APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING A HELMET

Abstract

An apparatus and system are disclosed for transporting a helmet, the apparatus includes a pouch having four three-sided panels. Each three-sided panel is coupled to two adjacent three-sided panels along a first side and a second side of the three-sided panel to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space in the pouch. A third side of each three-sided panel defines a rim of the pouch. The rim is positioned opposite an apex of the pouch and the apex of the pouch comprises a point at which a vertex of each of the four three-sided panels meet. Each of the four three-sided panels is made of a resiliently deformable material to adjust one of a size and a shape of the helmet receiving space. A harness is coupled to the pouch to facilitate transportation of the pouch.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/368,523 entitled “APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING A HELMET” and filed on Jul. 28, 2010 for Caroline Amanda Horner, and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/354,815 entitled “HELMET CARRIER” and filed on Jan. 28, 2010 for Caroline Amanda Horner, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to luggage and more particularly relates to luggage for transporting outdoor recreational equipment.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor equipment such as skiing or snowboarding equipment can be cumbersome and difficult to transport. Many of the items associated with such sports are bulky and no efficient means for transporting such items has been heretofore designed. For example, helmets used in such sports are often bulky and take up a large space in any bag or other transporting device.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system for transporting a helmet. Beneficially, such an apparatus and system would include a convenient and efficient way to secure and transport a helmet.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available sports equipment transporting devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for transporting a helmet that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a pouch and a harness. The pouch includes four three-sided panels. Each three-sided panel is coupled to two adjacent three-sided panels along a first side and a second side of the three-sided panel to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space in the pouch. In certain embodiments, a third side of each three-sided panel defines a rim of the pouch. The rim is positioned opposite an apex of the pouch. The apex of the pouch comprising a point at which a vertex of each of the four substantially triangular panels meet.

In certain embodiments, each substantially triangular panel includes at least two convex sides with each convex side coupled a convex side of an adjacent substantially triangular panel. In one embodiment, the resiliently deformable material of each of the four three-sided panels comprises an elastic material. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjusting member configured to adjust the size or shape of the helmet receiving space.

The harness, in certain embodiments, is coupled to the pouch. The harness facilitates transportation of the pouch. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a coupling member attached to the harness. The coupling member is configured to removably attach the pouch to a portable object.

In certain embodiments the harness includes a first strap coupled to a first side of the pouch at a proximal end of the first strap. The first strap is coupled to a first coupling member at a distal end of the first strap. The harness further includes a second strap coupled to an opposite side of the pouch at a proximal end of the second strap. The second strap is coupled to a second coupling member at a distal end of the second strap. In one embodiment, the first and second coupling members are configured to removably attach the pouch to a portable object. In another embodiment, the first coupling member is coupleable to the second coupling member to form a loop defined by the first strap, the second strap, and the pouch. In yet another embodiment, the harness comprises at least one shoulder strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a system for transporting a helmet;

FIG. 2 is a right side view further illustrating the system for transporting a helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting a helmet;

FIG. 4 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus for transporting a helmet of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view further illustrating the apparatus for transporting a helmet of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a three-sided panel of the apparatus for transporting a helmet of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a system for transporting a helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a system 100 for transporting a helmet. The system 100 includes a portable object 102, a pouch 104, a first coupling member (not shown), a harness 108, and a second coupling member 106 coupled to the harness 108.

In certain embodiments the portable object 102 may be a backpack, an item of luggage, a satchel, a bag, a purse, or other means for storing or transporting items. In one embodiment the portable object 102 may include one or more wheels 110 to facilitate transportation of the portable object 102. In such an embodiment the portable object 102 may include a telescoping handle (not shown) to assist a user in manipulating the portable object 102 when transporting the portable object 102. One of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the handle (not shown) may be fixed in a position at or around a height of a typical user's waist rather than including a telescoping feature into the handle (not shown).

In other embodiments the portable object 102 may include a shoulder strap (not shown) such that the portable object 102 may be carried on a user's shoulder to facilitate transportation of the portable object 102. In yet another embodiment the portable object 102 may include a backpacking harness (not shown) such that the portable object may be carried on a user's back in a manner similar to the way a user transports a backpack.

