Inflatable Weapon Case

The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising an inflatable portion, an exterior portion, and a sealing system. The inflatable portion includes an inflatable interior housing, a number of air chambers, a number of manifold features, and at least one valve. The inflatable interior housing includes a valve, an air chamber, and a storage chamber. The exterior portion is associated with the inflatable portion. The sealing system is configured to seal the inflatable interior housing and the inflatable portion.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
BACKGROUND

Storage cases for weapons may protect a weapon from physical damage, such as the corrosive effects of atmospheric gases and moisture when the weapon is not in use. These storage cases are also useful in mitigating damage to a weapon during transport of the weapon. Weapon cases are generally formed using a protective material configured with a hollow interior to receive the weapon and some means of closing the case around the weapon.

One common type of weapon case is a gun case formed of a rigid exterior material and a padded interior section for housing the weapon. Other types of cases may be formed using a flexible material, which provides limited protection to the weapon encased within.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that addresses one or more of the issues discussed above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of representative concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in any way that would limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Briefly, different aspects of the subject matter described herein are directed towards an apparatus comprising an inflatable portion, an exterior portion, and a sealing system. The inflatable portion includes an inflatable interior housing, a number of air chambers, a number of manifold features, and at least one valve. The inflatable interior housing includes a valve and a storage chamber. The exterior portion is associated with the inflatable portion. The sealing system is configured to seal the inflatable interior housing and the inflatable portion.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and is not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a weapon case in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a weapon case in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a weapon case in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an inflatable portion cross-section in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a weapon case in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an inflatable portion in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a weapon case in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a weapon case in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a weapon case in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a valve in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a valve in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a valve in accordance with an advantageous embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are generally directed towards an inflating weapon case. The present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, aspect, concept, structure, functionality, or example described herein. Rather, any of the embodiments, aspects, concepts, structures, functionalities, or examples described herein are non-limiting, and the present invention may be used in various ways that provide benefits and advantages in weapon storage and transport in general.

With reference now to the figures and, in particular, with reference to FIG. 1, an illustration of a weapon case is depicted in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented. Weapon case 100 may be a container for housing any type of weapon, including, for example, without limitation, a firearm, rifle, shotgun, pistol, handgun, bow and arrow system, knife, sword, and/or any other suitable weapon.

Weapon case 100 includes inflatable portion 102 and exterior portion 104. Inflatable portion 102 includes inflatable interior housing 106, number of tubes 108, number of manifold features 110, and valve 112. Inflatable interior housing 106 includes valve 114, air chamber 116, and storage chamber 118. Inflatable interior housing 106 is an inflatable section of weapon case 100 in which a weapon may be encased within inflatable portion 102.

Number of air chambers 108 is one or more enclosed chambers associated with number of manifold features 110 and configured to hold fluid, such as air for example, when inflatable portion 102 is in an inflated state. Number of manifold features 110 is one or more tubes implemented at one or more locations along number of air chambers 108 and serve to equalize the fluid pressure in each of the number of air chambers 108. Number of manifold features 110 and number of air chambers 108 may be, for example, features disposed between the case material layers that define inflatable portion 102. In this way, as one example, air pressure along inflatable portion 102 is equalized. Number of manifold features 110 neutralize outside pressure against number of air chambers 108 to keep the air pressure within inflatable portion 102 equal.

Valve 112 may be any type of device configured to control the direction or characteristics of a fluid flow as it exits or enters an enclosed chamber, such as number of air chambers 108 of inflatable portion 102. For example, the fluid flow may be air flow to and from the outside of inflatable portion 102. Valve 112 may include an open state, an engaged state, and a closed state, where the open state allows fluid flow in and out of inflatable portion 102, the engaged state allows fluid flow in only one direction, and the closed state prevents fluid flow, for example. Valve 112 may further include an interior valve (not depicted) used in the engaged state, for example, to restrict fluid flow such that the fluid flow is allowed in one direction but not the other. In one advantageous embodiment, the interior valve may include a baffle, which allows air flow in when engaged, and restricts air flow out when disengaged, for example.

