EXERCISE BAG

Abstract

 An exercise bag (100) is configured to carry a belt, such as a weightlifting belt, along with other personal items. The belt may be carried by a retainer element (150) on an external portion of the exercise bag. The exercise bag may have any number of compartments, pouches, and/or other retainers or holders. The belt, when carried on the exercise bag may be accessible without having to open or otherwise access any other compartment or pouch of the exercise bag. Additionally, the compartments and/or pouches of the exercise bag may be accessible without having to remove or loosen the belt held by the retainer on the exercise bag. The exercise bag may further have a shoe compartment that is directly accessible from the outside of the exercise bag, with a liner that keeps shoes separate from other items in the exercise bag.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/720,189 filed January 10, 2020, entitled "Bag," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Athletes, such as weight and/or strength exercise athletes, often need to carry specialized athletic equipment, such as gym shoes, weight belts, and athletic clothes. Additionally, these athletes may need to carry other personal belongings and equipment, such as laptop computers. It is often difficult to transport both athletic equipment and personal items in a compact and convenient form factor.

[0003] Often times, an athlete may need to transport his or her athletic equipment, as well as his or her other personal belongings by various forms of public or private transportation, such as via airlines, busses, cars, etc. It is useful to have a compact and easy to transport mechanism for the belongings that an athlete may need when traveling via various forms of transportation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same reference numbers in different figures indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a perspective view of an example exercise bag, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a front view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a back view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a right-side view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a left-side view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a top view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an environment with the example exercise bag of FIG. 1 mounted on a person's back and with a weight belt carried in a vertical orientation on the exercise bag, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an environment with the example exercise bag of FIG. 1 with a weight belt carried in a horizontal orientation on the exercise bag, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a photograph of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1 mounted on a person's back and with a weight belt carried in a horizontal orientation on the exercise bag, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a photograph of an inner surface of a flap of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a photograph of an inner surface of a flap of a shoe carrier with a pair of shoes disposed within a cavity defined by the shoe carrier of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a photograph of an outer surface of a liner of the shoe carrier of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a photograph of a back view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1 with a water bottle disposed in a water bottle carrier of the exercise bag, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] Example embodiments of this disclosure include an exercise bag that is configured to carry a variety of exercise and/or gym equipment, as well as any variety of non-athletic personal items. The exercise bag may be any suitable type of bag, such as a backpack. The exercise bag may be configured to be convenient for a person to travel with when carrying athletic equipment in a compact form factor and with a convenient and/or ergonomic design. The exercise bag, in example embodiments, may be particularly suited for transporting athletic and non-athletic equipment by way of airplane, car, bus, etc. For example, the exercise bag may have outer dimensions that allow it to be considered carry-on baggage for airline travel. In some example embodiments, the exercise bag may have external dimensions of 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) or less, such that the exercise bag can be brought onto airplanes of most airlines as carry-on baggage.

[0006] According to example embodiments of the disclosure, the exercise bag may include a variety of elements that allows a user to carry a variety of athletic equipment in or on the exercise bag. In some cases, the exercise bag may include a shoe compartment, where one may place his or her shoes. The shoe compartment may be accessible without opening any other compartment (e.g., a main compartment) of the exercise bag. The shoe compartment may include a panel or flap that may be configured to be fastened to an outer surface of the exercise bag and when the flap is opened, a cavity defined by the flap and a liner may be accessible. Shoes, other footwear, or indeed any suitable item may be placed within the cavity and secured by closing the flap. The flap may be opened or closed by way of detaching or attaching, respectively, up to three sides of the flap to the outer surface of the exercise bag. Flaps, as discussed herein, may be opened on one side, two sides, three sides, or any portions of one or more sides. For non-rectangular shaped flaps, the flap may be partially opened along any suitable portion of its perimeter. The flap may be configured to be opened or closed by way of a zipper, buttons, hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCRO), or any suitable fastening mechanism.

