U.S. patent application number 11/421333 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for camera case with suspension system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CASE LOGIC, INC.. Invention is credited to Eric S. Hassett.
Application Number | 20060283737 11/421333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37572288 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hassett; Eric S. |
December 21, 2006 |
Camera Case With Suspension System
Abstract
A storage case for an electronics device is provided that
includes a main storage compartment with a selectively adjustable
suspension system that selectively interconnects to sidewalls of
the main storage compartment, thus providing the user with the
ability to customize the storage area within the main storage
compartment. The suspension system also is resiliently deflectable
to help dissipate shock loads resulting from drops, for example.
The storage case in one embodiment is designed for cameras and may
also include a plurality of lens storage compartments with
selectively adjustable lens dividers, storage pockets, and storage
compartments.
Inventors: |
Hassett; Eric S.; (Golden,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
CASE LOGIC, INC.
6303 Dry Creek Parkway
Longmont
CO
|
Family ID: |
37572288 |
Appl. No.: |
11/421333 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60687294 |
Jun 3, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/316.2 ;
206/305; 206/316.1; 206/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 11/38 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/316.2 ;
206/316.1; 206/305; 206/321 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/38 20060101
B65D085/38; B65D 85/46 20060101 B65D085/46 |
Claims
1. A storage case adapted to retain a camera and lens comprising: a
front panel, a rear panel and lateral panels positioned
therebetween; a bottom panel interconnected to said front panel,
said rear panel and said lateral panels; a top panel selectively
interconnected to an upper edge of at least one of said front
panel, said rear panel and said lateral panels and which is adapted
for selective opening and closing; an internal suspension system
comprising a resilient material with an aperture positioned
therethrough that is adapted to receive a camera lens, said
resilient material selectively interconnected to an interior
surface of at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and
said lateral panels, wherein the camera lens is suspended above
said bottom panel.
2. The storage case of claim 1, wherein said front panel further
includes a selectively openable flap that provides access to a
storage pocket.
3. The storage case of claim 1, wherein said rear panel further
includes a selectively openable flap that provides access to a
storage pocket.
4. The storage case of claim 1, wherein at least one of said left
panel and said right panel is adapted to selectively open to
provide a location for storage.
5. The storage case of claim 4, wherein said location for storage
is adapted to secure a camera lens, said location for storage
including a selectively adjustable and removable divider.
6. The storage case of claim 1, wherein said selectively adjustable
suspension system includes a front edge and a rear edge, both
including a selective interconnection device located adjacent
thereto, said front edge and said rear edge adapted for selective
interconnection with an inner surface of said front panel and an
inner surface of said rear panel, wherein the height of the
suspension system in the storage case may be selectively
altered.
7. The storage case of claim 6, wherein said selective
interconnection device is at least one of a snap, a latch, a hook
and loop fastener, a clasp and a buckle.
8. The storage case of claim 4, wherein said selectively adjustable
and removable divider includes at least one surface for selective
interconnection to the interior surfaces of said at least one of
said left panel and said right panel.
9. The storage case of claim 8, wherein said selective
interconnection mechanism is at least one of a hook, a latch, a
snap, a hook and loop fastener and a buckle.
10. A storage device adapted to secure an electronics device,
comprising: a front panel, a rear panel and lateral panels
extending therebetween; a bottom panel interconnected to said front
panel and said rear panel and said lateral panels; a top panel
selectively interconnected to at least one of said front panel,
said rear panel and said lateral panel; and a selectively
adjustable means for suspending an item to be stored above said
bottom panel to a referred height, said selectively adjustable
means for being selectively interconnectable to at least an inner
wall of said front panel, said back panel and said lateral
panels.
11. The storage device of claim 10, wherein said selectively
adjustable means for suspending an item to be stored above said
bottom panel is selectively interconnected to at least an inner
wall of said front panel an inner wall of said back panel and an
inner wall of said lateral panels.
12. The storage device of claim 10, wherein said means for
suspending an item to be stored above said bottom panel includes an
aperture for receiving a portion of the item to be stored, said
means being selectively interconnectable to at least an inner wall
of said front panel, said back panel and said lateral panels.
13. The storage device of claim 10, wherein said front panel
further includes a selectively openable flap that provides access
to a secondary storage area.
14. The storage device of claim 10, wherein at least one of said
left panel and said right panel is selectively accessible and
adapted to secure an item related to the stored item.
15. The storage device of claim 14, wherein said storage area
provided by at least one said left panel and said right panel is
adapted to include a selectively adjustable and removable
divider.
16. The storage device of claim 10, wherein said selectively
adjustable means includes at least one of a snap, a latch, a hook
and loop fastener, a clasp, a hook and a buckle.
