Special receptacle or package – Combined or convertible – Packaged assemblage or kit
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-14
2002-08-27
Fidei, David T. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
Combined or convertible
Packaged assemblage or kit
C206S523000, C206S315100, C206S217000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06439389
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to portable packs that include a cooling compartment. In particular it relates to a kind of portable pack that can be used in a number of outdoor activities, such as, for example, while golfing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
People enjoying outdoor activities often desire refreshment. In the summer, the usual desire is for something cool to drink. In the spring or fall, a warm beverage or snack may be preferred. It may be that those persons wishing refreshment are a considerable distance from the nearest tea shop or refreshment stand. They may have hiked some distance, or, in the case of golf, have reached a point far out on the course. In such circumstances, it is convenient to be able to take a supply of cooled or heated refreshments along, for use as desired.
On very hot summer days, people engaged in an outdoor activity may often seek to cool themselves in an effort to obtain momentary relief from sweltering heat. In addition to cooled beverages, persons may wish to spray a fine mist on their skin in order to cool down. A desirable cooling effect on the skin is achieved as the droplets of water or other liquid evaporate. In such instances, it is convenient to have a mister, capable of delivering a spray of droplets, that is compact, portable and can be stored easily.
Another related problem, particularly when golfing as a visitor or hiking, is that secure locker facilities may not be available or may be inconveniently distant. It is often uncomfortable to golf or hike with a wallet or set of keys contained in one or another pants pocket. A golfer may wish to keep his or her valuables, such as a wallet and car keys, close at hand during a round of golf, in a container that is within the golfer's view. In recent times, the growing popularity of cellular telephones has made it possible for golfers, hikers, cross country skiers, picnickers or others, to remain in touch with their business colleagues while enjoying their outdoor activities, often so smoothly that others may be scarcely aware that they are not at the office. A cellular telephone is another object that is uncomfortable to carry when golfing or skiing, for example. Cellular telephones are easily stolen and highly marketable. For both convenience of use and discouragement of theft, they should be kept relatively close to the user. At the same time, the ability to carry, for example, extra golf balls, chocolate bars, or gum, and to carry a score card or map in a visible position, with enhanced accessibility are further common needs.
It may be uncomfortable, or cumbersome to have a multiplicity of objects to carry. A number of items may fit within a golf bag, along with various clubs, but the golf bag may not be sufficiently large to carry some items, and some items may risk damage if placed in the golf bag itself. A golf bag is not generally a convenient place to have a cooling medium, such as ice cubes. Further, the prospect of spilling lemonade, carbonated drinks, or beer, however much by accident, inside either the golf bag amongst the woods and irons, or in a pocket of the golf bag, is not one that would be greeted with enthusiasm by many golfers. A segregated auxiliary carrying case that is separately washable, that is mountable to the golf bag, and that can be carried with it, is preferable. It would be even more advantageous to have a pack that can be mounted with the golf bag when the bag is carried on a wheeled carriage or in a golf cart. In this way a golfer's hands are not further encumbered. Moreover, it would be very convenient for such a pack to hold a drink bottle or a mister in a readily accessible position. A golfer could quickly quench his thirst with a refreshing drink from the drink bottle and store it back in the pack easily, away from the golf clubs, for future use. In much the same way, a golfer can keep a mister close at hand, but away from the golf clubs, to enjoy its cooling effects frequently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect of the invention there is a pack. It has an insulated compartment, an auxiliary compartment mounted next to the insulated compartment and a mount for attaching the pack to another object. The auxiliary compartment has a receptacle of a size for receiving a telephone handset, another receptacle of a size for receiving a wallet, and a closure securable in a closed position to conceal the contents of the receptacles.
In an additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the pack has a breadth corresponding to the thickness of a golf bag. In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the pack has a second mount for inhibiting swaying of the pack relative to the other object. In a further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the pack includes a see-through pocket mounted externally to the auxiliary compartment. The see-through pocket is of a size to receive a golf ball.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the pack has a leading panel for placement adjacent to the golf bag, a pair of side regions, a trailing region, a bottom and a top. A see-through pocket is mounted to one of the side regions. The see-through pocket has an access lip that has a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion has a greater altitudinal dimension relative to the pocket than the trailing portion.
In a further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the pack has a lid. The lid has a handle. The handle has a reinforced attachment to the lid, whereby, when closed, the pack can be carried by the handle.
In a still further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the insulated compartment has a substantially impermeable liner, and the liner can be inverted to facilitate washing. In yet another additional feature, the insulating compartment has a thermal transfer medium holder, and that holder is vented.
In still another further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the auxiliary compartment includes a key holder. In a still further feature of that additional feature, the key holder includes a lanyard secured within said auxiliary compartment.
In another aspect of the invention, there is an insulated pack. It has an insulated compartment. It has a first mount, for carrying the weight of the pack. The first mount is located on an upper region of the pack and is for attaching the pack to another object. The pack also has a second mount located on a lower region of the pack for attaching to the other object at a different location than the first mount.
In an additional feature of this aspect of the invention, the pack is reinforced at the location at which the first mount is attached to it. In another additional feature of the invention, the pack is reinforced at the location at which the second mount is attached to it. In a further additional feature, the first mount is a quick release hanging mount and the second mount is a cinch strap.
In another additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the pack further comprises a soft shell wall having a leading portion, a trailing portion, a pair of side portions, and a bottom portion. The soft shell wall has an opening in the upper region. The opening has a rim. The pack has a lid for closing the opening, and an upper girth reinforcement for reinforcing said rim. It also has a lower girth reinforcement for reinforcing the lower region. In a further additional feature, the lid has a carrying handle, is moveable to a closed position, and has a securable closure whereby, when closed, the pack can be carried by the handle. In a yet further additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the soft shell wall is an insulating wall and forms the boundary of the insulated compartment. The auxiliary compartment is mounted externally of the soft shell wall.
In a yet further again additional feature of that aspect of the invention, the pack includes a see through pocket located externally on the soft shell wall and has an access opening that is tapered from a tall leading por
Arent Fox Kintner & Plotkin & Kahn, PLLC
California Innovations Inc.
Fidei David T.
LandOfFree
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