U.S. patent application number 12/043600 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-04 for carrying case with backbone.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nite Ize, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dennis Balchunas, Michael Boyd, Richard N. Case.
Application Number | 20090140017 12/043600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40674701 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090140017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boyd; Michael ; et
al. |
June 4, 2009 |
CARRYING CASE WITH BACKBONE
Abstract
A carrying case includes a backbone panel forming a back and
base for the carrying case. A rear-top panel is connected to the
backbone panel forming at least a portion of the sides and top of
the carrying case. A left side and a right side panel are connected
to the backbone panel forming a portion of the left side and right
side of the carrying case, respectively. A mid-top panel is
connected to the left side and right side panels, forming a portion
of the sides and top of the carrying case. A mid-front panel is
connected to the mid-top panel, the left side and right side
panels, and the backbone panel, the mid-front panel forming the
front of the carrying case. A first zipper is connected to the
rear-top panel and the mid-top panel. The backbone panel, rear-top
panel, left side and right side panels, mid-top panel, mid-front
panel, and zipper form a first pocket in the carrying case.
Inventors: |
Boyd; Michael; (Boulder,
CO) ; Balchunas; Dennis; (Boulder, CO) ; Case;
Richard N.; (Boulder, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTON BOGGS LLP
1801 CALFORNIA STREET, SUITE 4900
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
Nite Ize, Inc.
Boulder
CO
|
Family ID: |
40674701 |
Appl. No.: |
12/043600 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60992005 |
Dec 3, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/199 ;
112/475.08; 224/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/021 20130101;
A45F 2005/025 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; A45C 15/06 20130101;
A45F 2200/0566 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/199 ;
224/235; 112/475.08 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00; A45C 11/00 20060101 A45C011/00; D05B 23/00 20060101
D05B023/00 |
Claims
1. A carrying case for carrying a handheld device, the carrying
case comprising: (a) a backbone panel, forming a back and base for
said carrying case; (b) at least one panel interconnected with the
backbone panel, such that an enclosure is formed by the at least
one panel backbone panel combination; (c) a zipper, oriented in
relation to said backbone panel and said at least one panel, such
that the enclosure may be opened and closed; and (d) a stiffener,
sandwiched with said backbone panel forming a stiffener-backbone
panel sandwich, formed in a curved L-like shape, such that said
stiffener-backbone panel sandwich retains the curved L-like
shape.
2. A carrying case as in claim 1 wherein said zipper is oriented at
an angle between 10-50 degrees from the vertical.
3. A carrying case as in claim 1 wherein said zipper is oriented at
an angle between 15-35 degrees from the vertical.
4. A carrying case as in claim 1 wherein said zipper is oriented at
an angle of approximately 25 degrees from the vertical.
5. A carrying case as in claim 1 wherein said stiffener has
contours formed on its surface.
6. A carrying case as in claim 5 wherein said contours are
essentially linear and parallel to an edge of said backbone
panel.
7. A carrying case as in claim 6 wherein said zipper includes a
puller, said puller formed by a loop and a tab.
8. A carrying case as in claim 7 wherein said tab has a flattened
S-shape.
9. A carrying case for carrying a handheld device, the carrying
case comprising: (a) a backbone panel, for forming a back and base
for a carrying case; (b) a mid-top panel connected to said backbone
panel, said mid-top panel forming said side and top of said
carrying case; (c) a front panel connected to said backbone panel,
said front panel forming said front of said carrying case; and (d)
a zipper interconnecting said mid-top panel and said front panel,
enabling said case to be unzipped into an open state and zipped
into a closed state.
10. A carrying case as in claim 9, further comprising: (e) a foam
piece, fitted with said backbone panel, substantially covering said
area of said backbone panel.
11. A carrying case as in claim 10 wherein said foam piece is EVA
foam.
12. A carrying case as in claim 9 wherein a single seam connects
said backbone panel, said mid-top panel, and said front panel.
13. A carrying case as in claim 12 wherein said single seam is sewn
in one step.
14. A carrying case as in claim 13 wherein said backbone panel,
mid-top panel, and front panel form a pocket.
15. A carrying case as in claim 14 wherein said pocket is
completely formed and enclosed when said zipper is in said closed
state as a result of said sewing of said single seam and said
sewing of said zipper.
