US20110311166A1

US20110311166A1 - Bag With Easy Access For Cleaning and Aerating

Info

Publication number: US20110311166A1
Application number: US12/820,588
Authority: US
Inventors: Marcus Paul PASCUA
Original assignee: KLEEN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Current assignee: KLEEN-IT-TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Priority date: 2010-06-22
Filing date: 2010-06-22
Publication date: 2011-12-22

Abstract

The present invention is a bag with easy access for cleaning and aerating comprising: a main body defining the bag; a primary opening on the top side that is selectively closed having a first fastening mechanism for providing access to an interior compartment within the main body; a secondary opening covered by a flap on at least one side that is selectively closed having a second fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment; and a flexible interlocking grid portion with a plurality of apertures positioned immediately beneath the flap and attached on the periphery of at least one side for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag after opening the flap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to bags, and more particularly to a bag that is capable of carrying contents susceptible to collecting debris, dust, sand and/or dirt.
2. Description of Related Art
Athletic equipment bags, duffel bags, tote bags, backpacks, hiking bags, and other types of bags are crucial in carrying and transporting all kinds of contents from one place to another for daily activities. These types of bags collect dust, dirt, sand, and debris from activities in which we participate on a daily basis such as carrying food items, carrying baby's foods, playing sports, lying on the beach, carrying dirty shoes, and generally collecting dust from everyday use. The undesirable feature of the bags is that all the contents need to be taken out in order to clean out and empty the dust, dirt, sand, and/or debris collected at the bottom of the bag which have accumulated over time or easily collect from one single activity. For example, tote bags used while spending time at the beach collect a lot of sand when towels are put on the sand, then back in the bags. Another example is collecting dirt and soil from golfing, playing baseball, playing softball, or playing other types of sports because the shoes, clothes and sports equipment pick up dirt and soil. These items with dirt and soil are directly inserted into the bags for transporting them back home. Mothers always carry baby's items such as crackers, foods, and other soiled items in a bag on a daily basis. It is very difficult to clean out crumbs from the bottom of the bag without taking out the contents completely and turning the bag upside down. More often than not, people are too busy with their lives to remove the contents from the bag to clean out the dirt and soil collected at the bottom of the bag on a regular basis. Because sports bags contain heavy items such as bats, baseball gloves and dirty shoes, it is not desirable to empty out the contents to remove the collected dirt and soil from the bottom of the bags.
In order to rectify this problem, the present invention allows cleaning and aerating the bottom of the bag without having to take out all the contents from the bag. The present invention overcomes these and other known disadvantages with existing athletic bags, duffel bags, tote bags, sports bags, backpacks, hiking bags, and other types of bags which are susceptible to collecting much dust, dirt, crumbs, sand, and soil from everyday activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bag with a way to clean out any dust, dirt, debris, crumbs, and sand accumulated over time and to aerate the internal compartment without having to remove any of the contents of the bag.
The present invention is a closable bag with easy access for cleaning and aerating comprising: a main body defining an interior, closable compartment within which contents can be placed; a primary opening in the main body that is selectively closed using a first fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment within the main body, for inserting and removing the bag's contents; a secondary opening covered by a flap that is selectively closed using a second fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment without having to remove the contents from the bag through the primary opening, the flap having an interior side and an exterior side; and an interlocking grid portion defining a plurality of apertures, the grid portion being positioned on the interior side of the flap and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag after opening the flap.
The present invention is a closable bag with easy access for cleaning and aerating comprising: a main body having a front side, a rear side, opposing right and left sides, a top side and a bottom side, the main body defining the bag; a primary opening on the top side that is selectively closed using a first fastening mechanism for providing access to an interior compartment within the main body, for inserting and removing internal contents; a secondary opening covered by a flap on at least one side selected from the group of the right side, the left side, the front side, the rear side, and the bottom side, that is selectively closed using a second fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment without having to remove the internal contents from the bag through the primary opening, wherein the at least one side has edges and the flap has an interior side and an exterior side; and an interlocking grid portion defining a plurality of apertures, the grid portion being positioned on the interior side of the flap and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag after opening the flap.
In one example, the bag comprises a flexible interlocking grid portion with a plurality of apertures positioned immediately on the interior side of the flap and attached on the periphery of at least one side selected from the group of the right side, the left side, the front side, the rear side, and the bottom side for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag after opening the flap. The bag can be vertically hung by its handle that is attached to at least one side selected from the top side, the front side, the rear side and the opposing right and left sides, allowing the bag to be aerated with the flap in an open position so that the internal contents in the interior compartment are exposed through the interlocking grid portion without having to remove the internal contents from the bag.
The present invention with a secondary opening on the bottom side comprises the flap being attached to at least one bottom edge, wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three other bottom edges. The flap is selectively opened by moving at least one zipper tab that is attached to the zipper across the bottom edges to disengage the flap from the at least three other bottom edges on the bottom side.
The present invention with a secondary opening on the right side comprises the flap being attached to a right bottom edge, and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to both right side edges. The flap is selectively opened by grasping a holding means that is attached at the top edge of the right side and moving downwardly an opening means across the zipper on the right side edges, wherein the opening means being positioned below the holding means and attached to at least one zipper tab on the right side edges, to disengage the flap from the right side edges. Similarly, the secondary opening on the left side comprises the flap being attached to a left side bottom edge, and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to both left side edges. The flap is selectively opened by grasping a holding means that is attached at top part of the left side and moving downwardly an opening means across the zipper on the left side edges, wherein the opening means is positioned below the holding means and attached to at least one zipper tab on the left side edges, to disengage the flap from the left side edges.
Alternatively, the present invention with a secondary opening on the right side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge selected from the group of right bottom edge, right top edge, and opposing right side edges, wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the right bottom edge, the right top edge, and the opposing right side edges. The flap is selectively opened by moving at least one zipper tab that is attached to the zipper across the at least three edges selected from the group of the right bottom edge, the right top edge, and the opposing right side edges to disengage the flap from the at least three edges on the right side. Similarly, the secondary opening on the left side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge selected from the group of left bottom edge, left top edge, and opposing left side edges, and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the left bottom edge, the left top edge, and the opposing left side edges. The flap is selectively opened by moving at least one zipper tab that is attached to the zipper across the at least three edges selected from the group of the left bottom edge, the left top edge, and the opposing left side edges to disengage the flap from the at least three edges on the left side.
The present invention with a secondary opening on the front side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge selected from the group of a front bottom edge, opposing front side edges, and front top edge; and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the front side bottom edge, the opposing front side edges, and the front side top edge. The flap is selectively opened by moving at least one zipper tab that is attached to the zipper across the at least three edges selected from the group of the front side bottom edge, the opposing front side edges, and the front side top edge to disengage the flap from the at least three edges on the front side. Similarly, the secondary opening on the rear side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge selected from the group of a rear side bottom edge, opposing rear side edges, and rear side top edge; and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the rear side bottom edge, the opposing rear side edges, and the rear side top edge. The flap is selectively opened by moving at least one zipper tab that is attached to the zipper across the at least three edges selected from the group of the rear side bottom edge, the opposing rear side edges, and the rear side top edge to disengage the flap from the at least three edges on the rear side.
The interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures of the secondary opening immediately on the interior side of the flap on at least one side selected from the group of a front side, a rear side, a right side, a left side, and a bottom side is made from materials to provide biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra-violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability to support the internal contents over time. Furthermore, the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures is comprised of a plurality of shapes that are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, and small items from the interior compartment can fall while shaking the bag.
The present invention further includes a rigid bag for transporting or storing goods facilitating easy cleaning and aeration, the rigid bag comprising: a main body having a front side, a rear side, opposing right and left sides, a top side and a bottom side, the main body defining the bag; a primary opening on the top side that is selectively closed having a first fastening mechanism for providing access to an interior compartment within the main body for the goods; a secondary opening covered by a flap on at least one side selected from the group of the right side, the left side, the front side, the rear side, and the bottom side, that is selectively closed using a second fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment without having to remove the goods from the bag through the primary opening, wherein the at least one side has edges and the flap has an interior side and an exterior side; and an interlocking grid portion defining a plurality of apertures, the grid portion being positioned on the interior side of the flap and permanently or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag after opening the flap; wherein the bag comprises a handle that is attached to at least one side selected from the top side, the front side, the rear side and the opposing right and left sides, from which the bag can be hung for aerating the bag with the flap in an open position so that the goods in the interior compartment are exposed through the interlocking grid portion without having to remove the goods from the bag.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bag that permits removal of any collected debris, dust, crumbs, sand, dirt, and other similar items through the secondary opening with the interlocking grid portion without having to remove the internal contents from the bag through the primary opening. Another object is to provide a bag that permits aerating the internal compartment of the bag and its contents without having to remove the contents from the bag. Consequently, the bag can be aerated and cleaned out on a regular basis without difficulty or unnecessary unloading in an extremely efficient manner. The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a duffel bag with a secondary opening on the bottom.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a duffel bag with a secondary opening on the bottom.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a duffel bag with a secondary opening of FIGS. 1-2 in a semi-open position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a duffel bag with a secondary opening of FIGS. 1-2 in an open position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a duffel bag with a secondary opening of FIGS. 1-2 in a slightly open position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a duffel bag with a secondary opening of FIGS. 1-2 in a closed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a tote bag with a secondary opening on the left side.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a tote bag with a secondary opening in a closed position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a tote bag with a secondary opening in an open position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of a tote bag with a secondary opening on the bottom side.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a tote bag with a secondary opening of FIG. 10 in an open position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of a sports bag with a secondary opening on the right side.