17. The storage device of claim 15, wherein said selectively
adjustable and removable divider includes at least one surface for
interconnection to the interior surfaces of said at least one of
said left panel and said right panel.
18. The storage device of claim 10, further including a handle
positioned adjacent to the top panel of the storage case.
19. The storage device of claim 10, further including at least one
strap positioned about the front of a portion of the front panel
and the back panel and spanning across the bottom panel, said strap
being comprised of an elastic material and capable of selective
displacement from said lower panel.
20. The storage device of claim 10, wherein said bottom panel is
comprised at least of a rigid material.
21. The storage device of claim 10, wherein said bottom panel is at
least comprised of a shock resistant material.
22. The storage device of claim 21, wherein said shock resistant
material is at least one of rubber, a foam, a polyethylene, and a
polypropylene.
23. The storage device of claim 10, wherein said bottom panel and a
portion of said front panel, said rear panel and said lateral
panels adjacent to said bottom panel is comprised of a material
that reduces shock.
24. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the electronics device
is a camera.
25. The storage case of claim 12, wherein said electronics device
is a camera with a lens for insertion into an aperture of said
selectively adjustable means for suspending an item.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/687,294, filed Jun. 3, 2005, which
is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to storage cases for
electronic devices and other impact sensitive devices. More
specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a camera
storage case with a selectively adjustable suspension system that
provides an inner storage volume that may be customized, while also
providing adequate protection to the electronic device stored
therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Expensive electronic equipment, such as cameras, require a
high level of protection. Often storage cases are employed to
provide the required protection from the elements and from impacts,
which may be encountered by stored cameras. Unfortunately, there
are numerous drawbacks of various prior art camera cases.
[0004] One drawback of prior art camera cases is that they are
generally fashioned for a single camera model. More specifically,
cameras are available in different sizes and configurations, and
camera users often have more than one camera at their disposal.
Thus, it is desirable to provide users with a robust storage system
for the storage of all of their camera equipment. Camera cases used
to secure 35 mm cameras often are constructed of molded plastic or
other rigid material wherein the camera or a plurality of lenses
are enveloped, which is an effective storage method. However, this
static configuration methodology ignores the fact that camera
enthusiasts often have a plurality of cameras of various shapes and
sizes wherein many cases are required to protect all of their
equipment.
[0005] In addition, it is often desirable to maintain a lens on the
camera when it is stored, such that the camera may be quickly
withdrawn from the storage compartment to capture fleeting images.
Often, camera cases are provided with a storage compartment for the
camera and auxiliary storage compartments for the lenses, wherein
the user must remove the camera and lens and interconnect them
prior to being able to use the desired lens to capture an
image.
[0006] Thus, it is a long felt need in the field of photography and
camera storage cases to provide a camera case that allows the user
to store a camera in a safe manner, protected from the elements and
any type of damaging external loads the camera and lenses may
encounter, while also providing a plurality of pockets and other
storage compartments for the securement of items generally
associated with photography. There is a further need to provide a
camera case that retains the camera and attached lens in a
suspension system that is adjustable and provides shock absorption
to protect against impact. Thus, the following disclosure describes
an improved camera storage case with a selectively adjustable
storage compartment that suspends the camera and/or lens and that
also reduces the probability of damage due to the case being
dropped or impacted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a
storage case for the protection of electronic devices and other
impact sensitive items such as camera lenses. More specifically,
one embodiment of the present invention is a storage case that
includes a plurality of storage compartments for the securement of
items generally associated with photography, such as lenses, film,
cameras, cleaning supplies, instructions, light sources, etc. One
embodiment of the present invention also includes a plurality of
compartments that have selectively adjustable storage volumes.
[0008] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
camera storage case with a main camera storage compartment that
includes a selectively adjustable suspension system for securement
of the camera. More specifically, embodiments of the present
invention include a device for securing the camera that includes an
aperture integrated therethrough for the insertion of the lens
interconnected to the camera, wherein the lens is oriented in a
downward fashion. The suspension device may also include a device
for selective interconnection to the walls of the main storage
compartment wherein the height of the suspension device may be
selectively altered. Thus, depending on the length of the lens, the
user may customize the space between the end of the lens and the
bottom of the case. In one embodiment hook and loop materials,
buckles, zippers or other interconnection means may be used to
selectively adjust the distance between the bottom of the carrying
case and the resilient or semi-resilient material. Alternatively,
the aperture in the cradle or suspension system may be removed and
specific geometry and inserts adapted to retain specific types of
cameras may be employed. The suspension device is generally
constructed of a resilient or semi-resilient material such as an
elastic or stretchable rubber to dampen shocks emanating from a
dropped case. More specifically, the suspension device is spaced
wherein impact loads will be sufficiently dissipated to insure that
the end of the lens does not contact the bottom portion of the
case. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the camera
storage cases of the present invention will additionally include
storage compartments with padded walls to increase the level of
protection the stored items are afforded.
[0009] It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to
provide a camera storage case with storage compartments for the
securement of lenses and other items. More specifically,
embodiments of the present invention include side storage
compartments that are adapted to secure camera lenses. In addition,
the storage compartments may include a padded lens divider that is
selectively interconnected to the walls of the storage compartment.
Thus, the lens storage compartment may be customized depending on
the sizes of the lenses, or alternatively, the storage compartment
divider may be removed entirely so that other items, such as an
auxiliary storage case, may be stored.
[0010] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
storage case that includes a plurality of auxiliary storage
compartments and pockets. As briefly mentioned above, camera
enthusiasts carry various items related to their profession or
hobby. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention includes a
plurality of auxiliary storage compartments and pockets for the
storage of film, instructions, pictures, tripods, etc. In addition,
resiliently deflectable external straps may be provided for the
storage of other items, such as clothing.
[0011] It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to
provide a camera storage case that includes handles and locations
for the interconnection of a shoulder strap. More specifically, it
is desirable to ensure that the storage case is easy to carry and
comfortable to the user, thus a plurality of handles and a shoulder
strap may be provided thereby giving the user various options for
handling and transporting the case.
[0012] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
a storage case that is durable and resistant to the elements. More
specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is
constructed from resilient materials, such as nylon, plastic,
rubber, koskin, etc. that are resistant to impacts and fluids. In
one embodiment the lower portion of the case is comprised of a
water resistant plastic or rigid foam to prevent the infiltration
of moisture and provide structural support. Also, embodiments of
the present invention include zippers that seal closable
compartments that include water resistant sheaths that
substantially prevent liquid from entering the storage compartments
of the camera storage case when the compartments are sealed.
[0013] Thus in one aspect of the present invention a portable
storage case adapted for storing
[0014] a hand-held camera is provided herein and comprises:
[0015] a front panel, a rear panel and lateral panels positioned
therebetween;
[0016] a bottom panel interconnected to said front panel, said rear
panel and said lateral panels;
[0017] a top panel selectively interconnected to an upper edge of
at least one of said front panel, said rear panel and said lateral
panels and which is adapted for selective opening and closing;
[0018] an internal suspension system comprising a resilient
material with an aperture positioned therethrough that is adapted
to receive a camera lens, said resilient material selectively
interconnected to an interior surface of at least one of said front
panel, said rear panel and said lateral panels, wherein the camera
lens is suspended above said bottom panel.
[0019] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth
in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well
as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the
Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become more
readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the general description of the
invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of these
inventions.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a camera case of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the camera case shown in
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a left sectional view of the camera case shown in
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the camera case shown in FIG.
1;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a selectively adjustable
suspension system;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lens divider;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a partial front elevation view of the camera case
shown in FIG. 1, wherein a lens compartment is in an open position;
and
[0028] FIG. 8 is a partial front elevation view of the camera case
shown in FIG. 1, wherein the lens compartment is in an open
position.
[0029] To assist in the understanding of the present invention the
following list of components and associated numbering found in the
drawings is provided herein: TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Storage
case 4 Camera 6 Lens 8 Lens compartment 10 Main storage compartment
12 Lens divider 14 Auxiliary storage case 16 Adjustable suspension
system 18 Lens aperture 20 Bottom surface 22 Handle 24 Auxiliary
storage compartment 26 Storage pocket 40 Shell 42 Cover 44 Zipper
46 Closure pull 48 Strap 50 Front surface of the camera 52 Support
structure 54 Selective storage mechanism 56 Recess 58 Gusset 60
Pouch
[0030] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the invention is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, a storage case 2 of one
embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically,
the storage case 2 is shown that includes a plurality of
compartments that provide storage locations for cameras 4, lenses
6, film, instructions, maps, and supplies, and other items
generally associated with photography as well as other electronic
devices. Preferably, the camera storage case 2 includes lens
compartments 8 that are selectively openable and hingedly
interconnected to the main storage compartment of the case 10. The
lens storage compartments 8 also may include an adjustable divider
12, which is selectively interconnected to the sidewalls of the
lens compartment 8, and which is padded for added protection of the
lenses. Thus, a user may selectively position the divider 12 to
accommodate various sizes of lenses or alternatively simply remove
the divider 12 to provide a storage area for larger items or an
auxiliary storage case 14.
