WO2022261048A1

WO2022261048A1 - Apparatus for storage, protection, or transport of sporting devices

Info

Publication number: WO2022261048A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/032433
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robin S. GIANAKOPOULOS; James Broadus COMBS, Jr.
Original assignee: Gianakopoulos Robin S; Combs James Broadus Jr
Priority date: 2021-06-07
Filing date: 2022-06-07
Publication date: 2022-12-15

Abstract

An apparatus for storage, protection, or transport of sporting devices, such as skis, is presented, the apparatus including: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to one or two tail engagement portions by a strap. The tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions may be formed with an opening and an opposing closed distal end. Each of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions may include an attachment tab and attachment hardware for attaching the strap. Alternatively, the strap may attach directly to one or more of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions. The strap may include quick detach devices such as clips at its ends to engage attachment hardware, such as d-rings, on the tips engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions. The strap may include a shoulder pad.

Description

APPARATUS FOR STORAGE. PROTECTION. OR TRANSPORT OF SPORTING DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/197,775, filed on June 7, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The storage, protection, or transport of sporting devices when not in use, and particularly elongated sporting devices such as skis, can be difficult. For example, snow skis are often about as long as the skier is tall. Skis are often coupled together when not in use (with the base of a first ski facing the base of a second ski), which can somewhat ease the burden of handling them, but the ski tips and tails remain vulnerable to damage and continue to require a user to carry the coupled skis in the user’s hands.

[0003] What is needed is a device for the convenient storage, protection, or transport of sporting devices, such as skis.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, an apparatus for storage, protection, or transport of sporting devices, such as skis, is provided, the apparatus comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to one or two tail engagement portions by a strap. The tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions may be formed with an opening and an opposing closed distal end. Each of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions may include an attachment tab and attachment hardware for attaching the strap. Alternatively, the strap may attach directly to one or more of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions. The strap may include quick detach devices such as clips at its ends to engage attachment hardware, such as d-rings, on the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion or portions. The strap may include a shoulder pad.

[0005] In another aspect, an apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, is provided, the apparatus comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a single tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein the single tail engagement portion is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a pair of ski tails is inserted into the proximal end opening; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the single tail engagement portion, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portion into engagement with the ski tails.

[0006] In another aspect, an apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, is provided, the apparatus comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a pair of tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tail engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tail is inserted into the proximal end opening; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the pair of tail engagement portions, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portions into engagement with the ski tails.

[0007] In another aspect, an apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, is provided, the apparatus comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a single tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tip engagement portions have the same shape and size, wherein the single tail engagement portion is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a pair of ski tails is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein the tail engagement portion is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tail engagement portion have the same shape and size; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the single tail engagement portion, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portion into engagement with the ski tails.

[0008] In another aspect, an apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, is provided, the apparatus comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a pair of tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tip engagement portions have the same shape and size, wherein each of the tail engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein ski tail is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tail engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tail engagement portions have the same shape and size; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the pair of tail engagement portions, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portions into engagement with the ski tails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example systems and apparatuses, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of skis 102 arranged base-to-base.

[0011] FIG. IB illustrates a perspective view of skis 102 arranged base-to-base and fitted with an apparatus 100 for storage, protection, or transport.

[0012] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of skis 102 arranged base-to-base and fitted with apparatus 100 for storage, protection, or transport.

[0013] FIG. ID illustrates a partial perspective view of tip/nose ends of skis 102 arranged base-to-base and fitted with apparatus 100 for storage, protection, or transport. [0014] FIG. IE illustrates a partial perspective view of tail ends of skis 102 arranged base-to-base and fitted with apparatus 100 for storage, protection, or transport.

[0015] FIG. IF illustrates a perspective view of skis 102 arranged base-to-base and fitted with apparatus 100 for storage, protection, or transport, including a strap 122 and a shoulder pad 130.

[0016] FIG. 1G illustrates a plan view of an exemplary apparatus 100.

[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of skis 202 arranged base-to-base.

[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of skis 202 arranged base-to-base and fitted with an apparatus 200 for storage, protection, or transport.

[0019] FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of skis 202 arranged base-to-base and fitted with apparatus 200 for storage, protection, or transport, including a strap 222 and a shoulder pad 230.

[0020] FIG. 2D illustrates a plan view of an exemplary apparatus 200.

[0021] FIG. 2E illustrates a plan view of another exemplary apparatus 200.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] FIGS. 1A-1G illustrates an apparatus 100 for storage, protection, or transport of sporting devices, such as skis 102. Each of skis 102 may include a tip/nose portion 104, a tail portion 106, and a central portion 108 oriented between tip 104 and tail 106.

[0023] Skis 102 may be coupled together with the base of a first ski facing the base of a second ski. The base of the ski is that portion of the ski that rests upon the snow surface during use of the ski. Skis 102 may be held in this base-to-base arrangement via a coupler 110

[0024] Apparatus 100 includes a pair of tip engagement portions 114 and a single tail engagement portion 116, coupled via a strap 122. No more than one tail engagement portion 116 exists in apparatus 100. Each of tip engagement portions 114 is fitted over a single tip portion 104 of a ski 102, such that a first tip engagement portion 114 is fit over a first tip 104, and a second tip engagement portion 114 is fit over a second tip 104. Tail engagement portion 116 is simultaneously fit over both tail portions 106 of skis 102.

[0025] Each of tip engagement portions 114 are formed generally as an envelope or sleeve with two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, which forms a proximal end opening 140 into which tip portion 104 is inserted. The two flat panels may be fixed to one another via any of a variety of means, such as stitching, tape, sonic welding, an adhesive, rivets, snaps, fasteners, or the like. The two panels may be shaped to approximate the edges of skis 102 at tip portions 104. The two panels may have the same approximate shape and size, such that the proximal ends of the two panels are at or near the same position, permitting the tip engagement portions 114 to be placed on the tip portions 104 with either of the two flat panels facing out (away from the ski base) and either of the two flat panels facing in (in contact with the ski base). The two panels may have the same approximate shape and size, such that the proximal ends of the two panels are at or near the same position to ensure that tip engagement portions 114 deeply engage (6 in. - 12 in. (15.24 cm - 30.48 cm)) tip portion 104, to ensure both total protection of and secure engagement with tip portion 104. [0026] Tail engagement portion 116 may be formed generally as an envelope or sleeve with two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, which forms a proximal end opening 142 into which both tail portions 106 is inserted. The two flat panels may be fixed to one another via any of a variety of means, such as stitching, tape, sonic welding, an adhesive, rivets, snaps, fasteners, or the like. The two panels may be shaped to approximate the edges of skis 102 at tail portions 106. The two panels may have the same approximate shape and size, such that the proximal ends of the two panels are at or near the same position to ensure that tail engagement portion 116 deeply engage (6 in. - 12 in. (15.24 cm - 30.48 cm)) tail portions 106, to ensure both total protection of and secure engagement with both tail portions 106

[0027] Tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 include closed distal end portions such that the distal tip and tail ends of skis 102 are completely (and deeply) covered and protected by tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116. In this manner, tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 cannot slide down and away from tip portions 104 and tail portions 106, respectively. Stated differently, the closed distal end portions of tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 limit the allowable movement of tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 in the same manner as a closed-toe sock donned on a foot can only be pulled onto the foot as far as the closed-toe portion permits, as opposed to a tube orientation (e.g., similar to an ankle or knee brace) which would allow the tube to be pulled past the foot and up the leg as far as the user desires.

[0028] Tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, including for example a textile, a polymer, or a rubber. Tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 may be formed form compliant materials that permit tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 to conform to the shape of tip portion 104 and tail portion 106. Tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 may be formed from elastic materials that permit tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 to conform to the shape of tip portion 104 and tail portion 106 and/or grip tip portion 104 and tail portion 106. Tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 may be formed from a waterproof material, such as a neoprene or the like. Tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 may include padding to provide protection to tip portion 104 and tail portion 106 from damage when contacted with hard surfaces or other items.

[0029] Tip engagement portions 114 may include strap attachment tabs 118 and strap attachment hardware 124 for attachment of strap 122. Alternatively, one or both of tip engagement portions 114 may be devoid of one or both of attachment tabs 118 and strap attachment hardware 124, and rather strap 122 may be attached directly to one or both of tip engagement portions 114.

[0030] Tail engagement portion 116 may include strap attachment tabs 120 and strap attachment hardware 126 for attachment of strap 122. Alternatively, tail engagement portion 116 may be devoid of one or both of attachment tabs 120 and strap attachment hardware 126, and rather strap 122 may be attached directly to tail engagement portion 116.

[0031] Attachment hardware 124, 126 may be configured to permit fast attachment and detachment of strap 122 as desired by a user.

[0032] Strap 122 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, such as a textile, a polymer, a rubber, or the like. Strap 122 may be elastic and may bias tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 toward one another to maintain tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 in place on skis 102; this concept is illustrated in FIG. 1C where bias direction BD is shown. Strap 122 may be generally inelastic. Strap 122 may include length adjustment mechanisms, including quick adjustment mechanisms, to permit a user to lengthen or shorten strap 122 for shoulder or cross-body carry, or to opt to shorten strap 122 to prevent tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 from being removed from the distal ends of skis 102 until strap 122 is once again lengthened. [0033] When a user carries skis 102 using apparatus 100 via strap 122, force is applied to tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 pulling each of them longitudinally inwardly and into engagement with tip 104 and tail 106, in bias direction BD as illustrated in FIG. 1C. [0034] Apparatus 100 does not require the use of any other straps, ties, cinches, or securement mechanisms, besides strap 122, to secure tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 into place. Apparatus 100 does not include any other straps, ties, cinches, or securement mechanisms, besides strap 122, to secure tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116 into place. Strap 122 is the only strap, tie, cinch, or securement mechanism, used in apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides strap 122 to secure tip engagement portions 114 into engagement with ski tips 104 and to secure tail engagement portion 116 into engagement with the ski tails 106.

[0035] Strap 122 may include a shoulder pad 130 configured to provide comfort to a user when carrying skis 102 using apparatus 100 for shoulder or cross-body carry.

[0036] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrates an apparatus 200 for storage, protection, or transport of sporting devices, such as skis 202. Each of skis 202 may include a tip/nose portion 204, a tail portion 206, and a central portion 208 oriented between tip 204 and tail 206.

[0037] Skis 202 may be coupled together with the base of a first ski facing the base of a second ski. The base of the ski is that portion of the ski that rests upon the snow surface during use of the ski. Skis 202 may be held in this base-to-base arrangement via a coupler 210

[0038] Apparatus 200 includes a pair of tip engagement portions 214 and a pair of tail engagement portions 216, coupled via a strap 222. Each of tip engagement portions 214 may be fitted over a single tip portion 204 of a ski 202, such that a first tip engagement portion 214 is fit over a first tip 204, and a second tip engagement portion 214 is fit over a second tip 204. Each of tail engagement portions 216 may be fitted over a single tail portion 206 of a ski 202, such that a first tail engagement portion 216 is fit over a first tail 206, and a second tail engagement portion 216 is fit over a second tail 206.

[0039] Each of tip engagement portions 214 are formed generally as an envelope or sleeve with two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, which forms a proximal end opening 240 into which each tip portion 204 is inserted. The arrangement and manufacture of tip engagement portions 214 may be the same as tip engagement portions 114 described above. The two panels may have the same approximate shape and size, such that the proximal ends of the two panels are at or near the same position, permitting the tip engagement portions 214 to be placed on the tip portions 204 with either of the two flat panels facing out (away from the ski base) and either of the two flat panels facing in (in contact with the ski base). The two panels may have the same approximate shape and size, such that the proximal ends of the two panels are at or near the same position to ensure that tip engagement portions 214 deeply engage (6 in. - 12 in. (15.24 cm - 30.48 cm)) tip portion 204, to ensure both total protection of and secure engagement with tip portion 204.

[0040] Each of engagement portions 216 may be formed generally as an envelope with two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, which forms a proximal end opening 242 into which tail portion 206 is inserted. The arrangement and manufacture of tail engagement portions 216 may be the same as tail engagement portion 116 described above. The two panels may have the same approximate shape and size, such that the proximal ends of the two panels are at or near the same position, permitting the tail engagement portions 216 to be placed on the tail portions 206 with either of the two flat panels facing out (away from the ski base) and either of the two flat panels facing in (in contact with the ski base). The two panels may have the same approximate shape and size, such that the proximal ends of the two panels are at or near the same position to ensure that tail engagement portions 216 deeply engage (6 in. - 12 in. (15.24 cm - 30.48 cm)) tail portions 206, to ensure both total protection of and secure engagement with tail portions 206.

[0041] Like tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion 116, tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions 216 include closed distal end portions. [0042] Tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions 216 may be formed from the same types of materials as tip engagement portions 114 and tail engagement portion

116

[0043] Tip engagement portions 214 may include strap attachment tabs 218 and strap attachment hardware 224 for attachment of strap 222. Alternatively, one or both of tip engagement portions 214 may be devoid of one or both of attachment tabs 218 and strap attachment hardware 224, and rather strap 222 may be attached directly to one or both of tip engagement portions 214.

[0044] Tail engagement portions 216 may include strap attachment tabs 220 and strap attachment hardware 226 for attachment of strap 222. Alternatively, tail engagement portions 216 may be devoid of one or both of attachment tabs 220 and strap attachment hardware 226, and rather strap 222 may be attached directly to tail engagement portions 216.

[0045] Attachment hardware 224, 226 may be configured to permit fast attachment and detachment of strap 222 as desired by a user. [0046] Strap 222 may be formed from the same types of materials as strap 122. Strap 222 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, such as a textile, a polymer, a rubber, or the like. Strap 222 may be elastic and may bias tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions 216 toward one another to maintain tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions 216 in place on skis 202; this concept is illustrated in FIG. 2C where bias direction BD is shown. Strap 222 may be generally inelastic. Strap 222 may include length adjustment mechanisms, including quick adjustment mechanisms, to permit a user to lengthen or shorten strap 222 for shoulder or cross-body carry, or to opt to shorten strap 222 to prevent tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions 216 from being removed from the distal ends of skis 202 until strap 222 is once again lengthened.

