Patent Abstract:
An accessory pack for attaching to a footwear apparatus, the accessory pack comprising a backbone configured for fitting under a fastening mechanism of the footwear apparatus, a pouch having an interior volume configured to receive one of more accessories, the pouch coupled to a first end of the backbone, and a hood coupled to a second end of the backbone, the hood configured for maintaining the one or more accessories in the pouch when the hood is folded over and attached to the pouch.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Persons skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain climbing and the like often carry many accessories while participating in such sporting activities. Such accessories are stored in a variety of places such as jackets, pockets, fanny packs, and backpacks to name a few. Fluids, such as water, juice, energy drinks, and electrolyte replenishment drinks, may be stored in a backpack style liquid container such as a Camelback™, bottles, canteens or other apparatuses. It is often undesirable or difficult to access the accessories and fluids from the traditional locations listed above. Additionally, the above-mentioned apparatuses are all located against or attached to a person&#39;s upper body or hips. During activities such as skiing, snowboarding and mountain climbing, such accessory storage apparatuses hinder upper body movement. Further, if a person is participating in a sporting activity with children, it can become increasingly difficult to carry additional accessories or fluids for one or more children. 
         [0002]    As such, an apparatus would be useful that is capable of providing a convenient means of storing accessories or fluids, while overcoming the limitations described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    An accessory pack for attaching to a footwear apparatus is disclosed. The accessory pack comprises a backbone, which is configured for fitting under a fastening mechanism of the footwear apparatus. The accessory pack further comprises a pouch having an interior volume configured to receive one of more accessories. The pouch coupled to a first end of the backbone. The accessory pack further comprises a hood coupled to a second end of the backbone, wherein the hood is configured for maintaining the one or more accessories in the pouch when the hood is folded over and attached to the pouch. 
         [0004]    A method for manufacturing an accessory pack for attaching to a footwear apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises a step of introducing a molding material into a tooling apparatus to create a molded part, wherein the tooling apparatus comprises a core and a cavity. The core aligns with the cavity by a polarity of pins. The molded part comprises a backbone configured for fitting under a fastening mechanism of the footwear apparatus, a pouch having an interior volume configured to receive one of more accessories, the pouch coupled to a first end of the backbone, and a hood coupled to a second end of the backbone. The hood is configured for maintaining the one or more accessories in the pouch when the hood is folded over and attached to the pouch. 
         [0005]    A method for manufacturing an accessory pack for attaching to a footwear apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises a step of introducing a first molding material into a first tooling apparatus to create a first molded part, wherein the first tooling apparatus comprises a first core and a first cavity. The first core aligns with the first cavity by a first polarity of pins. The first molded part comprises a backbone configured for fitting under a fastening mechanism of the footwear apparatus, wherein the first molded part has a first Durometer rating. The method comprises another step of introducing a second molding material into a second tooling apparatus to create a second molded part, wherein the second tooling apparatus comprising a second core and a second cavity. The second core aligns with the second cavity by a second polarity of pins. The second molded part comprises a pouch having an interior volume configured to receive one or more accessories, wherein the pouch coupled to a first end of the backbone. The second molded part further comprises a hood coupled to a second end of the backbone, wherein the hood configured for maintaining the one or more accessories in the pouch when the hood is folded over and attached to the pouch. The second molded part has a second Durometer rating different than the first Durometer rating. The second molded part is over-molded on the first molded part. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the figures, which are described in the remaining portion of the specification. In the figures, like reference numerals are used throughout several figures to refer to similar components. In some instances, a reference numeral may have an associated sub-label consisting of a subscript to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification of a sub-label, the reference is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an accessory pack coupled to ski boot. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a close-up view of an accessory pack coupled to buckles of a ski boot. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates a different perspective view of an accessory pack coupled to a ski boot. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of an accessory pack and a plurality of features described therein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a close-up view of a backbone extending into a pouch. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates a different perspective view of an accessory pack and a plurality of features. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a closed accessory pack. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a closed accessory pack coupled to a ski boot. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an accessory pack securing a water bottle, while coupled to a ski boot. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates a different perspective view of an accessory pack securing a water bottle, while coupled to a ski boot. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart describing one embodiment for manufacturing an accessory pack. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart describing one embodiment for manufacturing an accessory pack. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. For example, while various features are ascribed to particular implementations, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one implementation may be incorporated with other implementations as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described implementation should be considered essential to the invention, as other implementations of the invention may omit such features. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view  100  of an accessory pack coupled to a ski boot. In this view, an accessory pack  104  couples to a ski boot  102  having a plurality of buckles  106  useful for positioning and maintaining a user&#39;s lower leg and foot inside the ski boot  102 . Additionally, one or more of the buckles  106  may be useful for maintaining the accessory pack  104  against the ski boot  102  in one or more positions as depicted in  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment, the accessory pack  104  may couple to a single buckle or more than two buckles. In another embodiment , the ski boot  102  may use a different fastening mechanism, other than buckles, such as laces, draw strings, and wire clamps, to name a few. As such, the accessory pack  104  may also couple to the ski boot  102  through differing fastening mechanisms than illustrated in  FIG. 1 , without deviating from the scope of the invention. In another embodiment, the accessory pack  104 , may also be used with and coupled to different footwear such as snowboarding boots, hiking boots, military boots, and sneakers, to name a few. In such an embodiment, the accessory pack  104  may be coupled to the footwear by laces; since footwear do not normally use buckles. Other footwear examples may be contemplated without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a close-up view  200  of an accessory pack coupled to buckles of a ski boot. In this view, an accessory pack  202  is coupled to a first buckle  204  and a second buckle  206  of a ski boot  210 . In one embodiment, a backbone portion  208  of the accessory pack  202  is the coupling point whereby the buckles  204  and  206  make contact with the accessory pack  202 . In one embodiment, the accessory pack  202  may be removed from the ski boot  210  by unlatching the buckles  204  and  206 . Each buckle comprises a latch  212 , grooved teeth (not shown), and a loop  214  for grabbing into the grooved teeth. When the two latches  212  associated with buckles  204  and  206  are lifted up, the associated loops  214  disengage from the grooved teeth and the accessory pouch  202  may be lifted away from and detach from the ski boot  210 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a different perspective view  300  of an accessory pack coupled to a ski boot. In this view, an accessory pack  304  is coupled to a ski boot  302  by a pair of buckles  306 . As described in  FIG. 2 , buckles may comprise grooved teeth. In this illustration, a buckle  314  comprises grooved teeth  308 , a loop  310 , and a latch  312 . The grooved teeth  308  accept the loop  310  into one of the grooves. To disengage the buckle  314 , the latch  312  is lifted upward and the loop  310  disengages from the groove. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, and as an additional means for maintaining the accessory pack  304  in a stable position against the ski boot  302 , an adhesive may be used. The adhesive may reside between at least a portion of the backside of the accessory pack  304  that is in direct or indirect contact with the ski boot  302 . In one embodiment, the adhesive may consist of Velcro™, rubber, or a more permanent solution such as cyanoacrylate glue, contact cement, or Gorilla Glue™, to name a few. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of an accessory pack and a plurality of features described therein. In one embodiment, an accessory pack  402  comprises a plurality of parts, however the accessory pack  402  may be a single piece comprised of one or more molded parts. In one embodiment, the accessory pack&#39;s  402  material may include a high performance thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) such as Santoprene™, Kraton™, and C-Flex™, to name a few. In another embodiment, the accessory pack&#39;s  402  material may include commercial grade Polyvinyl Chloride (“PVC”), rubber, cloth (e.g., cotton, polyester, or rayon), leather, or other plastics. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that other materials may be used without deviating from the scope and spirit of this invention. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the accessory pack  402  comprises three primary components: a backbone  404 , a hood  406 , and a pouch  418 . The backbone  404  is the base piece in which both the hood  406  and the pouch  418  affix. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the backbone  404  is also the contact point where the accessory pack  402  may couple to a ski boot (not shown) or other footwear. In one embodiment, the backbone  404  may have a Durometer rating higher in numeric value than other components of the accessory pack  402 . In another embodiment, all the components of accessory pack  402  may share the same Durometer rating, with some portions of the accessory pack  402  having varying thicknesses compared to other portions. For clarification purposes, a Durometer rating is a number denoting the hardness and durability of a material. A lower number would indicate a softer nature for the substance, while a higher number would indicate the material is harder and less susceptible to bending or stretching. 
