Pressurized storage chamber with zipper

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressurized storage chamber with zipper access. One embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a zipper accessed storage chamber within a pressurized chamber of an inflatable boat. When closed, the zipper will maintain the pressure in the pressurized chamber and protect the contents of the chamber from water. This chamber will provide protected storage in an inflatable boat without requiring that the size of the boat be increased in any way. The chamber may also include a pressurization independent internal liner or support structure that creates a sub-chamber within the pressurized chamber. The sub-chamber can be accessed and depressurized without depressurizing the main chamber. A protective flap may also be attached to the outside of the zipper to protect it from elements, abrasion, and debris that may diminish the capabilities of the zipper. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a zipper accessed pressurized chamber configured to be used as a removable thwart in an inflatable boat. The thwart may include a boat attachment system for temporarily securing to a boat when used as a thwart and/or an individual attachment system for carrying the thwart as a pack or duffel bag. Various attachment systems may be incorporated and remain consistent with the present invention.

1 . A zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber comprising: 
 a pressurized chamber including an exterior and a pressurized interior, wherein the pressurized chamber is composed of a flexible airtight material; and    a zipper disposed on the exterior of the pressurized chamber such that it allows access to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber, wherein when closed the zipper maintains the pressurization within the pressurized interior.    
   
   
       2 . The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of  claim 1  further including a protection flap coupled to the exterior such that it extends over the zipper.  
   
   
       3 . The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurized chamber includes a pressurization independent sub-chamber that can be accessed without depressurizing the pressurized interior.  
   
   
       4 . The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of  claim 1  further including a valve disposed on the exterior, wherein the valve can be used to increase the pressure in the pressurized interior.  
   
   
       5 . The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of  claim 1  further including a pressurization device coupled to the exterior of the pressurized chamber.  
   
   
       6 . The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of  claim 1  further including a pressurization device coupled to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber.  
   
   
       7 . The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of  claim 1  further including a boat attachment system which can be used to releasably couple the zipper accessible pressurized chamber to an inflatable boat to serve as a thwart.  
   
   
       8 . The zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber of  claim 1  further including a personal attachment system that can be used to efficiently transport the zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber.  
   
   
       9 . An inflatable boat comprising: 
 at least one pressurized chamber, wherein each pressurized chamber includes an exterior and a pressurized interior, and wherein each pressurized chamber is composed of a flexible air tight material; and    a zipper disposed on the exterior of at least one of the at least one pressurized chambers such that it allows access to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber, wherein when closed the zipper maintains the pressurization within the pressurized interior.    
   
   
       10 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one pressurized chambers are configured as thwarts for use on the inflatable boat.  
   
   
       11 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers is the exterior region of the inflatable boat.  
   
   
       12 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers include a pressurization independent sub-chamber that can be accessed without depressurizing the pressurized interior.  
   
   
       13 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a valve disposed on the exterior, wherein the valve can be used to increase the pressure in the pressurized interior.  
   
   
       14 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a pressurization device coupled to the exterior of the pressurized chamber.  
   
   
       15 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a pressurization device coupled to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber.  
   
   
       16 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a boat attachment system which can be used to releasably couple the zipper accessible pressurized chamber to an inflatable boat to serve as a thwart.  
   
   
       17 . The inflatable boat of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of the pressurized chambers includes a personal attachment system that can be used to efficiently transport the zipper accessible pressurized storage chamber.  
   
   
       18 . A pressurized thwart comprising: 
 a pressurized chamber including an exterior and a pressurized interior, wherein the pressurized chamber is composed of a flexible airtight material;    a zipper disposed on the exterior of the pressurized chamber such that it allows access to the pressurized interior of the pressurized chamber, wherein when closed the zipper maintains the pressurization within the pressurized interior;    a boat attachment system that enables the pressurized thwart to releasably couple to an inflatable boat; and    an individual attachment system that enables the pressurized thwart to be efficiently transported away from the inflatable boat by an individual.    
   
   
       19 . The pressurized thwart of  claim 18 , wherein the pressurized chamber includes a pressurization independent sub-chamber that can be accessed without depressurizing the pressurized interior.  
   
   
       20 . The pressurized thwart of  claim 18 , wherein the pressurized chamber includes a protection flap coupled to the exterior such that it extends over the zipper.