16. A carrying case for carrying a handheld device, the carrying
case comprising: (a) a backbone panel, forming a back and base for
said carrying case; (b) a rear-top panel connected to said backbone
panel, said rear-top panel forming at least a portion of said sides
and top of said carrying case; (c) a left side and a right side
panel, connected to said backbone panel, said left side and right
side panels forming a portion of said left side and right side of
said carrying case respectively; (d) a mid-top panel connected to
said left side and right side panels, said mid-top panel forming a
portion of said sides and top of said carrying case; (e) a
mid-front panel connected to said mid-top panel, said left side and
right side panels, and said backbone panel, said mid-front panel
forming said front of said carrying case; (f) a first zipper,
connected to said rear-top panel and said mid-top panel, wherein
said backbone panel, rear-top panel, left side and right side
panels, mid-top panel, mid-front panel, and zipper form a first
pocket in said carrying case.
17. A carrying case as in claim 16, further comprising: (g) a foam
piece, fitted with said backbone panel, substantially covering said
area of said backbone panel.
18. A carrying case as in claim 17 wherein said foam piece is EVA
foam.
19. A carrying case as in claim 16 wherein a single seam connects
said rear-top panel, said left side and right side panels, and said
mid-front panel to said backbone panel.
20. A carrying case as in claim 19 wherein said single seam is sewn
in one step.
21. A carrying case as in claim 20, further comprising: (h) a
low-front panel connected to said backbone panel and said left side
and right side panels; (i) a front-top panel connected to said
mid-top panel and low-front panel; (j) a high-front panel connected
to said low-front panel; and (k) a second zipper, connected to said
high-front panel and said front-top panel, wherein said low
front-panel, front-top panel, high-front panel, second zipper, and
mid-front panel form a second pocket.
22. A carrying case as in claim 16 wherein said rear-top panel and
mid-top panel connection is at an angle to said vertical, such that
said first pocket tends to rest slightly open when said first
zipper is in an open position.
23. A carrying case as in claim 16, further comprising: (l) a clip
attached to said backbone panel.
24. A carrying case as in claim 23, further comprising: (m) a
rotator, oriented between said clip and said backbone panel,
wherein said rotator enables said clip to rotate and said clip and
rotator form a clip-rotator combination, wherein said clip-rotator
combination has a plurality of set points at which said
clip-rotator combination is set, allowing said clip to be oriented
and held at a plurality of angles.
25. A carrying case as in claim 10 wherein said rotator has a
plurality of dimples and wherein said clip has a plurality of
protrusions, wherein said plurality of protrusions fit into said
plurality of dimples, allowing said clip to be oriented and held at
a plurality of angles.
26. A carrying case for carrying a handheld device, the carrying
case comprising: (a) a backbone panel, for forming a back and base
for a carrying case; (b) a mid-top panel connected to said backbone
panel, said mid-top panel forming said side and top of said
carrying case; (c) a front panel connected to said backbone panel,
said front panel forming said front of said carrying case; and (d)
a zipper interconnecting said mid-top panel and said front panel,
enabling said case to be unzipped into an open state and zipped
into a closed state.
27. A carrying case as in claim 26, further comprising: (e) a foam
piece, fitted with said backbone panel, substantially covering said
area of said backbone panel.
28. A carrying case as in claim 27 wherein said foam piece is EVA
foam.
29. A carrying case as in claim 26 wherein a single seam connects
said backbone panel, said mid-top panel, and said front panel.
30. A carrying case as in claim 29 wherein said single seam is sewn
in one step.
31. A carrying case as in claim 30 wherein said backbone panel,
mid-top panel, and front panel form a pocket.
32. A carrying case as in claim 31 wherein said pocket is
completely formed and enclosed when said zipper is in said closed
state as a result of said sewing of said single seam and said
sewing of said zipper.
33. A method of fabricating a carrying case for carrying a handheld
device, the method comprising: (a) continuously sewing a first
seam, said first seam connecting a front panel, a mid-top panel,
and a backbone panel; and (b) sewing a zipper connecting said front
panel and said mid-top panel.
34. A method as in claim 33 wherein a sewing machine is used for
said sewing of (a).
35. A method as in claim 34 wherein said sewing machine only needs
to be set to sew said first seam once.
36. A method of fabricating a carrying case for carrying a handheld
device, the method comprising: (a) sewing a first seam, said first
seam connecting a body panel and a backbone panel; (b) cutting said
body panel to accommodate a zipper; (c) inserting said zipper into
a gap formed by said cutting; and (d) sewing said zipper into said
gap.
37. A method as is claim 36 wherein said backbone panel forms at
least a portion of the back and bottom of said carrying case.
38. A method as in claim 36 wherein said body panel forms at least
a portion of the top, sides, and front of said carrying case.
39. A method as in claim 36 wherein (b)-(d) are performed before
(a).
40. A method as in claim 36 wherein a combination of said body
panel, said backbone panel, and said zipper form a pocket.
41. A method as in claim 36 wherein said gap is cut such that said
gap is entirely within the perimeter of said body panel.
42. A method as in claim 36, further comprising: (e) attaching a
front panel to said body panel and backbone panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority to US Provisional
Application No. 60/992,005 filed on Dec. 3, 2007, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Hand-held electronic apparatus, such as GPS devices, cell
phones, digital cameras, and digital binoculars, have become a
ubiquitous device in modern society. The quantity and variety of
hand-held electronic apparatus have increased exponentially due to
practicality, cost effectiveness, and convenience of use.
[0003] Many hunters, campers, and hikers may employ a variety of
hand-held electronic devices. These devices vary in durability, and
even those devices that are more durable may still become scratched
when unprotected. Such devices may include rangefinders,
night-vision goggles, cameras, spotting scopes, GPS devices, and
communication devices (including two-way radios, cell phones, and
satellite phones). It may be desirable to carry such devices in
carrying cases when not in use.
[0004] Carrying cases may be used in a variety of other areas as
well, and users of carrying cases desire protection for the items
they carry inside. Fabrication costs for carrying cases may vary
with the complexity and features of carrying cases. Producers of
carrying cases may desire fabrication techniques that will
economize the production process, while at the same time retaining
or improving the usability of the carrying case.
[0005] Carrying cases frequently are constructed to provide
protection to those items carried inside. Many present carrying
cases have padding; however, there may be creases in the padding
where the device may be unprotected. Impact along these creases may
damage the device carried inside. Furthermore, the assembly of
carrying devices offering the pockets and protection can be
complicated by requiring multiple fabric panels which require
multiple sewing steps. Additionally, carrying cases with
horizontally-oriented zippers may not remain open when unzipped.
Those that remain open may open too far and items may fall out of
the carrying cases. Furthermore, the zippers of such carrying cases
also may be difficult to grasp, resulting in muscle fatigue.
[0006] There exists a need for a carrying case that offers seamless
protection and further allows for reduced fabrication costs and
time.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of a carrying case with a backbone solve many of
the problems and/or overcome many of the drawbacks and
disadvantages of the prior art by providing padding for the
electronic device inside that is seamless, thereby preventing
damage to the device. Furthermore, some embodiments provide for
streamlined fabrication, requiring fewer panels and fewer sewing
steps.
[0008] In particular, embodiments of the carrying case with
backbone accomplish this by providing apparatus and methods for
storing electronic devices utilizing a backbone panel that serves
as the bottom and back of the carrying case. Since the seam
surrounding the backbone panel may be sewn in one step, fabrication
costs may be reduced, while fabrication speed may be increased.
[0009] One embodiment of a carrying case for carrying a handheld
device includes a backbone panel, forming a back and base for the
carrying case; at least one panel interconnected with the backbone
panel, such that an enclosure is formed by the at least one panel
backbone panel combination; a zipper, oriented in relation to the
backbone panel and the at least one panel, such that the enclosure
may be opened and closed; and a stiffener, sandwiched with the
backbone panel forming a stiffener-backbone panel sandwich, formed
in a curved L-like shape, such that the stiffener-backbone panel
sandwich retains the curved L-like shape.
[0010] A feature includes that the zipper is oriented at an angle
between 10-50 degrees from the vertical. A feature includes that
the zipper is oriented at an angle between 15-35 degrees from the
vertical. A feature includes that the zipper is oriented at an
angle of approximately 25 degrees from the vertical. A feature
includes that the stiffener has contours formed on its surface. A
feature includes that the contours are essentially linear and
parallel to an edge of the backbone panel. A feature includes that
the zipper includes a puller, the puller formed by a loop and a
tab. A feature includes that wherein the tab has a flattened
S-shape.
