FOLDABLE CASE

Abstract

A foldable case for storing and transporting an implement is provided. The foldable case comprises a pair of body panels, each defining a first longitudinal segment, a second longitudinal segment, and a central segment disposed between the first and second longitudinal segments and defining a lateral fold axis therethrough. An attachment panel connects the pair of body panels and defines a longitudinal fold axis. The body panels further comprise a flexible substrate that extends continuously through the first and second longitudinal segments and the central segment, and a rigid substrate coupled to the flexible substrate at only the first and second longitudinal segments. The body panels are pivotable about the longitudinal fold axis to move the foldable case between an open position and a closed position, and the body panels are further pivotable about the lateral fold axes to move the foldable case to and from a portable condition.

Claims

1. A foldable case for storing and transporting an implement, the foldable case comprising: a pair of body panels, wherein each body panel defines a first longitudinal segment, a second longitudinal segment, and a central segment defining a lateral fold axis therethrough, wherein the central segment is disposed between the first longitudinal segment and the second longitudinal segment, each of the body panels further comprising: a flexible substrate that extends continuously through the first longitudinal segment, the central segment, and the second longitudinal segment of each body panel, and a rigid substrate coupled to the flexible substrate at only the first longitudinal segment and the second longitudinal segment of each body panel; and an attachment panel defining a longitudinal fold axis, wherein the attachment panel is disposed between and operatively couples the pair of body panels to one another, wherein the body panels are pivotable about the longitudinal fold axis to transition the foldable case between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the body panels are pivotable about the lateral fold axis to transition the foldable case to and from a portable condition.

2. The foldable case of claim 1 wherein each body panel defines an outer face and an opposite inner face such that when the foldable case is in the closed position, the inner faces of the respective body panels are disposed facing one another and radially spaced apart by an interior space.

3. The foldable case of claim 2 wherein, when the foldable case is in the portable condition, the respective body panels are folded along the lateral fold axis such that the first longitudinal segments of the body panels are disposed adjacent to the second longitudinal segments of the body panels, thereby reducing an overall length of the foldable case for storage or transport.

4. The foldable case of claim 1 wherein each of the longitudinal segments has a length L1 and the central segment has a length L2, wherein the length L2 is less than the length L1.

5. The foldable case of claim 4 wherein the length L2 is less than half the length L1.

6. The foldable case of claim 4 wherein the body panels are mirror images of one another across the longitudinal fold axis.

7. The foldable case of claim 6 wherein the flexible substrate comprises an exterior fabric layer and an interior fabric layer.

8. The foldable case of claim 7 wherein the flexible substrate further comprises a padding layer disposed between the exterior fabric layer and the interior fabric layer.

9. The foldable case of claim 8 wherein the exterior fabric layer comprises a double PVC-coated polyester fabric and the interior fabric layer comprises a single-knit cotton fabric.

10. The foldable case of claim 8 wherein the rigid substrate is positioned between the exterior fabric layer and the padding layer.

11. The foldable case of claim 10 wherein the rigid substrate comprises a thermoformed ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material.

12. The foldable case of claim 10 wherein each of the rigid substrate and the padding layer are secured to at least one of the interior fabric layer and exterior fabric layer.

13. The foldable case of claim 12 wherein the rigid substrate and the padding layer are secured by one of bonding, sewing, and lamination.

14. The foldable case of claim 2 wherein each body panel further defines a plurality of edges and a flange extending from the plurality of edges, and wherein the flange of one body panel is configured to align with the flange of the other body panel when the foldable case is in the closed position.

15. The foldable case of claim 14 further comprising a fastening element operatively coupled between the flanges of the body panels.

16. The foldable case of claim 15 wherein the fastening element comprises a zipper mechanism.

17. The foldable case of claim 16 further comprising a carry system operatively coupled to the pair of body panels, wherein the carry system comprises a shoulder sling and a carry handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The embodiments set forth in the figures are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be better understood when read in connection with the following figures, wherein like structures are indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a foldable case in a closed position;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the foldable case in a portable condition;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of the foldable case in an open position;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the foldable case in the open position; and

[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of a pair of body panels of the foldable case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] While the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure.

[0013] The terms a, an, the, at least one, and one or more are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about whether or not about actually appears before the numerical value. About indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by about is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then about as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range.

[0014] The terms comprising, including, and having are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term or includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term any of is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including any one of the referenced items. The term any of is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including any one of the referenced claims.

[0015] Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description.

[0016] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as above, below, upward, downward, top, bottom, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. Any numerical designations, such as first or second are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way.

[0017] The term longitudinal, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of a component. The term forward or anterior is used to refer to the general direction from front to back of the respective component, and the term rearward or posterior is used to refer to the opposite direction. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

[0018] The term transverse, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a width of a component. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

[0019] The term vertical, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. The term upward or upwards refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component. The term downward or downwards refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component. In addition, the term proximal refers to a direction that is nearer, and the term distal refers to a relative position that is further away. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0020] Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a foldable case for storing, protecting, and transporting an implement 12 is shown generally at 10. The implement 12 may comprise a rigid, elongated, handheld object used in recreational or sporting activities, including, but not limited to, sporting equipment such as a long gun, fishing rod, golf clubs, a hockey stick, or the like. In a general sense, the case 10 is adapted to provide impact-resistant protection of the implement 12 when the case 10 is disposed in a closed position, as shown by example in FIG. 1. The case 10 is also capable of further folding into a portable condition, as shown in FIG. 2, for compact storage or transport when carrying the implement 12 within the case is not required or desired, such as when the implement 12 is in use or stored elsewhere, as shown by example in FIG. 2.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the case 10 generally includes a body 14 comprising a pair of body panels 16A, 16B operatively coupled to one another via an attachment panel 18 extending therebetween. The body panels 16A, 16B are generally mirror images of one another disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal fold axis A1 extending longitudinally through the attachment panel 18. As such, the body panels 16A, 16B are adapted and arranged to align with one another when the case 10 is disposed in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1 and described in further detail below, to define an overall shape of the body 14.

[0022] Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, more particularly, each body panel 16A, 16B includes an outer face 20 and an opposite inner face 22 each defined by a plurality of edges. The plurality of edges comprises a first edge 26 and a second edge 28, such that the plurality of edges collectively defines an outer perimeter of the respective body panel 16A, 16B.

[0023] The attachment panel 18 is coupled to and extends between corresponding first edges 26 of each body panel 16A, 16B. The attachment panel 18 may comprise a flexible material, such as fabric, rubber, thermoplastic, or another pliable substance, thereby permitting the body panels 16A, 16B to pivot relative to one another about the longitudinal fold axis A1 between the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, and an open position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the closed position, the inner faces 22 of the body panels 16A, 16B are disposed generally facing one another but radially spaced apart to collectively define an interior space 30 therebetween for enclosing and protecting the implement 12. Conversely, in the open position, the inner faces 22 of the body panels 16A, 16B are aligned in a single plane to allow for insertion and removal of the implement 12 therebetween.

[0024] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, each body panel 16A, 16B further comprises a flange 32 that extends inwardly from a substantial portion of the perimeter of the respective body panel 16A, 16B. The flange 32 of one body panel 16A is configured to generally align with the flange 32 of the opposing body panel 16B when the case 10 is disposed in the closed position, thereby further defining the interior space 30 and assisting in enclosing and protecting the implement 12. A fastening element 33 may extend between the flanges 32 for fastening or otherwise establishing engagement between the body panels 16A, 16B and securing the case 10 in the closed position. According to one non-limiting example embodiment of the case 10 as shown in the figures, the fastening element 33 may comprise a zipper mechanism. Alternatively, the fastening element 33 may comprise any suitable mechanism or structure configured enclose the interior space 30, including but not limited to sealing interfaces, compressible elements, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, straps, or other cooperating surface features, without varying the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] In addition to movement between the open and closed positions, the body panels 16A, 16B are further configured such that the case 10 may be transitioned between an in-use condition and a portable condition, such that, in the portable condition, the case is capable of compact storage or transport. Referring to FIG. 1, each body panel 16A, 16B comprises a plurality of regions or segments, namely, a first longitudinal segment 34A, a second longitudinal segment 34B, and a central segment 36. The first longitudinal segment 34A and the second longitudinal segment 34B are positioned on opposite sides of the central segment 36, wherein such division is based on differences in material layering and/or composition between the central segment 36 and the longitudinal segments 34A, 34B, as described in further detail below. The central segment 36 of each body panel 16A, 16B defines a lateral fold axis A2 extending transversely across the central segment 36 and positioned generally equidistant between the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B.

[0026] When the case 10 is disposed in the closed position and the implement 12 is not stored within the interior space 30, each body panel 16A, 16B is configured to pivot about the lateral fold axis A2 of its central segment 36. This allows the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B to fold toward one another about the lateral fold axis A2 to move the case to the portable condition, as shown in FIG. 2, and to unfold away from one another about the lateral fold axis A2 to return the case to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. In the portable condition, the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B of one body panel 16A are disposed adjacent to one another to form an inner folded layer, and the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B of the opposing body panel 16B are disposed on opposite sides of the inner folded layer and at least partially surround the inner folded layer to form an outer folded layer, thereby reducing the overall length of the case 10 for compact storage or transport. It is contemplated, however, that either body panel 16A, 16B may ultimately serve as the inner or outer folded layer, depending on the direction of folding or user preference.

[0027] In a general sense, each body panel 16A, 16B has a multi-layer structure comprising a plurality of layers. Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of layers comprises a flexible substrate 40 that extends continuously through the first longitudinal segment 34A, the central segment 36, and the second longitudinal segment 34B of each body panel 16A, 16B. In the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B of each respective body panel 16A, 16B, the plurality of layers further comprises a rigid substrate 42. The rigid substrate 42 is positioned only within the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B to maintain flexibility about the lateral fold axis A2.

[0028] In further detail, the flexible substrate 40 of each body panel 16A, 16B comprises an exterior fabric layer 44 positioned adjacent to the outer face 20 of the body panel 16A, 16B and an interior fabric layer 46 positioned adjacent to the inner face 22 of the body panel 16A, 16B, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring to FIG. 5, the flexible substrate 40 further comprises a padding layer 48, such as a polyfoam padding, disposed between the exterior fabric layer 44 and interior fabric layer 46 to provide cushioning and protection of the implement 12 during transportation or storage. It is also contemplated that one or more additional layers may be included in the flexible substrate 40, such as a mesh layer, thermoplastic film layer, vapor barrier layer, or reinforcing sheet layer, depending on the desired balance of flexibility, protection, and environmental resistance of the case 10.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 5, the rigid substrate 42 is adapted to provide impact-resistant protection of the implement 12 within the interior space 30 during transport or storage of the case 10. In the example embodiment of the case 10 as shown in the figures, the rigid substrate 42 is positioned between the exterior fabric layer 44 and the padding layer 48, and the rigid substrate 42 extends throughout a substantial entirety of each first and second longitudinal segment 34A, 34B. However, it is contemplated that the rigid substrate 42 may extend through only a portion of the longitudinal segments 34A, 34B without varying the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The exterior and interior fabric layers 44, 46 may be bonded, sewn, or laminated together to form a unified flexible structure extending across each body panel 16A, 16B. The padding layer 48 and the rigid substrate 42 may likewise be bonded, sewn, or laminated to one or both of the fabric layers 44, 46 to form an integrated multi-layer construction.

[0031] According to the example embodiment of the case 10 as shown in the figures, the interior fabric layer 46 may comprise a single-knit cotton fabric, and the exterior fabric layer 44 may comprise a double PVC-coated polyester fabric with waterproof properties, such as 900D polyester, for providing waterproofing to help prevent moisture from passing through the plurality of layers and entering the interior space 30. The rigid substrate 42 may comprise a thermoformed ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material to provide impact resistance while maintaining lightweight and shape-retaining properties. However, it is contemplated that the flexible substrate 40 and rigid substrate 42 may comprise any suitable type and amount of material, depending on the desired balance of flexibility, protection, and environmental resistance of the case 10, without varying the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] According to the example embodiment of the case 10 as shown in the figures, the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B have generally equal lengths, identified as L1, and the central segment 36 has a length L2 that is shorter than the length L1. By way of non-limiting example, the length L2 of the central segment 36 may be less than half the length L1. This combination of segment geometry and multi-layer structure permits the body panels 16A, 16B to fold about the lateral fold axis A2 of the central segments 36 to move the case 10 to and from the portable condition while maintaining impact-resistant protection of the implement 12 when the case 10 is disposed in the closed position and the implement stored in the interior space 30 therein. In some example embodiments of the case 10, it is to be appreciated that the longitudinal segments 34A, 34B of each body panel 16A, 16B may have lengths within 15% of the length L1 to account for manufacturing tolerances or material properties that do not substantially affect the structural or functional characteristics of the case 10. In other example embodiments, the first and second longitudinal segments 34A, 34B may differ more substantially in length, and the central segment 36 may have a relatively greater or lesser length than the longitudinal segments 34A, 34B, to accommodate particular folding dynamics, storage configurations, or a different overall shape of the body 14.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the case 10 may further include a carry system 56 adapted to facilitate transport by a user. In the example embodiment shown in the figures, the carry system 56 comprises a shoulder sling 58 and a carry handle 60. The shoulder sling 58 includes a strap 62 extending between first and second opposite ends 62A, 62B. The first end 62A of the strap 62 is releasably coupled to the first longitudinal segment 34A of one body panel 16B adjacent to the second edge 28 thereof. The second end 62B of the strap 62 is releasably coupled to the second longitudinal segment 34B of the opposing body panel 16A adjacent to the second edge 28 thereof. The shoulder sling 58 may further comprise a pad element 64 slidably disposed on the strap 62 between the first and second ends 62A, 62B thereof for providing cushioning to the user during transport of the case 10 and the implement 12.

[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the carry handle 60 comprises a first carry strap 66A and a second carry strap 66B, wherein the first carry strap 66A is affixed to one body panel 16A, and the second carry strap 66B is affixed to the opposing body panel 16B. Each of the first and second carry straps 66A, 66B is generally U-shaped and extends between a first distal portion 68A and a second distal portion 68B, both of which are affixed to the outer face 20 of the respective body panels 16A, 16B. Referring to FIG. 3, the first distal portion 68A of each carry strap 66A, 66B is affixed to the first longitudinal segment 34A of the respective body panel 16A, 16B, and the second distal portion 68B of each carry strap 66A, 66B is affixed to the second longitudinal segment 34B of the respective body panel 16A, 16B. This configuration of the carry handle 60 allows a user to grasp both carry straps 66A, 66B to transport the case 10 when disposed in the closed position.

[0035] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and within the scope of the attached claims. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

[0036] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.