FIG. 13 illustrates a right side perspective view of a sports bag with a secondary opening on the right side.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of a backpack with a secondary opening on the bottom side.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side perspective, partial view of a backpack with a secondary opening on the bottom side.

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a backpack with a secondary opening on the bottom side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments may be better understood with reference to the drawings, but these embodiments are not intended to be of a limiting nature.
Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a duffel bag 100 in accordance with the present invention. The duffel bag 100 generally defines a top 135, a bottom 155, a front side 105, a rear side 190, handles 125 attached at the front and rear sides 105, 190, opposing right and left sides 150, 140, a flap 165 at the bottom 155, a primary opening 120 at the top 135, and a secondary opening 115 at the bottom 155. The bottom side 155 of the bag 100 with the flap 165 connects to the front side 105, rear side 190, right side 140, and left side 150 at the front bottom edge 107, rear bottom edge 193, right bottom edge 143, and left bottom edge 153. An interior compartment 175 is formed on the inside of the bag 100 in which various contents can be carried. As the primary opening 120 is selectively closed preferably using a zipper 195 for providing access to the interior compartment 175, the secondary opening 115 on the bottom 155 is also selectively closed preferably using a zipper 195. However, the secondary opening 115 is not limited to just the zipper 195, but to any type of opening and closing means that performs the same functionality such as hooks, snaps, velcro, and other similar fastening mechanisms. The secondary opening 115, outlining the right, front and left bottom edges 143, 107, 153, that is selectively closed or opened preferably using a zipper 195 for providing access to the interior compartment 175 can be accessed from at least one side selected from the right side 140, the left side 150 or the front side 105. More specifically, the zipper 195 can be opened by holding and moving a zipper tab 197 from at least one bottom edge selected from the right bottom edge 143, the left bottom edge 153, or the front bottom edge 107 wherever the zipper tab 197 is sitting after closing the secondary opening 115.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the duffel bag 100 wherein a right side 140 of the duffel bag 100 is shown with its front and rear sides 105, 190. The front side 105, rear side 190, right side 140, and left side 150 are joined along the edges by a flap 165 at the bottom 155, more specifically, at the bottom edges of the bottom side 160. The side view of the duffel bag 100 also illustrates the secondary opening 115 that is selectively opened or closed using preferably a zipper 195 on the bottom 155. More particularly, the right bottom edge 143 is shown to have the zipper 195 even though other types of closing and opening means can be utilized. The zipper 195 is shown to be closed on the right bottom edge 143. Similar to the right side 140, the left side 150 (not shown in this FIG. 2) is symmetrical so that the secondary opening 115 extends to the left bottom edge 153. The secondary opening 115 is selectively closed and opened preferably by the zipper 195 that extends from the left bottom edge 153, through the front bottom edge 153 and to the right bottom edge 143. The zipper 195 extending three-fourths of the bottom side 155 allows any user to closably open the flap 165 completely while one-fourth of the bottom side 155 with the flap 165 remains permanently attached to the rear bottom edge 193 as shown in FIGS. 3-4. Alternatively, the secondary opening 115 is on the bottom side 160 wherein the flap 165 is attached to at least one edge of the bottom side 155, and the zipper 195 detachably connects the flap 165 to at least one other edge of the bottom side 160.
FIG. 3 illustrates the flap 165 on the bottom side 160 in a semi-open position whereby the interlocking grid portion 170 is displayed with the contents within the interior compartment 175. FIG. 4 further illustrates the flap 165 in an open position with the secondary opening 115 being completely open. The flap 165 at the bottom side 165 is depicted as being attached to the rear side 190 at the rear bottom edge 193 while the zipper 195 is attached on the right bottom edge 143, front bottom edge 107, and left bottom edge 153 for accessing the secondary opening 115. Immediately beneath the flap 165 that basically covers the entire bottom side 160, the interlocking grid portion 170 on the inner side of the bottom side 160 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The interlocking grid portion 170 is strong enough to retain the contents within the interior compartment 175 while releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items at the bottom side 160 through the grid portion 170 with a plurality of apertures. The bag 100 can be held by the handles 125 while shaking and releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 170. The interlocking design allows the bag 100 to support any internal contents within the bag 100 in the interior compartment 175 while the flap 165 is held open and the bag 100 is shaken to release the collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 270. The interlocking grid portion 170 with the plurality of apertures is flexible and has sufficient strength to support the contents which the bag 100 is intended to hold, without closing the flap 165.
The secondary opening 115 covered by the flap 165 on at least one side is selected from the group of the right side 140, the left side 150, the front side 105, the rear side 190, and the bottom side 160, that is selectively closed using a second fastening mechanism, such as a zipper, hooks, snaps, velcro, or similar means, for providing access to the interior compartment 175 for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment 175 without having to remove the internal contents from the bag 100 through the primary opening 120, wherein the at least one side has edges and the flap 165 has an interior side and an exterior side.
The interlocking grid portion 170 defining a plurality of apertures, the grid portion 170 is positioned on the interior side of the flap 165 and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 115, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag 100 after opening the flap 165. The interlocking grid portion 170 may be permanently attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 115 or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 115 via a third fastening mechanism such as a zipper, hooks, snaps, velcro, or other similar means. The interlocking grid portion 170 illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 is generally flexible and made from plastics so that the entire bag 100 may be folded and compressed when the bag is not being used. The interlocking grid portion 170 is preferably made of high tenacity, high molecular weight, polyester yarns that are woven, reinforced in an interlocking grid design and further coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for providing damage protection and durability for long-term and rigorous use of the duffel bag 100 over a long period of time. The interlocking grid portion 170 can be made out of other similar materials such as nylon, vinyl, polymers, or synthetics as long as the material provides strength and durability to endure long-term and rigorous use of the bag 100 containing heavy sports equipment and other items of similar weight whether having a rigid or a flexible form. Other materials may be utilized to provide the same functionality. The coating of PVC can also be substituted with other types of thermoplastic polymers or plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene to provide biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and normal wear-and-tear by exposure to dirt, sun, liquids, food, sharp objects and other potentially damaging items.
