Backpack Gym Bag

This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Application No. 63/648,466, filed May 16, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to containers, such as backpacks, duffel bags, or the like. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to containers including attachment points to hold athletic or the like equipment on the exterior of the container.

Some embodiments are directed to a container configured to carry one or more items that comprises a body portion. The body portion may comprise a front portion comprising a front coupling mechanism configured to hold one of the items against the front portion of the body. The side portion may comprise a side coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the side portion of the body. The rear portion may comprise a rear coupling mechanism configured to hold the item against the rear portion of the body.

In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical or similar elements. Additionally, generally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

Athletes often travel with equipment to the location where the sport is played. For example, a basketball player may bring their own basketball to a court, and, a soccer player may bring a pair of cleats or soccer ball to a soccer field. Similarly, weightlifters, bodybuilders, strongmen, powerlifters, etc. may also bring their own equipment to the gym or to competitions. Weightlifters may carry items such as water bottles, supplements, food, additional clothing, knee braces, wrist wraps, straps, chalk, powerlifting suits, weightlifting shoes, and weightlifting belts.

Weightlifting belts may be used for various purposes. In some embodiments a weightlifting belt may be used to support the lower back and core of the athlete while they perform load bearing exercises such as back exercises, deadlifts, squats, or Olympic lifts. In some embodiments, a weightlifting belt may be used by the athlete to hold additional weight while the exercise is performed. For example, a weightlifting belt may include a chain to hold free weights so that the athlete may perform exercises such as dips or pull-ups with additional weight.

Current containers may be regular backpacks, shoulder bags, or duffel bags used to hold weightlifting equipment. These systems may include various flaws. First, they may lack dedicated storage that would allow the athlete to organize their equipment. As a result, equipment may be mixed within a single compartment, resulting in potential damage caused by movement of the items within the compartment or disorganization when timely finding of equipment is needed for a game or competition. For example, weightlifting belts may be made of high quality materials and thus there is a need to protect them during transport from additional wear and tear by being mixed with other items. Additionally, since weightlifting belts are used by athletes for support while engaged in load bearing exercises, there is a need to protect the belt itself to prevent any failures while the athlete is lifting weights, potentially resulting in a life threatening injury.

In addition to the simple design, current containers may be volume limited. Although a weightlifter may be able to purchase a larger bag to store all of their items, at some point, this becomes infeasible. Oftentimes, athletes may go to the gym before, during, or after work, and therefore may not wish to carry around a cumbersome duffel bag. Additionally, due to the durability and material of weightlifting equipment, the sum total weight may be higher than for other sports or activities. Therefore, a conventional backpack may be suboptimal for weightlifting equipment because the bag's shape may warp due to the gear inside. This may cause discomfort to the user while simultaneously degrading the bag's material.

Thus, there is a need to improve containers used for equipment by, e.g., improving their organization capabilities, allowing them to store more gear while keeping size and weight to a minimum.

Embodiments herein overcome these and other challenges by providing—among other benefits—a container, e.g., a backpack, shoulder bag, duffel bag, drawstring bag, or the like (used interchangeable herein), that may comprise external attachment mechanisms allowing a user, e.g., a weightlifter or other athlete, to secure items, such as equipment, to the exterior of the container. This may allow the athlete to keep certain gear separate from others thereby preventing unwanted collisions and possible wear and tear. Additionally, leveraging the exterior of the bag for storage may allow the interior to be used for other equipment, allowing the athlete to carry more gear in a smaller sized bag. Also, items carried on the exterior may provide structure and rigidity to the backpack, thus the backpack itself may be made of a lighter material since external equipment (e.g., a weightlifting belt) may be attached to supplement the backpack's structure.

As shown throughout the Figures, some embodiments, as non-limiting examples, are directed toward a backpack including a top end, bottom end, and a body disposed between the top and bottom ends. The body may be organized into a front portion, rear portion, and one or more side portions. The front, rear, and side portions may include coupling mechanisms. These coupling mechanisms may be used to securely hold items such as a weightlifting belt against the exterior of the backpack.

In some aspects, the front coupling mechanism may be a buckle, while the rear and side coupling mechanisms may comprise a sleeve or sheath allowing a weightlifting belt to be slid through. For example, the athlete may slide a weightlifting belt through the side and rear coupling mechanisms, and then buckle the front coupling mechanism, thereby securing the weightlifting belt to the bag, resulting in the weightlifting belt being held securely against the exterior of the backpack.

In some aspects, securing the belt to the backpack's exterior provides additional support and structure to the backpack itself. In turn, this may allow the bag to be lighter because: (1) lighter material may be used; and (2) internal or external skeletons may not be needed. In some aspects, the belt further secures the items stored within the bag, preventing them from moving around. In some aspects, this may prevent further wear and tear on the items since they won't move around as much as they otherwise would in a traditional backpack. In some aspects, this may improve usability of the bag because the items may not come into contact with the user as frequently.

In some aspects, the front, side, and rear coupling mechanisms may made of various types. In some aspects, the front, side, and rear coupling mechanisms may be expandable. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms may be a buckle or other suitable mechanism including two or more locking components. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms may be additional material used to create a loop in order to secure an item to the backpack. For example, the rear coupling mechanism may comprise a rear member extending from a first area of the rear portion to a second area of the rear portion. Similarly, the side attachment mechanism may also be a side member extending from a first area of the side portion to a second area of the side portion.

In some embodiments, one portion's coupling mechanism may include a buckle or other locking mechanism, while the other two portion's coupling mechanisms may be loops. This may be beneficial so that the athlete only needs to undo a single mechanism. For example, the front portion coupling mechanism may be a buckle, while the rear and side portion coupling mechanisms may be the loops.

In some embodiments, the rear, front, and side coupling mechanisms may be situated along the same axis. In some embodiments, the rear, front, and side attachment mechanisms may be situated at the bottom of the backpack. For example, the rear, front, and side coupling mechanisms may be situated within the bottom half, bottom third, or bottom quarter of the backpack. This may be beneficial because it may be more comfortable to carry a backpack with a heavy item, such as a weightlifting belt near the bottom of the backpack. Additionally, this may allow the athlete to access other parts of the backpack such as zippers, compartments straps, while the weightlifting belt is secured to the exterior. For example, an athlete may be able to unzip the bag and access an item (e.g., a rain jacket) while the weightlifting belt is secured to the bag's exterior.

In some aspects, the backpack may further include additional organizational features. For example, the backpack may include various pockets and sleeves to store items. The backpack may further include removable components, such as internal panels to separate storage areas. For example, a removable internal panel may be positioned horizontally within the upright backpack. The internal panel may be positioned above the bottom of the backpack, thereby separating the interior of the backpack into upper and lower chambers. In some embodiments, the lower chamber may be directly accessible via a zipper on the exterior of the backpack. For example, a zipper may be positioned at the bottom of the backpack to access the lower chamber. The lower chamber may be configured to be large enough to store a pair of weightlifting shoes.

In some embodiments, the front portion may include further attachment points. For example, the front portion may include a webbing track. A webbing track may be a series of loops made by attaching (e.g., stitching) a webbing material to the front panel. The webbing track may be attached such that there is space or slack created in the webbing in between the attachment points. Therefore, items such as a carabineer may be connected to the loops within the webbing track.

The backpack may be made of any suitable material. The backpack may be made of an abrasion resistant material, water resistant material, waterproof material, or a combination thereof. For example, the backpack may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polyester. The TPU polyester made be of various denier ratings. In some embodiments, the TPU polyester may be rated at 900 denier.

is a perspective view of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containercan be a bag and may include top end, bottom end, and body portiondisposed between top endand bottom end. Containermay be a backpack, shoulder bag, duffel bag, drawstring bag or the like (used interchangeable herein). Containermay be made of one or more materials (e.g., canvas, nylon, polyester). Containermay be made of an abrasion resistance material. For example, containermay be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polyester. The TPU polyester made be 900 denier. In some embodiments, containermay be made of a water resistant material. In some embodiments, containermay be made of a waterproof material. In some embodiments, containermay be made of multiple materials.

is a front view of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, container, e.g., a bag, may comprise a front portion. Front portionmay be made of an abrasion resistant material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated polyester fabric. The TPU polyester made be 900 denier. Front portionmay include front coupling mechanism. Front coupling mechanismmay be used to secure an item to container. Specifically, front coupling mechanismmay be used to hold an item against front portion. In some embodiments, front coupling mechanismmay include a first member joined to a second member. For example, front portionmay include two buckles as front coupling mechanisms. A buckle may include webbingallowing the buckle to move along webbing. This may be beneficial to alter the tension applied by the buckle (e.g., front coupling mechanism) when secured. In some embodiments, front coupling mechanismmay include a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, front coupling mechanismmay include an elastic material. For example, front coupling mechanismmay include an elastic material (e.g., elastic strap, elastic cord) secured via a drawstring mechanism. Front coupling mechanismmay be used to hold weightlifting beltagainst container.

In some embodiments, front portionmay further include webbing track. Webbing trackmay traverse from top endto front coupling mechanism. In some aspects, front coupling mechanismand webbing trackshould not conflict with one another. In one aspect, webbing trackmay be used as points to connect and/or secure additional items to container. For example, a carabineer may be connected to webbing track. In some aspects, webbing trackmay be made of any material such as canvas, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof. Webbing trackmay include an attachment point. For example, top endof webbing trackmay include attachment point. Attachment pointmay be made of a sturdy material such as plastic, metal, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof. Front portionmay further include one or more zippers-to-. In some aspects, the one or more zippersmay be used to access one or more compartments or an interior of container.

show first and second side views of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containermay comprise side portion. Side portionmay be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated polyester fabric. In some embodiments, the TPU coated polyester may be 900 denier. Side portionmay include side coupling mechanism. Side coupling mechanismmay be configured to hold an item against side portion. In some embodiments, side coupling mechanismmay include a side member extending from a first area of side portionto a second area of side portion(e.g., a loop). In some embodiments, side coupling mechanismmay be made of an elastic material, an abrasion resistant material such as TPU coated polyester fabric, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the TPU coated polyester may be 900 denier. For example, side coupling mechanismmay include an elastic material (e.g., elastic strap, elastic cord) secured via a drawstring mechanism. In some embodiments, side coupling mechanismmay include a first member joined to a second member. For example, side portionmay include a buckle mechanism. In some embodiments, side coupling mechanismmay include a hook and loop fastener.

As depicted, side coupling mechanismmay be configured to hold weightlifting beltagainst side portion. Side portionmay include side compartment. In some embodiments, side compartmentmay be a pocket for storage. Side compartmentmay be opened and closed via zipper-.

With respect to, in some embodiments side portionmay include sleeve. Sleevemay be an external storage component on container. For example, sleevemay be used to hold a water bottle. Sleevemay be made of an elastic material. Sleevemay be a mesh material. Sleevemay be positioned above side coupling mechanismso that items placed in the sleeve don't interfere with an item (e.g., weightlifting belt) held by side coupling mechanism, and vice versa.

is a rear-view of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containermay comprise rear portion. Rear portionmay be made of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. Rear portionmay include rear coupling mechanism-to-. Rear coupling mechanismmay be configured to hold an item against rear portion. Rear coupling mechanismmay comprise a rear member extending from a first area of rear portionto a second area of the rear portion(e.g., a loop). Rear coupling mechanismmay be configured to hold the item (e.g., weightlifting beltin) securely against container. In some embodiments, rear coupling mechanismmay include an elastic material, an abrasion resistant material such as a TPU coated polyester fabric, or a combination thereof. The TPU coated polyester may be 900 denier. In some embodiments, rear coupling mechanismmay traverse the length of rear portionsuch that the item is minimally exposed along the length of rear portion. For example, rear coupling mechanismmay encapsulate an item such as weightlifting beltsuch that the item does not come into direct contact with a user of container.

In some embodiments, containeralso includes body contacting elements-to-, e.g., shoulder straps. In some aspects, a user may hold shoulder strapsto carry the container, or may place both should strapsover the user's shoulders to carry container. In some embodiments, containermay include a single shoulder strap.

is a top view of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containercan be a bag including an element, e.g., a carry strap. In some aspects, a user may use carry strapto hold container. In some aspects, carry strapmay be used to support container. For example, carry strapmay be used to hang container(e.g., in a locker). Carry strapmay be located at the top of container(e.g., top endin). Carry strapmay be made of canvas, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, carry strapmay be made of an elastic material.

is an interior view of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containercomprise an interior. Interiormay be used to hold items within container. Interiormay include various organization components. For example, interiormay include one or more pockets. Pocketsmay be used to store items within interior. Pocketsmay be made of a TPU coated polyester fabric, or the like. For example, pocketsmay be made of an abrasion resistant material such as 900 denier TPU. This may be beneficial to prevent pocketfrom tearing. In some embodiments, pocketsmay be made of a mesh material. This may be beneficial so that a user may quickly discern the contents of pocket. In some embodiments pocketsmay be secured. For example, interiormay include pocket-secured via zipper-. In some embodiments, pocketmay be secured by joining a first member to a second member (e.g., a hook and loop fastener).

is another interior view of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containercomprises an interior. Interiormay be used to hold items within container. Interiormay include organization components such as internal sleeve. For example, internal sleevemay be used to hold an item such as a laptop or water bladder. Internal sleevemay be made of an elastic material a foam padded material, a felt material, or a combination thereof. Including material such as foam and/or felt may be beneficial to protect sensitive objects such as laptop or tablet devices placed within internal sleeve. An item within internal sleevemay be secured using internal sleeve coupling mechanism. Internal sleeve coupling mechanismmay be a buckle, hook and loop fastener, or a combination thereof.

Interiormay further include one or more pockets. For example, interiormay include one or more pockets. For example, interiormay include pocket-located opposite internal sleevesuch that pocket-is closer to front portionas depicted in, and internal sleeveis closer to rear portionas depicted in. Pocketsmay be made of a TPU coated polyester fabric, or the like. For example, pocketsmay be made of 900 denier TPU coated polyester. In some embodiments, pocketsmay be made of a mesh material. As stated above, this may be beneficial so that a user may quickly discern the contents of pocket. In some embodiments pocketsmay be secured. For example, interiormay include pocket-secured via zipper-. In some embodiments, pocket-may be secured by joining a first member to a second member (e.g., a hook and loop fastener).

is an interior view via a bottom compartment of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containercomprises a bottom portionincluding an interior. Interiormay be used to store items within container. In some aspects, interiormay include panel. Panelmay be used to separate interior. For example, items may be stored within interior, above paneland/or below panel. For example, interiorabove panelmay be used to store clean clothes, food, supplements, and interiorbelow panelmay be used to store gym clothes and weightlifting shoes. In one aspect, bottom portionis closed using a zipper-. This may allow a user to directly access items stored below panelwithin interior. Interiormay include additional storage. For example, interiormay include one or more pockets. For example, pocket-may be placed on bottom portionwithin interior. Pocket-may be used to secure additional items (e.g., phone, keys wallet). Pocket-may be accessed via zipper-. Pocket-may be made of a TPU coated polyester fabric, a mesh fabric, or a combination thereof.

is a bottom view of a container, according to some embodiments. For example, containercomprises a bottom portionhaving ventilation holes-to-. Ventilation holesmay be used to allow air to pass through container. Ventilation holesmay be made of any air permeable material such as mesh fabric.

It is to be appreciated that containerstocan be the same container and share the same elements and functionality.

As used herein, the terms “above,” “below,” “higher,” “upright,” “tilted,” “inverted,” and the like are intended to assist in understanding of embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation of the container as shown, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the disclosure or to limit the disclosure scope to the embodiments depicted in the Figures. The directional terms are used for convenience of description and it is understood that a container may be positioned in any of various orientations.

As used herein, the terms “equal volume” or “equal dose” include tolerances for minor variations from the actual dose size. For example, “equal volume” or “equal dose” may include tolerances of ±10% from the actual dose or volume.

When a value is used herein as an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. As used herein, the term “about” includes ±10%.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not any other section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. Other sections can set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit this disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

While this disclosure describes exemplary embodiments for exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other embodiments and modifications thereto are possible, and are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, embodiments are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and/or entities illustrated in the figures and/or described herein. Further, embodiments (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant utility to fields and applications beyond the examples described herein.

Embodiments have been described herein with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or equivalents thereof) are appropriately performed. Also, alternative embodiments can perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc. using orderings different than those described herein.

References herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” or similar phrases, indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of persons skilled in the relevant art(s) to incorporate such feature, structure, or characteristic into other embodiments whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein. Additionally, some embodiments can be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments can be described using the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The term “coupled,” however, can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.