[0047] When a user carries skis 202 using apparatus 200 via strap 222, force is applied to tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions 216 pulling each of them longitudinally inwardly and into engagement with tip 204 and tail 206, in bias direction BD as illustrated in FIG. 2C.

[0048] Apparatus 200 does not require the use of any other straps, ties, cinches, or securement mechanisms, besides strap 222, to secure tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions 216 into place. Apparatus 200 does not include any other straps, ties, cinches, or securement mechanisms, besides strap 222, to secure tip engagement portions 214 and tail engagement portions into place 216. Strap 222 is the only strap, tie, cinch, or securement mechanism, used in apparatus 200. Apparatus 200 is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides strap 222 to secure tip engagement portions 214 into engagement with ski tips 204 and to secure tail engagement portions 216 into engagement with the ski tails 206.

[0049] Strap 222 may include a shoulder pad 230 configured to provide comfort to a user when carrying skis 202 using apparatus 200 for shoulder or cross-body carry.

[0050] Apparatus 100 may be used for skis 102 in which the tip portion 104 has greater rise, rocker, curvature, etc. such that fitting a single portion 114 over the pair of tips 104 with skis 102 coupled base-to-base would be impractical. Apparatus 100 may be used for skis 102 in which the tail portion 106 has less rise, rocker, curvature, etc. such that fitting a single portion 116 over the pair of tails 106 with skis 102 coupled base-to-base is practical.

[0051] Apparatus 200 may be used for skis 202 in which the tip portion 204 has greater rise, rocker, curvature, etc. such that fitting a single portion 214 over the pair of tips 204 with skis 202 coupled base-to-base would be impractical. Apparatus 200 may be used for skis 202 in which the tail portion 206 also has greater rise, rocker, curvature, etc. such that fitting a single portion 216 over the pair of tails 206 with skis 202 coupled base-to-base is impractical. [0052] Both apparatuses 100 and 200 encase/envelop and protect both tips 104, 204 and both tails 106, 206 of skis 102, 202. Apparatus 100 may be used for tails 106 that can be easily fit into a single tail engagement portion 116, whereas apparatus 200 may be used for tails 206 that cannot be easily fit into a single tail engagement portion 116. It should be noted that apparatus 200 can be used with tails 106 that would not require two separate tail engagement portions 216, but yet a user may opt to insert tails 106 into the two separate tail engagement portions 216.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 2D, one arrangement of apparatus 200 may include attachment hardware 224, 226 (such as d-rings) on each of portions 214, 216, and quick detach devices (such as clips 250) at the ends of strap 222. In this arrangement, a user may quickly and easily convert apparatus 200 into apparatus 100 by simply removing one of tail engagement portions 216. Thus, apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 2D may be easily convertible for use on either skis 102 (and using a single tail engagement portion 216) or skis 202 (and using both tail engagement portions 216.

[0054] To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term “substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to take into consideration the degree of precision available or prudent in manufacturing. To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include ± 10% of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.

[0055] As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of alternative aspects thereof, and while the aspects have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a single tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein the single tail engagement portion is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a pair of ski tails is inserted into the proximal end opening; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the single tail engagement portion, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portion into engagement with the ski tails.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion include an attachment tab and attachment hardware for attaching the strap.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap is attached directly to one or more of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the two flat panels have the same shape and size.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tail engagement portion is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the two flat panels have the same shape and size.

8. An apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a pair of tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tail engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tail is inserted into the proximal end opening; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the pair of tail engagement portions, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portions into engagement with the ski tails.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portions include an attachment tab and attachment hardware for attaching the strap.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the strap is attached directly to one or more of the tip engagement portions and the tail engagement portions.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the two flat panels have the same shape and size.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the tail engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the two flat panels have the same shape and size.

15. An apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a single tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tip engagement portions have the same shape and size, wherein the single tail engagement portion is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a pair of ski tails is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein the tail engagement portion is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tail engagement portion have the same shape and size; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the single tail engagement portion, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portion into engagement with the ski tails.

16. An apparatus for storage, protection, and/or transport of skis, comprising: a pair of tip engagement portions connected to a pair of tail engagement portion by a strap; wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein a ski tip is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tip engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tip engagement portions have the same shape and size, wherein each of the tail engagement portions is formed with a proximal end opening and a closed distal end and wherein ski tail is inserted into the proximal end opening, wherein each of the tail engagement portions is formed from two flat panels fixed to one another around all but one edge, forming the proximal end opening, wherein each of the two flat panels forming the tail engagement portions have the same shape and size; and wherein the strap biases the pair of tip engagement portions toward the pair of tail engagement portions, and into engagement with the ski tips and the ski tails; and wherein the apparatus is devoid of any other securement mechanism, besides the strap, to secure the tip engagement portions into engagement with the ski tips and to secure the tail engagement portions into engagement with the ski tails.