Carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment

Abstract

Aspects of the invention include a carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is an elongated structure defining a partially enclosed volume that is bounded on its bottom and first and second sides. The elongated structure is further defined by having an open first end, a closed second end and an open top. Also present may be a handle element. In addition, aspects of the invention include methods of using the subject apparatus to transport elongated sports equipment.

1 . A carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment, said carrier comprising: 
 a) an elongated structure defining a partially enclosed volume that is bounded on its bottom and first and second sides, wherein said elongated structure is further defined by having an open first end, a closed second end and an open top; and    b) a handle element.    
   
   
       2 . The carrier according to  claim 1 , wherein said elongated structure is flexible.  
   
   
       3 . The carrier according to  claim 2 , wherein said elongated structure is fabricated from a woven material.  
   
   
       4 . The carrier according to  claim 2 , wherein said elongated structure is fabricated from a non-woven material.  
   
   
       5 . The carrier according to  claim 1 , wherein said closed end is stronger than said bottom and sides of said elongated structure.  
   
   
       6 . The carrier according to  claim 1 , wherein said elongated structure further comprises a securing element for securing said first side to said second side to close said open top.  
   
   
       7 . The carrier according to  claim 6 , wherein said securing element comprises a flexible tab.  
   
   
       8 . The carrier according to  claim 7 , wherein securing element further comprises a hook and loop securing structure.  
   
   
       9 . The carrier according to  claim 6 , wherein said securing element comprises a zipper.  
   
   
       10 . The carrier according to  claim 1 , wherein said handle comprises a strap.  
   
   
       11 . The carrier according to  claim 10 , wherein said strap is configured to a shoulder strap.  
   
   
       12 . The carrier according to  claim 1 , wherein said elongated structure is collapsible.  
   
   
       13 . The carrier according to  claim 1 , further comprising an elongated sports equipment item.  
   
   
       14 . The carrier according to  claim 13 , wherein said sports equipment item is a snow sports equipment item.  
   
   
       15 . The carrier according to  claim 14 , wherein said snow sports equipment item is chosen from a snow board, skis and ski poles.  
   
   
       16 - 19 . (canceled)  
   
   
       20 . The carrier according to  claim 1 , wherein said elongated structure has a length that is at least twice as long as its width.  
   
   
       21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . A method of transporting elongated sports equipment, said method comprising: 
 placing said elongated sports equipment into a carrier according to  claim 1;  and    transporting said elongated sports equipment by using said handle element.    
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein said method further comprises securing said first side to said second side after said placing to close said top of said carrier.  
   
   
       24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein said using act comprises placing said handle over a shoulder of human.  
   
   
       25 . A kit comprising: 
 a carrier according to  claim 1;  and    a pouch for holding said carrier when in a collapsed configuration.    
   
   
       26 - 27 . (canceled)