         [0026]    The pouch  418  component of the accessory pack  402  may serve as a storage unit for placing one or more accessories within the interior (not shown) of the pouch  418 . In one embodiment, the pouch  418  may have a Durometer rating lower than the backbone  404 , wherein the material of the pouch  418  may be pliable, expandable, and able to accept accessories larger than the pouches&#39;  418  original internal dimensions. In an example, the pouch may be useful for storing one or more of the following: water bottle, flask, wallet, eyeglasses, food, energy bars, first aid kit, knife, keys, pepper spray, and a flashlight, etc. Other items may be stored without deviating from the scope of the invention. The size, shape and thickness of the pouch  418  may vary, without limitation. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , the pouch  418  resembles a U-shaped design with a rounded bottom. In this embodiment, the pouch is approximately 2″ to 6″ long, 2.5″ to 4″ wide, and 1″ to 2″ deep. The pouch  418  may be expandable due to its material having a low Durometer rating. As such, items larger than the pouch&#39;s  418  physical dimensions may fit inside the pouch&#39;s  418  interior. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, the pouch  418  may have a square or rectangular shape with a flat bottom and sidewalls. The dimensions and shapes listed above are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting in any way. As such, other dimensions and shapes may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0028]    The pouch  418  also comprises one or more pouch hooks  416 . The pouch hooks  416  may be used for assisting the hood  406  in coupling to the pouch  418 . In one embodiment, the pouch hooks  416  are L-shaped, however, other shapes or designs may be used. In one embodiment, the pouch hooks  416  are part of the same mold, and thus the same Durometer rating, as the pouch  418 . In one embodiment, the pouch hooks  416  have a higher Durometer rating than the pouch  418 . As such, the pouch hooks  416  may be over-molded onto the pouch  418 . This may allow for the pouch hooks  416  to resist bending if the hood  406  is stretched tight when coupled to the pouch  418  due to a large accessory (e.g., water bottle) stored in the pouch  418 . 
         [0029]    The hood  406  comprises a rear hood portion  408 , a hood opening  410 , a top hood portion  411 , a front hood portion  412 , and hood slot  414 . In one embodiment, the rear hood portion  408 , the top hood portion  411 , and the front hood portions  412  form a U-shape to help prevent contents stored in the pouch  418  from falling out, when the hood  406  is coupled to the pouch  418 . 
         [0030]    The hood opening  410  is a physical opening in the top hood portion  411  of the hood  406 . In one embodiment, the hood opening  410  provides for an accessory (not shown) resting inside the pouch  418  to protrude through the top of the hood  406 . Such examples of an accessory may include a water bottle or a flask.  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate examples of a water bottle protruding through a hood opening  410 . 
