U.S. patent application number 14/149662 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for shoulder bag with improved access.
This patent application is currently assigned to Thule Organization Solutions, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Thule Organization Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nathan Roger Zwetzig.
Application Number | 20140191008 14/149662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51060233 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140191008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zwetzig; Nathan Roger |
July 10, 2014 |
SHOULDER BAG WITH IMPROVED ACCESS
Abstract
A camera storage and transport case is provided that allows for
ease of access to housed devices. A case is provided in a shoulder
bag configuration with a main closure member provided at an angle
offset from horizontal and with a wire or support member to allow
ease of access to internal storage volumes with case.
Inventors: |
Zwetzig; Nathan Roger;
(Westminster, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thule Organization Solutions, Inc. |
Longmont |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Thule Organization Solutions,
Inc.
Longmont
CO
|
Family ID: |
51060233 |
Appl. No.: |
14/149662 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61749766 |
Jan 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/607 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/02 20130101; A45C
11/38 20130101; A45C 2013/026 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/607 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/38 20060101
A45C011/38 |
Claims
1. A carrying case adapted for storing camera equipment and
accessory items, comprising: an internal storage volume defined by
a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and first and second side walls of
the case; a primary opening area comprising a closure for
permitting access to the internal storage volume, the closure
comprising a first portion extending at least partially along the
first side wall, a second portion extending at least partially
along the second side wall, and a third portion extending along at
least one of the top and rear wall, wherein the first portion and
the second portion are connected by the third portion; a first
support member provided substantially parallel to the closure; a
second support member provided substantially parallel to the
closure, the second support member provided on an opposing side of
the closure as the first wire member; and the primary opening area
positionable between at least a closed position and an open
position, the closed position characterized in that at least the
first and second portions of the closure are angled toward the rear
wall at an angle of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees with
respect to the rear wall of the case, and the open position
characterized in that the first support member and second support
member reside in substantially the same plane.
2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a
zipper.
3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein said support members
comprise resilient wire members for retaining a portion of the bag
in a desired position.
4. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein at least one of said
support members is deformable to provide a plurality of different
shaped openings.
5. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the third portion of the
closure extends along the top wall of the case.
6. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first support member
is provided in a substantially fixed position and the second
support member is rotatable with respect thereto.
7. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first support member
and the second support member comprise opposing C-shaped wire
members.
8. A carrying case adapted for storing electronic equipment and
accessory items, comprising: a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and
first and second side portions; a primary opening area comprising a
closure for permitting access to an internal storage volume, the
closure comprising an elongate opening portion along the top and/or
rear portion of the case, and the closure further extending at
least partially along the first and/or second side portion; a first
wire member provided substantially parallel to the closure; a
second wire member provided substantially parallel to the closure,
the second wire member provided on an opposing side of the closure
as the first wire member; and the primary opening area positionable
between at least a closed position and an open position, the closed
position characterized in that at least the first and second
portions of the closure are angled toward the rear wall at an angle
of between approximately 30 and 60 degrees with respect to the rear
wall of the case, and the open position characterized in that the
first wire member and second wire member reside in substantially
the same plane and form a substantially rectangular opening area
for accessing the internal storage volume.
9. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the closure comprises a
zipper.
10. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein said wire members
comprise resilient wire members for retaining a portion of the bag
in a desired position.
11. The carrying case of claim 10, wherein at least one of said
wire members is deformable to provide a plurality of different
shaped openings.
12. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the first wire member is
provided in a substantially fixed position and the second wire
member is rotatable with respect thereto.
13. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the first wire member and
the second wire member comprise C-shaped wire members.
14. A shoulder bag type carrying case, comprising: a top, a bottom,
a front, a rear and first and second side portions; a primary
opening area comprising a closure for permitting access to an
internal storage volume, the closure comprising an elongate opening
portion along the top portion of the case, and the closure further
extending at least partially along the first and second side
portions; a first support member and a second support member
provided substantially parallel to the closure and on opposing
sides thereof; and the primary opening area positionable between at
least a closed position and an open position, the closed position
characterized in that the first support member and second support
member are provided substantially parallel to each other and angled
toward the rear wall at an angle of between approximately 30 and 60
degrees with respect to a vertical axis, and the open position
characterized in that the first support member is rotated such that
the first support member and second support member reside in
substantially the same plane and permit access to the internal
storage volume.
15. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein the closure comprises a
zipper.
16. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein said support members
comprise resilient wire members for retaining a portion of the bag
in a desired position.
17. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein at least one of said
support members is deformable to selectively provide a plurality of
different shaped openings.
18. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein the first support member
is provided in a substantially fixed position and the second
support member is rotatable with respect thereto.
19. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein the first support member
and the second support member comprise C-shaped wire members.
20. The carrying case of claim 14, wherein at least one of the
support members comprise at least one of a metal, plastic, rubber,
wood, and combination thereof.
Description
[0001] This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the
benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application
61/749,766, filed Jan. 7, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are generally related
to camera cases and the storage of sensitive electronic devices.
More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a
shoulder bag that includes improved access features for accessing a
main storage volume of the bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Camera cases are commonly used to transport and store
cameras. It is often necessary or desirable, however, to allow the
user to gain access quickly to the stored camera and to provide
additional storage space for camera accessories or other
equipment.
[0004] Typically, photographers carry multiple camera accessories
along with the camera. If the camera case is not sized to
accommodate these accessories, they must be independently carried.
However, if the camera and accessories are carried together, the
carrying bag may become oversized and bulky, which makes the bag
difficult to carry. Thus, it is important to provide a camera case
that is lightweight and designed to carry the camera and multiple
accessories in a rugged and compact space.
[0005] Although camera cases are generally known, they have
conventionally been designed as utility bags that provide limited
access to the interior. Typically, camera cases include a top or
side opening for accessing the interior storage compartment.
However, these camera cases do not ensure that the camera does not
inadvertently move when the bag is opened which may cause potential
damage to the delicate electronic componentry. Thus, it would be
advantageous to provide a camera case that would maintain the
camera in a fixed position within the case.
[0006] Moreover, typical camera cases are not efficiently designed
to allow the removal and replacement of the stored camera. For
example, a conventional utility bag shape that includes short
handles or a shoulder strap limits the photographers ability to
access the camera with one hand. That is, to access items stored in
conventional camera cases, one must remove the case from their
person, set the case down, and then gain access to the stored
contents. Thus the photographer cannot quickly access the stored
camera and associated accessories. It would be desirable to provide
a camera case that allows easy access to the stored camera.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a camera case which
also positions the camera so that it is easy to selectively remove
and replace.
[0007] In addition, conventional camera cases require the
photographer to use one or both hands to carry the camera case.
This is undesirable if the photographer is also trying to carry
other items or maneuver around objects. Thus it would be
advantageous to provide a camera case capable of unobtrusively
containing a camera and providing for hands-free carrying.
[0008] Furthermore, conventional camera cases have fixed
compartments for accessories. Fixed compartments typically do not
give a photographer much storage flexibility. For example, some
compartments of traditional storage cases are sized for batteries,
cords, and flashes but not for lenses. Some camera cases have
attempted to provide adjustable compartments; however, such
compartments are typically difficult to adjust, do not stay in
place, or are not sized to accommodate accessories such as lenses.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a camera case that
facilitates the storage of various camera accessories with multiple
sizes and geometric shapes.
[0009] Cameras and other photographic equipment can be large, heavy
and fragile and it is frequently necessary to provide a carrying
case to protect them when they are carried. Cameras and their
accessories are often carried in and out of cars, vans, buses,
trains, airplanes, etc. and often to remote locations. Thus, it is
important to have a camera case that adequately protects the
contents stored. Moreover, it important to adequately protect the
equipment because repairs can be very expensive. Damage to camera
equipment while in a storage case is typically caused by the
equipment not remaining in a fixed or semi-fixed position while the
case is being moved or dropped. Typical camera cases are made from
nylon, polyester, aluminum, or some combination thereof.
Unfortunately, these materials are usually too rigid or not rigid
enough to provide adequate protective storage. Thus, it would be
advantageous to provide a camera case containing a molded, rigid
support for a camera to maintain the camera in a relatively fixed
position.
[0010] Additionally, there is an unmet need to provide improved
accessibility to shoulder and messenger-style bags, particularly
when it is desirable to access bag contents without removing the
bag from the user.
[0011] There is a long felt but unsolved need for a camera case
that avoids the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art and
provides a camera storage area with a molded support for a camera,
positions the stored camera for easy removal, and further provide
ease of access to storage areas of the bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a
camera storage area with a molded, rigid support for a single-lens
reflex ("SLR") camera. Preferably, the molded support is made of
ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam that possesses the general shape
of SLR cameras. Thus it is contemplated that the EVA "cradle" will
accommodate many brands of SLR cameras. One embodiment of the
present invention additionally provides a cradle having a compliant
material that conforms to a stored camera and that additionally
provides shock protection.
[0013] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
a storage case that selectively accommodates a plurality of lenses.
More specifically, lens holders are included and selectively
positioned within the case. The lens holders may be triangularly
shaped so as to provide gaps that allow easy access to the stored
lenses. The lens holders of embodiments of the present invention
include hook and loop material and thus may be affixed to various
locations in the interior portion of the camera case. The lens
holders are preferably flexible and are designed to accommodate
lenses of varying diameters in lengths.
[0014] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
plurality of dividing walls within the storage case. One embodiment
of the present invention employs a horizontally situated wall
having a hole therethrough that receives the above-described tube
extending from the cradle, and which provides additional lateral
stability to the tube. A plurality of selectively adjustable walls
which are vertically-oriented, horizontally-oriented, or a
combination thereof are provided that allow the user to selectively
allow the storage configuration of the camera case.
[0015] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
a camera carrying case with improved access features. For example,
in one embodiment, a bag is provided with an angled access feature
or opening. Resilient members are provided to position access
features in desired positions.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a carrying case
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a carrying case
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a carrying case
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a right elevation view of a carrying case
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a right elevation view of a carrying case
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a component of a
carrying case according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of a component of a
carrying case according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a right elevation view of a carrying case
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] 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. It will further be understood that various annotations on
the drawings are provided for additional illustration of certain
embodiments, and are not to be read as limiting the invention to
any particular arrangement or combination of features, materials,
dimensions, etc.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, a carrying case 2 according to one
embodiment of the present invention is provided. As shown, the case
2 is generally provided in the form a shoulder or messenger bag. It
will be expressly recognized, however, that the present invention
and various novel features thereof are not limited to the depicted
embodiment. Indeed, various bags such as duffle bags, backpacks,
messenger bags, and the like are contemplated as within the scope
and spirit of the present invention. As shown, the case 2 comprises
a shoulder strap 8, a zipper closure 4 for a main compartment, side
panels 6a, 6b, a front flap 10, and at least one additional pocket
12, 14. The case 2 generally provides the appearance and
functionality of a shoulder bag, but comprises various advantages
over known shoulder bags as shown and described herein. In various
embodiments, side panels 6a, 6b provide side pocket features for
ease of storage of, for example, water bottles, as well as
attachment means for a strap 8. In alternative embodiment, the
shoulder strap 8 is secured to a side panel of the bag rather than
the pockets or panels 6a, 6b.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a case 2 according to
one embodiment wherein a main opening portion 4, which may comprise
a zipper, is opened to allow for access 28 to an interior storage
volume of the case 2. As shown and described herein, the opening
portion is provided with support features to provide for a specific
opening area and access feature 28. These features of the case 2
are particularly desirable, for example, when access to the
interior storage volume is desired while the case 2 is provided on
or worn by a user.
[0029] FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of the present invention
wherein a case 2 comprises a plurality of internal storage volumes
30, 32, 34. The primary opening portion 4 is provided for accessing
at least one internal storage volume, and may provide access to a
plurality of internal storage volumes, particularly where an insert
(see FIG. 6A, for example).
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, a case 2 according to one
embodiment is provided in an open position. As shown, a closure 4
of the main compartment is provided in an open position to reveal a
main access 28 through which a primary volume of the case 2 is
accessible. The primary volume may contain an insert and/or any
associated devices, such as camera equipment. Alternatively, the
primary volume is provided without the insert 16 and is available
for receiving, storing, and transporting any number of devices
including, but not limited to, sensitive electronic devices. As
shown in FIGS. 4-5, closure portion 4 is provided at an angle such
that, at least when opened, the main access 28 comprises an opening
area angled toward a user/wearer. A pair of support members 29, 33
are provided proximal the closure portion 4 to provide a desired
shape to the opening when the opening 28 when the closure 4 is
provided in an open position.
[0031] In various embodiments, at least one wire element is
provided around substantially the entire circumference of the main
access opening 28. The at least one wire element may be stitched
into the case material for aesthetic purposes, aids in maintaining
the shape and angled orientation of the main access 28 in both open
and closed positions.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the closure 4 comprises a zipper
with a terminus provided with a tab 31, the tab 31 being hidden
with a pocket or between layers of case material in various
embodiments. In such embodiments, the tab 31 contains the at least
one wire member so as to permit easy opening and closure of the
case 2.
[0033] In the depicted embodiment, a front panel 36 is taller than
an opposing back portion 38 to enable the angled relationship of
the main opening/access 28. Such an angled relationship allows for
ease of access to case contents when the case 2 is worn/held by a
user. In various embodiments, the overall shape and structure of
the case 2 is provided in part by an insert 16, the insert
comprising side walls with rigidity. In addition to or in lieu of
such features, the panels of the case 2 comprise at least partially
rigid inserts, such as panels comprising polyethylene inserts
provided between layers of the panel(s).
[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the support members 29, 33 are provided
in substantially the same plane, which is offset from a horizontal
plane (with respect to FIG. 5) such that the opening area 28 is
biased or angled toward a user or wearer of the item 2 and thereby
facilitating access to internal areas of the bag. In one
embodiment, a first support member 29 is provided proximal a rear
portion 38 of the case and is further provided in a non-hinged or
substantially fixed position. The second support member 33 is
provided on an opposing side of the primary closure 4 and is
rotatable to a position wherein the first and second support
members are provided substantially coplanar when the opening area
28 is in a fully opened position. In at least one embodiment, the
second support member 33 is rotatable between a closed position
wherein the second support member is provided at a first angle
between approximately 25 and 50 degrees from a vertical plane and
an open position wherein the second support member is provided at a
second angle, the second angle being between approximately 90 and
180 degrees from the first angle.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the wire or support members 29, 33
comprise opposing C-shaped (or [-shaped) support members, wherein
the support members 29, 33 are provided substantially parallel to
one another in a closed position and substantially coplanar in an
open position. In preferred embodiments, the open position
comprises an opening or access area 28 that is angled toward a
user, wearer, and/or back panel 38 of the bag 2, and the opening or
access area 28 comprises a substantially rectangular opening
area.
[0036] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an insert 16
suitable for use with various cases of the present invention,
including the case 2 provided in FIGS. 1-2. The insert 16 comprises
a substantially rectangular cube defining an internal volume. One
or more straps 20 are provided to facilitate removal of the device
16 from the case and/or carry the insert 16 by itself. Built-in
divider walls 24 may be provided in any number of sizes and
arrangements. Additionally, at least one removable divider 18 is
provided, the removable divider 18 comprising a strap or tab 20 for
removal and manipulation of the divider 18. In various embodiments,
the divider 18 comprises securing means 22 for selectively
positioning the divider within the insert 16. Securing means 22
include, but are not limited to, tabs or extensions provided with
hook and loop closures for selective attachment and removal of the
divider 18 within the insert 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the
insert 16 is provided with receiving means 26, the receiving means
26 comprising hook and loop features that extend along at least one
internal surface of the insert 16 for selective connection with the
securing means 22. It will be expressly recognized that the present
invention is not limited to embodiments comprising the insert 16.
Although such a feature is contemplated for provision with various
cases of the present invention, cases of the present invention need
not comprise such feature(s).
[0037] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a
case 2. As shown the case 2 comprises a main closure 4 enclosing a
main access of the case 2. The circumference or periphery of the
main access comprises at least one and preferably two concealed
support members 29, 33 wherein the wire support members comprises a
shape memory between at least a first closed and second open
position, the first closed position shown in FIG. 7 wherein the
support members 29, 33 are substantially parallel to one another.
The support members 29, 33 terminate proximal the terminus of the
opening portion 4, and a gap or void is provided between the first
wire member 29 and the second wire member 33 in both open and
closed positions. A vertical axis 40 is provided for illustration
purposes. As shown, then the main closure 4 is provided in the
closed position, the closed zipper and main access 28 are provided
at an angle a with respect to vertical 40. In various embodiments,
the angle a comprises an angle between approximately 20 and 60
degrees off of vertical 40. In preferred embodiments, the angle a
comprises an angle between approximately 30 and 45 degrees off of
vertical 40.
* * * * *