In certain embodiments the portable object 102 may include a number of storage compartments 112 to assist a user in transporting or storing items. For example, in one embodiment the portable object 102 may include a main storage compartment 112a for storing larger items and two side storage compartments 112b and 112c positioned on either side of the main storage compartment 112a for containing smaller items. In one embodiment the inside of the flap 114 of the main storage compartment 112a may be lined with felt, fur, faux fur or another soft material to protect eyewear, cameras, cellular phones or other fragile items. One of skill in the art will recognize that the two side storage compartments 112b, 112c and the main storage compartment 112a may likewise be lined with a soft material to protect fragile items.

The main storage compartment 112a, in one embodiment, may be lined with a waterproof liner (not shown) to keep items contained within the side storage compartments 112b, 112c or front storage compartment 112d separated from wet items such as ski boots, snowboarding boots, or other wet gear stored in the main storage compartment 112a. In other embodiments the lining (not shown) may be water resistant rather than waterproof. In one embodiment the waterproof or water resistant liner (not shown) may be removable to facilitate cleaning of the waterproof or water resistant liner (not shown) and/or the main storage compartment 112a. One of skill in the art will recognize that the two side storage compartments 112b, 112c and the main storage compartment 112a may likewise be lined with a waterproof or water resistant liner (not shown).

In one embodiment the main storage compartment 112a and/or the front storage compartment 112d and side compartments 112b, 112c may be compartmentalized. For example, in certain embodiments the compartments 112 may include insertable organizers for separating areas within each of the compartments.

In certain embodiments the portable object 102 may include a flap 114 to close the main storage compartment 112a. A flap 116 may be included on the portable object 102 to close the front storage compartment 112d. In certain embodiments the flap 114 and the flap 116 may be closed by mechanical fasteners, such as a zipper, positioned on the periphery of the flap 114 and the flap 116. In other embodiments the flap 114 and the flap 116 may be closed by other fasteners such as zips, snaps, buckles, Velcro or other mechanical fasteners. In certain embodiments the zips, snaps, buckles, or other mechanical fasteners may be lockable. In one embodiment the flaps 114 and 116 may not be fastened at all but rather may simply lie against the surface of the portable object 102 to close the main storage compartment 112a and the front storage compartment 112d. One of skill in the art will recognize that the side storage compartments 112b, 112c may likewise be closed by a mechanical fastener such as those described above.

The pouch 104, in certain embodiments, includes four three-sided panels 118. In certain embodiments each side 120, 122, 124, 126, and 128 of each three-sided panel 118 is slightly convex such that each side 126 is slightly rounded. Each three-sided panel 118 is coupled to two adjacent three-sided panels 118 along a first side and a second side of the three-sided panel 118 to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space (not shown) in the pouch 104. In one embodiment the three-sided panels 118 may be triangular.

For example, in certain embodiments a three-sided panel 118, such as three-sided panel 118d includes a first side 120a and a second side 120b. Similarly, three-sided panel 118a may also include a first side 122a and a second side 122b. The first side 120a of three-sided panel 118d may be coupled to a second side 122b of three-sided panel 118a. The first side 122a of three-sided panel 118a is coupled to a second side 124b of three-sided panel 118b. The first side 124a of three-sided panel 118b is coupled the second side 126b of three-sided panel 118c. Finally, the first side 126a of triangular panel 118c is coupled to the second side 120b of three-sided panel 118d to form the dome shaped pouch 104.

One of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the three-sided panels 118 may be coupled to one another by stitching along stitching lines 132 with a thread or other stitching fiber. In other embodiments the three-sided panels 118 may be coupled to one another through by a chemical adhesive such as glue. In another embodiment the three-sided panels 118 may be made of a plastic material and may be coupled to one another by plastic welding techniques known in the art.

In one embodiment each three-sided panel 118 may be made of an elastomeric material that is capable of resuming its original shape after a deforming force has been applied. For example, in one embodiment each three-sided panel 118 may be made of a neoprene material which may stretch to accommodate a helmet (not shown). In certain embodiments the neoprene material both holds the helmet within the helmet receiving space (not shown) and protects the helmet from damage during transportation. In one embodiment the neoprene material may be waterproof or water resistant. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments each three-sided panel 118 may be made of elastomeric materials other than neoprene.

In certain embodiments a third side 128 of each three-sided panel 118 defines a rim 130 of the pouch 104. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, only the third side 128d of three-sided panel 118d and the third side 128c of three-sided panel 118c are visible.

