WEATHERPROOF POUCH

Abstract

Weatherproof pouches and methods of using weatherproof pouches are provided. The weatherproof pouches include a main body having a lower end, an upper end, at least one sidewall that defines a perimeter of an enclosable volume. The upper end includes a closable top. The closable top includes a first collapsible framework and a mating closure. Methods of using the weatherproof pouch include inserting a school bag or sports bag into the weatherproof pouch to protect the school bag or sports bag from inclement weather. Methods may also include reversing the weatherproof pouch so that it is inside out and storing wet items therein.

Claims

1. A weatherproof pouch comprising: a main body having a lower end, an upper end, at least one sidewall that extends from the lower end to the upper end and defines a perimeter of an enclosable volume, the upper end including a closable top, and a bottom that encloses the enclosable volume at the lower end; wherein the closable top includes a first collapsible framework and a mating closure, the mating closure including a first closure half attached to a first end of a first side of the upper end and a second closure half attached to a second end of the first side of the upper end; and wherein the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top when the first collapsible framework is collapsed.

2. The weatherproof pouch of claim 1, wherein the at least one sidewall has a front surface that includes a transparent window.

3. The weatherproof pouch of claim 1, wherein the first collapsible framework includes four sides connected by hinged corners.

4. The weatherproof pouch of claim 3, wherein at least two opposing sides of the first collapsible framework each include a midway point and a hinge at the midway point.

5. The weatherproof pouch of claim 1, further comprising a second collapsible framework at the lower end.

6. The weatherproof pouch of claim 1, wherein the bottom includes an upper surface, and the upper surface of the bottom includes a hanging loop configured to support the weatherproof pouch in a hanging orientation when the weatherproof pouch is inside out.

7. The weatherproof pouch of claim 1, wherein the weatherproof pouch is sized and configured to receive and enclose a backpack with the closable top being closed.

8. The weatherproof pouch of claim 1, wherein the closable top forms a handle when the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top.

9. The weatherproof pouch of claim 1, wherein the weatherproof pouch has an empty rolled position in which the weatherproof pouch forms a loop when the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half.

10. A weatherproof pouch comprising: a main body having a lower end, an upper end, at least one sidewall that extends from the lower end to the upper end and defines a perimeter of an enclosable volume, the upper end including a closable top, and a bottom that encloses the enclosable volume at the lower end; wherein the closable top includes a first collapsible framework and a mating closure, the mating closure including a first closure half attached to a first end of a first side of the upper end and a second closure half attached to a second end of the first side of the upper end; wherein the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top; and wherein the lower end includes a second collapsible framework.

11. The weatherproof pouch of claim 10, wherein the at least one sidewall has a front surface that includes a transparent window.

12. The weatherproof pouch of claim 10, wherein the first collapsible framework includes four sides connected by hinged corners.

13. The weatherproof pouch of claim 12, wherein at least two opposing sides of the first collapsible framework each include a midway point and a hinge at the midway point.

14. The weatherproof pouch of claim 10, wherein the bottom includes an upper surface, and the upper surface of the bottom includes a hanging loop configured to support the weatherproof pouch in a hanging orientation when the weatherproof pouch is inside out.

15. The weatherproof pouch of claim 10, wherein the weatherproof pouch is sized and configured to receive and enclose a school bag or sports bag with the closable top being closed.

16. The weatherproof pouch of claim 10, wherein the closable top forms a handle when the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top.

17. The weatherproof pouch of claim 10, wherein the weatherproof pouch has an empty rolled position in which the weatherproof pouch forms a loop when the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half.

