Pressurized storage chamber with zipper

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressurized storage chamber with zipper access. One embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a zipper accessed storage chamber within a pressurized chamber of an inflatable boat. When closed, the zipper will maintain the pressure in the pressurized chamber and protect the contents of the chamber from water. This chamber will provide protected storage in an inflatable boat without requiring that the size of the boat be increased in any way. The chamber may also include a pressurization independent internal liner or support structure that creates a sub-chamber within the pressurized chamber. The sub-chamber can be accessed and depressurized without depressurizing the main chamber. A protective flap may also be attached to the outside of the zipper to protect it from elements, abrasion, and debris that may diminish the capabilities of the zipper. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a zipper accessed pressurized chamber configured to be used as a removable thwart in an inflatable boat. The thwart may include a boat attachment system for temporarily securing to a boat when used as a thwart and/or an individual attachment system for carrying the thwart as a pack or duffel bag. Various attachment systems may be incorporated and remain consistent with the present invention.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/616,729 filed Oct. 7, 2004.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pressurized storage chamber with zipper access. One embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a zipper accessed storage chamber within a pressurized chamber of an inflatable boat.

2. Background

Inflatable boats have a wide variety of applications including use on lakes, rivers, oceans, etc. Inflatable boats are now designed accomplish many of the same tasks as hard shelled boats including whitewater, shallow water, heavy loads, etc. The buoyancy of inflatable boats is accomplished with one or more pressurized floating chambers. These inflatable chambers can be arranged and shaped in a multitude of configurations to provide the boat with particular characteristics. For example, the inflatable chambers can be shaped to form a narrow kayak/canoe that is able to maneuver in tight situations. Likewise, these chambers can be used to create large rafts that are capable of floating numerous people for long distances.

One of the common problems associated with all boats is the need for protected storage space. The size of a boat is directly proportional to the maneuverability and weight of the boat. Therefore, if additional storage space is provided in the boat in addition to the necessary sitting space, the overall performance of the boat will diminish. If items are left loose in the bottom of a boat, they may be inadvertently tossed out as a result of the boat encountering a wave or ripple in the water. Likewise, sensitive items might be damaged as a result of exposure to sun and/or water. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a system of providing storage space in inflatable boats that does not require the expansion of a boat's dimensions.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a pressurized storage chamber with zipper access. One embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a zipper accessed storage chamber within a pressurized chamber of an inflatable boat. When closed, the zipper will maintain the pressure in the pressurized chamber and protect the contents of the chamber from water. This chamber will provide protected storage in an inflatable boat without requiring that the size of the boat be increased in any way. The chamber may also include a pressurization independent internal liner or support structure that creates a sub-chamber within the pressurized chamber. The sub-chamber can be accessed and depressurized without depressurizing the main chamber. A protective flap may also be attached to the outside of the zipper to protect it from elements, abrasion, and debris that may diminish the capabilities of the zipper. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a zipper accessed pressurized chamber configured to be used as a removable thwart in an inflatable boat. The thwart may include a boat attachment system for temporarily securing to a boat when used as a thwart and/or an individual attachment system for carrying the thwart as a pack or duffel bag. Various attachment systems may be incorporated and remain consistent with the present invention.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a zipper accessible pressurized chamber in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view along lines A-A′ in FIG. 1 of one embodiment of the interior of a pressurized chamber;

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view along lines A-A′ in FIG. 1 of an alternative embodiment of the interior of a pressurized chamber;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an inflatable raft incorporating two zipper accessible pressurized chambers;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an inflatable kayak incorporating two zipper accessible pressurized chambers;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a zipper accessible storage chamber that includes a boat attachment system and an individual attachment system that allows for personal transportation, wherein the figure particularly illustrates the operation of the individual attachment system; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a zipper accessible storage chamber that includes a boat attachment system and an individual attachment system that allows for personal transportation, wherein the figure particularly illustrates the operation of the boat attachment system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a pressurized storage chamber with zipper access. One embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a zipper accessed storage chamber within a pressurized chamber of an inflatable boat. When closed, the zipper will maintain the pressure in the pressurized chamber and protect the contents of the chamber from water. This chamber will provide protected storage in an inflatable boat without requiring that the size of the boat be increased in any way. The chamber may also include a pressurization independent internal liner or support structure that creates a sub-chamber within the pressurized chamber. The sub-chamber can be accessed and depressurized without depressurizing the main chamber. A protective flap may also be attached to the outside of the zipper to protect it from elements, abrasion, and debris that may diminish the capabilities of the zipper. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a zipper accessed pressurized chamber configured to be used as a removable thwart in an inflatable boat. The thwart may include a boat attachment system for temporarily securing to a boat when used as a thwart and/or an individual attachment system for carrying the thwart as a pack or duffel bag. Various attachment systems may be incorporated and remain consistent with the present invention. While embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a thwart within an inflatable boat, the teachings of the present invention are also applicable to other areas. For example, creating a zipper accessible storage chamber within a pressurize air mattress.

Reference is initially made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a zipper accessible pressurized chamber in accordance with the present invention, designated generally at 100. The chamber 100 includes a body 105 and two sidewalls 115 to form an exterior composed of a flexible airtight material such as a rubber composite. The particular material must maintain internal air pressure, withstand external impacts, and support weight while pressurized. The exterior defines a hollow interior storage space (not viewable) on the interior of the chamber 100. The interior storage space will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. The illustrated exterior forms a substantially cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the chamber 100 could be shaped into any three-dimensional shape and remain consistent with the present invention. The chamber 100 further includes a zipper 110 and a valve 107 disposed on the body 105.

The zipper 110 can be opened to provide access to the interior chamber. In a closed configuration, the zipper 110 provides a waterproof and airtight seal consistent with the material used on the exterior of the chamber 100. The zipper may be any zipper that includes this functionality including the YKK airtight zipper. When opened, the zipper exposes the interior to air, water, and other debris.

The valve 107 is a one-way air valve that allows air to be inserted into the interior but prevents it from escaping. Since the exterior material and the zipper 110 are all composed of airtight materials, the interior can be pressurized by pumping air into the interior via the valve 107. An optional air pump may be coupled and disposed on the interior or exterior of the chamber 100. Alternatively, the valve 107 may be configured to allow an individual to blow air into the interior. The pressurization of the chamber 100 can therefore be adjusted to provide a variety of supportive functions. For example, the chamber 100 may be used as a thwart, pillow, chair, back rest, table, floating storage, etc.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2A, which illustrates a cross-sectional view along lines A-A′ in FIG. 1 of the interior 103 of one embodiment of a pressurized chamber 100. The interior 103 is the internal region of the chamber 100 defined by the shape of the exterior 105. Since the interior 103 is accessible via the zipper 110, the interior 103 can be used to store items in the same manner as a bag. The contents stored within the chamber 100 are protected because of the airtight and watertight seal provided by the exterior 105 and the zipper 110. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the interior 103 is depressurized whenever the zipper 110 is opened to access the interior 103. In addition, items stored in the interior 103 are free to move within the interior 103 possibly resulting in damage if the chamber 100 is shaken or dropped.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2B, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of the interior 203 along lines A-A′ in FIG. 1 of an alternative embodiment of a pressurized chamber 200. The illustrated interior 203 embodiment includes a sub-chamber 209 which can be used to store items within the interior 203. The contents of the sub-chamber 209 are therefore protected from bouncing around the interior because of the smaller volume of the sub-chamber 209 in comparison to the interior 203. The sub-chamber 209 is pressurization independent of the remainder of the interior 203. Therefore, whenever the sub-chamber 209 is accessed by opening the zipper 210, the pressurization in the interior 203 is unaffected. However, when closed, the zipper 210 still protects the contents stored in the sub-chamber 209 from water and other debris. The illustrated embodiment also includes an optional protection flap 220 that extends over the zipper 210. The protection flap 220 protects the zipper 210 from damage and debris. For example, if the chamber 200 is dragged in the dirt, the protection flap 220 will protect the zipper 210 from abrasion damage and debris, which may compromise the performance of the zipper. The protective flap 220 is composed of a similar durable material to the chamber 200, which is sewn on one side of the zipper 210. Alternatively, multiple zippers could be disposed one the same chamber to allow access to both the interior 203 and the sub-chamber 209. This may be particularly useful for storing independent items such as disposing ice in the interior 203 and items to be cooled within the sub-chamber 209. Likewise, multiple sub-chambers and zippers could be disposed on a single chamber to provide further division of storage items.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are elevational views of an inflatable raft and kayak incorporating two zipper accessible pressurized chambers consistent with the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates an inflatable raft 300 with two thwarts 315 disposed on the internal region 310. The internal region 310 is surrounded by an external inflated region 305. The thwarts 315 are pressurized chambers which include zippers 317 consistent with the present invention. The thwarts 315 can therefore be conventionally used to support passengers but can also be used to store items. Therefore, items stored within the chambers/thwarts 315 are protected from water, which may incidentally enter the inflatable raft 300. Likewise, FIG. 4 illustrates an inflatable kayak 400 that also includes two thwarts/chambers 415 which include zippers 417 consistent with the present invention. Various other inflatable boating configurations are contemplated and may include a chamber consistent with the present invention. For example, a chamber consistent with the present invention could be part of one or more pressurized chambers that surround the outer edge of a boat.

Reference is next made to FIG. 5, which illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a zipper accessible storage chamber 500 that includes a boat attachment system 510 and an individual attachment system 515 that allows for personal transportation. FIG. 5 particularly illustrates the operation of the individual attachment system 515. The illustrated chamber 500 also includes an exterior 505 and a zipper 520 which provide the functionality described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The individual attachment system 515 may include a pair of shoulder straps and a hip belt. The components of the individual attachment system 515 may be configured to tuck within an external pocket or flap of the chamber 500. In operation, the individual attachment system 515 could be used to transport the chamber 500 from an inflatable boat to a particular land based location. This may be particularly useful for inflatable boat based overnight trips.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6, which illustrates a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a zipper accessible storage chamber 500 illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 particularly illustrates the operation of the boat attachment system 510 to releasably couple the chamber/thwart 500 to an inflatable boat 540. The boat attachment system may include at least two buckles or straps that are configured to couple at particular locations on an inflatable boat 540. In order to be utilized as a thwart, it is often necessary for the chamber to be sufficiently restrained so as not to move within the inflatable boat 540. A boat attachment system which includes at least two attachment points on either side of the chamber 500 will prevent the chamber from rolling and will further prevent the chamber 500 from translating within the inflatable boat 540. The individual attachment system 515 may remain exposed as illustrated in FIG. 6. Likewise, the boat attachment system 510 may be configured such that the zipper 520 on the chamber 500 is accessible, as illustrated.

In addition, an airtight and watertight zipper could be retro-fit onto existing thwarts or chambers to provide the functionality of the present invention. A system for retrofitting an existing thwart would include an airtight and watertight zipper, glue, Velcro, a protective flap, etc. The process for retro-fitting would include cutting a slit in an existing chamber an properly attaching the zipper. The existing chamber would need to be composed of a sufficiently durable and airtight material consistent with the properties described above. Likewise, the attachment of the zipper would also need to be sufficient to maintain connection with the chamber at a particular pressurization.

Yet another alternative embodiment (not illustrated) may be to locate the watertight and airtight zipper on an outer portion of an inflatable boat which would in effect convert the entire inflatable boat into the chamber. This type of pressurized storage chamber could be used in conjunction with the thwart embodiment described above or applied independently. This type of storage location may be necessary in inflatable boats that do not contain thwarts. Unfortunately, the loss of pressure in an outer region of an inflatable boat can significantly affect the performance of the boat as opposed to the depressurization of an internal thwart.

Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace a pressurized storage chamber with zipper access. One embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a zipper accessed storage chamber within a pressurized chamber. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber comprising:

a pressurized chamber including an exterior and a pressurized interior, wherein the pressurized chamber is composed of a flexible airtight material; and

a zipper disposed on the exterior of the pressurized chamber such that it allows access to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber, wherein when closed the zipper maintains the pressurization within the pressurized interior.

2. The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of claim 1 further including a protection flap coupled to the exterior such that it extends over the zipper.

3. The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of claim 1, wherein the pressurized chamber includes a pressurization independent sub-chamber that can be accessed without depressurizing the pressurized interior.

4. The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of claim 1 further including a valve disposed on the exterior, wherein the valve can be used to increase the pressure in the pressurized interior.

5. The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of claim 1 further including a pressurization device coupled to the exterior of the pressurized chamber.

6. The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of claim 1 further including a pressurization device coupled to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber.

7. The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of claim 1 further including a boat attachment system which can be used to releasably couple the zipper accessible pressurized chamber to an inflatable boat to serve as a thwart.

8. The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of claim 1 further including a personal attachment system that can be used to efficiently transport the zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber.

9. An inflatable boat comprising:

at least one pressurized chamber, wherein each pressurized chamber includes an exterior and a pressurized interior, and wherein each pressurized chamber is composed of a flexible air tight material; and

a zipper disposed on the exterior of at least one of the at least one pressurized chambers such that it allows access to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber, wherein when closed the zipper maintains the pressurization within the pressurized interior.

10. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one pressurized chambers are configured as thwarts for use on the inflatable boat.

11. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers is the exterior region of the inflatable boat.

12. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers include a pressurization independent sub-chamber that can be accessed without depressurizing the pressurized interior.

13. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a valve disposed on the exterior, wherein the valve can be used to increase the pressure in the pressurized interior.

14. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a pressurization device coupled to the exterior of the pressurized chamber.

15. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a pressurization device coupled to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber.

16. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a boat attachment system which can be used to releasably couple the zipper accessible pressurized chamber to an inflatable boat to serve as a thwart.

17. The inflatable boat of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a personal attachment system that can be used to efficiently transport the zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber.

18. A pressurized thwart comprising:

a pressurized chamber including an exterior and a pressurized interior, wherein the pressurized chamber is composed of a flexible airtight material;

a zipper disposed on the exterior of the pressurized chamber such that it allows access to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber, wherein when closed the zipper maintains the pressurization within the pressurized interior;

a boat attachment system that enables the pressurized thwart to releasably couple to an inflatable boat; and

an individual attachment system that enables the pressurized thwart to be efficiently transported away from the inflatable boat by an individual.

19. The pressurized thwart of claim 18, wherein the pressurized chamber includes a pressurization independent sub-chamber that can be accessed without depressurizing the pressurized interior.

20. The pressurized thwart of claim 18, wherein the pressurized chamber includes a protection flap coupled to the exterior such that it extends over the zipper.