Patent Application
20180027954
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to storage units and, more particularly, to a portable, wearable storage unit that includes an integrated mounting system and a rugged, weatherproof design that facilitates transport.
Because a sportsman often remains in the same location for a long period of time, it is desirable to bring a storage unit to the hunting site containing items such as food, water, a phone, camera, and hunting accessories such as optics, calls, scent, and the like that will be used over the period of the stay. Traditionally a sportsman might carry the above-mentioned items to the hunting site in a soft-sided backpack that may be secured at an elevated position on a tree in situations where the sportsman is hunting from an elevated stand or positioned near or inside a blind at ground level. Locating the pack in close proximity to the sportsman allows the sportsman ready access to materials within the pack during the extended hunting event.
However, existing backpack-style storage packs pose a number of disadvantages to a sportsman. First, many of these packs hinge open from top to bottom. While this configuration may provide ready access to stored contents when the pack is opened on a horizontal, flat surface, any unsecured items located within the front cover of the pack are likely to spill down to the ground when the pack is opened in a vertical configuration. When loaded, soft-sided bags are also bulky and may interfere with the hunter's line of site from the stand. The zippered closure also is often only operable in one direction, thereby limiting the number of orientations in which the pack can be positioned on a tree. In order to access items in the pack while seated in the stand, the hunter may be forced to position the pack in a location that interferes with a desirable line of sight for hunting or twist his or her body in an awkward manner.
Existing soft-sided gear packs often are not reliably weather resistant, causing the hunter to transport the pack back and forth to the hunting site with every trip. Doing so generates undesirable noise both in carrying the pack and positioning the pack at the hunting site and, in unfortunate cases, results in dropped and lost items along the path to and from the hunting location. Operating the zippered closures of existing backpack-style storage packs to access the internal contents also generates unwanted noise while hunting.
Carrying the weight of a heavy pack and also creates sweat, which is especially disadvantageous on cold days as the hunter will quickly chill after getting settled into his or her stand. Sweat also generates scent, which increases the likelihood that the sportsman will be detected by surrounding wildlife. The odor of any food within the pack is also readily detectable to nearby wildlife as a result of the breathable fabric construction of soft-sided packs.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a portable storage unit that addresses the above-mentioned limitations of soft-sided gear packs by providing a wearable and weather resistant configuration that can be easily transported out to a hunting site, securely mounted at the site with minimal noise, and left at the hunting site for extended periods of time. It would also be desirable for such a storage unit to be designed in manner that facilitates easy access to stored items with minimal noise generation while maintaining a broad line of sight and permits ambidextrous operation—allowing the hunter flexibility to configure the pack for either right hand or left hand operation. It would further be desirable for such a pack to be airtight in order to contain odors of stored components, allowing the hunter to leave a cache of food at a particular site without being detected by animals.
Embodiments of the invention provide a portable storage unit that includes an integrated mounting system and a rugged, weatherproof design and a method of manufacturing thereof.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a portable storage unit includes a main body having a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central region positioned between adjacent side regions. The central region extends between a top surface and a bottom surface of the main body and is recessed relative to the adjacent side regions. The main body also includes a rigid top cover having a lip that extends over an edge of the rigid bottom cover. At least one hinge couples the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover and an anchoring member coupled to a top surface of the main body, the anchoring member having one of a hooked end and a looped end extending outward from the main body.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a portable storage unit includes forming a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central portion positioned between adjacent side portions, the central portion recessed relative to the adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover between a first end and a second end thereof. The method also includes forming a rigid top cover having a lip sized to extend around an edge of the rigid bottom cover, hingedly coupling the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover to form a enclosure, and coupling an anchoring member to an end surface of the enclosure, the anchoring member comprising one of an anchor hook and an anchor loop.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a storage unit assembly includes a first anchor strap, a mounting ring having a hooked end configured to engage the first anchor strap and an eye portion opposite the hooked end, and a portable storage unit. The portable storage unit includes a rigid main body comprising a top cover hingedly coupled to a bottom cover. The top cover has a lip that extends over an edge of the bottom cover when the storage unit is in a closed position, and the bottom cover has a recessed portion positioned between a pair of adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover. An anchoring member is coupled at a first end of the rigid main body, the anchoring member having a hooked end sized to engage the eye portion of the mounting ring.
Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.
The drawings illustrate embodiments presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
Embodiments of the invention are directed to rigid units or packs useable for transporting recreational, hunting, and fishing equipment. As described in detail below, the portable storage units disclosed herein are designed to be watertight and airtight and include an integrated mounting system that may be used to easily and securely attach the storage unit to a tree or other structure for temporary or long term storage. The storage unit also includes a backpack-style carry strap system to facilitate transport by foot and mounting brackets that form attachment points to enable secure transport by vehicle. External and internal mounting panels provide universal attachment points for coupling different types of accessories to external and internal surfaces of the storage unit in a variety of different configurations. Additional benefits and features are described in detail below.
Top cover 14 and bottom cover 16 are connected at one side via one or more hinges 22, shown in
One or more latching mechanisms 26, 28 are provided on the side of main body 12 opposite hinges 22. While the illustrated embodiment is shown having two latching mechanisms 26, 28, alternative embodiments may include a single latching mechanism or three or more based on the overall size of the unit and various design specifications. Each latching mechanism 26, 28 includes a latch 30, 32 and corresponding receiving body 34, 36. Latches 30, 32 are attached either to the top cover 14 of main body 12 as shown, or the bottom cover 16. Similarly receiving bodies 34, 36 may be attached to the bottom cover 16 as shown, or to the top cover 14. Latches 30, 32 are releasably engageable with corresponding receiving bodies 34, 36 so that when latches 30, 32 are engaged by receiving bodies 34, 36 main body 12 is maintained in the closed or sealed position shown in
In one embodiment, latch 30 includes a toggle 38 that is pivotably attached to a mounting flange 40 coupled to top cover 14. As illustrated in
Toggle 38 is made of a flexible, stretchable material, and UV resistant such as, for example, a synthetic rubber or other elastomer that permits toggle 38 to transition between the stretched or extended position shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, latching mechanism 28 is a lockable component and, as such, differs in design from latching mechanism 26. In alternative embodiments, storage unit 10 may include a single lockable latching mechanism, multiple lockable latching mechanisms, or one or more non-locking latching mechanism similar to latching mechanism 26. Similar to latch 30, latch 32 includes a body portion 52 that pivots relative to its mounting flange 54. When latching mechanism 28 is in its closed position shown in
As shown in
Referring now to
A mounting member or anchoring member 108 is provided at the first end 72 of storage unit 10, which may be coupled to a top surface 110 of the bottom cover 16, as shown in
As shown in
After the first end 72 of storage unit 10 is secured to the tree 118 in the manner described above, the second end 92 of the storage unit 10 is secured in place against the tree 118 using a second attachment strap 126. In the illustrated embodiment, second attachment strap 126 includes clips 128 at opposing ends that attach to mounting points 88, 90. Alternatively, second attachment strap 126 may be provided having hooked ends that engage mounting points 88, 90. In one embodiment, one or both of first attachment strap 124 and second attachment strap 126 includes a ratcheting feature (not shown) that enables the length to be easily adjusted for different mounting locations. Alternatively, second attachment strap 126 is a bungee cord or other flexible strap.
