The invention is a carrying bag for skis, snowboards and related equipment and accessories.
For many sports, part of the effort involved in participating in the sport includes managing the transportation of the equipment required to participate. For many sports, a simple bag is often sufficient, however for many sports, the use of a simple bag with a single storage compartment would result in dirt or liquids from one piece of equipment getting on other previously-clean pieces of equipment. A clear example of this problem arises with the sports of skiing and snowboarding. After use, skis, snowboards and boots usually have residual snow and ice on them, often frozen so that removal is difficult. It is usually not convenient to wait for the snow and ice to melt before packing the equipment away. Skiing and snowboarding also involve the use of helmets, gloves and goggles, and it is desired to keep those accessories from getting wetter.
While it is well known to use bags for transporting skis without other accessories, it would be easier for a user to have a single bag to carry all related equipment together, without the risk of snow or ice getting from the skis, snowboard or boots onto the user's helmet or gloves.
The object of the present invention is to provide a single bag for transporting skis, snowboards, boots, and related accessories, with the advantage of keeping the snow and ice from getting in contact with the related accessories.
The invention is a bag developed to carry skis or snowboards, along with boots, helmet, and necessary gear in a convenient to better accommodate the end user, while providing an organized and secure storage bag for transporting and storing. The bag has at least one elongated compartment for storing and carrying skis and/or snowboards, and at least one compartment for storing and carrying boots, helmets and other accessories. The bag has at least one carrying strap.
The bag of the present invention has at least one lower compartment 10 for storing and carrying skis and/or snowboards, and at least one upper compartment 50 for storing and carrying boots, helmets and/or other accessories.
The lower compartment 10 is elongated, preferably of a length sufficient to accommodate at least one snowboard. The preferred width of the lower compartment 10 is sufficient to accommodate at least one ski. In the preferred embodiment, the lower compartment 10 is both long enough and wide enough to accommodate the lengths and widths of skis and snowboards. Preferably, lower compartment 10 is constructed of a bottom panel 12, with sides curving upward, and an upper panel 13, with sides curving downward. The sides of panels 12 and 13 meet together at closure means 30.
Closure means 30 preferably runs longitudinally between bottom panel 12 and upper panel 13. In the preferred embodiment, closure means 30 is a heavy duty zipper, capable of remaining closed under pressure loads of 30 pounds or more. The closure means 30 provides access to the lower compartment 10 in order to safely place skis or snowboard in lower compartment 10 for protected storage for transportation. The closure means 30 for the lower compartment 10 preferably runs the majority of the length of the lower compartment 10. Using the majority of the length of the lower compartment 10, a user may open up lower compartment 10 with closure means 30, fold over the upper panel 13 to gain access to the open space 11 within lower compartment 10, place their skis and/or snowboard(s) inside the lower compartment 10 and the close the lower compartment 10 using the closure means 30.
The lower compartment 10 may also comprise internal securing means, such as straps or hooks for retaining the skis or snowboards within the lower compartment 10 and restrict movement of such objects within the lower compartment 10. The lower compartment 10 may also have ventilation or drainage openings to allow water to drain out of the bag. As an additional feature, the bottom and side walls may be padded to help avoid damage during transportation.
The upper compartment 50 has at least one main storage area 51 capable of storing and carrying ski boots, snowboard boots, ski/snowboard helmets or other gear. The main storage area 51 may be one contiguous space, or may be separated into two or more sub-compartments 52 by internal partitions 55. The upper compartment 50 may also comprise additional storage areas or compartments 200.
The compartments of the bag have securable closure means, such as zippers, to close each compartment to keep the items secure.
Upper compartment 50 has closure means 60, preferably running the length of the upper compartment 50 to allow maximum access to the upper compartment 50 and any internal sub-compartments 52. The side external compartments 200 are provided for extra storage of accessories and essentials.
In the preferred embodiment, the upper compartment 50 has a first upper storage area 51 designed for storing boots. The first upper storage area 51 has water resistant sides, including internal partition 55 in order to keep any moisture and odor from the boots from entering other compartments. The upper storage area 51 is preferably located in the middle of the bag to aid in balance for carrying with shoulder strap and hand strap.
The upper compartment 50 preferably has a second upper storage area 52 designed for storing a helmet. The upper compartment 50 may also have a third upper storage area 53 for storing additional gear and accessories. A partition 57 between the second and third upper storage areas 52 and 53 may be made of a mesh material to permit air flow between the two upper storage areas 52 and 53. The inner netting partition 57 may be flexible to allow for the helmet or gear compartments to expand as necessary.
The first upper storage area 51 may also have ventilation holes or openings 70 to allow drainage of moisture or release of odor. Ventilation holes 70 may be secured by closure means, such as zippers or snaps. Preferably any ventilation holes would be secured by closure means, so that the user may control when any liquid drains out of the bag.
The bag may have additional storage compartments or pockets of varying sizes, as well as external clips and loops for attaching items to the bag.
The bag has straps that are strategically located for maximum balance while carrying. The bag may be equipped with multiple carrying straps, including longer straps 100 for supporting the bag on a shoulder, short straps 110 for carrying the bag by had, and a front strap 120 located on nose to aid in carrying or standing upright. The shoulder straps 100 and hand straps 110 may have a cushioned pad to add comfort for the user and help in balancing the bag. The bag may have external clips, such as D-rings, for attaching straps at variable locations to help balance the bag when loaded.
The bag is preferably made from a durable canvas or similar that is flexible enough to allow the bag to be rolled up or folded for easy storage when not in use. The lower compartment 10 may be made of a heavier grade material than the upper compartment, to support the weight of the equipment and prevent punctures.
As an additional feature, the bag may also include wheels or rollers on the bottom to assist the user in transporting the bag.
While certain novel features of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61452899 | Mar 2011 | US |