Gun storage case

Abstract

A gun storage case comprises an envelope having an integral flap. The envelope is sized to enclose a gun. The case includes means for securing the flap in a closed position to the envelope. The envelope is made from a laminate structure. The laminate structure includes an impermeable plastic film having a nonwoven material affixed thereto. The nonwoven material has a basis weight in the range of 5 to 25 ounces per square yard. The nonwoven material is located on the inner surface of the envelope.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The proper care and maintenance of guns, pistols, rifles, and shotguns necessitate cleaning after use. Gun cleaning removes dirt, grime, and residue that naturally accumulates from discharging the firearm. After cleaning, it is preferred that the gun be lubricated to prevent rust and keep the weapon in good working order during storage. Storage of the weapon prudently requires the use of a gun locker or safe. These lockers prevent unauthorized tampering with the gun. It is natural that during storage of the recently cleaned and oiled guns that excess oil accumulates within the locker, thereby causing a mess.

[0002] Heretofore, some gun owners have stored their weapons in a woven (or knitted) sock. These socks, however, are deficient because excess oils leaks through the sock's fabric.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a better gun storage case.

[0004] Laminated structures consisting of impermeable plastic film with a nonwoven material affixed thereto are known. For example, see: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,609,580; 4,650,481; 4,961,930; 5,506,040; and 5,834,104.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A gun storage case comprises an envelope having an integral flap. The envelope is sized to enclose a gun. The case includes means for securing the flap in a closed position to the envelope. The envelope is made from a laminate structure. The laminate structure includes an impermeable plastic film having a nonwoven material affixed thereto. The nonwoven material has a basis weight in the range of 5 to 25 ounces per square yard. The nonwoven material is located on the inner surface of the envelope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a preferred form of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a pistol case.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pistol case.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a rifle or shotgun case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a pistol case 10. Pistol case 10 includes an envelope 12 with a flap 14. Preferably, the case is made of a single piece of a laminated material 24 (discussed in detail below). The laminated material 24, see FIG. 3, consists of a film 26 and a nonwoven fabric 28, the nonwoven fabric being located on the inner surface of the envelope 12. Envelope 12 is preferably made by folding over the laminated material 24 onto itself via fold 16, and then stitching closed the free and overlapping edges of the laminated material 24 via stitch lines 20. Preferably, flap 14 is integrally joined to envelope 12 via flap fold 18. In FIG. 1, flap 14 is shown in a closed position; in FIG. 2, flap 14 is shown in an open position. Flap 14 may be secured in its closed position via closure means 22. Preferably, closure means 22 consists of a hook and loop type fastener (i.e., a Velcro-type fastener), but may also include adhesives, buttons, string ties, and snaps. Stitch line 20 preferably consists of two lines of stitching. The outermost stitch line is preferably an over-lock stitch with five stitches per inch. The innermost stitch line is preferably a safety stitch and is an over-lock stitch with five stitches per inch. In the preferred embodiment, the free and overlapping edges of the laminated material 24 is not bound or sealed closed, so that moisture within the case may escape, and thereby prevent the accumulation of moisture within the case that might be detrimental during the storage of the weapon.

[0012] Laminated material 24 consists of a film 26 and a nonwoven fabric 28. The film 26 and nonwoven fabric 28 are preferably joined together in any conventional manner, for example by adhesives.

[0013] Film 26 is an impermeable plastic film that is inert to the cleaning solutions and oils used in gun cleaning and maintenance. Preferably, film 26 is a polyester film, but other plastic films may be used, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride films. Preferably, film 26 has a thickness between 0.2 and 5.0 mils, more preferably, between 0.5 and 3.0 mils, and most preferably, about 1.2 mils.

[0014] Nonwoven fabric 28 preferably has a basis weight of about 5 to 25 ounces per square yard, preferably in the range of 8 to 16 ounces per square yard. Nonwoven fabric 28 is preferably a needle punched felt. Nonwoven fabric 28 is preferably a polypropylene nonwoven fabric, but other nonwoven fabrics may be used, for example polyethylene nonwoven fabrics.

[0015] Nonwoven fabric 28 may be impregnated with additives, such as preservatives, absorbents, and/or desiccants. Preservatives may be used, for example, to prevent rust in the metal portion of the gun. One such preservative is a silicon oil. Absorbents may be used, for example, to soak up excess cleaning solutions and oils. Desiccants may be used, for example, to remove moisture from within the case.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a case that is suitable for use with rifles or shotguns.

[0017] The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A gun storage case comprising:

an envelope having an integral flap, said envelope being adapted to enclose a gun and means for securing said flap in a position to close said envelope, said envelope comprising a laminate structure including an impermeable plastic film having a nonwoven fabric affixed thereto, said nonwoven fabric having a basis weight in the range of 5 to 25 ounces per square yard, said nonwoven fabric being located on an inner surface of said envelope.

2. The case of claim 1 wherein said plastic film further comprises a polyester film.

3. The case of claim 2 wherein said polyester film has a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 5.0 mils.

4. The case of claim 1 wherein said nonwoven fabric comprises a polypropylene nonwoven fabric.

5. The case of claim 4 wherein said polypropylene nonwoven fabric having a basis weight ranging from 8 to 16 ounces per square yard.

6. The case of claim 5 wherein said basis weight ranging from 8 to 16 ounces per square yard.

7. The case of claim 1 further comprising an additive impregnating said nonwoven fabric.

8. A method for storing a gun comprising the step of providing a case comprising:

an envelope having an integral flap, said envelope being adapted to enclose a gun and means for securing said flap in a position to close said envelope, said envelope comprising a laminate structure including an impermeable plastic film having a nonwoven fabric affixed thereto, said nonwoven fabric having a basis weight in the range of 5 to 25 ounces per square yard, said nonwoven fabric being located on an inner surface of said envelope.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said plastic film further comprises a polyester film.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said polyester film has a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 5.0 mils.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein said nonwoven fabric comprises a polypropylene nonwoven fabric.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said polypropylene nonwoven fabric having a basis weight ranging from 8 to 16 ounces per square yard.

13. The method of claim 8 further comprising an additive impregnating said nonwoven fabric.