Waterproof and buoyant rod and reel carrying case and seat cushion combination

Abstract

The present invention relates to a soft and durable carrying case for transporting one or more fishing rods (typically a 2 piece rod) and reels that affords protection as well as buoyancy if dropped in the water. The inner foam material is specially made, placed and secured into the nylon shell to aid in buoyancy and protecting the rods and reels from damage. The carrying case can also be used to transport other types if equipment that are a maximum of 43 inches in length. The present invention can be reconfigured into a seat cushion after taking out the rods and reels. Said seat cushion is designed in such a manner as to prevent pain to the tailbone. The dual usage capability of the present invention allows for the consumer to alleviate 2 problems (carrying a fishing rod and reel easily) and preventing pain to the tailbone when sitting down while fishing. Another feature of the present invention is a 3rd or 4th use whereby, the carrying case can be further reconfigured as a blanket or poncho. The case is made of nylon, polyester and foam construction or other suitable materials for cushioning and warming effect.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A carrier adapted to store at least one piece of outdoor equipment, such as fishing equipment, rifles, shotguns, bows, arrows and the like, the carrier comprising:
 (a) a waterproof outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; and   (b) at least one fastening element coupled to the outer shell;   (c) wherein the waterproof outer shell is adapted to be disposed between first condition in which the outer shell is in a generally flat configuration, a second condition in which the outer shell is in at least one of a generally folded and generally rolled configuration, and a third condition in which the outer shell is in a poncho-like configuration, the outer shell being retained in the second and third conditions by the at least one fastening element.   
     
     
         3 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the waterproof outer shell includes a central opening through which can be inserted the head of a user when the outer shell is in the third condition. 
     
     
         4 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the central opening is adapted to be selectively secured closed. 
     
     
         5 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the central opening is adapted to be selectively secured closed by at least one fastening element. 
     
     
         6 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the central opening is adapted to be selectively secured closed by a zipper. 
     
     
         7 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the poncho-like configuration includes a central torso section and a pair of opposing sleeve members. 
     
     
         8 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the at least one fastening element includes hook and loop fasteners. 
     
     
         9 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inner surface of the outer shell is provided with at least one of a plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners through which the at least one piece of outdoor equipment can be inserted and secured. 
     
     
         10 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 9  wherein, with the at least one piece of outdoor equipment inserted through the at least one of the plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners in the outer shell, configuration of the outer shell in its second condition serves to substantially enclose the at least one piece of outdoor equipment. 
     
     
         11 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the at least one of the plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners defines several compartments that allow for the storage and placement of multiple pieces of outdoor equipment. 
     
     
         12 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the at least one of the plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners is arranged such that the outer shell is adapted to receive and retain four separate pieces of outdoor equipment in a generally parallel relationship. 
     
     
         13 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the outer shell comprises a waterproof layer constructed out of at least one of a nylon and polyester material. 
     
     
         14 . The carrier as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the outer shell comprises at least one foam insert disposed inside the waterproof layer.