         [0031]    The hood slot  414 , located on the front hood portion  412 , is a physical opening that may be used for receiving a pouch hook  416 , when the hood  406  is brought down over the pouch  418 . If there is a plurality of pouch hooks  416 , a different hook  416  may be used depending on the contents being stored in the pouch  418  and how tight the user wishes to keep the contents. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, each of the backbone  404 , the hood  406 , and the pouch  418  have differing Durometer ratings and thus are of three distinct molded parts and created from three distinct tooling apparatuses. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the backbone is the first molded part, with both the hood  406  and the pouch  418  being the second and third molded parts, respectively. Both the second and third molded parts are over-molded onto the first molded part. In another embodiment, the hood  406  and the pouch  418  share the same Durometer rating and may come from the same mold. In another embodiment, the backbone  404  and the pouch hook(s)  416  may have the same Durometer rating and may be of the same mold. In another embodiment, the backbone  404 , the hood  406 , and the pouch  418  have the same Durometer rating, are from a single tooling apparatus, and thus a single molded part. However, some portions of one or more of the components may be thicker in some areas. For example, the sides of the pouch  418  may be thicker than the rest of the pouch, thus adding rigidity to the pouch. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a close-up view of a backbone extending into a pouch. In one embodiment, the backbone  404  may extend down to the bottom  420  of the pouch  418 , up the pouch&#39;s front  424 , and across the pouch&#39;s top  422 . An advantage of this embodiment may be to add overall rigidity to the pouch  418 , as the Durometer rating of the backbone may be higher than the remainder of the pouch  418 . In this embodiment, the pouch hooks  416  may also be part of the same molded part, thus adding to the rigidity of the hooks  416 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates a different perspective view of an accessory pack and a plurality of features. An accessory pack  502  is illustrated as having three main components: a backbone,  504 , a hood  506 , and a pouch  518 . The hood  506  comprises a rear hood portion (not shown), a top hood portion  508 , and a front hood portion  510 . The hood  506  further comprises a top opening  512  and a hood slot  514 . The pouch  518  comprises pouch hooks  516  and a pouch interior  520  where one or more accessories may be stored entirely within the interior  520  or protrude beyond the interior&#39;s  520  boundaries upwards. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a closed accessory pack. An accessory pack  600  at least comprises a pouch  602  and a hood  604 . The hood  604  is placed over the top of and secured to the pouch  602  by means of a hood slot  606  and a pouch hook  610 . The pouch hook  610  may be coupled to the pouch  602 . The hood slot  606  may be configured to receive the pouch hook  610  and maintain the hood  604  in a closed position. 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view  700  of a closed accessory pack coupled to a ski boot. A ski boot  702  is shown with an accessory pack  704  coupled thereto. The accessory pack  704  couples to the ski boot by a pair of buckles  706 . The user of the accessory pack  704  may choose to vary the vertical position, relative to the buckles  706 , of the accessory pack  704 . In other words, the vertical center of the accessory pack  704  is roughly over the bottom buckle  706 . Alternatively, in  FIG. 1 , the accessory pack  104  is positioned substantially lower relative to the buckles  106 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view  800  of an accessory pack securing a water bottle, while coupled to a ski boot. A ski boot  802  is shown with an accessory pack  804  coupled thereto. The accessory pack  804  secures a water bottle  806 . Differing liquid containers may be substituted for a water bottle such as a THERMOS or other insulated containers capable of keeping interior contents hot or cold. In one embodiment, the Durometer rating of at least a portion of the accessory pack&#39;s  804  material is low enough such that the pack  804  is pliable enough to stretch to the shape of the water bottle. Yet, the accessory pack  804  may return to its original shape once the water bottle  806  is removed. Additionally, a top portion of the accessory pack  804  has a hood opening  808  to permit the top of the water bottle  806  to protrude through the top of the accessory pack  804 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 9  illustrates a different perspective view  900  of an accessory pack securing a water bottle, while coupled to a ski boot. A ski boot  902  is shown with an accessory pack  904  coupled thereto. The accessory pack  904  secures a water bottle  906 . A top portion of the accessory pack  904  has a hood opening  908  to permit the top of the water bottle  906  to protrude through the top of the accessory pack  904 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart describing the steps  1000  for manufacturing an accessory pack. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an accessory pack begins with an introduction step  1010  whereby a molding material is introduced into a tooling apparatus. In one embodiment, the molding material may be TPE or commercial grade PVC, to name a few. The type of molding introduction may vary. In one embodiment, the molding material may be introduced to the tooling apparatus through injection molding, poured molding, or silicon molding. However, other means for introducing the molding material may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the tooling apparatus comprises a core and a cavity wherein the core aligns with the cavity by a polarity of pins. In one embodiment, the tooling apparatus&#39; design includes all of the components of an accessory pack (e.g., the backbone, the hood, the pouch, and the pouch hooks.) The distance between the surfaces of the core and the cavity may be uniform, such that the thickness of a resulting accessory pack are also uniform. In another embodiment, the distance between the surface of the core and cavity may vary, such that the resulting accessory pack may have thicker portions than other portions. Once the molding material is introduced into the tooling apparatus, the material fills in the gaps between the core and the cavity. 
         [0041]    Next, a cooling step  1020  occurs, whereby the molding material is given time to cool. This process may be accomplished through one or more cooling means such as air, water or other coolants. In one embodiment, the tooling apparatus may include cooling channels whereby cooling fluids or air may be introduced into the channels as a means for cooling the molding material as it hardens. 
         [0042]    Lastly, a removal step  1030  occurs, whereby the now hardened molded part is removed from the tooling apparatus. The molded part is the resulting accessory pack. 
         [0043]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart describing the steps  1100  for manufacturing an accessory pack. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an accessory pack begins with a first introduction step  1110  whereby a first molding material is introduced into a first tooling apparatus. The type of molding introduction may vary. In one embodiment, the molding material may be introduced to the tooling apparatus through injection molding, poured molding, or silicon molding. However, other means for introducing the molding material may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention. The molding material may be TPE or commercial grade PVC, to name a few. In one embodiment, the first tooling apparatus comprises a first core and a first cavity wherein the first core aligns with the first cavity by a first polarity of pins. In one embodiment, the first tooling apparatus&#39; design includes the backbone, a portion of the pouch, and the pouch hooks of an accessory pack. In this embodiment, the backbone is extended to comprise a portion of the back, bottom and top of the pouch, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . Once the first molding material is introduced into the first tooling apparatus, the first material fills in the gaps between the first core and the first cavity. 
         [0044]    Next, a first cooling step  1120  occurs, whereby the first molding material is given time to cool. This process may be accomplished through one or more cooling means such as air, water or other coolants. In one embodiment, the first tooling apparatus may include cooling channels whereby cooling fluids or air may be introduced into the channels as a means for cooling the first molding material as it hardens. 
         [0045]    Next, a first removal step  1130  occurs, whereby the now hardened first molded part is removed from the first tooling apparatus. The first molded part is the backbone, a portion of the pouch, and the pouch hooks. The first molded part has a first Durometer rating. 
         [0046]    Next, an over-mold step  1140  occurs, whereby a second tooling apparatus is over-molded onto the first molded part. In one embodiment, the second tooling apparatus&#39; design includes the remainder of the pouch and the hood. In one embodiment, the second tooling apparatus is positioned relative to the first molded part such that a resulting second molded part fuses to the first molded part, thus resulting in a single molded part. 
         [0047]    Next, a second introduction step  1150  occurs, whereby a second molding material is introduced into the second tooling apparatus. The second molding material may be TPE or commercial grade PVC, to name a few. In one embodiment, the second tooling apparatus comprises a second core and a second cavity wherein the second core aligns with the second cavity by a second polarity of pins. Once the second molding material is introduced into the second tooling apparatus, the second material fills in the gaps between the second core and the second cavity. In one embodiment, one or more characteristics of the second molding material may be different from the first molding material such that the Durometer rating of the first molded part is different than the Durometer rating of the second molded part. 
         [0048]    Next, a second cooling step  1160  occurs, whereby the second molding material is given time to cool. This process may be accomplished through one or more cooling means such as air, water or other coolants. In one embodiment, the second tooling apparatus may include cooling channels whereby cooling fluids or air may be introduced into the channels as a means for cooling the second molding material as it hardens and fuses with the first molded part. 
         [0049]    Lastly, a second removal step  1170  occurs, whereby the now hardened second molded part has fused with the first molded part, resulting in a finished molded part. The finished molded part is removed from the second tooling apparatus. The finished molded part includes the hood, the backbone, the pouch and the pouch hooks. In one embodiment, the components comprising the first molded part have a higher Durometer rating than the components comprising the second molded part. 
         [0050]    In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. For example, while various features are ascribed to particular implementations, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one implementation may be incorporated with other implementations as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described implementation should be considered essential to the invention, as other implementations of the invention may omit such features. 
         [0051]    The logical operations may be performed in any order, unless explicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order is inherently necessitated by the claim language. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of example implementations of the invention. Since many implementations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different implementations may be combined in yet another implementation without departing from the recited claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8