Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a portable device to
carry, store and organize, various sports sticks, garden
tools and other household items that require upright
storage either on a permanent or temporary basis. In
particular the present invention provides a portable
storage unit for hockey sticks and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A common problem associated with sports teams
and hockey in particular is the care and placement of
sticks in the dressing room, at the players bench and
when moved from one location to another. Hockey sticks,
for example, are typically placed against the wall inside
arena change rooms, sometimes behind the door, or left
outside smaller dressing rooms. At some point, for
example when one player grabs a stick or a player doesn't
place his stick carefully or when bumped by a player or
equipment bag, the sticks invariably fall down posing a
potential tripping hazard, blocking access in or out of
the change room or hallway or in some cases physical
inj ury .
Sticks used in ringette fall very easily and
are a potential hazard for injury to players, coaching
staff and parents. Brooms used in curling are left
leaning up against the wall and participants trip over
the brushes or have to pick them up off the floor.
In the sport of ball hockey and inline hockey,
sticks blades are generally not taped and slip and slide
easily on a cement floor especially when leaning against
a wall.
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But, the dressing room is not the only place
there is a problem. Players in hockey tend to bring two
sticks to a game just in case one breaks during the game.
Prior to a game, once the player leaves the dressing
room, one of two things happens. Players leave their
extra sticks for the trainer to carry them to the bench
or the player throws their loose stick into a corner as
they skate by the bench. If a player breaks a stick, they
come off the ice with and grab their second stick. The
rest of the sticks fall everywhere and the trainer has to
pick them up to prevent a hazard. It is very difficult
for a trainer to carry 15-20 sticks at a time through an
arena, many times past spectators and players, creating a
potential for injury when trying to navigate through the
crowd. In some cases the trainer carries the sticks
across the ice to and from the dressing room and players
bench. It is not easy to carry 15-20 loose sticks at one
time. They slip through the trainer's arms, as the bundle
is clutched awkwardly. The bundle of loose sticks
restricts the view of surroundings, with the trainer
ultimately depending on those around, to move out of the
way to avoid injury.
The trainer's role is to attend to injured
players or assist them when equipment has failed during a
game. There are many times when a trainer scrambles for
an ice pack or first-aid kit at the bench. Tape
availability at the bench is a common problem and many
times players, or the game itself, can be delayed while
the player waits for someone to return from the dressing
room with more tape. Preparing the game sheet for
referees, officials and timekeepers, is a trainer's job.
A first-aid kit, extra tape and game sheets are required
to be readily available at the bench, at all times during
the game for the trainer.
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When games and tournaments are played in
different arenas, players and coaching staff often travel
by bus. Hockey bags are placed under the bus in storage
compartments and sticks are thrown in beside player bags.
Sticks are free to crash around and expensive sticks can
be damaged. The team arrives at the rink and has to
search through the mess to find their own sticks. Pulling
sticks out of the storage area can be a potential hazard
for both the players and coaching staff.
At home, proper storage of any sports related
equipment or tools to reduce potential injury is a
priority, whether it's sports, garden, or other household
equipment.
The problem of safe stick storage and transport
has been identified but to date, despite several
attempts, no viable solution has been found.
In some modern dressing rooms, there is a
permanent structure designated for sticks built into the
dressing rooms and in rare occasions at the player's
bench. However these units are fixed in place and do not
permit trainers, coaches or players to safely and easily
carry a large number of sticks from one location to
another. Many of the older arenas have very small
dressing rooms and cramped spectator benches are next to
the dressing rooms, or in the middle of the traffic flow
of players trying to get to their dressing rooms before a
game. Nothing is available to store sticks safely in
these conditions. Sticks are left outside dressing rooms,
just behind the door, in the entrance to the bathrooms
and, in some cases, thrown in the middle of the room for
all players to climb over them while wearing skates.
Canadian Patent 2,278,063 describes a circular
hockey stick storage rack that is not moveable.