The interlocking grid portion 170 can have a plurality of rectangles, a plurality of squares, a plurality of diamonds, a plurality of circles, or any type of design as long as the plurality of shapes are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, or other small items at the bottom side 160 can fall while providing enough strength at the bottom side 160. The plurality of apertures within the interlocking grid portion 170 can be as small as 0.5 mm by 0.5 mm to as large as 5 mm by 5 mm depending on the purpose of the bag 100 used. For example, a bag 100 used for transporting sports equipment can have larger aperture sizes whereas a bag 100 used for traveling purposes can have smaller aperture sizes. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines may also vary depending on the use of bag 100. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines are higher if the bag 100 is regularly used for carrying heavy items whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is lower if the bag 100 is used for carrying lightweight items. For example, the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm for providing higher tensile strength whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm for providing lower tensile strength. None of these measurements are to be interpreted as limiting in nature since the measurements of the plurality of aperture sizes and interlocking grid lines are easily changeable depending on the type of bag produced.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the zipper 195 on the secondary opening 115 may have at least one or two zipper tabs 197 for accessing the secondary opening 115. For the bag 100 in FIGS. 5 and 6, two zipper tabs 197 are illustrated so that the zipper 195 can be easily opened by grabbing a first and/or a second zipper tab 197 to open the secondary opening 115. By grabbing and manually controlling the at least one or two second zipper tabs 197A-B, the bottom side 160 with the flap 165 can remain closed as shown in FIG. 6 during normal use or the bottom side 160 with the flap 165 can be completely open to expose the interlocking grid portion 170 for cleaning and aerating the bag 100.
During every day use for transporting internal contents within the bag 100 in the interior compartment 175, the flap 165 is typically closed on the bottom side 160 as shown in FIG. 6. The flap 165 in the closed position protects the contents within the bag 100 during transportation and every day use. The secondary opening 115 on the bottom side 160 is accessed by opening the flap 165 when a user desires to empty any dust, dirt, debris, soil and/or sand collected at the bottom of the bag 100. The duffel bag 100 can be held at the handles 125 to shake out any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and/or sand from the bag 100 without having to take any of the contents out of the bag 100 through the primary opening 120 at the top 135 as is normally required to clean out collected crumbs, dirt, debris, soil and sand from the bottom of the bag 100. Moreover, the bag 100 can be vertically hung overnight with the flap 165 in an open or a semi-open position for drying wet items in the bag or aerating the bag 100 without removing any contents from the inside. With easy access to the interior compartment 175 of the bag 100, the bag 100 can be aerated and cleaned out on a regular basis without any hassle in an extremely efficient manner.
Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a second type of bag or tote bag 200 is illustrated that has a secondary opening 280 on a right side 240 of the bag 200. The tote bag 200 generally defines a top side 230, a bottom 255, a front side 205, a rear side 290, handles 225 attached at the front and rear sides 205, 290, opposing right and left sides 240, 250, a flap 265 covering the right side 240, a primary opening 220 at the top side 230, and a secondary opening 280A-B at the right side 240. The flap 265 on the right side 240 connects the front side 205, rear side 290, top side 230 and bottom 255 at the right proximal edge 245, right distal edge 247, right bottom edge 243, and at the top part of the flap 267.
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the tote bag 100 wherein the right side 240 of the tote bag 200 is shown with its front and rear sides 205, 290. The front side 205, rear side 290 and bottom side 260 (shown in FIG. 9) are joined along the edges by a flap 265 covering the right side 240. The side view of the tote bag 200 also illustrates the secondary opening 280A-B that is selectively opened or closed preferably using a zipper 295A-B located on the side edges of the right side 240. More particularly, the right proximal edge 245 and right distal edge 247 are shown to have the zipper 295A, 295B even though other types of closing and opening means can be utilized. The zipper 295A-B is shown to be closed on the right proximal edge 245 and right distal edge 247 located on each side edge of the flap 265 covering the right side 240. The secondary opening 280 is selectively closed or opened preferably by the zipper 295A-B that extends from the bottom 255 to the top side 230 at the right proximal edge 245 and the right distal edge 247.
The tote bag 200 has a holding means 287, shaped as a short and flexible handle attached on the edge of the top side 230, close to the top part of the flap 267. The tote bag 200 also has an opening means 285 that is also shaped as a flexible and short handle and located immediately below the holding means 287. The opening means 285 is attached on the zipper tab 297A of the right proximal edge 245 and on the zipper tab 297B of the right distal edge 247. Both the holding means 287 and opening means 285 are similar in shape and size and used to open the flap 265 covering the right side 240. The secondary opening 280 covered by the flap 265 may be opened by grasping the holding means 287 with one hand while the opening means 285 is pulled downwardly by holding the opening means 285 with another hand to closably open the flap 265 and zipper 295A-B as to pull the flap 265 away and downwardly from the bag 200. The zipper 295A-B extending both the right distal edge 247 and the right proximal edge 245 on the right side 240 allows any user to closably open and openly close the flap 265 completely from the right side 240 while the flap 265 remains permanently attached to the right bottom edge 243 as shown in FIGS. 8-9.
FIG. 9 illustrates the flap 265 on the right side 240 in an open position so that the interior compartment 275 of the tote bag 200 is shown. The interior compartment 275 is formed on the inside of the tote bag 200 in which various contents can be carried. As the primary opening 220 is selectively closed preferably using a zipper 220 for providing normal access to the interior compartment 275, the secondary opening 280 on the right side 240 is also selectively closed preferably using the zipper 295. However, the secondary opening 280 is not limited to just the zipper 295, but to any type of opening and closing means that performs the same functionality. The secondary opening 280, extending to the right proximal edge 245, right distal edge 247, and right bottom edge 243, that is selectively closed or opened preferably using the zipper 295A-B for providing access to the interior compartment, can be accessed from the right side 240. Even though the secondary opening 280 is located on the right side 240 for exemplary purposes, the secondary opening 280 is not limited to this particular side. The secondary opening 280 may be on the left side 250, the front side 205, the rear side 290, or the bottom side 260. The inside of the bottom side 260 is shown from the side view with the flap 265 in an open position.
During every day use for transporting internal contents within the tote bag 200 in the interior compartment 275, the flap 265 is typically closed on the right side 240 as shown in FIG. 8. The flap 265 in the closed position protects the contents within the bag 200 during transportation and every day use. The secondary opening 280 on the right side 240 is accessed by opening the flap 265 when a user desires to empty any dust, dirt, debris, soil and/or sand collected at the right side 240 of the bag 200. The tote bag 200 can be held at the left side 250 to shake out any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and/or sand from the bag 100 through the right side 140 without having to take any of the contents out of the bag 200 through the primary opening 220 at the top side 230 as is normally required to clean out collected crumbs, dirt, debris, soil and sand from the bottom of the bag 200. Moreover, the tote bag 200 can be vertically hung overnight with the flap 265 in an open or a semi-open position for drying wet items in the bag or aerating the bag 200 without removing any contents from the inside. With easy access to the interior compartment 275 of the bag 200, the bag 200 can be aerated and cleaned out on a regular basis without any hassle in an extremely efficient manner.
Referring to FIGS. 10-11, the second type of bag or tote bag 200 from FIGS. 7-9 is illustrated that has a secondary opening 260 on a bottom 255 of the bag 200. Similar to the tote bag 200 of FIGS. 7-9, the tote bag 200 generally defines a top side 230, a bottom 255, a front side 205, a rear side 290, handles 225 attached at the front and rear sides 205, 290, opposing right and left sides 240, 250, a primary opening 220 at the top side 230, and a secondary opening 280A-B with a flap 265 covering the bottom 260. The flap 265 on the bottom 260 connects the front side 205, rear side 290, right side 240 and left side 250 at the left bottom edge 253, right bottom edge 243, front bottom edge 207, and rear bottom edge 293.
FIG. 11 further illustrates the flap 265 in an open position with the secondary opening 280 on the bottom 255 being completely open. The flap 265 at the bottom 255 is depicted as being attached to the rear side 290 at the rear bottom edge 293 while the zipper 295 extends from the left bottom edge 253, through the front bottom edge 207, and to the right bottom edge 243 for accessing the secondary opening 280.
Immediately beneath the flap 265 that basically covers the entire bottom 255, the interlocking grid portion 270 on the inner side of the bottom 255 is illustrated in FIG. 11. The interlocking grid portion 270 defining a plurality of apertures wherein the grid portion 270 is positioned on the interior side of the flap 265 and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 280, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag 200 after opening the flap 265. The interlocking grid portion 270 may be permanently attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 280 or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 280 via a third fastening mechanism such as a zipper, hooks, snaps, velcro, or other similar means. The interlocking grid portion 270 is strong enough to support and retain the contents within the interior compartment 275 with the flap 265 being open while releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items at the bottom 250 through the grid portion 270 with a plurality of apertures. The tote bag 200 can be held by the handles 225 or by the opposing right and left sides 250, 240 while shaking and releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 270. The interlocking design allows the bag 200 to support any internal contents within the bag 200 in the interior compartment 275 while the flap 265 is held open and the bag 200 is shaken to release the collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 270.
The interlocking grid portion 270 defining a plurality of apertures, the grid portion 270 is positioned on the interior side of the flap 265 and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 280, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag 200 after opening the flap 265. The interlocking grid portion 270 illustrated in FIGS. 7-11 is generally flexible and made from plastics so that the entire bag 200 may be folded and compressed when the bag 200 is not being used. The interlocking grid portion 270 is preferably made of high tenacity, high molecular weight, polyester yarns that are woven, reinforced in an interlocking grid design and further coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for providing damage protection and durability for long-term and rigorous use of the tote bag 200 over a long period of time. The interlocking grid portion 270 can be made out of other similar materials such as nylon, vinyl, polymers, or synthetics as long as the material provides strength and durability to endure long-term and rigorous use of the bag 200 containing wet swim suits, heavy every day items, containers with liquids, and other similar items whether having a rigid or a flexible form. Other materials may be utilized to provide the same functionality. The coating of PVC can also be substituted with other types of thermoplastic polymers or plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene to provide biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and normal wear-and-tear by exposure to dirt, sun, liquids, food, sharp objects and other potentially damaging items.
The interlocking grid portion 270 can have a plurality of rectangles, a plurality of squares, a plurality of diamonds, a plurality of circles, or any type of design as long as the plurality of shapes are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, or other small items at the bottom side 260 can fall while providing enough strength at the bottom 255. The plurality of apertures within the interlocking grid portion 270 can be as small as 0.5 mm by 0.5 mm to as large as 5 mm by 5 mm depending on the purpose of the bag 200 used. For example, a tote bag 200 used for recreational and leisure activities can have larger aperture sizes whereas a tote bag 200 used for traveling and everyday purposes can have smaller aperture sizes. The tote bag 200 used for going to the beach will only require sandals, beach towel, water bottles, clothing items, books and light weight items, whereas the tote bag 200 may be used for carrying heavier items such as laptops and files for everyday use. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines may also vary depending on the use of bag 200. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines are higher if the bag 200 is regularly used for carrying heavy items whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is lower if the bag 200 is used for carrying lightweight items. For example, the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm for providing higher tensile strength whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm for providing lower tensile strength. None of these measurements are to be interpreted as limiting in nature since the measurements of the plurality of aperture sizes and interlocking grid lines are easily changeable depending on the type of bag produced. As long as the interlocking design serves the functionality of enduring support of the inner contents, the dimensions of the interlocking design can be varied.
As shown in FIG. 11, the zipper 195 on the secondary opening 280 may have at least one or two zipper tabs 297A-B for accessing the secondary opening 280. For the bag 200 in FIGS. 10 and 11, two zipper tabs 297A-B are illustrated so that the zipper 295 can be easily opened by grabbing a first and/or a second zipper tab 297A-B to open the secondary opening 280. By grabbing and manually controlling the at least one or two second zipper tabs 297A-B, the bottom side 260 with the flap 265 can remain closed as shown in FIG. 10 during normal use, or the bottom side 260 with the flap 265 can be completely open to expose the interlocking grid portion 270 for cleaning and aerating the bag 200.
During every day use for transporting internal contents within the tote bag 200 in the interior compartment 275, the flap 265 is typically closed on the bottom side 260 as shown in FIG. 10. The flap 265 in the closed position protects the contents within the bag 200 during transportation and every day use. The secondary opening 280 on the bottom side 260 is accessed by opening the flap 265 when a user desires to empty any dust, dirt, debris, soil and/or sand collected at the bottom of the bag 200. The tote bag 200 can be held at the handles 225 or at the opposing right and left sides 250, 240 to shake out any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and/or sand from the bag 200 through the plurality of apertures of the interlocking grid portion 270 without having to take any of the contents out of the bag 200 through the primary opening 220 at the top side 230 as is normally required to clean out collected crumbs, dirt, debris, soil and sand from the bottom of the bag 200. Moreover, the bag 200 can be vertically hung overnight with the flap 265 in an open or a semi-open position for drying wet items in the bag or aerating the bag 200 without removing any contents from the inside. With easy access to the interior compartment 275 of the bag 200, the bag 200 can be aerated and cleaned out on a regular basis without any hassle in an extremely efficient manner.
Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a sports bag 300 in accordance with the present invention. The sports bag 300 generally defines a top end 335, a bottom end 355, a front side 305, a rear side 390, opposing right and left sides 340, 350, a flap 365 at the right side 340, a primary opening 320 at the top end 335, and a secondary opening 380 at the right side 340. The sports bag 300 further includes handles 325 attached at the front and rear sides 305, 390, and a side handle 383 attached horizontally across the left side 350. The sports bag 300 may optionally have a shoulder strap 377 with a shoulder pad 379 for easily carrying the sports bag 300 on the shoulders as well as carrying the sports bag 300 by using the handles 325. The right side 340 of the bag 300 with the flap 365 connects to the front side 305, rear side 390, a portion of the right-hand side of the top side 330 and bottom end 355 at the right proximal edge 345, right distal edge 347, and right bottom edge 343. An interior compartment 375 is formed on the inside of the sports bag 300 in which various contents can be carried. As the primary opening 320 is selectively closed preferably using a zipper for providing access to the interior compartment 375, the secondary opening 380 on the right side 340 is also selectively closed preferably using a zipper 395A-B. However, the secondary opening 380 is not limited to just the zipper 395A-B, but to any type of opening and closing means that performs the same functionality.
FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the sports bag 300 wherein the right side 340 of the sports bag 300 is shown with its front and rear sides 305, 390. The front side 305, rear side 390 and bottom end 355 are joined along the edges by a flap 365 covering the right side 340. The side view of the sports bag 300 also illustrates the secondary opening 380 that is selectively opened or closed preferably using a zipper 395A-B located on the side edges of the right side 340. More particularly, the right proximal edge 345 and right distal edge 347 are shown to have the zipper 395A, 395B even though other types of closing and opening means can be utilized. In FIG. 13, the zipper 395A-B is shown to extend to and to be closed on the right proximal edge 345 and right distal edge 347 located on each side edge of the flap 365 covering the right side 340. The right proximal edge 345 and right distal edge 347 with the zipper 395A-B eventually meet at the top portion so that the zipper 395A-B can close the entire right side 340. The secondary opening 380 is selectively closed or opened preferably by the zipper 395A-B that extends from the bottom 355 to the top side 330 at the right proximal edge 345 and the right distal edge 347 whereby they meet to completely close the flap 365 over the right side 340 and the right hand portion of the top side 330.
The sports bag 300 has a holding means 387, shaped as a short and flexible handle attached on the edge of the top side 330, close to the top part of the flap 365. The sports bag 300 also has an opening means 385 that is also shaped as a flexible and short handle and located immediately below the holding means 387. The opening means 385 is attached on the zipper tab 397A of the right proximal edge 345 and on the zipper tab 397B of the right distal edge 347. Both the holding means 387 and opening means 385 are similar in shape and size and used to open the flap 365 covering the right side 340. The secondary opening 380 covered by the flap 365 may be opened by grasping the holding means 387 with one hand while the opening means 385 is pulled downwardly by holding the opening means 385 with another hand to closably open the flap 365 and zipper 395A-B as to pull the flap 365 away and downwardly from the bag 300. The zipper 395A-B extending to both the right distal edge 347 and the right proximal edge 345 on the right side 340 allows any user to closably open and openly close the flap 365 completely from the right side 340 while the flap 365 remains permanently attached to the right bottom edge 343 as shown in FIGS. 12-13. The two zipper tabs 397A-B are shown on each side of the right side 340. More specifically, each of the two zipper tabs 397A-B are attached on the right proximal edge 345 and right distal edge 347 with the opening means 385 attached directly to the two zipper tabs 397A-B.
FIG. 13 illustrates the flap 365 on the right side 340 in an open position so that the interior compartment 375 of the sports bag 300 is shown. The interior compartment 375 is formed on the inside of the sports bag 300 in which various contents can be carried. As the primary opening 320 is selectively closed preferably using a zipper for providing normal access to the interior compartment 375, the secondary opening 380 on the right side 340 is also selectively closed preferably using the zipper 395A-B. However, the secondary opening 380 is not limited to just the zipper 395, but to any type of opening and closing means that performs the same functionality. The secondary opening 380, extending to the right proximal edge 345, right distal edge 347, and right bottom edge 343, that is selectively closed or opened preferably using the zipper 395A-B for providing access to the interior compartment 375, can be accessed from the right side 340. Even though the secondary opening 380 is located on the right side 340 for exemplary purposes, the secondary opening 380 is not limited to this particular side. The secondary opening 380 may be on the left side 350, the front side 305, the rear side 390, or the bottom end 355.
FIG. 13 further illustrates the flap 365 in an open position with the secondary opening 380 being completely open. The flap 365 at the right side 340 is depicted as being attached to the bottom end 355 at the rear bottom edge 343 while the zipper 395A-B is attached and extends to the right proximal edge 345 and right distal edge 347 for accessing the secondary opening 380. Immediately beneath the flap 365 that basically covers the entire right side 340 and a right-hand portion of the top side 330, the interlocking grid portion 370 on the inner side of the right side 340 is illustrated in FIG. 13. The interlocking grid portion 370 defining a plurality of apertures wherein the grid portion 370 is positioned on the interior side of the flap 365 and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 380, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag 300 after opening the flap 365. The interlocking grid portion 370 may be permanently attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 380 or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 380 via a third fastening mechanism such as a zipper, hooks, snaps, velcro, or other similar means. The interlocking grid portion 370 beneath the flap 365 is strong enough to retain the contents within the interior compartment 375 with the flap 3645 being open while releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items at the right side 340 through the grid portion 370 with a plurality of apertures. The bag 300 can be held by the handles 325 while shaking and releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the interlocking grid portion 370. The interlocking design allows the bag 300 to support any internal contents within the bag 300 in the interior compartment 375 while the flap 365 is held open and the bag 300 is shaken to release the collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 370.
The interlocking grid portion 370 illustrated in FIGS. 12-13 is generally flexible and made from plastics so that the entire bag 300 may be folded and compressed when the bag 300 is not being used. The interlocking grid portion 370 is preferably made of high tenacity, high molecular weight, polyester yarns that are woven, reinforced in an interlocking grid design and further coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for providing damage protection and durability for long-term and rigorous use of the sports bag 300 over a long period of time. The interlocking grid portion 370 can be made out of other similar materials such as nylon, vinyl, polymers, or synthetics as long as the material provides strength and durability to endure long-term and rigorous use of the bag 300 containing heavy sports equipment and other items of similar weight whether having a rigid or a flexible form. Other materials may be utilized to provide the same functionality. The coating of PVC can also be substituted with other types of thermoplastic polymers or plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene to provide biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and normal wear-and-tear by exposure to dirt, sun, liquids, food, sharp objects and other potentially damaging items.
The interlocking grid portion 370 can have a plurality of rectangles, a plurality of squares, a plurality of diamonds, a plurality of circles, or any type of design as long as the plurality of shapes are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, or other small items at the right side 340 can fall while providing enough strength at the right side 340. The plurality of apertures within the interlocking grid portion 370 can be as small as 0.5 mm by 0.5 mm to as large as 5 mm by 5 mm depending on the purpose of the bag 300 being used. For example, a bag 300 used for transporting sports equipment can have larger aperture sizes whereas a bag 300 used for traveling purposes can have smaller aperture sizes. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines may also vary depending on the primary use of bag 300. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines are higher if the bag 300 is regularly used for carrying heavy items whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is lower if the bag 300 is used for carrying lightweight items. For example, the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm for providing higher tensile strength whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm for providing lower tensile strength. None of these measurements are to be interpreted as limiting in nature since the measurements of the plurality of aperture sizes and interlocking grid lines are easily changeable depending on the type of bag produced.
During every day use for transporting internal contents within the sports bag 300 in the interior compartment 375, the flap 365 is typically closed on the right side 340. The flap 365 in the closed position protects the contents within the bag 300 during transportation and every day use. The secondary opening 380 on the right side 340 is accessed by opening the flap 365 when a user desires to empty any dust, dirt, debris, soil and/or sand collected at the right side 340 of the bag 300. The sports bag 300 can be held by the handles 325 and bottom 355 to tilt the bag 300 and to shake out any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and/or sand from the bag 100 through the plurality of apertures of the interlocking grid portion 370 without having to take any of the contents out of the bag 300 through the primary opening 320 at the top side 330 as is normally required to clean out collected crumbs, dirt, debris, soil and sand from the bottom of the bag 300. Alternatively, the sports bag 300 can be held by the handles 325 and the side handle 383 attached on the left side 350 to tilt the bag 300 and to shake out any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and/or sand from the bag 100 through the plurality of apertures of the interlocking grid portion 370. Moreover, the bag 300 can be vertically hung overnight with the flap 265 in an open or a semi-open position for cleaning and aerating the sports bag 300 without removing any contents from the inside. With easy access to the interior compartment 375 of the bag 300, the bag 300 can be aerated and cleaned out on a regular basis without any hassle in an extremely efficient manner.
Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a bag that also comprises a backpack 400 in accordance with the present invention. The backpack 400 generally defines a top side 430, a bottom side 460, a front side 405, a rear side 490 (not shown in FIGS. 14-16), opposing right and left sides 440, 450, a flap 465 on the bottom side 460, a primary opening 420 between the top side 430 and front side 405 that extends only top half, and a secondary opening 460 at the bottom end 455. The backpack 400 also includes shoulder straps 125 attached to the top and bottom edges of the rear side 490. The bottom side 460 of the backpack 400 with the flap 465 connects to the front side 405, rear side 490, right side 440, and left side 450 at the front bottom edge 407, rear bottom edge 457, right bottom edge 443, and left bottom edge 453. The backpack 400 may optionally have an external pocket 414 on the lower, front side 405 with a zipper handle 459 for opening the external pocket 414, and mesh compartments 412A-B on lower, right and left sides 450, 440 for carrying items externally. The backpack 400 also has a handle 425 at the top portion of the backpack 400 that is located between the top side 430 and rear side 490 extending axially only a small part of the top portion. Therefore, the backpack 400 can be carried by the shoulder straps 477 or by the handle 425.
An interior compartment 475 is formed on the inside of the backpack 400 in which various contents can be carried. As the primary opening 420 is selectively closed and opened preferably using a zipper for providing access to the interior compartment 475, the secondary opening 415 on the bottom 455 is also selectively closed and opened preferably using a zipper 495. However, the secondary opening 415 is not limited to just the zipper 495, but to any type of opening and closing means that performs the same functionality. The secondary opening 415, outlining the right, front and left bottom edges 453, 407, 443, that is selectively closed or opened preferably using a zipper 495 for providing access to the interior compartment 475 can be accessed from at least one side selected from the right side 440, the left side 450 or the front side 405. More specifically, the zipper 495 can be opened by holding a zipper tab 497A-B from at least one bottom edge selected from the right bottom edge 443, the left bottom edge 453, or the front bottom edge 407 wherever the zipper tab 497A-B is sitting after closing the secondary opening 415.
FIG. 16 illustrates a side perspective, partial view of the backpack 400 wherein a left side 450 of the backpack 400 is shown with its front and rear sides 405, 490. The front side 405, rear side 490, right side 440, and left side 450 are joined along the edges by a flap 465 at the bottom end 455, more specifically, at the bottom edges of the bottom side 460. The side view of the backpack 400 also illustrates the secondary opening 415 that is selectively opened and closed using preferably a zipper 495 on the bottom end 455. More particularly, the left bottom edge 443 and the front bottom edge 407 are shown to have the zipper 495 even though other types of closing and opening means can be utilized. The zipper 495 is shown to be closed on the left bottom edge 453 and front bottom edge 407. Similar to the left side 450, the right side 440 is symmetrical so that the secondary opening 415 extends to the right bottom edge 443. The secondary opening 415 is selectively closed and opened preferably by the zipper 495 that extends from the left bottom edge 453, through the front bottom edge 407 and to the right bottom edge 443. The zipper 495 extending three-fourths of the bottom side 460 allows any user to closably open the flap 465 completely while one-fourth of the bottom side 460 with the flap 465 remains permanently attached to the rear bottom edge 457 as shown in FIGS. 15-16.
FIG. 16 illustrates the flap 465 in an open position with the secondary opening 415 being completely open. The flap 465 at the bottom side 460 is depicted as being attached to the rear side 490 at the rear bottom edge 457 while the zipper 495 is extends to and attaches on the right bottom edge 443, front bottom edge 407, and left bottom edge 453 for accessing the secondary opening 415. Immediately beneath the flap 465 that basically covers the entire bottom side 460, the interlocking grid portion 470 on the inner side of the bottom side 460 is illustrated in FIG. 16. The interlocking grid portion 470 is strong enough to retain the contents within the interior compartment 475 while releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items at the bottom side 460 through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 470. The backpack 400 can be held by the handle 425 while shaking and releasing any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 470. The interlocking design allows the backpack 400 to support any internal contents within the backpack 400 in the interior compartment 475 while the flap 465 is held open and the backpack 400 is shaken to release the collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and other small items through the plurality of apertures of the grid portion 470.
The interlocking grid portion 470 defining a plurality of apertures wherein the grid portion 470 is positioned on the interior side of the flap 465 and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 415, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the backpack 400 after opening the flap 465. The interlocking grid portion 470 may be permanently attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 415 or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 415 via a third fastening mechanism such as a zipper, hooks, snaps, velcro, or other similar means. The interlocking grid portion 470 illustrated in FIG. 16 is generally flexible and made from plastics so that the entire backpack 400 may be folded and compressed when the bag is not being used. The interlocking grid portion 470 is preferably made of high tenacity, high molecular weight, polyester yarns that are woven, reinforced in an interlocking grid design and further coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for providing damage protection and durability for long-term and rigorous use of the backpack 400 over a long period of time. The interlocking grid portion 470 can be made out of other similar materials such as nylon, vinyl, polymers, or synthetics as long as the material provides strength and durability to endure long-term and rigorous use of the backpack 400 containing computers, books, files, and other items of similar weight whether having a rigid or a flexible form. Other materials may be utilized to provide the same functionality. The coating of PVC can also be substituted with other types of thermoplastic polymers or plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene to provide biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and normal wear-and-tear by exposure to dirt, sun, liquids, food, sharp objects and other potentially damaging items.
The interlocking grid portion 470 can have a plurality of rectangles, a plurality of squares, a plurality of diamonds, a plurality of circles, or any type of design as long as the plurality of shapes are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, or other small items at the bottom side 460 can fall while providing enough strength at the bottom side 460. The plurality of apertures within the interlocking grid portion 470 can be as small as 0.5 mm by 0.5 mm to as large as 5 mm by 5 mm depending on the purpose of the bag 100 used. For example, a larger-sized backpack 400 used for military purposes can have larger aperture sizes whereas a backpack 400 used for every day use can have smaller aperture sizes. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines may also vary depending on the use of backpack 400. The thickness of the interlocking grid lines are higher if the backpack 400 is regularly used for carrying heavy items whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is lower if the backpack 400 is used for carrying lightweight items. For example, the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm for providing higher tensile strength whereas the thickness of the interlocking grid lines is approximately in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm for providing lower tensile strength. None of these measurements are to be interpreted as limiting in nature since the measurements of the plurality of aperture sizes and interlocking grid lines are easily changeable depending on the type of bag produced.
As shown in FIG. 16, the zipper 495 on the secondary opening 415 may have at least one or two zipper tabs 497A-B for accessing the secondary opening 415. For the backpack 400 in FIG. 16, two zipper tabs 497A-B are illustrated so that the zipper 495 can be easily opened by grabbing a first and/or a second zipper tab 497A-B to open the secondary opening 415. By grabbing and manually controlling the at least one or two second zipper tabs 497A-B, the bottom side 460 with the flap 465 can remain closed as shown in FIG. 15 during normal use or the bottom side 460 with the flap 465 can be completely open to expose the interlocking grid portion 470 for cleaning and aerating the backpack 400.
During every day use for transporting internal contents such as a laptop and books within the backpack 400 in the interior compartment 475, the flap 465 is typically closed on the bottom side 460 as shown in FIG. 15. The flap 465 in the closed position protects the contents within the backpack 400 during transportation and every day use. The secondary opening 415 on the bottom side 460 at the bottom end 455 is accessed by opening the flap 465 when a user desires to empty any dust, dirt, debris, soil and/or sand collected at the bottom of the backpack 400. The backpack 400 can be held at the handle 425 to shake out any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt and/or sand from the backpack 400 without having to take any of the contents out of the backpack 400 through the primary opening 420 at the top side 430 as is normally required to clean out collected crumbs, dirt, debris, soil and sand from the bottom of the backpack 400. Even if the backpack 400 is turned upside down to remove the collected crumbs, dirt, debris, soil and/or sand from the backpack 400, it is not easy to get all of these out from corners of the backpack 400. It is much easier to release the collected crumbs, dirt, debris, soil, and/or sand from the backpack 400 by simply opening the flap 465 from the bottom side 460. Moreover, the backpack 400 can be vertically hung overnight using the handle 425 or shoulder straps 477 with the flap 465 in an open or a semi-open position for cleaning or aerating the backpack 400 without removing any contents from the inside. With easy access to the interior compartment 475 of the backpack 400, the backpack 400 can be aerated and cleaned out on a regular basis without any hassle in an extremely efficient manner.
Even though the present invention of a bag is described in terms of having a flap 165, 265, 365, 465 over a secondary opening 115, 280, 380, 415, that only opens on three-fourths of at least one side selected from the group of the right side 140, 240, 340, 440, the left side 150, 250, 350, 450, the front side 105, 205, 305, 405, the rear side 190, 290, 390, 490, the bottom side 160, 260, 360, 460, the flap 165, 265, 365, 465 may be entirely removable in which the flap 165, 265, 365, 465 is attached to at least one of the sides by having a zipper 195, 295, 395, 495 or other similar fastening means around the entire edges of at least one side. Alternatively, the flap 165, 265, 365, 465 may be substituted with the edges of the secondary opening 115, 280, 380, 415 zipping together without necessarily requiring the flap 165, 265, 365, 465 under the secondary opening 115, 280, 380, 415, in which the secondary opening 115, 280, 380, 415 still allows easy access to the interior compartment 175, 275, 375, 475 of a bag 100, 200, 300, 400, through the interlocking grid portion 170, 270, 370, 470 that is permanently or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening 115, 280, 380, 415. Furthermore, the bag 100, 200, 300, 400 can be aerated and cleaned out on a regular basis without any hassle in an extremely efficient manner.
The bag 100, 200, 300, 400 described in the specification is constructed of materials to make a flexible and foldable bag for easy storage and transportation. The bag 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein may also be constructed from materials to make a hard and rigid container or bag for transporting and storing goods facilitating easy cleaning and aeration.
It should be noted that relative terms are meant to help in the understanding of the structures and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the term “head” is meant to be relative to the term “base,” and the term “top” is meant to be relative to the term “bottom.” It should also be noted that the term “right” is meant to be relative to the term “left,” and the term “horizontal” is meant to be relative to the term “vertical.” Furthermore, the term “proximal” is meant to be relative to the term “distal.” It should be further noted that although the present invention is described in terms of first and secondary openings, the terms are not meant to be limiting. The present invention is described to have the secondary openings on a right side or a bottom side, however, these sides are not meant to be limiting in any way. The secondary openings can be on the front side, rear side, right side, left side, top side or bottom side. It should be further noted that although the present invention is described using certain structures such as zippers, any other types of closing or opening means can be used to access secondary openings.
The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and are not intended to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A closable bag with easy access for cleaning and aerating comprising:

a main body defining an interior, closable compartment within which contents can be placed;

a primary opening in the main body that is selectively closed using a first fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment within the main body, for inserting and removing the bag's contents;

a secondary opening covered by a flap that is selectively closed using a second fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment without having to remove the contents from the bag through the primary opening, the flap having an interior side and an exterior side; and

an interlocking grid portion defining a plurality of apertures, the grid portion being positioned on the interior side of the flap and attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag after opening the flap.

2. The closable bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second fastening mechanisms comprise at least one zipper.

3. The closable bag of claim 1, wherein the bag comprises a flexible bag.

4. The closable bag of claim 1, wherein the bag comprises a rigid container.

5. The closable bag of claim 1, wherein the interlocking grid portion is permanently or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening.

6. The closable bag of claim 1, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures is flexible or rigid with sufficient strength to support the contents which the bag is intended to hold, without closing the flap.

7. The closable bag of claim 1, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures provides any one of biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra-violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures is comprised of a plurality of shapes that are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, and small items from the interior compartment can fall while shaking the bag.

9. A closable bag with easy access for cleaning and aerating comprising:

a main body having a front side, a rear side, opposing right and left sides, a top side and a bottom side, the main body defining the bag;

a primary opening on the top side that is selectively closed using a first fastening mechanism for providing access to an interior compartment within the main body, for inserting and removing internal contents;

a secondary opening covered by a flap on at least one side selected from the group of the right side, the left side, the front side, the rear side, and the bottom side, that is selectively closed using a second fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment without having to remove the internal contents from the bag through the primary opening, wherein the at least one side has edges and the flap has an interior side and an exterior side; and

10. The bag of claim 9, wherein the first and second fastening mechanisms comprise at least one zipper.

11. The bag of claim 9, wherein the secondary opening is on the bottom side, the flap is attached to at least one edge of the bottom side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to at least one other edge of the bottom side.

12. The bag of claim 9, wherein the secondary opening is on the bottom side, the flap is attached to the bottom side other than at an edge of the bottom side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the bottom side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

13. The bag of claim 9, wherein the secondary opening is on the right side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge of the right side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to at least one other edge of the right side.

14. The bag of claim 13, wherein the flap is selectively opened by grasping a holding means that is attached at top part of the right side and moving downwardly an opening means across the zipper on the at least one other edge, wherein the opening means being positioned below the holding means and attached to at least one zipper tab on the at least one edge, to disengage the flap from the at least one other edge.

15. The bag of claim 9, wherein the secondary opening is on the left side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge of the left side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to at least one other edge of the left side.

16. The bag of claim 15, wherein the flap is selectively opened by grasping a holding means that is attached at top part of the left side and moving downwardly an opening means across the zipper on the at least one other edge, wherein the opening means being positioned below the holding means and attached to at least one zipper tab on the at least one edge, to disengage the flap from the at least one other edge.

17. The bag of claim 9, wherein the secondary opening is on the front side, the flap is attached to at least one edge of the front side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to at least one other edge of the front side.

18. The bag of claim 9, wherein the secondary opening is on the front side, the flap is attached to the front side other than at an edge of the front side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the front side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

19. The bag of claim 9, wherein the secondary opening is on the rear side, the flap is attached to at least one edge of the rear side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to at least one other edge of the rear side.

20. The bag of claim 19, wherein the secondary opening is on the rear side, the flap is attached to the rear side other than at an edge of the rear side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the rear side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

21. The bag of claim 9, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures is flexible and has sufficient strength to support the contents which the bag is intended to hold, without closing the flap.

22. The bag of claim 9, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures provides any one of biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra-violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability.

23. The bag of claim 9, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures is comprised of a plurality of shapes that are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, and small items from the interior compartment can fall while shaking the bag.

24. The bag of claim 9, wherein the bag comprises a handle that is attached to at least one side selected from the top side, the front side, the rear side and the opposing right and left sides, from which the bag can be hung for aerating the bag with the flap in an open position so that the contents in the interior compartment are exposed through the interlocking grid portion without having to remove the contents from the bag.

25. A rigid bag for transporting or storing goods facilitating easy cleaning and aeration, the rigid bag comprising:

a primary opening on the top side that is selectively closed having a first fastening mechanism for providing access to an interior compartment within the main body for the goods;

a secondary opening covered by a flap on at least one side selected from the group of the right side, the left side, the front side, the rear side, and the bottom side, that is selectively closed using a second fastening mechanism for providing access to the interior compartment for cleaning by removing any collected dust and debris from the interior compartment without having to remove the goods from the bag through the primary opening, wherein the at least one side has edges and the flap has an interior side and an exterior side; and

an interlocking grid portion defining a plurality of apertures, the grid portion being positioned on the interior side of the flap and permanently or removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening, for removing the collected dust and debris through the plurality of apertures while shaking the bag after opening the flap;

wherein the bag comprises a handle that is attached to at least one side selected from the top side, the front side, the rear side and the opposing right and left sides, from which the bag can be hung for aerating the bag with the flap in an open position so that the goods in the interior compartment are exposed through the interlocking grid portion without having to remove the goods from the bag.

26. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the first and second fastening mechanisms comprise a zipper, Velcro, snaps, or hooks.

27. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the bottom side comprises the flap being attached to at least one bottom edge, and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to other bottom edges.

28. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the bottom side, the flap is attached to the bottom side other than at an edge of the bottom side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the bottom side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

29. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the right side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge selected from the group of right bottom edge, right top edge, and opposing right side edges, and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the right bottom edge, the right top edge, and the opposing right side edges.

30. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the right side, the flap is attached to the right side other than at an edge of the right side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the right side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

31. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the left side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge selected from the group of left bottom edge, left top edge, and opposing left side edges, and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the left bottom edge, the left top edge, and the opposing left side edges.

32. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the left side, the flap is attached to the left side other than at an edge of the left side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the left side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

33. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the front side, the flap is attached to at least one edge selected from the group of a front bottom edge, opposing front side edges, and front top edge; and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the front side bottom edge, the opposing front side edges, and the front side top edge.

34. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the front side, the flap is attached to the front side other than at an edge of the front side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the front side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

35. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the rear side comprises the flap being attached to at least one edge selected from the group of a rear side bottom edge, opposing rear side edges, and rear side top edge; and wherein the flap is selectively closed using the zipper that attaches and extends to at least three edges selected from the group of the rear side bottom edge, the opposing rear side edges, and the rear side top edge.

36. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the secondary opening is on the rear side, the flap is attached to the rear side other than at an edge of the rear side, and the zipper detachably connects the flap to the rear side so as to substantially cover the interlocking grid portion when the flap is closed.

37. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the interlocking grid portion is removably attached to the main body at the periphery of the secondary opening using a third fastening mechanism.

38. The rigid bag of claim 37, wherein the third fastening mechanism comprises a zipper, hooks, snaps, or Velcro.

39. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures has sufficient strength to support the goods which the bag is intended to hold, without closing the flap.

40. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures provides biological resistance, waterproof protection, chemical resistance, ultra violet resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability.

41. The rigid bag of claim 25, wherein the interlocking grid portion with the plurality of apertures is comprised of a plurality of shapes that are reinforced and interlocked with each other to provide the plurality of apertures through which any collected dust, debris, soil, dirt, and small items from the interior compartment can fall while shaking the bag.

42. The rigid bag of claim 41, wherein the plurality of shapes comprises a plurality of rectangles, a plurality of squares, a plurality of diamonds, a plurality of circles, and a plurality of multi-sided shapes.