Strap assembly for bags and methods to manufacture bags having a strap assembly

Abstract

Embodiments of a strap assembly for a bag and methods to manufacture such a bag are generally described herein. The strap assembly for the bag generally includes a strap defining a first end and a second end, both ends flexibly coupled to the bag, at least the first end including a reinforcement element. A support member is coupled to the reinforcement element. The support member is configured to raise the strap at an angle relative to the bag, and the angle is adjustable.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A strap assembly for a bag, the strap assembly comprising:
 a strap defining a first end and a second end, both ends flexibly coupled to the bag, at least the first end including a reinforcement element; and   a support member coupled to the reinforcement element and the bag, wherein the support member is configured to raise the strap at an angle relative to the bag, and wherein the angle is adjustable.   
     
     
         2 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement element comprises at least one of synthetic resin, thermoplastic rubber, fiberglass, metal, or entrapped air bubbles. 
     
     
         3 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is coupled to the reinforcement element at no more than half way from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         4 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the strap further includes a pliable material, and wherein the pliable material substantially surrounds the reinforcement element. 
     
     
         5 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the strap includes a substantially waterproof surface. 
     
     
         6 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support member includes a hook-and-loop fastener. 
     
     
         7 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support member includes a hinge joint. 
     
     
         8 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the strap includes a guide member configured to adjust a length of the strap. 
     
     
         9 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the angle ranges between about 75 degrees and about 130 degrees. 
     
     
         10 . A bag comprising:
 a base;   one or more walls joined to the base, the walls defining a sealable housing to store an elongate object;   a strap defining a first end and a second end, both ends flexibly coupled to the walls, at least the first end including a reinforcement element; and   a support member coupled to the reinforcement element and the bag, wherein the support member is configured to raise the strap at an angle relative to the bag, and wherein the angle is adjustable.   
     
     
         11 . The bag of  claim 10  further comprising a second strap defining two respective ends, both respective ends flexibly coupled to the walls, at least one respective end including a second reinforcement element, and the bag also comprising a second support member coupled to the second reinforcement element and the bag, wherein the second support member is configured to raise the second strap at a second angle relative to the bag, and wherein the second angle is adjustable. 
     
     
         12 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the walls includes a substantially waterproof surface. 
     
     
         13 . The bag of  claim 10  further comprising a spine extending along and coupled to at least a portion of the walls, wherein the spine is associated with a first stiffness and the walls are associated with a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness, and wherein the first end of the strap is flexibly coupled to the spine. 
     
     
         14 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the reinforcement element comprises at least one of synthetic resin, thermoplastic rubber, fiberglass, metal, or entrapped air bubbles. 
     
     
         15 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the support member is coupled to the reinforcement element at no more than half way from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         16 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the strap further includes a pliable material, and wherein the pliable material substantially surrounds the reinforcement element. 
     
     
         17 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the strap includes a substantially waterproof surface. 
     
     
         18 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the support member includes a hook-and-loop fastener. 
     
     
         19 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the support member includes a hinge joint. 
     
     
         20 . The bag of  claim 10 , wherein the strap includes a guide member configured to adjust a length of the strap.