The rim 130 is positioned opposite an apex 132 of the pouch 104. As viewed in FIG. 1, an outer surface 134 of each three-sided panel 118 is convex to form the hemisphere shaped pouch 104 which culminates at the apex 132. An inner surface (not shown) of the pouch is concave to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space (not shown) in the pouch 104. The apex 132 of the pouch is located at a point at which vertexes of each of the four substantially triangular panels 118 meet. In certain embodiments the hemisphere shaped pouch 104 may be substantially shaped to approximate one half of a globe. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments the hemisphere shaped pouch 104 may be elongated to approximate a shape of a helmet.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments each of the four three-sided panels 118 is made of a resiliently deformable material. The resiliently deformable material making up the substantially triangular panels 118 allows the size and/or shape of the helmet receiving space (not shown) to be adjusted to fit a range of sizes and/or shapes of helmets. In such an embodiment, the same sized pouch 104 may fit any number of shapes and/or sizes of helmets.

For example, in certain embodiments the resiliently deformable material of each of the four three-sided panels 118 comprises an elastic material that stretches to receive a range of sizes or shapes of helmets. The elastic material may operate to both stretch to fit a range of sizes or shapes of helmets as well as to retain a helmet within the helmet receiving area.

In one embodiment each three-sided panel 118 may be asymmetric such that each three-sided panel 118 has a front surface and a back surface. In certain embodiments the back surface may be the surface adjacent to the helmet receiving space (not shown) and the front surface may be the surface opposite the back surface. In other embodiments each three-sided panel 118 may be symmetric such that the front surface has the same profile as the back surface.

In one embodiment the pouch 104 may include a rim 130 that encircles the pouch 104. In certain embodiments the rim 130 may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of a helmet (not shown) and be made of an elastomeric material that stretches to accommodate a helmet. In one embodiment the rim 130 of the pouch 104 clings or gathers around the bottom of the helmet (not shown) to maintain the helmet (not shown) within the helmet receiving area (not shown). In one embodiment a drawstring (not shown) may be included around the rim 130 of the pouch to aid in securing the helmet (not shown) within the helmet receiving area (not shown).

In other embodiments the pouch 104 may be made of a substantially rigid material. In such an embodiment the pouch 104 may made of a single piece of material formed to fit a range of sizes and/or shapes of helmets. For example, in certain embodiments the pouch 104 may be sized and/or shaped to fit a range of large sized helmets, a range of medium sized helmets, and a range of small sized helmets. One of skill in the art will recognize that the pouch 104 may be sized or shaped to fit helmets that would be considered to fall in between large, medium and small helmets.

In certain embodiments a harness 108 is coupled to the pouch 104. The harness, in certain embodiments, includes a first strap 140a coupled to the pouch 104 at a proximal end 142 of the first strap 140. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the first strap 140a is coupled to the pouch 104 at a first end 148 of the pouch 104. The distal end 144 of the first strap 140a is coupled to a second coupling member 106. A first coupling member (not shown) coupled to the portable object 102 removeably engages the second coupling member 106 to secure the pouch 104 to the portable object 102.

In certain embodiments the first coupling member (not shown) and the second coupling member 106 may be the male and female components of a side release buckle as is known in the art. In other embodiments the first coupling member (not shown) and the second coupling member 106 may be a conventional buckle with a frame, bar and prong as is typically found on a belt buckle. In yet another embodiment the first coupling member (not shown) and the second coupling member 106 may be a hook and loop arrangement such as Velcro. One of skill in the art will recognize that any coupling member configured to couple one item to another is within the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment the harness 108 may include a single strap that couples the pouch 104 to the portable object 102 to facilitate transportation of a helmet contained within the pouch 104. In another embodiment the harness may include a second strap 140b. The second strap 140b may be coupled to the rim 130 of the pouch 104 near an end 148 of the pouch 104 opposite the first end 146. The second strap 140b is coupled to the rim 130 of the pouch 104 at a proximal end 150 of the second strap 140b and is coupled to a fourth coupling member 154 at a distal end 152 of the second strap 140b.

A third coupling member 156 may be coupled to the portable object 102 to removably engage the fourth coupling member 154 to secure the pouch 104 to the portable object 102. In this manner the pouch 104 may be removably coupled to the portable object 102 at two positions to secure the pouch 104 to the portable object 102 and to avoid movement of the pouch 104 with respect to the portable object 102. In certain embodiments the third coupling member 156 is coupled to the portable object by a coupling strap 158. In one embodiment at least one of the coupling members 106, 154, 156 and/or the first coupling member (not shown) is adjustable on the first strap 140a, the second strap 140b, the third coupling member 156, and a first coupling member coupling strap (not shown) to adjust a tension applied to the pouch 104.

