Multi-compartment case

Description

This invention relates to a case, and particularly to a case used for airline travel or travel by other commercial carrier.

BACKGROUND

Most airlines now have requirements limiting the number of pieces of baggage a passenger can bring on to the plane. In many instances, the airlines limit baggage to two checked pieces and possibly a carry-on bag. For obvious reasons, airlines also require that all baggage containing firearms must be checked and cannot be carry-on. This poses a problem for hunters taking their own rifle(s) and/or shotgun(s) on hunting trips. Because of the regulations, when traveling by plane on a hunting trip and taking your own rifle/shotgun, one of the two pieces of baggage allowed must be a gun case, as most common luggage is not of sufficient size to accommodate the length of a rifle or shotgun. However, most gun cases do not have sufficient capacity to accommodate much other than the gun and certain gun supplies. Further, since the gun will usually have oiled surfaces, as well as smell of oil and/or gunpowder, it is not desirable, even if possible, to pack clothing in the same area as the gun. In such a situation, everything else needed for the hunting trip must fit into the other piece of luggage. This can be especially difficult when attempting to travel with boots, cold weather clothes and other bulky items commonly taken on hunting trips.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a case having at least two separate compartments, with at least one of the compartments being of sufficient size to accommodate at least one rifle and/or shotgun.

It is a further object to provide a case where each of the separate compartments has a lid that can be opened independently of the other lids.

It is a further object to provide a case where the interiors of the separate compartments are isolated from one another when the compartments are closed.

SUMMARY

Thus, the present invention is a multi-compartment case having at least two separate compartments. One compartment is of sufficient size to accommodate at least one rifle or shotgun. The case includes at least one further compartment for clothes, boots, gear, etc., having an interior separate from the interior of the gun compartment.

In one embodiment, the case includes at least one long gun compartment on one side and two shorter, separate compartments on another side. Each compartment can be independently opened, with the interiors of the compartments all being isolated from one another when closed. The long gun compartment is padded in a known manner to protect the gun and prevent movement of the gun in the case. The gun compartment can also include non-padded portions that can accommodate bullets, shells, and other gun supplies. One of the shorter compartments is sized to accommodate a pair of bulky hunting boots and is either unlined or lined with a waterproof material, keeping in mind that the boots may be wet or muddy when stowed. The remaining shorter compartment is adapted to accommodate other clothing or supplies and may or may not be lined.

The multi-compartment case will now de described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of a case according to the present invention in an opened condition;

FIG. 2 is front bottom view of the case of FIG. 1 in an opened condition;

FIG. 3 is a front bottom view of the case of FIG. 1 in a closed condition; and

FIG. 4 is a rear bottom view of the case of FIG. 1 in a closed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A multi-compartment case 10 includes a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. The case can also include a third compartment 16. The first compartment is sized to accommodate at least one rifle or shotgun and preferably accommodates at least two such guns. The first compartment 12 includes a lid 18 that is hinged on one side to a main body 20 of the case 10 by one or more hinges 22. The lid can be latched closed by latches 24. Because of the size of first compartment 12, it is desirable to use a plurality of latches 24 spread around a perimeter of the lid 18 to secure the lid 18 in the closed position. The first compartment 12 preferably includes foam inserts 26 in the lid 18 and main body 20 to cushion and secure the guns when the lid 18 is closed. The inserts can be sculpted to form fit the guns. The compartment 12 includes an unpadded portion 28 that can accommodate bullets, shells and other gun supplies. The compartment can also include one or more covered interior compartment 30 for stowage of such gun supplies. A handle 32 is provided on main body 20.

The second compartment 14 is provided on the other side of the main body 20 and can run the entire length of the case 10, or as shown, can run a partial length of the case 20 with the remainder occupied by third compartment 16. The second compartment includes a lid 34 hinged to the main body with one or more hinges 36. One or more latches 36 can secure the lid 34 in the closed position. The second compartment 14 can be lined or unlined and can accommodate clothing 46 or other articles.

The third compartment 16 includes a lid 38 similarly hinged to the main body 20 with one or more hinges 40 and latched in the closed position with one or more latches 42. The third compartment can be sized as desired, but in one embodiment, is sized to accommodate a pair of bulky boots 44. The third compartment can be lined or unlined, but if lined, it is preferred to use a water resistant lining that will not be damaged by wet or muddy boots and which can be easily cleaned. A wall 48 on main body 20 separates the second and third compartments and is preferably constructed and arranged to engage the counterpart portions of lids 34 and 36 in a sealing manner.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the lids can be opened and closed independently of the others and the interiors of each compartment are isolated from one another when in the closed position. This keeps moisture, mud, oil, odors or other contaminants in one compartment from contaminating articles in the other compartments. To this end, it is preferred that each lid engage its counterpart portion of the main body 20 in a known sealing manner to seal the interior of the compartment when the lid is closed and latched.

One or more of the latches on each of the lids is preferably of a locking type for security. The overall case can be sized and shaped as desired, as can each of the compartments. The depth of the compartments can also be altered, as it may be desirable to have a shallower first compartment 12 to accommodate the thinner guns and deeper second and third compartments to accommodate more or bulkier clothing, boots and other articles. If desired, one or more of the compartments can run the entire depth of the case for especially bulky objects. Each compartment can also be provided with movable partition walls for partitioning the compartment interior. The number of compartments, latches, and hinges can be altered as desired. The case can be made of metal, high impact plastic, fabric or other materials, although it is preferred that the case be tough to prevent unauthorized access to the guns and other contents. Some airline restrictions may require the case to be made of metal, although the interiors can be made of plastic, fabric or other materials. The case is preferably dimensioned so as to fall within airline restrictions for standard checked luggage.

The various features described herein can be used in any combination to create new embodiments of the case 10.