[0007] The shoe compartment may allow the user of the exercise bag to isolate his or her shoe(s) in their own compartment. The shoes may be separated from other belongings in the exercise bag by the liner of the shoe compartment. As a result, dirt or other elements attached to the shoes may not make other items in the exercise bag dirty or contaminated. This may improve overall convenience, as the user of the exercise bag may not have to individually wrap his or her shoes to keep them separated from his or her other belongings. Additionally, the shoe compartment may improve hygiene by isolating the shoes from the exercise bag user's other belongings. In some cases, shoes, particularly after repeated use in athletic activities, can emit odors, or in other words, become stinky. By segregating the shoes in the shoe compartment, as described herein, the odoriferous shoes are less likely to impart smells to other belongings inside the exercise bag.

[0008] In example embodiments, the exercise bag may further include a belt carrier. The belt carrier may include a belt retainer that is attached to an outer surface of the exercise bag in a manner where there may be two or more openings between the belt retainer and the outer surface of the exercise bag. The openings may serve as hoops through which a belt may be snaked to wrap around the belt retainer. In some cases, there may be two openings (e.g., portions where the belt retainer is not attached to the outer surface of the bag) on opposing sides of the belt retainer through which the belt can be snaked, and in other cases, there may be four or more openings with pairs of openings on opposing sides of the belt retainer. For example, if there are openings at the top and bottom of the belt retainer, a belt can be looped through those two openings and be carried in a vertical orientation, relative to the ground. Similarly, if there are openings at the right and left sides of the belt retainer, a belt can be looped through those two openings and be carried in a horizontal orientation, relative to the ground. In some cases, the openings, or gaps, as defined by the belt retainer and the outer surface of the exercise bag, may be sized such that features of the belt, such as buckles or hoops, do not pass through those openings. This may allow for the features of the belt to engage the openings, to secure the belt in place. In some cases, some gaps may be sized for one type of belt, while other gaps may be for carrying other types of belts. In other case, the gaps may be of the same general size.

[0009] The belt carrier, in example embodiments, may provide a mechanism for a person to carry his or her belt and access the belt without opening a main compartment of the exercise bag. Additionally, the belt retainer and the belt holding mechanism may be such that the other compartments of the exercise bag (e.g., a main compartment, a shoe compartment, etc.) may be accessed without having to remove or loosen the belt from the exercise bag. This makes it convenient for the user of the exercise bag to access his or her belt independently from other items in the exercise bag. For example, a user of the exercise bag can take out his or her laptop computer from a laptop pouch of the exercise bag quickly and easily, without having the remove, loosen, or move the belt that is secured to the belt retainer of the belt carrier. The belt, as described herein, may be any suitable belt or other elongated piece of exercise equipment and/or personal item. For example, the belt may be any variety of weightlifters' belts, support belts for other sports, rank indicating belts, such as those used in martial arts, trophy belts, such as those awarded in wrestling, boxing, or arm wrestling, personal attire, such as pant belts, scarves, or suspenders, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the exercise bag may include a first belt retainer and a second belt retainer. The first belt retainer may be on the front of the exercise bag, while the second belt retainer may be on the back of the exercise bag. A belt, such as a weightlifting belt may be snaked through gaps of both the first belt retainer and the second belt retainer. In this way, belts that are long and/or cannot be bent at sharp angles may be held by the combination of the two belt retainers on opposing sides of the exercise bag. As a result, the belt to be held may be at least partially wrapped around the exercise bag to engage with both the first belt retainer and the second belt retainer.

[0011] In example embodiments, the exercise bag may include a slot, a wide pouch, and/or laptop pouch, where one may place his or her laptop computer, tablet computer, any other suitable computing device, notebooks, papers, binders, etc. The laptop pouch may be disposed in any suitable location of the exercise bag, such as inside a main compartment of the exercise bag. In one example embodiment, the laptop pouch may be disposed on an inside surface of a main compartment flap of the exercise bag. The laptop pouch may include a laptop retainer attached on three sides to the inside surface of the main compartment flap of the exercise bag to form the pouch. One can access his or her laptop computer quickly by opening or partially opening the main compartment of the exercise bag, and without having the access any other pouches, compartments, or retainers of the exercise bag. For example, one need not move his or her shoes, water bottle, or weightlifting belt, to access his or her laptop computer.

[0012] The exercise bag, in example embodiments, may further include a water bottle pouch or otherwise a pouch or holder of a generally cylindrically shaped object. The water bottle pouch may include a water bottle retainer attached to an outer surface of the exercise bag. This water bottle retainer, in conjunction with the outer surface of the exercise bag, may hold a water bottle in place. In example embodiments, the water bottle retainer may include an elastic portion to allow for ease of placement of a water bottle within the water bottle pouch and/or a secure holding of the water bottle within the water bottle pouch. In some cases, the water bottle pouch, instead of, or in addition to an elastic portion, may include a tie that allows the opening of the water bottle pouch to be modulated. In this way, a water bottle may be secured within the water bottle pouch.

[0013] In some cases, the water bottle retainer may be constructed in a manner where condensation from a cold-water bottle maybe directed away from the outer surface of the exercise bag. For example, the water bottle retainer may have one or more holes at a bottom location that is more distal from the outer surface of the exercise bag than a side wall of the water bottle retainer, so that condensation from a cold-water bottle may drip in a manner such that it does not get the rest of the exercise bag wet. In some example embodiments, the water bottle retainer may be constructed from a relatively hydrophilic material, while the outer surface of the exercise bag may be constructed from a relatively hydrophobic material. In this way, the water bottle retainer may absorb any condensation from the outside of a cold-water bottle or any spilled liquid, while the outer surface of the exercise bag may reject any liquids and prevent them from seeping to other portions of the exercise bag. In some example embodiments, the water bottle retainer may be constructed from super absorbent materials, such as superabsorbent polymers like hydrogels, acrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, cotton, linen, hemp-based fabrics, woven fabrics, combination thereof, or the like. Additionally, the outer surface of the exercise bag may be constructed from any suitable material, such as non-woven fabrics, polyester, nylon, lycra, spandex, nylon, rayon, combinations thereof, or the like. In some cases, the water bottle retainer and the outer surface of the exercise bag may be constructed from the same material.

[0014] The exercise bag, as disclosed herein, may further include any variety of pouches, compartments, and/or other retainers. In example embodiments, there may be compartments that are either separate from other compartments or disposed within another compartment. For example, there may be a main compartment, within which there may be other compartments, such as a document compartment with a hook-and-loop fastener. Other features may include loops (e.g., retainers) for pens and/or pencils, compartments for storing keys, wallets, purses, money, credit cards, or the like. These retainers and/or compartments may be within the main compartment of the exercise bag, separate features of the exercise bag, and/or disposed or accessible from the outside surface of the exercise bag. Additionally, the exercise bag may have disposed thereon any variety of straps and/or handles for the ease of lifting and/or carrying. For example, the exercise bag may be in the form of a backpack, with straps for mounting the exercise bag on one's back. There may additionally be one or more other straps, in addition to back mounting straps, for picking up and/or carrying the exercise bag. In other example embodiments, the exercise bag may include a retractable (e.g., telescopic) handle and wheels and be in the form of roll-aboard luggage.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a perspective view of an example exercise bag 100, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. The exercise bag 100 may include a side outer surface 102, a top outer surface 104, a front outer surface 106, and/or any number of straps 110, 112, 120. The surfaces 102, 104, 106 may be formed from any suitable materials and may have any suitable level of rigidity. For example, in some cases, the surfaces 102, 104, 106 may be formed from less-rigid materials, such as soft leather, denim, or the like. In other cases, more rigid materials may be used for the construct of the surfaces 102, 104, 106, such as rigid cow hide, rigid nylon, or the like. In example embodiments, the surfaces 102, 104, 106 may include (e.g., constructed from) a single type of material. In other example embodiments, the surfaces 102, 104, 106 may include a mixture of materials, composite materials, and/or layered heterogeneous or homogeneous materials. In some cases, harder and/or more rigid materials (e.g., corner supporters) may be provided on one or more corners of the surfaces 102, 104, 106 to provide an additional and/or desired level of rigidity. The exercise bag 100, as well as its surfaces 102, 104, 106 may be formed using any suitable materials, such as cotton, lycra, wool, rayon, polyester, nylon, spandex, flannel, silk, denim, natural fiber, cellulose fiber, synthetic fiber, woven cloth, knitted cloth, plastic, linen, hemp-based fabrics, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS), combinations thereof, or the like

[0016] The straps 110, 112, 120 may be of any suitable type and may serve the functions of enabling lifting, carrying, and/or securing the exercise bag 100. For example, the straps 110, 112 are depicted as hand straps that are configured to allow one to pick up and/or carry the exercise bag 100 using his or her hands. The straps 110, 112 may allow a sufficient gap from surfaces 102, 104, respectively, to enable a person to comfortably and/or securely slip his or her hands through the gap. On the other hand, straps 120 are depicted as backpack straps for one to pick up and/or mount the exercise bag 100 on his or her back or chest. The straps 120 may be adjusted to allow one to fit the strap 120 lengths according to his or her body size and or comfort. The straps 110, 112, 120 may include foam material for the comfort of the user of the exercise bag 100. For example, foam enclosed in fabric may provide for more comfortable straps 120, especially if the exercise bag 100 is heavy or if its user has to carry the exercise bag 100 on his or her back for long periods of time. The straps 110, 112, 120 of the exercise bag 100 may be constructed from any suitable material, such as cotton, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, polyester, nylon, lycra, spandex, nylon, rayon, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0017] The exercise bag 100 may additionally include a zipper 134 and zipper slider 136 to open the front outer surface 106 as a flap to access a main compartment of the exercise bag. One may store clothes or any other suitable items in the main compartment accessible by the front outer surface 106, zipper 134 and zipper slider 136. Although the zipper 134 and zipper slider 136 is shown herein as a mechanism for opening and/or accessing the main compartment of the exercise bag 100, the disclosure includes any suitable mechanism for opening or closing the front outer surface 106, including, but not limited to, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. The main compartment, defined by the surfaces 102, 104, 106 may have additional compartments, pouches, or the like therein. For example, a portion of a shoe compartment (e.g., a shoe compartment liner) may be disposed within the main compartment. Additionally, the main compartment may include one or more pouches, such as pouches formed with a retainer portion, to hold a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, pens, pencils, or indeed, any suitable item. Additionally, according to example embodiments, the main compartments may include sub-compartments of divided portions. For example, sub-compartments may be used to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes within the exercise bag 100.

[0018] Further still, the exercise bag 100 may include a zipper 130 and zipper slider 132 to open a back flap of the exercise bag 100. In example embodiments, the back flap may be opened to access a laptop pouch therein. Thus, the back flap and the laptop pouch may allow one easy access to his or her laptop computer, other computing device, or indeed any other personal item, without having to open other portions of the exercise bag 100, such as the main compartment. As disclosed herein, the exercise bag 100, in some example embodiments, may include more than one laptop pouch. For example, there may be disposed a laptop pouch at the back of the exercise bag 100, as well as another laptop pouch within the main compartment of the exercise bag 100. The zipper 130 and zipper slider 132 to open a back flap of the exercise bag 100 may also expose more than a laptop pouch. For example, there may be more than one pouch, one or more compartments, and/or pen holders. Although the zipper 130 and zipper slider 132 is shown herein as a mechanism for opening and/or accessing the back laptop pouch of the exercise bag 100, the disclosure includes any suitable mechanism for opening or closing the back flap, including, but not limited to, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like.

[0019] Further yet, the exercise bag 100 may include a shoe compartment flap 140 that can be opened and closed with zipper 144 and zipper slider 142. Although the zipper 144 and zipper slider 142 is shown herein as a mechanism for opening and/or accessing the shoe compartment of the exercise bag 100, the disclosure contemplates any suitable mechanism for opening or closing the shoe compartment flap 140, including, but not limited to, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. When the shoe compartment flap 140 is open, a space defined by a shoe liner may be accessible to insert and/or remove shoes from within the space defined by the shoe liner and the shoe compartment flap 140. Thus, shoes, other footwear, or indeed any suitable item may be placed within the compartment and secured by closing the shoe compartment flap 140. In example embodiments, the shoe compartment may be accessible without opening any other compartment (e.g., a main compartment) of the exercise bag 100.

[0020] The shoe compartment may allow the user of the exercise bag 100 to isolate his or her shoe(s) in its own compartment. The shoes may be segregated from other belongings in the exercise bag 100 by the liner of the shoe compartment. As a result, dirt or smells from the shoes can be isolated, at least in part, from other clothes or items stored in the exercise bag 100. This may improve overall convenience, as the user of the exercise bag 100 may not have to individually wrap his or her shoes to segregate them from his or her other belongings. Additionally, the shoe compartment may improve hygiene by segregating the shoes from the exercise bag user's other belongings.

[0021] In example embodiments, the exercise bag 100 may further include a belt retainer 150 attached to the front outer surface 106. The belt retainer 150 and the front outer surface 106 may define one or more gaps 152, 154 therebetween. The belt retainer 150 and the gaps 152, 154 may enable a user of the exercise bag 100 to carry an elongated item, such as a weightlifter belt or a martial arts belt. The belt can be wrapped around the belt retainer 150 through the gaps 152, 154. In this way, the belt can be accessed without accessing any of the other compartments (e.g., the main compartment, the shoe compartment, etc.). Additionally, the belt retainer 150, as a belt holding mechanism, allows other compartments of the exercise bag (e.g., the main compartment, the shoe compartment, etc.) to be accessed without having to remove or loosen the belt from the exercise bag 100. This makes it convenient for the user of the exercise bag 100 to access his or her belt independently from other items in the exercise bag 100. For example, a user of the exercise bag can take out his or her laptop computer from a laptop pouch of the exercise bag 100 quickly and easily, without having the remove, loosen, or move the belt that is secured to the belt retainer 150.

[0022] The ability to independently access the belt and the other items in the exercise bag 100 may be particularly beneficial to a user of the exercise bag 100. Having to dig through other compartments to find the belt may be time-consuming. Furthermore, the belt may have sweat, other biological fluids, chalk, other exercise absorbents, etc. thereon. Thus, it may be advantageous to carry the belt in a manner such that it does not come in contact with other items of the user of the exercise bag 100, so the other items are not dirtied by the belt. Additionally, without the retainer 150, the belt might be wrapped around a bag, resulting in the need to undo the belt every time other compartments of a bag need to be accessed. This is time consuming and inconvenient. Accordingly, by having its own retaining mechanism, as disclosed herein, the belt not having to be loosened or removed to access other compartments of the exercise bag 100 may be a time-efficient convenience to the user of the exercise bag 100.

[0023] In example embodiments, the exercise bag 100 may be used in transporting exercise equipment and other belongings via various modes of transportation. As a result, the exercise bag 100 may be in a convenient form-factor that allows for enough volume to carry one's belongings, and still not be inconvenient to carry or store on various transportation vehicles (e.g., busses, airplanes, cars etc.). In example embodiments, the exercise bag 100 may have a form-factor and/or dimensions that allow it to be considered carry-on luggage on many airlines. For example, the exercise bag 100 may have dimensions of 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) or less to be considered carry-on luggage. This sizing of the exercise bag 100 provides convenience to the user of the exercise bag 100 in not having to check-in the exercise bag 100 when flying with the exercise bag 100.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a front view of the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in this view, there may be additional gaps 202, 204, along with gaps 152, 154, between the belt retainer 150 and the front surface 106 of the exercise bag 100. The gaps 152, 154, 202, 204 can be used to wrap a belt, or other elongated item, around to carry the belt on the belt retainer 150. The belt may be in a vertical configuration, such as by wrapping the belt through the gaps 152, 204, or the belt may be in a horizontal configuration by wrapping the belt through gaps 154, 202.

[0025] In example embodiments, the exercise bag 100 may further include a water bottle retainer 210 attached to an outer surface of the exercise bag 100. This water bottle retainer 210, in conjunction with the outer surface of the exercise bag 100, may hold a water bottle in place. In example embodiments, the water bottle retainer 210 may include an elastic portion to allow for ease of placement of a water bottle within the water bottle pouch formed by the water bottle retainer. In some cases, the water bottle pouch, instead of, or in addition to an elastic portion, may include a tie that allows the opening of the water bottle pouch to be modulated. In this way, a water bottle may be secured within the water bottle pouch defined by at least the water bottle retainer 210.

[0026] In some cases, the water bottle retainer 210 may be constructed in a manner where condensation from a cold-water bottle may be directed away from the outer surface of the exercise bag 100. For example, the water bottle retainer 210 may have one or more holes at a bottom location that is more distal from the outer surface of the exercise bag than a side wall of the water bottle retainer, so that condensation from a cold water bottle may drip in a manner such that it does not get the rest of the exercise bag 100 wet. In some example embodiments, the water bottle retainer 210 may be constructed from a relatively hydrophilic material, while the outer surface of the exercise bag 100 may be constructed from a relatively hydrophobic material. In this way, the water bottle retainer 210 may absorb any condensation from the outside of a cold water bottle or any spilled liquid, while the outer surface of the exercise bag 100 may reject any liquids and prevent them from seeping to other portions of the exercise bag 100. In some example embodiments, the water bottle retainer 210 may be constructed from super absorbent materials, such as superabsorbent polymers like hydrogels, acrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, cotton, linen, hemp-based fabrics, woven fabrics, combination thereof, or the like. In some cases, the water bottle retainer 210 and the outer surface of the exercise bag may be constructed from the same material.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a back view of the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. The exercise bag 100 may include a back outer surface 300, the description of which may be similar to the descriptions of the outer surfaces 102, 104, 106. There may also optionally be a second belt retainer 302 disposed in a manner such that the second belt retainer 302 and the back outer surface 300 form a plurality of gaps 304, 306, 308, 310. Like the belt retainer 150, the second belt retainer 302 may also be configured to hold a belt and/or other elongated item. Thus, in this design, there may be two separate belt retainers 150, 302. In some cases, the belt may be held by the cooperation of the belt retainer 150 and the second belt retainer 302. In these cases, the belt may be wrapped around the bottom of the exercise bag 100 and provided through one or more gaps 152, 154, 202, 204 of the belt retainer, as well as one or more gaps 304, 306, 308, 310 of the second belt retainer 302. In this way, belts that are long and/or cannot be bent at sharp angles may be held by the combination of the two belt retainers 150, 302 on opposing sides of the exercise bag 100. Thus, the belt to be held may be at least partially wrapped around the exercise bag 100 to engage with both the first belt retainer 150 and the second belt retainer 302.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a right side view of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. The exercise bag 100 may include a side outer surface 400, the description of which may be similar to the descriptions of the outer surfaces 102, 104, 106. As discussed herein, the side outer surface 400, along with the water bottle retainer, may define the water bottle pouch for holding a water bottle.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a left side view of the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a top view of the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. These views show the various elements of the exercise bag from different perspectives.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an environment 800 with the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1 mounted on a person's 802 back and with a weight belt 804 carried in a vertical orientation on the exercise bag 100, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. The weight belt 804 may pass through the gaps 152, 204 to be held onto the exercise bag 100. As shown, features of the weight belt 804, such as a buckle or hoop may allow the weight belt 804 to be securely held within the belt retainer 150. In some cases, the weight belt may be held within both the belt retainer 150 and the second belt retainer 302.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of and environment 900 with the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1 with a weight belt 902 carried in a horizontal orientation on the exercise bag 100, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. The weight belt 902 may pass through the gaps 154, 202 to be held onto the exercise bag 100. In some cases, the weight belt may be held within both the belt retainer 150 and the second belt retainer 302.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a photograph 1000 of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1 mounted on a person's back and with a weight belt carried in a horizontal orientation on the exercise bag, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, in this case, the weight belt is wrapped around two separate belt retainers, such as the belt retainer 150 and the second belt retainer 302.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a photograph 1100 of an inner surface of a flap of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. The flap, in example embodiments, may be the rear surface 300 of the exercise bag 100. There may be one or more pouches in the inner surface of the flap, as shown. A laptop computer, or other electronic device may be placed within one or more of the pouches of the exercise bag 100.

[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates a photograph 1200 of an inner surface of a flap of a shoe carrier with a pair of shoes disposed within a cavity defined by the shoe carrier of the example exercise bag of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the shoes can be placed in the shoe carrier, isolated from other items being carried in the exercise bag 100.

[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates a photograph of an outer surface of a liner of the shoe carrier of the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the liner allows the shoes placed therein to be isolated from the other belongings that are packed in the exercise bag 100. In this case, the liner is within another compartment (e.g., the main compartment) of the exercise bag 100. In other example embodiments, the liner may be in other compartments of the exercise bag 100 than the location shown.

[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates a photograph of a back view of the example exercise bag 100 of FIG. 1 with a water bottle disposed in a water bottle carrier of the exercise bag 100, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the water bottle can be independently accessed without having to remove and/or loosen any belts that might be secured to the exercise bag 100. Additionally, the water bottle may be accessed without having to access any other compartments of the exercise bag 100.

[0037] It should be noted that the exercise bag 100 may have any suitable markings thereon. For example, there may be icons and/or designs printed with ink or other marking materials on the exercise bag 100. In some cases, the exercise bag 100 may have embossed portions, particularly where there may be foam or other padding materials. In other example embodiments, the exercise bag 100 may have markings thereon that are personalized to the owner and/or user of the exercise bag 100. Although the exercise bag 100 has been depicted as a backpack, it should be understood that the exercise bag 100 may be any suitable type of bag, such as a roll-aboard bag, duffel bag, or the like.

[0038] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.

[0039] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will be apparent having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A bag, comprising:

an outer surface;

a first flap that is configured to at least partially separate from the outer surface, the outer surface and the first flap defining a first compartment; and

a retainer at least partially attached to the first flap, the retainer configured to hold an elongated object, wherein the first compartment is accessible without removing the elongated object from the retainer.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the elongated object is accessible without accessing the first compartment.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the retainer is attached to the first flap such that two or more gaps are defined by the retainer and the first flap, wherein the retainer is configured to hold the elongated object by the elongated object being wrapped through at least one of the gaps.

4. The bag of claim 1, further comprising:
a second flap that is configured to at least partially separate from the outer surface, the outer surface and the second flap defining a second compartment, wherein the second compartment is accessible without removing the elongated object from the retainer.

5. The bag of claim 4, further comprising:
a second retainer at least partially attached to the second flap within the second compartment to define a pouch, wherein the pouch is accessible without removing the elongated object from the second retainer or without accessing the second compartment.

6. The bag of claim 4, further comprising:
a second retainer at least partially attached to the second flap outside of the second compartment, the second retainer configured to hold a second elongated object, wherein the second compartment and the first compartment are accessible without removing the second elongated object from the retainer.

7. The bag of claim 1, further comprising:
a water bottle retainer at least partially attached to the outer surface, the water bottle retainer and the outer surface defining a water bottle pouch configured to hold a water bottle, and optionally wherein the water bottle retainer comprises a hydrophilic material.

8. The bag of claim 1, further comprising:

a second flap that is configured to at least partially separate from the outer surface; and

a liner attached to an inner surface and aligned with the second flap, the liner and the second flap defining a shoe compartment.

9. The bag of claim 8, wherein the liner is within the first compartment, or wherein the shoe compartment is accessible without removing the elongated object from the retainer.

10. The bag of claim 1, wherein the elongated object is a belt, or wherein exterior dimensions of the bag are approximately 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches or less.

11. An exercise bag, comprising:

an outer surface;

a first flap that is configured to at least partially separate from the outer surface, the outer surface and the first flap defining a first compartment;

a second flap that is configured to at least partially separate from the outer surface, the outer surface and the second flap defining a second compartment;

a first retainer at least partially attached to the second flap within the second compartment to define a pouch, the pouch configured to hold a laptop computer;

a water bottle retainer at least partially attached to the outer surface, the water bottle retainer and the outer surface defining a water bottle pouch configured to hold a water bottle;

a third flap that is configured to at least partially separate from the outer surface; and

a liner attached to an inner surface and aligned with the third flap, the liner and the third flap defining a shoe compartment.

12. The exercise bag of claim 11, further comprising:
a second retainer at least partially attached to the first flap, the second retainer configured to hold an elongated object, wherein the first compartment is accessible without removing the elongated object from the retainer.

13. The exercise bag of claim 12, wherein the second compartment is accessible without removing the elongated object from the retainer, or wherein the shoe compartment is accessible without removing the elongated object from the retainer.

14. The exercise bag of claim 11, further comprising:
a first strap and a second strap configured to mount the bag on a person's back.

15. The exercise bag of claim 11, wherein the liner is within the first compartment, or wherein dimensions of the bag are approximately 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches or less.

Drawing