U.S. Patent 6,547,085 describes a storage rack
for hockey sticks having an open box like shape moveable
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on wheels. The unit full of sticks is designed to be
pulled around the edge of the rink towards the bench area
and remained adjacent to the bench for access. It was
limited to one floor or the ramps provided. It was too
heavy and awkward to carry up a staircase. It also
typically remains at one facility and could not be taken
to other arenas for use.
There is a need for a safe, manageable and
convenient means of storing sport-related sticks,
carrying them easily, as well as traveling with them in a
safe and orderly manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to
provide a device that allows players and coaching staff
an opportunity to organize sports-related sticks in a
portable unit in the dressing room and at the bench of an
arena or sports facility (whenever facilities don't
provide sports-related stick storage), and retrieve them
without searching through falling or fallen sticks.
It is a further object of the present invention
to provide a trainer or other person, whether at the
professional or recreational level, means to easily carry
between 15-20 sticks, using one hand, safely through
crowds and players without physical stress and hazard to
anyone.
It is a further object of the present invention
to provide trainers the means to easily organize and
access their safety equipment required on the bench.
It is a still further object of the present
invention to provide, a means to easily and safely move
sport-related sticks while traveling in a vehicle, on a
bus, train or airplane.
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It is a still further object of the present
invention to provide means used in a garage, basement of
a home or an office, to store sports items, garden and
household tools.
Accordingly the present invention provides a
portable storage unit to carry, store and organize,
various sports sticks, garden tools and other household
items that require upright storage either on a permanent
or temporary basis consisting of a pair of rigid side
members that in the open position are.spaced apart and a
support section provided between the two side members,
the support section adapted to permit the side members to
move from an open spaced apart position to a closed
adjacent position to permit the portable storage unit to
be carried in one hand. In a preferred embodiment the
support section has a lower portion and a top portion,
each of said lower portion and top portion secured to the
side members at different heights and positions to
support and maintain the sports sticks, garden tools or
other household items to be placed in the portable
storage unit.
Further features of the invention will be
described or will become apparent in the course of the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more clearly
understood, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be
described in detail by way of example, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a
portable storage unit for sports-related sticks, garden
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tools and other household items in an open position
according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a front plan view of the portable storage unit
of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows the portable storage of Fig. 1 in a closed
position being used to carry a number of sticks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, one embodiment
of a portable storage unit for sports-related sticks,
garden tools and other household items according to the
present invention is generally indicated at 1. The
portable storage unit 1, in an open position as shown in
Figs 1 and 2, allows sports-related equipment, such as
hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, ringette sticks, curling
brooms and the like, to be placed in the portable storage
unit 1 in a safe and organized manner. The portable
storage unit 1 is preferably lightweight, durable and
versatile with flexible uses before, during and after a
sporting event. In a closed position, as shown in Fig. 3,
the portable storage unit 1 can preferably be carried
using one hand and/or placed in a carry bag (not shown)
when not in use or during travel in vehicles, trains,
buses and airplanes.
The portable storage unit shown in Figs. 1 and
2 consists of a pair of rigid side members 2, 3 that in
the open position are spaced apart. In the embodiment the
pair of rigid side members 2, 3 illustrated are hockey
sticks. While the embodiment shown utilizes hockey sticks
for the side members 2,3 other forms of support are
possible that will provide the portable storage unit with
strength, security and stability. The portable storage
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unit is intended to be placed in an upright, open
position against a wall, door or partition or the like.
A cap 4,5, in the embodiment illustrated a rubber cap, is
preferably placed on the top 6,7 of each side member 2,3
to prevent the top 6,7 of the side members 2,3 slipping
down the wall, door or partition.
A support section, generally indicated at 8, is
provided between the two side members 2,3. The support
section 8 provides support for the sports-related sticks,
garden tools and other household items placed in the
portable storage unit 1. The support section 8 is adapted
to permit the side members 2,3 to be moved from an open
spaced apart position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to a
closed adjacent position as shown in Fig. 3 for carrying
the portable storage unit 1, including the sports-related
sticks, garden tools and other household items, from one
location to another. Support section 8 preferably
consists of one or more separate portions and in the
embodiment illustrated consists of a lower portion 9, a
top portion 10 and a middle portion 11.
The lower portion 9 of support section 8 has a
base 12, opposite upstanding sidewalls 13, 14 and an
upstanding front wall 15. The lower portion 9, in the
open position, preferably forms a scoop-like shape that
retains the lower portion of an elongated sports stick
such as a hockey stick blade, when a player puts the
stick into the portable storage unit 1. The front side 16
of the base 12 of the lower portion 9 is intended to rest
on the floor when the portable storage unit 1 is leaning
against a wall, door etc. The lower section 9 can be made
from a variety of materials providing it can accommodate
movement of the portable storage unit from the open
position to the closed position. The lower portion 9 when
the portable storage unit 1 is moved from the open
position to the closed position generally bends about the
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middle 17,18 of the base 12 and front wall 15
respectively. In the embodiment illustrated the lower
section 9 has been made from a fabric(s) or other
flexible material such as plastic sheeting that is
preferably water resistant and provides sufficient
durability to withstand repeated use. Fabrics from
various natural or synthetic fibers with waterproof
coatings are particularly suitable for use with sports
like ice hockey where the sticks are often wet when used.
In addition, drain holes can optionally be provided in
base 12.
In the embodiment illustrated, the lower
portion 9 is fabricated from sheet material that forms
base 12, front wall 15 and sleeves 19,20. The blades of
the hockey sticks that are used for side members 2,3 are
inserted into sleeves 19,20 to form upstanding sidewalls
13,14. The base 12 extends part way up the shaft of the
hockey sticks 2,3 to create the scoop-like shape for
lower section 9. The lower section 9 is attached to the
side members 2, 3 by means of screws or other suitable
fasteners through the lower section 9 and into the side
members 2,3. If additional strength and durability are
required, reinforcing material (such as rubber stripping)
can be utilized on the wear surfaces of lower portion 9
or internal padding may be provided. In addition in order
to facilitate bending about the mid-points 17,18 of base
12 or front wall 15, or reinforce the exposed edges,
banding or the like may be utilized.
The front wall 15 of the lower portion 9 is
designed to help contain the sports stick blades when put
into the unit. In the embodiment illustrated, the front
wall 15 has been designed using padding material, banding
and abrasion tape to prevent the blades from slipping
forward out of the unit.
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In the embodiment shown, support section 8
includes a top portion 10 comprising a generally
rectangular panel 21 having opposite ends 22, 23. The one
end 22 of panel 21 is attached to the top portion of side
member 2 and the other end 23 of panel 21 is attached to
the top portion of side member 3. The ends 22, 23 of
panel 21 are secured in such a way as to form a slight V-
shape in panel 21, providing an angle to panel 21 to aid
in holding sticks. In the embodiment shown this is
accomplished by attaching panel 21 to the back 24, 25 of
the side members 2,3 by screws or other suitable
fasteners. The top portion 10 can be made from a variety
of materials providing it can accommodate movement of the
portable storage unit from the open position to the
closed position. The top portion 10 when the portable
storage unit 1 is moved from the open position to the
closed position generally bends about the middle 26 of
the panel 21. In the embodiment illustrated the top
portion 10 has been made from a fabric that is preferably
water resistant and provides sufficient durability to
withstand repeated use.
The top portion 10 supports the top of the
stick or tool or other item being placed in the unit. The
top section 10 also provides easy access to a player to
retrieve his or her stick. Sticks, whether junior or
senior, vary in height with different stick
manufacturers, and this top portion 10 allows the
different height varieties to be secured in the product.
As noted above, the top portion 10 is secured by wrapping
it around the back of the side members 2,3 thereby
creating a pocket to help support and maintain the
sticks.
The width and length of the lower portion 9 and
top section 10 may vary depending on the size of unit
required or the application. In the embodiment
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illustrated, the portable storage unit 1 is used to hold
hockey sticks. In the open position, the side members are
preferably about 24 inches apart for a senior model for
adult size sticks and about 20 inches apart for a junior
model for young children's sticks. The separation between
the lower portion 9 and top portion 10, where separate
portions are used, will vary between the senior model and
junior model.
A logo or team crest may be applied to the
front of panel 21.
The middle portion 11 of support section 8,
while shown as a separate section, can be a lower
extension of top section 10. The middle section 11
comprises a generally rectangular panel 27 having
opposite ends 28, 29. The one end 28 of panel 27 is
attached to the side member 2 and the other end 29 of
panel 27 is attached to the side member 3. The ends 28,
29 of panel 27 are secured in such a way as to form a
slight V-shape in panel 27, providing an angle to assist
the holding of sticks. In the embodiment shown this is
accomplished by attaching the panel 27 to the back 24, 25
of the side members 2,3 by screws or other suitable
fasteners. The middle portion 11 can be made from a
variety of materials providing it can accommodate
movement of the portable storage unit from the open
position to the closed position. The middle portion 11
when the portable storage unit 1 is moved from the open
position to the closed position generally bends about the
middle 30 of the panel 27. The panel 27 provides
additional support for the middle of the shaft of the
hockey stick or other sports related sticks. In the
embodiment shown, two mesh pockets 31,32 are provided on
front of panel 27. This is an ideal place for the trainer
to place extra tape, the game sheet, a cellular phone for
emergency calls, and ice packs for injured players. These
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items can be placed in the mesh pockets in the dressing
room ahead of time or at the bench. They are necessary
tools that a trainer needs during a game. Having the
necessary tools accessible saves time and chaos when a
player is in need of assistance.
Variations in the length and/or width of the
middle portion 11 are possible. The position of the
middle portion 11 can be changed, if desired, so long as
it does not interfere with the function and integrity of
the unit when storing the trainer's equipment or the
established balanced position for hand placement when
carrying the unit. As noted above the top portion 10 and
middle portion 11 of support section 8 can be one piece.
It may also be possible for all three portions of the
support section 8 to be connected.
The lower, top and middle sections 9, 10, 11 are
preferably adapted to facilitate bending about their mid-
point. For example topstitching of three rows in the
centres 17, 18, 26 and 30 of each the lower, top and
middle sections 9, 10, 11 can be provided to help the
unit to fold in the centre for ease of carrying.
Fig. 3 shows the portable storage unit 1 of the
present invention in the closed position. The unit is
folded in around its mid-point so that side members 2,3
are together and can be gripped and carried by a person
in one hand. Each of the lower 9, top 10 and middle 11
portions of support section 8 fold at their mid-points
around the hockey sticks 33 placed in the unit. While no
latch is necessary, a strap or other retaining feature
can be optionally provided to retain the side members 2,
3 in the closed position.
In the closed position the portable storage unit 1
and stored items 33 can be placed in a carry bag for
placement into a vehicle, either inside or secured on a
roof rack, in a storage compartment of a bus, train or
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aircraft. The carry bag is preferably large enough to
house a combination of extra sticks within the product.
Although heavier in nature, with the extra sticks, the
filled bag can be put into a vehicle, either inside or
secured on a roof rack, in a storage compartment of a
bus, train or aircraft. In the event of a vehicle
collision, sticks are secure, as opposed to being loose.
The trainer can take the unit back and forth
from the arenas; use the unit to store extra sticks,
garden tools and other household items in basements,
garages and offices.
By using the present invention, professional
trainers can save valuable time by eliminating the
process of taping large bundles of sticks and creating,a
safe environment when traveling past media members, young
people and players on route to the bench.
Where the invention is used outside the
dressing room on one of the walls, players and spectators
can see it clearly displayed. It helps teams identify
their dressing room for the game, if it is left outside
the dressing room. A team sweater can be placed over the
unit to promote identification of the team dressing room
or even help with encouraging team spirit. It can also
prevent accidents, like slipping or tripping over fallen
sticks in busy arenas, if the sticks are visibly
organized in the unit.
After the players have left the change room,
any additional sticks players have left behind, including
the goalie stick, can remain in the portable storage
unit. Trainers can save valuable time when they do not
have to bend down to get all the sticks left on the
floor. They do not have to organize them or gather loose
sticks in their arms and carry them to the bench. The
trainer simply places their hands halfway down on the
shaft of the two side members 2,3 and draws the unit
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closed around the sticks 33 inside. With both side
members drawn together so that they touch, the trainer
places one hand around both sticks to form a natural
handle. Then, in one motion, the trainer lifts the unit,
with the sticks contained within the unit.
The trainer is then ready to carry the unit by
their side in an easy, comfortable manner, using only one
hand, perpendicular to their upright body, with the
sticks safely secured within the unit, through crowds of
spectators and players with full view of all their
surroundings. The trainer has one hand free to open doors
or if preferred, to carry water bottles, first-aid kit or
any other equipment needed, to the bench. They are able
to clearly see the ground, if walking on slippery
surfaces. They are also able to easily pass through doors
to get to the bench. The sticks are secure at all times
without the chance of slipping out. There is no need for
a locking or securing device to control the sticks.
The side members 2,3 provide the portability of
the unit when brought together in a closed position, as
handles for easy carry of the sticks or other elongated
products. There are no additional handles or levers on
the unit. The ease of carrying is based on finding the
ideal point of balance for the hand position, as when one
carries a stick. The blade portion of a stick is slightly
heavier and a trainer or player adjusts the position of
the hand to find the balance point to prevent the blade
from hitting the ground. The unit may be carried at an
angle, which differs from the perpendicular angle to the
body or even in an upright position, and the sticks will
remain, as long as the two side members are held together
securely as needed, with one hand.
At the bench, the trainer finds a part of the
wall or partition that is out of the way of player
traffic and places the unit upright, still holding the
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unit together with one hand. With the second hand free,
the trainer places their second hand adjacent to the
first hand, allowing each hand to assume the
responsibility of having one of the side supports. Once
each hand is placed in position, the unit is easily
opened to its full size again, against the wall and the
sticks are available if players need them. The capped
tops of the sticks provide the traction and stability for
the unit. A first-aid kit bag could be slung over one of
capped ends, for easy accessibility in an emergency
situation. If space is cramped, as many benches are, the
unit may not be able to be expanded fully, but as long as
the capped ends are upright and placed in a balanced
manner, the unit can easily remain in this position.
Stick safety and storage can be adaptable to most close
quarters using this portable unit.
At the end of a game, the trainer carries the
unit, containing any extra sticks, back to the dressing
room and players once again put their sticks in the unit,
change, and take their sticks with them in an organized
manner when they are ready to leave the arena. At this
point, the trainer closes the unit, places it in its own
carry bag, if preferred, and leaves the arena. The unit
is easily carried in the bag. The fabric is soft,
lightweight and the hockey stick supports can easily be
felt through the carry bag. The whole unit is so light
that it can be placed across a hockey bag and the unit
carried that way. It can be tucked under one's arm and
carried. All methods are adaptable to the person's
comfort in carrying the unit. There is no need for extra
handles to grab or long straps to loop over one's head or
shoulder awkwardly. This prevents a potential for injury
and promotes a safe sports equipment philosophy. This
also allows the adaptability of the unit for the carrier
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as he can balance the unit in his comfort zone, easing
physical strain on the person carrying the unit.
Although various preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been described herein in detail,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that
variations may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended
claims.
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