Abstract:
The invention is directed to protective and/or decorative removable camera cases and lens covers. In certain embodiments the camera cases and lens covers comprise a deformable lens covering portion through which an extended telescoping lens housing may protrude. In other embodiments, the cases may comprise an opening providing access to the battery chamber of a camera without removing the case from the camera. In yet further embodiments, the camera case comprise a pocket to retain photographic memory chips.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is related to the field of protective cases, particularly protective and/or decorative camera cases. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Protective cases for cameras are known in the art. For example, Uchin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,973 discloses a “universal” soft camera case in which the case is suspended by a carrying strap and will adapt to and protect cameras of different shape and size. U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,589, to Nguyen, discloses a case in at least three parts for holding an interchangeable lens camera, with a first part arranged to fit over the camera and the second and third parts being cylinders that fit over a first and second camera lens. Spruyt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,905 discloses a camera case for a pocket camera formed from top and bottom vinyl covers connected with an elastic band so that a pocket camera may slide into the case. Kobayashi, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,497 discloses a camera case for a compact camera that covers more than half of a camera body in a resting position, and a flash projector and a lens barrel are projected from the camera case when it is placed in a working position. 
         [0003]    Additionally, “skins” designed to partially cover the body of a compact camera, such as a digital camera, are known, and have been advertised for sale on the internet. For example, SKINIT™ (skinit.com) skins comprise a thin protective vinyl membrane back with adhesive which may be digitally printed with photographs or other designs to provide customized decoration, and are made to fit various devices, such as computers, MP3 players, cameras, personal digital assistants, and the like. GGI Star makes a flexible silicone case made specifically to fit each of various compact digital cameras; for models with telescoping lens a protective plastic cylinder is attached to the case, thereby permitting the lens housing to elongate within the cylinder when the camera is activated or the “zoom” function is employed. Pentax manufactures a protective “skintight” case made to fit its compact digital cameras; this case appears to comprise a flexible elestomeric case with openings placed therein to permit the lens, viewfinder, flash and various buttons and controls to operate without restriction and/or protrude therefrom. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention is directed to removable camera covers. In one preferred embodiment the invention is directed to decorative or protective camera covers for cameras having extendable and/or telescopic lenses. The camera cover may comprise a cover at least partially protecting or otherwise covering the lens or lens housing when the lens housing is in the retracted position. In a preferred embodiment the invention is directed to a camera cover comprising a displaceable lens assembly covering portion (hereinafter a “lens covering portion”) substantially protecting a lens or lens housing assembly from minor cosmetic and/or structural damage when the telescoping lens is in the contracted position, wherein said lens assembly covering portion is automatically displaced when the telescoping lens is extended, thereby permitting the camera to be used without removing said removable camera case. In a particularly preferred aspect, the displaceable lens cover comprises one or more slit, cut, or bisection aligned with the lens housing in a manner permitting the lens housing to project through the lens covering portion of the camera case when the telescoping lens housing is in the extended position without removing the lens covering. When the lens housing is retracted, the lens covering portion returns to its former closed position protecting the lens and/or lens housing when the same is retracted. 
         [0005]    In one particularly preferred embodiment, the displaceable lens cover comprises a plurality of radial or bisectional cuts or incisions across the displaceable lens cover so as to create a plurality of flaps that are displaced or move away from the extending lens covering portion of the camera case when the telescoping lens housing is in a partially or wholly extended position. For example, the lens-covering portion of the camera case may be substantially circular or oval, and the bisectional cuts comprise diametrical cuts that meet at a central point, thereby creating twice the number of flaps as cuts. In this embodiment, the flaps are approximately triangular. 
