Dual-closure weather barriers and bags containing the same

Abstract

Dual-closure weather barriers that are configured to selectively seal an opening of a bag or enclosure. When sealed, the dual-closure weather barrier is configured to prevent an ingress of water into an interior volume of the bag or enclosure. The dual-closure weather barrier includes an outer sealing mechanism configured to form an outer seal of the opening and an inner sealing mechanism configured to form an inner seal of the opening. The dual-closure weather barrier is configured to be selectively transitioned between a fully sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. When the dual-closure weather barrier is disposed in the fully sealed configuration, the outer sealing mechanism forms the outer seal, the inner sealing mechanism forms the inner seal, and the outer seal is maintained spaced above and away from the inner seal and an upper surface of the fabric bag relative to the interior volume.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates to dual-closure weather barriers and bags and enclosures containing dual-closure weather barriers.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] 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.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic top plan view of a dual-closure bag including a dual-closure weather barrier according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view of the dual-closure bag and dual-closure weather barrier of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, schematic sectional view of the dual-closure bag and the dual-closure weather barrier of FIG. 1 disposed in an unsealed configuration corresponding to line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, schematic sectional view of the dual-closure bag and the dual-closure weather barrier of FIG. 1 disposed in a first partially sealed configuration corresponding to line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, schematic sectional view of the dual-closure bag and the dual-closure weather barrier of FIG. 1 disposed in a second partially sealed configuration.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, schematic sectional view of the dual-closure bag and the dual-closure weather barrier of FIG. 1 disposed in a fully sealed configuration corresponding to line 6-6 in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view of another example of a dual-closure weather barrier according to the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, sectional view of another example of a dual-closure weather barrier according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, sectional view of another example of a dual-closure weather barrier according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an enclosure containing a dual-closure weather barrier according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] FIGS. 1-10 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. FIGS. 1-2 schematically illustrate an example dual-closure bag 10 including dual-closure weather barrier 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3-6 schematically illustrate dual-closure weather barrier 100 disposed in different fully sealed, partially sealed, and unsealed configurations according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7-9 illustrate additional examples of dual-closure weather barriers 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an enclosure 200 containing at least one dual-closure weather barrier 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-10, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-10. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of FIGS. 1-10, 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 of FIGS. 1-10 may be included in and / or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a top plan view of a dual-closure bag 10 containing at least one dual-closure weather barrier 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side elevation view of dual-closure bag 10 of FIG. 1. In FIGS. 1-2, dual-closure bag 10 is illustrated as a bivouac bag 10, but it is within the scope of the present disclosure that dual-closure bag 10 may 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 bag 10 thus additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a bivouac bag 10, a sleeping bag 10, an outdoor bag 10, a weather-resistant bag 10, and / or simply as a bag 10.

[0018] Dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to selectively and repeatedly seal an opening 12 of dual-closure bag 10. When sealed, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to prevent an ingress of water into an interior volume 14 of dual-closure bag 10 through opening 12, as described in more detail herein. Dual-closure weather barrier 100 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a weather barrier 100, a dual-seal weather barrier 100, a dual closure 100, and / or a dual-sealing mechanism 100.

[0019] Dual-closure bag 10 includes a body 16 defining an interior volume 14, which also may be referred to as an internal compartment 14. Body 16 includes, and interior volume 14 is bounded or defined by, a main body portion 18 and opposed edge regions 20. Opposed edge regions 20 define an opening 12 formed in body 16. Opening 12 is configured to provide selective access to and from interior volume 14. Dual-closure weather barrier 100 is coupled to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 and is configured to selectively seal opening 12 defined by opposed edge regions 20.

[0020] As referred to herein, opposed edge regions 20 refers to the portions of body 16 that are fixed or directly coupled to dual-closure weather barrier 100. Opposed edge regions 20 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as the portions of body 16 that overlap with dual-closure weather barrier 100 relative to interior volume 14. In other words, opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 include not only the physical edges of body 16 that define opening 12, but also the surrounding portions of body 16 proximate such edges and which are coupled to and / or coextensive with structures and / or components of dual-closure weather barrier 100.

[0021] Main body portion 18 of body 16 generally refers to the portions of body 16 that are not the opposed edge regions 20. Main body portion 18 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as body portion 18, body surface 18, main portion 18, and / or surface 18. Main body portion 18 and opposed edge regions 20 are fixed to each other and / or integrally formed such that main body portion 18 and opposed edge regions 20 move together as a single unit, or unitary structure, referred to herein as body 16.

[0022] Body 16 comprises a unitary structure formed from one or more layers, sections, sheets, and / or pieces of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, body 16 may 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 16. Body 16 may 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, body 16 may be described as being a water-resistant body and / or a waterproof body. When bag 10 is a bivouac bag and / or otherwise is intended to house a living person in interior volume 14, such as when the person is resting or sleeping, body 16 may 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.

[0023] Body 16 may have any suitable shape and / or size dependent on the intended use of dual-closure bag 10. For example, when dual-closure bag 10 is a bivouac bag, body 16 may be sized and shaped such that interior volume 14 is configured to receive and house a person lying in a prone position, such as for sleeping. As another example, when dual-closure bag 10 is a duffel bag or a gear bag, body 16 may be sized and shaped such that interior volume 14 is configured to receive a predetermined volume of items and / or predetermined item(s) of gear.

[0024] As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some examples, dual-closure bag 10 includes one or more rigid structures 13 coupled to body 16 on an interior side 15 or an exterior side 17 of body 16. The one or more rigid structures may comprise any suitable poles, rods, frames, and / or stiffened fabric materials configured to support and maintain body 16 in a desired three-dimensional shape even when interior volume 14 is empty or at least substantially empty.

[0025] Opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 define opening 12 which is configured to provide access to interior volume 14 of body 16. Opening 12 may have any suitable length and may extend in any suitable orientation relative to a latitudinal axis 22 and a longitudinal axis 24 of body 16. For example, one or more sections or an entirety of opening 12 may extend parallel to latitudinal axis 22, parallel to longitudinal axis 24, or transverse to both latitudinal axis 22 and longitudinal axis 24 of body 16. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, opening 12 may extend directly along longitudinal axis 24 across any suitable length of body 16. In some examples, such as when fabric bag 10 is a bivouac bag, opening 12 is sized to permit an individual to enter and exit interior volume 14 through opening 12. In some examples, opening 12 is configured to be oriented upward, e.g., facing away from the ground, when fabric bag 10 is in use. Expressed slightly differently, body 16 may include an upper side 30 configured to face upwards when dual-closure bag 10 is in use, and opening 12 may be formed in upper side 30.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, opening 12 may extend around an external curvature or contour 36 of a three-dimensional shape of dual-closure bag 10. Stated another way, during use, body 16 of dual-closure bag 10 may have a three-dimensional shape with a curved external contour 36 and opening 12 may be formed across curved portions of body 16, such that opening 12 itself is curved. In such examples, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to follow the opening 12 around the curvature of body 16 to selectively seal opening 12. In other examples, such as when bag 10 is a duffel bag or gear bag, opening 12 may extend only along a subset of upper side 30 of the bag.

[0027] Dual-closure weather barrier 100 is fixed to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 and configured to selectively seal opening 12 of body 16. 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.

[0028] When sealed, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to seal opening 12 to prevent an ingress of water into interior volume 14. For example, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to prevent an ingress of water caused by rain, waves, or other water or liquid falling on body 16 and from water collecting or pooling on an upper surface 32 of body 16 proximate opening 12. When unsealed or open, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to permit access to interior volume 14 of body 16.

[0029] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, dual-closure weather barrier 100 includes an outer sealing mechanism 102 and an inner sealing mechanism 104. Outer sealing mechanism 102 is configured to form an outer seal 106 of dual-closure weather barrier 100 (as schematically illustrated in FIG. 5), and inner sealing mechanism 104 is configured to form an inner seal 120 of dual-closure weather barrier 100 (as illustrated in FIG. 4). As discussed in more detail herein, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to be transitioned between various different configurations by sealing or unsealing one or more of outer sealing mechanism 102 and inner sealing mechanism 104.

[0030] Outer sealing mechanism 102 may comprise any suitable structure(s) and / or component(s) configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed. When outer sealing mechanism 102 is sealed, outer sealing mechanism 102 forms outer seal 106 of opening 12. Outer seal 106 also may be referred to herein as exterior seal 106. Outer sealing mechanism 102 is fixed or coupled to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16, such that outer sealing mechanism 102 is positioned to form outer seal 106 of opening 12 that is defined by opposed edge regions 20. In other words, outer sealing mechanism 102 is positioned to form outer seal 106 across opening 12 and / or over opening 12 defined by opposed edge regions 20. In some examples, portions of outer sealing mechanism 102 are fixed to each of opposed edge regions 20 on opposing sides of opening 12.

[0031] Outer sealing mechanism 102 includes an outer closure mechanism 108. Outer closure mechanism 108 may comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to be selectively and repeatedly sealed and unsealed. In other words, outer closure mechanism 108 may comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to be selectively closed and opened. In some examples, outer closure mechanism 108 is 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 mechanism 108 forms outer seal 106 of dual-closure weather barrier 100 over and / or across an entire longitudinal length of opening 12. In other words, when outer closure mechanism 108 is fully closed, outer seal 106 formed by outer closure mechanism 108 spans an entirety of the longitudinal length of opening 12. When partially closed, or in a partially closed configuration, outer closure mechanism 108 forms outer seal 106 over and / or across only a section, or portion, of opening 12. When fully open, or in a fully open configuration, outer closure mechanism 108 does not form outer seal 106 over and / or across opening 12.

[0032] In some examples, outer closure mechanism 108 comprises an outer zippered connection 110, which additionally or alternatively may be referred to as an outer zipper 110. Outer zippered connection 110 is configured to be selectively closed and opened, e.g., zipped and unzipped, by a user and, when closed, outer zippered connection 110 forms outer seal 106. For example, outer zippered connection 110 may include opposing outer sheets 111 of material having a plurality of outer interlocking teeth 113 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 3) extending along a longitudinal length of outer sheets 111. Outer sheets 111 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as outer strips 111 and / or outer tapes 111, and outer sheets 111 may 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 teeth 113 are configured to be selectively joined to each other to form outer seal 106 and are further configured to be selectively released from each other to open outer zippered connection 110.

[0033] In some examples, outer zippered connection 110 includes an outer slider 112 configured to be selectively translated, e.g., pulled, along strips of outer interlocking teeth 113 to join outer interlocking teeth 113 to each other or to release outer interlocking teeth 113 from each other. In other words, outer slider 112 is configured to be selectively actuated or translated along the longitudinal length of opening 12 to selectively close, partially close, or open outer zippered connection 110 by selectively joining outer interlocking teeth 113 with each other.

[0034] In some examples, outer zippered connection 110 comprises a non-locking zippered connection configured to be opened, unzipped, or unsealed in response to translating outer slider 112 or in response to pulling on fabric (e.g., a portion of body 16) connected to outer zippered connection 110. In other words, outer zippered connection 110 may be configured to be opened without requiring a user to pull on outer slider 112 directly. For example, a person positioned within interior volume 14 may be able to open outer zippered connection 110 by pulling on body 16 proximate opposed edge regions 20 in an outward direction from opening 12. This applies an outward force on outer interlocking teeth 113 which separates the outer interlocking teeth 113 from each other and opens outer zippered connection 110. This ensures that a user positioned inside of interior volume 14 with outer zippered connection 110 closed is able to open outer zippered connection 110 without requiring the user to locate and directly pull on outer slider 112.

[0035] Outer sealing mechanism 102 may further comprise an outer support layer 114, which also may be referred to as an outer support structure 114, an outer stiffening layer 114, and / or an outer support flap 114. Outer support layer 114 is configured to be fixed to and to support outer closure mechanism 108, such as outer zippered connection 110 described above. Outer support layer 114 is fixed or coupled to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 on opposing sides of opening 12. In other words, portions of outer support layer 114 are disposed on each side of opening 12 and fixed to each of opposed edge regions 20. Outer support layer 114 may be formed from a single length of material that surrounds the perimeter of opening 12, or outer support layer 114 may include two or more lengths of material, such as at least one length extending along each side of the opening.

[0036] Outer support layer 114 may comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to support outer closure mechanism 108 and to secure outer closure mechanism 108 to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. For example, outer support layer 114 may comprise one or more layers, sections, sheets, and / or widths of material fastened or secured to each of opposed edge regions 20. Outer support layer 114 may be fastened, secured, or coupled to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 in any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

[0037] In some examples, outer support layer 114 is formed from or includes a stiffening material having a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of opposed edge regions 20 and / or main body portion 18 of body 16. Stated another way, outer support layer 114 may comprise any suitable material sections, layers, and / or widths that are configured to have a greater resistance to bending deformation than opposed edge regions 20 and main body portion 18 of body 16. The stiffening material of outer support layer 114 is configured to maintain and support outer sealing mechanism 102 and / or outer closure mechanism 108 in a raised position 154 when dual-closure weather barrier is disposed in a fully sealed configuration 142, 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.

[0038] Outer support layer 114 includes outer-support distal end regions 116 disposed on opposing sides of opening 12, and outer support layer 114 further includes outer-support proximal end regions 118 fixed to opposed edge regions 20. Outer closure mechanism 108 is fixed to outer-support distal end regions 116 of outer support layer 114. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, outer sheets 111 of outer zippered connection 110 may be fixed to outer-support distal end regions 116 of outer support layer 114. Outer sheets 111 of outer zippered connection 110 may be fixed to outer-support distal end regions 116 in any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

[0039] Outer support layer 114 may be fixed to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 in any suitable manner, such that outer support layer 114 positions outer closure mechanism 108 to form outer seal 106 of opening 12. For example, outer support layer 114 may overlap with and / or be layered into opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. Stated another way, outer support layer 114 may be fixed to and coextensive with an interior side 28 of opposed edge regions 20, an exterior side 26 of opposed edge regions 20, and / or outer support layer 114 may be embedded in opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. In such examples, body 16 and outer support layer 114 may move substantially as a single unit or single piece with outer support layer 114 being layered into or lining interior side 28 or exterior side 26 of opposed edge regions 20.

[0040] Alternatively, outer-support proximal end regions 118 of outer support layer 114 may be fixed to opposed edge regions 20, and opposite outer-support distal end regions 116 extend 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 16. In other words, outer support layer 114 may be fixed, or anchored, to body 16 at outer-support proximal end regions 118, with outer-support distal end regions 116 extending away from body 16 and only being connected to the body by virtue of being connected to the outer-support distal end regions 116. Outer-support proximal end regions 118 may be fixed to either interior side 28 or exterior side 26 of opposed edge regions 20. Outer-support proximal end regions 118 may be fixed to body 16 in any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

[0041] As discussed above, dual-seal weather barrier 100 further includes inner sealing mechanism 104. Inner sealing mechanism 104 may comprise any suitable structure(s) and / or component(s) configured to selectively form inner seal 120, which also may be referred to as internal seal 120, of dual-closure weather barrier 100 and of opening 12. Inner sealing mechanism 104 is configured to be selectively and repeatedly sealed and unsealed without damage or destruction of the inner sealing mechanism. When sealed, inner sealing mechanism 104 is configured to form inner seal 120 of opening 12. When both inner sealing mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 are sealed, inner sealing mechanism 104 forms inner seal 120, and outer sealing mechanism 102 forms outer seal 106 of opening 12. When both inner seal 120 and outer seal 106 are formed, outer seal 106 is directly exposed to an external environment of dual-closure bag 10, and inner seal 120 is formed between outer seal 106 and interior volume 14, such that inner seal 120 is shielded from the external environment by the outer seal and extends between the outer seal and interior volume 14. In other words, inner seal 120 is disposed internally between outer seal 106 and interior volume 14 when both inner seal 120 and outer seal 106 are formed.

[0042] Inner sealing mechanism 104 includes an inner closure mechanism 122. Inner closure mechanism 122 may 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 mechanism 122 is substantially similar to outer closure mechanism 108, described above. For example, inner closure mechanism 122 may 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 mechanism 122 forms inner seal 120 over and / or across an entire longitudinal length of opening 12. In other words, when inner closure mechanism 122 is fully closed, inner seal 120 formed by inner closure mechanism 122 spans an entire longitudinal length of opening 12. When partially closed, or in a partially closed configuration, inner closure mechanism 122 forms inner seal 120 over and / or across only a section or portion of opening 12. When fully open, or in a fully open configuration, inner closure mechanism 122 does not form inner seal 120.

[0043] In some examples, inner closure mechanism 122 comprises an inner zippered connection 124, which additionally or alternatively may be referred to as an inner zipper 124. Inner zippered connection 124 may be substantially similar to outer zippered connection 110, described above. For example, inner zippered connection 124 may include inner sheets 123 (which may also be referred to as inner strips 123 or inner tapes 123) having opposing pluralities of inner interlocking teeth 125 (schematically illustrated in in FIG. 3) extending along a longitudinal length of opening 12. The pluralities of inner interlocking teeth 125 are configured to be joined to each other to form inner seal 120 and released from each other to open inner zippered connection 124. In some examples, inner zippered connection 124 includes an inner slider 126 configured to be selectively translated, e.g., pulled, along strips of inner interlocking teeth 125 to join or separate inner interlocking teeth 125 to each other. In some examples, inner zippered connection 124 comprises a non-locking zippered connection configured to be opened, unzipped, or unsealed in response to translating inner slider 126 or in response to pulling on fabric (e.g., a portion of body 16) connected to inner zippered connection 124, as described above with reference to outer zippered connection 110.

[0044] Inner closure mechanism 122, such as inner zippered connection 124, is coupled to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 either directly or indirectly via one or more interposing components and / or structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, inner sealing mechanism 104 may include an inner support layer 128 fixed to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 and / or outer support layer 114 of outer sealing mechanism 102. Inner support layer 128 may also be referred to as an inner support layer 128 or inner support flaps 128. In such examples, inner closure mechanism 122 is fixed to and supported by inner support layer 128.

[0045] Inner support layer 128 may comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to support inner closure mechanism 122 and to secure inner closure mechanism 122 to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. For example, inner support layer 128 may comprise one or more layers, sections, sheets, and / or widths of material fastened or secured to each of opposed edge regions 20 and / or outer support layer 114. Inner support layer 128 may be fastened, secured, or coupled to opposed edge regions 20 or outer support layer 114 in any suitable manner, e.g., using adhesive, sewing, stitching, welding, etc.

[0046] Inner support layer 128 includes inner-support proximal end regions 130 fixed to interior side 28 of opposed edge regions 20 and / or outer support layer 114, and inner support layer 128 further includes opposing inner-support distal end regions 132 fixed to inner closure mechanism 122. Inner closure mechanism 122 is configured to form inner seal 120 between inner-support distal end regions 132 of inner support layer 128. Stated another way, inner closure mechanism 122 is configured to join inner support layer 128 together over and / or across opening 12.

[0047] Inner support layer 128 may be fixed to opposed edge regions 20 and / or outer support layer 114 in any suitable manner, such that inner closure mechanism 122 is positioned to form inner seal 120 of opening 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, inner-support proximal end regions 130 of inner support layer 128 may be fixed to outer-support proximal end regions 118 of outer support layer 114 and to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. Alternatively, in some examples, inner closure mechanism 122 is fixed directly to opposed edge regions 20 without an interposing inner support layer 128. For example, inner zippered connection 124 may be fixed directly to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. Specifically, inner sheets 123 having strips of inner interlocking teeth 125 of inner zippered connection 124 may be fixed directly to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. In such examples, inner zippered connection 124 is configured to form inner seal 120 directly between opposed edge regions 20 of body 16 over and / or across opening 12.

[0048] In some examples, inner sealing mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 are configured to be sealed and / or unsealed independently of one another. Stated another way, in some examples, inner sealing mechanism 104 is configured to be sealed or unsealed without also sealing or unsealing outer sealing mechanism 102, and outer sealing mechanism 102 is configured to be sealed or unsealed without also sealing or unsealing inner sealing mechanism 104. For example, outer zippered connection 110 and inner zippered connection 124 may each comprise an independent actuator (e.g., outer slider 112 and inner slider 126) configured to be actuatable independently of one another to independently seal or unseal outer zippered connection 110 or inner zippered connection 124. In such examples, outer sealing mechanism 102 and inner sealing mechanism 104 are able to be in different configurations or positions. For example, inner sealing mechanism 104 can be sealed while outer sealing mechanism 102 is unsealed and vice versa.

[0049] Alternatively, in some examples, inner sealing mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 are configured to be sealed or unsealed in tandem with one another. In such examples, inner sealing mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 may 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 FIG. 1, outer slider 112 may be tethered to inner slider 126 by a link 38, such that outer slider 112 and inner slider 126 move in tandem with each other to close or open the outer and inner closure mechanisms in tandem with each other. Link 38 may comprise a fabric, metal, plastic, or composite material and / or any other suitable structure physically connecting outer sealing mechanism 102 and inner sealing mechanism 104, such as by connecting or tethering outer slider 112 to inner slider 126, such that moving one of the sliders also moves the other slider. As examples, link 38 may 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 mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 are configured to be sealed or unsealed in response to a single user action, e.g., pulling on outer slider 112, pulling on inner slider 126, and / or pulling on link 38 connecting outer slider 112 to inner slider 126.

[0050] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates dual-closure bag 10 including dual-closure weather barrier disposed in a fully sealed configuration 142 in which inner sealing mechanism 104 is sealed and outer sealing mechanism 102 is sealed. As shown in FIG. 2, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is disposed in fully sealed configuration 142, outer support layer 114 and / or opposed edge regions 20, which may be overlapping with outer support layer 114, project outward from main body portion 18 relative to interior volume 14. Stated another way, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is disposed in fully sealed configuration 142, outer sealing mechanism 102 is disposed and maintained in a raised position 154 in which outer support layer 114 projects outward from main body portion 18 and outer seal is maintained or supported in a spaced apart position above inner seal 120 and upper surface 32 of main body portion.

[0051] When in raised position 154, outer sealing mechanism 102 and outer seal 106 formed by outer sealing mechanism 102 may be spaced above inner seal 120 and / or upper surface 32 of main body portion 18 by any suitable distance. For example, when in raised position 154, outer sealing mechanism 102 and outer seal 106 may be spaced above inner seal 120 and / or upper surface 32 of 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 154, outer closure mechanism 108 and outer seal 106 are configured to be spaced above inner seal 120 and / or upper surface 32 of main body portion 18 by any suitable distance configured to ensure that outer seal 106 is disposed above a water line of water that may collect or pool on upper surface 32 of main body portion 18 during use.

[0052] As shown with further reference to FIGS. 3-6, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to be selectively transitioned between an unsealed configuration 136 and fully sealed configuration 142. In some examples, such as when inner sealing mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 are configured to be sealed and unsealed independently of one another, as described above, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to be transitioned into a first partially sealed configuration 138 and / or a second partially sealed configuration 140. Dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to be transitioned between unsealed configuration 136, first partially sealed configuration 138, second partially sealed configuration 140, and / or fully sealed configuration 142 by sealing or unsealing one or more of inner sealing mechanism 104 and / or outer sealing mechanism 102, as described below.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrier 100 disposed in unsealed configuration 136. Unsealed configuration 136 also may be referred to as an open configuration 136. As shown in FIG. 3, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is disposed in unsealed configuration 136, both inner sealing mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 are unsealed or in open configurations. Inner closure mechanism 122 of inner sealing mechanism 104 is in an open configuration, and outer closure mechanism 108 of outer sealing mechanism 102 is in an open configuration. When dual-closure weather barrier 100 is in unsealed configuration 136, opening 12 is in an unsealed configuration, and a user is permitted access to or from interior volume 14 of body 16.

[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrier 100 disposed in a first partially sealed configuration 138. As shown in FIG. 4, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is disposed in first partially sealed configuration 138, inner sealing mechanism 104 is sealed or in a closed configuration, and outer sealing mechanism 102 is unsealed or in an open configuration. Thus, when dual-closure weather barrier is in first partially sealed configuration 138, inner seal 120 is formed, but outer seal 106 is not formed.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrier 100 disposed in a second partially sealed configuration 140. As shown in FIG. 5, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is disposed in second partially sealed configuration 140, outer sealing mechanism 102 is sealed or in a closed configuration, and inner sealing mechanism 104 is unsealed or in an open configuration. Stated another way, inner closure mechanism 122 is open and outer closure mechanism 108 is closed. Thus, when in partially sealed configuration 140, outer seal 106 of opening 12 is formed, but inner seal 120 is not formed.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, when inner sealing mechanism 104 is unsealed, outer sealing mechanism 102 is disposed in an unraised position 150 in which outer closure mechanism 108 and outer seal 106 formed by outer closure mechanism 108 are disposed generally in a plane with main body portion 18 of body 16. In some examples, depending on whether outer support layer 114 is fixed to exterior side 26 or interior side 28 of opposed edge regions 20, outer closure mechanism 108 and outer seal 106 may be raised slightly above main body portion 18 or disposed slightly below main body portion 18, when disposed in unraised position 150.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, inner support layer 128 has an inner-support width 156 defined as a distance between inner-support proximal end regions 130 and inner-support distal end regions 132. Outer support layer 114 has an outer-support width 158 defined as the distance between outer-support proximal end regions 118 and outer-support distal end regions 116. As shown in FIG. 5, inner-support width 156 is less than outer-support width 158. As a result, when disposed in second partially sealed configuration 140 with outer closure mechanism 108 closed and inner closure mechanism 122 opened, inner-support distal end regions 132 are spaced from each other by a gap 160.

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic sectional view of dual-closure weather barrier 100 disposed in a fully sealed configuration 142. Fully sealed configuration 142 may also be referred to as fully closed configuration 142. As shown in FIG. 6, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is in fully sealed configuration 142, outer sealing mechanism 102 is sealed and forms outer seal 106 of opening 12, and inner sealing mechanism 104 is sealed and forms inner seal 120 of opening 12. When dual-closure weather barrier 100 is in fully sealed configuration 142, outer seal 106 formed by outer sealing mechanism 102 is exposed to an external environment of dual-closure bag 10. When dual-closure weather barrier 100 is in fully sealed configuration 142, inner seal 120 is disposed internally between outer seal 106 and interior volume 14 of body 16. As such, inner seal 120 is exposed to interior volume 14 of body 16.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is in fully sealed configuration 142, outer sealing mechanism 102 is disposed in a raised position 154 in which it is maintained spaced apart and above the inner sealing mechanism. When outer sealing mechanism 102 is disposed in raised position 154, outer seal 106 is maintained in a position in which it is supported spaced apart and raised above inner seal 120 relative to interior volume 14. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, outer seal 106 is maintained in a position in which it is supported spaced apart and raised above upper surface 32 of main body portion 18. In raised position 154, outer support layer 114 and, in some examples, opposed edge regions 20 fixed to outer support layer 114 extend outward from main body portion 18 relative to interior volume 14. Stated another way, when in raised position 154, outer support layer 114 extends outward from outer-support proximal end regions 118 to outer-support distal end regions 116, such that outer-support distal end regions 116 are spaced above outer-support proximal end regions 118. As a result, outer closure mechanism 108 fixed to outer-support distal end regions 116 is spaced above outer-support proximal end regions 118 and upper surface 32 of main body portion 18. As described above, outer support layer 114 may comprise a stiffening material configured to maintain and support outer closure mechanism 108, and therefore outer seal 106 formed by outer closure mechanism 108, in raised position 154.

[0060] Described in a different way, when both inner sealing mechanism 104 and outer sealing mechanism 102 are closed, outer sealing mechanism 102 is forced upwards into raised position 154. This is a result of inner-support width 156 being less than outer-support width 158. As a result, closing inner sealing mechanism 104 pulls outer-support proximal end regions 118 of outer support layer 114 towards each other and forces outer-support distal end regions 116 upward and away from interior volume 14.

[0061] As indicated in FIG. 6, when dual-closure weather barrier 100 is in fully sealed configuration 142, the dual-closure weather barrier defines a closure volume 162 that is bounded by opposed edge regions 20, outer sealing mechanism 102, and inner sealing mechanism 104. Closure volume 162 has a closed perimeter measured transverse to the opening, and, as somewhat schematically illustrated in FIG. 6, results in the exterior surface of body 16 having a hump or ridged shape. Closure volume 162 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a closure channel 162, a closure tube 162, and / or a closure pocket 162. In some examples, closure volume 162 may have a height, which extends directly outward from opening 12, that is greater than its width, which is measured across the opening. In some examples, the height of the closure volume 162 may be at least 1.5, at least 2, at least 2.5, at least 3, at most 5, at most 4, and / or at most 3 times the width of the closure volume. By maintaining the outer closure mechanism in an elevated position relative to the opening, dual-closure weather barrier 100 is configured to maintain the outer closure mechanism above water or other liquid that may pool around the closure mechanism during use of dual-closure bag 10.

[0062] When in raised position 154, outer closure mechanism 108 and outer seal 106 may be raised or spaced above inner seal 120 and / or upper surface 32 of main body portion 18 by at least 1 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 mechanism 108 and outer seal 106 are disposed at any suitable height above upper surface 32 of main body portion 18, such that outer closure mechanism 108 and outer seal 106 are spaced above a water line of water that may collect or pool on upper surface 32 during use of dual-closure bag 10.

[0063] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate additional examples of suitable constructions of dual-closure weather barriers 100 for dual-closure bags 10 according to the present disclosure. In the examples of FIGS. 7-9 dual-closure weather barriers 100 are illustrated having different constructions and combinations of the components of outer sealing mechanism 102 and inner sealing mechanism 104. However, dual-closure weather barriers 100 according to the present disclosure are not limited to the constructions and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that dual-closure weather barriers 100 may have any suitable combination of the different structures and components of outer sealing mechanism 102 and inner sealing mechanism 104 that are disclosed herein.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, in some examples, inner sealing mechanism 104 of dual-closure weather barrier 100 includes inner closure mechanism 122 fixed directly to opposed edge regions 20 of body 16, without an interposing inner support layer 128. In the example of FIG. 7, outer sealing mechanism 102 includes outer closure mechanism 108 fixed to and supported by outer support layer 114. Outer support layer 114 is anchored to exterior side 26 of opposed edge regions 20 at outer-support proximal end regions 118 of outer support layer 114. Stated another way, outer-support proximal end regions 118 are fixed to exterior side 26 of opposed edge regions 20 and outer-support distal end regions 116 are free to move relative to body 16. Outer closure mechanism 108 (e.g., outer zippered connection 110) is fixed to outer-support distal end regions 116 of outer support layer 114. FIG. 7 depicts both inner closure mechanism 122 and outer closure mechanism 108 unsealed or opened. However, when sealed, outer closure mechanism 108 is configured to form outer seal 106 between opposing outer-support distal end regions 116 and inner closure mechanism 122 is configured to form inner seal 120 between opposed edge regions 20 of body 16.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, in some examples, outer sealing mechanism 102 of dual-closure weather barrier 100 includes outer support layer 114 embedded within opposed edge regions 20 of body 16. Stated another way, outer support layer 114 is layered between one or more of the layers of opposed edge regions 20. In such examples, inner sealing mechanism 104 may include inner closure mechanism 122 supported by and fixed to inner support layer 128. Inner support layer 128 comprises one or more layers, sections, and / or widths of fabric material anchored to an interior side 28 of body 16 at inner-support proximal end regions 130. Inner closure mechanism 122 (e.g., inner zippered connection 124) is fixed to inner-support distal end regions 132 of inner support layer 128 and is configured to form inner seal 120 between inner-support distal end regions 132. Outer closure mechanism 108 (e.g., outer zippered connection 110) is fixed to opposed edge regions 20 and outer support layer 114 embedded in opposed edge regions 20. Outer closure mechanism 108 is configured to form outer seal 106 between opposed edge regions 20 of body including the embedded outer support layer 114.

[0066] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 9, outer sealing mechanism 102 includes outer support layer 114 supporting outer closure mechanism 108 and inner sealing mechanism 104 includes inner support layer 128 supporting inner closure mechanism 122. Outer support layer 114 is fixed to exterior side 26 of opposed edge regions 20 at outer-support proximal end regions 118. Outer-support distal end regions 116 are free to move relative to body 16. Inner support layer 128 is fixed to opposed edge regions 20 at inner-support proximal end regions 130 and inner-support distal end regions 132 are free to move independently of body 16. Alternatively, inner-support proximal end regions 130 may be directly fixed to outer support layer 114, rather than to body 16. In the example of FIG. 9, when sealed, inner closure mechanism 122 is configured to form inner seal 120 between inner-support distal end regions 132 of inner support layer 128, and outer closure mechanism 108 is configured to form outer seal 106 between outer-support distal end regions 116 of outer support layer 114.

[0067] Although primarily discussed in the context of a dual-closure bag 10, such as dual-closure bivouac bag 10, dual-closure weather barriers 100 may be used to selectively seal openings in other types of structures or enclosures such as tents, packs, and backpacks. This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 10, in which an enclosure 200 is schematically illustrated containing at least one dual-closure weather barrier 100. Similar to dual-closure bags 10, enclosure 200 also includes a body (enclosure body 216) with a main body portion (enclosure main body portion 218) and opened edge regions (opposed enclosure edge regions 220) that define an opening (enclosure opening 212). Enclosure 200 may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials for the intended use of the enclosure, with examples including the examples of materials discussed herein in connection with body 16 of dual-closure bag 10.

[0068] As used herein, the term “and / or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

[0069] As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,”“one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,”“at least one of A, B, or C,”“one or more of A, B, and C,”“one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

[0070] In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and / or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and / or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

[0071] As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and / or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and / or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

[0072] As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and / or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and / or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and / or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive / exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods, including structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0073] As used herein, “at least substantially,” when modifying a degree or relationship, may include not only the recited “substantial” degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, an object that is at least substantially formed from a material includes objects for which at least 75% of the objects are formed from the material and also includes objects that are completely formed from the material. As another example, a first length that is at least substantially as long as a second length includes first lengths that are within 75% of the second length and also includes first lengths that are as long as the second length.

[0074] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of dual-closure weather barriers 100, dual-closure bags 10, and dual-closure enclosures 200 according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs.

[0075] A. A dual-closure bag, comprising:

[0076] a body comprising a main body portion defining an internal compartment and opposed edge regions defining an opening in the body, wherein the opening provides access to the internal compartment; and

[0077] a weather barrier configured to selectively seal the opening to obstruct an ingress of water into the internal compartment through the opening, the weather barrier comprising:

[0078] an outer sealing mechanism fixed to the opposed edge regions of the body and configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed, wherein when the outer sealing mechanism is sealed, the outer sealing mechanism forms an external seal of the opening; and

[0079] an inner sealing mechanism configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed, wherein when the inner sealing mechanism is sealed, the inner sealing mechanism forms an inner seal of the opening;

[0080] wherein the weather barrier is configured to be selectively transitioned between a fully sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration, and wherein 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.

[0081] A1. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A, wherein the outer sealing mechanism comprises an outer closure mechanism configured to be selectively closed and opened, wherein when the outer closure mechanism is closed, the outer sealing mechanism is sealed and forms the external seal.

[0082] A1.1. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A1, wherein the outer closure mechanism comprises an outer zippered connection.

[0083] A1.2. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A1 or A1.1, wherein the outer sealing mechanism further comprises an outer support layer having outer-support proximal end regions fixed to the opposed edge regions and outer-support distal end regions fixed to the outer closure mechanism.

[0084] A1.3. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A1.2, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the outer sealing mechanism is disposed in a raised position in which the outer support layer projects outward from the main body portion of the body relative to the internal compartment, such that the outer closure mechanism is spaced above the main body portion relative to the internal compartment.

[0085] A1.3.1. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A1.3, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the weather barrier defines a closure volume that is bounded by the opposed edge regions, the outer sealing mechanism, and the inner sealing mechanism.

[0086] A1.3.2. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A1.3.1, wherein the closure volume has a closed perimeter measured transverse to the opening.

[0087] A1.3.3. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A1.3.1 or A1.3.2, wherein the closure volume has a height, which extends directly outward from the opening, and a width that is measured across the opening, and wherein the height of the closure volume is at least 1.5, at least 2, at least 2.5, at least 3, at most 5, at most 4, and / or at most 3 times the width of the closure volume.

[0088] A1.4. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A1.3-A1.3.3, wherein the outer support layer comprises a stiffening material configured to maintain and support the outer closure mechanism spaced above the main body portion when the outer sealing mechanism is disposed in the raised position.

[0089] A1.4.1. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A1.4, wherein the stiffening material has a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the opposed end regions of the body.

[0090] A1.5. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A1.3-A1.4.1, wherein the outer closure mechanism is spaced above the main body portion of the body by at least 1 centimeters (cm), at least 2 cm, at least 2.5 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at most 10 cm, at most 8 cm, at most 7 cm, and / or at most 5 cm.

[0091] A1.6. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A1.2-A1.5, wherein the outer support layer is fixed to an interior side of the opposed edge regions.

[0092] A1.7. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A1.2-A1.5, wherein the outer support layer is fixed to an exterior side of the opposed edge regions.

[0093] A1.8. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A1.2-A1.5, wherein the outer-support proximal end regions are fixed to the opposed edge regions, and the outer-support distal end regions extend away from the opposed edge regions relative to the outer-support proximal end regions such that the outer-support distal end regions are configured to move independently relative to the body.

[0094] A2. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A1.8, wherein the inner sealing mechanism includes an inner closure mechanism configured to be selectively closed and opened, wherein when the inner closure mechanism is closed, the inner sealing mechanism forms the inner seal.

[0095] A2.1. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A2, wherein the inner closure mechanism comprises an inner zippered connection.

[0096] A2.2. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A2.1, wherein the inner zippered connection comprises a pair of inner sheets of fabric having strips of inner interlocking teeth configured to be selectively joined to each other to form the inner seal.

[0097] A2.3. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A2-A2.2, wherein the inner sealing mechanism further comprises an inner support layer having inner-support proximal end regions and inner-support distal end regions fixed to the inner closure mechanism.

[0098] A2.4. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A2.3, wherein the inner-support proximal end regions are fixed to the opposed edge regions of the body.

[0099] A2.5. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A2.3, wherein the inner-support proximal end regions are fixed to an / the outer support layer.

[0100] A2.6. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A2-A2.5, wherein the inner closure mechanism is fixed to the opposed edge regions of the body.

[0101] A3. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A2.6, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the outer sealing mechanism is disposed in a / the raised position in which the external seal is spaced above the main body portion of the dual-closure bag.

[0102] A4. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A3, wherein when the outer sealing mechanism is sealed, the external seal formed by the outer sealing mechanism is exposed to an external environment of the dual-closure bag.

[0103] A5. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A4, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the inner seal is disposed internally between the external seal and the internal compartment.

[0104] A6. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A5, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the external seal is vertically aligned with the inner seal and spaced above the inner seal relative to the internal compartment.

[0105] A7. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A6, wherein when the weather barrier is in the unsealed configuration, the inner sealing mechanism is unsealed and the outer sealing mechanism is unsealed such that the opening is unsealed and a user is provided access to the internal compartment.

[0106] A8. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A7, wherein the outer sealing mechanism and the inner sealing mechanism are configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed independently of one another.

[0107] A9. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A8, wherein the weather barrier further is configured to be selectively transitioned into a partially sealed configuration, wherein when the weather barrier is in the partially sealed configuration, one of the inner sealing mechanism and the outer sealing mechanism is sealed and the other of the inner sealing mechanism and the outer sealing mechanism is unsealed.

[0108] A10. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A9, wherein the outer sealing mechanism and the inner sealing mechanism are coupled to each other such that the outer sealing mechanism and the inner sealing mechanism are configured to be sealed and unsealed together in response to a single action by a / the user.

[0109] A10.1. The dual-closure bag of paragraph A10, wherein the outer sealing mechanism and the inner sealing mechanism are tethered to each other by a link.

[0110] A10.2. Ther dual-closure bag of paragraph A10.1, wherein the link enables concurrent movement of the outer sealing mechanism and the inner sealing mechanism when one of the outer sealing mechanism and the inner sealing mechanism are moved relative to the opening by the user.

[0111] A11. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A10.2, wherein the opening extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body across at least a portion of the body.

[0112] A12. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A10.2, wherein the opening extends parallel to a lateral axis of the body across at least a portion of the body.

[0113] A13. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A12, wherein when the weather barrier is in the sealed configuration, the external seal is spaced above the inner seal relative to the internal compartment by a distance of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 2.5 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at most 10 cm, at most 8 cm, at most 7 cm, and / or at most 5 cm.

[0114] A14. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A13, wherein the dual-closure bag comprises a bivouac bag.

[0115] A15. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A13, wherein the dual-closure bag comprises a sleeping bag.

[0116] A16. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A13, wherein the dual-closure bag comprises a duffle bag.

[0117] A17. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A16, wherein the body is one of a fabric body, a water-resistant body, a waterproof body, and a water-resistant breathable body.

[0118] A18. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A17, wherein the body is at least substantially formed from a waterproof material.

[0119] A18.1. The dual-closure bag of any one of paragraphs A-A18, wherein the body is formed from a breathable material.

[0120] B. A dual-closure weather barrier configured to selectively seal an opening defined by opposed edge regions of a body, the dual-closure weather barrier comprising:

[0121] an outer sealing mechanism fixed to the opposed edge regions of the body and configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed, wherein when the outer sealing mechanism is sealed, the outer sealing mechanism forms an external seal of the opening; and

[0122] an inner sealing mechanism configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed, wherein when the inner sealing mechanism is sealed, the inner sealing mechanism forms an inner seal across the opening between the opposed edge regions;

[0123] wherein the dual-closure weather barrier is configured to be selectively transitioned between a fully sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration, and wherein when the dual-closure weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the outer sealing mechanism is sealed and forms the external seal across the opening, the inner sealing mechanism is sealed and forms the inner seal across the opening, and the external seal is maintained spaced apart from and above the inner seal.

[0124] B1. The dual-closure weather barrier of paragraph B, further comprising any of the features of paragraphs A-A18.1.

[0125] C. An enclosure containing at least one dual-closure weather barrier of any of paragraphs B-B1.

[0126] C1. The enclosure of paragraph C, wherein the enclosure future comprises any of the features of the dual-closure bag of paragraphs A-A18.1.

[0127] C2. The enclosure of paragraph C, wherein the enclosure is a tent.

[0128] C3. The enclosure of paragraph C, wherein the enclosure is a backpack.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0129] The dual-closure weather barriers and bags and structures containing the same are applicable to the outdoor products and camping industries.

[0130] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0131] It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and / or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dual-closure bag comprising:a body comprising a main body portion defining an internal compartment and opposed edge regions defining an opening in the body, wherein the opening provides access to the internal compartment; anda weather barrier configured to selectively seal the opening to obstruct an ingress of water into the internal compartment through the opening, the weather barrier comprising:an outer sealing mechanism fixed to the opposed edge regions of the body and configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed, wherein when the outer sealing mechanism is sealed, the outer sealing mechanism forms an external seal of the opening; andan inner sealing mechanism configured to be selectively sealed and unsealed, wherein when the inner sealing mechanism is sealed, the inner sealing mechanism forms an inner seal of the opening;wherein the weather barrier is configured to be selectively transitioned between a fully sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration, and wherein 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.

2. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein the outer sealing mechanism comprises an outer closure mechanism configured to be selectively closed and opened, wherein when the outer closure mechanism is closed, the outer sealing mechanism is sealed and forms the external seal.

3. The dual-closure bag of claim 2, wherein the outer closure mechanism comprises an outer zippered connection.

4. The dual-closure bag of claim 2, wherein the outer sealing mechanism further comprises an outer support layer having outer-support proximal end regions fixed to the opposed edge regions and outer-support distal end regions fixed to the outer closure mechanism.

5. The dual-closure bag of claim 4, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the outer sealing mechanism is disposed in a raised position in which the outer support layer projects outward from the main body portion of the body relative to the internal compartment such that the outer closure mechanism is spaced above the main body portion relative to the internal compartment.

6. The dual-closure bag of claim 5, wherein the outer support layer comprises a stiffening material configured to maintain and support the outer sealing mechanism in the raised position when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration.

7. The dual-closure bag of claim 5, wherein the outer closure mechanism is spaced above the main body portion of the body by at least 2 centimeters (cm).

8. The dual-closure bag of claim 5, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the weather barrier defines a closure volume that is bounded by the opposed edge regions, the outer sealing mechanism, and the inner sealing mechanism.

9. The dual-closure bag of claim 8, wherein the closure volume has a closed perimeter measured transverse to the opening.

10. The dual-closure bag of claim 9, wherein the closure volume has a height, which extends directly outward from the opening, and a width that is measured across the opening, and wherein the height of the closure volume is at least 2 times the width of the closure volume.

11. The dual-closure bag of claim 4, wherein the outer support layer is fixed to an interior side of the opposed edge regions.

12. The dual-closure bag of claim 4, wherein the outer support layer is fixed to an exterior side of the opposed edge regions.

13. The dual-closure bag of claim 4, wherein the outer-support proximal end regions are fixed to the opposed edge regions, and the outer-support distal end regions extend away from the body from the outer-support proximal end regions such that the outer-support distal end regions are able to move independently relative to the body.

14. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein the inner sealing mechanism includes an inner closure mechanism configured to be selectively closed and opened, wherein when the inner closure mechanism is closed, the inner sealing mechanism forms the inner seal.

15. The dual-closure bag of claim 14, wherein the inner closure mechanism comprises an inner zippered connection.

16. The dual-closure bag of claim 14, wherein the inner sealing mechanism further comprises an inner support layer having inner-support proximal end regions and inner-support distal end regions fixed to the inner closure mechanism.

17. The dual-closure bag of claim 14, wherein the inner closure mechanism is fixed to the opposed edge regions of the body.

18. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the outer sealing mechanism is disposed in a raised position in which the external seal is spaced above the main body portion of the dual-closure bag.

19. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein when the outer sealing mechanism is sealed, the external seal formed by the outer sealing mechanism is exposed to an external environment of the dual-closure bag.

20. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein when the weather barrier is in the fully sealed configuration, the inner seal is disposed internally between the external seal and the internal compartment.

21. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein when the weather barrier is in the unsealed configuration, the inner sealing mechanism is unsealed and the outer sealing mechanism is unsealed such that the opening is unsealed and a user is provided access to the internal compartment.

22. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein when the weather barrier is in the sealed configuration, the external seal is spaced above the inner seal relative to the internal compartment by a distance of at least 1 cm.

23. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein the body is formed from a waterproof material.

24. The dual-closure bag of claim 1, wherein the dual-closure bag comprises a bivouac bag.

25. The dual-closure bag of claim 24, wherein the body is formed from a waterproof breathable material.

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