CA3062148C - Portable sports locker and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE There is a portable sports locker including a support structure which supports a sports bag. The support structure has a plurality of pivotally connected rigid panels and a hanger attached to the plurality of rigid panels for mounting the support structure. The support structure is moveable between a supporting position and a stowed position. The sports bag is supported on the support structure when in the supporting position. The sports bag has a closeable opening and the sports bag configured to store the support structure in the stowed position. 19 CA 3062148 2019-11-21

Description

PORTABLE SPORTS LOCKER AND METHODS OF USE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This relates to a portable locker system, methods of use and, in particular, a portable locker system for holding sports equipment.
BACKGROUND

[0002] The following paragraphs are not an admission that anything discussed in them is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

[0003] There are athletic bags that are configured to be mounted on a wall. U.S.
Patent No. 5,845,780 discloses an athletic bag that can be opened and hung on a wall. U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0227922 discloses a ventilated portable locker for storing, carrying and drying hockey or other sports equipment. The ventilated portable locker is a box-like enclosure with a zippered door on a side panel. U.S. Patent No.
6,732,863 discloses a baseball equipment bag having an elongated bag portion of flexible material and a substantially planar interior shelf within the elongated bag portion. The interior shelf is permanently secured to the elongated bag portion. A removable panel is capable of being removed to substantially fully expose the interior shelf. U.S. Patent No.
7,278,539 discloses a portable enclosure for storing and carrying baseball and other athletic equipment and consists of six fabric-covered rigid panels, which can be closed by means of a single continuous zipper to form a rigid rectangular parallelepiped that can be carted by means of wheels located at a lower edge.

[0004] Although various athletic bags can be mounted on walls, these bags often have various drawbacks, including being cumbersome to install and transport, or requiring the bag to be opened completely when hung, meaning that the full contents of the bag have to be removed from the bag each time it is placed on a wall.
SUMMARY

[0005] A portable sports locker is disclosed comprising: a support structure having three or more rigid panels connected to one another, and an external support hanger; a sports.

bag having a re-closeable opening and defining an interior; and the support structure and sports bag being reconfigurable between: a stowed position where the sports bag encloses and stores the support structure within the interior; and a deployed position where the three or more rigid panels are arranged in a U-shaped orientation, and the external support hanger is accessible to mount the support structure to an external support.

[0006] A method is disclosed comprising: moving a portable sports locker between the deployed position and the stowed position; and connecting the external support hanger to an external support on a wall or ceiling.

[0007] In one embodiment there is disclosed a portable sports locker, comprising a support structure having a plurality of pivotally connected rigid panels and a hanger attached to the plurality of rigid panels for mounting the support structure. The support structure is moveable between a supporting position and a stowed position. A sports bag is supportable on the support structure when in the supporting position. The sports bag has a re-closeable opening and the sports bag configured to store the support structure in the stowed position.

[0008] A portable locker system is disclosed having three rigid panels connected in series, with the system having a deployed configuration where the panels are in a U-shaped orientation relative to one another with front faces of the panels directed toward one another to define a gear zone, with the front face of each panel having hooks and/or shelves configured to mount sport-related gear and equipment in the gear zone, with a hook or loop provided on a rear face or top of the middle panel to permit a user to hang the system on a hook located on a wall in a dressing room.

[0009] A portable locker system is disclosed with a sport bag and having a stowed configuration where the system is stowed as an insert within the sport bag in the deployed configuration with sport-related gear and equipment mounted to the hooks and/or shelves in the gear zone, to permit the system to be stowed in the sport bag with gear attached and removed from the sport bag and hung on the wall with gear still attached.

[0010] A portable locker system is disclosed adapted to form a sport bag, with the rigid panels forming walls of the sport bag, and a closure member such as a zipper or Velcro mechanism provided to secure an opening in the sport bag to permit the system to be mounted to the wall of the dressing room in the deployed configuration.

[0011] A portable locker system is disclosed where rigid panels are connected to pivot relative to one another with a mechanism provided to lock adjacent rigid panels in a select angular orientation relative to one another within a range of a plurality of angular orientations between the adjacent panels to permit the panels to be adjusted in orientation as desired.

[0012] A portable locker system is disclosed where the rigid panels are connected to pivot relative to one another with a mechanism provided to lock adjacent rigid panels in a U-shaped angular orientation, and the panels can pivot into a folded configuration where the panels are stacked one over the other to stow in compact form.