In certain embodiments the third coupling member 156 and the fourth coupling member 154 may be substantially similar to the first coupling member (not show) and the second coupling member 106 respectively. As such, in certain embodiments third coupling member 156 and the fourth coupling member 154 may be the male and female components of a side release buckle as is known in the art. In other embodiments the third coupling member 156 and the fourth coupling member 154 may be a conventional buckle with a frame, bar and prong as is typically found on a belt buckle. In yet another embodiment the third coupling member 156 and the fourth coupling member 154 may be a hook and loop arrangement such as Velcro. One of skill in the art will recognize that any coupling member configured to couple one item to another is within the scope of the present disclosure.

While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 depicts the pouch 104 as being coupled to the portable object 102 at a position substantially at the top of the portable object and bottom of the portable object 102, one of skill in the art will recognize that the pouch 104 may be removably coupled to the portable object 102 at a position substantially in the middle of the portable object 102.

In certain embodiments one of the first strap 140a and the second strap 140b may be coupled to the portable object 102 while the other of the first strap 140a and the second strap 140b is removably coupled to the portable object 102 to avoid misplacing the pouch. In such an embodiment a user may uncouple the strap 140 that is removably coupled to the portable object 102 to access items within the portable object 102.

In another embodiment both the first strap 140a and the second strap 140b may be irremovably affixed to the portable object 102. In such an embodiment the pouch 104 may include an access opening (not shown) to allow a user to position a helmet in the pouch for storage or transportation of the helmet. In one embodiment the access opening (not shown) may include a closure such as a zipper, hook and loop or other mechanical closure to secure the helmet within the pouch 104. In an embodiment wherein both the first strap 140a and the second strap 140b are irremovably affixed to the portable object 102 the pouch 104 may include a helmet access opening (not shown) to provide access to insert or remove a helmet (not shown) from within the pouch 104.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the system 100 for transporting a helmet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 illustrates the portable object 102, the pouch 104, the second coupling member 106, and the harness 108 of the system 100 for transporting a helmet of FIG. 1.

As discussed above, the second coupling member 106 may be removably engaged with a first coupling member 202 to couple the pouch 104 to the portable object 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first coupling member 202 is depicted as being engaged with the second coupling member 106. The second coupling member 202 is coupled to the portable object 102 by the second coupling member coupling strap 204. Similarly, the third coupling member 156 is depicted as being engaged with the fourth coupling member 154.

In certain embodiments the side storage compartment 112b is shaped substantially similar to side storage compartment 112c. In other embodiments, each side storage compartment 112 may have a specific shape designed to fit a specific item typically stored within the side storage compartment 112. For example, where the portable object 102 is designed to be used as a ski accessory storage and transportation device, one of the side storage compartments 112 may be shaped to receive a pair of goggles and the other side storage compartment 112 may be shaped to receive soft goods such as a pair of gloves or a hat. One of skill in the art will recognize that the shape of the side storage compartments 112 may be activity specific. That is, in certain embodiments the system may be used in sports or activities other than skiing. In such embodiments each storage compartment 112 may be shaped to receive an article used in that sport or activity. In one embodiment the system may be used as a general travel bag.

FIG. 2 also illustrates three-sided panel 118a as having a third side 128a that, in cooperation with three-sided panel's 118b-118d, define the rim 130 of the pouch 104. In certain embodiments an edging material 206 may be coupled to the third side 128 of each three-sided panel 118. The edging material 206 may be made of an elastomeric material having a resiliency sufficient to retain a helmet (not shown) within the helmet receiving area (not shown).

In certain embodiments, in addition to the rear wheels 110 positioned near a rear side of the portable object 102, the portable object 102 may also include front leveling knobs 208. In one embodiment the leveling knobs 208 may have a height sufficient to maintain a bottom surface 210 of the portable object 102 substantially horizontal to keep the portable object 102 from toppling forward.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of an apparatus 300 for transporting a helmet. In certain embodiments the apparatus includes a pouch 104 and a harness coupled to the pouch 104.

In certain embodiments the pouch 104 may be substantially similar to the pouch 104 of system 100 described above. Thus, in certain embodiments the pouch 104 includes four three-sided panels 118. Each three-sided panel 118 is coupled to two adjacent three-sided panels 118 along a first side (120a, 122a, 124a, and 126a) and a second side (120b, 122b, 124b, and 126b) of the triangular shaped panel 118 to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space (not shown) in the pouch 104.

A third side 128 of each triangular shaped panel defines a rim of the pouch, the rim 130 positioned opposite an apex 132 of the pouch 104. Note that only the third side 128d of three-sided panel 118d and the third side 128c of three-sided panel 118c can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 as the third side 128a of three-sided panel 118a and the third side 128b of three-sided panel 118b are obscured from view. The apex 132 of the pouch comprising a point at which a vertex of each of the four substantially triangular panels 118 meet.

In certain embodiments each of the four three-sided panels 118 is made of a resiliently deformable material to adjust one of a size and a shape of the helmet receiving space (not shown). In one embodiment the resiliently deformable material of each of the four three-sided panels 118 is an elastic material that stretches to adjust the size or shape of the helmet receiving space (not shown). In another embodiment the resiliently deformable material of each of the four three-sided panels 118 is a cloth or other flexible material that forms around a helmet when the helmet is positioned in the helmet receiving space (not shown). In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include an adjusting member that adjusts the size or shape of the helmet receiving space (not shown).

The harness 108 is coupled to the pouch 104 to facilitate transportation of the pouch 104. In certain embodiments the harness 108 includes a first strap 140a coupled to a first side (not shown) of the pouch 104 at a proximal end (not shown) of the first strap 140a. The first strap 140a is coupled to the coupling member 304 at a distal end 144 of the first strap 140a. The harness 108 also includes a second strap 140b coupled to an opposite side 148 of the pouch 104 at a proximal end 150 of the second strap 140b. The second strap 140b is coupled to a second coupling member 302 at a distal end 152 of the second strap 140b.

In one embodiment the coupling members 302 and 304 are attached to the harness 108 to removably attach the pouch 104 to a portable object such as portable object 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 the coupling member 302 is a female component of a side release buckle and the coupling member 304 is a male component of a side release buckle. In other embodiments both coupling members 302 and 304 may be of the same type. For example, in one embodiment the coupling members 302 and 304 may both be male coupling members that are coupleable to female coupling members 156, 202 on the portable object 102. Of course, one of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the coupling members 302 and 304 may be female coupling members 302 and 304 that are coupleable to male coupling members 156, 202 on the portable object.

One of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the coupling member 302 may be removably engaged with a male component of a side release buckle (not shown) coupled to a portable object (not shown). Similarly, in certain embodiments the coupling member 304 may be removably engaged with a male component of a side release buckle (not shown) coupled to a portable object (not shown).

In other embodiments the coupling member 302 may be coupleable to the coupling member 304 to form a loop defined by the first strap 140a, the second strap 140b, and the pouch 104. In another embodiment, the harness 108 may be a single strap without any coupling members. In such an embodiment the harness 108 may be coupled to the pouch 104 at the first side (not shown) and the opposite side 148 of the pouch 104 to form a loop defined by the pouch 104 and the harness 108. In yet another embodiment the harness 108 may be coupled to only one side of pouch 104 and may contain coupling members such as coupling members 302 and 304 to couple the pouch to a portable object such as portable object 102. In embodiments where the harness 108 forms a loop the loop may be used as a shoulder strap to transport the pouch 104 and any helmet contained within the helmet receiving space (not shown).

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the pouch 104 of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. As discussed above, the pouch 108 includes four three-sided panels 118. Each three-sided panel 118 is coupled to two adjacent three-sided panels 118 along a first side (120a, 122a, 124a, and 126a) and a second side (120b, 122b, 124b, and 126b) of the triangular shaped panel 118 to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space (not shown) in the pouch 104.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 the first coupling member 302 and the second coupling member 304 can be seen extending below the pouch 104. In certain embodiments the harness 108 (see FIGS. 1-3 above) may couple the first coupling member 302 and the second coupling member 304 to the pouch 104 at a position other than at the rim 130 of the pouch 104. For example, in one embodiment the harness 108 may be coupled to a surface of one or more of the three-sided panels 118 rather than at the rim 130 of the pouch 104. In another embodiment the harness 108 may extend over the outer surface 402 of the pouch 104 without actually coupling to the pouch 104 as illustrated by the phantom harness 108. In such an embodiment the harness 108 may couple the pouch 104 to a portable object 102 without the harness 108 being physically coupled to the pouch 104. In certain embodiments once the first coupling member 302 and the second coupling member 304 are engaged with corresponding coupling members on the portable object 102 the harness 104 may hold the pouch 104 on the portable object 102.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the pouch 104 of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 the helmet receiving area 502 is shown. As discussed above, the helmet receiving area 502 is defined by the third sides 128 of each of the four three-sided panels 118.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 the first coupling member 302 and the second coupling member 304 are depicted as being the female component of a side release buckle. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments the first coupling member 304 and the second coupling member 304 may be any of the coupling means or devices discussed above. For example, in one embodiment the first coupling member 302 and the second coupling member 304 may be the male component of a side release buckle.

In certain embodiments the first strap 140a and the second strap 140b of the harness couples the first and second coupling members 302, 304 to the pouch 104 in a manner substantially similar to the manner discussed above. In other embodiments the first and second coupling members 302 may be directly coupled to the pouch 104 such that a harness 108 may be unnecessary. In yet another embodiment the first and second coupling members 302, 304 may be directly coupled to the pouch 104 and a removable harness (not shown) may include additional coupling members (not shown) to couple the removable harness (not shown) to the pouch 104. In such an embodiment the removable harness (not shown) may operate as a shoulder strap to facilitate transporting the helmet.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment one of the substantially triangular panels 118 of the pouch 104 described above. For clarity, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 is discussed with reference to substantially triangular panel 118a. One of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments each of substantially triangular panel 118b, 118c, and 118d may be substantially similar to substantially triangular panel 118a.

In certain embodiments the first side 122a and the second side 122b of substantially triangular panel 118a may be convex. When the first side 122a of substantially triangular panel 118a is coupled to the second side 124b of substantially triangular panel 118b the two substantially triangular panels 118a, 118b form one half of the dome shaped helmet receiving area 402. As additional substantially triangular panels are coupled the entire dome shaped helmet receiving area 502 is formed. In one embodiment the third side 128a may also be convex.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a system 700 for transporting a helmet. In certain embodiments the system includes a pouch 104 and a harness 702 coupled to the pouch 104. In one embodiment the pouch 104 is substantially similar to the pouch 104 described above. Thus, in certain embodiments the pouch 104 includes four three-sided panels 118. Each three-sided panel 118 is coupled to two adjacent three-sided panel 118 along a first side 120a, 122a, 124a, and 126a and a second side 120b, 122b, 124b, and 126b. The coupling between the first side 120a, 122a, 124a, and 126a and a second side 120b, 122b, 124b, and 126b creates a hemisphere shaped receiving space (not shown) in the pouch 104.

A third side 128 of each three-sided panel 118 defines a rim 130 of the pouch 104. In certain embodiments the rim 130 is positioned opposite an apex 132 of the pouch 104. The apex 132 of the pouch is located at a point at which vertexes of each of the four substantially triangular panels 118 meet.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments each of the four three-sided panels 118 is made of a resiliently deformable material to adjust one of a size and a shape of the helmet receiving space. In one embodiment only one of the three-sided panels 118 may be made of a resiliently deformable material while the others may be made of a material that does not deform. In other embodiments two or three of the three-sided panels 118 may be made of a resiliently deformable material while the remaining three-sided panels 118 are made of a material that does not deform or is not resilient.

In certain embodiments the harness 702 may include a tab coupled to the pouch 104. The harness 702 may include a loop 706 formed by folding the harness 702 on itself and sewing or otherwise coupling the harness 702 along sewing line 708 such that a loop 706 is created. The loop 706 receives a coupling member 704 to facilitate transportation of the pouch 104. For example, in certain embodiments the coupling member 704 may be a carabineer. The carabineer is received within the loop 706 in the harness 702 to couple the coupling member 704 to the pouch 104. The carabineer can then be coupled to a portable object such as the portable object 102 described above. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments the carabineer can be coupled to other portable objects or may be used to couple the pouch to a stationary object to secure the pouch 104. In certain embodiments the pouch 104 may be coupled to an article of clothing such as a jacket (not shown) or pair of pants (not shown).

In certain embodiments the pouch 104 may provide protection to a helmet (not shown) during transportation. For example, in certain embodiments a helmet (not shown) may be received within the helmet receiving area 502 and may protect the helmet (not shown) from damage such as scratches or dents during transportation. In other embodiments the pouch 104 may also provide extra warmth or waterproofing or water-resistance when a user is wearing the helmet (not shown). In certain embodiments the pouch 104 may serve the dual purpose of protecting the helmet (not shown) from damage as well as protecting the user's from weather elements such as rain, sleet, snow, or cold temperatures.

In one embodiment the pouch 104 may be used as a placeholder for logos or other identification. For example, in one embodiment a ski or snowboard team may include a team name and/or logo on the outer surface 402 of the pouch 104. In other embodiments an owner's name or other identifying mark may be included on the outer surface 402 of the pouch 104. In certain embodiment the pouch 104 may include a number printed on the outer surface 402 of the pouch 104 such that the pouch may be used in place of a ski or snowboard racing bib.

While the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 shows the harness as including a loop 706 for directly coupling the coupling member to the pouch 104, one of skill in the art will recognize that the harness may include an additional coupling member for facilitating coupling the carabineer to the pouch 104. For example, in one embodiment a substantially rigid ring or other coupling member (not shown) may be coupled to the harness 702 and the carabineer may be coupled to the substantially rigid ring or other coupling member (not shown). Further, while the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 depicts the coupling member as a carabineer, one of skill in the art will recognize that other coupling members may be used to couple the pouch 104 to an object.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transporting a helmet, the apparatus comprising:

a pouch comprising four three-sided panels, each three-sided panel coupled to two adjacent three-sided panels along a first side and a second side of the three-sided panel to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space in the pouch;

wherein a third side of each three-sided panel defines a rim of the pouch, the rim positioned opposite an apex of the pouch, the apex of the pouch comprising a point at which a vertex of each of the four substantially triangular panels meet;

wherein each of the four three-sided panels is made of a resiliently deformable material to adjust one of a size and a shape of the helmet receiving space; and

a harness coupled to the pouch, the harness facilitating transportation of the pouch.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each substantially triangular panel includes at least two convex sides with each convex side coupled a convex side of an adjacent substantially triangular panel.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable material of each of the four three-sided panels comprises an elastic material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adjusting member configured to adjust one of a size and a shape of the helmet receiving space.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a coupling member attached to the harness, the coupling member configured to removably attach the pouch to a portable object.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the harness comprises a first strap coupled to a first side of the pouch at a proximal end of the first strap, the first strap coupled to a first coupling member at a distal end of the first strap, the harness further comprising a second strap coupled to an opposite side of the pouch at a proximal end of the second strap, the second strap coupled to a second coupling member at a distal end of the second strap.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first and second coupling members are configured to removably attach the pouch to a portable object.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first coupling member is coupleable to the second coupling member to form a loop defined by the first strap, the second strap, and the pouch.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the harness comprises at least one shoulder strap.

10. A system to transport a helmet, the system comprising:

a portable object;

a pouch comprising four three-sided panels, each three-sided panel coupled to two adjacent three-sided panels along a first side and a second side of the three-sided panel to define a hemisphere shaped helmet receiving space in the pouch;

wherein a third side of each three-sided panel defines a rim of the pouch, the rim positioned opposite an apex of the pouch, the apex of the pouch comprising a point at which a vertex of each of the four substantially triangular panels meet;

wherein each of the four three-sided panels is made of a resiliently deformable material to adjust one of a size and a shape of the helmet receiving space;

a first coupling member coupled the portable object; and

a harness coupled to the pouch, the harness comprising at least one strap coupled to the pouch at a proximal end of the strap, the strap coupled to a second coupling member at a distal end of the strap, wherein the first coupling member removeably engages the second coupling member to secure the pouch to the portable object.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a third coupling member coupled to the portable object, wherein the harness further comprises a second strap coupled to an opposite end of the pouch at a proximal end of the second strap, the second strap coupled to a fourth coupling member at a distal end of the second strap, wherein the third coupling member removeably engages the fourth coupling member to secure the pouch to the portable object.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first coupling member is coupleable to the forth coupling member to form a loop defined by the first strap, the second strap, and the pouch.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein each substantially triangular panel includes at least two convex sides with each convex side coupled a convex side of an adjacent substantially triangular panel.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the resiliently deformable material of each of the four three-sided panels comprises an elastic material.

15. The system of claim 10, further comprising an adjusting member configured to adjust the size of the pouch.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the harness comprises at least one shoulder strap.

17. An apparatus for transporting a helmet substantially as shown and described.