Patent Publication Number: US-2018027954-A1

Title: Portable storage unit with integrated mounting system and method of manufacturing thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to storage units and, more particularly, to a portable, wearable storage unit that includes an integrated mounting system and a rugged, weatherproof design that facilitates transport. 
     Because a sportsman often remains in the same location for a long period of time, it is desirable to bring a storage unit to the hunting site containing items such as food, water, a phone, camera, and hunting accessories such as optics, calls, scent, and the like that will be used over the period of the stay. Traditionally a sportsman might carry the above-mentioned items to the hunting site in a soft-sided backpack that may be secured at an elevated position on a tree in situations where the sportsman is hunting from an elevated stand or positioned near or inside a blind at ground level. Locating the pack in close proximity to the sportsman allows the sportsman ready access to materials within the pack during the extended hunting event. 
     However, existing backpack-style storage packs pose a number of disadvantages to a sportsman. First, many of these packs hinge open from top to bottom. While this configuration may provide ready access to stored contents when the pack is opened on a horizontal, flat surface, any unsecured items located within the front cover of the pack are likely to spill down to the ground when the pack is opened in a vertical configuration. When loaded, soft-sided bags are also bulky and may interfere with the hunter&#39;s line of site from the stand. The zippered closure also is often only operable in one direction, thereby limiting the number of orientations in which the pack can be positioned on a tree. In order to access items in the pack while seated in the stand, the hunter may be forced to position the pack in a location that interferes with a desirable line of sight for hunting or twist his or her body in an awkward manner. 
     Existing soft-sided gear packs often are not reliably weather resistant, causing the hunter to transport the pack back and forth to the hunting site with every trip. Doing so generates undesirable noise both in carrying the pack and positioning the pack at the hunting site and, in unfortunate cases, results in dropped and lost items along the path to and from the hunting location. Operating the zippered closures of existing backpack-style storage packs to access the internal contents also generates unwanted noise while hunting. 
     Carrying the weight of a heavy pack and also creates sweat, which is especially disadvantageous on cold days as the hunter will quickly chill after getting settled into his or her stand. Sweat also generates scent, which increases the likelihood that the sportsman will be detected by surrounding wildlife. The odor of any food within the pack is also readily detectable to nearby wildlife as a result of the breathable fabric construction of soft-sided packs. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to have a portable storage unit that addresses the above-mentioned limitations of soft-sided gear packs by providing a wearable and weather resistant configuration that can be easily transported out to a hunting site, securely mounted at the site with minimal noise, and left at the hunting site for extended periods of time. It would also be desirable for such a storage unit to be designed in manner that facilitates easy access to stored items with minimal noise generation while maintaining a broad line of sight and permits ambidextrous operation—allowing the hunter flexibility to configure the pack for either right hand or left hand operation. It would further be desirable for such a pack to be airtight in order to contain odors of stored components, allowing the hunter to leave a cache of food at a particular site without being detected by animals. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention provide a portable storage unit that includes an integrated mounting system and a rugged, weatherproof design and a method of manufacturing thereof. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a portable storage unit includes a main body having a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central region positioned between adjacent side regions. The central region extends between a top surface and a bottom surface of the main body and is recessed relative to the adjacent side regions. The main body also includes a rigid top cover having a lip that extends over an edge of the rigid bottom cover. At least one hinge couples the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover and an anchoring member coupled to a top surface of the main body, the anchoring member having one of a hooked end and a looped end extending outward from the main body. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a portable storage unit includes forming a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central portion positioned between adjacent side portions, the central portion recessed relative to the adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover between a first end and a second end thereof. The method also includes forming a rigid top cover having a lip sized to extend around an edge of the rigid bottom cover, hingedly coupling the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover to form a enclosure, and coupling an anchoring member to an end surface of the enclosure, the anchoring member comprising one of an anchor hook and an anchor loop. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a storage unit assembly includes a first anchor strap, a mounting ring having a hooked end configured to engage the first anchor strap and an eye portion opposite the hooked end, and a portable storage unit. The portable storage unit includes a rigid main body comprising a top cover hingedly coupled to a bottom cover. The top cover has a lip that extends over an edge of the bottom cover when the storage unit is in a closed position, and the bottom cover has a recessed portion positioned between a pair of adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover. An anchoring member is coupled at a first end of the rigid main body, the anchoring member having a hooked end sized to engage the eye portion of the mounting ring. 
     Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate embodiments presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a portable storage unit in a closed or sealed position, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are top and bottom views of the storage unit of  FIG. 1 , respectively. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are left side and right side views of the storage unit of  FIG. 1 , respectively. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are top and bottom views of the storage unit of  FIG. 1 , respectively. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of a storage unit assembly mounted on a tree in proximity to an elevated tree stand, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of an accessory panel usable with the storage unit of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view of the accessory panel of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are right side and left side views of the accessory panel of  FIG. 12 , respectively. 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  are top and bottom views of the accessory panel of  FIG. 12 , respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are directed to rigid units or packs useable for transporting recreational, hunting, and fishing equipment. As described in detail below, the portable storage units disclosed herein are designed to be watertight and airtight and include an integrated mounting system that may be used to easily and securely attach the storage unit to a tree or other structure for temporary or long term storage. The storage unit also includes a backpack-style carry strap system to facilitate transport by foot and mounting brackets that form attachment points to enable secure transport by vehicle. External and internal mounting panels provide universal attachment points for coupling different types of accessories to external and internal surfaces of the storage unit in a variety of different configurations. Additional benefits and features are described in detail below. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are front and rear perspective views of a portable storage unit or pack  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Storage unit  10  includes an elongated enclosure or main body  12  comprising a top cover  14  and a bottom cover  16 . Top cover  14  and bottom cover  16  are constructed of a rigid material. In a preferred embodiment, top cover  14  and bottom cover  16  are fiberglass. Alternatively, top cover  14  and bottom cover  16  may be formed of a plastic, polymer, or other composite material that gives main body  12  a rigid construction. An optional carry handle  18  (shown in phantom) is provided on a side surface  20  of the bottom cover  16  of main body  12 . Handle  18  may be coupled to main body  12  using one or more fasteners, as shown, or molded or otherwise integrated into the profile of side surface  20  in alternative embodiments. 
     Top cover  14  and bottom cover  16  are connected at one side via one or more hinges  22 , shown in  FIG. 5 . In the illustrated embodiment, hinges  22  are torque adjustable and include an adjustment fastener  24  that may be tightened or loosened depending upon the user&#39;s desired range of rotation of hinges  22 . While hinges  22  are shown as being attached with a series of fasteners, in alternative embodiments hinges may be molded or cast within top and bottom covers  14 ,  16 . In a preferred embodiment, storage unit  10  is constructed such that there is no metal-on-metal contact between moving components to minimize noise during operation. Thus, in one embodiment hinges  22  are constructed of a polymer or a having a polymer coating that minimizes noise during operation. 
     One or more latching mechanisms  26 ,  28  are provided on the side of main body  12  opposite hinges  22 . While the illustrated embodiment is shown having two latching mechanisms  26 ,  28 , alternative embodiments may include a single latching mechanism or three or more based on the overall size of the unit and various design specifications. Each latching mechanism  26 ,  28  includes a latch  30 ,  32  and corresponding receiving body  34 ,  36 . Latches  30 ,  32  are attached either to the top cover  14  of main body  12  as shown, or the bottom cover  16 . Similarly receiving bodies  34 ,  36  may be attached to the bottom cover  16  as shown, or to the top cover  14 . Latches  30 ,  32  are releasably engageable with corresponding receiving bodies  34 ,  36  so that when latches  30 ,  32  are engaged by receiving bodies  34 ,  36  main body  12  is maintained in the closed or sealed position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     In one embodiment, latch  30  includes a toggle  38  that is pivotably attached to a mounting flange  40  coupled to top cover  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , toggle  38  includes a body portion  42  that is received within a slot  44  formed within receiving body  34 . A collar  46  formed within body portion  42  engages receiving body  34  as shown and retains toggle  38  in an extended or elongated position that maintains sufficient tension on top cover  14  to maintain main body  12  in a closed position. Toggle  38  further includes a handle portion  48  that permits a user to grasp and operate toggle  38 . In the illustrated embodiment handle portion  48  is generally T-shaped, but can be formed having other shapes in alternative embodiments that facilitate operation of latching mechanism  26  by a user. 
     Toggle  38  is made of a flexible, stretchable material, and UV resistant such as, for example, a synthetic rubber or other elastomer that permits toggle  38  to transition between the stretched or extended position shown in  FIG. 1  to an unstretched or retracted position when toggle  38  is disengaged from receiving body  34 . In one embodiment receiving body  34  is made of metal or another rigid material and is coupled to bottom cover  16  of main body  12  with a plurality of fasteners. Alternatively, receiving body  34  may be molded into the outer surface  20  of bottom cover  16 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, latching mechanism  28  is a lockable component and, as such, differs in design from latching mechanism  26 . In alternative embodiments, storage unit  10  may include a single lockable latching mechanism, multiple lockable latching mechanisms, or one or more non-locking latching mechanism similar to latching mechanism  26 . Similar to latch  30 , latch  32  includes a body portion  52  that pivots relative to its mounting flange  54 . When latching mechanism  28  is in its closed position shown in  FIG. 1 , a protrusion  56  extending outward from receiving body  36  passes through a slot  58  ( FIG. 10 ) formed through body portion  52 . Latching mechanism  28  may then be locked in a closed position by inserting a padlock  59  through the opening  60  in protrusion  56 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2  and in detail in  FIGS. 4, 7, and 8 , the bottom cover  16  of main body  12  includes a central portion  62  that is recessed toward the interior of main body  12  relative to adjacent side portions  64 ,  66  and extends across the length  68  of bottom cover  16 . In one embodiment, a mounting strap  70 , shown in  FIG. 2 , is coupled to the central portion  62  proximate a first end  72  of main body  12  to provide an attachment surface for a backpack-style carry strap system  74 . A flexible clasp  76  is provided at an upper surface of carry strap  74  and extends through mounting strap  70  to couple carry strap system  74  to bottom cover  16  of main body  12 . Flexible clasp  76  includes a toggle end  78  and a receiving end  80  that releasably engage one another to permit carry strap system  74  to be quickly and easily attached and removed from main body  12  as desired. Closeable latches or carabineer hooks  82  are provided at the ends of the left and right shoulder straps  84 ,  86  of carry strap system  74  and releasably engage with a pair of mounting points  88 ,  90  coupled to bottom cover  16  proximate a second end  92  of main body  12 . When used with backpack strap assembly  74 , storage unit  10  functions as a wearable storage unit and provides a rugged transport mechanism for sporting or hunting gear, water, food, and other stored items. For purposes of clarity, backpack-style carry strap system  74  and mounting strap  70  are omitted from  FIGS. 3-8 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4  and with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  as appropriate, a second pair of mounting points  94 ,  96  are coupled to bottom cover  16  proximate the first end  72  of main body  12 . Mounting points  88 ,  90 ,  94 ,  96  provide attachment points for clips or straps that may be used to secure storage unit  10  to a vehicle, tree, or other structure. A series of raised horizontal ribs  98  are formed within the central portion  62  of bottom cover  16  and extend outward therefrom. When storage unit  10  is mounted to a tree, these ribs  98  frictionally engage the uneven surfaces of the tree bark and aid in securing the storage unit  10  at a fixed location. As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , ribs  98  terminate into the beveled surfaces  100 ,  102  that create a transition between central portion  62  and adjacent side portions  64 ,  66 . In one embodiment surfaces  100 ,  102  extend outward from central portion  62  at an obtuse angle  104  to provide flexibility in attaching storage unit  10  to trees of various diameters. While it is contemplated that storage unit  10  may be constructed of various sizes and shapes for different applications, a storage unit  10  may be constructed with central portion  62  having a width  106  within a range of 3-10 inches, as one non-limiting example, to permit storage unit  10  to be mounted to trees with diameters in the range of approximately 8 inches to 24 inches. 
     A mounting member or anchoring member  108  is provided at the first end  72  of storage unit  10 , which may be coupled to a top surface  110  of the bottom cover  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , or to the top cover  14  in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, anchoring member  108  is a hook that includes a base portion  112  coupled to bottom cover  16  and a hooked end  114  that extends up and outward from base portion  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , mounting hook  108  is used in combination with a mounting ring  116  to secure storage unit  10  to a tree  118  or other vertical structure. In the embodiment shown, storage unit  10  is coupled to the tree  118  above a tree stand  119  to permit a hunter ready access to stored items during a hunt. Mounting ring  116  is formed having a hook  120  at one end and an eye  122  at the other end. Hook  120  is positioned over a first attachment strap  124  that is secured around the tree  118 . The hooked end  114  of mounting hook  108  is inserted into eye  122  of mounting ring  116  so that the storage unit  10  hangs downward from the mounting ring  116 . In the illustrated embodiment, the eye  122  is generally triangular in shape, however, eye  122  may be formed having a generally circular geometry or other shape in alternative embodiments. In an alternative embodiment, anchoring member  108  may be configured as a ring or loop coupled to main body  12 . In such an embodiment, the eye portion of mounting ring  116  would be reconfigured as a hook sized to engage the ring or loop of anchoring member  108  or a threaded eye bolt, optionally rubber coated to mitigate sheen, (not shown) may be embedded into the tree  118  or other mounting structure. In yet another alternative embodiment, anchoring member  108  may be reconfigured to having a loop or other opening through which a locking cable may be threaded to hamper theft while storage unit  10  is attached to the tree  118  or other mounting structure. 
     After the first end  72  of storage unit  10  is secured to the tree  118  in the manner described above, the second end  92  of the storage unit  10  is secured in place against the tree  118  using a second attachment strap  126 . In the illustrated embodiment, second attachment strap  126  includes clips  128  at opposing ends that attach to mounting points  88 ,  90 . Alternatively, second attachment strap  126  may be provided having hooked ends that engage mounting points  88 ,  90 . In one embodiment, one or both of first attachment strap  124  and second attachment strap  126  includes a ratcheting feature (not shown) that enables the length to be easily adjusted for different mounting locations. Alternatively, second attachment strap  126  is a bungee cord or other flexible strap. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  in particular, the top cover  14  of main body  12  is formed having a multi-faceted surface that includes a central panel  130  and a number of angled side panels  132  that extend radially outward from the central panel  130 . Side surfaces  134 ,  136  of top cover  14  and bottom cover  16  also have a faceted geometry as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The exterior of top cover  14  and bottom cover  16 , show in  FIGS. 3 and 4  may have a textured surface finish and/or camouflage pattern to reduce glare and minimize visibility. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3  with reference to  FIG. 1  as appropriate, in one embodiment central panel  130  includes a recessed region  138  that provides a mounting surface for an exterior accessory panel  140 , which is coupled to central panel  130  via a plurality of fasteners  142 . Recessed region  138  allows the outer surface  144  of exterior accessory panel  140  to be positioned co-planar or substantially co-planar with the upper surface  146  of top cover  14  of main body  12 . In an alternative embodiment where central panel  130  is formed without a recess, exterior accessory panel  140  extends above the upper surface  146  of top cover  14 . 
     As shown, exterior accessory panel  140  is formed having multiple openings  148  that are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The openings  148  provide attachment points for various accessories, such as holsters, hooks, and accessory pouches or bags, and provide a number of different options for orienting such accessories on the exterior of storage unit  10 . In one embodiment, the openings  148  are spaced and sized to facilitate attachment of Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE)-compatible accessories, such as optional accessory  149  shown in phantom in  FIG. 9 . However, it is contemplated that openings  148  may be sized and spaced in any number of alternative arrangements to allow for attachment of various components. As described in detail with respect to  FIG. 11 , accessory panel  140  is positioned in a spaced relationship with the exterior surface  150  of central panel  130 , which allows mounting straps or hooks of accessories to be looped around and woven through one or more openings  148  in exterior accessory panel  140 . 
     A second pattern of openings  152  is formed around the perimeter of exterior accessory panel  140 . An elastic or flexible cord  154  may be threaded through some or all of the openings  152  to provide quick and easy storage for clothing or other irregular shaped accessories, such as for example antlers, on the outside surface of storage unit  10 . Toggle locks (not shown) may be provided at the ends of the flexible cord  154  to permit adjustments to the tension of the flexible cord  154 . Openings  152  may also be used as connection points for one or more bungee cords (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , storage unit  10  is shown in an open configuration to illustrate the internal components thereof. A flexible gasket  156  surrounds the upper edge  158  of bottom cover  16 . More specifically, as shown, gasket  156  covers the entirety of the top surface of upper edge  158  and extends downward to cover portions of both the exterior surface  162  and interior surface  164  of bottom cover  16 . Gasket  156  is formed of a compressible material such as, but not limited to, synthetic rubber, and is coupled to bottom cover  16  with an adhesive (not shown) such as, but not limited to, silicon. When main body  12  is in its closed position ( FIG. 1 ), with latching mechanisms  26 ,  28  engaged, gasket  156  abuts an interior surface  166  of a lip portion  168  of top cover  14 . The tension imposed by latching mechanism  26  compresses gasket  156  between top cover  14  and bottom cover  16  and creates an airtight seal therebetween that prevents rainwater from accumulating within main body  12  and that prevents the scent of any food or other components within main body  12  from escaping the interior cavity of storage unit  10  and being detected by nearby animals. In an alternative embodiment, a similar watertight and airtight seal may be created between top cover  14  and bottom cover  16  using a compressible gasket adhered to interior surface  166  of top cover  14 . 
     Storage unit  10  includes one or more interior accessory panels  170 ,  172  that may be used to organize and secure gear, food, and other accessories within the internal cavity formed within main body  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, one interior accessory panel  170  is coupled to the interior surface  164  of bottom cover  16  and one interior accessory panel  172  is coupled to the interior surface  166  of top cover  14 . However, it is contemplated that one or both of interior accessory panel  170 , interior accessory panel  172  may be omitted, or additional accessory panels may be provided in alternative configurations. 
     As shown, interior accessory panel  170  is configured having a generally rectangular shape similar to exterior accessory panel  140  with a width  176  that approximates the width  106  of central portion  62  of bottom cover  16 . By limiting the width  176  of interior accessory panel  170  in such a manner, two storage recesses or cavities  178  are formed on either side of interior accessory panel  170 , which may be used for temporary storage of backpack-style carry strap system  74 , or for storage of arrows, broken down fishing poles, firearms, or other long components. Grommets or other attachment devices (not shown) may be coupled to the interior surface  174  of bottom cover  16  to be used in combination with bungee or other cords (not shown) to retain components within storage cavities  178 . 
     Similar to exterior accessory panel  140 , interior accessory panels  170 ,  172  each include a pattern of openings  180 ,  182  that are equally sized and spaced for use in securing various accessories (not shown) within top cover  14  and bottom cover  16 . The each pattern of openings  180 ,  182 , may be formed covering substantially all of the accessory panel, as illustrated with respect to openings  180  of interior accessory panel  170 , or only a portion thereof, as illustrated with respect to openings  182  of interior accessory panel  172 . One or both of interior accessory panels  170 ,  172  may further include a second series or pattern of smaller openings  184  formed around its perimeter to provide attachment locations for one or more bungee cords (not shown) and/or a flexible cord system (not shown) similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment interior accessory panel  170  is identical to exterior accessory panel  140  to facilitate manufacture. However, it is contemplated that the size, shape, and locations of openings  180 ,  182 ,  184  of interior accessory panels  170 ,  172  may differ from that illustrated in alternative embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , interior accessory panel  170  is secured to main body  12  using a number of threaded fastener assemblies  186 , each of which include a bolt  188 , a nut  190 , and a spacer  192  that is positioned between the bottom cover  16  and interior accessory panel  170  to define a gap  194  therebetween. This gap  194  facilitates attachment of various accessories to interior accessory panel  170  by providing space for semi-rigid or flexible mounting straps of accessories to be clipped to or threaded around and through openings  180 . While four pairs of fastener assemblies  186  are shown attaching interior accessory panel  170  to bottom cover  16 , more or less fastener assemblies may be used in alternative embodiments. 
     Fastener assemblies  196  are used to couple interior accessory panel  172  and exterior accessory panel  140  to top cover  14  in a similar manner. As shown in  FIG. 11 , bolts  198  of fastener assemblies  196  are positioned to through aligned mounting holes in exterior accessory panel  140 , top cover  14 , and interior accessory panel  172 , respectively. A first spacer  206  is positioned between outer accessory panel  140  and top cover  14  to define a gap  208  therebetween and a second spacer  210  is positioned between top cover  14  and interior accessory panel  172  thereby defining a gap  212  therebetween. 
     A pair of removable mounting clips  214  is provided along one edge of interior accessory panel  170  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Each clip  214  includes a first clip portion  216  that extends around and engages interior accessory panel  170  and a second clip portion  218  that extends away from first clip portion  216  either in a direction perpendicular to first clip portion  216 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , or directly opposite thereto in an alternative embodiment. Second clip portions  218  are sized to engage the shaft of a hunting arrow. Thus the pair of mounting clips  214  may be used in tandem to secure a hunting arrow within the interior of storage unit  10 . It is contemplated that additional pairs of mounting clips may be provided within storage unit  10  to provide additional arrow storage. Additionally, each mounting clip  214  may be configured to include one or more additional clip portion similar to second clip portion  218  such that multiple arrows may be coupled thereto. Mounting clips  214  may be coupled to outer accessory panel  140  in a similar manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10  in combination with  FIGS. 12-17  as appropriate, the details of interior accessory panel  172  will be described. In the illustrated embodiment, interior accessory panel  172  includes an upper shelf  220  and a lower shelf  222 , which are integrally formed with the main body  224  of interior accessory panel  172 . One or more additional shelves  226  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 10 ) may be positioned between shelves  220 ,  222  by inserting fasteners (not shown) through select openings  184  formed around the outer perimeter of main body  224 . In one embodiment, the horizontal portions  228 ,  230  of shelves  220 ,  226  are shaped to substantially match the interior geometry of the top cover  14  at desired mounting locations to minimize any gaps between horizontal portions  228 ,  230  and the adjacent interior surface  166  through which items placed on shelves  220 ,  226  could fall during transport. However, it is contemplated that shelves  220 ,  226  may constructed having a generally rectangular shape in alternative embodiments. One or more mounting holes  232  may be formed through the vertical lips  234 ,  236  of shelves  222 ,  226  as shown. Additional mounting holes  238  may be formed through interior accessory panel  172  in any number of patterns. Together mounting holes  232  and mounting holes  238  may be used as connection or tether points for bungee cords or other fasteners (not shown) for securing stored items in position on shelves  220 ,  226 . 
     In an alternative embodiment interior accessory panel  172  is entirely symmetrical across its horizontal axis to allow the storage unit  10  to be reconfigured for right hand or left hand use by simply flipping the orientation of the overall storage unit  10  with respect to the desired mounting location. In such an embodiment, shelves  220 ,  226  may be reconfigured having a vertical lip that extends both above and beyond respective horizontal portions  228 ,  230 . Alternatively, interior accessory panel  172  may be provided as three separate pieces, a flat vertical portion that includes pattern of openings  180  and that remains fixed to the main body  12  and removable shelves that can be disassembled from the main body portion of interior accessory panel  172 , flipped 180 degrees, and reattached to the main body portion to reconfigure the storage unit  10  for either right hand or left hand operation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12  in particular, the vertical lip  240  of upper shelf  220  has a number of slots  242  formed therein that create a series of upward projecting fingers  244 , which may be used to hang various accessories or other components within storage unit  10 . One or more c-shaped openings  246 , shown in  FIG. 16 , may also be formed through the horizontal portion  228  of upper shelf  220  for hanging the straps of additional components such as optics, cameras, etc. (not shown). As shown, openings  246  include an arched portion  248  with two inwardly extending ends  250 ,  252 . To secure the strap of a given component within an opening  246 , the strap is inserted upward through the arched portion  248  of opening  246  and shifted toward interior surface  254  of top cover  14  until a portion of the strap is positioned at one end  250  of the opening  246  and another portion of the strap is positioned at the opposite end  252  of the opening  246 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings upper shelf  220  and/or lower shelf  222  are formed integrally with main body  224  of interior accessory panel  172  and are therefore constructed of the same rigid material as main body  224 , which may be aluminum, power coated steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, or a rigid polymer, as non-limiting examples. In alternative embodiments, one or both of shelves  220 ,  222  may be manufactured separately from main body  224  and coupled to main body  224  using fasteners in a similar manner as illustrated with respect to shelf  226 . Alternatively, one or both of shelves  220 ,  222  may be coupled directly to top cover  14  either removably using fasteners or permanently using an adhesive or other bonding technique. 
     In an alternative embodiment an insulating material may be provided within all or select sections of main body  12  for use in applications where storage unit  10  is used as a cooler for food or water storage. A polyisocyanurate foam or other insulating material may be embedded within the fiberglass shell of main body  12  or coupled to interior surfaces thereof. In one exemplary and non-limiting example, a cooler compartment (not shown) may be formed toward the top or bottom end of main body  12 , with a top surface of the cooler compartment creating a storage shelf for other accessories. A hinged door may be provided on the cooler compartment to provide access to components stored within. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the main body  12  of storage unit  10  is constructed having a symmetrical construction across its central horizontal axis  256 . This symmetrical construction permits storage unit  10  to be mounted for either a left hand operation, as shown in  FIG. 9 , or for a right-hand operation as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , where storage unit  10  is positioned on the opposite side of the tree  118  as that shown in  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment, this ambidextrous operation is achieved by removing mounting hook  108  from the first end  72  of bottom cover  16  and attaching mounting hook  108  at the second end  92  of bottom cover  16  through an opening  258  is formed through the second end  92  of base portion  112 . Opening  258  may be left open to allow for drainage of any condensation that forms within storage unit  10  or be closed using an optional plug  260 . Alternatively, storage unit  10  may be include two mounting hooks—one permanently positioned at the first end  72  and one permanently positioned at the second end  92 . When configured for right-hand operation, second attachment strap  126  engages mounting points  94 ,  96  to secure the bottom end of storage unit  10  in a vertical configuration. 
     In the embodiments described herein storage unit  10  is manufactured having a durable construction capable of withstanding extended exposure to weather and rough handling. Thus, main body  12  may be made of a rigid material such as fiberglass, a roto-molded polymer, or metal as non-limiting examples. Exterior grade materials are used for flexible or semi-rigid attachment features of storage unit  10  including, but not limited to, carry handle  18 , toggle  38  of latching mechanism  26 , gasket  156 , attachment straps  124 ,  126 , and the various components of backpack-style carry strap system  74 . Hardware components, including the various fasteners described herein, portions of latching mechanisms  26 ,  28 , mounting points  88 ,  90 ,  94 ,  96 , and mounting hook  108  may be stainless steel or other weather-resistant material. Accessory panels  140 ,  170 ,  172  are made from a power coated steel, anodized aluminum, or other material that provides a rigid construction and weather resistance. 
     While embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in connection with a tree stand for use when hunting, it will be apparent that the storage unit  10  may be utilized by hunters, sportsman, and outdoor enthusiasts in many alternative applications. As non-limiting examples, storage unit  10  may be positioned at a base camp location or along a trail route and utilized to store first aid supplies and/or as an animal-resistant food or water cache by sportsman or outdoor enthusiasts. Storage unit  10  may also be positioned at or near ground level in a vertical or horizontal orientation or any combination therein within a hunting blind or near a hunting or fishing site for use as a distribution hub for fishing or hunting supplies. Alternatively, storage unit  10  may be secured to a boat, recreational vehicle, Jeep, or other land vehicle and utilized in either a vertical or a horizontal configuration for gear transport and storage. The rugged, secure, and watertight design of storage unit  10  is especially advantageous for the transport and storage of expensive and delicate specialty equipment such as firearms, optics, and photography equipment and may be used to pre-stage or pre-stock a hunting location with food, ammunition, and other supplies in advance of a hunt by the sportsman or a hunting guide, creating nimbleness and stealth for the hunter on the day of the hunt. 
     Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a portable storage unit includes a main body having a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central region positioned between adjacent side regions. The central region extends between a top surface and a bottom surface of the main body and is recessed relative to the adjacent side regions. The main body also includes a rigid top cover having a lip that extends over an edge of the rigid bottom cover. At least one hinge couples the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover and an anchoring member coupled to a top surface of the main body, the anchoring member having one of a hooked end and a looped end extending outward from the main body. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a portable storage unit includes forming a rigid bottom cover with a bottom surface comprising a central portion positioned between adjacent side portions, the central portion recessed relative to the adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover between a first end and a second end thereof. The method also includes forming a rigid top cover having a lip sized to extend around an edge of the rigid bottom cover, hingedly coupling the rigid top cover to the rigid bottom cover to form a enclosure, and coupling an anchoring member to an end surface of the enclosure, the anchoring member comprising one of an anchor hook and an anchor loop. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a storage unit assembly includes a first anchor strap, a mounting ring having a hooked end configured to engage the first anchor strap and an eye portion opposite the hooked end, and a portable storage unit. The portable storage unit includes a rigid main body comprising a top cover hingedly coupled to a bottom cover. The top cover has a lip that extends over an edge of the bottom cover when the storage unit is in a closed position, and the bottom cover has a recessed portion positioned between a pair of adjacent side portions and extending across a length of the bottom cover. An anchoring member is coupled at a first end of the rigid main body, the anchoring member having a hooked end sized to engage the eye portion of the mounting ring. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.