[0011] Another embodiment of a carrying case includes a backbone
panel forming a back and base for the carrying case. A rear-top
panel is connected to the backbone panel forming at least a portion
of the sides and top of the carrying case. A left side and a right
side panel are connected to the backbone panel forming a portion of
the left and right sides of the carrying case, respectively. A
mid-top panel is connected to the left side and right side panels,
forming a portion of the sides and top of the carrying case. A
mid-front panel is connected to the mid-top panel, the left side
and right side panels, and the backbone panel, the mid-front panel
forming the front of the carrying case. A first zipper is connected
to the rear-top panel and the mid-top panel. The backbone panel,
rear-top panel, left side and right side panels, mid-top panel,
mid-front panel, and zipper form a first pocket in the carrying
case.
[0012] An additional feature may include, a foam piece (or
stiffener), fitted with the backbone panel and substantially
covering the area of the backbone panel. The foam piece may be EVA
foam. A single seam may be used to connect the rear-top panel, the
left side and right side panels, and the mid-front panel to the
backbone panel. This single seam is sewn in one step.
[0013] Furthermore, the carrying case may include a second pocket.
A low-front panel is connected to the backbone panel and the left
side and right side panels. A front-top panel is connected to the
mid-top panel and low-front panel. A high-front panel is connected
to the low-front panel. A second zipper is connected to the
high-front panel and the front-top panel. The low front-panel,
front-top panel, high-front panel, second zipper, and mid-front
panel form the second pocket.
[0014] An additional feature includes that the first zipper of the
carrying case may be oriented to the rear-top panel and mid-top
panel connection at an angle to the vertical, such that the first
pocket tends to rest slightly open while the zipper is in an open
position. The carrying case may include a clip attached to the
backbone panel.
[0015] Another addition feature include that the clip may include a
rotator, oriented between the clip and the backbone panel. The
rotator enables the clip to rotate, and the clip and rotator form a
clip-rotator combination. The clip-rotator combination has a
plurality of set points at which the clip-rotator combination is
set, allowing the clip to be oriented and held at a plurality of
angles. The rotator has a plurality of dimples and the clip has a
plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions fit into the
plurality of dimples, allowing the clip to be oriented and held at
a plurality of angles.
[0016] An alternative embodiment of the carrying case includes a
backbone panel forming a back and base for the carrying case. A
mid-top panel is connected to the backbone panel and forms the side
and top of the carrying case. A front panel is connected to the
backbone panel forming the front of the carrying case. A zipper
interconnects the mid-top panel and the front panel, enabling the
case to be unzipped into an open state and zipped into a closed
state. The carrying case may also include a foam piece, fitted with
the backbone panel, substantially covering the area of the backbone
panel. The foam piece may be EVA foam. A single seam connects the
backbone panel, the mid-top panel, and the front panel. The single
seam may be sewn in one step.
[0017] An embodiment of a method for forming a carrying case
includes continuously sewing a first seam, the first seam
connecting a front panel, a mid-top panel, and a backbone panel,
and sewing a zipper connecting the front panel and the mid-top
panel. The method may include using a sewing machine. The sewing
machine only needs to be set to sew the first seam once.
[0018] An embodiment of a method of fabricating a carrying case for
carrying a handheld device includes sewing a first seam, the first
seam connecting a body panel and a backbone panel; cutting the body
panel to accommodate a zipper; inserting the zipper into a gap
formed by the cutting; and sewing the zipper into the gap. One
feature of the method may include that the backbone panel forms at
least a portion of the back and bottom of the carrying case.
Another feature of the method may include that the body panel forms
at least a portion of the top, sides, and front of the carrying
case. Another feature of the method may include that the cutting of
the panel and the inserting and sewing of the zipper are performed
before the attachment to the back bone panel. Another feature of
the method may include that a combination of the body panel, the
backbone panel, and the zipper form a pocket. Another feature of
the method may include that the gap is cut such that it is entirely
within the perimeter of the body panel. Another feature of the
method may include attaching a front panel to the body panel and
backbone panel
[0019] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments are set
forth or are apparent from consideration of the following detailed
description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood
that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed
description are exemplary and intended to provide further
explanation without limiting the scope claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in
and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments
and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the
principles of this disclosure. In the drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a
carrying case according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
the carrying case according to the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective of the embodiment shown in FIG.