18. A method of using a weatherproof pouch, the method comprising: providing a weatherproof pouch that includes a main body having a lower end, an upper end, at least one sidewall that extends from the lower end to the upper end and defines a perimeter of an enclosable volume, the upper end including a closable top, and a bottom that encloses the enclosable volume at the lower end, wherein the closable top includes a first collapsible framework and a mating closure, the mating closure including a first closure half attached to a first end of a first side of the upper end and a second closure half attached to a second end of the first side of the upper end, and wherein the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top when the first collapsible framework is collapsed; inserting a school bag or sports bag into the enclosable volume; collapsing the first collapsible framework of the closable top into a collapsed position; and matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure to enclose the school bag or sports bag within the enclosable volume.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising rolling the collapsed collapsible framework at least one turn prior to matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: removing the school bag or sports bag from the weatherproof pouch; turning the weatherproof pouch inside out; storing one or more wet items within the inside out weatherproof pouch; collapsing the first collapsible framework of the closable top into a collapsed position; and matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure to enclose the one or more items within the inside out weatherproof pouch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Specific examples have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a weatherproof pouch of the present technology, in a fully open position.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1, in a partially collapsed position.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1, in a fully collapsed position.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1, in an inside out position.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1, in a rolled position for transport.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a backpack with the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1, in a rolled position for transport, attached to a first location on the backpack.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a backpack with the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1, in a rolled position for transport, attached to a second location on the backpack.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a collapsible framework that may be used in the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the weatherproof pouch of FIG. 1 with a backpack enclosed therein.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of one method of using a weatherproof pouch of the present technology.

[0015] While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, and instead is meant to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the terms example and embodiment as used throughout this application is only by way of illustration, and not limitation. The term about with respect to a measurement as used herein means the stated measurement plus or minus a 10% margin of error. Ranges should be understood to include the end points and any value between the end points. The term configured to as used herein with respect to a component being configured to have certain structural characteristics in specified circumstances or to perform a function means that the component is structurally formed such that the component meets the structural characteristics in the specified circumstances or performs the function without further modification. The Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Terms of direction, such as upwardly and downwardly, as well as rear and front, should be understood relative to the orientation of the referenced weatherproof pouch as shown in the referenced Figure(s). The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items unless otherwise noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Weatherproof pouches of the present technology generally include a main body having a bottom and a closable top, with at least one sidewall that defines the perimeter of the volume that the pouch is configured to enclose. Weatherproof pouches of the present technology may be reversible, such that they are usable both in a standard configuration and an inside out configuration. Weatherproof pouches of the present technology may be foldable or rollable into a compact configuration for storage either on or in the bag that the weatherproof pouch is configured to contain.

[0017] In at least some examples, weatherproof pouches of the present technology include a collapsible framework as part of the closable top. The collapsible framework of the closable top may facilitate the weatherproof pouch staying open when items are being placed into the weatherproof pouch. Further, the collapsible framework of the closable top may facilitate rolling of the closable top to secure it in a closed position, or even rolling of the entire weatherproof pouch to its compact configuration.

[0018] Weatherproof pouches of the present technology and their components may be made from any suitable materials, some examples of which are discussed more fully below. As used herein, the term weatherproof means at least sufficiently water resistant and wind resistant that the pouches will not be damaged and will not permit water to leak or soak into the enclosed volume of the pouch during light to moderate rain lasting up to about four hours. Weatherproof pouches of the present technology may be made in part from waterproof fabric, such as polyester or nylon, which may be coated or otherwise treated to improve resistance to water penetration.

[0019] FIGS. 1-7 and 9 illustrate one embodiment of a weatherproof pouch 100 of the present technology. As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the weatherproof pouch 100 includes a main body 102 that has an upper end 104 and a lower end 106. The main body also includes at least one sidewall 108 that extends from the lower end to the upper end and defines a perimeter 110 of an enclosable volume 112 within the weatherproof pouch 100. As used herein, the upper end means at least the upper edge 114 of the at least one sidewall 108 and a portion of the height H of the at least one sidewall 108 extending downwardly from the upper edge 114. Likewise, as used herein, the lower end means at least the lower edge 116 of the at least one sidewall 108 and a portion of the height H of the at least one sidewall 108 extending upwardly from the upper edge 114.

[0020] The weatherproof pouch 100 may have any suitable shape, and accordingly, any suitable number of sides and corresponding sidewalls. As best shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated embodiment of the weatherproof pouch 100 is a rectangular prism when fully opened. The illustrated embodiment of the weatherproof pouch 100 has a rectangular cross-section, and has four sides formed by four rectangular sidewalls. In other examples, weatherproof pouches of the present technology may be cylindrical, cubic, triangular, or any other suitable shape.

