MODULAR SYSTEM FOR SHIPPING, STORING, AND CARRYING AMMUNITION

Abstract

A modular system for storing sports equipment and other articles. The modular system includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit configured for being stored within the first storage unit. The first storage unit includes a first unit body having an interior compartment lined with hook-and-loop type fastener material. The second storage unit includes a second unit body having at least one coupling fastener secured to an exterior surface second unit storage body. The at least one coupling fastener engages the lining of hook-and-loop type fastening material to detachably fasten the second storage unit to the lining inside of the interior compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a sporting equipment bag, and more particularly, to a modular system for shipping, storing, and carrying ammunition.

2. Background

Hunting is an American pastime. Typically, an individual hunting animals will need to carry with them ammunition of various calibers, depending on the type of animal being hunted. Unfortunately, the best hunting locations are generally some distance from the closest roadway or vehicle parking area, and the aforementioned ammunition is only one of many supplies/accessories (e.g. firearm(s), decoys, food) that must be transported from the vehicle to the hunting location.

Ammunition is typically carried in the field in storage boxes, bins, or cans. However, transporting ammunition in such units can add a lot of unnecessary weight and bulk. Others have been known to carry ammunition in the field in Ziploc® bags, doggie treat pouches, plastic Tupperware boxes, or used plastic peanut butter jars. But these types of storage units are neither sturdy nor durable and ammunition can get rather heavy when transported in bulk. Yet others have been known to carry ammunition in the field on their person in military or utility vests. But such vests are limited in the amount of ammunition that may be carried by the individual.

Thus, there is a need for a durable, yet lightweight system for storing and toting ammunition to hunting locations in bulk. Such system must be capable of providing convenient and practical means for toting and storing sporting equipment, food, and supplies that hunters need or find desirable when hunting.

SUMMARY

A modular system for storing sports equipment and other articles is disclosed. In one example, the modular system includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit. The second storage unit is configured for being stored within the first storage unit. The first storage unit includes a first unit body having a first unit bottom, a first plurality of sidewalls, and a first unit top. The first unit bottom, the first plurality of sidewalls, and the first unit top define a first unit interior compartment for storing sporting equipment inside of the first unit body. The first unit bottom and the first plurality of sidewalls each include an inner lining of hook-and-loop type fastener material.

The second storage unit includes a second unit body having a second unit bottom, a second plurality of sidewalls, and a second unit top. The second unit bottom, the second plurality of sidewalls, and the second unit top define a second unit interior compartment for storing sporting equipment inside of the second unit body. At least one coupling fastener is secured to an exterior surface of at least one of the second unit bottom, the second plurality of sidewalls, and the second unit top. The at least one coupling fastener engages the lining of hook-and-loop type fastening material to detachably fasten the second storage unit to the lining inside of the first unit interior compartment.

A storage unit is also disclosed. The storage unit includes a body having a bottom wall, first pair of opposing sidewalls, a second pair of opposing sidewalls, and a top wall. The bottom wall, the first pair of opposing sidewalls, the second pair of opposing sidewalls, and the top wall define an interior compartment. At least one coupling fastener is secured to an exterior surface of each of the bottom wall, the first pair of opposing sidewalls, the second pair of opposing sidewalls, and the top wall.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present disclosure may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example implementation of a modular storage system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the modular storage system illustrated in FIG. 1, taken across line 2-2.

FIG. 3A is a side view illustrating an example implementation of a secondary storage unit according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a side view illustrating another example implementation of a secondary storage unit according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the secondary storage unit illustrated in FIG. 3A, showing how the secondary storage unit is affixed to the lining within the first unit interior compartment.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating an example implementation of a tote bag according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tote bag illustrated in FIG. 5, showing the tote bag being carried over the shoulder of the user.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the tote bag illustrated in FIG. 5, showing a pouch being affixed to the interior lining of the tote bag.

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating an example implementation of a pouch according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the pouch illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the pouch illustrated in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate various implementations of a modular storage system 100 for shipping, storing, and carrying or toting sporting equipment, such as firearm ammunition. Modular systems according to the present disclosure generally includes a first storage unit having a compartment that is adapted to store one or more secondary storage units or pouches having smaller dimensions. Each pouch is configured to store ammunition and, further, to have at least one coupling fastener, such as, for example, a hook or loop type fastener secured to each exterior face (i.e., front, sidewalls, and bottom) of its body, such that the hook-and-loop type fasteners of the second storage unit may be attached to hoop or loop fasteners disposed within the compartment of the first storage unit. The pouches are also configured such that, when two pouches are stored together within the compartment of the first storage unit, a hook or loop fastener secured to an exterior side of one pouch, may be attachable to a hook or loop fastener secured to an adjoining exterior side of the other pouch to detachably fasten the two pouches together.

When toting ammunition, for example during hunting, the user may store one or more pouches in a tote bag. The tote bag may include a body having a compartment for storing one or more pouches, and a shoulder strap connected thereto.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an example implementation of a modular storage system 100 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes a first storage unit 102 having a first unit shell or body 104. The first unit body 104 includes a first unit bottom panel 106, first unit sidewalls 108, a first unit right panel 110, a first unit left panel 112, and a first unit top panel 114, which together define a first unit interior compartment 202 (see FIG. 2) for storing and carrying sporting equipment, namely ammunition, inside of the first unit body 104. The first unit body 104 may be made of tactical nylon, canvas, Kevlar®, leather, cloth, or any other durable material. In some implementations, the first unit bottom panel 106 and the first unit sidewalls 108 may be constructed from a single piece of material. In such implementations, the first unit bottom panel 106 and the first unit sidewalls 108 may be sewn or otherwise bonded to the first unit right panel 110 and the first unit left panel 112 to form the first unit interior compartment 202. In other implementations, the first unit bottom panel 106, the first unit sidewalls 108, the first unit right panel 110, and the first unit left panel 112 may be made of separate sheets of material that are sewn or otherwise bonded together to form the first unit interior compartment 202.

On top of the first storage unit 102 is a flap portion 116, formed in the first unit top panel 114, that opens for access to the first unit interior compartment 202, for example to store equipment therein. One edge of the flap portion 116 may be permanently sewn to an upper edge of one of the first unit sidewalls 108. Zippers 118 situated across the first unit top panel 114 permit the remaining edges of the flap portion 116 to be unzipped so the flap portion 116 can be opened and folded away from the first unit top panel 114. This allows access to the first unit interior compartment 202.

The first storage unit 102 may further include a pair of carrying straps 120 secured, for example by sewing or stitching, to and around the first unit sidewalls 108 and the first unit bottom panel 106. Tote handles 122 may also be provided and sewn to the first unit right panel 110 and the first unit left panel 112. The carrying straps 120 and tote handles 122 may be made of tactical nylon webbing, canvas, leather, cloth, or any other durable material.

When storing and toting ammunition, it is important for the user to label the outside of the storage unit with any pertinent information, such as cartridge caliber and the date. Dating the storage unit externally makes it easy for the user to identify and rotate their stock of ammunition, as ammunition becomes defective the longer it is stored.

Overlays 124 made of loop-fastening material, such as cloth or Velcro®, may be stitched, sewn or otherwise bonded to the sidewalls 108 and/or the flap portion 116 of the first storage unit 102. The overlays 124 provide attachment points for other gear, insignias, or badges. For example, in some implementations, a label 210 (FIG. 2) identifying the contents stored in the first unit interior compartment 202 may be detachably fastened to the overlay 124. The label 210 may include a strip of hook-fastening material affixed to the back of the label 210 that adheres to the loop-fastening material of the overlay 124.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of the modular storage system 100 with the first unit top panel 114 removed from the first storage unit 102. As shown, one or more secondary storage units 204 may be arranged within the first unit interior compartment 202. The secondary storage units 204 may store sporting equipment having different quantities and characteristics. For example, each secondary storage unit 204 may store ammunition of a certain size or caliber.

Inner surfaces of the first unit bottom panel 106, the first unit sidewalls 108, the first unit right panel 110, and the first unit left panel 112 may be lined with a layer 206 of loop-fastening material, such as cloth, Velcro®, or any other suitable material. The layer 206 is constructed to fasten with complementary hook fasteners attached to the exterior of the secondary storage units 204 to secure the second storage units 204 within the first unit interior compartment 202 during storage and toting, as will be discussed in further detail below. In alternative implementations, layer 206 may comprise hook-fastening material for engaging complementary loop fasteners attached to the exterior of the secondary storage units 204.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of an example implementation of a secondary storage unit 204. As shown, the secondary storage unit 204 includes a second unit body 302 having a second unit bottom 304, second unit sidewalls 306, and a second unit top 308. The second unit sidewalls 306 and the second unit top 308 may be made of a mesh material: for example, a tactical nylon mesh or any other suitable material. The second unit bottom 304 may be made of a solid sheet material: for example, a tactical nylon, canvas, or other suitable material. In other implementations, the second unit bottom 304 and the second unit sidewalls 306 may be made of a solid sheet of material, while only the second unit top 308 may be made of a mesh material. In yet another implementation, the second unit bottom 304, the second unit sidewalls 306, and the second unit top 308 may each comprise a solid sheet of material.

The second unit bottom 304, the second unit sidewalls 306, and the second unit top 308 form a second unit interior compartment 310 for storing sporting equipment, for example ammunition, within the secondary storage unit 204. The second unit sidewalls 306 may be formed from a single sheet of mesh material or, in alternative, formed from separate sheets of mesh material and sewn together with the second unit bottom 304 to form the second unit body 302. While the secondary storage unit 204 of the implementation shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is generally rectangular in shape, in other implementations the secondary storage unit 204 may be constructed in various shapes and dimensions.

The second unit top 308 may be permanently sewn along its back edge to one of the second unit sidewalls 306. Zippers 312 situated across upper edges of the remaining second unit sidewalls 306 permit the second unit top 308 to be unzipped and folded away from the second unit body 302. This allows access to the second unit interior compartment 310.

At least one hook or loop fastener overlay 314 may be attached to an exterior surface of each of the second unit sidewalls 306 and the second unit top 308. In addition, one or more hook-fastening members 316 may be attached to the underside of the second unit bottom 304. As best shown in FIG. 4, the hook-fastening member 316 are adapted to engage the layer of loop-fastening material 206 inside of the first unit body 104 to secure the secondary storage units 204 within the first unit interior compartment 202 during storage.

Referring now back to FIG. 2, as previously discussed, layer 206 together with hook-fastening members 316 form a system of hook-and-loop type fasteners for securing the secondary storage units 204 within the first unit interior compartment 202 during storage and toting. The secondary storage units 204 are also configured such that, when two secondary storage units 204 are stored together within the interior compartment 202, a hook or loop-fastening member to an exterior side of one secondary storage unit may engage a hook or loop-fastening member attached to an adjoining exterior side of the other secondary storage unit 204 to detachably fasten the two units together, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of another example implementation of a secondary storage unit 320 of the present disclosure. The storage unit 320 includes a body 322 of greater dimensions than second unit body 302. According to this implementation, the secondary storage unit 320 may include one or more carrying handles 322 coupled to a bottom portion of the body 322 for toting the unit. The carrying handles 322 may be constructed of tactical nylon webbing, canvas, leather, cloth, or any other durable material. In other implementations and, in particular, implementations where sidewalls of the body 322 are made of a solid sheet of material, the storage unit 320 may include, either together with or in alternative to the carrying handles 322, tote handles (not shown) that may be sewn to opposing sidewalls of the body 322.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of an example implementation of a tote bag 500 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The tote bag 500 is generally intended to have smaller dimensions than the first storage unit 102, yet serve a similar function. For instance, the larger first storage unit 102 may be used to tote a large quantity of ammunition to a particular hunting or recreational location, while the smaller tote bag 500 may be used to store smaller qualities of ammunition, for example, during hunting itself.

The tote bag 500 generally includes a bag body 502 having a bag bottom 504, a front panel 506, a rear panel 602 (FIG. 6), a pair of side panels 508, and bag top 510, which together define a main compartment 702 (see FIG. 7) for storing sporting equipment inside of the bag body 502.

The bag body 502 may be made of tactical nylon, canvas, Kevlar®, leather, cloth, or any other durable material. In some implementations, the bag bottom 504 and the pair of side panels 508 may be constructed from a single piece of material. In such implementations, the bag bottom 504 and the pair of side panels 508 may be sewn or otherwise bonded together with the front panel 506, the rear panel 602, and the bag top 510 to form the main compartment 702. In other implementations, the bag bottom 504, the pair of sidewalls 506, the pair of side panels 508, and the bag top 510 may be made of separate sheets of material that are sewn or otherwise bonded together to form the main compartment 702.

The bag top 510 includes a zipper opening 512 for accessing the main compartment 702 to, for example, store equipment therein. Zippers 513 situated across the middle of the bag top 510 permit the zipper opening 512 to be unzipped so the user may access the main compartment 702.

The tote bag 500 may include an adjustable carrying strap 514 secured, for example by sewing or stitching, to and around the pair of side panels 508 and the bag bottom 504. The carrying strap 514 is configured to be placed over the shoulder of the user, as show in FIG. 6, and further includes a shoulder pad 516 made of resilient material to cushion the user's shoulder. The carrying strap 514 shown FIGS. 5 and 6 is a single strap, fixed to the side panels 508. However, in other implementations, the carrying strap 514 may include any type of quick-release and quick-attaching fastener, including a hook-and-loop type fastener, a buckle, a belt, a hook, snap button, or the like.

