Patent Publication Number: US-2022219061-A1

Title: Sporting Equipment Storage Sling

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,271 filed on Jan. 12, 2021. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to sporting equipment storage and transport systems. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a sporting equipment sling capable of simultaneously carrying protective gear and accessories required for a desired sport. 
     Many individuals enjoy playing sports, either competitively or for recreation, however these sports often require an individual to use several pieces of equipment or accessories. Transporting this equipment can be cumbersome and often requires multiple trips or bulky bags. For example, when playing lacrosse, an individual must utilize a lacrosse stick, helmet, gloves, various pads, and a chest protector. Traditionally, in order to transport these items, a large duffel bag is utilized, and the equipment is piled in haphazardly, or when using smaller containers, forcibly placed within, risking damage to the equipment. Additionally, typical carrying bags aren&#39;t sufficiently breathable, allowing bacteria or fungus to grow on recently used equipment covered in sweat. This can lead to undesirable odors or unpleasant experiences for the user when the equipment is next used. In order to address this, air-drying the equipment before storage is often desirable, however, waiting for equipment to air dry before storing and transporting equipment is time-consuming and inefficient. Additionally, sports equipment can be troublesome to wash properly as they must often be washed separately and with specific instructions, requiring the user to spend several wash cycles to clean the entire set. Therefore, a storage and transport system that can allow the equipment to air dry to minimize the risk of odors and bacterial growth, while also increasing transport efficiency is desired. 
     In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing sporting equipment storage and transport systems. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sporting equipment storage and transport systems now present in the known art, the present invention provides a sporting equipment storage sling wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when transporting and air-drying protective gear, accessories, and other sporting equipment between uses. 
     The present system comprises a tubular housing having an open first end opposite an open second end. An adjustable strap is affixed to the tubular housing at each of the first and second ends. A plurality of fasteners are disposed along a length of the tubular housing opposite the adjustable strap, wherein the plurality of fasteners are configured to removably secure sporting equipment to the tubular housing. In some embodiments, a bag is affixed to the tubular housing, wherein the bag comprises an opening through an upper end thereof, wherein the opening is oriented towards the open first end of the tubular housing. 
     In some embodiments, a diameter of each of the first end and the second end is greater than a diameter of a central portion of the tubular housing. In another embodiment, the adjustable strap further comprises a securement fastener disposed on a terminal end thereof, wherein the securement fastener is configured to selectively disengage the terminal end of the adjustable strap from the tubular housing. In other embodiments, the adjustable strap comprises a buckle thereon, wherein the buckle is configured to selectively adjust a length of the adjustable strap. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of fasteners comprise carabiners having a spring biased latch pivotally affixed to a fastener body. In some embodiments, a plurality of eyelets is affixed to the exterior of the tubular housing, wherein a fastener of the plurality of fasteners is secured to each of the plurality of eyelets. In another embodiment, an aperture of each of the plurality of eyelets is coaxially aligned. In other embodiments, the plurality of fasteners are disposed at regular intervals along the tubular housing. In yet another embodiment, the bag is removably securable to the tubular housing via securement straps affixed to a lateral edge of the bag adjacent to the upper end and a lower end of the bag. In some embodiments, the securement straps comprise a first portion removably securable to a second portion via complementary fasteners. In another embodiment, a drawstring is disposed through the upper end of the bag about the opening, wherein the drawstring is configured to selectively move the opening between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In other embodiments, the bag comprises a material permeable to air. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the tubular housing and plurality of fasteners of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the bag of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling in use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the sporting equipment storage sling. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling. The sporting equipment storage sling  11  comprises a tubular housing  12  having an open first end  13  opposite an open second end  14  defining a channel therethrough, wherein the channel is dimensioned to receive an elongated object, such as a lacrosse stick (as shown in  FIG. 4, 36 ), hockey stick, or the like therethrough. The tubular housing  12  comprises a rigid material configured to maintain its shape to protect the object within the tubular housing  12  from impacts thereto. An adjustable strap  15  is affixed to the first end  13  and the second end  14  of the tubular housing  12 , wherein the adjustable strap  15  is configured to provide a carrying strap, such that the tubular housing  12  can be slung over a user&#39;s shoulder for efficient simultaneous transport of several pieces of sporting equipment. In the shown embodiment, the adjustable strap  15  comprises a closed loop on opposing ends thereof, wherein the closed loops are dimensioned to secure about the tubular housing  12 . In some embodiments, the closed loops are stitched to the adjustable strap  15  to permanently affix the adjustable strap  15  to the tubular housing  12 , however, in alternate embodiments, the closed loops are further contemplated to be removably securable about the tubular housing  12 , such that the adjustable strap  15  may be removed therefrom for storage when not in use. In some embodiments, a securement fastener  18  is disposed on a distal end  19  of the adjustable strap  15 , wherein the securement fastener  18  is configured to selectively disengage the distal end  19  of the adjustable strap from the closed loop disposed about the tubular housing  12 . In this manner, the user can quickly disconnect the adjustable strap  15  from the tubular housing  12  at one end thereof, such that the tubular housing  12  can be removed from the user. In the shown embodiment, the securement fastener  18  comprises a male and female fastener system, wherein the male fastener is removably securable within the female fastener, whereupon prongs of the male fastener secure within openings of the female fastener via frictional engagement to secure the male fastener to the female fastener. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a buckle  20  is disposed on the adjustable strap  15 , wherein the buckle  20  is configured to selectively adjust a length of the adjustable strap  15  as desired to fit users of various sizes. In the shown embodiment, the buckle  20  is integrally affixed to an end of the securement fastener  18 . In the shown embodiment, an L-shaped attachment is affixed to the second end  14  of the tubular housing  12 , wherein the L-shaped attachment prevents the adjustable strap  15  from sliding from the tubular housing  12  when secured over the user&#39;s shoulder. Similarly, the first end  13  is contemplated to include an L-shaped attachment facing in an opposite direction to facilitate the usage of the sporting equipment storage sling  11  in an inverted position, wherein the first end  13  is disposed closer to the user&#39;s feet in use. 
     A plurality of fasteners  16  are disposed along a length of the tubular housing  12  directly opposite the adjustable strap  15 , such that objects secured to the plurality of fasteners  16  hang freely from the tubular housing  12  when the adjustable strap  15  is secured over the user&#39;s shoulder. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fasteners  16  comprise carabiners, however, alternate securement means capable of removably securing various sporting equipment to the tubular housing  12  are contemplated. In some embodiments, the plurality of fasteners  16  are integrally affixed to the tubular housing  12 , whereas, in other embodiments, the plurality of fasteners  16  are removably securable to the tubular housing  12  to minimize the weight of the sporting equipment storage sling  11  when the plurality of fasteners  16  are unnecessary. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a bag  26  is affixed to the tubular housing  12 , wherein the bag  26  is dimensioned to store various sporting equipment accessories therein. In some embodiments, the bag  26  is permanently affixed to the tubular housing  12 , however, in the shown embodiments, the bag  26  is removably securable to the tubular housing  12 , such that the user can remove the bag  26  when desired. The bag  26  is contemplated to comprise a material permeable to air such that the sporting equipment accessories are properly ventilated to dry sweat and prevent the accumulation of bacteria therein. In this manner, the sporting equipment accessories can be more efficiently maintained and reduce the risk of exposure to bacteria or fungus for the user. In some embodiments, the bag  26  comprises a mesh material having a plurality of openings therethrough, wherein the mesh material increases ventilation of the interior volume of the bag  26  to facilitate drying of the objects therein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an exploded view of the tubular housing and plurality of fasteners of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling. In the illustrated embodiment, the open first end  13  and the open second end  14  comprise a larger diameter than a central portion  17  of the tubular housing  12 . In this manner, the larger open ends facilitate efficient and simple insertion of the elongated object into the tubular housing  12  while the sporting equipment storage sling  11  is slung over the user&#39;s shoulder. In such embodiments, the open first end  13  and the open second end  14  are further contemplated to have a diameter less than a head of the elongated object, such as the basket of a lacrosse stick or the curved head of a hockey stick, for example. In this manner, the elongated object is retained within the tubular housing  12  via the head resting against one of the open first or second ends  13 ,  14 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of eyelets  23  are disposed linearly along a length of the central portion  17  of the tubular housing  12 . In the shown embodiment, the plurality of eyelets  23  is regularly disposed along the length of the tubular housing  12 , such that equipment secured thereto via the plurality of fasteners  16  is evenly disposed along the length of the tubular housing  12  to distribute weight and prevent excessive damage due to jostling during transport. The plurality of eyelets  23  include an aperture  25  therethrough, wherein a fastener of the plurality of fasteners  16  is removably securable through the apertures  25  of an eyelet of the plurality of eyelets  23 . In some embodiments, the plurality of eyelets  23  comprise a stem extending from the tubular housing  12  having a head on a distal end of the stem, wherein the head includes the aperture  25  therethrough. In this manner, the plurality of fasteners  16  are maintained at a distance from the tubular housing  12  to prevent sporting equipment affixed to the plurality of fasteners  16  from being damaged from constant contact against the tubular housing  12  during transport. In the shown embodiment, the apertures  25  of each of the plurality of eyelets  23  are coaxially aligned. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fasteners  16  comprise a fastener body  22  having a spring-biased latch  21  pivotally affixed thereto, wherein the spring-biased latch  21  is configured to selectively move between an open position and a closed position and is further biased towards the closed position. When in the closed position, the spring-biased latch  21  is configured to rest coaxially with the fastener body  22 , such that an object is retained within the fastener body  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective view of the bag of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag  26  comprises an opening  27  disposed through an upper end  28  of the bag  26 , a pair of closed lateral edges  32 , and a closed lower end  33  opposite the upper end  28 . The opening  27  provides access to an interior volume of the bag  26 , such that various sporting equipment accessories can be stored therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  27  is selectively closable via a drawstring  35  closure disposed through the upper end  28  of the bag  26 . In some embodiments, the drawstring  35  comprises a spring-biased toggle thereon, wherein the spring-biased toggle is configured to retain the upper end  28  in a closed configuration. In alternate embodiments, the opening  27  is selectively closable via alternate closure means, such as, but not limited to hook and loop fasteners disposed along an interior surface of the bag  26  along the upper end  28  thereof, a zipper mechanism, buttons, snaps, or other fasteners. In this manner, the user can ensure that sporting equipment accessories are maintained within the interior volume of the bag  26 . 
     In the shown embodiment, a pair of securement straps  29  are disposed on one lateral edge  32  of the bag  26 , wherein the pair of securement straps  29  are configured to removably secure the bag  26  to the tubular housing. In the shown embodiment, each securement strap of the pair of securement straps  29  comprises a first portion  30  and a second portion  31 , wherein the first portion  30  is removably securable to the second portion  31  via a pair of complementary fasteners  34  disposed thereon. In the shown embodiment, the complementary fasteners  34  are disposed on opposing surfaces of the first and second portion  30 ,  31 , such as an interior surface of the first portion  30  and an exterior surface of the second portion  31 . In this manner, the first and second portions  30 ,  31  can be placed flush about an exterior surface of the tubular housing and secured together via the complementary fasteners  34  to affix the bag  26  to the tubular housing. In some embodiments, the complementary fasteners  34  comprise hook and loop fasteners, wherein the first portion  30  comprises a hook fastener and the second portion  31  comprises a loop fastener, or vice versa. In this manner, the user can readily remove the bag  26  from the tubular housing when desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment storage sling in use. In one use, the user can affix the plurality of fasteners  16  to the tubular housing  12  via the plurality of eyelets and secure the bag to the tubular housing  12  via the securement straps. Once secured, the user can place various sporting equipment accessories, such as tape, additional clothing, towels, repair supplies for the sporting equipment, or the like. An elongated object, such as the lacrosse stick  36 , can be inserted through the tubular housing, such that the head of the lacrosse stick  36  rests against the first end of the tubular housing. In this manner, the head of the lacrosse stick  36  is retained within the tubular housing during transport. Various other pieces of sporting equipment  37  can then be secured to the plurality of fasteners  16 , such as helmets, gloves, pads, or the like. Once the desired sporting equipment  36 ,  37  is secured to the sporting equipment storage sling  11 , the user can secure the sling  11  over their shoulder via the adjustable strap. The length of the adjustable strap can then be selectively adjusted to ensure the tubular housing  12  rests comfortably along the user&#39;s back during transport. In this manner, the user can easily transport and store various sporting equipment, while maximizing airflow thereacross, thereby reducing the rate at which bacteria and fungus develop on sweat covered sporting equipment after use. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.