Carrier For Protective Goalie Pads

Abstract

A carrier for goalie pads is described that allows a goaltender to carry their pads over their shoulder outside of a conventional hockey bag, without damaging the pads. The carrier consists of two separate compartments that are joined together by a carrying strap, alleviating the stress that could be placed on the goalie pad straps that otherwise may be used for carrying the pads without the use of these bags. The compartments may be vented to allow faster drying time, and can be covered by a lid. The compartments may be secured further or tightened using Velcro™, plastic clips or snaps, allowing the carrier to form to the contour of the goalie pad. The carrier allows the goalie pads to be moved freely during transport, and facilitates their placement in a vehicle, while providing protection from damage.

1 . A carrier for a pair of protective goalie pads for protecting a goalie's lower legs, the carrier comprising:
 a pair of elongated carrying compartments, each elongated carrying compartment sized to receive one of the protective goalie pads; and   a carrying strap connecting the pair of carrying compartments, the carrying strap sized to allow the carrying compartments to rest on opposite sides of a body carrying the carrier when in use.   
     
     
         2 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of elongated carrying compartments comprise:
 a first compartment having a first length, a first width and a first depth sufficient to receive a first goalie pad of a pair of hockey goalie pads, the first compartment comprising:
 a back panel set defining at least a portion of a back surface of the first compartment; 
 an enclosing panel set attached to the back panel set and defining an interior volume to receive the first goalie pad; 
 an opening in the first compartment to allow the first goalie pad to be placed in the interior volume; and 
 a securing means to selectively block the opening in the first compartment; and 
   a second compartment having a second length, a second width and a second depth sufficient to receive a second goalie pad of a pair of hockey goalie pads, the second compartment comprising:
 a back panel set defining at least a portion of a back surface of the second compartment; 
 an enclosing panel set attached to the back panel set and defining an interior volume to receive the second goalie pad; 
 an opening in the first compartment to allow the second goalie pad to be placed in the interior volume; and 
 a securing means to selectively block the opening in the second compartment. 
   
     
     
         3 . The carrier of  claim 2 , wherein the carrying strap comprises a carrying panel set attaching the first compartment to the second compartment such that the back panel set of each of the first and second compartments face each other when the carrying panel set is placed over a body for carrying. 
     
     
         4 . The carrier of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first carrying compartment or the second carrying compartment comprises a mesh panel providing breathability to the interior volume of the respective carrying compartment. 
     
     
         5 . The carrier of  claim 4 , wherein the mesh panel is provided on a side of the first carrying compartment, the second carrying compartment or both. 
     
     
         6 . The carrier of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first carrying compartment or the second carrying compartment comprises a plurality of mesh panels providing breathability to the interior volume of the respective carrying compartment. 
     
     
         7 . The carrier of  claim 2 , wherein the securing means of the first carrying compartment comprises one or more of:
 a strap partially blocking the opening;   a cover at least partially blocking the opening; or   a cover panel completely covering the opening and releasably securable to the enclosing panel set.   
     
     
         8 . The carrier of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first carrying compartment or the second carrying compartment comprises a tightening strap for tightening the enclosing panel set to the goalie pad when in the interior volume. 
     
     
         9 . The carrier of  claim 8 , wherein the tightening strap is releasably securable using a hook and loop fastener; a snap, a tie, or a clip. 
     
     
         10 . The carrier of  claim 1 , further comprising a padded shoulder strap located on the carrying strap. 
     
     
         11 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of elongated carrying compartments and the carrying strap are made from a single piece of material. 
     
     
         12 . The carrier of  claim 11 , wherein the back panel set and the enclosing panel set of at least one of the first and second carrying compartments are made from different pieces of material attached together. 
     
     
         13 . The carrier of  claim 2 , wherein the height of at least one of the first carrying compartment and the second carrying compartment is at least 20″. 
     
     
         14 . The carrier of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the height of at least one of the first carrying compartment and the second carrying compartment is between 20″ and 40″;   the width of at least one of the first carrying compartment and the second carrying compartment is between 11″ and 16″; and   the depth of at least one of the first carrying compartment and the second carrying compartment is between 12″ and 16″.   
     
     
         15 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the carrying strap is between 15″ and 25″ in length. 
     
     
         16 . The carrier of  claim 15 , wherein the length of the carrying strap is adjustable.