Referring to
Referring again to
As shown, exterior accessory panel 140 is formed having multiple openings 148 that are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The openings 148 provide attachment points for various accessories, such as holsters, hooks, and accessory pouches or bags, and provide a number of different options for orienting such accessories on the exterior of storage unit 10. In one embodiment, the openings 148 are spaced and sized to facilitate attachment of Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE)-compatible accessories, such as optional accessory 149 shown in phantom in
A second pattern of openings 152 is formed around the perimeter of exterior accessory panel 140. An elastic or flexible cord 154 may be threaded through some or all of the openings 152 to provide quick and easy storage for clothing or other irregular shaped accessories, such as for example antlers, on the outside surface of storage unit 10. Toggle locks (not shown) may be provided at the ends of the flexible cord 154 to permit adjustments to the tension of the flexible cord 154. Openings 152 may also be used as connection points for one or more bungee cords (not shown).
Referring now to
Storage unit 10 includes one or more interior accessory panels 170, 172 that may be used to organize and secure gear, food, and other accessories within the internal cavity formed within main body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, one interior accessory panel 170 is coupled to the interior surface 164 of bottom cover 16 and one interior accessory panel 172 is coupled to the interior surface 166 of top cover 14. However, it is contemplated that one or both of interior accessory panel 170, interior accessory panel 172 may be omitted, or additional accessory panels may be provided in alternative configurations.
As shown, interior accessory panel 170 is configured having a generally rectangular shape similar to exterior accessory panel 140 with a width 176 that approximates the width 106 of central portion 62 of bottom cover 16. By limiting the width 176 of interior accessory panel 170 in such a manner, two storage recesses or cavities 178 are formed on either side of interior accessory panel 170, which may be used for temporary storage of backpack-style carry strap system 74, or for storage of arrows, broken down fishing poles, firearms, or other long components. Grommets or other attachment devices (not shown) may be coupled to the interior surface 174 of bottom cover 16 to be used in combination with bungee or other cords (not shown) to retain components within storage cavities 178.
Similar to exterior accessory panel 140, interior accessory panels 170, 172 each include a pattern of openings 180, 182 that are equally sized and spaced for use in securing various accessories (not shown) within top cover 14 and bottom cover 16. The each pattern of openings 180, 182, may be formed covering substantially all of the accessory panel, as illustrated with respect to openings 180 of interior accessory panel 170, or only a portion thereof, as illustrated with respect to openings 182 of interior accessory panel 172. One or both of interior accessory panels 170, 172 may further include a second series or pattern of smaller openings 184 formed around its perimeter to provide attachment locations for one or more bungee cords (not shown) and/or a flexible cord system (not shown) similar to that shown in
Referring now to
Fastener assemblies 196 are used to couple interior accessory panel 172 and exterior accessory panel 140 to top cover 14 in a similar manner. As shown in
A pair of removable mounting clips 214 is provided along one edge of interior accessory panel 170 as shown in
Referring now to
In an alternative embodiment interior accessory panel 172 is entirely symmetrical across its horizontal axis to allow the storage unit 10 to be reconfigured for right hand or left hand use by simply flipping the orientation of the overall storage unit 10 with respect to the desired mounting location. In such an embodiment, shelves 220, 226 may be reconfigured having a vertical lip that extends both above and beyond respective horizontal portions 228, 230. Alternatively, interior accessory panel 172 may be provided as three separate pieces, a flat vertical portion that includes pattern of openings 180 and that remains fixed to the main body 12 and removable shelves that can be disassembled from the main body portion of interior accessory panel 172, flipped 180 degrees, and reattached to the main body portion to reconfigure the storage unit 10 for either right hand or left hand operation.
As shown in
In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings upper shelf 220 and/or lower shelf 222 are formed integrally with main body 224 of interior accessory panel 172 and are therefore constructed of the same rigid material as main body 224, which may be aluminum, power coated steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, or a rigid polymer, as non-limiting examples. In alternative embodiments, one or both of shelves 220, 222 may be manufactured separately from main body 224 and coupled to main body 224 using fasteners in a similar manner as illustrated with respect to shelf 226. Alternatively, one or both of shelves 220, 222 may be coupled directly to top cover 14 either removably using fasteners or permanently using an adhesive or other bonding technique.
In an alternative embodiment an insulating material may be provided within all or select sections of main body 12 for use in applications where storage unit 10 is used as a cooler for food or water storage. A polyisocyanurate foam or other insulating material may be embedded within the fiberglass shell of main body 12 or coupled to interior surfaces thereof. In one exemplary and non-limiting example, a cooler compartment (not shown) may be formed toward the top or bottom end of main body 12, with a top surface of the cooler compartment creating a storage shelf for other accessories. A hinged door may be provided on the cooler compartment to provide access to components stored within.
In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 12 of storage unit 10 is constructed having a symmetrical construction across its central horizontal axis 256. This symmetrical construction permits storage unit 10 to be mounted for either a left hand operation, as shown in
In the embodiments described herein storage unit 10 is manufactured having a durable construction capable of withstanding extended exposure to weather and rough handling. Thus, main body 12 may be made of a rigid material such as fiberglass, a roto-molded polymer, or metal as non-limiting examples. Exterior grade materials are used for flexible or semi-rigid attachment features of storage unit 10 including, but not limited to, carry handle 18, toggle 38 of latching mechanism 26, gasket 156, attachment straps 124, 126, and the various components of backpack-style carry strap system 74. Hardware components, including the various fasteners described herein, portions of latching mechanisms 26, 28, mounting points 88, 90, 94, 96, and mounting hook 108 may be stainless steel or other weather-resistant material. Accessory panels 140, 170, 172 are made from a power coated steel, anodized aluminum, or other material that provides a rigid construction and weather resistance.
While embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in connection with a tree stand for use when hunting, it will be apparent that the storage unit 10 may be utilized by hunters, sportsman, and outdoor enthusiasts in many alternative applications. As non-limiting examples, storage unit 10 may be positioned at a base camp location or along a trail route and utilized to store first aid supplies and/or as an animal-resistant food or water cache by sportsman or outdoor enthusiasts. Storage unit 10 may also be positioned at or near ground level in a vertical or horizontal orientation or any combination therein within a hunting blind or near a hunting or fishing site for use as a distribution hub for fishing or hunting supplies. Alternatively, storage unit 10 may be secured to a boat, recreational vehicle, Jeep, or other land vehicle and utilized in either a vertical or a horizontal configuration for gear transport and storage. The rugged, secure, and watertight design of storage unit 10 is especially advantageous for the transport and storage of expensive and delicate specialty equipment such as firearms, optics, and photography equipment and may be used to pre-stage or pre-stock a hunting location with food, ammunition, and other supplies in advance of a hunt by the sportsman or a hunting guide, creating nimbleness and stealth for the hunter on the day of the hunt.
Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a portable storage unit includes a main body having a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central region positioned between adjacent side regions. The central region extends between a top surface and a bottom surface of the main body and is recessed relative to the adjacent side regions. The main body also includes a rigid top cover having a lip that extends over an edge of the rigid bottom cover. At least one hinge couples the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover and an anchoring member coupled to a top surface of the main body, the anchoring member having one of a hooked end and a looped end extending outward from the main body.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a portable storage unit includes forming a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central portion positioned between adjacent side portions, the central portion recessed relative to the adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover between a first end and a second end thereof. The method also includes forming a rigid top cover having a lip sized to extend around an edge of the rigid bottom cover, hingedly coupling the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover to form a enclosure, and coupling an anchoring member to an end surface of the enclosure, the anchoring member comprising one of an anchor hook and an anchor loop.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a storage unit assembly includes a first anchor strap, a mounting ring having a hooked end configured to engage the first anchor strap and an eye portion opposite the hooked end, and a portable storage unit. The portable storage unit includes a rigid main body comprising a top cover hingedly coupled to a bottom cover. The top cover has a lip that extends over an edge of the bottom cover when the storage unit is in a closed position, and the bottom cover has a recessed portion positioned between a pair of adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover. An anchoring member is coupled at a first end of the rigid main body, the anchoring member having a hooked end sized to engage the eye portion of the mounting ring.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
