FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to recreational bags. In particular, the invention relates to a recreational bag with an isolated cooler compartment, a containerised cooling device insertable into a recreational bag and a remotely operable recreational cooling bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational bags, such as golf bags, have seen major improvements over the past couple of years. One of the main improvements is pockets or attachments to keep beverages cold.

In a sport such as golf, a player spends hours in the sun and usually cold beverages are only available at the start and after the 9 ^th hole at the club house. Mostly, these beverages do not remain cold for the duration of the round. To address this problem, some golf bag makers have incorporated features such as: insulated beverage pockets, freezable golf bag coolers attachable to the golf bag and pockets with a removable insulated cooler bag. Although these features address the problem to some extent, they are often unable to keep beverages cool enough for the period required, and also often leak water or condensation into the bag.

The inventor is aware of the current challenges with recreational and sports bags in general, and this invention aims to address the need for improved recreational bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a recreational bag, which includes a bag body having a main storage compartment; an isolated cooler compartment integrated with the bag body; a thermoelectric cooling arrangement associated with the isolated cooler compartment, in use the thermoelectric cooling arrangement cooling an interior of the isolated cooler compartment; and a solar generator affixed to the bag body, the solar generator electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement to power cooling of the isolated cooler compartment in use.

The main storage compartment may comprise a majority of a stowage space provided by the bag body.

The recreational bag may be in the form of any one of: a sports bag, a golf bag, a racket bag, a cricket bag, a soccer bag, a baseball bag, a tog bag, a gym bag, a fishing bag, a hunting bag, a hiking bag, a military bag, an outdoor bag, a backpack, a lunch bag, a picnic bag, a team kit, a travelling bag, a cycling bag, a badminton bag, a field hockey bag, a basketball bag, a running bag or the like.

The main storage compartment may include one or more sport equipment pockets. The one or more sport equipment pockets may be in the form of golf club dividers, racket dividers, or the like.

The thermoelectric cooling arrangement may be in the form of a Peltier cooling device.

The Peltier cooling device may be defined by two conductor plates, a warm plate and a cool plate, separated by a semi-conductor junction. The Peltier cooling device may be orientated in the recreational bag such that the cool plate faces the isolated cooler compartment and the warm plate faces away from the bag body.

The thermoelectric cooling arrangement may further include a heat sink passively operable to receive heat from the warm plate of the Peltier cooling device and transfer heat to atmosphere outside the recreational bag, thereby dissipating heat away from the thermoelectric cooling arrangement. The thermoelectric cooling arrangement may further include one or more fans operable to circulate outside air across the two conductor plates of the Peltier cooling device. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric cooling arrangement may include two fans arranged on either side of the Peltier cooling device.

The thermoelectric cooling arrangement may further include one or more vents allowing air flow from the interior of the isolated cooler compartment to an outside of the bag body. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric cooling arrangement may include two vents arranged on either side of the Peltier cooling device, specifically adjacent two fans which sandwich the Peltier cooling device.

The isolated cooler compartment may be defined by insulating walls. The insulating walls may include any one or more insulating materials selected from: rubber, foam, plastic, fabric, fibre glass, mineral wool, cellulose, polystyrene or the like. The one or more insulating materials may be selected for its biodegradable capabilities. The one or more insulating materials may be recycled materials.

The isolated cooler compartment may be comprised of two or more spaced apart isolated cooler compartments in the recreational bag such that a user may store different food and/or beverages in different compartments.

The isolated cooler compartment may include one or more drinks holders, for holding beverage containers such as cans, bottles or cups, in an upright orientation. The one or more drinks holders may hold beverage containers at spaced apart positions in the recreational bag.

The isolated cooler compartment may include closure means to close the isolated cooler compartment. The closure means may be in the form of a zip, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®), a push and release hinge panel, a rolling shutter lid or the like. In one embodiment, the isolated cooler compartment may include sealing means to seal the isolated cooler compartment. The sealing means may be in the form of a zip lock-type closure or the like. The solar generator may be in the form of at least one solar panel electrically connected to a battery. The at least one solar panel may be integrated onto an outer surface of the bag body. In one embodiment, the at least one solar panel may be in the form of at least one flexible solar panel. In one embodiment, the at least one flexible solar panel may be foldable between an open configuration for when in use, and a closed configuration for when not in use. In another embodiment, the at least one solar panel may be secured beneath a layer of the bag body such that the at least one solar panel is not externally visible. In particular, the at least one solar panel may be stitched to the bag body underneath an embroidered panel or the like. Advantageously, the stitching of the at least one solar panel beneath an embroidered panel renders the at least one solar panel less visible externally. Furthermore, the at least one solar panel is protected from wear and tear beneath the embroidered panel.

The at least one solar panel may be positioned on the bag body at a position of the bag body that would typically be exposed to sun when in use.

The recreational bag may also include a wireless charging compartment integrated into the bag body. The wireless charging compartment may be in the form of a pocket provided in the bag body, with a wireless charging device incorporated into the pocket. The wireless charging device may be electrically connected to any one or more of: the solar generator, a battery and a micro controller.

The recreational bag may also include a battery. The battery may be electrically connected to any one or combination of: the solar generator, the thermoelectric cooling arrangement, a wireless charging device or the like.

The recreational bag may include a micro controller operable to regulate the rate at which power is drawn from and/or directed to the battery from the solar generator. The micro controller may be connected between the solar generator and the battery. The micro controller may also be connected to the wireless charging device, operable to regulate the rate at which power is drawn from the battery and sent to the wireless charging device.

The micro controller may further be connected to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement to regulate the rate at which power is drawn from the battery and sent to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement in order to adjust the temperature of the interior of the isolated cooler compartment.

The recreational bag may include a thermostat arranged to monitor the temperature in the interior of the isolated cooler compartment. The thermostat may also be connected to the micro controller such that the temperature of the interior of the isolated cooler compartment can be monitored and the operation of the thermoelectric cooling arrangement adjusted accordingly.

The micro controller may include a switch in circuit between the solar generator, battery and thermoelectric cooling arrangement, operable to switch between providing electricity to the battery or directly to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement.

The micro controller may include a switch in circuit between the solar generator, battery and thermoelectric cooling arrangement, operable to switch between the thermoelectric cooling arrangement obtaining electricity from the battery or directly from the solar generator.

In use, when the reactional bag is used outdoors, the solar generator charges the battery and in turn, the battery powers the thermoelectric cooling arrangement to cool the isolated cooler compartment, as well as powering the wireless charging device.

The micro controller may be remotely operable such that any one or more of: the thermoelectric cooling arrangement, the solar generator, the battery or the like, may be remotely operated based on temperature data received from a thermostat arranged to monitor temperature in an interior of the isolated cooler compartment. In one embodiment, the operation of the thermoelectric cooling arrangement can be adjusted remotely by means of an application programming interface (API) on a remote device.

The micro controller may include wireless communication means and may be in wireless communication with a remote controller. The wireless communication means may be in the form of a transceiver for Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) or the like. The remote controller may be in the form of any one of: a smartphone, a smart tablet or the like.

The isolated cooler compartment and the thermoelectric cooling arrangement may be provided as a single containerised unit. In one embodiment, the single containerised unit may be removably connectable to the solar generator such that in use, the single containerised unit can be disconnected from the solar generator and removed from the recreational bag when not in use, advantageously lightening the recreational bag.

In another embodiment, the single containerised unit may be connected to the solar generator such that the single containerised unit is permanently connected to the solar generator and integral to the recreational bag.

The single containerised unit may include a concealed portion in which a battery and a micro controller is provided. In particular, the isolated cooler compartment may be sandwiched between the concealed portion and the thermoelectric cooling arrangement.

The bag body may be manufactured of one or more recycled materials.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a containerised cooling device insertable into a recreational bag, which includes a body in which an isolated cooler compartment is defined; and a thermoelectric cooling arrangement disposed in the body to cool an interior of the isolated cooler compartment in use; the containerised cooling device being shaped and dimensioned to be received into a pocket of a recreational bag in use.

The thermoelectric cooling arrangement may be in the form of a Peltier cooling device. The Peltier cooling device may include any one or combination of: a Peltier junction having a two conductor plates (a warm plate and a cool plate) separated by a semi-conductor junction, one or more heat sinks, one or more fans, one or more vents or the like.

The containerised cooling device may include a micro controller, a battery or the like disposed in the body. Specifically, the micro controller and the battery may be disposed in a concealed portion of the body. The micro controller may be in wired connection with the thermoelectric cooling arrangement such that in use, the micro controller can monitor power supply from the battery to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement. The micro controller may further be in wired connection with the solar generator such that in use, the micro controller can prevent overcharging of the battery.

The containerised cooling device may include wired connection means operable to removably connect the containerised cooling device to an external power supply. The external power supply may be a solar generator, such as a solar panel, integrated with the reactional bag.

The body of the containerised cooling device may further define at least one access point to the interior of the isolated cooler compartment. The containerised cooling device may include a lid connected to the body, which is adjustable between an open configuration in which the at least one access point is exposed and a closed configuration in which the at least one access point is closed.

The body may further define at least one drinks holder for holding beverage containers in an upright position. The at least one drinks holder may receive beverage containers in a stacked arrangement.

The body may be manufactured of insulating materials. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a remotely operable recreational cooling bag, which includes a recreational bag, as described; and a remote controller which is in wireless communication with the recreational bag via the micro controller, the remote controller operable to activate and deactivate components of the recreational bag on command.

The components may include any one or more of: the thermoelectric cooling arrangement, the wireless charging device, the solar generator or the like.

The wireless communication may be selected from any one of: a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) or the like. The wireless communication may be facilitated by an application programming interface (API) on the remote controller which provides a user interface for a user.

The remote controller may be further operable to set a temperature of the isolated cooler compartment via the micro controller.

The remote controller may be further operable to receive a temperature recorded by the thermostat in the isolated cooler compartment via the micro controller.

The remote controller may be in the form of a mobile device selected from: a smartphone, a smart tablet or the like. The mobile device may execute an application programming interface (API) which interfaces with the micro controller via wireless communication means.

The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIGURE(S)

In the figure(s): Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of one example of a recreational bag, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows three-dimensional view of another example of the recreational bag;

Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of an isolated cooler compartment, which forms part of the recreational bag;

Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram for the components of the recreational bag;

Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional rendering of the isolated cooler compartment and the thermoelectric cooling arrangement provided as a single containerised unit;

Figure 6 shows another three-dimensional rendering of the isolated cooler compartment and the thermoelectric cooling arrangement provided as a single containerised unit;

Figure 7 shows yet a further three-dimensional rendering, as well as a cutaway view, of the isolated cooler compartment and the thermoelectric cooling arrangement provided as a single containerised unit;

Figure 8 shows a line diagram of a top view of another example of a single containerised unit;

Figure 9 shows a rendering of the containerised units of Figures 5 to 7 received in the bag body of the recreational bag; and

Figure 10 shows a component diagram of a remotely operable recreational cooling bag, in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 refers to a recreational bag, each figure providing a separate example.

The recreational bag (10) includes a bag body (12) having a main storage compartment (12.1), and an isolated cooler compartment (12.2) integrated with the bag body (12). The recreational bag (10) also includes a thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14, shown in Figures 3 and 4) which is associated with the cooler compartment (12.2), in use cooling an interior of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2). The recreational bag (10) further includes a solar generator (16) affixed to the bag body (12). The solar generator (16) is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14) to power cooling of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) in use (shown best in Figure 3).

In both of these examples, the recreational bag (10) is in the form of a sports bag. Specifically, in Figure 1, the recreational bag (10) is in the form of a golf bag and in Figure 2, the recreational bag (10) is in the form of a racket bag for tennis or squash. The main storage compartment (12.1) comprises a majority of a stowage space provided by the bag body (12). The main storage compartment (12.1) of the golf bag (10) includes multiple sport equipment pockets in the form of golf club dividers and additional pockets for balls or tees. The main storage compartment (12.1) of the racket bag (10) includes only one equipment pocket for receiving up to three rackets.

It is to be appreciated that the sports bag (10) still functions fully for the sport or recreational activity it is designed for and that the cooling components (i.e. isolated cooler compartment (12.2), thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14) and solar generator (16), etc.) do not take up much stowage space. It is to be further appreciated that in other examples, the sports bag (10) can be a cricket bag, a soccer bag, a baseball bag, a tog bag, a gym bag, a fishing bag, a hunting bag, a hiking bag, a military bag, an outdoor bag, a backpack, a cycling bag, a badminton bag, a field hockey bag, a basketball bag or a running bag.

The isolated cooler compartment (12.2) is defined by insulating walls. Specifically, in this example, the insulating walls are manufactured of foam, coated with plastic, for insulation. It is to be appreciated that the foam and plastic can be recycled materials. The isolated cooler compartment (12.2) also includes two drinks holders, for holding cans, bottles or cups, in an upright orientation spaced apart from one another. The isolated cooler compartment (12.2) further includes closure means (18), in the form of a zip, to close the cooler compartment (12.2) or access contents in use. It is to be appreciated that the zip (18) can be positioned anywhere on the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) and can be of any suitable length.

Referring to Figure 3, the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14) is in the form of a Peltier cooling device. Although not specifically shown, the Peltier cooling device (14) is defined by two conductor plates, a warm plate and a cool plate, separated by a semi-conductor junction. The Peltier cooling device (14) is orientated in the sports bag (10) such that the cool plate faces the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) and the warm plate faces away from the bag body (12).

Referring to Figure 4, the Peltier cooling device (14) further includes a heat sink (20) passively operable to receive heat from the warm plate of the Peltier cooling device (14) and transfer heat to the atmosphere outside the bag body (12), thereby dissipating heat away from the Peltier cooling device (14). The Peltier cooling device (14) further includes a fan (22) which is operable to circulate outside air across the conductor plates in use.

The Peltier cooling device (14) may be operable to achieve a temperature of between 0°C (32°F) and 18°C (64°F) in the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) when in use.

As shown, the solar generator (16) is in the form of a solar panel. As shown best in Figures 1 and 2, the solar panel (16) is integrated onto an outer surface of the bag body (12), specifically at a position of the bag body (12) that would typically be exposed to the sun when in use. It is to be appreciated that outdoor use of the sports bag (1) typically does not require specific positioning of the solar panel (16) towards the sun. Furthermore, in Figures 1 and 2, the solar panel (16) is shown on a side panel of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2). It is to be appreciated, however, that the solar panel (16) can be positioned on or integrated with any panel of the recreational bag (10). For example, the solar panel (16) can be positioned: on a front bottom panel of a golf bag; along a longitudinally extending front panel of a golf bag; on a top panel of a tennis bag adjacent a zipper; on two opposing faces of a pyramid tennis bag; on a front panel of a backpack; on a top panel of a sports tog bag with a zipper opening three sides of the top panel; etc. The solar panel (16) can be positioned anywhere on the recreational bag (10) where sun exposure when in use is anticipated.

The solar panel (16) is in the form of a flexible solar panel, the characteristics of which those skilled in the art will appreciate. In other examples, not shown here, the solar panel (16) is foldable across one or more fold lines, such that the solar panel (16) is unfolded into an open configuration in use, positioned on the outer surface of the bag body (12), and folded into a closed position when not in use, and stored in a pocket of the bag body (12) when not in use. In yet another example which is also not shown here, the solar panel (16) is stitched beneath a layer of the bag body (12) such that the solar panel (16) is not externally visible. This example allows for embroidered branding to be placed over the solar panel (16). Advantageously, the stitching of the solar panel (16) beneath the embroidered panel renders the solar panel (16) less visible externally - reducing any glare which may be caused by solar cells. Furthermore, the solar panel (16) is protected from wear and tear in this fashion.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the sports bag (10) also includes a wireless charging compartment (12.3) integrated into the bag body (12). The wireless charging compartment (12.3) is in the form of a pocket provided in the bag body (12), with a wireless charging device (24) incorporated into the pocket.

Referring to Figure 4, the sports bag (10) includes a battery (26). The battery (26) is electrically connected to the solar panel (16), the Peltier cooling device (14) and the wireless charging device (24) via a micro controller (28).

The micro controller (28) forms part of the recreational bag (10) and is connected between the solar panel (16) and the battery (26), as shown, to regulate the rate at which power is drawn from and/or directed (or added) to the battery (26). The micro controller (28) is also connected to the wireless charging device (24) for regulating the rate at which power is drawn from the battery (26) and sent to the wireless charging device (24); as well as being connected to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14) to regulate the rate at which power is drawn from the battery (26) and sent to the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14) to adjust the temperature of the interior of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2).

Although not shown, the sports bag (10) further includes a thermostat which is arranged to monitor the temperature in the interior of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2). The thermostat is also connected to the micro controller (28).

Also not shown, the micro controller (28) includes a switch in circuit between the solar panel (16), battery (26) and Peltier cooling device (14), which is operable to switch between providing electricity to the battery (26) or directly to the Peltier cooling device (14). The micro controller (28) includes another switch in circuit between the solar panel (16), battery (24) and Peltier cooling device (14), which is operable to switch between the Peltier cooling device (14) obtaining electricity from the battery (26) or directly from the solar panel (16).

In use, the micro controller (28) regulates the charging of the battery (26) by the solar panel (16). In turn, the micro controller (28) regulates the powering of the Peltier cooling device (14) by the battery (26) to cool the interior of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) to keep beverages and/or food cool during use of the recreational bag (10). Further, the micro controller (28) regulates the powering of the wireless charging device (24) by the battery (26) such that a user can charge a mobile device (e.g. smartphone or smart tablet) by placing it in the wireless charging compartment (12.3).

Advantageously, the sports bag (10) is lightweight (ideally less than 4kg but weighing in at approximately 2,5kg), and no ice or coolants are required to keep the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) cool. The sports bag (10) is also environmentally friendly or “green”, requiring no fossil fuels to power the battery (26) and emitting zero emissions during use. The sports bag (10) is also manufactured of recycled materials, adding to the environmentally friendly recognition.

In some examples of the sports bag (10), the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) and the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14) are provided as a single containerised unit (100). Three examples of this containerised unit (100) are shown in Figures 5 to 7. The containerised unit (100) which is insertable into a recreational bag (10) forms a further aspect of the invention, referred to as a containerised cooling device (100). The containerised cooling device (100) includes a body, as shown, in which the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) is defined, and a thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14), in the form of a Peltier cooling device, disposed in the body to cool an interior of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) is use. The containerised cooling device (100) is shaped and dimensioned to be received into a pocket of a recreational bag (10) in use.

The containerised cooling device (100) includes wired connection means (not shown) which is operable to removably connect the containerised cooling device (100) to an external power supply. In this example, the containerised unit (100) is connectable to the solar generator (16) when the containerised unit (100) is received in the bag body (12). Advantageously, the containerised unit (100) can be disconnected from the solar generator (16) and removed from the recreational bag (10) when cooling is not required, lightening the recreational bag (10) for other uses. As best shown in Figure 8, the containerised unit (100) includes a concealed portion (102) in which the battery (26) and the micro controller (28) are provided (not specifically shown). As shown, the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) is sandwiched between the concealed portion (102) and the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14).

In the examples shown in Figures 5 to 7, the body of the containerised unit (100) defines access points to an interior of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2). In Figures 5 and 6, the closure means (18) is in form of a rolling shutter lid which is receivable into the concealed portion (102) when opened. Figures 5.1 and 6.1 show the closure means (18) in an open configuration, exposing the isolated cooler compartment (12.2), and Figures 5.2 and 6.2 show the closure means (18) in a closed configuration, closing the isolated cooler compartment (12.2). In Figure 7, the closure means (18) is in form of push and release hinge panels. In Figure 7.1, the right-hand side shows a push and release hinge panel (18) in an open configuration, exposing the isolated cooler compartment (12.2), and the left-hand side shows the push and release hinge panel (18) in a closed configuration, closing the isolated cooler compartment (12.2). In Figure 5, the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) has a volume of approximately 5 litres, whilst in Figure 6, the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) has a volume of approximately 2 litres, each containerised unit (100) being suited to different sized recreational bags (10). The isolated cooler compartment (12.2) of Figure 8 has a volume of approximately 4 litres and is designed to receive for either two 1 litre bottles (one on either side of the centre portion) or four 330 millilitre cans (two stacked on top of one another on either side of the centre portion) in the spaced-apart rounded portions which form the drinks holders, with the centre portion typically receiving food. It is to be appreciated that the volume of the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) can vary anywhere between approximately 1 litre and 30 litres, depending on the size of the recreational bag (10) and intended use.

In the examples shown in Figures 5 to 8, the insulating walls include rubber rings and padding which sufficiently insulate the isolated cooler compartment (12.2).

In Figure 9, the containerised units (100) of Figures 5 to 7 are shown as received in the bag body (12) of the recreational bag (10). The position of the wireless charging compartment (12.3) and the solar panel (16) in each example is also shown, indicating some of the various layouts of the recreational bag (10) conceivable. It is to be appreciated, however, that further sizes and layouts can be conceived.

In Figure 10, reference numeral 200 refers to a remotely operable recreational cooling bag, in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The remotely operable recreational cooling bag (200) includes a recreational bag (10), as described above and a remote controller (202) which is in wireless communication with the recreational bag (10) via the micro controller (28). The remote controller (202) is operable to activate and deactivate components (14, 16 and 24) of the recreational bag (10) on command. Specifically, remote controller (202) can activate and deactivate the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14), the solar generator (16) and the wireless charging device (24). In this example, the remote controller (202) is in the form of a mobile device, specifically a smartphone, which is in wireless communication with a Bluetooth transceiver (not shown) which forms part of the micro controller (28) via Bluetooth. The wireless communication is facilitated by an application programming interface (API) (204) which is installed on the smartphone (202) and which provides a user interface.

The API (204) on the smart phone (202) can be used to:

- set a temperature for the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) via the micro controller (28); and

- receive a temperature recorded by the thermostat (not shown) in the isolated cooler compartment (12.2) via the micro controller (28).

As shown, in this example the thermoelectric cooling arrangement (14) includes: a smaller vent, a smaller fan, a smaller heatsink, a Peltier device, a larger heatsink, a larger fan and a larger vent, in this order.

The inventor believes that the invention provides an improved recreational bag, which keeps beverages and food cool for longer durations with a system that is self-sufficient and which does not cause condensation, whilst providing the further advantageous feature of wireless charging capabilities based on the same system. The invention also provides the containerised cooling device insertable into a recreational bag on its own, which is beneficial as it can be removed from the recreational bag when cooling features are not required. The invention further provides a remotely operable recreational cooling bag which provides the benefits of the recreational bag, whilst providing the additional benefit of being remotely operable.