[0013] In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: The three or more rigid panels are pivotally connected to one another.
The three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each pivotally connected on either side of the mounting panel. The external support hanger is attached to the mounting panel. A support member is configured to secure the two supporting panels in a fixed orientation relative to the mounting panel when in the deployed position. The support member further comprises a strap that extends between the two supporting panels when in the deployed position. The strap comprises a pair of straps, each connected to a respective one of the two supporting panels. The support member is reconfigurable between a plurality of locking positions that correspond to different respective orientations in a range of angular orientations. The support member secures the two supporting panels via corresponding hook and loop connectors. The three or more rigid panels are moveable between the U-shaped orientation for deployment and a folded position for transport. The support structure forms an insert that is configured to be:
inserted within the interior of the sports bag to enter the stowed position; and removed from the sports bag to enter the deployed position. The sports bag comprises a sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure into the stowed position. The re-closeable opening of the sports bag is located at an end of the sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure through the end.
The plurality of rigid panels further comprise one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches for mounting sports equipment at least when in the deployed position. The three or more rigid panels are configured to be arranged in the U-shaped orientation when in the deployed position and the stowed position. The one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches are configured to mount sports equipment when in, and moving between, the deployed position or the stowed position. The support structure and the sports bag are configured to remain connected to one another when in the deployed position and the stowed position. The support structure and the sports bag are integrally connected. The re-closeable opening comprises a flap that opens downwardly to permit access to the interior and the support structure. The three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each connected on either side of the mounting panel; and the flap is structured such that edges of the flap extend coterminous along a) front side, top, and bottom edges of the two supporting panels, and b) along top and bottom edges of the mounting panel. The sports bag forms a hockey equipment bag.

[0014] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0015] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0017] Fig. 1 is a front-perspective view of a support structure of a portable sports locker.

[0018] Figs. 1A-B are top plan views of the support structure of Fig.
1 illustrating different angular orientations of the supporting panels relative to one another and the mounting panel.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a rear-perspective view of the support structure of Fig. 1.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a side-perspective view of a portable sports locker having a support structure partially inserted within a sports bag.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a side-perspective view of the portable sports locker in Fig. 3 having the support structure in a stowed position.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a front-perspective view of a strap for mounting on a support structure of a portable sports locker.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a front view of a supporting panel of the support structure of Fig. 1.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a front view of a mounting panel of the support structure of Fig. 1.

[0025] Fig. 8 is a side view of the mounting panel of Fig. 7.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a rear view of the mounting panel of Fig. 7.

[0027] Fig. 10 is a side-perspective view of an embodiment of a portable sports locker having a foldable support structure.

[0028] Fig. 11 is a side-perspective view of the portable sports locker in Fig. 10 in a transportable position.

[0029] Fig. 12 is a front-perspective view of a pouch for receiving a folded support structure of a portable sports locker.

[0030] Fig. 13 is a side-perspective view of a further embodiment of a portable sports locker being mounted to an external hook on a wall.

[0031] Fig. 14 is a side-perspective view of the portable sports locker of Fig. 13 mounted to the external hook and with one or more flaps opened to deploy the rigid panels for use.

[0032] Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of a customizable panel embodiment of a portable sports locker, shown with example dimensions of various pouches and other equipment connectors in dashed lines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] There is an embodiment of a portable sports locker 100 shown in Figs. 1-9.

[0034] Sport equipment bags may include a body defining an enclosure including a zippered or other re-closeable opening intended to receive the articles. In some applications, sport equipment bags include handles, carry straps and/or rollers for ease of transportation.
Sports equipment bags may incorporate sectional compartments for organization.

[0035] In ice hockey and other sports, players use specialized equipment both to facilitate the play of the game and for protection. Such equipment is used as hockey is a sport where injuries are common, therefore, all players are encouraged to protect their bodies from bruises and severe fractures. Other sports require specialized equipment as well, such as lacrosse or field hockey.

[0036] In the sport of hockey, the hard surfaces of the ice and boards, pucks being shot at high speed, and other players maneuvering (and often intentionally colliding, also known as "checking") pose multiple safety hazards. Besides ice skates and sticks, hockey players are usually equipped with an array of safety gear to lessen their risk of serious injury.
This usually includes a helmet, shoulder pads/chest protector, elbow pads, mouth guard, protective gloves, heavily padded shorts, a jock athletic protector, shin pads and a neck guard.

[0037] Goaltenders wear masks and much bulkier, specialized equipment designed to protect them from direct hits from the puck. A regular player's hockey skate is usually made of a thick layer of leather or nylon to protect the feet and lower legs of the player from injury, with its blade rounded on both ends to allow for easy maneuvering. A
goaltending skate, however, has a blade that is lower to the ice and more square than round - such is an advantage to a goalie, for whom lateral mobility and stability is more important than quick turns and speed.

