Abstract
A protective apparatus for an article, the apparatus including a surrounding sidewall having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, the sidewall also having a perpendicularly oriented first margin portion and an opposing second margin portion, also with a primary interior. The interior includes a plurality of flexible longwise channels that are attached in a juxtapose position to one another. In addition, included is a plurality of particulate items loosely disposed within each of the flexible longwise channels and a structure for removable engagement positioned adjacent to the first and second margins. The removable engagement structure facilitates the first and second margins to be removably engaged allowing the surrounding sidewall to envelope the article. The primary interior can be evacuated, thus removing the air spaces between the particulate items and in the interior resulting in rigidifying the surrounding sidewall partially encompassing the article to protect the article.
Claims
1. An encasement protective apparatus for an article, said apparatus comprising: (a) a flexible surrounding sidewall that is substantially fluid tight about a longitudinal axis, wherein said surrounding sidewall has a substantially fluid tight first end portion and an opposing substantially fluid tight second end portion wherein said longitudinal axis spanning therebetween, said surrounding sidewall also having a substantially fluid tight first margin portion and an opposing substantially fluid tight second margin portion, wherein said first and second margin portions are substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, said surrounding sidewall also having an outer surface portion that is adjacent to an external environment and an inner surface portion that defines a primary interior formed by said sidewall, said first and second end portions, and said first and second margins, wherein said outer surface portion is attached at said first and second end portions forming a pocket that the article is disposed within, wherein said first and second margin portions at said outer surface are removably engagable to one another and define a first aperture opening, thereby said pocket defining a secondary interior, further a second aperture is disposed therethrough said sidewall allowing fluid communication from said primary interior into the external environment; (b) a plurality of flexible longwise channels disposed within said primary interior, said longwise channels are parallel to said longitudinal axis, wherein said channels are affixed to one another in a juxtapose manner position, said plurality of channels extend continuously therethrough said primary interior from said first end portion to said second end portion, said channels each being positioned to one another to form a single flat one channel thick row of said plurality of channels as between said sidewall first and second margins for said single flat row and between said sidewall outer surface portions for said one channel thick row, said channels are fluid permeable within said primary interior, said channels each having a channel interior, said channels and said primary interior are all in fluid communication with one another and are also substantially sealed as against the external environment, such that said channels and said primary interior can have a portion of a fluid evacuated therethrough said second aperture into the external environment; and (c) a plurality of compressible particulate items loosely disposed within each of said channels being within said channel interior, each one of said channels are segmented such that said particulate items may not communicate as between each of said channels nor into said primary interior, said longwise channels form a continuous strata of said particulate items within said primary interior via being disposed within said plurality of channel interiors as between said first and second end portions and as between said first and second margin portions, wherein operationally when said channels and said primary interior have a portion of the fluid evacuated therethrough said second aperture, said apparatus is an evacuated state being defined as when said particulate items are substantially in contact with one another and also substantially immovable relative to one another, this results in said surrounding sidewall becoming rigidified to provide a rigid shell that partially encompasses the article to protect the article, further said particulate items are relatively movable and loose to one another being defined as an un-evacuated state when said channels and said primary interior are un-evacuated therethrough said second aperture thereby placing said apparatus into said un-evacuated state allowing the sidewall to be pliable, facilitating the article to be taken from the pocket or disposed within the pocket therethrough said first aperture.
2. An encasement protective apparatus for an article according to claim 1, wherein each said channel interior further comprises a fluid permeable retention mat that is positioned lengthwise being parallel to said longitudinal axis, wherein said retention mat axially divides each said channel interior into a filled interior and an open interior, wherein said compressible particulate items are disposed within said filled interior to operationally to help keep said compressible particulate items substantially evenly distributed forming said continuous strata of said particulate items within said primary interior via being disposed evenly within said plurality of channel interiors as between said first and second end portions and as between said first and second margin portions, wherein operationally when in said evacuated state a volume of each said open interior is substantially reduced.
3. An encasement protective apparatus for an article according to claim 1 wherein each of said compressible particulate items have a non-symmetrical outer surface that is operational to substantially cause each said compressible particulate item to frictionally interlock with an adjacent said compressible particulate item to further add to said rigidified shell.
4. An encasement protective apparatus for an article according to claim 1 wherein said second aperture further comprises a valve disposed therein, said valve is selectively able to be placed in an open or a closed state, wherein said open state allows fluid flow therethrough said second aperture and said closed state substantially prevents fluid flow therethrough said second aperture.
5. An encasement protective apparatus for an article according to claim 1 further comprising a handle that is partially affixed to said flexible surrounding sidewall outer surface portion.
6. An encasement protective apparatus for an article according to claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary pocket that is partially affixed to said flexible surrounding sidewall outer surface portion.
7. A kit for an encasement protective apparatus for an article, said kit comprising: (a) a flexible surrounding sidewall that is substantially fluid tight about a longitudinal axis, wherein said surrounding sidewall has a substantially fluid tight first end portion and an opposing substantially fluid tight second end portion wherein said longitudinal axis spanning therebetween, said surrounding sidewall also having a substantially fluid tight first margin portion and an opposing substantially fluid tight second margin portion, wherein said first and second margin portions are substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, said surrounding sidewall also having an outer surface portion that is adjacent to an external environment and an inner surface portion that defines a primary interior formed by said sidewall, said first and second end portions, and said first and second margins, wherein said outer surface portion is attached at said first and second end portions forming a pocket that the article is disposed within, wherein said first and second margin portions at said outer surface are removably engagable to one another and define a first aperture opening, thereby said pocket defining a secondary interior, further a second aperture is disposed therethrough said sidewall allowing fluid communication from said primary interior into the external environment; (b) a plurality of flexible longwise channels disposed within said primary interior, said longwise channels are parallel to said longitudinal axis, wherein said channels are affixed to one another in a juxtapose manner position, said plurality of channels extend continuously therethrough said primary interior from said first end portion to said second end portion, said channels each being positioned to one another to form a single flat one channel thick row of said plurality of channels as between said sidewall first and second margins for said single flat row and between said sidewall outer surface portions for said one channel thick row, said channels are fluid permeable within said primary interior, said channels each having a channel interior, said channels and said primary interior are all in fluid communication with one another and are also substantially sealed as against the external environment, such that said channels and said primary interior can have a portion of a fluid evacuated therethrough said second aperture into the external environment; (c) a plurality of compressible particulate items loosely disposed within each of said channels being within said channel interior, each one of said channels are segmented such that said particulate items may not communicate as between each of said channels nor into said primary interior, said longwise channels form a continuous strata of said particulate items within said primary interior via being disposed within said plurality of channel interiors as between said first and second end portions and as between said first and second margin portions, wherein operationally when said channels and said primary interior have a portion of the fluid evacuated therethrough said second aperture, said apparatus is an evacuated state being defined as when said particulate items are substantially in contact with one another and also substantially immovable relative to one another, this results in said surrounding sidewall becoming rigidified to provide a rigid shell that partially encompasses the article to protect the article, further said particulate items are relatively movable and loose to one another being defined as an un-evacuated state when said channels and said primary interior are un-evacuated therethrough said second aperture thereby placing said apparatus into said un-evacuated state allowing the sidewall to be pliable, facilitating the article to be taken from the pocket or disposed within the pocket therethrough said first aperture; (d) a valve disposed within said second aperture, said valve is selectively able to be placed in an open or a closed state, wherein said open state allows fluid flow therethrough said second aperture and said closed state substantially prevents fluid flow therethrough said second aperture; and (e) a pump that is sized and configured to make a removably engagable substantially fluid tight interface with said valve, such that operationally said pump when activated results in said evacuated state with said valve is said open state, wherein said pump is then de-activated and said valve is placed in said closed state to substantially maintain said evacuated state.
8. A kit for an encasement protective apparatus for an article according to claim 7, further comprising an auxiliary pocket that is partially affixed to said flexible surrounding sidewall outer surface portion, wherein operationally said pump can be stowed within said auxiliary pocket.
9. A kit for an encasement protective apparatus for an article according to claim 7, further comprising a handle that is partially affixed to said flexible surrounding sidewall outer surface portion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of the encasement protective apparatus or more particularly the protective case for the article with the apparatus surrounding sidewall folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, with the side facing up that is opposite to the article adjacent side, further shown is the longitudinal axis, the second aperture, the valve, the first and second end portions, the first and second margins, and the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall;
(2) FIG. 2 shows an opened up perspective view of FIG. 1, wherein the sidewall is shown with the inner surface of the sidewall, further shown is the longitudinal axis, the first and second end portions, plus the first and second margins;
(3) FIG. 3 also shows an opened up perspective view of FIG. 1, giving the ability to see the placement of the article disposed within the sidewall inner surface, again shown is the longitudinal axis, the first and second end portions, plus the first and second margins;
(4) FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus or more particularly the protective case for the article with the apparatus surrounding sidewall folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in the FIG. 1 top plan view, wherein in the FIG. 4 view shown is the first aperture with the means for removable engagement between the first and second margins that terminate in the attachments of the outer surface portion of the sidewall respectively at the first and second end portions forming the secondary interior in the shape of a pocket, further the means for removable engagement is shown partially engaged, wherein the placement of the article disposed within the pocket is shown being adjacent to the sidewall inner surface, further shown is the longitudinal axis, the second aperture, the valve, the first and second end portions, and the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall;
(5) FIG. 5 shows cross section cut 5-5 from FIG. 9 showing the cross section of the primary interior of the surrounding sidewall, with the outer surface and inner surface of the sidewall, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels are cross sectioned perpendicular to their longwise orientation being with each channel attached juxtapose to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis, with each channel containing the particulate items, the portion of the primary interior open spaces as between the channels without the particulate items, the fluid communication between the channels within the primary interior, the continuous strata of particulate items, the second aperture, the valve, the fluid communication therethrough the valve, plus the first and second margin portions;
(6) FIG. 6 is a close up view 6-6 of FIG. 5, showing in particular the primary interior of the surrounding sidewall with the inner and outer surfaces of the sidewall, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels showing each channel being attached juxtapose to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis, also with each channel containing the particulate items, the portion if the primary interior open spaces as between the channels and within the channels without the particulate items, the fluid communication between the channels within the primary interior, with the particulate items shown in the un-evacuated state being loose relative to one another being loosely held in place with a fluid permeable retention mat;
(7) FIG. 7 is a close up view 7-7 of FIG. 5, showing in particular the primary interior of the surrounding sidewall with the inner and outer surfaces of the sidewall, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels are shown with each channel attached juxtapose to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis, also with each channel containing the particulate items, the portion if the primary interior open spaces as between the channels without the particulate items, the fluid communication between the channels within the primary interior, with the particulate items shown in the evacuated state being in compressed rigid contact relative to one another with the fluid permeable retention mat in position;
(8) FIG. 8 shows cross section 8-8 from FIG. 5 being a longitudinal or longwise cross section of the surrounding sidewall showing in particular the primary interior of the surrounding sidewall with the inner and outer surfaces of the sidewall, showing a single flexible longwise channel, also with the channel containing the particulate items, the portion of the primary interior open spaces and within the channel without the particulate items, with the particulate items shown in the un-evacuated state being loose relative to one another, with the fluid permeable retention mat in position;
(9) FIG. 9 shows a flat plan view of the encasement protective apparatus or more particularly the protective case for the article with the apparatus surrounding sidewall laid out flat being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, with the side facing up that is opposite to the article adjacent side, further shown is the longitudinal axis, the first and second end portions, the first and second margins, the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall, further a cut-out shows the primary interior of the surrounding sidewall, with the outer surface and inner surface of the sidewall, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels are shown with each channel attached juxtapose to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis, the fluid communication between the channels within the primary interior, the continuous strata of particulate items, the second aperture, the valve, and the fluid communication therethrough the valve;
(10) FIG. 10 shows a similar view to FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the encasement protective apparatus or more particularly the protective case for the article with the apparatus surrounding sidewall folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, with the side facing up that is opposite to the article adjacent side, further shown is the longitudinal axis, an optional handle and an auxiliary pocket for stowing the pump (not shown in this view), plus the first and second end portions, the first and second margins, and the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall;
(11) FIG. 11 shows a similar view to FIG. 4, wherein FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus or more particularly the protective case for the article with the apparatus surrounding sidewall folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in the FIG. 10 top plan view, wherein in the FIG. 11 view shown is the first aperture with the means for removable engagement between the first and second margins that terminate in the attachments of the outer surface portion of the sidewall respectively at the first and second end portions forming the secondary interior in the shape of a pocket, further the means for removable engagement is shown partially engaged, wherein the placement of the article disposed within the pocket is shown being adjacent to the sidewall inner surface, further shown is the longitudinal axis, an optional handle and an auxiliary pocket for stowing the pump (not shown in this view), the second aperture and the valve that are both disposed within the auxiliary pocket, the first and second end portions, and the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall;
(12) FIG. 12 shows a similar view to FIG. 11, wherein FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus or more particularly the protective case for the article with the apparatus surrounding sidewall folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in the FIG. 11 top plan view, wherein in the FIG. 12 view shown is the first aperture in a closed state with the means for removable engagement between the first and second margins also shown in a closed state that terminate in the attachments of the outer surface portion of the sidewall respectively at the first and second end portions, wherein the placement of the article disposed within the pocket is not shown, further shown is the longitudinal axis, an optional handle and an auxiliary pocket for stowing the pump, plus the second aperture and the valve that are both disposed within the auxiliary pocket, the first and second end portions, and the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall;
(13) FIG. 13 shows a similar view to FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 13 giving the ability to see the placement of the article in the form of a long gun disposed within the sidewall inner surface, again shown is the longitudinal axis, the first and second end portions, plus the first and second margins; and
(14) FIG. 14 shows a similar view to FIG. 11, wherein FIG. 14 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus or more particularly the protective case for the article in the form of a long gun with the apparatus surrounding sidewall folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in the FIG. 13 view, wherein in the FIG. 14 view shown is the first aperture with the means for removable engagement between the first and second margins that terminate in the attachments of the outer surface portion of the sidewall respectively at the first and second end portions forming the secondary interior in the shape of a pocket, further the means for removable engagement is shown partially engaged, wherein the placement of the article in the form of a long gun is disposed within the pocket is shown being adjacent to the sidewall inner surface, further shown is the longitudinal axis, an optional handle and an auxiliary pocket for stowing the pump (not shown in this view), the second aperture and the valve that are both disposed within the auxiliary pocket, the first and second end portions, and the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall.
REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS
(15) 50 Encasement protective apparatus 60 External environment 65 Article 75 Weapon 115 Flexible surrounding sidewall 120 Longitudinal axis of the surrounding sidewall 115 125 First end portion of the surrounding sidewall 115 130 Second end portion of the surrounding sidewall 115 135 First margin portion of the surrounding sidewall 115 140 Second margin portion of the surrounding sidewall 115 145 Inner surface portion of the surrounding sidewall 115 150 Outer surface portion of the surrounding sidewall 115 155 Attachment of outer surface portion 150 at the first 125 and second 130 end portions 160 Primary interior of the surrounding sidewall 115 165 Pocket formed from attachment 155 170 Secondary interior formed by the pocket 165 175 Plurality of flexible longwise channels 176 Interior of channel 175 180 Parallel position of the flexible longwise channels 175 to the longitudinal axis 120 185 Channels 175 affixed or attached to one another in a juxtapose manner 190 Fluid communication between the channels 175 within the primary interior 160 285 Plurality of open spaces without the particulate items 300 300 Particulate items 305 Continuous strata of particulate items 300 as formed within the primary interior 160 as between the first 125 and second 130 end portions and between the first 135 and second 140 margin portions 310 Non-symmetrical outer surface of the particulate items 300 315 Means for removable engagement between the first 135 and second 140 margin end portions 320 Engaged operational state of the means for removable engagement 315 325 Disengaged operational state of the means for removable engagement 315 330 First aperture opening defined by the means 315 340 Second aperture disposed therethrough the surrounding sidewall 115 345 Valve disposed in the second aperture 340 350 Fluid communication flow therethrough the valve 345 355 Open state of valve 345 allowing fluid flow therethrough 350 360 Evacuated state of particulate items 300 and the open spaces 285 380 Un-evacuated state of particulate items 300 and the open spaces 285 385 Enveloping the article 65 with the surrounding sidewall 115 400 Fluid permeable retention mat 401 Filled interior of the channel interior 176 402 Open interior of the channel interior 176 410 Handles 411 Affixment of the handles 410 to the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115 420 Auxiliary pocket 421 Affixment of the auxiliary pocket 420 to the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115 430 Pump
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(16) With initial reference to FIG. 1 shown is a top plan view of the encasement protective apparatus 50 or more particularly the protective case 50 for the article 65 with the apparatus 50 surrounding sidewall 115 folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, with the side facing up that is opposite to the article 65 adjacent side, further shown is the longitudinal axis 120, the second aperture 340, the valve 345, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, the first 135 and second 140 margins, and the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115. Next, FIG. 2 shows an opened up perspective view of FIG. 1, wherein the sidewall 115 is shown, the inner surface 145 of the sidewall 115, plus further shown is the longitudinal axis 120, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, plus the first 135 and second 140 margins.
(17) Continuing, FIG. 3 also shows an opened up perspective view of FIG. 1, giving the ability to see the placement of the article 65 disposed within the sidewall 115 inner surface 145, again shown is the longitudinal axis 120, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, plus the first 135 and second 140 margins. Moving ahead, FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus 50 or more particularly the protective case 50 for the article 65 with the apparatus surrounding sidewall 115 folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in FIG. 1 top plan view. Wherein, in the FIG. 4 view the first aperture 330 with the means 315 for removable engagement between the first 135 and second 140 margins that terminate in the attachments 155 of the outer surface portion 150 of the sidewall 115 respectively at the first 125 and second 130 end portions forming the secondary interior 170 in the shape of a pocket 165, further the means 315 for removable engagement is shown partially engaged. Wherein FIG. 4 also shows the placement of the article 65 disposed within the pocket 165 enveloping 85 the article 65 within the sidewall 115, as the article 65 is shown being adjacent to the sidewall 115 inner surface 145, further shown is the longitudinal axis 120, the second aperture 340, the valve 345, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, and the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115.
(18) Next, FIG. 5 shows cross section cut 5-5 from FIG. 9 showing the cross section of the primary interior 160 of the surrounding sidewall 115, with the outer surface 150 and inner surface 145 of the sidewall 115, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels 175 are cross sectioned perpendicular to their longwise orientation with each channel 175 attached 185 juxtapose to one another and parallel 180 to the longitudinal axis 120, with each channel 175 containing the particulate items 300. Also, in FIG. 5 shown is the portion of the primary interior 160 open spaces 285 as between the channels 175 and within the channels 175 without the particulate items 300, the fluid communication 190 between the channels 175 within the primary interior 160, the continuous strata 305 of particulate items 300, the second aperture 340, the valve 345, the fluid communication 350 therethrough the valve 345, plus the first 135 and second 140 margin portions.
(19) Moving onward, FIG. 6 is a close up view 6-6 of FIG. 5, showing in particular the primary interior 160 of the surrounding sidewall 115 with the inner 145 and outer 150 surfaces of the sidewall 115, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels 175 wherein each channel is attached 185 juxtapose to one another and parallel 180 to the longitudinal axis 120. Also, FIG. 6 shows each channel 175 containing the particulate items 300, the portion of the primary interior open spaces 285 as between the channels 175 and within the channels 175 without the particulate items 300, the fluid communication 190 between the channels 175 within the primary interior 160, with the particulate items 300 shown in the un-evacuated state 380 being loose relative to one another, being loosely held in place with a fluid permeable retention mat 400.
(20) Further, FIG. 7 is a close up view 7-7 of FIG. 5, showing in particular the primary interior 160 of the surrounding sidewall 115 with the inner 145 and outer 150 surfaces of the sidewall 115, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels 175 are shown with each channel 175 attached 185 juxtapose to one another and parallel 180 to the longitudinal axis 120. Again in FIG. 7 with each channel 175 containing the particulate items 300, the portion of the primary interior 160 open spaces 285 as between the channels 175 and within the channels 175 without the particulate items 300, the fluid communication 190 between the channels 175 within the primary interior 160, with the particulate items 300 shown in the evacuated state 360 being in compressed rigid contact relative to one another with the fluid permeable retention mat 400 in position.
(21) Continuing, FIG. 8 shows cross section 8-8 from FIG. 5 being a longitudinal or longwise cross section of the surrounding sidewall 115 showing in particular the primary interior 160 of the surrounding sidewall 115 with the inner 145 and outer 150 surfaces of the sidewall 115. With FIG. 8 showing a single flexible longwise channel 175, also with the channel 175 containing the particulate items 300, the portion if the primary interior 160 open spaces 285 and within the channel 175 without the particulate items 300, with the particulate items 300 shown in the un-evacuated state 380 being loose relative to one another with the fluid permeable retention mat 400 in position.
(22) Moving ahead, FIG. 9 shows a flat plan view of the encasement protective apparatus 50 or more particularly the protective case 50 for the article 65 with the apparatus 50 surrounding sidewall 115 laid out flat being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, with the side facing up that is opposite to the article 65 adjacent side. Further shown in FIG. 9 is the longitudinal axis 120, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, the first 135 and second 140 margins, the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115. Further, in FIG. 9, a cut-out shows the primary interior 160 of the surrounding sidewall 115, with the outer surface 150 and inner surface 145 of the sidewall 115, wherein the plurality of flexible longwise channels 175 are shown with each channel attached 185 juxtapose to one another and parallel 180 to the longitudinal axis 120, the fluid communication 190 between the channels 175 within the primary interior 160, the continuous strata 305 of particulate items 300, the second aperture 340, the valve 345, and the fluid communication 350 therethrough the valve 345.
(23) Next, in FIG. 10 shows a similar view to FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the encasement protective apparatus 50 or more particularly the protective case 50 for the article 65 with the apparatus 50 surrounding sidewall 115 folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, with the side facing up that is opposite to the article 65 adjacent side, further shown is the longitudinal axis 120, an optional handle 410 and an auxiliary pocket 420 for stowing the pump 430 (not shown in this view), plus the first 125 and second 130 end portions, the first 135 and second 140 margins, and the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115.
(24) Continuing, FIG. 11 shows a similar view to FIG. 4, wherein FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus 50 or more particularly the protective case 50 for the article 65 with the apparatus 50 surrounding sidewall 115 folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in the FIG. 10 top plan view, wherein in the FIG. 11 view shown is the first aperture 330 with the means 315 for removable engagement between the first 135 and second 140 margins that terminate in the attachments 155 of the outer surface portion 150 of the sidewall 115 respectively at the first 125 and second 130 end portions forming the secondary interior 170 in the shape of a pocket 165. Also FIG. 11 shows further the means 315 for removable engagement is shown partially engaged, wherein the placement of the article 65 disposed within the pocket 165 is shown being adjacent to the sidewall 115 inner surface 145, further shown is the longitudinal axis 120, an optional handle 410 and an auxiliary pocket 420 for stowing the pump 430 (not shown in this view), the second aperture 340 and the valve 345 that are both disposed within the auxiliary pocket 420, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, and the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115.
(25) Next, FIG. 12 shows a similar view to FIG. 11, wherein FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus 50 or more particularly the protective case 50 for the article 65 with the apparatus surrounding sidewall 115 folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in the FIG. 11 top plan view, wherein in the FIG. 12 view shown is the first aperture 330 in a closed state with the means 315 for removable engagement between the first 135 and second 140 margins also shown in a closed state that terminate in the attachments 155 of the outer surface portion 150 of the sidewall 115 respectively at the first 125 and second 130 end portions. Further, FIG. 12 shows the placement of the article 65 disposed within the pocket 165 is not shown, further shown is the longitudinal axis 120, an optional handle 410 and an auxiliary pocket 420 for stowing the pump 430, plus the second aperture 340 and the valve 345 that are both disposed within the auxiliary pocket 420, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, and the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115.
(26) Moving ahead, FIG. 13 shows a similar view to FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 13 giving the ability to see the placement of the article 65 in the form of a long gun disposed within the sidewall 115 inner surface 145, again shown is the longitudinal axis 120, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, plus the first 135 and second 140 margins.
(27) Further, FIG. 14 shows a similar view to FIG. 11, wherein FIG. 14 shows a top perspective view of the encasement protective apparatus 50 or more particularly the protective case 50 for the article 65 in the form of a long gun with the apparatus 50 surrounding sidewall 115 folded over being substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, as shown in the FIG. 13 view, wherein in the FIG. 14 view shown is the first aperture 330 with the means 315 for removable engagement between the first 135 and second 140 margins that terminate in the attachments 155 of the outer surface portion 150 of the sidewall 115 respectively at the first 125 and second 130 end portions forming the secondary interior 170 in the shape of a pocket 165. Further, in FIG. 14 the means 315 for removable engagement is shown partially engaged, wherein the placement of the article 65 in the form of a long gun is disposed within the pocket 165 is shown being adjacent to the sidewall 115 inner surface 145, further shown is the longitudinal axis 120, an optional handle 410 and an auxiliary pocket 420 for stowing the pump 430 (not shown in this view), the second aperture 340 and the valve 345 that are both disposed within the auxiliary pocket 420, the first 125 and second 130 end portions, and the outer surface 150 of the surrounding sidewall 115.
(28) Broadly, in referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, the present invention is of the encasement protective apparatus 50 for enveloping the article 65 or weapon 75 as is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the encasement protective apparatus 50 includes the flexible surrounding sidewall 115 that is substantially fluid tight about the longitudinal axis 120, wherein the surrounding sidewall 115 has the substantially fluid tight first end portion 125 and the opposing substantially fluid tight second end portion 130, with the longitudinal axis 120 spanning therebetween, see FIGS. 2, 3, and 9, in particular. The surrounding sidewall 115 also having the substantially fluid tight first margin portion 135 and the opposing substantially fluid tight second margin portion 140, wherein the first 135 and second 140 margin portions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 120, see FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 9, the surrounding sidewall 115 also having the outer surface 150 portion that is adjacent to an external environment 60 and the inner surface portion 145 that defines the primary interior 160 formed by the sidewall 115, see FIGS. 4 to 9. As the primary interior is defined by the first 125 and second 130 end portions and the first 135 and second 140 margins, and the inner surface 145 of the sidewall 115, again see FIGS. 4 to 9.
(29) Wherein, the outer surface portion 150 is attached 155 at the first 125 and second 130 end portions thus, forming the pocket 165 that the article 65 is disposed within, see FIGS. 3 and 4. With the first 135 and second 140 margin portions at the outer surface 150 being removably engagable via means 315 to one another and that define the first aperture 330 opening, with the means 315 being preferably a zipper or an equivalent, see in particular FIG. 4. Further the means 315 has an engaged operational state 320 and a disengaged operational state 325, see FIG. 4. Wherein, the pocket 165 defining the secondary interior 170, again see FIG. 4. Further, the second aperture 340 is disposed therethrough the sidewall 115 allowing fluid communication 350 from the primary interior 160 into the external environment 60 and from the external environment 60 to the primary interior 160.
(30) Further included in the encasement protective apparatus 50 are the plurality of flexible longwise channels 175 disposed within the primary interior 160, the longwise channels 175 are parallel 180 to the longitudinal axis 120, wherein the channels 175 are affixed 185 to one another in a juxtapose manner position, with the plurality of channels 175 extending continuously therethrough the primary interior 160 from the first end portion 125 to the second end portion 130, wherein each channel has an interior 176, see FIGS. 5 to 9. Wherein the channels 175 are fluid permeable within the primary interior 160, the channels 175 and the primary interior 160 are all in fluid communication 190 with one another and are also substantially sealed as against the external environment 60, see FIGS. 6 to 9, such that the channels 175 and the primary interior 160 can have a portion of a fluid, preferably being atmospheric air within the primary interior 160 evacuated or communicated 350 therethrough the second aperture 340 into the external environment 60, see FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, and 14.
(31) Also included in the encasement protective apparatus 50 is the plurality of particulate items 300 loosely disposed within each of the channels 175, wherein the particulate items 300 have a non-symmetrical outer surface 310, wherein each one of the channels 175 are segmented such that the particulate items 300 may not communicate as between each of the channels 175 nor into the primary interior 160, see FIGS. 5 to 8. The longwise channels 175 form the continuous strata 305 of the particulate items 300 within the primary interior 160 as between the first 125 and second 130 end portions and as between the first 135 and second 140 margin portions, via being disposed within the channel interior 176, see FIGS. 5, 6, and 9. Wherein operationally, looking at FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7, and 9, when the channels 175 and the primary interior 160 have a portion of the fluid evacuated or communicated 350 therethrough out the second aperture 340 from the primary interior 160 to the external environment 60, this creates an absolute pressure within the primary interior 160 that is less than the absolute pressure in the external environment 60 causing the primary interior 160 to be compressed resulting in the apparatus 50 being in an evacuated state 360 being defined as when the particulate items 300 are substantially in compressive contact with one another and also substantially immovable relative to one another, see FIG. 7, this results in the surrounding sidewall 115 becoming rigidified to provide a rigid shell to protect the article 65 and also the inner surface of the sidewall 145 somewhat shrinking around the article 65 to help keep the article 65 from having undesirable relative movement within the secondary interior 170.
(32) Note that in the evacuated state 360, shrinkage is a concern (from the un-evacuated state 380), especially as related to the secondary interior 170, this is especially acute in the injured/broken limb evacuation support arts, wherein any shrinkage is undesirable plus notable if the shrinkage is differentiated as between two perpendicular axes which could cause even further damage to the injured/broken limb. In the present invention, the lengthwise orientation of the channels 175 being parallel to the longitudinal axis 120 ensures that evacuation 360 shrinkage is the most predominate along the longitudinal axis 120 and that shrinkage is minimal perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120 by design to most grip the article 65 in its longwise axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 120, as the article 65 bring typically a firearm has more structural rigidity in its long axis versus its short axis, thus the major compression is in the article 65 long axis where there is the most strength in the article 65.
(33) Further the particulate items 300 are relatively movable and loose relative to one another being defined as an un-evacuated state 380 when the primary interior 160 is equalized in absolute pressure with the external environment 60 when the channels 175 and the primary interior 160 are un-evacuated therethrough the second aperture 340 thereby placing the apparatus 50 into the un-evacuated state 380 allowing the sidewall 115 to be pliable, facilitating the article 65 to be taken from the pocket 165 therethrough the first aperture 330 or disposed within the pocket 165 therethrough the first aperture 330. Optionally, a valve 345 is in fluid communication 350 with the second aperture 340 to create a substantial seal with the valve 345 in a closed state as between the primary interior 160 and the external environment 60 to substantially hold the evacuated state 360 of the primary interior 160, further the valve 345 can be placed into an open state 355 allowing the un-evacuated state 380 to occur.
(34) Optionally in looking at FIGS. 5 to 8, for the encasement protective apparatus 50 for the article 65, each channel interior 176 can further comprise a fluid permeable retention mat 400 that is positioned lengthwise being parallel to the longitudinal axis 120. Wherein the retention mat 400 axially divides each channel interior 176 into a filled interior 401 and an open interior 402. Wherein the compressible particulate items 300 are disposed within the filled interior 401 operationally to help keep the compressible particulate items 300 substantially evenly distributed forming the continuous strata 305 of the particulate items 300 within the primary interior 160 via being disposed evenly within the plurality of channel 175 interiors 176 as between the first 125 and second 130 end portions and as between the first 135 and second 140 margin portions, wherein operationally when in the evacuated state 360 a volume of each open interior 402 is substantially reduced, see FIG. 7.
(35) Further, as an option for the encasement protective apparatus 50 for an article 65, each of the compressible particulate items 300 can have a non-symmetrical outer surface 310 that is operational to substantially cause each compressible particulate item 300 to frictionally interlock with an adjacent compressible particulate item 300 in the evacuated state 360 to further add to the rigidified shell, see FIG. 7 in particular.
(36) Also, optionally, for the encasement protective apparatus 50 for the article 65, the second aperture 340 can further comprises a valve 345 disposed therein, wherein the valve 345 is selectively able to be placed in an open or a closed state, wherein the open state allows fluid flow 350 therethrough the second aperture 340 and the closed state substantially prevents fluid flow 350 therethrough the second aperture 340, see FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, and 14. A further option for the encasement protective apparatus 50 for an article 65, can further comprise a handle 410 that is partially affixed 411 to the flexible surrounding sidewall 115 outer surface portion 150, as best shown in FIGS. 10 to 14.
(37) In addition, an option for the encasement protective apparatus 50 for the article 65, can further comprise an auxiliary pocket 420 that is partially affixed 421 to the flexible surrounding sidewall 115 outer surface portion 150, as best shown in FIGS. 10 to 14. Also, an option for the encasement protective apparatus 50 for the article 65, can further comprise can further comprise a pump 430 that is sized and configured to make a removably engagable substantially fluid tight interface with the valve 345, such that operationally pump 430 when activated results in the evacuated state 360 with the valve 345 is the open state 355, wherein the pump 430 is then de-activated and the valve 345 is placed in the closed state to substantially maintain the evacuated state 360, as best shown in FIG. 7, see also the pump 430 and valve 345 in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 9, and 11 to 14. Note that the pump 430 can be part of a kit, along with the handles 410, and auxiliary pocket 420 for the encasement protective apparatus 50.
CONCLUSION
(38) Accordingly, the present invention of an encasement protective apparatus 50 has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though; that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications of the changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.