[0032] Further embodiments of the present invention include an
adjustable suspension system 16 adapted to support various sizes
and types of cameras 4 and other electronic devices. More
specifically, the adjustable suspension system 16 is selectively
interconnected to two or more sidewalls of the main compartment 10
of the camera storage case 2, wherein an aperture 18 is provided
therethrough for engagement with the lens 6 of the camera 4. Thus,
the lens 6 is suspended a predetermined distance from a bottom
surface 20 of the main storage compartment 2, thereby providing
shock protection. Alternatively the aperture may be eliminated from
the suspension system to allow the securement of other electronic's
deices or camera equipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate
that a plurality of handles 22 and other auxiliary storage
compartments 24 or pockets 26 may also be included on the storage
case 2 to provide maximum storage capability to the user.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a camera storage case of one
embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes a front
panel and a rear panel interconnected to a top panel to provide a
main storage compartment 10. In addition, a left panel and a right
panel are provided that are operably interconnected to the main
storage compartment 10. All of the above described panels may
further be interconnected to a rigid bottom shell 40, thus defining
the storage case 2. The main storage compartment 10 of the present
invention is accessible via a cover 42 that is selectively
interconnected to the top panel with a zipper 44, for example,
which may include closure pulls 46. The left and right side
compartments are also selectively interconnected to the main
storage compartment 10 via zippers 44 that utilize closure pulls
46. The front and rear sides of the storage compartment may include
auxiliary storage compartments 24 that are selectively openable
with zippers 44 as well. The auxiliary storage compartments 24
provide locations for the storage of smaller items such as
instructions, film, sunglasses, keys, etc. The bottom shell 40 of
the camera storage case 2 is generally constructed of a resilient
or semi-resilient, durable material wherein impacts and the shocks
emanating therefrom are dissipated and which may be further
comprised of waterproof materials such as plastic, blow-molded
foam, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of elastic
straps 48 are employed along the shell 40 to provide additional
external locations for attaching other items such as clothing
articles.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, the adjustable suspension system
16 of one embodiment of the present invention is shown
interconnected to the inner walls of the front panel and rear panel
of the main storage compartment 10 thereby providing a location for
the support and storage of a camera 4. In operation, the lens 6 of
the camera 4 is inserted through an aperture of the adjustable
suspension system 16 wherein a front surface 50 of the camera 4 is
positioned upon the adjustable suspension system 16, thus
suspending the lens 6 of the camera 4 a predetermined distance from
the bottom surface 20 of the camera case 2. One skilled in the art
will appreciate that the adjustable suspension system 16 may be
interconnected to either the front and rear panels of the main
storage compartment 2, the left and right panels, or any
combination thereof, without departing from the scope of the
invention. Further, as mentioned briefly above, one skilled in the
art will appreciate that storage pockets 26 may be included on any
surface of the storage camera case 2, and is shown herein, on the
cover 42 of the camera storage case 2. In operation, the user would
simply modify the adjustable suspension system 16 so that a space
is provided between the end of the camera lens 6 and the bottom
surface 20 of the main storage compartment 10 which would depend on
the length of the lens 6 being used. The camera 4 would then be
placed in the camera storage case 2 wherein the lens 6 would be
placed through the aperture provided in the adjustable suspension
system, thus suspending the camera 4.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, the adjustable suspension system 16
of one embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes
a support structure 52 and a lens aperture 18 integrated
therethrough. In addition, selective securing mechanisms 54, such
as hook and loop fasteners, are integrated into the edges of the
adjustable support system 16. The hook and loop fasteners are
adapted to interconnect with the inside surface of the main storage
compartment of the camera storage case. Although hook and loop
fasteners are shown herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate
that other selective interconnection mechanisms may be employed
without departing from the scope of the invention, such as snaps,
clasps, zippers, magnets, belts, buckles and adhesives, etc.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, the lens divider 12 utilized in
some embodiments of the present invention is shown that is adapted
to selectively interconnect inside the lens compartment of the
camera storage case, thus providing an adjustable system for the
customization of the interior volume of the lens storage
compartment. The lens divider 12 may include a plurality of
recesses 56 to interface with the contour of a generally
cylindrical lens. Further, hook and loop fasteners, or other
selectively interconnecting mechanisms 54 may be employed to
selectively secure the lens divider 12 to at least one of the walls
of the lens compartment.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 7, the lens compartment 8 of one
embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the camera
storage case 2 includes the lens compartment 8 that is hingedly
interconnected to an exterior panel wall of the main storage
compartment 10. Gussets may also be employed to provide stability
to the lens compartment 8 such that its opening does open beyond a
predetermined level. The lens divider 12, as previously described,
is selectively interconnected inside the lens compartment 8 to
provide the user a plurality of storage options.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of the lens
storage compartment 8 of the present invention is shown. Again,
gussets 5 8 are employed to provide stability to the opening of the
lens compartment. In addition, a pouch 60 is included wherein the
lens or an auxiliary storage case 14 may be easily removed when the
lens compartment 8 is opened.
[0039] While various embodiment of the present invention have been
described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and
alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such
modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of
the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *