Waterproof Crush Resistant Compartment

Abstract

A protective container for use as a luggage insert to protect fragile or delicate cargo is provided. The protective container is essentially watertight and crush resistant. The protective container comprises a base portion, a gasket, and a lid portion. As the lid portion engages the base portion, the gasket is compressed thereby creating a watertight seal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/728,387 filed Nov. 20, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains generally to a compression resistant protective container for use as a luggage insert to protect fragile items, and more particularly to a protective container that is waterproof for use in soft-sided luggage such as a duffle bag that will protect fragile cargo without damaging the interior of the duffle bag.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Individuals who travel often pack fragile or delicate items in their luggage. Typically, these items are placed at the top of the luggage. If the suitcase is flipped over or roughly handled in transit, these items often break, spill, or are otherwise damaged. Occasionally people attempt to protect such items by wrapping them in clothes or towels. Unfortunately, typical luggage handling can still damage the items despite this attempt to cushion them. If the fragile item contains a liquid and the container is broken, the entire contents can spill into the luggage saturating the entire contents of the suitcase. Additionally, in the event that the luggage ends up in the water, such as during an emergency aircraft water landing, the luggage contents can quickly sink in the water and be lost.

[0004] Consequently, there exists a need for a device designed to provide a safe and effective way to store personal items in a suitcase or sea bag without crushing or damaging them. The present invention provides a protective device with an airtight seal to prevent water or other liquids from entering or exiting the device. The protective device is designed to prevent damage to fragile or otherwise easily deformable items from crushing and/or compression forces when packed in luggage. A user can safely carry fragile items with the rest of their possessions in the same baggage. The protective device may also be used as a personal flotation device in the event of a water emergency during travel. Members of the military, students, and others often use duffle bags as luggage. These duffle bags do not protect fragile items such as hats, containers of liquids, or keepsakes from losing their shape, breakage, or other damage. The protective container not only protects these items, but will not damage the interior of a suitcase or soft-sided luggage container such as a military duffle bag or a back pack.

SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a compression resistant water tight protective container that floats in water and protects fragile items from damage when packed in luggage. The protective container comprises a base portion, a gasket, and a lid portion. The base portion comprises a perimeter sidewall and a bottom component that define an interior cavity. The lid portion engages the base portion to completely enclose the interior cavity when in place. Additionally, both the base portion and the lid portion have rounded corners so that the protective container will not damage any luggage that it is placed within.

[0007] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention of the protective container is ideal for use with a soft-sided luggage such as a duffle bag. The perimeter sidewall comprises an indentation along a portion of the perimeter sidewall large enough so that a user may insert a finger tip to pry the lid portion apart from the base portion. The indentation does not completely penetrate the perimeter sidewall, so the protective container remains water tight when in a closed position. The base portion may further comprise a circumferential lip extending from the perimeter sidewall. The gasket encircles the circumferential lip so that the gasket is compressed when the lid portion engages the base portion thereby creating the water tight seal.

[0008] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a compression resistant water tight protective container in a closed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the protective container in an opened position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the protective container where a lid portion engages a base portion in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0012] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate a perspective view of the protective container in use with a variety of luggage in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0014] The invention relates generally to a protective container for use as a luggage insert for protecting fragile items, wherein the protective container is compression resistant, water tight, and floats. The protective container may be used as an insert for luggage such as a duffle bag, a backpack, a suit case, and the like. The protective container is designed to protect fragile items or items that may lose their shape when packed tightly or packed in soft-sided luggage. The shape of the protective container is generally without sharp edges, and will not damage the interior of the luggage. The protective container is water-tight and may be used as an emergency flotation device in the event that a traveler encounters a water emergency. Furthermore, the buoyancy of the protective device may keep the luggage in which it is placed from sinking should the luggage end up in the water.

[0015] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a compression resistant protective container 100 in a closed position. The protective container 100 is typically manufactured from whipped plastic. Whipped plastic is aerated while still in a liquid state prior to cooling into a rigid or solid form. This is desirable as it allows the protective container 100 to be buoyant. However, the protective container 100 may be manufactured from other materials that float in water, such as but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, plastic with a honeycomb structure, resin, and the like, or any other material known to one of skill in the art. Additionally, an exterior surface 106 of the protective container 100 may be coated with a rubberized or textured plastic to improve gripability.

[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protective container 100 is typically rectangular in configuration, however the shape may comprise a rectangular prism, a cube, a polygonal prism, or a cylinder as well. The protective container 100 comprises a base portion 102, a gasket 124, and a lid portion 126. The base portion 102 comprises a perimeter sidewall 108 and a bottom component 114. The perimeter sidewall 108 is typically four perimeter sidewalls if the shape of the protective container 100 is rectangular, however, it may be a single sidewall if the shape is circular or oval.

[0017] The perimeter sidewall 108 and the bottom component 114 are shaped as to delineate an interior cavity 116 defined as an interior 104 of the base portion 102. The interior cavity 116 typically protects between approximately 1,700 to 15,000 square inches of space, however the dimensions may be smaller or larger as desired. Preferably, the protective container 100 is dimensioned so that it may fit in a bottom of a standard military duffle bag or approximately between 1/4 and 1/2 of a standard suitcase as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4C. The preferable lay out of the interior cavity 116, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, permit storage of fragile cargo such as electronics, liquids, medications, hats, and the like. Once the lid portion 126 is engaged with the base portion 102, the interior cavity 166 is essentially watertight and crush proof.

[0018] Returning to FIGS. 1-2, the base portion 102 further comprises a plurality of rounded corners 112. Preferably, all corners and edges of the protective container 100 are rounded so as to preclude any sharp edges. This is desirable as it protects an inner lining of any suitcase or duffle bag in which the protective container 100 is placed from tearing, puncture, or other damage caused by a sharp edge or corner,

[0019] The base portion 102 further comprises a circumferential lip 118 extending out of the perimeter sidewall 108. The circumferential lip 118 is thinner than the rest of the perimeter sidewall 108 forming a shelf or ledge. The lid portion 126 is designed to engage and snuggly fit the circumferential lip 118 as discussed infra. The base portion 102 further comprises an indentation 122 along a portion of the perimeter sidewall. The indentation 122 is typically large enough so that a user may insert a digit such as a finger or thumb to pry the lid portion 126 off of the base portion 102 and open the protective container 100. The indentation 122 does not fully penetrate the perimeter sidewall 108 so the protective container 100 is still waterproof when in the closed position.

[0020] The circumferential lip 118 may comprise a groove 120 cut or molded into a circumference of the circumferential lip 118. The groove 122 would be deep enough to at least partially receive the gasket 124 thereby holding the gasket 124 in place when the lid portion 124 engaged the base portion 102. The gasket 124 encircles the circumferential lip 118 and may be partially seated in the groove 120. The gasket 124 is typically a rubber ring gasket, although it may be constructed from any similar material that permits a substantially water tight seal.

[0021] The lid portion 126 comprises a lid sidewall 128 and a roof component 134. The lid portion 126 is of a similar configuration as the base portion 102, but shallower in height. For example, the base portion may be approximately between six and nine inches in height while the corresponding lid portion 126 would be approximately between one and two inches in height. The lid portion 126 typically comprises four lid sidewalls to match the four base sidewalls with similarly rounded corners as discussed supra. The lid portion 126 is designed to mate with the circumferential lip 118 of the base portion 102 so as to completely enclose the interior cavity 116. The lid sidewall 128 may optionally comprise a lid groove 132 around a perimeter rim 130 of an inside surface of the lid sidewall 128. The lid groove 132 would be would be deep enough to at least partially receive the gasket 124 thereby holding the gasket 124 in place when the lid portion 124 was put in place.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lid portion 126 engages the gasket 124 when mated with the circumferential lip 118. The lid sidewall 128 compresses the gasket into either the groove 120 around the circumferential lip 118, or into the lid groove 132 in the lid sidewall 128. In either case, the gasket 124 is compressed into a groove allowing the gasket 124 to flatten and create an essentially watertight seal between the base portion 102 and the lid portion 124, thereby protecting any contents placed in the interior cavity 116.

[0023] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0024] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A compression resistant protective container comprising: a base portion comprising: a perimeter sidewall and a bottom component that define an interior cavity and a plurality of corners, wherein all corners are rounded so that there are no sharp edges; and a circumferential lip extending from the perimeter sidewall; and a gasket surrounding the circumferential lip; and a lid portion for engaging the gasket and the circumferential lip to substantially enclose the interior cavity.

2. The protective container of claim 1, wherein the protective container is configured in at least one of the following shapes: a rectangular prism, a cube, a polygonal prism, or a cylinder.

3. The protective container of claim 2, wherein the base portion and the lid portion are manufactured from whipped plastic with a rubberized outer surface.

4. The protective container of claim 3, wherein the gasket is a rubber ring gasket.

5. The protective container of claim 4, wherein the interior cavity comprises between approximately 1700 and 15000 cubic inches of space.

6. The protective container of claim 5, wherein the perimeter sidewall comprises an indentation along a portion of the perimeter sidewall for the insertion of a digit.

7. A compression resistant water tight protective container for use in a soft-sided luggage comprising: a base portion comprising: a perimeter sidewall and a bottom component that define an interior cavity, wherein the perimeter sidewall comprises an indentation along a portion of the perimeter sidewall for the insertion of a digit; and a circumferential lip extending from the perimeter sidewall; and a gasket surrounding the circumferential lip; and a lid portion for engaging the gasket and the circumferential lip to substantially enclose the interior cavity.

8. The protective container of claim 7, wherein the protective container is configured to fit within a bottom of a standard military duffle bag.

9. The protective container of claim 7, wherein the base portion comprises a plurality of rounded corners.

10. The protective container of claim 9, wherein the lid portion comprises a lid sidewall and a roof component.

11. The protective container of claim 10, wherein the lid portion comprises a plurality of rounded corners that correspond to the plurality of rounded corners of the base portion.

12. The protective container of claim 7, wherein the lid sidewall compresses the gasket so that a substantially watertight seal is achieved when the lid portion engages the gasket and the circumferential lip.

13. The protective container of claim 12, wherein the protective container is manufactured from a material that floats in water.

14. A compression resistant water tight protective container for protecting luggage in an aqueous environment comprising: a base portion comprising: four perimeter sidewalls and a bottom component that define an interior cavity, wherein all corners are rounded so that there are no sharp edges, and the perimeter sidewall comprises an indentation along a portion of the perimeter sidewall for the insertion of a digit; and a circumferential lip extending from the perimeter sidewall; and a gasket surrounding the circumferential lip; and a lid portion for engaging the gasket and the circumferential lip to substantially enclose the interior cavity and create a watertight seal.

15. The protective container of claim 14, wherein the lid portion comprises four lid sidewalls and a roof component.

16. The protective container of claim 15, wherein the circumferential lip comprises a groove for at least partially receiving the gasket.

17. The protective container of claim 16, wherein the lid sidewall compresses the gasket into the groove so that a substantially watertight seal is achieved when the lid portion engages the gasket and the circumferential lip.

18. The protective container of claim 15, wherein the four lid sidewalls comprise a groove located along an inner circumference of the four lid sidewalls for at least partially receiving the gasket.

19. The protective container of claim 18, wherein the base portion and the lid portion are manufactured of whipped plastic.

20. The protective container of claim 19, wherein the protective container is a hat box.

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