RECREATIONAL PACK

Abstract

A recreational pack configured to hold a pair of skis or similar elongate recreational device on the back of a user. The pack includes a pouch configured to secure a portion of a pair of skis within the pouch. In this regard, the pouch includes an upper edge comprising a cinching mechanism that is configured to be opened and closed to permit access to an interior volume of the pouch, and a slit operatively disposed through a lower edge of the pouch and configured to receive a pair of skis or similar equipment within and through the slit. The pack secures the skis in a useful and efficient manner and advantageously may be folded and placed in a user’s pocket when not in use.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of sacks or packs carried on the body, e.g., by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders, and particularly relates to a recreational pack that is configured for carrying skis or similar recreational goods.

SUMMARY

Recreational packs in the nature of backpacks have been disclosed for many purposes. For equipment such as skis or snowboards, particularly for small children, it would be useful to have a pack that is simple to utilize and that can be easily placed in the pocket of a jacket or pants when not in use, e.g., when skiing.

In one embodiment, a recreational pack is disclosed that is configured to hold a pair of skis or similar elongate recreational device on the back of a user. The pack comprises a pouch configured to secure a portion of a pair of skis within the pouch, where the pouch comprises an upper edge comprising a cinching mechanism that is configured to be opened and closed to permit access to an interior volume of the pouch, a lower edge and a slit disposed at least through the lower edge and configured to receive a pair of skis within and through the slit. The pack also includes at least a first securement strap attached to a front side of the pouch; the securement strap being configured to enable a user to place the securement strap over the user’s shoulder to carry the pouch on the user’s back.

The pack of the foregoing embodiment is subject to a number of refinements and characterizations which may be implemented alone or in any combination. In one characterization, the pouch is fabricated from a relatively thin and pliable material to enable the pack to be easily compacted when not in use, e.g., so that the pack may be easily stored in a pocket when not in use. In one refinement, the pouch is fabricated from a ripstop material, such as ripstop nylon.

In another characterization, the pouch is constructed with a planar front panel and a planar back panel, the panels being attached along at least first and second spaced-apart vertical panel edges. In one refinement, the lower edge is formed from a continuous pliable sheet that is folded over to form the lower edge connecting the front panel and the back panel. In a further refinement, the front and back panels are attached along their vertical edges by stitching. In yet a further refinement, the slit is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation partially up the front panel and the back panel, e.g., when the pouch is laid flat. In another refinement, a slit reinforcement material is operatively disposed around the slit. For example, the slit reinforcement material may have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the front panel and the back panel.

In another characterization, the cinching mechanism comprises a drawstring configured to cinch around and secure a pair of mating skis. In one refinement, the drawstring comprises a paracord and a cord lock to secure the paracord around the skis.

In another characterization, the pack further comprises an accessory pocket disposed on at least one of the front panel and the back panel. In another characterization, the pack includes at least a second securement strap attached to a front side of the pouch that is horizontally spaced from the first securement strap to enable a user to place a securement strap over each of the user’s shoulders to carry the pouch on the user’s back. In one refinement, the securement strap(s) comprise a webbing material, for example where the webbing material comprises polypropylene webbing. In another refinement, the securement strap(s) comprise buckles to enable size adjustment of the securement straps.

In another characterization, a ring is operatively attached to a securement strap for attaching an accessory to the ring. For example, the ring may be a D-ring.

In another embodiment, a method for securing skis for transport, is disclosed. The method includes providing a ski pack as defined in any of the embodiments, characterizations and refinement described above. The method includes the steps of inserting an end of the skis through the open cinching mechanism and through the slit such that a portion of the skis extend beyond the slit and the ski bindings are confined within the pouch and closing the cinching mechanism around the skis to secure the skis in the pack.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 3 schematically illustrate an embodiment of an accessory pack according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate perspective views of the accessory pack schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a recreational pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Although described below more specifically as a ski pack, e.g., for securing a pair of snow skis (e.g., alpine or cross-country skis), it will be appreciated that the recreational pack is not limited to use with snow skis but may be utilized to carry other elongate recreational items such as a snowboard, a mono-ski, and the like. Further, although the ski pack is designed particularly for use with children, the pack may be used by anyone with a need to conveniently carry a pair of skis, e.g., while leaving both hands free.

Broadly characterized, the ski pack includes a pouch for containing a midsection of the skis (e.g., a portion including the bindings), the pouch having a closeable top edge and an elongate aperture (e.g., a slit) in the bottom of the pouch to enable an end of the skis to be inserted through the closable top and through the slit, e.g., until the bindings come into contact with the slit at the bottom of the pouch. The top edge may then be closed (e.g., cinched) around the skis to clench upon and secure the mid-portion of the skis within the pouch, e.g., including the bindings.

