Foldable Case

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/648,711, filed on May 17, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to a foldable case for housing and transporting an implement used in recreational or sporting activities.

Traditional cases for transporting and protecting an implement used in recreational or sporting activities, such as a long gun, fishing rod, golf club, or hockey stick, among others, are known in the art. One example style of traditional case comprises a pair of rigid body panels pivotably coupled to one another via a hinge mechanism. Such cases may be cumbersome for a user to transport when carrying the implement within the case is not required or desired. Another example style of traditional case comprises a pair of flexible body panels adapted for enclosing the implement within an interior space. However, these cases may not provide optimal impact protection for the implement during transport.

A foldable case for transporting and protecting an implement is provided. The foldable case comprises a pair of body panels. Each body panel comprises a plurality of regions or segments, namely, a central segment and a pair of longitudinal segments disposed on opposite sides of the central segment, wherein each central segment defines a lateral fold axis. The longitudinal segments are each comprised of a rigid substrate and the central segment is comprised of a flexible substrate, such that the body panels are pivotable about the lateral fold axis to move the foldable case to and from a portable condition when no implement is disposed between the pair of body panels. The pair of body panels are operatively coupled by an attachment panel that defines a longitudinal fold axis, and the pair of body panels are pivotable about the longitudinal fold axis to move the foldable case between an open position and a closed position.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings, as defined in the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referring to, the casegenerally includes a bodycomprising a pair of body panelsA,B operatively coupled to one another via an attachment panelextending therebetween. The body panelsA,B are generally mirror images of one another disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal fold axis Aextending longitudinally through the attachment panel. As such, the body panelsA,B are adapted and arranged to align with one another when the caseis disposed in the closed position, as shown inand described in further detail below, to define an overall shape of the body.

Referring still to, more particularly, each body panelA,B includes an outer faceand an opposite inner faceeach defined by a plurality of edges. The plurality of edges comprises a first edgeand a second edge, such that the plurality of edges collectively defines an outer perimeter of the respective body panelA,B.

The attachment panelis coupled to and extends between corresponding first edgesof each body panelA,B. The attachment panelmay comprise a flexible material, such as fabric, rubber, thermoplastic, or another pliable substance, thereby permitting the body panelsA,B to pivot relative to one another about the longitudinal fold axis Abetween the closed position, as shown in, and an open position, as shown in. In the closed position, the inner facesof the body panelsA,B are disposed generally facing one another but radially spaced apart to collectively define an interior spacetherebetween for enclosing and protecting the implement. Conversely, in the open position, the inner facesof the body panelsA,B are aligned in a single plane to allow for insertion and removal of the implementtherebetween.

Referring again to, each body panelA,B further comprises a flangethat extends inwardly from a substantial portion of the perimeter of the respective body panelA,B. The flangeof one body panelA is configured to generally align with the flangeof the opposing body panelB when the caseis disposed in the closed position, thereby further defining the interior spaceand assisting in enclosing and protecting the implement. A fastening elementmay extend between the flangesfor fastening or otherwise establishing engagement between the body panelsA,B and securing the casein the closed position. According to one non-limiting example embodiment of the caseas shown in the figures, the fastening elementmay comprise a zipper mechanism. Alternatively, the fastening elementmay comprise any suitable mechanism or structure configured enclose the interior space, including but not limited to sealing interfaces, compressible elements, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, straps, or other cooperating surface features, without varying the scope of the present disclosure.

In addition to movement between the open and closed positions, the body panelsA,B are further configured such that the casemay be transitioned between an in-use condition and a portable condition, such that, in the portable condition, the case is capable of compact storage or transport. Referring to, each body panelA,B comprises a plurality of regions or segments, namely, a first longitudinal segmentA, a second longitudinal segmentB, and a central segment. The first longitudinal segmentA and the second longitudinal segmentB are positioned on opposite sides of the central segment, wherein such division is based on differences in material layering and/or composition between the central segmentand the longitudinal segmentsA,B, as described in further detail below. The central segmentof each body panelA,B defines a lateral fold axis Aextending transversely across the central segmentand positioned generally equidistant between the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B.

When the caseis disposed in the closed position and the implementis not stored within the interior space, each body panelA,B is configured to pivot about the lateral fold axis Aof its central segment. This allows the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B to fold toward one another about the lateral fold axis Ato move the case to the portable condition, as shown in, and to unfold away from one another about the lateral fold axis Ato return the case to the closed position, as shown in. In the portable condition, the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B of one body panelA are disposed adjacent to one another to form an inner folded layer, and the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B of the opposing body panelB are disposed on opposite sides of the inner folded layer and at least partially surround the inner folded layer to form an outer folded layer, thereby reducing the overall length of the casefor compact storage or transport. It is contemplated, however, that either body panelA,B may ultimately serve as the inner or outer folded layer, depending on the direction of folding or user preference.

In a general sense, each body panelA,B has a multi-layer structure comprising a plurality of layers. Referring to, the plurality of layers comprises a flexible substratethat extends continuously through the first longitudinal segmentA, the central segment, and the second longitudinal segmentB of each body panelA,B. In the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B of each respective body panelA,B, the plurality of layers further comprises a rigid substrate. The rigid substrateis positioned only within the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B to maintain flexibility about the lateral fold axis A.

In further detail, the flexible substrateof each body panelA,B comprises an exterior fabric layerpositioned adjacent to the outer faceof the body panelA,B and an interior fabric layerpositioned adjacent to the inner faceof the body panelA,B, as shown in. Referring to, the flexible substratefurther comprises a padding layer, such as a polyfoam padding, disposed between the exterior fabric layerand interior fabric layerto provide cushioning and protection of the implementduring transportation or storage. It is also contemplated that one or more additional layers may be included in the flexible substrate, such as a mesh layer, thermoplastic film layer, vapor barrier layer, or reinforcing sheet layer, depending on the desired balance of flexibility, protection, and environmental resistance of the case.

Referring again to, the rigid substrateis adapted to provide impact-resistant protection of the implementwithin the interior spaceduring transport or storage of the case. In the example embodiment of the caseas shown in the figures, the rigid substrateis positioned between the exterior fabric layerand the padding layer, and the rigid substrateextends throughout a substantial entirety of each first and second longitudinal segmentA,B. However, it is contemplated that the rigid substratemay extend through only a portion of the longitudinal segmentsA,B without varying the scope of the present disclosure.

The exterior and interior fabric layers,may be bonded, sewn, or laminated together to form a unified flexible structure extending across each body panelA,B. The padding layerand the rigid substratemay likewise be bonded, sewn, or laminated to one or both of the fabric layers,to form an integrated multi-layer construction.

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

According to the example embodiment of the caseas shown in the figures, the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B have generally equal lengths, identified as L, and the central segmenthas a length Lthat is shorter than the length L. By way of non-limiting example, the length Lof the central segmentmay be less than half the length L. This combination of segment geometry and multi-layer structure permits the body panelsA,B to fold about the lateral fold axis Aof the central segmentsto move the caseto and from the portable condition while maintaining impact-resistant protection of the implementwhen the caseis disposed in the closed position and the implement stored in the interior spacetherein. In some example embodiments of the case, it is to be appreciated that the longitudinal segmentsA,B of each body panelA,B may have lengths within ±15% of the length Lto account for manufacturing tolerances or material properties that do not substantially affect the structural or functional characteristics of the case. In other example embodiments, the first and second longitudinal segmentsA,B may differ more substantially in length, and the central segmentmay have a relatively greater or lesser length than the longitudinal segmentsA,B, to accommodate particular folding dynamics, storage configurations, or a different overall shape of the body.

Referring to, the casemay further include a carry systemadapted to facilitate transport by a user. In the example embodiment shown in the figures, the carry systemcomprises a shoulder slingand a carry handle. The shoulder slingincludes a strapextending between first and second opposite endsA,B. The first endA of the strapis releasably coupled to the first longitudinal segmentA of one body panelB adjacent to the second edgethereof. The second endB of the strapis releasably coupled to the second longitudinal segmentB of the opposing body panelA adjacent to the second edgethereof. The shoulder slingmay further comprise a pad elementslidably disposed on the strapbetween the first and second endsA,B thereof for providing cushioning to the user during transport of the caseand the implement.

Referring again to, the carry handlecomprises a first carry strapA and a second carry strapB, wherein the first carry strapA is affixed to one body panelA, and the second carry strapB is affixed to the opposing body panelB. Each of the first and second carry strapsA,B is generally U-shaped and extends between a first distal portionA and a second distal portionB, both of which are affixed to the outer faceof the respective body panelsA,B. Referring to, the first distal portionA of each carry strapA,B is affixed to the first longitudinal segmentA of the respective body panelA,B, and the second distal portionB of each carry strapA,B is affixed to the second longitudinal segmentB of the respective body panelA,B. This configuration of the carry handleallows a user to grasp both carry strapsA,B to transport the casewhen disposed in the closed position.

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

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