Inflatable interior housing 106 is disposed within inflatable portion 102 and is inflatable independent from inflatable portion 102. Inflatable interior housing 106 includes valve 114, air chamber 116, and storage chamber 118. Valve 114 may be a valve similar to that of valve 112, in one advantageous embodiment. Valve 114 controls the direction or characteristics of a fluid flow as it exits or enters air chamber 116 of inflatable interior housing 106. Air chamber 116 is independent from number of air chambers 108.

Storage chamber 118 is provided to house or contain a weapon within weapon case 100. In an advantageous embodiment, when a weapon is stored within storage chamber 118, both inflatable interior housing 106 and inflatable portion 102 may be in an inflated state to allow maximum protection to the weapon during storage and/or transport. Alternatively, in another advantageous embodiment, inflatable interior housing 106 may be in an inflated state during weapon storage while inflatable portion 102 is in a non-inflated state in order to allow air flow through inflatable portion 102 and provide mitigation of excess moisture due to environmental factors, for example.

Exterior portion 104 includes sealing system 120 and case material 122. Sealing system 120 may be any type of system configured to seal off inflatable interior housing 106 of inflatable portion 102. Sealing system 120 may include, for example, without limitation, a strap, clip, zipper, Velcro, snaps, tie, cord, and/or any other suitable means of sealing of an interior portion of a case.

In one advantageous embodiment, sealing system 118 may incorporate impregnated fabric, coated fabric, and/or any other suitable material for providing an airtight and/or waterproof seal for weapon case 100. A coated fabric may be a natural or synthetic fabric laminated in a material such as, without limitation, rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone elastomer, wax, and/or any other suitable waterproofing material. An impregnated fabric may be a natural or synthetic fabric integrated with a waterproofing material, for example. In one illustrative example, a coated fabric zipper system may be implemented as a waterproof sealing component of sealing system 120.

Case material 122 is a compressible material that is impervious to penetration by air and moisture. Case material 122 may be any type of material, such as, without limitation, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, impregnated fabric, coated fabric, and/or any other suitable material. A coated fabric may be a natural or synthetic fabric laminated in a material such as, without limitation, rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone elastomer, wax, and/or any other suitable waterproofing material. An impregnated fabric may be a natural or synthetic fabric integrated with a waterproofing material, for example.

Case material 122 may include a number of layers, for example, such as one or more outer layers and one or more inner layers, with inflatable portion 102 disposed between the outer and inner layers. In this example, the inner layer may surround inflatable interior housing 106. The cavity between the outer layers and the inner layers may encompass inflatable portion 102, in this illustrative example.

Inflatable portion 102, when in an inflated state, provides additional protective buffering for the object within inflatable interior housing 106 from forces outside weapon case 100. When inflatable portion 102 and/or inflatable interior housing 106 is in a sealed state, provided by sealing system 120, weapon case 100 is airtight, and protects the weapon housed within inflatable interior housing 106 from damaging elements, such as moisture, humidity, sand, dust, and the like. Case material 122 also allows weapon case 100 to be waterproof and sand proof. Additionally, inflatable portion 102 may allow weapon case 100 to be buoyant in fluids, such as water, for example.

Valve 112 may also be used to allow fluid flow to exit inflatable portion 102, such that when number of air chambers 108 and number of manifold features 110 is devoid of all fluid, inflatable portion 102 is in a deflated state.

In one advantageous embodiment, case material 122 is configured to be rolled in a compressed manner up to a point when inflatable portion 102 is inflated, such as the point where inflatable interior housing 106 is disposed within inflatable portion 102. Sealing system 120 may be configured to seal and/or secure the compressed case material 122.

In another advantageous embodiment, case material 122 may be rolled in a compressed manner in order to deflate weapon case 100 into a compressed form for storage, for example. Sealing system 120 may also be used to secure weapon case 100 in a compressed form for storage.

Weapon case 100 may also include exterior features 124. Exterior features 124 may include, for example, without limitation, a handle, number of eyelets, loops, belt clip, and/or any other suitable external features. A handle may be any type of material disposed along a portion of the external surface of exterior portion 104 and configured to provide a feature for carrying weapon case 100 by hand. Eyelets may be rings inserted into a hole of any type of material disposed along one or more portions of the external surface of exterior portion 104. The rings may be, for example, without limitation, metal, plastic, rubber, and/or any other suitable material. These rings may be inserted in a hole of a portion of material, with the material being affixed to or disposed along a portion of exterior portion 104. The eyelets may provide a mechanism for connecting a carrying strap to weapon case 100, such as a shoulder strap for example. In another illustrative example, eyelets may provide a mechanism for affixing weapon case 100 to another object.