         [0006]    In alternative embodiments, the displaceable lens covering portion may comprise one or more horizontal cut or incision, and one or more longitudinal or vertical cut or incision to make a plurality of rectangular flaps, as one specific embodiment shows in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0007]    When the lens covering portion of the camera case is made from a flexible material, such as, without limitation, an elastomeric material or a harld leather and/or a polymeric foam, the resiliency of the material tends to urge the flaps back into place, and when the lens housing is retracted the flaps may again cover and protect the lens and/or lens housing. This “memory” effect may increase as the thickness of elastomeric material comprising the flaps of the lens-covering portion is increased. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment the lens covering portion may comprise one or more rigid components, such as a rigid or semi-rigid plastic or metal components, comprising a “gate”. The gate is maintained in a closed position when the telescoping lens is in a retracted position; for example, through the use of a spring system applying a tension force against the rigid or semi-rigid component(s) to maintain them in a closed position. When the lens housing is extended, the force exerted by the motorized telescoping lens housing overcomes the tension springs and permits the rigid or semi-rigid component or components comprising the gate to open. A feature such as a small wheel or skid surface may be formed or otherwise present on the interior surface of one or more of the rigid or semi-rigid components to enable the gate to open and close smoothly without interfering with the extension or retraction of the telescoping lens mechanism. 
         [0009]    In this embodiment, the gate may comprise a single rigid or semi-rigid component which is hinged to the surrounding, stationary support structure using any type of hinging means, such as, without limitation, metal or plastic hinges, fabric hinges, elastomeric hinges, tape hinges and the like. The gate is typically approximately in the shape of the lens housing, for example, approximately circular, and slightly larger in outline, for example, circumference, than the lens housing. The gate may be hinged or otherwise connected to the surrounding support structure in such as way that the rigid or semi-rigid component opens when the telescoping lens housing is extended and closes, by virtue of the tensioning force (such as a spring), when the telescoping lens housing is retracted. 
         [0010]    In variations of this embodiment, the gate may comprise two or more rigid or semi-rigid components, each of which is hinged or movably connected to the surrounding support structure and subject to a tensioning force tending to maintain the rigid or semi-rigid components in a closed position. For example, two rigid or semi-rigid components may each comprise semicircular plates hinged to the lens covering portion and maintained in a closed position with a tensioning spring. When the semicircular plates are in a closed position they protect the surface of the retracted lens housing. In this embodiment, when the telescoping lens housing is extended, the two semicircular plates swing open by virtue of the force exerted upon them by the extending telescoping lens housing, thereby permitting the lens to operate. When the telescoping lens housing is retracted, the gate (comprising the semicircular plates) closes by virtue of the force imposed upon then by the tensioning springs. 
         [0011]    Of course, the person of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that more than one or two rigid or semi-rigid components may be used in the deformable lens covering portion of this general embodiment of the invention without departing from its spirit. Accordingly, this invention includes and contemplates a plurality of such rigid or semi-rigid components. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, the invention is directed to decorative or protective camera covers for cameras, in which the camera case includes one or more pocket for holding at least one memory card or chip, written or printed matter, and the like. An exemplary pocket is shown in  FIG. 9  of this application. The printed material may comprise, for example, summary instructions for using the camera. The written material may comprise, for example, notes concerning the camera, camera settings, or photographs taken. Very preferably in this latter embodiment, the pocket is comprised of a flexible material, such as an elastic or elastomeric material. In certain embodiments, the pocket is comprised in a camera case made from a flexible material, such as an elastomeric or elastomeric material. Particularly preferably, the pocket is made as an integral part of the camera case, although in other embodiments it may be separately attached, such as by stitching, heat sealing and other means of affixing the pocket to the body of the case. The pocket may be made of the same material as at least part of the camera case itself, or may be made of a different material. For example, in one embodiment the body of the camera case is at least partly comprised of an inflexible, or substantially inflexible material, such as leather, fabric and the like, while the pocket is constructed from a flexible, elastic or elastomeric material. In less preferred embodiments (which are nevertheless included within the scope of the present invention unless expressly excluded from the claims), the pocket may comprise leather, fabric or another inflexible or substantially inflexible material. 
         [0013]    The camera covers of the present invention may be decorative. For example, the camera covers may be substantially uncolored, translucent or clear, thereby permitting the camera to be at least somewhat visible while the camera cover is in place. Alternatively, the camera cover may be made in one or more color, either as a solid color such as, for example, solid black or solid red, or in a design or photographic or other image comprising a plurality of colors. Additionally, the covers may be textured to facilitate handling or for decorative purposes. 
         [0014]    In those embodiments in which the camera covers comprise a flexible material, any suitable material may be used. In this embodiment it is preferable that at least the major part of the camera cover is made in one piece, thereby permitting the camera cover to be stretched to permit the camera to be inserted within the cover. In such a case it is necessary that the camera cover contain at least one opening, such as an opening permitting the digital LCD screen to be clearly seen, whereby the camera may be inserted through the opening and the flexible cover then made to fit around it. 
         [0015]    In certain embodiments the camera cover may comprise a non-flexible material such as, without limitation, leather or fabric. In these embodiments the camera cover may be substantially comprised of more than one piece, or may be substantially comprised of a single piece; in either case utilizing one or more fastener component, for example, snaps, zippers, hook and loop-type fasteners (such as VELCRO® brand hook and loop fasteners) and/or other fasteners to permit the cover to receive the camera and then be fastened, thereby securing the camera within the cover. 
         [0016]    In certain embodiments the camera case may comprise more than one material of construction. For example, a camera cover may comprise a substantially non-flexible material, such as, without limitation, fabric, polymeric (e.g., vinyl-based) or leather, combined with one or more elastic material. For example, as an illustration and not to limit the scope of the present invention, a case may have a substantially inflexible front section, a substantially inflexible back section, and substantially inflexible first and second side sections, a substantially inflexible bottom section and a substantially inflexible top section. The side sections may, for example, make an angel, such as approximately a 90° angle, with either or both the front and back section and/or at least one of said top and bottom sections. In such event, the area in which one or more of the top, bottom, front, back, first, and/or second side sections meet another section may comprise a flexible material such as, without limitation an elastic fabric band. In this manner, the camera case may receive and retain the camera. Other embodiments of the invention having more than one material of construction will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. 
         [0017]    In other embodiments a combination of fasteners and flexible or elastic elements, for example at locations where one or more of top, bottom, front, back, first, and/or second side sections of the cover meet another section, can be comprised in a camera case also containing substantially inflexible material elements. 
         [0018]    In a particularly preferred embodiment, the camera cover is wholly or substantially comprised of a flexible, or elastomeric material. For example, the camera case may be substantially comprised of an elastic fabric such as a SPANDEX®-type elastic fabric, or in foam material such as neoprene, similar to that used to make wet suits. In an even more preferred embodiment the camera case is wholly or substantially comprised of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may comprise an elastomeric polymer. A non-exhaustive list of elastomeric polymers includes: 
       Unsaturated Rubbers That Can Be Cured By Sulfur Vulcanization: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             a) Natural Rubber (e.g., Latex); 
             b) Polyisoprenes (such as Butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene), Halogenated butyl rubbers (such as chloro butyl rubber and bromo butyl rubber); 
             c) Polybutadienes (such as styrene-butadiene rubber (copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene), Nitrile rubber (copolymer of polybutadiene and acrylonitrile, also called buna N rubbers), Hydrated Nitrile Rubbers (such as those sold under the trademarks THERBAN® AND ZETPOL®); 
             d) Chloroprene Rubbers (such as polychloroprene, Neoprene, Baypren etc.) 
