U.S. patent application number 10/397700 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for protective and non-protective carrying device.
Invention is credited to Gold, Nancy, Spektor, Inna.
Application Number | 20040188203 10/397700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32989056 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040188203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gold, Nancy ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Protective and non-protective carrying device
Abstract
This new invention combines protection and ease of quick-access
for cameras and other fragile items in protective spaces with
comfortable carrying of other day/weekend items in non-protective
spaces in appropriate carrying devices such as bags, packs, and
other configurations.
Inventors: |
Gold, Nancy; (Niskayuna,
NY) ; Spektor, Inna; (Schenectady, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOUGH TRAVELER LTD.
1012 STATE ST.
SCHENECTADY
NY
12307
US
|
Family ID: |
32989056 |
Appl. No.: |
10/397700 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/111 ;
190/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/111 ;
190/125 |
International
Class: |
A45C 003/00; A45C
013/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. a carrying device comprising: a) a protective pocket comprising
protective material such as foam padding, neoprene, or otherwise
protective material or parts thereof; b) a first opening directly
from the exterior of said protective pocket to allow access to the
contents; c) a non-protective pocket comprising lightweight,
flexible, or otherwise non-protective material or parts thereof;
and d) a second opening directly from the exterior of said
non-protective pocket to allow access to the contents.
2. the invention in claim 1 further comprising strapping, cloth,
framing or other means of carry or attachment attached to or part
of said non-protective pocket.
3. the invention in claim 1 with extensible space.
4. the invention in claim 1 with at least one additional
pocket.
5. the invention in claim 1 with a plurality of straps, handles, or
other means of carry.
6. the invention in claim 1 with a plurality of straps, handles, or
other means of attachment.
7. the invention in claim 1 with the protective pocket comprising
removable or adjustable configurations.
8. the invention in claim 1 with pockets contiguous or linked
through cloth, stitching, hook and loop, snaps, webbing, or any
additional means that may be imagined by one practiced in the
art.
9. the method of directly accessing fragile items while comfortably
and conveniently carrying day or weekend items in the same
device.
10. the invention in claim 1 when being used for storage.
11. the invention in claim 1 when either the protective or the
non-protective pocket is in use and the other pocket or plurality
of pockets is not in use.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION--FIELD OF INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to carrying devices intended to
shield and protect the items carried and to daily or weekend-items
carrying devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In our multi-tasking society, people need to be able to
carry their cameras protectively, easily, with quick access to
cameras so that they don't "miss the shot." They need also to carry
other items for daily life, travel, hiking, school, work, etc. The
intention of this invention is to help people to carry their
cameras, or other fragile equipment such as tape recorders, cd
players, etc., protectively and with quick-access possible while
comfortably and conveniently carrying items for general day or
weekend use. Items that may be carried in addition to camera or
other fragile equipment and without impinging on the access to the
camera or other fragile equipment include wallets, passports, guide
books, sweater, jacket, lunch, and other small or large accessory
items.
[0006] Prior to the invention, camera bags or camera packs may have
been used along with separate personal items' bags; a protective
bag may have been used inside a standard bag or pack or other
carrier; standard bags may have been used with protective inserts
to protect camera equipment; or protective bags or pockets combined
with non-protective bags or pockets, either expansible or not,
without quick access for camera gear may have been used. With the
difficulty of carrying more than one bag or the difficulty of
removing the camera from the interior of a standard bag or pack or
other previous arrangements, the desired photographic shot might
easily have been missed.
[0007] The prior art of separate solutions for the need to have
access to cameras and the need to carry day or weekend items are
numerous. The first and historically most usual are rigid cases
with compartments, such as Gilbert 853,404, May 14, 1907. These and
other rigid cases are not suitable for every day modern `running`
life and do not solve the problem. There are many storage
containers for shoes, glass, pizzas, bottles, cosmetics, and
removable purse liners, etc., but they do not allow easy, quick
access for cameras, nor do they allow carrying of extra items for
day or weekend use. One example is Kime 4,832,193 May 23, 1989
206/372 "storage container" which has at least two sections, but
both are rigid, and would have no comfort for carrying about with
day or weekend items, and large rigid sections against the body
would add to weight and would be uncomfortable. Therefore, in these
many examples, two carrying devices would be needed and there would
be lost opportunity and there would be discomfort.
[0008] There are combination bags such as Callaghan 2,487,220 Nov.
8, 1949 "Combined Lunch Kit and Vanity Case" which has
multi-functionality in a bag item, but also has rigidity in all 3
sections making it cumbersome. Mittelmann's 4,078,595 Mar. 14, 1978
150/30 "Combination Handbag and Shopping Bag" allows both shopping
purchases and purse use, but would not provide protection or easy
access to a camera, were a camera placed in the purse. Similarly,
Adams 1,510,815 Oct. 7, 1924 "Combination Baggage" is a duffel with
a rigid center for protection of fragile items, with soft ends for
clothes. The central compartment is a "ditty box" " . . . anything
which it is desired to protect from breakage or injury," but this
combination bag would be difficult to use to quickly access a
camera or other fragile equipment, and awkward and cumbersome when
the full bag were used for day or weekend items. Combination
"gadget bags" or camera bags similar to duffel bags with either
stationary or expandable end sections for day items and rigid
case-like areas for fragile items, are bulky, cumbersome, and do
not allow quick access to cameras or other protected vital
equipment. For example, Sprecht 3,128,854 Apr. 14, 1964 duffel with
a rigid center, and Bostick 3,759,356 Dec. 16, 1971 190/42,
"Carrier for Soiled Diapers," while having soft sections and rigid
sections, would not be useful for camera and day or weekend items.
There are `convertible` bags that are either a utility or equipment
bag depending upon if an insert is added or not, but these bags do
not allow sufficient room or access for both kinds of items at the
same time. One example is Mastronardo 4,842,032 Jun. 27, 1989
206/309 which has an insert for camera bag which can be removed to
leave the space as a utility bag. Another example of a convertible
bag which does not solve the problem is Belenson 4,210,186 Jul. 1,
1980 206/316.2 which is "(a) flexible fabric camera bag having a
central main bag portion" that can hold the padded
compartmentalized/adjustable camera insert, with, possibly, side
small zippered pockets. While "(a)nother advantage is that upon
removal of the camera bag compartment insert, the bag can serve
independently as a traveling hand bag or overnight bag for carrying
clothing or other luggage," it does not offer easy and quick access
to the camera when the insert is inside the bag. Weinreb 4,212,377
Jul. 15, 1980 190/52, "Convertible Bag," although described as a
convertible utility bag with a divider panel which can be flattened
to leave a big open space, does not offer enough room for day or
weekend items, and would otherwise be bulky and cumbersome.
[0009] There are bags with interior padded inserts, either movable
or non-movable or collapsible, but they don't allow quick access to
the camera or other fragile equipment while other items for day or
weekend use are in the carrying device. For example, Domke
4,260,004 Oct. 27, 1978 206/316.2 "Camera and Accessory Case" has
an inside compartment and extra room for film, batteries, etc.,
without easy access and without room for daily or weekend items,
and, if the bag were enlarged, the whole bag would be bulky and
cumbersome and the camera or other fragile equipment would be
difficult to access.
[0010] Additionally, there are expansible or non-expansible bags,
with the main pocket padded and there are small padded accessory
pockets for carrying batteries, film, etc., but these bags don't
allow for the carrying of necessary items for the day or weekend,
or the capacity for carrying these items is sufficient but without
adequate access. Simon D272,965 Mar. 29, 1982 D3/33; Sykes D247,460
Mar. 7, 1978 and Sykes D247,525 Mar. 14, 1978 D/87/5E, "Carrying
Case for a Camera and Accessories or the like," are not adequate
for day or weekend items, and, if made bigger, would not allow easy
access to camera or other fragile equipment, and would be bulky and
cumbersome. Of a similar problem is Kontoff 2,691,401 Oct. 12 1954,
"Expansible carrying case for camera parts or the like," which is
expansible and has pockets for various items but is not adequate
for day or weekend items. The Davis 4,334,601 Jun. 15, 1982
"Utility Bag," which is intended to "provide a new and novel
utility bag structure capable of carrying beverages or the like in
a thermally insulated manner while at the same time being
expandable for the purpose of carrying sports equipment and
clothing and the like," does have collapsible and expandable side
sleeve or sleeves flanking a more rigid insulated section, but is
too bulky or cumbersome for quick access to fragile equipment, and,
were it smaller, would be inadequate for day or weekend items. Ward
3,122,225 Feb. 25, 1964 "Collapsible Bag" is inadequate for ease of
access to camera or other fragile equipment and also inadequate for
ease of carrying day or weekend items. The Ward "Collapsible Bag,"
with its handle or strap on what might be the protective pocket,
would be difficult to bring out a camera or other fragile equipment
requiring quick-access.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION--OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0011] The present protective and non-protective carrying device
allows quick access to camera or other fragile equipment while
allowing a way for items for the day or weekend to be carried in
the same device. The other devices that have come heretofore have
not offered easy access to camera or other equipment needing
protection while at the same time allowing day or weekend items to
be carried conveniently or comfortably. This invention allows the
necessary protection and access to camera or other fragile
equipment while allowing the convenient, comfortable carrying of
day or weekend items in the same device.
[0012] There are no references that we could find in prior art in
patent listings, in sales brochures, in retail establishments, on
internet catalogues, or visible in use by strangers, for carrying
devices that will allow parents who have their hands full, tourists
traveling and touring for the day, hikers and birders out for the
day, or sundry other users, to carry cameras or other fragile
equipment they can immediately access, and at the same time easily
carry their day or weekend items.
[0013] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a contiguous
meeting of a hard, rigid, or otherwise protective pocket or pockets
with a non-protective pocket or pockets whereby a camera or other
fragile equipment can be protectively contained in the hard or
rigid or otherwise protective pocket and quickly and easily
accessed while at the same time there is a separately-accessed
opening for the soft or otherwise non-protective pocket or pockets
which can contain day, weekend, or other items. The protective
pocket or pockets may comprise foam, neoprene, or otherwise
protective material, while the non-protective pocket or pockets may
comprise unpadded or otherwise non-protective material such as
unlined nylon, cotton, denim, or others. The access for each of the
compartments of protective and non-protective pocket or pockets is
direct to the exterior of the carrying device and these openings
are either secured by hook-and-loop, drawstring, snap, insertion,
or other materials or devices which may be construed. Handles,
straps, or other means of carrying the carrying device can adhere
or meet in diverse manner to the soft pocket for construance of the
comfort and access of the device.
[0014] Further objects and advantages of the present protective and
non-protective invention will become apparent from a consideration
of the 8 sheets of drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] While both the art of protective carrying devices for
camera-related and other fragile gear exists and many
non-protective carrying devices exist for a myriad of day or
weekend use items, this new protective and non-protective carrying
device is intended to allow modern users with their need to perform
many tasks while out for the day or away for the weekend to carry
gear for the day or weekend along with being able to quickly "get
that photo shot" by securing a camera, or otherwise quickly reach a
fragile item such as binoculars, calculator, or otherwise important
item while carrying their day or weekend items in a combined
device.
[0016] Two elements, protective and non-protective pockets of any
multiplicity, are combined to provide more than the sum of their
parts, so that cameras or other fragile equipment needed can be
carried with easy access, in one carrying device, along with needed
items for the day or weekend.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front angled perspective drawing of the
protective and non-protective carrying device with the
non-protective pocket shown open and the non-protective pocket
shown open.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a fully-front perspective of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1 with both pockets closed.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front angled downward perspective of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with both pockets closed.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side angled perspective of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1 with both pockets closed.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side perspective of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 including a section of a person withdrawing from or encasing a
camera in the protective pocket.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 including a section of a person withdrawing from or encasing a
book in the non-protective pocket.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side-back angled perspective of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 including a person using the carrying device by
withdrawing or encasing a camera in the protective pocket.
[0025] FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment, in backpack form,
showing a carrying device in a front angled perspective
drawing.
[0026] FIG. 10 is an additional embodiment, in a larger shoulder
bag form, showing a carrying device in a front angled perspective
drawing.
[0027] FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment, in a baby carrier
form, showing a carrying device in a front angled perspective
drawing.
[0028] FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment, in a form conducive to
application to a wheelchair, showing a carrying device in a front
angled perspective drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1-8--Preferred Embodiment
[0029] A preferred embodiment of the protective and non-protective
carrying device is shown in FIG. 1 from the front angled
perspective. The preferred embodiment is a shoulder bag comprising
approximately 12".times.8".times.4" in a non-protective soft pocket
11 and approximately 6".times.7".times.2" in a protective harder
pocket 13. At the top 18 of the soft pocket, a zipper 14 can close
the open pocket 16. At the top 23 of the harder pocket--with a
padded lining 12 of approximately 1/2" foam lined by oxford
cloth--a hook and loop piece 24 on the harder pocket underside 17
can meet with a hook and loop piece 19 on the harder pocket 13 to
close its open space 15. A D-ring with web 27 is an attachment
point for a web strap 28 with slider 29 (mirror image of D-ring
with web 27 and slider 29 not shown) for a means of carry. In the
full front perspective with the pockets closed, FIG. 2, the zipper
closure cover 14 of the softer pocket 11 and the full top of the
harder pocket 23 may be seen, and in FIG. 3, the carrying device is
shown from the bottom perspective, the soft pocket 11, the harder
pocket 13, and the underside of the top of the harder pocket 17 may
be seen with the hook and loop piece 24. FIG. 4 shows the carrying
device from a front angled downward perspective with both pockets
closed and then in FIG. 5 the same carrying device may be seen from
a side perspective.
[0030] As shown, harder pocket 13 and soft pocket 11 can be
oriented so that a bottom portion of each pocket form a
substantially contiguous plane. As a result, when a user sets the
carrying device down, the carrying device will not have a tendency
to tip onto a side. Additional features can also be included in the
carrying device. Additional harder and/or soft pockets can be
included and located in any desired position on the carrying
device. For example, additional soft pockets can be located on one
or more sides of soft pocket 11 and/or harder pocket 13, in the
interior of soft pocket 11 and/or harder pocket 13, etc. Further,
protective/decorative flaps can be included on the carrying device.
For example, material can be included that covers zipper 14 on soft
pocket 11.
[0031] Soft pocket 11 can be attached to harder pocket 13 using any
method now known or later developed. For example, harder pocket 13
can be permanently attached by being sewn onto the side of soft
pocket 11, or harder pocket 13 can be temporarily attached to soft
pocket 11 using a hook and loop configuration. Further, while an
illustrative implementation of harder pocket 13 is discussed, it is
understood that any method can be used to stiffen harder pocket 13
to a desired stiffness, including inserting a hardened material
between two layers of a softer material.
[0032] FIG. 10 is an ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT showing a larger
shoulder bag embodiment of the protective pocket and non-protective
pocket carrying device with approximately 15".times.12".times.5"
for the softer pocket 11 and 7".times.9".times.3" for the harder
pocket 13. This embodiment has an alternative harder pocket closure
20 which has hook and loop under said 20.
[0033] FIG. 9 is an ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT showing a backpack
embodiment of the protective pocket and non-protective pocket
invention with a softer pocket of approximate
18".times.13".times.6" size and a harder pocket of
6".times.7".times.2" approximate size and an alternative closure of
the harder pocket top 23 by web and quick-release buckle 22 on the
harder pocket 13. A carry-handle web 31 and backpack strap of web,
slider, and padded material 30 are also shown (mirror image
backpack strap 30 not shown).
[0034] FIG. 11 is an ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT showing a baby carrier
embodiment of the protective and non-protective pocket carrying
device with 2 softer pockets, one pocket 11 of approximate
18".times.13".times.6" size and one pocket 35 of approximate
18".times.8".times.8" size; the harder pocket 13 of approximate
6".times.7".times.2" size; and the side opening 36 to the said
harder pocket. In this embodiment, the carrying device is shown
attached to a frame 33; the frame 33 in this embodiment has a
support belt 32.
[0035] FIG. 12 is an ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT showing a wheelchair
bag embodiment of the carrying device, with strap 28 attachments
(one mirror image omitted).
[0036] It is understood that while certain proportions and sizes
have been discussed, the invention is not limited to any specific
proportion or size. Further, while shown and discussed with
reference to a carrying device, it is understood that the invention
can be applied to other types of devices. For example, the
invention can be implemented as part of a storage device in which
one or more fragile items can be stored along with other
non-fragile items. Still further, while various methods for
carrying the device and enclosing the various pockets are shown and
discussed, it is understood that these are only illustrative
examples, and other methods are appropriate and can be used as are
known in the art.
Operation--FIGS. 6-8
[0037] FIG. 6 shows the carrying device with the harder pocket
being used by the insertion or withdrawal of a camera and the
softer pocket closed; FIG. 7 shows the same embodiment with the
harder pocket closed while the softer compartment is being used by
the insertion or withdrawal of a book; FIG. 8 shows the user in
movement while using the carrying device of the preferred
embodiment.
Advantages
[0038] The advantages of this protective and non-protective
carrying device include, but are not limited to, the ability to
conveniently, comfortably carry both camera or other fragile gear
and day or weekend items in a single device and to quickly access
camera for a spontaneous, non-set-up photographic shot; reach for
binoculars without having to rummage through the day's or weekend's
items and thereby be able to see the fleeting bird; grab a
calculator and work on numbers while progressing on a walk through
an airport without having to stop to sort through the on-flight
other items being carried; and other such quick-access usages while
having all necessary items in the single carrying device. Parents,
business people, tourists, and other people of a multiple of ages
and occupations will find relief in using this invention.
Additionally, at the current time, often only one bag or carrying
device is permitted in museums, arenas, performance halls, limited
airplane allowances and other limited or otherwise restricted
venues, therefore people often want to be able to carry only one
bag or carrying device which includes both camera or other fragile
gear as well as general items such as wallet, passport, guide book,
sweater, hat, and other items not requiring protective space.
Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope of Invention
[0039] Thus the reader will see that the protective and
non-protective carrying device of the present invention provides a
device that can be used by tourists and travelers, business people,
workpeople, parents, teen-agers, and others and will include but
will not be limited to daily use, weekend use, travel, and hiking
items such as shoulder bags, messenger bags, backpacks, child
carriers, waistpacks, vests, and briefcases. This invention
recognizes the need for quick access to cameras combined with
carrying other items; now that cameras are
"quick-shots/point-and-shoots," people want to be able to pull them
out quickly while carrying day or weekend items. Access to cameras
and assorted other fragile equipment in the modem daily life of
parenting, shopping, travel, recreation, and other activities
requires ease while carrying passports, guide books, wallets,
sweaters, and other items.
[0040] While the above description contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof and one additional embodiment and three
alternative variations on this embodiment. Many other embodiments
and variations are possible: For example, sizes can be different
from small to large; materials can vary; shapes can vary; there may
be a plurality of additional pockets; there may be modular pockets;
shapes and/or placements of pocket openings may vary, handles or
straps may be placed differently; and other changes may be made as
imagined by people practiced in the art.
[0041] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
* * * * *