Loops may be any type of material such as, for example, without limitation, nylon. Loops may provide a mechanism for attachment of weapon case 100 to another object, such as a backpack for example. A belt clip may be disposed along exterior portion 104. A belt clip may be any type of material such as, for example, without limitation, plastic, nylon, leather, and/or any other suitable material. A belt clip may be configured to affix weapon case 100 to a belt for hands-free transportation, for example.

Weapon case 100 may also include accompanying features of an external strap and storage container. An external strap may be similar to sealing system 120, having means for securing external strap around weapon case 100 in a compressed, rolled form for storage. The external strap may keep weapon case 100 in the deflated, compressed, and rolled state using pressure, for example, by having the external strap secured around rolled weapon case 100 with a buckle feature, or some other fastening mechanism, for example. Any other type of securing mechanism may be associated with an external strap. For example, an external strap may be comprised of a material with elastic characteristics.

In another illustrative example, a storage container may be a container configured to house weapon case 100 in a deflated, compressed, and rolled state. A storage container may keep weapon case 100 in a deflated, compressed, and rolled state due to the size of the storage container preventing expansion of weapon case 100 when weapon case 100 is housed within the storage container, for example.

The illustration of weapon case 100 in FIG. 1 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

For example, although inflatable portion 102 is depicted with number of air chambers 108 and number of manifold features 110, inflatable portion 102 may comprise a closed cell foam structure for inflation of inflatable portion 102.

The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take into account that current weapon cases are either implemented as a hard shell case or a soft shell flexible case encasing open cell foam to encapsulate a weapon, for example. The hard shell cases, while waterproof and impact resistant, can be heavy and bulky, difficult to pack, and cannot compress into a smaller form. The soft shell case, while flexible, provides limited impact resistance, no buoyancy, and limited weather-proofing capabilities.

Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising an inflatable portion, an exterior portion, and a sealing system. The inflatable portion includes an inflatable interior housing, a number of air chambers, a number of manifold features, and at least one valve. The inflatable interior housing includes a valve and a storage chamber. The exterior portion is associated with the inflatable portion. The sealing system is configured to seal the inflatable interior housing and the inflatable portion.

With reference now to FIG. 2, an illustration of a weapon case is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Weapon case 200 is an illustrative example of one implementation of weapon case 100 in FIG. 1.

Weapon case 200 may be an illustrative example of an inflatable case designed to house a rifle or shotgun, for example. Weapon case 200 may illustrate an inflated state, for example, in which a weapon or object may be inserted into weapon case 200 for storage and/or transportation. Weapon case 200 includes inflatable portion 202, exterior portion 204, opening 206, sealing system 208, valve 210, and valve 212. Inflatable portion 202 may be in illustrative example of one implementation of inflatable portion 102 in FIG. 1. Inflatable portion 202 may house inflatable interior housing (not depicted) within the interior portion of inflatable portion 202. Exterior portion 204 may be in illustrative example of one implementation of exterior portion 104 in FIG. 1.

Exterior portion 204 is connected at one end to inflatable portion 202, and at the other end provides opening 206. Opening 206 is provided to insert and remove an object, such as a weapon, into and out of the inflatable interior housing of weapon case 200. Opening 206 is sealed by rolling non-inflatable portion 204 in a compressed manner towards the area where exterior portion 204 encounters an end of inflatable interior housing within inflatable portion 202, and securing rolled and compressed exterior portion 204 using sealing system 208. Sealing system 208 may include a male clip and female clip, in this example, for securing either end of a strap together to hold rolled and compressed exterior portion 204 in place.

Valve 210 is an illustrative example of one implementation of valve 114 in FIG. 1, and controls fluid flow to, from, and through the inflatable interior housing within inflatable portion 202. Valve 212 is an illustrative example of one implementation of valve 112 in FIG. 1, and controls fluid flow to, from, and through inflatable portion 202.

The illustration of weapon case 200 in FIG. 2 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

For example, weapon case 200 may be implemented with a different securing system other than sealing system 208.

With reference now to FIG. 3, an illustration of a weapon case is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Weapon case 300 is an illustrative example of one implementation of weapon case 200 in FIG. 2 in a sealed state.

Weapon case 300 may be an illustrative example of an inflatable case designed to house a rifle or shotgun, for example. Weapon case 300 may illustrate an inflated state, for example, in which a weapon or object may be sealed within weapon case 300 for storage and/or transportation. Weapon case 300 depicts inflatable portion 302, sealing system 304, valve 306, and valve 308. Inflatable portion 302 may be in illustrative example of one implementation of inflatable portion 102 in FIG. 1. Inflatable portion 302 is depicted in an inflated state, having air within the number of air chambers within inflatable portion 302. Inflatable portion 302 provides protection, insulation, and buoyancy for weapon case 300.

The exterior portion of weapon case 300 is rolled and compressed to seal weapon case 300, secured beneath sealing system 304 in this illustrative example. Sealing system 304 may be an illustrative example of one implementation of sealing system 120 in FIG. 1. Nozzle 306 may be disposed along inflatable portion 302 and connected to and/or associated with the inflatable interior housing (not depicted) within inflatable portion 302. Valve 308 is disposed at the end of inflatable portion 302, in this example, and controls the fluid flow to, from, and through inflatable portion 302. When weapon case 300 is inflated, valve 308 may be in a closed position designed to prevent air flow through valve 308. In this manner, air within inflatable portion 302 may be contained to exert pressure against the interior portions of the layers of case material that comprise inflatable portion 302, providing buffering and protection for the object housed within weapon case 300, as well as buoyancy in certain fluids, for example.

The illustration of weapon case 300 in FIG. 3 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an illustration of an inflatable portion cross-section is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Inflatable portion cross-section 400 may be an illustrative example of one implementation of a cross sectional view of inflatable portion 202 in FIG. 2 and/or inflatable portion 302 in FIG. 3. Inflatable portion cross-section 400 may also be an illustrative example of one implementation of a cross sectional view of inflatable interior housing 106 disposed within inflatable portion 102 in FIG. 1.

Inflatable portion cross-section 400 includes valve 402, exterior portion 404, inflatable interior housing 406, storage chamber 408, air passage 410, valve 412 and air passage 414. Valve 402 is an illustrative example of one implementation of valve 112 in FIG. 1. Valve 402 may be disposed along a portion of exterior portion 404, such as at one end of an inflatable weapon case.

Inflatable interior housing 406 encompasses storage chamber 408. Storage chamber 408 is an illustrative example of one implementation of storage chamber 118 in FIG. 1. Air passage 410 receives fluid flow through valve 402 in order to inflate and deflate the inflatable portion of a weapon case, such as inflatable portion 102 in FIG. 1. Air passage 410 may include, for example, a number of air chambers and manifold features (not depicted) to direct and equalize fluid flow throughout air passage 410. Valve 412 is associated with inflatable interior housing 406 and controls fluid flow through air passage 414.

In an illustrative example, valve 402 may be in an open state, allowing air flow from the exterior of an inflatable portion into air passage 410 to inflate inflatable portion cross-section 400. When air passage 410 is filled with air, valve 402 may be switched to a closed state in order to maintain air within air passage 410 and provide an inflated state for the inflatable portion. In another illustrative example, valve 412 may be in an open state to receive or release air from air passage 414. The inflatable portion may be compressed to exclude air from air passage 410 and/or air passage 414 and bring the weapon case to a deflated state, for example.

The illustration of inflatable portion cross-section 400 in FIG. 4 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an illustration of a weapon case is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Weapon case 500 is an illustrative example of one implementation of weapon case 100 in FIG. 1.

Weapon case 500 is depicted in a deflated, compressed, and rolled state. Weapon case 500 depicts deflated inflatable portion 502, exterior portion 504, valve 506, strap 508, and buckle 510. Weapon case 500 may be rolled and compressed starting at the end without an opening, so that maximum air is expelled from within the inflatable case as the weapon case is rolled and compressed. Valve 506 may be set in an open position to release air during the rolling and compressing of weapons case 500, resulting in air being excluded from deflated inflatable portion 502. Strap 508 is an illustrative example of one implementation of exterior features 124 in FIG. 1. Strap 508 may secure weapon case 500 in a deflated, rolled, and compressed state using buckle 510, in this example.

The illustration of weapon case 500 in FIG. 5 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

For example, strap 508 may be implemented as a continuous loop of material with an elastic characteristic that holds weapon case 500 in the deflated, rolled, and compressed state using the tension of the elastic characteristic.

With reference now to FIG. 6, an illustration of an inflatable portion of a weapon case is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Inflatable portion 600 is an illustrative example of one implementation of inflatable portion 102 in FIG. 1.

Inflatable portion 600 includes valve 602, number of air chambers 604, and manifold 606. Valve 602 is an illustrative example of one implementation of valve 112 in FIG. 1. Valve 602 controls fluid flow to, from, and through number of air chambers 604. Number of air chambers 604 is an illustrative example of one implementation of number of air chambers 108 in FIG. 1. Manifold 606 is an illustrative example of one implementation of number of manifold features 110 in FIG. 1. Manifold 606 equalizes the fluid pressure in number of air chambers 604 such that inflatable portion 600 has an equal distribution of fluid, such as air, throughout.

The illustration of inflatable portion 600 in FIG. 6 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 7, an illustration of a weapon case is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Weapon case 700 is an illustrative example of one implementation of weapon case 100 in FIG. 1.

Weapon case 700 includes valve 702, valve 704, exterior portion 706, sealing system 708, sliding strap 710, and carrying strap 712. In this illustrative example, exterior portion 706 may encompass an inflatable portion (not depicted) and the inflatable portion may encompass an inflatable interior housing (not depicted). Valve 702 may control fluid flow to the inflatable portion within exterior portion 706, while valve 704 controls fluid flow to the inflatable interior housing within the inflatable portion.

Sealing system 708 may be an illustrative example of one implementation of sealing system 120 in FIG. 1. Sliding strap 710 is associated with exterior portion 706 and configured to move along exterior portion 706. Sliding strap 710 may provide for adjustment of the length of carrying strap 712, in one illustrative example. Additionally, sliding strap 710 provides a moveable and/or removable feature to accommodate carrying strap 712 without placing stress on the weapon case material itself, such as through a permanently affixed carrying strap, for example.

The illustration of weapon case 700 in FIG. 7 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 8, an illustration of a weapon case is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Weapon case 800 is an illustrative example of one implementation of weapon case 100 in FIG. 1.

Weapon case 800 is an illustrative example of a length-wise cross-section of an inflatable portion of weapon case 800. Weapon case 800 includes valve 802, valve 804, exterior portion 806, inflatable portion 810, and sealing system 812. The inflatable interior housing (not depicted) may be within inflatable portion 810. This cross-section of inflatable portion 810 depicts fluid flow into valve 804 and through air chambers and manifold features of inflatable portion 810.

The illustration of weapon case 800 in FIG. 8 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 9, an illustration of a weapon case is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Weapon case 900 is an illustrative example of one implementation of weapon case 100 in FIG. 1.

Weapon case 900 depicts an illustrative example where the inflatable portion is deflated and air flow is provided through the interior of weapon case 900 via valve 902 and case opening 906. Valve 904 may be in an open or closed state, providing or restricting air flow to and from an inflatable interior housing encompassed within the inflatable portion, in this example.

The illustration of weapon case 900 in FIG. 9 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 10, an illustration of a valve is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Valve 1000 is an illustrative example of one implementation of valve 112 in FIG. 1.

Valve 1000 includes base 1002, inflation valve 1004, and exterior plug 1006. Base 1002 may include a vent (not depicted) that allows for fluid flow into or out of a weapons case, such as weapon case 100 in FIG. 1, during storage, as depicted in FIG. 9. Inflation valve 1004 includes a baffle (depicted in FIG. 11) that restricts fluid flow in one direction. Inflation valve 1004 may be inserted into base 1002 to control fluid flow in one direction and restrict fluid flow in another direction. In an illustrative example, inflation valve 1004 may be inserted into base 1002 to inflate an inflatable portion of a case, such that when air pressure is introduced to inflation valve 1004 the baffle allows air through valve 1000 into the inflatable portion associated with valve 1000, and restricts air flow out of valve 1000.

Exterior plug 1006 seals valve 1000 to prevent fluid flow in any direction. In an illustrative example, once the desired amount of air pressure is reached within the inflatable portion associated with valve 1000, exterior plug 1006 may be inserted into inflation valve 1004 to seal off valve 1000.

The illustration of valve 1000 in FIG. 10 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 11, an illustration of a valve is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Valve 1100 is an illustrative example of one implementation of inflation valve 1004 in FIG. 10.

Valve 1100 depicts an inflation valve with a baffle partially removed to illustrate the vented feature of valve 1100. The baffle feature covers the circumference of one end of valve 1100 and acts to allow fluid flow in one direction while restricting fluid flow in the opposite direction.

The illustration of valve 1100 in FIG. 11 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 12, an illustration of a valve is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Valve 1200 is an illustrative example of one implementation of inflation valve 1004 in FIG. 10.

Valve 1200 depicts an illustrative example of an inflation valve, such as inflation valve 1004 in FIG. 10, receiving fluid flow, such as air, and allowing the fluid flow past a baffle feature in one direction. When the fluid flow lessens or terminates from that one direction, the baffle closes back over the circumference of the one end of valve 1200 to restrict fluid flow in the opposite direction.

The illustration of valve 1200 in FIG. 12 is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageous embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different advantageous embodiments.

The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an inflatable portion having an inflatable interior housing, a number of air chambers, a number of manifold features, and at least one valve, wherein the inflatable interior housing includes a valve, an air chamber, and a storage chamber; and
an exterior portion associated with the inflatable portion; and
a sealing system configured to seal the inflatable interior housing and the inflatable portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing system further comprises:

a strap disposed along an end of the exterior portion, wherein the strap is configured to secure the exterior portion in a rolled and compressed state to seal an opening of the inflatable portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a male clip connected to a first end of the strap; and
a female clip connected to a second end of the strap, wherein the male clip and the female clip are configured to complement each other to form a buckle feature.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of manifold features are configured to equalize fluid pressure throughout the number of air chambers.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one valve includes a closed state, an open state, and an engaged state.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the closed state restricts fluid passage, wherein the open state allows fluid passage, and wherein the engaged state controls fluid passage to provide fluid passage in one direction.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the case material comprises at least one of nylon, polyester, polyethylene, impregnated fabric, and coated fabric.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a handle connected to the exterior portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable portion includes an inflated state and a deflated state.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable interior housing includes an inflated state and a deflated state.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the inflatable portion and the inflatable interior housing are configured to be independently inflated and deflated.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable portion is configured to be deflated through compression when the at least one valve is in an open state.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing system comprises a coated fabric zipper system impervious to penetration by fluid.

14. An inflatable weapon case, the inflatable weapon case comprising:

an inflatable portion comprising a number of layers of case material that form an inflatable interior housing, a number of air chambers, a number of manifold features, and at least one valve, the number of air chambers and the number of manifold features disposed within one or more of the number of layers of case material, the number of air chambers and the number of manifold features associated with the at least one valve, and the at least one valve configured to control fluid flow through the inflatable portion; and
the inflatable interior housing comprising a number of layers of case material that form a storage chamber for a weapon, and a valve, the valve configured to control fluid flow through an air chamber of the inflatable interior housing independent from the at least one valve and the number of air chambers of the inflatable portion.

15. The inflatable weapon case of claim 14, wherein the number of manifold features equalize the fluid pressure within the number of air chambers.

16. The inflatable weapon case of claim 14, further comprising:

an exterior portion comprising one or more layers of case material and a sealing system.

17. The inflatable weapon case of claim 16, wherein the sealing system is configured to seal and secure an opening of the inflatable portion.

18. The inflatable weapon case of claim 16, wherein the sealing system is configured to seal and secure an opening of the inflatable interior housing.

19. The inflatable weapon case of claim 16, wherein the sealing system comprises at least one of a strap, clip, zipper, Velcro, snaps, tie, or cord.

20. The inflatable weapon case of claim 16, wherein the sealing system comprises at least one of an impregnated fabric or a coated fabric.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150122679
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 6, 2013
Publication Date: May 7, 2015
Inventor: Rod Debias (Windber, PA)
Application Number: 14/072,912
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: For A Weapon (206/317)
International Classification: F41C 33/06 (20060101);