Patent Application
20240423349
The present invention relates generally to the field of containers and carrying devices, and more particularly to a waterproof or water-resistant dry-bag containment system or carrier having a sealed compartment for electronic devices within a larger carrying compartment, optionally including a clear or transparent cover or window allowing use of a touchscreen user interface of an electronic device stored in the sealed compartment from the exterior of the container.
Various containers, bags and carriers are known for storage and transport of items. For example, “dry bags” are commonly used to keep items stored inside the container dry when used in an environment where exposure to water or moisture may occur, for example during boating, rafting, hiking, camping, fishing or other activities. Typical dry bags take the form of a cylindrical bag made of a waterproof or water-resistant material and including a roll top closure at one end for access to the bag's interior storage compartment. After placing items inside the bag's storage compartment, the top may be rolled down on itself one or more times and secured closed by clipping together a strap buckle. The rolled-top closure and waterproof or water-resistant material of the bag are intended to resist or reduce water ingress into the storage compartment.
Different containers, including dry bags, provide differing levels of protection to their contents. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) provides guidelines as to the degree of protection provided by a container against water and dust intrusion under International Standard IEC 60529 (published in the European Union by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) as EN 60529). The standard specifies different levels of protection by an “IP” code with the first digit following the letters “IP” indicating the level of protection the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors, moving parts) and the ingress of dust or other solid foreign objects; and the second digit indicating the level of protection that the enclosure provides against ingress of water. For example, a container rated for IEC 60529 “IP68” protection has a level 6 resistance to dust (dust-tight, no ingress of dust), and a level 8 resistance to water ingress (continuous immersion in water of 1 meter (˜39″) or more depth for 30 minutes or more.
While typical dry bags may provide sufficient protection for clothing and other items, many dry bags may not provide sufficiently reliable protection for many users to be comfortable storing expensive electronic items such as cellphones, cameras or tablet computers. Also, typical dry bags do not provide for use of electronic items stored therein without removal from the bag and the resulting potential exposure to water damage.
Accordingly, it has been found that needs exist for improved containment systems. It is to the provision of containment systems meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides an improved containment system suitable for reliable storage and protection of electronic devices and/or other items. In some embodiments, the containment system takes the form of a modified dry bag fabricated from waterproof material(s) and having a larger main storage compartment, and a smaller storage compartment suitable for storage of a cellphone or other electronic device(s) arranged within the larger main storage compartment. One or both of the larger main storage compartment and/or the smaller electronics storage compartment may have a reclosable access opening incorporating a resealable waterproof or leakproof closure such as a plastic zip-channel closure (similar to that of a Ziploc® bag), see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,589, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the containment system may further include a roll-top closure for the opening to the larger main storage compartment incorporating a strap and buckle or clips for retaining the top in a rolled closed configuration. In further example embodiments, a transparent or clear window is provided on the exterior of the containment system over at least a portion of the smaller electronics storage compartment allowing use from the exterior of the container of a touchscreen user interface of an electronic device stored in the sealed electronics compartment. One or more carrying straps may be provided, optionally including interchangeable attachment positions allowing for multiple different carrying configurations.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a dry bag containment system. The system preferably includes an external shell defining a first internal storage compartment contained within the external shell and having a main compartment opening through the external shell configured to provide access into the first internal storage compartment when open. The first internal storage compartment includes a first reclosable and resealable waterproof closure for the main compartment opening that prevents water from entering the first internal storage compartment when closed. The system preferably also includes a second internal storage compartment contained within the first internal storage compartment which is configured to receive an electronic device therein. The second internal storage compartment preferably has an access opening configured to provide access when open, and a second reclosable and resealable waterproof closure that prevents water from entering the second internal storage compartment when closed.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a dry bag containment system. The system preferably includes an external shell defining a first internal storage compartment contained within the external shell and having a main compartment opening through the external shell configured to provide access into the first internal storage compartment when open. The first internal storage compartment preferably includes a first reclosable and resealable waterproof closure for the main compartment opening that prevents water from entering the first internal storage compartment when closed. The external shell preferably further includes a roll-top portion configured to roll and close over the main compartment opening and a coupling for retaining the roll-top portion rolled and closed over the main compartment opening. The system preferably also includes a second internal storage compartment contained within the first internal storage compartment which is configured to receive an electronic device therein. The second internal storage compartment preferably also has an access opening configured to provide access when open, and a second reclosable and resealable waterproof closure that prevents water from entering the second internal storage compartment when closed.
In still another aspect, the invention relates to a dry bag containment system. The system preferably includes an external shell defining a first internal storage compartment contained within the external shell and having a main compartment opening through the external shell configured to provide access into the first internal storage compartment when open. The first internal storage compartment preferably also includes a first reclosable and resealable waterproof closure for the main compartment opening that prevents water from entering the first internal storage compartment when closed. The system preferably also includes a second internal storage compartment contained within the first internal storage compartment which is configured to receive an electronic device therein. The second internal storage compartment preferably has an access opening configured to provide access when open, and a second reclosable and resealable waterproof closure that prevents water from entering the second internal storage compartment when closed. The access opening of the second internal storage compartment is preferably accessible through the main compartment opening of the first internal storage compartment.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
The containment system 10 comprises an opening 30 at or adjacent to the top of the external body or shell 12 to provide access to the main internal storage compartment or chamber 14. In some example embodiments, the opening extends across the entire top of the body or shell 12. In other example embodiments, the opening extends across, along or adjacent all or only a portion of the top of the body or shell 12. A belt or strip of webbing or strap material 34, such as for example 1″ nylon webbing, may optionally be provided, attached around the top exterior of the body or shell 12, for strength and support, and/or to provide for roll-top closure in typical dry-bag fashion, with interengaging first and second buckle or clip coupling elements 36, 38 attached to the webbing to secure the top closed and rolled, as shown in
A first or main compartment reclosable and resealable waterproof or leakproof closure 40 is optionally provided at or adjacent to the top interior of the external body or shell 12, around or along the entire top opening 30. In example embodiments, the first resealable closure 40 comprises a plastic zip-channel or press-and-seal closure (similar to that of a Ziploc® bag) comprising male and female closure strip members 40a and 40b. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,589, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. A user presses and slides or zips the closure members 40a, 40b together to engage and seal the closure 40 to close and seal the opening 30 and pulls the closure members apart to release the seal and open the opening. The closure 40 is preferably configured for repeated reclosable and resealable use. In some example embodiments, the closure 40 preferably provides an IEC 60529 IP68 level waterproof and dustproof seal at the opening 30 when closed and sealed, to prevent water ingress into the main storage compartment 14 to protect items stored therein.
The external body or shell 12 is preferably formed from a waterproof or highly water-resistant flexible material, such as for example a waterproof pliable Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) or Thermo-Plastic Polyurethane (TPU) with a Polyester (PE) or Nylon (PA) 500D rip-stop webbing in the matrix of the material (a.k.a. tarpaulin). Various other materials of construction may be utilized in alternate embodiments. The external body or shell 12 may be formed as a single, unitary piece of material, formed for example by molding, or may comprise one or more pieces or panels of material continuously joined or attached to each other via Radio Frequency (RF) welding, waterproof adhesive, thermal welding, or other attachment means. Attachments used at any seams preferably join the thin flexible materials with good bond strength, a watertight seal and good appearance, to provide a waterproof or highly water-resistant enclosure.
In example embodiments, the containment system 10 further comprises a second internal storage compartment or electronics storage compartment 60 arranged within the main storage compartment 14. The second storage compartment 60 is preferably configured to have a size and shape suitable for storage of a cellphone or other electronic device(s) therein. In some particular example embodiments, the second storage compartment 60 has generally rectangular dimensions of about 8″ long×about 5″ wide×about ¾″ deep, but may be larger or smaller and otherwise configured in alternate embodiments. In example embodiments, the main storage compartment 14 is relatively larger than the relatively smaller second storage compartment 60, for example having generally rectangular dimensions of about 12″-20″ long×about 6″-12″ wide×about 2″-6″ deep, but may be larger or smaller and otherwise configured in alternate embodiments.
The second storage compartment 60 comprises an enclosure formed by a front panel 62 and a back panel 64, sealed around its bottom and side edges, with a reclosable and resealable access opening 66 at its top for inserting and removing items from its internal compartment or chamber 68. The second storage compartment 60 is preferably attached to the inside face of the front wall panel 22 of the external body or shell 12 of the main storage compartment 14. The access opening 66 of the second storage compartment 60 is preferably accessible through the opening 30 of the main storage compartment 14. In example embodiments, the second storage compartment 60, or at least a portion of the front panel 62 thereof comprises a clear or substantially transparent flexible material, which allows viewing the internal contents thereof from an external viewpoint, and which is sufficiently electronically transmissive to allow user operation of a touchscreen (e.g., capacitive or resistive touch sensor) therethrough. A second reclosable and resealable waterproof or leakproof closure 70 is preferably provided at or adjacent to the top interior of the electronics storage compartment 60 along the entire top opening 66. In example embodiments, the second resealable closure 70 comprises a plastic zip-channel or press-and-seal closure of the same or similar type as the first closure 40, including male and female closure strip members 70a and 70b. A user presses and slides or zips the closure members 70a, 70b together to engage and seal the closure 70 to close and seal the opening 66 and pulls the closure members apart to release the seal and open the opening. The closure 70 is preferably configured for repeated reclosable and resealable use. In example embodiments, the closure 70 preferably provides an IEC 60529 IP68 level waterproof and dustproof seal at the opening 66 when closed and sealed, to prevent water ingress into the second storage compartment 60 to protect electronics or other items stored therein.
In example embodiments, the containment system 10 further comprises a window 90 formed through the front wall panel 22 of the external body or shell 12 of the main storage compartment 14. The window 90 may be a cutout section of the front wall panel 22, or a transparent or clear portion thereof. The window 90 is generally positioned over and aligned with the area of attachment of the second storage compartment 60 to the inside face of the front wall panel 22 of the external body or shell 12 of the main storage compartment 14. In this manner, a user can view the contents of the second storage compartment 60 through the window 90 from a viewpoint external of the containment system 19, and optionally also can operate a touchscreen or other user interface through the window and the front panel of the second storage compartment. In embodiments wherein the window 90 is a cutout section of the front wall panel 22, a continuous and permanent sealed attachment is formed around the window, between the material of the front wall panel and the material of the second storage compartment, for example by Radio Frequency (RF) welding, waterproof adhesive, thermal welding, or other waterproof sealing attachment means.
The containment system 10 optionally also comprises an adjustable-length carrying strap 110 configured for detachable coupling to one or more points of attachment to the external body or shell 12 of the main storage compartment 14, to assist a user in carrying the system and its contents and/or for attachment to other objects. In some example embodiments, the carrying strap 110 may interchangeably attached to the shell 12 in two or more different configurations. For example, the strap 110 can be attached in a first configuration as shown in
In example methods of use, a user may open the containment system 10 by decoupling the buckle coupling elements 36, 38 and unrolling the top of the container body 12, opening the first resealable closure 40, and opening the second resealable closure 70. One or more electronic devices E, such as a cellphone or camera, can be placed into the second storage compartment 60, and the second resealable closure 70 reclosed to seal the second storage compartment to protect the electronic device from water damage. Additional items to be stored (a key and pen are depicted in
The user may adjust the length and attachment configuration of the carrying strap 110 as desired, for use as a shoulder strap, carrying handle, for attachment to another object, or for other applications. The containment system 10 and electronic devices and other items stored therein may be stored and transported as desired. Embodiments of the containment system 10 incorporating a “gusseted” main storage compartment and rounded rectangular base configuration as described herein may provide increased volumetric carrying capacity relative to similarly-sized non-gusseted or “flat” dry bags with a more limited volumetric carrying capacity.
The gusseted bag configuration with a rounded rectangular bottom panel may also be beneficial in certain applications or modes of use. For example, the generally rectangular shape of the base may assist in constraining the shape of the external body or shell 12 of the main storage compartment 14 to have at least one mostly flat surface, which in turn constrains the flexible transparent touchscreen window to stay mostly flat and parallel to the electronic device's front surface. This may improve touch sensitivity and accessibility when interfacing with the electronic device through the window 90 on the front panel 22. Having another generally flat surface on the back of the body 12 also allows the containment system 10 to be laid flat on its back on a support surface without rolling, as might occur with a containment body having a round (circular) base, thus making it easier to use the touchscreen singlehandedly without having to prevent the bag from rolling using the other hand.
While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