A pair of carrying handles 518 sewn to upper portions of the pair of sidewalls 506 may also be provided. In some implementations, the carrying handles 518 may include a grip 519 to secure the carrying handles 518 together during use. The grip 519 may be made of any material that provides a suitable gripping surface, such as rubber, fabric, leather, and any other suitable material. The carrying strap 514 and the carrying handles 518 may be made of tactical nylon webbing, canvas, leather, cloth, or any other durable material.

Turning back to FIG. 5, an overlay 520 made of loop-fastening material, such as cloth or Velcro®, may be stitched, sewn or otherwise bonded to the bag top 510. In some implementations, a label (not shown), for example, identifying the contents stored within the bag interior 702 may be detachably fastened to the overlay 520. The label may include a strip of hook-fastening material affixed to the back of the label that adheres to the loop-fastening material of the overlay 520.

In some implementations, the front panel 506 and the rear panel 602 may include one or more gear straps 522. In some implementations, the gear straps 522 extend substantially across the front panel 506 and the rear panel 602, from side panel-to-side panel 508. The gear straps 522 are attached, for example by stitching, at attachment points 524 to the front panel 506 and the rear panel 602 at various positions to create a plurality of slots 526. These slots 526 may be utilized to hold additional gear or other types of bags, accessories, and equipment. In some implementations, the front panel 506 and the rear panel 602 may have a front pocket 528 and a rear pocket (not shown) attached to them. In such embodiments, the gear straps 522 may be attached to the front pocket 528 and the rear pocket.

In some implementations, the gear strap 522 may be made of elastic material to quickly and easily insert and remove small gear and equipment such as flashlights, writing implements, small weapons, ammunition, and the like. In other implementations, the gear strap 522 may be made of a more durable fabric such as nylon to hold heavier gear or as additional attachment points.

FIG. 7 shows a partial perspective view of the tote bag 500 in use. As shown, one or more secondary storage units or pouches 704 may be stored in the main compartment 702 through the zipper opening 512.

Inner surfaces of the bag bottom 504 (FIG. 5), the front panel 506, the rear panel 602 (FIG. 6), and the pair of side panels 508 (FIG. 5) may be lined with a layer 706 of loop-fastening material, such as cloth, Velcro®, or any other suitable material. The layer 706 is constructed to fasten with complementary hook fasteners attached to the exterior of the pouches 704 to secure the pouches 704 within the main compartment 702 during storage and toting. In alternative implementations, layer 706 may comprise hook-fastening material for engaging complementary loop fasteners attached to the exterior of the pouches 704.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of an example implementation of a pouch 704. As shown, the pouch 704 includes a pouch body 802 having a bottom panel 804, a front panel 808, a rear panel 901 (FIG. 9), side panels 806, and a top panel 808. The front panel 808, the rear panel 901, the side panels 806, and the top panel 808 may be made of a mesh material: for example, a tactical nylon mesh or any other suitable material. The bottom panel 804 may be made of a solid sheet of material: for example, a tactical nylon, canvas, or other suitable material.

The bottom panel 804, the front panel 808, the rear panel 901, the side panels 806, and the top panel 808 form a pouch compartment 810 for storing sporting equipment within the pouch 704. The front panel 808, the rear panel 901, and side panels 806 may be formed from a single sheet of mesh material or, in alternative, formed from separate sheets of mesh material and sewn together with the bottom panel 804 to form the pouch body 802. While the pouch 704 is shown in FIGS. 7-10 as generally rectangular in shape, in other implementations, the pouch 704 may be constructed in various shapes and dimensions.

The top panel 808 may be permanently sewn along its back edge to the rear panel 901. Zippers 812 situated across upper edges of the front panel 808 and the side panels 806 permit the top panel 808 to be unzipped and folded away from the pouch body 802. This allows access to the pouch compartment 810.

At least one hook or loop fastener 814 may be attached to an exterior surface of at least one of the front panel 808, the rear panel 901, and side panels 806, and the top panel 808. In addition, one or more hook-and-loop fastening elements 816 may be attached to the underside of the bottom panel 804 for engaging layer 706 to secure the pouch 704 within the main compartment 702 during toting and storage.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the pouch 704. As shown, in some implementations, the pouch 704 may include one or more carrying handles 902 sewn to the bottom panel 804. The carrying handles 902 may be constructed of tactical nylon webbing, canvas, leather, cloth, or any other durable material. In some implementations, labels 904, for example, identifying the contents (e.g., the caliber and type of ammunition) stored within the pouch compartment 810 may be detachably fastened to the overlay 814 attached to the top panel 808. The label may include a strip of hook-fastening material affixed to the back of the label that adheres to the loop-fastening material of the overlay 814.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the underside of the pouch 704. As discussed above, one or more hook-and-loop fastening elements 816 may be attached to the underside of the bottom panel 804. These elements 816 may be affixed to layer 706 to secure the pouch 704 within the main compartment 702 during toting and storage. As shown, in some implementations, the hook-and-loop fastening elements 816 may include one or more strips of hook-fastening material 1002 sewn to the underside of the bottom panel 804. In such implementations, the strips of hook-fastening material 1002 may be configured to complement a layer 706 of loop-fastening material lining the main compartment 702. In other implementations, the hook-and-loop fastening elements 816 may include one or more strips of loop-fastening material configured to complement a layer 706 of hook-fastening material lining the main compartment 702.

While particular implementations of the present disclosure have been described herein as being used to tote and store firearm ammunition, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that modular storage units of the present disclosure may be used to tote and store other forms of sporting equipment, military equipment, personal items, and the like. In addition, while particular implementations of the present disclosure have been described herein as having storage units with a generally rectangular shape, persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that storage units of the present disclosure may be constructed differently, in various shapes and sizes, depending on the intended use of the storage unit. For example, padded inserts may be used to protect fragile items, such as cameras, mobile devices, and the like.

In general, terms such as “coupled to,” and “configured for coupling to,” and “secured to,” and “configured for securing to” and “in communication with” (for example, a first component is “coupled to” or “is configured for coupling to” or is “configured for securing to” or is “in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to be in communication with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

The foregoing description of implementations has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A modular storage system comprising: a first storage unit including a first unit body having a first unit bottom, a first plurality of sidewalls, and a first unit top, the first unit bottom, the first plurality of sidewalls, and the first unit top defining a first unit interior compartment for storing sporting equipment inside of the first unit body, the first unit bottom and the first plurality of sidewalls each including an inner lining of hook-and-loop type fastener material; anda second storage unit configured for being stored within the first unit interior compartment, the second storage unit including a second unit body having a second unit bottom, a second plurality of sidewalls, and a second unit top, the second unit bottom, the second plurality of sidewalls, and the second unit top defining a second unit interior compartment for storing sporting equipment inside of the second unit body,wherein at least one coupling fastener is secured to an exterior surface of at least one of the second unit bottom, the second plurality of sidewalls, and the second unit top, andwherein the at least one coupling fastener engages the lining of hook-and-loop type fastening material to detachably fasten the second storage unit to the lining.

2. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the lining of hook-and-loop type fastener material comprises a loop-fastening material.

3. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the lining of hook-and-loop type fastener material comprises a hook-fastening material.

4. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the first unit body is made of a tactical nylon fabric.

5. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of sidewalls and the second unit top are made of a mesh material.

6. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the at least two second storage units are stored within the first unit interior compartment, and wherein the at least one coupling fastener of a first second storage unit engages the at least one coupling fastener of a corresponding second storage to detachably fasten the second storage units together within the first unit interior compartment.

7. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein first storage unit further includes a plurality of support members coupled an exterior surface of at least one of the first plurality of sidewalls, the support members being configured for toting the second storage unit outside of the first unit interior compartment.

8. The modular storage system of claim 7, wherein the support members are elastic bands.

9. A storage unit comprising: a body having a bottom wall, a first pair of opposing sidewalls, a second pair of opposing sidewalls, and a top wall, the bottom wall, the first pair of opposing sidewalls, the second pair of opposing sidewalls, and the top wall defining an interior compartment,wherein at least one coupling fastener is secured to an exterior surface of each of the bottom wall, the first pair of opposing sidewalls, the second pair of opposing sidewalls, and the top wall.

10. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein the at least one coupling fastener comprises a loop-fastening material.

11. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein the at least one coupling fastener comprises a hook-fastening material.

12. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein two strips of hook-fastening material are affixed to the underside of the bottom wall.

13. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein the first pair of opposing sidewalls, the second pair of opposing sidewalls, and the top wall are made of a mesh material, and the bottom wall is made of a solid sheet of material.

14. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein the top wall is permanently coupled to one of the opposing sidewalls and detachable coupled to the other opposing sidewalls, the top wall including a fastener coupled about the top wall periphery to upper edges of the other opposing sidewalls for opening and closing the top wall.

15. The storage unit of claim 14, wherein the fastener includes at least one zipper.

16. The storage unit of claim 14, wherein the fastener includes a hook-and-loop type fastener.

17. The storage unit of claim 9, further comprising at least one tote handle coupled an outer edge of the bottom wall.