[0038] As above, a hockey player specifically uses a large assortment of equipment.
A hockey player usually is presented with the task of transporting such large quantities of equipment such as skates, pads, shin guards, helmets, gloves and other items.
Often it becomes cumbersome to effectively transport equipment from rink to rink. A
hockey bag presents many drawbacks to the travelling hockey player. Many hockey bags are unsectional making it difficult to fill the bag in an organizational fashion. It is sometimes awkward and time consuming to navigate through an unsectional bag to locate a desired article. In addition, it may be inconvenient and uncomfortable to continually have to bend over to access a piece of equipment since the bag generally lies flat on the floor.

[0039] A sport equipment bag for hockey or other sports equipment may have an exterior fabric shell supported by an internal frame. A series of separate equipment pockets may be attached to each side with the cavity of the shell divided by a series of mesh fabric shelves creating a sequence of separate internal storage compartments. The bag may be moved by carrying it with dual shoulder straps, or by rolling it on built-in wheels attached to the internal frame of the bag. The internal frame may be partially collapsible and comprised of channels and cross members. Foam or other wall supports may be disposed along the side panels on the interior of the bag for added support. Walls may include a series of apertures to encourage air flow through the bag. The storage compartment or interior may be accessible through a series of flaps incorporated in the top and front of the bag.

[0040] Hockey players use equipment of many different shapes and sizes.

Accordingly, adjustable shelving features may be used in the inner storage compartment of a hockey bag capable of accepting a variety of equipment. Hockey and other sports bag may be configured to have dedicated compartments for specific equipment.
Furthermore, a hockey or other sports bag may be configured in a duffel bag form that stands upright such that the user may access the equipment more easily. A retractable or other handle may be provided with access at the top end of the bag to facilitate transport, similar to that of a suitcase. Wheels may be provided at or near a base end of the bag.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 1-4, a portable sports locker 100 includes a support structure 102, and in some cases a sports bag 138 as well. The support structure 102 may have a plurality of rigid panels, such as three or more panels 104, 106, 108.
The support structure 102 may have an external support hanger 110, for example attached to the plurality of rigid panels 104, 106, 108 or one or more of them, for mounting the support structure 102, for example, to a hook on a wall or ceiling or other external structure. In the embodiment shown, there are three pivotally connected rigid panels 104, 106 and 108, although other numbers of panels can be used. The sports bag 138 may have a re-closeable opening 136.
The bag 138 may define an interior 139. The bag 138 may have a suitable shape, such as that of a duffel bag, for example having walls 138A, 138B, 138C, and 138D, a first end wall 138E, and a second end wall 138F.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1-4, the support structure 102 may be reconfigurable, for example moveable, between a supporting or deployed position, as shown in Fig.
1, and a stowed position, for example, as shown in Fig. 4. In use, the portable sports locker 100 may be reconfigured or moved between the deployed position and the stowed position, for example from the stowed position to the deployed position, or from the deployed position back to the stowed position. Referring to Figs. 13-14, when in the deployed position the use of the locker 100 may comprise connecting the external support hanger 110 to an external support, such as a hook 146, on a wall 148 or ceiling. The re-closeable opening may be closed when in the stowed position, and may be opened when in the deployed position.

[0043] Referring to Figs. 1, 1A-B, and 2-4, the rigid panels may take a suitable configuration and interconnection. The three or more panels may be pivotally connected to one another. The three rigid panels as shown in Fig. 1 include a mounting panel 106 and two supporting panels 104, 108 each pivotally connected on either side of the mounting panel 106. When in the deployed position the two supporting panels 104, 108 are angled forward from the mounting panel 106 when in the supporting position as shown in Fig.
1. The hanger 110 is attached to the mounting panel 106. The rigid panels may be made from a suitable material, such as plastic, such as a polyethylene (PE) board. Various other materials may be used, for example materials that have enough strength to support the sports bag 138 and are lightweight so as to be easily transportable within the sports bag 138. One example material is polyurethane (PU), such as PU leather or polymer fabric, or polyvinylchloride (PVC).
Other suitable polymeric materials may be used, including water proof materials. Ballistic nylon may be used to resist damage from abrasives such as skate blades.
Fabrics may have a suitable denier rating, such as 420D, 120D, or between 100D and 2000D in some cases, though other values above and beyond that range may be used. Each panel, such as panel 106, may have a rear face 106E, and a front face 106F. The rear face may form a wall-contacting or wall-contacting face, while the front face forms a user-contacting face. The panels may collectively define an equipment -receiving zone therebetween when in the U-shaped orientation. More than three panels may be used, such as four or more panels, or less than three panels may be used, such as two, or one. Some panels may connect pivotally to one another while others may connect rigidly in fixed orientation.

[0044] Referring to Figs. 1A, 1B, and Fig. 2, the plurality of rigid panels 104, 106 and 108 may be pivotally connected by a suitable mechanism, such as respective hinges 118.
The hinges provide a pivotable connection between the plurality of rigid panels 104, 106 and 108. Various designs, shapes and numbers of hinges may be used, including piano hinges, living hinges, pin and cylinder hinges, hook and pin hinges, or webbing, cables, or strings.
Mechanisms other than hinges may be used to provide a pivotable connection, including bendable or foldable materials (living hinge), such as a thin connection of plastic or cardboard, or other mechanisms that provide the ability for the rigid panels to pivot relative to each other.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the support structure 102 may incorporate a suitable external support hanger 110. Hanger 110 may be an adjustable strap. A
strap length adjuster, such as a D-ring 110A, may be incorporated. Various other designs of hanger may be used so long as the support structure is able to be mounted to a hook or hanger or bar on a wall or other structure. Although in many cases the portable sports locker may be mounted on a hook in a locker room wall or sports facility, it may also be attached to other structures, such as a branch on a tree, a part of a fence or another convenient location, such as an overhead pipe, bar, or hook from the ceiling of an enclosed room or locker.
Preferably, the mounting panel 106 should be placed against a flat surface, such as a wall 148, when the support structure is in the supporting position, to steady the locker. A rear face 106F, opposite a front face 106E, of the panel 106 may rest against the wall 148.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 1-3, a support member may be configured to secure one or both of the two supporting panels 104, 108, in a fixed orientation. The support member or members may hold each panel 104, 108 in a fixed orientation relative to the mounting panel 106, and/or relative to the mountain panel 106 and one other. A support member may be formed from a strap, for example a pair of straps 112, 132 connected or extended between the two supporting panels 104, 108 (or between one of the panels 104, 108, and the mounting panel 106) to hold the two supporting panels 104, 108 in a fixed orientation relative to each other when in the supporting position. As shown in Fig. 1, the support member comprises a pair of straps 112, 132, each one of the pair of straps connected to a corresponding one of the two supporting panels 104, 108, in which the pair of straps further comprise corresponding hook and loop connections 114, 116. Various other connections may be used to secure the straps together, including buttons, latches, clasps, buckles, hooks and hook receivers, zippers, or other connections. Other types of support members may be used to hold the supporting panels in position. For example, the support member may be a rigid separator connected to each of the two support members by various connectors. Other support members may be used so long as the support member can hold the panels in a fixed angled position relative to each other and relative to the mounting panel. In other embodiments, the structure within the sports bag 138 can be used as a support member, for example if the bag has a rigid frame which is mounted directly onto the bottom of support structure.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 1A-1B, the panels may be reconfigurable between a plurality of deployed positions. For example, the support member may be reconfigurable between a plurality of locking positions that correspond to different respective orientations in a range of angular orientations. In the examples shown, the strap 112 may be adjusted to provide supporting to mounting panel angles 107 of ninety degrees (Fig. 1A) and one hundred and twenty degrees (Fig. 1B). Other angles may be achieved, including angles within a range of infinite angles in the case of a hook and loop or buckle strap length adjustment mechanism, or a range of discrete increments, as in the case of a series of holes in strap 112 selectively engageable with a pin or hook (not shown) to adjust length. The U-shaped orientations shown include a rectangular top plan profile (Fig. 1A) and three sides of a trapezoid (Fig. 1B) but other configurations, including asymmetric and symmetric configurations may be used.

[0048] The panels may be biased toward one another. For example, the plurality of panels may be arranged so that the panels would be pulled by gravity towards a more open position without the support member. The pair of straps 112, 132 may resist gravitational force to thereby hold the panels in a fixed angular position relative to each other. Such an embodiment permits the use of a tensioning member such as a flexible or inflexible strap, as opposed to a member that resists tension and compression, such as a rigid, elongate cross member. A spring may be used in some cases, for example a spring hinge (not shown).

[0049] Referring to Figs. 1, 6, 7, and 8, the plurality of rigid panels may include suitable equipment supports, such as equipment connectors. Panels 104, 106 and 108 may include various of pouches / pockets 120, hooks 122, loops 124, bindings, and shelves (not shown) for mounting or holding items such as sports equipment 152 when in the supporting position. Hooks may be made from plastic or other suitable materials. The pockets may be made from mesh fabric or other suitable materials. Many different designs, arrangements or combinations of pockets, hangers, shelves, and loops are possible. An example loop 124 is shown in more detail in Fig. 5, and may have a hook and loop attachment 126, 128 that can be pinned, pressed, riveted, or connected by other suitable mechanisms, into the support structure 102.

[0050] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the support structure 102, for example the plurality of panels, may form an insert for the sports bag 138. The insert may be configured to be inserted within the interior 139 of the sports bag 138 to enter the stowed position (Fig. 4), and removed from the sports bag 138 to enter the deployed position. The support structure 102 may be moveable between a supporting or deployed position as shown in Fig.
1 and a stowed position, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, in which the support structure 102 is slidable into a sleeve 144 of a sports bag 138. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the sports bag 138 has a sleeve 144 for slideably receiving the support structure 102 into the stowed position (Fig. 4) and in which the support structure 102 is storable within the sleeve 144 for transportation of the portable sports locker 100. The sleeve may be formed by bag side walls 138A-D, and bag end walls 138E and 138F. In one case side walls 138A-D form a cylindrical sleeve shell. When in the stowed position the support structure 102 may be slid fully into the sports bag 138 so that the re-closeable opening 136, for example located at a top end wall 138E, on the bag may be closed with the support structure 102 fully inside the sports bag 138.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 1, 3, and 4, the support structure 102 may be structured to hold sports equipment 152, such as hockey equipment as shown, while in the stowed position. The re-closeable opening 136 may open the top end wall 138E of the sports bag 138 allowing the user to place various items into the sports bag 138 through the opening by mounting such equipment on the support structure 102 and inserting the structure 102 within the bag 138, or otherwise enclosing the bag 138 around the structure 102 if the bag 138 is integrally or otherwise connected to the structure 102. The stowed equipment will thereafter remain within the bag while hanging on or secured upon or by the support structure 102.
Such allows for more convenient storage than would otherwise be available if the sports equipment 152 was loosely distributed about the bag 138 and the user was required to hang the equipment 152 upon the support structure 102 when the structure 102 was in the deployed position. The support member may be used to retain the structure 102 in the U-shaped orientation while the user removes or inserts the structure 102 out of or into, respectively, the bag 138.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, the sports bag 138 is supportable on the support structure 102 when in the supporting position. The sports bag 138 has a re-closeable opening 136 and the sports bag 138 is configured to store the support structure 102 in the stowed position such as shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the re-closeable opening 136 may be a zippered opening that allows access to the bag. The sports bag 138 may have multiple pockets or openings. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, there is a main opening for the sports bag 138 below a handle 134. A sports bag 138 can be designed with various shapes and configurations as are known. It is possible for the re-closeable opening to allow the entire sports bag to unzip when in the supporting position. The specific design of the shape and configuration of the sports bag 138 is exemplary and the designs of sports bags can vary greatly, including the material the bag is made out of, the overall shape, the number, size and configuration of pockets or handles, the placement of zippers and as well as various other features.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 13-14, the support structure 102 and the sports bag 138 may be configured to remain connected to one another when in the stowed position and the deployed position. The support structure 102, such as plurality of rigid panels 104, 106, 108, may form an integral portion of the sports bag 138 when in the stowed position. For example, the panels 104, 106, and 108 may be embedded within or otherwise form the bag side walls 138A, 138C, and 138D. In the example shown the re-closeable opening 136 is formed by a flap or flaps that also form one or more of the end walls 138E, F, and bag side wall 138B. The re-closeable opening 136 may as shown comprise a flap that opens downwardly to permit access to the interior 139 and the support structure 102, to enter the deployed position. The flap may be structured such that side edges of the flap, such as edges 136B and 136C may extend coterminous along front side edges, such as edges 104B and 108B, respectively, of the two supporting panels 104, 108. The flap may be structured such that side edges 136B and 136C of the flap extend coterminous along top edges, such as edges 104A and 108A, respectively, of the two supporting panels. The flap may be structured such that edges of the flap, such as edge 136A, extends coterminous along a top edge, such as edge 106A, of the mounting panel 106. The flap may be structured such that edges, such as edge 136D of the flap extends coterminous along a bottom edge, such as edge 136D, of the central mounting panel 106. A support member, such as strap 112, may be present to retain a U-shaped orientation when deployed, or the panels may be rigidly connected together in fixed orientation. In some embodiments, a portion or the entirety of the sports bag 138 may be removable or separable from the support structure 102. In the example shown the bag 138 forms an upright bag with end wall 138F forming a base end, optionally with wheels 154 or other ground-engaging elements, and end wall 138E forming a top end. Straps 150, such as formed by webbing, may be used to connect and form handles 134. In some cases plural flaps may be used, such as a flap for top end wall 138E and a flap that forms side wall 138B
and end wall 138F.

[0054] In some embodiments (not shown), the re-closeable opening 136 (Fig. 4) of the sports bag 138 may be located below and adjacent to the support structure 102 (Fig. 4) when the support structure 102 is in the supporting position. When the support structure 102 is mounted to a wall or other surface, the sports bag 138 may be openable and accessible by a user. This allows the user to place sports equipment or other items directly into the sports bag 138. By placing the sports bag 138 directly underneath the support structure 102, the support structure can keep the re-closeable opening 136 on the sports bag 138 in an open position. When the portable sports locker 100 is mounted the open side of the bag becomes a top opening in the bag, and various items can be stored in the bag. For example, in Fig. 3, when the portable sports locker 100 is hung from a wall or other object, the opening on the left portion of the drawing will function become the top of the bag, and the bulk of the sports bag 138 can store various sports or other items. The opening shown in Fig. 3 below the handles 134 can be kept closed while the portable sports locker is hung in the air creating more storage space.

[0055] Referring to Figs. 10 and 12, the three or more rigid panels may be moveable between the U-shaped orientation for deployment and a folded position for transport. As shown in the embodiments in Fig. 10 and 11, the stowed position of the support structure 102 may include the rigid panels being pivotally rotated into a folded position as shown in Figs. 10. When folded together the panels may stack in a face-to-face arrangement as shown, for example in accordion fashion or another suitable fashion. Once in the folded position, support structure 102 may be inserted within interior 139 of bag 138. As shown in Fig. 12, the plurality of rigid panels of the support structure 102 may be folded and then placed into a pouch 140. The pouch 140 may be a separate item that can be placed into the sports bag 138 or may form an integral part of the sports bag 138 as shown in Fig. 10. The pouch allows for support structure to the stored in the sports bag 138 when in the folded position.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 15, in some cases the panels 104, 106, 108 may be customizable as to the location of equipment supports or connectors. In the example shown, the panel 104 has a plurality of mounts, such as holes 142 or pegs / hooks (not shown). Holes 142 are structured to fit pegs (not shown) that are connected to one or more of pockets 120A-D, hooks 122, or loops 124. The example shown provides panel 104 as a pegboard. In the example shown, one or more of pockets 120A-D, hook 122, and loop 124, may be positioned at a suitable location and in a suitable pattern about the surface of panel 104 by selecting an appropriate mounting position for such item and mating the item with the panel 104. Pouches 120A-D, hooks 122, and loop 124, or other equipment mounting parts, may have one, two, or more pegs for such purpose. Other male and female connectors may be used, including quick connectors that can be engaged and released with ease. In the example shown, each item may be designed to hold a specific type of equipment. For example, pouch 120A is structured to hold an elbow pad, pouch 120B a glove, 120C a shinpad, and 120D
a hockey skate. Pouches or other equipment mounting parts may be shaped to fit the requisite equipment, such as shown. Holes 142 or other male or female connectors may be arrayed about the panel 104 in a suitable pattern, for example a grid or matrix of evenly spaced holes as shown in the example. Spacings between connectors may be of suitable dimensions for example one inch separations. A customizable arrangement may allow the individual to set up and organize their equipment how they see fit for themselves. Pouches may comprise mesh pouches.

[0057] In some cases the panels may be separated from one another or otherwise unlocked to stow the panels in the stowed position. Suitable connectors may be used to connect parts, such as zippers, hook and loop connectors (including VELCRO TM
products), rivets, clasps, latches, hooks, rings, magnets, buckles, knots, cables, interference fits, quick release connectors, cam-locks, and others. Runners may extend along any of the surfaces of the bag or panels for extra support. The use of orientation terms such as up, down, left, right, top, base, bottom, vertical, horizontal, and others are understood to be relative and not restricted to meanings relative to the direction of gravitational acceleration on the Earth, unless context dictates otherwise. The support structure 102 may be sized to fit within an existing locker, such as a metal or wood structure with a rear wall and side walls extended out from the rear wall, and optionally with a front door to the locker.

[0058] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0059] In the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles "a" and "an"
before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.

Claims (55)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A portable sports locker comprising:
a support structure having three or more rigid panels connected to one another, and an external support hanger;
a sports bag having a re-closeable opening and defining an interior;
a support member; and the support structure and sports bag being reconfigurable between:
a stowed position where the sports bag encloses and stores the support structure within the interior;
a deployed position where the three or more rigid panels are arranged in a U-shaped orientation, and the external support hanger is accessible to mount the support stnicture to an external support;
in which the three or more rigid panels are pivotally connected to one another, and the three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each pivotally connected on either side of the mounting panel; and in which the support member is configured to secure the two supporting panels in a fixed orientation relative to the mounting panel when in the deployed position.

2. The portable sports locker of claim 1 in which the external support hanger is attached to the mounting panel.

3. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 2 in which the support member further comprises a strap that extends between the two supporting panels when in the deployed position.

4. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 3 in which the strap comprises a pair of straps, each connected to a respective one of the two supporting panels.

5. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 4 in which the support member is reconfigurable between a plurality of locking positions that correspond to different respective orientations in a range of angular orientations.

6. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 5 in which the support member secures the two supporting panels via corresponding hook and loop connectors.

7. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 6 in which the three or more rigid panels are moveable between the U-shaped orientation for deployment and a folded position for transport.

8. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 7 in which the support structure forms an insert that is configured to be:
inserted within the interior of the sports bag to enter the stowed position;
and removed from the sports bag to enter the deployed position.

9. The portable sports locker of claim 8 in which the sports bag comprises a sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure into the stowed position.

10. The portable sports locker of claim 9 in which the re-closeable opening of the sports bag is located at an end of the sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure through the end.

11. The portable sports locker of any one of claims 1 - 10 in which the plurality of rigid panels further comprise one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches for mounting sports equipment at least when in the deployed position.

12. The portable sports locker of claim 11 in which:
the three or more rigid panels are configured to be arranged in the U-shaped orientation when in the deployed position and the stowed position; and the one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches are configured to mount sports equipment when in, and moving between, the deployed position or the stowed position.

13. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 12 in which the support structure and the sports bag are configured to remain connected to one another when in the deployed position and the stowed position.

14. The portable sports locker of claim 13 in which the support structure and the sports bag are integrally connected.

15. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 13 - 14 in which the re-closeable opening comprises a flap that opens downwardly to permit access to the interior and the support structure.

16. The portable sports locker of claim 15 in which:
the three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each connected on either side of the mounting panel; and the flap is structured such that edges of the flap extend coterminous along a) front side, top, and bottom edges of the two supporting panels, and b) along top and bottom edges of the mounting panel.

17. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 16 in which the sports bag forms a hockey equipment bag.

18. A method comprising:
moving the portable sports locker of any one of claim 1 - 17 between the deployed position and the stowed position; and connecting the external support hanger to an external support on a wall or ceiling.

19. A portable sports locker comprising:
a support structure having three or more rigid panels connected to one another, and an external support hanger;
a sports bag having a re-closeable opening and defining an interior; and the support structure and sports bag being reconfigurable between:

a stowed position where the sports bag encloses and stores the support structure within the interior; and a deployed position where the three or more rigid panels are arranged in a U-shaped orientation, and the external support hanger is accessible to mount the support structure to an external support; and in which the support structure forms an insert that is configured to be:
inserted within the interior of the sports bag to enter the stowed position;
and removed from the sports bag to enter the deployed position.

20. The portable sports locker of claim 19 in which the three or more rigid panels are pivotally connected to one another.

21. The portable sports locker of claim 20 in which:
the three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each pivotally connected on either side of the mounting panel; and the external support hanger is attached to the mounting panel.

22. The portable sports locker of claim 21 comprising a support member configured to secure the two supporting panels in a fixed orientation relative to the mounting panel when in the deployed position.

23. The portable sports locker of claim 22 in which the support member further comprises a strap that extends between the two supporting panels when in the deployed position.

24. The portable sports locker of claim 23 in which the strap comprises a pair of straps, each connected to a respective one of the two supporting panels.

25. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 22 - 24 in which the support member is reconfigurable between a plurality of locking positions that correspond to different respective orientations in a range of angular orientations.

26. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 22 - 25 in which the support member secures the two supporting panels via corresponding hook and loop connectors.

27. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 19 - 26 in which the three or more rigid panels are moveable between the U-shaped orientation for deployment and a folded position for transport.

28. The portable sports locker of claim 27 in which the sports bag comprises a sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure into the stowed position.

29. The portable sports locker of claim 28 in which the re-closeable opening of the sports bag is located at an end of the sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure through the end.

30. The portable sports locker of any one of claims 19 - 29 in which the plurality of rigid panels further comprise one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches for mounting sports equipment at least when in the deployed position.

31. The portable sports locker of claim 30 in which:
the three or more rigid panels are configured to be arranged in the U-shaped orientation when in the deployed position and the stowed position; and the one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches are configured to mount sports equipment when in, and moving between, the deployed position or the stowed position.

32. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 19 - 31 in which the support structure and the sports bag are configured to remain connected to one another when in the deployed position and the stowed position.

33. The portable sports locker of claim 32 in which the support structure and the sports bag are integrally connected.

34. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 32 - 33 in which the re-closeable opening comprises a flap that opens downwardly to permit access to the interior and the support structure.

35. The portable sports locker of claim 34 in which:
the three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each connected on either side of the mounting panel; and the flap is structured such that edges of the flap extend coterminous along a) front side, top, and bottom edges of the two supporting panels, and b) along top and bottom edges of the mounting panel.

36. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 19 - 35 in which the sports bag forms a hockey equipment bag.

37. A method comprising:
moving the portable sports locker of any one of claim 19 - 36 between the deployed position and the stowed position; and connecting the external support hanger to an external support on a wall or ceiling.

38. A portable sports locker comprising:
a support structure having three or more rigid panels connected to one another, and an external support hanger;
a sports bag having a re-closeable opening and defining an interior; and the support structure and sports bag being reconfigurable between:
a stowed position where the sports bag encloses and stores the support structure within the interior; and a deployed position where the three or more rigid panels are arranged in a U-shaped orientation, and the external support hanger is accessible to mount the support structure to an external support;
in which the support structure and the sports bag are configured to remain connected to one another when in the deployed position and the stowed position; and Date recue/Date received 2023-05-25 in which the re-closeable opening comprises a flap that opens downwardly to permit access to the interior and the support structure.

39. The portable sports locker of claim 38 in which the three or more rigid panels are pivotally connected to one another.

40. The portable sports locker of claim 39 in which:
the three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each pivotally connected on either side of the mounting panel; and the external support hanger is attached to the mounting panel.

41. The portable sports locker of claim 40 comprising a support member configured to secure the two supporting panels in a fixed orientation relative to the mounting panel when in the deployed position.

42. The portable sports locker of claim 41 in which the support member further comprises a stap that extends between the two supporting panels when in the deployed position.

43. The portable sports locker of claim 42 in which the strap comprises a pair of straps, each connected to a respective one of the two supporting panels.

44. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 41 - 43 in which the support member is reconfigurable between a plurality of locking positions that correspond to different respective orientations in a range of angular orientations.

45. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 41 - 44 in which the support member secures the two supporting panels via corresponding hook and loop connectors.

46. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 38 - 45 in which the three or more rigid panels are moveable between the U-shaped orientation for deployment and a folded position for transport.

Date recue/Date received 2023-05-25

47. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 38 - 46 in which the support structure forms an insert that is configured to be:
inserted within the interior of the sports bag to enter the stowed position;
and removed from the sports bag to enter the deployed position.

48. The portable sports locker of claim 47 in which the sports bag comprises a sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure into the stowed position.

49. The portable sports locker of claim 48 in which the re-closeable opening of the sports bag is located at an end of the sleeve for slideably receiving the support structure through the end.

50. The portable sports locker of any one of claims 38 - 49 in which the plurality of rigid panels further comprise one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches for mounting sports equipment at least when in the deployed position.

51. The portable sports locker of claim 50 in which:
the three or more rigid panels are configured to be arranged in the U-shaped orientation when in the deployed position and the stowed position; and the one or more of hangers, shelves, and pouches are configured to mount sports equipment when in, and moving between, the deployed position or the stowed position.

52. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 38 - 51 in which the support structure and the sports bag are integrally connected.

53. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 38 - 52 in which:
the three or more rigid panels comprise a mounting panel and two supporting panels each connected on either side of the mounting panel; and the flap is structured such that edges of the flap extend coterminous along a) front side, top, and bottom edges of the two supporting panels, and b) along top and bottom edges of the mounting panel.

Date recue/Date received 2023-05-25

54. The portable sports locker of any one of claim 38 - 53 in which the sports bag forms a hockey equipment bag.

55. A method comprising:
moving the portable sports locker of any one of claim 38 - 54 between the deployed position and the stowed position; and connecting the external support hanger to an extemal support on a wall or ceiling.

Date recue/Date received 2023-05-25