Referring to the figures, a ski pack 100 is configured to hold a pair of skis 160 (FIG. 3) or similar elongate recreational device on the back of a user. The pack 100 includes a pouch 110 that is configured to secure a portion of a pair of skis 160 within the pouch 110. In this regard, the pouch includes an upper edge 116 (e.g., an upper horizontal edge) and a cinching mechanism 128 associated with the upper edge 116 that is configured to enable a user to open and close the top of the pouch 110 (e.g., to open and close the cinching mechanism) to permit access to an interior volume of the pouch 110. The pouch 110 also includes a lower edge 118 (e.g., a lower horizonal edge) and a slit 124 disposed through at least the lower edge 118. The slit 124 is advantageously configured (e.g., is sized and shaped) to permit a portion of the skis (e.g., a pair of mating skis) to pass through the slit 124, while not permitting the bindings 162b (FIG. 3) to pass through the slit 124, such that when the skis 160 are placed into the pouch 110 through the top of the pouch and through the slit 124, the bindings 162a/162b remain enclosed by and secured within the interior volume of the pouch 110. In this regard, the slit 124 may have a size and shape that is appropriate for the size and type of equipment being carried, e.g., the slit may be slightly longer for a snowboard as compared to a slit used for a pair of skis.

The pack 100 also includes at least a first securement strap (e.g., securement strap 140a attached to a front side of the pouch 110, where the securement strap 140a is configured (e.g., sized, shaped and affixed to the pouch) to enable a user to place the securement strap 140a over the user’s shoulder to carry the pouch 110 (e.g., with the skis) on the user’s back. The securement strap 140a may be affixed to the pouch 110 by stitching, and the point of attachment may be reinforced to reduce the likelihood of the strap 140a becoming detached from the pouch 110 over time.

This general description of the pack is subject to a number of refinements and characterizations that further enhance the utility of the pack. For example, in one refinement, the pouch 110 is fabricated from a relatively thin and pliable materials to enable the pack 110 to be easily compacted when not in use, e.g., so that the pack 100 may be secured in a user’s jacket pocket when not in use. For example, the pouch 110 may be fabricated from a thin and durable material such as a ripstop material. In one characterization, the ripstop material is ripstop nylon. Other durable and pliable materials include ripstop polyester.

The pouch may be fabricated with a single sidewall, e.g., where the pouch is in the form of a cylinder or teardrop shape with the slit disposed entirely through a bottom wall of the pouch. As illustrated in the figures, the pouch 110 is constructed with a front panel 112 (e.g., a planar front panel) and a back panel 114 (e.g., a planar back panel). The panels are attached to each other along at least a first vertical panel edge 120 and a second vertical panel edge 122 that is horizontally spaced-apart from the first panel edge 120. In one characterization, the lower edge 118 may formed from a continuous pliable sheet (e.g., a rectangular sheet) that is folded over to form the lower edge 118 and the front panel 112 and back panel 114. For example, the thus-formed front and back panels may be permanently attached along their mating vertical edges by stitching or a similar technique.

As illustrated in the figures, the slit 124 is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation and extends partially up and through the front panel 112 and the back panel 114. That is, after affixing the front and back panels to each other as described above, the slit may be formed by cutting vertically through the lower edge 118 and partially through the lower portion of the front and back panels. In this manner, the skis 160 will be secured in a manner such that the portion of the bindings 162a/162b that extend above the skis (e.g., stick out from the upper planar side of the skis) will not be in direct contact with the user’s back. Further, although the slit 124 is illustrated as including a small gap (e.g., a kerf) in the panels, the slit may advantageously be a simple thin blade cut, e.g., where little to no material is removed from the panels when forming the slit 124, e.g., using a thin cutting blade. Stated another way, the slit 124 may be in a closed state (e.g., no readily visible gap) when the pack is not in use, and the slit only “opens” when equipment is placed through the slit or the two sides of the pouch are pulled apart. The pouch 110 illustrated in the figures also includes a slit reinforcement material 126 operatively disposed around the slit 124, e.g., to deter premature wearing of the material around the slit 124 during use of the pack 100. For example, the slit reinforcement material 126 may have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the front panel and the back panel, and/or may be fabricated from a material having a higher wear and tear resistance than the material forming the front and back pouch panels.

The cinching mechanism 128 is configured to open and close, e.g., to open and close the upper edge 116 of the pouch and to secure (e.g., reduce relative movement of) the skis 160. As illustrated in the figures, the cinching mechanism 128 includes a drawstring that is configured to cinch around and secure a pair of mating skis. For example, the drawstring may include a paracord 130 sewn into the top edge with a cord lock 132 to releasably lock the paracord in place once the paracord is tightly secured around the skis. The opening where the paracord 130 protrudes out of the upper edge 116 may be reinforced, e.g., with a second layer of fabric. It will be appreciated that other mechanisms may be utilized to secure to skis 160 or another piece of equipment such as a snowboard within the upper edge 116, such as hook and loop fasteners, in lieu of or in addition to the paracord 130.

