 a and Figure 6. Cooler 494 is substantially similar
to cooler 472
in Figure 12. By contrast to container assembly 460, cooler 492 is mounted to
a side wall
portion 498 of gym bag 496, in a saddle-bag like mounting similar to that of
Figure 6 and
described above.
Figure 14 shows a further alternative embodiment of container assembly 500,
that
differs from container assembly 460 by having a duffle bag, or gym bag, 502
that is of
substantially round cross-section, rather than the more square cross-sectional
CA 02327764 2000-12-06
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configuration of gym bag 462. Although coolers 504 and 506 are similar to
cooler 466,
being box-shaped and having rectangular side wall, lid, and bottom wall
panels, other
shapes could be employed, and their profiles need not necessarily fall within
the projected
profile of the respective end wall of the gym bag. Further, a saddle-bag
mounting along
the side of a rounded gym bag could also be made.
A further alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 15a and, in reverse
isometric view, 15b. A container assembly 510 has a collapsible athletic gear
bag 512
having a shape similar to a small valise or satchel, to which collapsible
insulated wall
structures in the nature of coolers 514 and 516 are mounted in a side
mounting.
Container assembly 510 corresponds generally to container assembly 400 shown
in
Figures 8a and 8b, but differs therefrom in having two collapsible coolers,
namely 514
and 516, on either side, rather than a single side mounted cooler. As shown,
container
assembly 510 does not have a racquet comparable to external equipment mounting
452.
A preferred embodiment has been described in detail and a number of
alternatives
have been considered. As changes in or additions to the above described
embodiments
may be made without departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the
invention, the
invention is not to be limited by or to those details.