[0021] The weatherproof pouch 100 may have any suitable dimensions, but is preferably sized and configured to receive and enclose a standard school bag or sports bag, such as backpack, with the closable top being closed. While such bags, including backpacks, come in a range of sizes, standard sizes tend to range from about 20 to about 30 liters in capacity. Standard dimensions for backpacks tend to be from about 18 inches to about 20 inches in height, from about 12 inches to about 14 inches in width, and from about 6 inches to about 8 inches in depth. Weatherproof pouches of the present technology are preferably large enough to receive and enclose at least bags of these sizes. For example, weatherproof pouches of the present technology may have a width that is from about 12 to about 20 inches wide, a depth that is from about 10 inches to about 20 inches, and a height that is from about 20 inches to about 26 inches. In at least one example of a weatherproof pouch 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the weatherproof pouch 100 has a width W that is about 14 inches, a depth D that is about eleven inches, and a height H that is about 24 inches.

[0022] Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the upper end 104 weatherproof pouch 100 includes a bottom 118 that encloses the enclosable volume 112 at the lower end 106, and a closable top 120. The closable top 120 includes a first collapsible framework 122 and a mating closure 124. The mating closure 124 includes a first closure half 126 attached to a first end 128 of a first side 130 of the upper end 104 and a second closure half 132 attached to a second end 134 of the first side 130 of the upper end 104. The mating closure 124 may be a buckle, such as the plastic buckle that is illustrated, or may be any other suitable type of mating closure, such as hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons, hook and ring. As shown, the first side 130 of the upper end 104 to which the first closure half 132 and the second closure half 132 are attached may be a rear side. As best shown in FIG. 9, the first closure half 126 matingly engages the second closure half 132 to close the closable top 120 when the first collapsible framework 122 is collapsed. As further shown in FIG. 9, the closable top 120 forms a handle 146 when the first closure half 126 matingly engages the second closure half 132 to close the closable top 120.

[0023] In at least some examples, and as best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the weatherproof pouch 100 may include a second collapsible framework 136 at the lower end 106. The first collapsible framework and second collapsible framework may each have any suitable configuration, and may have a configuration that is the same as or different from each other. One example of a collapsible framework 200, which may be used as either a first collapsible framework 126 or a second collapsible framework 136, or both, in a weatherproof pouch 100, is shown in FIG. 8.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 8, the collapsible framework 200 is formed from a plurality of framework pieces 202 connected by a plurality of hinges 204. When the perimeter 110 of the weatherproof pouch 100 is square or rectangular, as shown in FIG. 1, the collapsible framework 200 may include four sides, each side being formed from at least one framework piece 202, where the sides are connected by hinged corners. As shown in FIG. 8, the collapsible framework 200 includes a rear side 206, a front side 208 opposite the rear side 206, a right side 210, and a left side 212 opposite the right side 210. The collapsible framework also includes a first corner hinge 214 that connects the rear side 206 and the right side 210, a second corner hinge 216 that connects the right side 210 and the front side 208, a third corner hinge 218 that connects the front side 208 and the left side 212, and a fourth corner hinge that connects the left side 212 and the rear side 206.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 8, at least two opposing sides of the first collapsible framework 200 each include a midway point and a hinge at the midway point. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the right side 210 has a right midway point 222, and a right side hinge 226 at the right midway point 222. Similarly, the left side 212 has a left midway point 224, and a left side hinge 228 at the left midway point 222. The right side hinge 226 and left side hinge 228 may facilitate the collapsibility of the right side 210 and left side 212 of the collapsible framework 200. For example, the right side hinge 226 and left side hinge 228 may collapse, or fold, inwardly. For example, when a collapsible framework 200 is used as a first collapsible framework 122 of the closable top, the right side hinge 226 and left side hinge 228 may collapse, or fold, inwardly as shown in the partially collapsed configuration of FIG. 2, and ultimately result in the completely collapsed configuration of FIG. 3.

[0026] The components of a collapsible framework may be made of any suitable materials. The corner hinges and side hinges may be any suitable type of hinges, including being formed of a flexible material, such as rubber, that is at least sufficiently flexible to fold in half. The frame pieces may be more rigid than the hinges, though they preferably have sufficient flexibility to be repeatedly bent when the two closure halves are brought together and matingly engaged each time the flexible pouch is closed. In some examples, the frame pieces may be made of plastic, such as ABS plastic.

[0027] Although not illustrated in FIG. 8, the front side 208 and rear side 206 of the collapsible framework 200, or the fabric of the weatherproof pouch 100 that covers the front side 208 and rear side 206, may include one or more pairs of magnets or other closure devices, such as snaps or hook and loop closures, to maintain the front side 208 and rear side 206 in alignment when the collapsible framework 200 is in a completely collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the first collapsible framework 122 and second collapsible framework 136, if included, may be attached to the main body of the weatherproof pouch 100 in any suitable manner. For example, a collapsible framework may be sewn to the weatherproof pouch, or may be inserted and secured within pockets formed in the weatherproof pouch to receive the collapsible framework. Preferably, any seams formed in the weatherproof pouch, whether to attach a collapsible framework or secure the bottom and sidewalls, should be welded or otherwise sealed to make them leak proof.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 9, the weatherproof pouch 100 may include a front surface 138, which may include a transparent window 140. The transparent window may allow a user to see within the weatherproof pouch 100 to determine which items are inside and/or determine whether or not the weatherproof pouch 100 and items inside belong to the user. In some examples, the bottom and sidewalls may be made of polyester fabric. In some examples, the transparent panel may be made of plastic, such as PVC plastic. The transparent window 140 is shown as being rectangular and forming at least half of the surface area of the front surface 138, but may be any other suitable shape or size.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, which shows the weatherproof pouch 100 in an inside out configuration, the weatherproof pouch 100 may be reversible. At least one purpose of being reversable may be to be able to turn the weatherproof pouch 100 inside out and place wet and/or dirty clothes or other items into the inside out weatherproof pouch 100, while still being able to close the closable top 120 of the weatherproof pouch 100. The bottom 118 of the weatherproof pouch 100 may include an upper surface 142, which would be on the inside of the weatherproof pouch 100 when the weatherproof pouch 100 is in its standard configuration, but would be facing outwardly when the weatherproof pouch 100 is reversed to be inside out. The upper surface 142 of the bottom 118 may include a hanging loop 144 configured to support the weatherproof pouch 100 in a hanging orientation when the weatherproof pouch 100 is inside out. A user may also reach inside the weatherproof pouch 100 and pull on the hanging loop 144 to facilitate turning the weatherproof pouch 100 inside out. The hanging loop 144 may be attached to the upper surface 142 of the bottom 118 at any suitable location, and is shown as being attached at the center of thereof.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5-7, when the weatherproof pouch 100 is empty and not in use, it can be collapsed and rolled into an empty rolled position for storage or transport. For example, when the weatherproof pouch 100 is empty and collapsed, as shown in FIG. 3, a user may fold or roll the weatherproof pouch 100 around the collapsed first collapsible framework 122 along the entire height H of the weatherproof pouch 100, as shown in FIG. 5. The user may then engage the two halves of the mating closure, first closure half 126 and second closure half 132, to attach the weatherproof pouch to a school bag or sports bag, such as a backpack 300 of FIGS. 6 and 7. When the weatherproof pouch 100 is in its empty rolled position, it forms a loop when the first closure half 126 matingly engages the second closure half 132. As shown in FIG. 6, the weatherproof pouch 100 is in its empty rolled position may be attached to the handle 302 of the backpack 300. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the weatherproof pouch 100 is in its empty rolled position may be attached to a strap 304 of the backpack 300. In other examples, a carrying bag may be provided in which the weatherproof pouch 100 may be stored.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates one method 400 of using a weatherproof pouch of the present technology. The method 400 begins at step 402, which includes providing a weatherproof pouch, which may be a weatherproof pouch 100 as described above. Accordingly, the weatherproof pouch may include a main body having a lower end, an upper end, at least one sidewall that extends from the lower end to the upper end and defines a perimeter of an enclosable volume, the upper end including a closable top, and a bottom that encloses the enclosable volume at the lower end, wherein the closable top includes a first collapsible framework and a mating closure, the mating closure including a first closure half attached to a first end of a first side of the upper end and a second closure half attached to a second end of the first side of the upper end, and wherein the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top when the first collapsible framework is collapsed. In some examples, the weatherproof pouch may be provided in an unrolled empty configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. In other examples, the weatherproof pouch may be provided in an empty rolled position, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. In such examples, the step of providing the weatherproof pouch may include unrolling the weatherproof pouch.

[0033] The method may continue to step 404, which includes inserting a school bag or sports bag into the enclosable volume.

[0034] The method may continue to step 406, which includes collapsing the first collapsible framework of the closable top into a collapsed position.

[0035] The method may continue to step 408, which includes closing the closable top by matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure to enclose the school bag or sports bag within the enclosable volume. Step 408 may include rolling the collapsed collapsible framework, along with the fabric of the weatherproof pouch attached thereto, at least one turn prior to matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure. Preferably, the collapsed collapsible framework is rolled at least twice. In such examples, the resulting configuration of the weatherproof pouch may be as shown in FIG. 9.

[0036] In some examples, the method 400 of using a weatherproof pouch may further include removing the school bag or sports bag from the weatherproof pouch, turning the weatherproof pouch inside out, storing one or more items in the inside the inside out weatherproof pouch, and then closing the closable top. As discussed above, closing the closable top may include collapsing the first collapsible framework of the closable top into a collapsed position, as well as matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure to enclose the one or more items within the inside out weatherproof pouch. It should be understood that the weatherproof pouch can be turned inside out and used to store one or more wet items without first having a school bag or sports bag therein that must be removed therefrom.

[0037] Further, after use of the weatherproof pouch for purposes of protecting a school bag or sports bag in inclement weather, the method 400 may include removing the school bag or sports bag from the weatherproof pouch, turning the weatherproof pouch inside out, and hanging the weatherproof pouch to dry. In examples where the weatherproof pouch includes a hanging loop, such as shown in FIG. 4, the method 400 may include hanging the weatherproof pouch from the hanging loop. The method 400 may also include washing the weatherproof pouch, either by hand or in a washing machine, prior to hanging the weatherproof pouch to dry.

[0038] In accordance with the discussion above, it should be appreciated that weatherproof pouches of the present technology and methods of using them may include various features.

[0039] In at least a first aspect, a weatherproof pouch is provided that includes a main body having a lower end, an upper end, at least one sidewall that extends from the lower end to the upper end and defines a perimeter of an enclosable volume. The upper end includes a closable top and a bottom that encloses the enclosable volume at the lower end. The closable top includes a first collapsible framework and a mating closure, the mating closure including a first closure half attached to a first end of a first side of the upper end and a second closure half attached to a second end of the first side of the upper end. The first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top when the first collapsible framework is collapsed.

[0040] In some examples, of weatherproof pouches of the present technology, the lower end includes a second collapsible framework. Accordingly, in at least a second aspect, a weatherproof pouch is provided that includes a main body having a lower end, an upper end, at least one sidewall that extends from the lower end to the upper end and defines a perimeter of an enclosable volume. The upper end includes a closable top and a bottom that encloses the enclosable volume at the lower end. The closable top includes a first collapsible framework and a mating closure. The lower end includes a second collapsible framework. The mating closure including a first closure half attached to a first end of a first side of the upper end and a second closure half attached to a second end of the first side of the upper end. The first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top when the first collapsible framework is collapsed.

[0041] In examples of either the first aspect or second aspect, weatherproof pouches of the present technology may further include one or more additional features. For example, the at least one sidewall may include a front surface that includes a transparent window. As another example, the first and/or second collapsible framework may include four sides connected by hinged corners. Additionally or alternatively, at least two opposing sides of the first and/or collapsible framework may each include a midway point and a hinge at the midway point. In some examples, the bottom of the weatherproof pouch may include an upper surface, and the upper surface of the bottom includes a hanging loop configured to support the weatherproof pouch in a hanging orientation when the weatherproof pouch is inside out. The weatherproof pouch is preferably sized and configured to receive and enclose a backpack, or other school or sports bag, with the closable top being closed. The closable top may form a handle when the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half to close the closable top. Further, the weatherproof pouch may have an empty rolled position in which the weatherproof pouch forms a loop when the first closure half matingly engages the second closure half, which may facilitate securing the weatherproof pouch to a backpack, or other school or sports bag for storage and transport.

In at least a third aspect, a method of using a weatherproof pouch is provided that includes providing a weatherproof pouch of the present technology, which may have any of the features described above, inserting a school bag or sports bag into the enclosable volume, collapsing the first collapsible framework of the closable top into a collapsed position, and matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure to enclose the school bag or sports bag within the enclosable volume. The method may also include rolling the collapsed collapsible framework at least one turn prior to matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include removing the school bag or sports bag from the weatherproof pouch, turning the weatherproof pouch inside out, storing one or more wet items within the inside out weatherproof pouch, collapsing the first collapsible framework of the closable top into a collapsed position, and matingly engaging the first mating half and second mating half of the mating closure to enclose the one or more items within the inside out weatherproof pouch.

[0042] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter.