Dual-Closure Weather Barriers and Bags Containing the Same

This disclosure relates to dual-closure weather barriers and bags and enclosures containing dual-closure weather barriers.

Weather barriers and sealing mechanisms may be used to non-destructively seal the openings of bags, such as bivouac bags, sleeping bags, and duffel bags, to restrict ingress of water through the bags' openings into the interior spaces of the bags. While some conventional weather barriers may be effective to repel water that momentarily contacts the weather barriers, such as when rain strikes the barrier and then flows away from the weather barriers, greater challenges are faced when there is a potential for water to pool on or around the weather barriers. Therefore, there is a need for improved weather barriers that restrict ingress of pooled water into the openings of bags and other structures containing the weather barriers.

Dual-closure weather barriers and bags and other enclosures that include at least one dual-closure weather barrier are disclosed herein. The dual-closure bags and enclosures comprise a body that includes a main body portion that defines an internal compartment. The body further includes opposed edge regions that define an opening in the body. The opening provides access to the internal compartment. The dual-closure bags and other enclosures further include at least one weather barrier configured to selectively seal the opening to obstruct an ingress of water into the internal compartment through the opening. The weather barrier comprises an outer sealing mechanism fixed to the opposed edge regions of the body and configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed. When the outer sealing mechanism is sealed, the outer sealing mechanism forms an external seal of the opening. The weather barrier further comprises an inner sealing mechanism configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed. When the inner sealing mechanism is sealed, the inner sealing mechanism forms an inner seal of the opening. The weather barrier is configured to be selectively transitioned between a fully sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. When the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the outer sealing mechanism is sealed and forms the external seal of the opening, the inner sealing mechanism is sealed and forms the inner seal of the opening, and the external seal is maintained spaced apart from and above the inner seal relative to the internal compartment.

In some examples, the inner and/or outer sealing mechanisms include inner and/or outer closure mechanisms that are configured to be selectively and repeatedly sealed and unsealed. The inner and/or outer closure mechanisms include inner and/or outer zippers. In some such examples, the zippers are coupled by a link for relative collective movement. In some examples, the outer sealing mechanism includes an outer support that is fixed to the opposed edge regions and includes a stiffening material configured to maintain and support the outer closure mechanism in a raised position above the inner closure mechanism when the dual-closure weather barrier is disposed in the fully sealed configuration. In some examples, the bags are bivouac bags.

provide examples of dual-closure weather barriers for selectively sealing an opening formed in a bag or enclosure, such as a bivouac bag, a sleeping bag, a duffle bag, a travel bag, an outdoor bag, a tent, a pack, or a backpack.schematically illustrate an example dual-closure bagincluding dual-closure weather barrieraccording to aspects of the present disclosure.schematically illustrate dual-closure weather barrierdisposed in different fully sealed, partially sealed, and unsealed configurations according to aspects of the present disclosure.illustrate additional examples of dual-closure weather barriersaccording to the present disclosure.schematically illustrates an enclosurecontaining at least one dual-closure weather barrieraccording to the present disclosure.

Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more ofmay be included in and/or utilized with any ofwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

schematically illustrates a top plan view of a dual-closure bagcontaining at least one dual-closure weather barrieraccording to the present disclosure.schematically illustrates a side elevation view of dual-closure bagof. In, dual-closure bagis illustrated as a bivouac bag, but it is within the scope of the present disclosure that dual-closure bagmay take a variety of forms, shapes, and sizes, such as by being a duffle bag, an outdoor bag, a sleeping bag, and/or a gear bag. Dual-closure bagthus additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a bivouac bag, a sleeping bag, an outdoor bag, a weather-resistant bag, and/or simply as a bag.

Dual-closure weather barrieris configured to selectively and repeatedly seal an openingof dual-closure bag. When sealed, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to prevent an ingress of water into an interior volumeof dual-closure bagthrough opening, as described in more detail herein. Dual-closure weather barrieradditionally or alternatively may be referred to as a weather barrier, a dual-seal weather barrier, a dual closure, and/or a dual-sealing mechanism.

Dual-closure bagincludes a bodydefining an interior volume, which also may be referred to as an internal compartment. Bodyincludes, and interior volumeis bounded or defined by, a main body portionand opposed edge regions. Opposed edge regionsdefine an openingformed in body. Openingis configured to provide selective access to and from interior volume. Dual-closure weather barrieris coupled to opposed edge regionsof bodyand is configured to selectively seal openingdefined by opposed edge regions.

As referred to herein, opposed edge regionsrefers to the portions of bodythat are fixed or directly coupled to dual-closure weather barrier. Opposed edge regionsadditionally or alternatively may be referred to as the portions of bodythat overlap with dual-closure weather barrierrelative to interior volume. In other words, opposed edge regionsof bodyinclude not only the physical edges of bodythat define opening, but also the surrounding portions of bodyproximate such edges and which are coupled to and/or coextensive with structures and/or components of dual-closure weather barrier.

Main body portionof bodygenerally refers to the portions of bodythat are not the opposed edge regions. Main body portionadditionally or alternatively may be referred to as body portion, body surface, main portion, and/or surface. Main body portionand opposed edge regionsare fixed to each other and/or integrally formed such that main body portionand opposed edge regionsmove together as a single unit, or unitary structure, referred to herein as body.

Bodycomprises a unitary structure formed from one or more layers, sections, sheets, and/or pieces of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, bodymay include one or more layers, sections, and/or sheets of fabric or other materials that are sewn, stitched, adhered, welded and/or otherwise fixed to each other in any suitable manner to form a single unit body. Bodymay be at least partially, at least substantially, or completely formed from a waterproof or water-resistant material, namely, a material that is configured to repel, not absorb, and/or not be permeated by water. In such examples, bodymay be described as being a water-resistant body and/or a waterproof body. When bagis a bivouac bag and/or otherwise is intended to house a living person in interior volume, such as when the person is resting or sleeping, bodymay be at least partially, at least substantially, and/or completely formed from a breathable material, such as a waterproof breathable material. By “breathable,” it is meant that air may flow through the material. A breathable material additionally or alternatively may be referred to as an air-permeable material. Accordingly, a waterproof breathable material both enables air to flow through the material and restricts or prevents water from flowing through the material. Examples of such materials include fabric with a breathable membrane, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) or microporous polyurethane. Additional examples include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-laminated nylon and ripstop nylon.

Bodymay have any suitable shape and/or size dependent on the intended use of dual-closure bag. For example, when dual-closure bagis a bivouac bag, bodymay be sized and shaped such that interior volumeis configured to receive and house a person lying in a prone position, such as for sleeping. As another example, when dual-closure bagis a duffel bag or a gear bag, bodymay be sized and shaped such that interior volumeis configured to receive a predetermined volume of items and/or predetermined item(s) of gear.

As schematically illustrated in, in some examples, dual-closure bagincludes one or more rigid structurescoupled to bodyon an interior sideor an exterior sideof body. The one or more rigid structures may comprise any suitable poles, rods, frames, and/or stiffened fabric materials configured to support and maintain bodyin a desired three-dimensional shape even when interior volumeis empty or at least substantially empty.

Opposed edge regionsof bodydefine openingwhich is configured to provide access to interior volumeof body. Openingmay have any suitable length and may extend in any suitable orientation relative to a latitudinal axisand a longitudinal axisof body. For example, one or more sections or an entirety of openingmay extend parallel to latitudinal axis, parallel to longitudinal axis, or transverse to both latitudinal axisand longitudinal axisof body. As shown in the example of, openingmay extend directly along longitudinal axisacross any suitable length of body. In some examples, such as when fabric bagis a bivouac bag, openingis sized to permit an individual to enter and exit interior volumethrough opening. In some examples, openingis configured to be oriented upward, e.g., facing away from the ground, when fabric bagis in use. Expressed slightly differently, bodymay include an upper sideconfigured to face upwards when dual-closure bagis in use, and openingmay be formed in upper side.

As shown in, openingmay extend around an external curvature or contourof a three-dimensional shape of dual-closure bag. Stated another way, during use, bodyof dual-closure bagmay have a three-dimensional shape with a curved external contourand openingmay be formed across curved portions of body, such that openingitself is curved. In such examples, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to follow the openingaround the curvature of bodyto selectively seal opening. In other examples, such as when bagis a duffel bag or gear bag, openingmay extend only along a subset of upper sideof the bag.