           
         
       
     
       Saturated Rubbers That Cannot Be Cured By Sulfur Vulcanization: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             a) EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of polyethylene, polypropylene and a diene-component) 
             b) Epichlorohydrin rubber 
             c) Polyacrylic rubber 
             d) Silicone rubber 
             e) Fluorosilicone Rubber 
             f) Fluoroelastomers (such as VITON®, TECNOFLON®, FLUOREL® and DAI-EL®) 
             g) Perfluoroelastomers KALREZ® 
             h) Tetrafluoro ethylene/propylene rubbers 
             i) Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene, (HYPALON®) 
             j) Ethylene-vinyl acetate 
           
         
       
     
       Other Types Of Elastomers: 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             a) Thermoplastic Elastomers, for example, HYTREL®, etc. 
             b) Thermoplastic Vulcanizates, for example, SANTOPRENE® 
             c) Polyurethane rubber 
             d) Resilin, Elastin 
             e) Polysulfide Rubber 
           
         
       
     
         [0038]    In a particularly preferred embodiment the camera cover of the present invention comprises an elastomeric material comprising a silicone rubber polymer. 
         [0039]    In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a displaceable lens assembly covering for a camera, such as a compact digital camera (hereinafter a “lens covering” or “LC”) substantially protecting a telescoping camera lens assembly from minor cosmetic and/or structural damage when the telescoping lens is in the contracted position. The LC may be fitted to existing camera cases in which, for example, the camera case has a simple opening for the telescoping lens; alternatively, the LC may be simply made to fit over the lens housing assembly of a camera in the absence of a camera case. In either case the LC may be made to fit by various means, including an adhesive backing which enables the LC to be affixed to an area of the camera body or camera case proximal and circumscribing the lens housing assembly, a hook and loop fastener, snaps and the like. 
         [0040]    In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment in which the LC is integral to the camera cover, the displaceable elements of the LC are automatically displaced when the telescoping lens is extended, thereby permitting the camera to be used without removing the protective LC. In a particularly preferred aspect, the displaceable lens cover comprises one or more slit, cut, or bisection aligned with the lens housing in a manner permitting the lens housing to project through the lens covering portion when the telescoping lens housing is in the extended position without removing the lens covering component. 
         [0041]    In one particularly preferred embodiment, the displaceable lens covering comprises a plurality of bisectional or radial cuts across the displaceable lens cover so as to create a plurality of flaps that are displaced move away from the center of the lens covering portion of the camera cover when the telescoping lens housing is in a partially or wholly extended position. For example, the lens-covering portion of the camera case may be substantially circular or oval, and the bisectional or radial cuts meet at a central point, thereby creating twice the number of flaps as cuts. In this embodiment, the flaps are sectional (i.e., define a spherical triangle) in shape. 
         [0042]    Alternatively, as above, the lens covering may comprise a gate having one or more rigid or semi-rigid component, which opens when the telescoping lens housing is extended and which closes, by means of a tensioning force, such as a spring mounted on the rigid or semi-rigid component or components, tending to maintain the gate in a closed position unless overcome by the motorized extension of the camera&#39;s telescoping lens housing. 
         [0043]    Various methods of manufacture well-known to those of skill in the art may be used to make the camera cases and/or LC of the present invention. For example, if the camera case is made substantially of leather, fabric or the like, the camera case may be wholly or partly stitched or sewn. Alternatively, and particularly with synthetic materials and fabrics, the camera case may be wholly or partly joined by heat sealing. 
         [0044]    Alternatively, if the camera case is made substantially of an elastomeric polymer, the camera case may be molded, for example, by generally conventional compression molding, injection molding or other molding techniques. In any such manufacturing process involving molding, the molds or “tools” must first be made. The present camera covers are preferably made to be quite thin, preferably about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm in average thickness, while texture and raised area on the exterior of the camera case may be included and may increase the thickness of the case at such a feature to about 3 mm to about 7 mm in thickness. These are only preferred ranges of thickness, and the camera case may, in a particular instance be thicker or thinner than this without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0045]    Thus, the molds will generally comprise an inner casting to define the inner surface of the camera case, and an outer impression to define the outer surface of the camera case. When the mold is assembled (often in two halves), a space or gap is formed between the inner casting and outer impression that will accommodate a liquid or molten elastomeric component, such as a resin. This space or gap is designed, after allowing for expansion or shrinkage of the elastomeric component after cooling or polymerization, to match the desired thickness of the camera cover, with the preferred range of optimal thicknesses being as indicated above; about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm in average thickness. 
         [0046]    In its final form the camera case will preferably have holes or openings to permit the user to utilize camera features such, without limitation, as the viewfinder, LCD screen, flash and various control knobs and/or buttons (such as those controlling lens aperture, focus and/or exposure time), straps and the like. Such holes or openings can be made part of the molding process by making the inner casting and/or outer impression with projections at the appropriate location(s), with the result when the mold is assembled, that the mold lacks a “gap” between the inner casting and outer impression at the particular desired location(s) in the camera case, thereby creating an opening in the molded camera case at such location(s). Alternatively, the openings may be placed in the camera case by cutting or trimming the camera case after it has been cast, or a combination of these two techniques may be used. 
         [0047]    In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the mold corresponding to the lens covering portion of the camera case is left with a layer of elastomeric material over it, preferably, but not exclusively, of approximately the same or similar thickness as the rest of the camera case. Preferably, within the lens covering portion, this layer is then cut after the camera case has been cast, although in other embodiments the mold may be made with the incisions present in the camera case following casting. In preferred embodiments the lens covering portion is approximately circular in shape, and slightly larger than the lens housing itself. In these embodiments, after casting, the layer of elastomeric material is preferably bisected with a knife or scissor at least twice, with each bisection passing through the approximate center of the lens covering portion, to permit the lens housing to extend therethrough when the lens housing is in the extended state, and with the flaps of elastomeric material created by the at least two bisecting or sectional cuts being pushed outwards to permit the extension of the lens housing. The circumference of the lens covering portion is preferably made large enough to permit the lens housing to extend through the lens covering portion catching on the camera case when it is moving from a retracted to an extended position or vice versa. 
         [0048]    While a number of molding techniques may be used to make the present camera cases, including, without limitation, injection molding liquid molding and transfer molding, compression molding is a currently preferred molding method. In this well known molding methodology, the molding material, such as the elastomeric component, is first placed in an open mold cavity, the mold closed, and then pressure applied by use of a top or plug force which forces the plug material into all the cavities, spaces and gaps of the mold. The process often involves the use of thermosetting resins in a partially cured state, such as a granular, gum, putty, or preformed state; the putty or gum and/or mold may be preheated and/or the elastomeric polymer may be combined with a curing catalyst just prior to, or during, the molding process. With other molding materials, such as rubber, a piece of uncured rubber is placed in the open mold and held under pressure and heat while the rubber cures. In both cases, pressure is generally maintained until the molding material is cured. The mold, which is generally treated with a releasing compound, is then opened and the cast camera case removed. 
         [0049]    When the camera cover comprises an elastomeric polymer, a presently preferred polymer is a silicone rubber. Most silicone rubbers for compression molding are gum based compounds, in contrast to the 2-part liquid silicone rubber compounds that are usually used for liquid injection molding processes. Often compression molding silicone compounds are methyl vinyl based, which can be formulated for high elongation, flex, tensile and tear properties for mechanically demanding applications and withstand temperatures from −100° F. to 500°. Phenyl based silicones are also available, and may be more appropriate for injection molding. 
         [0050]    Generally following the molding and release of the molded camera case from the mold, small pieces of silicone remain stuck to the product. At this point the molded camera cases may be trimmed (for example using scissors or a knife edge) in order to remove extraneous elastomeric polymer from the case, and quality control may be conducted, before the molded products are released before passing the product on to packaging and shipment. 
         [0051]    It is understood that the present invention may encompass a variety of camera cases, each designed to fit a different camera model. Thus, different molds will be required for each camera model for which a camera case of the present invention is desired. 
         [0052]    In another embodiment of the invention, each mold may be made to comprise one or more pocket, preferably located on the inside of the camera case, sized to conveniently retain camera memory chips, written materials, and the like such as instructions for use of the camera or notes made by the user. 
         [0053]    In other embodiments of the invention, the invention comprises a “universal” camera case which can fit various camera models without substantial modification. In this embodiment of the invention, the case will generally be a looser fit than the molded elastomeric camera cases described above. In this embodiment, for example and without limitation, the case may comprise leather, such as a hard leather, and may also comprise clear or substantially transparent portions (for example, an elastomeric or non-elastomeric polymer), such as, without limitation, at the top of the case, in order to view the controls including the shutter. The substantially transparent portion may comprise one or more opening through which the shutter button or other controls protrude. 
         [0054]    In the universal camera case, the lens covering portion may be comprised in a panel or section positioned on the face of the camera, such as an elastomeric, hard leather, and/or polymeric foam panel or section. In some embodiments, the panel may comprise two or more substantially identical lens covering portions. For example,  FIG. 6  shows a specific embodiment in which two substantially identical lens covering portions comprising bisected (or radially slit) circular lens covering portions are present, one on the left side of the face of the camera case, and one on the right side of the camera case. In this way cameras having a telescoping lens housing positioned on one or the other side of the camera body may be used with the same camera case. Another specific embodiment of a universal camera case is shown in  FIG. 7 , in which the entire front panel comprises the lens covering portion. In this embodiment, the entire front panel is comprised of for example, an elastomeric material, and is slit both horizontally and vertically so as to make a series of rectangular flaps; these flaps are displaced when the telescoping lens housing is extended, thereby allowing the lens housing to protrude from the camera case and be used without removing the camera case. 
         [0055]    When the invention comprises a deformable lens covering that is not integral to a camera case, then methods of making the lens covering, such as by injection and compression molding, may be similar to those discussed above for the camera case itself. However, in those embodiments of the invention that involve a lens covering mechanism comprising a gate that includes one or more rigid or semi-rigid component or components, as described above, the gate assembly is made or manufactured according to generally known mechanical manufacturing principles. Thus, in this embodiment the gate component(s) are, for example, machined or otherwise cut to be approximately the size and shape of the underlying retracted lens housing when in the closed position, provided with hinging (such as metal, fabric, tape or other hinges hinging at least one and preferably all said components to the surrounding support structure) and means for a tensioning force, such as a spring, to urge the component to close after the extended lens housing is retracted. 
         [0056]    In embodiments of the invention, such as those shown in  FIG. 3-3A , the LCD screen opening may permit the screen to be scratched or otherwise damaged without protection. As shown in these figures, a transparent window (for example, a window, preferably scratch-resistant, made of plastic or impact-resistant glass,) may be used in conjunction with the camera case.  FIG. 3A  shows an embodiment of this aspect of the invention in which a transparent window having a rabbeted edge is fitted to the camera case by way of a molded flexible U shaped groove bordering the LCD screen opening. Of course, the person of ordinary skill in the art will easily be able to envision other ways in which the window may be affixed to the camera case or the camera itself, such as by using a substantially residue free adhesive backing wherein the window is affixed directly to the LCD screen. 
         [0057]    The following examples and embodiments merely illustrate the invention, and are not intended to limit it in any way. The invention and its scope are defined solely by the claims that conclude this specification. All patents, patent applications, and other references are hereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of this patent application in their entirety. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0058]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of one embodiment of the camera case of the present invention, wherein the camera lens housing is in a retracted position. 
           [0059]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of embodiment of the camera case of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the camera lens housing is in an extended position. 
           [0060]      FIG. 3  shows a back view of embodiment of the camera case of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , with the optional LCD window present. 
           [0061]      FIG. 3A  shows a magnified cross sectional view of the portion of the camera case indicated by axis A-A′ of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of embodiment of the camera case of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of embodiment of the camera case of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the battery chamber door is open. 
           [0064]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of a second embodiment of the camera case of the present invention, made from leather and designed to be a universal camera case. 
           [0065]      FIG. 7  shows a front view of a third embodiment of the camera case of the present invention, made from leather and designed to be a universal camera case. 
           [0066]      FIG. 8  shows a front view of an alternate design of the deformable lens cover portion of the present invention, wherein the lens housing is in a retracted position. 
           [0067]      FIG. 8A  shows a front view of an alternative camera case of the present invention, wherein the lens housing is in an extended position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0068]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of a particular camera case of the invention, made to fit a particular camera, wherein the telescoping lens housing is in a retracted position. The camera case  100  is made from silicone rubber in a single unit and comprises a flash lamp opening  102 , autofocus opening  103 , microphone opening  142  and opening for the front portion of the optical viewfinder  104 . The case also contains raised features  105 ,  108  and indented features  107 ,  109 , that fit the contour of the camera body. Raised feature  108  is designed to identify and fit over the on/off button of the camera. An opening  106  on the side of the camera permits the camera carrying strap to protrude therefrom. 
         [0069]    On the top surface of the camera case  100  a shutter opening  111  permits the shutter and feature/exposure selector on the body of the camera to protrude from the camera case and be accessible to operation by the user. 
         [0070]    In this embodiment of the invention, the lens cover portion of the case  113  generally comprises a circular region of the same shape (and slightly larger than) the underlying lens housing. In this embodiment, when the lens housing is in the retracted position, the circular portion directly overlying the lens housing is bisected by four cuts  112 , with each cut passing through a point directly anterior to and adjacent the center of the underlying telescoping lens housing. The 4 bisections create eight flaps  114  which remain substantially in the plane of the retracted lens absent a countervailing force. 
         [0071]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the same embodiment of the camera case  100  of the invention, in which the telescoping lens housing  117  is in an extended position. In this case, the extended telescoping lens displaces the flaps  114  of the lens cover portion outward from the body of the camera, thereby permitting the lens to protrude from the camera case when the camera is being used. 
         [0072]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the same embodiment of the camera case  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A back optical viewfinder opening  120  permits use of the optical viewfinder while using the camera. Additionally, raised button elements  118 , comprising a region of greater thickness in the silicone camera case material directly overlying buttons and controls in the camera, are provided for greater user convenience in finding and accessing the features of the camera without removing the camera case. Further, a larger raised selector button element  116  is provided for access to the camera&#39;s underlying selector button for navigation of various features displayed on the cameras&#39; LCD screen  130 . 
         [0073]    The camera case  100  comprises a large LCD screen opening  130  permitting direct access to and viewing of the LCD screen and digital viewfinder of the camera. This opening is framed by a surrounding element  124 , which comprises a flexible “U”-shaped feature seen in greater detail in  FIG. 3A , and described in more detail below. An opening  128  is made for access to the camera&#39;s mode dial. 
         [0074]    Optionally, as shown in both  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 3A , the LCD screen can be protected by a substantially clear covering.  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment a window  122  of glass or polymer (e.g., preferably a scratch-resistant polystyrene or polycarbonate) may be made to be placed over and protect the LCD screen and digital viewfinder visible through the LCD screen opening  130 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 3A  is a magnified cross section through the plane A-A′ shown in  FIG. 3 . In this figure the window  122  has a bordering rabbet or shelf cut into it; this rabbet is sized to fit into the groove  132  in the bordering flexible “U” shaped feature  124  around the perimeter of the LCD screen opening  130 , thereby detachably securing the window to the camera case. 
         [0076]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom front perspective view of the same embodiment of the camera case as shown in  FIG. 1-3 . In this figure an elongated battery access opening  134  in the camera case permits the camera batteries to be changed without removing the camera case. The elongated groove creates two flexible strips or flaps  136 , one at the front edge of the camera and one at the rear edge of the camera. 
         [0077]      FIG. 5  shows the same perspective of the same camera case as is shown in  FIG. 4 , now with the flexible strips  136  displaced, and the battery chamber door  138  opened to permit the battery chamber  140  to be accessed and the batteries installed or changed without removing the camera case. Feature  148  is an opening permitting attachment of a DC power adaptor; feature  146  is a multi-connector, such as a digital connector, and feature  144  is an opening for tripod mounting. 
         [0078]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which a “universal” camera case permits the extension of a lens housing positioned on either the left or the right side of the front body of the camera. While a universal camera case of the present invention may be made from any of the materials mentioned above (including, without limitation, fabric, or elastomeric materials),  FIG. 6  contemplates a leather camera case comprising a panel  218  which may be constructed of, for example, hard leather, rubber or polymeric foam and/or an elastomeric polymer. The panel comprises two circular deformable lens cover portions  213  which comprise radial or bisectional cuts  212 , leaving sectional flaps  214  through which an extended lens housing may protrude; and which will tend to return to the closed position when the telescoping lens housing retracts. Since the camera case of this embodiment of the invention may contain a camera having a lens housing on either the right or left side of the camera face, the camera case can accommodate and protect the lens and/or lens housing of either type of camera. In addition, the top of this embodiment of the camera case may comprise a substantially clear elastomeric or non-elastomeric polymer through which the controls for the camera may be viewed and at least one opening  211  through which the shutter mechanism may be extended and controlled by the user. 
         [0079]      FIG. 7  is yet another embodiment of a “universal” camera case comprising a lens cover portion. Again, while the case may be made from any material, in this case a hard leather camera case is contemplated. This case is similar to the case described in conjunction with  FIG. 6 , except that the case comprises a large opening around which a backing panel  218  is affixed. The backing panel is preferably made from elastomeric material (but which may also be made from, for example, hard leather, and/or a rubber or polymeric foam). In this embodiment the backing panel contains a single horizontal cut  220  and three vertical cuts  222 , to create eight displaceable flaps  214 . Those of skill in the art recognize that any number of vertical cuts may be used, preferably the camera case of this embodiment has two or more such cuts. An advantage of this embodiment of the claimed camera is that regardless wherein the lens housing is located on the face of the camera body, it will be both protected while it remains in the retracted position and able to be extended for use without removing the camera from the camera case or vice versa. As in the embodiment of the invention disclosed in the description of  FIG. 6 , the top of this embodiment of the camera case may comprise a substantially clear elastomeric or non-elastomeric polymer through which the controls for the camera may be viewed and at least one opening  211  through which the shutter mechanism may be extended and controlled by the user. 
         [0080]      FIG. 8  is a front view of another embodiment of the camera case wherein the lens covering portion of the camera case  313  is shown in the closed position. In this embodiment, the camera case is again fashioned from an elastomeric material and the lens covering portion is again circular in shape. The displaceable lens covering is formed from a single bisection  304  through the center of the lens covering portion lying directly over the lens housing, and from two arcuate cuts  302  and  308  positioned at each end of the bisection, creating two flexible, deformable flaps  306 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 8A  is a front view of the same embodiment of the camera case shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein the lens covering portion of the camera case  313  is shown in the open position. The lens housing  317  is shown in an extended position, protruding through the lens covering portion, whereby the flaps  306  created from the bisection  304  and arcuate cuts  302  and  308  shown in  FIG. 7  are displaced by the extended lens housing. 
         [0082]      FIG. 9  is a view of the inside surface  402  of an elastomeric camera case similar to that of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment of the invention, a pocket  404  is formed of the elastomeric polymer during the casting process. The pocket is preferably flexible and sized to fit digital storage media, such as digital chips, for example, SD chips, designed for the storage of digital photographs and photographic information. 
         [0083]    The foregoing examples merely illustrate, and do not limit the scope of the invention.