US20030042157A1

US20030042157A1 - Baseball bat and accessory bag

Info

Publication number: US20030042157A1
Application number: US09/942,440
Authority: US
Inventors: Joe Mays
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-30
Filing date: 2001-08-30
Publication date: 2003-03-06

Abstract

Baseball bat and accessory bag with a hollow, open topped, semi-rigid rectangular case having a lower level that can retain a plurality of baseball bats and an upper level that can retain items such as baseball gloves and the like, the case having longitudinal partitions in the lower level to separate one bat from another, the case having a pair of wheels, each the wheel located at the bottom corner, the open topped case having a semi-rigid lid that is hinged at one end, said lid having a semi-rigid reinforcing lip about three sides of the perimeter, a locking mechanism that penetrates through said reinforcing lip and through the wall of said rectangular case thereby capable of locking the two together when said lock is in place, a heating device comprised of a series of resistive elements fastened to an aluminum heat dissipating plate, said plate positioned at the barrel end of one of said bat retaining sections, said heating element powered by a removably replaceable rechargeable battery, said battery providing current through an on-off switch located on the outside of said rectangular case, a motion sensing alarm mounted inside said case, said alarm having a disarm switch located on a portion of said case that is not easily accessible to a potential thief, a plurality of accessory bags removably retained on the outside walls of said rectangular case, and one said accessory bag having a waterproof insulated lining for the carrying of cold beverages or the like.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of sports bags, and more particularly to a baseball bat and accessory bag.

The game of baseball is well known in the United States and many other parts of the world. The game requires the use of a bat, a ball, and a glove for each player. Many serious players carry an assortment of bats, gloves, balls and other related accessories. Additionally, a team coach may carry a number of bats and other related baseball paraphernalia for the whole team.

There are a number of bat bags and other sports related bags on the market today. However, these bags do not adequately separate the bats one from the other to avoid scuffing. Additionally, the available bags are not on wheels so that they can be easily pulled onto the field.

Still further, the current bags do not have adequate theft deterrents such as a motion alarm or lid lock.

Additionally, current bags do not incorporate a means for heating an aluminum bat, a feature necessary when the bat us to be used on cold days.

Finally, current bags do not have additional removable and replaceable accessory bags that attach to the sides of the main bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a baseball bat bag that holds a plurality of bats and related baseball paraphernalia.

Another object of the invention is to provide a baseball bat bag that includes wheels and pull handle so that it can be rolled by the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a baseball bat bag that reduces the chance of scuffing on the bats carried inside the bag.

Another object of the invention is to provide a baseball bat bag that provides a heat source for warming aluminum bats.

A further object of the invention is to provide a baseball bat bag that includes a motion sensitive alarm to deter theft.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a baseball bat bag that includes removably replaceable side bags for storing additional items such a canned or bottled drinks, first aid supplies or the like.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a baseball bat bag whose cover is lockable and unlockable.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