Dual-closure weather barrieris fixed to opposed edge regionsof bodyand configured to selectively seal openingof body. As used herein, elements that are described as being fixed together are secured together in a manner that does not permit separation of the elements without damage or destruction of one or more of the components or any structure or substance used to secure the elements together. Thus, elements that are fixed together are not configured to be selectively and repeatedly separated and reconnected without damage or destruction of one or more of the elements or any structure or substance used to secure the elements together.

When sealed, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to seal openingto prevent an ingress of water into interior volume. For example, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to prevent an ingress of water caused by rain, waves, or other water or liquid falling on bodyand from water collecting or pooling on an upper surfaceof bodyproximate opening. When unsealed or open, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to permit access to interior volumeof body.

As perhaps best illustrated in, dual-closure weather barrierincludes an outer sealing mechanismand an inner sealing mechanism. Outer sealing mechanismis configured to form an outer sealof dual-closure weather barrier(as schematically illustrated in), and inner sealing mechanismis configured to form an inner sealof dual-closure weather barrier(as illustrated in). As discussed in more detail herein, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to be transitioned between various different configurations by sealing or unsealing one or more of outer sealing mechanismand inner sealing mechanism.

Outer sealing mechanismmay comprise any suitable structure(s) and/or component(s) configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed. When outer sealing mechanismis sealed, outer sealing mechanismforms outer sealof opening. Outer sealalso may be referred to herein as exterior seal. Outer sealing mechanismis fixed or coupled to opposed edge regionsof body, such that outer sealing mechanismis positioned to form outer sealof openingthat is defined by opposed edge regions. In other words, outer sealing mechanismis positioned to form outer sealacross openingand/or over openingdefined by opposed edge regions. In some examples, portions of outer sealing mechanismare fixed to each of opposed edge regionson opposing sides of opening.

Outer sealing mechanismincludes an outer closure mechanism. Outer closure mechanismmay comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to be selectively and repeatedly sealed and unsealed. In other words, outer closure mechanismmay comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to be selectively closed and opened. In some examples, outer closure mechanismis configured to be selectively transitioned between being fully closed, partially closed, and fully open. When fully closed, or in a fully closed configuration, outer closure mechanismforms outer sealof dual-closure weather barrierover and/or across an entire longitudinal length of opening. In other words, when outer closure mechanismis fully closed, outer sealformed by outer closure mechanismspans an entirety of the longitudinal length of opening. When partially closed, or in a partially closed configuration, outer closure mechanismforms outer sealover and/or across only a section, or portion, of opening. When fully open, or in a fully open configuration, outer closure mechanismdoes not form outer sealover and/or across opening.

In some examples, outer closure mechanismcomprises an outer zippered connection, which additionally or alternatively may be referred to as an outer zipper. Outer zippered connectionis configured to be selectively closed and opened, e.g., zipped and unzipped, by a user and, when closed, outer zippered connectionforms outer seal. For example, outer zippered connectionmay include opposing outer sheetsof material having a plurality of outer interlocking teeth(schematically illustrated in) extending along a longitudinal length of outer sheets. Outer sheetsadditionally or alternatively may be referred to as outer stripsand/or outer tapes, and outer sheetsmay be formed from any flexible waterproof or water-resistant material suitable for a zipper intended for use in outdoor environments. The plurality of outer interlocking teethare configured to be selectively joined to each other to form outer sealand are further configured to be selectively released from each other to open outer zippered connection.

In some examples, outer zippered connectionincludes an outer sliderconfigured to be selectively translated, e.g., pulled, along strips of outer interlocking teethto join outer interlocking teethto each other or to release outer interlocking teethfrom each other. In other words, outer slideris configured to be selectively actuated or translated along the longitudinal length of openingto selectively close, partially close, or open outer zippered connectionby selectively joining outer interlocking teethwith each other.

In some examples, outer zippered connectioncomprises a non-locking zippered connection configured to be opened, unzipped, or unsealed in response to translating outer slideror in response to pulling on fabric (e.g., a portion of body) connected to outer zippered connection. In other words, outer zippered connectionmay be configured to be opened without requiring a user to pull on outer sliderdirectly. For example, a person positioned within interior volumemay be able to open outer zippered connectionby pulling on bodyproximate opposed edge regionsin an outward direction from opening. This applies an outward force on outer interlocking teethwhich separates the outer interlocking teethfrom each other and opens outer zippered connection. This ensures that a user positioned inside of interior volumewith outer zippered connectionclosed is able to open outer zippered connectionwithout requiring the user to locate and directly pull on outer slider.

Outer sealing mechanismmay further comprise an outer support layer, which also may be referred to as an outer support structure, an outer stiffening layer, and/or an outer support flap. Outer support layeris configured to be fixed to and to support outer closure mechanism, such as outer zippered connectiondescribed above. Outer support layeris fixed or coupled to opposed edge regionsof bodyon opposing sides of opening. In other words, portions of outer support layerare disposed on each side of openingand fixed to each of opposed edge regions. Outer support layermay be formed from a single length of material that surrounds the perimeter of opening, or outer support layermay include two or more lengths of material, such as at least one length extending along each side of the opening.

Outer support layermay comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to support outer closure mechanismand to secure outer closure mechanismto opposed edge regionsof body. For example, outer support layermay comprise one or more layers, sections, sheets, and/or widths of material fastened or secured to each of opposed edge regions. Outer support layermay be fastened, secured, or coupled to opposed edge regionsof bodyin any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

In some examples, outer support layeris formed from or includes a stiffening material having a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of opposed edge regionsand/or main body portionof body. Stated another way, outer support layermay comprise any suitable material sections, layers, and/or widths that are configured to have a greater resistance to bending deformation than opposed edge regionsand main body portionof body. The stiffening material of outer support layeris configured to maintain and support outer sealing mechanismand/or outer closure mechanismin a raised positionwhen dual-closure weather barrier is disposed in a fully sealed configuration, as described in more detail herein. Examples of suitable stiffening materials include a laminated fabric, a polyurethane-coated fabric, a 600 Denier (D) oxford fabric, a weldable fabric, a natural or synthetic rubber, a plastic, an ethylene-vinyl acetate (ETA) foam, and/or a GORE-TEX® gas-permeable fabric. In some examples, the stiffening material is resilient and configured to be folded or rolled upon itself in at least one, and optionally at least two axes, such as to permit compact folding of the bag during storage and/or transport.

Outer support layerincludes outer-support distal end regionsdisposed on opposing sides of opening, and outer support layerfurther includes outer-support proximal end regionsfixed to opposed edge regions. Outer closure mechanismis fixed to outer-support distal end regionsof outer support layer. For example, as shown in, outer sheetsof outer zippered connectionmay be fixed to outer-support distal end regionsof outer support layer. Outer sheetsof outer zippered connectionmay be fixed to outer-support distal end regionsin any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

Outer support layermay be fixed to opposed edge regionsof bodyin any suitable manner, such that outer support layerpositions outer closure mechanismto form outer sealof opening. For example, outer support layermay overlap with and/or be layered into opposed edge regionsof body. Stated another way, outer support layermay be fixed to and coextensive with an interior sideof opposed edge regions, an exterior sideof opposed edge regions, and/or outer support layermay be embedded in opposed edge regionsof body. In such examples, bodyand outer support layermay move substantially as a single unit or single piece with outer support layerbeing layered into or lining interior sideor exterior sideof opposed edge regions.

Alternatively, outer-support proximal end regionsof outer support layermay be fixed to opposed edge regions, and opposite outer-support distal end regionsextend away from the opposed edge regions relative to the outer-support proximal end regions such that the outer-support proximal end regions may be free to move independently of body. In other words, outer support layermay be fixed, or anchored, to bodyat outer-support proximal end regions, with outer-support distal end regionsextending away from bodyand only being connected to the body by virtue of being connected to the outer-support distal end regions. Outer-support proximal end regionsmay be fixed to either interior sideor exterior sideof opposed edge regions. Outer-support proximal end regionsmay be fixed to bodyin any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

As discussed above, dual-seal weather barrierfurther includes inner sealing mechanism. Inner sealing mechanismmay comprise any suitable structure(s) and/or component(s) configured to selectively form inner seal, which also may be referred to as internal seal, of dual-closure weather barrierand of opening. Inner sealing mechanismis configured to be selectively and repeatedly sealed and unsealed without damage or destruction of the inner sealing mechanism. When sealed, inner sealing mechanismis configured to form inner sealof opening. When both inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismare sealed, inner sealing mechanismforms inner seal, and outer sealing mechanismforms outer sealof opening. When both inner sealand outer sealare formed, outer sealis directly exposed to an external environment of dual-closure bag, and inner sealis formed between outer sealand interior volume, such that inner sealis shielded from the external environment by the outer seal and extends between the outer seal and interior volume. In other words, inner sealis disposed internally between outer sealand interior volumewhen both inner sealand outer sealare formed.

Inner sealing mechanismincludes an inner closure mechanism. Inner closure mechanismmay comprise any suitable structures and/or components configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed, or in other words, selectively closed and opened. In some examples, inner closure mechanismis substantially similar to outer closure mechanism, described above. For example, inner closure mechanismmay be configured to be selectively transitioned between being fully closed, partially closed or partially open, and fully open. When fully closed, or in a fully closed configuration, inner closure mechanismforms inner sealover and/or across an entire longitudinal length of opening. In other words, when inner closure mechanismis fully closed, inner sealformed by inner closure mechanismspans an entire longitudinal length of opening. When partially closed, or in a partially closed configuration, inner closure mechanismforms inner sealover and/or across only a section or portion of opening. When fully open, or in a fully open configuration, inner closure mechanismdoes not form inner seal.

In some examples, inner closure mechanismcomprises an inner zippered connection, which additionally or alternatively may be referred to as an inner zipper. Inner zippered connectionmay be substantially similar to outer zippered connection, described above. For example, inner zippered connectionmay include inner sheets(which may also be referred to as inner stripsor inner tapes) having opposing pluralities of inner interlocking teeth(schematically illustrated in in) extending along a longitudinal length of opening. The pluralities of inner interlocking teethare configured to be joined to each other to form inner sealand released from each other to open inner zippered connection. In some examples, inner zippered connectionincludes an inner sliderconfigured to be selectively translated, e.g., pulled, along strips of inner interlocking teethto join or separate inner interlocking teethto each other. In some examples, inner zippered connectioncomprises a non-locking zippered connection configured to be opened, unzipped, or unsealed in response to translating inner slideror in response to pulling on fabric (e.g., a portion of body) connected to inner zippered connection, as described above with reference to outer zippered connection.

Inner closure mechanism, such as inner zippered connection, is coupled to opposed edge regionsof bodyeither directly or indirectly via one or more interposing components and/or structures. For example, as shown in, inner sealing mechanismmay include an inner support layerfixed to opposed edge regionsof bodyand/or outer support layerof outer sealing mechanism. Inner support layermay also be referred to as an inner support layeror inner support flaps. In such examples, inner closure mechanismis fixed to and supported by inner support layer.

Inner support layermay comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to support inner closure mechanismand to secure inner closure mechanismto opposed edge regionsof body. For example, inner support layermay comprise one or more layers, sections, sheets, and/or widths of material fastened or secured to each of opposed edge regionsand/or outer support layer. Inner support layermay be fastened, secured, or coupled to opposed edge regionsor outer support layerin any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

Inner support layerincludes inner-support proximal end regionsfixed to interior sideof opposed edge regionsand/or outer support layer, and inner support layerfurther includes opposing inner-support distal end regionsfixed to inner closure mechanism. Inner closure mechanismis configured to form inner sealbetween inner-support distal end regionsof inner support layer. Stated another way, inner closure mechanismis configured to join inner support layertogether over and/or across opening.