As illustrated in the figures, the pack also includes an accessory pocket 134 disposed on (e.g., attached to) the front panel 112. It will be appreciated that such a pocket may also be disposed on the back panel 114 as an alternative or in addition to the pocket on the front panel.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the pack 100 may include a second securement strap 140b attached to the front panel 112 of the pouch, e.g., in a substantially vertical orientation, where the second strap 140b is horizontally spaced from the first securement strap 140a to enable a user to place a securement strap over each of the user’s shoulders to carry the pouch on the user’s back. For example, the securement straps 140a/140b may include a webbing material that is attached (e.g., sewn) onto the front panel 112, e.g., in a manner similar to that described above for the securement strap 140a. In one refinement, the webbing material is a pliable material such as polypropylene webbing. The securement straps 140a/140b may also include adjustment buckles 144a/144b to enable size adjustment of the securement straps, e.g., to fit the pack 100 comfortably and stably on different sized users. In another refinement, the pack 100 may include a further securement strap(s) or similar elements, e.g., substantially horizontally disposed straps, to secure the pack around the waist and/or around the chest of a user, particularly a child user. The pack 100 also includes an accessory ring 146 (e.g., a D-ring) operatively attached to the securement strap 140b for attaching an accessory to the pack, such as gloves or a ski pass. It will be appreciated that any number of similar rings may be provided on the pack 100, e.g., on the securement strap 140a and/or on the back panel 114, to secure additional gear to the pack.

In one refinement, the pack 100 may include a further cinching mechanism at the bottom edge 118 of the pouch 110 to accommodate different sizes and types of skis. In another refinement, the pack 100 may include an additional slit, e.g., spaced apart from the slit 124. Such an additional slit may be sized and shaped substantially similar to the slit 124, e.g., to accommodate two pair of skis. In another refinement, the slit 124 may be closable, e.g., using hook and loop fasteners, to enable equipment such as a snowboard to be carried using the pack 100, e.g., where the snowboard does not extend out the bottom of the pouch 110. The pouch 110 may be of varying sizes to accommodate different types and sizes of recreational equipment. In yet another refinement, the front panel 112 may be removed or cut-out to accommodate larger bindings such as snowboard bindings.

The ski pack described herein may provide a number of advantages. The ski pack is small and lightweight and can be folded up for convenient storage in a pant or jacket pocket when not in use. A logo, design or other indicia may be conveniently placed on the back panel, e.g., by the manufacturer or the user of the pack. Although described as securing skis within the ski pack, additional recreational devices may be placed in the recreational pack with the skis. For example, ski poles may be placed in the pack with the grips (e.g., handles) first whereby the ski poles may be maintained substantially parallel with the skis and without protruding through the slit in the bottom of the pack.

While various embodiments of an accessory pack have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A recreational pack configured to hold a pair of skis or similar elongate recreational device on the back of a user, comprising: a pouch configured to secure a portion of a pair of skis within the pouch, the pouch comprising: an upper edge comprising a cinching mechanism that is configured to be opened and closed to permit access to an interior volume of the pouch,a lower edge anda slit disposed at least through the lower edge and configured to receive a pair of skis within and through the slit; andat least a first securement strap attached to a front side of the pouch, the securement strap being configured to enable a user to place the securement strap over the user’s shoulder to carry the pouch on the user’s back.

2. The pack recited in claim 1, wherein the pouch is fabricated from a relatively thin and pliable material to enable the pack to be easily compacted when not in use.

3. The pack recited in claim 2, wherein the pouch is fabricated from a ripstop material.

4. The pack recited in claim 3, wherein the pouch is fabricated from ripstop nylon.

5. The pack recited in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pouch is constructed with a planar front panel and a planar back panel, the panels being attached along at least first and second spaced-apart vertical panel edges.

6. The pack recited in claim 5, wherein the lower edge is formed from a continuous pliable sheet that is folded over to form the lower edge connecting the front panel and the back panel.

7. The pack recited in claim 6, wherein the front and back panels are attached along their vertical edges by stitching.

8. The pack recited in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the slit is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation partially up the front panel and the back panel.

9. The pack recited in any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising a slit reinforcement material operatively disposed around the slit.

10. The pack recited in claim 9, wherein the slit reinforcement material has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the front panel and the back panel.

11. The pack recited in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cinching mechanism comprises a drawstring configured to cinch around and secure a pair of mating skis.

12. The pack recited in claim 11, wherein the drawstring comprises a paracord and a cord lock to secure the paracord around the skis.

13. The pack recited in any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an accessory pocket disposed on at least one of the front panel and the back panel.

14. The pack recited in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pack includes at least a second securement strap attached to a front side of the pouch that is horizontally spaced from the first securement strap to enable a user to place a securement strap over each of the user’s shoulders to carry the pouch on the user’s back.

15. The pack recited in claim 14, wherein the securement straps comprise a webbing material.

16. The pack recited in claim 15, wherein the webbing material comprises polypropylene webbing.

17. The pack recited in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the securement straps comprise buckles to enable size adjustment of the securement straps.

18. The pack recited in any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a ring operatively attached to a securement strap for attaching an accessory to the ring.

19. The pack recited in claim 18, wherein the ring is a D-ring.

20. A method for securing skis for transport, comprising the steps of: providing a ski pack as recited in any one of claims 1 to 19;inserting an end of the skis through the open cinching mechanism and through the slit such that a portion of the skis extend beyond the slit and the ski bindings are confined within the pouch; andclosing the cinching mechanism around the skis to secure the skis in the pack.