Baseball bat and accessory bag comprising: a hollow, open topped, semi-rigid rectangular case having a lower level that can retain a plurality of baseball bats and an upper level that can retain items such as baseball gloves and the like, said case having longitudinal partitions in said lower level to separate one bat from another, said case having a pair of wheels, each said wheel located at the bottom corner, said open topped case having a semi-rigid lid that is hinged at one end, said lid having a semi-rigid reinforcing lip about three sides of the perimeter, a locking mechanism that penetrates through said reinforcing lip and through the wall of said rectangular case thereby capable of locking the two together when said lock is in place, a heating device comprised of a series of resistive elements fastened to an aluminum heat dissipating plate, said plate positioned at the barrel end of one of said bat retaining sections, said heating element powered by a removably replaceable rechargeable battery, said battery providing current through an on-off switch located on the outside of said rectangular case, a motion sensing alarm mounted inside said case, said alarm having a disarm switch located on a portion of said case that is not easily accessible to a potential thief a plurality of accessory bags removably retained on the outside walls of said rectangular case, and one said accessory bag having a waterproof insulated lining for the carrying of cold beverages or the like.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Baseball bat bag of the present invention in the closed, rolling position. [0017]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the Baseball bat bag of the present invention in the open position. [0018]
FIG. 3 is a side section view of the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 4 is a top partial section view of the present invention. [0020]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bat heating portion of the present invention. [0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. [0022]
Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a perspective view of the bat bag of the [0023] present invention 100. A persons hand 2 can be seen pulling the extendable handle 4 that is known and can be seen in standard rolling type luggage bags. Main case 26 is basically a hollow rectangular structure having an open top that is covered by hinged 66 lid 16. Wheels 12,14 help the case 26 roll on the ground in a similar fashion to a standard rolling luggage case. Accessory cases 8,10,22,24 are removable and replaceable from main case 26 by means of snaps 52 or other known fastening devices. One or more of the accessory cases can be insulated so that it can store bottles or cans of beverages or the like and keep them cold. Key 20 and lock 18 mechanism help keep the lid from being opened by unauthorized persons. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the present invention 100 in the open mode. Lid 16 opens radially from hinge member 66. Lip 28 acts to ridgidize flat lid portion 90. hinged 62 locking panel 6 folds over so that holes 46,44 and 48 align thereby allowing a key and lock assembly to penetrate through all three holes and thereby lock the lid 16 onto the main case 26. The main case is divided into a top layer 92 that includes a plurality of open topped compartments 30,32,34 that can retain a variety of baseball associated items such as gloves, shoes, uniforms, balls and the like. The view in FIG. 2 shows the snaps 52 that removably retain the side accessory bags 8,10,22,24 shown in FIG. 1. The side panel of case 26 also includes removable, replaceable battery 50, bat heater on-off switch 54, motion sensor alarm activation switch 58 and motion sensor alarm deactivation switch 56.
FIG. 3 shows a side section view of the [0024] bat bag 100. Key 20 and lock 18 interact with motion sensor and alarm electronics 60 that are known to the present art. When the motion sensor alarm 60 is activated, the alarm will sound when an unauthorized person start to tamper with the bat bag 100. The entire bat bag assembly 100 is constructed of semi-rigid panels that are covered in a nylon fabric or the like that are common to rolling luggage cases. The section view in FIG. 3 clearly shows an upper level that includes compartments 30,32,34 and a longitudinally disposed panel 36 that separates the upper level from the lower bat retaining level 64. Fabric hinge portions 66 and 52 can also be clearly seen. FIG. 4 shows a partial top view of case 26 where the top layer has been removed to reveal bat compartment 64 that includes a plurality of separator strips 40. One bat retaining space 92 includes a heat generating assembly 70 that can warm the barrel of an aluminum bat in cold weather. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the heater assembly 70. Bat 42 is inserted into the assembly 70 when the user slides the bat into the case 26. Resistance elements 80,82,84 are affixed to the underside of aluminum tray 96. Wires 51,53 lead to rechargeable battery 50 and switch 54 so that when switch 54 is turned on, resistive elements 80,82,84 heat up aluminum tray 96 and in turn warm bat barrel 42.
In the above described and illustrated way, the bat bag of the present invention is ideal for dedicated baseball players or coaches that need to carry a plurality of bats and other baseball paraphernalia in an easy fashion. The bats are protected from being scratched by being separated by partitions. The entire assembly is protected from theft by a motion sensor alarm built into the case. A heater assembly helps to warm aluminum bats on cold days. Additional accessory bags can be attached to the sides of the case as needed. [0025]
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0026]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Baseball bat and accessory bag comprising:

a hollow, open topped, semi-rigid rectangular case having a lower level that can retain a plurality of baseball bats and an upper level that can retain items such as baseball gloves and the like;

said case having longitudinal partitions in said lower level to separate one bat from another;

said case having a pair of wheels, each said wheel located at the bottom corner;

said open topped case having a semi-rigid lid that is hinged at one end;

said lid having a semi-rigid reinforcing lip about three sides of the perimeter;

a locking mechanism that penetrates through said reinforcing lip and through the wall of said rectangular case thereby capable of locking the two together when said lock is in place;

a heating device comprised of a series of resistive elements fastened to an aluminum heat dissipating plate;

said plate positioned at the barrel end of one of said bat retaining sections;

said heating element powered by a removably replaceable rechargable battery;

said battery providing current through an on-off switch located on the outside of said rectangular case;

a motion sensing alarm mounted inside said case;

said alarm having a disarm switch located on a portion of said case that is not easily accessible to a potential thief;

a plurality of accessory bags removably retained on the outside walls of said rectangular case; and

one said accessory bag having a waterproof insulated lining for the carrying of cold beverages or the like.