Inner support layermay be fixed to opposed edge regionsand/or outer support layerin any suitable manner, such that inner closure mechanismis positioned to form inner sealof opening. For example, as shown in, inner-support proximal end regionsof inner support layermay be fixed to outer-support proximal end regionsof outer support layerand to opposed edge regionsof body. Alternatively, in some examples, inner closure mechanismis fixed directly to opposed edge regionswithout an interposing inner support layer. For example, inner zippered connectionmay be fixed directly to opposed edge regionsof body. Specifically, inner sheetshaving strips of inner interlocking teethof inner zippered connectionmay be fixed directly to opposed edge regionsof body. In such examples, inner zippered connectionis configured to form inner sealdirectly between opposed edge regionsof bodyover and/or across opening.

In some examples, inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismare configured to be sealed and/or unsealed independently of one another. Stated another way, in some examples, inner sealing mechanismis configured to be sealed or unsealed without also sealing or unsealing outer sealing mechanism, and outer sealing mechanismis configured to be sealed or unsealed without also sealing or unsealing inner sealing mechanism. For example, outer zippered connectionand inner zippered connectionmay each comprise an independent actuator (e.g., outer sliderand inner slider) configured to be actuatable independently of one another to independently seal or unseal outer zippered connectionor inner zippered connection. In such examples, outer sealing mechanismand inner sealing mechanismare able to be in different configurations or positions. For example, inner sealing mechanismcan be sealed while outer sealing mechanismis unsealed and vice versa.

Alternatively, in some examples, inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismare configured to be sealed or unsealed in tandem with one another. In such examples, inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismmay be disposed in the same or at least substantially the same configuration or position as each other, e.g., sealed or unsealed. For example, as shown in, outer slidermay be tethered to inner sliderby a link, such that outer sliderand inner slidermove in tandem with each other to close or open the outer and inner closure mechanisms in tandem with each other. Linkmay comprise a fabric, metal, plastic, or composite material and/or any other suitable structure physically connecting outer sealing mechanismand inner sealing mechanism, such as by connecting or tethering outer sliderto inner slider, such that moving one of the sliders also moves the other slider. As examples, linkmay be or include a wire, a band, a bridge, a cord, a tether, a strut, and/or a member that interconnects, rigidly or flexibly, the inner slider and the outer slider and thus couples the sliders for concurrent movement when one of the inner and the outer sealing mechanisms, such as one of the sliders, is moved relative to the opening by a user. As a result, inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismare configured to be sealed or unsealed in response to a single user action, e.g., pulling on outer slider, pulling on inner slider, and/or pulling on linkconnecting outer sliderto inner slider.

schematically illustrates dual-closure bagincluding dual-closure weather barrier disposed in a fully sealed configurationin which inner sealing mechanismis sealed and outer sealing mechanismis sealed. As shown in, when dual-closure weather barrieris disposed in fully sealed configuration, outer support layerand/or opposed edge regions, which may be overlapping with outer support layer, project outward from main body portionrelative to interior volume. Stated another way, when dual-closure weather barrieris disposed in fully sealed configuration, outer sealing mechanismis disposed and maintained in a raised positionin which outer support layerprojects outward from main body portionand outer seal is maintained or supported in a spaced apart position above inner sealand upper surfaceof main body portion.

When in raised position, outer sealing mechanismand outer sealformed by outer sealing mechanismmay be spaced above inner sealand/or upper surfaceof main body portionby any suitable distance. For example, when in raised position, outer sealing mechanismand outer sealmay be spaced above inner sealand/or upper surfaceof main body portion by at least 1 centimeter (cm), at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, at most 6 cm, at most 7 cm, at most 8 cm, at most 9 cm, and/or at most 10 cm. In some examples, when in raised position, outer closure mechanismand outer sealare configured to be spaced above inner sealand/or upper surfaceof main body portionby any suitable distance configured to ensure that outer sealis disposed above a water line of water that may collect or pool on upper surfaceof main body portionduring use.

As shown with further reference to, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to be selectively transitioned between an unsealed configurationand fully sealed configuration. In some examples, such as when inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismare configured to be sealed and unsealed independently of one another, as described above, dual-closure weather barrieris configured to be transitioned into a first partially sealed configurationand/or a second partially sealed configuration. Dual-closure weather barrieris configured to be transitioned between unsealed configuration, first partially sealed configuration, second partially sealed configuration, and/or fully sealed configurationby sealing or unsealing one or more of inner sealing mechanismand/or outer sealing mechanism, as described below.

illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrierdisposed in unsealed configuration. Unsealed configurationalso may be referred to as an open configuration. As shown in, when dual-closure weather barrieris disposed in unsealed configuration, both inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismare unsealed or in open configurations. Inner closure mechanismof inner sealing mechanismis in an open configuration, and outer closure mechanismof outer sealing mechanismis in an open configuration. When dual-closure weather barrieris in unsealed configuration, openingis in an unsealed configuration, and a user is permitted access to or from interior volumeof body.

illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrierdisposed in a first partially sealed configuration. As shown in, when dual-closure weather barrieris disposed in first partially sealed configuration, inner sealing mechanismis sealed or in a closed configuration, and outer sealing mechanismis unsealed or in an open configuration. Thus, when dual-closure weather barrier is in first partially sealed configuration, inner sealis formed, but outer sealis not formed.

illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrierdisposed in a second partially sealed configuration. As shown in, when dual-closure weather barrieris disposed in second partially sealed configuration, outer sealing mechanismis sealed or in a closed configuration, and inner sealing mechanismis unsealed or in an open configuration. Stated another way, inner closure mechanismis open and outer closure mechanismis closed. Thus, when in partially sealed configuration, outer sealof openingis formed, but inner sealis not formed.

As shown in, when inner sealing mechanismis unsealed, outer sealing mechanismis disposed in an unraised positionin which outer closure mechanismand outer sealformed by outer closure mechanismare disposed generally in a plane with main body portionof body. In some examples, depending on whether outer support layeris fixed to exterior sideor interior sideof opposed edge regions, outer closure mechanismand outer sealmay be raised slightly above main body portionor disposed slightly below main body portion, when disposed in unraised position.

As shown in, inner support layerhas an inner-support widthdefined as a distance between inner-support proximal end regionsand inner-support distal end regions. Outer support layerhas an outer-support widthdefined as the distance between outer-support proximal end regionsand outer-support distal end regions. As shown in, inner-support widthis less than outer-support width. As a result, when disposed in second partially sealed configurationwith outer closure mechanismclosed and inner closure mechanismopened, inner-support distal end regionsare spaced from each other by a gap.

illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrierdisposed in a fully sealed configuration. Fully sealed configurationmay also be referred to as fully closed configuration. As shown in, when dual-closure weather barrieris in fully sealed configuration, outer sealing mechanismis sealed and forms outer sealof opening, and inner sealing mechanismis sealed and forms inner sealof opening. When dual-closure weather barrieris in fully sealed configuration, outer sealformed by outer sealing mechanismis exposed to an external environment of dual-closure bag. When dual-closure weather barrieris in fully sealed configuration, inner sealis disposed internally between outer sealand interior volumeof body. As such, inner sealis exposed to interior volumeof body.

As shown in, when dual-closure weather barrieris in fully sealed configuration, outer sealing mechanismis disposed in a raised positionin which it is maintained spaced apart and above the inner sealing mechanism. When outer sealing mechanismis disposed in raised position, outer sealis maintained in a position in which it is supported spaced apart and raised above inner sealrelative to interior volume. Additionally, as shown in, outer sealis maintained in a position in which it is supported spaced apart and raised above upper surfaceof main body portion. In raised position, outer support layerand, in some examples, opposed edge regionsfixed to outer support layerextend outward from main body portionrelative to interior volume. Stated another way, when in raised position, outer support layerextends outward from outer-support proximal end regionsto outer-support distal end regions, such that outer-support distal end regionsare spaced above outer-support proximal end regions. As a result, outer closure mechanismfixed to outer-support distal end regionsis spaced above outer-support proximal end regionsand upper surfaceof main body portion. As described above, outer support layermay comprise a stiffening material configured to maintain and support outer closure mechanism, and therefore outer sealformed by outer closure mechanism, in raised position.

Described in a different way, when both inner sealing mechanismand outer sealing mechanismare closed, outer sealing mechanismis forced upwards into raised position. This is a result of inner-support widthbeing less than outer-support width. As a result, closing inner sealing mechanismpulls outer-support proximal end regionsof outer support layertowards each other and forces outer-support distal end regionsupward and away from interior volume.