4;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a right side exploded view of a clip and rotator
system according to the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 9 is a left side exploded view of the clip and rotator
system of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-9 show embodiments of
carrying pouches according to the present invention. Alternative
configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in
light of this disclosure.
[0031] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, a carrying case 10 is
composed of a number of fabric panels. Carrying case 10 and the
other embodiments described herein may be produced in a variety of
sizes including, but not limited to, those that are approximately
the size of various devices such as GPS devices, cell phones,
cameras, range finders, night vision devices, etc. that they may be
designed to hold. Different views of carrying case 10 can be seen
in FIG. 2, which shows an exploded view of carrying case 10, and
FIG. 3, which shows a front perspective view of carrying case
10.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a backbone panel 20
forms the bottom and back of carrying case 10. The backbone panel
20 may be oriented in a curved L-like shape as shown in FIGS. 1-3.
A first front panel 22 and a second front panel 12 form the front
of carrying case 10. A mid-panel 24 forms the sides and the top of
carrying case 10. As is shown in FIG. 2, mid-panel 24 and first
front panel 22 are part of the same piece of material cut for the
insertion of zipper 36. A front panel 22 is connected to backbone
panel 20 along a seam 30. Mid-panel 24 is connected to backbone
panel 20 along seam 30. Zipper 36 serves to connect front panel 22
to mid-panel 24 and provide a system for opening and closing the
carrying case 10. A bottom panel 11 serves to secure first front
panel 22, second front panel 12, and mid-panel 24 together and add
strength to the carrying case. Bottom panel 11 is shown as one
piece of material. Alternatively, bottom panel 11 may be formed
from three separate pieces of material, one on the front and one on
each side of carrying case 10.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the number of fabric panels
used to form carrying case 10 may be reduced. Bottom panel 11 may
be omitted from the construction of carrying case 10, resulting in
a case that is constructed from three fabric panels: backbone panel
20, a fabric panel that is a combination of first front panel 22
and mid-panel 24, and second front panel 12. In relation to this
embodiment, zipper 36 may extend all the way to the base of the
carrying case 10. In another alternative embodiment, first front
panel 22 may be omitted (as well as bottom panel 11), and the
carrying case may consist of second front panel 12 attached by
zipper 36 to mid-panel 24 and backbone panel 22. In another
alternative embodiment carrying case 10 is formed essentially of
backbone panel 22, second front panel 22, and zipper 36. In this
embodiment zipper 36 is oriented between backbone panel 22 and
second front panel 22. Second front panel 22 is shaped such that it
matches the shape of backbone panel 22. Multiple other embodiments
exist within the scope of this disclosure that incorporate the
curved L-shaped backbone panel 22 as will be understood by those
skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.
[0034] EVA foam (or other stiffener) may be attached to backbone
panel 20 to add durability to the case and protection to an item
carried inside. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, Foam 34
is a single piece of EVA shaped to fit with backbone panel 20.
Furthermore, as shown, the foam is sandwiched with the backbone
panel 20 and it is formed to hold a curved L-like shape. The shape
formed need not be precisely L-like; it may be oriented in a
variety of fashions such that at least a portion of the back and
bottom of carrying case 10 is formed. The one piece construction of
the backbone panel 20 and foam 34 offers a more resilient structure
and is seamless. Since the backbone panel 20 absorbs the force of
impact to the back and bottom of the carrying case 10, the force of
impact is distributed throughout the foam 34. Furthermore, there is
no seam in the backbone panel 20 where there is not protection.
[0035] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the sandwich formed
by foam 34 and backbone panel 20 form a substantial portion of the
back and bottom of the carrying case 10. In alternative embodiments
the sandwich formed by foam 34 and backbone panel 20 may form as
lesser portion of the bottom or back of carrying case 10 and other
panels may be used to complete carrying case 10. In one embodiment
the sandwich formed by foam 34 and backbone panel 20 may form
between a quarter to a half of the bottom portion of carrying case
10. In another embodiment the sandwich formed by foam 34 and
backbone panel 20 may form between a half to the whole of the
bottom portion of carrying case 10. In one embodiment the sandwich
formed by foam 34 and backbone panel 20 may form only a portion of
the back of carrying case 10. In one embodiment, the sandwich
formed by foam 34 and backbone panel 20 may form between a quarter
to a half of the back of carrying case 10. In another embodiment,
the sandwich formed by foam 34 and backbone panel 20 may form from
a half to all of the back of carrying case 10. As shown in FIG. 2,
the sandwich formed by foam 34 and backbone panel 20 forms
substantially all of the bottom and back of carrying case 10.
[0036] In relation to this and other embodiments, multiple
connectors may be used for attaching panels to each other
including, but not limited, to sewing, riveting, gluing, stapling,
and other connection techniques that will be apparent to those
skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. In reference to
many of the embodiments, attachment will be described in terms of
sewing; however, any of the other techniques may be used.
[0037] During the assembling of carrying case 10, seam 30 may be
sewn or otherwise joined in one step due to its unique orientation
with first front panel 22, second front panel 12, and mid-panel 24.
This may reduce manufacturing costs and make assembly faster and
simpler. As stated above, first front panel 22 and mid-panel 24 may
be sections of a single piece of fabric. During fabrication, a
single piece of fabric may be sewn to backbone panel 20 and then
cut to accommodate zipper 36, resulting in the formation of first
front panel 22 and mid-panel 24. As will be understood by those
skilled in the art, the possibility of assembling a product with
fewer steps may save time and money. A variety of alternative
fabrication techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art
in light of this disclosure.
[0038] The panels of carrying case 10 can be formed such that they
may be cut from a single piece of fabric, with little waste. First
front panel 22 and mid-panel 24 may be cut from a single piece of
fabric. The cut may be the same seam where the first front panel 22
and mid-panel 24 connect zipper 36. An additional methodology may
include cutting the body panel into first front panel 22 and
mid-panel 24, then sewing in zipper 36, and then sewing the
combination to backbone panel 20 along 30 in one step. Furthermore,
a single body panel may be first sewn to backbone panel 20 and then
cut into first front panel 22 and mid-panel 24 and zipper 36 may be
inserted. Furthermore, the single body panel may not be cut all the
way through so that first front panel 22 and mid-panel 24 are still
part of the same piece of material when sewn to backbone panel 20.
This configuration may add strength to the zipper seam of carrying
case 10, since the fabric is still one piece away from the point
that the zipper is connected. Numerous configurations and
fabrication techniques are available.
[0039] Carrying case 10 may be fitted with a variety of
carrying/attachment mechanisms. As shown in FIG. 1, carrying case
10 has a clip 40 attached to backbone panel 20. Clip 40 may be
utilized to attach the carrying case 10 to a belt or other strap
(not shown). Alternatively, a variety of different
carrying/attachment mechanisms may be used including, but not
limited to, straps, Velcro, snaps, etc. Clip 40 may be a standard
clip or may be a more advanced clip, such as the clip described in
FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0040] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-8, a backbone panel
52 forms the back and bottom portion of a carrying case 50.
Backbone panel 52 is a fabric panel composed of woven nylon;
however, it may be composed of a variety of other materials
including, but not limited to, fabrics and other textile material
(both of natural origin and synthetic), rubber, flexible plastics,
and other materials that will be appropriate as known to those
skilled in the art. As can be seen in FIG. 5, which shows an
exploded view of the carrying case 50, foam 54 is fitted to
backbone panel 52 to provide rigidity and padding for carrying case
50. In this embodiment, foam 54 is EVA foam; however, other padding
material may be used including, but not limited to, a variety of
rubbers, plastics, foams, and traditional padding, such as cotton,
wool, etc. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, in light
of this disclosure, that a variety of materials may be used to
provide padding and rigidity. Furthermore, foam 54 may be contoured
as shown in FIG. 6 to improve impact resistance and rigidity. The
contoured nature of foam 54 may increase the time during which the
carrying case 50 receives an impact while the contours depress,
therefore, decreasing the impact (through the reduction of impulse
force).
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, a rear-top panel 56,
mid-top panel 58, front panel 72, and side panels 62, 64, in
combination with backbone panel 52, form a first pocket 65 in
carrying case 50. Rear-top panel 56 and mid-top panel 58 are
connected at a zipper 57. As shown in FIG. 5, rear-top panel 56 and
mid-top panel 58 may be part of the same piece of fabric.
Alternatively, they may be separate pieces of fabric. As can be
seen in FIG. 4, zipper 57 is not oriented in a completely vertical
position. The slight angular orientation of zipper 57 tends to
position rear-top panel 56 and mid-top panel 58 in a slightly open
position when zipper 57 is completely opened. In one embodiment
this angle ranges from zero to sixty degrees from the vertical.
Alternatively, the angle may be in the range of 15-35 degrees. As
shown in FIG. 7, the angle from the vertical is approximately 25
degrees. This slightly open position allows for easy access to
first pocket 65. Alternative zipper orientations may include those
that are completely vertical; however, first pocket 65 may not tend
to stay open in such a zipper orientation.
[0042] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, rear-top panel 56 is
attached to backbone panel 52 along a seam 66. As is shown in FIG.
5, rear-top panel 56 and mid-top panel 58 may be part of the same
piece of material and may be cut to accommodate zipper 57. As will
become clear from this disclosure, many of the seams of the
carrying case 50 are oriented to reduce attaching steps. Seam 66,
which joins backbone panel 52, rear-top panel 56, side panels 62,
64, and low-front panel 68, may be sewn in a single step, which may
reduce the assembly time and costs of carrying case 50. This is
because the bottom and the rear can be sewn in a single step. At
the same time, backbone panel 52 does not over-simplify carrying
case 50 and still allows for unique multiple pocket designs.
[0043] A low-front panel 68, a high-front panel 70, and a front-top
panel 72 form a second pocket 75. A zipper 74, oriented between
high-front panel 70 and front-top panel 72, serves to open and
close second pocket 75. Low-front panel 68 may be part of a single
piece of fabric consisting of side panels 62, 64 and low-front
panel 68. Furthermore, front-top panel 72 may be part of a single
piece of material with mid-top panel 58. Use of a single piece of
material sewn in a fashion to appear to be multiple panels may save
time, material, and fabrication costs. Other panel configurations
are conceived within the scope of this disclosure.
[0044] Additionally, numerous optional features may be included as
part of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the carrying case 50
includes a clip 77 for attaching to a belt or other strap. Clip 77
may be attached by rivets to backbone panel 52 and foam 54.
Numerous types of clips may be utilized, including the rotator-clip
combination described below. Baffles 80, 81 may be attached between
top-rear panel 56 and mid-top panel 58 and function to hold first
pocket 56 from opening too far. Baffles 80, 81 may be formed of an
elastic material such as spandex or other elasticized cloth. The
insides of pockets 56, 75 may be fitted with anti-scratch fabric
82. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, interior elastic
pockets 84, 86 are fitted within first pocket 56. A strap 88 may be
attached to the top of carrying case 50 and forms an upside-down
U-shape allowing carrying case 50 to be hung therefrom. Optionally,
shoulder strap attachment points 89, 90 allow for a shoulder strap
to be attached to carrying case 50.
[0045] In one alternative, Zippers 57, 74 have a waterproof seal.
Zippers 57, 74 may be fitted with easy-pull pullers composed of a
looped rope piece 94 and an ergonomically-shaped tab 95. Tab 95 is
shaped like a flattened S and is approximately an inch in length
across its longest dimension, a quarter of an inch wide, and 1/8 of
an inch thick. The bend in tab 95 the surface of tab 95 to vary by
approximately and 1/8 of an inch, such that outer surface 96 on
part of tab 95 is depressed by approximately 1/8 of an inch in
respect to inner surface 97. The opposite side when flipped is
oriented in the opposite configuration such that the outer surface
is higher than the inner surface. As shown in FIG. 6,
ergonomically-shaped tab 95 allows for a thumb and forefinger to
grip the tab in a fashion that allows for increased contact of the
thumb and forefinger due to the curved nature of tab 95.
Furthermore, ergonomically-shaped tab 95 aligns the thumb and
forefinger on opposite sides of a plane of minimal thickness,
thereby minimizing gripping fatigue. Additionally, the curved
nature of ergonomically-shaped tab 95 causes a user's fingers to
push against the upward slope of the tab as a user pulls away his
hand, making gripping and continuing to grip the
ergonomically-shaped tab 95 even easier. Furthermore, in one
alternative the tab has a rough grip surface, which increases the
friction between the tab 95 and the user's fingers.
[0046] Starting from the right in FIG. 7 and the left in FIG. 8,
clip 120 preferably comprises an integrally formed resilient member
that bends back on itself to form a first side 121 and a second
side 122 that enclose a loop area 117 through which a belt 180,
pants waist band, or other clothing or support member can pass to
attach the carrying case 200 to a person or other object. First
side 121 has a clip opening 119 and a catch 123 which nearly closes
or closes loop area 117. End 124 curls back to nearly close or
close opening 119. Lever tab 125 provides leverage to assist in
bending clip 120 to enlarge opening 119 so that clip 120 can more
easily be attached or removed to a belt or other object. A pair of
prongs 126 and a pair of rounded protrusions 129 extend from first
side 121 of clip 120. Each of prongs 126 includes a head 127 and a
stem 128. Rotator 130 comprises a body member 133, which is
preferably a circular plate, and attachment arms 131 and 132. Holes
135 and 136 pass through arms 131 and 132, respectively. Body 133
has an opening 139 for receiving prongs 126. Snap tabs 137 are
formed in opening 139. When prongs 126 are pushed through opening
139, tabs 137 snap behind the head 127 of prongs 126 into the
groove formed by the fact that a partial cylinder formed by stems
128 has a smaller radius than the partial cylinder formed by the
heads 127. Circular plate 133 has dimples 138 formed in it.
Preferably, dimples 138 are equally spaced about the circle of the
plate and, in the embodiment shown, there are eight dimples.
Protrusions 129 on clip back 122 fit into dimples 138 in rotator
130 to form a detent system.
[0047] The detent system formed by the protrusions 129 on clip 120
and the dimples on rotator 130 allow the carrying case 200 to be
held in any of eight different positions. Thus, when the clip 120
is, for example, held in place, the holster can be rotated to any
one of eight positions and will remain there. This allows for
upright mounting on either a vertical, horizontal, or angled belt
or connection point.
[0048] Embodiments of the present invention may have numerous
fabrication advantages. During the fabrication process, seam 30 in
FIGS. 1-3 may be sewn in a single step. Seam 66 in FIGS. 4-7 may
also be sewn in a single step. This allows for faster fabrication
and cost and materials saving. Since certain changes may be made in
the above systems and methods without departing from the scope of
the invention, it is intended that all subject matter contained in
the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings may be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0049] A feature includes that the foam may have various contours
as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. FIG. 2 shows one possible arrangement of
the contours 42, 43. As shown, contours 42, 43 are arranged such
that they do not intersect the attachment point for clip 40. This
configuration is utilized since if contour 42 extended farther,
clip 40 would not fit flush to the backbone panel 20 and foam 34.
If the contours are extended to where clip 40 attaches then the
attachment of the clip may be rendered more flexible and less
rigid. This arrangement of contours 42, 43 allows for more rigid
case positioning. This may allow a user more certainty in the
position of a case and therefore reduce errors in the insertion of
an item into carrying case 10. Contours 42 are shown as having a
wavy formation. Contours 42 are generally oriented to dissipate
forces along the length of foam 34 (the longest dimension). The
wavy nature of contours 42 also causes the contours 42 to
distribute forces across the width of foam 34. Furthermore, the
contours 42, 43 add rigidity to the case without adding excess
bulk. An alternative configuration for contours is shown in FIG. 5.
Contours 91, 92 are linear in form and run the length of case 50. A
variety of contour arrangements will be apparent to those skilled
in the art in light of this disclosure.
[0050] Another feature includes that insides of pockets 56, 75 may
be fitted with anti-scratch fabric 82. Since items inserted into
pockets 56, 75 may optical or electronic devices, it may be
desirable to prevent scratching of lenses or displays. Such
anti-scratch fabric may be included in all embodiments of the
present invention. Anti-scratch fabrics include, but are not
limited to, microfiber cloths made of polyester/polyamide and other
fabrics having fibers that approach or are smaller than 1
micron.
[0051] While specific embodiments have been described in detail in
the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that various modifications and alternatives to those
details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not
limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed
herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit
and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *